The Mighty Chieftain Marching Band competed in the district marching contest last Saturday at Dick Bivins Stadium in Amarillo, Texas. The band had a solid performance and received a II rating from the judges. The band will host a Veterans Day program on Thursday, November 11th beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the High School Gym.
Bi-Wize celebrated "Pharmacy Technicians Day" last Tuesday as well as "Customer Appreciation Day" by providing free hot dogs, chips, cookies, and drinks to its customers. Bi-Wize Pharmacy Techs and Clerks include (l-r) Lupita Estrada, Debbie Williams, Katy Rojas, Olga Legarreta, Jackie Legarreta, Andy Alexander, Peggy Padilla, and Kayla Alexander.
The Friona Art Department and the Parmer County Sheriff's Office are putting on a Trunk or Treat Spooktacular on Sunday, October 31, 2021 in the Friona City Park from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The Trunk or Treat event will include decorations created by the Friona High School Art Department, and games and activities for children. Come join us for a night of fun, games, and candy!
After the Trunk or Treat, the City of Friona will be presenting a movie, the 1993 classic "Hocus Pocus" in the park. So bring your blankets and snacks to sit back and enjoy the show!
Athlete of the Week — Bryan Chavira was chosen as the First United Bank Boys "Athlete of the Week" at the Press Pass Sports website in recognition of his performance against Tulia. He rushed for 266 yards and 4 touchdowns on 28 carries. He also had 6 tackles on defense. Congratulations Bryan!!!
Free Vaccination Clinic — Parmer Medical Center is hosting a Free Covid-19 Vaccination Clinic on Friday, October 22nd from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the XIT Recreation Center in Bovina, Texas. Pfizer vaccines are now available for ages 12 and up. Call for an appointment at 806-240-1562 or 806-240-1761. Walk-ins are available.
***
Blood Drive is November 4th — the next Friona Community Blood Drive is scheduled for Thursday, November 4th at the Calvary Baptist Fellowship Hall from Noon till 7 p.m. Donors will receive a t-shirt, Cinergy movie pass, and a free COVID-19 antibody test. To schedule an appointment, visit yourbloodinstitue.org.
***
Cotton Harvest — the cotton harvest will get underway very soon. What looked like a "down" year has changed somewhat in the past few weeks. The weather has cooperated, the price is up, and the gin acquiring a few new customers.
***
Band Boosters Fundraiser — the pulled pork sandwich fundraiser held by the band boosters was a huge success. Over 450 sandwiches were sold before and during the Friona/Childress football game. The band boosters would like to thank everyone who helped the band by supporting this event. Also, special thanks to Cargill, Caviness, Friona InterBank, and Lowe's Market for their donations.
***
Veterans Day Program — the Friona High School Band will present a program honoring all veterans on Thursday, November 11th at 10:00 a.m. in the High School Gym.
***
Lions Club Raffle — the annual Noon Lions Club fundraising raffle is underway. Prizes this year include a Smith & Wesson stainless steel Model 67-38 Special, CZ Bobwhite side-by-side 20 gauge shotgun, Tyler Gun Works Iroquois Tomahawk, and a Yeti Roadie Cooler. Tickets are $10 and are available from any Noon Lions Club member or at Houlette Petroleum. The drawing will be held on Monday, December at 12:30 p.m. at the Farmwife Kitchen.
***
School Construction Update — the portable buildings have been set in place and secured, the new Elementary playground is finished, and final "punch lists" will be implemented to make sure that all projects have been completed.
***
Medical Musical Chairs — New furniture arrived last week for the health clinic lobby. It only took a few minutes for workers to bring in the new and take out the old. Furniture that is, not patients. For those of us waiting to see the doctor it was like musical chairs without the music. Rhonda Wilkins informed us that any furniture with a porous wood surface had to be replaced. Finally, we all sat down and judged the new chairs by the seat of our pants, literally.
***
Make a Dog's Day — Approximately 3.3 million dogs enter shelters in the United States annually, many being relinquished by their owners. Worse still, approximately 35% of the animals that enter shelters are euthanized. While numbers continue to decline, the need for adoption continues to be overwhelming. One sure way to make a dog's day is giving them a new, loving home through adoption.
***
State Senator Kel Seliger announced on Wednesday that he will not seek re-election. Seliger explained, "After thoughtful consideration and with the reassurance of my family, including my new very vocal granddaughter, I have decided not to be a candidate for re-election to the Texas Senate. From my first campaign in 1989 to today, I have felt overwhelmingly proud to serve the Panhandle, South Plains, and the Permian Basin."
Seliger continued, "It has been a great honor to represent the people, schools, and businesses of Senate District 31 for the past 17 years in the Texas Legislature. The opportunity to serve as Chairman of the Senate Higher Education Committee and Senate Select Committee on Redistricting, as well a longtime member of the Finance and Education Committees, allowed me to be impactful in areas of great importance to me and the entire state. Thank you for placing your trust in me as your Texas State Senator."
The Friona City Council met in regular session on Tuesday,October 12, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at 619 Main in Friona, Texas. The meeting began with roll call, an invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance.
There were no public comments. Larry Martin was recognized for his 39 years of service with the Friona EMS. He officially retired on September 30, 2021. Larry received a "Key to the City" from Mayor Ricky White.
The Minutes of the September 15, 2021 regular meeting were approved. The Accounts Payable for September 2021, Financial Statement for September 2021, and Quarterly Financial Statement ending September 2021 were also approved.
A proposed interlocal agreement between the City of Friona and Parmer County regarding a shared Municipal and JP court was approved. The agreement would not go into effect until a new Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 is seated. The new multipurpose court would be located south of current council chambers.
A motion was approved to designate the Friona Star as the City of Friona's official newspaper.
In other business, Agricultural leases with Wade Schueler involving Tract One and Tract Two were approved. A request to place a mobile home on the property at 803 Walnut was approved. A motion to provide authorized signatures for bank accounts and investment accounts with an effective date was approved. Mayra Olmos was approved to serve as a director for the Parmer County Appraisal District for 2022-2023. Consideration on a variance request was tabled until the next meeting.
All meetings are open to the public. The City Council reserves the right to go into Executive session at any time. Visit cityoffriona.com to find agendas and minutes from previous meetings. Information in this article is only a summary. Any questions concerning specific actions should be directed to the City Council.