January 2024

Ongoing delays with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has forced the Pecos County Commissioner’s Court to amend its economic development program agreement with Lancium for a 300-megawatt substation and data center northwest of Fort Stockton. The county entered into the agreement in September 2021, and provides tax incentives to Lancium, which invested $30 million into the project. The company operates a 25-megawatt substation, but ERCOT won’t allow Lancium to bring the 300-megawatt substation online.

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After approving construction of a new Agricultural Sciences barn in December, the Fort Stockton Independent School District School Board Monday night discussed the possible location of the project, and it will involve discussion by the Fort Stockton City Council. The board wants to build the barn adjacent to the high school, but city code involving livestock will require involving the city council.

Pecos County Stock Show Grand and Supreme Champion Award Winners: Grand Champion Wether Doe Cade Cravens - Iraan-Sheffield FFA Reserve Grand Champion Wether Doe Kiley Huffman - Iraan-Sheffield FFA Grand Champion Market Goat Cade Cravens – Iraan-Sheffield FFA Reserve Grand Champion Market Goat Jakelynn Cravens – Iraan-Sheffield FFA Supreme Grand Champion Dorper Ewe Mackenzie Allen – Iraan-Sheffield FFA Reserve Grand Champion Dorper Ewe Mackenzie Allen – Iraan-Sheffield FFA Supreme Grand Champion Dorper Ram Kali Davis – Iraan-Sheffield FFA Reserve Grand Champion Dorper Ram Mackenzie Allen – Iraan-Sheffield FFA Grand Champion Commercial Ewe Layla Rios Muniz – Iraan-Sheffield FFA Reserve Grand Champion Commercial Ewe Mackenzie Allen – Iraan-Sheffield FFA Grand Champion Market Lamb Harper Ice – Iraan-Sheffield FFA Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb Atlanta Bolen – Iraan-Sheffield FFA Supreme Champion Registered Heifer Madison Hanson – West of the Pecos 4-H Reserve Supreme Champion Registered Heifer Meagan Hanson – West of the Pecos 4-H Grand Champion Market Steer Michaela Davis – West of the Pecos 4-H Reserve Grand Champion Market Steer Brayden Eades – West of the Pecos 4-H Supreme Champion Breeding Gilt Anahi Barrera – Iraan-Sheffield FFA Reserve Champion Breeding Gilt Mason Driver – West of the Pecos 4-H Grand Champion Market Swine Anahi Barerra – Iraan-Sheffield FFA Reserve Grand Champion Market Swine Isaac Barerra – Iraan-Sheffield FFA.

It is important to note that an arrest should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

GARDENER’S MAILBAG Dear Neil: I have a large Boston fern that we’ve been growing in a hanging basket for 10 years or longer. I have a small greenhouse, but the plant almost fills it now and its basket is nearly rusted through.

The Varsity Panthers Basketball team lost to Andrews by a score of 6142 on Friday night. “Despite playing more connected and determined, the Panthers still need to be more consistent,” said coach Travis Lancaster.

Athletic Director/ Head Football Coach Jeremy Hickman tabbed as Coach of the Year In early January, Fort Stockton High School Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Jeremy Hickman received a call from the Joby Flores “33 Lead” Foundation. The call was brief and congratulatory, but not a phone call that was unexpected.

Blue Wave competed in the District 2-4A Meet in Monahans on Jan. 20.