Good morning, Amarillo.

Maxwell's Pumpkin Farm will open for the 2026 season on Saturday, Sept.

26 near South Bell Street, featuring a maze, veteran activities, live music, and fireworks every Saturday in October as the site celebrates the USA's 250th birthday. The farm is also building a large structure for a new project set to debut in Fall 2027.

Power Church is relocating from its 10th and Roberts site to the old United Artists Theater at I40 and Soncy.

It secured the building below appraised value and will offer over 650 parking spots and over 40 restrooms (with room for worship and PWRKids).

Amarillo’s restaurant scene is evolving in 2026 as longtime eateries close while spots like Thai Arawan and Wesley’s BBQ change ownership; Class 1 BBQ now occupies the former Flavors of India building and a food truck hints at a return.

West Texas A&M University in Canyon will use a $15,000 state grant to expand free course materials for nursing and workforce training programs.

Governor Greg Abbott announced the award as part of the state's OER initiative + aiming to make education more affordable for Texas students.

As Bushland ISD has resumed classes and Amarillo ISD and Canyon ISD students return this week, local crossing guards urge drivers to stop for buses (critical for kid safety) and remind parents to keep school names and logos off first-day photos.

The Texas Education Agency released accountability ratings for the 2025-2026 school year in Amarillo-area districts; Amarillo ISD improved to 85 while Canyon ISD and Bushland ISD earned 87 and 89 respectively.

High schools earned no score lower than a B and campuses scoring F join the Public Education Grant list.

Registration is open for the TXCPA Panhandle Financial Leadership Summit on Aug.

25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2300 N. Western St. The one-day seminar targets finance professionals aiming to build leadership skills (offering six education credits, lunch, and a copy of a leadership book) and costs $250.

Amarillo moved to Stage 1 of its Drought Contingency Plan today (reservoir at 60 percent capacity) as officials urge residents to follow outdoor watering limits.

Residents with odd-numbered addresses may water on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, while even-numbered addresses may water on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Amarillo is hosting its annual Walk to End Alzheimer's on Saturday, Aug.

29 at Sam Houston Park (4101 Line Ave.) at 9:00 a.m. Walkers will carry colored flowers that represent their personal connection to the disease, and families with kids are welcome to join.

H-E-B is voluntarily recalling over 50 jalapeño products due to a potential salmonella risk.

The recalled items, distributed from July 3 to Aug. 5 and now removed from Texas and Louisiana shelves (including local stores), should be discarded or returned if purchased.

Registration is open for NAMI Tx Panhandle’s free Family-to-Family mental health education program at Lowndes Hall in St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church.

The course will run from Sept. 3 to Oct. 22 on Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (limit 20 adults).

Tickets for the charity softball game featuring firefighters vs. law enforcement are on sale now at Pak-A-Sak and Street Volkswagen until August 21; the game will be held on Aug.

22 at 7:05 p.m. at Hodgetown Stadium — proceeds benefit the 100 Club and Coffee Memorial Blood Center.