A portion of S.E. Third Ave. between Grand Street and Eastern Street will be briefly closed for a repair project due to a water main break.  The water break main occurred Thursday and is being repaired. No customers are without water service. The water main break has required repairs to a portion of the roadway and the temporary closure of the roadway. It is estimated the road repair project will be complete by late next week, if not sooner. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes while the road is being repaired. For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov. ###

A small number of sick wild geese in the area have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza A. To minimize the risk of exposure, residents are advised to avoid handling dead, sick, or injured birds. If such birds are observed, contact Amarillo Animal Management & Welfare at 806-378-9032 for assistance.  Although human transmission of avian influenza is rare, potential symptoms include cough, fever, sore throat, and conjunctivitis, as well as severe illness requiring hospitalization in some cases.  Impact on Dairy Cows and Milk Supply Avian influenza has also affected some dairy cows, but milk sold in grocery stores remains safe to consume.  Seasonal Influenza and COVID-19 Precautions With respiratory illness season in full swing, Amarillo Public Health (APH) encourages residents to receive their annual influenza vaccination. While the vaccine does not protect against avian influenza, it helps guard against circulating seasonal influenza strains.  APH also recommends healthcare providers test symptomatic patients for both influenza and COVID-19. Providers are urged to serotype all patients who test positive for influenza A. For questions about serotyping or for sample processing assistance, please call 806-378-6321 or 806-680-8980.  Todd Bell, MD Amarillo Public Health Authority  For additional inquiries about this public health advisory, please call Amarillo Public Health at 806-378-6321. 

Following the direction of city council, the City of Amarillo (COA) is considering a proposal to honor the late John Ward, a former city manager from 1983 to 2005 who died in March at 70. Council has discussed in previous council meetings the proposal, which includes renaming either Medical Center Park or the Comanche Trail Golf Complex in honor of Ward. “John Ward served the City of Amarillo with distinction for decades, and made a lasting legacy with his contributions to the community,” said COA Director of Parks and Recreation Michael Kashuba. “While no final decisions have been made, the city wants to follow the council’s lead of recognizing individuals who have significantly impacted the community.” Residents are invited to participate in discussions regarding this proposal. Two public hearings are scheduled in January: ●The COA Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) board meeting. 1 p.m., Jan. 15 at the PARD offices, 509 S. Johnson. ●City council meeting, 3 p.m., Jan. 28 at city hall. “The City of Amarillo values community engagement and encourages all residents to attend these sessions to voice their opinions,” Kashuba said. For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov. in Honor of John Ward Public Hearings Scheduled for January Following the direction of city council, the City of Amarillo (COA) is considering a proposal to honor the late John Ward, a former city manager from 1983 to 2005 who died in March at 70. Council has discussed in previous council meetings the proposal, which includes renaming either Medical Center Park or the Comanche Trail Golf Complex in honor of Ward. “John Ward served the City of Amarillo with distinction for decades, and made a lasting legacy with his contributions to the community,” said COA Director of

AMARILLO – The City of Amarillo (COA) has released a holiday schedule for the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s Day. COA wishes the Amarillo community a happy holiday season. For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at (806) 378-5219 or by email at David.Henry@amarillo.gov ###