December 2024

Sign me up for cursive

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GUEST COLUMNIST The death of cursive handwriting reared its ugly head during the recent presidential election. Since 2010, according to Yahoo News, many states have dropped cursive writing from their curricula as they shifted to Common Core State Standards for English.
Sign me up for cursive

PECOS COUNTY PUBLIC SENTENCING REPORT

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Offender: MICHAEL MATHEWS CAMPBELL Offense: DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED BAC >=0.15 Offense Date: 01/22/2024 Arresting Agency: Department of Public Safety County Cause No.: CR-25818 Sentencing Date: 10/30/2024 Sentencing: DEFENDANT PLED GUILTY AND WAS SENTENCED TO – ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY (180) DAYS in the County Jail, suspended for NINE (9) MONTHS on Community Supervision; $0.00 General Fine; $200.00 Mandatory Fines; $60.00 Restitution; $270.00 Court Costs; $110.00 Reimbursement Fees; zero (0) hours of community service; $60.00 monthly Community Supervision Fee Offender: MARIO JOE HERNANDEZ Offense: DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED 1ST OFFENSE Offense Date: 06/23/2024 Arresting Agency: Department of Public Safety County Cause No.: CR-26027 Sentencing Date: 10/30/2024 Sentencing: DEFENDANT PLED GUILTY AND WAS SENTENCED TO - ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY (180) DAYS in the County Jail, suspended for SIX (6) MONTHS on Community Supervision; $500.00 General Fine; $200.00 Mandatory Fines; $0.00 Restitution; $270.00 Court Costs; $110.00 Reimbursement Fees; zero (0) hours of community service; $60.00 monthly Community Supervision Fee. Offender: RAMON RIVERA HINOJOS, JR Date of Birth: 12/16/1992 Offense: CRIMINAL TRESPASS Offense Date: 05/26/2024 Arresting Agency: Ft. Stockton Police Department County Cause No.: CR-25982 Sentencing Date: 10/31/2024 Sentencing: DEFENDANT PLED GUILTY TO- TIME SERVED SIXTEEN (16) DAYS in the County Jail; $0.00 General Fine; $0.00 Mandatory Fines; $0.00 Restitution; $0.00 Court Costs; $0.00 Reimbursement Fees. Offender: JASON MATTHEW HUGHES Date of Birth: 06/23/1982 Offense: DRIVING WHILE LICENSE INVALID Offense Date: 07/23/2023 Arresting Agency: Ft. Stockton Police Department County Cause No.: CR-25661 Sentencing Date: 10/30/2024 Sentencing: DEFENDANT HAS ENTERED INTO A 6 MONTH PRETRIAL INTERVENTION PROGRAM WITH A $500.00 FEE Offender: NORMAN DAVID ORTIZ CASTRO Date of Birth: 05/08/1988 Offense: POSSESSION OF MARIHUANA

ARREST REPORTS

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Editor’s note: It is important to note that an arrest should not be considered evidence of guilt, all defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The following list is provided by the Pecos County Sheriff’s Department.

HANSON HEADS TO STATE

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The Fort Stockton FFA chapter recently showcased its exceptional skills and dedication, earning impressive results at the Big Bend District FFA Contest on November 18 in Alpine and the Area II Leadership Development Events (LDE) on November 23 in Ira, Texas. These back-toback contests demonstrated the students’ talents in leadership, communication, and agricultural knowledge, further solidifying Fort Stockton FFA’s reputation for excellence.
On November 23rd, Fort Stockton FFA kicked off Thanksgiving break with an early start at the Area II LDE Contests in Ira, Texas. Competing in area, this photo shows from left to right: Sawyer Downing, Karla Villanueva, Madison Hanson, Meagan Hanson, and Karen Villanueva.

Panther Basketball

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The Fort Stockton Panther Basketball teams have been busy showcasing their skills and grit on the court, with the high school and middle school squads taking on tough opponents in recent matchups. Both programs have demonstrated growth, resilience, and a commitment to improvement as they push through their seasons.

BASKETBALL MATCHUPS

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The Fort Stockton Prowler basketball teams at both the high school and middle school levels showcased their skills and resilience in recent matchups, leaving fans excited about what the season holds. From dominant wins to gritty performances, the Prowlers demonstrated their commitment to teamwork and excellence on the court.
MS 8th Grade Blue Team after their win against the Mustangs in the Donavyn Vaughn Gym. Pictured left to right: Raquelle Jimenez, Sophia Ronquillo, Gianna Corral, Grace Rojas, Avalon Palacios, Camryn Reeves, Zoe Lopez, Jesmy Ortiz, Lexus Sotelo, Xiomara Lopez. Photo by Becky Rojas

Fungus not the cause of leaf damage in bur oaks

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GARDENER’S MAILBAG Dear Neil, A squirrel must have planted a bur oak acorn in one of our pots last year because we were blessed with a seedling this spring. It grew well (27 inches tall), although it was attacked by a fungus this fall.
Fungus not the cause of leaf damage in bur oaks