WTAMU organizations team up to fight for the cure

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Jessica Chandos

From left to right: Wendy Collier, community team development for Relay for Life of Canyon and Beth Vizzini, head of circulation unit at Cornette Library at their booth for Relay for Life on Feb. 2 at the JBK. Photo by Jessica Chandos.

For the second year in a row, WT’s Librarians for Shelving Cancer are helping to put on the Canyon Relay for Life with the WT Veterans’ Network team, Boots `N Tees.

Last year, both groups helped raise $6000 by conducting a silent auction, two fundraisers and a relay event. This year the groups are aspiring to raise more.

“[We] are hoping to double that number,” said Beth Vizzini, head of circulation at Cornette Library. Continue reading →

Local centers provide support for college mothers

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Jordan Fry

Web Editor’s Note: This is part one of three-part series.

Pregnancy and parenthood can prove to be difficult, but factor in college on top of it and it becomes much more challenging.

CareNet Pregnancy Centers, a Christian faith-based ministry, and Haven Health Clinics, a clinic which provides affordable healthcare and reproductive services, are two local centers offering services to expectant mothers, largely to the college age demographic.

“Our largest category is the typical college age,” Amy Thompson, director of operations of CareNet Pregnancy Centers, said.

In 2011, 37 percent of CareNet’s client base was in the 20-24 age range, with 11 percent being college students. Continue reading →

Buffs learn about professional business plans

Posted on November 15, 2011 by Colton Wedeking

Web Editor’s Note: This story was written for the MCOMM 3309 – News Editing & Reporting Class

For the past 17 years the West Texas A&M Enterprise Center has hosted a business plan competition called the Amarillo EnterPrize Challenge. The Enterprise Center has partnered with the West Texas A&M College of Business, SIFE, and Harold Moses, a WT alumnus who donated $1,000 to award to the winner of the competition. The competition gives students the opportunity to learn how to put together a proper business plan and have the experience to put one together.

President of the WT chapter of SIFE, Marco Jimenez said if students participate in the business plan competition they will learn how to form a business plan and develop the skills to start their own business.

“This competition is giving students the opportunity to learn first because we are giving sessions on how to start a business plan and how to work on the financial and economic issues so it’s a class we are providing to give you your own opportunities,” he said. Continue reading →

Gateway Enhancement Project will begin in Canyon

Posted on November 4, 2011 by Maria Molina

On Nov. 8, the Amarillo District of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will begin the US 87 Gateway Enhancement project in Canyon.

City Manager Randy Criswell said Canyon has been trying to do something about the Gateway for a long time.

“It is so ugly when you come from the north to town,” he said. “There is dirt and weed. It is horrible looking.”

The city of Canyon applied for funding through the Federal Highway Administration’s Transportation Enhancement Program. TxDOT Public Information Officer Paul Braun said the project is expected to cost over $900,000.

“The city of Canyon applied to the fund and were approved through the Transportation Enhancement Project,” he said. “We realized there were some other issues.” Continue reading →

CEDC helps downtown Canyon businesses grow

Posted on October 25, 2011 by Maria Molina

The Square in downtown Canyon is experiencing a growth and development period. Mardee Mattlack, owner of Reuzed, a local store, said she has seen The Square gain activity since they moved on July 2010.

“In the evenings usually the square dies off at about 5 o’ clock and we were the only ones opened much later than that,” she said. “Now with the coffee shop, it is very active during the evening.”

The Canyon Economic Development Corporation, or CEDC, has been helpful in revitalizing the city. In 2002, Canyon was designated a Main Street City. Evelyn Ecker, the city’s Director of Business and Community Development, said the Main Street Program is an initiative of the National Trust. Continue reading →

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Power outage strikes Canyon

Posted on October 25, 2011 by Krystina Martinez

A late morning power outage affected WTAMU and parts of Canyon on Oct. 24.

“[The power outage] fried four computers in the HELC,” Jessica Phillips, an IT employee, said. “We got a call about an issue from Old Main.”

Phillips’ supervisor was at Walmart when the outage occurred. The power shut off there as well, indicating a potential citywide power issue. Continue reading →

Palace Coffee a hit with patrons

Posted on October 7, 2011 by Krystina Martinez

Palace Coffee logo.

Canyon’s latest coffee shop is a big hit with students, musicians and people all around town. Listen to Krystina Martinez’s report!

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Taco Villa: This Week in Photos

Posted on October 4, 2011 by Ryan Schaap

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Taco Villa opens its doors to Canyon

Posted on October 4, 2011 by Ryan Schaap

Canyon locals enjoy the new Taco Villa. Photo by Ryan Schaap.

Taco Villa opened up for business on Sept. 29. The Mexican fast-food restaurant was being constructed over the summer and the people of Canyon became eager to see Taco Villa open.

“We’re booming,” Penny Castillo, general manager of Taco Villa. said. “I’m surprised because we expected to be busy but it’s over the top.”

This is not the first time Canyon has had a Taco Villa. The Taco Bell off of 23rd Street used to be a Taco Villa, until PepsiCo bought out the building. Continue reading →

Canyon girl fulfilling her dreams through martial arts

Posted on September 20, 2011 by Jordan Fry

MorgAnne trains daily to increase her strength and agility. Photo by Jordan Fry.

Eight years ago a young girl noticed a martial arts class next to her gymnastics class in Dimmit and decided she wanted to try something new. That decision changed her life.
The first time martial arts instructor Albert Treto met MorgAnne Thompson, he knew she was special.

MorgAnne works with coach Albert Treto to improve fighting techniques. Photo by Jordan Fry.

“She had the right focus and ambition,” Albert said. “She stepped up to the plate from the very beginning. That’s how I knew she was special.” Continue reading →