February 2023

Fort Stockton’s defensive errors were a critical part of their season-opening loss over a week ago.

The Panthers quickly remedied their mistakes in the field and paired their much-improved play on defense with their red-hot bats at the Comanche Classic to conclude their first week of regular season.

Fort Stockton tallied three wins and finished in a tie against El Paso Davinci in four outings at their home tournament to improve their season record to 3-1-1.

In his second fight under the Triller promotion, West Texas boxer Abel Mendoza left no doubt who was the better boxer in the ring on Feb. 24 during Tapia Fight Night at the Rio Rancho Events Center.

Mendoza took control of the lightweight bout against Mexico veteran Ernesto Guerrero (34-37) from the opening bell and knocked down his opponent on three separate occasions en route to an 80-70 unanimous decision victory.

The West Texas native improved his professional record to 36-0 with the win.

Elizabeth “Beth” Ivy, 76, of Fort Stockton, Texas passed away on Freb. 25, 2023, in San Angelo, Texas.

A celebration of life took place at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023, at First United Methodist Church in Fort Stockton, with Ed Williamson officiating. Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home of the Big Bend in Fort Stockton.

Opal Mae Yarbrough, 96, of Imperial, Texas, passed away on Feb. 22, 2023, at her home in Imperial.

Visitation and viewing was from 6-8 p.m. on Feb. 25, 2023, at Heritage Funeral Home Chapel in Fort Stockton.

Floyd Conley Petitt, age 64 of San Angelo, Texas, passed away on Feb. 25, 2023. Floyd was born in Rankin, Texas on Feb. 18, 1959, to Floyd and Margaret Petitt. His family then moved to Fort Stockton where he attended school until graduating in 1977. He then attended Howard Payne in Brownwood with a major in business and a minor in English graduating in 1982.

Our beloved Hilda R. Mendias was called home by our heavenly father on Tuesday, Feb.  21, 2023.

Hilda was born in Littlefield, Texas on April 18, 1953. She is preceded in death by both her parents, Domingo and Clara Rascon. Survived by her siblings, Delma and Sam (deceased) Delgado, Edwina and Ramon Ybarra, Domingo and Jamie Rascon, and family.

Lionel Garza, 65, passed away at his residence after a lengthy illness. He was born April 29, 1957 in Reeves County to Grabriela Montez and Albino Garza.

The Lubbock Cooper girls basketball team defeated El Paso Chapin in a 5A area round bout on Feb. 17 at the Special Events Center in Fort Stockton.

Cooper was ranked No. 8 according to the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches and Chapin was ranked No. 25 in 5A. Cooper went on to defeat Tascosa in the following round 58-55 on Feb. 21.