June 2022

We extend a sincere thank you to the following individuals for the success of the Alpine Multicultural Festival on June 11-12. A special thanks to City Manager Megan Atrium, Mayor Catherine Eaves, Police Chief Darrell Losoya, Chris Ruggia, and Eddie Molinar and his city park staff for their support.

Once again June has come around, and it’s a time to remember the 19th of June, 1865, when Texas Democrat slave owners were forced to acknowledge the end of the Civil War and the emancipation of their slaves. This action was brought on by U.S. Republicans who also began receiving Black Representatives and Black members into the Republican Party a short time after the emancipation and the end of the Civil War, unlike the Democrat Party of the defunct C.S.A.

The Session of the First Presbyterian Church of Marfa confirms that Martha Bumpas is our Minister-in-Residence. We welcome Pastor Bill Cotman of Alpine to our community.

As we return to the state of normal, parents and kids alike are turning their attention to swimming in the afternoon, parades, family trips and, the ever constant social media platforms. The deaths of Phoebe Prince, Megan Meier, and Alexis Pilkington have raised concerns over the phenomenon of cyber bullying.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association members living along the Texas-Mexico border and in South Texas are on the front lines of a dangerous and costly battle against increasingly brazen illegal border crossers.

Giving back to the community teens call home not only brings intrinsic rewards but also offers the opportunity to make a difference. That is what Frontier CASA, a nonprofit organization helping support children in foster care, is all about. The dedicated team of court appointed advocates and staff serve in seven Far West Texas counties, including Brewster, Jeff Davis, and Presidio. Frontier CASA has recently launched a new youthbased program, Friends of CASA, designed to provide additional support. At the Alpine office, Arely Leyva juggles a variety of roles - advocate, facilitator, and recruiter who also oversees social media.

Elise Kuchler, Judy Stokes, and Madison Cavness pose outside of Kokernot Field in Alpine with a 1960s signed Alpine o6 Cowboys baseball bat. It was then presented to Hugh S. White, Stokes’ uncle. The vintage bat was signed by all of the 1960s players and their manager. His grandchildren Brad Brahm and Amy Driscoll have cherished the bat, but decided it should be back in Alpine. Courtesy photo

From sharing common bonds through the joy of music, to growing up together as brothers and friends at church, Alpine’s Grupo Alegre matches its namesake in Spanish - cheerful group. It has become one of the Big Bend’s live music favorites, and the one many area residents reach out to for festive celebrations of all kinds.

Our Avalanche reporter asked, “Will you plan on attending Alpine Cowboys o6 baseball games this season?” Ben Telesca, Alpine: Yes, I absolutely plan on attending the games. The community should support them more often and get out there.

For the first time since 2016, the Trans-Pecos Wildlife Conference will be held at Sul Ross State University on Thursday and Friday, Aug. 4-5 this year. The event will be co-hosted by the Borderlands Research Institute, Texas Wildlife Association, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.