From Amarillo’s ongoing drought response to recognition for investigators who helped prevent a planned attack, several developments are making news across the Texas Panhandle. Here’s a quick look at five stories to know.
Fermi Ranks 386th Among Amarillo’s Top 400 Water Users
Amarillo city staff provided an update on drought conditions Tuesday, telling the City Council that several major water users, including Amarillo and Canyon ISDs, are voluntarily following the city’s watering schedule. Fermi Inc. ranked 386th among Amarillo’s top 400 water users in July, using about 310,000 gallons — an amount city staff compared to the usage of a coffee shop or convenience store. Fermi and the city signed an agreement Oct. 30 allowing the company to purchase up to 2.5 million gallons per day, with an option to increase that amount to 5 million gallons daily. However, Project Matador remains under construction and is not currently using the amount permitted under the agreement. Fermi recently announced TensorWave as the project’s first tenant, with delivery expected to begin in the second half of 2027.
TSA PreCheck Enrollment Event Coming to Amarillo Airport
Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport will host a TSA PreCheck enrollment event Sept. 22-25. Enrollment and renewal appointments will be available from 9 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m. each day. The program is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents, and applicants can speed up the process by completing an application online before their appointment. During the in-person appointment, applicants must provide identity and citizenship documents and have their fingerprints and photo taken. IDEMIA offers TSA PreCheck enrollment for $76.75, and approved applicants receive a five-year membership.
Amarillo DPS Unit Honored for Preventing Planned July 4 Attack
The Texas Public Safety Commission and Texas Department of Public Safety Col. Freeman F. Martin presented DPS’ Criminal Investigations Division in Amarillo with a Unit Citation Thursday for its role in preventing a planned July 4 attack in Canyon last year. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Kevin Hunt, now 19, who pleaded guilty in April to federal charges of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction. Hunt was also indicted on state charges of possession of components of explosives and attempted capital murder of multiple people, described as the first state-level terrorism charge of its kind in Texas. His trial on the state charges is scheduled to take place in Randall County later this year. A co-conspirator was also indicted in July on charges of hindering prosecution of terrorism and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence and was later extradited from California to Texas.
First Responders to Mark 25th Anniversary of 9/11
Local first responders are inviting the community to attend a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The ceremony will begin at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 11 at the Texas Panhandle War Memorial. “This event will honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice, recognize the courage and dedication of first responders, and celebrate the unity and resilience that continue to define our nation,” the Amarillo Fire Department said. Multiple local agencies are expected to participate. The public is invited to attend, reflect and remember those who died and those who responded to the attacks.
Canyon Sets Third Annual State of the City Address
The City of Canyon will hold its third annual State of the City address Sept. 17 at Happy State Bank Stadium. Lunch will be served beginning at 11:30 a.m., followed by the presentation at noon. City officials said reservations are encouraged but are not required. Groups seeking to reserve more than 10 spots or anyone with questions can contact Megan Nantz, Canyon’s director of communication and community engagement, at mnantz@canyontx.gov.
