At press time, there have been 10 reported cases of Covid-19 in the area. 2 cases in Randall County, 2 cases in Deaf Smith County, 1 case in Oldham County, 1 case in Curry County, N.M., and 4 cases in Castro County. Castro County has declared a “shelter at home” directive for its residents.

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This week’s edition of the Star has a special section highlighting the recent Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet. The event was held on March 10, 2020 B.C. (before coronavirus).

It already seems like a couple of centuries ago that you could live free without fear of contracting an unseen illness. We are finishing Week 1 of the two week semi-quarantine mandated by the governor. Hopefully, by the end of Week 2 there will be light at the end of the tunnel. Next week’s edition will feature the Friona Relays track meets results and photos. It may be the last track meet of the year. Stay safe.

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Congratulations to Carly Drake, Maddie Sharrock, Anahi Gonzalez, and Jose Grado for receiving District 1-3A Basketball honors. Carly was named to the All District team and Maddie, Anahi, and Jose earned Honorable Mention. Bushland was the only girl’s team in our district that got past the first round of the playoffs. They lost to eventual State Champion Shallowater in the Regional Quarterfinals. Canadian was the only boy’s team in our district to get past the first round of the playoffs. They also lost to Shallowater. Peaster defeated Shallowater in the Region 1 Championship Game but then got beat by San Antonio Cole in the State semifinals. The State Championship Game was cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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On another basketball note, 1979 Friona High School graduate Kevin Pope was honored by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches for his 600+ career wins as a head basketball coach. Kevin is the head boys coach at Weatherford High School. Kevin and his dad, Jimmy, are the only documented father/son duo to each have achieved the 600+ career win plateau. Jimmy was head boys basketball coach at Friona from 1976 to 1980. He passed away December 26, 2018 at the age of 80. Congratulations Kevin and keep up the good work. How ‘bout those Chieftains!!!

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There have been a couple of vehicle accidents in the past two weeks just west of Friona. There was another accident at the Cargill entrance that involved two vehicles. Fortunately there were only minor injuries. A few days later a car got caught between the railroad crossing arms just east of J.D. Heiskell and LoneStar Ag and ran off the edge of the tracks and got stuck. The driver of the vehicle got out of the vehicle before it was hit by a train. Once again, only minor injuries.

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Call us at 250-2211 or send email to frionastar@wtrt.net to inform us of information that the public needs to know about. We will publish it in next week’s edition. Cancellations and postponements will also be listed on our website at www.frionaonline.com.

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National Days

March 26 — Spinach Day

March 27 — Scribble Day

March 28 — Something on a Stick Day

March 29 — Vietnam War Veterans Day

March 30 — Take a Walk in the Park Day

March 31 — Crayon Day

April 1 — April Fools’ Day