The burn ban is in effect until further notice. County commissioners reinstated the burn ban at their meeting Monday February 8. No outdoor burning except in underground incinerators with appropriate covers. Any questions about the burn ban can be directed to County Judge Trey Ellis or the Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office is also taking applications for a Corrections Officer. The phone number is 806-481-3303.
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Al and Susan Kerby of Bovina and Bonnie and Mike Pope of Friona each celebrated their 39th anniversary recently. Happy anniversary to you.
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At the basketball games February 2 in Dimmitt our Chieftain mascot went to the restroom to change into his Chieftain costume. Three Dimmitt boys shoved him down and then ripped his Chieftain headdress to pieces. We are told the Dimmitt ISD will pay for a new headdress. The cost is over $400. No word on any punishment for the Dimmitt thugs.
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Speaking of thugs, a couple of guys stole a car here in Friona, drove it to Amarillo, were chased by the Amarillo police, ran into a parked car, fled on foot, and were captured. Arrested were Cody Prieto, 25, of Friona and Oscar Trujillo, 21, of Hereford. The car, a 2012 Volkswagen, was left running in front of a house for a few minutes when it was stolen in the early morning. We all leave vehicles running but maybe we should be more cautious.
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The Friends of the Friona Public Library has scheduled their annual meeting for April 24. This is the meeting where you can win a raffle basket. Tickets are $1.00. The library already has its basket ready and no doubt others will be on display at the library soon. We will keep you posted.
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FHS junior Kendall Barnett suffered a broken bone in her left hand during last Friday's basketball game with Muleshoe. She was scheduled to have surgery in Lubbock Wednesday February 10. I saw the x-ray and it was a clean break of the index finger bone near her thumb. No doubt she will get a few screws and maybe a plate. Here's wishing Kendall a full, speedy, complete recovery.
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It was interesting to note that Astronaut Edward Mitchell, the 6th man to walk on the moon, who died last week, was born in 1930 in Hereford.
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Around here we like to get subscription renewals from our faraway out-of-town subscribers. Many are former residents or have family here. This week former resident Dianne Morgan Walser sent her renewal with a note: "Ron, I enjoy reading the Friona Star every week. It is a great way to keep up with the news that is happening there. Good job." She lives in Prosper, Texas, and so does my daughter Kirsten McCurry and her family. It is said that Prosper is becoming the fastest growing city in the area and I believe it. Thanks Dianne for the support.
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The Chamber still needs you to nominate a deserving person for one of the Citizen Awards presented at the March 8 Chamber banquet. The deadline is Friday, February 25 at 5:00 p.m. Awards presented are: Man, Woman, Teacher, Citizen, Most Courteous Employee, Girl and Boy Student of the Year. Get nomination info from the Chamber at 250-3491. While you are at it you can buy your banquet tickets. They are $25 each and only available in advance. None sold at the door. The theme this year is Country/Western.
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At the Monday commissioners meeting Sheriff Randy Geries reported that Parmer County is now housing prisoners from Hutchinson County (Stinnett & Borger). They had some issues with their jail and did not pass inspection.
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The Friona Police Department has two vacancies as reported by Chief Jimenez at the Monday city council meeting. Candidates apply at the police department.
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Our County Disaster Coordinator John Gurley would still like to hear from the farmers and various individuals that worked clearing roads, streets, and pulling people out of ditches. He would like to compile hours and equipment cost estimates to give to FEMA in computing the county's disaster relief amount. If you worked in the snow call John at 806-265-7432. Thanks.
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The Five Star Bistro is now open at the former Hub Café location. They have a new menu and still do catering. The phone is 250-3219. They are planning to have a food truck later and may think about delivery to town. Mandie Hamilton is the owner/operator.
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The Chiefs and Squaws lost their basketball games Tuesday night at Littlefield. The Chiefs lost in overtime. The Squaw season is over now. The Chiefs play Tulia here Friday night and travel to Shallowater Tuesday for their final game. The boys game Friday starts at 6:30 p.m. At the half, members of the 1964 Squaws state champion team will be recognized. I will see you there. Until then!
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