Paving the Way: Bermea Construction is nearing completion on the new parking lot around the Chapel at the Friona Cemetery. The existing roads at the Cemetery will also be resurfaced as part of the project. Photo courtesy of Bermea Construction
The Parmer County Commissioners Court met in regular session on Monday, April 26, 2021 at 10 a.m. in the County Courtroom of the Parmer County Courthouse in Farwell, Texas. The meeting began with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag and Texas Flag.
A public hearing was held at 9:00 a.m. regarding the intention of Parmer County to designate the Lazbuddie Wind Energy II, LLC Reinvestment Zone. Another public hearing was held at 9:30 a.m. regarding the intention of Parmer County to consider nominating Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation for the Texas Enterprise Zone Program.
There were no public comments. Minutes from the April 12th meeting were read and approved. Commissioners approved the payment of the accounts payables as presented by County Treasurer Sharon May. The Treasurer's Payroll report and the Quarterly Report were also approved. The Quarterly Report can be viewed in page 11.
Commissioners learned that part of the Reinvestment Zone for Lazbuddie Wind Energy II, LLC involves the Bovina and Friona school districts. Another public hearing will have to be scheduled. Commissioners will take up the matter again at their May 24th meeting along with the tax abatement issue.
Commissioners unanimously approved the nomination of Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation for the Texas Enterprise Zone Program pursuant to Chapter 2303 of the Texas Government Code.
The Court approved the Liaison Grant for the Parmer County District Attorney's Office. DA Administrative Assistant Charlotte Marrufo was approved as Victim Coordinator.
Sheriff Randy Geries reported that he was currently housing 21 inmates in the Parmer County Law Enforcement Center including 4 from Deaf Smith county.
Sheriff Geries also informed the court that the County is considering renting the extra office space at the JP Precinct 1 location in Friona to Panhandle Community Services. PCS is a non-profit, community based organization offering a variety of programs and services to assist low-income individuals and families. Their previous location was in the building near Hunan's restaurant which was recently sold. This extra office area was not used by Judge Gipson and will not be needed by the next Justice of the Peace.
Parmer County has changed the address of its website. You now type in www.parmercounty.texas.gov to gain access to county information and services.
The next scheduled Commissioners Court meeting is Monday, May 10th.
All meetings are open to the public. The Commissioner's Court reserves the right to go into Executive Session at any time. The agenda may be found on the Parmer County website. Information in this article is only a summary. Any questions concerning specific actions should be directed to the Commissioners Court.
The Class of 1970 met at the Reese Event Center in Lubbock last week to celebrate their 50th class reunion. It was delayed for one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There were ninety graduates in the Class of '70 and they were the first students to start and finish high school in the newly constructed campus. Sixteen classmates (15 men, 1 woman) have passed away since graduation. Reunion attendees are listed below.
Back row (l-r): Harold Reed, Glenn Rebber, Wayne Schueler, Don Carthel, Floyd Schlenker, Larry Rector, Jenisu (Fallwell) Morris,Rhonda (Garth) Romero, Chief Buchanan, B.R. (Ted) Procter, Danny Kendrick
Middle row (l-r): Roxanne (Hall) Hurst, Fred Bailey, Beverly (Anthony) Bailey, Amelia (Sims) Taylor, Myra (Day) Oden, Randie Hamilton, Susan (Vestal) Bechtol, Bob Thomas, Jerry Teel, Carla (Mann) Scott
Front row (l-r): Vicki Knight, Kay (Riethmayer) Rogers, Karla (Patterson) Rutherford, Janet (Mingus) Thomas, Denise (Buske) Teel, Gwyn (Moore) Hanes
In the photo at top, Phase 2 of the new housing project at Ashland & 6th is now underway. In the photo above, the new FHS band hall/tornado shelter has hit a brick wall. Think about it. In the photo below, the new Primary school building is just a few weeks away from completion.
The Friona ISD reported that 246 people had taken advantage of early voting the past two weeks. Be sure to do your part and exercise your freedom to vote.
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The price of used vehicles is going up. The shortage of new vehicles due to the COVID-19 pandemic is driving up the demand for used vehicles. Glenn Reeve at Stevens 5 Star said that its becoming almost impossible for them to afford to purchase used cars for resale.
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The 2020 Census results have been released and due to rapid growth in the past few years Texas will pick up 2 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. We are the only state in the nation to gain 2 seats.
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Texas FM145 is now closed to thru traffic until sometime in July. The underpass just east of U.S. Highway 84 is under major reconstruction.
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Plans are in the works for an expansion of the East Allsup's store later this year. This would give truck drivers another much needed place to park.
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Rex Bracken celebrated his birthday on April 21st. He was inadvertently left off the Birthday list last week. Happy Belated Birthday!
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Word on the street is that more COVID-19 relief money is headed to Parmer County. Of course the money would have to be spent with certain restrictions but it would be helpful nonetheless.
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FEMA has begun a financial assistance program to help pay funeral costs for COVID-19-related deaths. You must apply by phone. THEY WILL NOT CALL YOU! Call 844-684-6333 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time. Call this dedicated toll-free phone number to get a COVID-19 Funeral Assistance application completed with help from FEMA's representatives. Multilingual services will be available.
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