August 2023

Fort Stockton Pioneer.

ALPINE – The Jessica Tully-Mitchell era began with a flourish Tuesday evening in Alpine, as the Fort Stockton Prowlers volleyball squad took on the host Lady Bucks and the Wink Lady Wildcats in a triangular match. The Prowlers defeated Alpine 26-24, 24-26, 22-25, 25-22 and 1816. In the second game of the night, the Prowlers fell to Wink 14-25, 22-25, 25-22 and 22-25.

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CHILD CARE CENTERS CLOSING ACROSS STATE An unprecedented number of child care centers are expected to close across the state as pandemic relief funding ends, the Texas Standard reported. A survey conducted by the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children of about 1,600 child care programs indicated 44% were likely to close their doors without additional funding.

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The heat wave that has swept across the state has taken a toll on many water wells in Texas, which were already affected by extended drought conditions. With a lack of moisture and record-setting temperatures, people who rely on well water need to be aware of the signs that their well may run out and take steps to prevent that from happening.

The 2nd annual Barrio Fest, sponsored by the Fort Stockton Community Theater, is rapidly approaching. Last year’s event brought attention to a piece of history that had been forgotten if it had not been for Mrs. Sarita Urias Swonke. She heard of the event and sent us flyers of the Dies y Seis de Septiembre Celebration held on Nelson Street in 1949! At 92, she made the journey from east Texas to her hometown of Fort Stockton. She shared stories and surprised us all by playing the piano at the FMH Hall reception.

Iraan-Sheffield Collegiate ISD School Resource Officer Pete Galvan, left, with Pecos County Sheriff Thomas J. Perkins, and Buena Vista ISD School Resource Officer Christine Moore, right, with county judge Joe Shuster and Sheriff Perkins will continue as School Resource Officers for their respective school districts for the 2023-2024 school year, which begins next week.

The Pecos County Commissioner’s Court held a special session Monday morning, approving the overall tax rates for the county and for the Midland College Williams Regional Technical Training Center. The county’s “No New Tax” rate has been set at $0.5415 per $100 of property valuation and the rate for WRTTC is $0.155. The rates have been posted in the Legals section of this issue and the county rate reflects a decrease of $0.0164 over last year.

The death of a loved one is one of the most difficult times a family can face, and the process of planning a memorial service or funeral only adds stress to an already difficult time. Nancy Olvera and the team at Eternity Funeral Home in Fort Stockton understands the difficulties families face at such a time and have made it their mission to make the process as easy as possible.