February 2026

Anastacio S. Milan

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Mr. Anastacio S. Milan, a respected educator, beloved family man, and dedicated community member, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026, at the age of 79 in San Antonio. Born on January 13, 1947, in Alpine, Mr. Milan was a man whose life was characterized by devotion, both to his family and to the countless students he mentored throughout his 36 years of teaching at Crystal City ISD in Crystal City.
Anastacio S. Milan

Leonor Galindo Valenzuela

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Leonor Galindo Valenzuela passed away on January 15, in San José, California. Leonor Galindo Valenzuela, “Nonie” was born on March 14, 1930, in Alpine.
Leonor Galindo Valenzuela

LTC (RET) US Army Martin Estrada

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Martin Estrada travelled the world in service to his country, yet he was most content to be quiet at home with his family, his horses, and amongst the beauty of nature. He was a soldier, a teacher, a family man, an artist, and a healer. Martin created beauty out of simplicity; his steel roses forged from metal scraps were gifted as a loving expression, direct from his heart. Martin was a gardener of flowers and trees, wanting most to plant & care for something of natural beauty and longevity. Martin was also a nurturer of students and horses; he often succeeded with the most challenging of personalities. He gave his energy & skills to those who needed time and trust to heal, and many horses walked again with his loving care.
LTC (RET) US Army Martin Estrada

Getting to know your candidates

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Editor’s Note: All responses are the sole opinions and positions of the candidates themselves and these were the only candidates that responded to the questions sent to them by the Avalanche. Candidates for County Democratic Chair Mary Bell Lockhart (incumbent) vs Holly Blankenship (Blankenship did not submit a response by press time) MARY BELL LOCKHART Why are you running for office? The office of Democratic Party County Chair is on the primary election ballot every two years, whether or not they are opposed.
Mary Bell Lockhart

Sul Ross Rodeo: Back in the swing of things

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The Sul Ross Rodeo Team was back at it earlier this week as they competed in Fort Worth for the first rodeo of the spring season. Head Coach C.J. Aragon said this is a great opportunity for these young competitors because they will get to compete during the same time the professional rodeo is going on.
Canadian cowgirl Kasha Borsy throws a loop during the breakaway roping event at the Sul Ross Rodeo back in September. Borsy placed fourth at home and continues to do well in her other events, also. Photo courtesy of Sul Ross Rodeo

Council notes upcoming town halls

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In an unusually short meeting, the Alpine City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, February 3, at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers with all council members in attendance. The council heard no public comment nor any comments on the two items listed on the agenda for public hearing.

Funding Alpine’s Excellence

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For years, our community has understood a simple reality: Alpine ISD has been asked to do more with less. At times, our funding per student need ranked in the bottom 2% in Texas. That’s not a complaint— it’s a reality we’ve had to face head-on. And it’s why the progress we’re seeing now matters so much.
Funding Alpine’s Excellence