News

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

Traffic patterns on S.W. 45th Ave. will be temporarily adjusted beginning Wednesday (April 8) as part of a continuing City of Amarillo street maintenance project. The eastbound lanes will be closed and traffic shifted to the north in two-lane traffic.The traffic control will be in place between South Soncy Road and South Coulter Street. This change to the traffic pattern will last seven days. The temporary closure is to 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.

The City of Amarillo (COA) Animal Management and Welfare Department (AAMW) is partnering with the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine and several local/national partners to facilitate a community-wide free pet vaccine clinic. The clinic is Saturday (April 11) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pavilion at the Santa Fe Depot, 401 S. Grant St. No registration is required. The clinic is first-come, first-served and available while supplies last. “Every pet deserves the opportunity to live a healthy life,” said AAMW Outreach Manager Kali Dennis. “By reducing barriers to care, we can support pet owners in giving their animals the protection they need and deserve. “We are grateful to our event sponsors for their support in covering the cost of vaccines and microchips, and to our community partners for their collaboration and volunteer efforts that help make these free services possible.” Available vaccines: Rabies (dogs/cats); DAPP (dogs); HCP (cats) and microchips (dogs/cats). The clinic is open to Amarillo residents only. Dogs must be on a leash, and cats must be in a carrier. The free clinic is made possible thanks to partners which helped fund and support the event: National nonprofit organization Petco Love, Central Bark Amarillo, Street Toyota, Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine and the Bissell Pet Foundation and the Dave and Cheryl Duffield Foundation. For more information, contact AAMW at (806) 378-9032 or by email at animals@amarillo.gov

Traffic patterns on S.W. 45th Ave. will be temporarily adjusted beginning Saturday (April 4) as part of a City of Amarillo street maintenance project. The westbound lanes will be closed and traffic shifted to the south in two-lane traffic. The traffic control will be located between South Western Street and Interstate 27. This change to the traffic pattern will last through the following week. The temporary closure is to 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.