A sanitary sewer main project is closing a portion of S.E. Fourth Ave. between South Polk Street and South Taylor Street. The project is underway, extending the sewer line from S.E. Fourth Ave. north into the alleyway in the public right-of-way and tying into existing infrastructure. The contractor will install new eight-inch sewer pipe and restore street and alley surfaces. S.E. Fourth Ave. will be closed to through traffic. Vehicles will be permitted to enter if accessing nearby businesses or parking lots. Residents and motorists should be aware of closed intersections and/or alleyways, posted signs related to construction, contractor personnel and equipment in work zones. The contractor will minimize impact to the public as much as possible. Motorists are advised to please heed all traffic signs. The anticipated completion of the project is scheduled for December, weather permitting. For more information or questions concerning this project, please call the City of Amarillo Capital Projects & Development Engineering Department at (806) 378-9334 or email construction@amarillo.gov

After 115 days at the City of Amarillo Animal Management and Welfare Department (AAMW), Flynn, a three-year-old German Shepherd/Husky mix, found a new home thanks to his respect for Molly the Chihuahua. Rachel Melius had her eye on Flynn, periodically checking the animals available for adoption on the AAMW website. “Flynn caught my eye. He kind of grabbed my heart, and I saw him climbing the list as far as longest stay,” Rachel said. Rachel, along with her husband, Danny, decided to see how compatible Flynn would be with her family. Rachel, her teenage son, and Molly, the Melius’ 10-year-old Chihuahua, visited Flynn at the AAMW shelter. If this was a test, Flynn passed with flying colors. “At first, Molly growled at Flynn. He immediately backed off and respected her space,” Rachel said. “I knew then this was our dog. He has been amazing.” In the past two months, Flynn has quickly become a member of the Melius family, which now includes two dogs, two cats and three children. He has helped the family recover from the loss of a beloved dog who was euthanized at the beginning of the year due to age-related issues. “We kind of had a hole to fill after that,” Danny said. “It was great to find Flynn and be able to give him a new home. It was a real easy fit. When we got him, he already knew some commands and was great on a leash. He is respectful and fun to walk.” Flynn’s demeanor quickly made him a member of the family. “One of our cats growls at Flynn, but Flynn does not,” Danny said with a laugh. “They have been great together.” The message from the Melius family is not to worry about adopting a pet that has been at a

Traffic patterns on Georgia Street will be temporarily adjusted beginning Wednesday (October 8) as part of the ongoing Georgia Street Reconstruction Project (GSRP). The southbound lanes of Georgia Street at Stardust Lane will be closed. Southbound traffic will be temporarily rerouted into one of the northbound lanes, which will operate as a southbound lane for approximately 2,000 feet. Normal traffic flow will resume just north of Farmers Avenue. The traffic pattern is expected to remain in place for approximately seven weeks, weather permitting. This latest phase of the GSRP, which began in June, includes the installation of a storm drain west of Georgia Street. Final project completion is scheduled for November 2028. The temporary traffic adjustment is intended to safely route vehicles around the construction zone while minimizing public disruption. Motorists are encouraged to follow all posted signage and exercise caution when traveling through the area.

City of Amarillo Special Advisor Floyd Hartman was presented with the prestigious Beelee Goodwin Public Administrator Award during the 2025 Panhandle Regional Planning Commission (PRPC) Annual Meeting last week at the historic Santa Fe Building Auditorium. Hartman has 30 years of service and experience in local government, including 20 years with the City of Amarillo (COA) in various capacities. He previously announced his upcoming retirement, effective in January. The Beelee Goodwin Public Administrator Award, established in 1992, honors the legacy of the late Beelee K. Goodwin, former City Manager of Friona. Previous winners of the award include the late John Ward, longtime city manager for the City of Amarillo. “This is a tremendous honor, especially when you consider the impressive list of individuals who have won this award in the past,” Hartman said. “It is a privilege to have my name among them and to serve the citizens of Amarillo. This is certainly a highlight of my professional career.” Hartman, Special Advisor to the COA Water and Sewer Utilities team, has long been regarded as an expert on local water issues, not only in Amarillo but across the Texas Panhandle. His extensive career with the city includes roles as assistant city manager and heading the Water Utilities Department and the Capital Projects & Development Engineering Department (CPDE). “This is a well-earned honor for Floyd, whose expertise in water issues has been invaluable to the City of Amarillo for decades,” said COA City Manager Grayson Path. “His guidance and leadership have helped ensure a quality and abundant water source for Amarillo for future generations.” In addition to his many positions with the city through the years, Hartman served as a municipal representative on the Region A Water Planning Group and as Water Utilities representative and chairman of the Region 1 Canadian-Upper