News

TEA annual report just released
The Texas Education Agency’s annual report was released last week. It indicates per-student funding in the 2021-2022 school year averaged $14,928 per student, up 42% since 2011. However, state funding has only risen slightly in the past decade, while local funding has increased substantially.
Texas public schools educate 5.518 million students while employing 371,778 teachers on 9,054 campuses, according to the report.

‘Stewarding Our Water Future’ conference to be held March 21-22 in Amarillo

With the realization of depleting irrigation and domestic well levels, a continued emphasis on “economic development” at virtually any cost regardless of impact, and pervasive talk of a diminishing Ogallala aquifer, it’s easy to get discouraged and wonder aloud if there is any future for groundwater in the Texas High Plains.

Canadian City Secretary Kimberly Sloat received notice recently that she had successfully completed the requirements for recertification through the Texas Municipal Clerks Certification Program.

Misdemeanor Arrests

• Kyler Patric Koch, 25, Canadian; resist arrest, search or transport; 1/26/24; HCSO

• Devin Shane Thompson, 25; Prague, Oklahoma; warrant for possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana; 1/29/24; HCSO

Felony Arrests

None

Citations

Standoff at border continues between state, feds

A standoff at an Eagle Pass park continues as the Department of Homeland Security has sent a second letter to Gov. Greg Abbott demanding access to the Rio Grande park that is now under state control.

Candidate filing is underway for candidates seeking a place on the ballot in the May 4 city council and hospital, school and groundwater district board elections.

AMARILLO, Texas (Jan. 25, 2024) – Xcel Energy is reminding customers that cold weather can often lead to higher energy bills as area residents use more electricity to warm their homes and businesses. Customers who are concerned they might fall behind on payments are encouraged to apply for energy assistance or establish pay arrangements.

Early registration is now underway for the “Stewarding Our Water Future” conference, which will be held on Thursday and Friday, March 21-22, at Amarillo Area Foundation’s Harrington Center for Philanthropy, located at 919 S. Polk Street in Amarillo.

Misdemeanor Arrests
None

Felony Arrests
None

Citations

• Jorge Alberto Marana Juiz, Dallas; display expired license plates and no financial responsibility; 1/16/24

As winter weather moved into the area this past week, blood donors began cancelling appointments and blood drives were delayed, forcing an already struggling blood supply to critically low levels. This blood shortage has the potential to impact hospitals and patients in need.

Coffee Memorial Blood Center, which is part of Our Blood Institute (OBI), is asking donors to reschedule appointments and come in to donate as soon as possible as the weather clears.