AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – On this episode of the Yellow City Rundown for the week of July 27 through 31, we talk about jail overcrowding in Potter County, food insecurity across the High Plains, the Herring Hotel renovations, and how Amarillo College is handling Data Centers and their budget.
We also dive into what happened in Amarillo on July 31, 1925.
Top the Panhandle:
- Potter County commissioners discuss jail overcrowding
- Potter County Commissioners Court discussed jail overcrowding during their recent meeting. During the meeting Potter County Sheriff Brian Thomas shared as of Monday morning they have 603 inmates in custody, which is more than they can hold.
- While overcrowding isn’t a new issue, Thomas shared that this summer they have experienced an increase in their inmate population due to normal summer crime spikes, operation summer shield and new bail laws. Potter County Commissioner Precinct Three, John Coffee shared public safety is the number one priority.
- Food insecurity across High Plains remains prevalent according to study
- Feeding America released the 2026 Map the Meal Gap study, giving insight to food insecurity across the country and region.
- High Plains Food Bank Executive Director Zack Wilson shared out of the 29 counties they serve, 11have food insecurity rates over 20%. Wilson attributed some of the data from 2024 to natural disasters that impacted the High Plains.
- Founder and Executive Director for Snack Pak 4 Kids Dyron Howell shared when surveying kids they serve a common issue is the recurring cause for food insecurity
- Herring Hotel revitalization underway
- The Herring Hotel is one of the oldest and most historic buildings in downtown Amarillo, and community members gathered to see what its future holds. Thursday afternoon, developers, architects, and stakeholders for the Herring Hotel Project were in person, providing insight into the historic landmark’s future.
- According to officials’ presentation, the hotel will have an estimated 231 rooms, including 21 suites. City of Amarillo Councilmember Don Tipps shared he hopes the Amarillo community sees the project as an effort to draw people to Amarillo.
- Amarillo College says data center growth creating new opportunities for students
- As data center development continues across the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo College officials say the projects are creating new career opportunities for students while reinforcing the importance of completing their education.
- David Hall, dean of Industry and Skilled Trades at Amarillo College, said the college has seen growing interest from companies involved in data center construction and operations. Contractors have attended campus job fairs and reached out to recruit students for available positions.
- Amarillo College reviews proposed budget amid $2.3 million drop in state funding
- The Amarillo College board of trustees reviewed a proposed budget Tuesday that aims to balance continued enrollment growth with a decrease in state funding. College leaders said the proposed budget reflects a $2.3 million decrease in performance-based state funding, reducing AC’s allocation from $19.6 million to $17.3 million.
- AC’s President Dr. Jamelle Conner said the reduction represents nearly a 12% decrease compared with last year.
Panhandle Planner:
- Upcoming stories for the week of August 3-7
- AMA-CON is this weekend
- The Polk Street Cruise is returning on Saturday
- The Lubbock Police Department is hosting a community drug training next week in Amarillo
Route 66 Rewind:
- From the Amarillo Daily News on July 31, 1925
- Amarillo was rocked by an earthquake in 1925 – 101 years later, last week Amarillo and the Panhandle were also rocked by an earthquake.
Weather Watch:
- Midsummer “cold front” with increasing rain chances
For the latest Amarillo news and regional updates, check with MyHighPlains.com and tune in to KAMR Local 4 News at 5:00, 6:00, and 10:00 p.m. and Fox 14 News at 9:00 p.m. CST.…