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Hi Amarillo, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Matching tattoos and aura photos, a high-voltage expansion deal, a newlywed game fundraiser, and more.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
High-voltage expansion accelerates: Irish firm H&MV Engineering, with its U.S. HQ in Dallas, has acquired Amarillo-based Cooke Power Services, boosting regional work on data centers, renewables, and utility projects across Midwest and Southwest — read the full story.
Navigating life after foster care: Amarillo nonprofit Fostering Independence supports young adults 18 to 24 aging out of foster care with mentors and life-skills training. The group currently serves 17 and seeks more mentors — see how you can help.
Youth programs receive boost: Taco Bell Foundation awarded $43,000 to Junior Achievement of the High Plains to provide financial education for Panhandle teens, focusing on low and moderate-income high school students in Amarillo — learn more about the grant.
Inside a community swim school: Amarillo’s Swim Lessons by Waterscape has taught kids for nearly a decade and opened a new location in 2022, with college-age instructors and lessons starting at four months — get all the details.
Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your IRA or portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: Insurance prices drop all the time, but you’ll only know if you check. I assumed my rate was fine until I compared options and realized I was leaving real money on the table. It took a minute to check and instantly showed better offers for where I live. If it’s been more than a few months, you should probably run this comparison tool here.
One pet emergency can easily cost $7,000+ but pet insurance helps ease the financial and emotional burden. It’s something I wish I’d had after spending $10k on last-minute surgery for my cat (her name is Miss Stache). I learned my lesson and signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Big changes for local leagues: Kids, Inc. and the Texas Panhandle Youth Sports Foundation announced a merger in January, combining resources to strengthen Amarillo youth baseball. Expect front office support, fields including Rockrose Sports Park, and a professional team guiding leagues. West Texas Youth Baseball will remain independent, operating without influence from Kids, Inc. Get all the details.
Roadside accessibility improvements begin: ADA upgrades on I-40 service roads in east Amarillo began Monday, January 12. The $4 million project adds curb ramps, shared-use paths, sidewalks, and driveways. Work continues through fall 2026, with construction zones and occasional lane shifts expected along the service roads. See project details and timeline.
Sushi night upgrade: Sushi Yama nails the Japanese-Thai mashup with crisp tempura rolls, ramen when the Panhandle wind kicks up, and shareable Fishing Boats that turn dinner into a mini party. Weekday comfort without the fuss; consider your cravings handled.
Thrifting with purpose: Whether you’re after vintage denim, a quirky lamp, or a responsible declutter, ACB Thrift Store keeps racks fresh and vibes friendly. Shop with heart; every purchase supports programs of the American Council of the Blind. A feel-good closet refresh, minus the guilt.
A smart way to save on big purchases: When costs hit the tens of thousands, credit card and personal loan interest racks up fast. A HELOC lets you tap into your home’s equity as a flexible line of credit at a lower rate… all without refinancing your mortgage. I’ve been looking into this myself, and Figure’s HELOC stood out for its 100% online application, no in-person appraisal, and quick access to cash.
Your neighbors are Googling you:It’s an uncomfortable thought, but people search names all the time — employers, new friends, other parents at school pickup. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up on the first page, it can shape how people see you before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so the first impression you make actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s not your name, you can help a friend or family member with that too.
Get clarity on financial decisions: Managing retirement, taxes, and investments alone can feel overwhelming, especially during big life transitions. Financial advisors provide holistic guidance, help reduce risk, and keep emotions away from costly decisions. I found a tool called Unbiased that matches you with the right financial advisor based on your personal situation so you can get a second opinion… it never hurts.
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📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🎨 First Friday Art Walk @ Amarillo Art Institute | Friday (2/6) at 5:00 PM – First Friday Art Walk is serving up Essence, an abstract show that lets you flex your deep-thought nod while secretly deciding which piece would look best over the mantel. Stroll, sip, support local artists, and debate meaning over a nightcap like civilized rebels.
🍽 Annual Banquet @ Embassy Suites | Friday (2/6) at 5:30 PM – Embassy Suites is hosting the Amarillo Hispanic Chamber’s annual banquet, complete with real networking, dinner, awards, and zero rubber chicken. Chris Iglesias of Cacique takes the mic, the same guy who steadied their Amarillo site, so expect substance, local pride, and good company.
📸 Valentine Mini Shoot @ Merle Norman Wolflin Square & Scarlett Peacock Boutique | Saturday (2/7) at 10:00 AM – Need proof you two still clean up nicely? BK’s Photography is popping up at Merle Norman on Wolflin for Valentine’s mini shoots, $60 for unlimited edited images. Walk in, or schedule like a responsible adult, and finally retire that 2009 wedding crop.
🎨 Saturday Studio: Old Master Tribute Painting @ Amarillo Museum of Art | Saturday (2/7) at 1:30 PM – Whether your kid can spot a Rembrandt or just loves splashing paint, AMoA’s Saturday Studio, inspired by the museum’s collection, lets ages 6-11 channel Grace Hartigan, learn how old masters spark ideas, and create abstract riffs. Best part, the mess stays there.
✨ Astonish! @ Amarillo Magic Co. | Saturday (2/7) at 2:00 PM – Spice up Saturday afternoon with The Astonish! Show at Amarillo Magic Co., Amarillo’s only magic venue, a 90-minute, high-energy family spectacle of illusions, laughs, and audience shenanigans. The kids volunteer, you relax, and for once the “how did they do that” isn’t a YouTube link.
🎻 Symphony Ball @ Rex Baxter Exhibit Building | Saturday (2/7) at 6:00 PM – Amarillo’s 71st Symphony Ball is polishing us up for An Evening Under the Grove, where black-tie meets boots, cocktails meet good manners, and the music tunes itself. Expect elegant company, a little fundraising, some dancing, and that rare feeling we all clean up nicely.
🇫 An Evening in Paris: Nowhere to Wear It @ Nina Lune Gallery | Saturday (2/7) at 7:00 PM – Think Valentine’s party meets annual group art clear-out, with unbelievable prices on original work, a $10 Sweetheart Basket raffle, and drinks on the house. Dust off that over-the-top outfit, or just roll in with jeans, we’re not judging. Chocolate, cheese, selfies, tooth gems, and mingling.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Amarillo report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 67°F – Low: 38°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 67. West northwest wind 5 to 15 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 38. Northwest wind around 5 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 72°F – Low: 40°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 72. West southwest wind around 5 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 40. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
This house is wild
Set in The Colonies, one of Amarillo’s most sought-after neighborhoods with timeless appeal and a prime location, this spacious home pairs function with style. It offers 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a 3-car garage. An open concept plan creates easy flow between the living room, kitchen, and casual dining area, set up for weeknights and lively gatherings. The kitchen brings ample workspace, quality cabinetry, and smart sightlines, while a formal dining room adds polish.
A second living area expands options for hosting or unwinding. The garage includes a built-in storm cellar for peace of mind when the weather turns. Thoughtful finishes and careful upkeep make this property truly move-in ready.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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