News

Dear Neil, Can I dig and divide my purpleheart bed before it starts growing this spring? Purpleheart is a true perennial in almost all of Texas. That’s surprising when you consider it’s a sister to the tender types of wandering Jews.

Fort Stockton Pioneer Photos are from the Fort Stockton Pioneer archives at the Pioneer’s office located at 808 W. Dickinson Ste A, Fort Stockton .

In this offering among the columns allotted to me in the new year, the year for commemorating the 250th anniversary of our declaration of independence as a nation conceived in liberty and justice for all, I had planned to continue an appreciation of Rev. Michael Wallens' column on the foundational role human dignity plays in the living out of the gospel in church and culture. The provision for and protection of life lived as in and as the image of God is the gift of the gospel and offers creativity as triumphant over that depravity arising from our devaluating each other as beyond salvation. Alas, I have misplaced my copy of Rev. Wallens' best of the year candidate among some copies of research on the dignity imparting value of work.

Across the United States, a dedicated group of healthcare professionals is preparing to step into the spotlight. From January 18-24, the medical community will celebrate National CRNA Week, an event established by the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) in 2000 to highlight the safety and accessibility of anesthesia care.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has mailed ballots for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committee elections to eligible farmers and ranchers across the country. To be counted, ballots must be returned to the Pecos-Terrell County FSA office or postmarked by Feb. 2, 2026.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) has awarded a $40,000 grant for 2026 to the Borderlands Research Institute (BRI) at Sul Ross State University, continuing its long-term commitment to the BRI Undergraduate Mentorship Program (BUMP). Now entering its 12th anniversary, BUMP has supported more than 75 student-led research projects and continues to be a transformative program.

On January 24 and 25, the Pecos County Amateur Radio Club invites the community to step back in time and look into the future of communication during the annual Winter Field Day. The event will be held at Officers Quarter 8 at the Fort, where local operators will demonstrate the versatility and vital importance of amateur radio.

The Fort Stockton Independent School District Board of Education moved forward with several financial and infrastructure measures during a special meeting last Thursday at the district’s administration building.

The newly launched Meadows Research Institute for West Texas Water at Sul Ross State University has announced the speaker lineup for the 2026 Water in the Desert Conference, set for Feb. 11–13 in Alpine.

Showcases champions, character, and community The annual Pecos County Livestock Show, held January 9, brought together youth exhibitors from across the county for a full slate of livestock and agricultural mechanics competition, with FFA chapters and 4-H clubs from Fort Stockton, Iraan-Sheffield, Buena Vista, Pecos River, and West of the Pecos all represented in the results. From the ring to the shop floor, the show crowned champions across goats, sheep, cattle, swine, and Ag Mechanics, reflecting months of preparation and a deep county tradition of agricultural education.