June 2026

Body The City Council met on Monday afternoon to address several community matters, including a public hearing, updates on city improvements, a review of prior and upcoming events, K-9 officer changes, and donations received.

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Body As Fort Stockton prepares to celebrate Independence Day and the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks has already joined the festivities.

Body The Fort Stockton Commissioners Court approved several items focused on economic development, maintenance, and the use of key county assets. The county’s historic schoolhouse was discussed for lease for educational purposes.

Body It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Shayleigh Brooke Persall-Everett, age 19, of Sanderson, Texas, on June 13, 2026. Shayleigh was born on August 31, 2006, in Fort Stockton, Texas, to Stephanie Everett and Rodney Persall.

Body Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and cherished friend to so many peacefully passed away at home on June 15, 2026.

Body Steven (Stevie) Bryan Villalba was born on July 31st, 1970, in Fort Stockton, Texas, to Manuel C. Jr and Manuela (Vasquez) Villalba. He passed away on June 21, 2026, in El Paso, Texas, with his brothers there to comfort him. Leaving behind family and friends who loved him.

Body Editor’s note: It is important to note that an arrest should not be considered evidence of guilt, all defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The following list is provided by the Pecos County Sheriff ’ s Department.

Body The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced three signifi cant updates aimed at strengthening the agricultural safety net, ranging from increased disaster relief payments to a historic expansion of base acres and the opening of local committee nominations.

Body Black bears are once again part of the wildlife story of Far West and Southwest Texas, and Sul Ross State University graduate student Jesse Ellgren is working to better understand what their return means for the region’s future.