December 2024

Dear Neil, This plant did fine through the hot, dry summer. Then, in late September, its leaves started turning black. The leaves that still look green look wilted. Seven other plants of the same kind are doing well. What gives?

Fort Stockton Pioneer.

The Fort Stockton Middle School Panther and Prowler Basketball teams recently displayed their determination and talent in a week full of exciting games, beginning with the Alpine B Tournament and followed by their respective matchups at home and on the road. The 7th grade Panther White team had an impressive start at the Alpine B Tournament on December 7.

The Fort Stockton Prowler basketball teams delivered a week of thrilling action and impressive performances, starting with dominant victories at home against Lake View and culminating in a gritty display at the Denver City Tournament. The Freshman, JV, and Varsity squads showcased their growing chemistry, individual talent, and determination to rise to the challenge of their demanding schedule.

The Fort Stockton High School Panthers Basketball teams delivered an action-packed week of games, showcasing their tenacity and skill. With road victories against the Kermit Yellow Jackets and a strong showing at the Denver City Tournament, the Varsity, Junior Varsity, and Freshman squads gave their fans plenty to cheer about.

Music Memory (5) Coach: Mr. Valadez Michael Welch (6th place) Selene Salazar Jordan Ybarra Elizabella Lara Genesis Arguijo-Arriaga Spelling (5) Coach: Ms. Pacheco Audrey Velasquez (3rd Place) Jayden Morin Adrian Mendoza Melissa Soriano Ready Writing (4) Coach: Mrs. Ramirez Audrey Velasquez Adalynn Rojas Shiloh Evans Melissa Robles Soriano 2nd Grade Chess Puzzle (4) Coach: Mrs. Parras Riley Hall Arely Solis Eddie Hastings Aries Villarreal (5th Place) Storytelling (4) Coach: Ms. Maloney Rico Remata Kennedi Burns Sagan Pummill Megan Ortiz (6th Place) Oral Reading (4) Coach: Ms. Saavedra Amelia Bolivar Joseph Ramos Juan Ruiz Camila Soliz Music Memory (5) Coack: Mrs. Crenshaw (3rd Place Overall as a Team) Mckenna Granado Collins Bernal Brooklyn Tavarez Avery Rivera Spelling (4) Coach: Mrs. Saler Roberto Martinez (3rd Place) Maria Forst Corvin Reed Creative Writing (4) Coach: Mrs. Pillado Roberto Martinez (4th Place) Rico Remata (2nd Place) Kennidi Burns (5th Place) Riley Hall

In Bethlehem, a humble birthplace illustrated a profound truth: Jesus, born in a manger, came to offer humanity adoption into God’s family. Mary and Joseph, described as “insignificant nobodies from a nothing town,” experienced a challenging journey to Bethlehem, culminating in Jesus’ humble birth in a manger.

As a number of Fort Stockton’s Christian congregations are observing a season of the Christian year known as Advent during the weeks leading up to Christmas this year, my purpose across this and several upcoming columns is to discover how several of the Advent themes (hope, peace and joy) are founded in the gospel according to Luke -- which gospel is the basis for the lectionary year just begun.

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 78:17-21, 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). See you in Church next Sunday. Brother J

The Pecos County Senior Citizens Center invites community members to join in its annual Christmas potluck dinner on Friday, December 13, at 12:00 noon. This cherished holiday tradition offers seniors a warm and festive atmosphere to celebrate the season.