From new business improvement opportunities to major infrastructure investments, several developments are taking shape across Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle. Local officials are also reporting updates on criminal cases, public safety projects and efforts to recognize the region’s history. Here’s a look at eight stories making headlines across the area.
Amarillo Business Improvement Grant Program Returns Nov. 9
The City of Amarillo will reopen its Business Improvement Grant (BIG) program on Nov. 9, offering financial assistance to eligible business owners and commercial property owners looking to improve their buildings’ exterior appearance. The program provides matching grants covering up to 50% of project costs, with a maximum award of $20,000 for projects costing $40,000 or more. Eligible properties include those in the Barrio, Eastridge, North Heights and San Jacinto neighborhoods, along with designated neighborhood empowerment zone corridors. Applications will open at 8 a.m. Nov. 9 through CivicServe, a new online platform replacing the city's paper application process. The application deadline is Dec. 4 at 5 p.m., and additional information is available on the city's website.
Two More Suspects Charged in Amarillo Murder Investigation
The Amarillo Police Department announced additional charges against two suspects in connection with an October homicide. Dennis Charles Carlson, 49, faces charges of murder, engaging in organized criminal activity and directing activities of a criminal street gang or foreign terrorist organization. Jessie James Franklin, 34, faces charges of murder and engaging in organized criminal activity after previously being arrested for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Both men were booked into the Randall County Detention Center. A third suspect, Skylar Lee Mensen, 33, was also arrested on a murder charge. The investigation stems from an Oct. 22 shooting in the 4000 block of South Polk Street, where officers found 48-year-old Bradley Thompson dead.
$1.2 Billion Water Pipeline Project Advances in Texas Panhandle
A proposed $1.2 billion water infrastructure project could provide an additional water supply for 11 Texas Panhandle and South Plains cities by 2038. Known as CRMWA II, the project would include new wells, two pumping stations and approximately 70 miles of 72-inch pipeline carrying water from Roberts County to a point northeast of Amarillo. Canadian River Municipal Water Authority General Manager Drew Satterwhite said the concept dates to 2012, when Lake Meredith had no water available for pumping. The project would be funded largely through water rates paid by the authority's member cities, with potential state and federal financing. Those cities include Amarillo, Borger, Brownfield, Lamesa, Levelland, Lubbock, O'Donnell, Pampa, Plainview, Slaton and Tahoka. The existing CRMWA I system, built in 1968, would remain operational.
New Art Installation Honors Amarillo Pioneer Matthew "Bones" Hooks
Amarillo's Parks and Recreation Department unveiled a new art installation Tuesday honoring Matthew "Bones" Hooks on what would have been his 159th birthday. The four-panel artwork, titled "The Legacy of Hooks," was created by self-taught artist Micheal Toombs-Reed using acrylic spray paint and is displayed at the northwest corner of Bones Hooks Park. Each panel highlights aspects of Hooks' life, including cowboy culture, horse training and his connection to the North Heights community. The installation is the third in the department's Outdoor Gallery series, joining artwork at Sam Houston Park and El Alamo Park. Additional installations are planned for Thompson Park, Memorial Park and John Stiff Park in 2027. Parks and Recreation Director Michael Kashuba said the projects help tell stories, create a sense of place and make the city's parks more special.
Sentencing Postponed for Former Amarillo Employee in HUD Embezzlement Case
Sentencing has been postponed for Selene Varela, a former City of Amarillo employee who pleaded guilty in a case involving the embezzlement of federal Housing and Urban Development funds. Varela, the third former city employee to plead guilty in the case, was scheduled to be sentenced Tuesday. Although Varela and her attorney appeared in court, the assistant U.S. attorney handling the case was unable to attend. U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk continued the sentencing hearing, with a new date yet to be announced.
Canyon Teen Faces December Sentencing in Planned July Fourth Attack Case
Kevin Hunt, a Canyon teenager who pleaded guilty to a weapons of mass destruction charge connected to a planned attack during Canyon's 2025 Fourth of July celebrations, is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 3. The sentencing hearing was rescheduled from an earlier date. According to court documents, federal prosecutors intend to ask the court to impose a life sentence. The final sentence will be determined by the judge.
Bell Textron Reports Progress on MV-75 Cheyenne Aircraft
Bell Textron Inc. has announced progress on construction of its MV-75 Cheyenne test aircraft, including developments at the company's Amarillo Assembly Center. The first nacelle structures for the aircraft have been completed and are now at the Amarillo facility. The company also reported progress on gearbox testing and integration of various aircraft systems at other facilities across Texas. The developments mark additional steps in the aircraft's testing and production process.
Canyon to Celebrate New Fire Engine and Animal Shelter Groundbreaking
The City of Canyon is inviting residents to attend two upcoming celebrations marking progress on projects funded through the 2025 Public Safety Bond. The Canyon Fire Department will welcome a new fire engine into service Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at 301 16th Street. A second ceremony is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 16, when city officials will break ground on Canyon's first animal shelter. That event will begin at 2:30 p.m. at 106 N. Ninth Street. Both ceremonies are open to the public.
