A new attraction could be coming to the Amarillo Zoo, while the Texas Rangers are investigating a death at the Randall County Jail. Several area boards and councils also have meetings scheduled Monday, with budgets, tax rates and other local business on the agendas.
Amarillo Zoo Planning New Petting Zoo
The Amarillo Zoo & Sanctuary is planning a new petting zoo that would give visitors a chance to interact with some of the animals. It would be built in the former exhibit for donkeys Junior and Jenny, with the area leveled, new fencing installed and a new barn constructed. Plans also call for making the exhibit more accessible. Washington the goat and Dudley the pot-bellied pig would be joined by two miniature donkeys and a miniature cow, with visitors able to pet and brush the animals under staff supervision. Community sponsorships and donations will help pay for the project, which the zoo hopes to open by October.
Texas Rangers Investigating Randall County Jail Death
The Texas Rangers are investigating after an inmate was found unresponsive Friday morning at the Randall County Jail. The Randall County Sheriff’s Office said correctional officers found Shaylee Rachels in her cell shortly after 6:45 a.m. Medical staff began life-saving measures, and Rachels was taken by ambulance to Northwest Texas Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The Texas Commission on Jail Standards and Texas Rangers were notified following sheriff’s office policy. An autopsy is scheduled for today in Lubbock.
Moore County Commissioners Have Full Monday Agenda
Moore County Commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. Monday in the courtroom at 715 Dumas Avenue. Among the items on the agenda are a property contract with Larry Riseling and Bob Brinkman for property on East First Street and infrastructure standards for manufactured home rental communities. Commissioners are also expected to propose a 2026 Amarillo College tax rate and discuss motor vehicle registration fees for 2027. The county will consider spending $17,000 on a new Hustler zero-turn mower for the airport and selling a 2005 Chevrolet Blazer currently at the airport. The Sunray Rodeo Committee is asking for permission to sell alcohol at Sunray Funday, and commissioners will also take up the hiring of two county jailers and Road and Bridge matters.
Amarillo ISD Board Meets Monday
Amarillo ISD trustees will meet at 5 p.m. Monday at the Rod Schroder Education Support Center, 7200 I-40 West. The board will consider district teaching permits for Health Science Technology/Medical Terminology and Culinary Arts teachers. Trustees will also take up policy changes covering fiscal management, employment practices, personnel, special programs, student welfare and other district operations. Another item would authorize the administration to begin the process of renewing the district’s Innovation Plan. Trustees are also expected to fill vacancies on board committees, and time is set aside for public comment.
Hereford Council to Discuss Budget and Tax Rate
The Hereford City Council has called a special meeting for 4 p.m. Monday in the Commission Chambers at 224 N. Lee. Council members will hear public comments on the city’s proposed budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year and consider the Deaf Smith County Appraisal District’s recommended 2027 budget. A budget and tax rate workshop is also scheduled. The council plans to break for dinner from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. before returning to finish its business. Comments from the mayor, council members and city staff are also on the agenda.
