January 2026

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Fort Stockton Independent School District Superintendent Gil Rey Madrid officially recognized January as Texas School Board Appreciation Month, praising the District Board of Trustees for leadership that guides district progress and supports the long-term success of local public education. In a statement shared with the Pioneer, Madrid noted that school board members serve as elected volunteers who dedicate “countless hours” to decisions shaping academics, finances, safety, staffing, and long-range planning.

The Middle Pecos Groundwater Conservation District board approved a 3% increase to its groundwater export fees during a meeting Tuesday, following public testimony regarding the long-term sustainability of the region’s water supply. The board voted unanimously to raise the export fee to 21.856 cents per 1,000 gallons for 2026, up from the previous rate of 21.22 cents.

Mrs. Maria “Mary” De Los Angeles Villalba, lovingly known as “Nana,” passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, in Odessa, Texas, at the age of 83. Her passing marks the end of a life filled with devotion to family, faith, and community.

This Saturday, January 17, at 2:00 pm, the Fort Stockton Film Society will host a FREE screening of Apollo 13 at the Nelson Street Theater, 102 South Nelson. This film is the first in a series of patriotic movies to celebrate the United States 250 years as a nation.

The Fort Stockton Community Theatre announces that tickets are on sale for its upcoming production of The Sweet Delilah Swim Club, a comedy in two acts written by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten, presented by Special Arrangement with Dramatists Play Service. Check out ticket prices and choose your theatre seat by going to fscommunitytheatre.org or purchase tickets at the door and take potluck choice of seats then. You may call Alice Duerksen at 432-336-3180 for more information.

The Pecos County Senior Citizens Center will host its January potluck on Friday, January 16, at 12:00 noon. The meal will be a Mexican luncheon.

Lifelong Resident Emilie Feyry- Natividad Announces Candidacy for Pecos County Judge Emilie Feyry-Natividad, a lifelong resident of Pecos County and a dedicated community leader, has officially announced her candidacy for Pecos County Judge.

2nd Grade Mrs. Rojas A Jaylah Carrillo Lucas Castillo Tanner Fierro June Lorta A/B Rebecca Armendariz Adren Garcia Kaira Harvey Aliah Montanez Isaiah Pacheco Edrick Sanchez Adrianna Vela Mrs.

Former Dallas DJ now hosts one of the most popular podcasts on Spotify Platform One of Dallas radio’s most legendary DJs was Mike Rhyner. After getting his start on the infamous KZEW FM (“The Zoo”) he went on the even bigger things as the. Host of The Hardline show on DFW sports talk radio, The Ticket (KTCK).