Communities across the Texas Panhandle and eastern New Mexico have a busy slate of government meetings, court developments and local events. Here’s a look at several stories making news across the region.
Borger City Council to Consider Budget, Phillips 66 Nomination
The Borger City Council will meet Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 600 N. Main St. Council members will consider a resolution nominating Phillips 66 as a Texas Enterprise Project through the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism and the Economic Development Bank. The council will also consider interlocal agreements with the City of Stinnett involving water operations and temporary public water system operator services. Members will receive the proposed fiscal year 2027 operating budget, consider setting a public hearing for Sept. 1 at 6:30 p.m. and consider introducing the budget on first reading. According to the Borger Taxpayer Impact Statement, taxes on the median-valued homestead are projected to increase $60.83 in 2027, while the no-new-revenue tax amount per $100 valuation is listed at $438.15. The meeting will include an opportunity for public comment.
Dumas City Commission to Take Up Budget, Tax Rate
The Dumas City Commission will meet Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. in City Commission Chambers, 124 E. 7th St. Commissioners will consider the 2026-27 annual budget and ad valorem tax rate, along with an extension of the city’s bank depository agreement with Happy State Bank. Other business includes the farmers market, a Dumas Economic Development Corporation request concerning insurance coverage on the building at 110 Success Blvd., an interlocal agreement with Moore County Hospital and an effluent water supply agreement with Diamond Shamrock/Valero. Commissioners will also consider purchases involving fire hose and golf course equipment and sprinklers, as well as awarding a golf shop management contract and matters involving a retail shopping center. The commission will hear reports from city staff, the city manager and commissioners, and the meeting will include time for public comment.
Former Amarillo Bank Teller Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement Charge
A woman accused of embezzling money while working at an Amarillo bank in 2025 entered a guilty plea in federal court, according to court documents. Kelsi Marie Karr pleaded guilty in March to one count of theft, embezzlement or misapplication by a bank officer or employee, the same month she was charged. Court records state Karr worked as a teller at Western Bank in Amarillo from May through July 2025. Karr admitted to taking less than $1,000 and avoiding detection by “force balancing” her teller drawer. Under the plea agreement, documents indicate Karr is set to receive two years of probation.
Amarillo Woman Faces Assault, Child Endangerment Charges
An Amarillo woman remains jailed on multiple charges after authorities allege she used her vehicle as a deadly weapon by driving into other vehicles while children were inside, according to Randall County court records. Katreyna Betancourt was booked into the Randall County Jail July 10 following the July 9 incident on seven counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and three counts of abandoning or endangering a child. Records allege Betancourt attempted to cause harm with her vehicle and failed to voluntarily take two children to an emergency facility following the assaults. A Randall County judge ordered a mental health assessment for Betancourt on July 17. On Aug. 7, a judge dismissed one child abandonment charge and two aggravated assault charges. Betancourt remains held on five counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and two counts of abandoning or endangering a child.
Hillcrest Park Zoo Auctions Naming Rights for Fennec Fox Brothers
Hillcrest Park Zoo in Clovis is holding an auction giving residents and businesses the chance to name its new fennec fox brothers. Bidding opened Monday, Aug. 17, and runs through 5 p.m. Aug. 31, with proceeds benefiting the zoo. The highest bidder will be notified after the auction, and the winning names will be announced on the zoo’s Facebook page. The foxes, born May 18, came to Clovis from a facility in Ohio and can now be seen next to the spider monkey enclosure during regular zoo hours. Interested bidders can submit a name choice and bid through the City of Clovis fennec fox online form. Questions may be directed to the Clovis City Manager’s Office at 575-763-9670.
