Rosendo “Ross” G. Casillas, 84, of Fort Stockton, Texas, passed away on July 28, 2021, in Fort Stockton.

Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet will be at 3 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, at St. James Catholic Church in Sanderson, Texas. The funeral Mass will be held immediately after, beginning at 4 p.m., with Fr. Francis Njoku officiating. Burial will follow at Santa Rita Cemetery. Arrangements are handled by Eternity Funeral Home.

The COVID-19 active case total hit a five-month high on Monday, Aug. 2 in Pecos County according to a report provided by the county’s emergency management coordinator Jessie Dominguez.

There are currently eight active cases in the county – the highest total since March 12 (143 days ago).

Heading into Monday, there were three active cases and that number increased by five due to seven positive tests.

Buena Vista ISD announced its policy on Aug. 2 that this school year, healthy meals will be offered every school day to all students at no cost. Typically, a student’s household must meet income eligibility requirements to qualify for free or reduced-price meals. However, the USDA issued guidance that allows schools to offer meals to all students at no cost for the 2021-2022 school year.

Fort Stockton born boxer Abel Mendoza put on a show in front of a sold out crowd at the Inn of the Gods Resort & Casino on July 31 at the Warriorz on the Rez boxing event. The 25-year-old finished his opponent, Israel Rojas, by ref stoppage in the third round.

Mendoza knocked his opponent down three times before the fight was called due to his opponent inability to defend himself. The super featherweight used an array of shots to the head and body to get the stoppage.

The win moves his record to 30-0 with 23 knockouts.