News

Qualifying for the May 6 Fort Stockton municipal election ended last Friday, and with the impending departure of longtime mayor Chris Alexander, no less than four individuals filed to run for the open mayoral seat. 

Two mayor candidates – James Warnock and Paul Casias – are current city council members, while James Clarence Wilson and former city council member Pam Pepper Palileo also filed. Casias is the current Mayor Pro Tem. 

Jan. 31

Justin Andrew Wells, of Jennings, Louisiana at 5:15 p.m., officers with the Department of Public Safety apprehended Wells and charged him with possession of a controlled substance penalty group two less than one gram and possession of marijuana less than two ounces. Wells received bonds totaling $4,500 and was released Feb. 1.

Feb. 3

When Fort Stockton Mayor first met Ernesto Velasquez, he knew the police officer would make a great police chief one day. That day was Monday as Alexander swore in Velasquez as Fort Stockton’s new police chief to lead off Monday’s city council meeting. 

Velasquez was originally appointed to interim police chief on Jan. 10 before receiving the official distinction without the interim tag on Monday. 

“It is with great honor and pleasure that I get to swear you in as our new chief of police,” Alexander told Velasquez before administering the oath of office. 

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick released a list of 30 bills that will answer his most important priorities for the current session on Feb. 13.

The measures range from fiscal issues such as property tax relief, to education issues like school choice as well as several measures dealing with gender politics, public safety, and rural aid.

The Fort Stockton Sheep Dog Trials began yesterday with over 50 dogs competing in the annual event at the Fort Stockton Gun Club.

The event is open to the public and is scheduled to take place through Monday.