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Animal Management & Welfare (AMW) is excited to announce a special Graduation Adoption Event taking place May 21-23. The event is designed to help some of the shelter’s longest-resident animals “graduate” from shelter life into loving forever homes. During the three-day event, all animals that have been in the shelter’s care for 50 days or more will be available for adoption at 50% off standard adoption fees. Currently, 22 long-stay animals are waiting for a second chance, and this initiative aims to spotlight them and connect them with families ready to welcome a new pet. Adding to the fun, the shelter is offering “Diploma Discounts” for students of all ages. Community members are encouraged to bring a recent report card or diploma, with additional adoption fee discounts based on academic performance. Students with straight A’s can receive up to an additional $20 off their adoption fee. “Our long-stay animals have been waiting patiently for an opportunity to find a home,” said Kali Dennis, Outreach Manager at AMW. “We want to give them the recognition they deserve as they ‘graduate’ into the next chapter of their lives.” With the arrival of summer, now is an ideal time to adopt. Families often have more flexibility in their schedules, allowing for a smoother transition and more time to bond with a new pet. All adopted animals will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and ready to go home with their new families. The community is encouraged to attend, meet these deserving animals and help give them the fresh start they’ve been waiting for.

Since 2020, the City of Amarillo Animal Management and Welfare Department (AAMW) has offered a quick and convenient way for residents to help animals – the AAMW Pet Pantry. The AAMW Pet Pantry is located at the AAMW shelter (3501 S. Osage St.). The pantry, which includes shelves for free pet food and pet supplies, is made possible thanks to the generosity of the Amarillo community and several sponsors who have contributed resources. “The AAMW Pet Pantry helps support citizens in caring for their pets, with the aim of preventing shelter surrenders based on financial hardship,” said AAMW Outreach Manager Kali Dennis. “Most of our recipients are folks who truly care about their pets and want to be responsible pet owners, so we want to do everything to keep these animals in their homes with the people who love them. Diverting shelter surrenders saves space in the shelter, saves taxpayer dollars and ultimately saves lives.” So far this year, the AAMW Pet Pantry has distributed 1,323 bags of dog food and 482 bags of cat food – helping 537 citizens care for their animals. The AAMW Pet Pantry exists because of donations – financial and directly in terms of pet food/supplies. Those wishing to help can bring monetary or pet item donations to the shelter during business hours (Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) AAMW also has an Amazon wish list for pets. For all the information and current AAMW needs, go to: amw.amarillo.gov/adoption-and-resources/how-can-i-help/donations Through the years, donors to the AAMW Pet Pantry include Chewy, Greg Lair Automotives, Amarillo Collegiate Academy (first grade class), Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and generous donations from citizens. Citizens needing assistance from the pantry can come to the counter at the Intake Office and a staff member will help. Availability is

In observance of Memorial Day (May 25), City of Amarillo (COA) offices will be closed Monday (May 25). The COA service schedule for the week of Memorial Day: The schedule for Solid Waste services: Ross Rogers and Comanche Trail Golf Complexes will have normal hours of operation.

The City of Amarillo (COA) Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is issuing a call for artists. PARD is partnering with the National Fitness Campaign (NFC) to install a Fitness Court in John Ward Memorial Park, 1100 Wallace Boulevard. As part of this project, COA is looking for digital artwork to be featured on the Fitness Court’s multipurpose training wall. “We are excited about this partnership with the National Fitness Campaign,” said PARD Beautification and Public Arts Coordinator Cindy Perez. “The Fitness Court will be a great addition to the park, and we will also be able to showcase great Amarillo art.” PARD will be responsible for the cost of printing and installing the artwork and will require the local artist to attend the ribbon cutting and launch celebration when the Fitness Court opens to the public later this summer. Day and time will be announced. Eligible applicants must live in Amarillo and be at least 14 years old. To see design criteria and requirements, please go to: www.amarillo.gov/city-initiatives/mural-grant-project/ The deadline for submissions is May 8 at 5 p.m. Submissions must be sent to cindy.perez@amarillo.gov To learn more about the Fitness Court, go to: www.nationalfitnesscampaign.com/fitness-court To see examples of past public art on the Fitness Courts, visit: nationalfitnesscampaign.com/local-artists For additional information, contact Cindy Perez at: cindy.perez@amarillo.gov

When Jimmy Johnson walked into the Amarillo Police Department in 1988, it wasn’t with rank, title, or fanfare – just a job as a jailer and a willingness to serve. He never left. Thirty-eight years later, Johnson retires as one of the most experienced and respected law enforcement leaders in the Texas Panhandle, having risen through every rank of the Amarillo Police Department to serve as Assistant Chief and Interim Chief of Police. His last day of service with APD will be April 30. “I didn’t come here chasing position or rank, I just wanted to do the job well,” said Johnson. “If you take care of people and stay focused on the mission, everything else has a way of working out.” Johnson attended the police academy in 1989 and began what would become a career defined by steady leadership, deep institutional knowledge and a commitment to both officers and community. He was promoted to corporal in 1995, sergeant in 2007, lieutenant in 2011, captain in 2016, and assistant chief in 2020. In February 2025, city leadership appointed him Interim Chief of Police, placing him in charge of a department of nearly 400 sworn officers and professional staff and a $60 million annual budget. But long before command staff meetings and citywide initiatives, Johnson learned Amarillo one call at a time. He spent eight years on evening patrol and three years on day shift patrol. He worked in the Community Oriented Policing and Problem-Solving Unit, served as a Detective Sergeant in the Burglary/Theft Squad, and held leadership roles as Patrol Sergeant, Patrol Shift Commander, and Unit Leader in the Criminal Investigations Division. As a captain, he led both the Training and Personnel Division and the Patrol Division, shaping how new officers entered the profession and how experienced officers grew within