May 2026

It is with sad hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Estefana Lopez Martinez (81), who was called home by the lord on May 23, 2026. Estefana was surrounded by her loving family in Fort Stockton at the time of her passing.

Jerry Clint Ham passed from this world into eternal life with God on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in Fort Stockton, Texas. He was born in Lueders, Texas on February 6, 1930, to Austin and Effie Ham. Jerry was the fourth of seven children who grew up on a farm. He graduated from Lueders High School (Lueders University, as he called it) in 1948. He met the love of his life, Gaynell Petty in Lueders and married her on March 12, 1949. They shared 71 years of marriage before her death in 2020. Theirs was an admirable marriage and many doubted he’d last a month without her. He surprised them by living almost six more years, although he questioned why God kept him here.

ThecommunityofFortStockton gathered at Zero Stone Park on Monday to observe a solemn Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony, honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States. Under the shade of the park’s trees, the event served as both a history lesson and a heartfelt tribute to the heroic dead who secured the nation’s liberties.

Fort Stockton ISD has officially named Xavier Rangel as the district’s next Athletic Director and Head Football Coach, bringing more than two decades of Texas high school coaching experience to Panther athletics.

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Editor’s Note: The following report is based on unofficial results submitted by the Pecos County Elections Office on May 27. Pecos County election officials have released unofficial totals for Tuesday’s joint primary runoff election, revealing the winners of several closely watched local and statewide contests.

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Fort Stockton Pioneer.

Dear Neil: I just moved into a house that has a tree in the front yard with a high mound of mulch up around its trunk. When I tried to scrape the mulch away, I found large tree roots 2-3 in. in diameter coming out from the trunk, then turning straight down into the soil. Do I have to leave it like that? I really don’t like the look.

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