Congratulations to the Friona Chieftains for going undefeated and winning the Smyer Basketball Tourney last week. Team members are (l-r) Jose Saucedo, Johnny Gonzalez, Kaden Jeter, Bryan Chavira, Steph Ally, Jaden Phillips, and Jared Rejino. Not in photo are Jacob Bautista and Andrew Rivera.
Empty Stocking Fund
Donations are being accepted for the Empty Stocking Fund which provides clothing and a toy to local needy children. School officials are consulted to determine the recipients. Donations may be made at Friona InterBank or given to project co-chairs Holly Campbell or Jyl Grimsley.
Project Christmas Card
The Parmer County Hospital Auxiliary is accepting donations for the Project Christmas Card. The proceeds will be used to purchase medical equipment for Parmer Medical Center. Canisters/boxes are placed around town in various businesses for the collection of donations. The names of donors will be included in a special Christmas Greeting Card in the Friona Star newspaper. Please make sure you put your name with ALL donations. You can contact Connie Neeley (250-2542) or Donna Schueler (295-3585) for more information.
Adopt a Resident for Christmas
The Prairie Acres "Adopt a Resident this Christmas" program is underway. It's an opportunity to bring JOY to a resident at Prairie Acres. Please contact Elizabeth or Yvette at 806-250-3922 to help provide a Merry Christmas to a special member of our community.
Adopt a Tree
Thirteen more trees are available for adoption. Thirty-six trees were designated for businesses to adopt and donate an entire set of lights for that tree each year during the Christmas season. Differing colors of lights, i.e. blues, greens, reds, yellows and orange, are available. The Chamber of Commerce will put up, take down, and store the lights each year.
Ho! Ho! Home for the Holiday
The "Shop Friona" promotion began on November 12th. Each customer receives one ticket per visit at participating stores. The promotion ends on December 16th. There will be a drawing at each store from its tickets and that winner will receive $25 in Friona Bucks to be spent with that Merchant. Tickets from all of the stores will be combined for a final drawing. One lucky winner will receive $100 in Friona Bucks.
Give to the United Way
You can bring your donation to Friona Interbank at 1105 N. Cleveland or mail it to Friona Interbank, P.O. Box 549, Friona, Texas 79035.
Take stock — Our local stock show will be held in the Friona Community Center beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 18th.
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Take a closer look — thanks to the Friona Art Department for their holiday window murals all around town. The students did a great job of spreading Christmas Cheer!
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Forefathers' Day — this day commemorates the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers in Plymouth, Massachusetts, on December 21, 1620. The Old Colony Club of Plymouth, Massachusetts, introduced the observance in 1769. The town observes the holiday on December 22nd (unless on Sunday, then on the following Monday).
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See Santa on Thursday — Santa Claus and his helpers will visit Created With Purpose of West Texas on Thursday, December 16th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 907 Hwy 86 in Bovina. Come meet Santa and get your picture taken with him. The event is free and cookies will be served.
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National Days
December 16:
Chocolate-covered Anything Day
December 17:
Ugly Christmas Sweater Day
December 18:
Twin Day
December 19:
Oatmeal Muffin Day
December 20:
Go Caroling Day
December 21:
Crossword Puzzle Day
December 22:
Forefathers Day
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The filing period for county, district, and statewide offices ended at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, December 13th.
County Republican Chairman Bill White announced that the following candidates have submitted applications for the Republican Primary election and have been entered into the Secretary of State system: Will Anderson - County Judge; Randy Geries - County Judge; Charles Wilkins - County Commissioner, Pct. 2; Gene Schueler - County Commissioner, Pct. 2; Sandra Warren - District Clerk; Sharon May - County Treasurer; Pam Hasseloff, Justice of the Peace, Pct. 3
Previously announced candidates include: Rhonda Wilkins - Justice of the Peace, Pct. 1; Joe Lafuente - Justice of the Peace, Pct. 1; Deana Lucero Leuea - Justice of the Peace, Pct. 2; Isabel Izzy Carrasco - County Judge. Also, Susan "Susie" Spring - County Clerk; Casey Russell - County Commissioner, Pct. 4; John O'Brian - County Commissioner, Pct. 4.
No candidates for the Democratic Primary have been announced yet.
Early voting for the March 1, 2022 Primary Elections begins on Monday, February 14th.
The Friona Volunteer Fire Department held its annual Christmas Party last Friday night at the Friona Senior Citizens Center. The crowd of approximately 75 people included fire fighters, family, friends, and invited guests.
The meal was catered by Pope Boys BBQ and consisted of brisket, pulled pork, sausage, and all the trimmings. Cobbler and ice cream was served for dessert.
Mayor Ricky White addressed the attendees and praised the fire fighters for their professionalism, dedication, and community spirit. He summarized, "We have the best fire department in the world."
Next on the program was awards and special recognitions. Randy McCasland and Skip Hodges received 5-year service pins. Justin Bridges received a 10-year service pin. Glenn Reeve was recognized for his 65 years of service.
Lieutenant Bryan Harris, who retired in 2021 with 27 years of service, was recognized with a special gift made by brothers Jim and John Taylor.
The Ralph Shirley Award for the 2021 Friona Fire Fighter of the Year was awarded to current Fire Chief Danny Campbell. Danny received the award from his son, Stephen, who is also a member of the fire department.
A surprise visit by Santa Claus was a big hit with the kids and rounded out the evening's festivities. The Friona Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank everyone for their support during the past year including the gun raffle. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Stephen Campbell (right) presents the 2021 Fire Fighter of the Year Award to his dad, Danny
Campbell.
Brothers Jim (left) and John (right) Taylor present retiring fire fighter Lieutenant Bryan Harris with a special hand-made award they crafted in their shop.
