News

During a regular meeting on Monday, January 26, 2026, the Fort Stockton City Council moved forward with significant infrastructure improvements and public safety investments, while hitting a stalemate over a property release from the city’s jurisdiction.

The Pecos County Memorial Hospital District Board of Directors moved to address a regional “oncology desert” and critical infrastructure needs during its meeting last week, approving a landmark partnership to bring cancer treatment to the community while raising alarms over outdated emergency equipment.

The Middle Pecos Groundwater Conservation District board approved a 3% increase to its groundwater export fees during a meeting Tuesday, following public testimony regarding the long-term sustainability of the region’s water supply. The board voted unanimously to raise the export fee to 21.856 cents per 1,000 gallons for 2026, up from the previous rate of 21.22 cents.

Fort Stockton Independent School District Superintendent Gil Rey Madrid officially recognized January as Texas School Board Appreciation Month, praising the District Board of Trustees for leadership that guides district progress and supports the long-term success of local public education. In a statement shared with the Pioneer, Madrid noted that school board members serve as elected volunteers who dedicate “countless hours” to decisions shaping academics, finances, safety, staffing, and long-range planning.

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The Pecos County Elections Department, along with counties across the state, are diligently working with the Texas Secretary of State’s Office to mail out renewal voter registration certificates for 2026-2027 however due to the state’s redevelopment of the voter registration system, delays across the state are inevitable.

Ingredients 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 large egg, beaten 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce 1-pound jumbo lump crabmeat, picked over 20 saltine crackers, finely crushed 1/4 cup canola oil Lemon wedges, for serving Directions 1. Mix all of the ingredients in a large bowl except the crab meat and crushed crackers.

On a recent outing, we made a pitstop sightseeing and wandered into Fogo de Chão, an Argentinian Steakhouse best known for its fire-roasted cuts of beef, tableside service, and gauchos servers moving from table to table with skewers of meat.

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.

J. David Bamberger, a towering figure in Texas conservation and a pioneering businessman whose unlikely journey led from fried chicken to land restoration, passed away Saturday, Jan. 17, at his beloved Selah Bamberger Ranch near Johnson City. He was 97.