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Austin - Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick today announced Senate committee assignments for the 89th Texas Legislature, naming Senator César J. Blanco (SD29) to four powerful committees: Business and Commerce, Health and Human Services, Natural Resources, and Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs. Senator Blanco will also continue his critical work on the Texas Sunset Commission, a role he was appointed to in 2024. These assignments position Senator Blanco to elevate the voices and priorities of El Paso and West Texas in shaping Texas’ future.

The Fort Stockton Community Theatre (FSCT) is kicking off its 2025 season with Mary Chase’s classic comedy Harvey, sponsored by The Rea Charitable Trust and Edward Jones. The production, presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, opens Friday, February 7, and runs through Wednesday, February 12.

Local food enthusiasts and home cooks have a new reason to refine their culinary skills while making friends. The Pecos County Dinner Tonight Cooking Club, which gathers monthly for themed meals and recipe exchanges, is currently welcoming new members who are interested in both cooking and socializing.

A well-earned career advancement has led to a historical moment for Pecos County law enforcement. On January 1, Sergeant Abby Ramirez was officially promoted to Chief Deputy, the first woman to make such a move in the long history of the Sheriff’s office.

On Tuesday, January 28, the Fort Stockton Public Library will host a special musical event featuring the acclaimed duo, Kessa Mefford and Kristina Cook. Sponsored by the H.

AUSTIN - Tuesday, the opening day of the 89th Session of the Texas Legislature, State Senator César J. Blanco took his Oath of Office for his third term representing District 29 in the Texas Senate. Senate District 29 is made up of Brewster, Culberson, El Paso, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, Pecos, Presidio, and Reeves counties, including both rural and urban communities, as well as more than 350 miles of the Texas-Mexico Border.

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Recently a 2492 carat diamond weighing over a pound was found in Botswana in southern Africa. Diamonds are formed by carbon particles, black coal, being put under extreme pressures for long periods of time. The process that the black carbon goes through to become that clear crystalline beautiful material called diamonds is something else. Now a diamond cutter and polisher will go to work and make it even something more beautiful. Thinking of that big raw diamond reminds me of something in the Bible. Anyone that has not repented of their sins and put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is like that black carbon, coal, headed for the furnace to be burned up, (Luke 13:3, Romans 3:23, Revelation 20:15). But if anyone has repented and confessed their sins, asking forgiveness and calling upon Jesus Christ to save them, or be their Lord and savior, (Romans 6:23, John 1:12, Acts 4:12, Philippians 2:10). Something happens, there is a change inside we become different like that raw diamond. It is called being born again not physically but born from the Spirit of crucified, resurrected, living Savior Jesus Christ, (John 3:3&16, Acts 2:38, 3:19). It is then that the Holy Spirit starts to transform us on the inside or that new nature of Jesus starts to work, (Titus 3:5, 2 Corinthians 3:18). To transform us into more Christ likeness, (Romans 8:29, John 5:24).

GARDENER’S MAILBAG Dear Neil, Can I trim and reshape my Texas sage plants? They have become very leggy since the cold spell several years ago. When should I do it? Trim them in the next 4- 5 weeks before new growth commences.