Good morning, Amarillo.

Hope Village, a nonprofit in Amarillo that employs people with disabilities, has begun a soft launch featuring a coffee shop, deli and ice cream shop.

It will hold its grand opening on Aug.15—an event with a ribbon-cutting led by the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce.

On August 10, thousands of students and families gathered at Alamo Park for the seventh annual Back-to-School Barrio Bash where free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts & meals were provided.

The event also honored former Caprock athlete Elijah Rodriguez with the Heart of the Warrior Harvey Suarez Memorial Scholarship to celebrate community spirit.

On Aug. 10, hundreds of children received free haircuts, braids and school supplies during the 10th annual Mary Lou Hazelrigg Braids and Fades event at the Charles E.

Warford Activity Center—moved indoors from Bones Hooks Park to offer a resource fair and cooler space for back-to-school services.

Amarillo Crime Stoppers is offering an increased reward for tips in the July 27 murder case of 18-year-old Damarian Grear—who was shot fatally at 4:18 a.m. near NW 2nd and N Adams—and promises up to $2,500 if a tip leads to an arrest.

Amarillo has six buildings that look like a movie set.

Filming like Yellowstone took place downtown while spots such as Golden Light Cantina (historic restaurant on Sixth) and the Paramount Theater add a cinematic feel to our city.

Ruben visited The Citadelle Art Museum in Canadian to learn how it shares art with the Panhandle.

Wendie Cook — the museum director — said the building was repurposed from a historic church gifted in 2009 and now brings art to local kids and visitors from across the country.

The Panhandle Regional Planning Commission’s Dispute Resolution Center will host two mediation training sessions at the PRPC Building at 415 SW 8th Ave. in Amarillo this fall with registration open through Aug.

25. The Basic Mediation training will run Sept. 4-6 & Sept. 11-13 while the Family Law course will run Sept. 25-26 & Oct. 2-3 with Zoom available.

Today, the Amarillo City Council approved a nearly $7 million construction contract for road maintenance that will mill and overlay over seven miles of streets to fix cracks, potholes, and rutting.

The project is funded through street bonds from the 2024/25 budget and will coordinate with local businesses to minimize disruptions.

WT President Walter Wendler said the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum remains closed after a fire marshal found safety issues but architects and contractors are working on a temporary reopening plan—state funds will cover the modifications as the facility is downsized for a smaller budget. No reopening date has been set and a permanent plan will follow the temporary fix.

Tickets for the Boots vs Badges charity softball game at Hodgetown—715 S.

Buchanan St.—are on sale for $10 with children 2 admitted free and pre-sale available until Aug. 22. The game will begin at 7:05 p.m. on Aug. 23 with gate sales starting at 5:30 p.m. and a fireworks show will follow to benefit the 100 Club of the Texas Panhandle and the Coffee Memorial Blood Center.

Autocross Event #4

8:30 a.m. — Westgate Mall — $35 for SCCA Members, $45 for Non-Members — Test your driving skills with a thrilling autocross competition.

Wibby Wednesday Featuring Ghosts of Gray County

7-9 p.m. — Six Car Pub & Brewery — Free entry — Enjoy gritty vocals and ripping guitar while sipping on cold drinks at this lively duo performance.

Wibby Wednesday featuring El Salto

6-10 p.m. — Six Car Pub & Brewery — Free entry — Enjoy live music in the beer garden while sipping on local brews.

Tri-State Fair & Rodeo

12:00 AM - 11:59 PM — Amarillo Tri-State Exposition & Tri-State Fair & Rodeo — Admission varies — A nine-day celebration of agriculture, entertainment, and community traditions since 1923.