News

In recognition of Veterans Day (Tuesday, November 11) the City of Amarillo (COA) will implement the following holiday service schedule: Residential Collection: Tuesday routes will be serviced on Wednesday (November 12). Commercial Collection: All routes will be serviced on Monday (November 10) and Wednesday (November 12). Curbside Collection: No curbside collection service will be available Tuesday. Brush Sites/Landfill: The City of Amarillo landfill and brush sites will be closed Tuesday. The city wishes to thank all have served in the U.S. military – and for their patriotism, service and sacrifice.

Steven Mosher’s day began as any normal day at the Amarillo Civic Center – bright and early around 7 a.m. It was the morning of October 14, and Mosher, a Building Attendant II at the Amarillo Civic Center (ACC), was preparing the U.S. flag to fly high in front of the ACC when he noticed a young boy walking to the front doors. “He looked lost,” Mosher said. It was at this point that Mosher and his fellow employees Gerald Riddlespurger (Building Attendant I) and ACC Assistant General Manager Christoper Post also spotted the child and realized this was not going to be a normal day. “I can’t say that we have ever had anything happen like this right out of the blue,” said Post, who has been with the City of Amarillo for 18 years. “It was obvious this little boy was not where he was supposed to be,” Riddlespurger said. In what could have been a dangerous situation for the child, the trio dropped what they were doing and brought the child inside the ACC. The child had special needs and was not able to answer questions such as his name, any information related to his parents or how he got to the ACC on a school day. Speaking of a dangerous situation, the child had been walking on Buchanan Street – the busy thoroughfare in front of the ACC. “He had been walking in traffic on Buchanan Street,” Post said. “That is not a good situation.” The child did not appear to be in distress, other than being lost. “We tried talking to him, but he would just repeat what we said,” Post said. “We asked him if he wanted to come in out of the cold and he took my hand and came into the box

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.”