From public safety developments to business expansion and community celebrations, the Texas Panhandle has plenty of news making headlines this morning. Early voting continues at a brisk pace, while Amarillo prepares for a weekend of hot air balloons and family activities. Here’s a roundup of six stories making news across the region.
Quanah Lifts Boil Water Notice for Portions of City
The City of Quanah announced Thursday that a boil water notice has been lifted for portions of the city west of Main Street, both north and south of Highway 287. However, residents east of South Main Street remain under the boil water notice as crews continue working to restore acceptable disinfectant levels throughout the water system. City officials previously acknowledged concerns about discoloration in water supplied by the Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial Water Authority. Officials said water from Greenbelt Lake has consistently maintained acceptable disinfectant levels. Residents still under the notice should bring water to a vigorous rolling boil for two minutes before using it for drinking, cooking or making ice.
Amarillo Police Chase Ends in Arrest Near Town Square
A Wednesday night police chase in southwest Amarillo ended with one man behind bars and another vehicle damaged. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the pursuit began around 8:50 p.m. Oct. 21 near Interstate 40 and Soncy Road. Officers temporarily lost sight of the suspect before locating the vehicle traveling southbound on Loop 335 near Hillside and Soncy. DPS reported that a suspect attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended. Timothy Jack Chamberlin, 28, was booked into the Randall County Jail on charges including evading arrest with a vehicle, evading detention, deadly conduct, reckless driving, driving while intoxicated and possession of less than two ounces of marijuana.
International Aerospace Coatings Expands Amarillo Operations With New Hangar
International Aerospace Coatings is expanding its longtime presence in Amarillo with the opening of a new aircraft hangar at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport. The expansion includes a 73,920-square-foot hangar and a 5,100-square-foot storage building, bringing the company's Amarillo operations to six hangars, including two designed for widebody aircraft. The new facility can accommodate commercial aircraft as large as the Boeing 777-X and was specifically designed for large aircraft painting operations. IAC CEO Martin O'Connell said the company has long viewed Amarillo as an attractive location for expansion because of its skilled workforce and the quality of work delivered to customers. The company has operated in Amarillo for more than 30 years.
Hot Air Balloons Set to Light Up Amarillo This Weekend
The skies over Palo Duro Canyon and Amarillo will be filled with colorful hot air balloons this weekend as Amarillo Parks and Recreation joins Pirates of the Canyon and Palo Duro Canyon State Park for a balloon rally. Activities begin Friday at Palo Duro Canyon, where gates open at 6 a.m. and balloons are scheduled to launch at 7 a.m., with regular park admission required. The celebration moves to John Stiff Park on Saturday, Oct. 24, with a 7 a.m. balloon launch followed by a fun run and 5K at 8 a.m. Food trucks, games and vendors open at 4:30 p.m., followed by balloon trick-or-treating at 6 p.m. The evening's highlight will be a 7 p.m. Balloon Glow featuring more than 20 illuminated hot air balloons, with free admission to Saturday's festivities and additional charges for food and vendor purchases.
Early Voting Surges Across Potter and Randall Counties
Early voting continues at a brisk pace across the Texas Panhandle, with Potter and Randall counties reporting a combined 18,140 ballots cast during the first three days. Potter County recorded 1,737 voters Wednesday, bringing its three-day total to 5,885, with the Northwest Branch Library leading county polling locations at 1,800 votes. Other Potter County totals include 1,575 at the Santa Fe Building, 1,419 at Casey Carpet One, 708 at Cornerstone Church and 383 at the Tri-State Fairgrounds. Randall County reported 3,733 voters Wednesday, pushing its three-day total to 12,255. The Randall County Annex led with 4,382 votes, followed by the Southwest Branch Library with 4,101, the Randall County Justice Center with 1,607, Comanche Trail Church with 1,309 and the Randall County Election Administration Office with 856.
Snack Pak 4 Kids Founder Announces Retirement, Successor Named
After more than eight years with Baptist Community Services, Dyron Howell plans to retire Jan. 2, 2027, marking a leadership transition for the organization he helped establish. Howell and his wife, Kelly, founded Snack Pak 4 Kids in 2010, initially serving 10 students at Will Rogers Elementary School. The program has since grown to more than 120 programs serving students in over 50 Texas schools, helping address childhood food insecurity. Baptist Community Services, the parent organization of Snack Pak 4 Kids, announced Thursday that Brad Duggan has been named Vice President of Community Development and will oversee the program as executive director. Duggan, formerly with Coffee Memorial Blood Center, will join BCS on Nov. 30, 2026, allowing him to work alongside Howell during the leadership transition.
