From the stage at Palo Duro Canyon to courthouse action and wildfire precautions, here are four stories making headlines across the Texas Panhandle. Here's a quick look at the latest local developments.
Shakespeare Returns to Palo Duro Canyon Every Tuesday in July
The Texas Panhandle Heritage Foundation is bringing Shakespeare back to the canyon with performances of Much Ado About Nothing every Tuesday evening in July. The cast of the TEXAS Outdoor Musical will perform at the Pioneer Amphitheater in Palo Duro Canyon, with each show beginning at 8 p.m. Organizers say the production offers audiences a chance to experience one of William Shakespeare's best-known comedies in the scenic outdoor setting. The performances continue a tradition of live theater that has entertained generations beneath the canyon skies for more than 60 years.
Two Clements Unit Inmates Die; Causes Pending
Two men incarcerated at the Clements Unit have died under suspected natural causes or illness during the first week of July. Officials said 60-year-old Augustin Cantu III was found unresponsive in the unit infirmary on July 3, and life-saving efforts continued while he was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. On July 4, 58-year-old Kevin Ross King was found unresponsive by Texas Department of Criminal Justice staff, and emergency medical personnel later pronounced him deceased. Authorities said both deaths remain under investigation pending autopsy results.
Teen Indicted in Fatal Amarillo Crash
A Potter County grand jury has indicted 17-year-old Vanessa Garcia on charges of manslaughter and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection with a fatal April crash. Investigators allege Garcia was driving more than 90 mph along the eastbound I-40 service road before running a red light at Bell Street and colliding with a Volkswagen Jetta. The crash killed 20-year-old Kimano Cano, the driver of the Jetta, and injured Garcia's 17-year-old passenger. Court documents cite data from Garcia's vehicle indicating she was traveling at more than twice the posted speed limit before the collision.
Potter County Extends Burn Ban Through October
Potter County commissioners voted Tuesday to extend the county's burn ban and local disaster declaration through Oct. 5 because of ongoing wildfire concerns. County officials cited continued dry conditions and elevated fire danger across the Texas Panhandle in approving the extension during a special meeting. The disaster declaration, first issued July 1 by Potter County Judge Nancy Tanner, allows the county to continue responding to wildfire threats as needed. The action follows multiple fires reported around Amarillo during the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
