December 2021

For Fort Davis resident James Hall, helping people through one of life’s most difficult times brings him fulfillment and satisfaction knowing he played a key role in fulfilling the wishes of the communities he serves, no matter the location.

Brewster County Sheriff’s Office Brown Santa visited Marathon Elementary School students on Dec. 16, bringing toys and joy to youngsters in grades pre-K through fourth. In the photo, back row, are Deputy Joey Prieto, Chief Deputy Ryan Skelton, Brown Santa, Sheriff Ronny Dodson, and Administrative Assistant Erica Chavez. Up front, happy kids smile after receiving their presents. Avalanche photo by Gail Diane Yovanovich

Alpine Humane Society Pet of the Week is Hershel, a sweet little purr box ready for his new home. Hershel came into the shelter as a six-weekold kitten, and is now three months. Can you believe he is still here? Maybe he was just waiting for you.

With costumes on and butterflies in their bellies, Marathon students become stars as they took the stage to perform “Snow Queen.” In just one week, students auditioned, rehearsed, and participated in acting workshops in preparation for the big community performance. Even shy and reluctant children broke those barriers as they took on the role of their characters while building critical life skills - teamwork, confidence, and effective communication.

Children from Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Alpine participated in the Christmas Eve Children’s Service on Dec. 24 with a live nativity, including a real infant representing baby Jesus. The children were joyful and eager to be a part of the beautiful celebration, and participated in the gospel during mass. The church chorus sang the Gloria at the end of the service. Courtesy photo

’Tis the season for giving — or, for some legislators, a good time to demand that the government force taxpayers to give others a large gift. A few weeks ago, Rep.

Alpine Police Department Sgt. Aaron Villanueva (top left), Lt. Kirk Caughman (front left), and Chief Darrell Losoya (front right) accepted gifts from Alpine Middle and High school Lady Buck basketball players. The toy donation went to support the Police Department’s Blue Santa effort. Courtesy photo

A federal judge on Dec. 22 ruled in favor of Brewster County Judge Eleazar Cano in a lawsuit over his move to temporarily close local hotels in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alan Vannoy, Alpine: I run Cow Dog food truck, so I’ll be eating black eyed peas and snuggling with my dog on the couch. Lana Covington, Alpine: I will usher in the new year quietly, reflecting on the past year and imagining the possibilities for a great Year 2022.