News

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Dear Neil: My ponytail was three feet tall when I bought it. Now it’s nine feet tall and I can no longer keep it in our garage over the winter. I shudder to think of “topping” it, but I’m wondering if that would be a solution. I don’t want to kill it.

On Monday, the Alpine Fire Department responded to a brush fire in the Double Diamond subdivision on South Highway 118. According to information received from Alpine Volunteer Fire Department Chief Andrew Pierce “The AVFD was alerted to a large brush fire on South SH118 about 2:10 p.m. on Monday, March 4 near the South Double Diamond entrance. When we arrived it was a small-sized grass fire that had consumed the Northbound lane shoulder. Firefighters stopped the fire’s progress at the fence to a local ranch. It had spread to some mesquite but was kept small thanks to efforts from TxDOT maintaining the grass on the shoulders of the highways,” said Pierce. Chief Pierce also said that the fire was extinguished within about two minutes of the first unit arriving and was followed up with mopup operations to make sure no hot spots were left that could reignite the fire.

Beautiful golden barrel and claret cup cactus, Faxon yucca, sotol, Queen Victoria agave, and many other species totaling more than 1,000 plants, have arrived at the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute (CDRI) in preparation for the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center cactus and succulent sale.

March 8 Sul Ross Spring Jackpot at SALE arena, beginning at 5 p.m. Barrel racing, breakaway roping, and team roping of one-head rodeo run. All timed events will use a rope barrier, NIRA rules in all events except youth breakaway will use junior high rules. All entry fees are cash only.

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The past decade has seen a significant increase in visitation to Big Bend National Park (BBNP) and the surrounding area. It is noticeable throughout the year, but no more so than at Spring Break. Visitors wishing to come to Big Bend during this time especially should make reservations in advance before making the trip.

WEEK Come meet sweet Martha. Martha is currently nursing puppies and will not be available for a little while, but we want to show her off now. Martha came in with her litter of puppies on January 9. She has been a good momma but will be ready for a new home when they are weaned. She does not seem to like being left alone for very long. She is a lover and prefers to be with her people.

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The El Paso division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has a new supervisor. After 12 years under the old supervisor, the new Special Agent in Charge (SAC) is Towanda Thorne-James. Thorne-James stepped into this new role at the DEA after being appointed by DEA Administrator Anne Milgram on September 11 of last year. Thorne-James reported to El Paso in December.