September 2021

Fort Stockton High School, Midland College grad encourages others to achieve success

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When Geneva Duarte-Diaz enrolled in Midland College in 1991 at the age of 20, she had no idea about college or how to pay for college.  She just knew that she needed a college education to make a better life for herself and her family.

The first-generation college student now has several certificates, an associate degree, and a bachelor’s degree from Midland College.She helps high school students discover pathways to higher education.

Geneva Duarte-Diaz

FSISD sets 2022 budget and tax rate

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The Fort Stockton Independent School District is looking at a total budget of $30.8 million in revenue and a slight decrease in the tax rate.

At its Aug. 30 meeting, the FSISD School Board approved the 2022 budget and tax rate. The total tax rate is $1.1289, which is a 3 cent decrease compared to last year; maintenance and operations has a rate of $0.8792 and debt service is $0.2497.

FSISD Administration Building

City council adopts tax rate

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The Fort Stockton City Council approved the 2022 tax rate at its special meeting held on Tuesday, Aug. 31.

The proposed total tax rate is 0.4365 per $100 valuation — the same rate as 2021. Debt payments are $0.2419 and the remaining $0.1946 is for operations and maintenance in the general fund.

Tax Calculation

Perez claims gold for XC

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Fabian Perez’s gold medal performance highlighted an outstanding day for the Fort Stockton cross country team on Aug. 28 at the Wink Cross Country Meet.
Pictured is the Fort Stockton Cross Country team after Saturday’s meet in Wink.

Tennis sets season-high win total

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The Fort Stockton tennis team had their most successful outing of the season on Saturday against All Saints Episcopal. The Panthers claimed four wins – a season-high mark – versus the Patriots from Lubbock.
Fort Stockton Logo

Tragedy is a call to action

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I come from a family of fighting men. My cousin Adolph was a paratrooper who landed at Normandy on D-Day, and the parachute he used - stained with blood and dirt - was turned into my cousin Helen’s wedding dress.
Tragedy is a

Paper tiger at a collapsing frontier

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Up to half of Border Patrol personnel in Texas have been pulled from the field, with a record low 12 officers attempting to cover a busy 245-mile stretch of the Rio Grande. As more agents are assigned to deskwork, “Morale is in the toilet,” said the Border Patrol’s union.
Paper tiger at a collapsing frontier

Where Ya Headed?

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Travelers taking pictures of Paisano Pete is a common sight here in Fort Stockton. However, last week Michael and Garret of New Jersey pulled over to take pictures of the abandoned Comanche Motel & RV Park at 1301 E.
Michael holds a plush dolphin while his travel buddy Garrett holds a plush seal. The plush toys belong to Michael’s grandchildren, Brook and Anthony, who will get to show their friends photos of all the places their toys have traveled. Photo by Jeremy Gonzalez

Chamber thanks healthcare providers

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The Fort Stockton Chamber of Commerce delivered cookies and muffins to the Pecos County Memorial Hospital, PCMH Walk-In Clinic, and Cactus Health Services to thank all of the health care providers at these facilities for their hard work and diligence during these trying times. “While we know this small gesture does not help with them the tremendous stress and pressure they are under dealing with COVID in our community, we hope it brings a smile and a small break in an otherwise hectic day. THANK YOU for all you do!” Courtesy Photos
Cactus Clinic