AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – On this episode of the Yellow City Rundown for the week of April 27-May 1, we focus on the state hospital in Potter County, Ceta Canyon, and Hidden Falls Ranch receiving camp licenses, High Plains Food Bank low donations, and Amarillo ISD is celebrating TIA designations.
We also dive into what happened in Amarillo on May 4, 1930.
Top the Panhandle:
- Potter County Judge Nancy Tanner talks Panhandle State Hospital
- Potter County Judge Nancy Tanner provided an update on the Panhandle State Hospital.
- According to Tanner, construction for the hospital is still on track to be completed in 2027 and will have 75 beds available. Tanner shared that with the hospital set to serve the region, it will likely stay packed, but it will still make a difference.
- According to Tanner, Texas Health and Human Services Commission is also accepting applications for a Superintendent for the hospital.
- Ceta Canyon, Hidden Falls Ranch receive camp license
- Ceta Canyon and Hidden Falls Ranch are approved to open this upcoming summer camp season after receiving a license to operate.
- Hidden Falls Ranch Executive Director Blake Henderson shared a key point that receiving their license required approval of their emergency action plan.
- Ceta Canyon Chief Executive Officer Joe Alarcon shared that the emergency action plan is extremely comprehensive
- Donations decline as demand stays high at High Plains Food Bank
- The food bank is seeing a drop in food donations while continuing to serve a record number of families across the Texas Panhandle.
- The decline comes after the food bank reported a 31% increase in demand last year compared to the previous year. Elevated need has not slowed, with more than 14,000 households now receiving assistance each month across the 29 counties the organization serves.
- The food bank has also seen a decrease in some of its largest supply channels, including certain federal food programs, adding additional pressure to maintain consistent inventory levels.
- Amarillo ISD celebrates TIA designations
- Amarillo Independent School District is celebrating more than 330 new Teacher Incentive Allotment Designations.
- Teachers who earn a TIA designation are eligible for additional salary compensation from the state.
- Amarillo ISD shared that with the latest designations, they now have over 500 A+ teachers. Officials shared that this is also the district’s third year of awarding Master, Exemplary, or Recognized designations.
Panhandle Planner:
- Upcoming stories for the week of May 4 through 8:
- The Downtown Women’s Center is having its anniversary luncheon on May 5
- The Texas Department of Transportation is having a meeting over ADA in Potter County on May 7
- The Texas Panhandle Centers Behavioral and Developmental Health is having its 6th annual mental health awareness event on May 8
Route 66 Rewind:
- From the Amarillo Sunday-News Globe on May 4, 1930
- In 1930, Amarillo was considered the second fastest growing city in the U.S. with a population of over 10,000
- That year, they counted the population at 47,350 people
Weather Watch:
- Up, down, and up temperatures
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.…