May 2025

John H. Watkins

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It is with great sadness that the family of John H. Watkins announces his passing on May 10. John departed this life peacefully in his sleep at Lakeside Health & Wellness in Kemp, Texas, where he had resided for the past two and a half years.
John H. Watkins

Miriam Elene Ishmael

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NOTICE Miriam Elene Ishmael Miriam Elene Ishmael, 89, of Terlingua, Texas, went home to be with the Lord on April 30, 2025. She was born on November 21, 1935.

CORRECTION

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The canvassing of the votes for the May 3 General Election did not happen on Tuesday, May 6, as was reported. The votes were officially canvassed during the May 13th special city council meeting..

DRT presents awards to Terlingua teacher, student

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The Alpine Hally Bryan Perry Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas presented on April 25, certificates and cash prizes for the Julia Nail Moss Awards to Joyce Baumann of Terlingua CSD, 2025 Outstanding Texas History Teacher-Seventh Grade, and Melissa Orozco, 2025 Winning Essay-Seventh Grade. The Historic Education Committee of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas provided the topic for the seventh-grade essay contest: “Which site should be considered the birthplace of the Republic of Texas: West Columbia, Washington-on-the-Brazos, or San Jacinto?” Students had the opportunity to improve their research skills and enhance their writing skills, all while learning about early Texas history.
Melissa Orozco and Joyce Baumann receive certificates and prizes for the winning essay and for being the outstanding Texas history teacher. Photo courtesy of DRT

Klingemann takes on new role

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Last November, John Klingemann, Ph.D., returned to his alma mater as Director of the Museum of the Big Bend, Assistant Vice President for Advancement, and as a professor in the Department of History. Since that time, Dr. Klingemann has served as the interim Vice President after the departure of Paul Herring.
John Klingemann

TSCRA backs USDA decision to halt cattle, horse, bison imports amid screwworm threat

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TSCRA supports USDA’s necessary decision to close southern border amid threat of New World screwworm In response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Secretary Brooke Rollins’ recent announcement to close the southern border to imports of cattle, horses, and bison in an effort to slow the northward spread of New World screwworm, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association President Carl Ray Polk Jr. released the following statement: “Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association takes the threat of New World screwworm seriously. We commend Secretary Rollins and the USDA for making a diffi cult but necessary decision to close the southern border. While this action presents short-term challenges for cattle raisers, it is a critical step to secure the long-term health of the U.S. cattle herd.

Marathon ISD hires new superintendent

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The Marathon Independent School District met on May 6 to officially hire Mr. Keith Kimbrough as its next superintendent. After Dr. Ivonne Durant announced her retirement in February, the board immediately began the process of hiring a replacement.
Marathon ISD School Board with new superintendent Keith Kimbrough, includes front row: Marina Aguilar, Cheyenne Marta, Dr. Ivonne Durant, and Leandra Ramirez. Back row: Marcus Celaya, Hayes West, Keith Kimbrough, Andy Lewis, Timothy Roberts, Coy Gonzalez, and Craig Carter. Photo by Kara Gerbert

ROCK SLIDES

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May 17, 24, 31 Birding on the Wild Side, 9-10:30 a.m. at Davis Mountains State Park.
Send your community events to kara. gerbert@alpineavalanche.com