August 2022

KIDS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN

3 years ago By News Staff

Over 40 youngsters from Fort Stockton and the surrounding area took part in the Second Annual Tiny Tot Track Meet held on the Fort Stockton Middle School campus on July 30. Kids ranging from 1-6 years old were able to participate in the event. Fort Stockton native Tammy Lujan, who started the event a year ago, put on the event once again this year and hopes to continue to do so in the future. Her passion for the sport of track and field, and her son Tomas, 3, originally inspired her to organize the event. “I decided to host a tiny tot track meet because track and field has always been near and dear to my heart. With covid restrictions so rough in 2020 I felt activities for the youth were struggling. I wanted my son, who was 2-years-old at the time, to get social and get active,” she said. “I wanted to involve children ages six and under because they don’t have a lot of activities do to for them. It is very rewarding to know that I can contribute to our youth in this community.” Pictured from left to right is Genesis Arguing, Aubrey Gonzalez, Piper McCullough, Emory Young, and Azariah Rivera. Photo by Nathan Heuer

Inmate Arrests Report – Pecos County Jail (July 29-Aug. 3)

3 years ago By News Staff

July 29

Oscar Olivarez, of Mathis, Texas at 12:13 a.m., officers from the Department of Public Safety apprehended Olivares on a warrant (San Patricio County) for indecency with child sexual contact. Olivarez received a $50,000 bond and was sent to San Patricio County.

LOOKING BACK - August 1965

3 years ago By News Staff

CITATION – Oran W. Nicks, left, son of Mr. and Mrs. O.M. Nicks of Fort Stockton, was presented the NASA leadership medal by President Johnon in ceremonies at the White House last week. Nicks was one of three space officials honored for their parts in the recent Mariner space probe which transmitted televised pictures of Mars.

Aug. 1965 issue: CITATION – Oran W. Nicks, left, son of Mr. and Mrs. O.M. Nicks of Fort Stockton, was presented the NASA leadership medal by President Johnon in ceremonies at the White House last week. Nicks was one of three space officials honored for their parts in the recent Mariner space probe which transmitted televised pictures of Mars.

Fort Stockton ISD implements No Pass, No Phone policy

3 years ago By Nathan Heuer Pioneer Editor

Using a cell phone during lunch break will be a privilege to all Fort Stockton ISD middle school and high school students to begin the 2022-2023 school year – a privilege that middle school students previously didn’t have.

But that may not be the case for students after the first progress report comes out.

Barrio Fest to highlight local Mexican history

3 years ago By Press Release

“For some reason, she’s really jazzed up about this,” says son Tony Swanke about his mother, Sarita Urias, after hearing about Barrio Fest in Fort Stockton.

If her name sounds familiar, that’s because Doña Sarita Urias was born in Fort Stockton and is an important figure to Mexican Americans in the area.

Fort Stockton native Doña Sarita Urias will return to Fort Stockton to celebrate Barriofest next after celebrating Mexican Independence Day in an unprecedented event in the city from 1948-1949. Courtesy Photo

Film Society to screen “Destry Rides Again”

3 years ago By

The Fort Stockton Film Society will host its last film of the summer with a showing of the 1939 film “Destry Rides Again” on Friday, Aug. 5 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The screening is another date night, with free popcorn and free admission, courtesy of Pecos County Feed and Supply. There will also be a classic Warner Brothers cartoon shown just before the main feature.

Film Society to screen “Destry Rides Again”

KFC and Taco Bell to return to Fort Stockton

3 years ago By Jeremy Gonzalez

The joint Taco Bell/KFC restaurant, previously located on Highway 285 in Fort Stockton, burned to the ground back in October of 2020. The two restaurants under one roof were declared a total loss and the property has remained vacant until present day.

“They will be built as two different buildings at the same location,” revealed Development Lead Larry Rules. “We’re bringing in the latest Taco Bell design, which is called the Endeavor design. This model looks great. The whole thing is going to look nice, trust me.”

Fort Stockton’s joint KFC and Taco Bell burned to the ground late 2020 and its dual sign is all that remains. Nearly two years later, legwork for the reconstruction begins next week. Photo by Jeremy Gonzalez

Celebrate National Baked Bean

3 years ago By Karan Heffelfinger

August has arrived. The summer has flown by so quickly, and it won’t be long until school starts. This month I will feature articles on school lunches, tips for preparing quick and easy meals, and some of our food celebration for the month.

I am going to start by celebrating National Baked Bean Month. I am not surprised since baked beans are a summer staple at picnics and cook outs.

Hospital district decision looms

3 years ago By News Staff

Pecos County Memorial Hospital could soon decide the avenue they will take to compensate for a significant budget deficit they are currently facing.

The PCMH Board will hold a joint meeting with the Pecos County Commissioners on Aug. 11 in the hospital’s regular board room with representatives from Waller Landsden Dortch & Davis, LLP.

The law firm will present advice regarding the creation of a hospital district and an election required to set the action in motion.

Prowlers poised for progression

3 years ago By News Staff

The Fort Stockton volleyball program broke through the proverbial district barrier a season ago under first-year head coach Gabrielle Harral, winning district contests for the first time in five years.

Now the bar moves a notch higher heading into year two of the Harral era.

“The girls kind of know who I am now and it’ll get them to buy into how I run the program,” Harral explained. “I’m so excited for this year because they know what I expect.”