Good morning, Amarillo.

The Amarillo Animal Management and Welfare Department (AAMW) reported improved pet outcomes from 2023 to 2025, with returns and adoptions rising by 7.2%, 47.4%, and 34.1%, respectively.

Expanded microchipping and online reporting helped lower shelter intakes.

The United Way of Amarillo and Canyon released its 2025 community report on Feb.

26, showing differences in health outcomes and family violence rates between Potter and Randall counties. The report also noted economic volatility and vital supports for more than 85,000 residents.

10-year-old Ellie Hanes, a Canyon Intermediate student, suffered a severe spinal cord injury in a ski accident in January and showed significant progress through music therapy at Denver Children’s Hospital & her family prepared their home for her eventual return.

JBS USA broke ground on a $150 million project at its Cactus beef plant yesterday to build a new fabrication floor and expand its ground beef room (supporting over 3,600 employees).

Local officials say the development will boost the region's beef industry and local jobs.

The American Quarter Horse Museum remains open as it continues renovations that began in 2024—phase one, including the traveler gift shop and classroom, was completed last September.

Phase two is underway at the Grand Hall where projections of quarter horses and info panels will be added soon.

Pantex hosted its first CREATE event to showcase STEM careers for students in grades 8 through 12 by offering hands-on activities and life skills training.

The event aimed to guide Panhandle youth toward future opportunities in science and technology.

Texas enacted a law to create education savings accounts for private school tuition and homeschooling; Amarillo families can receive over $10,000 per student or $2,000 for homeschooling, subject to income and special education criteria and must apply by March 17 to access funds through a digital system (with vendor vetting).

Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences will host its AGLS on Tour at the Commercial Exhibits Hall at the TriState Fairgrounds (3301 S.E.

10th Ave) on March 1 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; prospective and admitted students can meet faculty and current students to learn program details.

Amarillo College swore in its new police chief, Elizabeth A.

Brown, during a Board of Regents meeting Tuesday. She brings over 24 years of law enforcement leadership (including eight years as a police captain) and will work to improve campus safety for students and staff.

County firefighters from multiple agencies conducted a controlled burn at Hutchinson County Airport (370-acre site) on Friday to reduce wildfire risks near the runway and refinery.

Officials said the burn covered 30 to 36 acres of tall grass to help mitigate fuel loads.

Arnold Burgers remains part of Amarillo’s food legacy as Tank’s Burgers food truck serves classic Texas-sized burgers on Washington.

Locals can relive the fond memories of the original hole-in-the-wall joint through each served bite.

High school teams will gather at HODGETOWN from March 5-7 for the 20th Randy Keller Memorial Baseball Tourney, which raises funds for an annual scholarship honoring his legacy; tickets are $6 for adults + $4 for kids.

Beginner All Gel Class - Amarillo, Texas

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Holiday Inn Express & Suites Amarillo by IHG — Registration required — Dive into the exciting world of gel nails with hands-on instruction and techniques.

VOLUME 1 Launch Party

6-9 p.m. — Amarillo Club — Free entry — Celebrate the launch of The Scout Guide and enjoy local bites and DJ entertainment.

Conjunto Relincho & Los Villalobos Concert

9-11 p.m. — Hacienda Las Flores Event Center — Cost information not provided — Enjoy live performances by Conjunto Relincho and Los Villalobos in a vibrant atmosphere.

Almost St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl

4:30-9 p.m. — O.H.M.S. Cafe & Bar — Tickets required — Celebrate an early St. Patrick's Day with games, contests, and plenty of green-themed fun in Amarillo.

Jesus Journey Challenge

2:50-6:20 p.m. — High Plains Retreat Center — Registration fees apply — Experience a physical journey through the life of Jesus with team-based challenges.