The students are gone. The teachers are gone. The books are gone. After 67 years of service, the Elementary/Primary School building has fulfilled its purpose and will make way for the future. In 1954, the building was designated the Friona Elementary School. For many years, Elementary encompassed grades 1 through 4, Junior High grades 5 through 8, and High School grades 9 through 12. Later on, when Kindergarten and Pre-K arrived, the building was renamed the Friona Primary School.
Before the end of the month a demolition crew will begin to dismantle and remove the old building that introduced many students to the world of learning. The new Primary School building is awesome and will continue the tradition but for now nostalgia rules the classroom. Thanks for the memories.
The Friona Public Library kicked off its 2021 summer reading program by hosting the First Response Program on Wednesday, June 2nd. There were 150 children and 25 adults that attended the program. The kids learned about the roles of the Police, EMS, and Firefighters as emergency responders. The children also learned about the equipment that emergency responders have on their uniforms and in their vehicles. Chief of Police Isidro Jimenez and Police Officer Jonathan Marquez taught the children about gun safety and told them that it is important to tell an adult whenever they find one. Firefighters Skip Hodges and J'Lond Jarecki talked about fire safety and told the children that they should never hide inside if there is a fire. Skip reminded the kids that during a fire they need to try to get out of the building before they call for help. Mike Taylor talked about the importance of calling 911 if someone is hurt or if there is an emergency. The kids had the chance to win a prize during a raffle at the end of the program.
National Flag Day - On June 14th, National Flag Day honors Old Glory and commemorates the adoption of the United States flag on June 14, 1777. The holiday is a day that Americans show respect for the U.S. Flag and what it represents. Representing independence and unity, the Star Spangled Banner has become a powerful symbol of Americanism and the flag is flown proudly.
***
The Prairie Acres Resident of the Month for June is Judy Stout. The Employee of the Month is Vanessa Chavez. Vanessa has worked in the nursing department at Prairie Acres since April 2020. Congratulations to both Judy and Vanessa!
***
The Farmwife Kitchen is now open in the evenings during the summer. Their hours of operation are now Tuesday-Friday from 11am-2pm and 4pm-8pm.
***
A Covid-19 Vaccination Clinic will be held on Friday, June 18th, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The clinic will take place at 500 Halsell Street in Bovina, TX and it will be open to everyone ages 12 and up. The Pfizer vaccine will be offered.
***
Note from Deena Leuea. Steer Validation will be Monday, June 21st at Dr. Kennedy's place in Muleshoe.
***
On Tuesday, Gov. Abbott signed HB 1522, officially designating Midwestern State University (MSU Texas) as a member institution of the Texas Tech University System (TTU System), effective Sept. 1, 2021. The bill was authored by state Rep. James Frank and sponsored by state Sen. Drew Springer.
***
On Tuesday, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced his certification of Senate Bill 1, the general appropriations act that was approved by both houses during the recently gaveled regular session of the 87th Texas Legislature. The bill now heads to the desk of Gov. Abbott. SB 1 appropriates $248.6 billion in total spending for the state's budget during the 2022-23 biennium. It is certified based on the most recent total revenue projection released in May, which included an upward revision of $3.1 billion in General Revenue-Related funds after a decline in COVID-19 cases contributed to a further opening of the Texas economy, and substantive federal action on relief funding.
***
The Friona Star is getting bigger! Actually 2 points bigger. To help make the paper easier to read we have increased the type size from 10 point to 12 point. Let us know what you think.
***
A bonus for those who have been vaccinated. If you give blood at the drive today (Thursday) you will receive a baseball-style shirt in addition to the other t-shirts, milk, WOW pass, and squeeze toy. The blood drive is at the Calvary Baptist fellowship hall from noon till 7 p.m.
***
National Days
June 10: Black Cow Day
June 11:Corn on the Cob Day
June 12:Peanut Butter Cookie Day
June 13: Children's Day
June 14: Flag Day
June 15: Nature Photography Day
June 16: Fudge Day
***
After a one year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Friona Fine Arts Council's Summer Drama Workshop is back for its 51st season. The "boot camp" for actors, actresses, and directors is scheduled for July 5th-17th. Due to construction at the high school, all SDW activities will take place at the Friona Junior High auditorium.
Registration is just $25 per child and will take place on Monday, July 5th at the beginning of rehearsals. Directors this year are Allison Johnston, Joy Morton, and Shawn Oakley Farrar.
The three shows will rehearse Monday through Friday of both weeks. The elementary show will rehearse from 9:00 a.m. till Noon. The junior high show will rehearse from 1:30 p.m. till 4:30 p.m. The high school show will rehearse in the evenings from 7:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m.
Performances are scheduled for Friday, July 16th and Saturday, July 17th.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Allison Johnston at 806-220-1610 or Joy Morton at 806-250-3797.
