The City of Amarillo Animal Management and Welfare Department (AAMW) is hosting a special holiday event helping shelter cats and dogs (and the public) celebrate Halloween in style. AAMW’s Howl-O-Ween Enrichment and Treat Walk is set for Friday (October 31) from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the AAMW shelter, 3501 S. Osage St. “AAMW is inviting the community for a festive afternoon of enrichment, treats and volunteer fun,” said AAMW Outreach Manager Katrena Volden. “Sharing treats and time with our shelter animals isn’t just festive, it is a wonderful way to support their health and happiness. Every visit helps ease their stress and gives them the social connection they need to thrive.” The details:• Join the kennel-walk and hand out dog treats, provided by AAMW.• Make toys and treats for AAMW cats and dogs. AAMW also has a donation wish list of: Toilet paper rolls/paper towel rolls Shoe boxes, tissue boxes, cardboard boxes, etc. Old T-shirts, towels, rags, etc. Clean containers (water bottles, jugs, etc.) Treats Toys The AAMW Howl-O-Ween Enrichment and Treat Walk will also be a great opportunity to learn how to get involved as an AAMW volunteer. For more information, call AAMW at 806-378-9032 or by email at animals@amarillo.gov.

A figure that depicts the history and tradition of Amarillo will soon call Amarillo City Hall home. Thanks to the generosity of King and Dianne Hill, a sculpted bust titled the  “Amarillo Cowboy” will adorn the third floor of city hall. The Hills are donating the statue to the city for permanent display. The official unveiling ceremony is set for 2:30 p.m. Tuesday (October 28) outside council chambers on the third floor of city hall, Room 3400. “Amarillo’s rich history has been built upon the strengths and values of our American cowboy,” said Mayor Cole Stanley. “I can think of no better way to honor and reflect Amarillo’s proud heritage than with this generous and thoughtful donation from King and Dianne Hill and the Hill family.” The statue donation is the latest from the Hill family to the city, including a bust of Texas Panhandle legend and Comanche Chief Quanah Parker, which was donated in 2022 and adorns Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport. Both works of art were created by King Hill’s father, Jack King Hill “My wife and I are pleased to share the continued legacy of my father and renowned artist, Jack King Hill, with the citizens of Amarillo and for future generations,” said King Hill. “The ‘Amarillo Cowboy’ bronze statue is a permanent symbol of the grit, determination and perseverance that created our city and celebrates the spirit of rugged individualism for which our area is known.”

The City of Amarillo Municipal Court will be closed Friday (October 24) for staff training. The Online Citation Payment Portal will be available for defendants to make payments. Payments may also be left in the Amarillo Municipal Court night drop box located at the entrance of the Amarillo Police Department. The COA Municipal Court website is: www.amarillo.gov/court For more information contact the COA Municipal Court by email at citycourt@amarillo.gov.

One of the fastest-growing sports in the nation will have a home in Amarillo as Amarillo National Tennis Center (ANTC), in conjunction with the Alex O’Brien Tennis Foundation, officially opens the ANTC Padel Courts with a ribbon cutting event at 11:30 a.m. Sunday (October 19). The public is welcome. Padel is a smaller, fast-paced combination of tennis and squash played on a smaller court with walls in play. “The padel courts are a great addition to the Amarillo National Tennis Center,” said City of Amarillo Director of Parks and Recreation Michael Kashuba. “Padel is really taking off across the country, and as more people play the sport its popularity is sure to grow. The City of Amarillo is grateful to the Alex O’Brien Tennis Foundation for helping make these courts possible for the entire Amarillo community to enjoy.” Following the ribbon cutting event, padel/learn-to-play instruction will be available along with an open house from noon to 4 p.m. The public can also meet new ANTC Head Professional Nina Pulliam.