From public works to community celebrations and upcoming events, several developments are on the calendar across the Texas Panhandle. Here’s a quick look at what residents need to know.
Amarillo police looking for semi-truck driver
Amarillo police are asking for the public’s help identifying the driver of a semi-truck involved in a deadly wreck Thursday.
Witnesses told police that a large piece of concrete fell from the semi and went through the windshield of another truck, killing its driver, Lonnie Xaymongkhoune, 69. No one else was seriously injured.
The wreck happened in the 3000 block of Fritch Highway at about 3:08 p.m.
Anyone who witnessed the wreck or has information that could help identify the semi or its driver is asked to contact the Amarillo Police Department Traffic Investigation Unit or Amarillo Crime Stoppers at 806-374-4400. Tips can also be submitted through the Amarillo Police Department website.
Quanah Plans Temporary Water Shutoff for Repairs
The City of Quanah will temporarily shut off water service Wednesday, Aug. 19, while crews repair two water lines. The outage is scheduled to begin at 7:30 a.m. and is the first step in the city’s chlorinator project. Officials said the repairs will prepare the water system for upcoming improvements. If the outage lasts longer than expected, the city will provide updates and information about alternative water options as needed.
World War II Veteran Wiley Tow Celebrates 100th Birthday
Family, friends and community members gathered Friday at the Ussery-Roan Texas State Veterans Home in Amarillo to celebrate World War II veteran Wiley Tow’s 100th birthday. Tow was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1944 and served as a technical sergeant, leading mechanics responsible for keeping military vehicles operational. His son, Richard Tow, remembered him as “full of fight and full of spunk” and said his father taught his family to face life’s challenges with vigor. Ahead of his milestone birthday, Tow also took to the skies over Amarillo in a restored World War II-era biplane through Dream Flights.
Inaugural Sheriff’s Stockyard Showdown Set for Sept. 18
The Potter County Law Enforcement Association and Randall County Sheriff’s Association will host the inaugural Sheriff’s Stockyard Showdown Ranch Rodeo at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, at the Amarillo National Center during the Tri-State Fair. The fundraiser will benefit the two nonprofit associations and their work supporting local law enforcement personnel and the community. Teams from across the Texas Panhandle, including local law enforcement officers, will compete in four traditional ranch rodeo events, while law enforcement and firefighters will face off in special competitions. Participation is limited to 15 teams, with 10 already committed. Tickets are $22 and include admission to both the rodeo and the Tri-State Fair, and are available through the Tri-State Fair & Rodeo website or at fair admission gates on the day of the event.
Amarillo Planning and Zoning Commission Meets Monday
The Amarillo Planning and Zoning Commission will meet at 3 p.m. Monday in City Council Chambers, 623 S. Johnson St. Commissioners will hold a public hearing on a rezoning request for property near Coulter Street and Southwest 77th Avenue for Fairly Four A Texas General Partnership. The commission will also consider rezoning and a variance for Collins Family Properties near Southwest 47th Avenue and South Washington Street, along with a variance for Triple Star Properties near Sundown Lane and Coulter Street. Members will hear updates on cases forwarded to the Amarillo City Council, and the meeting will include time for public comment.
