News

The Borderlands Research Institute at Sul Ross State University and the Big Bend Conservation Alliance have teamed up to spread the word about Lights Out Texas, a state-wide initiative that asks Texans to turn out or dim nonessential lights to support spring birds during their migration, when hundreds of millions of birds will be passing through the state.

Fifty-five years ago on April 2, 1966, an American Airlines charter touched down at the Presidio County Airport. The pilot had been warned to watch for wildlife or livestock, and as he landed, antelope hurried from the scene. On board was the First Lady of the United States, Lady Bird Johnson, and Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall on their way to Big Bend.

What are you especially looking forward to in your senior year? Since our senior year is coming to a close, I am looking forward to graduation and beginning the next stage of my life. What activities are you involved in during your senior year? I am not involved in any activities my senior year.

Big Bend Shooting Foundation President Jim Westermann chats with Ronnie Davis and Rhonda Cole at the March 24 presentation by Texas Director for Gun Owners of America Rachel Malone. A large crowd gathered at American Legion Post 79 in Alpine to hear Malone talk about Second Amendment rights and steps to take to protect and defend those rights.

Incorrect placement of concrete footings at the new high school construction site headed the discussion at Alpine ISD’s regular Board of Trustees meeting on March 24. Present at the meeting were representatives from Weatherford-based general contractor Imperial Construction, Site Superintendent Frank Patton, co-owner Jon Jones, and Project Manager Bobby Kelley.

Although hard numbers aren’t in yet, most agree this year’s spring break will be a record breaker. Visit Big Bend Director Robert Alvarez called this year’s spring break season in Brewster County “better than ever, nonstop.” He said although spring break was always a busy time, because of the pandemic situation loosening up and so many people receiving the COVID vaccination, visitors felt more comfortable traveling and wanted to get away from urban areas to the great outdoors.

Miss Rodeo Comanche Springs 2020 Aspen Wash of Alpine and Miss Rodeo Teen 2020 Abby Poole of Richmond open the 2021 Comanche Springs Rodeo in Fort Stockton on March 26. Wash attends Sul Ross State University where she competes in breakaway roping and goat tying on the university’s rodeo team. Poole hopes to be a top competitor in the reined cow horse industry, and plans to attend Texas A&M University after high school graduation.

Marathon Chamber of Commerce met on March 24 for its first quarterly meeting of the year on the patio of Brick Vault Barbecue and Brewery. Discussion centered around a Dark Skies Initiative presented by McDonald Observatory Staffer Bill Wren.