Good morning, Amarillo.

In April, local agencies will host events across the Texas Panhandle to raise awareness on preventing child abuse—pinwheel ceremonies are set in Amarillo, Hereford, Pampa, Borger and Dumas, with a Cadillac Ranch painting event Friday and a Walk A Mile in Their Shoes on April 26.

The programs aim to educate residents and boost community support in protecting children.

Residents in Sunray said the explosion at a grain elevator on Friday afternoon felt like a shockwave—neighbors reported it resembled an earthquake—while several people were injured and the facility was severely damaged, prompting the fire marshal and OSHA to launch an investigation.

A new donut shop called Got Donuts is under construction at 5801 S Western St and will open in a few months to offer the same menu as its other Panhandle shops.

M&R Express is expanding — it will open an express liquor store with a drive-through at SW 45th Avenue off Coulter Street that will serve beer, wine and liquor Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. — to reach more community members.

Local Amarillo author Jodi Thomas, a former teacher, will see her book turned series Ransom Canyon air on Netflix on April 17 & it stars Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly in a show compared to Virgin River and Yellowstone.

Today, Amarillo faces strong wind gusts over 50 mph and high fire risk, though officials cancelled a planned power shutdown—rain is expected Friday and Saturday if conditions hold.

Xcel Energy activated Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings on its Texas and New Mexico service areas today to lower wildfire risk during a weather event with high winds expected.

The company said it does not plan to cut power proactively so customers should prepare for potential outages.

Amarillo voters must register by April 3 to vote in the May 3 election, with early voting and ballot by mail options available.

The Amarillo League of Women Voters will host two candidate forums—one on April 15 for Mayor and City Council races and another on April 22 for the Amarillo College Board of Regents and Amarillo ISD Board of Trustees—with refreshments served at 5:30 p.m. at Virgil Patterson Auditorium.

Xcel Energy has become a common topic in Amarillo as the utility plans to shut off power during severe weather to reduce wildfire risks.

The company will notify customers ahead of time—although not every event meets the criteria—so people can prepare for temporary outages.

TxDOT is upgrading lighting along Interstate 40 from Soncy Road to Whitaker Road with new high-mast lamps — this $11 million project started nearly three months ago and will finish near the end of 2025.

The City of Amarillo will maintain the upgraded LED lamps — they are placed along the highway's outer edges so they will not block traffic.

Dallas Safari Club Texas Panhandle Chapter Fundraising Banquet

8 PM – 12 AM — Amarillo Civic Center Complex — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of fundraising with a focus on wildlife conservation and education.

West Texas Ranch Rodeo

12 AM-11 PM — Amarillo National Center — Admission varies — Experience the thrill of ranching skills with bronc riding, cattle sorting, and branding competitions.

Bar Z Wine Run 5k

7:30-11:30 a.m. — Bar Z Winery — Registration fee required — Experience a picturesque run paired with the enjoyment of fine wine at Bar Z Winery.

A Taste of Ireland

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts — Tickets from $58 — Experience a lively performance featuring the spirit and culture of Ireland.

Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference 2025

All day — Amarillo Civic Center Complex — Contact for pricing — Participate in faith-building activities and workshops for youth in the diocese.

The Imagined Forest

1:30-3:30 p.m. — Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience a concert featuring virtuoso pianist Marc-André Hamelin alongside the enchanting 'The Imagined Forest' by Grace-Evangeline Mason.