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.

Thank you The family of Hector M. Holguin, Sr., would like to thank everyone who has helped in our difficult time.

’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.

“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” — George Bernard Shaw Writers love finding new words. Even rediscovering forgotten words can be fun.

Sul Ross State University mourns the passing and remembers the life of Randy Jackson, a longtime supporter of the university and of Lobo Athletics. Jackson graduated from Sul Ross with a BA in 1968 and MA in 1970 before becoming one of the university’s first recruiters.

It’s retirement time for well-liked and successful Alpine High School Band Director Chuck Wilson, who recently announced his departure after 20 years at the podium. Originally from El Paso, Wilson became the high school band director in fall 2001, and has been a key component of both the middle and high school band programs since then.

Students and teachers from Alpine Christian School last week presented their donations to Brewster County Sheriff’s Office Brown Santa program as school Director Bobby Duncan (back left), along with Sheriff Ronny Dodson and Chief Deputy Ryan Skelton (back right) stand proudly with the youngsters. Avalanche photo by Gail Diane Yovanovich

The Alpine ISD Board of Trustees held a special meeting on Dec. 20 to consider appointing an interim superintendent to replace outgoing superintendent Becky McCutchen.

The 78th Annual Big Bend Livestock Association Show will start soon, and Alpine High School ag teacher Doug Fox is a prime mover behind the show and sale each year. Fox said activities were back to normal this year after some coronavirus-related concerns last year, noting that masks were optional and no restrictions were in place.

Alpine ISD Superintendent Becky McCutchen presided at her last official Board of Trustees meeting on Dec. 20, which was a special meeting to interview candidates for the interim superintendent position. Pausing for a photo with McCutchen were trustees Dr. Adrian Billings, Mary McCallister, Joe Portillo, Nikki Ahrens, Eddie Natera, Justin Cross, and Jimmy Morris. Avalanche photo by Roxanne Hill