December 2025

Mike Flynt will deliver the Sul Ross State University fall commencement address at the ceremony on Friday, Dec. 12, at 5:30 p.m. at the Pete P. Gallego Center in Alpine and on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 2:30 p.m. at the International Center for Trade in Eagle Pass.

The McDonald Observatory, a crucial regional center for science education, is undertaking a major campaign to revitalize its public facilities and update its educational programming. The institution is currently seeking contributions to complete its goal of raising $5.5 million for the renovation of the Frank N. Bash Visitors Center (FNBC), reporting that they are “very close” to reaching the full amount.

About 1 million Texans over the age of 45 who receive health insurance coverage through the federal Affordable Care Act will likely face monthly premiums of more than $1,000, the Austin American- Statesman reported. That accounts for one-fourth of the state’s 4 million ACA enrollees.

“Oh, baby, I’m gonna love you forever/ Forever and ever, amen” – as sung by Randy Travis. When I was a second-grader, I was fascinated by the short-lived ABC sitcom “The Second Hundred Years.” In the far-fetched program, Monte Markham played a 33-year-old Alaskan “gold rush” prospector who was buried in a glacial avalanche and preserved in suspended animation for 67 years.

When the longest federal shutdown brought the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to a standstill, it exposed a truth we cannot afford to ignore: hunger doesn’t wait for politicians to settle their disagreements. And when government grinds to a halt, it’s hard-working families and the most vulnerable who feel the impact first and most painfully.

Aren’t we glad that we do not have to depend on the internet to connect us to God? All we have to do is pray-morning, noon, night, or all three. We have been told to pray without ceasing. Praying helps to guide us in our decisions. Taking concerns to God in prayer teaches us patience as we wait for answers. Sometimes it seems to take a long time for answers. These could be times while we are growing in our faith so we will be ready for the answers when they are given.

I remember the time my wife and I decided to go to the beach. As we were walking along the beach and watching the waves, we noticed some people that were very busy. They weren’t swimming or sunbathing like many others, and they paid little or no attention to who or what was going on around them. They were busy building sandcastles in the wet sand. Their sandcastles were very beautiful.

Just before Thanksgiving, Fort Stockton senior running back Nick Almendarez sat down with student host Nacho Ramirez on the latest episode of Tumbleweed Talk, sharing an honest and personal look back at his breakout season — one that officially placed him in the Panthers’ record books. Almendarez entered Fort Stockton’s final game against Lubbock Estacado sitting just shy of the 1,000-yard milestone.

The sixth annual West of the Pecos Blowout returned to the Pecos County Coliseum over Thanksgiving weekend, drawing nearly 100 youth exhibitors and 361 total entries for a twoday showcase of cattle, sheep, and goats.

The Fort Stockton Panthers closed out their final contest before Thanksgiving Break still searching for their first win of the young basketball season. The varsity squad hosted Midland on Tuesday, where an experienced Bulldogs team controlled the pace and handed Fort Stockton an 80–57 loss.