May 2025

IRAAN — A Pecos County deputy was shot Tuesday afternoon during a traffic stop in Iraan and later airlifted to a hospital, authorities said. The suspect fled the scene but was located and killed following a confrontation with deputies.

WELCOME TO TOWN

AUSTIN — The Nature Conservancy in Texas (TNC) and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) are pleased to announce the purchase of Heath Canyon Ranch, a 671acre property located just outside Big Bend National Park.

June 21, 1949 – April 24, 2025 Beverly Farley Choate was born on June 21, 1949, in Beeville, Texas, to Ernest and Margaret Farley. She was raised in Sanderson, Texas, where the wide West Texas skies and close-knit friendships shaped the vibrant, loyal woman she would become.

Elizabeth Dawn Baker, 63, of Fort Stockton, Texas passed away on Sunday, April 27. Born November 24, 1961, in Detroit, Michigan, she was the daughter of Paul and Carol Laidly.

KIRBY WARNOCK AUSTIN — The Texas Historical Commission (THC) hosted its annual Real Places conference April 23-25 at the Renaissance Hotel in Austin, bringing together representatives from more than 200 county historical commissions for workshops, presentations and seminars on preserving Texas history. Kirby Warnock, a member of the Pecos County Historical Commission, said the event provides valuable insights into the state’s heritage and offers ideas to enhance local museums and historic sites.

Last Wednesday, Walmart unveiled plans for millions in investments across Texas, including a remodel of its Fort Stockton location as part of 67 store upgrades statewide in 2025. The renovations will feature expanded departments, enhanced online pickup and delivery services, updated pharmacies, and improved signage. The company also highlighted recent workforce advancements, promoting 11,500 Texas associates to higher-paying roles and transitioning 17,300 part-time employees to full-time positions in the past year.

ANDRES MADRID CONTRIBUTOR The partnership between Midland College-WRTTC, Fort Stockton High School, and the Big Bend Open Road Race (BBORR) is helping create a full-circle journey for students and the community. During the BBORR Head Start Car Show, automotive students assisted with setup and parade traffic while serving as positive role models for Fort Stockton’s youngest learners.

Last month was sexual assault awareness month, and with that, U.S. Representative Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) and U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) codified key parts of President Trump’s zero-tolerance border crackdown.

Volunteers for the Literacy Coalition of the Permian Basin will be outside Fort Stockton’s Walmart Super Center Saturday, May 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to help people register their children from birth to five years of age to receive a FREE age-appropriate book mailed to them each month from the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.