July 2022

A new National Park Service report shows that 581,220 visitors to Big Bend National Park in 2021 spent over $53 million in communities near the park. That spending supported 726 jobs in the area and had a cumulative benefit to the West Texas economy of $61 million.

On July 5 Brewster County Sheriff Ronny Dodson facilitated Kokernot Park cleanup following Independence Day festivities. Deputies and correction officers escorted volunteer jail trustees to perform the cleanup.

Our Avalanche reporter asked, “Where would you go for your dream summer vacation? ” Clare Ritzi, Alpine: I would go to a warm beach, and mainly hang out in a beach rental house. I would like to take lots of my friends and family.

Send your rockslides to editor@alpineavalanche.com. UPCOMING EVENTS July 8 Alpine Cowboys Tailgate Party, 5 p.m.

The Alpine Memorial Funeral Home float won first place in the Coolest Fourth of July parade in Fort Davis on July 2. Dozens of floats entertained the large crowd lining the street for the annual celebration.

Alpine Humane Society Pet of the Week is Vonya, a six-week-old female grey tabby. She is a sweet and playful kitten who just happens to be FIV positive.

July 14, 1988 The Big Bend Telephone squad won the Alpine Baseball League’s Pee Wee Division. July 28, 1988 Dorotea Dutchover Granado will celebrate her 100th birthday this Saturday in Fort Davis.

Dear Neil: I planted a Southern Bluebelle blueberry in April. In the past two weeks some of the leaves have turned brown. I planted it in a bagged potting mix “designed for shrubs.” I water it weekly for 20 minutes with the yard sprinkler, then once a week with a hose to keep it going. Is it possible that water is standing around the plant’s root system?

Anyone who really knows me knows that my all-time favorite food is cheese. I mean, how can you go wrong with cheese? It makes everything from enchiladas to apple pie better. And one of the easiest ways to enjoy cheese is to make a grilled cheese sandwich.

The color guard stands ready to start the parade at the Greatest Fourth celebration in Fort Davis on July 2. Crowds lined the town’s streets to cheer this annual spectacle.