Here’s a look at several stories making news across Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle. From a major gift to West Texas A&M University to infrastructure issues and public safety updates, here’s what you need to know.
WT Receives $3 Million Gift from Prairie Thunder Foundation
West Texas A&M University announced Tuesday a $3 million gift from the Prairie Thunder Foundation to support scholarships and two high-profile University programs. Of the gift, $2.5 million will support the newly renamed Prairie Thunder Band Program, which includes the Sound of West Texas Marching Band and the Symphonic, Concert and University bands. Funding will provide scholarships, program support and two professorships. The gift also establishes the Prairie Thunder Foundation Corporate Culture Experience program in the Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business. The program will give students opportunities for hands-on experiences outside the classroom.
Amarillo EDC Board to Discuss Business Prospects, Budget
The Amarillo Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors will meet at 9 a.m. Thursday in the Ed Davis Board Room on the ninth floor of First Bank Southwest Tower, 600 S. Tyler St. The board is scheduled to discuss commercial and financial information and possible incentives related to business prospects in crop production, manufacturing and information. Members also will deliberate the potential purchase of property in the southwest and northeast quadrants of Amarillo. The board will consider the fiscal year 2025 AEDC audit and approval of the fiscal year 2026-27 budget. Staff will provide operational and financial updates, and the meeting will include a public comment period.
Water Main Break Impacts East Highway 60 Area
City of Amarillo crews are working to repair a 20-inch water main break affecting areas along East Highway 60. Crews are attempting to isolate the leak before making repairs. Potentially affected customers include Highland Park-area residents, Highland Park ISD, Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport and the Potter County Detention Center. The city estimates repairs could take up to 24 hours, although that timeline may change as crews assess the damage. City officials are coordinating with affected facilities to address immediate water needs during the disruption.
Potter County Jail Occupancy Tops 91%
The Potter County Sheriff’s Office has begun issuing weekly jail population updates as the facility continues to deal with high occupancy. As of 8 a.m. Aug. 17, 606 inmates were in sheriff’s office custody, including 553 at the Potter County Jail and 53 housed at other facilities, putting occupancy at 91.15% of capacity. Officials attributed the high population to a large number of felony defendants, including people charged with violent or dangerous offenses, as well as an uptick in summer bookings and law enforcement operations. Potter County Commissioners recently approved additional inmate housing contracts as the population remains elevated. The jail previously failed an inspection because of overcrowding and was placed under an 80% population limit. Sheriff Thomas has warned another failed inspection could result in the state lowering the limit to between 60% and 70%.
Power Restored After Southwest Amarillo Outage
Xcel Energy has restored power to more than 4,000 customers following an outage in southwest Amarillo Tuesday night. The outage affected more than 4,000 customers before service was restored, according to the company’s outage map. Xcel said a sensor failure at the Hillside substation caused the outage.
