News from January 26, 2012
ron carr photo
Roxanne and Bob Hurst, center, were recognized prior to the Livestock Show premium sale Saturday. The Hursts, owners of Parmer County Implement Co., have been major buyers at the livestock show for many years and were noted as the top buyer at last year’s show. JeDon Gallman, left, assistant show superintendent, and Mack Heald, right, show superintendent, made the presentation.
County burn ban reinstated
Parmer County Commissioners met Monday January 23 in Farwell. Commissioners voted to reinstate the burn ban in Parmer County effective February 1 for a period of 90 days.
Transfer of the 911 dispatch center from Friona to the Sheriff’s office in Farwell was also approved. The move will begin in February. County Judge Trey Ellis said approval was given by officials in Lazbuddie, Friona, Bovina, and Farwell to make the move. The transfer will be under the supervision of the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission.
A bid to provide medical services for Parmer County jail inmates was awarded to Lacy Meeks of Farwell. She works out of the Farwell Clinic under the supervision of Dr. Sheets of Muleshoe.
In a significant action, the commissioners approved refinancing of a $2,080,000 bond balance on the bond issued for the construction of the new jail in Farwell. The refinancing of the bond will save the county $243,000 in interest over the remaining 10-year bond period. Judge Ellis said the papers were signed Monday. Also, he said, Parmer County has received an A+ rating from Standard & Poor’s.
Town Talk II
Wednesday morning Friona folks woke up to icy puddles around town. Had a nice rain Tuesday night about 8 p.m. and the early morning temps were below freezing, hence icy puddles. Didn’t last long though. The high Wednesday crawled into the 50s with plenty of sun. We are thankful for what we have.
*****
Last week we printed an article from West Texas A&M University about honors lists and degrees granted. Somehow the list included Friona ISD superintendent Kenny Austin as receiving his Master’s Degree in fall 2011 ceremonies. Kenny actually received his Master’s Degree from WT in 2001. The honors list also omitted Kenny’s daughter Laci, a WT freshman, who made the fall President’s list. We still don’t know how it happened but apologize for the misinformation and confusion. The info came from the WT website. A new and correct list is reprinted today.
*****
The January 19 Coffee Memorial blood drive had 55 donations. Friona continues to be among the leaders in small town blood donations, according to the folks at Coffee Memorial Blood Center in Amarillo. Thanks to everyone for your participation and willingness to help give the gift of life.
*****
Kenneth McLellan said thieves stole 17 aluminum and brass valves from his property off FM2013 sometime over the past month. He wasn’t sure when the theft occurred. They were stacked near his barn, striped, and had his name on them. Each one is about $600 new, a total theft of about $10,000. He has filed a report with the Sheriff’s office. If you have any info about it call the Sheriff’s office at 295-3303 or Crime Stoppers at 800-774-8477.
*****
Nice to hear that Andy Carthel and his wife Tabitha will be moving back to Friona by the end of February. They have been living in Floydada where Andy has worked as a bank officer since graduating from Texas Tech. He will be joining his dad Davy Carthel in the farming business. Tabitha is already here and will be working as an occupational therapist in Friona and Hereford I believe. Always great to welcome the young folks back to Friona.
*****
Always hate to see one of our young people injured in sports. Chieftain Jake DeWit has been out for a couple of weeks with a lame leg. Last week Brianna Miller twisted a knee during the match with Abernathy. She went to see a doctor in Lubbock Monday and found out she bruised the bone and was given full release. Hope she is back on the court soon.
*****
Former Friona resident and graduate Mark Blankenship has been sworn in as a member of the Lubbock ISD Board of Trustees. Mark, an attorney in Lubbock, was appointed to the school board.
*****
Ed Terry and a crew of volunteers cooked brisket at the Schilling barn to serve during the Stock Show sale Saturday. It was great brisket along with beans, potato salad, and dessert. Hats off to all of the many volunteers that work to make the annual livestock show a successful event.
*****
Friona firefighters were dispatched to a house fire on 4th Street Tuesday evening about 7:15 p.m. The fire started in a bedroom when an electrical outlet almost caught a mattress on fire. Fortunately the firemen arrived before the bedroom became fully involved in flames and managed to contain it to smoke damage. Friona EMS were also paged to standby at the fire scene, standard procedure any time there is a structure fire. Thank you to our volunteer firemen and EMS personnel for looking after our community.
*****
Friona and Parmer County were beset by sustained winds last Sunday that lasted until later in the afternoon. Wind gusts up to 50 mph pummeled the area but no major wind damage reported.
*****
The 6th St. Church of Christ hotline (250-3495) reports Varla Wilcox’s uncle Earl Harkins has been moved to hospice and Leslie Floyd is still struggling with kidney problems. Has been in BSA. Also Mary Lee Talley is still in rehab. There are others in need of prayer. The 6th St. Church of Christ pastor Jeff Procter celebrated a birthday this week. Jeff contributes a weekly devotional on our Star church page. Happy birthday Jeff.
*****
The Monday evening steak dinner at the 6th St. Church of Christ to benefit the Parmer County Cancer Coalition was a big success. Champion bullrider Chandler Bownds was the featured celebrity. Over 100 folks attended and enjoyed the steak prepared by Ed Terry and crew. Thanks to Greg and Jamie Lewellen, Cancer Coalition chairmen, for organizing the event. Chandler is Jamie’s brother.
*****
I attended the Depot Heritage Society annual meeting Tuesday evening at the historic Old Depot in City Park. A group of about 10 citizens comprise the board that looks after the care and cleaning and maintenance of the Depot. It was noted that several Depot windows are in need of repair. The board will be asking for monetary assistance from the community to help preserve the landmark.
Just as the meeting ended the rain came and trapped us inside but not to worry. We survived on some delicious coconut candy balls and brownies and tea from the kitchen of board president Nancy Edelmon. The Depot is an important asset to the city and I hope you will consider helping the board when they come calling. Dues to be a member of the Depot Heritage Society are only $5 per year.
*****
Don’t forget the St. Ann’s Catholic Church German sausage dinner in Bovina Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $8. Also the Chiefs and Squaws basketball game Friday Jan 27 vs. Tulia. Girls at 6:30 p.m. and boys at 8 p.m. And the deadline for showing off your kids and grandkids in our Valentine Brag newspaper is Wednesday February 1 by 5 p.m. Stop by next Mon-Wed from 10-5. The Valentine paper will be February 9.
*****
Already one month of 2012 is about to pass into history. Hope you all make the best of the 11 months left. Time is flying. Slow down and do something nice for someone along the way. See you back here next week I hope. Until then!