December 2025

Law enforcement officers from across the Big Bend region gathered Wednesday night for a solemn and powerful meeting of the Big Bend Area Law Enforcement Officers Association, hosted by the Pecos County Sheriff’s Office at the Pecos County Civic Center.

Travis and Tommie Lewis opened their very first Sonic Drive-In right here in Fort Stockton in 1976, and the entire community has been excited for the re-opening at 1701 W Dickinson Blvd. The beautiful new drive-in opened to the public Tuesday, March 25, following the official ribbon cutting on Monday. Their tradition of providing tasty food with great service continues, with grandson Caleb Jantz managing the location and his hardworking crew eager to return to serving Fort Stockton’s favorite drinks, treats, and food.

A well-earned career advancement has led to a historical moment for Pecos County law enforcement. On January 1, Sergeant Abby Ramirez was officially promoted to Chief Deputy, the first woman to make such a move in the long history of the Sheriff’s office.

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@ fortstock-tonpioneer.

The Fort Stockton community is invited to gather this weekend to celebrate the life and legacy of local figure Dean Ward as he debuts his new book, “Memories of a Cowboy.” While many friends and associates may feel they know Ward well, the sources indicate they are familiar with only a fraction of his true story. The event is scheduled for Sunday, December 28, at the First United Methodist Church, located at 1501 W 5th Street.

The College of Graduate Studies at Sul Ross State University announced the first six recipients of the Dual Credit Pedagogy Certificate, which allows students to enhance their instructional skills for college level teaching.

Rene Pacheco, 74, of Midland, Texas, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November16,1953,toMartin and Celia Pacheco.

Richard Lee Thomas, 64, of Hutto, Texas passed away peacefully on Monday, December 8, 2025, after a weekslong illness. Richard was born on July 28, 1961, in Torrance, Los Angeles County California, California, to Peggie Armstrong Gonzales.

Mario Olguin Lopez, a truecowboywasbornonDecember 13, 1925, in Mexico. He passed away peacefully onDecember20,2025,inFort Stockton, Texas, surrounded by his beloved family in the comfort of his home.

Board confirms audit scope and timeline while approving leadership and operational changes The Intergovernmental Recreation Board closed out December with two meetings that pushed Fort Stockton’s joint recreation program into its next phase — installing permanent leadership, formalizing an outside audit, and beginning to tighten up longstanding operational practices that board members say have not been updated in decades. During a special meeting on December 3 at the Fort Stockton Recreation Depart- ment, the board reconvened from executive session and voted to extend an offer of employment for recreation director.