April 2026

There’s a certain kind of player every team leans on, the one who doesn’t flinch in big moments, who shows up the same way every day, and who quietly sets the tone for everyone else. For Alpine High School senior Kody Hawkins, that role has become second nature.

“It’s a small town, son. And the news travels quicker than wheels.” —”Talking at the Texaco” song lyrics by James McMurtry Driving west for an Abilene wedding 20 years ago, I did something that still brings me joy: taking impromptu detours off the designated route.

Alpine has been my home for more than ten years. I continue to be amazed at the generosity and kindness of people and businesses in our community. During the last month, I have had to deal with the passing of my husband. Each expression of sympathy has special meaning to me.

Dear Mrs. Polanco Dear Mrs.

Limited resources in the agricultural sector are common pressure points for modern farm operations. Whether the resource is land, labor, water, or capital, a lack of assets can cause strain. But there are practical ways to ease the pressure, and most solutions work best when combined with other methods.

The Big Bend Amateur Radio Club is hosting an open house as part of World Amateur Radio Day, Saturday, April 18, at the Alpine Public Library from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We will have radio demonstrations and hands-on Morse code kit building, as well as information about ham radio and our service activities. There will be something for anyone curious about amateur radio -- a great way to pursue interests in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) activities. We will be working from our BBARC RV in the parking lot. All ages are welcome.

MixHaus Gallery is pleased to present Songs of the Ocotillo, a collaborative exhibition by Comfort, Texas, poet Lucy Griffith and Marfabased mixed media artist Darlene Marwitz, on view April 10 through May 24, 2026. An opening reception will be held Saturday, April 11, from 2–6 p.m., with an artist talk and poetry reading taking place at 4 p.m.

James Cornett will be at the Crowley Theater in Marfa today, April 2, for the Roger Conant Distinguished Guest Lecture. The program will start at 7 p.m., with doors open at 6:30 p.m.

HEAD OVER MEALS Spring in West Texas doesn’t knock; it blows the door in. One day it’s gray and dead, the next the desert starts breathing again.

GARDENER’S MAILBAG Dear Neil, This sticky weed is taking over a large part of ourlandscape. Can you tell me what it is and how I can get rid of it? The weed you have is called Sticky Willy, or cleavers (Galium aparine).