The City of Amarillo has named Ty Vernon director of Animal Management & Welfare (AMW), following his service as assistant director and, most recently, interim director of the department.  Vernon’s appointment follows the retirement of former AMW Director Victoria Medley in March 2026.  Vernon brings 10 years of public service with the City of Amarillo, having held various positions within AMW throughout his career. His experience includes animal welfare operations, animal cruelty investigations, public safety, departmental administration and organizational leadership.  “Ty brings a strong understanding of the department, its employees and the important role Animal Management & Welfare plays in our community,” said Acting City Manager and Chief Operating Officer Andrew Freeman. “His experience across multiple areas of the department, combined with his commitment to public service, provides valuable continuity as AMW moves forward. We are confident in his ability to lead the department and continue strengthening the services it provides to Amarillo residents.”  As director, Vernon will oversee the department’s daily operations, animal welfare services, enforcement activities and continued efforts to promote responsible pet ownership and public safety.  “Having spent the past 10 years serving this community through Animal Management & Welfare, I am grateful for the opportunity to continue that work in this new role,” Vernon said. “I have seen firsthand the dedication of our employees and the challenges and opportunities that come with serving both people and animals. I look forward to working alongside our team, community partners and residents to build on the department’s progress and continue improving the services we provide.”  The City of Amarillo Animal Management & Welfare Department is responsible for animal care and sheltering, animal control and enforcement, and programs supporting the health and safety of residents and animals throughout the community. 

Christopher Post has been named Amarillo Civic Center Complex General Manager.  Post, who has been with the City of Amarillo for 19 years, succeeds Bo Fowlkes, who retired.  Post has served in numerous capacities with the Amarillo Civic Center, including assistant general manager, director of operations and event supervisor.  “I am truly honored and excited to step into the role of general manager for the Amarillo Civic Center Complex,” said Post. “This venue is a cornerstone of our community, and I look forward to building on its strong foundation to enhance our guest experience, strengthen community partnerships and support the growth of events and entertainment in Amarillo.”  Post is an Amarillo native and graduate of Palo Duro High School, Amarillo College and West Texas A&M University.  “My objective is to work toward improvements, both physical and operational, to enhance the guest experience and expand the complex to ensure its ability to serve future generations of our community,” Post said.  For more information on the Amarillo Civic Center Complex, go to: www.amarillociviccenter.com. 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 is making publicly available the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office report regarding its investigation of the May 2026 fire that originated at the City of Amarillo Landfill. The State Fire Marshal’s Office conducted the independent origin and cause investigation at the request of Mayor Cole Stanley. The City obtained the completed report through a public information request and is making the report available in the interest of transparency. After receiving an initial copy of the report in September, the City sought to confirm that it had the version appropriate for public release due to a “SENSITIVE” stamp located on the document. The City subsequently learned that the same report had been released in response to a media public information request and is therefore making it publicly available without further delay. While confirming the version provided, the City also requested clarification of a date discrepancy in Section 1.3 of the report and was advised that a correction had been made. The version being released still references Saturday, May 16, 2026. For clarity, the landfill fire began on Sunday, May 17, 2026, and spread beyond the landfill on Monday, May 18, 2026, as reflected in the report’s synopsis. Because the report was independently prepared by the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office, questions regarding the investigation, methodology, or conclusions contained in the report should be directed to that agency.

 Beginning Friday, October 2, you won’t need a plane ticket to meet someone at the gate at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (RHAIA).  Gateside by TSA (Transportation Security Administration) PreCheck will be available at RHAIA. RHAIA is one of 13 initial airports nationwide to offer Gateside by TSA PreCheck, which allows approved, non-ticketed individuals access to the post-security area.  Eligible TSA PreCheck members can apply for a Gateside pass and once approved, go through security to meet arriving passengers, walk family or friends to their gate, visit someone during a layover or enjoy dining and shopping beyond security.  Apply online one to three days before your planned visit using your Known Traveler Number.  Learn more and apply at: www.tsa.gov/precheck/gateside-tsa-precheck  Gateside by TSA PreCheck is available to people who are eligible to access TSA PreCheck screening, including TSA PreCheck members, certain federal employees and other trusted travelers. Availability may be limited during peak travel periods.  The program is administered and managed entirely by TSA, including the application, eligibility, approval and screening processes.  For questions about program-specific requirements, including eligibility, applications, approvals, identification requirements, and participation limits, contact TSA at tsamedia@tsa.dhs.gov.