Groundbreaking ceremonies were conducted last Wednesday at Del Rio Dairy to initiate construction of a renewable natural gas (RNG) digester which will turn the waste of 7,500 dairy cows into 1.1 million pounds of ultra-clean transportation fuel each year.
The $30 million project is a joint venture between Clean Energy, the country's largest provider of renewable natural gas (RNG), and TotalEnergy, a broad energy company that operates in over 130 countries. All the fuel produced at Del Rio Dairy will make its way into Clean Energy's nationwide network of RNG stations.
Del Rio Dairy is owned and operated by Rocky & Liz Gingg and is located approximately 10 miles south of Friona on Highway 214. Other companies involved with the project include Montrose Environmental, Black Bear Environmental Assets, Atmos Energy, and Industrial Services Company. Construction is expected to be complete near the end of next year.
Before the shovel-ready photo-op, a luncheon was served at the Milk House Dairy barn for project dignitaries and invited guests. Hayride transportation was also provided to enhance the dairy farm experience. Nathan Moroney, Del Rio Dairy operations manager, conducted a tour of the rotary milking carousel at Milk House and explained all of the newest technologies utilized to help produce milk safely and efficiently.
In future editions, the Friona Star will take a closer look at the digester technology and the companies that are working to make the project a reality.
In the photo (l-r)
Cal Brannon
Industrial Account Manager
Atmos Energy Corporation
Emmanuel Come
General Manager Biogas USA
TotalEnergies
Delphine Merle
Head of Biogas Development & Growth
TotalEnergies
Rocky Gingg
Owner
Del Rio Dairy
Andrew J. Littlefair
President and CEO
Clean Energy
Bernie Sheff
VP Biogas Engineering
Montrose Environmental Group
Peter Drasher
Founder
Black Bear Environmental Assets
Texas Plains Trail Region Facebook post — Texas Plains Trail Region is in Friona, Texas on November 19 at 9:48 a.m. We've been busy out and about in the region the last two weeks - so many exciting things going on! Thank you to the Parmer County Museum for the tour and a delicious lunch meeting at The Farmwife Kitchen. Follow the museum's Facebook page for an exciting project they are working on honoring our region's Veterans.
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Same Game, Familiar Name — #2 Behren Morton is a freshman quarterback for the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Behren is the son of James and Suni Morton and has two older sisters, McKayla and Maggie. James was the head football coach of the Friona Chieftains from 1992 through 1997. After stops at Lubbock Monterey and Midland Lee, James moved back to his hometown of Eastland in 2016 and was Behren's head football coach. Behren was one of the top quarterbacks in the country during his high school career at Eastland and was heavily recruited. James was a 2009 inductee into the West Texas A&M Hall of Champions for his time as a standout running back for the Buffs. He also was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for two seasons. Good luck Behren and Best Wishes to the whole family!!!
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Native American Heritage Day — Riding horseback from state to state in 1914, Red Fox James, a Blackfoot Indian, sought endorsement from 24 states to support a national day recognizing and honoring Native Americans. He presented these endorsements to the White House the following year. At the time, the U.S. government didn't proclaim a national day. However, the state of New York declared the second Saturday in May as American Indian Day.
In 1986, the 99th Congress passed a joint resolution authorizing the President to proclaim November 23-30, 1986, as American Indian Week. President Ronald Reagan declared the first American Indian week that year and each year following his presidency. President George H.W. Bush continued the proclamations until 1990, when he approved a joint resolution to declare November as National American Indian Heritage Month. This tradition has continued annually. In 2008 the Native American Heritage Day Act was enacted by Congress and signed by President George W. Bush on October 8, 2008.
There are 574 federally recognized tribes in the United States. There are additional tribes recognized only at the state level. In addition, hundreds of other tribes continue to go through the process of federal recognition.
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Project Christmas Card — The Parmer County Hospital Auxiliary is accepting donations for the Project Christmas Card. The proceeds will be used to purchase medical equipment for Parmer Medical Center. Canisters/boxes are placed around town in various businesses for the collection of donations. The names of donors will be included in a special Christmas Greeting Card in the Friona Star newspaper. Please make sure you put your name with ALL donations. You can contact Connie Neeley (250-2542) or Donna Schueler (295-3585) for more information.
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National Days
November 25:
Thanksgiving Day
November 26:
Native American Heritage Day
November 27:
Small Business Saturday
November 28:
French Toast Day
November 29:
Cyber Monday
November 30:
Mason Jar Day
December 1:
Pie Day
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Last Friday, Legacy Pointe Executive Housing Director Cindy Hooley and Prairie Acres Administrator Jeff Procter hosted a BBQ lunch for prospective tenants at the new senior apartment complex. Attendees got to view the renovations that have been made to the former assisted living facility. Sixteen apartments are now available to lease. Rent starts at $1,500 per month and includes two meals a day and all expenses paid except for phone. Drop by 1500 N. Main for a tour or call 806-250-5599 for more information.
The Parmer County Commissioners Court met in regular session on Monday, November 22, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. in the County Courtroom of the Parmer County Courthouse in Farwell, Texas. The meeting began with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag and Texas Flag. Commissioner Pct. 1 Kirk Frye conducted the meeting.
There were no public comments. Minutes from the November 8th meeting were read and approved. Commissioners approved the payment of the accounts payables as presented by County Treasurer Sharon May. The Treasurer's Payroll Report was also approved.
Commissioners reviewed and renewed a Right-of-Way pipeline agreement with El Paso Natural Gas. Approval was given for a Bond for the County Clerk Deputy.
Extension Agents Janelle Duffey and Wendy Case gave Commissioners an update on recent projects and activities.
Sheriff Randy Geries reported that he was currently housing 38 inmates in the Parmer County Law Enforcement Center. Of that total, 28 are from Deaf Smith County. Parmer County will be reimbursed for housing those inmates.
