News

In a recent conversation with the Pioneer, Kelly Christoffersen, a representative for Texas-New Mexico Power (TNMP), detailed a significant but often overlooked opportunity for local businesses and non-profit organizations to save money and reduce energy consumption. Christoffersen, who works for the energy efficiency consultancy firm Frontier Energy, acts as a liaison for TNMP to implement state-mandated programs designed to lower the strain on the Texas power grid.

KIRBY WARNOCK With the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots set to meet in the Super Bowl, the Pecos County Dinner Tonight Cooking Club will host a Super Bowl appetizer party on Thursday, February 5 at 6:00 pm at the Texas A&M Extension Service offices located at 1618 Airport Drive, Fort Stockton, out by the airport and golf course. Everyone is invited to attend and bring your favorite appetizer.

Sul Ross State University has reached an historic milestone in its 110-year history. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) has approved the university’s request to offer its first-ever doctoral degree in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.), with the inaugural cohort set to begin in Fall 2026.

During a regular meeting on Monday, January 26, 2026, the Fort Stockton City Council moved forward with significant infrastructure improvements and public safety investments, while hitting a stalemate over a property release from the city’s jurisdiction.

The Pecos County Memorial Hospital District Board of Directors moved to address a regional “oncology desert” and critical infrastructure needs during its meeting last week, approving a landmark partnership to bring cancer treatment to the community while raising alarms over outdated emergency equipment.

The Middle Pecos Groundwater Conservation District board approved a 3% increase to its groundwater export fees during a meeting Tuesday, following public testimony regarding the long-term sustainability of the region’s water supply. The board voted unanimously to raise the export fee to 21.856 cents per 1,000 gallons for 2026, up from the previous rate of 21.22 cents.

Fort Stockton Independent School District Superintendent Gil Rey Madrid officially recognized January as Texas School Board Appreciation Month, praising the District Board of Trustees for leadership that guides district progress and supports the long-term success of local public education. In a statement shared with the Pioneer, Madrid noted that school board members serve as elected volunteers who dedicate “countless hours” to decisions shaping academics, finances, safety, staffing, and long-range planning.

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The Pecos County Elections Department, along with counties across the state, are diligently working with the Texas Secretary of State’s Office to mail out renewal voter registration certificates for 2026-2027 however due to the state’s redevelopment of the voter registration system, delays across the state are inevitable.

Ingredients 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 large egg, beaten 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce 1-pound jumbo lump crabmeat, picked over 20 saltine crackers, finely crushed 1/4 cup canola oil Lemon wedges, for serving Directions 1. Mix all of the ingredients in a large bowl except the crab meat and crushed crackers.