Opinion

“Things that make you go ‘hmmm.’” — Arsenio Hall, actor, comedian, and talk show host Interesting and surprising turns of events. Seemingly unrelated occurrences connecting in unexpected ways.

The fall semester kicks off Monday, and I can’t wait to see our campus full of energy, ideas, and friendly faces again. Whether you’re returning to finish your degree, stepping onto campus for the first time, joining us as a new faculty member, or as part of the ever-growing family of alumni and Lobo supporters, this is going to be an exciting semester.

Attorney General Ken Paxton has asked the Texas Supreme Court to remove 13 of the more than 50 House Democrats who fled the state to break quorum and effectively halt the special session to prevent a mid-decade redistricting plan, the Austin American-Statesman reported.

“I have prepared a place for you ... just not this pew.” — The understood 11th Commandment “Saw in the newspaper where one of those big mega churches is selling reserved seats for the Sunday sermon.” “That’s one way to stimulate conversation at the morning coffee shop gathering,” I thought.

Every August, there’s a special kind of energy that fills the air in Alpine. The sounds of laughter returning to hallways, the sight of buses rolling through town, the smell of freshly waxed floors and newly sharpened pencils—it’s the unmistakable beginning of a new school year. And this year, that energy feels even more electric. Because in Alpine ISD, we’re not just starting another school year—we’re launching a year of continued transformation, momentum, and pride in what it means to be an Alpine Buck.

August 11, 811 Day serves as a reminder to all homeowners, professional contractors, and DIY enthusiasts alike to contact 811 before starting any digging project. It also brings awareness of the potential for injuries, property damage, and outages if underground utilities are damaged.

“Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time.” — Steven Wright, American comedian, actor, writer, and film producer “Just another mile and a half,” cheered the treadmill display. “But 3,000 more steps,” groaned the voice in my head.

In a region where rugged terrain, vast distances, and extreme conditions challenge even the most seasoned responders, fire departments across Brewster County have demonstrated what true collaboration looks like. The Marathon Volunteer Fire Department, Terlingua Fire and EMS, Big Bend Forest Service, and Alpine Volunteer Fire Department have come together in an unprecedented display of interoperability and training coordination, setting a high standard for rural emergency response.

“Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.” — Albert Einstein Mom talked fondly about her father. I remember things about Arthur G.

One of the great qualities of Alpine is the amount of time and energy that many who live here put into making where we all live, work, learn, and play a better place. It’s one of the reasons we chose Alpine as home. While everything in Alpine may not be exactly how we want it to be, we are blessed with great outdoor spaces and events, a thriving and creative music and arts community, excellent not for profits who support those in need, including our seniors, a wonderful library, terrific schools, a “far from ordinary” university and so much more.