Good morning, Amarillo.

Texas Land Commissioner & VLB Chairwoman Dawn Buckingham announced that veteran Wiley Tow received over 2,000 birthday cards from across the nation ahead of his 100th birthday celebration on Friday, Aug.

14 at the Ussery-Roan Texas State Veterans Home. The community marked the occasion with a party that included 75 guests.

Amarillo residents can support local families on Thursday, Sept.

3 at McDonald's Gives Back Day, as part of a program to fund Wesley Community Center's childcare + after-school and senior programs. Participating locations include McDonald's in Amarillo, Canyon, Borger, Dalhart, and Dumas.

Terry Lopez started the Duncan Soup Project to honor Amarillo dentist Dr. David Duncan (who battled cancer) by offering free soup to people recovering from surgery, illness or loss.

The project, which has delivered thousands of quarts since April 2025, plans to expand by sharing starter kits with local groups.

Amarillo City Council approved a $655,830 contract for Plains Builders to upgrade kennels and safety features at the animal shelter, which cares for about 250 stray cats and dogs.

The shelter also offers a 50% off adoption fee special until Aug. 29 to reach its goal of 300 adoptions.

Marshalls will open its new 30,096 sqft store on Thursday, Sept.

3 at the Shops at Soncy + 3220 S. Soncy Rd starting at 8 a.m. and will donate $10,000 to Family Support Services to support local needs.

Designer Matthew Rosas will present his 'Promise' collection in a runway show benefiting Colorful Closet on Saturday, Aug.

29 at 6 p.m. at the Legacy Room at Arts in the Sunset (in collaboration with Anderson Model and Talent Agency).

Big Jim said on social media that the missing K-N Root Beer awning was removed years ago due to repair costs and damage, and plans to restore it are underway using a raffle and merchandise sales (aiming to preserve its historic charm for drive-in fans).

Amarillo ISD officials presented new data showing a steep enrollment decline that may force additional campus closures and consolidations.

The district plans to update its strategic plan and community study later this year with changes starting in the 2027-2028 school year.

Three area high schools and two community colleges have partnered with Region 16 Education Service Center to expand career training at the Northwest Panhandle Innovation Zone, serving 324 students.

Programs include welding+health science+diesel mechanics and a new cybersecurity pathway to help graduates stay in the Panhandle, as planned.

Amarillo ISD is hosting a Gold Card Club registration event on Sept.

1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rod Schroder Education Support Center Boardroom for eligible members to take advantage of new perks, including quarterly lunch and learns and an alumni challenge among local high schools.

Kids Inc. is converting a former dirt lot into Rockrose Sports Park and is ahead of schedule for an early-March opening.

The facility will have two tackle football fields, eight flag football fields, eight baseball and softball fields, 19 multipurpose fields and 1,600 parking spaces.