April 2026

Celebrating dark skies

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The McDonald Observatory invites everyone to participate in the Dark Skies Festival from April 13-19. Events will be held at the observatory and locations around Terlingua, Presidio, Fort Davis, and Alpine. There will be constellation tours, telescope viewings, special talks, and more.
Mt. Locke Milky Way Courtesy photo

Cain inducted into Hall of Honor

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Claudia Gallego Cain was recently inducted into the Sul Ross Athletic Hall of Honor Class of 2026. Cain graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology in 2005 and went on to earn an M.S. from Texas Tech Health Sciences Center.
Claudia Gallego Cain (2005)

Texas Capital Highlights

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Border wall through Big Bend apparently on hold After public outcry, a physical border wall through Big Bend National Park appears to be on hold, The Texas Tribune reported. In February, the Trump administration waived more than two dozen environmental laws in order to clear the way for a 150-milelong wall through West Texas, including Big Bend and the adjoining state park.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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Send your community events to kara.gerbert@alpineavalanche.com April 9-11 First Annual Sul Ross Pecos College Rodeo, 7 p.m. nightly, Buck Jackson Arena, Pecos, Texas.
UPCOMING EVENTS

Make fried green-creole tomatoes a part of spring

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In staying with the springtime/ early April recipes that are light on the palate, I thought I’d share something special to many who grew up a generation ago. Nothing says springtime quite like a plate of fried green tomatoes. As the days stretch a little longer over the Davis Mountains and the air begins to warm, this classic dish needs to make its way around your entertaining table. Crisp on the outside, tender and tangy on the inside, fried green tomatoes aren’t just a side dish or appetizer; they’re a seasonal tradition and a true Southern staple.
Fried green-creole tomatoes with shrimp Photo by J.T. Maroney

Indians tennis accomplishments lead to Regional qualifications

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The Fort Davis Indians tennis team had been racking up medals recently, with multiple players placing in the top three positions in several matches over the past several weeks. On March 25, the Indians traveled to Iraan, where the girls’ doubles team of Neveah Sanchez and Hokulani Tofiga placed second, and Iliana Serrano and Alexi Hernandez placed third.
The Fort Davis varsity tennis team brought home not only individual top finishes, but won the District 9-1A Overall Team championship, as well as both the boys’ and girls’ team championships last week at the District Tournament in Balmorhea. Courtesy photo

Alpine Golf takes District

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Alpine’s varsity golf team tackled a two-day, two-city district tournament and once again brought home the District Championship. Both the Bucks and Lady Bucks began the district tournament at home last Monday, with both the boys’ and girls’ teams leading the district standings at the end of the day.
The girls’ District Champions are L to R: Jenna Vega, Analia Adame, Colette Fowlkes, and Evelyn Smith. Courtesy photos