AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – On this episode of the Yellow City Rundown for the week of Dec. 15-19, we focus on the new Chief of Police for the Amarillo Police Department, updates regarding the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, and updates regarding Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation’s role in the Amarillo Zoo.
We also dive into what happened in Amarillo on Dec. 19, 1925.
Top the Panhandle:
- APD’s new Chief of Police
- The City of Amarillo announced Thomas Hover accepted a conditional offer for the position of Amarillo Chief of Police, pending the completion of pre-employment requirements.
- Hover was selected out of a field of three finalists
- WTAMU, PPHM updates
- West Texas A&M University and the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum are parting ways, and on Tuesday, Dr. Walter Wendler, the president of WT, and the board of the Panhandle-Plains Historical Society held a meeting to discuss the next steps for the museum.
- He also said that since the PPHM functions as a storage facility for artifacts, he is requesting that WT and PPHS split the monthly costs of maintaining the facility and utilities equally beginning February 1st, 2026, until it is completely vacated.
- Wild West Wildlife prepares for possible zoo role, awaits decision
- A proposal that could change how the Amarillo Zoo is operated is still under review, but officials with Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center said preparations are already underway as discussions with the city continue.
- Founder and executive director Stephanie Brady said the proposal is still in its early stages and has not been approved, but training has already begun to better understand zoo operations.
- If the proposal receives approval, Brady said the operational transition could begin as early as Feb. 1. However, she said that no final decision has been made.
- Honorable mentions of the week
- Texas Panhandle communities form ‘Lonestar Eleven’ coalition to seek accountability after 2024 wildfires
- 11 Texas Panhandle communities announced the formation of the “Lonestar Eleven” coalition, formed in what organizers said is a response to “years of negligent operations by Minnesota-based Xcel Energy, and the growing threat of preventable utility-caused wildfires in one of the most fire-prone regions of the country.”
- Sharpened Iron Studios court-ordered to vacate from Amarillo College property on Tuesday
- Earlier this year, Amarillo College announced that its Board of Regents voted to notify Sharpened Iron Studios that its 50-year lease agreement of the College’s downtown Amarillo property at 1314 S. Polk had been terminated.
- Amarillo College stated its focus is on developing the next facilities master plan to ensure all campus spaces are used.
- TxDOT Amarillo District safety projects continue to move forward
- The Texas Department of Transportation Amarillo District announced that several safety improvement projects on I-27 and State Loop 335 are continuing to make progress.
- Most of the projects are expected to be completed in various dates in 2026, 2027, and 2028.
- Texas Panhandle communities form ‘Lonestar Eleven’ coalition to seek accountability after 2024 wildfires
Panhandle Planner:
- Stories we are covering for the week of Christmas!
- A local cheerleader is headed to Disney to perform in the Christmas parade
- Keep an eye out for stories on local Christmas light displays
- Keep an eye out for our major story of the top stories and highlights of 2025
Route 66 Rewind:
- From The Amarillo Daily, Dec. 19, 1925
- Slot Machines condemned by grand jury in Potter County
- The Jury stated that the machines were a “menace” to the morals of the community
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.…