News

AMARILLO—Xcel Energy crews have restored power to nearly all customers impacted by Tuesday’s Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) in the Texas Panhandle and weather-related outages across the area. As of 3:45 p.m. CT on Wednesday, 526 customers were still affected by outages amid ongoing restoration efforts. All Amarillo customers have been restored except those near the ongoing Lavender fire. Crews also continue to repair damage caused by severe weather.

Misdemeanor Arrests

• Joe Jacob Rodriguez, 35, Pampa; 02/14/26; driving while license invalid (driving while license suspended), D/L with prior convictions; RCSO

Felony Arrests

None

Citations

• Joshua Isaiah Padilla, Las Vegas, New Mexico; speeding; 02/10/26

AMARILLO, Texas (Feb. 15, 2026) — Xcel Energy is preparing for critical wildfire risks early this week in the northern Texas Panhandle and eastern New Mexico and is notifying customers that a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) may be necessary on Tuesday, Feb. 17, beginning around 9 a.m. CT. 

Polls will open at 7 am tomorrow in the March 3, 2026 Texas Primary Election. This state’s Republican and Democrat voters have the opportunity to choose which candidates will represent their party on November’s general election ballot.

HEMPHILL COUNTY TREASURER

KAY SMALLWOOD
I am a committed member of the Hemphill County community who understands the importance of trust, accountability and service in local government. I value hard work, accuracy and treating every person with respect. I believe county offices function best when they are run with transparency, consistency, and a strong sense of responsibility.

HEMPHILL COUNTY JUDGE

LISA JOHNSON