Good Day
Amarillo
Friday, March 13th, 2026
Good morning, Amarillo. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 13th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Doug 'Pokey' Smith, a beloved Panhandle clown who raised funds for charity and brought joy to families, died Sunday, March 8 in Panhandle. A rosary is held today at 6 p.m. at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel + a memorial service is set for Saturday, March 14 at Hillside Christian Church. Amarillo Globe-News
- ➤ Hope Village will host Olivia Day on Sunday, Mar. 22 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (5197 S Washington) to celebrate inclusion with free food, crafts, and costume fun for kids. 96.9 KISS FM
- ➤ The Bomb City Young Marines will host a brisket dinner fundraiser on Saturday, March 28 to support youth leadership, offering $12 plates and free meals for veterans. Local businesses can sponsor the event by donating food or funds to help the program continue. 96.9 KISS FM
- ➤ Cal Farley's Boys Ranch campus was cleared for safe return on Thursday, Mar. 12 after precautionary evacuations due to the Yellow Fire (14,208 acres and 55% contained) but remained closed that day as emergency crews continued to need campus access; staff and children began transitioning back when conditions allowed. Amarillo Globe-News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Street Scene Hibachi Grill and Bowl opened its food truck on Feb. 6 at 4515 S. Georgia in the South Georgia Shopping Center, serving made-to-order hibachi dishes with generous portions and a signature Pineapple Three-Meat Combo for local pick-up + takeout. 96.9 KISS FM
- ➤ Putter & Pint, a new full-service restaurant, held its soft opening last week at the long-standing Sports World site in Amarillo—featuring pizzas, pastas, wings, and salads for families and parents after a game. Sports World will open its season on March 15. NewsTalk 940 AM
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ About 30 historical conservation organizations attended the Preserving Rural Stories conference at Amarillo Area Foundation to explore grant opportunities and resources for local museums and cultural groups. Humanities Texas and the Smithsonian offered expert talks and planned further outreach to support rural heritage (South Texas events coming soon). Amarillo Tribune
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ At an AISD meeting Monday, Amarillo teachers were honored for their brave actions during emergencies; Palo Duro High teacher Raymond Leverett saved a choking substitute while Olsen Park Elementary staff helped control a fire (with support from fire officials) to protect life and property. Amarillo Globe-News
- ➤ WT President Walter Wendler said a $5 million donation will establish the new High Plains Christian Ministries Health Institute on campus, marking the foundation's largest contribution to the university. Amarillo Globe-News
- ➤ NAACP held a town hall at St. Johns Baptist Church where AISD officials answered community questions about enrollment trends and Carver school concerns. The district plans to use Park Hill Elementary to expand early childhood services — a strategic plan to be presented to the board in April. ABC 7 Amarillo
- ➤ Amarillo-based West Texas A&M senior August Vinson placed third in the Battle of Flowers contest on Feb. 27 with a speech about Tom (Pinkie) Roden and won a $1,500 scholarship. He is also researching the local Fire Department, linking his studies to hometown heritage. Amarillo Globe-News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ As of Thursday morning, the Yellow Fire across Oldham, Moore, and Potter counties was 55% contained (14,208 acres) and a Red Flag Warning from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. warned of critical fire weather with gusty southwest winds that may spark new blazes. ABC 7 Amarillo
- ➤ Crews from Groom, Skellytown and White Deer are working to contain a wildfire two miles north of Skellytown with support from Texas A&M Forest Service and County Road officials. NewsChannel 10
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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