Welcome to Amarillo, Texas – a city where Southern hospitality meets the great outdoors in a unique blend that offers a fulfilling lifestyle. Situated in the heart of the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo serves as a dynamic hub for those who appreciate both modern living and rich heritage. Here, the spirit of the Old West thrives alongside contemporary culture, creating a delightful fusion that's hard to resist.
Amarillo boasts an energetic arts scene, with the Amarillo Museum of Art and the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts providing cultural enrichment all year round.
Additionally, it’s a gateway to the stunning Palo Duro Canyon, offering residents and visitors an adventurous escape into breathtaking landscapes, perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Community and connection are at the heart of this city, with welcoming neighborhoods and an array of local dining experiences that spotlight Texas' famed culinary prowess. The annual Tri-State Fair &
Discover the Vibrant Charm of Amarillo,
4 | HelloAmarillo, Texas • Winter Issue
Hello Amarillo, Texas • Winter Issue |5
Discover the Vibrant Charm of Amarillo,
Rodeo and Route 66 celebrations build community spirit, drawing together both locals and tourists for festivities that highlight Amarillo's unique character.
In Amarillo, you don't just live among friendly faces; you become part of a historic
and evolving story that celebrates diversity and progress. Whether you're drawn by opportunity or the allure of the Southwest, Amarillo extends an open invitation to be embraced by...
Discover the Vibrant Charm of Amarillo, Texas
Welcome to Amarillo, Texas – a city where Southern hospitality meets the great outdoors in a unique blend that offers a fulfilling lifestyle. Situated in the heart of the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo serves as a dynamic hub for those who appreciate both modern living and rich heritage. Here, the spirit of the Old West thrives alongside contemporary culture, creating a delightful fusion that's hard to resist.
Amarillo boasts an energetic arts scene, with the Amarillo Museum of Art and the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts providing cultural enrichment all year round. Additionally, it’s a gateway to the stunning Palo Duro Canyon, offering residents and visitors an adventurous escape into breathtaking landscapes, perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Community and connection are at the heart of this city, with welcoming neighborhoods and an array of local dining experiences that spotlight Texas' famed culinary prowess. The annual Tri-State Fair & Rodeo and Route 66 celebrations build community spirit, drawing together both locals and tourists for festivities that highlight Amarillo's unique character.
In Amarillo, you don't just live among friendly faces; you become part of a historic and evolving story that celebrates diversity and progress. Whether you're drawn by opportunity or the allure of the Southwest, Amarillo extends an open invitation to be embraced by its vibrant charm.
FEATURED STORY
Putting Bathrooms in the Basement
by Mike Werbowsk
Putting Bathrooms in the BasementAdding a bathroom to a finished basement is one of the smartest ways to increase your home’s function, comfort, and value. Whether you’re creating a guest suite, a recreation area, or a future rental space, including a bathroom makes the space more independent and convenient. And while it might seem like a complex undertaking, installing a bathroom in your basement isn’t as complicated as it seems, especially when it's planned with long-term use in mind.One of the most important decisions involves drainage. Basement-level plumbing sits
6 | HelloAmarillo, Texas • Winter Issue
Mike Werbowsk
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mike Werbowski has been in the basement waterproofing and remodeling industry since 1990. He is the owner of Total Basement Finishing of Western NY, bringing his extensive experience in basement waterproofing and interior design to offer homeowners a waterproof basement finishing solution.
below the main sewer line, so careful consideration is needed to avoid future issues. Some homeowners attempt to tie into the existing sewer system without understanding the elevation challenges. This can lead to unwanted backups, especially during heavy use or storms. Avoid sewer tie-ins that risk backups by working with professionals who can install the proper pump systems, backflow preventers, or even opt for above-floor plumbing solutions designed for basement environments.When deciding on layout, many homeowners are tempted to install a half bath for simplicity. But if you’re already running plumbing to
Hello Amarillo, Texas • Winter Issue |7
Putting Bathrooms in the Basement
Putting Bathrooms in the Basement
Adding a bathroom to a finished basement is one of the smartest ways to increase your home’s function, comfort, and value. Whether you’re creating a guest suite, a recreation area, or a future rental space, including a bathroom makes the space more independent and convenient. And while it might seem like a complex undertaking, installing a bathroom in your basement isn’t as complicated as it seems, especially when it's planned with long-term use in mind.
One of the most important decisions involves drainage. Basement-level plumbing sits below the main sewer line, so careful consideration is needed to avoid future issues. Some homeowners attempt to tie into the existing sewer system without understanding the elevation challenges. This can lead to unwanted backups, especially during heavy use or storms. Avoid sewer tie-ins that risk backups by working with professionals who can install the proper pump systems, backflow preventers, or even opt for above-floor plumbing solutions designed for basement environments.
When deciding on layout, many homeowners are tempted to install a half bath for simplicity. But if you’re already running plumbing to the basement, it makes more sense to go full bath, not half, so all the plumbing is in place from the start. A shower or tub adds minimal additional cost compared to tearing walls open later for an upgrade. Planning for a full bath increases future usability and resale appeal.
Ventilation is another key factor. Since basements typically have limited natural airflow, it's important to install exhaust fans and moisture control systems that prevent mold and keep the space comfortable. Proper lighting, waterproof finishes, and mold-resistant materials will also help ensure long-term performance and low maintenance.
From permits and layout to drainage and ventilation, basement bathrooms require specialized knowledge but they’re entirely doable with the right plan and expertise. When designed correctly, they add comfort, function, and real value to your lower level.
itmakes more sense togo full bath, nothalf, soall theplumbing is in placefrom the start
the basement, it makes more sense to go full bath, not half, so all the plumbing is in place from the start. A shower or tub adds minimal additional cost compared to tearing walls open later for an upgrade. Planning for a full bath increases future usability and resale appeal.Ventilation is another key factor. Since basements typically have limited natural airflow, it's important to install exhaust fans and moisture control systems that prevent mold and keep the space...
FEATURED STORY
BBB CEO Janna Kiehl on Medicare Open Enrollment Scams in Amarillo
by HelloNation Staff
Medicare open enrollment draws helpful calls and ads, but it also draws impostors. In the Texas Panhandle, the Better Business Bureau hears a familiar pattern each fall. A caller claims to be from Medicare, an insurer, or a benefits review center. The pitch sounds official, the tone is urgent, and the goal is simple: to separate you from personal information or money. Janna Kiehl, who leads the BBB of Amarillo, has spent years translating this into plain steps that people can use in a few minutes.Most enrollment scams start with an unsolicited
8 | HelloAmarillo, Texas • Winter Issue
HelloNation Staff
ABOUT THE AUTHOR HelloNation is a national magazine dedicated to practical consumer education. We translate real marketplace issues into plain steps that help people set fair expectations, compare options, and resolve problems. Our editorial mission closely aligns with the Better Business Bureau’s emphasis on public education and transparent practices, while remaining independent and not affiliated.
contact. It might be a phone call, a text with a link, or a social message that looks like a routine update. The scammer needs your Medicare number, date of birth, or bank information to switch your plan or send a new card. None of that is real. Medicare does not call out of the blue to sell plans or demand immediate action. Real plan reviews happen when you call verified numbers on your card or visit known sites, never through a link sent by a stranger.Local segments and seminars make the advice concrete. Kiehl’s interviews about storm repair and identity theft use examples that
Hello Amarillo, Texas • Winter Issue |9
BBB CEO Janna Kiehl on Medicare Open Enrollment Scams in Amarillo
Medicare open enrollment draws helpful calls and ads, but it also draws impostors. In the Texas Panhandle, the Better Business Bureau hears a familiar pattern each fall. A caller claims to be from Medicare, an insurer, or a benefits review center. The pitch sounds official, the tone is urgent, and the goal is simple: to separate you from personal information or money. Janna Kiehl, who leads the BBB of Amarillo, has spent years translating this into plain steps that people can use in a few minutes. Most enrollment scams start with an unsolicited contact. It might be a phone call, a text with a link, or a social message that looks like a routine update. The scammer needs your Medicare number, date of birth, or bank information to switch your plan or send a new card. None of that is real. Medicare does not call out of the blue to sell plans or demand immediate action. Real plan reviews happen when you call verified numbers on your card or visit known sites, never through a link sent by a stranger. Local segments and seminars make the advice concrete. Kiehl’s interviews about storm repair and identity theft use examples that stick, and the same approach helps with Medicare. If a caller pushes you to decide now, the safe response is to hang up and contact your provider using the number on your card. If a text includes a link, type the address you already use instead. If anyone asks for payment by gift card or wire to “keep benefits active,” assume it is a scam and stop. Open enrollment also attracts cross-over schemes. Travel and holiday shopping scams rise at the same time, and a busy season lowers defenses. The habits that protect you in those situations protect you here. Keep screenshots and emails. Compare offers from a second, independent source. Use credit cards, not debit, when you buy anything related to health devices or supplemental services online. If something feels rushed or fragile, pause and verify before you share information. Kiehl’s office points residents to tools that turn private experiences into public warnings. BBB Scam Tracker lets you report a pitch and see patterns in your area. The database is searchable, so a neighbor’s report about a fake Medicare agent can help you avoid the next call. Business Profiles offer context on companies that sell health products. You can see complaint patterns, read responses, and decide whether a seller’s behavior matches your expectations before you order. Identity protection sits beside enrollment decisions. In local coverage, Kiehl has explained that many people lose control of data through company breaches they did not cause. That makes routine account hygiene more important during enrollment, when you may be creating new logins or sharing information with legitimate providers. Use unique passwords and multifactor authentication where available. If a breach hits a company you use, change passwords and monitor statements before you field any new offers. Gift card scams remain a frequent payment angle. A scammer may say your new plan requires an activation fee or a device deposit paid with card numbers read over the phone. No legitimate Medicare plan asks for payment that way. Inspect physical gift cards before purchase for signs of tampering, and never share the numbers on the back with a stranger. These reminders sound basic, yet they remove one of the fastest, least recoverable fraud paths. Seminars and radio segments in the Panhandle often blend seasonal risks. After storms, Kiehl talks about hiring contractors, written estimates, and staged payments. The logic is the same with Medicare choices: slow down, get details in writing, and compare at least one independent option before you agree. When a decision affects your coverage for a year, the extra call is worth the time. A calm review today prevents months of cleanup later. If you do engage with a legitimate agent, control the setting. Initiate the call yourself using a verified number. Ask the agent to send the plan details in writing. Review the total cost over a year, not just the monthly premium, and confirm how your doctors and prescriptions fit. Keep notes with dates, names, and any promised follow-ups. If anything shifts between the pitch and the paperwork, pause and reassess before you sign. When a bad pitch reaches you, save evidence. Keep the voicemail, take screenshots of texts, and note the caller ID even if you know it can be spoofed. Report the attempt to BBB Scam Tracker and to state and federal channels. Reporting not only helps investigators, but it also helps neighbors who will search for the same number next week. The safest habit in open enrollment is the simplest one: hang up on unsolicited pitches and contact trusted sources you choose. The Amarillo BBB serves a wide region, so the outreach repeats across stations and towns. The message stays steady. Medicare does not need your number from a cold call. Links in texts are not your friend. Gift cards are for gifts, not for paying fees. If you feel pressure, slow down. If you feel unsure, check a profile and make one more call before you share anything sensitive. Those steps take minutes and save months of frustration.
The safesthabit in open enrollmentis the simplestone: hangup onunsolicited pitches and contacttrusted sourcesyou choose.
stick, and the same approach helps with Medicare. If a caller pushes you to decide now, the safe response is to hang up and contact your provider using the number on your card. If a text includes a link, type the address you already use instead. If anyone asks for payment by gift card or wire to “keep benefits active,” assume it is a scam and stop.Open enrollment also attracts cross-over schemes. Travel and holiday shopping scams rise at the same time, and a busy season lowers...
