July 2026

On Monday of this week, the Lilah Smith Safe House was presented with a prestigious '250th' Anniversary Flag to honor its enduring commitment to survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Barbara Kipgen, representing the Pecos County Historical Commission, presented the flag to the organization as a tribute to its vital role in the community.

For generations, Comanche Springs has served as more than just a swimming hole; it is the fundamental reason for the existence of Fort Stockton. On Monday, the Pecos County Historical Commission presented the 250th Flag to Angela Lujan and her partners.

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.

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Deandrea Munoz Salmon, 45, of Fort Stockton, Texas passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 24th surrounded by her daughters and loved ones. Visitation will be on Wednesday, July 1st from 12pm to 7pm at Eternity Funeral Home in Fort Stockton, Texas.

Rudolph David Smetak, 85, of Fort Stockton, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, June 22, 2026. A Rosary will be recited on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home of the Big Bend. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 10:00AM at the St. Agnes Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Old St. Agnes Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Heritage Funeral Home of the Big Bend. Rudolph was born on March 22, 1941, in Dallas, Texas, to Frank Sr. and Rozina Smetak. He was a longtime resident of Fort Stockton and proudly served his country in the United States Army during ‘63-‘65 when he was honorably discharged as a Medical Specialist. Rudolph was a faithful member of the Catholic Church. Rudolph retired from Trans Western Energy (Enron) and was also the owner of Q&E Services. He was known for his strong work ethic, creativity, and willingness to lend a helping hand. Rudolph was proud to support his fellow Veteran’s at local American Legion Post 234, past Veterans of Foreign War, and the Wounded Warrior Project. He enjoyed spending time fishing, playing 42 dominoes with family and friends, and creating unique yard art. Rudolph found joy in simple pleasures and treasured the time he shared with those he loved. He is survived by his sisters, Frances Schultz and Donna Verette and her husband, Sidney, all of Fort Stockton, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, greatnieces, great-nephews, and many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Sr. and Rozina Smetak; his brothers, A.J., Paul, Ernest, Daniel, Ben, Charlie, and Frank Jr.; and his sisters, Rudy, Lillie, Estelle, Rosie, Dorothy, and Margie. Also preceding him was his sweetheart Mary Elliott. Rudolph will be remembered for his kind heart, quiet nature, sense of humor, and the love he had for his family. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations may be made to Ft. Stockton American Legion Post 234, In memory of Rudolph Smetak (1010 W. 14th Street, Ft. Stockton, TX 79735) or St. Agnes Catholic Church-Guadalupana Society- In memory of Rudolph Smetak (4094 W HWY 18, Ft. Stockton, TX 79735).

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Javier “Frank” Yanez, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Frank honorably served his country as a Border Patrol Agent from December 30, 1982, to August 4, 2007, demonstrating unwavering dedication, integrity, and a deep commitment to protecting and serving his community. Frank began his Border Patrol career in Alpine, Texas, before transferring to Sanderson, Texas, where he continued to distinguish himself through hard work and leadership. From Sanderson, he accepted what is believed to be the first Senior Border Patrol Agent (GS-11) position in Fort Stockton, Texas, serving there for a little over a year before returning to Sanderson as a Supervisory Border Patrol Agent. In 1995, at just twelve years into his career, Frank was appointed Patrol Agent in Charge of Fort Stockton, Texas, a role in which he served with honor until his retirement. His colleagues remember him as a steady leader, a mentor, and a man whose commitment to duty never wavered. Frank is survived by his loving wife, Sylvia; his sons Javier (wife Catherine), Lando (wife Mayra), and David (wife Sonya); and his daughter Iliana. He was a proud grandfather to Josh, Austin, Malina, Callen, Ethan, and Ryan, each of whom brought him immense joy. He is also survived by his brother, Lazaro Yanez, sister Lisa Guajardo (husband Nathan), brother Saul Yanez and sisters, Jessica and Vicky Sarmiento. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lazaro Yanez and Estela Sarmiento and his brother Jason Sarmiento. Frank will be remembered for his strength, devotion to family, and the lasting impact he made on the lives of those who knew him. His legacy of service, love, and dedication will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 12:00 Noon to 9:00 PM with a Rosary at 7:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home of the Big Bend. Funeral Mass will be Friday, July 3, 2026, at 2:00PM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish – St. Joseph Catholic Church with burial to follow at the Fort Stockton Catholic Cemetery.

Texas at Northside Baptist Church. After studying the Bible together and with Joe Stout, Dub & Doris obeyed the Gospel and were baptized into Christ in 1973. Doris attended college at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas and graduated in May of 1973 with a degree in Elementary Education. She also received her Master’s degree in Elementary Education and Counseling, both from Sul Ross University. She taught junior high in Balmorhea for 2 years, then made the decision to stay home and raise her children in Fort Stockton. Once Audrey and Josh were both in school, Doris substituted and eventually taught third grade at Apache Elementary in Fort Stockton. She also was the campus counselor at Apache Elementary and was a counselor at Fort Stockton Middle School. After 32 years in the public education profession, Doris retired in 2015 and enjoyed spending time at home, spending time with family, and traveling. She volunteered as the church secretary at the Fort Stockton church of Christ with a servant’s heart for almost 7 years. Doris was always involved in church activities and strived to teach the Gospel to others throughout her 56 year marriage