We received another hurricane rain Monday this week. I was driving back from Canyon and almost pulled over in Hereford since it was difficult to see the road. Driving into town from the east it was flooding across Hwy 60 starting at the roadside park. Those of us dumb enough to be out in the rain drove in the center turn lane because water was well over the curbs. Official weather guy John Gurley said we received a total of 2.53" Monday and Tuesday. Quite a nice summer flood.
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Volleyball and basketball camps for students in the 3rd - 8th grades will be held July 27 - 31 in the high school gym. Basketball camp is first July 27 - 29. Volleyball camp starts July 29 in the afternoon and 9 a.m. to noon Thursday and Friday. Cost is $40 for each camp. If a camper goes to both volleyball and basketball the cost is $35 per camp. Sign up by July 15 to make sure you get a t-shirt. For more information call Coach Darrel Ray at 575-749-2880.
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Laura Hart and her daughter Holly Campbell will observe a 50-year Friona Star employment anniversary this year. Laura began working for the Star in 1965, processing the newspapers for the post office. Holly came along to help and they are both still coming to the office each Thursday to prepare the newspapers for mailing. When I came here in 1995 they were still using an addressograph machine to stamp addresses on each paper. Holly would let my daughter Megan push the pedal on the old machine which is now retired and sitting in the front lobby here at the office. Today we have computers and stick on mail labels. Holly has often said she misses the old machine. Glad to have these two ladies still helping us out.
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The resident of the month at Prairie Acres is Maria Chico. Employee of the month is Nina Trevino. She is a restorative aide and has been an employee since 2011. Prairie Acres/Heritage administrator Billy Ray Johnston celebrated a birthday July 3. Soon Parmer Medical Center will take over ownership and operation of Prairie Acres/Heritage from the city.
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Thanks to Rickey Rector for playing the National Anthem on his trumpet Saturday afternoon at the July 4 celebration. He stood near the playground behind Fast Stop and we heard him easily up by the community center. And thank you Cub Scouts for raising the flag during the ceremony.
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County Extension Agent Shana Fleming will not plan any summer activities. Her office ceiling caved in at the courthouse due to rain damage. She will temporarily be located at the JP office in Bovina. The phone there is 251-5120.
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Chieftain football camp will be July 20-22 from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. for 3rd - 8th grade at the high school. Cost is $20. Forms are available at the high school or administration building or can register the first day of camp.
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It was still raining some Tuesday morning as I drove over to Farwell for grand jury selection. One night about 10:15 p.m. there was a knock on my door. I opened it and there was a Sheriff's deputy standing there which caused some concern. He delivered a summons for the grand jury. District Clerk Sandra Warren called the roll. Judge Gordon Green explained grand jury proceedings to those present. Twelve jurors and two alternates were picked. I was not one of them. The grand jury serves for six months with sessions every other month.
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The July 4 event at Reeve Lake appeared successful. The Noon Lions started cooking burgers about 5:00 p.m. and people started showing up between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. We sold out over 100 burgers by about 7:00 p.m. The firemen had the same experience selling their sausage wraps. Guess I was surprised how early people came out since the fireworks were not until 9:30 p.m. Thanks to everyone that participated. Thanks to the Chamber of Commerce for organizing the day.
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The Chamber of Commerce says thanks to these sponsors of the July 4 fireworks: Republic Services, A-1 Service Center, Friona Heating & Air, Mr/Mrs JeDon Gallman, Darla Bracken in honor of Ron Smiley, Homer Haile, Samarron Tree trimming, and Dynamite Firecrackers.
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The elementary summer drama workshop production, directed by Allison Johnston, has 43 kids and 23 helpers. Once again no doubt Allison and staff will organize these 43 little actors into a fun production to watch. The elementary play will be presented Saturday July 18. The junior high and high school drama workshops will be presented Friday July 17 with a pie supper in between. The pie supper proceeds will benefit FHS graduate Andrew Merrell who is recovering from a serious car accident.
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Garage sale alert! My calendar says the Hereford city-wide garage sale is Saturday, July 11. Better go prowl around and bring home some bargains.
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JeDon and Kitty Gallman will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary July 10. Thanks to daughter Melanie for letting us know. July 14 Fred and Shirley Ferguson will also celebrate their 50th anniversary. July 9 is the 38th anniversary for Rick and Diane White. July 23 is also Danny and Holly Campbell's 38th anniversary. Congratulations and best wishes to you all. If you have an anniversary coming up let us know please.
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The county judge, justice of the peace, and municipal judge in Deaf Smith County have decided not to perform any marriages, straight or gay. They have excuses like being too busy but we all know the real reason, they just won't admit it. Too bad. They are all elected officials but there is no law that says they have to perform marriages. What a mess.
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Ali Allison from News Channel 10 in Amarillo will be one of the judges at the Cheeseburger Festival July 18. See you all at the city park. I know you have to have some Noon Lions Club world famous French fries. Until then!
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