News across the Amarillo area this morning includes changes at the Amarillo Globe News, a Randall County arrest and a downtown structure fire. Also making headlines are the Amarillo International Film Festival and new federal funding aimed at rural health care in Texas.
Amarillo Globe-News Editorial Staff Hit by Layoffs
Gannett Corp., part of the USA Today Network and owner of the Amarillo Globe-News, laid off members of the newspaper’s Amarillo editorial staff late last week, although the newspaper’s website still lists a sports reporter. High Plains Pundit has contacted USA Today corporate offices for additional information but has not received a response, while sources said the local layoffs came without warning. In September, New York Times media reporter Ben Mullin reported, citing internal memos, that USA Today was preparing staff cuts and a reorganization of its audience team. The Globe-News and fellow Gannett publication Lubbock Avalanche-Journal share some resources, and AGN news coverage published Monday was attributed to a Lubbock employee or other non-local USA Today Network journalists. The cuts come amid broader reductions across the newspaper industry, including nearly 100 newsroom positions eliminated last month by McClatchy, owner of newspapers including the Miami Herald, Sacramento Bee and Kansas City Star.
Man Arrested After Randall County Shots-Fired Call
A man was arrested after Randall County sheriff’s deputies responded to a reported shooting in the Gettysburg Road area on Oct. 2. Deputies said they located Zane Klotz in the area and took him into custody. During a search of the home, investigators reported finding the firearm allegedly used in the shooting along with shell casings. Deputies also reported finding additional firearms, an outer carrier body armor, drug paraphernalia and controlled substances. Klotz was booked into the Randall County Jail on three counts of aggravated assault, along with charges of deadly conduct and manufacture or delivery of a Penalty Group 2 or 2-A controlled substance.
Amarillo International Film Festival to Showcase 62 Films
The Amarillo International Film Festival is preparing to screen 62 films during two-and-a-half days of events at Arts in the Sunset. The festival opens Thursday with a reception at the Amarillo Museum of Art before moving to Arts in the Sunset for a documentary screening that evening. Organizers are offering a $10 feature-film ticket each evening as an option for visitors who do not want to purchase a day or weekend pass. Friday and Saturday screenings are scheduled from 9 a.m. until about 9:30 p.m. Seven films come from foreign countries, while about half of the remaining selections are from Texas and others represent 14 states. Seven Amarillo films made this year’s lineup, up from five submitted two years ago.
Rural Texas Hospitals Included in $51 Million Health Initiative
U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson praised the Trump administration’s $51 million investment across rural Texas through the Rural Health Transformation Program, including funding expected to benefit providers serving the 13th Congressional District. Health care providers serving Panhandle-area communities include Childress County Hospital District, Dallam-Hartley Counties Hospital District, Deaf Smith County Hospital District and Hemphill County Hospital District. Memorial Hospital–Moore County Hospital District, North Wheeler County Hospital District, Ochiltree General Hospital and Wilbarger General Hospital are also included. The initiative, established through the House Republican-backed One Big Beautiful Bill, will support 68 rural hospital districts and authorities across Texas. Funding is intended to help providers develop or improve community-based prevention, wellness and nutrition programs focused on chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and obesity.
Fire Damages Former Guyon Saunders Resource Center
Amarillo Fire Department crews responded Monday afternoon to a fire at the former Guyon Saunders Resource Center near Tyler Street and Third Avenue in downtown Amarillo. The call came in around 1:15 p.m., and reports indicated firefighters had the blaze under control in less than an hour. Flames were visible coming from the roof at one point, while heavy smoke could be seen from several areas of the city. The building is believed to be vacant after previously serving as a resource center for people experiencing homelessness. Those services have since shifted to Transformation Park and the planned Street Day Center. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
