February 2022

Dale E. Cardwell died suddenly at home on Feb. 11, 2022. He is survived by his sisters Dorothy A. Berry (Steve Spencer) of Alpine, Texas, and Dinah K. Berry of Sugar Land, Texas; two nephews and their families; an aunt; several cousins; and many friends made in Alpine, Wimberley, Texas, and at his beloved high school, San Marcos Academy in San Marcos, Texas.

Usbaldo “Baldo” Ybarra, 84, of San Angelo, Texas, passed away on Feb. 13, 2022, in Fort Stockton, Texas.

Cathy Corkins Neie, 61, died unexpectedly Feb. 9, 2022, at Midland Memorial Hospital.

After missing for over two weeks, Hector Flores, Jr., and his daughter Luna have been successfully located alive and well in the Mexican state of Coahuila adjacent to Big Bend National Park. On Feb. 13 the National Park Service was notified by residents of a remote Mexican community across the Rio Grande that a man and young girl fitting the description of Hector and Luna were in the area and seeking to purchase food. Mexico State Police were able to reach the area and confirm their identities Monday afternoon. Both were reported to be in healthy condition. The two were detained by Mexican authorities, and were returned to the U.S. to reunite with family members on Feb. 15. Big Bend National Park rangers would like to thank all who participated in this search, and the public for their concern and assistance in helping spread the request for information. Searchers from the NPS, FBI, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Fort Stockton Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, residents of Boquillas, Mexican officials, and Mexican State Police had searched for the two individuals since Feb. 5 when Flores’ vehicle was found abandoned along the remote Old Ore Road in Big Bend National Park. An investigation into this incident is still underway. No additional information is available at this time.

As the 120-day deadline approaches, emergency medical service for north Brewster County and Alpine is still uncertain, but County Judge Eleazar Cano said a clearer picture should emerge by the end of the month.

It was a fun way to spend time with friends at the church work day at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Alpine on Feb. 12. Alpine High School freshmen students Jaylynn Celaya, Masiela Miranda, and Hope Dominguez pause for a photo during cleaning duties. Many other volunteers spent Saturday morning cleaning out closets, organizing material, and tidying up to get the Education Building ready for religious education classes again. Avalanche photo by Roxanne Hill

There is a new preacher in town, and a warm, welcoming community at First Presbyterian Church of Alpine is excited for its new pastor, Rev. Bill Cotman.

On Feb. 1 at the Alpine High School gymnasium, Alpine blasted the Tornillo Coyotes 63-45 to avenge their only district loss of the season. The win moves them to 16-6 overall, and tied with these same Coyotes for first in district at 4-1. Alpine lost 70-61 on Jan. 14 in Tornillo.

The Alpine High School Fightin’ Bucks concert band had a stellar showing at the UIL Region 6 Solo and Ensemble Festival, where 17 band members received superior ratings. The students advanced to the State Solo and Ensemble Festival the last weekend in May. Avalanche photo by J.T. Maroney

Coach John Fellows spoke before Jayden’s signing. He ran down Canaba’s accolades, and he was most proud of his Academic All-District for three years and All-State his senior year, along with Buck footballers including Jaime Rodriguez, Derek Schwierjohn, Aiden Morrissey, Shaun Foster, and Jeremy Dominguez.