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GARDENER’S MAILBAG Dear Neil, This Japanese maple was planted in April. The leaves look distraught.

It started at 7:45 a.m. and it was a day and time that many gave their lives for others, and many worked to the point of exhaustion and beyond to rescue and help others. It was amazing to see the response of the thousands of volunteers who came forward to help afterwards. I firmly believe that if we could ask them, they would be willing to do it again. Thinking about our very blessed country, it was built on hard work and freedom. It was also about people helping people. Yes, freedom of religion and worship was there but not forced. Today it seems like there are people in Government that do not want people to work, just get in line for a government handout. I have been studying the book of Ecclesiastes. It was written by one of the richest Kings in the world, King Solomon and his final words of wisdom, (Ecclesiastes 12:13&14). He saw many injustices, things wrong with the world. I noticed several important principles from my study, work is good and if we are not willing to work, we do not eat, (2 Thessalonians 3:10). But having God in our lives is even more important and remembering how Jesus died (Romans 5:8) for us and how much God loves us. Let us give thanks for the survivors and families affected on that tragic day. And more importantly for God’s unending love, (John 3:16).

The letter from James, the half-brother of Jesus, was written to the “twelve tribes scattered among the nations,” (James 1:1 NIV). When you read through his letter you will discover that he is an ‘in your face’, ‘no holds barred’, ‘truth for truth’s sake’ follower of his brother. He doesn’t pull any punches and lands hard on the foundation that people will know we are Christians by the fruit that we bear. He teaches that faith without works is symptomatic of a deeper problem with our relationship with our Creator. If we are dedicated to following Christ, then we will exhibit the qualities of Christ by taking care of those around us and showing love to everyone we encounter. When James speaks truth, it hits us in the gut reminding us of how we constantly fall short in our walk with Christ. James forces us to take a good hard look at our Christian journey and address our shortcomings.

This September, every Pioneer Newspaper holds a page dedicated to selecting the “Best of the Best” of Fort Stockton. This local tradition has made an annual appearance in the newspaper for many years now and gives citizens the opportunity to lend the spotlight to their favorite spots and people in town. From “Best Cup of Coffee” to the “Best Insurance Company,” no stone has been left unturned. That being said, the Pioneer wants to help make each and every vote count.

Astronomers have recently found hundreds of “polluted” white dwarf stars in our home galaxy, the Milky Way. These are white dwarfs caught actively consuming planets in their orbit. They are a valuable resource for studying the interiors of these distant, demolished planets. They are also difficult to find.

San Antonio - The Texas Agricultural Land Trust (TALT) has been helping Texas landowners conserve their land legacies for future generations for more than 17 years. Since 2007, more than 280,000 acres have been permanently protected with voluntary conservation easements held by TALT.

AUSTIN — Pecos County Judge, Joe Shuster joined more than 800 county leaders from across Texas at the Texas Association of Counties’ (TAC) 2024 Legislative Conference, held from Aug. 28 to Aug. 30 in Austin. The annual three-day event provided a forum for county officials to meet with peers, legislators and policymakers, focusing on critical issues affecting counties and local taxpayers in preparation for next year’s 89th Legislature.

A rainy spring and early summer led to a good nesting season through most of the state and near record high populations of mourning and white-wing doves across large portions of Texas. Hunters could encounter significantly increased dove populations in the field when the 2024 season opened Sept. 1.

A fatal shooting on Saturday, August 24, resulted in the death of Alejandro Lozoya, 20, and the injury of Christian Franco, 17. According to a report from the Fort Stockton Police Department, the suspect is now in custody after walking into the FSPD lobby with family members.

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