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Ochiltree County
PERRYTON, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The Perryton Police Department reported Monday that a man was charged after a Perryton fire killed a young girl in July.
The department detailed that on Sept. 30, a warrant for “capital murder of a person 10 years of age” was issued for 39-year-old Humberto Martinez.
Martinez is currently being held in the Ochiltree County jail on a $5 million warrant, according to the department.
As previously reported by MyHighPlains.com, Martinez was arrested in July on a charge of second-degree felony arson after he was connected to the fire. Officials said at the time a minor was found dead inside a home in the 800 block of South Drake Street in Perryton. | 2022-10-03T21:15:08Z | www.myhighplains.com | Man charged after July fire in Perryton that killed minor | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/ochiltree-county/man-charged-after-july-fire-in-perryton-that-killed-minor/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/ochiltree-county/man-charged-after-july-fire-in-perryton-that-killed-minor/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — More than 80 employers are gathering in one place October 4th to host the Fall 2022 Amarillo Job Fair.
It’s taking place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Amarillo Civic Center. There are possibly interviews taking place so officials say come dressed and ready for an interview. | 2022-10-03T23:08:39Z | www.myhighplains.com | Need a Job? Head to the Amarillo Job Fair | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/studio-4/need-a-job-head-to-the-amarillo-job-fair/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/studio-4/need-a-job-head-to-the-amarillo-job-fair/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – After months of preparation and back and forth conversations via documents along with both in-person and virtual hearings, retired Judge William Sowder will hear from the legal teams for the city of Amarillo and Amarillo Businessman Alex Fairly and ultimately determine if the city will be able to use anticipation notes for the Amarillo Civic Center project.
Sowder, as part of the 320th District Court of Potter County, will host a bench trial starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday surrounding this matter. According to previous reports by MyHighPlains.com, the Amarillo City Council approved an ordinance, giving the city the ability to use $260 million in anticipation notes for improvements and the expansion of the Amarillo Civic Center Complex.
This comes after Amarillo residents voted down a $275 million bond for Amarillo Civic Center improvements in 2020. According to previous reports, the ordinance was approved by the Amarillo City Council after city officials, along with a citizens group, researched the best way to approach the project.
Fairly filed a lawsuit against the city of Amarillo after that ordinance was passed, claiming that the use of anticipation notes, in this case, was illegal and aimed at preventing the ordinance from moving forward. According to previous reports, the city filed its own lawsuit, asking a Potter County judge to validate the use of the notes. The two lawsuits have since been combined and will be the one that Sowder is expected to make a decision on.
Nelson said the ongoing problems with the Amarillo Civic Center Complex are not new to the city. As the project continues to be delayed, Nelson stressed that the complex’s issues will only get more and more expensive.
Something that Amarillo residents do not realize, Nelson said, is that they are paying for the Civic Center through their tax bills.
“I’m not sure that people know that taxpayers in the city lose money on the Civic Center every single day. Last year, we lost $6,300 a day, subsidizing the Civic Center,” she said. “So we’re losing money as we speak with the existing facility. If we don’t make a change, to make it competitive to attract events, competitive to attract youth sports tournaments, that subsidy number, is just going to increase in addition to the loss that we have on our local economy, local restaurants (and) local retail shops.”
After the bond election in November 2020, Nelson said what the city heard is that something needs to be done about the Amarillo Civic Center, but residents did not want to spend that amount of money on the facility. The city then partnered with a Citizens Committee, along with Garfield Public/Private, to try and find a way forward, aimed at finding “different ways to finance” the improvements.
Ultimately, Nelson said the 2022 project is different and cheaper than the one that was on the ballot in 2020. However, this new project does not include a parking garage or the renovations of existing meeting spaces, two of which were on the original project. However, it does include an arena and expanded meeting room space, two things that Nelson stressed that will bring revenue to the city of Amarillo.
Nelson said the use of anticipation notes, which was decided through the passage of the ordinance during the May 24 Amarillo City Council meeting, is a “more creative” way of funding the project. Nelson said revenues that will pay down the debt on the project include sales tax and hotel occupancy tax revenue, naming rights for the facility along with property taxes.
Anticipation notes is something that the city of Amarillo had used before, with Nelson describing it as a “tool in the toolbox that every city has.”
“It’s merely a tool in the toolbox that we chose to pick up and use in this case, because of the urgency in the changing interest rate environment,” she said. “We reached a point where 80% of the city council felt like the right business decision for the city was to move forward as quickly as possible and so the tool that was available to us to do that was anticipation notes.”
This is something that Fairly disagrees with. Fairly said that he believes what the city of Amarillo did was illegal, making “several mistakes along the way.” Fairly believes that it was wrong what the city did, pushing a project forward that Amarillo residents voted against in a bond election.
“I think there’s no disagreement on whether people have the right to want to continue a project going forward. That isn’t the issue,” Fairly said. “The real issue is that whether you want a project to get done, or you don’t, and let’s say most of them did, it doesn’t mean you can impose a tax on a population of people without adequately notifying them and telling them what you’re doing and getting their input.”
Fairly believes that after 90 days of discovery, his attorneys are ready to move forward with the litigation. Through this process, Fairly said his team has found out many details about what the City Council planned to do through what his team has previously called its “secret plan.”
However, when asked about the city’s “secret plan,” Nelson said there was nothing secret about it.
“For one thing, we had a Citizens Committee that was part of this and worked on all the Garfield report. They were involved in that. They gave feedback on that. We met with that Citizens Committee in April of this last year before the May vote. We talked about this option with that Citizen’s Committee. So this was not secret,” she said. “The Citizens Committee recommended to us that we move forward with this plan. So I don’t know where that phrase comes from. I think it suits someone else’s narrative and it’s not it doesn’t match the facts of what happened here.”
The litigation has ultimately put the project on pause, Nelson said, causing the project to be more expensive as interest rates and construction costs increase. But, Nelson stressed that the project continues to be a priority, with the subsidized cost still having an impact on taxpayers.
“It’s the right time to do it, while we are growing. Our businesses are growing, our economy is booming. It’s the right time to take on this challenge. So it’s an old problem. But I actually see it as one of our best and new opportunities,” Nelson said. “In a 10-year period alone, Garfield has projected that it will bring $500 million of economic impact to our city. Some of that is directly related to the subsidy the $6,300 that citizens pay for right now to support the existing facility… A $500 million economic impact is a number that I can’t ignore… as a leader making business decisions for the city. So I think you have to have your long-term lenses on as you consider what decision needs to be made about the Civic Center.”
However, Fairly continues to see this project as something he needs to stand up and fight against, with it being a bigger issue overall, not only impacting the city of Amarillo but for taxing entities throughout the state in general.
“This has become truly about a principal issue about whether taxing entities like, you know, city governments, or it could be county governments, can impose a tax on taxpayers without asking them or without telling them even at a minimal level what’s going on,” Fairly said.
What Fairly hopes that comes out of this litigation is that the city is denied the ability to use anticipation notes for this project. Secondarily, he hopes this litigation sends a message across the state, ultimately leading to legislation that prevents taxing entities to be able to do this in the future.
Fairly testifies to Texas lawmakers about ongoing litigation
“If people in government who have the ability to impose a tax get to do whatever they want, just because that person’s opinion is we just need this in government, is utterly out of control and run amok,” Fairly said. “So it’s a really bad answer to say, we told people we wanted it. So even if we did something wrong, they should have had good notice. That’s just not how government works. Everybody that I’ve talked to in Austin is utterly shocked at what they did. The justification that we told everyone we wanted it so we can do whatever we want, it just isn’t how government works in Texas, or even in the United States.”
What Nelson hopes that Sowder will rule is that the city followed the process of using anticipation notes correctly.
“Anticipation notes are just a tool that every city has in the toolbox for issuing debt,” she said. “We used it properly. We followed the statute properly and I think as we trust the process of this litigation, the results will show that we follow the statute properly.”
Regardless, Nelson said the city’s plan is to move forward and continue to find solutions to solve this long-standing problem.
“No matter what the judge decides, the plan is the same and that is to find the solution to solve this problem, and to save the taxpayers as much money as we possibly can in finding that solution,” Nelson said. “…I think we have a city council that doesn’t want to kick this can down the road to future councils. We felt the urgency of solving it now if we could do it, and do it before interest rates went up before construction costs continued to climb. So we tried to act quickly, in order to capture that opportunity. I think we did it properly. And I think the legal process will prove that. As for what future councils will do, I hope they’ll follow through on the momentum that we have here and the success that we have currently in our economy. I think the Civic Center is an opportunity and part of that success.”
Read more about the ongoing situation with the Amarillo Civic Center here
According to previous reports, officials previously said they expect the trial to last two days. However, officials have told MyHighPlains.com that they would not be surprised if the trial moves into a third day.
During Friday’s pre-trial hearing, Sowder made the decision for the bench trial to be live streamed on the Potter County 320th District Court’s YouTube page. The hearing can be accessed at this link. | 2022-10-04T00:57:30Z | www.myhighplains.com | Officials speak on upcoming Civic Center litigation | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/your-local-election-hq/amarillo-civic-center-complex-project/officials-speak-on-upcoming-civic-center-litigation/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/your-local-election-hq/amarillo-civic-center-complex-project/officials-speak-on-upcoming-civic-center-litigation/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — United Way announced its Dine United campaign throughout the month of October where the community can help families in need by dining out at participating restaurants.
The restaurants, according to the United Way, will donate a portion of their sales to the United Way annual campaign which is a community-wide effort with local organizations to “generate awareness and support for the United Way.”
The following is the list of participating restaurants:
Oct. 5 from 4 p.m. to close: La Fiesta Grande
2200 S. Ross St. and 7415 SW 45th Ave.
*Must mention United Way;
Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Jason’s Deli
2600 Wolflin Ave. and 7406 SW 34th Ave.
Oct. 12 all day: Sonic Drive-In
Any location;
Oct. 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Bubba’s 33 Hometown Happy Hour
2813 W I-40 Frontage Rd.
Oct. 18 from 4 p.m. to close: Feldman’s Wrong Way Diner
2100 N. 2nd Ave. in Canyon
Oct. 20 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Chesneys Whiskey Saloon
715 S. Polk St.;
Oct. 24 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.: Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant
3501 SW 45th Ave.)
Oct. 25 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.: Walk-On’s
3506 S. Soncy Rd.
Oct. 27 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.: YOLO’S Food Truck & Restaurant
316 6th Ave.
*Must mention United Way. | 2022-10-04T15:18:03Z | www.myhighplains.com | Amarillo residents can dine out to benefit United Way | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-residents-can-dine-out-to-benefit-united-way/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-residents-can-dine-out-to-benefit-united-way/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The city of Amarillo is teaming up with Workforce Solutions Panhandle for the Amarillo Job Fair on Tuesday at the Amarillo Civic Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
They will feature employers from all around our area offering full and part-time jobs in technical, healthcare, management, production, customer service, sales, and secretarial/clerical areas. They will have national brands, nonprofits, startups, and local flagship brands, including Pantex Plant, City of Amarillo, Cacique Foods, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, BSA Health System, and more.
Job seekers should treat the fair as a job interview and come dressed appropriately for their chosen occupation, introduce themselves to the employers, speak about career objectives, skills, and what makes them the right person for the job.
The Amarillo Job Fair is free and open to the public. | 2022-10-04T15:19:11Z | www.myhighplains.com | Check out employers around our area at the Amarillo Job Fair | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/today-in-amarillo/check-out-employers-around-our-area-at-the-amarillo-job-fair/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/today-in-amarillo/check-out-employers-around-our-area-at-the-amarillo-job-fair/ |
via the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – The Amarillo Chamber of Commerce released information on its upcoming 26th annual Good Times Celebration Barbecue Cook-Off, set for Oct. 6 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Amarillo Tri-State Fairgrounds.
Organizers described the cook-off as Amarillo’s biggest networking event. Teams can compete for bragging rights in professional, amateur, and corporate divisions by cooking ribs, brisket, and other meats. The event will include all-you-can-eat and drink, with live music expected from Insufficient Funds. 90 cooking teams and sponsors are expected to participate.
The cook-off will be staged in the Amarillo National Center Parking Lot at the fairgounds, said organizers, and attendants should enter through the Tri-State Exposition Entrance east of Gate #1 near 10th and Marrs.
Tickets for the cook-off are $30 per person in advance through any Panhandle Ticket outlet, organizers noted, including the Civic Center Box Office, participating United Supermarkets, Amigos, or Market Street customer service desks. Tickets are also available online, or can be ordered by phone at 806-387-3096 until 3 p.m. on Thursday. At the gate, tickets will cost $40.
Further information on the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce’s cook-off can be found on its website. | 2022-10-04T18:12:12Z | www.myhighplains.com | Amarillo Chamber of Commerce hosts annual barbecue cook-off | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-chamber-of-commerce-hosts-annual-barbecue-cook-off/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-chamber-of-commerce-hosts-annual-barbecue-cook-off/ |
via Pantex Plant
Consolidated Nuclear Security management, operation contract extended for Pantex
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) announced that the management and operation contact with Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC for Pantex and the Y-12 National Security Complex was extended.
This follows a May announcement from NNSA that the consolidated management and operation contract approach “was no longer suitable for meeting increasing mission requirements at Pantex and Y-12,” leading NNSA to pursue separate, sequential contract competitions.
Pantex’s extension period is up to three years, and Y-12’s is up to five years, according to NNSA. The NNSA said that the contract extension “is the most advantageous method of ensuring NNSA’s critical mission work is not impacted” and that it would also offer stability and continuity for the workforce at both sites.
NNSA said that it will begin the acquisition planning for Pantex and Y-12 in Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024, respectively. The extension is expected to allow the NNSA to facilitate “a full and open competition and an orderly transition for both sites.”
As described by NNSA, the Y-12 site manufactures components for the nation’s nuclear weapons deterrent, retrieves and stores nuclear materials, fuels the nation’s naval reactors, and performs work for other government and private-sector entities. The Pantex Plant, meanwhile, is the nation’s only facility for the final assembly, dismantlement, and maintenance of nuclear weapons.
The Pantex Guards Union also ratified a new contract in May 2022, and the plant also partnered with Workforce Solutions Panhandle in recent weeks in an effort to hire into positions of security, skilled trades, and information technology. | 2022-10-04T20:48:52Z | www.myhighplains.com | Consolidated Nuclear Security management, operation contract extended for Pantex | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/consolidated-nuclear-security-management-operation-contract-extended-for-pantex/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/consolidated-nuclear-security-management-operation-contract-extended-for-pantex/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — In the morning session of the first day of the Potter County bench trial surrounding the Amarillo Civic Center Complex funding ordinance, the legal teams for the city of Amarillo, Amarillo Businessman Alex Fairly along with the team from the Texas Attorney General’s Office provided an overview on the litigation, presenting their opinions about the documents and the facts surrounding the case.
According to previous reports by MyHighPlains.com, the litigation in Potter County began Tuesday morning, giving the legal teams for the three entities the ability to present their respective cases to retired Judge William Sowder in the 320th District Court of Potter County. Sowder is expected to make the decision on whether or not the city’s ordinance approving the use of $260 million of anticipation notes to fund improvements and the expansion of the Amarillo Civic Center Project is legal.
THE STORY SO FAR: The Amarillo Civic Center Complex Project
The morning of the first day of the bench trial in this case mainly consisted of opening arguments from the legal teams of the three entities involved in the case.
City of Amarillo’s Opening Argument
Paul Trahan, a member of the legal team for the city of Amarillo, presented the city’s argument first, saying that his presentation would not be “sexy,” with the legal issues being relatively “straightforward.”
Trahan said under Chapter 1205 of the Texas Government Code, the portion of the code which outlines the expedited declaratory judgment act, the city of Amarillo checked all the boxes to qualify for a declaratory judgment under that chapter.
Trahan also outlined what the city believes is relevant and not relevant in this case. First, Trahan said that the things that are not relevant in this case include:
Proposition A from November 2020;
Whether individuals disagree with the city’s decision;
Overall personalities/ego.
Trahan said the topics that are relevant in this case include:
Whether or not Ordinance 7985, the Civic Center funding ordinance passed on May 24, was indeed valid;
Whether or not this ordinance would create a situation where the city of Amarillo would surpass its established tax rate limit established in the Amarillo City Charter;
Texas Government Code chapter 1431, which establishes the rules of the use of anticipation notes for cities across the state;
Claims of Texas Open Meetings Act violations.
First, Trahan said that under Texas Government Code Chapter 1431, the city is determined as the authorized issuer of the notes, which was approved by the Amarillo City Council in a 4-1 vote during the May 24 council meeting. He also said that there is “no question” that the Civic Center project is considered a public work under that portion of the code, stressing that the facility itself exists for the citizens of Amarillo.
In relation to the tax cap outlined in the Amarillo City Charter, Trahan said that the addition of this debt to future tax rates will “unquestionably” fall below the $1.30 per $100 valuation cap. He highlighted that the Amarillo City Council recently lowered its tax rate from $0.44 to $0.40 in the most recent fiscal year.
Since the property tax rate is set once a year, Trahan stressed the city’s point that it is impossible to know the specific tax impact of the Civic Center project on future rates. When the rate is set in future years, all the debt that the city of Amarillo accumulates will be included in that tax impact. Trahan also said there is “no question” that the Civic Center is located within the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. One, falling within the debt portion of the tax rate and not the maintenance and operations side.
In relation to the claims of violations of the Texas Open Meetings Act, Trahan stressed that the notice for the meeting was published in a timely fashion, clearly saying that the ordinance was surrounding the use of tax notes for the Civic Center project. Trahan also said there was no evidence that quorum discussion occurred outside the May 24 meeting, saying that individual informational meetings occurred with the individual council members and city of Amarillo staff.
Fairly’s Opening Argument
T. Lynn Walden, a member of Fairly’s legal team, started his opening argument by highlighting that Fairly “took it upon himself” to bring this matter to light on behalf of the residents within the city of Amarillo, stressing Fairly’s team’s belief that the city of Amarillo used the wrong tool, for the wrong purpose, in the wrong way and in a secret fashion.
Walden said that this “secret plan” approach, which they previously outlined in a document filed last month titled “Alex Fairly’s Special Exceptions, Second Amended Answer, General Denial, Defenses Pursuant to 1205 of the Government Code and Counter Claims,” did not give Amarillo residents the knowledge that the city was allegedly imposing taxes on them without their permission.
Walden said that the use of tax notes does not provide the city of Amarillo with a way to circumvent the opinion of Amarillo residents in this matter. Walden cited the November 2020 bond election, saying the vote in that election clearly shows the residents’ view on this project.
Like in previous documents, Walden presented various arguments, including that Chapter 1401 of the Texas Government Code does require that an entity impose a tax, which they claim the city did not do. Walden also continued to push that the Civic Center does not constitute as a public work, claiming that public works consist of infrastructure, like transportation, water, sewer and utilities.
Walden then spent some time surrounding the team’s allegations of violations of the Texas Open Meetings Act, citing the meeting of the TIRZ One Board in May, the May 10 City Council meeting and the May 24 City Council meeting.
Fairly’s legal team claims that prior to the May 24 council vote surrounding Ordinance 7985, “secret” and “deliberative” meetings occurred between Amarillo City Council members and city of Amarillo staff “behind the scenes” to avoid voter approval. They also claimed that the city was not forthright about what the ordinance lays out surrounding the payment of the $260 million of notes in seven years, rather than the discussion surrounding refinancing the tax anticipation notes with refunding bonds.
Lastly, Walden presented an argument for why this case should be ruled “estoppel,” a term that the Legal Information Institute from Cornell Law School defines as “a bar that prevents one from asserting a claim or right that contradicts what one has said or done before, or what has been legally established as true…”
Walden said this meets the criteria because the city of Amarillo put this project to a vote, a vote which was ultimately denied by voters. Walden claims that because the Amarillo City Council did not like the result of that election, they decided to ignore the voters and move forward with the project regardless.
“If (the city of Amarillo) could have used tax notes… why did they even put it up for a vote?” Walden asked during the opening argument. He said that is not how elections are supposed to work, emphasizing the team’s belief that it is time for the city of Amarillo to “start over” on the Amarillo Civic Center Complex project.
Texas Attorney General’s Opening Argument
Alyssa Bixby-Lawson, the representative from the Texas Attorney General’s office, said that this case was a “matter of great and public importance.” Bixby-Lawson took time to explain the difference between general obligation bonds, certificates of obligation and the use of anticipation notes, specifically in relation to this Civic Center funding-related case.
Bixby-Lawson also brought up the recent referendum petition that was recently not authorized for submission by the Amarillo City Secretary. She said that there is a “strong argument” that the petition continues to apply in this case.
Bixby-Lawson went on to say that if the petition continues to be pending, the Texas Attorney General’s office would not be able to approve the city’s request for tax notes because of pending litigation. She also said that there is no guarantee, from the Texas Attorney General’s office’s side of things, that there would be an approval regarding the city’s push to refinance the tax anticipation notes with refunding bonds.
“Something feels remiss” about how the city is using these finance statutes, Bixby-Lawson said during the trial, quoting William Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet.” She also said that the city’s approach does not appear to be in the spirit of the law.
The morning session also included testimony from Amarillo City Councilmembers Eddy Sauer and Howard Smith, along with Stephanie Coggins, the city of Amarillo’s city secretary. The afternoon session is expected to consist of more testimony from various city of Amarillo officials surrounding the case. | 2022-10-04T20:50:01Z | www.myhighplains.com | Entities present arguments in day 1 of Civic Center trial | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/your-local-election-hq/amarillo-civic-center-complex-project/entities-present-arguments-in-day-1-of-civic-center-trial/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/your-local-election-hq/amarillo-civic-center-complex-project/entities-present-arguments-in-day-1-of-civic-center-trial/ |
AUSTIN (KAMR/KCIT) — Governor Greg Abbott announced the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is extending SNAP benefits for Oct. with more than $329.4 million in emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
According to a news release from the office of the governor, the HHSC received federal approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to extend the maximum allowable amount of SNAP benefits to recipients based on family size.
SNAP households will receive a minimum of $95 in additional emergency allotments by Oct. 31 said the news release.
SNAP is a federal program administered by the HHSC that provides food assistance to eligible low-income families and individuals in Texas. Texans in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP and Medicaid, at YourTexasBenefits.com or use the Your Texas Benefits mobile app to manage their benefits. | 2022-10-04T23:12:23Z | www.myhighplains.com | SNAP benefit extensions for October | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/snap-benefit-extensions-for-oct/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/snap-benefit-extensions-for-oct/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) —It’s Amarillo’s biggest networking event, and it includes food, drinks, live music and fun.
The 26th Annual Good Times Celebration event is coming up on October 6th. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. people can enjoy food, drinks, live music, and networking for just $30 before the event or $40 at the gate.
The event is happening at the Tri-State Fairgrounds. Call (806) 373-7800 or click here for more information. | 2022-10-04T23:13:22Z | www.myhighplains.com | 26th Annual Good Times Celebration Approaches | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/studio-4/26th-annual-good-times-celebration-approaches/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/studio-4/26th-annual-good-times-celebration-approaches/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) —Nadia Bjorlin is best known as “Chloe Lane” on Days of Our Lives, a role she has played since 1999.
Bjorlin is also starring in a film called “Nothing is Impossible” which centers around an NBA team which is taken over by Bjorlin’s character and decides to host open-tryouts. That’s when a high school janitor gets a second shot at life and love.
This movie is streaming on Pure Flix as of October 8th. | 2022-10-04T23:13:28Z | www.myhighplains.com | Days of Our Lives Veteran Starring in New Film | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/studio-4/days-of-our-lives-veteran-starring-in-new-film/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/studio-4/days-of-our-lives-veteran-starring-in-new-film/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — FirstBank Southwest announced the promotion of a new Amarillo Market President.
FBSW announced the promotion of Matt Mathias as Amarillo Market President.
FBSW said Matt has been with FBSW since 2018, and in the financial services industry for over 22 years. After graduating from West Texas A&M University, Matt has served in several different capacities in the banking industry.
Previously, Matt was serving as Senior Vice President for the Bank’s commercial lending team at FBSW’s Downtown Banking Center.
“We are excited to promote Matt into this important role,” said Will Miller, President of Commercial and Corporate Banking at FirstBank Southwest. “He understands the importance of relationships and is a strong community leader”. | 2022-10-05T01:18:33Z | www.myhighplains.com | FirstBank Southwest promotes new Amarillo Market President | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/firstbank-southwest-promotes-new-amarillo-market-president/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/firstbank-southwest-promotes-new-amarillo-market-president/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — After the legal teams for the city of Amarillo, Amarillo Businessman Alex Fairly and the Texas Attorney General’s Office presented their respective opening arguments Tuesday morning, the Amarillo Civic Center Complex funding-related lawsuit continued throughout the rest of the day with testimony, both from Amarillo City Council members and city of Amarillo staff.
Read more about the ongoing Amarillo Civic Center situation here
According to previous reports by MyHighPlains.com, this litigation began Tuesday morning, leaving it up to retired Judge William Sowder in the 320th District Court of Potter County to decide whether or not Ordinance 7985, an ordinance that passed during the May 24 Amarillo City Council meeting that approved the use of $260 million of anticipation notes to fund improvements and the expansion of the Amarillo Civic Center Project, is legal.
According to previous reports by MyHighPlains.com, the opening arguments portion of Tuesday’s hearing gave each of the entities’ legal teams the chance to establish their opinions and their views regarding the overall case.
Through the city of Amarillo’s opening argument, Paul Trahan, a member of the city’s legal team, provided background on what he said were relevant topics, including whether or not the Civic Center-related ordinance was valid, whether the tax impact would surpass the cap provided in the Amarillo City Charter along with claims by Fairly’s team of Texas Open Meetings Act violations.
T. Lynn Walden, a representative from Fairly’s legal team, continued to stress through Fairly’s team’s opening argument their belief that through the use of anticipation notes in this case, the city of Amarillo used the wrong tool, for the wrong purpose, in the wrong way and in a secret fashion. Because of this, Walden said the city allegedly was imposing taxes on Amarillo residents without their permission for a project they did not support.
By acting as a representative from the Texas Attorney General’s office, Alyssa Bixby-Lawson questioned the city’s use of the finance statutes, stressing that their approach does not appear to be in the spirit of the law. She also spoke about the office’s opinion that there is no guarantee that the city’s request for tax notes would be approved, because of pending litigation with the outstanding petition.
What did representatives from the Amarillo City Council have to say?
During Tuesday’s proceedings, the following members of the Amarillo City Council testified as part of this bench trial:
Eddy Sauer, city of Amarillo councilman;
Howard Smith, city of Amarillo councilman;
Cole Stanley, city of Amarillo councilman.
Sauer testimony
During his testimony, Sauer said he received the draft of Ordinance 7985 during the May 24 meeting, understanding at the time that it surrounded the use of tax notes for the Amarillo Civic Center project after meeting with representatives from city staff specifically surrounding the ordinance.
The fact that the May 24 meeting was the first time Sauer saw the draft of the ordinance was “not unusual,” Sauer said. Sauer also said it was not unusual for the Amarillo City Council to take up debt issuances at a single meeting, comparing the issue to the recent vote on improvements to the Amarillo City Hall in late 2021, a project which also used anticipation notes.
While it was spoken about that the city of Amarillo had the option to refinance the notes after they were approved for a longer period of time, Sauer told Fairly’s legal team when asked that it was not the city’s “plan” to do so, with only the seven-year tax notes payment schedule being listed in the ordinance itself. Sauer cited a number of other potential revenue streams for the project, including naming rights to the facility, a potential increase in hotel occupancy tax collected within the city along with revenues from the city’s fleet vehicles.
Smith’s testimony
As a member of the Civic Center’s subcommittee, Smith said he received the draft of Ordinance 7985 the night before in an email. Smith went on to deny that there were any violations of the Texas Open Meetings Act, with him saying there was never a time where a quorum occurred outside the May 24 meeting surrounding this particular agenda item.
Fairly’s legal team continued to question the motion Smith made during the May 24 council meeting, where he stated that “tax and revenue notes” were going to pay for the notes, a motion which Smith said was provided to him by representatives from the city’s staff and a statement he reviewed during the meeting. Fairly’s legal team continued to stress that the motion was ultimately incorrect because the notes used in this case were only tax notes.
Stanley’s testimony
The last councilmember who testified during Tuesday’s litigation was Stanley, who, like Sauer, said he received the agenda for the May 24 meeting the Friday before. However, in his testimony, Stanley claimed that he did not have a draft of the ordinance during the May 24 council meeting and did not have a copy until the next day, when Laura Storrs, the chief financial officer and assistant city manager for the city of Amarillo, emailed it to him.
Stanley testified that he voted against the ordinance without seeing it, saying that he did not request to see a draft of the ordinance until after the vote.
Stanley told members of Fairly’s legal team that he was first made aware of the city’s potential use of tax notes for this project during a meeting with city staff. Stanley said that he started asking questions to city staff during the informational meeting, along with his line of questioning during the May 24 meeting. Stanley stressed that he was not prepared to vote during the May 24 meeting, requesting at the time to table to measure.
After Stanley was questioned by Fairly’s legal team, the city’s legal team questioned whether or not Stanley had any communication with Fairly’s legal team during this litigation, a question which he denied. Stanley was also asked whether or not he discussed the Civic Center topic with Fairly prior to the vote. Stanley said he had a “brief conversation” with him, knowing that Fairly was involved in prior plans for the complex. Stanley said that the conversation consisted of letting him know what he knew at the time surrounding potential debt issuance and the potential use of tax notes.
At the end of the city’s questioning of Stanley, Stanley confirmed he was a member of the referring committee of community members that brought forward the Civic Center funding-related petition, aimed at preventing the ordinance from moving forward. Stanley said he was proud to have signed the petition.
What did representatives from city of Amarillo staff have to say?
Along with the three members of the council, a number of representatives from the city of Amarillo’s staff also testified during Tuesday’s proceedings. Those members of the city’s staff who testified included:
Stephanie Coggins, city secretary for the city of Amarillo;
Andrew Freeman, assistant city manager for the city of Amarillo;
Laura Storrs, chief financial officer and assistant city manager for the city of Amarillo;
Jerry Danforth, director of facilities and capital improvement for the city of Amarillo as an expert witness;
Jared Miller, city manager for the city of Amarillo.
Coggins’ testimony
As the city secretary for the city of Amarillo, Coggins said she prepares for council meetings by putting together agendas and serving as a link between the Amarillo City Council and the citizens. To fill out agendas, Coggins said she receives information from city staff through agenda transmittal memorandums, which she takes that information from to create agenda items for a particular meeting.
Coggins confirmed that the agenda for the May 24 City Council meeting was posted publicly the Friday before the meeting, which follows the Texas Open Meetings Act. She said the memo centered on the tax notes was initially written by Storrs, using that memo to create the agenda item. After that, a number of city representatives were sent the agenda to make edits and Coggins could not recall if there were any edits made, a fact that Fairly’s team highlighted because the agenda continued to say “tax and revenue notes” rather than just tax notes.
The remainder of Coggins’ questioning centered around her verifying the authenticity of a number of documents, including various City Council meeting agendas, the resolution which canvassed the Nov. 2020 bond election along with documents surrounding the notes from both Frost Bank and Amarillo National Bank.
Bixby-Lawson centered her line of questioning on Coggins surrounding the Civic Center-related referendum petition. Coggins reiterated that the petition did not conform to the Amarillo City Charter, citing the issues with the affidavit of circulator along with there not being a printed/written copy of the ordinance included. Coggins said that the petition is no longer valid and the process has to start over.
Freeman’s testimony
Much of Freeman’s testimony centered around the role of the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 1 in this litigation. Freeman said that the TIRZ is used by the city of Amarillo as an economic development tool, encouraging growth in particular areas in the city.
Freeman confirmed that the Amarillo Civic Center Complex, and its subsequent projects, are located within TIRZ No. 1, giving the city the ability to approach the zone’s board with a request to amend its project plan, which the city did during its May 10 meeting with Ordinance 7980.
Freeman said the amendment ordinance only added a bulleted list of the planned projects to the TIRZ project plan. Freeman stressed there were no changes to the zone’s financial situation, with the cost of the projects being undertaken by the city of Amarillo.
The amendment to the TIRZ plan, Freeman said, gives the city flexibility to fund the project on the interest and sinking portion of the city of Amarillo’s tax rate, instead of the maintenance and operations side, under House Bill 1869. However, Fairly’s legal team stressed their belief that there was not enough notice to the public this amendment was related to the Civic Center project.
Storrs’ testimony
During her testimony, Storrs provided the legal teams with a timeline of how a tax entity approves a property tax rate year after year. She said the city of Amarillo’s property tax rate was recently set at $0.40 per $100 property valuation, a rate which did not include the potential impact of the tax notes.
While she expects the seven-year payout on the notes to potentially have a “significant impact” on Amarillo residents, she stressed, like Sauer, that other revenue sources were on the table, including naming rights and there being a third-party operator for the facility. Storrs also stressed that this is why discussions surrounding refinancing bonds did occur as well.
However, in data provided by Storrs, she said that she does not expect the property tax figure to reach the $1.30 per $100 of property valuation cap outlined in the city of Amarillo’s charter, even if the city paid for the whole project with property taxes over the seven-year payment plan.
Storrs said that if there was not any further change in home appraisal values or the maintenance and operations part of the tax rate, the highest she expected the property tax rate would get would be $0.82 per $100 property valuation.
Similarly to when Storrs testified in the “Security Against Suit” motion earlier this year, she once again discussed how she wrote the memo in the funding ordinance included on the May 24 meeting agenda. She said that she brought over some information from the similar City Hall ordinance passed by the City Council during the Dec. 14, 2021 meeting.
Storrs said that she did not intentionally do anything to mislead the public on the tax notes related item on the May 24 agenda.
Danforth’s testimony
Danforth was called as an expert witness in this litigation, providing insight regarding potential increased construction costs caused by the delay of the project. Danforth said prices have increased for items including structural steel, concrete and copper.
Danforth said he expects to see a 6% hike in construction costs for the project, saying that could potentially add around $15-15.5 million on the project.
Miller’s testimony
Miller was the last city staff member to provide testimony during Tuesday’s trial. During the testimony, he said he was “significantly involved” in the development of Ordinance 7985 including working with citizens groups to evaluate options for the project, present findings and facilitating deliberations.
In an email exchange between Miller and Amarillo Mayor Ginger Nelson, submitted as an exhibit during the litigation, it said that Nelson reached out to Miller after the city had received the final report from Garfield Public/Private on the complex and that she was ready to take action on the project.
In a response to that email, Miller mentioned the potential of using $260 million in tax notes for the project, the figure given to city officials by a lending agency related to how much the project could be done through a tax note.
However, Miller stressed that the initial proposal surrounding the project came from the citizens’ group and was forwarded to the Amarillo City Council by the Civic Center subcommittee. Miller said that it was not the recommendation by the subcommittee to move forward with the group’s recommendation, just that it be placed on the agenda.
Like many of the other city officials before Miller, he testified that he was a part of meetings with all the council members surrounding the ordinance. Miller stressed that the meetings were purely informational and there was no discussion on how the council members planned to vote. There were also no suggestions from city officials on how they should vote, Miller said.
What’s expected out of tomorrow’s bench trial?
Officials said at the end of Tuesday’s trial proceedings that Wednesday’s proceedings will begin at 9 a.m. in Potter County District Court. The city’s legal team said that the – following witness are expected to conduct testimonies Wednesday:
Freda Powell, city of Amarillo councilwoman;
Ginger Nelson, city of Amarillo Mayor;
Steven Adams, a financial advisor with Specialized Public Finance as an expert witness.
While Fairly had previously been listed as one of the city’s fact witnesses, Fairly was not listed at the end of Tuesday’s proceedings as a fact witness scheduled for Wednesday’s proceedings.
The only witness that Fairly’s team said they would bring forward on Wednesday is John W. Diamond, the Edward A. and Hermena Hancock Kelly Fellow in Public Finance and the director for the Center of Public Finance at Rice University. Diamond’s expert testimony is expected to begin Wednesday’s proceedings.
After witnesses testify in the case, all three entities are expected to conduct closing arguments and officials expect the case to be wrapped up by tomorrow afternoon. However, there is no indication whether there will be a ruling tomorrow afternoon or if Sowder will make his ruling via documents filed in Potter County District Court. | 2022-10-05T01:26:45Z | www.myhighplains.com | Day 1 of Amarillo Civic Center provides arguments, testimony | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/your-local-election-hq/amarillo-civic-center-complex-project/day-1-of-amarillo-civic-center-provides-arguments-testimony/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/your-local-election-hq/amarillo-civic-center-complex-project/day-1-of-amarillo-civic-center-provides-arguments-testimony/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with Center City announced that The Barfield hotel is set to receive a statewide award from the Texas Downtown Association.
Center City, according to officials, will announce details about the award at a press conference at 10 a.m. on Wednesday in the lobby of The Barfield, located at 600 S Polk St.
Visit The Barfield website to find out about this luxury hotel including room reservations and a hotel menu. | 2022-10-05T14:22:24Z | www.myhighplains.com | The Barfield to receive award from Texas Downtown Association | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/the-barfield-to-receive-award-from-texas-downtown-association/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/the-barfield-to-receive-award-from-texas-downtown-association/ |
Raising Money for People With Type 1 Diabetes at the TOADS Shoot Out
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Type One Area Diabetic Support or TOADS is hosting a Shoot Out to raise funds to help people with Type 1 diabetes. It will be a day filled with a clay shooting competition, horse races, silent and live auctions, dinner, dancing, and more.
They will be out at River Breaks Ranch on Oct. 8. Check-in starts at 1 p.m. and the dinner begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $275 for an individual shooter, $1,000 for a team of 4, and $50 for just the evening events.
You can check out a full schedule of events over on the TOADS Facebook Page. | 2022-10-05T14:23:21Z | www.myhighplains.com | Raising Money for People With Type 1 Diabetes at the TOADS Shoot Out | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/today-in-amarillo/raising-money-for-people-with-type-1-diabetes-at-the-toads-shoot-out/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/today-in-amarillo/raising-money-for-people-with-type-1-diabetes-at-the-toads-shoot-out/ |
2 in Amarillo indicted on charges of possession of child pornography
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — According to court documents filed by the Potter County District Clerk, on Sept. 29, two men have been indicted on separate charges related to possession of child pornography.
Court documents state that Daniel Khamissi, 18, is facing 10 counts of “Possession of Child Pornography.” According to court documents Khamissi was in possession of the materials in December 2021.
Tasmon Cofer, 22, is facing 10 counts of “Possession of Child Pornography”. He is alleged to have been in possession of the materials in March 2022. | 2022-10-05T21:11:54Z | www.myhighplains.com | 2 in Amarillo indicted on charges of possession of child pornography | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/potter-county/2-in-amarillo-indicted-on-charges-of-possession-of-child-pornography/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/potter-county/2-in-amarillo-indicted-on-charges-of-possession-of-child-pornography/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — For Rebecca Parker, Wonderland is more than just a park to ride the rides or go hang out.
“It’s like another brother or sister, it’s just part of us, and here we are,”.
Parker serves as controller at the park, which was started by her grandparents Paul and Althea Roads.
The 806 with Ro and Ron: Wonderland Amusement Park
“The original rides were a boat ride, and it’s still here. And then we had a little car ride that my granddad built from scratch,” she said.
Wonderland turned 71 years old in August, and just like most businesses the last three plus years, they’ve had to navigate some rocky times.
“If we didn’t have the PPP program, we probably wouldn’t have opened in 2021, or 2020. Without that, we couldn’t have been here, because 2020 killed us, they wouldn’t let the park open because we were not essential,” she explained.
They made it through that, but fast forward to 2022, Parker said supply chain issues punched them in the gut.
“Supply chain has been a nightmare. If we ordered parts. Last year, almost this time, we bought parts for several of the rides, and we still haven’t received the ride. So that’s a whole year, waiting on these rides, and the rides have been down all season,” she said, visibly frustrated.
Parker said it’s extremely upsetting when rides are down, “because we’re here to provide a wonderful experience that the guests wants to come back again.”
To give you an idea how much wonderland is spending to repair rides, one replacement chain on the shoot the chute ride, costs $100,000.
“We’re just so focused on you know, surviving, and we have been focused on that for the last three years, and if we get those seven rides up, that’s a lot of money.”
They chugged their way through 2022, and now they hope to get back on track, in 2023.
For more information on Wonderland, click here. | 2022-10-05T21:12:00Z | www.myhighplains.com | Wonderland working to get back on track after year riddled by supply chain issues | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/wonderland-trying-to-get-back-on-track-after-year-riddled-by-supply-chain-issues/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/wonderland-trying-to-get-back-on-track-after-year-riddled-by-supply-chain-issues/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — During Wednesday morning’s portion of the ongoing Civic Center funding-related litigation in Potter County District Court, testimonies continued with a pair of expert witnesses and a pair of Amarillo City Council members, providing more insight into the decision in front of retired Judge William Sowder on whether or not the city of Amarillo legally issued more than $260 million in tax notes in May for the Amarillo Civic Center Complex project.
This comes after officials heard opening arguments, along with eight testimonies from city of Amarillo staff members and the other three members of the Amarillo City Council, during Tuesday’s proceedings.
Because of a conflict, Fairly’s legal team began the day by calling John Diamond to the stand. According to previous reports, Diamond is the Edward A. and Hermena Hancock Kelly Fellow in Public Finance and the director of the Center of Public Finance at Rice University.
Through their line of questioning, Fairly’s legal team initially called on Diamond to discuss the potential tax implications of Ordinance 7985 on Amarillo citizens over the seven-year redemption schedule lined out in the ordinance. If implemented, Diamond, like other officials, stressed that it would result in a “massive tax increase,” with Diamond saying it could approximately double the city’s property tax rate in two to three years.
Diamond also questioned Tuesday’s testimony from Jerry Danforth, the director of facilities and capital improvement for the city of Amarillo, and his claims of price increases and increased construction costs impacting the overall cost of the complex as construction is delayed throughout the litigation.
Diamond said that increases in costs have “subsided,” speaking on the recent trends of inflation, interest rates and the potential impact on the overall economy moving forward. While those things continue to be a factor, he said price growth overall is slowing.
While Diamond expects the median interest rate to increase slightly in 2023, he said the median starts to fall out beginning in 2024, expecting the rates to decrease slightly in both 2025 and 2026. Diamond projects that the interest rate will start to decrease in the middle, to the end of next year.
Because of these projects, Diamond challenged Danforth’s testimony which reported that Danforth expects the city to see an increase of 6% in construction costs over the next four months. However, the city of Amarillo’s legal team challenged Diamond, asking if he had any experience in construction, which Diamond said he did not. Diamond also said that he does not believe he knows more about construction costs than Danforth.
Next, the city of Amarillo’s legal team called Steven Adams, the city’s financial advisor for debt issuance from Specialized Public Finance, to the stand. At the start of his testimony, Adams laid out the projects the city has used anticipation notes for in recent years, including the City Hall renovation project, infrastructure for the city’s fuel fleet along with software infrastructure, none of which had legal challenges.
Regarding Ordinance 7985, Adams said he worked with the city, along with the bond council, to discuss legal options for issuing debt on the project. Adams also calculated the potential impact of the project on tax rates and the implications potential revenues would bring in.
Under various assumptions, depending on whether or not the city would win the case or there would be an appeal, along with if the original proposal from Frost Bank would still remain, Adams said an increase of more than $3 million in interest could be added to the overall project because of the delay. However, Adams was challenged on the bank’s involvement with the plan by Fairly’s legal team, since there have been no reported conversations among the parties on how to proceed.
City Council testimony
After the expert testimony, Amarillo Councilwoman Freda Powell was called to testify regarding her involvement in the May 24 vote over the Civic Center funding-related ordinance. Like other members of the council, Powell verified that she received the agenda the Friday before the meeting. But as Mayor Pro-Tem, Powell said she received a draft of the agenda the Thursday before the meeting, choosing not to make any changes or edits.
Powell said a draft of Ordinance 7985 was on her table during the May 24 meeting, an ordinance which she voted in favor of. Powell said prior to voting, she had a discussion with city staff, including Amarillo City Manager Jared Miller and Amarillo Chief Financial Officer Laura Storrs, about the different options for funding the project, including the notes, a seven-year redemption schedule of the notes and the potential to refinance the notes for 30 years.
Fairly’s legal team challenged Powell, stating that in her deposition, she initially said she did not meet with staff. Powell said she misspoke during the deposition, something which she told the city’s legal team prior to the trial.
Lastly, the city of Amarillo’s legal team called Mayor Ginger Nelson to the stand, the final city council member to testify during the bench trial. Like Powell, Nelson said she received a draft of the agenda for the May 24 meeting the Thursday before and did not remember making changes. Nelson testified she received an official copy the Friday before.
Because she was on the Civic Center subcommittee along with Amarillo Councilman Howard Smith, Nelson testified that she did receive a draft of Ordinance 7985 prior to the May 24 meeting. When asked why a draft was not included before, and why a particular amount of the notes was not included in the ordinance, Nelson responded by saying that it gave the city flexibility in its discussion during the meeting to discuss the correct debt tool to use in this case, the prioritization of parts of the actual project and the size, scope and cost of said parts.
Nelson said the $260 million figure came out of the discussions and the final report from Garfield Public/Private LLC. She testified that the original figure for the new project was estimated at $275 million, but Danforth was able to “value budget” the project to an estimated $260 million.
Ultimately, Nelson said the recommendation from the citizens’ committee surrounding the Civic Center, hosted in conjunction with Garfield, was to move forward as quickly as possible on the project, not having to go in front of the voters. Nelson also stressed that all the incumbents who ran for City Council in 2021, individuals who ran on improving the complex, were reelected, with the council ultimately serving as a “representative republic,” making the best business decision for the city.
During her testimony, Nelson cited the urgency to start the project as soon as possible due to increased interest rates. When asked by Fairly’s legal team why the city did not have a new vote on the project, Nelson said it was because of the potential of higher interest rates, giving the city the ability to save millions of dollars if they started sooner rather than later.
In its line of questioning, Fairly’s legal team highlighted that at the time the anticipation notes were approved, the city already had around $222 million of outstanding debt, with the Civic Center tax notes adding $260 million to that debt. Nelson continued to cite the “reliable information” the city had that because of increased interest rates, it was important to do the project sooner rather than later.
When asked about the process laid out in the testimony of Andrew Freeman, assistant city manager for the city of Amarillo, on Tuesday regarding adding the project to the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. One to move the cost of the project to the interest and sinking portion of the city of Amarillo’s tax rate, Nelson said she does not believe the debt incurred had anything to do with the TIRZ meeting and related ordinance to amend its project plan.
Fairly’s legal team also asked Nelson about the wording of “combination tax and revenue notes” on the agenda of the May 24 City Council Meeting. Nelson said the agenda item was broader than what was passed. However, she said potential revenue streams, including increased sales tax revenue, increased hotel occupancy tax revenue and potential naming rights, were discussed during the meeting. Nelson said she did not know until this lawsuit that the “combination tax and revenue notes” portion of the agenda was a typo, an item that was supposed to only be related to tax notes.
Lastly, Fairly’s team grilled Nelson regarding the public’s notice of the tax increase, asking her if the public had any notice of the amount of the property tax increase or any knowledge of the seven-year redemption schedule for the notes. However, in response to this Iine of questioning, Nelson said because it was a debt issuance, the city did not have any final figures to give until they voted on the measure, reiterating the ordinance was broad for a reason, being shaped through the discussion.
Prior to the morning break, officials from Fairly’s legal team said they plan on calling one more witness, who they did not identify prior to the break. According to previous reports, the only person on Fairly’s legal team’s witness list who has not been yet called as a fact witness is Don Tipps, an insurance agent in Amarillo.
After Fairly’s team’s final testimony, officials from all the parties said they were ready for closing arguments. According to previous reports, there is no indication whether there will be a ruling after closing arguments or if Sowder will make his ruling via documents filed in Potter County District Court later this week or next. | 2022-10-05T21:13:10Z | www.myhighplains.com | Day 2 of Civic Center litigation sees more testimony | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/your-local-election-hq/amarillo-civic-center-complex-project/day-2-of-civic-center-litigation-sees-more-testimony/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/your-local-election-hq/amarillo-civic-center-complex-project/day-2-of-civic-center-litigation-sees-more-testimony/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The bench trial, which centered around the city of Amarillo’s use of anticipation notes for improvements and the expansion of the Amarillo Civic Center Project, came to an end Wednesday afternoon in Potter County District Court.
This comes after the legal team for the city of Amarillo, the legal team for Amarillo Businessman Alex Fairly and a representative from the Texas Attorney General’s Office came together on Tuesday for an in-person trial, where retired Judge William Sowder was tasked with making the decision on whether or not the city can move forward with an approved ordinance, using $260 million in tax notes for the Civic Center project.
What happened Wednesday morning?
After Tuesday’s hearings were full of both opening statements and testimonies from Amarillo City Council members and city of Amarillo staff, the Wednesday morning hearing consisted of more testimony, this time from expert witnesses and the final two members of the Amarillo City Council.
First, Sowder heard from two expert witnesses that gave differing opinions centering around the financial implications of the delay of the Amarillo Civic Center project. First, Fairly’s team called John Diamond, the director of the Center of Public Finance at Rice University, who spoke about the “massive tax increase,” a seven-year redemption schedule of the $260 million in tax notes for the project.
Diamond also challenged prior testimony surrounding increased prices and construction costs for the project, stressing his opinion that price increases have “subsided” and interest rates are expected to decrease starting in the middle or to the end of 2023.
Steven Adams, the city’s financial advisor for debt issuance from Specialized Public Finance, then provided a different view as the next expert witness. Adams said under the assumption that the same agreement remains in place with Frost Bank, and depending on whether or not the city wins the case or if there is an appeal, the delay could generate more than $3 million in interest, which could be added to the overall cost of the delay.
Next, Sowder heard from the two final members of the Amarillo City Council: Amarillo City Councilwoman Freda Powell and city of Amarillo Mayor Ginger Nelson. In Powell’s testimony, she was challenged by Fairly’s legal team regarding some misstatements she claimed she made surrounding meeting with city staff prior to the vote on the ordinance, first saying she did not meet with city staff in her deposition but recanting her statement during Wednesday morning’s hearing.
During Nelson’s testimony, many topics were covered including when Nelson was given a draft of the ordinance, how the $260 million figure was decided upon and why the figure was not included in the ordinance. Nelson was also asked about the use of the phrase “tax and revenue notes” on the agenda instead of it being “tax notes.”
In Nelson’s line of questioning, she was also asked to provide some insight, by Fairly’s legal team, surrounding the role of the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone in this process. When she was asked about adding the project to TIRZ No. One, ultimately moving the tax impact of the Civic Center project to the debt side of the tax rate, Nelson said at the time she did not believe the debt incurred had anything to do with the TIRZ meeting and the related ordinance to amend its project plan.
Last testimony of bench trial
Prior to Wednesday afternoon’s closing arguments, Fairly’s legal team called one last witness serving as a perspective of a citizen in the city of Amarillo through this whole process. Don Tipps, an insurance agent, testified during Wednesday’s hearing, identifying himself as a property taxpayer and voter in the city of Amarillo.
Tipps, who testified that he spoke in the public comment portion of the May 24 Amarillo City Council meeting, said he first heard about the Civic Center agenda item from Amarillo Councilmember Cole Stanley. Tipps, who expressed his intention that he would like to run for Amarillo City Council, testified that when Stanley told him about the item, he was in disbelief, saying that he believed the city could not vote on a Civic Center-related measure. He stressed that he thought the city would abide by the November 2020 bond election vote, striking down the Civic Center-related bond.
Tipps testified that when he read the agenda item and the accompanying memorandum on the agenda, it was hard to discern, remembering that he did not believe there was any mention of the Civic Center within the text. In cross-examination, Paul Trahan, a member of the city of Amarillo’s legal team, had Tipps read the specific portion of the agenda that mentions the anticipation notes would be for the Civic Center project.
After this last testimony, the legal teams in the case rested and closed their specific arguments.
Prior to the entities presenting their respective closing arguments to Sowder, he requested that they specifically cover the following two topics:
The role of the TIRZ No. One board, its significance and the timing of the project plan change;
The status of the Civic Center funding-related referendum petition.
City of Amarillo’s closing arguments
Trahan referred back to his opening argument at the beginning of his closing argument on Wednesday saying, from the city’s perspective, the matter is as cut and dry as it was at the beginning of the trial – that the city of Amarillo satisfied the criteria for the notes to be verified under a Texas Government Code Chapter 1205 declaratory judgment.
Trahan said that this year alone, the city of Amarillo has issued anticipation notes for many projects, including the ongoing renovation of the Amarillo Hardware building for the new location of City Hall. He said the agendas and ordinances looked similar for these projects and there were no legal challenges.
Because of this, he emphasized that this particular case is of a “political nature,” something he stressed at the beginning of the trial that he did not think was relevant. Trahan said the trial centers around a citizen that took issue with one particular measure the Amarillo City Council took.
During his closing argument, Trahan reiterated that:
The Civic Center is a public work and knows that it can’t be a public work if there is a sports team as a tenant of the facility;
The ordinance issuing the tax notes imposes a tax, which will be outlined in the yearly process when the city goes through implementing the debt through a tax rate;
Whatever tax is implemented because of the tax notes will remain under the rate cap outlined in the city charter;
There was 0% evidence of violations of the Texas Open Meetings act at any of the meetings referenced during the trial.
Specifically, regarding the Civic Center-related referendum petition, Trahan said it does not apply to this particular ordinance and if authorized it would be unconstitutional, based on the impairment of contracts clause in both federal and state law. Trahan also cited Coggins’ testimony that the petition in its current state was already not authorized because of the issues with the petition’s affidavit of circulator, claiming in the process that 40% of the signatures on the petition were fraudulent.
Regarding the TIRZ involvement, Trahan said because of the Civic Center’s location, it is already within the TIRZ No. 1 zone. The city began the conversation with the board about the importance of amending the project plan to reflect what projects are within the boundaries of the zone. Trahan also clarified that the project’s tax impact would be allocated in the debt portion of the tax rate if it is located in the TIRZ zone. If the project were located outside the zone, it would be allocated on the maintenance and operations side of the rate.
Through the span of this litigation, Trahan said Fairly’s legal team has “thrown everything on the wall,” and hopes that the testimony and the exhibits given through the trial show that “none of it sticks.”
At the end of his closing argument, Trahan said that after months and years of public discussion, an extensive study with Garfield Public Private LLC and a recommendation by a Civic Center citizens committee, a duly elected City Council approved the tax notes. Trahan said the notes should be found that they were valid, legal and in the best interest of citizens.
Fairly’s closing arguments
Christopher Diamond, a member of Fairly’s legal team, mainly focused on the two topics highlighted by Sowder during the closing arguments. Because the subject was of particular special interest, Diamond said the TIRZ meeting, along with the subsequent meetings where the City Council had first and second readings on the ordinance that amended the TIRZ No. One project plan should have had heightened notice requirements under the Texas Open Meetings Act and under the Texas Tax Code.
Diamond claimed that the violations of the open meetings act made the TIRZ project plan amendment invalid, which, they said, would ultimately move the tax impact of the Civic Center project to the maintenance and operations side of the city’s tax rate. That portion of the tax rate, which has a 3.5% increase cap, would ultimately trigger a voter-approval election if the project was moved to that side.
In relation to the referendum petition, Diamond stressed that citizens are not arguing whether or not the use of the notes are legal in this case, it is about whether the use of tax notes for this project is right or wrong in the citizen’s eyes. However, Diamond did question the city’s reference to the contract clause since the contract never closed with Frost Bank in the closing of the tax notes.
Ultimately, Diamond compared the city’s use of the tax notes for the Civic Center project as live testing tires. He said if a person blows up a tire to its maximum amount, they start to see weaknesses in the product. The Civic Center project is not what Texas Government Code 1431 is for, Diamond said. He then mirrored the statement Alyssa Bixby-Lawson, the representative from the Texas Attorney General’s office, made in her opening statement, claiming that the city manipulated a series of statutes to go around voter approval for the project.
Overall, Diamond said that Fairly “generously” brought this action forward and that he raised a serious issue with this lawsuit. At the end of his closing argument, Diamond, on behalf of Fairly’s legal team, asked Sowder to rule that the city’s use of the tax notes was not a legal issuance of debt.
Texas Attorney General’s Office’s closing arguments
In her closing argument, Bixby-Lawson cited three things. First, Bixby-Lawson mirrored Fairly’s team’s argument, saying that there was no evidence given that the TIRZ process by the city of Amarillo was in compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act and the Texas Tax Code, with no publication or notice of the meeting given, other than the agenda.
Bixby-Lawson also cited the conflicting testimony surrounding the “public use” of the Civic Center, highlighting Nelson’s testimony that Nelson had preliminary thoughts and conversations surrounding a potential sports team for the facility.
Lastly, Bixby-Lawson questioned the current validity of the notes under the ordinance’s current terms. She cited Adams’ testimony that officials with the city had not communicated with Frost Bank about how the terms of the ordinance stand through the span of this litigation. She said if there is a new deal with the bank, there would have to be a new ordinance approved for tax notes, making the current one irrelevant.
Ultimately, based on these factors, Bixby-Lawson said her recommendation was to deny the relief the city was requesting.
In an opportunity for rebuttal, Trahan challenged Bixby-Lawson’s argument surrounding the public use of the facility, saying that an idea in someone’s mind for a facility that has not been built yet, should not invalidate the notes.
Trahan also tackled the subject of the petition once more, saying that Section 23 of the city’s charter, the portion which outlines the petition process, does not apply. If it did apply, he said it would prevent the city from issuing debt in any regard, if a petition was submitted.
Trahan ultimately continued to make the point that politics are not relevant in this case, even though he said that it appears to have been involved. Trahan continued to stress that the notes were issued for a valid reason and there was no evidence, in any case, of violations of the Texas Open Meetings Act.
“It’s just politics, your honor,” Trahan stressed to Sowder at the end of his rebuttal.
After the city’s rebuttal, Diamond said that the city has the duty to have public meetings and should have had one surrounding the TIRZ project plan ordinance. He said that this finding was “fatal” to the city’s case.
At the end of the hearing, Sowder stressed the importance of the timeliness of a decision for this litigation. He said that he expects to make a decision in less than 10 days. | 2022-10-06T00:05:53Z | www.myhighplains.com | Decision to come as Civic Center trial ends after 2 days | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/your-local-election-hq/amarillo-civic-center-complex-project/decision-to-come-as-civic-center-trial-ends-after-2-days/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/your-local-election-hq/amarillo-civic-center-complex-project/decision-to-come-as-civic-center-trial-ends-after-2-days/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) —It’s official. For the first time, Amazon Prime members are being treated to two sales events in the same year. The first was Prime Day, which happened on July 11 and 12. The second is called the Prime Early Access Sale, and it takes place on October 11 and 12. Since so much happens during these 48 hours, it’s important to have a guide to get the most out of the event. | 2022-10-06T00:05:59Z | www.myhighplains.com | How to make the most of Amazon’s Prime Early Access Sale | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/reviews/br/how-to-make-the-most-of-amazons-prime-early-access-sale/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/reviews/br/how-to-make-the-most-of-amazons-prime-early-access-sale/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Amarillo College publicly launched its $45 million fundraising “Badger Bold” campaign on Wednesday. Joe Bill Sherrod, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, said students and faculty came together to celebrate the achievements of the campaign during its quiet phase and announce the plans for the campaign in the future.
Badger Bold will be AC’s first comprehensive campaign in the school’s 93-year history and AC president Russell Lowery-Hart said this is the perfect timing for the college to bring in new and bold change.
“I believe it is incumbent upon Amarillo College to foster a vibrant economic future across the full extent of our reach. Through “Badger Bold” we will empower our students and faculty to unleash their unlimited potential, generate the workforce of the future, attract the jobs of the future, and serve as a primary impetus for economic growth throughout our region,” said Lowery-Hart.
According to AC’s officials, the “Badger Bold” campaign will focus on initiatives which are student experience access and completion, faculty and staff development, and campus capital. Sherrod said the initiative for student experience can be seen through resources that encourage students to continue with school.
“So a great example of enhancing student experience will be creating access to education, to higher education. So that might be a scholarship, that might be assistance with food, housing, and areas where we know some of our students struggle. Removing barriers that will help them stay in school” said Sherrod.
Sherrod said the campaign has also improved faculty development through a donation from the Amarillo College Foundation. The donation of $250,000 allowed for the school to open a research scientist position. Under the capital initiative, the school was able to reinstate athletics this year at AC with its new Badger Volleyball building.
“Collectively, these initiatives will ensure that AC continues serving as a primary catalyst for creating jobs of the future and spurring vital economic growth at a pivotal time when artificial intelligence, robotics, and bioscience are fundamentally changing how we function and work,” said Lowery-Hart.
According to AC’s officials, during the quiet phase of the campaign, 70% of its goal was reached with six donations of $1 million or more. Amarillo Economic Development Corporation one of the contributors approved $3 million over the next five years to support AC’s new innovation outpost.
“The support for “Badger Bold” has been phenomenal and we are elated at this point. All forms of giving are impactful to the institution, from small gifts given year after year to major gifts and planned gifts, which denote Amarillo College as the beneficiary in a will,” said Sherrod.
Officials said that with “Badger Bold” now in the public phase it is now tasked with fundraising $12.5 million over the next three years in order to meet its goal of $45 million.
Sherrod said that he is both hopeful and optimistic that the foundation will reach the target goal. | 2022-10-06T05:05:04Z | www.myhighplains.com | AC launches public phase of fundraising campaign | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/top-stories/ac-launches-public-phase-of-fundraising-campaign/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/top-stories/ac-launches-public-phase-of-fundraising-campaign/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with the BSA Hospice of the Southwest released details on its upcoming 40th annual Rose Memorial which is scheduled to occur at 2 p.m. Sunday at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, located at 3500 S. Bowie St.
According to a news release, this yearly event provides area residents the opportunity to honor the memory of individuals who have died in recent years, consisting of a nondenominational service, including prayers, songs and meditation. A reception will occur afterward.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate the lives of loved ones who have died,” Alyssa Jenkins, a licensed master social worker and the bereavement coordinator for the BSA Hospice of the Southwest said in the release. “Attendees will observe a candle lighting and be presented roses from staff and volunteers in honor of their loved ones.”
This comes after the memorial was started in 1980, where Sister Olivia Prendergast placed roses on the patients who died in the in-patient hospice unit, symbolizing the beauty of life and God’s eternal love.
“We know how hard it can be to process the death of those who mean so much to us,” Jenkins said in the release. “But, their memory doesn’t die and that’s why it’s important to celebrate those lives and honor the memory of those we love.”
Officials said the BSA Hospice of the Southwest cares for more than 1,000 patients and their families each year. For more information about the event, they are asked to call 806-356-0026 or visit the hospice’s website. | 2022-10-06T16:11:21Z | www.myhighplains.com | BSA Hospice to host 40th annual Rose Memorial | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/bsa-hospice-to-host-40th-annual-rose-memorial/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/bsa-hospice-to-host-40th-annual-rose-memorial/ |
via The Arbors Amarillo website
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – According to a Thursday announcement, Baptist Community Services (BCS) said it will phase out its short-term rehabilitation services at The Arbors by the end of the year.
BCS detailed that the current rehabilitation patients at The Arbors, located at 1910 Medi Park Drive, will continue to be served until their stay is complete. Further, staff members at The Arbors will be given the option to transfer to a facility of their choice at the BCS Park Central campus in Downtown Amarillo, where they will maintain their current salary and seniority.
Aside from The Arbors, BCS noted that it operates the senior retirement campus Park Central in Amarillo which includes five independent living facilities, as well as assisted living at The Moore, long-term care at The Ware, and memory care at The Sycamore. The organization also operates the Amarillo Town Club fitness facility, Snack Pak 4 Kids, and the High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation.
“Regulatory changes, market conditions and developments in the skilled nursing/rehabilitation industry have led to this decision,” said BCS President Steve Dairymple. “Transitioning our excellent staff from the Arbors to Park Central will make a positive impact on the care and services we provide.”
More information on Baptist Community Services can be found on the organization’s website. | 2022-10-06T20:49:42Z | www.myhighplains.com | Baptist Community Services to phase out short-term rehabilitation at The Arbors | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/baptist-community-services-to-phase-out-short-term-rehabilitation-at-the-arbors/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/baptist-community-services-to-phase-out-short-term-rehabilitation-at-the-arbors/ |
R’Bonney Gabriel, who represented Friendswood when she won Miss Texas USA, is set to compete in the finals of Miss USA.
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — According to an Insider report, on Monday, Oct. 3 Miss Texas was named Miss USA, and history was made. For the first time in history, a Filipino American won Miss USA, R’Bonney Gabriel, who recently won the Miss Texas pageant. Gabriel will now represent the United States at the Miss Universe pageant on January 14, 2023, in New Orleans.
Gabriel also made history by becoming the first Asian American woman to represent Miss Texas. Miss Texas is 28 years old and lives in Harris County in Houston, she graduated from the University of North Texas back in 2018. Gabriel not only has the look but also has style in her free time she runs her own fashion label “R’Bonney Nola“. Not only is Gabriel a model, fashion designer, Miss Texas, and Miss USA, but she also is a sewing teacher.
Miss Texas did not have an easy road to Miss USA she almost was ineligible because of the age requirements. She was Miss Kemah then she competed for Miss Houston and fell short as the runner-up in both. She was then met with age restrictions but due to Covid-19, she was able to run for Miss Texas. This was her chance and she took full advantage winning Miss Texas and now she has won Miss USA.
Gabriel, during the question round in the pageant, spoke on climate change and how she also shared her belief that individuals can make an impact on the planet through their careers and lifestyles.
“I am a fashion designer; I actually made the outfit I’m wearing,” she said. “I upcycle pieces and recycle different clothing to be more sustainable in my industry because I feel it’s my duty. So I think that’s something we can all look for in our certain industries and in our homes — to be more sustainable.”
#ICYMI Miss Texas USA 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel talks to CW39 Sharron Melton
For more from Gabriel, here’s an interview after her Miss Texas win where she talks about her family, her journey to the crown, what she did to prepare, what she does in her spare time, why she loves being a sustainable and responsible environmentally friendly fashion designer, and how she is helping survivors of domestic violence find new hope and new skills in life. | 2022-10-06T22:56:07Z | www.myhighplains.com | Miss Texas is now Miss USA, made history | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/entertainment-news/miss-texas-is-now-miss-usa-made-history/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/entertainment-news/miss-texas-is-now-miss-usa-made-history/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Amarillo College said as part of its observance of Hispanic Heritage Month it will present a musical project that will honor the Latin American immigrant population that is living in the U.S.
“Our Rhythms, Our Voices” will be presented by Javier Jara and his team of collaborators at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 14 at the Concert Hall Theater on AC’s Washington Street Campus.
AC said in its news release that support for this event is provided by the Amarillo Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Los Barrios, and by the AC Foundation, which set out to raise funding to help lift the Los Barrios de Amarillo Scholarship fund from $20,000 to $50,000.
AC said the event would be free and open to the public. | 2022-10-06T22:56:19Z | www.myhighplains.com | AC special musical project to honor Latin Americans | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/ac-special-musical-project-to-honor-latin-americans/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/ac-special-musical-project-to-honor-latin-americans/ |
via Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum Facebook
CANYON, Texas (KMAR/KCIT) — Officials from the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum (PPHM) announced “Dino Day” will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 8 at the PPHM.
Officials said they will also offer a $5 discounted admission all day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 8 aiming to encourage young paleontologists by exploring the museum paleontology and geology exhibit before activities begin.
According to a PPHM press release, the Amarillo Zoo will be featured in a live animal show with a number of dinosaur decedents.
PPHM said future paleontologists will be able to dig on the East Lawn digging site, make fossils and get a guest appearance from a Paleontologist.
“Dinosaurs remind us of not only our past but how connected things of the past are to the present,” stated Heather Friemel, Assistant Director “Kids will not only get to dig into the past but see how it relates to elements they see every day.
For more information on Dino Day visit, here. | 2022-10-06T22:56:25Z | www.myhighplains.com | Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum set to host ‘Dino Day’ on Oct. 8 | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/panhandle-plains-historical-museum-set-to-host-dino-day-on-oct-8/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/panhandle-plains-historical-museum-set-to-host-dino-day-on-oct-8/ |
SHERMAN COUNTY, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with the Texas Department of Public Safety released details on a Tuesday afternoon crash that left one dead around four miles northeast of Stratford.
According to a news release from Texas DPS, a 2019 Freightliner truck tractor towing a semi-trailer was traveling southwest on US 54 behind a 2007 Peterbilt truck tractor towing a semi-trailer while a 2014 Freightliner truck tractor towing a semi-trailer was traveling northeast around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday on US 54, around four miles northeast of Stratford.
The driver of the 2007 Peterbilt slowed the vehicle to wait for the 2014 Freightliner to travel past, so they could turn south onto County Road 11, according to the release. The driver of the 2019 Freightliner, identified as 46-year-old Raymond Brahier of Pleasanton, failed to control speed and struck the trailer of the 2007 Peterbilt, which caused the 2007 Peterbilt to strike the 2014 Freightliner.
According to the release, Brahier, who was reported to not have been wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead on the scene by the Sherman County Justice of the Peace. Officials with Texas DPS said the crash remains under investigation by troopers with the Texas Highway Patrol. | 2022-10-06T22:56:31Z | www.myhighplains.com | 1 dead after Tuesday afternoon crash near Stratford | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/sherman-county/1-dead-after-tuesday-afternoon-crash-near-stratford/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/sherman-county/1-dead-after-tuesday-afternoon-crash-near-stratford/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – A local non-profit is looking to share the customs, arts, and dance of Latin America with the High Plains community. Rayenari is hoping through their performances they can connect local Hispanics with their culture and share experiences and stories with others in the area.
Rayenari means sol or sun and according to Everardo Meza, one of the directors of the organization, the reason for the name is because the sun shines on everyone.
Fellow director, Héctor Portillo said the organization has three goals:
“The first is to enrich with our audience the knowledge about the Latin-American culture, our second goal is to provide our students a safe space where they can develop their personal development and our third goal is to preserve all the Latin-American cultures as much as possible for our audience,” said Portillo.
Portillo added the best thing about being an artist is you can channel what you want to say through a particular medium.
“If I want to say I do really care where I come from or represent where my mom is from, or where my dad is, where my customs are. Experiencing that and transmitting that to our audience is one of the best experiences we can have,” said Portillo
One of the dancers in Rayenari, Erika Martinez said she has been a part of the group since the beginning and added it’s cool to learn more about her culture.
“You get to see the different dances and the different states in Mexico dance,” said Martinez.
Alongside sharing dance in the community through their dance group, Rayenari has also partnered with Amarillo college to create the Amarillo Community Latin-American orchestra.
In November, the organization will be hosting the Mexican Arts Festival at the Amarillo Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts in which they will not only highlight music and dance.
“That’s a big place, so more people. More spirit. More happiness,” said Elizabeth Reimer, another director of Rayenari.
“We are looking for people who know art, if they want to paint something or any different kind of art, that is going to be the perfect place to share what they do and it will be a pleasure for us to show them we have a Latin community with a lot of talent,” added Meza.
That Mexican Arts Festival will be held on Nov. 20, which Rayenari said is significant as it falls on Revolution Day, a day marking the start of what became the Mexican Revolution.
Portillo said as for the future of the organization it will continue to grow.
Rayenari said they are still looking for sponsors and donations for the Mexican Arts Festival and added due to the size of the event any resource would be a help. | 2022-10-07T00:53:17Z | www.myhighplains.com | Local organization sharing the Latin American culture with the High Plains | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/hidden-history/hispanic-heritage-month/local-organization-sharing-the-latin-american-culture-with-the-high-plains/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/hidden-history/hispanic-heritage-month/local-organization-sharing-the-latin-american-culture-with-the-high-plains/ |
CLOVIS, N.M. (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with the Clovis Police Department released details on a Thursday afternoon incident involving a man who died after being pinned by a vehicle in Clovis.
According to a news release from the department, Clovis Police and Clovis Fire Services were dispatched to an incident in the 1300 block of East Brady Street around 2:49 p.m. Thursday on a report of a vehicle falling off a jack and pinning a person underneath.
When first responders arrived at the scene, they found 36-year-old Victor Cano-Garcia, pinned underneath the front passenger side of a Chevrolet pickup truck after it fell from the jacks that were supporting it. After he was freed from underneath the vehicle, Cano-Garcia was checked by EMS on the scene but died as a result of injuries in the incident, according to the release.
Officials with the Clovis Police Department are continuing to investigate the incident. Officials from the department are asking that anyone with information call the department at 575-769-1921, send information through the tip411 mobile application or call the Curry County Crime Stoppers at 575-763-7000. | 2022-10-07T17:09:35Z | www.myhighplains.com | 1 man dead in Clovis after being pinned by a vehicle | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/curry-county/1-man-dead-in-clovis-after-being-pinned-by-a-vehicle/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/curry-county/1-man-dead-in-clovis-after-being-pinned-by-a-vehicle/ |
Courtesy Texas Tech Goin’ Band Facebook page
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The Texas Tech Goin’ Band is set to rehearse at Dick Bivins Stadium and fans are invited to watch the rehearsal from 12:20 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. on Friday, according to officials with Texas Tech.
The band, officials said, is preparing for their show at the Tech vs OSU football game on Saturday.
Check out the Goin’ Band’s full performance schedule here. | 2022-10-07T17:09:41Z | www.myhighplains.com | Fans invited to Texas Tech Goin’ band rehearsal at Dick Bivins Stadium | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/fans-invited-to-texas-tech-goin-band-rehearsal-at-dick-bivins-stadium/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/fans-invited-to-texas-tech-goin-band-rehearsal-at-dick-bivins-stadium/ |
SPEARMAN, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with the Spearman Volunteer Fire Department released information regarding an early Friday fire where firefighters saved a person inside a home.
According to a post made to the Spearman Volunteer Fire Department’s Facebook page, officials were alerted to a fire around 2 a.m. Friday where they found that a person was trapped inside. When the Hansford County Sheriff’s deputy and the fire chief arrived at the scene, a small fire was discovered.
The two individuals entered the home and were able to get the person inside of the home outside and away from the smoke. According to the post, the fire was then contained to the “point of origin and burned itself out preventing any additional property damage.”
Officials also said in the post that several animals were located by firefighters and placed into safe care.
“We would like to thank Hansford County Sheriff, Sheriff’s Dispatchers, Spearman Police and Hansford County Hospital EMS for their prompt response and help to have a positive outcome this morning,” the post read. | 2022-10-07T17:09:47Z | www.myhighplains.com | 1 person saved after early Friday fire in Spearman | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/hansford-county/1-person-saved-after-early-friday-fire-in-spearman/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/hansford-county/1-person-saved-after-early-friday-fire-in-spearman/ |
WEB 23: Tom Brady and Gisele lawyer up, Kardashian ad drama and more
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — In this week’s episode of the Weekly Entertainment Bubble, Meteorologist Maria Pasillas joins the show to recap the latest entertainment stories of the week.
Reports have surfaced that both Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen have hired divorce lawyers amid speculation that the couple are on rocky grounds.
Media outlets reported that the couple has been living separately for months and “exploring their options,” a source close to the pair told CNN.
In February 2022, Brady announced his retirement from a long career in the NFL only to reverse that decision a couple of months later. A source told PEOPLE that Bündchen “was so happy when he announced his retirement.”
Both parties have major fortunes that will need to be evaluated as Brady reportedly has a net worth of $250 million. A divorce attorney stated to PEOPLE, “At the beginning, Gisele was earning more than him, and he kept on winning and his income got more and more substantial and it outgrew hers and because of the timing, the case will be determined based upon the height of earning.”
The couple shares two children together, along with Brady’s son with actress Bridget Moynahan.
Kim Kardashian pays SEC over $1M to settle ad charges
Kim Kardashian is constantly in the news with the latest reports indicating that Kardashian agreed to pay $1.26 million in penalties to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The SEC, according to NBC News, explained that Kardashian promoted the cryptocurrency token, Ethereum Max, on her Instagram and did not disclose that she was getting paid $250,000 for the promotion.
Celebrities including Reese Witherspoon, Matt Damon, and Gwyneth Paltrow have posted on social media about cryptocurrencies.
The Business Journal reported that the Ethereum Max token has “declined in value by more than 90% since its peak in May.”
Hilary Swank expecting twins
Hilary Swank has some exciting news! Swank made an appearance on GMA and to everyone’s surprise, announced she was expecting twins with her husband, Philip Schneider.
“This is something I’ve been wanting for a long time and my next thing is I’m gonna be a mom, said Swank on GMA. “And not just of one, but of two. I can’t believe it.”
The Oscar-winning actress added that the crew on her new show, “Alaska Daily” did not know she was pregnant until her announcement on GMA.
Jennifer Lopez and Josh Duhamel’s new rom-com trailer
A new trailer just dropped! The Prime Video movie “Shotgun Wedding,” stars Jennifer Lopez and Josh Duhamel as they prepare for their extravagant wedding.
The ceremony is cut short when a group of men crash the ceremony armed with guns and kidnap the couple causing major action-pact drama.
The trailer is full of funny moments along with a glimpse of Jennifer Coolidge and her hilarious one-liners.
Check out the full trailer here.
Horror movies made in Texas
Spooky season has arrived which means classic horror movies will be on every streaming service.
Take a look at this list on MyHighPlains.com that details the six horror movies that were filmed in Texas. | 2022-10-07T19:09:52Z | www.myhighplains.com | WEB 23: Tom Brady and Gisele lawyer up, Kardashian ad drama and more | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/entertainment-news/entertainment-bubble/web-23-tom-brady-and-gisele-lawyer-up-kardashian-ad-drama-and-more/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/entertainment-news/entertainment-bubble/web-23-tom-brady-and-gisele-lawyer-up-kardashian-ad-drama-and-more/ |
HEREFORD, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is hosting a Women in AG Conference on Oct. 18 at the Hereford Civic Center at 1001 W. 15th St.
AgriLife Extension family and community health agent for Deaf Smith County, Amalia Mata, said the program is open to and designed to help agricultural women throughout the region learn, bond, and encourage each other.
The program will begin with registration at 9 a.m., followed by the opening session at 9:30 a.m. Preregistration is $25 and the fee at the door is $30. Those wanting to attend can RSVP by calling Amy Wagner, AgriLife Extension family and community health county agent at the AgriLife Extension office in Oldham County at 806-639-2180.
Texas A&M said the program is coordinated by the agency’s offices in Castro, Deaf Smith, Oldham, and Parmer counties. | 2022-10-07T21:50:54Z | www.myhighplains.com | TAMU Women in AG conference Oct. 18 | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/tamu-women-in-ag-conference-oct-18/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/tamu-women-in-ag-conference-oct-18/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Amarillo Animal Management and Welfare is participating in the Return to Home Challenge in an effort to microchip as many pets as possible throughout the month of October.
Microchipping allows permanent identification, reliable tracking and increases the likelihood that a pet will be returned to its owner. According to the American Kennel Club, pets with microchips are 20 times more likely to be returned to the owner.
“Pet identification is incredibly important,” said Kayla Sell. “We don’t actually want animals in the shelter, we want them back home with their families and so animals that don’t have a microchip, we can get them back to their family quicker with a microchip or even just a collar with an ID tag or a collar with you know a sharpie with your phone number on the collar.”
Officials said that no appointment is necessary for microchip implantation. If a person is missing a pet, AAM&W is asking that individuals check their website. All pets in their care are listed on the website. | 2022-10-08T00:19:17Z | www.myhighplains.com | AAM&W Offering Free Microchipping in October | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/aamw-offering-free-microchipping-in-october-2/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/aamw-offering-free-microchipping-in-october-2/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – In June, the City of Amarillo and AT&T announced a $24 million project, where the company will expand its fiber network within the city to reach more than 22 thousand homes, businesses, and more, bridging the digital divide.
City of Amarillo and AT&T partner to deliver broadband access to more than 22,000 locations
Chief Information Officer with the City of Amarillo, Rich Gagnon, said the city has been working on two projects to expand broadband access, Amarillo Connected and Panhandle Connected.
“The first, is Amarillo Connected, which is focused on inside the city limits, and the second is Panhandle Connected, which is focused on all 62 communities across the panhandle,” said Gagnon.
Gagnon said that AT&T has already started construction and said they anticipate they will be at 50% completion in six months, 60 to 80% in 12 months and completion in 36 months.
He said with the construction pieces in place, the city is shifting to media literacy.
“We are going to start with fundamentals, for some folks, its as simple as how to turn on a computer, how to use email, what social media is and what it isn’t and how to be safe online,” added Gagnon.
Gagnon said they are also partnering with Amarillo College so folks can add to their skills and increase their chances of getting better jobs.
“Then we want to expand that into basic workforce things like how to use office tools. Word, Excel. What basic skills you can have to improve your employment situation,” said Gagnon.
Gagnon said Panhandle Connected is a collective work group that is looking at how to extend the success of broadband connectivity to the rest of the high plains. The workgroup is made up of the City of Amarillo, Region 16, Amarillo Area Foundation, Impact Broadband, Grow Associates, and Connected Nation.
“That project, there are a few things happening there. We have just submitted for the NTIA Middle Mile Grant, we have submitted for a $100 million grant to upgrade the fiber links from Amarillo to all 62 communities all across the panhandle and now that is submitted we are working on the B grant which will provide connectivity from that fiber from the community to the homes,” said Gagnon.
Gagnon added broadband connectivity is much needed here in the Texas panhandle.
“The Texas Education Agency, when they did their survey, we had 49,000 homes that had little to no access across the panhandle and if you think about it, it’s not just the homes. It is the businesses in those communities,” said Gagnon.
In an OpEd column by Amarillo Mayor Ginger Nelson released Tuesday, she spoke on the importance of providing internet to those who need it:
The city of Amarillo is blazing a new trail in Texas as the first major city to marry the power of the private sector with funding from the American Rescue Plan to drive deployment of high-speed, high-security internet connections throughout our community.
Through a standard, transparent procurement process, we recently awarded AT&T, an experienced and proven broadband provider, the contract to make internet connections available throughout our city. This was done with a $20 million-plus investment from AT&T.
With this partnership, AT&T will lay fiber to connect homes, apartments, schools and other government buildings, and businesses in Amarillo. This expanded fiber network will be the fastest among major providers and will offer symmetrical speeds of up to 5-Gigs on downloads and uploads. This is ultra-fast internet, allowing a user to stream ultra-HD quality video on up to 4 devices at the same time or download an entire music album in around seven seconds
Internet access plans will be at no cost to citizens who qualify for the federal Affordable Connectivity Program, with the goal of closing the digital divide here in Amarillo.
This is the first project on such a large scale in Texas, and we are proud to be leading the way and setting an example for other cities and local governments. In Amarillo, we considered several options for making the most of these dollars before choosing to engage in a public-private partnership – a solution that will allow us to leverage federal dollars and private sector funds.
We suffered from a digital divide like many communities across Texas, but we are also unique in that Amarillo has a significant refugee population. According to the Refugee Language Project, “12,000 refugees have settled in Amarillo and 59% of this population are enrolled in English as a Second Language Program.”
As we all know, access to the internet and educational opportunities are vital for all of us. Helping all Amarillo residents get connected is critical.
In fact, thanks to this collaboration, we were able to greatly multiply our investment and better serve local residents. What’s more, we are able to harness the expertise of a proven provider, and ensure our taxpayers aren’t footing the bill for the continued upgrades, daily maintenance and security improvements that internet infrastructure requires.
Providing connectivity is only the first step. The city also has developed partnerships with multiple agencies such as the Amarillo Area Foundation, Region 16 and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center to help with digital education, once our new fiber infrastructure is up and running. These partnerships will help us create digital equity including access to devices, training, and digital literacy so that the power of our new infrastructure is available to all.
Our program is for today and for the future. We recognize that consumer demand for speed and network capacity will only grow. With AT&T, we have a broadband network that is future-proofed, meaning, they will have the ability to implement even faster speeds as consumers’ needs grow.
Amarillo is taking the lead in ensuring all its residents have access to the worldwide web and its countless uses – from education to workforce development to health care and more. AT&T, with a longtime tradition of excellence in communication, is the right choice in this historic project that will benefit the entire Amarillo community and serve as a template for other cities and communities to follow on how to connect their residents in the digital age
Amarillo Mayor Ginger Nelson | 2022-10-08T00:19:23Z | www.myhighplains.com | City of Amarillo provides update on broadband project | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/city-of-amarillo-provides-update-on-broadband-project/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/city-of-amarillo-provides-update-on-broadband-project/ |
CANYON, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum said the second Tidings of the Trees event will be on Nov. 17 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the museum.
Officials said in a news release, that the event will feature music, food and drink, along with a chance to view and bid on unique Christmas trees created by local artists and businesses.
According to officials, the trees will be made out of unique materials, with creative themes.
A PPHM Christmas pin designed by Kat Luciano and a new pin designed by local artists from Blind Bird Designs will also be available for purchase. | 2022-10-08T00:19:35Z | www.myhighplains.com | PPHM Tidings of the Trees 2022 | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/pphm-tidings-of-the-trees-2022/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/pphm-tidings-of-the-trees-2022/ |
CLOVIS, N.M. (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with the Clovis Police Department (CPD) released information regarding a Saturday morning motorcycle accident that left one with a significant head injury.
According to a news release from CPD, officers were dispatched to a noise complaint at around 2:13 a.m. on Oct 8 at the Grand Avenue Apartment Complex, located at 2101 West Grand Street.
Officers said while driving in a marked vehicle Westbound on Grand Street, an officer noticed a motorcycle heading east on Grand Street.
According to the release, the officer made a U-turn and activated his emergency lights to attempt a traffic stop, officers stated that the motorcycle increased speed dramatically and headed east on Grand Street. CPD said shortly after officers noticed a disturbance of light toward 1st Street as it curves near Grand.
CPD stated that they discovered the motorcycle and a 23-year-old male with a significant head injury. Officers add that the driver was not wearing a helmet, Emergency Medical Services were dispatched and the driver was transported to Plains Regional Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. CPD said the driver was later transported to a Lubbock area hospital for further treatment.
The Clovis Police Department stated that the Major Crash Team has been activated and will be further investigating this vehicular crash. | 2022-10-08T22:25:59Z | www.myhighplains.com | Man suffers life-threatening injuries after motorcycle crash in Clovis | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/new-mexico/man-suffers-life-threatening-injuries-after-motorcycle-crash-in-clovis/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/new-mexico/man-suffers-life-threatening-injuries-after-motorcycle-crash-in-clovis/ |
(Photo by John Korduner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
AMARILLO, Texas (KMAR/KCIT) — According to an NCAA.com release, the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooner’s Red River Rivalry are one of the best rivalries in college football. Today on Oct. 8 these teams would face off in their 118th meeting.
Texas would make that hard to believe today by shutting the Sooners out in a 49-0 victory bringing their all-time record in the rivalry series to 63-50-5. This will be the first time Texas shut out the Sooners since 1965, I’m sure none of the players who played today were even thought about yet.
The Sooners were coming into this game with confidence after winning four straight in this rivalry series, in 2021 the Sooners trailed by 21 points and rallied back to beat the Longhorns.
For more information on the Red River Rivalry series history including scores and all-time games, visit here. | 2022-10-09T01:31:02Z | www.myhighplains.com | First Red River Rivalry shutout by Texas since 1965 | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/sports/first-red-river-rivalry-shutout-by-texas-since-1965/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/sports/first-red-river-rivalry-shutout-by-texas-since-1965/ |
via Photo by SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty Images
Most of the list decide to go to the homes of fashion, retail, and entertainment considering California ranking the highest in residents with 80 billionaires on the list followed by New York with 65 people making the list. However, Seattle Washington where the sun rarely shines due to constant rainfall doesn’t have a fashion or entertainment industry, however, it houses 8 people out of the Forbes top ten.
Texas is home to a billionaire who has a net worth of $251 billion topping the founders of the biggest companies including; Google, Walmart, Nike, and Amazon.
Texas has 43 billionaires on the list but who is the wealthiest and where does he rank amongst the other state’s richest people?
Here’s a list of the Wealthiest people in each state according to the 41st edition of the Forbes 400 list:
Elon Musk is widely known for launching rockets into space as CEO and founder of SpaceX, and CEO and product architect of one of the highly sought electric cars Tesla. Musk also has his hands in angel investments, he is the founder of The Boring Company; and the co-founder of Neuralink and OpenAI. Forbes reports that Musk is an Austin resident where he is also getting a $1.1 billion Tesla factory built that will now be Tesla headquarters. However, Musk has said that his primary residence is in a $50,000 modular mini-house in Boca Chica, near SpaceX’s launch facility in South Texas.
Musk a recent resident of California made the move to Texas along with his personal foundation in 2020. As the wealthiest man in America, Texas seems like a great landing spot with no personal income tax. While California imposes the highest personal income levies in the nation on its richest residents. Although Musk is the richest resident in Texas the wealthiest man born in Texas is Michael Dell from Houston, Texas who is the founder and CEO of Dell Corporation.
For more information on the richest people in each state visit, here, or for a full list of the 400 billionaires on Forbes visit, here. | 2022-10-10T00:23:20Z | www.myhighplains.com | The wealthiest man in Texas, each state listed | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/entertainment-news/the-wealthiest-man-in-texas-each-state-listed/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/entertainment-news/the-wealthiest-man-in-texas-each-state-listed/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — According to a Twitter post from the Office of the Governor, Governor Greg Abbott’s spokesperson released Thursday, marijuana state pardons will not be considered in Texas denying the request of President Joe Biden.
According to the Twitter post, written by Gov. Abbott’s spokesperson Renae Eze. “Texas is not in the habit of taking criminal justice advice from the leader of the defund police party and someone who has overseen a criminal justice system run amuck with cashless bail and a revolving door for violent criminals.”
Eze said in a statement that the “Texas governor could only pardon offenders who received a recommendation for a pardon and also have been through the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles.”
Abbott said previously that he is in support of reducing penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Most of the Republican governors also said they would not be following suit to the president’s blanket pardons for marijuana possession, while several democratic governors welcome the idea.
Beto O’Rourke, his opponent is for the pardons and plans to legalize marijuana in Texas if re-elected.
For more information regarding marijuana pardons in Texas visit, here. | 2022-10-10T00:23:36Z | www.myhighplains.com | Gov. Abbott’s spokesperson released a statement on marijuana pardons in Texas | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/your-local-election-hq/gov-abbotts-spokesperson-released-a-statement-on-marijuana-pardons-in-texas/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/your-local-election-hq/gov-abbotts-spokesperson-released-a-statement-on-marijuana-pardons-in-texas/ |
Starting the morning with temps in the 40’s and 50’s with showers to the southeast. To the west and north of the viewing area, we are seeing fog developing. Hereford sitting at less than a quarter of a mile of visibility. Fog will continue through midmorning so be sure to give yourself extra time for your morning commute. Highs for today will be in the 70’s for most of the Panhandle with some breezy conditions. Thunderstorms are expected this afternoon favoring the southeast. Tracking two cold front this week. The first one will be on Tuesday and the second one on Sunday. Temps will range between the 70’s throughout the next seven days with a breezy environment. Not much moisture is in the forecast after today. | 2022-10-10T13:53:54Z | www.myhighplains.com | Foggy morning with showers to the southeast | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/weather-headlines/forecast/foggy-morning-with-showers-to-the-southeast/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/weather-headlines/forecast/foggy-morning-with-showers-to-the-southeast/ |
via Physicians Surgical Hospitals Facebook
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Physicians Surgical Hospitals L.L.C ranked in the top 10 in the country of Modern Healthcare’s list of “Best Places to Work in Healthcare,” according to officials with Physicians Surgical Hospitals.
“Being named as the 49th Best Place to Work in Healthcare is a huge honor and achievement,” Brian S. Baremen, CE of Physicians Surgical Hospitals, said. “We truly believe that we are successful because we have been able to attract and retain some of the best healthcare professionals this region has to offer, and we plan to continue to serve the people of the Texas Panhandle with kindness and dignity for many more years to come.”
Officials noted that Physicians Surgical Hospitals was among five other entities from Ardent Health Services, the hospital’s parent company, who made the list.
“In light of the challenging environment for caregivers over the last two years, having team members rank their employer among the best in the country is an incredible testament to the power of a workplace where people feel connected to their purpose and supported by their leaders,” shares Ardent President and CEO Marty Bonick.
Bonick added, “I am grateful to our teams for their commitment to creating a healthy workplace and culture of belonging that allows people to thrive in meaningful roles and make a difference in their communities.”
The rankings, according to the officials, were based on employee surveys and a detailed questionnaire evaluating overall satisfaction, work-life balance, communication, policies and practices, along with work environment and culture. | 2022-10-10T17:38:50Z | www.myhighplains.com | Amarillo Hospital makes ‘Best Place to Work’ list | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-hospital-makes-best-place-to-work-list/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-hospital-makes-best-place-to-work-list/ |
OLDHAM COUNTY, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with the Texas Department of Public Safety released information regarding a drug bust involving more than 10 pounds of suspected methamphetamine that occurred near Vega on Saturday morning.
According to a news release, a DPS trooper stopped a 2022 Toyota Camry traveling east on I-40 near Vega around 11 a.m. Saturday. After that traffic stop, the trooper discovered 10 plastic-wrapped bundles of what officials suspected was methamphetamine in the trunk.
After the stop, the two individuals in the car, identified as 32-year-old Maurice Webster and 42-year-old Pricilla Sisk of Columbia, Tennessee, were arrested and charged with felony possession of a controlled substance. According to the release, both Webster and Sisk were booked into the Oldham County Jail.
According to the release, the drugs were reportedly being transported from Fresno, California to Columbia, Tennessee. DPS Special Agents were reported to have assisted with the investigation. | 2022-10-10T17:38:56Z | www.myhighplains.com | 2 arrested for meth possession near Vega Saturday | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/oldham-county/2-arrested-for-meth-possession-near-vega-saturday/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/oldham-county/2-arrested-for-meth-possession-near-vega-saturday/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – According to a release from the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, students will join the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine to host a One Health Clinic at Guyon Saunders Resource Center on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The event was created with the intent to benefit people and their pets who are experiencing homelessness. Organizers detailed that at the Guyon Saunders Resource Center North Parking Lot, located at 200 S. Tyler St, students will provide a range of vaccinations and physical exams for pets and their owners, including:
For people:
Blood pressure and blood glucose checks
Annual vaccinations
Physical exams
Further, organizers noted that lunch will be served at the event from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m.
More information on the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center can be found on its website. | 2022-10-10T17:39:02Z | www.myhighplains.com | People, pets offered vaccines at One Health Clinic event | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/people-pets-offered-vaccines-at-one-health-clinic-event/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/people-pets-offered-vaccines-at-one-health-clinic-event/ |
via Coffee Memorial Blood Center
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – The Coffee Memorial Blood Center announced that it will aim to get blood donors in the Halloween spirit with its “Vein Drain” campaign through the month of October.
According to the center, successful blood donors in October will be able to receive a free limited-edition, glow-in-the-dark “Save a Vampire” t-shirt, as well as a free ticket to the 6th Street Massacre Haunted House as part of the campaign.
“Vein Drain is all about having fun with Halloween, but the reality is, every two seconds someone needs blood to survive,” said John Armitage, President, and CEO of Coffee Memorial Blood Center. “With an hour of your time, you can save the lives of up to three patients facing trauma or ongoing treatment at our local hospitals.”
Appointments to donate blood can be made online or by calling 806-331-8833. According to the center, blood donation usually takes about an hour and each donation can save up to three lives.
The center noted that anyone over 16 years of age can donate blood, as long as they meet certain requirements. Donors of all blood types are able to give at donor centers or at a mobile blood drive, and blood can be donated every 56 days. Platelets, meanwhile, can be given as often as every seven days for up to 24 times a year.
As noted in previous reports from MyHighPlains.com, the Coffee Memorial Blood Center hosts regular campaigns with a range of rewards for successful blood donations as they work to meet demand.
More information on the Coffee Memorial Blood Center, as well as other blood donation institutes across the High Plains, can be found on its website. | 2022-10-10T20:59:27Z | www.myhighplains.com | Coffee Memorial Blood Center hosts ‘Vein Drain’ campaign, offers rewards | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/coffee-memorial-blood-center-hosts-vein-drain-campaign-offers-rewards/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/coffee-memorial-blood-center-hosts-vein-drain-campaign-offers-rewards/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — After last week’s Civic Center funding-related bench trial, retired Judge William Sowder, who oversaw the case in Potter County District Court, is expected to make a decision on the matter in the next few days.
The decision will come after years of news related to the Amarillo Civic Center. Take a look at the following timeline to see how it got to the bench trial.
At the end of the hearing on the second day of the litigation in Potter County District Court, Sowder said that he expects to make a decision in less than 10 days. | 2022-10-10T21:00:49Z | www.myhighplains.com | The story so far: Amarillo Civic Center Complex project | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/your-local-election-hq/amarillo-civic-center-complex-project/the-story-so-far-amarillo-civic-center-complex-project/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/your-local-election-hq/amarillo-civic-center-complex-project/the-story-so-far-amarillo-civic-center-complex-project/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) —The Peace of Mind Conference is being put on by the Panhandle Behavioral Health Alliance. The purpose of this conference is to help community organizations, service providers, and community members the opportunity to learn about the Peer Movement by experts and how local individuals use their lived experiences to help others.
The conference is coming up on October 18th from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Xcel Building Conference Room which is located at 790 S Buchanan St. This event is free, but registration is required, those wanting to attend have to register by October 14th. Click here for more information or to register. | 2022-10-10T23:58:33Z | www.myhighplains.com | Peace of Mind Conference Happening Soon | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/studio-4/peace-of-mind-conference-happening-soon/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/studio-4/peace-of-mind-conference-happening-soon/ |
AUSTIN, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials from the Common Cause nonpartisan organization are reminding Texas voters that Tuesday is the last day residents can register to vote in the Nov. 8 election.
According to a news release from the organization, which identifies itself as a nonpartisan, grassroots organization that upholds “the core values of American democracy” and “(promotes) equal rights, opportunity and representation for all and (empowers) all people to make their voices heard in the political process,” said that residents have until Tuesday to register to vote in this election. All residents should take time to double-check their voter registration so wrong information can be corrected or updated before the deadline.
“Our democracy works best when we all are heard at the ballot box,” Anthony Gutierrez, the executive director for Common Cause Texas, said in the release. “Encourage your loved ones, friends, colleagues, and neighbors to spend a few minutes ensuring they will be able to make their voices heard at the ballot box on November 8th.”
According to the release, voters can request absentee or vote-by-mail ballots through Oct. 28 for the Nov. 8 election. Early voting lasts from Oct. 24 through Nov. 4. Anyone who has questions or encounters problems trying to vote is encouraged by the organization to call or text the nonpartisan Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE, or 866-687-8683. | 2022-10-10T23:58:46Z | www.myhighplains.com | Texas voter registration deadline set for Tuesday for November election | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/your-local-election-hq/texas-voter-registration-deadline-set-for-tuesday-for-november-election/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/your-local-election-hq/texas-voter-registration-deadline-set-for-tuesday-for-november-election/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) —Fall is known for some of the year’s most popular holidays, cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage. Still, for some, it’s all about the drinks that seem to taste best during the season — many incorporate pumpkin, spices and other flavors that make it feel like autumn has arrived. Whether you love coffee, tea or something else, there is likely a fall beverage for you. | 2022-10-10T23:58:52Z | www.myhighplains.com | Best fall beverages, including homemade pumpkin spice lattes | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/reviews/br/best-fall-beverages-including-homemade-pumpkin-spice-lattes/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/reviews/br/best-fall-beverages-including-homemade-pumpkin-spice-lattes/ |
via St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The Roman Catholic Diocese of Amarillo said it wanted to remind those wanting to attend that the Diocesan Rosary Rally is taking place on Oct. 15 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral, 1200 South Washington.
The event will include music, a procession of a statue of Mary, Petitions, the Scriptural Rosary, Divine Praises, and Benediction.
Officials said the Knights of Columbus Council #1450 at St. Mary’s Cathedral will serve as Honor Guard and Deacon Mark White of St. Thomas the Apostle Church will lead the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and offer the Benediction.
Parking for the event will be on the west side of the Cathedral said officials | 2022-10-11T01:31:26Z | www.myhighplains.com | St. Mary’s Cathedral Diocesan Rosary Rally | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/st-marys-cathedral-diocesan-rosary-rally/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/st-marys-cathedral-diocesan-rosary-rally/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — With natural gas prices rising and global events, consumers could see an increase in their electric bills, as winter approaches.
Wes Reeves, a spokesperson for Xcel Energy, said they have to buy fuel for energy, and natural gas is one of the main fuels.
“If we go back to natural gas about 30% of the energy, we use in this region comes from a natural gas source. It’s a lot less than what it used to be; it uses to be half but know it’s down to 30 percent. When natural gas prices have tripled or quadrupled over the last couple of years, you’re going to see cost increases,” said Reeves.
Reeves said a surcharge has been added to bills in Texas to make up for extra cost the company has been paying and not collecting.
“It’s been really difficult to know where we are going with it, but I tell people. Without being able to predict it we expect natural gas prices to be high for the future,” said Reeves.
Reeves said that global events can also affect us here on the High Plains.
“We are a global economy. There is no way around it. We have a great supply of energy in this country, but prices of energy are impacted by what’s happening around the globe. It’s very hard to build a wall around ourselves and say we are going to isolate ourselves from that. It doesn’t work that way anymore, so we have to pay attention to these things,” added Reeves.
He said some tips consumers can follow to keep their bill down during the colder months, include bringing their thermostat down just a few notches in the winter and adding weather strips around doors and windows in their homes to keep the cold from coming in.
“In the wintertime if you bring it down a few notches you’re going to save a lot of money. Like in the summer if you raise your thermostat a few notches above what you normally do you are going to save a lot of money. That is where most of your bill is going to pay for heating and cooling in your house,” said Reeves.
Reeves encourages customers to call Xcel if they feel like they are falling behind. He said Xcel will work with them to keep the power on during the colder months. | 2022-10-11T05:06:30Z | www.myhighplains.com | Energy costs could increase due to natural gas prices | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/energy-costs-could-increase-due-to-natural-gas-prices/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/energy-costs-could-increase-due-to-natural-gas-prices/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is accepting a check after having been named the winner of the “We Care” Charity Campaign.
Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center received $3,000 from the campaign hosted by All-Star Dodge and Autoplex BMW.
The campaign took nominations from the community and let them vote on the non-profits.
“It is such a blessing and I think it’s a great thing he is doing for the community that All-Star Dodge is doing. The campaign to help support and bring non-profits to light in the community, said Stephanie Brady, founder and executive director of Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
The charity campaign is still running and those wanting to nominate can do so on All-Star Dodge’s website. | 2022-10-11T05:06:36Z | www.myhighplains.com | Local wildlife rehab center winner of charity campaign | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/local-wildlife-rehab-center-winner-of-charity-campaign/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/local-wildlife-rehab-center-winner-of-charity-campaign/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Organizers from the Amarillo Convention & Visitors Bureau announced that the American Quarter Horse Association Cowboy Mounted World Championship (CMSA) is set to return to Amarillo from Oct. 11 until Oct. 15.
The event, located at the Amarillo Tri-State Fairgrounds, will feature the best mounted shooters in the world who will be competing for the World Championship title, organizers detailed.
At the CMSA, organizers explained that contestants compete in timed events using two 0.45 caliber single-action revolvers, with the goal of shooting as many balloon targets as possible while riding a horse.
Organizers added that the top competitors will participate at a showcase on Friday beginning at 7 p.m. CMSA will provide free tickets to the Friday showcase to firefighters, county sheriffs, and the Amarillo Police Department.
The event will be fully open to the public as organizers said that CMSA will give free tours to local students throughout the week in partnership with Window on a Wider World.
For more information on the event, along with a full schedule, click here. | 2022-10-11T13:36:32Z | www.myhighplains.com | Mounted shooting world championship comes to Amarillo | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/mounted-shooting-world-championship-comes-to-amarillo/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/mounted-shooting-world-championship-comes-to-amarillo/ |
RANDALL COUNTY, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – The Randall County Commissioners’ Court released its agenda for its meeting scheduled for Tuesday at 9 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Courtroom in Canyon.
According to the published agenda, the court is expected to discuss the approval of multiple purchases ranging from new construction equipment to concrete flooring at the Amarillo Annex, a victim assistance grant contract with the Office of the Attorney General, and the possible notice of intention to issue certificates of obligation.
As noted on the Texas Comptroller’s website, certificates of obligation, also known as COs, are a common method that local governments use to borrow money. They’re like general obligation bonds in the sense that they issue long-term debt, but have a more streamlined process that often doesn’t require voter approval. Texas cities, counties and health districts can use them to fund a range of projects, including:
Construction, demolition, or restoration of structures
Purchasing materials, supplies, equipment, machinery, buildings, land, and rights of way
Paying for professional services
The Comptroller’s website detailed that certificates of obligation are often associated with emergency spending, but they can be used to fund standard local government operations as well. They’re issued for terms of up to 40 years, most often supported by property taxes or other local revenues, and do not require voter approval unless five percent of qualified voters within the jurisdiction petition for an election on the spending that the related local government has targeted for the certificates of obligation.
According to the published agenda, the Randall County Commissioners’ Court will discuss considering authorizing publishing a notice of intention to issue certificates of obligation, as required by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Those wishing to attend the court meeting via Zoom may do so through information found on the Randall County website. | 2022-10-11T13:36:38Z | www.myhighplains.com | Randall County Commissioners’ Court discusses purchases, possible certificates of obligation | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/randall-county-commissioners-court-discusses-purchases-possible-certificates-of-obligation/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/randall-county-commissioners-court-discusses-purchases-possible-certificates-of-obligation/ |
Starting the morning with temperatures in the 40s and 50s. There is moisture moving across the Lone Star state but it is all staying south or east of us. For us in the Panhandle, we are tracking some fog and mist. Fog is not as dense as we saw on Monday morning but still a reminder to give yourself some extra time for your morning commute. Highs for today will be in the 70s and 80s, well above normal. Conditions will be sunny with gusts up to 30 mph. A cold front will move into the region by tomorrow morning, therefore breezy conditions will persist. Temps will fall back into the low 70s for Wednesday and Thursday. A quiet pattern looks to change at the end of the weekend and early next week. | 2022-10-11T13:38:23Z | www.myhighplains.com | Sunny and breezy with temps above normal | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/weather-headlines/forecast/sunny-and-breezy-with-temps-above-normal/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/weather-headlines/forecast/sunny-and-breezy-with-temps-above-normal/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with FirstBank Southwest recently announced that the company was ranked in the top 20 Best Companies to Work For in the state of Texas.
According to a news release from the company, FirstBankSouthwest was ranked No. 18 on the list which recognized the top workplace cultures throughout Texas by the Texas Association of Businesses and the Workforce Research Group. The program was open to all public and privately held organizations, both for-profit and nonprofits that have a facility in Texas and have at least 15 employees in Texas.
“We are extremely proud to be recognized as one of the best companies to work for in Texas. ‘Faith. Family. Bank.’ is more than some type of motto to us,” Andy Marshall, the president and CEO of FirstBank Southwest, said in the release. “It is our guide to how we live our working lives. Our team relentlessly pursues excellence in all that we do, fully confident that the FBSW Family is always there with support and love.”
The full list of winners on the Best Companies to Work For in Texas can be found on its website. | 2022-10-11T18:48:59Z | www.myhighplains.com | FirstBank Southwest ranks on top companies to work for list | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/firstbank-southwest-ranks-on-top-companies-to-work-for-list/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/firstbank-southwest-ranks-on-top-companies-to-work-for-list/ |
CANYON, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with West Texas A&M University announced that its Harrington String Quartet’s (HSQ) “Synergy in G” season is set to open on Nov. 3 and 4.
Officials detailed that additional programs will take place in February and April with each weekend including a lecture connecting music and other field of study at WT.
“When we design our season, we first and foremost choose pieces which all four of us are enthusiastic about playing,” said Rositza Jekova-Goza, HSQ first violinist and Harrington Lecturer in Violin in WT’s School of Music. “Our next step is to figure out how to arrange them in coherent musical menus. In doing so, we noticed that we inadvertently had programmed a piece in the key of G major for the opening of each concert.”
“Since music is an art which not only speaks to every human being but also shares in its structure, essence and practice the principles of many other disciplines,” Jekova-Goza continued, “we decided to enhance the experience of our audience through the synergy of bringing together music and other disciplines.”
The “Musical Ciphers” program, according to officials, will be the first program which will begin with a lecture from Dr. Pamela Lockwood-Cooke, associate dean of WT’s College of Engineering and the Clair Mayes Professor of Mathematics, who will discuss how composers used the Caesar Cipher to hide messages in their works at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 3 in the Sybil B. Harrington Fine Arts Complex Recital Hall.
The program will continue with the quartet’s concert at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 4 in the Mary Moody Northen Recital Hall and will feature Dmitri Shostakovich’s String Quartet No. 6; Johann Sebastian Bach’s unfinished fugue from “The Art of Fugue”; and Johannes Brahms’ Sextet in G Major, Opus 36. Guest artists are Kimberly Sparr, viola, and Dennis Parker, cello.
The “Chemistry of Sound” program will begin with a lecture from Dr. Nick Flynn, WT professor of biochemistry, who will discuss how sound waves affect fermentation at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 16 in the Northen Recital Hall. The HSQ musicians and Osborne will also be in attendance to discuss the science of sound waves.
The concert at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 17 in the Amarillo College Concert Hall Theatre will feature Joseph Haydn’s String Quartet No. 1, Opus 76; Grażyna Bacewicz’s Piano Quintet and Bedřich Smetana’s “From My Life” string quartet; and guest artist Jessica Osborne on piano.
Officials concluded that the “A Working Constitution” program will begin with the lecture that will include Dr. Dave Rausch, WT’s Teel Bivins Professor of Political Science, who will discuss the generational similarities of interpreting music documents at 7:30 p.m. on April 26.
The concert at 7:30 p.m. on April 28 in Northen Recital Hall will feature Florence Price’s String Quartet No. 1; Zoltán Kodály’s String Quartet No. 2; and Ludwig van Beethoven’s String Quartet, Opus 135.
Officials said that tickets are $20 while season packages will be $50 each. Buff Gold cardholders will get one free ticket per concert. You can purchase tickets in the School of Music office or at the door.
For information on the event call 806-651-2840. | 2022-10-11T18:49:05Z | www.myhighplains.com | WT details Harrington String Quartet’s upcoming season | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/wt-details-harrington-string-quartets-upcoming-season/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/wt-details-harrington-string-quartets-upcoming-season/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with the City of Amarillo said the city was named by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) as one of the 317 2020 Triple Crown Winners.
According to the city, the GFOA’s Triple Crown is a designation that recognizes governments receiving GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting or Canadian Award for Financial Reporting, Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award, and Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for a fiscal year.
The city said that in order to qualify entities must meet a standard for all three award programs.
More information on the award can be found here. | 2022-10-11T21:04:12Z | www.myhighplains.com | Amarillo named 2020 Triple Crown Winner | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-named-2020-triple-crown-winner/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-named-2020-triple-crown-winner/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) —Amarillo native Jeff Williams has taken life and turned it into many opportunities.
He became a chiropractor and opened up a clinic in Amarillo in 2007. During that time he was blogging about research, which then turned into a podcast called “The Remarkable Truth About Chiropractic: A Unique Journey Into The Research” which was released in 2021.
Williams was also playing in his own band when he turned to booking local bands and says he stumbled across the Turnpike Troubadours before they were well-known. After that he spent 5 years doing radio promotion with his company Groove Promotions.
Then during the pandemic he turned to doing voice work. For more on Jeff’s work click here. | 2022-10-11T23:11:01Z | www.myhighplains.com | Jeff Williams, Amarillo Native, Voice Actor, Man of Many Talents | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/studio-4/jeff-williams-amarillo-native-voice-actor-man-of-many-talents/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/studio-4/jeff-williams-amarillo-native-voice-actor-man-of-many-talents/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) —Healthcare professionals are sometimes on the front line when it comes to intercepting a sex trafficking victim or survivor.
That’s why Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine in Amarillo and the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health are hosting the “They are Not for Sale: Human Sex Trafficking Symposium” on October 29th.
The event is happening at the Happy State Bank Auditorium at the TTU School of Veterinary Medicine from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.. There is also a virtual option for those who want to attend.
To register for this event click here. Registration deadline is October 21st. | 2022-10-11T23:11:15Z | www.myhighplains.com | Register Now for Human Sex Trafficking Symposium | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/studio-4/register-now-for-human-sex-trafficking-symposium/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/studio-4/register-now-for-human-sex-trafficking-symposium/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — At Tuesday’s Amarillo City Council meeting, executive director and founder of Kind House Ukraine Bakery Glenda Moore asked the council to consider a sister city relationship with a city in Ukraine.
Sister city relationships are a way for cities in the United States to build connections with international cities by providing aid and an understanding of international culture.
“What it means is that we would send art to them, and they would send art to us. We would work in a business sector. The council would be completely in control of the items of how we would coordinate with our sister city of Ukraine. So, this does not tie us finacially to them,” said Moore.
Dnipro is a city in the “buffer zone” of Ukraine that over the past 8 years have received housewarming materials, medical supplies, baked good and much more from the Kind House Ukraine Bakery nonprofit and partners.
“We actually partnered with Tetyana Vasylyeva, she has been instrumental in getting medical supplies that has been donated from BSA, Northwest, Lubbock and other areas. We also purchased some items as well to be able to send to Dnipro and Kyiv, Ukraine. As we started working through that partnership the mayor of Dnipro reached out to us and said would we consider entering into a cultural friendship,” added Moore.
Amarillo Mayor Ginger Nelson said relationships like sister cities show the world the Heart of the High Plain.
“In Amarillo and in the panhandle are where people like to take care of other people. I think having a friendship with Dnipro, Ukraine would be expressing that culture to them,” said Mayor Nelson.
Moore said that they are excited to begin the culture exchange with Dnipro like providing art from the City of Amarillo while also receiving art from Dnipro.
Moore added that Kind House Ukraine Bakery is open to paying the $1,000 fee for the sister city relationship. But Mayor Nelson said in the city council meeting that this fee should be paid by the city.
Mayor Nelson explained what the next steps will be.
“Step one is to join the sister city’s international group, which is good, and we have been members of that I think in the past. So, we can follow through on that step, and for me to reach out to the mayor begin the conversation on what we are committing to each other and what does that look like,” said Mayor Nelson.
The Kind House Ukraine Bakery will be opening at its new location in mid-November at 4715 S. Western. Moore said in the meantime you can visit them at 2100 Southwest 60th on Wednesdays through Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Amarillo is already a sister city of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Mexico. | 2022-10-12T03:05:12Z | www.myhighplains.com | City of Amarillo considering possible sister city relationship with Dnipro | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/city-of-amarillo-considering-possible-sister-city-relationship-with-dnipro/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/city-of-amarillo-considering-possible-sister-city-relationship-with-dnipro/ |
Swisher County
SWISHER COUNTY, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The Swisher County Sheriff’s Office said the Commissioners Court has accepted the resignation of Sheriff Jimmy McCaslin effective Sept. 30.
“Swisher County is grateful to Sheriff McCaslin for his long-term service to our community and wishes him well in his future endeavors,” said officials.
The sheriff’s office said the Commissioners Court has appointed Kyle Schmalzried as Sheriff of Swisher County effective Oct. 1, to fill the unexpired term of McCaslin. | 2022-10-12T03:05:18Z | www.myhighplains.com | Swisher County Sheriff Jimmy McCaslin resigning | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/swisher-county/swisher-county-sheriff-jimmy-mccaslin-resigning/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/swisher-county/swisher-county-sheriff-jimmy-mccaslin-resigning/ |
RANDALL COUNTY, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – The Texas Department of Public Safety released information on a Monday afternoon crash that killed one person in Randall County, about two miles west of Amarillo.
According to DPS, at around 3:35 p.m. on Monday, a 2010 Chevrolet Silverado C1500 driven by 82-year-old Winford Grant was headed westbound on FM 2186 about two miles outside of Amarillo. Meanwhile, a 2005 Mack dump truck loaded with hot mix was eastbound.
DPS investigators reported that Grant “failed to yield right of way” and turned left in front of the dump truck, and the dump truck hit the right front area of Grant’s vehicle. The dump truck rolled onto its right side in the south ditch and spilled part of the hot mix, and Grant’s vehicle caught fire.
Witnesses were able to remove Grant from the Chevrolet as it was catching fire, according to the DPS report, and he was taken to a local hospital, where he later died on Tuesday from his injuries. The driver of the dump truck was noted as having been treated and released at the scene.
DPS noted that the crash remains under investigation. | 2022-10-12T16:35:22Z | www.myhighplains.com | Amarillo man dead after Monday wreck in Randall County | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-man-dead-after-monday-wreck-in-randall-county/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-man-dead-after-monday-wreck-in-randall-county/ |
Courtesy the PARC Facebook page.
Golden Spread Electric Cooperative makes donation to the PARC
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with the Golden Spread Electric Cooperative announced Wednesday that its community involvement committee has donated its proceeds raised by a recent event to help an organization that assists homelessness in downtown Amarillo.
According to a news release from the cooperative, the committee donated the proceeds from a Sept. 27 cookout to support the Panhandle Adult Rebuilding Center, located in downtown Amarillo. Otherwise known as The PARC, the organization’s mission is to help people in downtown Amarillo experiencing homelessness.
“Golden Spread makes it a priority to give back to our community, and that’s one of the many reasons I love working here,” Jennifer Bobbitt, the chair of the Community Involvement Committee, said in the release. “Golden Spread supports our committee as we look at various needs in the communities we serve, and then we put our time, knowledge and money toward meeting those needs.”
Through the committee, officials with the cooperative said more than $300,000 has been given to charitable organizations which are selected by the committee. The committee also donates a portion of its funds to volunteer fire departments in the service territories the cooperative serves each year.
According to the release, the cooperative believes the committee demonstrates its commitment to the Amarillo area and surrounding communities, which helps promote the “involvement, reputation and values of the Cooperative and its members within such communities.”
For more information about the Community Involvement Committee, visit its website. | 2022-10-12T16:35:28Z | www.myhighplains.com | Golden Spread Electric Cooperative makes donation to the PARC | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/golden-spread-electric-cooperative-makes-donation-to-the-parc/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/golden-spread-electric-cooperative-makes-donation-to-the-parc/ |
Barometric pressure, or ‘atmospheric pressure’ is the weight of the earth’s atmosphere above us. Pressure varies on a day-to-day basis and by location. Pressure can change with temperature as well. Warm air is lighter, less dense, than cold air.
High pressure is associated with relatively nice and quiet weather, and sinking air. Low pressure is associated with rising air, clouds, and sometimes even rain or storms. | 2022-10-12T16:36:00Z | www.myhighplains.com | Can your joints tell the weather? | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/texas/can-your-joints-tell-the-weather/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/texas/can-your-joints-tell-the-weather/ |
Girl Scouts are honoring community leaders with the Women of Distinction Awards
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The Girl Scouts are honoring some of our local community leaders with their annual Women of Distinction Awards. The event brings together driven members of business, government, education and philanthropy who are dedicated to service and leadership.
This year’s event will be on Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. in the Alumni Banquet Hall on the West Texas A&M University campus. Tickets can be purchased at gs-strong.org/wodama22. | 2022-10-12T16:36:02Z | www.myhighplains.com | Girl Scouts are honoring community leaders with the Women of Distinction Awards | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/today-in-amarillo/girl-scouts-are-honoring-community-leaders-with-the-women-of-distinction-awards/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/today-in-amarillo/girl-scouts-are-honoring-community-leaders-with-the-women-of-distinction-awards/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — An Amarillo man has officially pleaded guilty to drug possession after a search warrant was conducted back in May.
According to previous reports by MyHighPlains.com, Domingo Delgado was charged via criminal complaint after a federal search warrant was executed at a mobile home in the 6500 block of Amarillo Boulevard on May 10.
According to the plea agreement and the factual resume, filed Tuesday in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas Amarillo Division, Delgado pleaded guilty to one count of “Possession With Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.”
The factual resume states that on May 10, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration, along with the Amarillo Police Department, executed a search warrant at Delgado’s home. When they executed the warrant, they found baggies of “suspected methamphetamine” in a bedroom, weighing around 3.4 kilograms.
Officials said that officers admitted during an interview after the search that all the drugs found by officers inside the home belonged to him. The DEA Laboratory confirmed that the substance found by officials was methamphetamine, weighing around 3,322 grams and having a purity level of around 97-98%.
According to the plea agreement, the minimum and maximum penalties Amarillo Federal Court can impose in this case include:
Imprisonment for a period not to exceed 20 years;
A fine not to exceed $1,000,000, or twice any pecuniary gain to the defendant or loss to the victim(s);
Restitution to victims or to the community, which may be mandatory under the law, and which the defendant agrees may include restitution arising from all relevant conduct, not limited to that arising from the offense of conviction alone;
Forfeiture of property, including the forfeiture of a Taurus, model PT709, 9mm handgun and all other property seized by law enforcement on May 10.
According to court documents, a re-arraignment, in this case, is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. on Monday in Amarillo Federal Court. | 2022-10-12T19:37:08Z | www.myhighplains.com | Amarillo man pleads guilty to meth possession in Federal Court | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/crime/federal-court/amarillo-man-pleads-guilty-to-meth-possession-in-federal-court/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/crime/federal-court/amarillo-man-pleads-guilty-to-meth-possession-in-federal-court/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – According to court documents filed in Amarillo Federal Court Tuesday, one man was charged related to possessing methamphetamine, after being arrested during what officials described as a traffic stop and probable cause search.
William Sean Gilmore was charged with “Possession with Intent to Distribute 500 grams or more of Methamphetamine” in the wake of a search and an interview earlier this month in which officials said he “gave incriminating statements” about drugs found in his vehicle, according to court documents from the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas.
Court documents described that at around 2:50 a.m. on Oct. 7, law enforcement officers from Amarillo and the Potter and Randall County Sheriffs’ Offices were running surveillance on an Amarillo home when an orange Dodge Charger was seen leaving the home.
Later, at around 3 a.m., court documents said, the Charger was stopped by a Potter County Sheriff’s Office unit for what officials reported was a traffic violation in the area of Hastings and Glen Streets in Amarillo. The driver, which the documents identified as Gilmore, did not give consent to a vehicle search when asked by the Potter County deputy involved with the stop, but officials conducted a probable cause search after an alert about Gilmore’s vehicle from a K-9 unit.
Deputies reported finding a duffle bag containing, “13 saran-wrapped bundles of off-white crystalline substances and 1 saran-wrapped bundle of blue “M/30″ suspected fentanyl pills,” according to court documents. The Potter County deputies field-tested the materials and reported that they tested positive for about 9.5 kilograms of methamphetamine. | 2022-10-12T19:37:46Z | www.myhighplains.com | 1 arrested after drugs found in Potter County traffic stop search | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/1-arrested-after-drugs-found-in-potter-county-traffic-stop-search/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/1-arrested-after-drugs-found-in-potter-county-traffic-stop-search/ |
Via: Northwest Texas Healthcare System Facebook
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Northwest Texas Healthcare System announced it will be hosting the Better Breathers Club, an American Lung Association initiative, on Oct. 19 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Community Lecture Room at Northwest hospital.
NWTHS said the Better Breathers Club is an initiative by the American Lung Association that aims to provide education, support, and a chance for those who may be living with chronic lung disease to find a sense of connection.
Robert Hands, an attorney, will be guest speaking at the event on “Medical/Legal Documents for Patients and End of Life Concerns.” NWTHS said attendance is free and open to the public. | 2022-10-13T00:46:37Z | www.myhighplains.com | NWTHS hosting American Lung Association initiative | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/nwths-hosting-american-lung-association-initiative/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/nwths-hosting-american-lung-association-initiative/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – According to an announcement from the Texas Department of Transportation in Amarillo, the wreck on I-27 northbound at McCormick Road continued to close down traffic and set a detour to the frontage road.
TxDOT officials advised that drivers in the area be prepared to stop and otherwise find an alternate route. The traffic shutdown and detour were expected to continue through rush hour.
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — A head-on crash on Thursday morning on the overpass of I-27 near McCormick left two people dead, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
DPS detailed that at around 2:30 a.m. on Thursday morning a pickup truck was traveling southbound in the northbound lane when it crashed head-on with a passenger vehicle.
DPS said that the pickup truck caught fire but the driver was able to escape before the truck was fully engulfed in flames.
The two people in the passenger vehicle, DPS reported, both died while the driver of the pickup was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The northbound lane traffic is currently being diverted onto the service road and DPS advised drivers to take an alternative route and drive safely in the area.
The incident is under investigation with DPS reporting that alcohol was believed to be a factor in the crash. | 2022-10-13T14:33:09Z | www.myhighplains.com | 2 dead after head-on crash on northbound I-27 near McCormick | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/2-dead-after-head-on-crash-on-northbound-i-27-near-mccormick/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/2-dead-after-head-on-crash-on-northbound-i-27-near-mccormick/ |
via Amarillo College
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with Amarillo College announced the renaming of the fitness center after a generous benefactor donated a “major gift.”
The renaming is set for 10:30 a.m. on Thursday at the center, located on Washington Street and SW 24th Ave.
Officials noted that the event will recognize “one of the largest single philanthropic gifts ever received by Amarillo College.”
The benefactor, officials added, is a founding sponsor of AC Athletics. | 2022-10-13T14:33:15Z | www.myhighplains.com | AC to rename fitness center after ‘generous’ benefactor | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/ac-to-rename-fitness-center-after-generous-benefactor/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/ac-to-rename-fitness-center-after-generous-benefactor/ |
CANYON, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with West Texas A&M University announced Thursday that the university added a new coach to lead its eight varsity-level esports teams and that the university will offer scholarship opportunities for esports athletes.
According to a news release from the university, Levi Zemanuel, a recent graduate from West Texas A&M University, was recently hired as the team’s first coach. Zemanuel, an Amarillo native, said he hopes to impart lessons on the participating athletes, and help them hone their gaming skills.
“I want to help our athletes improve in their studies and as people so that, when they leave WT, they make a difference in their communities,” he said in the release.
Buff Gaming began as a student-led video game competition organization in 2017, according to the release. In August 2020, some students began competing at varsity levels. Esports at the university is now considered a club sport, similar to bowling, rodeo along with trap and skeet shooting.
“This is a highly competitive area that continues to grow, and we knew we needed a coach for them to lean on,” Justin Cornelsen, the university’s director of recreational sports, said in the release. “This will help keep the players organized, put them in a team environment and allow them structured practice times to develop their skills.”
According to the release, teams have two-hour practices twice a week, with students competing in tournaments for games including “Call of Duty,” “Rocket League,” “League of Legends” and “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.”
With the scholarship funding available, the release said that Zemanuel and Cornelsen will be able to “actively recruit top esports athletes (throughout the Region 16 Educational Service Center) and elsewhere.” Officials with Region 16 said they are encouraging more Texas Panhandle-area schools to start their own teams.
“Schools and universities have been trying to figure out how to integrate esports into instruction in the same way that UIL sports are integrated,” Les Montgomery, Region 16’s technology support manager, said in the release. “Esports are a great way for our children to connect to the ever-increasing technology that shapes our world. Students in Region 16 are helping to design the future.” | 2022-10-13T17:26:39Z | www.myhighplains.com | WT adds esports coach, scholarships for esports athletes | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/randall-county/wt-adds-esports-coach-scholarships-for-esports-athletes/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/randall-county/wt-adds-esports-coach-scholarships-for-esports-athletes/ |
SANTA FE, N.M. (KAMR/KCIT) — Leaders from around New Mexico are expected to gather starting Monday for a summit regarding how communities and courts can improve how they respond to people with mental illnesses.
According to a news release from the New Mexico Administrative Office of the Courts, leaders expected to participate in the summit include court leaders and other county-based teams, along with law enforcement and providers of behavioral health services. They will help develop priorities for “better assisting people with behavioral health needs who become involved with the justice system.”
“The behavioral health summit will allow stakeholders in our communities and courts to learn about strategies on the national and local level that can be collaboratively implemented to improve outcomes for individuals with mental health issues,” New Mexico Supreme Court Chief Justice C. Shannon Bacon said in the release. “Proper intervention can help individuals who otherwise may repeatedly end up in court and in jail because they are experiencing a behavioral health crisis.”
The summit, which is expected to end Wednesday, will use the “Sequential Intercept Model” to help catalog locally available resources, identify gaps in services and establish priorities for implementing responses. At the end of the summit, facilitators will then hear from teams from each county across the state regarding their respective action plans.
“Teams from New Mexico’s counties will develop local plans with priorities that meet the
unique needs of their communities for addressing the behavioral health issues of people at
various points in the justice system – from initial law enforcement encounters to courts, jails and
release from detention,” New Mexico Supreme Court Justice Briana H. Zamora said in the release.
For more information, visit the New Mexico Administrative Office of the Courts’ website. | 2022-10-13T17:28:24Z | www.myhighplains.com | New Mexico to host mental illness response summit | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/new-mexico/new-mexico-to-host-mental-illness-response-summit/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/new-mexico/new-mexico-to-host-mental-illness-response-summit/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) —The Open Enrollment period for Medicare is fast approaching, and Doug Tice wants you to know what your options are, and that he’s available to answer any questions you have.
You can call and set up an appointment with Doug Tice at (806) 418-2259. He’s locate at the Atrium on I-40. | 2022-10-13T21:50:06Z | www.myhighplains.com | Signing up for Medicare? Doug Tice Offers Help/Information | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/studio-4/signing-up-for-medicare-doug-tice-offers-help-information/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/studio-4/signing-up-for-medicare-doug-tice-offers-help-information/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) —Trailblazer Dr. Emily Hunt is this week’s guest on Hey Amarillo. Click here to listen to the episode.
A conversation with Emily Hunt, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Engineering at WTAMU and the CEO/Founder of BTG Products. Hunt’s research focus is novel nanostructured materials and has included work for the U.S. Department of Defense. In the process, she’s also figured out commercial uses for her antimicrobial products, which you can now find at Lowe’s and Home Depot. In this conversation with host Jason Boyett, Hunt shares about being one of few women in her field when she started, about the nanotechnology she has developed, and what it could mean for the Panhandle’s future. This episode is sponsored by Discover Amarillo and Texas Tech Physicians Obstetrics & Gynecology in Canyon. | 2022-10-14T00:51:39Z | www.myhighplains.com | Dr. Emily Hunt Interviewed on Hey Amarillo Podcast | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/studio-4/dr-emily-hunt-interviewed-on-hey-amarillo-podcast/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/studio-4/dr-emily-hunt-interviewed-on-hey-amarillo-podcast/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — As retired Judge William Sowder continues to go through and decipher the documents and the evidence related to the recent trial surrounding the legality of the city of Amarillo’s use of anticipation notes to fund the Amarillo Civic Center Complex project, the legal teams for both the city and Amarillo Businessman Alex Fairly are arguing why each of the parties should not be required to pay for their attorney’s fees, and why the other party should cover them.
This comes after a two-day trial earlier this month where officials heard from a number of city of Amarillo staff members, Amarillo City Council members along with experts, giving each legal team the chance to present their case regarding the question of if what the city did with the anticipation notes was legal.
What did the city have to say?
The city of Amarillo’s legal team first filed its motion for attorneys’ fees and their response to Fairly’s team’s claims for attorneys’ fees Tuesday morning. In this motion, the city is requesting that Sowder rule that Fairly pays all, or a substantial portion of, the attorneys’ fees and costs that have come as a result of the case, citing Texas Government Code chapter 1205. According to the documents, the team claims that this chapter does not allow for parties like the intervenor in the case to recover attorneys’ fees.
The city’s legal team claims that the “reasonable and necessary fees” in this case result in more than $600,000, not including the fees related to the recent two-day bench trial. The documents state that the city would not have needed to incur the majority of the fees if Fairly had not joined the lawsuit.
The city of Amarillo’s legal team provided a number of reasons why they believe Fairly should have to cover their attorneys’ fees, with one of the main reasons being their belief that Fairly’s claims, along with the discovery that was conducted, “have been political as opposed to legal.” They cited the fact that the city has issued two instances of anticipation notes for projects in 2022, including one during the course of the litigation.
The city’s team also provided claims that through the course of the litigation, Fairly’s team “abandoned” some of its arguments against the city, referencing the following topics:
Question about the ordinance imposing a tax;
Potential violations of subject requirements of the Texas Open Meetings Act;
Potential violations of the quorum rules of the Texas Open Meetings Act;
The entire argument brought forward regarding the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 1;
The city’s team argued that these topics covered during the trial were a “fishing expedition” by Fairly’s team, unsubstantiated by law and wasteful to the city of Amarillo’s taxpayers. Officials with the city also took issue with the discovery process, saying that it “has become apparent the Intervenor (Fairly) used discovery almost entirely for political purposes.
In the documents, the city of Amarillo’s legal team provides excerpts from the depositions of city of Amarillo staff and Amarillo City Council members, claiming that they were proof “to air (Fairly’s) grudges with the City Council and City Staff.” Some of the excerpts provided include a line of questioning to Amarillo Mayor Ginger Nelson regarding the definition of the term democracy, along with the potential occupational future of the city of Amarillo’s Chief Financial Officer Laura Storrs.
Lastly, in the documents, the city’s legal team stressed that Chapter 37 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code does not apply in this case, and said that even if it did, the city should still be awarded attorneys’ fees. According to that portion of the code, it authorizes but does not require a court to award fees.
“If either party is entitled to attorneys’ fees, it is the city,” the documents read. “As set forth above and supported by the invoices that have been or will be provided to the Court, the Intervenor (Fairly) forced the City to incur substantial attorney’s fees in this case. Even should the Intervenor prevail in this action, the City urges the Court to take these fees into consideration in determining whether an award of attorneys’ fees to the Intervenor would be equitable or just.”
What did Fairly have to say?
Fairly’s legal team cited Chapter 37 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code to begin their argument on why Fairly should be entitled to an award of attorneys’ fees, according to documents filed Tuesday morning. Officials stressed that “‘the Court may award costs and reasonable and necessary attorneys’ fees as are equitable and just…'” and that a part to a declaratory judgment action does not have to prevail to recover an award of attorneys’ fees.
To back up this argument, Fairly’s team said that Fairly revealed pieces of evidence that show what the city did was wrong. This evidence includes the claimed lack of notice on the agendas for Ordinances 7980 and 7985, the city’s attempt at amending the TIRZ No. One plan and what Fairly’s team believes was the “secret plan” by the city to authorize the issuance of anticipation notes for the project.
“Fairly’s claims had merit, and the retention of counsel to pursue the claims challenging the city’s conduct was necessary considering the unprecedented nature of the transactions made the basis of this lawsuit, which attracted statewide attention,” the documents read. “The City had adequate opportunity to relent early upon its errors being revealed, both at the City Council meeting where it first voted to issue the tax anticipation notes and subsequently before filing its Motion for Security. The City has refused to reconsider its actions despite overwhelming evidence and public outcry from the citizens of Amarillo, with Fairly undertaking the burden and expense to give force to those complaints.”
Fairly’s team is seeking a total for attorneys’ fees and costs of $527,426.11, consisting of fees, along with travel, court costs, expert fees and document management.
In direct response to the city’s arguments, Fairly’s team claims that the city’s legal team’s argument “lacks credibility” when they characterized the allegations and evidence in the case. They said the city’s motion was a “shrill” attempt to “relitigate the case with clear mischaracterizations of the evidence and the law.”
Fairly’s legal team said that the city brought forward a “baseless” argument that Fairly’s team “abandoned” any claims, saying the trial record speaks for itself.
“The City has gone from the awkward argument that its case is not ‘sexy’ as it was based only on the strict statutory compliance in the debt issuance, to now a vast political conspiracy,” the documents read.
Ultimately, Fairly’s legal team stressed that Fairly should not be left to “carry the full financial burden of his efforts to require the City of Amarillo to follow the law of Texas regarding municipal financing and public securities.”
“An award of his attorneys’ fees and costs would be equitable and just under the circumstances,” the document concluded. “Fairly respectfully moves and prays the Court to award reimbursement of his attorneys’ fees and costs as such an award would be equitable and just under these circumstances.”
According to previous reports, Sowder said he would have a decision in this case within 10 days from Oct. 5, the last day of the trial. No further documents have been filed in Potter County District Court regarding this case, as of Thursday afternoon. | 2022-10-14T00:52:04Z | www.myhighplains.com | Legal teams argue over costs in Civic Center trial case | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/your-local-election-hq/amarillo-civic-center-complex-project/legal-teams-argue-over-costs-in-civic-center-trial-case/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/your-local-election-hq/amarillo-civic-center-complex-project/legal-teams-argue-over-costs-in-civic-center-trial-case/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Friends of Cross Bar SRMA held their first media day to provide insight on Cross Bar events, fundraising initiatives and other information.
Cross Bar SRMA is located in North Amarillo and is the only Bureau of Land Management in the state of Texas. Cross Bar was designated as a special recreation management area.
“We will have camping we have about 27 campsites planned we will have trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, said Lori Van Ongevalle.” “So it will be a multiuse area, there is also a hunting archery hunting, buy permit and just basically come out and join nature.”
Aside from recreational activities, Cross Bar will also have educational opportunities. West Texas A&M University and Texas Tech University have educational wildlife programs that study the land.
Cross Bar wildlife includes elk, whitetail, mule deer, coyotes and badgers.
Friends of Cross Bar is a non-profit organization that is focused on helping raise funding for the project. Currently, they have applied for two grants and plan on applying for more.
All received grants must be matched and by starting to bring awareness to Cross Bar, the leadership team hopes to increase funding.
As of now there is no set date that Cross Bar will open but the leadership team is hopeful that it will be sometime in the next five years.
The planning, funding and designation process takes years.
“An outdoor recreation spot that goes through a stringent review process, and environmental assessments,” said Adrian Escobar Natural Resource Cross Bar Manager. “Resource management plan, a lot of outreach to the public. It’s not an overnight deal. It’s a process that takes years, I believe, our Resource Management Plan, evaluation, it was a process that took over seven years.”
Preserving and improving the land is a top priority for everyone involved and plays a vital role in the planning process.
“A lot of folks come out and say this is a beautiful piece of land, we don’t want it trampled on,” said Wes Reeves, Steering Committee Member. “So we’re very aware of that, we have to be very careful of how we treat it, as I said, the federal government owns and manages this land and so they have a lot of interest in preserving the wildlife and preserving the vegetation is here and actually trying to bring it back to more of a pristine setting the way it would have looked say in 1876 when people first started coming out here. So that’s why we’re looking at only limiting the trails to equestrian hiking and cycling, bicycling.”
Friends of Cross Bar plans on having more events on the land as planning continues. One of the largest problems that Cross Bar is currently facing is that in order to get to the land, visitors have to go through private property and get a permit.
Officials, restaurant owners, Friends of Cross Bar and the community are hoping that once Cross Bar opens it will promote more tourism in Amarillo and make the city a destination place to travel. While also having a positive impact on the quality of life. | 2022-10-14T03:36:28Z | www.myhighplains.com | Friends of Cross Bar sharing Amarillo hidden gem | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/friends-of-cross-bar-sharing-amarillo-hidden-gem/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/friends-of-cross-bar-sharing-amarillo-hidden-gem/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with Chamber Music Amarillo released information about its second classical concert of the 2022-23 season scheduled for later this month at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
According to a news release from Chamber Music Amarillo, the “Music of the Mountains” concert will be at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at St. Mary’s Cathedral, located at 1200 S. Washington St. The concert will include a recent arrangement of Richard Strauss’ “The Alpine Symphony,” featuring 29 musicians.
Before the performance, there will be a pre-concert lecture surrounding the concert’s repertoire. That lecture will feature conductor Guglielmo Manfredi and musicologist Kimberly Hieb at 6:45 p.m. at the St. Mary’s Cathedral. Musicians in the performance include the Chamber Music Amarillo Brass Chorale.
Tickets for the concert are $40 for adults and $10 for students. According to the release, tickets can be purchased on the Amarillo Symphony’s website or by calling 806-376-8782. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door, on the night of the concert. | 2022-10-14T19:51:46Z | www.myhighplains.com | Chamber Music Amarillo hosts 2nd show of 2022-23 season | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/entertainment-news/chamber-music-amarillo-hosts-2nd-show-of-2022-23-season/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/entertainment-news/chamber-music-amarillo-hosts-2nd-show-of-2022-23-season/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officers with the Amarillo Police Department are investigating after two individuals arrived at a local hospital with gunshot wounds early Friday morning.
According to a statement from the Amarillo Police Department, officers were called to a hospital around 4:10 a.m. Friday regarding two subjects that had arrived with gunshot wounds. An investigation regarding the two individuals led officers to a “possible scene” at a home in northeast Amarillo.
Police stressed that as of Friday afternoon, the extent of the injuries to the two individuals with gunshot wounds is “unknown.” No arrests have been made in relation to the incident. Officials did say the investigation is ongoing. | 2022-10-14T19:52:04Z | www.myhighplains.com | Amarillo police investigate after 2 shot, hospitalized | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-police-investigate-after-2-shot-hospitalized/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-police-investigate-after-2-shot-hospitalized/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – As the holidays and winter weather approach the High Plains, and circumstances around Social Security and student loans have been actively shifting, a range of often-seen scamming topics and strategies may become more prevalent in the coming weeks. Officials from the Amarillo Police Department, the federal government, and other institutions have offered reminders and extra information that could be used to avoid common scams.
As announced by the Social Security Administration on Thursday, recipients will soon see an annual cost-of-living adjustment of nearly 9% starting next year. With the large increase for beneficiaries, coupled with varied dates for when the change will be in effect and a decrease in Medicare premiums, some may be seeking more information or specific instructions from the administration to adjust.
While the Social Security Administration may call or text about programs and services, officials noted that the administration will never ask for a return call to an unknown number or ask for personal information. The administration will never threaten to suspend a person’s Social Security number, promise an increase in benefits in exchange for money, or ask people to send gift cards, pre-paid debit cards, wire transfers, Internet currency, cryptocurrency, or cash through the mail.
The administration advised that people should be cautious of scams and look for warning signs, including:
A caller or sender claiming there is a problem with a Social Security number or account
Any call, text, or email requesting a fine be paid with gift cards, wire transfers, pre-paid debit cards, internet currency, or by mailing cash
Callers threatening a person with arrest or other legal action
Links and attachments that can be used in “phishing” schemes
The administration asked that those who receive questionable calls hang up and report them. Further, it advised that people who receive unknown calls, emails, or texts should not return them.
The IRS
The IRS’ website reminded individuals that the service does not contact taxpayers by email, text messages, or social media channels to request personal or financial information. Instead, the IRS initiates most contact through regular mail delivered by the postal service.
However, the IRS noted that there are a few circumstances in which the IRS will call a person or come to a home or business. This can happen if:
A person has an overdue tax bill, a delinquent tax return, or has not made an employment tax deposit
An IRS employee is viewing assets or touring a business as part of a collections investigation, an audit, or a criminal investigation
Even then, the IRS reminded that people will most often receive letters from the IRS before that happens. The Amarillo Police Department will also not call to enforce any outstanding IRS taxes, as the department reminded.
People who feel like they might owe taxes can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040, and attempted scams can be reported to the FBI on its resource page.
As previously reported on MyHighPlains.com and announced by the White House, the application for federal student loan forgiveness is expected to open sometime in October. The application is expected to ask applicants to include their name, Social Security Number, date of birth, phone number, and email.
However, the White House has continued to remind people to be aware of possible student loan forgiveness scams. The application will be on a “.gov” website, and the administration also noted that reliable ways to avoid possible scams include:
Signing up to be notified of when the student debt relief application is available
Creating an FSA ID
Making sure a person’s loan servicer has their most current contact information
Reporting scammers to the Federal Trade Commission
The Amarillo Police Department and other law enforcement
According to the Amarillo Police Department, no law enforcement agency will contact a person and demand payment over the phone for a warrant or to bond someone out of jail. Further, no law enforcement agencies in Amarillo, Potter County, or Randall County will contact a person, nor recommend a bond company or have a bond company call someone. Further, a person will not be contacted by those agencies and told to pay a fine for not appearing for jury duty.
Anyone wondering if they have a warrant, said the police department, should call Potter or Randall Counties or check for local municipal warrants.
Xcel Energy advised that some scammers have threatened to turn off a person’s electricity or natural gas service if they are not immediately paid. However, the company advised that:
Xcel Energy provides many options for payment, and people should be suspicious if a caller is requiring the use of a pre-paid debit card
If a person’s account is in danger of disconnection, a notice will be sent through the mail
People should never wire money or provide debit or credit card numbers to unverified sources
Scams can be reported to the Xcel Energy Business Solutions Center by calling 800-481-4700, and further tips to avoid scams can be found on the company’s website.
The Amarillo Police Department reported that some cases have happened in which a victim was contacted by a scammer claiming to be with Microsoft. Those scammers may try to trick people into installing malicious software or request a person’s credit card information. Reminders from the police about Microsoft included that:
Microsoft will never include a phone number in error and warning messages
Microsoft will never contact a person to provide unsolicited PC or technical support
All communication between Microsoft and a person is initiated by the person
Similarly to Microsoft, the police said that Amazon scams have been reported on increasing levels. People should be cautious about someone reaching out about possible fraudulent charges. Further, the police advised that Amazon will not reach out to a person and ask for their credit card, bank account information, or social security number.
As mentioned by the police department, a common Craigslist scam can include a buyer contacting a person with an interest in purchasing an item for sale. The scammer then sends a check, money order, or cashier’s check for more than the agreed price and asks for the seller to cash the check and return the difference.
Police advised that people deal locally with anyone when purchasing or selling online.
“The Grandparent Scam”
Another often-seen scam, according to the police department, is referred to as, “The Grandparent Scam.” Typically, a call begins with a scammer saying “Grandma?” or “Grandpa?” to prompt a person to say a grandchild’s name in response. The scammer then agrees that they are the grandchild, and explains some kind of dire situation with which they need help. After asking the called person not to tell anyone else and sometimes putting an accomplice on the phone to pose as a police officer, the called person is asked to go to a certain place and buy gift cards or wire money to pay for whatever type of help is needed.
Police warned that these scams often seem very urgent and make the victim feel flustered, in order to get them to offer money before checking into the situation. The Federal Communications Commission said that the best way to avoid this type of scam is to hang up, and otherwise not pick up for unrecognized incoming numbers. For those who do end up in a conversation with possible scammers, the FCC suggested that a person not send money quickly but instead report a suspicious call.
More tips on avoiding “Grandparent Scams” and filing complaints with the FCC can be found on its website.
Altogether, the Amarillo Police Department advised that there is no reason to contact a law enforcement agency if a person has not had a monetary loss due to a scam. However, scams can be reported to the Better Business Bureau’s website.
The police also said that those who have been the victim of a scam can call the police department or go to the webpage in order to report it. The police also suggest that people keep scam awareness information on hand, and share it with others. | 2022-10-14T19:52:10Z | www.myhighplains.com | Amarillo police, other officials warn of common scams | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-police-other-officials-warn-of-common-scams/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-police-other-officials-warn-of-common-scams/ |
According to the Oct. 14 COVID-19 Report Card, nine patients were hospitalized from COVID-19 as of Friday, two of which were reported as being in the intensive care unit. The numbers are reported to the public health department by the BSA Health System, Northwest Texas Healthcare System and Thomas E. Creek VA Medical Center.
In the report card, the public health department reported that Potter and Randall counties saw 126 total new cases from Oct. 7 to Oct. 13, resulting in a seven-day new case average of 18 new COVID-19 cases per day as well as a 7% seven-day COVID-19 positivity rate. | 2022-10-15T00:13:11Z | www.myhighplains.com | Amarillo Public Health releases COVID-19 report card for Oct. 14 | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/life-health/health/coronavirus/amarillo-public-health-releases-covid-19-report-card-for-oct-14/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/life-health/health/coronavirus/amarillo-public-health-releases-covid-19-report-card-for-oct-14/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The seasons are beginning to change and with that the community can begin to see an increase in pests and rodents. When the weather has a drastic change as seen in Amarillo, Bug Tech’s Director of Pest Operation, Michael Askew said they expect for bugs to begin to move in the homes.
“So that means that we are going to start seeing a lot of rodents moving indoors. They are going to start looking for food, shelter, places where it’s warm and we have had a lot of rodents this year. I know we kind of had a little bit of a drought so we were expecting that the numbers might be a little low. We have to remember that last year we had quite a bit of rain, so the food was abundant, so a lot of mice were having a lot of babies last year, so we are still dealing with that this year,” Askew added.
He said that wasps are also looking for a warm place to stay with the colder nights approaching. Attics and porch lights are the perfect area for wasps to come during those nights.
“Because your attic usually runs between 68 to 75 degrees which is a great place for wasp to be during the nighttime. We are also seeing other bugs move during this time. Especially with the weather changing as drastically as it did,” he said.
While the colder season can cause an increase in pests it is not the only factor. Trash and water sources can also lead to pest and rodents in your home.
“Water sources are a big deal. We fought a lot of cockroaches this year that’s because we had a lit bit of a drought this year. So, cockroaches have to have water to stay alive, they have to moisture to stay alive,” Askew added.
Askew said some ways to protect your homes from pest is exclusion and making sure there is not any openings in your home for pest to get into. Also making sure to put away outdoor water sources can prevent them from making their way into your home. | 2022-10-15T04:07:44Z | www.myhighplains.com | An increase of pest during the colder season | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/an-increase-of-pest-during-the-colder-season/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/an-increase-of-pest-during-the-colder-season/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KMAR/KCIT) — Today National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, on Oct. 15 people honor the lives lost to miscarriage, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, stillbirth, the death of a newborn, and more.
The loss of an infant can be devastating for a family and affect them in a variety of ways. National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is a day to raise awareness about the issue so that more people feel comfortable being open about their pregnancy and/or loss. Because many victims process the situation in silence, the loss of a pregnancy or an infant is more common than people realize. Miscarriages are the most common type of pregnancy loss, affecting one out of every four known pregnancies. Stillbirths occur in approximately 1 in every 175 births and are defined as the loss of a pregnancy at 20 weeks or later. Thousands of people are affected by infant mortality every year, with causes ranging from SIDS to pregnancy complications.
This international day is observed particularly in the United States, Canada, and Australia. On Oct. 15, you can take the opportunity to reflect, honor, and come together over pregnancy and infant loss.
To honor this day people could contact a loved one who has experienced a loss and give them the love and support needed to process and recover. | 2022-10-16T00:04:21Z | www.myhighplains.com | National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/entertainment-news/national-pregnancy-and-infant-loss-remembrance-day/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/entertainment-news/national-pregnancy-and-infant-loss-remembrance-day/ |
A family in Borger was charged in connection with the January sixth attack on the capitol.
The deadline to register for the November election was last week. what you need to know before you cast your ballot.
New evidence, new images, and a new demand for Donald Trump to answer directly to the January sixth committee about the attack on the capitol.
The general election is just under a month away and this year potter and Randall counties saw an increase in the number of registered voters.
The city of Amarillo’s sale tax revenue continues to rise.
The Randall county commissioners court has started the process of issuing certificates of obligation to pay for a new jail expansion project.
In June, the city of Amarillo and a-t&t announced a 24-million-dollar project.
Amarillo City Council approves contract with AT&T for broadband initiative
City officials approved the replacement of lights at the city’s parks on Tuesday the project passed with a three-zero vote.
The city council discussed the city of Amarillo becoming a sister city with a city in Ukraine.
The Uvalde school district suspends its entire school police force. | 2022-10-16T23:34:37Z | www.myhighplains.com | WATCH: Politics Today for the week of Sunday, Oct. 16 | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/politics-today/watch-politics-today-for-the-week-of-sunday-oct-16%EF%BF%BC/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/politics-today/watch-politics-today-for-the-week-of-sunday-oct-16%EF%BF%BC/ |
Starting the morning with temps in the 40’s and 50’s. There is a Freeze Watch to the northeast of the area for temps overnight falling to the freezing mark. Rain over the weekend stayed minimal since all of the area observed rainfall below an inch of rain. However, showers continue across central and southern parts of the Panhandle this morning. Rain will continue to favor southwestern parts of the area for the rest of the morning. Cloud cover will break apart by midday with temps only reaching those mid 60’s. A warming trend through the rest of the workweek. Highs by Friday will be in the low 80’s. A windy weekend ahead with a cold front by the end of the weekend. | 2022-10-17T12:06:52Z | www.myhighplains.com | Cool weather to start the workweek | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/weather-headlines/forecast/cool-weather-to-start-the-workweek/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/weather-headlines/forecast/cool-weather-to-start-the-workweek/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with the Amarillo Police Department are looking for a suspect involved in a Monday morning armed robbery that reportedly occurred at a store in west Amarillo.
According to a news release from the department, officers were called to the Dollar General located at 403 south Western Street on a call of an armed robbery around 11:19 a.m. Monday. A suspect, identified as a black male wearing all black, allegedly entered the store, pointed a handgun at a clerk and demanded money.
Officials said in the release that the suspect allegedly left the store with an “undisclosed amount of money.” Officers said the last known direction of travel was east from the scene on foot.
No injuries were reported from this incident. Officials are asking that members of the public with information on this incident call the Amarillo Police Department or the Amarillo Crime Stoppers at 806-374-4400. Tips can also be given anonymously on the Amarillo Crime Stoppers’ website and on the P3 mobile application. | 2022-10-17T18:51:23Z | www.myhighplains.com | Amarillo Police release details on Monday armed robbery | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-police-release-details-on-monday-armed-robbery/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-police-release-details-on-monday-armed-robbery/ |
Randall County, via Canva
CANYON, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials from Timbercreek Equine Hospital have confirmed that a horse recently tested positive for the West Nile Virus in the Canyon area.
According to documents obtained by MyHighPlains.com, the horse tested positive Friday. Officials with the hospital said on Monday that the horse is doing fine and that it cannot be spread from the horse to humans.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease. Officials with the hospital said that this is the time of year when it happens, with the CDC stressing that it normally begins in the summer and continues through the fall.
Officials with the University of California, Davis’ School of Veterinary Medicine’s Center for Equine Health said on their website that horses represent 96.9% of reported non-human cases of the West Nile Virus. They stressed that humans and horses “are considered dead-end hosts,” meaning that humans and horses cannot give it to each other. The virus is only transmitted through mosquitoes. | 2022-10-17T20:45:11Z | www.myhighplains.com | West Nile Virus case reported in horse in Canyon area | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/randall-county/west-nile-virus-case-reported-in-horse-in-canyon-area/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/randall-county/west-nile-virus-case-reported-in-horse-in-canyon-area/ |
AMARILLO, Texas(KAMR/KCIT) —The Amarillo Little Theatre is inviting the public to the world premiere of Robin Hood: The Rest of the Story. It’s described as a “quick-paced, witty script” written by ALT veteran and Academy Instructor Carrie Huckabay and original music by ALT award winner Jeffrey Pickens.
Robin Hood has just returned from his time fighting in the Crusades alongside King Richard. As his trusty band of Merry Men welcome him back to the Sherwood Forest, Robin Hood is caught up on all the goings on of the kingdom, including the acts of an imposter using the Robin Hood name to continue the original’s good works in his absence.
The show is happening October 21st & 22nd at 7:30 p.m. and October 22nd and 23rd at 2:30 p.m. at the Allen Shankles Mainstage located at 2019 Civic Circle. You can reserve tickets by calling (806) 355-9991 or clicking here. | 2022-10-17T22:38:15Z | www.myhighplains.com | ALT Presents Robin Hood: The Rest of the Story | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/studio-4/alt-presents-robin-hood-the-rest-of-the-story/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/studio-4/alt-presents-robin-hood-the-rest-of-the-story/ |
AMARILLO, Texas(KAMR/KCIT) —Halloween is the best time of year for all things spooky. For some, putting a few decorations in their yard and wearing a costume is more than enough. Those who want to take things to the next level may want to transform their entire home for the Halloween season. Luckily, setting up a haunted house is easier and more affordable than you’d think. | 2022-10-17T22:38:34Z | www.myhighplains.com | How to make your home a haunted house | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/reviews/br/how-to-make-your-home-a-haunted-house/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/reviews/br/how-to-make-your-home-a-haunted-house/ |
New location of the Amarillo Senior Citizens Association David Gay/MyHighPlains.com
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — With a new board in hand, officials with the revamped Amarillo Senior Citizens Association are looking to overcome obstacles it has faced in the last two years with a goal of serving the local senior population while also helping the city of Amarillo and the surrounding community at the same time.
According to previous reports by MyHighPlains.com, the association, which is also called ASCA, previously operated out of the downtown campus of Amarillo College, providing a place for seniors to come together, participate in activities and provide services for that population. In September 2020, the association moved out of that location and bounced around to other locations.
The association purchased a new building from Potter County in the San Jacinto neighborhood in December 2020 but has yet to officially move into that facility, with the cost of necessary improvements to the building impacting ASCA’s overall financial situation. During a meeting of the association in July, officials said they started the process of closing the association but had the opportunity to get some funding from the city of Amarillo through funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, or ARPA.
Barbara Cromer, the vice president of the association, said the board voted to close down the association, saying she was the only one in favor of keeping it afloat. Conversations with community members then started to occur, which led to Tom Scherlen being recruited as the new president of ASCA’s board.
Scherlen, a former businessman and current Amarillo resident said before he was recruited, he was aware of ASCA’s situation. But with the new board, consisting of other community members like former lawyers and businesspeople, he believes it is a good overview of the community represented and a fresh start for an organization that needed one.
“We’re approaching this as a completely new start, as a new beginning. We’re basically starting over from scratch,” he said. “…I believe we really are trying to change the whole presentation for the senior citizens. It’s not just an organization… We need to become a force within the community. Instead of thinking the community should serve the seniors, I would like to see the seniors serving the community, and in doing that, it’s going to change the culture. It’s going to be changing the way we think.”
Scherlen said he sees ASCA as becoming a full outreach organization for the whole community. He sees the organization as having the potential of working with various neighborhood groups and residents of all ages with the goal of ASCA being something the entire community benefits from.
As far as the building the association purchased from Potter County in the San Jacinto neighborhood, Scherlen said he hopes to get the building set up in six months after the association receives funding, some of which could come from the city of Amarillo’s allocation of ARPA funds and other potential funds from grants, local foundations and from the federal government.
“(The seniors) need a place to go, a place to feel like they’re a part. I would love to see us get to the point where we’re giving out food to the community. I would love to see us getting some of the federal grants to be able to help the community in that way, you know, but we’ve got to work at it,” Scherlen said. “It’s going to take a lot of work… There’s no free ride here. If you’re going to be involved, you’re going to have to work hard.”
Cromer said that ASCA might still have to close if they do not receive any funding. But, she believes that the new leaders of the association have accomplished more in the last month than the association has in a long time.
“We are trying to take what tiny little bit of money we have left to get things started,” she said. “Once we get things started, we will, of course, be more able to go out and get donations from foundations and things like that once we show that we’re handling it like a business. That’s going to be fantastic and we’re not giving up.”
Scherlen stressed that it is important that the association thinks outside the box and approaches ASCA’s future in a way they have not done before.
“In the past… I felt like their old boards were nearsighted. They were worried about the here and the now. I’m looking at growing,” he said. “…We don’t have hardly anybody right now, but we need to get there and we need to be viable. We need to be pushing and asking and saying, what can we do to help? How can we help the city?… I want to be a social club (and) a group of city people working for the betterment. That’s where we need to go. We need to be thinking about others instead of ourselves.” | 2022-10-18T00:30:55Z | www.myhighplains.com | ASCA’s new board adapts to recent obstacles | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/ascas-new-board-adapts-to-recent-obstacles/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/ascas-new-board-adapts-to-recent-obstacles/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Food and Drug Administration-approved hearing aids are now available over the counter in pharmacies and retail stores across the country for mild to moderate hearing loss.
In August the FDA finalized rules that allowed hearing aids to be sold OTC. The final ruling came after congress passed legislation on over-the-counter hearing aids. President Joe Biden further encouraged the decision in July of 2021 when he issued an executive order on promoting competition in the American economy.
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Consumers looking for a hearing aid must be mindful of the type of device they are purchasing as well as the severity of their hearing loss.
“There’s two primary things that a consumer is going to want to look for, one is are you purchasing a hearing aid or are you purchasing an amplifier?” said Megan Laughlin Au.D., Audiologist. “Because there is a very big difference between the two and amplifier is simply amplifying all sounds. A hearing aid generally has a prescription and set based off of the wearer’s hearing test or hearing evaluation, and so that’s the distinguishing difference between what you’re going to see on the shelf.”
Although retail stores and pharmacies are offering hearing aids, they do not provide the same quality or long-term solution that going to an audiologist may give and some patients are already experiencing concerning impacts from OTC hearing aids.
Laughlin shared the following story, “I had a specific patient, he came in just today and he had purchased a set of hearing aids from Walmart, about 30 days ago, and they were $500, he said. He brought them to us, because they just weren’t helping him. He couldn’t figure out how to get them turned on, he couldn’t figure out how to change the batteries. And then when he did get to that point in the process, he wasn’t noticing any benefit.”
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Laughlin continued, “So he came to us and of course, after testing this patient, and during the diagnostic evaluation, we found that he had a profound hearing loss, which is the most advanced hearing loss that we can measure. So this over the counter option that he had spent all the majority over half of his monthly income on, to be quite honest with you. It wasn’t adequate or appropriate for his hearing loss. What is worrisome to the healthcare industry is that there was nobody there to counsel him through that process. There was nobody there to say this is not appropriate, it is not going to treat your hearing loss.”
The only way to know if you are experiencing hearing loss or the severity is to receive a diagnostic hearing exam. At Amarillo hearing clinic patients receive a diagnostic evaluation, a diagnosis determines the hearing loss, and then the health care providers work to provide the best technology for a patient and their lifestyle.
At a hearing doctor, patients receive diagnostic testing that determines the amount of hearing loss and determines the custom hearing aid that is needed.
Laughlin stated, “I think it’s important for patients to know that not all hearing aids are $6,000. I think that there’s this this concept out there that hearing aids are $6,000 and there’s no way I can afford that we can actually provide amplification options for every patient for every budget. So just because you’re coming to a healthcare provider does not mean you’re paying thousands and thousands of dollars out of pocket for you for amplification or assistance. We have options and we also have resource. We can get you your hearing health care without taking away the health care portion of that process.”
Big companies like Walgreens, CVS and other major retailers have focused more on the elderly population. Because of this healthcare providers worked with the community to provide solutions and help offset the cost of hearing aids.
Some signs of hearing loss to be mindful of include the following: onset of tinnitus or ringing in the ears, difficulty understanding the clarity of speech and difficulty listening and background noise.
Walgreens and CVS are two retailers who started selling FDA approved hearing aids effective Oct.17. Walgreens released the following statement.
“Starting today, customers with mild-to-moderate hearing loss can purchase Lexie Lumen hearing aids directly from their neighborhood Walgreens, without a prescription. Walgreens is committed to breaking down barriers to offer convenient access to affordable health and wellness solutions. Together with Lexie Hearing, we are making it easy for customers nationwide to purchase high-quality hearing aids directly from their neighborhood Walgreens, both online and in-store,“-Walgreens
CVS also released a statement on hearing aid accessibility and affordability in their store.
“As a result of the new rule by the FDA which allows for the sale of OTC Hearing Aids, customers with mild to moderate hearing loss will now have access to accessible and affordable solutions on CVS.com starting today October 17, with varying options on model and price point depending on their needs. CVS will also offer hearing aids in select CVS Pharmacy locations beginning in November. In these stores and on cvs.com, customers will have access to a non-diagnostic hearing screener. The in-store experience will also allow for customers to connect with the suppliers to discuss additional details on the product assortment. This is an important step toward increasing accessibility and affordability of hearing aids for Americans who need them.”- CVS Pharmacy | 2022-10-18T03:55:25Z | www.myhighplains.com | FDA Approved hearing aids available over the counter | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/fda-approved-hearing-aids-available-over-the-counter/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/fda-approved-hearing-aids-available-over-the-counter/ |
Starting the morning with temps in the 30’s and 40’s. It is a chilly start to the day with patchy fog also developing. Areas to the southwest are seeing visibility as low as a quarter of a mile. A reminder to give yourself extra time if making the morning commute. Fog is expected to lift by midmorning. Highs for this afternoon will still be below average for this time of year. All of the area is expected to sit in the 60’s. The trough pattern to the west of us will move east and the ridge pattern to the west will move closer to the Central Plains. A warm front will push through the Texas Panhandle by the end of the workweek giving us temps back in the 80’s. Watching for another cooldown by next week behind a few cold fronts. | 2022-10-18T11:41:32Z | www.myhighplains.com | Morning fog with another cool afternoon ahead | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/weather-headlines/forecast/morning-fog-with-another-cool-afternoon-ahead/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/weather-headlines/forecast/morning-fog-with-another-cool-afternoon-ahead/ |
United Family Aisles of Smiles Campaign
LUBBOCK, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with the United Family of supermarkets announced that its locations across Texas and New Mexico raised more than $182,700 for those living with various diseases.
According to a news release from the chain, locations of the United Family raised $182,717.56 for those living with muscular dystrophy, ALS and other neuromuscular diseases during the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Aisles of Smiles campaign between Sept. 1 and Sept. 14.
According to the release, the donate-at-the-register portion of the campaign accounted for $94,967.56 of the total funds. The rest came from purchases of qualifying products throughout the month of September, where a portion of the purchase was donated to MDA.
This campaign helps benefit research at various hospitals throughout New Mexico and Texas and helps make the MDA’s Summer Camp possible, the release said. The association has helped accelerate research, advance care and advocate for family support for more than 70 years.
“We are so thankful to have once again partnered with MDA for the Aisles of Smiles program across our stores,” Sidney Hopper, the president of The United Family, said in the release. “Every donation empowers children and adults with neuromuscular diseases, especially now that we’re seeing the impact of MDA’s investment in research resulting in treatments. We are proud to support their mission and thankful for the support of our guests.” | 2022-10-18T17:43:07Z | www.myhighplains.com | United Family raises more than $182,700 for MDA in 2022 campaign | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/united-family-raises-more-than-182700-for-mda-in-2022-campaign/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/united-family-raises-more-than-182700-for-mda-in-2022-campaign/ |
CLOVIS, N.M. (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with Clovis Municipal Schools announced that the Clovis High School Marching Band recently received its 10th consecutive state championship.
According to a news release from Clovis Municipal Schools, the Clovis High School Marching Band won the state championship on Saturday at the 44th Zia Marching Fiesta, its 20th state championship overall. This comes after the band received the following awards at the preliminary competition after the finals competition was canceled because of weather:
Best Musical Achievement;
Best Visual Achievement;
Best General Effect;
Best in Class (4A).
Clovis High School’s Marching Band performs earlier this season for the Band of America competition in Midland. Provided by Jason Davis.
According to the release, the Wildcat band was awarded grand champion based on the preliminary competition scores, marking the end of the band’s competitive marching season. The band will perform its marching show, titled “Points of Reflection” during halftime of Thursday’s Clovis versus Capital football game. A presentation will also be made at the end of the marching show. | 2022-10-18T17:43:51Z | www.myhighplains.com | Clovis HS marching band wins 10th straight championship | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/new-mexico/clovis-hs-marching-band-wins-10th-straight-championship/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/new-mexico/clovis-hs-marching-band-wins-10th-straight-championship/ |
Catherine Lynn Jarvey is charged with injury to a child and exploitation of a child, a first-degree felony and a third-degree felony, respectively. She was booked into the Wichita County jail on Friday, Oct. 14, 2022, on bonds totaling $70,000.
According to Dr. Peeler, as of Oct. 2, 2022, the victim is gaining weight and is improving daily, now weighing 17 pounds and 13.4 ounces. | 2022-10-18T17:44:09Z | www.myhighplains.com | 6-year-old child weighs only 15 pounds, mother arrested | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/texas/6-year-old-child-weighs-only-15-pounds-mother-arrested/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/texas/6-year-old-child-weighs-only-15-pounds-mother-arrested/ |
CANYON, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with West Texas A&M University announced that 14 students in the McNair Scholars program are set to present their research at the annual research showcase at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday in the Cornette Library on campus.
Officials highlighted the research projects of three students:
Project 1, according to officials, will be about “finding a replacement for petroleum-based epoxy,” as the research aimed to slow the depletion of petroleum by making a type of plastic, called epoxy resin, from non-toxic plant oils.
Officials noted that 75% of epoxy resins on the market are synthesized from petroleum with the research detailing that there are more effective and sustainable ways to create an epoxy resin that could benefit the environment.
Project 2 was produced by a double-amputee who researched the “efficiency of different prosthetics,” officials said. The researcher used meta-analysis to compare how much energy amputees were using with their knees.
The meta-analysis combined previous research information together to determine that people who use a microprocessor knee use less energy than those with a mechanical knee. The microprocessor used technology and sensors to determine how fast it’s moving, thus, controlling the swing of the prosthetic depending on the need of the individual.
Project 3 researched the “effects of face masks on speech and language,” according to officials. The researcher aimed to determine if there was a decline in “listener understanding.”
Officials added that the study compared blue surgical masks with clear face masks to analyze if either of these options was better when it came to listener understanding. | 2022-10-18T20:24:00Z | www.myhighplains.com | WT students showcase research at annual event | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/wt-students-showcase-research-at-annual-event/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/wt-students-showcase-research-at-annual-event/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — A man who Amarillo Police Department officials allege sold methamphetamine to an undercover officer has pleaded guilty in Amarillo Federal Court to one count of “distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.”
According to court documents, filed Monday in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas Amarillo Division, Kyle Ryan Farris pleaded guilty to the above charge.
In April, the factual resume, which accompanied the plea agreement, said that officials with the Amarillo Police Department alleged that an “undercover operation” occurred to obtain methamphetamine from Farris, contacting him through Facebook and telephone. On April 27, the documents said that Farris agreed to sell one ounce of methamphetamine to the person serving as the undercover officer.
According to the factual resume, Farris and the officer allegedly met at the Family Dollar location in Amarillo. During the exchange, the officer paid $300 for a bag containing suspected methamphetamine. The substance was later confirmed as methamphetamine, weighing around 28.43 grams.
Farris was arrested on a federal warrant on July 7, according to the factual resume. During that arrest, Farris was found in possession of two firearms. During an interview after the arrest, Farris allegedly admitted to selling methamphetamine.
According to the plea agreement, the minimum and maximum penalties Farris can receive under the agreement include:
Imprisonment for a period not more than 20 years;
A fine not to exceed $1,000,000, or twice any pecuniary gain to the defendant or loss to the victims;
Forfeiture of property, including a Glock, model 43, 9mm caliber semi-automatic pistol, a Ruger, model LC9s, 9mm semi-automatic pistol, all property seized by law enforcement on July 7, 2022 and all property seized or restrained by law enforcement during the investigation related to this criminal case.
According to court documents, Farris’ rearrangement is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 28 in Amarillo Federal Court. | 2022-10-18T22:47:01Z | www.myhighplains.com | Man pleads guilty to ‘distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine’ | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/crime/federal-court/man-pleads-guilty-to-distribution-and-possession-with-intent-to-distribute-methamphetamine/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/crime/federal-court/man-pleads-guilty-to-distribution-and-possession-with-intent-to-distribute-methamphetamine/ |
Amarillo expects impact to traffic with Bolton St project
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — A trench repair project on Bolton Street is expected to have an impact on traffic as work begins on Wednesday.
The City of Amarillo said in a news release that work on the project is expected to begin Wednesday with the closing of Bolton St. and SE 14th Ave. The project will ultimately include the area of Bolton St between SE 13th Ave. and SE 16th Ave. The intersections at Bolton Street and SE 13th Ave. and Bolton Street and SE 16th Ave. will remain open.
The city said that drivers should expect delays and be aware of closed intersections and signs related to construction in the area. Alternate routes may need to be sought out at various times as the project continues.
The city estimates the project will be done by the summer of 2023 pending delays due to weather. | 2022-10-18T22:47:14Z | www.myhighplains.com | Amarillo expects impact to traffic with Bolton St project | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-expects-impact-to-traffic-with-bolton-st-project/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-expects-impact-to-traffic-with-bolton-st-project/ |
CANYON, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The city of Canyon has experienced a steady increase in sales tax over the last nine years. This year the city brought in more revenue from sales tax revenue than property tax revenue.
Joel Wright, Canyon’s director of finance said they have been tracking sales tax since the 2018 fiscal year and have had an average of ten and a quarter percent increase. The funds from sales tax revenue have gone towards funding their general fund and public services.
“Over those five years each year that increase has gone from three and a half percent up to as high as 14 and a half percent year over year percentage increase,” said Joel Wright, Canyon Director of Finance. “We’re able to fund government services through that, which would be fire police, streets, all of that revenue funds, our general fund expenditures, which include those three major ones, and also administration.”
With revenue from sales tax higher than revenue from property tax, the city has been able to maintain property tax rates, close the gap between sales and property tax and allow less property tax to be assessed in the new budget year.
In 2018 the supreme court ruled that states could collect sales tax from online retailers such as Wayfair and Amazon. This increased individual sales tax revenue which means that even when residents shop online their city still benefits.
Why you should buy your teen’s prom dress early this year
“Keep your purchases local and again, you can still do that by purchasing online if you’re using something like Amazon or Wayfair, if it’s been delivered to your home that sales tax stays in Canyon,” said Wright. “So just know that even though you’re paying more for things now, the sales tax with that does stay in our community and it does provide for services here in Canyon. | 2022-10-19T00:57:34Z | www.myhighplains.com | Canyon sales tax increases along with sales tax revenue | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/canyon-sales-tax-increases-along-with-sales-tax-revenue/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/canyon-sales-tax-increases-along-with-sales-tax-revenue/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health will be hosting the “They are Not for Sale: Human Sex Trafficking Symposium” on Friday, Oct. 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Happy State Bank Auditorium at the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine.
The symposium will provide information to healthcare providers about the many ways that those who experience trafficking might present, how to use human trafficking screens to assess the risk of exploitation, and how to apply trauma-informed, rights-based strategies when dealing with challenging situations.
Ann Ream, the founder of The Voices and Faces Project will be the keynote speaker.
For additional questions about the event, please contact the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health at (806) 414-9941.
And if anyone is experiencing human trafficking, help is available. Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. | 2022-10-19T17:26:15Z | www.myhighplains.com | Laura W. Bush Institute to host human sex trafficking symposium | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/today-in-amarillo/laura-w-bush-institute-to-host-human-sex-trafficking-symposium/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/today-in-amarillo/laura-w-bush-institute-to-host-human-sex-trafficking-symposium/ |
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