As students head back to class and communities across the area prepare for a busy fall, several developments are underway in Amarillo and Canyon. Here’s a quick look at news involving local schools, the Tri-State Fair, economic development, road construction and city government.
Weekend Food Support Helps Students Start the Week Ready to Learn
As Amarillo ISD prepares to welcome students back, Snack Pak 4 Kids is highlighting the role weekend food support can play in students’ success. Dyron Howell with Snack Pak 4 Kids said surveys of more than 1,000 area educators found 72% reported improved mood and temperament among students receiving weekend food assistance, along with stronger belonging, confidence, concentration and academic performance. Nearly 97% of educators surveyed said Snack Pak 4 Kids or Snack Shak is needed at their school again this year. The organization says weekend hunger can appear in the classroom as exhaustion, difficulty concentrating, mood changes or withdrawal from classmates. More information about supporting the program is available at sp4k.org.
Tri-State Fair Rodeo Queen Encourages Young Women to Enter Contest
With the Tri-State Fair and Rodeo about six weeks away, reigning Miss Tri-State Fair Rodeo Queen Sofia Latini is encouraging more young women to participate in the rodeo queen contest. The rodeo is scheduled for Sept. 18–27 at the Amarillo Tri-State Exposition. Latini said participation in the queening side of rodeo culture has declined even as rodeo itself continues to grow. Coming from a competitive rodeo background, she said serving as queen changed her perspective on the importance of advocates for the industry. Latini said rodeo queens can provide a voice for cowboys, cowgirls, farmers and ranchers while representing the agricultural and rodeo communities.
Canyon ISD Plans $13 Million Energy-Efficiency Modernization
Canyon Independent School District announced Friday that it is developing a facilities modernization plan designed to improve energy efficiency and generate an estimated $13 million in utility savings over 20 years. The district would partner with Schneider Electric on improvements that could include LED lighting, water-conservation measures and building automation system upgrades at multiple campuses. District officials say the upgrades would also help maintenance employees identify and respond to system problems more effectively. The plan remains under development and is pending final approval.
Glass Furnace Restoration Expected to Create Up to 165 Jobs
Owens Corning, now named Original Composites & Fiberglass, marked the planned restoration of its second glass furnace production line during a ceremony Thursday. The line has been out of operation since 2023, when it was shut down following an unplanned glass leak. Restoring the furnace is expected to create as many as 165 full-time positions. The new jobs are projected to have an average annual salary of at least $70,000.
New Traffic Pattern in Place on Georgia Street
Drivers should be prepared for a new traffic pattern as the Georgia Street reconstruction project continues. Between West Farmers Avenue and Daytona Avenue, northbound traffic will use the existing southbound lanes. Southbound motorists will travel on the temporary pavement lane. Drivers are encouraged to use caution through the construction zone and can find additional project information through the City of Amarillo.
Canyon Adopts 2026–27 Budget; Tax Rate Hearing Set for Aug. 18
The Canyon City Commission has held a public hearing and adopted the city’s 2026–27 budget. Appropriations include wage increases for the Canyon Police Department, three part-time firefighters to launch a community wildfire protection program and funding for a part-time bailiff. The spending plan also includes additional city priorities and expenditures for the coming fiscal year. Commissioners are scheduled to hold a public hearing and consider potential adoption of the 2026 tax rate on Aug. 18.
