February 2026

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.

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

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

There aren’t many places like Alpine. The remote location, the beautiful views, the great weather: We’ve got it all. There’s a reason some folks refer to this place as the Alpine Vortex. People move away, but many of them seem to find their way back to our small desert oasis.

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