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AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — As we continue to feel the pain of inflation, a local economist explained why it might be time for many to think harder about budgeting and saving money.
Amarillo National Bank’s Senior Vice President and Senior Investment Officer, Matt Ramsey, said over the past couple of years during COVID-19, the government directed funds toward communities, individuals, and businesses in need.
“That created a lot of demand as those funds were funneled to people and institutions. So there’s a big jump in demand,” Ramsey said. “At the same time, we had the Federal Reserve Bank cutting interest rates, and as they cut interest rates and began to buy bonds, they also increased the money supply in doing that.”
Ramsey said the most recent Consumer Price Index showed it to be at 7.9% in February.
“So if you want to keep up with inflation, then wages would need to go up 7.9%.”
Plus, he said the labor market is tight as many people re-enter the workforce and the Fed raises interest rates.
“What they’re attempting to do is slow the economy. So it may be that we see a little bit of a slower economy and that folks may not have that ability to ask for higher wages that they did, let’s say six months ago.”
According to Ramsey, now is the time to start saving money if possible.
“When they raise interest rates, that means that your savings accounts and your CDs will be higher. So there’s an opportunity now for folks to save at a higher rate than what they have been able to do so,” he added. “But it’s likely that there will be some pain involved as rates go from perhaps up to 2% to 3%, by the end of the year…”
Ramsey said there is a silver lining to some of this inflation.
“In the Panhandle, we are an agriculture-based economy. So, to some extent, we benefit from higher commodities,” he said. “However, mostly higher prices affect us at the gas pump, and then through transportation of other goods. So then it becomes embedded in those goods, which we all use.”
He also said the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is adding to the U.S.’s already high gas prices.
“They created a very, very accommodative monetary policy, all of that created a boost in demand. At the same time, we had supply issues across the world with transportation with container ships, and now with the Ukrainian crisis, we have oil as a part of that supply constraint as well,” said Ramsey. “So both of those things came together to create the worst inflation we’ve had in 40 years.”
When asked how much those increased prices could be attributed to inflation versus corporate greed, Ramsey said, “Over the last several years, we’ve seen the money supply grow about 40%, which is a huge number. And so that is really the predominant cause of our inflation. And the corporate profits are high but they also have higher costs, which are going to hit them in the future.”
Ramsey encouraged people to cut back on spending as needed for now.
“It will be a little bit painful for folks as they adjust their budgets to find where those extra dollars are going to come from that they’re spending now on a little bit higher energy prices and higher food prices,” he said. “And so it’s probably a good time to tighten your belt a little bit, just to prepare for a little bit of an economic slowdown.” | 2022-04-05T01:44:31Z | www.myhighplains.com | Amarillo National Bank economist talks inflation, savings, and economic slowdown | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-national-bank-economist-talks-inflation-savings-and-economic-slowdown/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-national-bank-economist-talks-inflation-savings-and-economic-slowdown/ |
MEMPHIS, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – In February, the town of Memphis was devastated by a fire that left multiple buildings in the downtown square destroyed. Now, the town is working to move forward.
“I think we have been at it for three or four weeks now. This is our fourth week. The process is you got to remove all the big debris, major metal, and most, half of that is done, and then we are trying to remove all of the reusable brick so we can at least salvage some kind of value out of that,” said Brett Prince, owner of Retail Monkey.
Prince said it will be a bit before the rebuild can begin.
“I hope we are ready to at least start some kind of rebuild the first day of summer, the first day after school is out. Late May, early June,” said Prince.
President of the Economic Development Corporation in Memphis, Kevin Huddleston said they are trying everything they can to get the business owners back on their feet.
“We are in the middle of coming up with a program, a small business program that we are going to devise to help them get some finances to rebuild,” added Huddleston.
Prince said he can’t go into much detail about what will be built to replace the buildings that were lost, but it will be a reinvestment into the community.
Huddleston added that the buildings that were lost in the fire had been on the square since the early 1900s.
“As for, what we are going to do, we have got to get some approvals and stuff of that nature, but I would say just to put it generally, we are very interested in the idea of being a part of food security, with what’s going on right now with food supply shortages, shipping issues. That sort of thing,” said Prince.
Prince said the outpouring of support from surrounding communities shows the love and generosity of the Texas Panhandle.
“We’ve been here for say about five years and there was a day we felt like newcomers and then there was a day we felt not so much like newcomers and now, I would say we feel like lifers. So I guess that’s what it means to me. This makes you want to be here for good,” said Prince.
Prince said they are looking for people from all over the community to come to help out with the clean-up process. He said you can do that by connecting 817-889-3360 and asking for Myrick. | 2022-04-05T04:21:07Z | www.myhighplains.com | Memphis looking to rebuild after February fire on downtown square | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/memphis-looking-to-rebuild-after-february-fire-on-downtown-square/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/memphis-looking-to-rebuild-after-february-fire-on-downtown-square/ |
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with the Texas A&M Forest Service recently announced that wildfire activity throughout the state is expected to “gradually increase” throughout the week.
Officials said the Amarillo area, along with Childress, Lubbock, Sweetwater and San Angelo, have the potential for large wildfires Tuesday because of “critical” fire weather, dry grasses and above normal temperatures in the area. The wildfire potential spreads to south Texas as well as the eastern and western parts of the Hill Country on Wednesday.
This comes after the Texas Panhandle saw a number of fires throughout the region in late March. This included fires in Hemphill County, Roberts County, and Wheeler County. Officials from the forest service said that since Jan. 1, officials have responded to more than 3,000 wildfires which have burned more than 403,000 acres. In the month of March, officials responded to 978 wildfires throughout the state which burned 348,403 acres.
“A prolonged period of accelerated drying Wednesday through Sunday will expand the area of dry to extremely dry vegetation across the landscape and will continue to support wildfire activity through the weekend,” the release said. “Texas A&M Forest Service continues to monitor the situation closely and has positioned personnel and equipment across the areas of concern for a quick and effective response to any new wildfire ignitions.”
According to the Texas Water Development Board, the majority of the Texas Panhandle is reported as being in severe to exceptional drought. Officials said that the state’s overall drought conditions are the worst the state has experienced at the end of March since 2021.
With the fire danger throughout the state, officials with the Texas A&M Forest Service said more than 300 firefighters from the service, more than 170 firefighters with the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System as well as personnel from 28 states have been mobilized for response efforts. Officials also said 33 aircraft, including three large air tankers, 15 single-engine air tankers, and seven type-one and type-three helicopters, are staged across the state for wildfire response.
“The agency is dedicated to protecting the citizens and natural resources of this state from wildfire,” Wes Moorehead, the Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief, said in the release. “It is crucial, however, that residents take action around their homes to reduce wildfire risk.”
Within the first 30 feet of a person’s home, use non-flammable landscaping materials. Within the first five feet, water plants, trees, and mulch regularly, and consider xeriscaping if you are affected by water restrictions;
A healthy, well-maintained landscape is important to the survival of homes during a wildfire. Make sure a person’s plants are carefully spaced, low growing, and free of resins, oils, and waxes that burn easily;
Remove dead vegetation from under the deck of a person’s home and within 10 feet of the house;
For current conditions and wildfire outlook, visit the Texas Fire Potential Update webpage. | 2022-04-05T17:46:16Z | www.myhighplains.com | Texas A&M Forest Service warns of ongoing wildfire potential | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/texas-am-forest-service-warns-of-ongoing-wildfire-potential/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/texas-am-forest-service-warns-of-ongoing-wildfire-potential/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is a top four military friendly school, according to VIQTORY, a veterans transition assistance company.
“We were really excited this year, we were in the top ten,” said Sara Henly, Director of TTUHSC Veterans Resource Center. “This is the first time we’ve received the Gold status.”
The school achieved Gold status ranking fourth out of 1,800 graduate level schools in the country as an educational resource for veterans.
TTUHSC students to receive residence assignments at event
“We really began tracking our military connected students,” Henly said. “That means currently serving, veterans and their family members.”
Resources such as, “awarding more scholarships, we have a veteran to veteran mentorship program that we established during the pandemic, because we really wanted to find a way for students to keep connected to other military community here,” Henly said.
Henly told KAMR the recognition didn’t happen overnight.
High Plains area seeing increased demand for donor breast milk
“The school of nursing in 2016, had their first cohort for their veterans to BSN program, and it’s a program designed for students that were in medical rating in the military, so core men, medics,” she said.
Henly served in the Navy from 2009 to 2015 and knows first hand, “sometimes conversations between a veteran and a veteran have a different kind of rapport,” she added.
The best thing vets can do when transitioning out of the service, “I would say preparation,” she emphasized. | 2022-04-05T17:46:19Z | www.myhighplains.com | TTUHSC named military friendly employer, achieved Gold status out of 1,800 schools | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/ttuhsc-named-military-friendly-employer-achieved-gold-status-out-of-1800-schools/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/ttuhsc-named-military-friendly-employer-achieved-gold-status-out-of-1800-schools/ |
AUSTIN, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with the office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced Tuesday that Abbott has appointed Kimberly Allen, a Stratford resident, as the judge for the 69th Judicial District Court, serving Dallam, Hartley, Moore, and Sherman counties.
According to a news release from Abbott’s office, Allen’s appointment begins Wednesday for a term set to expire Dec. 31, or “until her successor shall be duly elected and qualified.”
Currently, Allen serves as the county attorney for Sherman County, the county where she has served since 1997. Allen is also a graduate of the University of Texas School of Law and a member of the State Bar of Texas, the Texas District and County Attorneys Association, and the 69th Judicial District Bar Association. | 2022-04-05T17:46:51Z | www.myhighplains.com | Stratford resident appointed judge for 69th Judicial District Court | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/your-local-election-hq/stratford-resident-appointed-judge-for-69th-judicial-district-court/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/your-local-election-hq/stratford-resident-appointed-judge-for-69th-judicial-district-court/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with the Panhandle Rides organization announced Tuesday that it will officially launch its website Friday prior to the Amarillo Sod Poodles kicking off its 2022 season against the Midland Rockhounds Friday evening.
According to a news release from the organization, Panhandle Rides will host a kick-off celebration of the website, providing free bus rides from West Texas A&M University as well as Eastridge Elementary School to Friday’s game. Bus riders will receive a free lawn ticket to the opening game Friday. Rides will begin at 5 p.m. from each location.
The release stated that Panhandle Rides is a transit collaborative between the city of Amarillo and Panhandle Community Services, providing rides to and from towns throughout the Texas Panhandle. This includes fixed routes throughout Amarillo, free rides for COVID-19 testing, antibody treatment and vaccination clinics as well as other doctor’s appointments in outlying areas.
The goal of the collaborative is to “increase mobility options within the top 26 counties and 63 cities in the Texas Panhandle,” the release said.
“Finding transportation can be difficult, and even more difficult for older adults or those with disabilities that need an accessible trip. The website PanhandleRides.com is a collaborative effort designed to be a one-stop-shop for transportation resources in the Texas Panhandle to improve visibility and access to our current transportation system,” Sundee Rossi, the director of the Area Agency on Aging, said in the release.
“I am excited about the website and believe that it will serve as the most current and user-friendly option for individuals, social service agencies, and caregivers to find transportation to best meet their needs,” concluded Rossi.
The release said that transportation includes fixed routes, demand service as well as rides for ADA riders needing additional mobility assistance. People can schedule rides by visiting the Panhandle Rides website at least 24 hours in advance. Trips can also be booked up to 30 days in advance.
“The new website for Panhandle Rides is going to be a helpful tool that we can use at Amarillo College to help our students access information on the public transportation system in the Panhandle. The website is user-friendly and easy to navigate,” Jordan Herrera, the director of social services at Amarillo College, said in the release.
For more information about the Panhandle Rides Transit Collaborative, visit the organization’s website.
Panhandle Rides Logo | 2022-04-05T20:10:03Z | www.myhighplains.com | Panhandle Rides website to launch in conjunction with Sod Poodles opening day | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/panhandle-rides-website-to-launch-in-conjunction-with-sod-poodles-opening-day/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/panhandle-rides-website-to-launch-in-conjunction-with-sod-poodles-opening-day/ |
Panhandle War Memorial, Missing in America Project hosts service for unclaimed veterans
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – The Panhandle War Memorial announced that, alongside county officials and volunteers from the Missing in America Project, a service to honor unclaimed veterans will be held on Wednesday, April 6, at 6 p.m. at the Panhandle War Memorial facility.
“Many of our military veterans, who have served, come home and eventually find themselves homeless and lose contact with family and friends,” wrote the memorial in its announcement, “Sometimes our veterans pass away with no one to take care of their final affairs. In many cases the county and local officials step in to provide cremation and their remains are left unclaimed on storage shelves for many years and sometimes decades.”
Missing in America volunteers, county officials, and local funeral homes make efforts to research the unclaimed remains in order to discover if the person was entitled to burial with military honors because of their service, said the announcement.
via the Panhandle War Memorial, a service from 2019
The memorial invited members of the public to attend the service and how support for eight unclaimed veterans. Afterward, the announcement detailed that an escort will pick up the remains of two other veterans in Lubbock before taking the group to be honored and interred at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio. | 2022-04-05T20:10:09Z | www.myhighplains.com | Panhandle War Memorial, Missing in America Project hosts service for unclaimed veterans | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/panhandle-war-memorial-missing-in-america-project-hosts-service-for-unclaimed-veterans/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/panhandle-war-memorial-missing-in-america-project-hosts-service-for-unclaimed-veterans/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – The Amarillo Police Department Traffic Investigators asked the community for help identifying the suspects of a March 29 hit-and-run.
According to police, officers responded on March 29 to a parking lot in the 3700 block of I-40 East at around 2:20 p.m., to investigate a crash between a vehicle and a pedestrian. A grey/silver Ford Taurus with a paper license plate struck a 92-year-old woman and left the scene, according to police. The victim was treated for her injuries, but those that were inside the Ford were not found.
via the Amarillo Police Department
Police published photos that the department said were of the people who were in the Taurus. Anyone with information on the identity of the two people was asked to call the Amarillo Police Department Traffic Unit at 378-4250 or Amarillo Crime Stoppers at 374-4400. Tips can also be given anonymously online at www.amapolice.org or on the Amarillo Crime Stoppers P3 mobile app. | 2022-04-05T20:10:15Z | www.myhighplains.com | WANTED: Police search for suspects in March hit-and-run | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/wanted-police-search-for-suspects-in-march-hit-and-run/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/wanted-police-search-for-suspects-in-march-hit-and-run/ |
CANYON, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The West Texas A&M University student radio station, KWTS 91.9, is celebrating a huge milestone as its 50th-anniversary approaches.
According to officials with WT, the station will celebrate with an event on October 1 during Homecoming Week, set to begin on September 26.
Further details about the party, along with a format change for the college rock station, will be provided between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. on April 8 during the weekly radio show, “Psychotic Reaction,” hosted by Marty Kuhlman, WT’s Jenny Lind Porter Professor of History, officials announced.
Kuhlman will be joined by KWTS adviser Randy Ray, director of broadcast engineering and associate lecturer of media communications, to start the celebration.
“KWTS has been educating students for 50 years, and having a campus radio station is a privilege that many universities don’t have,” Ray said in the release. “For five decades, WT media students have gotten hands-on experience running the station, learning along the way just what a big responsibility it is to work in broadcast media.”
The station officially launched at 3:00 p.m. on April 12, 1972, and upgraded to 6,000 watts in 1998, the release said. Currently, ten students work as DJs or engineers at the station.
Six weekly shows are devoted to country music, Tejano, K-pop and more. The station also hosts Live Lounge and One Sessions live concerts and podcasts. In addition, the radio station provides music at tailgates and other campus events. | 2022-04-05T20:10:21Z | www.myhighplains.com | WT student radio to celebrate 50th anniversary, announce format change | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/wt-student-radio-to-celebrate-50th-anniversary-announce-format-change/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/wt-student-radio-to-celebrate-50th-anniversary-announce-format-change/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with the Amarillo Police Department released information regarding a Monday incident involving a stolen vehicle in northeast Amarillo.
According to a news release from the Amarillo Police Department, members of the department’s Proactive Criminal Enforcement Unit (PACE) located a stolen vehicle parked at a residence in the 3300 block of north Bolton Street around 12 p.m. Monday.
When officers arrived, they saw three people walk away from the vehicle and into a residence. According to the release, officers made contact with 25-year-old Jocelyn Hockaday and 57-year-old Jose Tarin Ballin who both came outside. Officers said 41-year-old Jose Galvan also exited the residence. At the same time, officers reported that 34-year-old Jaime Cuellar Grado jumped out of a window and fled on foot. Officers caught Grado “a short distance from the residence” and detained him.
According to the release, Grado was found to have a felony warrant for Theft of Materials and was arrested for the warrant, as well as a charge of “unauthorized use of a vehicle” and a charge for “evading arrest/detention with a previous conviction. Grado was then booked into the Potter County Detention Center.
Ballin was charged with “tampering with evidence with intent to impair” and was booked into the Potter County Detention Center. Galvan was found to have three local municipal warrants and Hockaday was found to have one local municipal warrant. Both Galvan and Hockaday were booked into the Randall County Jail.
Officers also said that they located methamphetamine at the scene. The release said that the investigation is ongoing. | 2022-04-05T20:30:31Z | www.myhighplains.com | 4 arrested after stolen vehicle found in northeast Amarillo Monday | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/4-arrested-after-stolen-vehicle-found-in-northeast-amarillo-monday/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/4-arrested-after-stolen-vehicle-found-in-northeast-amarillo-monday/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The Amarillo Police Department’s Motorcycle Unit recently announced a civilian motorcycle safety training scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday at the Amarillo Fire Department’s training center.
The cost will be $25 per person and the event is limited to the first 20 people who sign up, according to a post on the city of Amarillo’s Facebook page.
For more information about the motorcycle training, visit the department’s website or email Lieutenant Wade Pennington at wade.pennington@amarillo.gov.
via APD Facebook page. | 2022-04-05T22:20:50Z | www.myhighplains.com | Amarillo Police hosts motorcycle training | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/amarillo-police-hosts-motorcycle-training/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/amarillo-police-hosts-motorcycle-training/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — As producers prepare to plant crops this season, the drought in the area continues. According to Chief Meteorologist John Harris, the Texas Panhandle is three-quarters of an inch below normal.
Dr. J.D. Ragland, with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, said producers are getting ready to plant corn seed, cotton, and sorghum in the ground, but he said the conditions right now are so dry that if any seeds are planted in the ground, even with irrigation, the likelihood of them coming up and getting off to a great start are slim to none due to no moisture in the soil profile.
Dr. Ragland said some farmers have access to underground availability of water and said some of those producers may have to cut back and only irrigate half of the field as they normally would. As well as concentrate on smaller acreages of land to save those water reserves.
He added other producers will have to make adjustments if significant rainfall doesn’t happen between now and planting.
“They are looking at potentially cutting some acreage and maybe concentrating on their highly productive ground in planting this year only. They are only going to have to concentrate on those areas if they do irrigation and concentrate their crop efforts where they do have good moisture,” said Dr. Ragland.
Chief Meteorologist John Harris said this is one of the longest periods of time without significant rainfall in thirty years.
John said it looks like right now La Niña will continue all the way into May, which means the area will be drier than normal. He added that in the summer months we might get into a neutral phase, which could lead either way in terms of rainfall.
John said Wednesday the area will have red flag warnings issued because even as a cold front moves, there will be high winds. | 2022-04-05T22:20:56Z | www.myhighplains.com | Drought continues as producers hope for rain | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/drought-continues-as-producers-hope-for-rain/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/drought-continues-as-producers-hope-for-rain/ |
The Bridge kicks off Child Abuse Prevention Month awareness events
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with The Bridge – Children’s Advocacy Center announced the start of its awareness events for Child Abuse Awareness Month through planting more than 1,500 pinwheels in the front lawn of its office.
According to a post made to the center’s Facebook page, 1,557 pinwheels will spin throughout the month of April in the front lawn of the center to honor the children who shared their stories of abuse in 2021 throughout the Texas Panhandle.
“The Bridge is grateful to each of our partner agencies, and community members who came out to help us kick-off Child Abuse Prevention Month,” the post read.
According to the center’s website, 6,528 adults and 3,589 children received child abuse awareness and prevention education. More than 2,500 family members received referrals and advocacy services throughout the year.
Photo via The Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center Facebook | 2022-04-05T22:21:09Z | www.myhighplains.com | The Bridge kicks off Child Abuse Prevention Month awareness events | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/the-bridge-kicks-off-child-abuse-prevention-month-awareness-events/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/the-bridge-kicks-off-child-abuse-prevention-month-awareness-events/ |
SANTA FE, N.M. (KAMR/KCIT) — The New Mexico Department of Human Services said a new water benefit, the Low-income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), is available to help households with water and wastewater costs.
The NMHSD said the LIHWAP is to help low-income households offset the costs of water and wastewater bills, temporally, with federal funds. Payments will be made to vendors on behalf of the household and eligible households may receive a benefit of up to $1,500 each, to pay for the reconnection of services and for past due amounts, reconnection fees, and associated late fees.
The HSD said that customers who are current with their water and wastewater bills and meet the eligibility requirements may also apply for the benefits. New Mexico said it will prioritize eligibility for households without water or wastewater services due to a disconnection, and those whose service may be disconnected.
To apply, low-income households will need:
The most recent copy of your water and wastewater bill, within the last 30 days.
Documentation showing income from Social Security, unemployment insurance, pension funds, disability, etc.
Final Water Termination Notice (if you have received a shut-off notice from your water company).
Social Security cards (or numbers) for all persons living in your household.
Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence.
Households can apply here or by calling 1-800-283-4465. More information can be at the NMHSD website. | 2022-04-05T22:21:33Z | www.myhighplains.com | New water benefits aimed at helping low-income New Mexico households | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/new-mexico/new-water-benefits-aimed-at-helping-low-income-households/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/new-mexico/new-water-benefits-aimed-at-helping-low-income-households/ |
ROOSEVELT COUNTY, N.M. (KAMR/KCIT) — The Roosevelt County Board of Commissioners said that it has declared an extreme drought and fire danger emergency in the unincorporated areas of Roosevelt County during their regular commission meeting on April 5, with agricultural burning permitted.
The Board of Commission said this was based on current drought indicators published by the U.S. Drought Monitor Report, lack of precipitation, low humidity, and an abundance of wildland grass and dry, fine fuels.
“We understand with the weeds, people still want to burn. However, with the weather we are having, and continuing drought…I think it’s time.” said Jay Lang, the Arch Volunteer Fire Chief.
The resolution will remain in effect for 45 days, and the commission will review it again at the May 3 regular meeting. | 2022-04-05T22:21:39Z | www.myhighplains.com | Roosevelt County declares extreme drought and fire danger | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/new-mexico/roosevelt-county-declares-extreme-drought-and-fire-danger/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/new-mexico/roosevelt-county-declares-extreme-drought-and-fire-danger/ |
Community rallies to help families affected by Hemphill County wildfires
HEMPHILL COUNTY, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — One week after a wildfire started in Hemphill County, a handful of families were without their homes and others have lost a significant amount of property. Now, the community is rallying to help those in need.
“We have approximately eight to nine families who are…there’s about three families displaced,” said Tanya Holloway, the Family and Community Health Agent for the Hemphill County Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Office.
Holloway said that several local groups came together to create a disaster relief task force. They have representatives from nearly all public entities to assess the need and they are also taking donations.
“At this time we’re running those through First Baptist Church of Canadian our 501 C three and our ministerial alliance that’s all connected so that people if they want to make donations, they can send those there,” said Holloway.
She also said several people lost barns and outbuildings and are in need of hay, feed, and fencing.
“And then these people who lost their homes, you know, I can’t even begin to imagine, you start all over. Because most, there’s about three of them that there’s nothing left. There was nothing salvageable from it,” she said.
Holloway said their task force has mental health resources and licensed counselors on standby.
“Thank goodness we didn’t lose human life in our fire this time, but we’ve lost things lost memories lost, things like that and that that’s still it’s you grieve from doing that. So for the people that the here that have dealt with that or just the stress of of getting all the smoke damage out of their house or you know, there’s so many things but our hospital’s on standby completely for everyone who has had those issues,” said Holloway.
Kiley Murray, the Executive Director of the American Red Cross Texas Panhandle Chapter, said they have already helped two families whose homes were completely destroyed in the fire, and they have appointments with two more families already on the books.
“When you lose everything from from a fire tornado or whatever it is, the Red Cross comes in with those first responders and as the first responders leave, you’re kind of left there wondering what to do. And that’s what our Red Cross volunteers do. So first and foremost, we need volunteers in areas. And then secondly, we need we need partners and donors. For those folks that continue to fund our mission and that money goes right back out the door to the families that need it,” said Murray.
The Texas cattle feeders association is also supporting fire victims through the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Disaster Relief Fund in the form of a monetary donation.
Those wanting to donate to the disaster relief fund can send checks to First Baptist Church in Canadian at P.O. Box 717.
Those affected by the fires who need resources need to make a request to the American Red Cross.
via the Texas A&M Forest Service | 2022-04-06T02:25:21Z | www.myhighplains.com | Community rallies to help families affected by Hemphill County wildfires | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/community-rallies-to-help-families-affected-by-hemphill-county-wildfires/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/community-rallies-to-help-families-affected-by-hemphill-county-wildfires/ |
Catholic Charities, Walk On’s partner for hunger project fundraiser
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle is set to team up with Walk On’s to raise money for the Interfaith Hunger Project from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on April 7, according to a news release from Catholic Charities.
The release said that Walk On’s, located at 3506 Soncy, will pay the Interfaith Hunger Project 20% of all dining receipts if you tell your waiter that you want to support the Hunger Project.
Image via Catholic Charities of the Texas Panhandle | 2022-04-06T12:48:08Z | www.myhighplains.com | Catholic Charities, Walk On’s partner for hunger project fundraiser | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/catholic-charities-walk-ons-partner-for-hunger-project-fundraiser/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/catholic-charities-walk-ons-partner-for-hunger-project-fundraiser/ |
UPDATE: 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 6
BEAVER COUNTY, Okla. (KAMR/KCIT) – According to the Oklahoma Forestry Services Wednesday morning Fire Situation Report, the “Beaver River Fire” in Beaver County was estimated to cover 15,000 acres and be 15% contained, and has impacted four structures.
A Red Flag Warning was noted by the forestry services to be in effect for “a significant portion of Oklahoma including counties along and north of I-44 as well as east-central Oklahoma” that was expected to stretch from the mid-morning and into the late evening.
The Oklahoma Forestry Services said to MyHighPlains.com that it received an update on the fire in Beaver County saying that the fire is estimated to be 15,000 acres and is 15% contained. The OFS said two residences and some outbuildings were lost. | 2022-04-06T16:20:33Z | www.myhighplains.com | Grass fire in Beaver County, est. 15,000 acres, 15% contained, 4 structures impacted | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/crews-responding-to-grass-fire-in-beaver-county/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/crews-responding-to-grass-fire-in-beaver-county/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Families with young children in Potter County are being asked for their input in a community survey to measure parents’ general knowledge of child development and parenting perspectives for children 5 and under.
The survey brings together a coalition of early childhood development and education partners called Operation First Five. They are trying to gather at least 800 responses from parents.
According to Operation First Five, 80% of a child’s brain is wired by the time they reach the age of 3 years. Everything from social and emotional development, language, early literacy, and a child’s overall health are influenced during these early years. This survey is designed to help community agencies use this information to better support families.
More information on Operation First Five can be found here, and the organization said that parents can access the survey using this QR code. | 2022-04-06T16:21:21Z | www.myhighplains.com | Survey looks to examine local parenting knowledge | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/today-in-amarillo/survey-looks-to-examine-local-parenting-knowledge/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/today-in-amarillo/survey-looks-to-examine-local-parenting-knowledge/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with the office of U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson R-Texas District 13 announced Wednesday that Jackson will co-host a forum for high school students interested in applying to a U.S. Service Academy. The event will be at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, at the I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA, located at 1900 I.M. Terrell Way in Fort Worth.
According to a news release, the forum will provide an opportunity for applicants to speak with academy representatives, congressional staff, members of the ROTC from various universities as well as representatives from the Department of Defense Examination Review Board.
“As a Member of Congress, Jackson can nominate students from Texas’ 13th Congressional District for appointments to the United States Air Force, Naval, Military (West Point), Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine Academies,” the release said.
According to the release, co-hosts for the event include Texas U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz as well as various U.S. Representatives from Texas, including Jodey Arrington, Colin Allred, and August Pfluger.
Prospective applicants to the service academy, whether they are able to attend the event or not, are encouraged to contact Doug Hight, Jackson’s Veterans Affairs Director, at 806-641-5600 or by emailing douglas.hight@mail.house.gov. | 2022-04-06T16:21:33Z | www.myhighplains.com | Ronny Jackson’s office to co-host event for students applying to US Service Academy | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/your-local-election-hq/ronny-jacksons-office-to-co-host-event-for-students-applying-to-us-service-academy/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/your-local-election-hq/ronny-jacksons-office-to-co-host-event-for-students-applying-to-us-service-academy/ |
“You see how much divisiveness is happening there. You’ve got a governor who’s at war with one of the largest employers in the state of Florida right now,” DiMauro said, referring to the tension between Disney World and Gov. Ron DeSantis. “It makes me wonder, where is Intel on this? Where are other large employers in the state of Ohio?” | 2022-04-06T19:24:39Z | www.myhighplains.com | ‘Don’t say gay:’ Bill similar to Florida’s introduced in Ohio | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/dont-say-gay-bill-similar-to-floridas-introduced-in-ohio/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/dont-say-gay-bill-similar-to-floridas-introduced-in-ohio/ |
Arrest made after Amarillo PD recovers stolen trailer during traffic stop
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The Amarillo Police Department reported that an arrest was made after a routine traffic stop led to the recovery of a stolen trailer on Tuesday night.
According to APD, at 8:35 p.m. on April 5, an officer was on patrol in the area of northeast 24th Avenue and Hughes Street and passed a Silver Ford F-250 pulling a trailer. The officer, APD detailed, noticed “sparks coming from the trailer” and turned around to notify the driver.
APD reported that the driver of the vehicle began to speed up and drive “recklessly” while going eastbound on northeast 24th Avenue. The officer then stopped at the red light at NE 24th and Dumas Drive while the truck and trailer continued eastbound.
APD explained that the officer attempted to catch up to the driver and perform a traffic stop due to the danger of the “sparks coming from the trailer and the driver’s actions.” The driver did not stop and continued north on Walnut Street and through the neighborhood before stopping behind a residence in the 1000 block of Almond Avenue.
Antonio Edward Avila, 50, was detained at that location and officers said that the trailer was found to be stolen but had not been reported stolen.
APD said that Avila was arrested and booked into the Potter County Detention Center for “Evading Arrest/Detention in a Motor Vehicle and Theft of Property Greater than or Equal to $2,500 but less than $30,000.” APD reported that the trailer was returned to the owner. | 2022-04-06T19:24:45Z | www.myhighplains.com | Arrest made after Amarillo PD recovers stolen trailer during traffic stop | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/arrest-made-after-amarillo-pd-recovers-stolen-trailer-during-traffic-stop/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/arrest-made-after-amarillo-pd-recovers-stolen-trailer-during-traffic-stop/ |
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials from the Oklahoma State Election Board announced Wednesday that candidates filing for the upcoming 2022 election can do so starting later this month at the state capitol.
According to a news release from the state election board, filing is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 13-15 at the State Capitol, located at 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd. in Oklahoma City. Officials said candidates filing for federal, state, legislative, judicial, and district attorney offices will file with the Secretary of the State Election Board on the ground floor of the state capitol. Candidates filing for county offices will be required to file at their local County Election Board office.
Oklahoma State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax said in the release that candidate filing packets for all offices are available on the state election board’s website and can also be given in person at election board offices. To file for office, candidates must submit the following:
Declaration of Candidacy – signed and notarized;
Filing Fee (cashier’s check or certified check only) or a Petition Supporting Candidacy;
Required Supplemental Forms (if applicable).
“Party affiliation requirements and residency requirements for State Senator, State Representative and County Commissioner have been modified due to redistricting. Also, some candidates’ districts may have changed,” Ziriax said in the release. “Those with questions or concerns regarding their eligibility should consult an attorney or their legal counsel.”
For more information about candidate filings, visit the 2022 Candidate Filing page on the State Election Board website or contact the state’s election board at 405-521-2391 or email info@elections.ok.gov. | 2022-04-06T19:25:34Z | www.myhighplains.com | Oklahoma candidate filing for 2022 election begins April 13 | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/oklahoma/oklahoma-candidate-filing-for-2022-election-begins-april-13/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/oklahoma/oklahoma-candidate-filing-for-2022-election-begins-april-13/ |
The Oklahoma State House of Representatives passed a State Senate holdover bill from the last session that would make nearly all abortions illegal in Oklahoma.
The bill, he said, was the only one on the docket on Tuesday because typically abortion bills take a lot of time to run, with lots of debate and questions. But Democrats say they didn’t push back on purpose so as to not take away from the activists. | 2022-04-06T19:25:40Z | www.myhighplains.com | Oklahoma House passes anti-abortion bill on same day as pro-choice rally | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/oklahoma/oklahoma-house-passes-anti-abortion-bill-on-same-day-as-pro-choice-rally/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/oklahoma/oklahoma-house-passes-anti-abortion-bill-on-same-day-as-pro-choice-rally/ |
AUSTIN, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The Texas Department of Agriculture opened applications for its 2022 Family Land Heritage program. The program pays tribute to families who have kept their land in continuous agricultural production for at least 100 years.
“Buried deep in the roots of our great state lays a rich agriculture heritage from the farmers and ranchers who came before us,” said Sid Miller, Texas Agriculture Commissioner. “The Texas Department of Agriculture Family Land Heritage program acknowledges Texas families who have paved the way by dedicating their lives to agriculture. Family farms and ranches are the cornerstone to the success of our state’s agriculture industry, and without them agriculture would not be the powerhouse that today drives a $110 billion Texas industry.”
To be eligible, farms and ranches must be owned and operated by the descendants of the founder, either through blood, marriage, or adoption. At least 10 acres of the land must have been in continuous agricultural production for the past 100 years or more.
Families wanting to apply must apply applications by Monday, May 2. Applications can be downloaded here. Farms and ranches that were established in 1922 or earlier will be honored by Commissioner Miller at the 47th annual recognition ceremony at the Texas Capitol in the fall. | 2022-04-07T00:46:15Z | www.myhighplains.com | Texas Department of Agriculture opens applications for Family Land Heritage program | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/texas/texas-department-of-agriculture-opens-applications-for-family-land-heritage-program/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/texas/texas-department-of-agriculture-opens-applications-for-family-land-heritage-program/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Amtech Career Academy (ACA) announced its first annual car show scheduled for April 23 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Amtech Career Academy.
Car registration is $20, and food and drinks will be available for purchase according to the ACA Facebook post.
The ACA also reports the first 50 cars that pre-register by April 20 will have an indoor spot and will need to bring their car to ACC on April 22 between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.
First through third place will be awarded in each of the following classes:
1920s-1950s
2010 and up
For more information on the car show, visit here. | 2022-04-07T00:46:21Z | www.myhighplains.com | Amtech Career Academy hosts car show | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/today-in-amarillo/amtech-career-academy-hosts-car-show/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/today-in-amarillo/amtech-career-academy-hosts-car-show/ |
Activities for Child Abuse Prevention Month from The Bridge
Amarillo, TX (KAMR/KCIT) – It is Child Abuse Prevention Month and The Bridge is hosting some activities for the month of April. Executive Director, Shelly Bohannon, tells us that The Bridge has already kicked off some events.
Bohannon says, “So April is child abuse prevention man. And we kicked off the honoring of children who walk through our door with our heroes and legends fundraiser on the 29th of March.”
“And we planted a pinwheel for every child that walked through the bridge doors to receive services from us. We planted 15,157 pinwheels in our front lawn,” Bohannon added
The Bridge is also planning on one more community activity at the end of April.
Bohannon says, “At the end of the month, April 30, we’re doing a mile in their shoes, walk, run, some people don’t like to run, but we have a lot that like to walk in. So it’s a one mile walk starting here at our offices, and just within the neighborhood and then built in here, it’s just a way to come back together and celebrate the children in our community.”
“The registration forms will be going up on our website tomorrow(today). So register for anyone that wants to come,” Bohannon concluded. | 2022-04-07T13:06:26Z | www.myhighplains.com | Activities for Child Abuse Prevention Month from The Bridge | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/activities-for-child-abuse-prevention-month-from-the-bridge/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/activities-for-child-abuse-prevention-month-from-the-bridge/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with the Amarillo Police Department released information on a Wednesday afternoon incident regarding a person attempting to cash a stolen check in east Amarillo.
According to a news release from the department, officers from the Amarillo Police Department were called to a financial institution in the 3300 block of I-40 East around 1:05 p.m. Wednesday after it was reported that a female was attempting to cash a stolen check. Once officers arrived, the female left the scene driving a 2004 red Chevrolet Avalanche.
Officers with the department then initiated a traffic stop, but the driver did not stop. The release said officers then began to chase the vehicle on the I-40 access road but stopped when the suspect “began driving recklessly into a neighborhood.”
Officers eventually located the vehicle, which was reported stolen by the department Tuesday, in the 1100 block of South Woodland Street. The release said the driver, identified as 34-year-old Deborah Barbosa, was found a short distance away. Barbosa was then arrested for “Forgery of a Financial Instrument” and “Evading Arrest/Detention in a Motor Vehicle” and booked into the Potter County Detention Center.
Officials from the Amarillo Police Department say that the incident continues to be under investigation. | 2022-04-07T15:39:09Z | www.myhighplains.com | 1 arrested for forgery, evading arrest following Wednesday afternoon chase in Amarillo | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/1-arrested-for-forgery-evading-arrest-following-afternoon-chase-in-amarillo-wednesday/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/1-arrested-for-forgery-evading-arrest-following-afternoon-chase-in-amarillo-wednesday/ |
City of Canyon dedicates Brown Road Sports Complex as official park
CANYON, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with the city of Canyon’s city commission recently voted to dedicate the Brown Road Sportsplex as an official park.
According to a news release from the city of Canyon, the commission unanimously voted to dedicate the complex as an official park, remaining under the city’s care. The Brown Road Sports Complex is located at 350 W Fourth Ave. in Canyon.
Officials said the park first opened in 1998, hosting games for the Palo Duro Soccer Association after being a 37-acre cow pasture. In 2011, a pavilion with restrooms and storage space for the association was built. A playground was added in 2018 as well.
“With a playset, a walking trail, and fantastic athletic fields, this complex has something to meet the needs of all residents,” Assistant City Manager Jon Behrens said in the release. “Brian Noel, Canyon Parks Department Director, developed a vision for this facility and he and the Parks staff have worked diligently to create this great complex… Dedicating the park basically ensures that this facility will remain a park in Canyon and that citizens will be able to enjoy it for many years to come.”
Now, the complex also includes 12 flag football fields and six baseball practice fields, averaging a number of baseball and soccer games throughout the summer, the release said.
“We started with a vision of what we wanted this complex to become,” said Brian Noel, Director of Parks and Recreation for the city of Canyon, said in the release. “With the hard work of the Parks Employees and financial partners like Palo Duro Soccer, we have turned a pasture into a first-rate athletic complex. We still have plans for more field development and other amenities in the future.”
For more information about the city of Canyon, visit its website.
Brown Road Sports Complex in Canyon; Provided by city of Canyon | 2022-04-07T15:39:15Z | www.myhighplains.com | City of Canyon dedicates Brown Road Sports Complex as official park | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/city-of-canyon-dedicates-brown-road-sports-complex-as-official-park/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/city-of-canyon-dedicates-brown-road-sports-complex-as-official-park/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The Amarillo Police Department announced that Abel Trevizo is wanted by the Potter County Sheriff’s Office for “Indecency with a Child – Sexual Contact” in this week’s “Fugitive of the Week.”
The Amarillo Crime Stoppers described Trevizo as a Hispanic male, 41, 5’08” tall, 140 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
The Crime Stoppers stated that if you know Trevizo’s location, call Amarillo Crime Stoppers at 806-374-4400. You can also submit a tip online at amapolice.org or by using the P3 tips app.
If your anonymous tip leads to his arrest you could earn a reward of $300.00. Remember to “Say It Here” with Amarillo Crime Stoppers. | 2022-04-07T15:39:21Z | www.myhighplains.com | Man wanted for ‘Indecency with a Child’ by Amarillo police | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/man-wanted-for-indecency-with-child-by-amarillo-police/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/man-wanted-for-indecency-with-child-by-amarillo-police/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with the Amarillo Police Department’s Proactive Criminal Enforcement Unit (PACE) released information on an arrest that was made in northeast Amarillo Wednesday afternoon.
According to a news release from the department, members of the department’s PACE unit initiated a traffic stop on a 2000 Chevrolet truck pulling a trailer in the 1800 block of north Arthur at around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday. Officers said the driver, identified as 34-year-old Derrick Davis, initially lied about his name. Once officers found his identity, he was found to have a warrant for “Probation Violation – Unauthorized use of a Vehicle.”
When officers were placing Davis under arrest, Davis resisted and began fighting with the officers. The release said one of the officers attempted to use a Taser on Davis, but it was ineffective. Davis then continued to fight the officers and take the Taser from the officer.
Once Davis was taken into custody, he was placed under arrest for “two counts of Aggravated Assault on a Public Servant, Fail to Identify Fugitive from Justice, Resisting Arrest” as well as the previous warrant. Officials also said the truck and the trailer Davis was driving were both found to be reported stolen, resulting in Davis also being charged with two counts of “Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle.”
Officials said Davis was booked into the Potter County Detention Center. | 2022-04-07T17:54:23Z | www.myhighplains.com | 1 arrested for stolen truck, aggravated assault of an officer Wednesday | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/1-arrested-for-stolen-truck-aggravated-assault-of-an-officer-wednesday/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/1-arrested-for-stolen-truck-aggravated-assault-of-an-officer-wednesday/ |
Amarillo ISD to host special meeting of its Board of Trustees Friday
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with the Amarillo Independent School District’s Board of Trustees are scheduled to meet at 8:30 a.m. Friday for a special meeting at the district’s board room, located in the Rod Schroder Education Support Center, located at 7200 I-40 West.
According to the meeting’s agenda, the board will take public comments from members of the community. Then, the board will consider the following agenda item:
Consider approving a revised contract with Tri-State General Contracting Group for the
Austin Middle School shoring project, RFP #3636.
This comes after the board took action to consider approving a contract with the Tri-State General Contracting Group for the shoring project at Austin Middle School during the March 21 general meeting.
According to previous reports by MyHighPlains.com, the replacement of Austin Middle School is a part of the district’s Bond Proposition A on the May 7 ballot. The replacement is expected to cost around $65.7 million while the overall proposition is expected to total $180.6 million, if Proposition A is passed. | 2022-04-07T17:54:29Z | www.myhighplains.com | Amarillo ISD to host special meeting of its Board of Trustees Friday | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-isd-to-host-special-meeting-of-its-board-of-trustees-friday/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-isd-to-host-special-meeting-of-its-board-of-trustees-friday/ |
BBB releases study warning of cryptocurrency scams, over $8 million lost in crypto scams in 2021
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Chris Marez truly enjoys the world of cryptocurrency.
“It’s different than the market, as far as stocks,” said Marez, a cryptocurrency investor. “The market is Monday through Friday and it’s a set time period, as far as crypto, you could do it 24 hours, 365.”
“It’s easy to get into, it’s something that a lot of younger guys will start out with,” he said. “It’s something you can do just straight from your phone.”
Although it’s easily accessible, he has a warning for new investors, “be careful, do your research before you start something.”
The Better Business Bureau agrees.
“A lot is not known about cryptocurrency,” said Janna Kiehl, President of the Better Business Bureau Texas Panhandle. “So investors and others that are interested may fall for anything that pops up, that they don’t investigate first.”
In a recent study, the bureau found a dramatic increase in fraud and financial losses to crypto scams.
BBB offers tips, warning against recent computer scam
“The monetary loss in 2021, was almost $8 million so that’s significant when you realize that money is sucked out of the local economy across the country,” Kiehl told KAMR.
Cryptocurrency is unregulated, making it a prime target for scammers.
“It’s a real trendy and popular thing, and more and more people are investing in it. Scammers know what’s going on,” she said.
For investors like Marez, the message is clear, “protect yourself. It’s your money, it’s your property,” he said. “If someone takes it from you, you’re not going to get it back,” | 2022-04-07T17:54:35Z | www.myhighplains.com | BBB releases study warning of cryptocurrency scams, over $8 million lost in crypto scams in 2021 | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/bbb-releases-study-warning-of-cryptocurrency-scams-over-8-million-lost-in-crypto-scams-in-2021/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/bbb-releases-study-warning-of-cryptocurrency-scams-over-8-million-lost-in-crypto-scams-in-2021/ |
CLOVIS, N.M. (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials from the Clovis Police Department released information regarding a drive-by shooting that occurred in Clovis Wednesday afternoon.
According to a news release from the Clovis Police Department, officers responded to the area of 1300 N. Oak Street after calls came to the department around 3:27 p.m. Wednesday reporting that gunshots were fired in the area and a black car fled the scene. When officers arrived, 20-year-old Benjamin Genova and 18-year-old Fabian Genova were found at the scene in possession of semiautomatic rifles. Both were detained after spent casings from both rifles were found in the driveway.
When detectives from the department’s Special Operations Unit responded to the scene, they determined through interviews that the occupants of the black vehicle which fled and the subjects in the driveway were shooting at each other. Officials said in the release that multiple houses and vehicles were struck during the incident. Officials also found 9mm casings from a handgun scattered down the roadway east of 1300 N. Oak, believed to have come from the people in the vehicle.
Around 3:55 p.m. Wednesday, officials were informed of a 13-year-old who was brought to a local hospital with a gunshot wound. Officials later determined that the juvenile was an occupant of the black car. The juvenile was later flown to Lubbock for additional medical care and is in stable condition.
Officials with the Clovis Police Department said that the incident is still under active investigation. Officials ask that anyone who has information related to the incident contact the Clovis Police Department at 575-769-1921 or by using the department’s tip411 mobile application. Anonymous tips can also be provided to the Curry County Crime Stoppers at 575-763-7000. | 2022-04-07T17:54:47Z | www.myhighplains.com | Clovis Police investigating Wednesday drive-by shooting | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/clovis-police-investigating-wednesday-drive-by-shooting/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/clovis-police-investigating-wednesday-drive-by-shooting/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — It’s one of the most annoying parts of trying to lose weight and become more fit, and it seems like they just won’t leave.
I’m talking about those pesky love handles and in part one of today’s turn up time, our friend in fitness, Noelle Owens over at TRUFIT, is dropping some knowledge on how to finally get rid of that spare tire.
“The answer is diet and cardio,” Owens said. “Cut down on alcohol. So any of the fat that grows around the belly. It’s generally made of sugar, stress or alcohol. So cutting down on alcohol. I know we talked about having an eating lifestyle that doesn’t take foods that we enjoy out, it’s always a good idea to at least minimize the foods that we shouldn’t be eating and alcohol is one of them, because it is a very difficult fat to burn and it always lands in the gut for storage.
“We love our beer, we love our margaritas,” she said. Alcohol has a very different sugar in it, and it’s called acetate, and it’s the very last sugar to burn in the body.
Diet wise, sugar. Simple sugars specifically, man-made sugars specifically. Stuff that you find in cookies, Oreos, and I love me an Oreo, Chips Ahoy, stuff like that, chips,” she said. “Because that sugar that’s also not used, returns here for long term storage. “
Turn Up Time With Noelle: TRX Edition
Owens also advises to cut out, “soda, and their gonna shoot me in Texas for this, but sweet tea,” she said. “Guys, that’s sugar!”
When it comes to “cheat meals” or “cheat days”, Owens emphasizes that’s a big no-no.
“There’s no such thing as a cheat meal, we’re going to get that word out of your vernacular, it’s a reward,” she said. “I would keep it to one meal and obviously not the dozen donuts that i was just kidding around about, but don’t go the healthy version of your reward meal, if you wanna go and have a deep fried fisherman’s platter that’s this high and this wide, then eat that.
And, she said, don’t be afraid to “enjoy it, and don’t leave that meal, feeling like you’ve taken a step back, because that one meal.
“Put it in perspective, if I eat seven days a week, three times a day, I’m going to eat 21 times, so put it in perspective. That fisherman’s platter, it was one meal, don’t overthink that! It’s a drop in the bucket compared to all of the eating experiences you had during the week.”
Turn Up Time with Noelle: How to properly do a squat
When it comes to cardio to incinerate those love handles:
High intensity intervals are best (sprints, boxing classes, kickboxing, etc.)
Base it on your fitness level
A good starting place is 20 seconds high intensity exercise, 1-1:30 minutes of recovery
That burns through sugar and oxygen and allows for full bursts of action in between recovery periods
When it comes to exercises to shrink/eliminate love handles, Owens said it’s all about proper form.
Ensuring you’re working the obliques the way they’re intended, maximizing the work on the muscle and making it stronger, while minimizing the risk of injury.
Key exercises to start or stop to get rid of love handles:
Side bends — STOP
“One of the most common mistakes is the side bend,” she continued. “So a side bend, what he’s doing is making his waist smaller, so you notice when he comes off to the side, he’s making his waist shorter, which means, it’s getting wider. When you’re trying to get rid of those love handles, when you’re trying to bring in that waist, do not do those side bends!”
Turn Up Time with Noelle: Episode 1
Sit ups — STOP
“Another thing I see people do all the time, and they say ‘I’m trying to get rid of my love handles, I do tons of sit ups’,” she said.
“I want you to notice the mistake he’s purposefully making (reference above video). He’s lifting up his legs, which is pulling in his hips, he’s straining his neck, which is creating more problems for his shoulders, and just like we talked about with the obliques, he’s making his abs shorter,” she said. “Which means he’s pushing the body fat out, and he’s not achieving the goal he set out to achieve by doing these sit ups.”
“You’re not going to sit up, and you’re not going to crunch those love handles away,” she warned.
Russian Twist — START (but do them properly)
“Another one that we see people do incorrectly is the Russian Twist, this is not a bad movement,” she tells us. “What you’re going to want to do is go one side at a time so you can 100 percent control the movement. So if you’ll just show them what it looks like, do two on one side, two on the other.”
Planks — START
“You can do them two ways. This is a bridge way. A bridge is kind of a step one if you will, there is pressure still being placed on the abdominals,” she added. “You’re still fighting gravity, and your core is engaged.”
“Once you’ve mastered this, then you can come up on your hands, you see we have a greater distance from the floor, you’re having to fight gravity even more,” she said. “Plus you’re engaging other muscle groups, so the abdominals and core, have to learn how to play well and talk well with others.” | 2022-04-07T17:55:43Z | www.myhighplains.com | Turn Up Time With Noelle: Getting rid of those pesky love handles | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/today-in-amarillo/turn-up-time-with-noelle-getting-rid-of-those-pesky-love-handles/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/today-in-amarillo/turn-up-time-with-noelle-getting-rid-of-those-pesky-love-handles/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center released information regarding its upcoming Power of the Purse luncheon, featuring former Heisman Trophy Winner and former Denver Broncos Quarterback Tim Tebow as its keynote speaker.
According to a news release from the institute, the Power of the Purse luncheon will begin at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Heritage Ballroom of the Amarillo Civic Center Complex. Officials said the purse auction begins at 10:30 a.m., the luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. and the program begins at 12:15 p.m.
Tebow currently serves as a college football analyst for ESPN after retiring from professional sports in 2021. According to the institute’s website, Tebow established his foundation in 2010, aimed at bringing faith, hope and love to those who are in need. The foundation helps children with life-threatening illnesses, helps provide surgeries to children of the Philippines and sponsors the Night to Shine event.
The purse auction will consist of donations from top designers, famous women as well as stylish locals. The release from the institute said that the fundraiser has raised more than $3.75 million for “landmark scientific investigation, important medical education and community programs.
Provided by the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health through the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center | 2022-04-07T20:04:41Z | www.myhighplains.com | Tim Tebow to headline upcoming Power of the Purse luncheon | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/tim-tebow-to-headline-upcoming-power-of-the-purse-luncheon/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/tim-tebow-to-headline-upcoming-power-of-the-purse-luncheon/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with the BSA Health System have named Michael Cruz chief executive officer (CEO) on Thursday.
According to a BSA press release, in his previous roles at BSA, Cruz was the vice president of operations, later becoming a chief operating officer (COO).
“Michael has a deep understanding of BSA and its outstanding culture of caring. He has spearheaded major growth strategies and played a pivotal role in BSA’s achievement of industry-leading employee engagement and customer service results. During his tenure as COO, the health system has seen significant growth in services and fiscal performance.” said BSA Chief Medical Officer Michael Lamanteer.
In addition to his role at BSA, Cruz serves on the boards of the Amarillo Area Foundation and St. Andrews Episcopal School. He also leads BSA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council.
For more on Michael Cruz and how he became chief executive officer, visit here.
via BSA Facebook | 2022-04-07T22:05:35Z | www.myhighplains.com | Michael Cruz named chief executive officer at BSA health system | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/michael-cruz-named-chief-executive-officer-at-bsa-health-system/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/michael-cruz-named-chief-executive-officer-at-bsa-health-system/ |
AUSTIN (KAMR/KCIT) — The Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the governor appointed seven to the Advisory Council on Emergency Medical Services.
A news release from the governor’s office states Abbott reappointed Jeffery Barnhart for a term set to expire on January 1, 2028. Barnhart, of Canyon, is the CEO of the Deaf Smith County Hospital District in Hereford and serves as an adjunct professor at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. He is also a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and the Emergency Medical Task Force-1. Additionally, he is a member of the Hereford Lions Club and a volunteer board member of the Turn Center. Barnhart received a Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Management from Ottawa University and a Master of Science in Clinical Practice Management from the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.
Others who were appointed to the council include Peter Marocco of Dallas, for a term set to expire on January 1, 2026, Billy Lail of Glen Rose, Daniel Ramirez of San Juan, and Katherine Remick, M.D. of Austin. Others who were reappointed to the council were Ruben A. Martinez of Conception, and Ryan Matthews of Holliday for terms set to expire on January 1, 2028.
According to the news release, the council recommends changes to the EMS/Trauma System in an effort for communities to receive comprehensive and efficient emergency care. | 2022-04-07T22:05:59Z | www.myhighplains.com | Deaf Smith County Hospital District CEO appointed to Advisory Council on Emergency Medical Services | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/texas/deaf-smith-county-hospital-district-ceo-appointed-to-advisory-council-on-emergency-medical-services/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/texas/deaf-smith-county-hospital-district-ceo-appointed-to-advisory-council-on-emergency-medical-services/ |
According to the website of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Ethics, they stress that the committee is “unique… in that it is a bipartisan committee… (consisting) of 10 members, five members from the two national political parties. The Chair comes from whichever party is in the majority party in the House.” | 2022-04-07T22:06:05Z | www.myhighplains.com | U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson under investigation by House Ethics Committee | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/your-local-election-hq/u-s-rep-ronny-jackson-under-investigation-by-house-ethics-committee/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/your-local-election-hq/u-s-rep-ronny-jackson-under-investigation-by-house-ethics-committee/ |
Amarillo police arrest man for stealing items from truck
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Amarillo police arrested a man early Friday morning after he stole from the bed of a work truck, APD said.
According to APD, officers were called to a burglary from a vehicle around 3:26 a.m. Friday in a parking lot in the 4600 block of I-40 East. The caller explained that a red 4-door Ram truck pulled up next to a work truck and saw a man get out of the passenger side of the truck. The suspect then grabbed items from the bed of the work truck, reentered the Ram, and left the scene.
APD detailed that officers located the suspect vehicle at I-40 and Quarter Horse Drive and initiated a stop. The passenger, Cory Ferral Morrison, 55, was identified as the suspect of the theft, while the stolen items were recovered and returned to the owner.
Morrison was arrested for “Theft of Property Less than $2,500 with Two or More Previous Convictions and a local municipal warrant.” Morrison was booked into the Potter County Detention Center. | 2022-04-08T15:13:54Z | www.myhighplains.com | Amarillo police arrest man for stealing items from truck | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-police-arrest-man-for-stealing-items-from-truck/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-police-arrest-man-for-stealing-items-from-truck/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) published multiple updates regarding low-interest physical loss loans, drought or wildfire livestock producer payments, and conservation reserve program availability for agricultural producers. These programs, according to the USDA, may offer farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural producers resources for recovering from the impacts of natural disasters such as drought conditions and wildfires.
Physical Loss Loans
The USDA published that in the wake of wildfires that occurred from January 14, 2022, and onward, low-interest physical loss loans have been made available for producers in numerous counties across the High Plains and other regions of Texas. With an application deadline of Nov. 29, the USDA said that these loans could assist in replacing or repairing property such as farm buildings, real estate fixtures, equipment, livestock, perennial crops, fruit and nut-bearing trees, and harvested or stored crops and hay.
The USDA listed the ‘primary’ counties eligible for these loans which included:
Runnels
However, the USDA noted that other areas across Texas – alongside Bryan, Love, and Marshall Counties in Oklahoma – have also been registered as eligible for the loans.
Payments for livestock producers impacted by drought or wildfire
The USDA announced in March that ranchers who had approved applications through the 2021 Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) for forage losses due to severe drought or wildfire in 2021 would be receiving emergency relief payments for increases in supplemental feed costs through the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP)
Agriculture News | MyHighPlains.com
“Producers of grazing livestock experienced catastrophic losses of available forage as well as higher costs for supplemental feed in 2021. Unfortunately, the conditions driving these losses have not improved for many and have even worsened for some, as drought spreads across the U.S.,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, “In order to deliver much-needed assistance as efficiently as possible, phase one of the ELRP will use certain data from the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP), allowing USDA to distribute payments within days to livestock producers.”
According to the USDA, the FSA received more than 100,000 applications totaling nearly $670 million in payments to livestock producers under LFP for the 2021 program year.
Enrollment open for Grassland Conservation Reserve Program
The USDA encouraged producers and landowners to enroll in the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), which will be open for applications through May 13. According to the USDA, Grassland CRP was intended to provide the opportunity for farmers, ranchers, and agricultural landowners to keep land in agricultural production and supplement their income while improving soils and permanent grass cover.
Grassland CRP was described by the USDA as a federally funded voluntary working lands program. Through the program, the USDA said annual rental payments are provided to landowners to maintain and conserve grasslands while allowing producers to graze, hay, and produce seed on the land. Maintaining the existing permanent cover provides benefits including reducing erosion, providing wildlife habitat and migration corridors, and capturing and maintaining carbon in the soil and cover.
“Grassland CRP is an important working lands conservation tool that offers a win-win to both our country’s producers and the environment by supporting and enabling grazing activities, while at the same time promoting plant and animal biodiversity and stemming rangeland conversion,” said Eddie Trevino, acting FSA State Executive Director in Texas. “We had a successful signup last year, and we look forward to broadening our base and working with new producers, particularly our historically underserved producers, to ensure they can access the program and its many benefits.”
FSA provides those participating with annual rental payments and cost-share assistance, according to the USDA publication. The annual rental rate varies by county, but the national minimum rental rate was noted as at around $13 per acre. The contract duration was estimated to be 10 to 15 years.
The USDA said that landowners and producers interested in Grassland CRP should contact their local USDA Service Center to learn more or to apply for the program before the May 13 deadline. Additionally, fact sheets and other resources are available at fsa.usda.gov/crp.
Texas wildfire. Getty Images | 2022-04-08T15:14:00Z | www.myhighplains.com | USDA updates on relief, support programs for agricultural producers | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/usda-updates-on-relief-support-programs-for-agricultural-producers/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/usda-updates-on-relief-support-programs-for-agricultural-producers/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Eric Jenkins is the CEO of Education Credit Union, but hasn’t worked in Amarillo for all of his career.
He sits down with Jason Boyett from Hey Amarillo to discuss his career, the importance of credit union’s and his move to Amarillo.
A conversation with Eric Jenkins, Chief Executive Officer of Education Credit Union. Jenkins has been working in the credit union world for decades, but only came to ECU—and Amarillo—in 2019. He’s originally from South Carolina and spent the last several years in Atlanta. He shares with host Jason Boyett about his decision to move to Amarillo, what impresses him about this community, and what role a credit union plays in the financial world. He also reveals details about Education Credit Union’s innovative new Buff $mart program at WT. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative and the TEXAS Outdoor Musical. | 2022-04-08T15:14:30Z | www.myhighplains.com | Eric Jenkins Interviewed on Hey Amarillo Podcast | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/studio-4/eric-jenkins-interviewed-on-hey-amarillo-podcast/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/studio-4/eric-jenkins-interviewed-on-hey-amarillo-podcast/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The Amarillo Zoo showed us a Colorado River Toad by the name of Thorton this week.
And you can get to know him and many other animal ambassadors at the Easter Eggcitement event this month. On Saturday, April 16, the Amarillo Zoo will be hosting an event full of games, animal enrichment, and encounters. Tickets are $6 and can be purchased at the Amarillo Zoo website. Children ages 2 and under get in for free. They are also accepting volunteers for the event. You can find out more on how to help out, here.
And come out and help make Thompson Park a little cleaner with the Amarillo Parks and Recreation department. The event is on April 23rd, from 9 am to 12 pm. You can sign up to help by contacting the Amarillo Zoo Education Department at (806) 670-0792. | 2022-04-08T15:14:38Z | www.myhighplains.com | Amarillo Zoo introduces us to Thorton the Colorado River Toad | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/today-in-amarillo/amarillo-zoo-introduces-us-to-thorton-the-colorado-river-toad/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/today-in-amarillo/amarillo-zoo-introduces-us-to-thorton-the-colorado-river-toad/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with the Amarillo Police Department are asking for the public’s help to identify the individuals involved in a Monday afternoon incident in northwest Amarillo.
According to a news release from the department, an officer was called to 5730 Amarillo Blvd. West near Murphy’s gas station around 4:51 p.m. Monday on a public accident call. Witnesses told the officer at the scene they heard a small child screaming and when they looked, saw a male toddler lying on the asphalt near a maroon Chevrolet Malibu.
The release said that the witnesses went to aid the child, but a white female, who identified herself as the child’s mother, picked him up, put him into the vehicle, and left the scene. Officials believe the child fell from the vehicle while it was moving, with witnesses describing visible injuries on the child.
Officials with the department are searching for the child so a welfare check can be completed. The release said that witnesses told the officer that the white female was driving the vehicle and there was also an adult white male passenger. While a photograph was taken of the vehicle, the license plate is unreadable.
People with information regarding the identity of the individuals in this incident are asked to call the Amarillo Crime Stoppers at 806-374-4400. Tips can also be given anonymously on the Amarillo Crime Stoppers website or on the Amarillo Crime Stoppers’ P3 mobile application. | 2022-04-08T17:15:55Z | www.myhighplains.com | Amarillo Police ask for info, aim for child welfare check after Monday incident | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-police-ask-for-info-aim-for-child-welfare-check-after-monday-incident/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-police-ask-for-info-aim-for-child-welfare-check-after-monday-incident/ |
CLOVIS, N.M. (KAMR/KCIT) – The City of Clovis announced that construction work will be closed to traffic on 5th Street from Prince to Axtell beginning on Monday, April 11.
According to the city’s announcement, construction will replace existing asphalt and is expected to be completed by Wednesday, April 13. While the construction is ongoing, the city asked drivers to follow all detours and seek alternate routes when planning to travel through the area. | 2022-04-08T17:16:01Z | www.myhighplains.com | Construction closes 5th Street in Clovis Monday | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/construction-closes-5th-street-in-clovis-monday/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/construction-closes-5th-street-in-clovis-monday/ |
Historian headlines final event in West Texas A&M’s Distinguished Lecture Series
CANYON, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with West Texas A&M University released information regarding the last event in the university’s Distinguished Lecture Series.
According to a news release from the university, Gregory J. Wood will speak about “Anti-Union Workers and Conservative Backlash Politics during the 1937 Sit-Down Strikes” at 6 p.m. on Thursday in the Blackburn Room in the Cornett Library for an event sponsored by the university’s Department of History and the Distinguished Lecture Series. Officials also said that a Zoom option is available.
Wood’s research focus is in labor activism, politics as well as the “emerging working-class conservative consensus of the 20th century,” the release said.
“Typically, U.S. historians explain the conservative backlash against modern liberalism as being more of a product of the 1960s and ‘70s,” Tim Bowman, an associate professor of history and head of the Department of History at West Texas A&M University, said in the release.
“Dr. Wood’s work shows that the modern conservative/liberal divide among the U.S. working class is, in fact, several decades older than many people realize… I think it’s important for students to know the history of politics in the U.S. so that they can have a better understanding of how our country has become as politically divided as it currently is today,” Bowman said. “The only way we, as a nation, can hope to get past our current political divisions is to try to understand their roots,” Bowman concluded.
For more information about West Texas A&M University, visit the university’s website. | 2022-04-08T17:16:07Z | www.myhighplains.com | Historian headlines final event in West Texas A&M’s Distinguished Lecture Series | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/historian-headlines-final-event-in-west-texas-ams-distinguished-lecture-series/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/historian-headlines-final-event-in-west-texas-ams-distinguished-lecture-series/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Three drug traffickers were sentenced to a combined 48 years in federal prison after they attempted to run an officer off the road, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham announced on Thursday.
The district detailed that Kyle Willeke,31, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to “possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine” and was sentenced on Thursday by U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk to 20 years in federal prison, while his co-conspirator, Ricardo Rodriguez,35, pleaded guilty to the same charge and was sentenced on Wednesday to 20 years in federal prison.
In addition, the district reported that Monique Derau,26, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to “conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and misprison of a felony” and was sentenced Wednesday to eight years in federal prison.
According to plea papers, on August 19, 2021, a Potter County deputy tried to pull over a Toyota Rav4 for a traffic violation and as the deputy turned on his vehicle lights, a Nissan Infiniti hit his patrol car, “causing the vehicle to spin out of control.” Both the suspect drivers continued without stopping after the collision.
Law Enforcement, the district said, later identified the driver of the Rav4 as Rodriguez, while Derau was identified as the driver of the Infiniti, and Willeke was identified as the passenger of the Infiniti, who “grabbed the wheel of the Infiniti to strike the deputy’s vehicle.”
Officers were able to trace Derau’s phone and located her traveling east on Interstate 40 in a rental car, and according to the district, the vehicle was carrying all three suspects.
A “safety sweep” of Derau’s rental car was conducted, when the district explained that police found “a box containing seven bags of methamphetamine weighing around 7.57 kilograms.” Derau later told HSI agents that the drugs belonged to Rodriguez and Willeke and when asked about their travel plans, the district reported that Derau “changed her story several times.”
The Northern District stated that Homeland Security Investigations’ Dallas Field Division and the Potter County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s South Central Laboratory, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Fausto prosecuted the case. | 2022-04-08T19:12:18Z | www.myhighplains.com | 3 drug traffickers sentenced after hitting police vehicle | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/3-drug-traffickers-sentenced-after-hitting-police-vehicle/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/3-drug-traffickers-sentenced-after-hitting-police-vehicle/ |
MEADE COUNTY, Kan. (KAMR/KCIT) – The Meade County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday that there was “no evidence” that fires along the K-23 Highway were started intentionally, after investigating a witness report given on Thursday.
2 Balko firefighters injured in fire truck rollover
The sheriff’s office said that on Thursday, multiple fire units were sent to southern Meade County to respond to reports of multiple fires along the K-23 Highway. A witness noted that a vehicle near the shoulder of the northbound lane merged slowly onto the highway, and that fire was seen rapidly growing near where the vehicle was parked. The Meade County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by the witness, who described the incident as suspicious.
The driver of the vehicle was stopped by law enforcement and arrested for a traffic offense unrelated to the fires, according to the sheriff’s office. An investigation determined that the vehicle was experiencing mechanical failures that caused the engine to stop running. When the driver would coast to the shoulder due to the mechanical failure, the driver would wait a few minutes before restarting the vehicle to continue traveling.
According to the sheriff’s office, the driver was cooperative during the investigation. Investigators reported that the mechanical failures in the engine caused backfires through the exhaust and that flames were seen coming from the exhaust pipe.
Anyone with relevant information on the fires on K-23 on the Kansas and Oklahoma border was asked to contact the Meade County Sheriff’s Office. | 2022-04-08T19:12:24Z | www.myhighplains.com | Officials: ‘No evidence’ Beaver River fires intentional | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/officials-no-evidence-beaver-river-fires-intentional/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/officials-no-evidence-beaver-river-fires-intentional/ |
U.S. Republican Senators sign charter school-related letter
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KAMR/KCIT) — A number of U.S. Senators, including U.S. Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma and U.S. Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, are urging the U.S. Department of Education to reconsider a proposed rule which officials said would redefine the Charter Schools program.
According to the release, 13 Republican U.S. Senators expressed their concern in a letter to the department regarding the program, saying that the Department of Education is “engaging in an aggressive attempt to dictate Federal, one-size-fits-all rules for charter schools.”
“This unprecedented attempt at micromanaging a 28-year-old bipartisan program only serves to discourage charter schools from applying for… grants, effectively harming access to high-quality schools for millions of students around the country,” the release said.
The rule would add requirements for applications that the senators believe are unrelated to student outcomes. Officials also refer to their belief that the department is putting hurdles in place for students who are needy.
Other U.S. Senators who signed the letter include Marco Rubio of Florida, Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin. Read the letter here. | 2022-04-08T19:12:31Z | www.myhighplains.com | U.S. Republican Senators sign charter school-related letter | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/u-s-republican-senators-sign-charter-school-related-letter/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/u-s-republican-senators-sign-charter-school-related-letter/ |
SANTA FE, N.M. (KAMR/KCIT) — The Office of the Governor announced Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed special session House Bill 2 on Friday that will be aimed at delivering economic relief to New Mexico households amid rising prices, according to a news release from the office.
The bill, totaling $698 million, will automatically send $500 payments to single tax filers and $1,000 to joint filers. Those funds will be sent in June and August and combined with the rebate checks that will be distributed in July, more than 1.1 million New Mexicans will receive up to $1,500 in relief, officials said in the news release.
The rebate checks were part of additional legislation that was signed by the governor in March.
“Today I am glad to enact legislation easing the burden of high national prices, putting money in New Mexicans’ pockets and protecting their paychecks,” said Lujan Grisham. “I thank the Legislature for acting quickly and answering my call to deliver economic relief to New Mexicans, building on the half a billion dollars in tax relief that we enacted earlier this year to deliver up to $1,500 in household relief to over a million New Mexicans.”
The news release said the legislation allocates $20 million to provide economic relief payments to New Mexicans who do not file taxes, including seniors on fixed incomes and lower income families.
On Friday, Lujan Grisham also signed special session Senate Bill 1 that allocates $50 million to community projects across the state in a supplemental “junior” spending bill after working with the Legislature in an effort to revise the proposed bill and ensure transparency and fiscal responsibility stated the governor’s office. | 2022-04-08T21:01:57Z | www.myhighplains.com | Over 1.1 million New Mexicans to receive $1,500 in relief funds | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/over-1-1-million-new-mexicans-to-receive-1500-in-relief-funds/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/over-1-1-million-new-mexicans-to-receive-1500-in-relief-funds/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials from the City of Amarillo (COA) announce the COA Utility Billing Mobile Unit is available starting Saturday.
The COA East Branch Library mobile billing unit will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 9. The COA Southwest Branch Library opens from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 23.
Appointments are not needed for the mobile unit, customers can use the drive-thru service or walk-up window option with full customer service capability.
For more information on the COA Utility billing site, visit here. | 2022-04-08T21:02:15Z | www.myhighplains.com | City of Amarillo opens Utility Billing Mobile Unit Saturday | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/today-in-amarillo/city-of-amarillo-opens-utility-billing-mobile-unit-saturday/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/today-in-amarillo/city-of-amarillo-opens-utility-billing-mobile-unit-saturday/ |
Raising money to help children in Ukraine
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) —The Kwahadi Museum is inviting the community out to enjoy traditional Kwahadi dancing, the museum and family friendly activities.
It’s April 10th starting at 1 p.m., that’s when the museum will open with free admission. Then the Kwahadi show starts at 2 p.m.. This event is being put on as a fundraiser for the children of Ukraine.
Thousands of families have fled Ukraine seeking refuge in places like Poland, which is the home-country of Carolina Exposito who co-owns Roosters Coffee and Tea Co. at 34th & Bell. Roosters is partnering with the museum to put on this event.
The Kwahadi Museum is located at I-40 & Airport Rd, just half a mile west of that area.
KWAHA | 2022-04-08T22:46:59Z | www.myhighplains.com | Kwahadi Museum Hosting Free Family Day | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/studio-4/kwahadi-museum-hosting-free-family-day/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/studio-4/kwahadi-museum-hosting-free-family-day/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with the Amarillo Police Department (APD) reported the discovery of guns and drugs after a traffic stop on Monday, April 8. The stop happened on the 3500 block of Mockingbird Lane.
According to APD, James Brandon Lewis, 44, was the driver of the pickup. Police said the vehicle matched the description of one that had been reported as being involved in multiple thefts in and around the Amarillo area.
Inside the vehicle, officers said they found a gun, methamphetamine, several sets of car keys, tools commonly used In thefts of catalytic converters, and several pieces of identifying information not belonging to Lewis.
APD said Lewis had a parole violation warrant for his arrest. He was taken into custody for his warrant, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, and Possession of a Controlled Substance. He was booked into the Randall County jail.
Police said an investigation is ongoing, and further charges may be filed. | 2022-04-09T20:30:25Z | www.myhighplains.com | 1 arrested in Potter County after traffic stop for guns, drugs | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/1-arrested-after-traffic-stop-for-guns-drugs/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/1-arrested-after-traffic-stop-for-guns-drugs/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — An Amarillo firefighter is making his triumphant return to back to the force after battling cancer.
Firefighter Dory Mogelinski is back at the Central Fire Station after fighting oropharyngeal cancer. He said it was one of the toughest things he has ever had to do.
“That was, it was hard. Anybody that has had to deal with it, I hope you never have to deal with it. But those who have, I have a newfound respect for the people I saw every day at the treatment center. It’s a tough deal,” said Mogelinski.
He said when he walked into the fire station Sunday, it was an exciting feeling to be back.
“It was pretty cool. Get to see the guys, get to be back on the truck again with the guys I’ve been with for the last few years. It was exciting. I was excited,” said Mogelinski.
Mogelinski was off duty for nearly six months.
“There was a time I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to come back. But after everything got over with and my strength came back, I was like, ‘man, I’m ready to go back to work,'” added Mogelinski.
He said during his time battling cancer, he said the outpouring of love and support from the community was overwhelming.
“Somebody would make a Facebook post, one of my kids would post something on Facebook about how I was doing and just the citizens of Amarillo would respond to it and I would just read the comments knowing that, man those people don’t know me, they have never met me but they love me enough to care how I’m doing, it pretty cool,” said Mogelinski.
Mogelinski added the support he received from first responders in the area shows the true brotherhood that they have.
“There is no other profession in the world like the first responder. EMS, police, firefighter, and the brotherhood that goes along with it. The EMS and police, all helped me out during this. You just can’t beat the brotherhood. There is just nothing that a first responder won’t do for anybody, especially for one of their own brothers,” said Mogelinski.
Mogelinski said he has been a firefighter for 26 years and this is a career and this is what he does. He said it was a good day to be back at the firehouse.
Mogelinski said he is currently waiting on one more test to make sure the cancer is completely gone. | 2022-04-10T23:04:33Z | www.myhighplains.com | Amarillo firefighter returns to duty after battling cancer | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-firefighter-returns-to-duty-after-battling-cancer/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-firefighter-returns-to-duty-after-battling-cancer/ |
Amarillo gas prices fall 3.6 cents, average $3.45/gallon Monday
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – According to the most recent reports from GasBuddy, Amarillo gas prices fell by 3.6 cents over the last week for an average price of $3.45/gallon on Monday morning. Those prices were noted as 25.3 cents per gallon lower than a month ago, and $1.02/gallon higher than a year ago.
GasBuddy reports noted the cheapest station in Amarillo was priced at $3.34/gallon on Sunday while the most expensive was priced at $3.79/gallon, an average difference of 45 cents. The lowest price in Texas on Sunday was $3.29/gallon, while the highest was $4.79/gallon, a difference of $1.50.
Nationally, the price of gas was reported by GasBuddy to have fallen 7.5 cents in the last week for an average of $4.10/gallon Monday. That national average was noted as 23.3 cents lower than a month ago and $1.25/gallon higher than a year ago. | 2022-04-11T12:17:14Z | www.myhighplains.com | Amarillo gas prices fall 3.6 cents, average $3.45/gallon Monday | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-gas-prices-fall-3-6-cents-average-3-45-gallon-monday/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-gas-prices-fall-3-6-cents-average-3-45-gallon-monday/ |
DALHART, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – The Dalhart Volunteer Fire Department took to social media Monday to announce details regarding an early morning vehicle fire on US 54 West and County Road 28.
According to the department, crews responded to a report of a grass fire involving a vehicle at around 4:40 a.m. on Monday, on US 54 West and County Road 28. The first of three units that responded found a car on fire with a “small” grass fire alongside it.
The department published pictures of the incident on social media, although there was no further information offered at the time. | 2022-04-11T14:29:14Z | www.myhighplains.com | Dalhart firefighters respond to grass, vehicle fire on US 54 | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/dalhart-firefighters-respond-to-grass-vehicle-fire-on-us-54/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/dalhart-firefighters-respond-to-grass-vehicle-fire-on-us-54/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with the Amarillo Fire Department released information regarding a structure fire near Downtown Amarillo Sunday afternoon.
According to a news release from the department, officials responded to a reported structure fire in the 100 block of S. Monroe Sunday afternoon. When crews arrived at around 4:14 p.m., smoke and fire were found coming from a single unit of an abandoned apartment building.
When they arrived, crews entered the building and had the fire under control by around 4:24 p.m. Officials said in the release that there were no injuries reported.
“The Amarillo Fire Department asks you to be alert around vacant structures and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities,” the release said.
For more information from the Amarillo Fire Department, visit the department’s website. | 2022-04-11T16:43:07Z | www.myhighplains.com | Amarillo Fire releases information on Sunday structure fire | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-fire-releases-information-on-sunday-structure-fire/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-fire-releases-information-on-sunday-structure-fire/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – According to the Amarillo Police Department, one man was arrested after a Sunday evening race ended in an accident near the intersection of northeast 3rd Avenue and North Buchanan Street.
The police reported that officers responded to the area at around 6:12 p.m. on Sunday after being called about a crash involving two vehicles. A blue Dodge Charger had been northbound on Buchanan Street and struck a white Chevrolet pickup that had been westbound on Northeast 3rd Avenue. Witnesses told police that “several vehicles” including the Dodge Charger had been seen racing north on Buchanan and running red lights, before crashing into the Chevrolet.
One person, the 20-year-old driver of the Chevrolet, was taken to the hospital with what police described as “non-life-threatening” injuries. Meanwhile, police reported that there were three other passengers in the Dodge Charger at the time of the accident, including a 9-month-old child.
In the wake of the accident, police said that Fernando Barrera Munoz was arrested on charges of Racing and Endangering a Child and booked into the Potter County Detention Center. | 2022-04-11T16:43:13Z | www.myhighplains.com | Buchanan Street racing leads to accident, arrest | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/buchanan-street-racing-leads-to-accident-arrest/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/buchanan-street-racing-leads-to-accident-arrest/ |
AUSTIN, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with the Texas Veterans Commission released information regarding Buddy Check Day, a reminder each month for Veterans throughout the state to check in with each other.
Officials from the Texas Veterans Commission said in a news release that the 11th day of each month serves as Buddy Check Day to remind Veterans to check in with each other, either through talking, texting, or visiting. Officials said that through this reminder, veterans could check on each other’s well-being and connect veterans with various services.
What is Buddy Check Day?
“Of course, it’s a good idea to check on each other more often, but sometimes we forget,” Laura Koerner, the commission’s chairwoman, and U.S. Navy Veteran, said in the release. “So set your alarm and program a reminder for the 11th day of every month as Buddy Check Day.”
According to the release, the Texas Veterans Commission encourages Veterans to use the Military Veteran Peer Network. Officials said that talking with peers is “beneficial” and other Veterans could know the resources and services in the area. Officials also encourage Veterans to use the Texas Veterans Network for other services in the community. | 2022-04-11T16:43:19Z | www.myhighplains.com | Monday serves as Buddy Check Day for Texas Veterans Commission | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/monday-serves-as-buddy-check-day-for-texas-veterans-commission/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/monday-serves-as-buddy-check-day-for-texas-veterans-commission/ |
WT student radio station announces shift to ‘all-90’s’ format
CANYON, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Official with West Texas A&M University announced on Monday that WT’s student-run radio station, KWTS The One 91.1, will shift to an all 90’s format on October 1.
The new format was announced on April 8 as part of the station’s 50th anniversary and during “Psychotic Reaction,” a weekly radio show hosted by Dr. Marty Kuhlman, WT’s Jenny Lind Porter Professor of History.
Both Ray and Kuhlman detailed the upcoming plans for the station’s birthday party, which is set for 2:00 p.m. on October 1 in the KWTS studios inside the Sybil B Harrington Fine Arts Complex. This celebration will be part of the university’s Homecoming Day festivities | 2022-04-11T16:43:31Z | www.myhighplains.com | WT student radio station announces shift to ‘all-90’s’ format | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/wt-student-radio-station-announces-shift-to-all-90s-format/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/wt-student-radio-station-announces-shift-to-all-90s-format/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — For 13-year-old Killian Fuller, her birthday was all about horsin’ around.
“When I first saw Higgins, I wanted to adopt him,” said Fuller, her face beaming with joy and pride. “We clicked really, really easily, and just wanted to get a horse.”
That’s exactly what she got.
Meet the newest member of the family, Higgins. But, it didn’t come easy. When Killian knew she wanted a horse, she saddled up, and put in some work.
Dove Creek Equine Rescue looking to overcome drought and feed challenges with “Hero of the Herd” campaign
“I came down here and took riding lessons, and got used to him and we got used to each other, and I was just like ‘I need this horse.'”
Dove Creek Operations Director Ali McEwen, said it’s a 180 from where Higgins as this time last year. “Higgins is kind of our superhero we want to say, he came in almost exactly a year ago, very, very starved, very malnourished,” she said. “We weren’t a hundred percent sure he was even going to make it.”
One year later, Higgins is back in the saddle.
“We got his weight back on him, and he’s showed he’s just a super hero, he’s able to be saddled, and just an all-around great horse,” she said.
Higgins’ story, and many others like it, are all part of Dove Creek’s mission.
“We rescue, we rehabilitate them, put them in training, then hopefully find a perfect home for them,” McEwen said.
Dove creek has the capacity to hold 30 horses, and with 29 horses currently on the property, you’ll have your very own chance to adopt a horse, at their upcoming Meet-A-Horse event.
“So you can see what we do, what we’re about, be a part of this beautiful land that’s out here, meet some of the horses that are up for adoption,” she said. “We’re going to have food trucks, vendors, live music, so it’s just a great time to come out and see what we’re about,” she said.
Now, it’s a giddy up for Higgins to his new home.
As for Killian?
“It feels good mostly because it’s my 13th birthday present,” she said.
For more information on Dove Creek Equine Rescue, click here. | 2022-04-11T18:44:42Z | www.myhighplains.com | Heart Of The High Plains: Dove Creek Equine Rescue | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/heart-of-the-high-plains/heart-of-the-high-plains-dove-creek-equine-rescue-2/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/heart-of-the-high-plains/heart-of-the-high-plains-dove-creek-equine-rescue-2/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — According to federal court documents released in April, Erfan Salmanzadeh, the person suspected of causing an explosion at a home in southwest Amarillo in July 2021, will undergo a competency hearing at 1 p.m. Wednesday in Amarillo Federal Court.
According to previous reports by MyHighPlains.com, Salmanzadeh was federally charged with one count of possession of a destructive device in late July 2021. Salmanzadeh was also charged by the state with possession of components of explosives.
Man suspected of causing explosion in Lenwood Drive home has been federally charged
This comes after the Amarillo Fire Department responded to a reported explosion at a home in the 3600 block of Lenwood Dr. on July 26 that led to 14 homes in the area being evacuated. Police found explosive materials as well as an improvised explosive device, a suicide vest, and multiple red paper or cardboard tubes with “Dynamite” on the outside in handwritten letters.
According to previous reports, Salmanzadeh reported that he was going to represent himself in court. Officials reported at the time that he did not have any previous criminal history in either Potter or Randall counties.
According to the documents, the court entered an order, giving Salmanzadeh the chance to undergo a psychiatric or psychological examination. As a result of the psychiatric evaluation, the court decided to host a competency hearing.
New details released on Lenwood Drive explosion, homemade suicide vest among evidence
“Having reviewed the psychiatric evaluation addressing (the) Defendant’s mental competency, the Court finds that there is reasonable cause to believe that (the) Defendant may presently be suffering from a mental disease or defect rendering him mentally incompetent to the extent that he is unable to understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings against him or to assist properly in his defense,” the court documents read.
Officials with the court said in the documents that this hearing will “ascertain (Salmanzadeh’s) competency to stand trial.” | 2022-04-11T18:44:48Z | www.myhighplains.com | Salmanzadeh to undergo competency hearing in federal court Wednesday | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/salmanzadeh-to-undergo-competency-hearing-in-federal-court-wednesday/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/salmanzadeh-to-undergo-competency-hearing-in-federal-court-wednesday/ |
TEA develops new, content-centered, school board policy
AUSTIN, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with the Texas Education Agency responded to a recent letter from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott regarding content students can find within public libraries.
In a letter sent by Mike Morath, commissioner of the TEA, to Abbott released Monday, Morath said that the TEA has outlined a model local school board policy that aims to address “obscene content that may be found in Texas public school libraries.”
This comes after Abbott’s office sent a letter to the TEA in November 2021, asking the agency to investigate “any criminal activity in public schools involving the availability of pornographic material that serves no educational purpose.” Abbott also directed the TEA, as well as the Texas State Library and Archives Commission as well as the Texas State Board of Education to develop standards to “ensure no child is exposed to pornography or other inappropriate content in a Texas public school.”
Gov. Abbott sends another letter to TEA, doubles down on claims of porn in public schools
According to previous reports by MyHighPlains.com, Abbott did not specify what qualifies as inappropriate material. At the time, MyHighPlains.com also found no graphic pornography readily available through databases accessible by students, educators and other individuals.
“As you noted in your letter, there have been several instances recently of inappropriate materials being found in school libraries,” Morath said in the letter. “This is unacceptable and the students of Texas should not be exposed to this harmful content in their local schools.”
In the letter, Morath said the model policy can serve as a guide to school boards, helping create policies for their school district libraries. This policy aims to “establish strong procedures related to the selection, review and transparency of library materials that emphasize the rights of Texas parents.” Officials also said the policy references the standards regarding “inappropriate and harmful content for students as defined by the Texas Penal Code and the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act.”
Officials said the model policy will be shared with school districts throughout the state. For more information about the policy, visit the Texas Education Agency’s website. | 2022-04-11T22:28:24Z | www.myhighplains.com | TEA develops new, content-centered, school board policy | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/texas/tea-develops-new-content-centered-school-board-policy/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/texas/tea-develops-new-content-centered-school-board-policy/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) —He’s known as the King of Western Swing, and Bob Wills is a big deal not only in the state of Texas, but the small town of Turkey.
That’s why the town is set to celebrate the 50th Annual Bob wills Day from April 28th through April 30th. The Bob Wills Foundation will present an all-star line up of musicians, dances, concerts, and events.
Check out the flyer below or click here for more information. | 2022-04-12T00:11:52Z | www.myhighplains.com | Help Celebrate the 50th Annual Bob Wills Day in Turkey | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/studio-4/help-celebrate-the-50th-annual-bob-wills-day-in-turkey/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/studio-4/help-celebrate-the-50th-annual-bob-wills-day-in-turkey/ |
Amarillo ISD Board of Trustees discuss proposed $180 million bond
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The Amarillo Independent School District Board of Trustees held a meeting to discuss the proposed $180 million bond that will appear on the May 7 ballot.
Members of the community gathered at Austin Middle School to learn more about the proposed bond and AISD Superintendent Doug Loomis addressed the issues the school is facing and how the money in the bond would potentially be used.
The Austin Middle School replacement falls under proposition A and the replacement is estimated to cost $65.7 million of the $180 million total the bond would raise.
“This school has to be rebuilt, the foundation’s falling in. Built back almost 60 years ago. The trusses on the first floor are rusted out there’s pictures online if someone cares to look. So it’s a $180 million proposition A,” said Dick Ford, AISD School Board Member.
Superintendent Loomis states the school is currently safe for students to attend. The May bond election will have four proposed bonds for local residents to vote on. | 2022-04-12T05:10:18Z | www.myhighplains.com | Amarillo ISD Board of Trustees discuss proposed $180 million bond | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-isd-board-of-trustees-discuss-proposed-180-million-bond/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-isd-board-of-trustees-discuss-proposed-180-million-bond/ |
Another mild start to the morning with temps in the 50s to 60s. Starting the morning with clear skies and calm conditions. However, winds will increase rather quickly this midmorning with a High Wind Warning in effect until 10 p.m. Surface winds will range between the 30s to 40s while gusts will increase into the 60s. The high winds and the low humidity will keep the fire threat in place today for the entire Panhandle. Temps on the other hand, will be well above average in the 80s and low 90s. A front is expected to move through the area this evening with a stationary front right behind it.
Temps will be much cooler for Wednesday but will be back to seasonal by Thursday. Still tracking the fire threat through the next seven days. | 2022-04-12T10:44:04Z | www.myhighplains.com | High winds expected and hot temps | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/weather-headlines/forecast/high-winds-expected-and-hot-temps/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/weather-headlines/forecast/high-winds-expected-and-hot-temps/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The Panhandle Great 25 Nurses Committee will be accepting scholarship applications from nursing students who are enrolled in a nursing program for the Fall of 2022, the committee announced.
According to the committee, applicants must live in one of the top 26 counties in the Texas Panhandle and be attending Amarillo College, Clarendon College, West Texas A&M University, and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Amarillo. In addition, students must have a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0.
According to the committee, a $2,000 scholarship will be awarded in each of the following areas:
Enrolled in an ADN program (3 scholarships awarded in this group)
Enrolled in a traditional (generic) track BSN program (3 scholarships awarded in the group)
Enrolled in an RN to BSN program
Enrolled in a second-degree BSN program or veteran to BSN program
Enrolled in a Master’s Degree program with a major in nursing
Enrolled in a Doctoral Degree program with a major in nursing
Visit the Panhandle Great 25 Nurses website to apply by 5:00 p.m. on May 2.
via Panhandle Great 25 Nurses Facebook page | 2022-04-12T12:54:43Z | www.myhighplains.com | Panhandle Great 25 Nurses accepting scholarship applications | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/panhandle-great-25-nurses-accepting-scholarship-applications/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/panhandle-great-25-nurses-accepting-scholarship-applications/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – Panhandle Pride, Inc., announced that it will host a press conference for city officials and other invited guests at the Starlight Ranch at 11 a.m. on Tuesday. According to released information, the event will focus on updates and planning regarding 2022 pride events.
Not only will the planned press conference address plans for the 2022 Panhandle Pride Fest expected in June, according to the announcement, but also discuss the possibility of it becoming a nationally sanctioned event in 2023. | 2022-04-12T12:54:49Z | www.myhighplains.com | Panhandle Pride, Inc., offers 2022 event updates | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/panhandle-pride-inc-offers-2022-event-updates/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/panhandle-pride-inc-offers-2022-event-updates/ |
Randall County Fire Department warns of possible evacuations, critical wildfire weather
RANDALL COUNTY, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – The Randall County Fire Department took to social media Tuesday morning to warn residents of “extremely critical” fire weather and urged people to be prepared for possible evacuation orders.
The Tuesday potential for wildfire outbreaks was high, according to the fire department, as conditions could lead to “very large, fast-moving wildfires.” A Red Flag warning was issued and is expected to last from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
“Today’s extremely critical fire weather conditions also bring the term Southern Plains WIldfire Outbreaks,” said the department in a social media post, “If wildfire get started, control will be difficult and the issuing of widespread evacuation orders could occur.”
Further, the department warned residents to avoid using cutting torches or welding rigs on Tuesday, as conditions were considered too dangerous for those items to be safely operated.
Both the Texas A&M Forest Service and the Oklahoma Forestry Services issued warnings of critical wildfire outbreak risks this week, also looking ahead into the Tuesday conditions. | 2022-04-12T15:03:10Z | www.myhighplains.com | Randall County Fire Department warns of possible evacuations, critical wildfire weather | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/randall-county-fire-department-warns-of-possible-evacuations-critical-wildfire-weather/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/randall-county-fire-department-warns-of-possible-evacuations-critical-wildfire-weather/ |
by: David Gay, Cat Keenan
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – Officials with the Amarillo Fire Department released further information on a Tuesday morning house fire on the 1600 block of S. Ong.
According to the department, firefighters arrived at the home at around 9 a.m. Tuesday with seven units responding. The fire was considered under control at around 10:25 a.m., and officials reported to believe that it had begun by accident at the back of the house.
Four people were inside the home at the time of the fire and made it out safely, said officials, although one person was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Five dogs were also noted as having survived the fire, although the department reported that multiple cats and a dog were found dead.
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with the Amarillo Fire Department are currently on the scene of a structure fire near Central Amarillo.
According to reports from the MyHighPlains.com reporter at the scene, officials from the fire department had five trucks and 18 personnel called out to a fire in the 1600 block of S. Ong Tuesday morning. While no injuries were reported, officials did say that a pet died in the incident. | 2022-04-12T16:58:24Z | www.myhighplains.com | 1 injured, animals dead after South Ong house fire | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-fire-department-respond-to-south-ong-fire/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-fire-department-respond-to-south-ong-fire/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) announced that springtime and catfish angling have returned to Neighborhood Fishin’ Lakes across the state. Beginning the week of April 15, the department said that it will begin stocking catfish at 18 of the lakes across Texas, including one in Amarillo.
The Amarillo Neighborhood Fishin’ Lake is the Medi Park Lake, located at 1100 Wallace Blvd. The seven-acre lake, according to the TPWD, includes parking, restrooms, lighting, and other recreational amenities alongside fishing.
According to the TPWD, each lake will receive channel catfish every two weeks until the end of October, except for a brief pause during August. The department said that this is to help ensure there are angling opportunities through the spring, summer, and early fall.
“Neighborhood Fishin’ lakes are conveniently located in urban and suburban areas so that Texans don’t have to travel far to have a great experience,” said Craig Bonds, Director of Inland Fisheries, “Catfish are fun and easy to catch for anglers of all ages and experience levels. If you’ve never fished before, these are the perfect places to get started. If you are an experienced angler, these are the perfect places to introduce fishing to a friend or family member.”
Anglers can keep up to five catfish of any size per day, said the TPWD. Children under 17 fish for free, but adults who fish need a fishing license. However, the TPWD said that licenses can be purchased for as little as $11 for “one-day, all-water” access and that proceeds go towards the management and conservation of the fish and their habitats.
Image via Lake Meredith National Recreation Area’s Facebook page. | 2022-04-12T16:58:25Z | www.myhighplains.com | Catfish to return to Amarillo Neighborhood Fishin’ Lake | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/catfish-to-return-to-amarillo-neighborhood-fishin-lake/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/catfish-to-return-to-amarillo-neighborhood-fishin-lake/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The Sister-Bear Foundation announced on Tuesday the recipients of the foundation’s 2022 grants for the first quarter.
According to the organization, Grant Allen was awarded a grant of $5,850 to “help cover his apartment rental in Denver while he continues neurorehabilitation at the Craig Hospital to recover from injuries sustained in a 2020 car accident that caused paralysis from the chest down.”
Additionally, Darlene Martin was awarded a grant for $2,160 which will “pay for twenty-four physical therapy sessions that are not covered by her insurance,” Sister-Bear officials said. Martin is a retired Amarillo teacher, who was born with cerebral palsy and, according to the organization, applied for assistance to help with her back pain due to the condition.
“Helping Darlene and Grant get the care they need to deal with their mobility issues is why we started our grants program. Fortunately, Darlene can get great care for her condition in Amarillo. Grant must temporarily live in Denver to access the kind of specialty neurological rehabilitation he needs for his paralysis,” said Tracy Kilburn, Grants Committee Chair.
Julia Granger, Sister-Bear Foundation Board President and Founder, stated, ” When my daughter Kathryn was severely injured in an auto accident in 2018 that also left her paralyzed from the chest down, we had to travel weekly to Fort Worth for her therapy. Until Amarillo has the same level of neurorehabilitation resources to help people with severe spinal cord or brain injuries, Sister-Bear is here to help bridge the gap with financial assistance.”
Kilburn added, ” A grant from Sister-Bear Foundation can cover a variety of needs from home modification expenses to wheelchairs and related accessories to all kinds of therapy, including mental health care that can make the difference between someone who is simply surviving and thriving.”
“Don’t struggle in silence. If you or your loved one needs anything that would make your life easier, give me a call at 806-282-5620. We are humbled that so many generous donors who have given to Sister-Bear Foundation enable us to help people like Grant and Darlene,” Granger said. “Our vision is that every mobility-impaired adult in the Amarillo region enjoys improved functionality, mental well-being, a healthier body, and a fulfilling, hopeful life as a result of our efforts.
Kilburn invited Texas Panhandle residents to visit the Sister-Bear Foundation website if anyone with mobility issues related to amputation, stroke, Parkinson’s, multiple, sclerosis, or any condition causing neuromuscular impairment, needed financial assistance. | 2022-04-12T18:53:46Z | www.myhighplains.com | Sister-Bear Foundation awards 2022 grants | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/sister-bear-foundation-awards-2022-grants/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/sister-bear-foundation-awards-2022-grants/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The Amarillo City Council is scheduled to meet for its next regular meeting at 1 p.m. Tuesday in the council chamber on the third floor of Amarillo City Hall, located at 601 S. Buchanan Street.
During the meeting, the city council will hear from members of the public during the public comment portion of the meeting, according to the released agenda. The public will then hear updates regarding the city’s Earth Day festivities, along with a discussion surrounding the most recent point-in-time count.
After hearing those updates, the council is expected to vote on various items featured in the agenda for Tuesday’s meeting. Some of those items include:
CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 7968: This item is a second and final reading to consider an ordinance amending the Adopted Comprehensive Plan of the City of Amarillo, Texas by adding the Eastridge Neighborhood Plan as a component;
CONSIDER PURCHASE – EQUIPMENT FOR NEW SIGNALIZED INTERSECTION AT SONCY AND HERITAGE HILLS: This is a purchase, totaling $112,635, for traffic signal equipment for the new installation of a traffic signal at Soncy and Heritage Hills. This Purchase will be funded with Proposition 1 voter-approved bond proceeds;
CONSIDER PURCHASE – TELEROB EVO PLUS ROBOT FOR THE AMARILLO POLICE DEPARTMENT BOMB TEAM: This is a purchase, totaling $452,128.20, is for the Telerob Evo Plus Robot with attachments for use by the Amarillo Police Department’s Bomb Team;
CONSIDER AWARD – DEMOLITION SERVICES CONTRACT FOR NEW CITY HALL PROJECT: This item considers the award of a contract for the demolition of the three warehouses at the old Amarillo Hardware Building int eh proposed New City Hall location;
CONSIDER APPROVAL – INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF AMARILLO AND AMARILLO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT: This item considers an agreement between the two entities for the district’s financial participation in the Tri-State Fairgrounds Master Plan;
PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION NO. 04-12-22-6: This item is a public hearing and consideration of a resolution approving the 2022 ERA2 Housing Stability Services (HSS) Program award to provide housing stability services to those who have recently or are currently experiencing homelessness. This award will allow Community Development to expand the capacity of the Coming Home program which actively provides supportive services to 130 housed families along with many clients currently experiencing homelessness.
CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION NO. 04-12-22-8: This item considers a resolution of the Amarillo City Council amending the water conservation program for the City of Amarillo originally adopted in 2002 and last amended in 2017. | 2022-04-12T18:54:23Z | www.myhighplains.com | Amarillo hosts regular City Council meeting | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/your-local-election-hq/amarillo-to-host-regular-city-council-meeting/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/your-local-election-hq/amarillo-to-host-regular-city-council-meeting/ |
AUSTIN, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Governor Greg Abbott announced Tuesday the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the fourth round of federal Pandemic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT).
Families could start receiving P-EBT benefits the week of April 18, other families may receive their benefits beginning in July, based on when schools provide student information to HHSC, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
The news release states that the HHSC received federal approval to provide more than $626 million in benefits to approximately 2.1 million eligible children in Texas for the 2021-22 school year.
“We’re thankful for the opportunity to continue this successful P-EBT program in Texas,” said Wayne Salter HHS deputy executive commissioner of Access and Eligibility Services. “These food benefits provide much-needed assistance to families and children impacted by school closures.”
To be eligible for the 2021-22 school year P-EBT, a student must qualify for free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) at their Texas school along with COVID-related absences, virtual attendance, or campus closures. The 2021-22 school year P-EBT is based on the number of days an individual student did not receive in-person instruction due to COVID-19 illness. Families will receive $7.10 for each eligible day.
The news release continues stating that eligible families who currently receive SNAP, and those who have received P-EBT in the past, will receive benefits on their existing Lone Star Card or P-EBT Card. They will be mailed a notice with information about their student’s benefit amount and do not need to take any action. Eligible families who do not currently receive SNAP and have never received P-EBT will be mailed a notice with a claim code because additional information is needed to issue benefits.
For more information on P-EBT and how to qualify for benefits, visit here. | 2022-04-12T20:42:19Z | www.myhighplains.com | Governor Abbott, HHSC announce $626M in pandemic food benefits | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/texas-politics/governor-abbott-hhsc-announce-626m-in-pandemic-food-benefits/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/texas-politics/governor-abbott-hhsc-announce-626m-in-pandemic-food-benefits/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – After previously hosting festivities in area parks, the Panhandle Pride Festival will be moving locations for its 2022 event, officials announced during an event Tuesday morning.
The 2022 Panhandle Pride Fest will be hosted at the Starlight Ranch Event Center at 3 p.m. June 25. According to a news release from the organization, the event will feature a drag show, along with other local artists and vendors. Kenny Metcalf, performing as Elton John, will close the event.
The event’s aim is to help the queer community celebrate each other, while fulfilling a vision of accepting and respecting the equality of everyone, officials with the Panhandle Pride group said during Tuesday’s event. The previous events have been hosted in city parks, including Memorial Park, but the 2020 and 2021 events were both canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Marcus Rogers, a representative of the Panhandle Pride organization, said during Tuesday’s event that around 3,000 to 3,500 people showed up to 2019’s festivities. The move to Starlight Ranch gives the event an opportunity to grow this year and into the future, including more areas for vendors and food trucks, along with multiple performance areas and better parking.
“The specific reason why we chose Starlight Ranch and this partnership is we see a potential for growth,” Rogers said. “We see that so many members of the community are wanting to be involved with the queer community and we see the Starlight Ranch as the best possible venue to make sure that everyone who wants to attend Pride, can attend Pride.”
Rogers stressed that this event is for every member of the community, not only members of the LGBTQ+ community.
“This event specifically is helping to connect the queer community with other individuals,” Rogers said. “I know it’s not as prevalent as say, in Dallas. But we are a strong community here in the Amarillo area and you can make connections here at the Pride event that you typically wouldn’t anywhere else. This is going to be specifically designed for families and for individuals just to attend and have a good time over the summer.”
Mandy Morton, the president of the Panhandle Pride organization, said that this event serves as a time to celebrate the community as a whole. It also serves as a way to learn about the Amarillo LGBTQ+ community and the organizations that serve them, something that Morton saw firsthand.
“The last time we produced a 2019 festival, there was somebody there who was very close to me who was learning. They sat quietly and they watched. They watched people interact. The one takeaway they had was ‘man, there’s so much love throughout this festival, walking and talking and just being who God created them to be at that point,’” Morton said. “…If you are willing to show up and to see and to be a part, we’re welcoming you with open arms. That’s all there is to it. It’s a good time to be who you are, whatever that may be, and to reach out and love one another. We’re in business together every day. We’re in church together. We are in all these places. Let’s come together in this venue and enjoy one another, enjoy the entertainment. I’m sure you will take away some education from that. Let’s just be a part.”
Being a part of this event is something that Bobby Lee, the co-owner of the Starlight Ranch Event Center, has wanted to do for a long time.
“We’ve been wanting this event for years,” Lee said. “The entertainment they do, the attitude of the whole festival, it’s addicting. We’re proud to be a part of it. That’s what Starlight Ranch was made for.”
A $5 donation to the organization is requested for admission into the family-friendly, and dog-friendly, event. The funds will ultimately go towards the organization and will be used for “continued growth in the organization and providing platforms education, entertainment and equality.”
For more information about the Panhandle Pride organization, visit https://panhandleprideinc.org/. | 2022-04-12T22:26:43Z | www.myhighplains.com | Panhandle Pride 2022 festivities to be hosted at Starlight Ranch | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/panhandle-pride-2022-festivities-to-be-hosted-at-starlight-ranch/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/panhandle-pride-2022-festivities-to-be-hosted-at-starlight-ranch/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The Amarillo City Council approved the funding to begin the demolition of the three warehouses at the old Amarillo Hardware Building during Tuesday’s meeting, continuing the process of moving City Hall to the site, located at 600 S. Grant, in the near future.
Originally on the consent agenda, the item, which will cost $139,700 out of the city of Amarillo’s general fund, awards the contract to Lloyd D. Nabors Demolition LLC to demolish the three warehouses at the site, which officials said is necessary to move forward with the project.
Like the other City Hall-related consent agenda items in past meetings, Amarillo Place One Councilmember Cole Stanley chose to take the item out, calling it for an individual vote. The item was approved with a 4-1 vote, with Stanley ultimately voting against the measure. This comes after Stanley has voiced his disapproval of the move of City Hall in the past, voting against the issuance of tax and revenue notes to fund the project back in December 2021.
During the meeting, Stanley said he voted against the measure because he principally stands against the entirety of the new City Hall project.
“I voted against the relocation of City Hall into that building because primarily it was resourced through a (certificate of obligation),” Stanley said in the meeting. “And so, that has changed and some of that funding is different… I have an issue with the form of payment, the funding. My stance has not changed. I don’t have a specific issue with the amount of the demolition or the need for the demolition. I’m not trying to affect the project in any negative way. I’m just maintaining a stance against the project as an overall.”
Amarillo Mayor Ginger Nelson challenged Stanley during the meeting, saying that what was on the agenda was not the funding of the overall project, just the funding for the demolition of the warehouse buildings. Nelson also stressed that the council did not vote on the certificates of obligation for a funding source for the City Hall project.
“I don’t understand. I think you and I need to have some discussion afterwards,” Nelson said. “I’d appreciate a little more of your time to understand better. If you don’t want to change the item, then I don’t understand why you are voting against it. Maybe you can help me understand.”
Officials with the city of Amarillo said that the site where the warehouses used to be will serve as the construction staging area as well as a finished parking lot for the new City Hall. Officials also said that no official date has been given on when demolition of the three warehouses will begin. | 2022-04-12T22:27:07Z | www.myhighplains.com | Amarillo City Council approves demolition contract for new City Hall project | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/your-local-election-hq/amarillo-city-council-approves-demolition-contract-for-new-city-hall-project/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/your-local-election-hq/amarillo-city-council-approves-demolition-contract-for-new-city-hall-project/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — An Amarillo woman has pled guilty after recently being arrested for charges related to distributing methamphetamine, according to documents from the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Texas.
According to court documents released Tuesday, Courtney Renee Perkins pleaded guilty to “possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine” after an operation by officers with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in October 2021.
According to previous reports by MyHighPlains.com, an undercover DEA agent met with Perkins to purchase nearly 84 grams of meth in Glenwood Park. Perkins was arrested after the incident in early 2022.
According to the plea agreement, the minimum and maximum penalties that Amarillo Federal Court officials can impose 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 victim(s);
A term of supervised release not less than three years or more than life, which is mandatory under the law and will follow any term of imprisonment;
A mandatory special assessment of $100. | 2022-04-13T00:02:23Z | www.myhighplains.com | Amarillo woman pleads guilty to drug distribution | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/amarillo-woman-pleads-guilty-to-drug-distribution/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/amarillo-woman-pleads-guilty-to-drug-distribution/ |
by: David Gay, Angel Oliva
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — First responders are currently at the scene after a child was hit by a car getting off a bus in north Amarillo Tuesday afternoon.
According to a statement provided to MyHighPlains.com by officials with the Apple Bus Company, a child stepped off a school bus and was hit by a car in the 2400 block of Irene.
According to the Amarillo Police Department, officers were called to the 2400 block of Irene on an incident that involved a person getting hit by a vehicle. APD said a child exited a school bus and was hit by a vehicle. The extent of injuries is unknown at this time said APD officials. | 2022-04-13T00:02:29Z | www.myhighplains.com | Child hit by car in north Amarillo after getting off bus | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/child-hit-by-car-in-north-amarillo-after-getting-off-bus/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/child-hit-by-car-in-north-amarillo-after-getting-off-bus/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials from the City of Amarillo released the Point-In-Time count numbers (PIT) for winter 2022 on Tuesday. The count consisted of 539 individuals, 368 of whom were unsheltered.
PIT data is used by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to identify the
number of people experiencing homelessness in Amarillo. PIT data helps determine the effectiveness of HUD
programs and policies to help fund the Amarillo Continuum of Care said officials with the city.
“We expect increases in the PIT number due to the ongoing economic impact of COVID-19 in
the Amarillo community,” said COA Director of Community Development Jason Riddlespurger.
“While Amarillo had a small increase in homeless numbers, the ultimate goal is to end
homelessness in Amarillo, and we continue to strive to reach this goal.
Volunteers tallied 171 individuals in various homeless shelters and organizations including:
Women’s Center 59
Faith City Mission 46
Martha’s Home 21
Another Chance House 20
Family Support Services Emergency Safe House 18
The Salvation Army 7
PIT is led twice a year by the City of Amarillo with volunteers and organizations. A total of 41 teams comprised of 85 volunteers scanned the city for 24 hours. Volunteers spend a day going around the city counting the number of homeless people and obtaining information that is aimed at creating solutions for the city’s homeless population. | 2022-04-13T00:02:35Z | www.myhighplains.com | City of Amarillo releases Point-In-Time count numbers | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/city-of-amarillo-releases-point-in-time-count-numbers/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/city-of-amarillo-releases-point-in-time-count-numbers/ |
POTTER COUNTY, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — When it comes to elevated fire danger days like Tuesday, local fire departments such as Potter County Fire-Rescue can find their resources pushed to the limit.
Public Information Officer with Potter County Fire-Rescue Steven Denny said that, unlike a traditional fire department like Amarillo, Potter County Fire-Rescue has six paid firefighters with the rest being volunteers.
He said if a major wildfire breaks out, people will have to be cycled out and allow people to go home to rest and they’ll have them come back in the morning and possibly call in additional resources.
Denny added they maintain their fleet 100% all the time and said it is always ready to go. He said if a truck is not ready to go, it is taken out of service. Denny added a loss of a truck, such as in an accident or breaking down would be devastating.
“We just can’t get the trucks, because of the chip shortage and COVID and that sort of thing. It’s just been an ongoing thing just getting the trucks. Losing a truck or having a truck going out of service would be catastrophic to any department because the trucks just aren’t available,” said Denny.
Denny said they remind volunteers to stay hydrated on elevated fire danger days due to the fact they don’t want any injuries.
He added when they do go out to fight a fire in the county, they have to locate the nearest receptacle for water. He said they have to go back and forth to fill their trucks. Denny said it could be up to two thousand gallons of water depending on the truck and fire.
Denny also reminded people to call them early and often. He said they would rather go check on something and it end up being nothing than let a fire get out of control. | 2022-04-13T00:02:47Z | www.myhighplains.com | How fire departments deal with resources during high fire danger days | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/how-fire-departments-deal-with-resources-during-high-fire-danger-days/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/how-fire-departments-deal-with-resources-during-high-fire-danger-days/ |
Cannabis and New/Expecting Moms: What You Need to Know
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) —April 1st was a big day in New Mexico, it’s when recreational cannabis was legal to sell.
While cannabis and marijuana is still illegal in Texas, experts say that bordering cities will still make up a significant portion of cannabis sales.
While many Texans will venture over the state line to buy, Dr. Teresa Baker from the InfantRisk Center at TTUHSC says Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a psychoactive drug with multiple effects including euphoria, mood changes and hallucinations. Its active ingredient is delta-9-THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol, THC), which acts on the CB1 cannabinoid receptor. THC is highly lipid-soluble which explains its high concentrations in brain and body tissues. Small to moderate doses are stored in tissues for long periods up to 2-3 weeks.
THC is indicated for nausea and appetite stimulation during chemotherapy and for HIV patients. Chronic cannabis use may cause depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder in adolescents and adults.
Cannabis has an enormous affinity for milk and produces a milk/plasma ratio of 8, although the levels in milk are generally considered subclinical. THC crosses the placenta readily, and there is increasing evidence that it may increase rates of growth retardation and adverse neurodevelopment following prenatal exposure.
One report suggests that THC may produce changes in certain hormones by inhibiting prolactin, growth hormone, and thyroid-stimulating hormone secretions as well as stimulating the release of corticotropin.
Although scientists are still learning about the effects of marijuana on developing brains, studies suggest that marijuana use by persons during pregnancy could be linked to problems with attention, memory, problem-solving skills, and behavior in their children later in life.
Marijuana may be bad for your baby no matter how you use it—this includes smoking, vaping, dabbing, eating or drinking, and applying creams or lotions to the skin.
The potential health effects of using cannabidiol (CBD) products during pregnancy are currently unknown.
If you are using marijuana and are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor.
One study indicated an increased incidence of reduced head circumference in young adolescents (9-12 years of age) who were exposed in utero to heavy marijuana use. Prenatal exposure resulted in a higher rate of low birth weight in infants and childhood leukemia. Recent studies have suggested a reduction in long and short-term memory retrieval and retention in children exposed to prenatal cannabis. These children were also weak in planning, integration, and judgment skills.
The health effects of a breastfeeding person’s use of marijuana on their infant or baby are not yet fully known. We do know that chemicals from marijuana can be passed to a baby through breast milk. THC is stored in body fat and is slowly released over time, meaning a baby could still be exposed even after a person has stopped using marijuana. Most studies suggest a significant absorption in infants following exposure via breastmilk. While breastfeeding, it is
important to know that breastmilk can contain THC for up to six days after use. This THC may affect a newborn’s brain development and result in hyperactivity, poor cognitive function, and other long-term consequences.
Additionally, marijuana smoke contains many of the same harmful components as tobacco smoke. Neither marijuana nor tobacco products should be smoked around a baby or children.
In summary, there is increasing concern about the use of marijuana or other similar products in pregnancy and in breastfeeding mothers. Data continues to suggest that cannabis may produce long-term sequelae, such as reduced cognition and changes in mood and reward.10 Both human cohort studies and studies in animals clearly suggest that early exposure to cannabis is not benign and that cannabis exposure in the perinatal period may produce long-term changes in behavior and mental health.
While the effect of cannabis on infants from breastfeeding mothers is limited, cannabis use in breastfeeding mothers should be strongly discouraged. Thus, in pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, this drug should not be viewed as safe.
Mothers should be strongly advised to avoid any form of THC while pregnant and breastfeeding. Mothers found positive for THC in urine screens should be strongly advised to avoid continued exposure to this drug while breastfeeding and should be counseled that continued exposure of their infants to cannabis may produce severe long-term neurobehavioral consequences.
InfantRisk Center
At Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center 1 (806) 352-2519
www.Infantrisk.com | 2022-04-13T00:03:24Z | www.myhighplains.com | Cannabis and New/Expecting Moms: What You Need to Know | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/studio-4/cannabis-and-new-expecting-moms-what-you-need-to-know/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/studio-4/cannabis-and-new-expecting-moms-what-you-need-to-know/ |
HEREFORD, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The Hereford Police Department reports that one person is dead after a shooting in Hereford on Tuesday.
According to HPD, police were called near 13th Street and Star Street on two men fighting. Police said they were told that one of the men was shot. While officers were responding to that another call came in saying that Simon Tovar Jr., 20, the man who had been shot, according to police, was in the 300 block of Ave. D.
Hereford EMS and police arrived and said that Tovar had died from his injuries at that location.
Police found during their investigation that a 17-year-old was a suspect in the shooting and with assistance from the Deaf Smith County Sheriff’s Office, found the alleged suspect and another alleged juvenile suspect police said was also involved with the shooting in the 100 block of East Park Ave. Both were taken into custody.
The Hereford Police Department said the case is still under investigation. | 2022-04-13T01:44:16Z | www.myhighplains.com | 1 dead after shooting in Hereford, 17-year-old arrested in connection | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/1-dead-after-shooting-in-hereford-17-year-old-arrested-in-connection/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/1-dead-after-shooting-in-hereford-17-year-old-arrested-in-connection/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with the Randall County Fire Department reported that firefighters are responding to a fire in Potter County at the U.S. 287/I-40 split area for a grassfire.
According to a post on the department’s Twitter account, individuals are asked to watch for responding apparatus as well as possible lane closures or traffic slowdowns.
Officials said that the Red Flag Warning will continue into Wednesday, with the most critical areas being reported as a west/southwest portions of the Texas Panhandle, including Potter and Randall counties. | 2022-04-13T15:30:46Z | www.myhighplains.com | Crews responding to grassfire at U.S. 287/I-40 split | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/crews-responding-to-grassfire-at-u-s-287-i-40-split/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/crews-responding-to-grassfire-at-u-s-287-i-40-split/ |
AUSTIN (KAMR/KCIT) — The nominations for the 2022 Star of Texas Awards, which honors service members who were seriously injured or killed in the line of duty, are now open, the office of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced on Wednesday.
Nominations, according to Abbott’s office, can also be made for private citizens who were seriously injured or killed while “aiding or attempting to aid a peace officer, firefighter or emergency medical first responder in the performance of their duties.” Nominations are due to the Office of the Governor by June 15.
“The annual Star of Texas Awards showcases the bravery and selfless leadership of our peace officers, firefighters, and emergency medical first responders who were tragically injured or killed in the line of duty,” Abbott said in the release. “These awards allow Texans to show our gratitude to those who serve and recognize the heroes who put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities.”
The critical incident must have happened between September 1, 2003 and June 15, 2022 for a nominee to be eligible for the 2022 Star of Texas Awards, said Abbott’s office.
The nomination form can be found on the Office of the Governor’s website. | 2022-04-13T18:16:53Z | www.myhighplains.com | Governor Abbott announces 2022 Star of Texas nominations | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/governor-abbott-announces-2022-star-of-texas-nominations/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/governor-abbott-announces-2022-star-of-texas-nominations/ |
SPEARMAN, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – The North Plains Groundwater Conservation District (GCD)’s Master Irrigator Class of 2022 is expected to graduate Wednesday at the O’Loughlin Center, according to officials with the district.
The Master Irrigator Program was described by the GCD as an interactive program aimed to encourage the adoption of conservation and efficiency practices “by reducing the learning curve through in-class presentations, demonstrations, and peer-to-peer discussion.” The four-day program was spread over four consecutive Wednesdays with a curriculum designed by retired Texas A&M Professor Steve Amosson.
After participants complete their training, according to the GCD, they qualify for up to $10,000 in cost-share funding to put towards the cost of applying conservation practices in their own operations. Those funds are made available through the Texas Water Development Board Agricultural Conservation Grant Program.
“The TWDB has stepped-up to partner with the district on multiple occasions to support programs that are making a difference in conservation,” said general manager Steve Walthour, “Their collaboration now is vital to the continued success of the district’s premier agricultural conservation program.”
According to the GCD, a total of 117 participants have completed the program, representing around 350,000 acres of irrigated land in the North Plains district. Surveys of the graduates reported that 100% adopted at least one of the conservation strategies to be used in their own operations. 87% reported improved water efficiency in the survey, and nearly 59% reported reduced water usage.
Applications for the Master Irrigator Program are being accepted for the class of 2023, according to the GCD.
via the North Plains Groundwater Conservation District | 2022-04-13T18:16:59Z | www.myhighplains.com | North Plains Groundwater Conservation District graduates Master Irrigator Class of 2022 | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/hansford-county/north-plains-groundwater-conservation-district-graduates-master-irrigator-class-of-2022/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/hansford-county/north-plains-groundwater-conservation-district-graduates-master-irrigator-class-of-2022/ |
PLAINVIEW, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) released information regarding an early Wednesday morning crash outside of Plainview that caused the death of a member of the city of Plainview’s Fire Department.
According to a news release from the Texas DPS, a 2000 Jeep Wrangler, driven by 37-year-old James Harrison Hart of Plainview, was traveling westbound on US 70 approaching County Road R around 12:25 a.m. Wednesday. Officials said the Wrangler crossed the eastbound lane, entered the south barrow ditch, and then overcorrected to the right.
When the vehicle overcorrected, the Wrangler remained in a side skid in the north barrow ditch and overturned. Officials said in the release that Hart died due to injuries sustained in the incident.
Officials from the city of Plainview identified Hart as a 16-year veteran of the city’s Fire Department. Hart was most recently serving as the fire captain for the department.
“We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of City of Plainview Fire Department member Captain James Harrison Hart,” Jeffrey Snyder, the city manager for the city of Plainview, said in a statement given to MyHighPlains.com. “Our employees are the most valuable part of our organization and to lose an employee is to lose a family member. We ask for continued prayers for his family and city staff as we grieve this loss.” | 2022-04-13T18:17:05Z | www.myhighplains.com | Plainview Fire Captain dead after early Wednesday crash | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/plainview-fire-captain-dead-after-early-wednesday-crash/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/plainview-fire-captain-dead-after-early-wednesday-crash/ |
CANYON, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — After being open for 72 years, West Texas A&M University’s Hill Chapel is set to undergo renovations after a $1.5 million donation was given to the university from the High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation, officials with WT announced Wednesday.
Renovations are scheduled to begin in the summer of 2023 on the Joseph A. Hill Memorial Chapel, after the donation was announced Wednesday at a press conference inside the chapel.
WT said that the Hill Chapel was named after the University’s second president and is one of few chapels on the campus of a public university in Texas, as it “serves students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community at large.”
Steve Dalrymple, president, CEO and chief legal officer of Baptist Community Services, said that the donation is meant to be “a continuing spiritual gift to WT and its students, faculty, employees and guests.”
The new renovations will include new exterior doors, repaired stonework and sidewalks, LED lighting, remodeling of rooms on each side of the chancel, extensive landscaping, and will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, WT explained.
The donation will add to an existing endowment for the chapel, which was set up in 2018 by Patsy Cunningham Vaughn in memory of her husband, Dr. Ronald D. Vaughn, a longtime dentist in Guymon, Oklahoma, as the couple were married on August 15, 1959 in the chapel. | 2022-04-13T18:17:11Z | www.myhighplains.com | WT’s Hill Chapel to undergo renovations after 72 years | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/wts-hill-chapel-to-undergo-renovations-after-72-years/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/wts-hill-chapel-to-undergo-renovations-after-72-years/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with Xcel Energy recently reminded customers that there are policies on solar installations, and urged customers to get information on pricing before they decide to invest in solar panels.
“Customers who generate their own electricity with home solar panels generally want to stay connected to the central power grid for backup purposes,” Brad Baldridge, director of Customer and Community Relations for Xcel Energy, said in a news release. “And some customers are looking to sell back surplus energy.”
Officials said it is important for customers to contact Xcel Energy before they finalize the deal so they can understand the policies related to connecting home solar generating systems to the grid as well as knowing what they will be paid for surplus electricity. The rates are regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas, the release said.
Under the commission, customers who want to connect their home solar electricity systems to the local distribution grid for backup or customers who want to sell surplus energy have two options, according to the release. The options include:
Allowing customers to generate their own power to lower monthly bills;
Xcel Energy can install a special meter for a $20 monthly service fee, tracking the amount of surplus electricity placed back on the grid, allowing the company to be able to compensate those customers for surplus electricity at an “avoided fuel cost rate,” which is based on the “ever-changing” cost of coal and natural gas.”
Officials with Xcel Energy encourage customers to contact the area engineer at 806-378-2165 to understand the policies. More details can be found on the Xcel Energy website. | 2022-04-13T18:17:17Z | www.myhighplains.com | Xcel releases information for solar energy customers | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/xcel-releases-information-for-solar-energy-customers/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/xcel-releases-information-for-solar-energy-customers/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Amarillo College announced Skip Hollandsworth will host the 2022 Creative Mind Lecture scheduled to be at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 5 at the Globe-News Center. The lecture is free and open to the public.
AC reports they will also hold a meet-the-author that begins at 6:30 p.m. on May 5. The cost is set to be $25 per person and includes reserved seating. To attend this reception people are asked to RSVP to the AC Foundation at 806-371-5924.
Hollandsworth will present a master class and take questions at 1 p.m. in Badger Corner of the College Union Building on the Washington Street Campus. All AC students are welcome to attend, according to AC.
Hollandsworth is a four-time finalist and one-time winner of the National Magazine Award in feature writing. He is also a longtime writer and executive editor at Texas Monthly magazine. He also spent 10 years researching The Midnight Assassin, which is the moniker 19th century Austinites assigned to the shadowy murder, according to an AC press release.
“We’re very excited to have Skip Hollandsworth here, both as a lecturer and presenter of a master class for our students,” Eric Fauss chair of AC’s Creative Mind Lecture Series, said. “Skip is a noted author who we definitely believe will be a crowd-pleaser, and his topic is very much in the spirit of Creative Minds.”
For more information on the Creative Mind lecture, visit here.
via Amarillo College press release | 2022-04-13T20:49:34Z | www.myhighplains.com | Amarillo College hosts Texas author Skip Hollandsworth | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-college-hosts-texas-author-skip-hollandsworth/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-college-hosts-texas-author-skip-hollandsworth/ |
PORTALES, N.M. (KAMR/KCIT) — Two sets of parents with students in Portales Municipal Schools recently filed a lawsuit, claiming that an incident which began in the students’ English class violated the New Mexico Tort Claims Act as well as the New Mexico Civil Rights Act.
According to court documents filed in the Ninth Judicial District Court in Roosevelt County, two sets of parents of Portales High School students filed the lawsuit against the school system April 5. This all stemmed from an assignment given to a ninth grade Honors’ English Class after reading “The Hate U Give”, a class that the two students were in.
In late January 2022, the lawsuit claims the teacher of the class at Portales High School, passed out a discussion question worksheet for the students to complete. According to the court documents, the assignment allegedly gave the students the choice to agree or disagree with questions, including whether or not the student would “snitch” on someone for any reason and whether “Black culture” exists.
The documents claim the teacher praised the students who agreed with their opinions to what they believed the correct answer was. While looking for different opinions, three students, including the two students involved with the lawsuit, raised their hand, allegedly saying that they may “snitch if someone was hurt and needed help or if they saw a murder. They also argued that ‘Black culture’ does not necessarily exist because not all people with the same skin pigmentation have the same beliefs, cultural norms and lifestyle.”
After the students allegedly raised the additional opinion, the documents claim the teacher “verbally attacked” the students and “encouraged other students to bully” the students who raised the other opinion, the documents read. Officials said the two students listed in the lawsuit received threats and comments.
The two students involved in the lawsuit were ultimately moved to another English class at the school after the alleged threats and abuse. The documents said after the two students moved out of the class, the teacher allegedly reported to their students that their “job was in jeopardy because of the ‘two boys and their parents that complained about the book….'”
“(The two students) felt unsafe because this teacher had improperly used (their) influence to turn students against them,” the lawsuit read.
The lawsuit states the teacher resigned from their position at Portales High School on Feb. 19, allegedly leaving a note to their students on the board. On Feb. 25, students participated in a “walk-out” protest at the school, allegedly calling for justice for the teacher and yelling expletives in relation to the two students, according to documents.
The lawsuit said the two students were pulled out of Portales High School after the incident. The lawsuit stresses that the two students did not object to the book being taught or discussed “in a frank and open way.” The lawsuit objects to what they say was “indoctrination” from the teacher.
The lawsuit raises two claims for each of the students listed in the lawsuit. First, the lawsuit claims that the school system violated the New Mexico Tort Claims Act, saying:
“(The) Defendant was negligent in the operation and maintenance of it(s) high school building, equipment and furnishings;”
“(The) Defendant’s negligence caused (the) Plaintiffs’ damages including pain and sufferings, loss of enjoyment of life and other continuing damages the extent of which may be unknown at this time;”
“(The) Plaintiffs should be awarded damages against (the) Defendant) for their negligence.”
The lawsuit also claims that the school system violated the New Mexico Civil Rights Act, saying the plaintiffs’ civil rights, including free speech and “unalienable rights to defend their liberty, protecting property and seeking and obtaining safety and happiness” were violated. Because of this, the lawsuit claims that further damages should be awarded to the Plaintiffs against the Defendant.
MyHighPlains.com has reached out to Portales Municipal Schools for comment on the lawsuit. We have not heard back after our request for comment. | 2022-04-13T23:08:39Z | www.myhighplains.com | Two sets of parents sue Portales schools for bullying, violating civil rights | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/new-mexico/two-sets-of-parents-sue-portales-schools-for-bullying-violating-civil-rights/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/new-mexico/two-sets-of-parents-sue-portales-schools-for-bullying-violating-civil-rights/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — According to court documents from the Amarillo division of the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Philip Ian Thomas and Hadley Lane Jones have recently pleaded guilty to charges related to wire fraud involving Westway Feed Products, a company which has a plant in Dimmit.
From about November 2016 to about March 2020, both Thomas and Jones “knowingly and intentionally and with specific intent to defraud, conspired to commit wire fraud for the purpose of defrauding Westway of approximately $474,429.62,” according to court documents.
In October 2014, Westway hired Thomas to manage the company’s plant in Dimmit and tasked him with supervising employees and plant production. In the role, Thomas had the authority to approve repairs and maintenance projects as well as conduct the direct payment of invoices up to $3,000 for those jobs.
Court documents state that one of the invoices in an amount that was above Thomas’s approval triggered a review by upper management.
Thomas created multiple fraudulent invoices describing fictitious jobs that Jones had reportedly done at the plant only having done fewer than five of those jobs. Thomas and Jones had Westway believe that Jones was entitled to payment for those jobs that he did not do at the plant in Dimmit said court documents.
Court documents said that Thomas presented to Westway that Jones was a vendor who would perform maintenance and repair work at the Westway plant in Dimmit. Thomas submitted a new vendor application form and W-9 Form that was completed by Jones as well as Jones’s banking information for payment. Jones also filed a name certificate for a fake business “Elite Welding Service” in Randall County and opened a bank account under the fake business’s name at First Convenience Bank in Amarillo.
As part of the scheme, Thomas drafted all, except for one, of the fraudulent invoices that were under $3,000 to avoid detection by upper management and submitted the invoices by email from the Amarillo Division to Westway’s finance department in Louisiana said court documents.
Thomas and Jones potentially face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 they also face a term of supervised release for up to 3 years. | 2022-04-14T01:19:39Z | www.myhighplains.com | 2 plead guilty in Amarillo federal court on wire fraud charges | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/2-plead-guilty-on-charges-related-to-defrauding-westway/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/2-plead-guilty-on-charges-related-to-defrauding-westway/ |
Amarillo’s Coming Home Program receives $1.27m to help homeless people
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The City of Amarillo’s Coming Home Program has received a grant to help house more homeless people.
On Tuesday, the Amarillo City Council voted to unanimously approve $1,274,112 in funding from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs to provide housing stability services to those who have recently or are currently experiencing homelessness.
“What that’s going to basically do is double our team,” said Jason Riddlespurger, the city’s community development director. “So we’re going to have about another 10 positions to our program and over the next—it’s a two-year grant. We’re going to be able to hopefully outreach to over 100 individuals and house over 80.”
The program started three years ago, they have already helped to house 130 homeless individuals. However, Riddlespurger said their services are still needed.
This year’s point in time count showed there are 539 homeless people in Amarillo, 368 of whom are unsheltered and living on the streets.
City of Amarillo PREP Academy program providing a clean start
“They’re the ones that are living exactly like what you think,” said Riddlespurger. “They’re on a street. I want you to imagine being sick and having to go and lay down on a concrete curb and that is your place where you’re sleeping and you’re out in the elements.”
He continued, “Those are the people that we can truly make a difference. How can we get them off the streets and get them into shelter and get them the things that they need in order to be successful? That’s what this program does. And in order to do that, I mean, basically we can solve homelessness with enough staff with enough money and enough homes.”
He said while the number of homeless people in Amarillo seems high, it is manageable.
“So we’ve got this team that we’re going to be able to push out there and really start to focus on getting them into housing. We’ve got housing vouchers. We’ve got the ability to get them into housing,” he added. “Now, we’ve got to find those locations because right now we do have a little bit of a shortage of rental places in Amarillo.”
Riddlespurger encouraged landlords who are interested to reach out for available HUD housing vouchers.
He also said he is hopeful for more resources in the near future, likely in the form of more grant money.
“I fully expect that there will be some kind of funding out there,” Riddlespurger said. “I believe our community needs to have some you know stake in the in the issue and hope that you know in the future we’ll have other ways for them to help…”
Homeless No More: ‘Coming Home’ Program is Making a Difference
Homeless people in downtown Amarillo outside of the Guyon Saunders Resource Center. | 2022-04-14T01:19:45Z | www.myhighplains.com | Amarillo’s Coming Home Program receives $1.27m to help homeless people | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillos-coming-home-program-receives-1-27m-to-help-homeless-people/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillos-coming-home-program-receives-1-27m-to-help-homeless-people/ |
West Texas A&M’s Hill Chapel to be renovated following $1.5M Gift
CANYON, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — West Texas A&M announced Tuesday that after 72 years they are set to undergo renovations to Joseph A. Hill Memorial Chapel. WT received a $1.5 Million Gift from High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation and is aiming to begin working in the summer of 2023.
Renovations will include:
new exterior doors
Repaired stonework and sidewalks
Remodeling of rooms on each side of the chancel
New flooring and extensive landscaping
The chapel also will be brought into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
The gift does not include any new naming rights for the chapel and will include $1.1 million for renovations and $400,000 to establish an endowment to provide for ongoing maintenance.
“This generous investment by the High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation will restore the chapel as a center for spiritual values and education at WT,” said WT President Walter V. Wendler. “Former WT President Hill unapologetically stood for education and spiritual understanding purposes still prevalent in this chapel and on our campus. Indeed, these views are consistent with and supportive of the Panhandle’s values as a unique place to live and work.”
High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation, donated $3 MIllion in 2021 in the largest gift in its history to fund the Baptist Community Services Nursing Education Floor in Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center.
According to a WT press release, WT’s Hill Chapel is one of the few chapels on the campus of a public university in Texas, the Hill Chapel serves students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community at large. Today, it stands as a testament to Hill’s determination to provide a place for student prayer, mediation, and reflection.
For more information on the Joseph A. Hill Memorial Chapel renovation, visit here. | 2022-04-14T01:19:57Z | www.myhighplains.com | West Texas A&M’s Hill Chapel to be renovated following $1.5M Gift | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/west-texas-ams-hill-chapel-to-be-renovated-following-1-5m-gift/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/west-texas-ams-hill-chapel-to-be-renovated-following-1-5m-gift/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Preparation is a life-saving key when it comes to wildfires. Evacuations plans are a part of that preparation.
Texas A&M Forest Service Wildland Urban Interface Coordinator Juan Rodriguez said having an evacuation route is a good place to start.
“Taking into consideration that ingress and egress, can you get out of this location with heavy smoke in the air, and also with emergency vehicles coming in, and other people who are looking to evacuate as well,” said Rodriguez.
Potter County Gire and Rescue’s Public Information Officer, Steven Denny, said to make sure to have an emergency kit prepped and ready to go.
“You want to have a couple of days’ supply of medicine in there because in the event that your home was destroyed, you’re not going to have any of those things,” said Denny. “You want to keep copies of personal documents and important things. You want to keep a little bit of food and water with you just in case you get cut off from civilization for a few hours.”
Chief Meteorologist John Harris said staying alert to conditions is also important.
“Make sure that you have some source of information coming in, whether it’s by radio or by the cell phone or the mobile device. And, you know, just heed evacuation,” said Harris.
Rodriguez said to also have a plan for livestock.
“If your livestock is readily available to access, then have that place are have that plan in place to be able to get to them, being able to load them up and have a designated area where you can drop off your livestock, ” said Rodriguez. “If they’re in a spot where it would be hard and time is of the essence, then opening up gates for your livestock to allow them to escape the fire themselves is a good plan.”
Both Rodriguez and Denny said one of the biggest parts of your plan is to make sure you have defensible space.
“Mow the grass around your home, keep all the combustible or flammable materials stored away from your home. Clean out your gutters so that there’s no leaves or debris in there that could catch sparks or embers,” said Denny.
“A lot of times we see these homes get impacted after the fact of the fire with that ember wash coming in. So really having that defensible space is key,” added Rogriguez. | 2022-04-14T03:15:56Z | www.myhighplains.com | Fire officials talk evacuation plan importance amid elevated fire risks | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/fire-officials-talk-evacuation-plan-importance-amid-elevated-fire-risks/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/fire-officials-talk-evacuation-plan-importance-amid-elevated-fire-risks/ |
Starting the morning with clear skies and temperatures in the 30s and 40s. Clear conditions will continue throughout the morning into the afternoon with cloud cover moving into the area by the evening. Overall, expect mostly sunny skies. Elevated fire weather still in place for this afternoon with a Fire Weather Warning until 9 PM. Low humidity in the single digits for this evening with some breezy conditions as gusts will be up to 25 mph. Dry conditions also continue across the entire area therefore, fire threat for the rest of the workweek. Highs back to seasonal today in the 70s.
For Friday, expect temps in the 80s with a front moving into the region as we end the workweek. Roller coaster temps from the 80s back to the 60s for the next four days. There’s a very slight chance for some moisture to move into the area Tuesday favoring our southern counties. More details to come as we get closer to next week. | 2022-04-14T13:58:00Z | www.myhighplains.com | Elevated fire weather and seasonal temps | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/weather-headlines/forecast/elevated-fire-weather-and-seasonal-temps/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/weather-headlines/forecast/elevated-fire-weather-and-seasonal-temps/ |
HOUSTON, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network recently presented an award to two Texas State Representatives from the Texas Panhandle region.
According to a news release from the organization, Texas Rep. Four Price (District 87) and Texas Rep. John Smithee (District 86) both received the Advocacy in Action award earlier this month. Officials said this award, one of the “most prestigious” awards presented by the organization, is “in recognition of their significant contributions to the fight against cancer” throughout the state.
Lawmakers, including Smithee and Price, passed legislation during a recent legislative session, making it more affordable for Texas residents to receive colorectal cancer screenings. The release said that the bill passed in May 2021 after new recommendations by the United States Preventative Services Task Force were released, lowering the age of beginning colorectal screenings from 50 to 45.
According to the release, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the state of Texas. Through the new law, Texas residents 45 and older will now have coverage for colorectal cancer screenings.
“Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers if screened early,” Teresa Prock, a volunteer with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and an Amarillo resident, said in the release. “I’m grateful for the leadership of Amarillo’s two House members, Rep. John Smithee as the sponsor and Rep. Four Price as a co-sponsor, on this important and lifesaving bill. I am so pleased to have been a part of recognizing their work and being a part of presenting this the Texas Advocacy in Action award this week.”
For more information on the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, visit the organization’s website. | 2022-04-14T17:35:01Z | www.myhighplains.com | 2 Amarillo lawmakers honored by American Cancer Society | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/2-amarillo-lawmakers-honored-by-american-cancer-society/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/2-amarillo-lawmakers-honored-by-american-cancer-society/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The Amarillo Community Market announced on Thursday that applications are open for vendors through the end of the month.
According to a news release from Center City of Amarillo, the application process for vendors for the upcoming Amarillo Community Market season is set to close April 30.
The market, located at 1000 S. Polk Street, will run from June 11 through September 10 for the 2022 season and interested vendors can apply for a spot on the Amarillo Community Market website. | 2022-04-14T17:35:07Z | www.myhighplains.com | Amarillo Community Market seeking vendors | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-community-market-seeking-vendors/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-community-market-seeking-vendors/ |
Amarillo resident indicted for 10 counts of possessing, distributing child pornography
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — According to court documents from the Amarillo division of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, an Amarillo resident was recently indicted for 10 counts related to possession and distribution of child pornography.
According to the indictment, filed Wednesday in Amarillo Federal Court, Jaden Marie Anderson was indicted for one count of “Possession of Child Pornography Involving a Prepubescent Minor” as well as nine counts of “Distribution of Child Pornography.”
This comes after Anderson was arrested by Amarillo Police in September 2021 for possession and distribution of child pornography. According to previous reports by MyHighPlains.com, officials from the department’s Special Victims Unit were given a tip on Anderson’s alleged possession and distribution of child pornography and was found to be living in the 7000 block of Canyon Drive.
The indictment reads that Anderson allegedly possessed material on a tablet device, containing an image of child pornography that “involved a prepubescent minor and a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.” The other nine counts related to the alleged distribution of videos and photos of child pornography, the indictment said.
“…When the defendant distributed the item of child pornography, the defendant knew the item was and contained child pornography,” the indictment read.
The documents state that if Anderson is convicted of any of the charges in the indictment, she will be required to forfeit property related to the offense. | 2022-04-14T17:35:13Z | www.myhighplains.com | Amarillo resident indicted for 10 counts of possessing, distributing child pornography | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-resident-indicted-for-10-counts-of-possessing-distributing-child-pornography/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/amarillo-resident-indicted-for-10-counts-of-possessing-distributing-child-pornography/ |
AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Faith City Mission will host the Easter outreach event from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday at its location at 600 N. Tyler, officials with Faith City Mission announced.
Officials said in a news release that the event will include an Easter dinner with braised crusted ham, mixed green dressing, roasted brussel sprouts, roasted potatoes, honey glazed carrots, dinner rolls, and dessert. In addition, the event will have a special chapel service.
Masks are not required but welcome and hand sanitizer will be provided, Faith City Mission officials said in the release. | 2022-04-14T17:35:19Z | www.myhighplains.com | Faith City Mission to host Easter outreach event | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/faith-city-mission-to-host-easter-outreach-event/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/local-news/faith-city-mission-to-host-easter-outreach-event/ |
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with the National Weather Service office in Alburquerque recently announced that the majority of the Eastern part of New Mexico will be under a fire weather watch Friday afternoon.
According to a news release from the city of Clovis, the fire weather watch for that region of the state is in effect from Friday afternoon through Friday evening, spanning multiple regions including the northeast highlands, the northeast plains as well as the east-central plains.
Officials said critical fire conditions are expected to occur in those regions of the state starting Friday afternoon. This includes winds ranging from 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph and relative humidity from four to 10%.
“Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly,” the release said. “Outdoor burning is not recommended.” | 2022-04-14T17:35:50Z | www.myhighplains.com | Eastern New Mexico under fire weather watch Friday | KAMR - MyHighPlains.com | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/new-mexico/eastern-new-mexico-under-fire-weather-watch-friday/ | https://www.myhighplains.com/news/new-mexico/eastern-new-mexico-under-fire-weather-watch-friday/ |
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