News

The City of Amarillo has named three finalists for the next chief of the Amarillo Police Department. The finalists are (listed alphabetically by last name) Thomas Hover, Jimmy Johnson and Greg Stevens. (Brief bios are included). The candidates were selected after an extensive national search led by Public Sector Search & Consulting, the only recruiting firm in the United States that focuses solely on police executive recruitment. City leaders adopted a search process which included a heavy emphasis on public feedback and input as far as the attributes the Amarillo community values in its chief of police. The process included: COA is inviting the public to meet the finalists at a Community Open House/Meet the Finalists event on December 4 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Room 3400 (council chambers) at city hall. Meet the Finalists Thomas HoverAssistant Chief Thomas Hover has over 25 years of progressive experience with the Irving Police Department, currently overseeing field operations and specialized bureaus. He has led critical initiatives in community policing, officer wellness and crisis intervention and has served as incident commander during major public events and emergencies. Hover is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas Leadership Command College. He is recognized for strategic leadership that balances data-driven policing with meaningful community engagement. Jimmy JohnsonInterim APD Chief Jimmy Johnson has more than 37 years of experience in municipal law enforcement, serving in a wide range of operational and command roles. His leadership has focused on community engagement, professional standards and evidence-based policing. Johnson has been instrumental in developing officer mentorship programs, improving recruitment processes, and implementing accountability systems to enhance performance and public trust. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and holds a Master Peace Officer License. Greg StevensExecutive Director

In what is becoming a Christmas tradition for Amarillo golfers, “Explore the Four” is back. Explore the Four is a unique and thoughtful stocking stuffer – a pass allowing golfers to play one round on each of the four City of Amarillo (COA) municipal courses for a discounted price on green fees and carts. COA has award-winning municipal golf complexes, Ross Rogers and Comanche Trail.  Comanche Trail includes the Arrowhead and Tomahawk courses. Ross Rogers includes the Mustang and WildHorse courses. Explore the Four passes can be purchased from either golf complex from November 28 to December 31. Explore the Four passes are $130 and valid through December 31, 2026. For more information contact COA General Manager of Golf Operations George Priolo at (806) 378-3086 or by email at george.priolo@amarillo.gov.

Amarillo City Transit (ACT) is providing opportunities for the community to provide integral feedback to public transportation in the city with the Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan. The plan is focused on expanding and improving mobility options for seniors, individuals with disabilities and people with lower income. “What is of the ultimate importance for ACT is what the community needs as far as public transportation,” said ACT Director Chris Quigley. “As ACT continues to focus on seniors, people with disabilities and those with lower income levels, we want to provide as many convenient opportunities as possible for the public to help guide our public transportation plans.” ACT is offering an online community survey at: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/ecdda4d83e7d4ad2b77c5d8bf16788c1 In addition, ACT has scheduled two public engagement meetings (at the ACT Multimodal Terminal, 509 S. Bowie St.): Free transportation to the public meetings is available. For more information call 806-378-6844.

The pattern of traffic on Georgia Street will temporarily change beginning Tuesday (November 11) as part of the Georgia Street Reconstruction Project. Two-way traffic will be maintained. Traffic will be shifted to temporary asphalt paving west of the existing roadway from Stardust Lane to the north side of Farmers Avenue. The closure and detour are expected to remain for approximately 11 months, weather permitting. These parts of the project are Phase 1B and Phase 5A, which include installing a storm drain and the permanent concrete pavement on the east side of Georgia Street. The project began in June. Final project completion is scheduled for November 2028. The detour is designed to divert traffic around the construction zone while minimizing disruption to the public. Motorists are urged to follow all posted traffic signs and use caution in the area.

As cold weather approaches, the City of Amarillo (COA) and community partners are working together to ensure individuals experiencing homelessness have access to safe shelter, warm spaces during the day, transportation and support services. Here is information on shelter operations within the city: Daytime warming centers The PARC, 413 S.W. Sixth Ave. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guyon Saunders Resource Center, 200 S. Tyler St. 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday through Friday. Faith City Mission Day Room, 600 N. Tyler St. 5:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Amarillo Public Library – Downtown, 413 S.E. Fourth Ave. Regular library hours. (All APL locations are closed on city holidays). Nighttime shelters Transformation Park Safe Space, 1501 S.W. Fifth Ave. Open 24 hours a day. Capacity: 75 individuals. Salvation Army, 400 S. Harrison St. 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on nights below 32 degrees. Faith City Mission, 600 N. Tyler St. Evening shelter opens at 6 p.m. Code Blue Warming Station, 207 N. Tyler St. 7 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Activated at 18 degrees wind chill or below. To receive alerts, text (806) 414-2243. Transportation When temperatures drop below 32 degrees, Amarillo City Transit (ACT) provides free transportation from the nearest bus stop to shelters between 6:20 a.m. and 6:25 p.m. If the wind chill reaches 18 degrees or below, additional support is activated: The City of Amarillo’s Coming Home Program will conduct outreach from 6 p.m. to midnight. Outreach teams will check on individuals outdoors, provide cold-weather supplies and transport individuals to shelters or warming stations. Individuals needing assistance can call or text the Coming Home Team at (806) 690-5477. In addition, shelters report ongoing needs for blankets, gloves, socks and cold-weather gear. Those wishing to donate can contact Transformation Park, Salvation Army, Faith City Mission or the Coming Home Program