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Every once in a while, Rhonda Perry will come across graffiti at a city park that is original and unique – something other than the standard obscenities or indistinguishable images. “There are times I see graffiti and think  – you know what – this took some talent,” Perry said. “The person who did this – they really could be doing something better with their life.” Perry does not consider herself an art connoisseur, but when it comes to graffiti in parks in the City of Amarillo (COA) – she is the expert critic. Perry is a Park Technician I in the COA Parks and Recreation Department (PARD), where she has worked since 2013. The majority of her job responsibilities consist of removing and/or repairing vandalism in more than 60 COA parks, which includes graffiti. And unfortunately, there is plenty of work. From April 2024 to March 2025, PARD had 219 vandalism work orders at city parks. “It’s like Easter egg hunting,” Perry said. “Then suddenly you walk around, and it is everywhere.” Obviously, the weather plays a key factor in Perry’s workload. “Summertime is the worst,” Perry said. “The kids are out about. Spring break was rough also.” Perry’s arsenal against graffiti includes an array of chemicals and a power washer that uses water heated up to 210 degrees. “The chemicals can burn you also,” Perry said. “You have to be careful.” Perry patrols city parks on a regular basis and also responds to residents who contact PARD with reports of vandalism. One of the worst areas for vandalism? The Skate Park at John Stiff Memorial Park. “I bounce from park to park. I usually know which parks are going to be the worst, so I hit those first,” Perry said. “There is always something somewhere.” Despite what might be

The City of Amarillo has confirmed the first case of measles in a resident of Potter and Randall Counties. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can lead to severe, life-threatening illness, particularly among individuals who are not vaccinated. The most effective protection against measles is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Measles spreads through direct contact with infectious droplets or through airborne transmission when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air and continue to be infectious for up to two hours after the infected person has left the area. Symptoms typically develop 7 to 21 days after exposure and may include: A person with measles is contagious from about four days before the rash appears to four days after. Individuals who suspect they may have measles should stay home during this time to prevent spreading the virus. People who think they have measles or may have been exposed to measles should isolate themselves and call their healthcare provider before they arrive to be tested. It is important to let the provider know that the patient may have measles and to get instructions on how to come to the office for diagnosis without exposing other people to the virus. The best way to prevent getting sick is to be immunized with two doses of MMR. Given the ongoing risk of exposure with the current regional measles outbreak, Amarillo Public Health recommends that infants 6-11 months be given an early dose of MMR to decrease the risk of developing measles. Infants who receive an early dose of vaccine should continue to receive the MMR vaccine according to schedule. Adults and children who are uncertain that they have received two doses of measles vaccine, should consider a second dose. Providers should report any

As part of the Grant Street Storm Sewer Phase I Project, S.E. Third Avenue will be closed to through traffic between Johnson Street and Arthur Streetbeginning Tuesday (April 8). Through traffic will be detoured for six weeks to S.E. 10th Ave. at Johnson Street and Arthur Street. The project will redirect and provide additional capacity for storm water runoff in the vicinity of S.E. Seventh Ave. and Grant Street, which currently impacts the 10th Ave. railroad underpass storm sewer during significant rain events. For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov. ###

Updated as of 4/4/2025 at 4:45 PM: The water main break south of Loop 335 has been isolated with no customers being without water.  As inclement weather is anticipated, crew safety will be prioritized, and the repair may be discontinued after 8:00 PM on Friday. As no customers are currently without service, repair work will be temporarily halted until Monday when work can resume safely. The City of Amarillo (COA) is responding to a water main break near South Loop 335 between Georgia Street and Washington Street. The water main break occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. Thursday. In order to repair the water main break, water service may be temporarily impacted in the surrounding area. Customers are being notified directly by the city with information regarding the estimated duration of the water main repair and any other relevant updates. Repair crews are currently onsite working to isolate and repair the damaged section of the water main. The impact to water service is anticipated to last up to 48 hours. Updates will be provided as information becomes available. Regardless of possible inclement weather conditions, COA crews will continue working around the clock to complete the necessary repairs. The COA Water Utilities Department acknowledges the inconvenience this service interruption may cause to businesses in the area. City staff is working diligently to restore service as quickly and safely as possible. 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 Hollywood Road Wastewater Treatment Facility (HRWTF) is closed to waste haulers until Monday (April 7) due to inflow issues and expected inclement weather this weekend. It is estimated the inflow issues will be resolved by Monday. Haulers using the facilityhave been notified and will be notified if the project requires additional time. The facility will continue to operate as normal for all domestic and industrial wastewater. For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov. ###