September 2025

.

After five years of extensive preparation, the Pecos County Water Control and Improvement District #1 (PCWCID#1) has announced it received final approval from the USDA for a loan and grant to fund a major upgrade and expansion of the local water delivery system. The project is designed to provide more reliable drinking water and improved service to residents and businesses throughout the district.

Water Board Approves Permit for Pecos County to Irrigate Rooney Park The Middle Pecos Groundwater Conservation District (MPGCD) board of directors convened for their regular meeting on September 16, tackling a full agenda that included the approval of a significant water permit for a county park, the growing crisis of orphan wells, and emerging threats to a federally protected spring. In a key decision, the board unanimously approved a production permit for Pecos County to supply water to Rooney Park.

Justo Lopez, a cherished ranch hand and beloved grandfather, peacefully left this world on September 5, 2025, at the remarkable age of 97. Born on January 22, 1928, Justo exemplified the spirit of the American West, forging a life intertwined with the land he so deeply loved.

Barbara Ann Apshire, 87, passed away peacefully at home on September 6, 2025. Barbara was born on July 24, 1938 to her parents, Lewis William and Jewell Colvin. As she grew, she surrounded by her cousins and siblings. She grew up to marry the love of her life, Gyron Pat Apshire, in 1955. She worked as a dispatcher and jailer in multiple counties while raising her two beloved daughters and helping with her many grandchildren.

YOUR GUIDE TO LOCAL PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO Your guide to local places to go and things to do! If you have an event for our Do Something! listing, please e-mail Summer.McCloskey@fortstocktonpioneer.com SEPT 11th & SEPT 18th Thursday Night Scramble @ Desert Pine Golf Course, 5:30pm Wine’d Up Wednesdays w/ Live Music @ The Grey Mule Saloon 6:30pm-9:30pm Karaoke Night @ Centennial Bar & Lounge, 7pm SEPT 11th Storytime @ The Fort Stockton Public Library 10am SEPT 11th & SEPT 18th Karaoke Night @ Joe’s Place, 9pm SEPT 13th Kids DIY Olympics @ McCoy’s Building Supply 10am-2pm Family fun, Kid friendly, Challenges, & Treats *all supplies provided free of charge, no registration required* SEPT 13th Barrio Fest 5k @ Fort Stockton Community Theater Theme: Loteria Best Dressed Loteria Costume Prizes! Start time: Children’s 2.4k: 8am 5K Run/Walk & 5k Relay: 8:30am SEPT 13th Barrio Fest Car Show @ Pecos County Courthouse Annex Roll in & Registration: 7am 12pm Registration Fee: $30 Award Ceremony: 3:30pm Featuring Ballet Flokorico from St. Edwards University @ 12pm & 3:30pm SEPT 13th Barrio Fest – Live Theatre @ Fort Stockton Community Theatre I’ll Remember for You (Yo Me Acuerdo Por Ti): A Caregiver’s Story 7pm-9pm SEPT 12th Varsity Panther Football vs.

In the wake of recent flooding in the Kerrville region and coinciding with both National Dog Day and the final week of the “Clear the Shelters Campaign,” the Lucky Two Times Animal Sanctuary and Advocacy Program is reaching out to the community for urgent support.

Fort Stockton Independent School District (FSISD) is inviting parents and community members to its annual Gifted and Talented Parent-Community meeting on Monday, September 29. The informational session will be held at the Fort Stockton High School Library from 6:00-6:30 p.m.

Fort Stockton Community Theatre is excited to announce auditions for the upcoming Paisano Players Youth Theatre production of An Enchanted Bookshop Christmas. Young actors, seasoned or aspiring, ages 6-18, will have the opportunity to bring beloved fairytale and literature characters to life this holiday season.

Fort Stockton FFA chapter members received an inspiring visit from Texas FFA State Officers on Wednesday, September 3. The engaging leadership session brought powerful messages of inspiration, dedication, and agricultural leadership directly to students, aiming to motivate them as future leaders in agriculture.