April 2022

Growing season underway at Belding Farms

4 years ago By News Staff

Growing season began last month for the pecans at Belding Farms. The farm, located in Pecos County, produces an average of 5 million pounds of pecans a year on 2,200 acres of land. Belding Farms is currently installing a drip irrigation system on 96 acres of their land in an effort with Texas Water Trade to reduce water usage. The drip system is the first of its kind on the farm. The farm is currently using flood irrigation via concrete irrigation ditches that supply water throughout the farm. Pictured is the current flood irrigation system and the new drip irrigation system that is currently being installed. Trenches are being dug to bury the tubing. Also pictured one the most unique items on the farm, sound cannons, that shoot soundwaves up in the air to break apart hail before reaching the pecan trees. There are over 10 cannons of such located on the property. Photos by Nathan Heuer

GROWING SEASON UNDERWAY AT BELDING FARMS

Maria Onsurez

4 years ago By News Staff

This beautiful lady, Maria Onsurez, went home on April 10, 2022, returning to our Lord and joining her son Anthony.

She leaves behind three daughters, Peadra, Marisa, and Celissa; two step-daughters, Leticia and Dee; one brother, Frank; and one sister, Norma.

Mary had 10 grandchildren, Jeremiah, Alec, Xavier, Kirsten, Kendra, Sierra, Raelynn, Nat, Jasmin, and John; and five great-grandchildren.

Inmate Arrests Report – Pecos County Jail (April 5-12)

4 years ago By News Staff

April 5

Kisha Latina Tate, of North Hills, CA at 7:05 a.m., officers from the Department of Public Safety apprehended Tate and she was charged with possession of marijuana less than two ounces. Tate received a $1,500 PR bond and was released the same day.

County recognized as part of Old Spanish Trail celebration

4 years ago By News Staff

On Monday, April 11, rancher Warren Nutt awarded Pecos County as an "Old Spanish Trail Centennial Celebration Official County."

(From left to right): commissioner Tom Chapman, rancher Warren Nutt, judge Joe Shuster, and commissioners Mickey Jack Perry and Santiago Cantu. Photo by Megan Wehring

Skeletal remains found in county identified 26 years later

4 years ago By Nathan Heuer Pioneer Editor

The Pecos County Sheriff’s Office received news late last month that an unidentified person that was found deceased in the Pecos County in 1996 was recently identified.

The regional program specialist of the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System notified the Pecos County Sheriff’s Office of a possible match of dental features similar to the skeletal remains located in Pecos County on April 19, 1996.

Pictured is a digital reconstruction of Debra Jean Houston’s face, which was done completed by the Department of Public Safety in 1996 to show what she possibly looked like in order to help get an ID at the time.

Oneta “Gayle” Gray

4 years ago By News Staff

Oneta “Gayle” Gray, 79, passed away on April 9, 2022, at her home in Fort Stockton, Texas.

Visitation was held on April 12, 2022, at Eternity Funeral Home Chapel in Fort Stockton.

Funeral service was held on April 13, 2022, at Eternity Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Scott Owens officiating. Burial followed at East Hill Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to Eternity Funeral Home.

Rollins family gives back to historic house

4 years ago By Megan Wehring

The Pecos County Historical Commission received furniture and monetary donations on April 6 from a grandson of a builder of a local historic property.

Seated in Historical Fort Stockton is the Rollins-Sibley House — a one-story residence that was constructed on a portion of the fort hospital foundation in 1905 by the Rollins family and later purchased by the Sibley family, who donated it to the county in 1996.

The Rollins family also made a monetary donation of $2,000 for the Historical Commission.

Mary Elizabeth Tinkler Copeland Elliott

4 years ago By News Staff

Mary Elizabeth Tinkler Copeland Elliott, 80, of Midland, Texas, passed away April 5, 2022, at her home, and went to be with her Lord and Savior in Heaven.

Visitation was held on April 7, 2022, at Nalley-Pickle and Welch Funeral Home. Graveside service was April 8, 2022, at Serenity Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Both are located in Midland.