News

According to a statement released last week, the Texas State University System Administration has begun the process of identifying potential candidates to serve as interim president of Sul Ross State University upon President Pete Gallego’s departure at the end of the spring semester. Gallego previously announced he will leave the university June 4.

Newly ordained Fr. Alfonso Coronado, previously a deacon at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Alpine, smiles joyfully with Fr. Pablo Matta and Fr. Victorino Loresca at the church Parish Hall on Jan. 30. Many friends and family, as well as parishioners, attended the big fiesta for Coronado, and toasted him for the occasion. He also celebrated his first mass at Our Lady of Peace, followed by a dinner and social gathering with plenty of food, drink, celebratory cakes, and more. Avalanche photo by Roxanne Hill

While many people will be watching the Super Bowl while tucked inside the comfort of their homes, another group of enthusiasts will be participating in its own gridiron fest - the annual WesTex Run n’ Gun. This ultimate test of endurance will feature running and marksmanship at Historic Prude Ranch in the Davis Mountains.

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:18-19, ESV)

Alpine Middle School band students represented Alpine at the All-region Band concert and clinic in Crane on Jan. 21-22. In the photo, Jonathan Le Blank on French horn, Ryanna Pineda on trumpet, Abraham Pando on trumpet, Megan Struthers on clarinet, and Colt Hale on trumpet. Courtesy photo

On Jan. 20 San Vicente ISD held its regular school board meeting. Board members Toni Sammons, Suzette Mendoza, and Beth Ivans were thanked by the students and staff for their dedication to the district.

Alpine resident Damion Benavente, 30, on Jan. 24 was sentenced to life in prison for aggravated sexual abuse of a minor.

On Jan. 10, Alpine Animal Services donated oxygen masks for small animals and pets on behalf of Invisible Fence. During the course of fires, animals can succumb to smoke inhalation. These masks will allow firefighters to more effectively help resuscitate as well as provide recovery for affected animals. Courtesy

Alpine High School senior Shaun Foster was recently named to the Padilla Poll Second Team All State Defensive Team. Courtesy phot.

The wide-open spaces of West Texas lured a record 581,000 recreational visits to remote Big Bend in 2021. These numbers reflect a 25% increase since 2019, the last year the park was completely open, and a 49% increase since 2016. Once relatively unknown, the Big Bend area continues to see a significant increase in visitation, and the CO- VID-19 pandemic has resulted in even more visitors seeking out the qualities of this special place.