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FROM THE PULPIT

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Last week we began what will, perhaps, continue as a series of reflections toward what is known as a public theology for the faithful community’s aid in becoming the hands and feet of Jesus, Lord and Savior of God’s creation.

This Coming Sunday is Mother’s Day

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Hanging on our dining room wall is a little plate that is over thirty plus years old. It was given to my wife for Mother’s Day by one of our children. My wife is not too sentimental about little gifts, but I can assure you she is about that little plate. It is faded and hard to read. It has a hand drawn picture of our house with two trees and two little flowers.

Fort Stockton’s CDL Renaissance

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For the first time in seven years, the roar of heavy engines at the RTC signifies more than just passing traffic; it marks the return of professional truck driver testing to Fort Stockton. CDL-Now Schooling, a new vocational school located at 106 S Main St, is leading a pioneer program to turn local and regional residents into certified commercial drivers, filling a critical gap in West Texas vocational training.
Two CDL-Now students are pictured waiting to start their tests on April 24. Pioneer Photo by Joh Covington

Advances High-Tech Campus Upgrades

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The Fort Stockton Independent School District Board of Education celebrated student achievement and advanced several high-tech facility upgrades during its regular meeting on Monday, April 27, 2026. Superintendent Gil-Rey Madrid opened the session by presenting the USDA Foods Challenge award from the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Last Monday, the FSISD board recognized Amistad Motors with the Order of the Panther. Gil Rey Madrid thanked the business for years of generous donations to district programs, stating that such community partnerships are vital to the district’s ability to serve its students. Pioneer Photo by Joh Covington

Casting call made for Extras

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For filmmaker Chris Hergert, the vast, open skies of West Texas are more than just a backdrop; they are a memory etched into his mind from a 'surreal' trip with his father 20 years ago. Now, Hergert is returning to the region to film his first feature-length project, a 'durational' film that aims to mirror the slow, intentional pace of real life.
Chris Hergert and Catherin Navarro are pictured in the Nelson St. Community Theatre last month while scouting for locations for Chris’ film debut, Sir Cowboy. Pioneer Photo by Joh Covington

A Legacy in the Soil

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On Thursday, April 23, 2026, history was both honored and made in Pecos County as the community gathered for the dedication of the Garza-Torres Irrigation District Marker. The ceremony, held at 10:00 am, marked a significant milestone for the region: it was the first new Texas Historical Commission marker installed in the county in 25 years and the first ever to specifically honor Mexican- American citizens.
Family and descendants of the marker honorees, Felis Garza and brothers Bernardo and Cesario Torres, gathered on the beautiful Thursday morning to celebrate the history of their ancestors. Photo by Joh Covington

Pecos County Voters Head to the Polls for May 2 Joint Election

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With just two days remaining until the May 2, 2026, Joint Election, Pecos County residents are preparing to cast their final ballots for several critical local positions and a municipal tax proposition. Polls will be open on Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. across various locations in the county.

Tumbleweed+ Makes Waves

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In just two years, Tumbleweed+ has transformed from a fledgling replacement for the Fort Stockton High School newspaper into a powerhouse of student media. This past Saturday, that evolution reached a new peak at the Ector County Coliseum.
A bird’s eye view from the crow’s nest at a recent game. Photo Courtesy of Tumbleweed+
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