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When you have mobility issues, taking a trip to the grocery store or the doctor’s office can be an ordeal. For the past eight years, Pat Scott has been helping make sure Amarillo residents who cannot use traditional Amarillo City Transit (ACT) transportation due to mobility issues have a way to get around the city. Scott is a Dispatcher/Route Supervisor for ACT Demand Response. Scott coordinates transportation service through ACT-Connect, which is ACT’s paratransit service. The service provides public transportation for certified riders who are unable to use fixed-route bus service due to a disability. The service focuses on reliability, accessibility and helping riders connect to their day-to-day destinations throughout Amarillo. “This is a very fulfilling job,” said Scott, who has been with ACT for 26 years in various positions, including as a driver. “You feel great about providing this service because it is a little more than helping people get from Point A to Point B. “Some people may be in a wheelchair or use a walker. Anyone who has a disability and cannot use traditional bus service can use this service.” For Scott, the fulfillment comes from knowing he is making a difference in someone’s life. “A lot of people do not know about this service, and when they find out they get really excited,” Scott said. “You can feel their stress being gone because they don’t have to worry about transportation.” Scott coordinates 250-260 trips a day and 60-70 trips on Saturdays. ACT has eight vans equipped to transport residents in wheelchairs, etc. “We can provide transportation anywhere,” Scott said. “Many of our trips are to places like Walmart or United, and we have a lot of trips for dialysis.” Scott, 67, a former truck driver, plans on working for years to come. He has been married

In recognition of those who serve and protect America, Amarillo City Transit (ACT) is providing free transportation to veterans on Veterans Day (November 11).  Veterans may ride both fixed-route buses and ACT-Connect free of charge. To receive free transportation, veterans simply need to show proof of military service when boarding or using the service.  “It is a privilege to provide free transportation to those who have served our country and sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms,” said ACT Director Christopher Quigley.  ACT and the City of Amarillo are proud to recognize the men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces and thanks them for their service and dedication.  For more information on ACT, including route information, go to: www.amarillo.gov/amarillo-city-transit/  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. 

City council appointed Rodney Rhoades as interim city manager during its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday (October 27). Rhoades brings nearly 36 years of public sector experience to Amarillo, including executive leadership positions in municipal government, county administration and regional utility operations throughout Texas. The appointment follows council’s decision to engage Strategic Government Resources (SGR), a firm specializing in local government executive recruitment and interim management services, to assist in identifying an experienced leader to guide the organization during its transition to a permanent city manager. Rhoades previously served as executive director and general manager of the North Texas Municipal Water District, where he oversaw water, wastewater and solid waste operations serving communities across North Texas. His experience also includes serving as chief financial officer for the City of McKinney, county executive for Travis County and director of operations and administration for Collin County. Following his retirement from the North Texas Municipal Water District, Rhoades established Rhoades Public Solutions, a consulting firm providing operational, financial and strategic guidance to public sector organizations. Through that work, he has assisted numerous local governments with organizational guidance, financial analysis and strategic planning. “I’m excited to work alongside Mr. Rhoades and look forward to the city moving forward under strong leadership,” said Mayor Cole Stanley. Rhoades said his approach to the interim assignment will emphasize supporting city employees while advancing city council’s priorities. “I recognize that this period of transition may bring some uncertainty, especially among staff,” Rhoades said. “My focus will be to provide calm, consistent, and accessible leadership while maintaining momentum on council’s priorities.” Rhoades will oversee the city’s day-to-day operations and work alongside the city council and department leadership to maintain essential services, advance organizational priorities and support the transition to permanent executive leadership. The appointment follows the September resignation of former

 The City of Amarillo (COA) Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is celebrating the birthday of the late Panhandle and Amarillo legend Bones Hooks and his dedication to the North Heights neighborhood and the City of Amarillo with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.  PARD is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Bones Hooks Park, located at 2000 N. Hughes, on Tuesday (November 3) beginning at 12:30 p.m. The public is welcome to celebrate the latest art installment honoring Hooks and his legacy.  Local artist Michael Toombs-Reed created a four panels art display using acrylic and spray paint. The artwork is titled “The Legacy of Hooks.”  Each panel is unique and displays Hooks and his love for horses and honors the man who served the North Heights community.  This will be the third installment of PARD’s Outdoor Gallery series. The first two are located at Sam Houston Park and El Alamo Park, displaying the artwork of Matt McUne, Mike Lafleur and RaeLa Ornelas, respectively.  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 has named Ty Vernon director of Animal Management & Welfare (AMW), following his service as assistant director and, most recently, interim director of the department.  Vernon’s appointment follows the retirement of former AMW Director Victoria Medley in March 2026.  Vernon brings 10 years of public service with the City of Amarillo, having held various positions within AMW throughout his career. His experience includes animal welfare operations, animal cruelty investigations, public safety, departmental administration and organizational leadership.  “Ty brings a strong understanding of the department, its employees and the important role Animal Management & Welfare plays in our community,” said Acting City Manager and Chief Operating Officer Andrew Freeman. “His experience across multiple areas of the department, combined with his commitment to public service, provides valuable continuity as AMW moves forward. We are confident in his ability to lead the department and continue strengthening the services it provides to Amarillo residents.”  As director, Vernon will oversee the department’s daily operations, animal welfare services, enforcement activities and continued efforts to promote responsible pet ownership and public safety.  “Having spent the past 10 years serving this community through Animal Management & Welfare, I am grateful for the opportunity to continue that work in this new role,” Vernon said. “I have seen firsthand the dedication of our employees and the challenges and opportunities that come with serving both people and animals. I look forward to working alongside our team, community partners and residents to build on the department’s progress and continue improving the services we provide.”  The City of Amarillo Animal Management & Welfare Department is responsible for animal care and sheltering, animal control and enforcement, and programs supporting the health and safety of residents and animals throughout the community.