January 2026

The Fort Stockton Prowlers powerlifting team delivered a dominant and comprehensive performance last Saturday at the Comanche Raw Power Classic, hosted inside the Panther Gym at Fort Stockton High School, as the Prowlers not only placed athletes across every weight class, but also captured the overall team championship with the highest point total of the meet. Fort Stockton finished first in the team standings with 54 points, well ahead of Monahans (27) and Kermit (19), reflecting a true team effort built on depth, consistency, and podium finishes throughout the day.

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A powerful blast of arctic air is set to move through West Texas later this week, prompting widespread schedule changes across Fort Stockton ISD athletics as dangerously cold temperatures and wintry precipitation threaten travel and playing conditions.

The Fort Stockton Panthers boys powerlifting team faced a deep and highly competitive field last Saturday at the Comanche Raw Power Classic, held in the Panther Gym at Fort Stockton High School, turning in several strong individual performances while finishing fifth overall in the team standings.

In this offering among the columns allotted to me in the new year, the year for commemorating the 250th anniversary of our declaration of independence as a nation conceived in liberty and justice for all, I had planned to continue an appreciation of Rev. Michael Wallens' column on the foundational role human dignity plays in the living out of the gospel in church and culture. The provision for and protection of life lived as in and as the image of God is the gift of the gospel and offers creativity as triumphant over that depravity arising from our devaluating each other as beyond salvation. Alas, I have misplaced my copy of Rev. Wallens' best of the year candidate among some copies of research on the dignity imparting value of work.

I’m starting to realize that the faces I recognize in obituaries are outnumbering the new friends I make. And all my favorite TV commercials are locked in the distant past.

The last day to register to vote for the March 3 primary is Feb. 2, according to the Texas secretary of state’s office. Early voting runs from Feb. 17 through Feb. 27, with Feb. 20 being the deadline for applying for a mail ballot.

Across El Paso and West Texas, we know how to take care of ourselves and one another. Our communities are resilient, resourceful, and deeply connected.

Across the United States, a dedicated group of healthcare professionals is preparing to step into the spotlight. From January 18-24, the medical community will celebrate National CRNA Week, an event established by the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) in 2000 to highlight the safety and accessibility of anesthesia care.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has mailed ballots for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committee elections to eligible farmers and ranchers across the country. To be counted, ballots must be returned to the Pecos-Terrell County FSA office or postmarked by Feb. 2, 2026.