Amarillo Texas Local News - March 15, 2026
5.4 earthquake felt in Amarillo; critical fire weather Sunday. Xcel pole replacement plan agreed. Dr. Jackie Rudd wins wheat award. Shamrock St. Patrick's parade underway.
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Show Notes
Amarillo Texas Local News
Breaking news:
5.4 Earthquake Felt in Amarillo: One of the strongest earthquakes in Texas history struck West Texas on Friday afternoon, with tremors felt across Amarillo. The quake resulted in no injuries and only minor cosmetic damage to homes, including cracks in sheetrock. The Texas Railroad Commission has sent investigators to examine disposal activity at injection well sites near the earthquake and will take necessary actions to protect public safety .
AEDC Controversy Continues: The Amarillo City Council approved changes to the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation operations amid ongoing controversy. The council has received 55 applications for the AEDC board and hopes to select permanent members by February after all but one member resigned over the council's actions. Mayor Cole Stanley emphasized the importance of appointing new board members .
Swisher County Sex Crimes Indictment: A Swisher County man and his girlfriend were indicted for numerous sex crimes involving a 5-year-old girl in North Texas. Their combined bonds have been set accordingly .
Palo Duro Canyon SUV Accident: Texas State Park Police released photos of an SUV that rolled 200 feet into Palo Duro Canyon. The driver was transported to Northwest Texas Hospital for a possible concussion and broken ribs .
Weather:
Critical Fire Weather Warning: Severe wind gusts, extremely critical fire weather, and blowing dust are possible Sunday. Residents are advised to avoid outdoor burning, secure loose outdoor items, and have an emergency kit ready. The region remains on high alert following recent wildfire activity .
Events:
Shamrock St. Patrick's Day Parade: Shamrock kicked off St. Patrick's Day celebrations early with its annual parade and a full slate of weekend events. The parade traveled through downtown Shamrock, drawing visitors from across the region to celebrate the holiday ahead of Tuesday's official date .
local business:
Xcel Energy Pole Replacement Agreement: The State of Texas and Xcel Energy have agreed to a utility pole replacement plan following litigation. The agreement tracks pole-replacement procedures Xcel proactively implemented after the Smokehouse Creek fire. The lawsuit is set for trial in April, with Xcel continuing to focus on wildfire mitigation work to help keep the public safe .
Olenox Operations Update: Safe & Green Holdings provided an update on Olenox progress following the Sherman Oil & Gas acquisition in Texas. The company has transitioned operations in-house to reduce lease operating expenses and is planning workovers to bring an additional 25-30 barrels per day of production online. All equipment assets have been mobilized to Texas .
school:
West Texas A&M University Updates: The Department of Education's decision to end grant funding for Hispanic-serving institutions nationwide will result in a $350 million impact. Additionally, the lawsuit challenging the ban of drag shows at WTAMU is returning to Amarillo federal court. The Fifth Circuit previously overturned the ban, allowing drag shows to return to campus .
WT Child Development Center Grant: West Texas A&M's Child Development Center received a $108,000 grant for an educational mission shift, focusing on early education programming .
The Roundup:
Local Wheat Breeder Honored: Dr. Jackie Rudd, an Amarillo wheat breeder, received the Texas Wheat Legacy Award for her contributions to agriculture. Dr. Rudd was recognized for her career serving Texas wheat producers by developing new varieties and working directly with growers across the state .
Gubernatorial Candidate Campaigns in Amarillo: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa campaigned in Amarillo, telling voters that Texans are ready for a change in the governor's race. Hinojosa laid out her case for unseating the incumbent governor .
Texas Rural Health Care Funding: Texas is set to receive $281 million in federal funds for rural health care, providing critical support for hospitals and health services in underserved areas across the state .