Good morning, Amarillo.

Today, more than 115 Xcel Energy employees volunteered over 700 hours in Amarillo at seven project sites supporting local nonprofits including Habitat for Humanity and The Salvation Army.

This Day of Service is part of a larger initiative across eight states to give back to local communities.

More than 25 volunteers from Xcel Energy joined Habitat for Humanity in Amarillo to build a new home for Daina Anderson and her three children—its completion is expected early next year.

Registration is open for a free conference at the Amarillo Civic Center that will empower women in the workplace.

Offered by the City of Amarillo Community Development and the Lucille and Leo Caiafa, Jr. Center for Advancement, the event will be held Sept. 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.—registration is required by Sept. 16—and participants will receive a complete interview outfit and a Chick-fil-A lunch.

Beatriz Kimball and Chad House from TPBA explained on KGNC’s NewsDay Amarillo that the Wing Wars cookoff—taking place today to benefit Habitat for Humanity—will raise funds for building affordable homes in our community.

The WT Enterprise Center and America's SBDC at WT are hosting an in-person QuickBooks Online workshop on Sept.

17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2300 N. Western St.—the workshop costs $149, includes lunch, and will be led by DeDe Jones from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.

New owners have stepped in to take over Hoot’s Pub so it will not close on September 27—its familiar feel and schedule will continue for Amarillo customers.

The shuttered store at 7149 Bell St. changed hands on August 7th when John T.

Smithee sold it to PWRW Capital—local records suggest the new owner may open a Green Gorilla Smoke Shop in the building. A similar store already exists nearby on Bell St., and residents will soon know if it expands its operations.

The Tri-State Fair and Rodeo will boost Amarillo’s economy by $5 million in nine days as it attracts large crowds for rodeo events, livestock shows and concerts — said marketing manager Lauren Fritzler.

The fair runs until Sept. 20 — part of its revenue will help support a scholarship fund for nearly 500 local students.

Amarillo College will host the college fair at AmTech Career Academy + 3601 Plains Blvd. on Sept.

16 at 6 p.m. as high school students, parents, and others interested in higher education will meet representatives from about 50 schools to learn about programs, scholarships, and admissions.

Amarillo area colleges released Fall 2025 enrollment numbers showing Amarillo College’s enrollment increased by 2.9% and West Texas A&M’s undergraduate population grew by 3.29%—boosted by a focus on student success; Clarendon College reported a slight overall decline while its distance education count rose to 150.

Amarillo College and West Texas A&M University are working to meet growing child care needs—WT rebranded its center and received a $108,000 grant to hire new teachers while AC’s Hagy Center gets daily calls and has a waitlist of over 350 children.

Both centers focus on helping college students and local families who struggle with high child care costs.

West Texas A&M University reported a fall enrollment of 9,257 students—an increase of over 2% from last year—after launching tuition discounts and a no-cost textbook plan to lower expenses.

The university noted a 3.29% rise in undergraduate numbers and gains in key departments that support its ongoing strategic expansion plans.

The City of Amarillo will start the North Heights Water Main Replacement Project on Monday, Sept.

15 as crews replace old two-inch water mains with new six-inch pipes in alleys from N.W. 10th to N.W. 11th and from N.W. 12th to N.W. 13th, which stretch from North Travis to North Ong. The contractor will manage traffic disruptions and dumpster moves to ease the upgrade—details will be provided as work begins.

The City of Amarillo has opened applications for 65 advisory positions on 27 boards and commissions so local residents can help shape city decisions.

Applicants must be registered to vote, live in Potter or Randall counties, and have no overdue city debt—officials say the change aims to refresh board meeting attendance.

Amarillo City Council will meet on Tuesday, Sept.

16 at 3 p.m. in Room 3400 at city hall for the second and final reading of the city’s budget and tax rate ordinance for the 2025/2026 fiscal year—public participation is welcome and the session will be broadcast online.

Wibby Wednesday with Neon Heartland

7-11 p.m. — Six Car Pub & Brewery — Free entry — Neon Heartland brings millennial nostalgia to the Six Car Stage.

Linux Fundamentals GL120 Training Class

Sep 22-26 — Amarillo College — Cost varies — Dive deep into Linux concepts and gain essential IT skills in a hands-on environment.

Last Party on the Patio with Velvet Funk

7-9 p.m. — Six Car Pub & Brewery — Free entry — Celebrate the end of patio season with Velvet Funk at this lively pub gathering.

Zach Williams with We The Kingdom Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Amarillo Civic Center Complex — Ticket info available — Experience an uplifting evening of music with Zach Williams and We The Kingdom.

OpenShift Fundamentals Training

Mon, Oct 6 – Wed, Oct 8 — Amarillo College — Cost information not provided — Enhance your software development skills with this Linux-focused training class.

Amarillo International Film Festival

6-9 p.m. — Arts in the Sunset — Check website for ticket info — Celebrate global cinema with independent films, director panels, and industry insights.

Cottonwood Faire

10 AM – 6 PM — Thompson Memorial Park — Enjoy a variety of entertainment and food — Experience medieval combat, interact with characters, and relish festival fare at Amarillo's Renaissance faire.