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Links for Thursday, March 26, 2020:

News • Town Talk • Governor • Judge • Coronavirus News


Photo above: Friona ISD sent their two new buses, Chief 1 and Chief 2, out to be “wrapped” in school graphics. See more bus photos in our photo section. Photo below: Work has begun on the FISD building project. Crews are shown ripping up Cleveland Street to make preparations for the new Primary School.



This week’s edition of the Star has a special section highlighting the recent Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet. The event was held on March 10, 2020 B.C. (before coronavirus).

Governor Abbott Announces Approval of Major Disaster Declaration

On Wednesday, March 25th, Governor Greg Abbott released a statement thanking President Trump for issuing a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Texas. This announcement comes after the Governor requested the declaration—citing the need for additional federal assistance to save lives, to protect property, public health, and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of COVID-19. (more...)

Judge Ellis Announces Local State of Disaster Declaration

County Judge Trey Ellis declared a Local State of Disaster for Parmer County due to the public health emergency concerning the Covid-19 pandemic. The Disaster Declaration was passed unanimously at the Commissioners Court meeting held on Monday, March 23rd. The declaration provides for a fine up to $1,000 and a jail term up to 180 days for individuals who violate the terms of the declaration. The declaration can be found here.
COVID-19 News and Updates

Area Closures:

• FISD Schools are closed through April 3.

• FISD Meal Schedule: Meals will be served from 9:00 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. at the Friona Jr. High Cafeteria. Available to all children 18 years of age & under. Breakfast & Lunch will be combined into one package each day.

• City of Friona, Chamber of Commerce, Municipal Court & Friona Public Library will be closed to the public until further notice. You can still call to conduct business and use City Dropoff.

• Parmer County Courthouse is open but office entry is restricted. Please call in advance to schedule an appointment.

• Friona Interbank, Friona Banking Center, Friona TX Credit Union offices are closed until futher notice. You can conduct business at their drivethru locations only.

• All restaurants are take-out or drivethru only.

• Senior Citizens Center meals will be discontinued until further notice.

• No visitation at Prairie Acres until further notice

• County Jail Visitation Suspended

• Bovina Chamber Banquet Postponed

• Drivers License Office Temporarily Closed (CDL testing by appointment)

• Deaf Smith Electric Coop 82nd Annual Meeting has been postponed

• WT Services Annual Meeting has been postponed

• Friends of the Library Book Shoppe is closed until further notice.

• Friona Star Newspapers are available at our office.

• Bi-Wize Pharmacy and Furniture will be "limited access" for the foreseeable future. We are open regular hours and most services are still available, however, only the front foyer of the store is open to customers. We ask that no more than 2 customers be in the front area at a time. We encourage you to handle as much of your business as possible by phone. Curbside service is available and we urge the most at-risk members of the community to use it. Prescriptions, over-the-counter items, and even furniture are all still available for purchase. See our ad in today's paper for more details.

Contact Friona Star at 250-2211 or frionastar@wtrt.net to add to this list. (more...)

Town Talk
At press time, there have been 10 reported cases of Covid-19 in the area. 2 cases in Randall County, 2 cases in Deaf Smith County, 1 case in Oldham County, 1 case in Curry County, N.M., and 4 cases in Castro County. Castro County has declared a “shelter at home” directive for its residents. (more...)