News

Emma, the City of Amarillo’s first digital assistant, has been on the job for about three months, making her debut last December as the digital face of the City of Amarillo (COA) website. During this time, Emma has been peppered with more than 16,400 questions, ranging from everything from how to pay a water bill to how to resolve a traffic citation. However, the Amarillo community may want to know – what is the weirdest question Emma has been asked? Just ask Emma – she’ll tell you. “Oh, I’ve been asked all sorts of quirky questions,” Emma replied. “One time someone asked if I could do a digital cartwheel. If only, right?” Digital cartwheels aside, the Amarillo community has put Emma to work. And she is responding. The majority of questions for Emma are about PayAMA (the city’s online payment portal for the Utility Billing Department) to trash pickup, including bulky item pickup and residential dumpsters. For example, Emma can tell residents that trash pickup in Amarillo is twice a week (depending on holidays and weather conditions) and that specific information on trash pickup schedules is available by calling the COA Solid Waste Department at (806) 378-6813. However, Emma cannot tell individual residents the amount of their respective water bills. “Emma’s training and programming comes exclusively from data and information available on the City of Amarillo website and city resources – information that is publicly accessible,” said COA Assistant City Manager and Chief Information Officer Rich Gagnon. “Emma can, however, direct residents who need specific information to the right department or city staff so they can obtain the information they need.” Emma uses both text and speech to interact with residents. She is also bilingual and can converse in English and Spanish with the capabilities to add additional languages to reflect Amarillo’s diverse community. Want to know more about Emma? For an introductory COA video go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYR_XRUmELw Residents are also welcome to ask Emma

In order to continue to keep the Amarillo community informed regarding water quality, new water quality data for the City of Amarillo (COA) is available online on the COA website. COA is committed to providing the public with timely, relevant and informative water quality data that meets or exceeds all state and federal reporting standards. This data includes stringent water testing procedures for a variety of substances, including fluoride, chloride and lead. By providing this vital data to the public, the city is helping to ensure to the public the superior quality of the Amarillo water supply. For water data from the Osage Water Treatment Plant, go to:  www.amarillo.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Water-Quality-Annual-Average-2021-24.pdf In addition, the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for 2023 is available at: www.amarillo.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2023-CCR-Community-Water.pdf The COA water system has received a Superior Rating with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, meeting all state and federal drinking water standards in 2023. The 2024 CCR will be available to the public by June 1. For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov. ###

There is no need to toss that old but cherished lamp that sometimes fails to light up the room. Here’s a bright idea: That lamp may can be repaired to shine again. The City of Amarillo (COA) Repair Cafe is back, providing free repair service for all kinds of items – from lamps to lawnmowers, clothes to computers and from bicycles to bookshelves. “Repair Cafe is a unique and fun event that the City of Amarillo provides to residents,” said COA Senior Services Coordinator for the Parks and Recreation Department Kari Bachman. “If you have an item that is broken or not working properly, come to the Repair Cafe and see if it can be fixed to work as good as new. “Repair Cafe is a fun, community-focused event centered on sustainability and sharing knowledge. It’s a great way to meet your neighbors, learn new skills and keep your belongings out of the landfill.” The Repair Cafe is set for Sunday (March 9) from noon to 4 p.m. at the Warford Activity Center, 1330 N.W. 18th Ave. Repair Cafe features volunteer fixers and participants can learn simple repair skills. What to bring: Each family is welcome to bring one item for repair. If time allows, additional items may be accommodated. Participants must stay with their items during the repair process – this is a hands-on experience to learn alongside volunteer fixers. Registration is not required. For more information contact Kari Bachman at (806) 678-8359. Also 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 the early morning hours of January 26, a total of 21 calls were made in a matter of minutes to the Amarillo Emergency Communications Center (AECC), which handles all 911 calls within the City of Amarillo. Something was wrong. And Amarillo needed help. “There are many entities and individuals that respond in times of emergency in Amarillo – from police, law enforcement and fire personnel to the doctors and staff at our local hospitals,” said Max Dunlap, Director of Emergency Management for the Amarillo Area Office of Emergency Management. “The cohesion, communication and cooperation between all of these agencies, groups and people help keep Amarillo a safe community.” The tragic event of January 26 is an example of how Amarillo responds in times of crisis. Around 2 a.m. on January 26, a fatal shooting occurred in downtown Amarillo outside a nightclub on Polk Street. One person was killed and eight were injured. Two suspects, who were apprehended shortly after leaving the shooting location, were indicted for the shooting in Potter County earlier this month. The flurry of 911 calls was the first step in the response process as multiple agencies and entities were involved. The response by law enforcement and emergency personnel is an example of how several entities with distinct and valuable responsibilities and skills work together to keep the Amarillo community safe. For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov ###

Amarillo Public Health (APH) is helping residents with valuable information and tips regarding the measles virus. As of Wednesday (February 26), there are no reported measles cases in Potter or Randall counties. Cases of measles have been reported in the Texas Panhandle and South Plains.  “Prevention and preparation against the measles virus are crucial in helping the community,” said APH Director Casie Stoughton. “Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus, which can cause life-threatening illness to anyone not protected. Vaccination is the best protection against measles.” APH does provide measles vaccinations. Measles can be transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious in the air up to two hours. Symptoms appear seven to 21 days after contact and may include: A person is contagious about four days before the rash appears to four days after the appearance. People who could have measles should stay home during this period. People who think they have measles or may have been exposed to measles should isolate themselves and call their healthcare provider before arriving to be tested. The best way to prevent getting sick is to be immunized with two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, which is primarily administered as the combination measles-mumps-rubella or MMR vaccine. The Texas Department of State Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend children receive one dose of MMR at 12 to 15 months of age and another at four to six years. APH is providing measles information and FAQs at: www.amarillo.gov/public-health/ For more information on the MMR vaccine call APH at 806-378-6342. For more information on measles call APH at 806-378-6321. Also for more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov. ###