From honoring former prisoners of war to community events and public safety efforts, several events and announcements are on the calendar across the Amarillo area and region. Here’s a look at what residents need to know in the days ahead.
Texas Panhandle War Memorial to Unveil POW Exhibit
The Texas Panhandle War Memorial will unveil a permanent prisoner of war exhibit Saturday in recognition of Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Recognition Day. The exhibit honors 160 men and women from the Texas Panhandle who were prisoners of war from World War II through Vietnam and will feature artifacts veterans brought home from POW camps. Organizers said the exhibit will educate visitors about POW camps and the conditions veterans endured while in captivity. Congressman Ronny Jackson is scheduled to attend for a special presentation, along with Dan McKinney, the Panhandle’s only surviving POW. The dedication begins at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Texas Panhandle War Memorial, 4111 S. Georgia St. The event is open to the public, with light refreshments following the dedication.
Amarillo Repair Cafe Offers Free Help Fixing Household Items
The City of Amarillo Parks and Recreation Department will hold a free Repair Cafe from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Warford Activity Center, 1330 NW 18th Ave. The semiannual event brings residents and volunteer fixers together to repair items such as lamps, clothing and small appliances. Participants can also learn basic repair skills while working alongside volunteers. Each family may bring one item, with additional items accepted if time allows. Residents must remain with their items during the repair process. No preregistration is required.
Tucumcari Police Chief Announces Resignation
Tucumcari Police Chief Lorenzo Emillio announced Wednesday that he has submitted his resignation, effective in 30 days. Emillio said he is looking forward to spending time with family, resting and considering future personal goals and opportunities. He said he will continue carrying out his duties as chief during the next month. Emillio also pledged to help ensure a professional and orderly transition for the police department.
Crime Stoppers Seeks Help Identifying Burglary Suspect
Amarillo Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help identifying a man accused of burglarizing a home in August. Authorities said the man entered through a garage window in the 4800 block of Hillside Road on Aug. 23 before forcing his way into the residence. Surveillance footage showed the suspect leaving with an electric miter saw, bolt cutters and an urn containing the ashes of a family pet. Anyone with information can call Amarillo Crime Stoppers at 806-374-4400. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through amapolice.org or the P3 Tips App.
Amarillo Symphony Hosts Lunch and Listening
The Amarillo Symphony will kick off its 2026-2027 season with a Lunch and Listening presentation ahead of its first concert featuring Barber’s Violin Concerto and Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony. Dr. Kimberly Hieb, a music history professor at West Texas A&M University, will host the presentation about the music featured in the upcoming concert. Music Director George Jackson and guest soloist Aubree Oliverson will also take part. Tickets are $15 and include a boxed lunch and the presentation. Organizers ask attendees to purchase tickets by midnight Wednesday, Sept. 16, to reserve a meal; after that, meals will be available on a first-come, first-served basis even for ticket holders.
Amarillo Police Renew Search for Woman Missing Since 2002
The Amarillo Police Department is renewing its request for information about Brandy Gay Noble, who has been missing since 2002. Noble was reported missing at age 15 in September 2002, although her family had not seen her for about six months and believed she disappeared in March. Police say they have followed more than 200 tips during the past 24 years without locating her. Investigators have released a poster showing Noble as she appeared when she disappeared along with an age-progression image depicting what she might have looked like at 34. Police said their primary goal is to determine whether Noble is alive and safe or, if she is not, to find answers and justice for her and her family. Anyone with information can contact the APD Cold Case Unit at 806-378-6468 or anonymously contact Amarillo Crime Stoppers at 806-374-4400, amapolice.org or through the P3 Tips App.
TxDOT Urges Parents to Check Child Car Seats
The Texas Department of Transportation is encouraging parents and caregivers to have their child car seats checked as Child Passenger Safety Week runs Sept. 20-26. TxDOT reports that 46% of child car seats are installed incorrectly and says common problems include improperly positioned harnesses and chest clips, loose straps and incorrect seat belt routing. Statewide last year, 583 children younger than 13 were seriously injured and 69 were killed in traffic crashes. Parents and caregivers can schedule a free car seat safety check with a specialist at a TxDOT office through LoveMyCarSeat.org. Amarillo Public Health also offers free car seats, subject to availability, and installation instruction. Residents can call 806-378-6360 to check availability and schedule an appointment, which typically takes 30 to 45 minutes.
