September 2025

Maria Leticia “Letty” Murphy, 68, of Fort Stockton, Texas, passed away on September 20. Letty was born on March 9, 1957, in Fabens, Texas, and raised in Sierra Blanca.

Paul H. Casas Jr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away peacefully on September 18, at 68 years old. He was born to Paul Robles Casas and Irene Villalba Casas on August 31, 1958, in Fort Stockton, Texas. Paul married Estela Ibarra on June 18, 1983, and resided in Fort Stockton, Texas. Together they raised two wonderful children-Fermin John Paul and Katrina.

Shelby Taylor Staten, 69, beloved Husband, Stepfather, Brother, and Son, was called to his eternal resting place on September 15, in Fort Stockton. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m.

The Pioneer’s Best of the Best ballot is back to collect the votes of Fort Stockton locals. From “Best Sweet Tea” to “Best Property Manager” it is time to share appreciation for the people who make daily life better in big and small ways.

The Fort Stockton City Council convened for its regular meeting on Monday, September 22, where it approved a significant budget amendment, authorized the purchase of over $136,000 in new equipment, and granted a 90-day rent extension for a controversial solar energy project. The council unanimously passed two key ordinances early in the meeting.

Photo by Tristian Barragan.

The Pecos County Commissioners Court convened for its regular session on Monday, approving a slate of significant equipment purchases for 2026, awarding a new fuel contract amidst changes in state tax law, and hearing a proposal for expanded medical flight benefits for county employees.

HOMECOMING COURT 2025 Last week was Fort Stockton’s 2025 Homecoming. The school, students, parents, and teachers all gathered to usher in this year’s beloved homecoming royalty.

The Fort Stockton Public Library is pleased to announce the annual Quilt Show in October. The dates of the show are from October 18 through October 31. The Library Board is accepting applications from all quilters in Pecos County.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a declaration allowing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to grant Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for animal drugs to combat infestations by the New World Screwworm (NWS). This decisive action aims to safeguard the nation's food supply and protect American livestock from the parasite, which is now approaching the U.S. border with Mexico.