News from across Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle this week includes nonprofit funding, a wastewater spill and new equipment for local firefighters. Other developments include students competing for scholarships, the end of a month-long boil water notice and an Amarillo police investigation. Here’s a look at several stories making news around the region.
Pantex Awards $80,000 to Eight Panhandle Nonprofits
Eight area organizations received a combined $80,000 through the Pantex Community Investment Fund, with assistance from the Amarillo Area Foundation. The fund, created in 2015, has awarded $1.56 million through 183 grants to Texas Panhandle nonprofits. Each of the eight 2026 recipients received $10,000. Recipients include Downtown Women’s Center, Family Support Services, High Plains Children’s Home & Family Services, High Plains Food Bank, Hope Lives Here, Jack Duncan Rhodes Foundation, The Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center and White Deer-Skellytown Lighthouse Food Pantry. The grants will support services ranging from substance use recovery and youth counseling to food assistance, child advocacy, veteran service dogs and emergency power equipment.
Amarillo Contains 200,000-Gallon Wastewater Spill
The City of Amarillo reported that an unauthorized discharge of approximately 200,000 gallons of untreated wastewater at Lift Station 40, 7100 Cliffside Road, was contained Sunday afternoon. The spill began around 12:30 p.m. Sunday after a pump malfunction caused the lift station to overflow from a manhole, and officials said it was contained by 3:15 p.m. City officials said remediation and disinfection of affected land surfaces were completed and wastewater did not reach natural waterways. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality was notified of the incident. City wastewater personnel completed repair and remediation work.
New $1.3 Million Fire Truck Goes Into Service at Amarillo Airport
The Amarillo Fire Department has placed a new aircraft rescue and firefighting truck into service at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport, replacing equipment that was nearly 20 years old. Station 10 received the ARFF truck in mid-August, with crews completing specialized training before it entered service in early September. The $1.3 million vehicle includes a chemical powder system, a 1,500-gallon water tank, foam capabilities and updated electrical equipment with heat and night-vision cameras. The equipment is designed to help firefighters respond quickly to aircraft emergencies involving hazards such as jet fuel spills and engine fires. The truck was purchased with three other vehicles for a combined $2.8 million, largely funded through a Federal Aviation Administration grant, with the city contributing $142,000.
Tri-State Fair Food Challenge Puts Students’ Skills to the Test
Students competed in the Tri-State Fair’s annual food challenge for a chance to earn college scholarships. Teams were tasked with solving a kitchen dilemma while preparing dishes with limited ingredients and working within a budget. The competition tested participants’ cooking skills while also requiring teamwork and quick decision-making. Participants said working under pressure helps prepare them for interviews, public speaking and greater independence. Winners received financial support toward higher education.
Boil Water Notice Lifted in Turkey
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has lifted the boil water notice that had been in place for Turkey residents since Aug. 21. The notice was issued because of conditions within the city’s public water system and required residents to boil water before drinking or other human consumption. City officials said steps have since been taken to restore the quality of water distributed to residents. Laboratory test results provided to TCEQ showed the water met requirements to end the notice. Residents were no longer required to boil their water beginning Sept. 21.
Amarillo Police Investigate Assault at Hamlet Park
Amarillo police are investigating an assault reported at Hamlet Park early Sunday. Officers responded to the park around 3 a.m. Sept. 20 after receiving reports of gunshots and information that a possible shooting victim had left the area in a vehicle. Officers also responded to a local hospital, where they located a person who had been assaulted at the park. Police said they did not find anyone suffering from gunshot wounds. The Amarillo Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit is investigating the case.
