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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.

Fort Stockton Pioneer.

WASHINGTON – Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) joined Congressman Brandon Gill (TX-26) in introducing the REMAIN in Mexico Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. President Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” policy, officially known as the migrant protection protocols, was first implemented by the Trump administration in January 2019.

In a new report released by the Texas Ports Association (TPA), Texas’ maritime ports are credited with generating more than $713.9 billion in economic activity for the state, accounting for 28% of the Texas gross domestic product (GDP). The study, conducted by Martin & Associates using data from fiscal year 2023, highlights the significant role ports play in creating jobs, facilitating trade, and driving statewide economic growth.

“The Grapes of Wrath” is often listed among the greatest films ever made, continuing to inspire audiences with its themes of resilience and justice. The Fort Stockton Film Society is set to showcase the iconic film this Saturday, January 18, at Nelson Street Theater.

Protecting the night sky is a collaborative endeavor - one The University of Texas at Austin’s McDonald Observatory has helped lead in West Texas since the launch of its Dark Skies Initiative in 2010. Now, oil and gas facilities in nearby New Mexico are joining the effort, with help from a new set of lighting guidelines tailored to their industry.