While the immediate response to the Stinky Fire and Hungate Fire has concluded, recovery efforts continue for many individuals and families who were impacted by these devastating events. The Texas Panhandle Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) wants residents to know that assistance remains available for those experiencing unmet needs related to fire damage and recovery. Recovery can be a long process, and many survivors continue to face challenges weeks and months after the disaster. Through a coordinated network of community, faith-based, nonprofit, and governmental partners, Texas Panhandle VOAD is helping connect affected households with available resources and support. Assistance may include: “Many families are still working through the recovery process and may not realize that help is still available,” said Janell Menahem, Chair of Texas Panhandle VOAD. “Our goal is to ensure that no survivor has to navigate recovery alone. If you have unmet needs related to the fires, we encourage you to reach out so we can help identify resources and connect you with available assistance.” Individuals and families affected by the Stinky Fire or Hungate Fire who continue to experience disaster-related needs are encouraged to contact Texas Panhandle VOAD to learn more about available assistance and recovery resources. For more information or to request assistance: Texas Panhandle VOADPhone: 806-316-6204Email: texaspanhandlevoad@gmail.com

Amarillo City Transit (ACT) has scheduled a series of public engagement meetings to allow residents to provide input and feedback to possible modifications to ACT’s fixed-route bus system. “The primary factor in how Amarillo City Transit serves the public and the Amarillo community comes from our residents and those who use public transportation in Amarillo,” said ACT Director Chris Quigley. “ACT values community feedback to help evaluate bus routes in order to best serve our customers.” ACT has scheduled five public meetings to allow residents the opportunity to review proposed routes, ask questions, and share feedback. In addition, residents may submit feedback via an online survey at: https://arcg.is/1rWqni3 Residents may use ACT’s fixed-route service to attend meetings, and complimentary rides will be available after the conclusion of the meetings. For more information, contact ACT at (806) 378-3095 or by email at transitadministrators@amarillo.gov

The Amarillo Civic Center has a unique hoops history – with a new chapter coming. Two members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame played on the basketball court at the Amarillo Civic Center (ACC) – Larry Bird and Maurice Cheeks.From 1969 to 1996, some of the best women’s college basketball programs in the country played on the court as the National Women’s Invitational Tournament (NWIT) was held in Amarillo. Through the years, the ACC hosted many high school playoff basketball games (some of which packed the Cal Farley Coliseum) and has welcomed many popular hoops events, such as the Harlem Globetrotters.  This is some of the history of the ACC basketball court, which has been in use since the facility opened in 1968. After nearly 60 years of use, the historic court needed more than maintenance – it needed a replacement.  Basketball is back as the ACC has a new basketball court. The new court, which is available for public booking, tournaments or a private event, was $166,746. Rather than discarding the original court, ACC staff managed to recoup $20,000 by selling the original court at online auction. The proceeds are additional revenue for the ACC and help offset operational costs. “We are very excited about this new basketball court, which will enhance the many entertainment and athletic opportunities the Amarillo Civic Center Complex can provide to the public,” said ACC Complex General Manager Christopher Post. “It is really a beautiful court.” The original court, due to age and decades of use, was in a worn condition and not acceptable for many regulated sports events. The court had dead spots that would prevent the natural bounce of a basketball. It was also becoming difficult to install the court due to aged bolts which held the court together.  For more information on the ACC Complex, go to: www.amarillociviccenter.com/

The City of Amarillo Animal Management and Welfare Department (AAMW) ) is offering free spay and neuter surgeries for qualifying pets through funding provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services Animal Friendly Grant.  Funding for this grant is limited to qualifying Potter County residents withinAmarillo city limits based on grant requirements established by the Texas Department of State Health Services. The program has a goal of providing free surgeries for cats and dogs through August. Eligibility requirements include residency in Potter County within the Amarillo city limits (proof of residency is required.) A maximum of four pets per household. Pets must be at least three months of age or older. Services are available by appointment only. The grant helps address one of the most common barriers to responsible pet ownership, the cost of veterinary care, while reducing unwanted litters and helping decrease pet overpopulation in the community.  This program is separate from AAMW’s existing voucher program. Through a partnership with the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine, veterinary professionals and students will assist in providing surgeries for eligible pets. Appointments are being scheduled. Appointment availability is limited and will be filled on a first-available basis. Residents interested in participating should contact AAMW to determine eligibility and added to the appointment schedule. To help staff efficiently process requests, residents are asked to use only one method of communication when requesting an appointment. An AAMW staff member will respond to discuss eligibility and scheduling options.  For more information or to determine eligibility, contact AAMW at 806-378-7821 or animals@amarillo.gov. The intake form is available at: https://amarillopard.typeform.com/to/RJmmQRhf