From museum updates and youth sports opportunities to major meetings across Amarillo and Canyon, local organizations and government bodies are preparing for a busy week. Here’s a look at several upcoming events, closures and decisions affecting residents across the Panhandle.
Discovery Center Announces Temporary Closures
The Don Harrington Discovery Center announced it will have full and partial closures on selected days as it transitions from its “Dinosaurs in Motion” exhibit to the new “Dinosaurs Around the World” theme.
Officials said the center will be fully closed May 12 and partially closed May 13-18 with discounted admission available during the partial closure period. The facility is expected to fully reopen May 19. The center will also use the transition period to refresh portions of the building.
DPS Increasing Patrols Across Texas
The Texas Department of Public Safety announced increased patrols statewide from May 11-25 as part of the All-American Enforcement Campaign and Operation CARE.
Officials said the effort will focus on seat belt use, distracted driving and enforcing Texas’ Move Over, Slow Down law. Drivers are being encouraged to avoid phone use behind the wheel and make safe driving decisions during the enforcement period.
Youth Football Camp Scheduled in Amarillo
Former Dairen Lewis, along with the Top of Texas Youth Sports League, will host a free “For The Youth Football Camp” for children ages 7-13 on May 16 at Bonham Middle School.
The camp is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. and will feature several Division I football players from the area, including Lewis, Avion Carter, TJ Tillman, Vern Blair and Keegan Collins.
Participants will receive free camp shirts, drinks, snacks and opportunities for skill development and competition, along with surprise giveaways. Parents will complete registration forms upon arrival, and organizers encourage early arrival.
Additional information is available on the league’s Facebook page.
Randall County Commissioners to Meet Tuesday
The Randall County Commissioners Court will meet Tuesday at 9 a.m. in the Commissioners Courtroom at 501 16th Street in Canyon.
Commissioners are expected to discuss accepting a donation from the 100 Club of the Texas Panhandle for a Kontek Mobile Response Shield for the Sheriff’s Office, approving the early voting schedule and Election Day vote center locations for the 2026 Joint Primary Runoff Elections, and accepting contract documents for Justice Center additions and renovations.
Additional agenda items include approving Microsoft Volume Licensing purchases, accepting bond renewals and surplus inventory items. Public comments will also be accepted.
Amarillo City Council Agenda Includes Airport, Traffic Projects
The Amarillo City Council will meet Tuesday at 3 p.m. in Council Chambers on the third floor of City Hall at 623 South Johnson.
Council members will consider vacating more than 8,000 square feet of alleyway near Southwest 26th Avenue and Britain Drive at the request of Southwestern Public Service Company. The council will also consider funding distributions for the 2026 Working Ranch Cowboys Association World Championship Ranch Rodeo and the 2026 American Quarter Horse Association Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships.
Other agenda items include the purchase of 18 traffic cameras, airport improvements, concrete repair contracts, water pump station equipment upgrades and the purchase of a Freightliner fuel transport truck.
