My Dad was a giant of a man, born in Cherokee, Iowa, on Aug. 21, 1930, to Helen Betsworth and Max Gray. He died on Nov. 7, 2021. As there was no hospital in Fort Stockton, Texas, Helen returned to her Iowa family to give birth to her only male child. Soon after, mother and son returned to West Texas where Dad was raised. And what a childhood he had! On horseback, he explored the mesas and canyons, arroyos, and rugged terrain of a vast, largely untouched, ranching and oil country.

The Panthers and Prowlers competed at their respective area track meet at Andrews High School on April 21.

Peaking at the right time came to fruition for the Prowlers track and field team last week at the District 2-4A meet in Andrews.

The Fort Stockton girls had nine athletes qualify for the area meet via top-four finishes. Two individuals and a relay team had personal-best times or marks in hand by the end of the event.

Sophomore Ali Jackson earned three gold medals and clocked two personal records to cap the best day of her young track career.

Just 95 days after closing its doors for the foreseeable future, the Grey Mule Wine Saloon is reopening under new ownership.

The historic wine tasting room in Fort Stockton will hold a reopening event on Thursday, April 21 from 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the business’ newly revamped building. The event will feature live music by Al Haney from 6-8 p.m., as well their regular menu that features food (cheese and meat boards/pizza) and a variety of beverages.