From the Tri-State Fair to Amarillo City Hall, several events and public safety issues are drawing attention across the area this morning. Young fairgoers are getting hands-on lessons in agriculture and rodeo traditions, while city officials consider new restrictions involving registered sex offenders. Here’s a look at several stories making news.
Young Riders Take on Mutton Bustin’ at Tri-State Fair
Families gathered around the arena Tuesday night as young riders tested their skills during mutton bustin’ at the Amarillo Tri-State Fair. The popular event gives children a chance to climb aboard a sheep and see how long they can stay on as it races across the dirt. For many participants, it serves as an early introduction to rodeo competition and the region’s ranching traditions.
Lone Star Powersports is sponsoring mutton bustin’ throughout the week as part of an effort to get children involved with rodeo and introduce them to different animals. Tuesday featured open registration for children interested in participating. Official qualifiers and finals are scheduled for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, when this year’s champion will be determined.
Tri-State Fair Gives Students Hands-On Agriculture Lessons
Hundreds of schoolchildren are visiting the Amarillo Tri-State Fair this week, where educators are using animals, demonstrations and even magic tricks to teach lessons about agriculture. For some students, the trip provides their first opportunity to see farm animals up close and better understand where their food and everyday products come from.
Mobile dairy classroom instructor Charlotte Boyett is using her two-year-old Jersey cow, Honey, to demonstrate milking and animal care. In the Baxter Building, Thank-a-Farmer founder Rhonda Swanson uses magic tricks and products made from wool, cotton and cowhide to demonstrate agriculture’s role in daily life. Her program also encourages students to understand and appreciate classmates who help with work on family farms and ranches.
Both programs will continue through the end of the fair. The mobile dairy classroom offers free sessions Wednesday through Friday mornings, while the Thank-a-Farmer magic show is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. each evening in addition to morning school tours.
Amarillo Considers Sex Offender Residency Restrictions
Amarillo city leaders are considering an ordinance that would restrict where certain registered sex offenders can establish residences near locations where children commonly gather. Police Chief Thomas Hover presented the proposal Tuesday, noting Amarillo currently does not have a sex offender residency ordinance.
The measure would establish 1,000-foot child safety zones around parks, libraries, schools, youth centers and day care facilities, with distances measured from property line to property line. The restrictions would apply to future permanent residences but would not require someone to move if a protected location later opened within the buffer. Registered minors would be exempt, and churches would not be included as protected locations.
Amarillo police also reported that a recent three-day sex offender compliance operation included visits to 631 homes, 335 field contacts, seven arrests and nine investigations. Council members indicated support for moving the ordinance forward, with violations classified as a Class C misdemeanor. The proposal would require two readings before final adoption.
Juvenile Detained After Gun Report Near Tascosa High School
A juvenile male was taken into custody Wednesday morning after Amarillo police received a report of someone with a firearm approaching Tascosa High School. Officers responded around 7:30 a.m. and located a juvenile matching the description on the south side of the campus.
Police said the juvenile was taken into custody without incident and no weapon was found in his possession. Authorities said he is not a Tascosa student and had previously received a criminal trespass warning for the property. No injuries were reported.
Amarillo ISD is communicating with parents and families about the incident, while the Amarillo Police Department is handling information concerning the law enforcement response. The incident remains under investigation.
Potter County Commissioners Set Monday Meeting
The Potter County Commissioners Court will meet Monday at 9 a.m. in the courtroom at 350 SE Sixth Ave. Commissioners are scheduled to consider budget amendments, vouchers, insurance matters and the treasurer’s report.
Other agenda items include debris management related to the Stinky Fire, the Extension Office, an events venue and an interlocal agreement with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Commissioners will also consider matters involving the Victims Assistance Program, Panhandle Auto Burglary Theft Unit and a Sheriff’s Office reimbursement agreement.
