Latest news with #Amarillo
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Deadly house fire among 4 incidents Amarillo crews battle over 2 days
Amarillo crews battled four structure fires in the city over the weekend, with one of those involving a death and another with a person taken to the hospital. Three of the fires took place July 20, and one early July 21. No firefighters were injured. 822 N Fairfield fire The Amarillo Fire Department (AFD) responded to a residential fire at 6:27 a.m. Monday at 822 N. Fairfield St., where crews could see fire and smoke showing from a single-story home. An occupant was outside and informed responders that others might still be inside, prompting an immediate upgrade to a second alarm, AFD said. After the alarm upgrade, 11 apparatus and 33 personnel responded to the scene and crews initiated an aggressive fire attack, searched the structure twice and were able to save two dogs from the home. Ultimately, they found no additional people inside the residence, and the fire was brought under control by about 7:14 a.m. Two people were evaluated at the scene for smoke inhalation, with one taken by Amarillo Medical Services to Northwest Texas Hospital. No firefighter injuries were reported. 1319 Broadmoor fire Amarillo crews responded to a reported structure fire at about 3:34 p.m. Sunday at 1319 Broadmoor St. and found a single-story residential home with moderate smoke showing from the eaves and attic area. A total of 10 apparatus and 37 AFD personnel responded to the scene, and firefighters found an unresponsive individual inside the home during a search. After confirming the person was deceased, efforts continued to extinguish the fire and ensure all hazards were mitigated. The fire was declared under control after about three hours on scene. No firefighters were injured. The individual was confirmed deceased at the scene by emergency medical personnel. Estimated losses include $130,000 in property damage and $30,000 in content losses. 602 S Houston fire Amarillo firefighters responded to a structure fire at 1:35 a.m. Sunday at 602 S. Houston St. involving a camper adjacent to a single-family residence. Crews arriving to the scene found the camper fully involved in fire and threatening nearby structures, and flames and smoke were visible from the attic vents of the adjacent home. A total of six apparatus and 18 personnel quickly initiated a coordinated fire attack to contain the blaze and protect exposures. Crews searched the building, accessed the attic via ladder, and extinguished remaining hot spots. AFD said salvage and overhaul operations were carried out to limit property damage. No injuries were reported in connection with this incident. Preliminary estimated losses are $5,000 in property damage and $2,000 in content loss. 2343 NW 13th fire Amarillo crews responded to a working structure fire at around 12:48 a.m. Sunday in the area of 2343 NW 13th Ave. involving a previously condemned mobile home. Crews found the structure fully involved in fire and initiated a defensive fire attack due to dangerous conditions and structural instability. With six total apparatus and 19 personnel at the scene, Engine 8 began suppression efforts while Engine 4 established a water supply. Ladder 1, Engine 9, and additional units supported extinguishment and overhaul. A partial roof collapse occurred on the east side early into operations. Due to unsafe conditions, a primary search was not possible, but firefighters attempted a careful search later to ensure no people were present. No injuries were reported, and there were no known occupants at the time of the fire. The property is considered a total loss. The Amarillo Fire Marshal's Office is still investigating the incidents, with more information expected to be released later in the week. Estimated losses for some of the fires are still being assessed and have not yet been finalized. AFD reminds the public to make sure smoke alarms are in working order and to have vacant structures properly secured. For additional information, contact the Amarillo Fire Department at (806) 378-4238. This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo firefighters battle structure fires July 20 and 21
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former USAF Lt. Col. Larry Brock Jr. speaks to Amarillo Republicans
The oldest Republican Club in Amarillo held a kick-off celebration leading up to the 250th anniversary of the United States with a patriotic 'Celebrate Freedom' event Thursday evening, July 17, at Starlight Ranch. Among dignitaries at the event were State Rep. John Smithee, R-Amarillo, State Sen. Kevin Sparks, R-Midland, and later, State Rep. Caroline Fairly, R-Amarillo, as well as Amarillo Mayor Cole Stanley. The group brought in retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Larry Brock, Jr., a former A-10 pilot who served more than 20 years in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria, as well as other turbulent areas. Brock is a Texas native, father, Christian and self-described lifelong patriot. Festivities at the Amarillo fundraiser included food trucks, music, dancing and family-friendly games. Connie Brown, president of Amarillo (Women's) Republicans, said that instead of the annual picnic, they thought they would host a community event. 'We had met Mr. Brock at other events and thought his story was quite interesting, so we just decided to do that and the thing kind of grew," she said. "We thought, let's make it fun and have miniature golf and cornhole and playground for the kids and have it at the Moon Palace at Starlight Ranch." 'Then we brought in music and thought, well, we could do dancing, too," Brown added. "We wanted to be with good people and talk about conservative values of the Panhandle along with other things, and his story is very interesting.' Men now included in Amarillo (Women's) Republican Club Brown said that recently the Amarillo Republican Women started to bring men into the tribe, although they've always been at meetings. "They now have the ability to serve on the board and work with us, because we just really cherish every individual that wants to help in conservative causes, and they bring a lot to the table," Brown said. 'What we do is to educate and inspire," Brown added. "We have Texas Supreme Court Justice James D. Blaylock coming in, and he'll be speaking on issues that affect all of us. We have all our district judges who are going to do a panel here in a few weeks and speak on a issue that is confusing to a lot of us, 'deferred judication,' and why that's a better way to go sometimes. Recently, we had Randall County Judge Christy Dyer speak and tell us what all the county judge does. Our 47th District Potter Court Judge Dee Johnson spoke a while back and explained the process for judges and what levels there are." Sparks said it's important that communities are engaged in the political process. "So I drove up from Midland this afternoon, not just for this community, but to my whole Senate district. We're going to talk about politics for a little bit, but they've got a great keynote speaker tonight,' he said ahead of the event. 'Obviously we're going into a special session starting next week. So, this is an opportunity to socialize with folk, so I'm thankful they plan plenty of time to visit.' 'So God has provided us with a great evening for this,' Sparks said. Brock Jr. talks about experiences, announces run for legislature 'Amarillo Republic Women's Club invited me to come and speak about my experiences as a military officer in combat, but more they want to hear about my time as a political prisoner of the illegitimate and criminal Biden regime,' Brock Jr. said before the speech. Brock Jr. was sentenced and imprisoned for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot and served 372 days in federal custody, including 131 days in solitary confinement. 'I am a born-again Christian, and Romans: 8:28 governs my life. I believe this experience was to set a course correction in my own heart and get me back into the Bible, but more importantly, to keep me focused on public service because I was moving into just running my own company, minding my own business and doing things," Brock Jr. said. "I believe God used this ill opportunity to try and refocus me on the things He wanted." 'Now I intend to run for the Texas Legislature, and I intend to win," he said. Brock Jr. announced he is running against State Rep. Jared Patterson from the 106th District, noting HB 106, which regards authorization of a penalty relating to maintenance of overhead electrical power lines associated with oil and gas development. "I think we need real conservatives with real values in the Texas House, and that's where I want to be. We have some, but we need about 10 more," Brock Jr. said. In speaking about the Jan. 6 events, Brock Jr. said, 'It was a very, very cold day. By the time I got to the Capitol, all the ski fencing had been removed by an unindicted man. All the barriers had been removed. I saw absolutely no violence as I walked right by four Capitol Policemen in open doors. While I was inside the Capitol, and this is all documented on my website and in court records … I picked up trash." 'I actually protected a police officer at one point, though I didn't know he was a police officer," he added. "I saw a man in black chasing an African-American gentleman in a coat and tie and I got in between them, put my arms out. Officer Nairobi Timberlake (sergeant at the U.S. Capitol) testified in my trial that I had protected both him and his partner." 'After that, I went on to the Senate floor, told the man to get out of Vice President Pence's chair,' he said. 'Then when I was going to leave, you can see me (in footage) put my arms around a man that was confronting the police as well. So, my actions were entirely peaceful, but it didn't fit the FBI's narrative." Brock Jr. said the FBI dug into his private conversations with military personnel and found one where they were talking about a hypothetical situation. "I honestly did nothing to merit two years in jail," he said. 'However, I will freely admit, I should have known better not to go into the building, but my actions other than that were pure," Brock Jr. said. He was given a two-year sentence, but the Supreme Court later threw out the felony conviction. He said, 'God worked for the good and I'm in a unique position of being pardoned for crimes I now technically did not commit. On the 20th, I received a pardon from President Trump and on the 23rd, because an appeal was pending, all charges were dropped. So technically, I was never convicted of anything even though I spent time in a jail.' This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo Republicans hear from Larry Brock Jr. at 'Celebrate Freedom' Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Which Texas city has had the coolest temps this summer? Here's the breakdown.
When you think of a Texas summer, you probably envision bright, unrelenting sunshine and daily triple-digit temperatures. This summer has been different, though. Persistent rainfall and widespread cloud cover have kept temperatures significantly cooler than expected across much of the state. Since the start of meteorological summer on June 1, most of Texas has recorded slightly below-average temperatures. Of the state's 22 metropolitan areas with a population of at least 100,000, 18 have recorded cooler-than-normal conditions. That included San Antonio, which has had an average high temp of 92.4 degrees this summer — 1.6 degrees below average. What's the coolest spot in the state, though? That honor belongs to Amarillo, which has recorded an average high temperature of 87.3 degrees. However, that's really no surprise, due to Amarillo's northern position in the Texas Panhandle. The more unexpected standout is San Angelo, which is located in the Concho Valley. The city has recorded an average high temperature of just 90.6 degrees so far this summer, an impressive 4.8 degrees below average. That's the most below-average of any city in Texas this summer. Amarillo comes in second, followed by Wichita Falls and Waco. The only Texas metro areas which have recorded above average-temperatures this summer are Brownsville, Houston, Corpus Christi and El Paso. Central Texas weather forecast for the upcoming week High pressure will shift slightly to the west, resulting in temperatures rising slightly higher across Central and South Texas. The hottest days of the week are expected to be Tuesday through Thursday. Austin is likely to reach the upper 90s each day. Low temperatures will stay consistent, falling into the mid- to upper 70s each morning. Long-range weather models are showing a low chance of tropical development in the Gulf by the late week. This could bring a chance of scattered showers and storms into South Texas by next weekend. Uncertainty is still very high with this potential Gulf disturbance, so it's definitely not time to push the alarm. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Here's which Texas city has had the coolest temps this summer Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Man dies in early Friday crash at I-40 and Lakeside in Amarillo
A man died in a crash involving an SUV and semitrailer that was pulling out of a truck stop at Interstate 40 and Lakeside early Friday, Amarillo police said. At about 1:01 a.m. July 18, Amarillo officers had responded to a "disturbance and trespassing call" at the Toot 'N Totum at I-40 and Lakeside, the Amarillo Police Department said in a community update. A tractor-trailer was exiting the nearby Pilot Travel Center onto Lakeside when it was struck by a Jeep Liberty. The driver of the Jeep, identified as Leonard Franco, 31, was ejected. APD officers saw the incident and immediately started life-saving measures on Franco, but he died at the scene. His family was notified, and an autopsy was ordered. The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured. APD's Traffic Investigation Unit is investigating. This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo police investigate fatal crash involving vehicle and semi Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Iron Horse Shoot Out returns to Amarillo with precision, power and purpose
The fourth annual Iron Horse Motorcycle Shoot Out is about to kick off in downtown Amarillo, with practice rounds already underway as of Wednesday, July 16. The event brings together elite police officers and civilian riders from across North America for three days of motorcycle skill competitions — and a mission to support the Panhandle's first responders. Hosted by the 100 Club of the Texas Panhandle in partnership with the Amarillo Police Department Motor Unit, the event runs July 17 to 19 at the Santa Fe Depot Pavilion, 401 S. Grant St. Admission is free, and the public is encouraged to attend. Precision on the pavement Riders will face timed challenges across two distinct courses — a tight precision layout under the covered pavilion and a speed course on the adjacent asphalt lot. 'This isn't about showmanship — it's about safety,' said Sgt. Trent Thomas, a 19-year Amarillo police veteran and motorcycle unit supervisor. 'If you can control a bike here, you're more prepared out there — in traffic, during a pursuit, or on a rescue call.' Thomas said the competition helps riders develop instincts that translate directly to the field. 'We've had officers avoid crashes thanks to the skills they've refined here,' he said. 'You hope you never need it, but when you do, it matters.' A long road for a worthy cause John Jenkins, a motorcycle instructor from Calgary, Alberta, drove more than 1,300 miles with his bike in the back of his truck to compete for the third year in a row. He said the Amarillo event stands out among the national circuit. 'There's a level of professionalism and community here that you don't find everywhere,' Jenkins said. 'It feels like you're training with a purpose.' Jenkins credits the event with improving not only his own skills, but those of his students back home. 'These skills have saved my life — and my students' lives — on the road,' he said. 'You build muscle memory here, so when something happens in real life, your body knows what to do before your brain catches up.' Training that gives back While the riders improve their technique, the event also raises money for the 100 Club of the Texas Panhandle, which provides emergency financial support and resources to firefighters and law enforcement officers across 26 counties. The nonprofit typically raises between $50,000 and $60,000 during the shoot out. The funds help provide: $20,000 within 24 hours to the family of a fallen first responder $5,000 immediately for line-of-duty injuries, with up to $12,000 in follow-up support Equipment purchases for departments lacking the budget Mental health and wellness conferences for first responders Executive Director Suzanne Talley of the Texas Panhandle 100 Club said the fundraising goes hand-in-hand with honoring those who serve. 'When people come out and support this event, they're doing more than watching a show,' she said. 'They're backing the men and women who risk their lives for our communities.' In 2024, the organization raised more than $900,000 in just eight weeks to aid 54 volunteer fire departments impacted by devastating wildfires. Opening ceremony and community support A formal opening ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, July 20, at 8 a.m., featuring remarks from Amarillo Mayor Cole Stanley, interim Police Chief Jimmy Johnson, and regional fire and law enforcement officials. 'This ceremony honors the service behind the spectacle,' Talley said. 'It's a reminder of why we ride.' The public is welcome to attend each day's competitions. Riders pay entry and banquet fees, and additional fundraising comes from slow-ride reentry tickets and sponsor contributions. Returning sponsors include Full Smile Dental (presenting sponsor), IVRS Wellness, Atmos Energy, ADG, Happy State Bank, Creative Cannon and Panhandle Eye Group. For event details, live scoring, or donation information, visit This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Iron Horse Shoot Out brings national riders to Amarillo Solve the daily Crossword
