Features

What if selling rocks could take you across the country? Well according to a traveler named Logan, it’s completely possible. “I got here because I was able to sell $70 worth of obsidian to a lady in San Antonio,” he said holding the glasslike rock.

Alamo Elementary staff is ready for their Kid’s Heart Challenge. The kickoff date for the challenge is Tuesday, Feb. 2. The school would love the community’s support in sponsoring a child and helping them earn money for the American Heart Association and for Alamo’s Physical Education Department. For any questions contact Mrs. Gossett at Alamo Elementary 432-336-4016. Courtesy Photo

January is School Board Recognition Month and the Fort Stockton Independent School District is honored to recognize its trustees for their dedication and commitment to the district’s schools and students. School boards are essential to a strong public education system. They provide the local governance and oversight that makes it possible for school districts to serve students, including establishing a strategic plan, adopting policies, approving a budget and selecting and evaluating a superintendent. School board members are selfless volunteers who spend long hours working to ensure all students have the opportunity to learn and grow. Celebrating School Board Recognition Month is one way to say thanks for all they do. Pictured Fort Stockton ISD School Board members are, from left to right: Flo Garcia (six years); Sandra Rivera (14 years), Freddie Martinez (11 years), Billy Espino (seven years), Ursula Sanchez (first year), Andy Rivera (four years), Anastacio Dominguez (five years). Courtesy Photo

Fresh out of college and full of whimsy, Seung and Sophi sprung out of a red 1989 BMW 3-Series (E30). “This is our first time in Texas,” said Sophi with a big smile.

The second-oldest business in the city – Fort Stockton Insurance – celebrated its 110-year anniversary on Dec. 30 with a ribbon cutting ceremony held by the chamber of commerce. Their newly renovated office, located at 901 W. Dickinson Blvd, was on display while guests were able to enjoy a variety of catered food and beverages. The Fort Stockton Insurance Agency was founded in 1911 by Herman H. Butz, a local businessman, entrepreneur and later on a Pecos County Judge. The business was sold when Butz retired in the middle of the 20th century. The building was expanded by owner Michael Walling in 1980. After Walling sold the business to Terry Carr, it changed hands several times, finally ending up with Jay Tom Holstein, who owned the business until 1998. Phil Chamberlain then bought the business in 1998 and maintained ownership for the next 20 years. Pam Palileo bought it in 2018 from her father and has since owned the business. Photo by Nathan Heuer

Rafael “Rafy” Aguirre was honored with a retirement dinner hosted by Precinct 2 Commissioner Robert Gonzales, the commissioner’s wife, Annette, and the Precinct 2 staff on Dec. 30. During Rafy’s 17 years of service, he had the privilege of working with four commissioners. Congratulations and best wishes on your retirement Rafy. Courtesy Photo

Orlando Chavarria, right, received his five-year service award from Pecos County Commissioner Robert Gonzales on Dec 30. Chavarria started his employment with Pecos County in the Building Maintenance Department then transferred to Precinct 2, where he is currently employed. Courtesy Photo

Toastmasters met on Dec. 10 at the ranch of Oscar and Hilda Gonzalez to celebrate the Christmas Holiday. The Gonzalez’s hosted a most wonderful celebration with delicious food and Christmas cheer. Plans are in progress for the year 2022 and recruitment of new members. Toastmasters wants to take this time to wish everyone a very safe and happy new year. May peace and joy abound in your lives in 2022 and always. For information about Toastmasters, please contact President Karan Heffelfinger at 432-336-2541. Pictured is October winners. We want you to join our club. Oscar Gonzalez, left, won Best Table Topics Speaker. Houston McKenzie, right, won Best Speaker. Karan Heffelfinger, middle, won Best Evaluator. Courtesy Photo

The Los Carnales MC-McCamey Chapter sponsored a family in Fort Stockton for Christmas. The chapter has six members from Fort Stockton. The Los Carnales MC-McCamey Chapter would like to give a special thanks to Ben Rojo for his donation to this great cause. The family was able to receive an extra blessing this Christmas season with the help of Los Carnales MC-McCamey Chapter. Pictured members of the chapter are Adam Gomez, Rudy Aguilar, George Fabela, Jeff Mohalland, Frankie Muniz. Courtesy Photo

Pecos County Memorial Hospital 2022 New Year’s Baby, Kane Joseph Shoop, was born on Jan, 2. The proud parents are Ethan and Rachel Shoop. PCMH would like to thank Pecos County Feed & Supply, Nolen’s Gifts, and Savannah Holland Photography for the wonderful gifts given to Kane and his parents. Courtesy Photo