Amarillo Texas Local News - March 17, 2026

Amarillo Texas Local NewsBreaking news:The Amarillo City Council is scheduled to hold a budget work session and regular meeting on Tuesday, with discussions expected on various city matters [1]. In ongoing infrastructure developments, the City of Amarillo is upgrading bus stops at all four corners of the North Heights neighborhood, changes that have been years in the making [3]. Community leaders and agricultural producers recently gathered for a conference addressing the future of water, wildlife, and agriculture on the High Plains, focusing on groundwater conservation and the Ogallala Aquifer system [2].Weather:While severe storms with snow and high winds are impacting the eastern half of the United States, the Amarillo area appears to be outside the primary impact zone [6][8]. Residents should stay informed about changing conditions as the active weather pattern continues across the nation.Events:The Amarillo Symphony has announced Tom and Doris Nichols as recipients of the 2026 Beethoven Society Award, with an annual award dinner planned in their honor [7]. With St. Patrick's Day celebrations underway and Spring Break in progress, officials are reminding residents to plan ahead if celebrating and to avoid drunk driving [5].local business:A new $5 million laundry facility is planned for the North Heights neighborhood, creating up to 100 jobs and providing linen laundry services for Amarillo hospitals. The development is expected to spark additional economic investment in the area . Wayland Baptist University announced it is expanding its Ben and Betha Mieth School of Nursing program to Plainview, creating new opportunities for local nursing students [4].school:Canyon ISD has named Matt Lovorn as the new permanent head football coach. Lovorn had been serving as interim head coach before the Board of Trustees made the appointment official during a special meeting .The Roundup:North Heights residents have been vocal about long-standing infrastructure issues, including sewer system problems causing foul odors from hydrogen sulfide gas, poor water pressure, and dirt in water lines. Mayor Cole Stanley has proposed allocating $1 million in next year's budget for pipe replacement in the neighborhood. The Northeast Interceptor project is expected to go live within one year to help alleviate gas buildup [9]. The North Heights Neighborhood Plan focuses on developing mixed-income housing, promoting affordable homeownership, improving transportation connectivity, and supporting economic development along key corridors [10]. References https://www.myhighplains.com/video/heart-of-the-high-plains-junior-league-of-amarillo/11524930/ https://www.myhighplains.com/water-and-drought-on-the-high-plains/community-leaders-producers-meet-on-the-future-of-water-wildlife-and-agriculture-on-the-high-plains/ https://www.newschannel10.com/2026/03/16/city-amarillo-improving-bus-stops-north-heights-neighborhood/ https://www.myhighplains.com/news/education/wayland-baptist-university-expands-mieth-school-of-nursing-program/