June 2022

The July Fourth holiday along with its patriotic festivities is a special time, particularly for kids. Family and friends often create opportunities that will last a lifetime, and they help bring families and the community closer.

It was a fun-filled day of fundraising for camp as youth group members from Grace Christian Fellowship pause for a photo in downtown Alpine. Fellowship youth volunteer Kristie Mendoza joins group members who are raising funds to attend a church camp in Brownwood this summer. Youth campers Jake Largent, Ryan Hinojos, Mason Nelms, Ashlyn Pallanez, Aaliyah Arredondo, Jeremy Hinojos, Danny Santos, and Kristie Mendoza sought donations from the public and hosted a bake sale. Avalanche photo by Roxanne Hill

Brewster County Commissioners Court held its regularly scheduled meeting on June 28, and the ongoing problem of delinquent hotel/motel occupancy taxes had everyone talking. Attorney Rod Ponton indicated that the collection of hotel/motel taxes must be done by the county, a legal entity.

The acclaimed Alpine Ghost Tours is seeking stories from the city’s historic Southside. Saul Garza, an Alpine High School class of 1991 graduate who grew up on the Southside, is working with Alpine Ghost Tours and Alpine Historical Association to bring some of those stories to life.

On May 7 Alpine Ambassadors surround Sharon and Tom Kelner as they cut the red ribbon at their Alpine Wine restaurant and bar on Fifth Street. Courtesy photo.

Centuries before the founding of our country, God led His chosen people from Egypt to a land of milk and honey. As they drew close to the Promised Land, God admonished them, “Remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, so that He may confirm His covenant that He swore to your ancestors, as He is doing today.” (Deuteronomy 8:18)

Rev. William Cotman of First Presbyterian Church of Alpine pauses next to his celebratory cake on June 26, presented to him as a welcome gesture as the new pastor of the church. Cotman was successfully installed as the pastor during a Service of Installation ceremony, and enjoyed food and fellowship with the Presbytery of Tres Rios, congregation, and guests after the ceremony. Avalanche photo by Roxanne Hill

Dear Neil: What do I do with a diseased crepe myrtle that looks like it’s been through a fire? You plant has been attacked by crepe myrtle bark scale. They’re the white, practically immobile insects that are attached to the stems.

Alpine Avalanche Photos from Alpine Avalanche archives at Archives of the Big Bend, Bryan Wildenthal Memorial Library, Sul Ross State University..

City of Alpine Environmental Services Coordinator Adelina Beall joins resident Justin Napolitano and city Recycling Technician Zachary Romero at the City Hall parking lot on June 25. Volunteers successfully picked up 940 pounds of trash, while covering city streets, TxDOT roads, and vacant lots. Beall thanked the volunteers for all their hard work. Avalanche photo by Roxanne Hill