December 2024

William “Bill” J. Shackelford, a cherished son of Texas, was called to his eternal rest on December 5 in Odessa. Born on June 18, 1940, in the small town of Marathon, he grew up with a heart as expansive as the landscapes that surrounded him.

Chastity Ann-Marie Torres-Vega, a cherished homemaker and loving family member, passed away on December 2 in Odessa at the age of 48. Born on January 1, 1976, in Alpine, she grew up surrounded by the warmth of family and the spirit of her hometown.

Ke Koa Baldwin Kealoha, age 58, of Honolulu, passed away on March 12, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thelma Ululani Baldwin Kealoha and Moses (Moke) Wahinenui Kealoha. He is survived by his sisters, Ke Kai Kealoha and Kehaulani K. Kealoha Scullion (Kevin), and his niece, Kealoha L. Scullion.

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The Big Bend Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas is raising funds for a pollinator garden that will be dedicated to the memory of Patty Manning. This garden will be created and placed at the Alpine Public Library. The garden is being created to honor Patty’s legacy by providing an educational and attractive landscape for the community as well as a food source for native pollinators.

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Davis Mountains State Park, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

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Dear Neil, This plant did fine through the hot, dry summer. Then, in late September, its leaves started turning black. The leaves that still look green look wilted. Seven other plants of the same kind are doing well. What gives?