Amarillo Events to Mark 25th Anniversary of 9/11
Multiple events are planned Friday in Amarillo to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The Texas Panhandle War Memorial Center will host a remembrance ceremony at 8:30 a.m. at 4111 S. Georgia St., with area law enforcement, fire and public safety agencies participating. The public is invited to attend and honor those who died and the first responders and others who answered the call that day. Schooler Funeral Home will hold a separate come-and-go brunch from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 4100 S. Georgia St. Takeout boxes will be available for those unable to stay.
WT Police Investigating Threats Tied to Online Scam
West Texas A&M University police are investigating threats directed at a university employee or student following an online scam. WT said the incident began Thursday when someone used social media to impersonate a student and request money, photographs and other personal information. Threatening messages were sent after the requests were refused. University officials are warning students and employees not to provide personal or financial information, passwords or photographs in response to unsolicited messages. Suspicious messages can be reported to University Police at WTpolice@wtamu.edu, 806-651-2300 or through the SafeZone mobile app. WT Counseling Services is also available at 806-651-2340 for those affected by a scam.
Father Says Remains Found in Palo Duro Canyon Are Missing Son
The father of missing Marine veteran Gary Joseph “PJ” Marcantel Jr. says remains discovered during a search in Palo Duro Canyon are those of his son. Gary Marcantel Sr. said on Facebook that Texas Rangers found his son near the area where a phone belonging to Marcantel was recovered in March. The Armstrong County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday that possible human remains had been discovered but has not publicly identified them. Marcantel, 38, disappeared Jan. 18, 2025, after calling 911 about a flat tire on Highway 207 roughly 20 miles south of Claude as snow fell and temperatures dropped. Deputies located his vehicle but could not find him, prompting months of searches by multiple agencies and volunteers.
Board Backs Renaming East Park for Amarillo WWII Hero
Amarillo’s Parks and Recreation Board unanimously voted Wednesday to recommend renaming East Park in honor of World War II hero Pfc. Gabriel Chavez. Chavez was killed April 29, 1945, during the Battle of Okinawa after attacking an enemy machine-gun position with a grenade, killing five Japanese soldiers and himself in the explosion. He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. East Park sits on Ross Street between Southeast Seventh and Southeast Eighth streets in the neighborhood where Chavez grew up. Chavez is buried at Llano Cemetery, about two miles from the park. The Amarillo City Council will consider the proposed Gabriel Chavez Park name at a future meeting.
