Good morning, Amarillo.

Amarillo loses local legend Doug Smith (Pokey the Clown) who brightened events for decades at rodeos, parades, and races.

He retired in 2015 to spend more time with his grandchildren and passed away Monday, leaving the community with cherished memories.

After 18 months of work, the Barrio Neighborhood Planning Committee nears completion of a seven-block renovation including ADA ramps, colorful benches & waste bins; a ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on April 16 at 11:30 a.m. in front of a vibrant blue bench on 10th Avenue.

Crews responded to two grass fires yesterday—with one 200-acre blaze east of Lefors in Gray County moving at 3 to 5 mph and another near Highway 15 and FM 119 east of Stratford contained—and TxDOT closed several roads to keep drivers safe.

The American Quarter Horse Association relieved its CEO Karl Stressman of his duties on Friday, March 6 as incoming CEO Dave Dellin took over (Stressman was set to retire next month).

The leadership change comes ahead of the AQHA Convention starting this week in Las Vegas.

The Golden Rose Tea Room is moving from its Olsen Blvd location to Wolflin Square and invites guests to share one last tea time at 3314 Olsen Blvd, Suite B—supporting their transition to a new chapter in town.

Yellow City Parties is now open at 1942 Civic Circle in Wolflin Square, offering a venue for children’s birthday parties with bounce houses, slides, and play activities and seating for up to 60 guests; the second location promises less stress and no cleanup, complementing the existing site on S Western.

Panhandle ISD is set to host a grand opening of its new career and technical education facility tomorrow at 6 p.m. Attendees will enjoy building tours, a light supper, and refreshments at the event.

Area schools received $72,059.50 from FirstBank Southwest’s School Spirit Card program during the 2025 program year, linking debit card purchases to school funding in the Panhandle.

The record payout (the highest to date) benefitted districts including Perryton, Pampa and Hereford.

On Monday, March 9, first responders battled the Cabin Creek Fire in Gray County, which burned 1,000 acres with no containment amid red flag warnings; road closures near FM 2857 and Hwy.

152 were enacted to keep residents safe.

Residents in Fritch were without water Monday evening after crews found a leak (partly encased in concrete) at the high school, with city officials calling in an extra contractor to install an InstaValve though full service restoration remains uncertain.

Amarillo’s Katie Wiseman shared her rare TRAP (twin reversed arterial perfusion) journey after doctors warned that without treatment the healthy twin had less than a 50 percent chance of survival.

She is now home with her healthy baby boy and hopes other families facing unusual pregnancy complications find support.

Amarillo is more than a highway stop; it offers local sports, food trucks, and community events that highlight small-town charm.

Residents enjoy a calendar full of activities (from weekend shows to college sports) that prove there is always something fun to do in town.

The West Plains boys basketball team is celebrating its Region I-4A Division I championship win today — a milestone that boosts local school sports and energizes community pride.

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.

Treasure & Mineral Show

5-9 p.m. on Friday & 2-?? p.m. on Saturday — Green Tree Village Apartments — Free admission — Discover gems and minerals at this family-friendly event hosted by the Golden Spread Gem, Mineral & Treasure Society.

2026 Spring Amarillo Job Fair

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Amarillo Civic Center Complex — Free entry — Connect with 80 to 100 employers and explore a variety of job opportunities face-to-face.