News

FSISD says no to outdoor court

3 years ago By Shawn Yorks

The idea of a covered outdoor basketball court at Fort Stockton Middle School is an intriguing one for some in the district. The item had been discussed at the March school board meeting, and board member Andy Rivera asked for the item to be put on the April 26 agenda for the board to consider putting out a request for proposals to construct the court. The court would be just like the one the city of Fort Stockton constructed at Gene Cummings Park, which has grown in popularity as the weather has warmed.

A covered basketball court like this one at Gene Cummings Park was rejected by the Fort Stockton Independent School District by a 4-3 vote at the April 26 school board meeting. The proposed court would have been placed at Fort Stockton Middle School. Photo by Shawn Yorks

Dr. Medina follows in Dr. Gougler’s footsteps, to join PCMH

3 years ago By Nathan Heuer

The supply of physicians is far less than the demand in many parts of Texas and across the country. In rural areas of the state, that shortage is magnified on a large scale.

City OKs payments for solar lighting

3 years ago By Shawn Yorks

Improvements to Fort Stockton continue at a fast pace, and the Fort Stockton city council on April 24 ensured that those doing the work will get paid. The council approved $102,000 for L.T. Construction to finish up work on the Hodges Pavilion. The pavilion is being built adjacent to the Fort Stockton Civic Center and Panther Pictures and will be an outdoor venue for multiple events such as concerts.

INMATE ARREST REPORTS

3 years ago By News Staff

It is important to note that an arrest should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

PUBLIC SENTENCINGS

3 years ago By News Staff

• Adan Ulysses Alvarez, DOB 1/17/1983, offense date 2/29/2020 (CR23930, Terroristic Threat) Defendant pleaded guilty. Time served one hundred thirty-six (136) days in the county jail.

Rivera ends school board tenure, plans to run for county commissioner

3 years ago By Nathan Heuer

Making a positive impact in the community where he grew up is a constant priority for Fort Stockton native Andy Rivera. His passion for bettering the lives of youth in the area led him to the Fort Stockton ISD School Board six years ago and providing scholarships for high school seniors as owner of Triple R Welding.

City allocates funds for Outdoor Fitness Court

3 years ago By Shawn Yorks

Fort Stockton is taking steps to become healthier, and at Monday night’s city council meeting, an important step was made when the council adopted Resolution 23-111R, allocating funds for an Outdoor Fitness Court at Gene Cummings Park. The city applied for a grant as part of the National Fitness Campaign and accepted a $40,000 National Grant from the National Fitness Campaign Grant Committee and Statewide Partners, and will provide a local match of $35,000, plus additional extension of the concrete slab, as well as the $7,500 for the installation of a Fitness Court Studio to promote and implement a free-to-the-public outdoor Fitness Court.

County enters into agreement with PACE

3 years ago By Shawn Yorks

The Pecos County Commissioner’s Court officially established the PACE Authority – Property Assessed Clean Energy – during the April 24 commission meeting, becoming one of 86 counties in Texas to establish the program. PACE, simply, is a financial tool to encourage property owners to upgrade facility infrastructure with little or no capital outlay.

Capital Highlights: Dueling tax proposals in the Lege

3 years ago By Gary Borders

The Texas House passed a bill promising $17 billion in tax relief, a measure that is at odds with the Senate’s tax break plan, according to the Austin American-Statesman. The House bill would lower by half a home’s cap on appraisal increases. It passed overwhelmingly, 141-9. However, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the Senate, said that body will not approve it, preferring its plan to raise property exemptions from $40,000 to $70,000.

Senate approves $308 billion budget

3 years ago By Press Release

The Senate gave unanimous support Monday to a plan that would spend $308 billion in state and federal funds over the next two years.

Lawmakers came into Austin with $32 billion left over from the last budget and have used that surplus to increase salaries for state employees, teachers, healthcare workers, increase benefits for retired teachers, and to enact the largest property tax cut in state history.