News

Melanie Guest Honored as 2026 Valentine Sweetheart

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On the evening of February 9, the women of Xi Zeta Lambda proudly announced Melanie Guest as this year’s Valentine Sweetheart. Guest, a long-time resident of Fort Stockton, has been an active member of Beta Sigma Phi for several years.
MELANIE GUEST

Former Stepfather Sentenced to Consecutive Life Terms

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A multi-state investigation into the sexual abuse of multiple children has concluded with a severe sentence for the perpetrator, Eduard Steven Quinones. On January 15, 2026, Quinones was found guilty on all counts in the Superior Court of Hall County, Georgia, and was subsequently sentenced to two consecutive life sentences.

Texas Border Sheriffs Issue Joint Statement

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In a unified voice, five elected sheriffs from the Big Bend region of Texas have issued a joint statement arguing that a continuous physical border wall is “not the most practical or strategic approach” for their specific stretch of the U.S.-Mexico border. The statement, signed by Sheriffs Arvin West (Hudspeth), Oscar Carrillo (Culberson), Danny Dominguez (Presidio), Ronny Dodson (Brewster), and Thaddeus Cleveland (Terrell), emphasizes that border security strategies must be informed by “local terrain, operational realities, and fiscal responsibility”.
Pictured are the borderland county Sheriffs, Arvin West (Hudspeth), Oscar Carrillo (Culberson), Danny Dominguez (Presidio), Ronny Dodson (Brewster), and Thaddeus Cleveland (Terrell). Courtesy Photo

Journal of Big Bend Studies Publishes Warnock Manuscript

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In March of 2025, the Fort Stockton Pioneer, Big Bend Sentinel and Dallas Morning News carried a story about a rare mammoth tusk discovered in Brewster County. According to the wire reports, it was only the second mammoth tusk ever found west of the Pecos.
Dr. Frank Warnock with his mammoth tusks as they were excavated in Pecos County near San Pedro Springs. Courtesy Photos

Fort Stockton Honors Patriotism and Local Legend Robert Polk Sadler at 82nd Chamber Banquet

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The Pecos County Civic Center was filled with local pride last Thursday, February 26, as the community gathered for the 82nd Annual Fort Stockton Chamber Banquet. Under the patriotic theme “250 Reasons We Love America,” the evening served as a dual celebration of the United States’ upcoming 250th birthday and the dedicated volunteers and members who sustain the local community.
The Highlight of the 82nd Annual Fort Stockton Chamber Banquet was the presentation of the 2026 Citizen of the Year award, which was bestowed upon Robert “Bob” Polk Sadler. Photo Courtesy of Jennifer Gonzalez

West Texans Say “No”

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In the eternal spirit of “Don’t Mess with Texas,” when news broke that the government had made plans to build a border wall though the serene natural treasure of Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park, the reaction across the board was instant and resounding.
Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park is one location that would be impacted by construction. Courtesy Photo
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