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The Texas House last Thursday passed two education- related bills, one that allocates $4.5 billion for teacher pay raises and another to increase the annual per-student base funding from $6,160 to $6,300 – a 2.3% increase.

It is important to note that an arrest should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

• Juan Ramon Fernandez Jr., DOB 2/28/2003, offense date 1/30/2022 (CR-25153, Possession of Marijuana less than 2 ounces) Defendant has entered into a 6-month pretrial intervention program with a $500 fee.

The idea of a covered outdoor basketball court at Fort Stockton Middle School is an intriguing one for some in the district. The item had been discussed at the March school board meeting, and board member Andy Rivera asked for the item to be put on the April 26 agenda for the board to consider putting out a request for proposals to construct the court. The court would be just like the one the city of Fort Stockton constructed at Gene Cummings Park, which has grown in popularity as the weather has warmed.

The supply of physicians is far less than the demand in many parts of Texas and across the country. In rural areas of the state, that shortage is magnified on a large scale.

Improvements to Fort Stockton continue at a fast pace, and the Fort Stockton city council on April 24 ensured that those doing the work will get paid. The council approved $102,000 for L.T. Construction to finish up work on the Hodges Pavilion. The pavilion is being built adjacent to the Fort Stockton Civic Center and Panther Pictures and will be an outdoor venue for multiple events such as concerts.

It is important to note that an arrest should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

• Adan Ulysses Alvarez, DOB 1/17/1983, offense date 2/29/2020 (CR23930, Terroristic Threat) Defendant pleaded guilty. Time served one hundred thirty-six (136) days in the county jail.

Making a positive impact in the community where he grew up is a constant priority for Fort Stockton native Andy Rivera. His passion for bettering the lives of youth in the area led him to the Fort Stockton ISD School Board six years ago and providing scholarships for high school seniors as owner of Triple R Welding.

Fort Stockton is taking steps to become healthier, and at Monday night’s city council meeting, an important step was made when the council adopted Resolution 23-111R, allocating funds for an Outdoor Fitness Court at Gene Cummings Park. The city applied for a grant as part of the National Fitness Campaign and accepted a $40,000 National Grant from the National Fitness Campaign Grant Committee and Statewide Partners, and will provide a local match of $35,000, plus additional extension of the concrete slab, as well as the $7,500 for the installation of a Fitness Court Studio to promote and implement a free-to-the-public outdoor Fitness Court.