Opinion

“Water, Mr. Rango, water.

I want to share a simple note of gratitude from Chinati as we mark our 40th year. In April, we welcomed many of you to Chinati for our annual Community Day.

The Elpidio Ramos VFW Post 7207 would like to thank the community for their support of the bake sale on Saturday, May 9. We would also like to thank Mr.

High gas prices eating intoTexans’budgets The average price for a gallon of gasoline in Texas has risen from $2.55 in early February to $3.91 as of Sunday, according to AAA. Diesel prices hover around $5 a gallon.

This spring, Alpine High School Fine Arts students achieved honors and recognition for their pursuits in both music and theater in the University Interscholastic League (UIL) Band students completed their competitive season with a sweepstakes trophy, acquiring the highest score possible for marching, sightreading, and concert performance. Moreover, the clarinet, percussion, and saxophone sections of the band advanced to the State level in solo and ensemble competitions and will be showing in Austin later this month. Director Chuck Wilson is “incredibly proud” of the work his students have put in, saying, “It was an outstanding season. I mean, you can’t get any better than sweepstakes.”

State officials began sending out the first notices to families awarded education vouchers last week, the Houston Chronicle reported. In the first round, 42,644 qualified, mostly students with special needs who are considered the highest priority.

More than a year after Alpine ISD Superintendent Dr. Michelle Rinehart first proposed a partnership with the City of Alpine to repair and refurbish Manuel Payne Field, the plan is finally moving forward.

Amount of state in drought increases again Near the end of March, 89% of the state was in drought, according to hydrologist Dr. Mark Wentzel with the Texas Water Development Board.

“Who was that masked man?” — AI One long-ago sweltering summer night in Seymour, Texas, a salesman sat in our living room. He wasn’t just selling books; he was peddling the concentrated wisdom of humanity, bound in majestic, burgundy volumes, gold-lettered with “Encyclopedia Britannica.” For his closing pitch, the door-to-door entrepreneur leaned in with the confidence of a magician who possessed every secret of the universe.

In small towns across West Texas, every dollar matters, and so does every decision about how to invest in the future. Recently, our city approved approximately $920,000 in debt funding to support longneeded improvements to the community swimming pool, baseball fields, parks, and essential heavy equipment. While some may have raised questions about taking on new debt, the city’s financial position and longterm needs tell a clear story: this investment is both responsible and necessary. With a current debt load of under $1.9 million, the city is in an exceptionally strong position compared to many municipalities of similar size. Low debt means high borrowing capacity, and high borrowing capacity means the city can secure favorable interest rates and manageable repayment schedules. In other words, the city is using its strong credit position the way it was intended, to fund projects that benefit residents today and for decades to come. Municipal borrowing is not a sign of financial trouble. In fact, it is a standard, widely accepted tool used by cities across Texas to fund capital improvement plans. Roads, parks, water systems, emergency equipment, and recreational facilities are almost always financed through structured debt rather than cash on hand. This approach ensures that longterm assets are paid for over the same period that residents use them, rather than draining annual operating budgets. The projects funded by this borrowing package address needs that have been building for years: The community pool is more than a summer amenity. It’s a gathering place, a resource for families, and a point of pride. Repairs and upgrades ensure safety, accessibility, and longterm usability. Youth sports and outdoor recreation are cornerstones of rural life. Improving these facilities supports local families, encourages healthy activity, and strengthens community spirit. Reliable equipment is essential for maintaining roads, utilities, and public spaces. Replacing aging machinery reduces repair costs, improves efficiency, and ensures city crews can respond quickly to resident needs. These are not luxury projects; they are core investments in quality of life, safety, and the longterm vitality of the community. Delaying capital improvements often leads to higher costs down the road. Infrastructure does not fix itself, and equipment does not get cheaper with time. By acting now, the city avoids: escalating repair costs, emergency replacements at premium prices, safety risks associated with aging facilities, lost opportunities for recreation and community engagement. Borrowing today prevents larger financial burdens tomorrow. The city’s leadership has taken a fiscally responsible path: using low debt levels and strong credit capacity to fund improvements that residents will benefit from immediately. This is exactly how municipal finance is designed to work. Communities grow stronger when they invest in themselves. These projects will support local families, attract visitors, improve safety, and enhance the everyday experience of living here. For a rural West Texas town with deep roots and big pride, this is an investment in both heritage and future.