Several major developments made headlines across the Texas Panhandle and beyond today, from a new affordable housing community opening in Amarillo to an invasive species reaching Lake Meredith. Here's a look at some of the stories making news.
Historic Hospital Site Reborn as Affordable Housing Community
A long-vacant piece of Amarillo history has found new life with the grand opening of The Commons at St. Anthony's, an affordable active adult housing community on the former St. Anthony's Hospital campus in the North Heights neighborhood.
The development features 124 apartment homes for residents ages 55 and older, offering studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans. Amenities include community gathering spaces, a fitness center, business center, gazebo and gardens. Community leaders said the project helps meet Amarillo's growing demand for affordable housing while preserving the legacy of Potter County's first hospital, which served the Texas Panhandle for nearly a century before closing in 2004. Thursday's celebration included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, tours, a press conference and refreshments hosted by KRS Housing, LLC., The Commonwealth Companies and Crossroads Housing Development Corporation.
No Injuries Reported After Amarillo Shooting
An Amarillo man is facing multiple felony charges after a Wednesday night shooting in southwest Amarillo that ended without injuries.
According to Amarillo police, officers responded around 9:10 p.m. to the 3400 block of Southwest Seventh Avenue after reports of gunfire. Investigators said 27-year-old Jared Wade Johnston allegedly fired multiple rounds during a verbal altercation before shooting at a home as people ran inside. A resident returned fire, believing family members were being targeted. Officers recovered both firearms and arrested Johnston on two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and one count of deadly conduct. The investigation remains ongoing.
Potter County Parking Lot Nears Opening
Potter County's new parking lot across from the District Courts building is expected to open soon following a final inspection and issuance of a certificate, county officials said Monday.
Commissioners approved seeking a towing service and installing signs prohibiting parking between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. to discourage overnight parking by hotel guests and preserve spaces for county employees and jurors. Officials also expressed concern about heavy truck traffic damaging the lot. The parking area occupies the site of the former district courts building, which was demolished last summer. The measure passed on a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner H.R. Kelly casting the lone dissenting vote.
Escaped Giraffe Still Roaming Texas Hill Country
The search continues for Gracie, an escaped giraffe from Cedar Hollow Ranch near Leakey who has managed to evade capture for nearly two weeks.
Despite widespread social media speculation, Gracie has not been found. Search efforts have been slowed by the region's expansive private ranches, where crews must obtain landowner permission before entering. Gracie can be identified by her distinctive rounded ears, the result of frostbite. Her owner is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to her safe return as the unusual search continues across the Texas Hill Country.
Lake Meredith Declared Fully Infested with Zebra Mussels
Lake Meredith has officially been classified as fully infested with invasive zebra mussels after state biologists confirmed an established reproducing population in the reservoir.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said water sampling detected zebra mussel larvae along with settled mussels throughout the lake, indicating the infestation is widespread. Zebra mussels can damage water infrastructure, disrupt native aquatic ecosystems and spread to other lakes by hitching rides on boats and equipment. Lake Meredith becomes the 40th Texas lake where zebra mussels have been detected, with 35 now designated as fully infested. Officials are urging boaters to follow the "Clean, Drain, Dry" protocol to help slow the spread.
