January 2024

Dear Editor: In Bible Prophecy, there is no mention or hint of the existence of the USA. Could it be that the Democrat Marxists are going to destroy the USA? Some ten million illegal aliens from all over the world have invaded our country the last three years.

The fresh water aquifers and rivers of Texas are in danger — in particular the Pecos River and the aquifers underlying the Permian Basin. I own a ranch on the Pecos River in Crockett County, and the health of the Pecos, and the underlying aquifers, is very important The Friends of the Pecos is a group formed to protect the Pecos River, and I am a member.

Fort Stockton High School’s Prowlers girls basketball team entered Tuesday’s district road game at Pecos looking to get back on the winning track after suffering their third straight loss, Friday to Greenwood. The 36-28 setback came on the heels of a 35-28 loss to Midland Christian Jan. 2 and a loss to Crane in the final game of the Monahans Chamber of Commerce Tournament Dec. 30 – all of which were competitive ballgames until late.

In what vartsity head basketball coach Travis Lancaster called a shock, the Fort Stockton Panthers fell to the visiting San Elizario Eagles 44-27, Friday night at the Bill and Virginia Williams Special Events Center. The Panthers (214-1 overall) matched San Elizario’s speed and aggressiveness from the start, and held an 8-6 advantage after the first eight minutes of play behind strong play by Aundre Washington and Evan Cordero. But the Eagles (11-12) outscored the Panthers 7-2 in the second period and led 15-10 at halftime.

The Fort Stockton High School Blue Wave competed in the Andrews Invitational Swim Meet last Saturday to prepare our swimmers for the upcoming District swim meet. This meet consisted of 28 teams from Class 6A to 4A and 450 swimmers. This two-day meet was tough, but our kids showed grit and competitiveness.

GARDENER’S MAILBAG Dear Neil: I have a 3-year-old Meyer lemon tree that I have protected for the winter with a large 8x6x8ft. collapsible greenhouse.

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In observing young children, I am amazed at what they learn at a very early age. One thing they are taught is that food is for the mouth not all over the face or in the hair. Other lessons include not to throw temper tantrums, to say thank you and please. A great event in their lives is the day they learn to take their first step. They also do not go off or run off on their own and when the children go someplace with their parents they have to hold onto their parents hand. I remember the time while walking to my pickup after shopping in a store a small child jerked his hand from his mother’s and darted out in front of an oncoming car.

Starting a new year is akin to crossing a river, leaving the past behind and coming out clean to start fresh on the other side. At least we like to think of it that way. We may even go so far as to look at ourselves in a mirror and make promises to ourselves about how this year will be different. Some of us take the time to make resolutions that we know we aren’t going to keep. “This is the year I am going to the gym every week.” “This is the year I am going to lose weight.” “This is the year I am going to eat healthy. Well, at least healthier than I have been.” “This is the year I’m going to quit smoking, drinking, or using foul language.”