The challenges, trials and tribulations faced by Antonio Graves not only helped prepare him for his current job, but also led to his life calling.  Graves, a case manager with the Coming Home program in the City of Amarillo (COA) Community Development Department, has overcome many life obstacles:  Mental health issues, substance abuse issues, incarceration, homelessness, suicidal thoughts and the loss of family members. At one point in his life, he was the victim of a shooting that nearly took his life.  “At one time in my life, I was unstable. That would be the best way to put it,” said Graves, an Amarillo native who turns 62 in October. “I felt alone and unimportant. I had anger issues and made poor choices.  “My Dad always told me I was going to hell and would bust it wide open.”  As it turns out, going through hellish times led Graves to a higher calling, not only for himself but to help others going through similar troubles.  Graves has been with the COA Community Development Department and Coming Home for just more than a year. Coming Home, launched in 2018, is a multifaceted outreach and supportive housing program that serves individuals and families experiencing homelessness.  That is just part of Graves’ story. About eight months ago, he began his own ministry – Full Armor Ministries, which includes meeting men released from incarceration and providing resources – free of judgment.  “I know it sounds a little crazy being where I am now, but if I had not been through all the hell I went through and survived, I would not be able to help people,” Graves said. “I believe in a higher power. Sometimes you have to go through it to get to it.”  The turning point for Graves, who accepted the call

 City council will hold a special meeting Tuesday regarding the fiscal year 2026/2027 budget.  The meeting is set for 3 p.m. in council chambers, Room 3400 of city hall.  The agenda includes public hearings and final readings on the proposed budget and 2026 tax rate.  View the agenda: https://ow.ly/6kPW50ZRbvi  Watch live: https://ow.ly/OeBv50ZRbvh  View the proposed budget: https://ow.ly/kzfA50ZRbvj 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 working with West Texas A&M University after identifying an individual with tuberculosis (TB) disease who spent time on the WT campus.  APH has begun a contact investigation to identify individuals who may have had prolonged or repeated close contact with the person while they were infectious. APH will contact individuals identified as potentially exposed and provide information about TB testing and follow-up procedures.  There is no need for the entire university community to be tested for TB. TB is not spread as easily as illnesses such as the common cold, influenza, or COVID-19. It is spread through the air when a person with active TB disease of the lungs coughs, speaks, or sings. Transmission generally requires prolonged or repeated exposure in a shared indoor space.  TB is not spread by shaking hands, sharing food or drinks, touching surfaces, or casual contact such as briefly passing someone in a hallway or classroom.  “Amarillo Public Health is working closely with university officials to identify and notify anyone who may need testing,” said APH Director Casie Stoughton. “People who are identified as potentially exposed will receive specific instructions from Amarillo Public Health. Individuals who are not contacted generally do not need testing related to this exposure.”  TB infection can be detected through a blood test or skin test. Because it can take several weeks after exposure for a test to become positive, individuals will be asked to complete an initial test and repeat testing approximately 8–10 weeks after their last exposure.  A positive TB test does not necessarily mean a person has active TB disease or can spread TB. People with latent TB infection do not have symptoms and cannot spread TB. Treatment is available for both latent TB infection and active TB disease.  Symptoms of active TB

One of the more unique and high-flying events in the Amarillo area is set to return as Pirates of the Canyon returns for a three-day event October 23-25.  The festival, organized by the City of Amarillo Parks and Recreation Department (PARD), Pirates of the Canyon and Palo Duro Canyon State Park, takes place in two locations – Palo Duro Canyon and John Stiff Memorial Park. The highlight features hot-air balloon liftoffs (weather permitting).  “This is a truly special event that the City of Amarillo Parks and Recreation Department is excited to help bring back again this year,” said PARD Special Events and Recreation Supervisor Kelsey Sargent. “The hot-air balloons make this a memorable event for all ages and the entire community.”  Here is the three-day schedule of events:  Friday, October 23: Cameras in the Canyon. Palo Duro Canyon – General admission fees apply to non-media. Press and media are invited to take pictures and interview organizers. Please present press badge at the park gate. 6 a.m. – Gates open. 7 a.m. – Balloons launch.  Saturday, October 24: Pirates in the Park. John Stiff Memorial Park – free admission. 5 a.m. – Parking lots open. 7 a.m. – Balloons launch. 8 a.m. – Morning Fun Run/5K. 4:30 p.m. – Food trucks, games, and vendors. 6 p.m. – Trick-or-Treat from hot air balloons. 7 p.m. – The Balloon Glow.  Sunday, October 25: Pirates of the Canyon. Palo Duro Canyon. Entry is one can of food per car. 6 a.m. – Gates open. 7 a.m. – Balloons launch.  For more information, go to: www.amarilloparks.org/programs-events/capture-the-season  For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov.