December 2025

GARDENER’S MAILBAG Dear Neil: Could you please recommend some foundation plantings suitable to plant on the north side of the house? In addition to north side shading, the area is also shaded by two enormous crape myrtles, so there is never any direct sunlight. I favor native plants, but I also like color, favoring blooms and berries.

It is the season of the year when “busy-ness” is the descriptive word for all that is happening. There are meetings for various holiday events.

Wealth, fame and success still don’t make us happy — but strong relationships do. That has been the consistent message from the Harvard Study of Adult Development — the longest-running scientific study of adult life in the world.

CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS The Texas Legislature made a host of major decisions in 2025, as The Dallas Morning News reported. Here are the highlights: • Homeowners received a break on their property taxes after approving a proposed constitutional amendment in November.

The Fort Stockton Independent School District Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, March 14.The first exciting item on the agenda was to recognize excellence. Superintendent Gabriel Zamora and the board welcomed several students forward to be inducted into the newly established Order of the Panther.

The Fort Stockton Historical Society hosted its annual banquet last Thursday evening at the Large Community Hall, drawing more than 100 attendees for an evening of celebration, reflection, and education. The event featured a year-in-review presentation, the introduction of new board members, a prime rib dinner, and a captivating program on the history of local airfields.

Fort Worth — Students from Fort Stockton High School’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) program proudly showcased their hard work and dedication at the prestigious Fort Worth Stock Show, earning top placements in the Breeding Swine Division.

The Pecos County Commissioners Court held its regular session on Monday, January 27, at the County Courthouse in Fort Stockton. Presided over by County Judge Joe Shuster, the meeting addressed a wide range of agenda items, including appointments, infrastructure improvements, and community support initiatives.

The Fort Stockton City Council met Monday evening at City Hall, and issued several proclamations throughout the meeting. Council Member Ruben Falcon introduced a proclamation supporting the nomination of KFST Radio for the Texas Treasure Business Award, an honor given by the Texas Historical Commission to recognize longstanding businesses that contribute to the state’s cultural and economic fabric.

Early Monday morning, several Fort Stockton residents and businesses awoke to cold rooms and offices, a problem caused by an issue several miles outside of town. With colder weather still ahead, there was concern that the small community may not be fully prepared for the energy demands as everyone adjusts their thermostats.