February 2024

The Texas Education Agency’s annual report was released last week. It indicates per-student funding in the 2021-2022 school year averaged $14,928 per student, up 42% since 2011. However, state funding has only risen slightly in the past decade, while local funding has increased substantially.

GUEST COLUMNIST Bob and Carol Burchell pulled into their driveway during the snowstorm, and were surprised to see their daughter, Katie, along with her boyfriend, Randy Jones, sitting on the porch swing, wrapped in a blanket. Both were shivering and smiling.

A USTIN— Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D. sent the Department of Energy a letter regarding the recent decision to pause new approvals of liquid natural gas (LNG) exports. She outlined her grave concerns, such as the negative impact it will have on public education funding in Texas, harm to the environment by increasing foreign dependence on less clean energy sources, and the inevitable enrichment of countries involved in aggressive actions against Israel and Ukraine.

My oldest son called, and he asked, “Dad are you and mom ok?” I said, “yes,” They had been watching the local weather on television and they were forecasting big storms for our area. They were predicting high winds, rain, hail, and possible tornadoes.

We can sometimes fail to distinguish between apathy toward God and apathy toward things associated with God. For example, a person may feel unmotivated to participate in worship or Bible study, and may incorrectly conclude that she no longer has a heart for God. This is like saying a person who no longer enjoys sushi has abandoned all desire for food. We fall into such fallacies because we assume God is only accessible through certain activities—things our traditions have labeled “spiritual.” Very often these activities are rich and transformative, but we must remember that they are merely vehicles for communing with God—they are not God himself. In a certain season, if these “spiritual” practices do not help you connect with the Lord, if you find no joy in them over time, wisdom says to seek him a different way.

The University Interscholastic League’s bi-annual realignment will mean changes for Pecos County high school football teams when the 2024 season kicks off in August. But for the Panthers, it will mean some travel relief; gone are Clint, Mountain View, and Fabens, who all moved up to Class 4A Division 1.

The Foert Stockton Prowlers went 5-of-13 from the free throw line, which contributed to a 26-25 loss Tuesday at the Bill and Virginia Williams Special Events Center. Fort Stockton (14-16 overall, 3-7 in District 3-4A) are guaranteed fourth place and a playoff spot after Greenwood beat Pecos.

The Fort Stockton High School Blue Wave competed in Region 1-4A Championships in Andrews last weekend, where all six relays moved on to qualify for the Championship Heat. “Their fortitude and resilience shined bright all season and will be remembered for ages,” said head coach Lilia Forst.

Both the boys and girls competed at the Seminole Powerlifting Meet on Thursday, Feb. 1. At this point in the year the numbers must improve to make gains in the stands. Both the boys and girls got after it with every weight that went up.

The Fort Stockton High School Panther and Prowler golf teams kicked off the season by competing in the Monahans Short Course tournament last week. Three Prowlers competed in the tournament, and each of them achieved a personal record, surpassing their best performances since last year. Freshman Kaelynn Calderon came out strong shooting a 107.