July 2024

Having raised three daughters, I’ve gained, in the words of Liam Neeson, “a very particular set of skills.” Unfortunately, none of these skills would be useful in the event of an international kidnapping. Because two of our daughters (and some of our credit cards) are now in college and one is deep in the bowels of high school, I feel like an abandoned appliance that seemed pretty nifty at first, but the novelty quickly wore off.

In last week’s paper there was an article on a school board meeting where a scheduling change was proposed by the admin and our board that was an effort to spend more classroom time to help some students make better progress in their academic education. It was reported in this paper that the general consensus from parents attending was the last thing that their children need is more time in school.

With the Fourth of July bringing a possible four-day weekend for lucky Texans, the Texas A&M Forest Service urges outdoor enthusiasts to exercise fire safety outdoors, especially when using fireworks or starting campfires to roast hot dogs and toast marshmallows.

Happy Birthday, U. S.

You can look down the street and see the beautiful United States flags flying. We are getting ready to celebrate on July 4th, Independence Day and our 247th birthday. This country has been blessed with so many freedoms. We have and are enjoying the freedoms that others fought and died for. We have the freedom to celebrate the holiday in the way we choose. There may be parades, picnics, ball games, fireworks, family and friends getting together. This great country was founded on the idea that men and women should be free and should have some basic rights and freedoms. Like freedom from other governments, freedom from the tyranny of our own government and freedom of religion. Men and women fought and died so we could have those freedoms. In addition, our troops are in various parts of the world today trying to preserve and protect the freedoms of others and let us not forget them. I am also reminded of an even greater freedom that was made available to us many years ago when Christ gave His life for us, (John 3:16, 8:36 & Romans 5:8). So, we could have forgiveness from our sins, (Acts 10:43 & Ephesians 1:7) and the hope of a new life and a new future, (Romans 6:23 & Hebrews 10:1623). Let us remember these two great events on this holiday and the people that made these freedoms available to us. See you in Church next Sunday.

This week at the library: Join us Thursday, July 11 at 6:00 p.m. for a story time and presentation with Veronica Mandujano from Mandujano Brothers Produce.

The Alpine Cowboys, a powerhouse of the Pecos League Mountain South Division Professional Baseball, solidified their position as a dominant force with a commanding 16-4 victory over the Pecos Bills in the “Cantaloupe Classic” game held at Panther Stadium on June 26. The Cowboys showcased their exceptional talent, overwhelming the Bills with a relentless offensive onslaught and unwavering pitching prowess.

The Fort Stockton Little League All-Stars showcased their talent and grit in the opening round of the Sectionals Tournaments, with all three teams emerging victorious in closely contested games. The teams, competing in three different cities, demonstrated their skills and resilience on the diamond.

Under a warm West Texas sun, a somber yet heartwarming scene unfolded at the Desert Pines Golf Course. On June 28, a small gathering of mourners and well-wishers congregated at the tee box of the 5th hole, a place that held special significance in the life of a young woman gone too soon.

Highschool Summer Camps open to incoming and current athletes Fort Stockton High School announced upcoming summer camps for 2024. Swimming sessions are $90 a session, while all other camps are $40 per camp.