Paisano Baptist Encampment is a special place for family fellowship in a beautiful outdoor setting under the Texas stars. It has come a long way since its inception in 1916, when area ranchers, cowboys, and churches joined people from all over Texas and beyond to gather in Bible study, preaching, and instruction.

Alpine High School FFA students attended the 75th State Convention in Fort Worth on July 5-6. Katy Jahn, Keilea Cheatham, and Gloria Skinner received their Lone Star degrees at the event. In the photo, Ali Maroney, Britton Belcher, Tanin Ritchie, Martin Sablatura, Raelynn Macias, Shaun Foster, Gloria Skinner, Kaitlyn Wiggins, Katy Jahn, Lauren Rogers, and Keilea Cheatham. Courtesy photo

Nonprofits provide a way for people to work together and strengthen community ties while fostering a spirit of volunteerism that allows residents to stand up for their neighbors and make a difference. Big Bend Citizens Alliance, a community nonprofit based primarily out of South Brewster County, does just that.