John Taylor announced his retirement as a member of the Friona Volunteer Fire Department at the organization's weekly meeting last Thursday evening. Taylor joined the department in 1983 and during his 40 year tenure served as Lieutenant, Captain, Training Officer, and Secretary/Treasurer.
Taylor also served six years as a member of the city council, eight years as mayor, and six years as police chief. In all, he served a total of 30 years in law enforcement.
Taylor also has a family legacy in firefighting. His son-in-law Gary Stowers is the current Friona Fire Chief and his grandsons Blake Stowers and Andrew Stowers (brothers) are firefighters. In February 2023, Andrew was honored as Fire Officer of the Year 2022 by the Randall County Fire Department. Blake is a member of the Friona Volunteer Fire Department.
John said that as a kid, "I wanted to grow up and become a policeman and fireman. As it turned out, I was fortunate to be both."
Charles Cooper (bucket above) and Stephen Campbell (sidewalk below) of Campbell Electric are shown installing a streetlight at the corner of 5th and Main in front of The Farmwife Kitchen restaurant. The lights are part of the Downtown Revitalization Project partially funded with grant money. The number of streetlights installed was scaled back from the original plan due to the pandemic and high inflation that drove prices up.
Indoor marching band - The Mighty FHS Marching Band began practice this week but unfortunately Mother Nature forced the walking musicians inside Monday and Tuesday as rainstorms with abundant lightning danced around the city each evening. Check next week's paper for photos of the marchers at work.
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Catch of the Day - Make a note that Legacy Pointe is celebrating National Catfish Month by hosting a Fish Fry at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday August 17th. The cost of the meal is $5 per plate and includes fried fish, french fries, coleslaw, hushpuppies, a dessert, and a drink. You can dine-in or purchase to-go plates. Please RSVP to Kathy at 806-206-7788 no later than Tuesday August 15th to reserve your order.
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Pun Fun - Today a man knocked on my door and asked for a small donation towards the local swimming pool, so I gave him a glass of water. Source: www.pun.me
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V-J Day - "Victory over Japan Day" recognizes the Allied Forces' victory over Japan during World War II. Officials announced the surrender of Japan to the Allies on August 15, 1945. Between 50 to 80 million lives were lost during World War II. These numbers include both military and civilian lives. Fought on every continent except Antarctica, the war consumed entire cities. More than 50 countries took up arms. For six long years, the world endured rations, victory gardens, evacuations, drills, and an entirely different way of life - an uncertain future. The official signing of surrender took place on September 2, 1945, officially ending World War II.
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On Parade - The Deaf Smith County Historical Society's third annual Tractor Parade and Jubilee is August 19th in Dameron Park in downtown Hereford. Tractor, parade, and vendor entries are due by 3 p.m. on August 17th. This year's event will include horses and mules in the 10 a.m. parade that will kick off activities. The parade will travel the traditional route via East Park Avenue and Main Street. Vendors are invited to set up at Dameron Park alongside the tractors for the festivities following the parade. Visit the Museum at 400 Sampson Street or call 806-363-7070 to register.
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Smokey has a birthday - Tuesday marked the 79th Birthday of Smokey Bear. As a national icon and the longest-running public service campaign in the United States, Smokey Bear has been teaching millions of people how to prevent wildfires since 1944. "With increased wildfire activity across Texas, Smokey Bear's wildfire prevention message proves to be just as important now as it was 79 years ago," said Karen Stafford, Texas A&M Forest Service Prevention Program Coordinator.
Across the nation, approximately nine out of 10 wildfires are human-caused. In Texas last year, 96 percent of all reported wildfires were started by humans and their activities - completely preventable.
"The most common causes of wildfires during the summer are debris burning and equipment use," said Stafford. "This includes parking in dry grass and dragging trailer chains." Remember, only you can prevent wildfires.
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National Days
August 10 - Lazy Day
August 11 - Play in the Sand Day
August 12 - Bowling Day
August 13 - Left Handers Day
August 14 - Creamsicle Day
August 15 - V-J Day
August 16 - Roller Coaster Day
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