AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – On this episode of the Yellow City Rundown for the week of June 8 through June 12, we look at gun safety, a transfer agreement for Hedley ISD, a family reflecting on the Landfill Fire, farmers reflect on high prices, cities discuss data center moratorium, and a look at the cross in Groom.
We also dive into what happened in Amarillo on June 12, 1923.
Top the Panhandle:
- Amarillo Police reminds the public to be responsible gun owners
- June is Gun Violence Awareness Month, and the Amarillo Police Department is reminding the public to be responsible gun owners.
- Amarillo Police Department Public Information Officer Sgt. Clara Burr said that all gun owners should ensure that their guns are properly secured.
- Burr explained that gun safes can be found for as low as $30, and the community can always pick up a gun lock for free from APD.
- Clarendon CISD working on transfer agreement with Hedley ISD
- Hedley ISD has elected to reduce its services to Pre-K through sixth grade. Clarendon Consolidated Independent School District said they are working on a transfer agreement with Hedley ISD to help make the transition smoother for their students in grades seven through 12.
- One of the biggest questions that they have been getting asked is for students involved in extracurricular activities.
- Transportation is a part of the agreement that they are working on, and if transportation is needed for students in Hedley, they are going to make sure that is addressed.
- Bishop Estates family reflects on the Landfill Fire
- The “Landfill Fire” destroyed over 50 homes and still leaves many families in our area displaced, including the Lake family, who moved out to Bishop Estates in 2019 and started a homestead.
- Since the smoke has cleared, the family is now navigating the next steps and what that looks like for them.
- Although this has been hard on the family, they are choosing to focus on the good rather than the bad.
- Farmers are feeling the impact of increased prices
- As we previously reported earlier in the year, farmers will see an increase in fertilizer.
- Myhighplains.com was able to hear from local farmers about how the increase in prices, mixed with the drought seen in the area, is changing their farming practices.
- City of Childress discuss potential moratorium
- During the City of Childress regular scheduled meeting council members and the community discussed a potential moratorium banning water connections an future development per Texas Local Government Code 212.135.
- After hearing public comment both for and against the moratorium, Childress City Council voted to approve an engineer to see if a moratorium would be useful.
- Childress Mayor Cary Preston shared the city has been operating under drought four conditions for quite sometime.
- Clarendon delays action on proposed data center moratorium
- The Clarendon City Council took no action Thursday on a proposed moratorium that would temporarily halt approvals for data centers, cryptocurrency mining operations and other large-scale energy projects.
- Instead, council members said they want to gather more information and learn from neighboring communities before considering future action.
- During the meeting, officials discussed concerns surrounding the potential long-term impacts of data center development, including effects on infrastructure, housing and water resources.
- The Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ: A major landmark in a small community
- In the quiet plains of the Texas Panhandle, a cross in Groom stands as a beacon of hope, one that’s touched countless hearts over the years. The towering cross has become more than just a roadside landmark; it’s a symbol of faith, reflection, and community.
- Standing 190 feet tall, the Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ towers over Groom, drawing travelers from all over the country.
- However, this site is about more than just the cross. Visitors can see life-size bronze sculptures that depict the Stations of the Cross, the Last Supper, the Divine Mercy Fountain, and much more.
Panhandle Planner:
- Upcoming stories for the week of June 15 – June 19
- The Route 66 Centennial Caravan will roll into town on June 15 for a live steak-eating showdown inspired by the legendary Big Texan challenge.
- Juneteenth Commemorative Kickoff is on June 15
- The City of Canyon is discussing water conservation on June 16
Route 66 Rewind:
- From the Amarillo Daily News on June 12, 1923
- 15-year-old Douglas Goodnight drowned in the waters of Palo Duro Canyon after attempting to save his dog.
Weather Watch:
- Scattered storms this evening through the overnight hours
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.…