Friona Squaw powerlifters Duvy Ortiz, Marie Phillips, Reyna Arias, Naara Saucedo, and Ellie Galaviz competed in the State Powerlifting meet at Comerica Center in Frisco Texas on March 14th. Friona earned 7 points and finished in 11th place out of a total of 61 teams.
Ben McCain and Zac McCain recently completed their 600th episode of Daddy and The Big Boy. They started production four years ago in Los Angeles when they were ordered to stay home during the Covid pandemic. This episode features highlights of previous episodes. You can watch the video by clicking the image above.
By Greg Lewellen
The City has been going about routine business for the last couple of months, but activity has picked up with spring coming this month. Some highlights from January and February include the completion of the paving work on 8th Street in February and getting approval from Texas Parks & Wildlife for a grant to begin work on a Splash Pad addition to the City Pool. The City has also applied for a grant for downtown revitalization to finish the street light project on Main Street.
The biggest news concerned the entire Panhandle with the fires in the northwestern corner of the Panhandle. Friona, along with several surrounding communities, sent mutual aid to the fires. Seven fireman from Friona and several trucks, mainly tankers, were dispatched over a two week period during the beginning of the fires to assist Borger and Fritch. City administration worked closely with the City of Fritch to provide aid to their City Manager and staff.
Work will begin next week on the main water tower on the north side of town. The City along with our engineering partners have planned for several months to accommodate the fact that the water tower will need to be drained so that internal repairs can be made. The City has installed Variable Flow Devices to divert water through the system to maintain constant water pressure. Testing of the devices and the contingency plan are being done this week in preparation for the switch over. The project should be completed by May 24th.
Finally, I wanted to highlight a project the City has commissioned to improve the Court and law enforcement with the addition of a soft interview room for assault victims and juveniles. The room was formerly the executive session board room adjacent to council chambers. The room is designed to be more inviting for law enforcement to interview juvenile cases and victims in an environment that is not as sterile as most judicial facilities. Working in conjunction with Project Beloved, Friona installed the Panhandle's first ever soft room for them. I encourage everyone to research Project Beloved online and watch the YouTube video that describes their mission.
Construction is underway on the new entrance to the Friona Community Center. The "tower" gives the building a new and unique appearance.
Prairie News - you are invited to a retirement reception honoring Kay Funk for 43 years of service to Prairie Acres. The special event will be held on Tuesday, March 26th from 2:00 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. in the Prairie Acres dining hall. No gifts please, but cards are welcome.
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Networking @ Noon - The Friona Chamber is hosting their first Networking @ Noon event of the year on Wednesday, April 3rd from 12:00 p.m. till 1:00 p.m. Location is the Hi-Pro Feeds Training Center located at 1201 E. 11th. This is a great opportunity to fellowship with your neighbors, business owners, meet the Chamber Board of Directors, ask questions, voice your needs, wants, and ideas. The Chamber wants to fill the gaps and support your business any way that they can to help it grow and be successful!
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Steak Tickets Available - the FHS Senior Steak Dinner is Sunday, April 14th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The meal includes a steak, baked potato, green beans, roll, and dessert. Ticket prices, for all ages, are $20 in advance and $22 at the door. Tickets are now available to purchase from any FHS Senior. Proceeds will fund the Alcohol Drug Free Graduation All Night Party.
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Save the Date - The next Friona Community Blood Drive is Thursday, April 11th from Noon-7 p.m. at the Calvary Baptist Fellowship Hall. More info next week.
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Texas Facts - Lavender, which is native to the Mediterranean, is now grown in Texas; there are numerous lavender fields and even lavender festivals in central Texas. Source: funworldfacts.com
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GasBuddy News - Average gasoline prices in Texas rose 14.8 cents last week, averaging $3.04 per gallon. The cheapest station in Texas was priced at $2.29 while the most expensive was $3.99 per gallon. The national average price of gasoline rose 4.4 cents last week, averaging $3.44 per gallon. The national average price of diesel declined 2.2 cents last week and stands at $4.00 per gallon.
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National Days
March 21 - French Bread Day
March 22 - Goof Off Day
March 23 - Near Miss Day
March 24 - Cocktail Day
March 25 - Medal of Honor Day
March 26 - Spinach Day
March 27 - Scribble Day
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