November 2024

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At its November 12 meeting, the Brewster County Commissioners Court gathered with all members present to discuss various initiatives to manage regional resources and improve local infrastructure. Items on the agenda included water planning, visitor center developments, budget amendments, and election equipment upgrades.

The Sul Ross State University men’s and women’s basketball teams have been hard at work on the court, practicing for their inaugural year as a Division II team in the Lone Star Conference. The Avalanche spoke with head coaches Xavier Webb and E.J. Lee Smith about how they see this first year in one of the toughest conferences shaping up.

On a recent hunting trip to Winner, South Dakota, I stumbled on one of the best American steakhouses in the most unexpected place. My travels took me north, way north, to be exact, on an expedition to shoot native pheasants in South Dakota.

Senior members of the Alpine High School crosscountry team recently received academic all-state honors. Hatfield Cason took the top honor by being named to the Academic All-State Elite team.

The Alpine Fightin’ Bucks closed out their regular season with a tough 26-37 loss to Odessa Compass Academy on November 8. Still, the defeat didn’t dampen their spirits heading into the playoffs.

Dear Neil, while raking leaves from shrubs around the house, I’ve noticed asps on a couple of hollies. What is the best way to eliminate them before someone gets stung? We don’t want to hurt the plants with whatever we use.

A special program featuring Fort Davis artist Jeff Smith is planned for the Jeff Davis County Library on Saturday, November 23, at 1 p.m. Known for his huge, stunning architectural stained glass works, Jeff will show images of his designs and explain the unique process of creating “leaded glass.” Smith had several detours in life, studying science, biology, philosophy, religion, landscape architecture, and fine arts, finally leading up to the art of stained glass. He studied with leading German stained glass artists and founded his own company, Architectural Stained Glass, in 1977. Winner of four “International Design Arts Awards” from the AIA/FRAA and two Corning Museum “New Glass Review” awards, Jeff has worked from Alaska to Florida and New Hampshire to Hawaii. In 2000, Smith moved from Dallas to Limpia Canyon in Fort Davis to establish his workshop. He has since received international acclaim. He explains, “The essence of stained glass is glass, lead, and light,” and dates to the 11th-century cathedral of Europe, where it evolved into a guild system. By the 1800s, more contemporary developments advanced toward architecture and the fine arts, leading into the 1960s and 70s when techniques further explored art. Smith will discuss leaded glass and show examples of his huge pieces commissioned for residential, public, commercial, and religious places. Some are in our tri-county area. For further information, call the library at (432) 426 3802 and visit his website at archstglassinc. com. Friends of the Library are sponsoring this free program.

Send your community events to kara.gerbert@alpineavalanche. com Upcoming events November 15-16 Museum of the Big Bend, 6 p.m.

The Alpine Lady Bucks are on a thrilling playoff run. They captured the Area Championship title on Saturday, November 9, with a 3-0 sweep over the Childress Lady Bobcats. The hard-fought win at Big Spring High School secured their spot in the regional semifinals. The Lady Bucks continue to chase a state title.