February 2024

“Long as I remember The rain been comin’ down.” — ‘Who’ll Stop the Rain’ song lyrics by John Fogerty. The idea early Sunday was to thread some thoughts together for this week’s column.

Homer Ferguson Mills, a native of Alpine passed away on Monday, February 5, in Houston, after many months battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He was a rancher, conservationist, wildlife enthusiast, and a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Alpine High School freshman Rode Babb participated in the SanAntonio Stock Show and Rodeo annual calf scramble and placed second across the line with his calf. Along with his second- place finish, Babb received a $1500 scholarship towards a breeding animal of his choice.

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The Purobots #11720, the robotics team from the Terlingua Big Bend High School competed last Saturday in El Paso on the UTEP campus at the First Tech Challenge League Tournament. Out of 21 schools, the Purobots placed sixth while also earning the Connect Award. This award is given to the team that most connects with their local science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) community. The team that wins the Connect Award actively seeks and recruits engineers and explores the opportunities that are available in the world of engineering, science, and technology. The Purobots are coached by Brad Anthenat, who was selected for the Compass Award. The Compass Award is given to and recognizes an adult coach or mentor who has provided outstanding guidance and support to a team throughout the year and demonstrates to the team what it means to be a professional.

According to information received from the U.S. Border Patrol Big Bend Sector, a routine welfare check on a vehicle resulted in the seizure of more than 530 pounds of marijuana.

Born and raised in Alpine, Annika Canaba is an athlete who has made the community and her family proud repeatedly throughout her high school and college career. As she has chosen to remain local and further her career as a coach at Sul Ross State University, the area’s investment in her has returned tenfold. Her skills that have been nurtured here are being put to good use.

The Center for Big Bend Studies (CBBS) at Sul Ross has announced the creation of a new graduate program in Anthropology. The creation of the Master of Arts in Anthropology took months to develop but represents a new direction for students at Sul Ross as well as research at CBBS.

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on the What is your favorite animal-related fun fact? .