May 2026

Big Bend Border Wall Puts Black Bears and Wildlife At-Risk of Decline

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Over 500,000 people flock to the Big Bend region annually in anticipation of spotting wildlife like mountain lion and black bear. These species are rarely seen across the rest of Texas, with minimal publicly available land or suitable habitat. Despite exceptional drought, both apex predators and hundreds of other species survive in the region thanks to the Rio Grande’s life-giving water.

Patricia Mae Gray

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It is with profound sorrow and reverence that we announce the passing of Patricia Mae Gray, a beloved wife, mother, and friend, who left us on April 29, 2026, in her home in Fort Stockton, Texas. Patricia, a vibrant soul who graced the lives of many, was born May 23, 1935, in Denver, Colorado to Harry and Beulah Heurer.
Patricia Mae

Painting Life Back into Downtown

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Downtown Fort Stockton is getting a fresh splash of color thanks to a new beautification effort led by local artist Vickie Bradshaw, who is transforming vacant storefront windows into vibrant pieces of public art.
Vickie Bradshaw works on a colorful desert-themed mural Wednesday in downtown Fort Stockton as part of a beautification project transforming vacant storefront windows into public art. Bradshaw said each design is inspired by native West Texas landscapes and can take more than 13 hours to complete. Pioneer Photo by Tristian Barragan

Investing in the Future

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The Fort Stockton community is preparing for its annual scholarship banquet, a cornerstone event that highlights a deep local commitment to education. This year marks a significant milestone for the program, with 41 students applying for assistance, a record number of applicants for the organizers.

Unofficial Results for May 2 Election

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Voters in Pecos County cast their ballots Saturday in a joint election, approving a city proposition and selecting representatives for local hospital and school boards, according to unofficial results released Saturday night. Fort Stockton Proposition A The most significant margin of the night came from the City of Fort Stockton, where voters overwhelmingly ap- proved Proposition A.