Opinion

As the spring semester draws to a close and the excitement of spring commencement fills the air, I find myself reflecting on all we’ve accomplished at Sul Ross State University over the past few months. It has been a season of tremendous growth, resilience, and achievement, and I could not be more proud of the students, faculty, staff, and families who make our university community so special.

“Things Money Can’t Buy: Time. Happiness.

Imagine it is 2 a.m. and that annoying chest pain you had earlier in the evening has not gone away. In fact, it has gotten much worse. To the point where you are asking yourself, “Is this a heart attack”? Someone you love dials 911 and requests assistance from the Emergency Management Service (EMS). Now, if you are like me, you would want the following to show up: four Paramedics, three Ambulances, two Helicopters, and a Cardiologist. More importantly, I (or you) would want someone highly skilled to take the pain away, transport you to the closest medical facility, and do it with care, kindness, and professionalism.

Thank You The funeral service for Beth Ann Collins was held on April 23rd. The professional and compassionate staff of the Alpine Memorial Funeral Home worked seamlessly with the clergy and staff of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church to provide a beautiful ceremony.

“My old friend, I apologize For the years that have passed Since the last time you and I Dusted off those memories.” — Song lyrics performed by Tim McGraw. We never forget friends.

As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week next week, there has never been a more critical time to support Texas’ public school teachers. For generations, public school teachers have been the bedrock of our communities, educating the next generation of leaders, public servants, business owners, tradespeople, faith leaders, workers, and officials.

“Dunn’s Law: Careful planning is no substitute for dumb luck.” ― Arthur Bloch, author of “Murphy’s Law and Other Reasons Why Things Go Wrong” In short order, I was back on the road. Listening to the ball game.

The City of Alpine and Keep Alpine Beautiful have held three clean-up events for the Great American Cleanup Season (GAC). The GAC is the nation’s most extensive community improvement program, taking place each spring, from March through May. Up to now, 186.36 lbs. of trash have been collected, and 31.71 acres and 4.24 Tx-DOT/City Miles have been cleaned up. As the GAC continues through May and is followed by the Don’t Mess with Texas Trash-Off campaign (April 1-31), the community will have multiple opportunities to participate and volunteer.

“Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.” — John Lennon Nothing makes a writer feel his or her age quicker than reviewing their early works.

W Dear Senator I understand that the Office of Management and Budget, in the direction of DOGE, plans drastic cuts at NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Agency). This is an open letter to Senator Ted Cruz: “Senator Cruz, I live in Texas.