April 2021

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and for Alpine nonprofit organization Children’s Advocacy Center of the Big Bend, maintaining a good community partnership allows it to fulfill its mission of restoring the lives of abused children in Brewster, Jeff Davis, Presidio, and other nearby counties.

Alpine FFA participated in the annual FFA District spring meeting on April 19 in Alpine. The meeting consisted of speaking development events, and extemporaneous and prepared speaking events, along with electing 2021-2022 District officers. Schools participating were Fort Davis, Iraan, Fort Stockton, Buena Vista, Crane, and Alpine. Three Alpine FFA members were elected, with Lauren Rogers as president, Jake Crump as secretary, and Kaitlyn Wiggins as treasurer. Courtesy photo

Brewster County Groundwater Conservation District is hoping water well operators, residential or otherwise, will get involved with the organization’s groundwater research efforts. The district is tasked to manage, protect, and conserve groundwater resources, while protecting property rights and promoting constructive and sustainable development across the county.

Dark skies funding became the focal point of the Brewster County Commissioners Court meeting on April 14, and it generated much debate about a proposed new use of hotel/ motel tax funds. The meeting sparked a lengthy discussion regarding House Bill 4305 and Senate Bill 2133 introduced to the 87th Texas Legislature by Rep., Dist.

Our beautiful Victoria G. Rubio left us much too soon on March 19, 2021. They say that God only takes the best, and truly He did. There are no words to express how much she will be missed. While it is hard to accept the Lord’s will, what is left with us is the treasure she was - a devoted wife, awesome mom, the most supportive grandmother, and wonderful sister.

Kathy Kidd, a resident of Alpine, Texas, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on April 11, 2021, with her loving family by her side. Kathy was born July 21, 1954, to John Edward Raines and Betty Woody Raines.

Mark Edward Cole, 70, went to be with the Lord on April 14, 2021, after a long, hard fought battle with Parkinson’s. Mark is survived by his loving wife, Rhonda, his children Jason Cole and Terra Cole and granddaughter Tiana; his stepchildren, Ronnie Davis and Randi Davis and granddaughter Marley; brothers Charles Cole and Richard Cole along with his wife, Lisa; and mother-in-law Shirley Biellier.

Mary “Momo” Nell Wylie Green was a caring daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Surrounded by family, she left this world much too early after a courageous battle with cancer on April 8, 2021, at the age of 69.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller recently kicked off the 2021 Texas Department of Agriculture Spring Farm Fresh Challenge. Schools, childcare providers, and adult care centers across Texas will celebrate Texas agriculture through May 14. TDA will recognize these nutrition program partners for serving Texas grown foods, and teaching Texans about agriculture.

Thanks to contributions from individuals and businesses across the U.S., Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Disaster Relief Fund on April 16 mailed out checks totaling $112,750 to cattle raisers financially burdened by February’s Winter Storm Uri.