Next Tuesday, March 1, is Super Tuesday. Several states have their primaries that day including Texas. We published sample ballot info in the February 18 Star. The list of polling places is reprinted in this Star. Get out and vote. You will need your voter registration card, photo ID, and choose to vote Republican or Democrat. In November you can vote for the individual regardless of party. I voted early. This is going to be an important election.
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We received word of the death of former Friona resident Claire Blanco. Claire was one of the first little old curmudgeon ladies I met when I moved to Friona in 1995. We were friends and neighbors for 20 years until she moved to California several years ago to be near her two daughters. She is survived by the two daughters, Marilyn Peterson and Kathleen Simpson, 10 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. Claire was a genuine person, friendly and caring. RIP friend Claire.
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We have a new police officer, Raul Martinez. He is actually back with us. Raul was a former police officer who left for similar positions in Hereford but he is now back here. The Friona PD is still one officer short and they are taking applications.
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Congratulations to James and Sue Procter. On February 20 they celebrated their 71st anniversary. That is a long time folks. Happy anniversary you two.
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I found this interesting: 18,300 people applied for the 2017 NASA astronaut class. Only 8-14 will be accepted.
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Three candidates have now signed up for the May 7 school board election. Incumbents Becky Riethmayer and Ricky Barnett plus newcomer Maria Monreal Garcia have signed up for the two available positions. This means there will be a school board election May 7.
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Made it to the special meeting Monday night between the hospital district and the city council in the PMC conference room. An agreement was finally signed transferring ownership of Prairie Acres/Heritage Estates from the City of Friona over to Parmer Medical Center. This is a positive move for both parties. A city government has no business owning a nursing home facility. It makes much more sense for a medical facility like PMC to own the nursing home. Here is to a positive future for all involved.
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County commissioners are still trying to afford a new security system for the courthouse and jail. Lightning during the December blizzard knocked out the old system now in place. Scandia Wind Southwest LLC asked for an additional abatement but was declined by commissioners.
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Pam and Darrel Ray are grandparents again. Maddix Wharem was born February 19 weighing in at 7.5 pounds and 20.5". The parents are their daughter Tara Wharem and her husband Captain Steve Wharem. He is an Army engineer stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington near Tacoma. They have another son, Fox Wharem, who will be two in July.
Darrel told me he has resigned as head Squaws basketball coach in a letter submitted to Coach Arias February 8. He hopes to continue with his other school duties and remain in his teaching role at Friona High School. Coach Ray has always been cooperative with us here at the Friona Star. Dr. Pam Ray will assume her duties as the new Friona ISD superintendent at the end of the school year. We are fortunate to have Pam and Darrel as part of the community.
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Don't forget the Chamber of Commerce banquet March 8. Go by and get your tickets in advance at the Chamber office. They are $25 each. We will have another prime rib good time. See you there. Until then!
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