Well I made it to Denton Thanksgiving Day in time to have turkey and dressing at Cracker Barrel with my baby girl Megan. They told us it would be an hour wait but called our name in ten minutes. Pretty much ate my way through the next couple of days at places named Loco Café, Seven Mile Café, and the Greenhouse and visiting with kids and grandkids. Enjoyed the trip but always glad to be back home.
*****
This week here at the Star office we welcome back former employee Dana Jameson. She has rejoined the Friona Star as editor and photographer and writer and anything else I can think up for Dana to do. She came to work for me when I bought the newspaper in 2003 and worked about three years before moving on to newspapers in Olton, Dimmitt, and Hereford. She has a lot of experience which I plan to take advantage of. Glad to have Dana back at the Star.
*****
I saw an article about saving money that suggested folks use newspapers to wrap their Christmas gifts. If you are so inclined to wrap gifts in newspapers come to the office and we can supply you with as much newspaper as you need. We are open Mon-Wed, 9 to 5.
*****
Congratulations to my friend Richard Samarron. He won the big Yeti cooler at Parmer County Implement Co. The cooler was donated to assist the family of Delia Jackson. Thanks to everyone who purchased tickets.
*****
A big crowd turned out for Christmas in the Park and Santa Claus’ arrival Monday night. Mayor Rick White welcomed everyone and announced Santa’s arrival promptly at 5:30 p.m. Santa greeted the kids inside the Old Depot and Miss Friona Mykelti Rhodes and Little Miss Madison Tyler assisted Santa with the candy canes. The Friona high school choir sang carols and many park trees were lighted. There was BBQ, sausage wraps, cookies, popcorn, hot cider, and hot chocolate to warm up the Christmas spirit. The park lights and the street light decorations along Main St. will brighten our community through the Christmas holidays.
*****
The winner of the city park tree lighting competition was Kendrick Oil Co.
*****
Congratulations to Loraine and Dennis Anthony on the occasion of their 30th anniversary.
*****
Bi-Wize Pharmacy has an app now that allows folks to order meds via computer or iPhone. For more info check with store employees.
*****
Ask Holly Campbell about shipping an old Volkswagen bus to Germany. We will have more about it and a photo later.
*****
The Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a residential lighting contest. The winner will receive a prize of $100 in Friona Bucks. Judges will be touring all the residential areas on December 16. You do not have to sign up to be entered.
*****
The Prairie Acres resident of the month for December is Rheata White. The employee of the month is Lucy Ramos who has worked in the nursing department since July 1991. Prairie Acres/Heritage Estates administrator Billy Ray Johnston and his entire staff say thanks to the community for your support and wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
*****
Looks like Friona will participate in 3A Division I for the 2014-2016 UIL realignment. The new football and basketball districts will be announced on February 3, 2014. All classifications have been moved up one, so 2A will become 3A etc., and the 5A schools will be 6A and the six-man teams will no longer be called six-man as they become 1A schools. Confused? It will all clear up next year.
*****
The Parmer County NRCS office currently has conservation stewardship contracts that pay anywhere from $1,300 to $80,000 annually. For info see the article in this Star or contact Earl Behrends, district conservationist, in the Farwell office.
*****
Gina Prather in Bovina sent along a note the Clovis Area Home Educators will present “It’s a Wonderful Life”, a live radio play, December 5-6- and 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Scandia Wind offices, 201 North St. in Bovina. You are invited. Limited seating and admission is free.
*****
Wade McNutt from Levelland will be performing live Sunday December 15 at the Senior Center ballroom, 426 Ranger in Hereford from 1-2 p.m. It is a concert and CD release party titled Christian Piano Meditation 3. You are invited.
*****
Patricia Phipps’ mom Betty was rushed to the hospital in Amarillo Sunday and had a pacemaker implanted Tuesday. Our thoughts to the Phipps family.
*****
We have contacted the primary and elementary schools about Santa letters. The deadline this year is Tuesday December 10. Teachers will be working with the students to write their letters and they will be published in our December 12 and December 19 newspapers. The December 19 Friona Star will be our official Christmas edition. We will not be publishing a newspaper during the Christmas week. Our offices will be closed from December 20 to December 29 and we will reopen Monday December 30.
*****
Let us hope to survive the winter weather ahead and the coming holiday chaos with a smile and a positive attitude. And plenty of milk and bread and chili and peanut butter. See ya! Until then.
*****
