From flood preparations and a deadly feed yard incident to arrests during a funeral procession, several stories are developing across the Texas Panhandle. Here’s a quick look at some of the news making headlines around the region.
Flood Watch Issued as Panhandles Brace for Heavy Rain
The National Weather Service in Amarillo has issued a Flood Watch from Tuesday morning through Wednesday afternoon for Amarillo, Canyon and much of the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles. Forecasters say a slow-moving system fueled by Hurricane Polo could bring near-historic or historic rainfall to portions of the region. Heavy runoff could cause flooding along rivers, creeks, streams, low-lying areas and locations with poor drainage. The Amarillo Area Office of Emergency Management is urging residents to avoid flood-prone areas, never drive through floodwater and stay away from closed roads and barricades. Potter and Randall County residents can also register for AMAalerts to receive emergency notifications. The City of Canyon is providing sand and bags at the Canyon Area Library, although its supply of premade sandbags had been picked up by early Monday afternoon. Potter County Sheriff Brian Thomas also warned drivers to use caution around the Canadian River, where flooding could create dangerous conditions and leave motorists stranded.
Two 18-Year-Old Feed Yard Employees Found Dead in Parmer County
The Parmer County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the deaths of two 18-year-old men following an incident at a feed yard Sunday. Deputies were dispatched to the property to assist with search operations, and Texas Game Wardens responded with two boats equipped with sonar technology. Both men were located Sunday evening and were pronounced dead. Authorities said the two were employees of the feed yard where the incident occurred. The Sheriff’s Office thanked the Texas Game Wardens, Friona Police Department and community volunteers who assisted with the search. The incident remains under investigation, and authorities have not released additional details.
Eight Arrested After Funeral Procession Disrupts Amarillo Traffic
Eight people were arrested Saturday after authorities said participants in a funeral procession blocked intersections and disrupted traffic on major Amarillo roads. Amarillo police, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers and other agencies were monitoring the procession because the person being memorialized had ties to the Bandidos motorcycle gang and authorities were concerned rival groups could attend. Police said organizers declined an offered police escort and had been warned that procession participants were required to obey traffic laws. Once underway, civilian vehicles and motorcycles allegedly began blocking highways and intersections without authorization. APD and DPS officers arrested eight people on charges of obstructing a highway or other passageway, a Class B misdemeanor. Authorities did not stop the procession, which was allowed to continue to the cemetery.
Shawn Myatt Sworn In as Pampa Police Chief
The City of Pampa has officially sworn in Shawn Myatt as its new police chief. Myatt took the oath of office Monday at City Hall surrounded by family, friends, fellow officers, city employees and community members. The city said Myatt assumed his duties as chief of the Pampa Police Department immediately following the ceremony.
TxDOT Seeks Public Input on Amarillo Boulevard Intersection Changes
The Texas Department of Transportation’s Amarillo District will hold a public meeting Wednesday, Sept. 30, on proposed changes along Business Interstate 40, also known as Amarillo Boulevard. Plans include replacing traditional median crossovers with reduced conflict U-turn intersections between North Western Street and North McMasters Street. TxDOT is also proposing safety-lighting improvements and shared-use paths to improve pedestrian access. Additional work would include pedestrian upgrades at Western Street and RM 1061 and a full traffic signal upgrade at 9th Street and McMasters Street. In-person meetings are scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Amarillo College West Campus Lecture Hall, 6222 SW 9th Ave. A virtual option will also be available, and the public will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed project.
Jackson Pushes Continued Support for MV-75 Cheyenne Program
U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson of Texas is leading an effort in Congress to maintain federal support for the MV-75 Cheyenne program. Jackson’s office said he and 86 congressional colleagues sent a letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought urging the Trump administration to continue prioritizing the aircraft program. According to Jackson’s office, the MV-75 is intended to combine helicopter-like vertical agility with the speed and range of an airplane. The program has a significant Amarillo connection because final assembly of the aircraft is scheduled to take place at Bell Helicopter’s Amarillo facility.
Ulise Delao Manslaughter Trial Set for Oct. 5
Attorneys met Monday for a pretrial hearing in the case against Ulise Delao, 31, who faces manslaughter and intoxication manslaughter charges in the 2024 death of Brittany Torres, 27. Canyon police said Delao allegedly struck Torres with his vehicle during an incident on May 27, 2024, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Delao was initially charged with murder, but a Randall County grand jury later declined that charge and indicted him on manslaughter; a subsequent intoxication manslaughter indictment led to a new case. Much of Monday’s hearing centered on defense efforts to limit evidence and testimony prosecutors could present at trial. Defense attorney Jesse Quackenbush challenged 13 categories of anticipated evidence, including evidence concerning intoxication and how the crash occurred. Judge Titiana Frausto gave prosecutors additional time to address the motions, with further discussion expected on the morning of trial. Jury proceedings are scheduled to begin Oct. 5, and the defense expects the trial to last three to four days.
