West Texas and the Big Bend are known for their starry night skies, made possible in part by ongoing efforts to preserve them. Recently, McDonald Observatory and the non-profit organization Texan by Nature recognized the efforts of Catalyst Midstream Partners, a joint venture between Howard Energy Partners and Devon Energy Corporation, to reduce light emissions at their County Line processing plant near Orla. 

Another layer of protection to further ensure the safety of students and staff will be in place for the upcoming school year at Fort Stockton ISD.

The school district unanimously passed the guardian plan at their regular meeting on July 26. The plan enables teachers/staff to possess a firearm on district property under state guidelines and by board approval.

If you happen to visit a high-traffic area in one of the state’s larger cities, you might come across some folks wearing sandwich boards, such as one sees during tax season or mattress sales. The Texas Department of Transportation has adopted this marketing device to promote its “Be Safe. Drive Smart” pedestrian safety campaign this month.

Marilyn McKenzie Gladson was born Jan. 16, 1944, and died on July 18, 2022.