News

COVID-19 cases have reached an all-time low since the start of the pandemic in Pecos County. For the past six days, there have been zero active COVID-19 cases in the county and that number has stayed in single digits since March 9 and below 20 active cases since Feb.

Having just celebrated the Easter holiday, it may be hard to comprehend that 10,000 years before the birth of Jesus Christ, there was a community of hunter-gatherers living out here in Pecos County. They were known as Clovis Man because of the distinctive flint projectiles they produced, and their ability to hunt animals living here at the time.

Karaoke night is back at Fort Stockton Community Theatre at 102 South Nelson on Saturday, April 10. Doors will open at 7 p.m., with competition starting at 7:30 p.m. to crown the newest karaoke king or queen. Admission is $10 per person. Bring dollars to vote for a favorite performer.

Dear Neil: We have this growth on the bark of our live oaks and some of our crepe myrtles. Should we treat it, and if so, with what? These are lichens.

The COVID-19 virus kept the Fort Stockton Water Carnival from having the 2020 show last summer, but the show and pageants for all ages will be held this summer. The third week in July is known by many as Water Carnival week, and this summer will be no different. Kaitlynn Pacheco and Dalila Lara will direct this year’s show, “How NOT to Propose in Vegas.” Sign-up for swimming and dance acts will be held at the prop room on May 2 from 1-4 p.m., and May 16 from 1-4 p.m. Be part of Fort Stockton’s largest long-time tradition. In the photo, show directors Kaitlynn Pacheco and Dalila Lara, Water Carnival Vice President James Kincaid, and Water Carnival President Cary Acosta. Courtesy photo

On April 5, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced April 12 will kick off the 2021 Texas Department of Agriculture Spring Farm Fresh Challenge. Schools, childcare providers, and adult care centers across Texas will celebrate Texas agriculture April 12-May 14. TDA will recognize these nutrition program partners for serving Texas grown foods, teaching Texans about agriculture, and sharing their celebrations on social media.

Texas A&M Forest Service has opened a single engine air tanker base in Alpine to assist with wildfire response across the state. Persistent drought, cured grasses, above normal temperatures, and elevated-to-critical fire weather will produce conditions conducive to increased fire activity from the Big Bend to the Midland/Odessa area.

Nearly three weeks ago Governor Greg Abbott’s executive order that opened businesses to 100% capacity and lifted mask mandates went into effect. On April 6, Abbott signed another executive order that further ensures normalcy for Texans heading into the future.