News

In response to community concerns, the City of Amarillo (COA) is implementing a flexible plan to address the overpopulation of prairie dogs at John Stiff Memorial Park (JSMP). The plan includes a partnership with the Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (WWWRC). In recent years, the prairie dog colony has grown to an unmanageable level, affecting nearby neighborhoods, park facilities, and other developed areas. In response, COA and WWWRC are working together to relocate prairie dogs to approved host sites. “We have heard the concerns of our community and are committed to protecting the park for everyone who uses it,” said COA Parks and Recreation Director Michael Kashuba. “At the same time, we want to responsibly manage and preserve local wildlife.” COA is thankful to WWWRC for its partnership and support in making relocation the primary solution. This effort allows prairie dogs to be safely moved while helping maintain the safety and usability of the park. Relocation efforts will focus on keeping prairie dogs out of developed areas such as roads, facilities and nearby residential zones. After the prairie dogs are relocated, their burrows will be treated and filled with dirt to safely restore the area for public use. Burrowing owls will continue to be protected in accordance with applicable federal laws to ensure their conservation.

Amarillo City Transit (ACT) will launch a new mobile application on March 30 to help ACT-Connect paratransit riders more easily schedule and manage trips. The Spare mobile app will provide eligible riders with a convenient way to schedule rides, view upcoming trips, receive real-time updates and manage or cancel trips directly from their smartphone. ACT-Connect is ACT’s paratransit service for individuals whose disabilities prevent them from using fixed-route bus service. The new app is designed to improve accessibility, convenience and overall rider experience. “To better serve our riders, we are always looking for ways to make our services easier to use and more accessible,” said ACT Director Chris Quigley. “The Spare app gives ACT-Connect riders more flexibility and real-time information when managing their trips.” To support riders during the transition, ACT will host in-person training sessions. Staff will demonstrate how to use the app and answer questions. The training sessions areMarch 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and March 26 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. All sessions will be at the Multimodal Transfer Station, 509, S. Bowie St. ACT-Connect riders may schedule complimentary rides to attend the sessions by calling 806-378-3095. Riders who prefer to schedule trips by phone may continue to do so. The Spare app is being introduced as an additional option to make trip management more convenient. For more information about ACT-Connect services and the Spare app, visit: www.amarillo.gov/amarillo-city-transit/act-connect 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.

Traffic patterns on S.W. 45th Ave will temporarily change beginning Wednesday (March 18) as part of a street maintenance project. The westbound lanes of S.W. 45th Ave will be closed between S. Georgia Street to the I-27 Highway. All traffic will be shifted to the south in two-lane traffic. The temporary closure will allow for the milling of the existing surface and the placement of a new roadway surface of asphalt. 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. For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov

For the past two decades, visitors of the Amarillo Zoo have been thrilled to meet one of the more iconic residents in zoo history – Sarai, a female African lion who quickly became a community favorite upon arriving in Amarillo in 2006. In addition to her stature as queen of the jungle, Sarai endeared herself to zoo staff and visitors with her endearing personality and her ability to consume mass amounts of steak. In 2012 at the age of six, Sarai demolished the 72-ounce Big Texan steak challenge, devouring the steak in 80 seconds. She bested the previous record holder, a travelling circus tiger who visited Amarillo in 1999. Sarai died of natural causes Thursday at the age of 20. Sarai was one of the oldest African lions under human care in the United States. With a typical life expectancy of 10-12 years without human interference, and 15-18 years in zoological settings, Sarai had a tough spirit and strong will, reaching her advanced age with the help of zoo staff and a devoted veterinarian. Sarai called Amarillo home along with her siblings. Solomon, a male lion, passed away in June 2025. Her sister, Sheba, remains at the zoo.  “Sarai and her siblings joined us in 2006 after spending their early days in a wildlife sanctuary,” said City of Amarillo Director of Parks and Recreation Michael Kashuba. “Our lions are older than most of our lifeguards. Sarai’s longevity was a testament to the love and care she received daily from zoo staff.” Zoo visitors are encouraged to share stories and photos of Sarai on social media to honor her memory and the indelible mark she left on the zoo community. 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 City Council has approved a resolution authorizing the acceptance of donations for the construction and placement of a Ten Commandments monument on the grounds of City Hall. The resolution recognizes that the Ten Commandments, as found in the Bible, as an important component of the legal and historical foundation of the laws and legal system of the United States, the State of Texas, and the City of Amarillo. The council further noted that courts across the United States and in various states have frequently cited the Ten Commandments in published judicial decisions. Additionally, numerous public buildings and public spaces throughout the nation display monuments or depictions of the Ten Commandments, including the grounds of the Texas State Capitol. The city council expressed that, in order for citizens to understand and appreciate the foundational principles of the American system of government, it is important to recognize the Ten Commandments as one of many sources influencing the development of modern law. The placement of a monument on city hall grounds is intended to acknowledge this historical and legal influence. The resolution authorizes: Council also noted that the corridors and grounds of city hall currently contain, and may in the future contain, other monuments and items of historical significance. The city has retained First Liberty Institute, which will represent the city for free, if there are any legal challenges to the installation of the monument.  First Liberty Institute has successfully litigated two United States Supreme Court cases governing the law regarding such monuments.