August 2021

Voter ID - Students must bring social security information, birth certificate, and immunization records before they can be registered. Why should voters not have to do the same. We should have a national voter ID card as Mexico does. This would eliminate vote by mail and stuffing ballot boxes. This country has gone very crazy.

I would like to thank everyone who came out and participated and helped with donations for the fundraiser this past weekend. I would like to give a even bigger thank you to Alex and Chayo Gonzales for putting this together, Deeann Lujan for working the food stand, Camelo and family for the bounce houses, and Diane and her family for the items that were donated towards the raffle! Thank you to Eric from Oasis Tire for donating all the briskets, and Adam Llanez for cooking them.

I would like to thank all of the great drivers of Alpine for running the stop signs at the intersection at West Del Rio and Middle School Road. There are large numbers of drivers who have no respect or courtesy for people who live next to this intersection. There are young children who live on the south side of this intersection. Alpine drivers have gotten worse since near the end of July.

The interim city manager has called for the city council to start working on the 2021-2022 budget. We have had two budget workshops to consider and come up with a balance budget without raising any taxes.

This is the first informational article provided by the Justice Court. It’s not intended to be legal advice, but rather provides information to the public that will be helpful to understand available programs. Future articles will address changes to the law, available resources, and what the justice court does.

Alpine ISD Superintendent Becky McCutchen on Aug. 9 announced that Lee Sanchez resigned from his position as high school principal on Aug. 6. Verl O’Bryant has assumed the role of high school interim principal, and will serve in this capacity until a full time replacement can be named.

Alpine Lion’s Club President John Sutterfield (center) last week presented a $500 check to Gina Wilcox and Letty Carrillo from Family Crisis Center of the Big Bend. The Crisis Center serves victims of domestic violence and other violent crimes in Brewster, Presidio, Jeff Davis, Terrell, and Pecos counties. Courtesy photo

It was a memorable night of dancing at the Railroad Blues in Alpine on Aug. 2 as the Doodlin’ Hogwallops closed out Viva Big Bend. The music festival was a huge success, and drew lively crowds enjoying talented Texas musicians and live bands. Avalanche photo by Roxanne Hill

First United Methodist Church of Alpine welcomed a new pastor aboard, Rev. Stephen White, who has been serving the church since late June.

Alpine native and former Brewster County Clerk Berta Rios-Martinez is all smiles at a retirement celebration in her honor at the Alpine Civic Center on July 31. The party included dinner, dancing, and lots of cherished memories with family and friends who joined to commemorate Rios-Martinez’s milestone. She had retired last year, but coronavirus concerns precluded a party at that time. Avalanche photo by Roxanne Hill