May 2026

Robbie Johnson Ray was born on January 29, 1950, in Fort Worth, to Robert “Bob” and Joyce Johnson. In 1981, she married the love of her life, Dan Ray, and together they built a meaningful life grounded in curiosity, compassion, and adventure. In 1986, they moved to Alpine, a community that became her cherished home.

Brian was born September 20, 1945, to Wilma Sylvester and Arlene Lucile (Ernson) Larremore in Llano County, Texas. Brian passed away peacefully at the age of 80 on the morning of Friday, May 8, after a short time of hospice home care under the special care of Nurse Jess Langridge of Alpine. He was also lovingly cared for by his wife of 25 years, Jean Larremore, whom he married on November 15, 2001. He was also surrounded by close friends, Tommy Vick, Jon Brooks, Skeet, and Connie Jo Boyd, who all provided support and help as needed. Connie Jo, who was like an adopted daughter to Brian, made special visits with her husband, Skeet Boyd, who is the Preacher of the Church in The Mountains of Fort Davis. Skeet gathered us all, and we all laid hands on Brian as Skeet made a special prayer over Brian, and we all said our farewells.

In I Kings 19, the prophet Elijah went out to meet the Lord. God did not speak to Elijah in an earthquake or the wind or a fire; He spoke in a still, small voice. I wonder if we who believe in God are listening for that voice. We may pray, but do our prayers sound like “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening,” or “Listen, Lord, for your servant is speaking?” We have quite enough noise in our lives from the alarm clock going off in the morning to the newscaster on the television before we go to bed. As we look back on our day, we may not remember hearing God’s voice at any time. But then, have we prepared ourselves to hear Him? Have we found a quiet place where we can unclutter our minds and sit in the presence of the Lord? There, we might hear Him speak. At some point, we all have probably needed to listen to someone whose voice, because of laryngitis or some other reason, must speak in a whisper. Think about what we do at those times. We get closer to the person. We may turn our good ear toward them. We may switch off the radio or television or move to a quiet place. We listen attentively, careful to catch every word. God speaks in audible words, but He also speaks in nudges, and in feelings, and in little ideas He drops into our minds, but we can trust all the ways that He speaks to us. We need not fear what He has to say because He loves us unconditionally. I John 4:18 tells us that “perfect love casts out all fear.”

The Brewster County Commissioner’s Court met for their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. All commissioners were present.

Marfa High School junior Ayden Alvarez had a goal. He and his coaches set it last year when making it to the UIL State Track and Field Meet was still something to chase, something to work toward, something to build a season around.

When Kaden Lees-Whetten lines up at the UIL State Track Meet this year, he will not be chasing a comeback. He will be chasing something faster.

On Saturday, May 16, at 1 p.m., the Big Bend Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas will host a program on cactus and succulent rescue by Steven Lovecky. The event will be held at the Alpine Public Library, and it is open to the public; all are welcome.

The Alpine Fightin’ Buck Band recently competed at the Bluebonnet Classic Festival in Burnet. The band received all 1’s from the judges, which earned them the title of Outstanding Band of the Day, along with two trophies to add to their accomplishments.

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Attention all Paisano girls’ camp campers and their parents. Paisano Girls’ Mission Camp will be held this year, June 1-5, at the Davis Mountain Resort Baptist Church just west of Fort Davis. The camp fee is $125 per person, including counselors. The camp will offer Bible Study, Missions time, music, sewing, a tea party, and other favorite activities. Girls having finished second through sixth grade are invited to come be campers, and girls having finished 7th -12th grades are invited to come be junior counselors. On the list of additional activities are movies, board games, talent spotlight, walk to the cross, and more. A nurse will be at the camp 24/7. For additional information or to obtain a camp form, please call Karen McGuire at 432386-3071 and leave a message. Scholarships are available!