News

The Alpine Public Library is hosting a mask competition. After losing some of their much-needed funding, APL has borrowed a 22-year fundraising example from the Ft Collins Museum of Art, in which free paper masks are available at the library for pickup during the month of August to decorate. There are no rules, and the masks may be decorated in any way. They must be returned by November 1, and they will be on display and up for bids at the library’s silent auction during Art-Walk. They will also be judged and awarded ribbons. Interested parties may pick up the masks at the front desk of the Alpine Public Library. For any questions, contact Cathy Lammons at 432-386-0640 or 432-364-2816.

WEEK Welcome to the Clear the Shelters Event! Now in its 10th year, Clear The Shelters / Desocupar Los Albergues is an annual, nationwide pet adoption campaign led by NBCUniversal Local, a division of NBCUniversal Every year, NBCUniversal Local’s NBC and Telemundo owned stations, plus more than a hundred affiliated stations across the nation, partner with animal shelters and rescues in their communities to promote pet adoption and raise needed funds for shelters and rescues. Since its 2015 inception, Clear The Shelters has resulted in more than one million pet adoptions and raised millions of dollars for participating shelters and rescues.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today issued a declaration that allows the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for animal drugs to treat or prevent infestations caused by the New World Screwworm (NWS). This declaration applies only to drugs for animals.

No cellphones in schools, other new laws to take effect Students will no longer be able to access their cellphones or other electronic devices in public schools when a new law takes effect Sept. 1, according to The News.

The West Texas Water Research Center (WTWRC) at Sul Ross State University is surging ahead, with interim leadership in place, a seasoned research scientist joining the team, and a stakeholder- driven planning process underway. Housed within the university’s Borderlands Research Institute (BRI) and launched with a challenge grant from the Horizon Foundation, the WTWRC will deliver science-based solutions to address West Texas’ most pressing water issues and will focus on water availability, recharge, and sustainability in the Trans-Pecos.

Leadership Big Bend is now accepting applications for the class of 2026. The deadline for applications is September 1, 2025. Leadership Big Bend is an annual program that combines interactive leadership training with sessions designed to provide each attendee with unique insight into the tri-county area. The class meets once a month from September through May in one of the tri-county communities, with speakers and activities planned for the entire day. Each month has a theme and involves learning from county and local government leaders, area business professionals, the art community, Sul Ross, McDonald Observatory, and the Park Services. A favorite session is an overnight trip “down south” to Big Bend National Park, Terlingua, and Presidio. The dates for the 20252026 sessions are 9/18, 10/16, 11/13, 12/4, 1/231/24, 2/12, 3/26, 4/16, and 5/14. Class size is limited, so please email your application soon if you are interested in being a part of this special program. Each LBB class takes responsibility for developing a group service project to benefit the tri-county area and gain experience in leadership skills. For example, the LBB class of 2024 raised funds and donated microscopes for the Casa Hogar Orphanage. The class also helped the Family Crisis Center conduct its annual fundraiser, selling BBQ and hosting a silent auction. Applications can be accessed on the www. leadershipbigbend. org website or by emailing info@leadershipbigbend. org. Please return your completed application to application@leadershipbigbend. org by September 1, 2025. Tuition for the program is $250.00 per person and covers all expenses, including the overnight trip “Down South.” Many participants are sponsored by their employer or a club, so please feel free to explore that option. Scholarships will be considered in special circumstances. Since its founding in 1994, Leadership Big Bend has carried out its mission of training and promoting leaders for the tri-county area comprising Brewster, Jeff Davis, and Presidio Counties. Leadership Big Bend is a 501(c)(3) organization, and all donations and tuition are tax-deductible. If you have questions, please email info@leadershipbigbend.

The Alpine ISD Board of Trustees met for a special meeting on Tuesday, August 7, in the Board Room at the Alpine ISD Administration Building. All trustees were present, with Superintendent Dr. Michelle Rinehart presiding.

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The Brewster County Commissioners Court met Tuesday, with all commissioners present and Brewster County Judge Greg Henington presiding, dedicating much of the meeting to the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, which is scheduled for adoption August 26, pending a public hearing.

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