Amarillo TX Local News - February 22, 2026

Amarillo TX Local NewsBreaking newsHUMAN REMAINS DISCOVERED: Amarillo Police discovered human remains inside a home on South Buchanan Street on Monday. Authorities believe the remains had been there for nearly three years. Police were initially called to a disturbance at the residence when the discovery was made [1][3].WILDFIRE STATUS - SATURDAY UPDATE: The Lavender Fire in Oldham/Potter counties has consumed 18,423 acres and is now 95% contained. The 8 Ball Fire in Donley/Armstrong counties has burned 13,500 acres and is 100% contained. In Oklahoma, the Ranger Road Fire in Beaver County remains the largest at 283,283 acres with 30% containment [4].VALENTINE'S DAY SHOOTING SUSPECT IN CUSTODY: The suspect in the Valentine's Day shooting in Amarillo has been booked into Potter County Jail [1].FATAL DOWNTOWN CRASH: Amarillo police report one person dead and five others injured after a crash downtown [1].CHILD REUNITED WITH FAMILY: A 1-year-old child has been reunited with his family, according to the Amarillo Police Department [1].SEX TRAFFICKING LAWSUIT: A survivor of trafficking has filed a $1 million federal lawsuit against Amarillo Red Roof Inn and Lubbock Red Roof Inn [1].TSA PRECHECK SUSPENDED: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has suspended TSA PreCheck and Global Entry airport security programs due to a partial government shutdown that began February 14. Travelers should expect longer security lines at airports [2][7].DRUG ARREST: A man was caught hiding a kilogram of methamphetamine during a road trip through rural Carson County, Texas. The driver was unaware of the drugs [1].EMPLOYMENT FRAUD: A woman is accused of using fraudulent identification papers to gain employment at an Amarillo hotel [1].WeatherCURRENT CONDITIONS: Fair skies with temperatures at 27°F. Today's forecast calls for sunny conditions with a high of 57°F [5].FIRE WEATHER CONCERNS: Fire weather conditions remain active across the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles. Residents should avoid activities that could spark fires, including using chains, ATVs, or cigarettes in dry grass areas. Officials warn that sparks from these sources could ignite fires, particularly at events like the Sand Drags [3][4].POWER RESTORATION: Xcel Energy crews continue working to restore power to customers impacted by outages due to recent high winds and fires. A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) was implemented earlier this week [1].EventsROUTE 66 CENTENNIAL PLANNING: Visit Amarillo has outlined plans for the Route 66 Centennial celebration. This historic highway's 100th anniversary represents a major tourism opportunity for the city [2].WELLINGTON THEATRE VISIT: Ruben on the Road visited Wellington to explore the local theatre that has been entertaining the area for nearly a century, highlighting the region's cultural heritage [1].local businessNORTH HEIGHTS LINEN SERVICE SOLD: The North Heights Linen Service facility has b...