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There is no need to toss that old but cherished lamp that sometimes fails to light up the room. Here’s a bright idea: That lamp may can be repaired to shine again. The City of Amarillo (COA) Repair Cafe is back, providing free repair service for all kinds of items – from lamps to lawnmowers, clothes to computers and from bicycles to bookshelves. “Repair Cafe is a unique and fun event that the City of Amarillo provides to residents,” said COA Senior Services Coordinator for the Parks and Recreation Department Kari Bachman. “If you have an item that is broken or not working properly, come to the Repair Cafe and see if it can be fixed to work as good as new. “Repair Cafe is a fun, community-focused event centered on sustainability and sharing knowledge. It’s a great way to meet your neighbors, learn new skills and keep your belongings out of the landfill.” The Repair Cafe is set for Sunday (March 9) from noon to 4 p.m. at the Warford Activity Center, 1330 N.W. 18th Ave. Repair Cafe features volunteer fixers and participants can learn simple repair skills. What to bring: Each family is welcome to bring one item for repair. If time allows, additional items may be accommodated. Participants must stay with their items during the repair process – this is a hands-on experience to learn alongside volunteer fixers. Registration is not required. For more information contact Kari Bachman at (806) 678-8359. Also for more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov. ###

In the early morning hours of January 26, a total of 21 calls were made in a matter of minutes to the Amarillo Emergency Communications Center (AECC), which handles all 911 calls within the City of Amarillo. Something was wrong. And Amarillo needed help. “There are many entities and individuals that respond in times of emergency in Amarillo – from police, law enforcement and fire personnel to the doctors and staff at our local hospitals,” said Max Dunlap, Director of Emergency Management for the Amarillo Area Office of Emergency Management. “The cohesion, communication and cooperation between all of these agencies, groups and people help keep Amarillo a safe community.” The tragic event of January 26 is an example of how Amarillo responds in times of crisis. Around 2 a.m. on January 26, a fatal shooting occurred in downtown Amarillo outside a nightclub on Polk Street. One person was killed and eight were injured. Two suspects, who were apprehended shortly after leaving the shooting location, were indicted for the shooting in Potter County earlier this month. The flurry of 911 calls was the first step in the response process as multiple agencies and entities were involved. The response by law enforcement and emergency personnel is an example of how several entities with distinct and valuable responsibilities and skills work together to keep the Amarillo community safe. For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov ###

Amarillo Public Health (APH) is helping residents with valuable information and tips regarding the measles virus. As of Wednesday (February 26), there are no reported measles cases in Potter or Randall counties. Cases of measles have been reported in the Texas Panhandle and South Plains.  “Prevention and preparation against the measles virus are crucial in helping the community,” said APH Director Casie Stoughton. “Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus, which can cause life-threatening illness to anyone not protected. Vaccination is the best protection against measles.” APH does provide measles vaccinations. Measles can be transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious in the air up to two hours. Symptoms appear seven to 21 days after contact and may include: A person is contagious about four days before the rash appears to four days after the appearance. People who could have measles should stay home during this period. People who think they have measles or may have been exposed to measles should isolate themselves and call their healthcare provider before arriving to be tested. The best way to prevent getting sick is to be immunized with two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, which is primarily administered as the combination measles-mumps-rubella or MMR vaccine. The Texas Department of State Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend children receive one dose of MMR at 12 to 15 months of age and another at four to six years. APH is providing measles information and FAQs at: www.amarillo.gov/public-health/ For more information on the MMR vaccine call APH at 806-378-6342. For more information on measles call APH at 806-378-6321. Also for more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov. ###

The City of Amarillo announces that it has mutually agreed to part ways with Police Chief Martin Birkenfeld, who has served as the Chief since May of 2020. Chief Birkenfeld has elected to retire from the City of Amarillo effective February 21, 2025, after nearly 35 years of service to the Amarillo Police Department. In light of recent events, Chief Birkenfeld recognizes as a public servant in a leadership role, actions taken in a private capacity can influence confidence in law enforcement. Maintaining that trust is something both the City and Chief Birkenfeld take seriously and therefore have made this decision after careful consideration and discussions with the intent to provide finality, avoid potential civil service proceedings, and to move the department and community forward as quickly as possible. Chief Birkenfeld has dedicated his career to public safety, serving in various roles since joining the department in 1990. The City recognizes his contributions for his decades of service to Amarillo. The City of Amarillo will begin the process of selecting a new Police Chief in the coming weeks. In the interim, Assistant Police Chief Jimmy Johnson will serve as Acting Police Chief.