Progress for Pampa

I was driving around town the other day and saw something you don't see much of in Pampa: Construction.

There are several new building projects starting around town. Down the street from me, a new bank branch is going up. There has been a sign on that corner for several years, announcing the "Future home of Happy State Bank." When I moved back to Pampa, nearly two years ago, I chose Happy State Bank to open my account because that new branch will be real convenient for me. I can ride down there on my scooter. I didn't know I'd have to wait TWO years! The bank will open sometime this summer. That's some progress.

Across the street from the new bank, a new McDonald's is being built. The old one was torn down last week, and a new high-tech one will replace it. The new store will have wireless Internet access. I guess that's progress. I'm just hoping it will have easier wheelchair access. The old McD's had a very narrow entryway and made it hard to get in with the scooter. I like going through the drive-thru. It freaks them out when they see me come through on my scooter!

In the same shopping center with McDonald's, the school district has bought an old Albertsons grocery store building and will convert it into its new administration building. That's where my sister will work. Since she'll be right up the road from me, I'm sure she will pop over here and make lunch for me! The district has needed a new administration building for a long time. That's progress.

There are other signs of progress around Pampa. A new restaurant opened last week. It was obviously named after me: "Chubby's Burrito." It will feature build-your-own burritos. I can't wait to check it out.... when the crowd dies down. Another restaurant in town is being renovated and will open soon.

There's also construction at the hospital, where a new helipad is being built. The hospital is being sold to an out-of-state company, and there are lots of changes taking place out there. Maybe they will bring in some new doctors to replace those veterinarians who work out there now. That would be real progress.

I know I like to make fun of living in a small town, but Pampa is really a pretty good place to live. It's actually the second largest city in the Panhandle. There are a lot of good things happening in Pampa right now. And my family is here. That's the real reason that I like to call Pampa 'home.'