News

December 3, 1987 My two front teeth, my two front teeth…That’s what Kristen Martin is saying this December, but you can bet her wish list has a few items closer to the top than her choppers. Only three weeks remain until Christmas, and the Big Bend is beginning to feel and look a lot like Christmas.

Dear Neil: I had my live oaks pruned two years ago. They did not use pruning paint on them, and ever since, dried or dead patches have appeared on them. I have purple wandering Jew around them, and I’m wondering if it could have a poisoning effect on them. I’m also wondering if it could be oak wilt, although a couple of people have said it was not. What would cause that?

Anyone familiar with the community of Terlingua knows what I mean when I say, “bowl o’ red.” For those unfamiliar with the phrase, I am talking about chili. That spicy bowl of chili powder, tomato sauce, meat, and various other ingredients, depending on your taste or if you happen to be a chili cook off contestant.

With help wanted signs on nearly every storefront and restaurant in Alpine, it seems some business owners are desperate for help. McDonald’s franchise owner Irma Campbell can attest to that.

The City of Alpine held its regularly scheduled council meeting on Dec. 7 and utility billing and paving updates were the main topics of discussion.

Carolers from Marathon ISD were excited to ring in the fun, festive holiday season for visitors and locals alike at Marathon’s Fiesta de Noche Buena on Main Street on Dec. 4. The annual Christmas event featured lively holiday music, plenty of holiday treats, special appearances by Santa and the Grinch, and more. Avalanche photo by Roxanne Hill

A great high school band starts with a great band director. The band director plays an enormous role in what makes a marching band perform at the highest level. And a passionate, knowledgeable director can push the students to the next level.

Thanks to the generosity of the Big Bend Regional Hospital District Board of Directors and administrators, Alpine ISD can now launch a certified nurse assistant program at the high school for the 2022- 2023 school year. It will involve a Career and Technical program of study in nursing science, and allow students to acquire an industry-based certification as a Certified Nurse Assistant. It would also prepare students to enter into a higher education nursing program.

As the holidays approach, communities around the Big Bend are positively impacted by the benevolence and generosity that brings people together. One private, nonprofit organization, the Marathon Foundation, has been quietly impacting the lives of Marathon residents since 2010, all thanks to a group of community-minded folks who use their acts of kindness to improve the lives of those who call Marathon their home.

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission recently awarded funding to Jeff Davis County Library under its American Rescue Plan Act Grants Program. The library received two grants.