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They are known by several names like Giant Redwoods or Giant Sequoia and they do not grow just anywhere. They are the largest trees in the world by total mass. They may grow to a height of 150 to 280 feet tall and have trunk diameters of 16 to 23 feet. The tallest had a height of 307 feet with a trunk diameter of 29 feet and it is possible that the oldest is over 3200 years old. They do not start bearing seed until they are 12 years old and start out from a very small seed that is only 1/8 to1/4 inch long and about the thickness of a fingernail. These trees remind me of a topic the Bible mentions numerous times. The Kingdom of Heaven! The Bible says it started out like a very tiny seed but will grow to become very large, (Matt 13:31&32). It is where God abides and rules, (Isaiah 63:15 & 66:1, Matthew 16:17). Christ Jesus ascended there after His crucifixion, (Mark 16:19, John 20:17) and it is not visible today but will be revealed in the future, (John 18:36, Colossians 3:4, Revelation 21:1-4). Jesus taught that it is available to us, (Luke 8:1) but only to those that know Him personally, (Luke 10:20, John 1:12). Those that have rejected Christ will never be allowed there, (Matthew 18:3, Hebrews 3:18&19).

Dr. Steven G. Platt, a former professor of Biology at Sul Ross State University, published an extensive study of a rare turtle in Myanmar in May. The Burmese Roofed Turtle (Batagur trivittata) was once widespread and abundant in Myanmar. By the late 1990s the species was considered extinct until it was “rediscovered” during the early 2000s. The investigation relied heavily on the traditional ecological knowledge of villagers living along the rivers.

WASHINGTON – Nominations are now being accepted for farmers and ranchers to serve on local U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees. These committees make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. All nomination forms for the 2024 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 1.

Bridge players in Fort Stockton are looking for other bridge players or people who would like to learn the game. Free lessons will be offered whether there is one person or a dozen who would like to spend time in the afternoons learning the game. For more information, call Ludene at 432-290-2357. If you already play and would like to join a group on Tuesday afternoons, call the same number.

LIBRARY NEWSPAPERS AVAILABLE AT OUR LIBRARY Did you know that our library has subscriptions to 7 newspapers? This list includes the Ft. Stockton Pioneer, The Alpine Avalanche as well as the Odessa American, Midland Reporter, Wall Street Journal and USA Today.

YOUR GUIDE TO LOCAL PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO DO Your guide to local places to go and things to do! If you have an event for our Do Something! listing, please e-mail litzy.rodriguez@fortstocktonpioneer. com JUNE- JULY Imperial Public Library Summer Program, Inviting all kids 8yrs and older to our exciting Aero dance free classes.

The Fort Stockton Community Theatre has announced that a performance of “When Bullfrogs Sing Opera,” written by Carl L. Williams will open on Friday August 2 through Wednesday, August 7.

Alpine - The Theatre of the Big Bend’s 59th season opened with “Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood” by Ken Ludwig Friday, July 5, at the Kokernot Outdoor Theatre in Alpine. Based on the English ballads of the 14th and 15th centuries, this comic version of the classic story shows how Robin Hood becomes the famous vigilante and leader of the Merry Men.

GREAT GAMES FROM ALL STARS

The Fort Stockton City Council met for their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, July 8. This particular meeting was standing room only, the room was filled with friends and family of young athletes who have played in the youth All-Star games this season.