City of Amarillo Facilities Closed for January 10
AMARILLO – Due to the ongoing inclement weather in the surrounding area, City of Amarillo facilities will be closed Friday, January 10. Essential services such as fire/police and street/road crews will remain in operation. Sanding operations will include overpasses, arterial intersections and downtown streets identified in the Snow and Ice Control Plan. For information on City of Amarillo weather readiness, go to: For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov.
City Facilites to Close at Noon Today
Due to the ongoing snow event, all city facilities will close at noon today (Thursday). Essential services such as fire/police and street/road crews will remain in operation. Sanding operations will include overpasses, arterial intersections and downtown streets identified in the Snow and Ice Control Plan. For information on City of Amarillo weather readiness, go to: https://www.amarillo.gov/oem/weather-readiness/ Updates will be provided Friday morning. For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov.
BIG Program: Old Tascosa Brewing Company
Matt and Amy Welch, owners of Old Tascosa Brewing Company, wanted a sign that would reflect the history of their unique brewery and the spirit of Route 66, while also capturing the attention of customers passing by arguably the most famous roadway in America. Thanks to the City of Amarillo (COA) Business Improvement Grant Program (BIG Program) and the inspiration of their very own “Honey Blonde,” the veteran-owned Old Tascosa Brewing Company has a sign that has quickly lit up Amarillo. “I have had people tell me it is not only the best sign on Sixth Street, but it is the best sign in Amarillo,” said Matt Welch. “People love it. The response on social media has been great,” said Amy Welch. “People are coming in and taking pictures with the sign. It has become a part of tourism.” The BIG Program provides matching grants for commercial property owners in the Barrio, Eastridge, North Heights and San Jacinto neighborhoods to make improvements to the exterior of their property. The program includes matching grants of up to 50 percent of total project costs, with a maximum match of $20,000 for projects costing $40,000 or more. The Welchs, who opened Old Tascosa Brewing Company in December 2023, heard about the BIG Program from a friend. The brewery is located at 3100, S.W. Sixth Avenue – right on Route 66. In the quick span of about two months, the sign is already drawing eyes to the brewery. “When the BIG Program came up, we thought this was our chance to get a sign that we really like,” Amy said. “Because we are set so far back from the street, people could miss our facade if that sign was not there. We have already noticed a lot more people coming in.” “Without the grant,
Road Temporarily Closed for Repairs Due to Water Main Break
A portion of S.E. Third Ave. between Grand Street and Eastern Street will be briefly closed for a repair project due to a water main break. The water break main occurred Thursday and is being repaired. No customers are without water service. The water main break has required repairs to a portion of the roadway and the temporary closure of the roadway. It is estimated the road repair project will be complete by late next week, if not sooner. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes while the road is being repaired. For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov. ###
Health Advisory: Avian and Seasonal Influenza Update
A small number of sick wild geese in the area have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza A. To minimize the risk of exposure, residents are advised to avoid handling dead, sick, or injured birds. If such birds are observed, contact Amarillo Animal Management & Welfare at 806-378-9032 for assistance. Although human transmission of avian influenza is rare, potential symptoms include cough, fever, sore throat, and conjunctivitis, as well as severe illness requiring hospitalization in some cases. Impact on Dairy Cows and Milk Supply Avian influenza has also affected some dairy cows, but milk sold in grocery stores remains safe to consume. Seasonal Influenza and COVID-19 Precautions With respiratory illness season in full swing, Amarillo Public Health (APH) encourages residents to receive their annual influenza vaccination. While the vaccine does not protect against avian influenza, it helps guard against circulating seasonal influenza strains. APH also recommends healthcare providers test symptomatic patients for both influenza and COVID-19. Providers are urged to serotype all patients who test positive for influenza A. For questions about serotyping or for sample processing assistance, please call 806-378-6321 or 806-680-8980. Todd Bell, MD Amarillo Public Health Authority For additional inquiries about this public health advisory, please call Amarillo Public Health at 806-378-6321.