Communities across the Texas Panhandle are seeing developments in education, infrastructure, public safety and national defense. Here is a look at several headlines making news in Canyon, Randall County and Amarillo.
Flatt named new principal at Spring Canyon Elementary
The Canyon ISD board approved the employment of Jennifer Flatt as the new principal of Spring Canyon Elementary following the recent promotion of current principal Noe Renteria. Flatt has served as assistant principal at the campus for the past four years and has worked in Canyon ISD since 1993.
A graduate of Canyon High School, Flatt earned a bachelor’s degree in education from West Texas A&M University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from The University of Texas Permian Basin.
Railroad crossings in Randall County closing for maintenance
Two railroad crossings in Randall County are scheduled to close for maintenance beginning Tuesday and Wednesday for an undetermined amount of time. According to the Randall County Sheriff’s Office, the crossing at Mack Road and McCormick Road will close May 12.
A second closure at Rockwell Road and Buffalo Stadium Road/Country Club Road will begin May 13. Drivers are encouraged to plan alternate routes and expect delays in the affected areas.
Canyon Main Street Program earns accreditation status
The Canyon Main Street Program has earned Accreditation Status with the Main Street America for 2026. City officials said the designation follows three years at the affiliate level.
Officials noted the program achieved benchmarks in community commitment, leadership capacity, sustainable funding, strategic programming, preservation-based economic development and measurable revitalization results to become a designated Main Street community.
Police searching for evidence at Thompson Park
Amarillo Police Department officers were searching for evidence at Thompson Park this week, with crime scene tape surrounding trees near a marshy area. APD also deployed its Search & Recovery trailer to the scene.
Police said investigators were searching for evidence connected to an ongoing case but did not release additional details. The investigation comes days after two teenagers were arrested in connection with a kidnapping case at the park. Authorities previously said one suspect hid a firearm before officers arrived.
New Pantex facility opens in Texas Panhandle
Congressman Ronny Jackson announced the opening of a new High Explosives Science and Engineering facility at Pantex Plant, replacing 15 World War II-era buildings with a modern research and engineering center. The project supports high explosives research and nuclear weapons modernization efforts tied to national security.
