June 2026

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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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. Paisano Pete received a patriotic red, white and blue outfit, transforming the giant roadrunner into a larger-than-life symbol of both Independence Day and the America250 celebration.

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.

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.

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and cherished friend to so many peacefully passed away at home on June 15, 2026. She is survived by sisters Elaine and Barbara; sons Randy, Brett, and Michael (Kelly); grandchildren Kaci, Kayla (Chris), and Dylan; and great-granddaughters Lylah and Camila.

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. He is survived by his daughter, Lisette Rodriguez; father, Manuel C. Villalba Jr of El Paso; sister Myra Palacios (Freddie) of Midland, TX; brothers Oscar Villalba (Margarita) of Celina, TX, Randy Villalba of Irving, TX; 5 nieces: Christina Villalba, Brianna Villalba, Shania Villalba, Dorian Villalba and Cameron Villalba. 2 nephews Bryan Palacios and Michael Palacios. He was preceded in death by his mother, Manuela Villalba, and his grandparents, Manuel G. Villalba Sr. and Antonina Villalba. He was a passionate Pittsburgh Steelers Fan. He wore black and yellow proudly. He played Little League in Fort Stockton for the A’s during their glory days of the early 80s. He moved to El Paso in 1986 but always said he was from Fort Stockton. He lived in Euless, TX, for many years after High School and was a great Used Car Salesman in Arlington. A Rosary will be recited on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home of the Big Bend. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Agnes Catholic Church with burial to follow at the Fort Stockton Catholic Cemetery.

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.

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.

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.