For the first time in more than a decade, hot air balloons will fill the Amarillo sky as the City of Amarillo Parks and Recreation Department (along with Pirates of the Canyon) provides “Pirates of the Park.” The unique and free to the public two-part event will feature 25 hot air balloons taking off from John Stiff Memorial Park on October 25 beginning at 7 a.m. Parking lots to watch the takeoff open at 5 a.m. Evening festivities include trick-or-treating for kids from the hot air balloons beginning at 6 p.m. and a Balloon Glow event at 7 p.m. “Pirates of the Park brings back a fun and exciting event for the Amarillo community,” said City of Amarillo Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation (PARD) Becki Dryer. “This is a unique two-part event that residents can enjoy throughout the day.” Pirates of the Park includes: For more information, go to: www.amarilloparks.org/programs-events/capture-the-season

The City of Amarillo will welcome the beginning of its newest fire station – Fire Station 14 – with a groundbreaking event scheduled for Tuesday (October 14) at 11 a.m. The public is welcome. The new $7.3 million station, approved by city council in July, will be located in northwest Amarillo at 810 Quail Creek Drive. The two-story facility will consist of nearly 19,000 square feet and will include training space for all of the Amarillo Fire Department (AFD). Construction is estimated at 13-14 months, depending on weather conditions. To see all AFD fire stations, go to: fire.amarillo.gov/stations/

A sanitary sewer main project is closing a portion of S.E. Fourth Ave. between South Polk Street and South Taylor Street. The project is underway, extending the sewer line from S.E. Fourth Ave. north into the alleyway in the public right-of-way and tying into existing infrastructure. The contractor will install new eight-inch sewer pipe and restore street and alley surfaces. S.E. Fourth Ave. will be closed to through traffic. Vehicles will be permitted to enter if accessing nearby businesses or parking lots. Residents and motorists should be aware of closed intersections and/or alleyways, posted signs related to construction, contractor personnel and equipment in work zones. The contractor will minimize impact to the public as much as possible. Motorists are advised to please heed all traffic signs. The anticipated completion of the project is scheduled for December, weather permitting. For more information or questions concerning this project, please call the City of Amarillo Capital Projects & Development Engineering Department at (806) 378-9334 or email construction@amarillo.gov

After 115 days at the City of Amarillo Animal Management and Welfare Department (AAMW), Flynn, a three-year-old German Shepherd/Husky mix, found a new home thanks to his respect for Molly the Chihuahua. Rachel Melius had her eye on Flynn, periodically checking the animals available for adoption on the AAMW website. “Flynn caught my eye. He kind of grabbed my heart, and I saw him climbing the list as far as longest stay,” Rachel said. Rachel, along with her husband, Danny, decided to see how compatible Flynn would be with her family. Rachel, her teenage son, and Molly, the Melius’ 10-year-old Chihuahua, visited Flynn at the AAMW shelter. If this was a test, Flynn passed with flying colors. “At first, Molly growled at Flynn. He immediately backed off and respected her space,” Rachel said. “I knew then this was our dog. He has been amazing.” In the past two months, Flynn has quickly become a member of the Melius family, which now includes two dogs, two cats and three children. He has helped the family recover from the loss of a beloved dog who was euthanized at the beginning of the year due to age-related issues. “We kind of had a hole to fill after that,” Danny said. “It was great to find Flynn and be able to give him a new home. It was a real easy fit. When we got him, he already knew some commands and was great on a leash. He is respectful and fun to walk.” Flynn’s demeanor quickly made him a member of the family. “One of our cats growls at Flynn, but Flynn does not,” Danny said with a laugh. “They have been great together.” The message from the Melius family is not to worry about adopting a pet that has been at a