November 2024

Blue Wave Swim Team Shines at Pecos Invitational

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The Fort Stockton High School Blue Wave Swim Team competed at the Pecos Swimming and Diving Invitational on November 15-16, facing a strong lineup of top-tier programs from 6A to 4A schools. Despite the tough competition, the Blue Wave delivered a remarkable performance, finishing 8th overall and showcasing impressive improvements across the board.
The Fort Stockton High School Blue Wave Swim Team competed at the Pecos Swimming and Diving Invitational on November 15-16, facing a strong lineup of top-tier programs from 6A to 4A schools. Courtesy photo

PANTHERS REFLECT ON A SEASON OF GROWTH AFTER PLAYOFF LOSS

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The Fort Stockton Panthers ended their 2024 football season on Friday night at the Mustang Bowl in Andrews, where they faced the Lubbock Estacado Matadors in a bi-district playoff showdown. Despite a spirited effort, the Panthers fell 45-20, bringing their season to a close with a 6-5 record. While the scoreboard told one story, Head Coach and Athletic Director Jeremy Hickman encouraged the team and the community to focus on the bigger picture of growth, resilience, and lessons learned throughout the season.
My heart is heavy, and my spirit aches, but one loss doesn’t diminish how proud I am of the 2024 Panthers. These young men have taught me so much through their resilience, work ethic, heart, and by each being who they are. I can only hope our time together made as much of an impact on them as they’ve made on me. I’m grateful for each of them and the memories we’ve shared. I love these dudes very much. - Coach Hickman

Sul Ross State, Texas Tech collaborates on rural health

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Sul Ross State University and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) have joined forces to address the critical shortage of mental health providers in WestTexas,oneofthenation’s most underserved regions. Through innovative training programs, these institutions are equipping future mental health professionals with the skills needed to serve the unique needs of rural communities. Dr. Barbara Tucker, the Dean of Education and Professional Studies at SRSU, Dr. Audrey H. Stevens, Psy.D., TTUHSC Permian Basin, and Crystal Lujan, M.Ed., a mental health rural fellow, presented the initiative at the Healthier Texas Summit in Austin last month.

Artwalk 2024 slated for this weekend

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This year’s Artwalk event will be hosted at 20 different locations in and around downtown Alpine. In addition to 5th Street being blocked off to host art vendors and the Live Music stage, two locations across the tracks on Murphy Street will host art installations. The Alpine Visitor Center will also host events, provide restrooms, and feature all the winners from the Shooting Alpine Contest since its inception.

Grief: A Biblical Response to a Broken World

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Grief is a reality we all face, whether through the loss of a loved one, broken relationships, or shattered dreams. It is a deeply human experience that often leaves us searching for meaning. The Bible offers a profound perspective on grief, showing it as more than an emotional response—it reflects sin’s devastating impact on the world.

The Indian Head Nickel

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It was minted from 1913 to 1938 and was worth 5 cents. It is also known as the Buffalo Nickel or Bison Nickel. On one side was a profile of an American Indian Chief and on the other side was the profile of the American Buffalo. By 1950 or 1960 most were removed from circulation and today there might be 1 in 25,000 in circulation and they’re worth from 35 cents to $1,200 depending on the coin. Looking at that coin reminded me of something in the Bible. Just as there are two sides to that coin Christians can go through life two different ways and it all depends on our attitude or response. We can be unhappy or dissatisfied with everything. It is called murmuring. It can be toward God and some examples are in, (Exodus 16:8, Psalm 78:1721, Proverbs 19:3). It can be against spiritual leaders or pastors or preachers, (Exodus 16:2&3, Numbers 16:2&3, 16:41). How about circumstances or just having our way, (Romans 9:19&20)? It can be against others in Church, (Luke 10:40, James 5:9). It can even be against Jesus Christ himself, (John 6:41-43). These things, God is not pleased with. God is pleased when we are thankful or can give thanks just as Jesus did, (Matthew 11:41, John 11:41). We should try to find a way to give thanks always and in everything, (Philippians 2:14&15, 1 Thessalonians 5:18).