January 2024

We’ve got Israel looking for billions. We’ve got Ukraine begging for more billions.

After the Texas Legislature spent much of 2023 in session, a bevy of new laws go into effect on New Year’s Day, though some have been delayed by lawsuits challenging their constitutionality. The Austin American-Statesman reported on SB 17, a new law that institutes a ban on programs and policies “designed or implemented in reference to race, color, or ethnicity” at Texas public universities or colleges — commonly known as diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI.

The Fort Stockton 1,600-meter relay team is the fastest 4A team in the land. The Panthers team of Aryan Hernandez, Marco Garcia, Jesus Hernandez, Zane Hodges won the event in a time of 3:17.19 outpacing Aubrey by four tenths of a second.

The Fort Stockton Prowlers annual trip to the Monahans Chamber of Commerce Tournament saw Fort Stockton face some stiff competition, coming away from the three-day tournament with a 2-3 record. The Prowlers were 11-8 overall for the season entering Tuesday’s home battle against Midland Christian (13-8).

Dear Neil: My wife and I are having discussions about whether I should remove a native cedar tree from our landscape. She tests positive for allergies to cedar pollen, and this time of year her miseries begin for a couple of months. She wants me to remove the tree, but we both think it’s very pretty if it weren’t for the pollen. Even its blue berries are attractive, and I notice the birds love them. My contention is that there are dozens of other cedars nearby and that even if I take our one tree out, she will still be hit with the pollen from other trees around us. Do you have any advice?

Tacos are a big deal. People across the globe have added their own twist to a corn or flour tortilla and called it a taco. And while I’m a purist and only believe tacos come in the form of stuffed corn tortillas, some folks may argue that logic. They won’t however argue with just how good an order of quesabirria tacos is.

Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck roast or brisket, cut into 1-inch cubes 1 white onion roughly chopped 5 garlic cloves 2 bay leaves 1 tablespoon cumin 1 tablespoon oregano, 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 cinnamon stick Salt and pepper to taste Beef broth or water Corn or flour tortillas Directions: Season the cubed beef with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, chili powder, garlic, onions, and bay leaves. Add just enough beef brother or water to cover the meat.

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.

Editor’s Note: A change in the political landscape with the election of a new mayor in Fort Stockton, a successful Water Carnival and crowning of a new Miss Fort Stockton, and a state championship relay team at Fort Stockton High School were among the events that made headlines in the Pioneer in 2023. Following are headlines, sports highlights and local happenings from the Fort Stockton Pioneer in 2023.

The Fort Stockton city council – minus mayor Paul Casias – held a special lunchtime meeting Tuesday to clarify the total acreage of a plot of land the city had originally put out for bid near the landfill and extended the deadline for bids. The city originally said it was 500 acres but clarified that to 360 acres on Tuesday.