June 2022

Fort Stockton ISD elevates pay scale for teachers

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A recent amendment to the Fort Stockton Independent School District Zone Pay Scale will give first-year educators the opportunity to be some of the highest paid in Texas. A zero-year teacher, who is credentialed, fully certified, and teaching in areas of specific need as defined by the district can make $72,500 starting the 2022-2023 school year.
FSISD Administration Building

FSPD cracking down on graffiti

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The Fort Stockton Police Department is combatting the recent spike in vandalism across town this past week. According to Police Chief Robert Lujan, the FSPD has identified an individual who has been tagging walls, dumpsters, stop signs and more.
Graffiti was discovered at numerous locations this weekend including the brick wall adjacent to the Comanche Springs Swimming Pool. FSPD reports they are tightening the belt on this issue and have identified a primary subject. Courtesy Photo

Senior Citizens Center hosts hot dog supper

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On Friday, July 1, the Pecos County Senior Citizens Center will host its annual July 4th hot dog supper at 6 p.m. The Senior Center will provide hot dogs and all the fixings. Participants are asked to bring side dishes for a potluck. After the meal there will be a sing along of patriotic songs and old favorites.
Hot dog supper

DOJ charges against Facebook should be a warning

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Meta Platforms, until October 2021 known as Facebook, is in turmoil. Infamous for its commitment to employing H-1B workers, and simultaneously undermining qualified U.S. tech workers’ careers, the Silicon Valley titan is finally getting its just rewards.
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Stranger things in my kid’s bedroom

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A few days ago, my wife and I joined some friends for a gathering during a few rare hours when we weren’t busy hauling a teenager to some kind of expensive activity or hosting an entire herd of them at our home to ransack our pantry and abuse the plumbing. The highlight of the get-together was watching the final episode of “Stranger Things,” Season 4, Volume 1, on Netflix while snacking, catching up, snacking, reminiscing, snacking, and snacking.
Stranger things in my kid’s bedroom

Brazos Quinton Davis

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Brazos Quinton Davis of Iraan, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2022, in Reno, Nev., after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Brazos was born Jan.
Brazos Quinton Davis

Local pharmacist calls it a career after 30 years of ownership

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Coming from a family of pharmacists, longtime Fort Stockton resident Mario Juarez knew the career path he wanted to go down since he was a teenager.

The El Paso native began his career in pharmacy as a clerk at the age of 16. Juarez received his degree in pharmacy from the University of Texas in 1984 and eight years later he began to live out his dream.

Baggett Pharmacy new owner Shashwat Patel, left, and former owner Mario Juarez, right, posed for a photo together on June 20 as a representation of the change of ownership that happened last week. Photo by Nathan Heuer

Adan Mata Ruiz, Sr.

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Adan Mata Ruiz, Sr., of Odessa, Texas, passed away peacefully, on June 18, 2022, at the age of 73. Adan was born in Fort Stockton, Texas, to Reymundo S. Ruiz and Nicolasa S. Mata on April 16, 1949.

Adan is survived by his loving wife Baola Hernandez Ruiz and eight children, Sylvia, Monica, Javier, Adna, Annabelle, Annaleigh, and Melina. Adan is also survived by three sisters, Maria R. Porras, Patsy R. Lujan, and Aurora R. Torres.

Adan Mata Ruiz, Sr.

Traylor made history in Austin

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In the top of the third inning, Pumpkin Center, La., native Mark Traylor bounced a two-RBI single into center field against Austin Weirdos pitcher Jacob Hubbard to record the 168th hit in his four-season Cowboys career, setting the record for most hits in a Cowboys uniform. He eclipsed former Cowboys star Lance Myers for the milestone, an old teammate of Traylors who won the 2019 Pecos League Championship with him.

Alpine o6 Cowboy Mark Traylor recorded his 168th hit with the team to break the all-time fran-chise record. Photo by Ethan Eibe