April 2026

It was a successful outing for Fort Davis track athletes at the district meet, with multiple top finishes and several competitors advancing to the area round this week. The junior high girls delivered an impressive performance, highlighted by Maggie Egg’s standout day.

The Big Bend Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas will hold its next program on Saturday, April 18, from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Alpine Public Library. The talk will feature a behindthe- scenes look at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildfl ower Center, highlighting its research, gardens, education, collections, and conservation work.

The Brewster County Commissioners Court held its regular meeting on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. All commissioners were present except Brewster County Judge Greg Henington. Precinct 3 Commissioner Ruben Ortega presided over the meeting in the judge’s absence.

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Send your community events to kara.gerbert@alpineavalanche. com April 17-19 Alpine Gem and Mineral Show, Fri.

HEAD OVER MEALS While the summer garden may not be up and overrun with zucchini just yet, the temperatures outside are pushing the limits for serving up those light, refreshing meals that are perfect this time of year. That’s to say that zucchini is definitely available at the local grocers, allowing anyone to whip up this tasty dish.

INGREDIENTS 2 pounds of zucchini, about four medium zucchinis 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 shallots, chopped, about 2/3 cup 1 teaspoon of sea salt Pinch of red pepper flakes Freshly ground black pepper 4 garlic cloves, grated 12 ounces of spaghetti or bucatini pasta 1/3 cup grated pecorino or Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Zest of one lemon 1 cup of fresh basil and/or mint leaves DIRECTIONS Grate the zucchini on the large holes of a box grater. Transfer to a clean kitchen towel and wring out the excess moisture.

Dear Neil, I live about 100 yards back from a busy highway. What kind of barrier of fast-growing shrubs and trees could I plant? My column is distributed to many different newspapers across Texas, but I can’t tell where you are.

Alpine Avalanche.