October 2023

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Twenty-eight members of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America, Lone Star Section out of Austin, traveled through Fort Stockton on Oct. 13. Their first stop was Bienvenidos for some great Tex-Mex. After lunch, they made their way to the Grey Mule, then to Alpine for a long weekend of exploring the Big Bend area, which included viewing the eclipse at the McDonald Observatory. President of the Local Section is Ginny Sanchez Pitzen. Courtesy photo

The Prowler Volleyball program loaded up the brooms and took them to Pecos on Saturday. Each of the Prowler teams were victorious and Senior Aryanna Gonzalez added to the festivities.

Arguably two best teams in District 2-4A squared off last Friday, and for two quarters the teams exchanged blows and the outcome was very much in doubt. But things unraveled for Fort Stockton in the second half, and the host eighthranked Monahans Loboes came away with a solid 56-21 win to take control of the district.

The Panther and Prowler cross country teams returned to Andrews for the district 3-4A district meet on Saturday. This meet determines not only the district champions, but which high school runners advance to regional competition in Lubbock.

The Panther tennis team traveled to Andrews Saturday for their Area round match against the Snyder Tigers. Facing some windy conditions made the match a bit of a struggle for the Panthers whom couldn’t get their normal rhythm going and falling 6-1 after doubles. Hoping to turn things around in singles was what was giving them hope in advancing to the next round but just couldn’t seem to get out of their funk and falling 10-2. Overall, the panthers showed plenty of growth and fight throughout the season and made sure that other teams would earn any point they got. Panthers now look forward to the spring where individual season starts and continue their success there.

The Fort Stockton High School Blue Wave competed in the Andrews Sprint Extravaganza swim meet Saturday. This is year one of rebuilding the swim program and meet No. 4. Extraordinary doesn’t begin to explain this team. Out of 10 teams at this Sprint meet, Blue Wave placed fifth overall with 177.5 points.

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Marfa will welcome Little Amal as part of her Walk Across America on Tuesday, Oct. 24. The Marfa Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve, the Bi-National La Junta Culture Council, and Marfa Education Foundation to create a one-of-a-kind event that highlights one of our region’s best assets, the dark night sky.

Dear Neil: Is it possible to sterilize cedar elm trees so we won’t have all the seedlings come spring? We have put down corn gluten meal in September to stop the germination, but millions have come up in the spring.