From a tuberculosis investigation at West Texas A&M University to a major bridge project set to begin in Amarillo, several developments are making news across the area. Here’s a look at some of the stories to know today.
Amarillo Public Health Investigating Tuberculosis Exposure at WT
Amarillo Public Health is working with West Texas A&M University after a person with tuberculosis spent time on the WT campus.
Health officials are conducting a contact investigation to determine who may have had prolonged or repeated close contact with the person while they were infectious. Anyone identified as potentially exposed will be contacted directly by Amarillo Public Health with information about testing and next steps.
Officials stressed that there is no need for the entire university community to be tested. Tuberculosis spreads through the air when someone with active TB disease of the lungs coughs, speaks or sings, and transmission generally requires prolonged or repeated exposure in an indoor space.
TB is not spread by shaking hands, sharing food or drinks, touching surfaces or briefly passing someone in a hallway or classroom.
Symptoms of active TB can include a cough lasting three weeks or longer, chest pain, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, fever, chills and night sweats.
Amarillo Public Health and WT will hold a campus information forum Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 2:30 p.m. at the WTAMU Alumni Banquet Hall.
Randall County Grand Jury Indicts Man on Assault Charges
A Randall County grand jury has indicted Micah Lacy on two assault charges stemming from separate incidents in June.
According to county records, Lacy is accused of hitting a woman with his vehicle June 4 while driving drunk at a high rate of speed. He is also accused of injuring an Amarillo police officer that day while driving near Bayswater Drive and South Coulter Street.
A second indictment accuses Lacy of assaulting a family or household member by impeding breathing or circulation. Records allege he attempted to suffocate a woman June 13 by applying pressure to her throat or blocking her nose and mouth.
Lacy is being held in the Randall County Jail while awaiting further court proceedings.
Hughes-Adams Bridge to Close Oct. 6 for $4.5 Million Project
The Hughes-Adams bridge in Amarillo will close beginning Oct. 6 as crews launch a $4.5 million rehabilitation project expected to continue into 2027.
The bridge connects Adams/Southwest Third Avenue to Hughes/Northwest Fourth Avenue. Contractor Altus Construction LLC is scheduled to replace the bridge deck and rail, make concrete repairs and construct shared-use paths leading to and across the bridge.
The Texas Department of Transportation said the improvements are designed to make the bridge safer and more accessible for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians while extending its service life.
The bridge will remain closed during construction, with detour signs directing motorists around the work zone. Completion is expected in summer 2027, weather permitting.
Patrick, Paxton Headline Republican Candidate Rally in Amarillo
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Attorney General Ken Paxton are among the scheduled speakers at a Republican candidate rally Thursday, Oct. 1, at Hodgetown in Amarillo.
High Plains Republican Women, Amarillo Republicans and the Randall County GOP are hosting the “Republicans Unite!!! Candidate Rally.” Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the event beginning at 6 p.m. in the Fairly Group Club Level at 715 S. Buchanan St.
Other scheduled speakers include Comptroller Don Huffines, state Sens. Kevin Sparks and Mayes Middleton, state Rep. Caroline Fairly, Texas GOP Chair D’rinda Randall, Agriculture Commissioner candidate Nate Sheets and House District 86 candidate Dr. Holly Jeffreys.
