Opinion

“Remember the good times? When phones were dumb, and people were smart?” — Spotted on a T-shirt, worn by someone using a smartphone Old movies and television shows are the best. People enjoying life with each other.

As a lifelong Texan, I’ve witnessed the unique challenges faced by families in our rural communities, such as limited access to essential services like unemployment and childcare, as well as insufficient support in accessing resources for business development and assistance for veterans, to name a few.

“Go on to Mount Pleasant. They’ve got a long, wide runway up there.” — Center Airport Manager Bill Neve’s advice after I reported instrument issues with my airplane.

As I write, I’m trying to relax in my recliner on a cold winter’s day next to a roaring fire, yet my feet are freezing because a large, semi-elderly cat named “Missy” – AKA “The Loaf” – is lounging on the fireplace hearth directly

Over the last two months, staff at Alpine Elementary have been hard at work designing and leading a culture shift on behalf of the children of Alpine. Why? Because, as Alpine Elementary’s motto states, The Bucks Start Here.

“Bells started ringin’ and chains rattled loud, I knew I’d moved in a haunted house.” — ‘Haunted House’song lyrics, recorded by Jumping Gene Simmons 1964. The old house was charming, even in stages of ruin.

The Alpine Police Department frequently receives multiple mental health calls each day. It is common for family members to contact 911 and report that their son, daughter, father, or mother is experiencing a mental health crisis and request a police officer. These situations require prompt and sensitive responses to ensure the safety and well-being of the individual in crisis. The police department collaborates with mental health professionals and community resources to provide appropriate support and intervention in such cases.

“My memory isn’t faulty; it just goes on vacation more often than I do.” — I would tell you who said that. But I forget.