In her honor, the family of Doris Barnett created a display of the various quilts she had made over the years. Without leaving the vehicle, visitors could proceed through the driveway and view the many "quilts of love" Doris had created. You can view a short video of the display on the facebook page of Kim Martz.
The Texas National Guard brought its Mobile Testing Site to Friona last week. Calvary Baptist Church provided the venue for the free COVID-19 testing session which ran from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. last Saturday. Potential participants had to make a reservation and present at least one of the symptoms of the virus to be eligible for testing.
In an on-air interview with KAMR Channel 4 Amarillo, City Manager Lee Davila explained to the reporter that, "He's [Governor Abbott] wanting to reach out to the rural communities who may not have the testing capabilities at their local or community hospitals and Friona was designated as one of those areas."
The 45-member testing team consisted of 11 medical professionals & support staff as well as 34 soldiers. They were all extremely appreciative of Calvary Baptist for allowing them to utilize church facilities for the testing event. Rodney Hunt, coordinator for the Texas Emergency Medical Task Force, thanked interim paster Gary Johnson and church members for their hospitality.
Later in his interview, Davila said, "We...try to be a leader. We tried to get on the virus as quickly as we could, once we heard that it was spreading. Our meat processing plant took several safety measures to assure that their employees were taken care of. Our nursing home, they went through great measures to make sure our elderly community was protected." In a statement to the Friona Star, Parmer County Judge Trey Ellis said that 59 people were tested during the event and that results have not yet been released. Judge Ellis also recommended that everyone wear a mask when out in public settings.
A Friona Star Interview With Jimmy Burns, FISD Superintendent
What is the status of the FISD Building Project?
Friona ISD's building projects are up and running. The silver lining (if there is one) to COVID-19 is that with the student's distance learning, and school buildings being closed to the public the project is about three weeks ahead of schedule. I expect by the time August rolls around that we should be a couple of months ahead of schedule if weather allows.
What can parents do to help their kids and teachers finish the school year strong?
There are three things parents need to be doing for their kids during this time. 1. Let their kids know they are safe at home. 2. Encourage the kids as much as possible. Kids and parents are going to get frustrated at times, but it is important that kids see encouragement and a positive attitude from their parents. Kids will reflect their parent's attitudes. 3. Structure. Parents need to give their kids structure in their daily lives. It is as important as any school work that everyone in the household have a routine for the day. After a time build another schedule to keep the routine from being monotonous.
How can the community show support for our students?
Friona's community is the strongest I have ever been associated with in my 30 years as an educator. It is important that we as a community be as supportive as possible. Put signs in business windows encouraging our kids to finish the year strong, Reach out to families that may be in need of the things some of us take for granted.
You train for severe weather, natural disasters, and even active shooters. What have you learned about your job and the education system in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic?
I have always known that teachers have a heart for kids and they want to mentor them, and be of service to them in order for them to grow into good people. COVID-19 has taught me those are not just words. Our teachers have re-invented the way we deliver instruction to our students. We have teachers that I know love their kids, but would not change the way they deliver their time proven strategies on how to best deliver them. These teachers have overnight, adapted and overcome hurdles and their whole way of thinking because that was what was best for kids.
Do you have a message for the FHS Class of 2020?
I am committed to having a ceremony that honors your hard work you have put in over the years. It may look different than other graduations, but there will be one. I hope to make that announcement by May 4, 2020. I believe God is in control and we need to trust that the plans He has for us will benefit His name.
At a press conference on Monday, Governor Greg Abbott said he will let the state's stay-at-home order expire on April 30, 2020 as scheduled and give businesses the opportunity to reopen (in a limited capacity) in phases the next day, May 1st. This is the latest push in the Governor's effort to restart the Texas economy amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Governor stressed that his order "gives permission to reopen, not a requirement," and businesses, such as restaurants, can continue their current practice of providing pick-up and drive-thru service.
At the same time, Governor Abbott said he is holding off on reopening certain businesses for the time being, which includes barbershops, hair salons, bars, and gyms. He said he hopes those businesses can open "on or no later than mid-May."
Parmer County is seeing an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the county. At this time last week, we had 2 confirmed cases in the county. Currently, we have 6 confirmed cases. With the recent testing that occurred with the Texas National Guard, that number may continue to increase. I highly encourage all local restaurants to continue their current practice of providing pick-up and drive-thru service. Additionally, we appreciate the efforts of every church choosing to have online/remote services. I ask that you continue this practice until we see a decrease in the number of cases in Parmer County.
I'm also encouraging you to wear a face mask when you are at grocery, retail, and convenient stores in Friona. Please understand that the safety and well-being of you and your family is my highest priority. Your Mayor, Ricky White.
***
First Baptist Church Friona ladies originally made about 150 cloth masks for anyone who needed one. They took approximately 45 to the residents at Prairie Acres. They gave out 50 or more at the church office and now have about 50 more available to pick up in the lobby of Parmer Medical Center. You also can call the church at 806-250-3933 for more information. The masks are FREE. Masks are also available from Leslie Ware @ (806)-225-7443 for $7 each, Pam Haseloff @ (806) 481-9964 for a donation, and Ivy Cottage @ (806) 250-8073 for $12.99 (made in Dallas).
***
FYI!!! The City of Friona is on the lookout for the best-looking face mask. If you think your face mask is a winner, email a picture of yourself sporting it to cityinfo@frionatx.us. The winner of the contest will be announced on Friday, May 8th and receive $100 worth of Friona bucks to be used at local restaurants.
***
Construction is underway at the new EMS building. Plans include 2 new office spaces with temperature controlled closets, a living area, 4 bedrooms, a laundry area, 1 bathroom and a full kitchen. Also included in the building are 3 separate bay areas for each of the three ambulances, plenty of storage space for training materials, medical records and other necessities.
***
Our U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington released a statement after Governor Abbott announced the state's plan for a phased-in reopening. He said, "I'm pleased Governor Abbott has begun reopening our state. It's time we responsibly get businesses back online, people back to work, and communities back to some semblance of normal." Arrington continued, "Given the Lone Star State's resources, resolve and risk-taking ethos, I fully expect Texas to lead in the nation's recovery." Congressman Arrington is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives serving the 19th Congressional District of Texas. He serves as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.
***
National Days
April 30 - Bugs Bunny Day
May 1 - Space Day
May 2 - Fitness Day
May 3 - Lemonade Day
May 4 - Star Wars Day
May 5 - Cinco de Mayo
May 6 - Nurses Day
Texas Panhandle:
1124 cases, 16 deaths
Armstrong County: 2
Carson: 1
Castro County: 13
Childress: 1
Cottle: 2
Dallam County: 10
Deaf Smith County: 26
Donley County: 24
Gray County: 39
Hansford County: 5
Hartley County: 4
Hemphill County: 1
Hutchinson County: 13
Moore County: 294
Oldham County: 3
Ochiltree: 21
Parmer County: 6
Potter County: 430
Randall County: 200
Roberts County: 2
Sherman County: 14
Swisher County: 9
Wheeler County: 6
Eastern New Mexico:
29 cases, 1 death
Curry County: 14
Quay County: 4
Roosevelt County: 8
Union: 3
Oklahoma Panhandle:
111 cases, 1 death
Beaver County: 3
Cimarron: 1
Texas County: 107
Texas:
25,297 cases
663 deaths
United States:
1,034,588 cases
58,955 deaths
Worldwide:
2,828,728 cases 198,612 deaths
County Disaster Declaration (English)
March 16 FISD Letter (English) (Spanish)
March 31 FISD Letter (English) (Spanish)
Letter from City Manager (English) (Spanish)
Friona Community Helpline (English)
2-1-1 Texas Social Services Hotline (English)
Share The Facts about COVID-19 (English) (Spanish)
What You Need To Know (English) (Spanish)
What To Do If You Are Sick (English) (Spanish)
County Clerk PSA (English)
Chamber of Commerce Letter to Businesses (English)
Friona Interbank Lobby Closed (English)
FISD Emergency Resolution (English)
