News

Incorrect placement of concrete footings at the new high school construction site headed the discussion at Alpine ISD’s regular Board of Trustees meeting on March 24. Present at the meeting were representatives from Weatherford-based general contractor Imperial Construction, Site Superintendent Frank Patton, co-owner Jon Jones, and Project Manager Bobby Kelley.

Although hard numbers aren’t in yet, most agree this year’s spring break will be a record breaker. Visit Big Bend Director Robert Alvarez called this year’s spring break season in Brewster County “better than ever, nonstop.” He said although spring break was always a busy time, because of the pandemic situation loosening up and so many people receiving the COVID vaccination, visitors felt more comfortable traveling and wanted to get away from urban areas to the great outdoors.

Miss Rodeo Comanche Springs 2020 Aspen Wash of Alpine and Miss Rodeo Teen 2020 Abby Poole of Richmond open the 2021 Comanche Springs Rodeo in Fort Stockton on March 26. Wash attends Sul Ross State University where she competes in breakaway roping and goat tying on the university’s rodeo team. Poole hopes to be a top competitor in the reined cow horse industry, and plans to attend Texas A&M University after high school graduation.

Marathon Chamber of Commerce met on March 24 for its first quarterly meeting of the year on the patio of Brick Vault Barbecue and Brewery. Discussion centered around a Dark Skies Initiative presented by McDonald Observatory Staffer Bill Wren.

I would like to thank Big Bend Regional Health Center for their organized and efficient handling of inoculating members of the public with the COVID-19 vaccine last Saturday.

Camilo Celaya, Jr., Alpine: We will be celebrating at home. I will make dinner for my wife and my kids.

Dear Neil: This is a three-year-old dwarf apple tree. As you can see in the photo, all of the growth is on one side of the graft line. The opposite side has no bark. Do I have to leave the tree staked? My concern is that I’ll come out some morning, and find the tree broken off.

U.S. Congressman, Dist. 23, Tony Gonzales on Feb. 4 unveiled the Security First Act, his first bill as a member of Congress.

What’s the deal with fermented vegetables? Fermented vegetables are beneficial for gut health. They add good bacteria to your gut, and this good bacteria helps to strengthen your immune system and regulate your appetite. A strong immune system is of utmost importance, in my humble opinion.