Here’s a look at several stories making news across the Texas Panhandle and surrounding region. This mornings’s briefs include a judicial appointment in Canyon, a social media investigation involving a Bushland student, Amarillo’s ongoing debate over police cameras and a water conservation effort in Guymon.

Canyon Appoints Interim Municipal Court Judge

The City of Canyon appointed Mike Criswell as interim Municipal Court Judge during Tuesday’s City Commission meeting. Commissioners approved the appointment in a 5-0 vote.

Criswell will serve for the remainder of the current judge’s term, which ends Jan. 21, 2027.

The Canyon Municipal Court remains temporarily closed while the city works through staffing changes. Payments can still be made online through the city’s website or through the automated payment system at 833-318-2856.

Bushland ISD Student Investigated Over Social Media Threat

The Potter County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a Bushland ISD student over a potential threat posted on social media as part of a TikTok trend. The investigation involved multiple juveniles associated with the district and a “Cat in the Hat” horror/hoax trend featuring dark humor, AI-generated content and clips from the 2003 movie.

Videos associated with the trend use realistic-looking images and footage to make it appear the Cat in the Hat character is lurking around homes, schools and communities.

After conducting multiple interviews, investigators identified a Bushland ISD student as the suspected owner of the account. According to the sheriff’s office, the student admitted posting the video and said it was intended as a joke.

Authorities said potential threats to harm others are taken seriously regardless of intent and noted that a threat of this nature is classified as a third-degree felony.

Amarillo Police Camera Debate Returns to City Council

Amarillo Police Chief Tom Hover is expected to address the City Council on Tuesday about the use of cameras at signalized intersections. A previous council agenda identified the equipment as Verkada cameras, and Hover is also expected to discuss Flock cameras.

The presentation comes amid concerns from council members and residents about the technology and its use for public safety.

Public concerns raised in recent weeks have focused largely on Fourth Amendment protections, privacy and searches conducted without a warrant. Hover’s presentation is expected to address those concerns and provide additional information about how the cameras are being used.

Guymon Partners on Playa Restoration Effort

The City of Guymon has partnered with Tomorrow’s Water on an effort to restore playas in Texas County and help sustain local water supplies. Playas are natural recharge wetlands that can benefit groundwater supplies while also providing wildlife habitat.

City officials say about 1,000 acres of playas within 10 miles of Guymon could potentially be restored, contributing an estimated 82 million gallons of aquifer recharge annually.

Officials say playa restoration, combined with irrigation practices that reduce the effects of aquifer use, can help communities address declining water supplies.

Texas County landowners can receive financial and technical assistance for restoration projects, including an 80% cost-share available to producers through the Oklahoma Conservation Commission’s Restoring Natural Ecology in Wetlands Program. Additional information is available through Tomorrow’s Water, or landowners can contact Oklahoma Conservation Commission Wetland Conservation Specialist Maggie Woods at 405-431-0958.