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    • Amarillo Area Our City Briefings for July 21, 2024
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    Amarillo Area Our City Briefings for July 21, 2024

    Vaseline Posted on

    Center offers free basic car maintenance and safety workshop for women

    The Lucille and Leo Caiafa, Jr. Center for Advancement will be hosting a Powderpuff Mechanics Workshop on Saturday, July 27 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at their location, 2308 SW 7th St. The workshop is free and open to all women in the community.

    The workshop covers basic car maintenance and safety tips, including: how to check the fluid level in your engine and add the correct amount and type of fluid; how to check your tread depth and tire pressure and what each means; how to safely jump start a battery; how to check belts, hoses and filters for wear; how to replace your windshield wipers; what all the lights on your dashboard mean and whether it is safe to drive when they are on; and much more.

    Visitors can also register for free to have their vehicles checked in the workshop, but this is limited to the first 10 registered vehicles. They will also receive various door prizes and refreshments.

    Seating is limited. Please register by July 23 by calling 806-358-7803, emailing [email protected], or online at https://form.jotform.com/241794282022151.

    For more information, contact Kim Lester at 806-358-7803. For more information about the organization, visit their website at www.sharinghopeministry.org.

    Mosquito control remains priority after first report of West Nile virus in Texas

    The Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) reports the first human case of West Nile virus this year in Texas, with a patient diagnosed with West Nile fever.

    “This information from the State of Texas serves as a reminder to the Amarillo community to always take precautions against mosquitoes,” said Anthony Spanel, Director of Environmental Health for the City of Amarillo. “During the summer months with so many outdoor activities, it can be easy to forget about the presence of mosquitoes. There are many things our community can do to reduce the impact of mosquitoes.”

    The city’s Environmental Health Department began the mosquito spraying program in April and will continue spraying in various locations throughout the city throughout the summer, the press release said.

    According to the TDSHS, West Nile virus was reported in a Montgomery County resident. The TDSHS has identified nearly 800 mosquito specimens infected with West Nile virus in 24 counties. Visit bit.ly/3WnbjpC to view the TDSHS press release.

    West Nile virus is transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes. Most people exposed to the virus do not get sick, but about 20 percent develop symptoms such as headache, fever, muscle and joint pain, nausea and fatigue. In a very small proportion, less than one percent, the virus attacks the nervous system, leading to the more serious West Nile neuroinvasive disease, which can cause neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis and even death.

    In addition, TDSHS has identified 10 travel-associated dengue cases for 2024. Most cases of dengue virus in the U.S. are linked to travel to places where the virus is endemic, including the South Pacific, Asia, the Caribbean, South and Central America, and Africa. Dengue virus is transmitted by infected mosquitoes, and about 25 percent of infections become symptomatic. “Unfortunately, many mosquitoes in Texas can spread diseases like West Nile and dengue. These diseases are often mild, but some people become seriously ill,” said DSHS Commissioner Jennifer Shuford, MD, MPH. “So it’s important that Texans know how to protect themselves from mosquito bites.”

    A primary tip for residents of Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle to control the mosquito population is to remove standing water from their property, as mosquitoes thrive in water. Additionally, there are the four D’s:

    • Drain all standing water to reduce mosquito breeding grounds.
    • Wear long sleeves and pants
    • Use an insect repellent containing DEET.
    • Daily: Follow these steps all day, every day.

    Amarillo residents can report potential mosquito breeding sites to the city’s Environmental Health Department at (806) 378-9472 or by email at [email protected]. Mosquito prevention tips can be found at: bit.ly/44oUz23. For more information, contact David Henry, Media Relations Manager for the City of Amarillo, at (806) 378-5219 or by email at [email protected].

    TxDOT Bridge Work on Amarillo Boulevard Resumes with New Contractor

    Starting in August, crews from Coppell Construction Company, Inc. will resume work on the BNSF Railway bridge at Amarillo Boulevard. The new contractor takes over after the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) declared the previous contractor in default.

    TxDOT said the work is expected to be completed by the end of this calendar year, with disincentives in place if the project isn’t finished by then. For the most up-to-date road conditions, visit www.drivetexas.org.

    DHDC’s Wizarding School is Going to Be Magical

    The Don Harrington Discovery Center will transform its museum into a wizarding school on Saturday, August 3, to enchant magic lovers of all ages. No admission letter is required.

    Step into a world of enchantment at DHDC and watch as it transforms into a renowned academy of wizardry: the Discovery Wizarding School. This event features classes filled with the magic of science, mystical science demonstrations, costumed creatures and wizards. Guests can also stop by Platform 9 3/4 for a special photo, purchase the realm’s famous Butterbeer ice cream and grab an exclusive Wizarding School T-shirt. (Butterbeer and T-shirts are not included with event tickets.)

    This is a timed event. The timed entry options are 10am-12pm and 12:30pm-2:30pm. Entry to this event is $5 per person for members and $8 for non-members.

    Amarillo Parks and Recreation Celebrates Harry Potter’s Birthday

    The community is invited to join Amarillo Parks and Recreation in celebrating the Harry Potter Birthday Party at Westover Park on Saturday, July 27. Play Quidditch, drink Butterbeer and enjoy a Harry Potter-themed evening, ending with a screening of “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” as night falls.

    The event is free and open to the public (both muggles and wizards) and does not require registration. Those who wish to RSVP can click on the link for the Harry Potter’s Birthday event on the Parks and Recreation Facebook page.

    WT offers on-campus system for students recovering from substance abuse

    CANYON — West Texas A&M University will launch a new, on-campus support system for students in recovery from substance use disorders. Starting this fall, Buff CARES — or College Addiction Recovery, Education and Support — will provide a dedicated faculty member, weekly meetings, counseling sessions and other support to students struggling with addiction issues. They will also live in a dedicated wing of Guenther Hall on WT’s Canyon campus.

    “Building a supportive community for students in recovery is essential to a student’s academic success, but more importantly, it is essential to their success in life,” said Dr. Holly Jeffreys, dean of WT’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences, which will administer the Buff CARES program. “Recovery can be a lifelong journey, and we believe we are building a foundation that gives students the best chance to continue their recovery journey in a safe and supportive environment, breaking the cycle of addiction for themselves and future generations.”

    The program, part of the Association of Recovery in Higher Education program, is starting with 10 students, with plans to grow in the coming years. Philanthropic support for the program’s first year has been secured, and ongoing fundraising will ensure the program’s long-term viability. There are approximately 200 similar programs at other U.S. colleges and universities.

    Students must be in recovery for one year to qualify. To remain in the program, they must maintain a 3.0 grade point average and attend counseling sessions and weekly addiction support meetings, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. Key features of the program include wellness activities such as yoga or meditation; academic support, including tutoring, mentoring, and other resources; sober social events and activities; and referrals to on-campus and community resources for additional support.

    WT’s Cornette Library Hosts First Panhandle Librarians Symposium

    CANYON — West Texas A&M University’s Cornette Library hosted the first Texas Panhandle Librarians’ Symposium on July 17. The one-day conference provided high school librarians an opportunity to connect with other librarians from the Panhandle, including those at WT, to share resources and wisdom, said Kelly M. Hoppe, associate director of Cornette Library and director of outreach and instruction.

    The event, themed “Connect, Collaborate, Thrive,” included discussions on artificial intelligence and information literacy, as well as panels with WT students and faculty discussing the keys to college success and how high school librarians can help prepare high school students for college. Librarians from the Amarillo, Canyon, Bushland and Claude Independent School Districts registered for the free symposium.

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