AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – On this episode of the Yellow City Rundown for the week of April 13-17, we focus on the historic Helium plant being renovated, Amarillo ISD launching the Little Learners program, the ribbon cutting for the 10th Avenue Streetscape Project in the Barrio, and West Texas A&M University’s One West fundraising campaign has concluded.
We also dive into what happened in Amarillo on April 17, 1927.
Top the Panhandle:
- Historic Helium plant being renovated to Helium Heights
- Located off the old Route 66 and getting onto I-40. Because of the history of the area, preserving and sharing the history of the Helium Plant and those who were impacted by it, is also a focus.
- In the coming weeks, the plan it transforms the outdoor space in preparation for their upcoming Helium Heights Route 66 Centennial Market.
- The Rosenbach’s shared that in three years it will be the 100 year anniversary of the Helium plant and they believe it would be great to celebrate by having all renovations completed.
- Amarillo ISD launching Little Learners Academy Program
- Amarillo ISD is launching the Little Learners Academy Program, a program that will serve AISD employees. The program will serve children ages six weeks to three years old.
- Tuition is $800 a month for infants and $700 for toddlers a month for toddlers
- The first site will be at Alice Landergin Elementary School.
- Hinz did add that there is growth potential at Landergin because they still have space available other than the three rooms they will be using.
- Barrio Neighborhood Planning Committee celebrates the completion of the 10th Avenue Streetscape Project
- According to officials with the BNPC, the project spanned for seven blocks from Garfield to Ross Street and now has new ADA accessible sidewalks, three crosswalks, curbs, and driveways, 52 street lamps, 8-feet wide bike lane on the south of 10th, seven bike racks, 11 colorful benches and 11 matching trashcans, 32 decorative banners, 30 trees, bushes, landscape, and 50 newly installed monogrammed brick pavers.
- Officials added the street also features new 6 feet by 3 feet signs designed by three Sanborn Elementary School students hanging in La Plazita Park, at 918 South Houston St.
- West Texas A&M University announces One West Campaign earned $208.6M
- WTAMU said this amount makes the One West campaign the highest-earning fundraiser in the Texas Panhandle’s fundraising history.
- According to WTAMU, campaign funds support the long-range plan “WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.”
- The One West Campaign focused on three main areas: people, programs and places. Officials said the largest portion of support went toward students and academic initiatives.
- WTAMU stated that 13,377 donors contributed to this campaign.
Panhandle Planner:
- Upcoming stories for the week of April 20 through 24
- Yellow City Comic Con begins today, April 17
- The Amarillo VA is having a veterans’ food pantry on April 18
- There is a free women’s spring clothing extravaganza on April 18
- The 2026 Scouting for Food drive benefiting High Plains Food Bank is on April 18
- Children’s Miracle Network is hosting a dance marathon on April 18
- The first round of the WT Ranch Rodeo is on April 22
- Amarillo’s Trinity Lutheran Christian School will host a charity golf tournament on April 23 at Wild Horse at Ross Rogers Golf Complex.
Route 66 Rewind:
- From the Amarillo Sunday News-Globe, April 17, 1927:
- The paper celebrated the new Central Presbyterian Church located on Harrison Street. It is now called First Presbyterian Church.
Weather Watch:
- Tracking wind, warmth, wildfire concerns and a cold front
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.…