Xcel Energy using AI to detect wildfires in Panhandle, plans include more than 50 camera stations
Xcel Energy is increasing its wildfire detection and mitigation efforts in the Texas Panhandle by introducing artificial intelligence to spot fires early. The utility company announced it is partnering with Pano AI to install more than 50 camera stations across the region, with Carson, Gray, Roberts, Hutchinson, Wheeler, Hemphill, Garza, Cochran, Moore, Potter and Yoakum counties currently under consideration.
The company said first responders and firefighters will have immediate access to this data, shortening response times. “We want to better safeguard our neighbors and reduce the risk of future wildfire loss by investing in advanced wildfire detection capabilities,” said Adrian J. Rodriguez, president, Xcel Energy – New Mexico, Texas. “So many of our friends, families and communities have been impacted by the wildfires in the Texas Panhandle and we remain committed to supporting them. Providing this technology to our first responders with the information they need to act swiftly and safely to respond to wildfires will improve public safety.”
The company said it is currently identifying strategic locations for the initial camera stations in areas with the highest fire risk, which will be complete in 2025. Xcel said the five-year program underscores its commitment to protecting communities, fortifying grid resilience, and providing more awareness for first responders in Amarillo and surrounding areas.
Pano AI’s system combines 360-degree high-definition cameras, AI-driven smoke detection and satellite data integration to continuously scan for smoke. When a potential fire is detected, Pano immediately verifies it through human analysts, triangulates the location and notifies the 911 call center to activate the closest fire department. Fire departments will have access to these live streams for critical, real-time intelligence. Each Texas camera station will perform a 360-degree sweep every minute.
The company plans to install more cameras in Texas and expand the program into its New Mexico service territory in the future. These efforts follow Xcel’s deployment of Pano AI camera stations in Colorado.
Global Animal Products secures SHARP safety award
Amarillo-based Global Animal Products is proud to have achieved the pinnacle of health and safety recognition participation in the SHARP program by the US Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The company’s manufacturing facility and offices have now both achieved this safety status.
The Safety & Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) recognizes small to medium-sized companies with exemplary safety and health management practices, according to a news release. The process to qualify is rigorous and includes on-site inspections as well as significant documentation of company policies and procedures. The release said SHARP recognition is rare in the animal nutrition industry, making this achievement even more significant.
“Safety has always been a part of our culture, and something that we actively invest in.” says CEO Ben Tarr. “It’s rare for a company of our size to have a dedicated Director of Safety, but we do, because it’s important to us that our people and products are safe 100% of the time.”
As a result of the company’s safety policies and procedures, Global Animal Products said it has gone 19 years without a lost-time incident. Global Animal Products is a vertically integrated complexed mineral company. Since 1995, the company has manufactured and distributed high-quality complexed trace minerals that provide essential nutrients to livestock, with a focus on liquid applications.
Estate planning program for agricultural producers set for Dec. 17 in Canyon
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office in Randall County will host an estate planning workshop for agricultural producers on Dec. 17 in Canyon. The free program will be held from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the AgriLife Extension office in Randall County, 200 Brown Road. Lunch will be provided, and advanced online registration is requested at https://tx.ag/RCEstatePlanning.
Participants will learn about creating farm and ranch estate succession plans, which help ensure the success and well-being of the next generation who will take over the farm or ranch. Attendees will also identify stressors unique to farming and ranching and strategies to help manage them.
Speakers include Tiffany Lashmet, J.D., AgriLife Extension agricultural law specialist and professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics, Amarillo; J. D. Ragland, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension agriculture and natural resources agent for Randall County; Miquela Smith, AgriLife Extension health program specialist in the Disaster Assessment and Recovery unit, Lubbock; and Leah Davis, partner, Morgan Williamson LLP, Amarillo.
For more information, contact Lacrecia Garza at lacrecia.garza@ag.tamu.edu.
City of Amarillo: Tee it up for golfers this Christmas
The City of Amarillo has the perfect gift for Amarillo golfers with its “Explore the Four Pass.”
The City of Amarillo’s award-winning municipal golf complexes, Ross Rogers and Comanche Trail, are providing the unique pass. Comanche Trail includes the Arrowhead and Tomahawk courses. Ross Rogers includes the Mustang and Wild Horse courses. The pass treats golfers to a round of golf at the city’s four courses (cart included) for $120.
Passes are available through Dec. 31 at Ross Rogers Golf Course and Comanche Trail Golf Course. The passes are redeemable through 2025 (based on available tee times.) Passes are limited to six per customer while supplies last. For more information contact George Priolo at (806) 378-3086 or by email at george.priolo@amarillo.gov.
Also for more information contact City of Amarillo Communications Manager Dave Henry at(806) 378-5219 or by email at David.Henry@amarillo.gov.
Sod Poodles Ticket Memberships on sale for Christmas gifting season
This holiday season, gift your loved one’s unforgettable memories with a Sod Poodles ticket membership. Whether they’re fans of the spectacular Fireworks Nights, thrilling summer games, or the best promotional nights, there’s a perfect package for everyone.
Sod Poodles ticket packages include:
- The Soddies Summer Fun Plan (18-Game Plan): Back by popular demand, this plan offers 18 games featuring the best promotional nights of the summer. With three affordable options, fans can enjoy the same great seats for every game, making it the perfect gift for dedicated supporters.
- Prime-9 Package (9- Game Plan): This option is perfect for those who want to experience the excitement of nine of the biggest promotional nights of the season.
- Fireworks Package (5-Game Plan): Celebrate in style with five of the most spectacular Friday Night Fireworks events of the season.
Fans can purchase these ticket plans online now, or visit the Sod Poodles Box Office. For questions fans may also call the Box Office at (806) 803-9547 or send email to tickets@sodpoodles.com. The Box Office is open Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5p.m., and Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cenikor Foundation offers support for mental health and substance abuse before holiday family gatherings
HOUSTON — As the holiday season approaches, Cenikor is committed to reducing substance abuse this holiday season, offering hope for individuals and families in need. While the holidays are often a time for joy and connection, they can also bring stress and emotional strain, especially for those with a history of substance use.
“The pressures of family gatherings, financial concerns, and the pace of the season can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms,” a release states. “Cenikor understands that this can be a challenging time for families and is here to provide effective, timely support to help individuals achieve sobriety and reconnect with their loved ones.
Cenikor’s comprehensive approach to treatment focuses on early intervention, helping individuals regain control of their lives before the holidays. Cenikor also encourages individuals to give themselves the gift of sobriety. For more information, visit www.cenikor.org .
WT computer programming team ranks highly at collegiate contest
CANYON — West Texas A&M University’s Buff Coders computer programming team earned a win at a recent regional competition. The three-person team placed first at its site at the University of Oklahoma and fifth in the region.
Overall, the team finished 39th out of the 110 teams competing in the International Collegiate Programming Contest, held simultaneously Nov. 16 at multiple sites across the south central United States. The five-hour competition featured 13 algorithmic problems of varying difficulty. The WT team attempted eight problems and successfully solved five of them.
Team members are Alexios Collins, a senior computer science major from Amarillo; William Kolath, a senior computer science major from Amarillo; and Alexandra Greeno, a senior computer science major from Amarillo.
Scooter’s Coffee (third from the left), at the nonprofit’s headquarters in New York.
OMAHA, Neb., December 4, 2024 – Delicious cookies and drinks go a long way toward supporting life-saving breast cancer research. Scooter’s Coffee is making a big impact in the search for a cure through a $249,262 donation to The Pink Agenda, a nonprofit committed to raising funding for breast cancer research and care, as well as awareness of the disease among young professionals.
A check was recently presented to representatives from The Pink Agenda at their headquarters in New York. From Sept. 27 to Oct. 31, Scooter’s Coffee customers nationwide purchased more than 280,000 Courage Cookies and more than 38,000 Courage Quenchers – all with 20% of the proceeds going directly to the cause. Customers could also make a donation without a purchase.
“The fight against breast cancer hits home with so many of our customers and the people they love, so it’s no wonder they truly rally behind this cause each year,” said Becky Vinton Jeanette, Executive Director of Community Affairs at Scooter’s Coffee. “We’re so grateful for the Love our customers show each year through this fundraising campaign, and we take pride in being able to support such an important mission.”
Since the partnership began in 2020, Scooter’s Coffee has now donated more than $925,000 to The Pink Agenda, which is enough to fund more than 18,500 hours of life-changing research.
“Partnerships like the one we have Scooter’s Coffee ensure that we can continue funding groundbreaking research and care needed to save lives with the goal of one day making breast cancer history,” said Nicole Seagriff, President of The Pink Agenda. “Our deepest gratitude goes to Scooter’s Coffee’s customers, franchise owners and employees for making this donation possible.”
The Pink Agenda funds five major research projects through its strategic partnership with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). These projects aim to improve survivorship and treatment approaches; eliminate disparities in access to care in ethnically diverse communities; investigate risk factors to inform preventative strategies; and understand genetic risks.
Technical Solutions delivers strategic business reviews to help organizations capitalize on today’s technology
Technical Solutions, a leading managed technology services provider (MTSP) with local ties, has announced the expansion of its Strategic Business Reviews (SBR), designed to help organizations maximize their technology investments.
With many small to mid-sized business owners either under-resourced or undereducated on the latest innovations in the IT and cybersecurity space, Technical Solutions has stepped in to help business owners with strategic planning. Its systematic approach is geared to understand how clients are growing their businesses and how to apply new technology to drive innovation, increase productivity, and boost profitability within those specific areas.
“In today’s environment, simply meeting expectations is no longer enough. To truly thrive, businesses must exceed expectations,” stated Gene Wells, President of Technical Solutions. “Our focus is understanding which specific obstacles are preventing our clients from growing. Then, our responsibility is to act as a stand-in or sounding board.” By providing business owners with access to a panel of IT experts, Technical Solutions aims to set the stage to ensure that businesses’ long-term vision can be actualized from an IT standpoint.
For more information or to request one of Technical Solutions’s Strategic Business Reviews, visit www.askts.com or contact 806-352-1309.