This week's Amarillo community news includes events, honors, retirements
Amarillo MPO policy committee to meet Thursday
The Amarillo Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Committee will meet on Thursday, July 20 at 1:30 pm. in room 275 of the Simms Building.
The public will be permitted to offer public comments as provided by the agenda and as permitted by the presiding officer during the meeting.
Agenda items include discussion and consideration of the following: minutes from the April meeting; performance measure targets for road and bridge condition and system reliability, a revision to the 2020-45 MTP and a revision to the 2023-26 TIP; a resolution to adopt the FY 24 Unified Planning Work Program; a revision to the Public Participation Plan; adopting the Mission, Vision, and Goals for the Metropolitan Transportation Plan; MPO Director updates; MPO Directors Performance evaluation, and an update on Current Construction Projects.
Getting a new look for Polk Street
One of the more historic and unique streets in Amarillo is receiving a makeover thanks to Amarillo voters. The Polk Street Streetscape project is underway – a $4.5 million project approved by voters and Amarillo City Council. The project consists of streetscape improvements to eight blocks of Polk Street from 10th Ave. on the south to Second Ave. on the north.
“Polk Street is a major part of Amarillo’s history. Throughout the years, so many businesses and residents have called Polk Street home,” said Amarillo Mayor Cole Stanley in a city news release. “This streetscape project will help ensure that Polk Street remains an attractive and welcoming part of Amarillo’s future.”
Polk Street will receive improvements bringing block faces to current Downtown Amarillo Urban Design (DAUD) standards and Americans with Disabilities Act standards. In addition, there will be new sidewalks, driveways, storm sewer inlet relocation, trash receptacles, lighting, trees and site furnishings.
Learn more about this project and follow the progress at: bit.ly/3POoGME
Wizarding School is back at Discovery Center, for all ages
Calling all magic lovers: The Don Harrington Discovery Center will be turning its museum into a wizarding school to remember on Saturday, July 29 - no acceptance letter needed.
Step into a world of enchantment at DHDC, and watch as it transforms into a renowned academy of wizardry and witchcraft: the Discovery Wizarding School. "Together, we’ll embark on an incredible journey that combines the spellbinding realm of magic with the fascinating knowledge of science! Conjure a wand, partake in fascinating magical courses, and immerse yourself in the wizarding universe," a news release says. "While you’re here, stop by Platform 9 3/4 for a special photo, purchase the realm-renowned Butterbeer ice cream, and snag yourself a Wizarding School exclusive t-shirt in your house colors! (Butterbeer and t-shirts are not included with an event ticket.)"
This will be a time-ticketed event. Timed admission options include 10 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Admission for this event is $5 per person for members and $8 for non-members.For more information, visit dhdc.org .
Amarillo resident wins 2nd place in fly fishing tournament
The 60th Annual Gold Cup Invitational Tarpon Fly Fishing Tournament was held June 19-23 in Islamorada, Florida Keys. One of the most revered fly fishing tournaments in the world, it is known wherever anglers pursue the Silver King with a fly, according to a news release. It has been referred to as the "World Series" of tarpon fishing and consists of five days of competition.
Talented Fly-Anglers were able to pull in a total of 66 fish during the five-day stretch, consisting of 37 Release and 29 Weight Fish, a significant decrease from last year’s 103 fish. Teams of Anglers and Guides compete for various trophy and sponsor-donated items. Third time Grand Champion Angler, Dave Preston from Miami, FL, and Guide to Grand Champion, Capt. Luis Cortes, earned their Grand Championship title with 5804 points.
First Runner Up Angler, Thane Morgan from Amarillo, and Guide, Capt. Dustin Huff, earned a total of 4130 points. Morgan and Huff started the first two days slow, going out with a bang with three release fish and three weight fish (111.1, 120.1, and 91.8lbs) in the final three days of the tournament.
The Largest Tarpon Award was earned by Angler Dave Preston from Jupiter, FL and his Guide, Capt. Luis Cortes, with a fish weighing approximately 163 pounds — the largest fish caught in Gold Cup history. For additional information, including current results and sponsors, please visit the website at www.GoldCupTT.com.
Sims retires from 47th District Attorney's Office
47th Judicial District Attorney Randall Sims retired on Friday, June 30. He started in the Potter County Attorney’s Office in 1985, later moving to the 47th District where he was the first assistant district attorney, according to the attorney's office in a Facebook announcement.
Sims "left the 47th for six years to work as the 100th District Attorney," the post reads. "After serving in the 100th District, he returned to the Potter County Attorney’s Office in March of 2001. Sims ran for the 47th District Attorney’s position in 2004 and was elected. He has served the citizens of Potter and Armstrong Counties since January 1, 2005."
During his tenure as 47th District Attorney, Sims has accomplished many things he is proud of, including participation in the Potter, Randall, Armstrong Adult Drug Court since 2010. In 2021, Sims was instrumental in helping Potter County establish two specialty treatment courts to help individuals battling mental health issues navigate through the criminal justice system: Panhandle Regional Problem Solving Court and Panhandle Regional Veterans Treatment Court. Sims also addressed his concerns on the high volume of auto burglaries and thefts in the Amarillo area and was instrumental in securing a grant and starting the Panhandle Auto Burglary Theft Unit in September 2015.
“Now it is the time to step away and spend more time with my family. Being a prosecutor has been the most rewarding career of my lifetime. It has been my great honor to seek justice for the citizens of the Texas Panhandle for the past 38 years.” Sims said in the social media post.
Amarillo VA to host PACT Act Summer VetFest, VBA Claims Clinic
The Amarillo VA Health Care System will host a PACT Act Summer VetFest on Tuesday, July 25, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Thomas E. Creek VA Medical Center Kollmar Conference Room, located at 6010 Amarillo Blvd W, Amarillo, Texas 79106. This is a come and go event, and appointments are not required.
VetFest is a VBA Claims Clinic that will feature VA benefits and health care professionals who are ready to help eligible Veterans and survivors file a claim or submit their intent to file a claim and get screened for toxic exposures for PACT Act-related benefits, a news release says. Although there is no deadline, Veterans who file a PACT Act claim by Aug. 9, 2023, may have their benefits, if granted, backdated to Aug. 10, 2022.
“We are excited to host this large-scale event for our Veterans,” said Dr. Rodney S. Gonzalez, Director of the Amarillo VA. “Our goal is to enroll Veterans and file as many PACT Act claims as we can before Aug. 9 so that our Veterans can take full advantage of what this special enrollment period has to offer.”
The Amarillo VA joins all VA with a PACT Act Summer VetFest to inform Veterans, their families, and survivors about the PACT Act and encourage them to apply for the health care and benefits they have earned. The PACT Act is the biggest expansion of Veteran health care and benefits in generations.
Randall County Sheriff’s Office announces jail passes inspection
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards completed a two day inspection of the Randall County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) Jail on Tuesday, July 11. Sheriff Christopher Forbis is proud to announce the passing of this annual inspection. All areas were passed with no deficiencies and no technical assistance memorandum issued, RCSO said.
The inspectors closely scrutinized all jail operations. Some of the areas inspected range from jail records and procedure to kitchen management and food service, safety and security, health services and jail cleanliness.
Forbis stated, “Many jails do not pass or end up with technical assistance memorandums. Our inspection was perfect. The credit for this accomplishment belongs to the staff of the Randall County Jail that works so diligently every day with pride and integrity. I can confidently say that our jail is second to none in the state.”
U.S. Small Business Administration helping with disaster loan applications
If your business experienced losses in the recent flooding, the U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans are open and they have a team in Amarillo to help you apply. Applicants can meet with representatives from Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Amarillo Public Library downtown branch.
These low interest rate loans are available to business owners, non-profits, homeowners and renters.
Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to businesses and homeowners to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future.
Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.
Those who can't make it in person and want to apply online may go to https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov .
Amarillo Police Department celebrates promotions, retirement, honors
The week has been a busy one for the Amarillo Police Department (APD) in personnel related events, as posted on their Facebook page. Amarillo Police Chief Martin Birkenfeld held a promotion ceremony for two officers, Michael Woodard and Cody Moore, and a retirement celebration was held for J. C. Drennan.
The first was for Officer Michael Woodard to Corporal. Cpl. Woodard has been with APD for seven years. He graduated with the 89th Amarillo Police Academy in December 2016, where he was assigned to the Patrol Division 1st Watch. Before coming to APD, Woodard was a Potter County Jailer for two years. Woodard has served four years on midnights, one year on evenings, and he is in his second year in NPO and as a SWAT team alternate, APD said. Cpl. Woodard currently holds his Advanced TCOLE Certificate. He is an Advanced Firearms Instructor, Taser Instructor, Ground Fighting Instructor, and a Field Training Officer. Woodard has been trained in Hard Entry School, Basic Sniper School, and Hostage Rescue.
The second promotion was for Cpl. Cody Moore to Sergeant. Sgt. Moore has been with APD for 18 years. He graduated with the 74th Amarillo Police Academy in December 2005 and was assigned to Patrol 1st Watch. Sgt. Moore was transferred to the Motors Unit in December 2008 and continues in that position. Moore currently holds a Master Peace Officer License, and during his career, Moore has received numerous awards.
In addition, "Officer Almendarez was selected as the Andrea’s Project officer of the quarter. Almendarez works patrol on the night shift and has shown consistent dedication to keeping drunk drivers off the road. His efforts to identify and arrest drunk drivers have increased the safety of the driving public in Amarillo. He was recognized by Andrea’s Project at their monthly board meeting," APD said in a post.
Earlier in the week, APD celebrated the career and retirement of Cpl. J. C. Drennan for his 20 years of police service.Cpl. Drennan graduated from the 75th Academy in 2006, and his first assignment was the Evening Shift South. He Transferred to the Day Shift South in 2008 and remained there until today, APD said. He has completed six months as a Domestic Violence Detective and the last nine months at AECC.
Drennan holds his Master TCOLE Certificate, and has received the Good Conduct Award; the Carver Award (academic excellence award) from the 75th Academy; Military Service Award; Life Saving Award; APD Metal of Valor Award; and the State of Texas Metal of Valor, which was presented to Cpl. Drennan at the State Capital. Cpl. Drennan was the Amarillo South Rotary Club Officer of the Quarter in 2016, and the Amarillo South Rotary Club Officer of the year in 2016. Prior to joining APD, Cpl. Drennan attended Wicklander-Zulawski Basic and Advanced Interview and Interrogation techniques; John E Reid, Basic and Advanced Interview Interrogation techniques and, LSI Scan. Cpl. Drennan served in the US Army for 3 years.
WT theater student wins state department scholarship to fund Scotland trip
CANYON — A West Texas A&M University student will learn about theater at one of the most prestigious arts festivals in the world, thanks to a nationally competitive scholarship. Leigh Womack, a senior theater major from Hereford, won a $3,500 Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship from the U.S. Department of State.
The Gilman Scholarship enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to national security and economic prosperity, according to the State Department.
Womack is one of 13 WT students and faculty members from WT’s Department of Art, Theatre and Dance in the Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities who’ll attend and perform at the acclaimed Edinburgh International Festival in August. The Edinburgh International Festival, founded in 1947, is a celebration of the performing arts that presents some of the finest performers and ensembles from the worlds of dance, opera, music and theater in August.
The trip is made possible through a collaboration with the International Collegiate Theatre Festival, a Virginia group that helps high schools and universities bring their work to the festival.
“I went to the Study Abroad office almost immediately after we were told about the trip,” Womack said. “As a Pell Grant recipient, they told me that the Gilman Scholarship might be available to help me pay my way.”
Womack and fellow WT students will perform “Still Life: A Gallery in Motion,” a dance and theater piece the students devised themselves under the direction of Echo Sunyata Sibley, assistant professor of theatre, and Bradley Behrmann, assistant professor of musical theatre.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo area Our Town briefs for the week of July 16, 2023
