February 2023

When Fort Stockton Mayor first met Ernesto Velasquez, he knew the police officer would make a great police chief one day. That day was Monday as Alexander swore in Velasquez as Fort Stockton’s new police chief to lead off Monday’s city council meeting. 

Velasquez was originally appointed to interim police chief on Jan. 10 before receiving the official distinction without the interim tag on Monday. 

“It is with great honor and pleasure that I get to swear you in as our new chief of police,” Alexander told Velasquez before administering the oath of office. 

Pitchers who can hit the outside corner of the strike zone have had some success against the Fort Stockton Prowlers in the past, and in Tuesday night’s season-opener against Presidio, pitcher Valerie Armendariz was successful in keeping Fort Stockton off balance – for the first two outs of the first inning, at least. 

But the Prowler bats came alive with a two-out rally and Fort Stockton dominated Presidio, 11-1.  

Local Girl Scouts and local boxer Abel Mendoza handed out cupcakes and roses to residents at Focused Care at Fort Stockton this evening in an act of kindness during Valentine’s Day.

Morris Gregg Brannon, 83, of Fort Stockton, Texas passed away on Feb. 13, 2023, in San Angelo, Texas.

Funeral services will take place at 2 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, at East Hill Cemetery in Fort Stockton, with Pastor Kevin Johnson of Apostolic Church, officiating. Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home of the Big Bend.

Marfa scored 28 points in Tuesday’s opening-round 1A playoff game against Buena Vista.

The Lady Longhorns’ Sanchez sisters, Ireland and Genova, surpassed that total, scoring a combined 31 points in their first postseason appearance together.

The 1A District 10 runner-up Lady Longhorns secured a 26-15 lead by halftime and led by double digits the entire second half on their way to a 47-28 victory.

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick released a list of 30 bills that will answer his most important priorities for the current session on Feb. 13.

The measures range from fiscal issues such as property tax relief, to education issues like school choice as well as several measures dealing with gender politics, public safety, and rural aid.

The Fort Stockton Sheep Dog Trials began yesterday with over 50 dogs competing in the annual event at the Fort Stockton Gun Club.

The event is open to the public and is scheduled to take place through Monday.

June Sheppard Cobb went to be with our Lord on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022. She was born on Nov. 22, 1932, in Houston, Texas. She was the third child of Henry Cecil “Bunk” and Margie Sheppard. She attended Abilene Christian College where she met her husband and love of her life, Chuck Cobb, in 1953. June was a life-long member of the Church of Christ.

Sharon Alice Grittman, 77, of Altus, Oklahoma, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023 at her home. A celebration of life will take place Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023 from 12-3 p.m. at the VFW #4876 in Altus, Oklahoma. Local arrangements are under the care of the Kincannon Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Wash your hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds before, during, and after preparing food and before eating.

Separate raw meats from ready-to-eat foods like vegetables when preparing, serving, or storing foods.

Make sure food is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Keep hot foods hot (140 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer) and cold foods cold (40 degrees or colder).