Amarillo TX Local News - February 13, 2026

Amarillo TX Local News

Breaking news

The Amarillo Police Department is requesting public assistance to locate 42-year-old Cody Gene Dikeman, who was reported missing on Feb. 5, 2026 [2]. Dikeman, who is known to experience homelessness, was last seen on Jan. 19 operating a white 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis [2]. In a separate incident, a Virginia fugitive wanted on 18 counts of child exploitation and bestiality was apprehended at an Amarillo motel [2]. Additionally, a Potter County grand jury has indicted 17-year-old Jeremiah Luke Matthews in connection with the New Year’s Day shooting death of a 15-year-old girl [4].

Weather

The forecast for the upcoming week shows mild conditions with a high of 67°F on Friday, cooling to 55°F by Saturday [4]. While no major storms are currently forecasted, residents are encouraged to monitor local updates as conditions in the Panhandle can shift rapidly. No specific emergency preparations or city-wide storm advisories have been issued for this period [4].

Events

The Goodnight Ranch will host “Frontier Voices: Black Cowboys and Buffalo Soldiers” this Saturday, Feb. 14 [2]. This event highlights the historical contributions of Black cowboys to the region's heritage; attendees should contact the venue for specific pricing and times [2]. Additionally, the State Board of Education is now accepting nominations through April 24 for the 2026 Student Heroes Award, which recognizes local students for outstanding acts of kindness and volunteer service [1].

local business

Transformation Park is set to open The Hub, a temporary day shelter, next week (the week of Feb. 16) [1]. Located in Amarillo, The Hub will provide essential day services, including meals and activities for unhoused individuals, while the permanent Joe Hamilton facility is under development [1]. In the industrial sector, a lawsuit has been filed against Tokai Carbon CB following a recent explosion at their Borger plant that resulted in worker injuries [2][5].

school

West Texas A&M University (WT) has announced a significant tuition incentive: more than 11,000 employees of the Region 16 Education Service Center, along with their spouses and dependents, are now eligible for 50% off tuition and fees [1]. Furthermore, local higher education institutions, including Amarillo area colleges, are reporting a surge in growth based on the newly released Spring 2026 enrollment numbers [2].

The Roundup

A significant financial and infrastructure update involves the Amarillo City Council's decision to table a $30 million debt plan intended for street repairs