News

Big shoes to fill: Espino to step down as board president after six years

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Growing up in Fort Stockton, Billy Espino entered the education profession over 30 years ago with the goal of making an impactful difference for the youth in the community. It’s more than fair to say he accomplished his mission during his 29 years of service with the Fort Stockton ISD as an administrator and school board member.
BILLY ESPINO

FSISD board reorganization on the horizon

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The Fort Stockton ISD school board is set to have two new members by the conclusion of the upcoming May 6 election. Billy Espino, longtime board president, and Andy Rivera, current six-year board member of Ward 7, will not rerun for their elected seats later this year.
FSISD Administration Building

Four candidates file to run for Fort Stockton Mayor

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Qualifying for the May 6 Fort Stockton municipal election ended last Friday, and with the impending departure of longtime mayor Chris Alexander, no less than four individuals filed to run for the open mayoral seat. 

Two mayor candidates – James Warnock and Paul Casias – are current city council members, while James Clarence Wilson and former city council member Pam Pepper Palileo also filed. Casias is the current Mayor Pro Tem. 

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Inmate Arrests Report – Pecos County Jail (Jan. 31- Feb. 12)

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Jan. 31

Justin Andrew Wells, of Jennings, Louisiana at 5:15 p.m., officers with the Department of Public Safety apprehended Wells and charged him with possession of a controlled substance penalty group two less than one gram and possession of marijuana less than two ounces. Wells received bonds totaling $4,500 and was released Feb. 1.

Feb. 3

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Lenten luncheons to begin Feb. 28

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The entire community of Fort Stockton and Pecos, as well as visitors, are welcome to attend the weekly Lenten Luncheons beginning on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at the First Presbyterian Church.
Lenten Luncheons

City calls for May 6 general election

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Democracy will once again be in action this spring as the Fort Stockton city council officially called for a municipal election to take place May 6. Three seats will be up for grabs – Place 2, held by Ruben Falcon; Place 1, held by Paul Casias, and Mayor Chris Alexander.
City Hall

County contracts with Emergent Air for non-emergency transport

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The Pecos County Commissioner’s Court on Feb. 13 amended a contract between Emergent Air and Pecos County EMS to provide ambulance services for Emergent Air flight crews from the Fort Stockton Airport to Pecos County Memorial Hospital and back. Emergent Care is strictly a fixed-wing service, no helicopters and they are based in El Paso but operate out of Alpine.
Emergent Air

Velasquez sworn in as new Fort Stockton police chief 

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When Fort Stockton Mayor first met Ernesto Velasquez, he knew the police officer would make a great police chief one day. That day was Monday as Alexander swore in Velasquez as Fort Stockton’s new police chief to lead off Monday’s city council meeting. 

Velasquez was originally appointed to interim police chief on Jan. 10 before receiving the official distinction without the interim tag on Monday. 

“It is with great honor and pleasure that I get to swear you in as our new chief of police,” Alexander told Velasquez before administering the oath of office. 

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Patrick lays out top priorities for 88th session

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Lt. Governor Dan Patrick released a list of 30 bills that will answer his most important priorities for the current session on Feb. 13.

The measures range from fiscal issues such as property tax relief, to education issues like school choice as well as several measures dealing with gender politics, public safety, and rural aid.

Texas Capitol
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