From public infrastructure to wildfire concerns, several developments are making headlines across the Texas Panhandle this morning. Here's a roundup of the latest local news.
Amarillo repairing treated wastewater line after spill
Amarillo crews continue repairing a wastewater line after an estimated 500,000 gallons of treated wastewater spilled Wednesday morning. The discharge occurred in a non-residential area south of the Harrington Power Generation facility and west of Lakeside Drive. City officials said the water had completed the full treatment and disinfection process and is not considered an environmental hazard. No public or private drinking water sources have been identified within a half-mile of the site. Officials said the spill was caused by an over-pressurized line, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has been notified. Repairs remain underway.
WT job fair aims to connect students with employers
West Texas A&M University will kick off the fall semester with its first job fair of the academic year on Aug. 27. The Back-to-School Job Fair will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Charles K. and Barbara Kerr Vaughan Pedestrian Mall on the Canyon campus. Students will have the chance to explore part-time jobs both on and off campus. University officials expect more than 300 students to attend as they search for work during the school year. Employers have until Aug. 13 to register, with a $50 fee for Canyon and Amarillo businesses, while WT departments may participate at no cost. Organizers say the event is intended to build connections that benefit both students and local employers.
Park officials warn hikers after surge in rescues
More than 90 trail rescues were carried out at Palo Duro Canyon State Park during June and July, many involving preventable heat-related emergencies. Assistant Superintendent Zach McMeans said several hikers were hospitalized, and one rescue operation kept emergency crews on the trails for six hours. Park staff continue urging visitors to avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day and to know their location in case they need help. Volunteers at the Lighthouse Trailhead spend weekends reminding hikers to carry enough water and prepare for extreme conditions. Visitors have also stressed the importance of starting hikes early before temperatures climb. With August heat expected to continue, officials are asking everyone to take heat warnings seriously before hitting the trails.
Wildfire danger rises as drought worsens
Wildfire conditions are worsening across the Texas Panhandle as drought intensifies heading into the hottest part of the summer. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows much of the region in Extreme Drought, while parts of Carson, Gray and Roberts counties have reached Exceptional Drought, the highest classification. Triple-digit temperatures and dry vegetation continue to increase the risk of fast-moving fires. The Roadside 5 Fire in Carson County burned 379 acres, forced evacuations near Skellytown and was 95% contained Thursday. Gov. Greg Abbott has activated additional state wildfire resources to support local fire departments. Officials say elevated wildfire danger is expected to continue while communities also work to conserve water and recover from earlier fires.
State approves $60 million loan for Amarillo project
Amarillo has secured a $60 million state loan to help move forward with the expansion of the Hollywood Wastewater Treatment Plant. The project will nearly double the plant's treatment capacity, increasing it from 12 million to 22 million gallons per day. City leaders say the expansion is needed because the aging facility is operating above 75% capacity while Amarillo continues to grow. The overall project carries a projected price tag of about $1.2 billion, with officials estimating the loan will save the city more than $18 million in financing costs over 30 years. Design work is expected to continue through June 2028 before construction begins later that year. The expanded treatment plant is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2031.
