The City of Amarillo Business Improvement Grant program (BIG) returns Monday (November 3) with a larger footprint that includes a piece of Amarillo history – Route 66. The BIG program provides financial assistance and professional guidance for business owners and property tenants seeking to enhance the exterior appearance of their buildings. Participants have the opportunity to take advantage of matching grants and design support to restore and beautify their properties. The application process opens Monday and ends December 11. BIG offers a matching grant of up to 50 percent of total project costs with a maximum match of $20,000 for projects costing $40,000 or more. The program includes commercial property owners in the Barrio, Eastridge, North Heights and San Jacinto neighborhoods, as well as designated neighborhood empowerment zone corridors. In addition, businesses along Route 66 within the city limits may be eligible for increased matching funds if projects are completed before June 2026 – before the Route 66 Centennial Celebration. There are lower matching requirements for businesses along Route 66 and a shorter project completion deadline. All project applications will be assessed once the application window closes on December 11, with the plan of announcing grant awards by the end of the  year. Local businesses that have received BIG funding in the past include Old Tascosa Brewing Company and La Frontera restaurant. For more information on the BIG program, including the BIG program map, go to: www.amarillo.gov/economic-development/business-improvement-grant/

The City of Amarillo Animal Management and Welfare Department (AAMW) is hosting a special holiday event helping shelter cats and dogs (and the public) celebrate Halloween in style. AAMW’s Howl-O-Ween Enrichment and Treat Walk is set for Friday (October 31) from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the AAMW shelter, 3501 S. Osage St. “AAMW is inviting the community for a festive afternoon of enrichment, treats and volunteer fun,” said AAMW Outreach Manager Katrena Volden. “Sharing treats and time with our shelter animals isn’t just festive, it is a wonderful way to support their health and happiness. Every visit helps ease their stress and gives them the social connection they need to thrive.” The details:• Join the kennel-walk and hand out dog treats, provided by AAMW.• Make toys and treats for AAMW cats and dogs. AAMW also has a donation wish list of: Toilet paper rolls/paper towel rolls Shoe boxes, tissue boxes, cardboard boxes, etc. Old T-shirts, towels, rags, etc. Clean containers (water bottles, jugs, etc.) Treats Toys The AAMW Howl-O-Ween Enrichment and Treat Walk will also be a great opportunity to learn how to get involved as an AAMW volunteer. For more information, call AAMW at 806-378-9032 or by email at animals@amarillo.gov.

A figure that depicts the history and tradition of Amarillo will soon call Amarillo City Hall home. Thanks to the generosity of King and Dianne Hill, a sculpted bust titled the  “Amarillo Cowboy” will adorn the third floor of city hall. The Hills are donating the statue to the city for permanent display. The official unveiling ceremony is set for 2:30 p.m. Tuesday (October 28) outside council chambers on the third floor of city hall, Room 3400. “Amarillo’s rich history has been built upon the strengths and values of our American cowboy,” said Mayor Cole Stanley. “I can think of no better way to honor and reflect Amarillo’s proud heritage than with this generous and thoughtful donation from King and Dianne Hill and the Hill family.” The statue donation is the latest from the Hill family to the city, including a bust of Texas Panhandle legend and Comanche Chief Quanah Parker, which was donated in 2022 and adorns Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport. Both works of art were created by King Hill’s father, Jack King Hill “My wife and I are pleased to share the continued legacy of my father and renowned artist, Jack King Hill, with the citizens of Amarillo and for future generations,” said King Hill. “The ‘Amarillo Cowboy’ bronze statue is a permanent symbol of the grit, determination and perseverance that created our city and celebrates the spirit of rugged individualism for which our area is known.”

The City of Amarillo Municipal Court will be closed Friday (October 24) for staff training. The Online Citation Payment Portal will be available for defendants to make payments. Payments may also be left in the Amarillo Municipal Court night drop box located at the entrance of the Amarillo Police Department. The COA Municipal Court website is: www.amarillo.gov/court For more information contact the COA Municipal Court by email at citycourt@amarillo.gov.