June 2024

Biological dads are getting scarce today as marriage seemstobeontheway out, just as living together is becoming the norm. I especially remember one man that had a great influence on my brother and I. He worked, had callused hands, leathery skin from longhoursinthesun.Hedid not have a fine suit to wear or a new car to drive. He raised his family in a small house. He did not have a job that made lots of money but somehow they made it on what he made. He was on timeforwork,ahardworker, trustworthy and honest. He hadmanyfriendsandwasn’t a drinker or fighter. On Sunday he would put on his best clothesandtakehisfamilyto Church. He tried to live the Christian life and was faithful to his wife. He prayed for each child and his wife and tried to teach them about the love of God. Many times itwasn’teasyandhewanted to give up but wouldn’t because there were mouths to feed and bills to pay. God is pleased when Husbands and Fathers try to live this way (Deuteronomy 4:9,10, Proverbs20:7,Ephesians6:14). Next Sunday say a special thanks to your Dad or give him a little gift or a hug if he is alive, if not say a prayer of thanksgiving to God for your dad. See you in Church next Sunday.

I was reading the other day about death and resurrection of our Christ. What grabbed my attention was during that week he came upon a fig tree. “Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. 19 Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered. 20 When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked” (Matthew 21:18-20).

The regular softball and baseball season has concluded, marking the beginning of the All-Stars League season for the Fort Stockton Recreation Department. Ruby Bernal, Director of Fort Stockton Recreation, shared insights into the All-Stars selection process, tournament details, and the challenges and hopes for the teams.

Fort Stockton Athletics are hosting a Strength and Conditioning Camp (SAC Camp) for all Panther and Prowler student athletes grades 6-12. The camp will run Monday through Wednesday with Thursdays acting as an open weight room/gym.

Under the warm June sun, the Fort Stockton Panthers football team is battling it out in their 7on7 Summer League, drawing enthusiastic crowds to the Monday night games. Athletic Director Jeremy Hickman provided the Pioneer with an inside scoop on the league’s informal yet competitive atmosphere.

High School Summer Camps open to incoming and current athletes Fort Stockton High School announced upcoming summer camps for 2024. The camp registration paperwork is available in the FSHS Athletics Office with Athletics Secretary Mimi Arriaga.

The Fort Stockton Prowler Summer Basketball League is in full swing, providing a glimpse into the future of Prowler basketball. Head Coach Curtis Bishop shared his insights on the league’s progress and the challenges and opportunities it presents for his players.

The Alpine Cowboys, a powerhouse in the Pecos League, maintained their impressive winning streak, racking up victories against the Austin Weirdos and Roswell Invaders before experiencing their first taste of defeat in a hard-fought series against the Garden City Wind. The week was a rollercoaster of emotions, marked by both triumphant victories and a heartbreaking loss, all while honoring the memory of a fallen teammate.

Fort Stockton Pioneer.

Dear Neil: My beautiful Yoshino cherry tree has a gummy or jellylike sap oozing from its trunk. The tree is about 5 years old. I’ve also noticed little sprouts emerging from its exposed roots. Is this some type of canker? What is wrong with my cherry tree? It’s a beauty each spring and I really want to protect it.