Opinion

“Early morning sunlight cascaded from lofty windows in the old downtown Center icehouse. They bounced gracefully off timeless curves outlining an aging body. For an old girl, she was still a beauty in the dim light and in my heart.”

As temperatures continue to fluctuate, many residents are using heat lamps to protect livestock, pets, and crops. While heat lamps are an effective tool, it is crucial to use them safely to avoid the risk of fire or electrical hazards.

“If your doctor’s last name is Google, it’s time to get a second opinion.” ― Toni Bernhard, author of “How to live with Chronic Pain and Illness: A Mindful Guide.” It was past dark thirty. We were still 20 miles from home, driving and passing the time by doing what we all ultimately do sometime in life—talking about the weather, aches and pains, and doctor’s appointments.

It looks now like the issue of birthright citizenship will come before the U.S. Supreme Court, and that’s a good thing because there is way too much misunderstanding about what the 14th Amendment says and what it does not say.

Thank You We’re sending many thanks to all our friends and neighbors across the region who attended the Far West Texas Community-Building Summit last weekend. Over 200 of you came to visit about new ways to come together to create what we want for our communities and our whole region.

As we welcome 2025, the new year brings an opportunity for reflection, renewal, and action. It is a time to embrace change, set fresh goals, and consider how we can make a meaningful difference in the beautiful, vibrant community we call home—Alpine, Texas.

“The true purpose of the arts education is not necessarily to create more professional dancers or artists. It’s to create more complete human beings who are critical thinkers, who have curious minds, who can lead productive lives.”

Last fall, Sul Ross State University received an impressive $7.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, a signifi cant win for higher education and regional development.

Agencies, universities seek $24.6 billion in new funding The Texas Senate’s chief budget writer said state agencies and higher education institutions have requested nearly $25 billion in funding as the legislative session gets underway. State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, told The Dallas Morning News that the requests for new money reflect the growing functions and purposes of state agencies that serve the public.

The storyline of 2024 could be about the negative impacts of Texas’ continued divestment in public education. While that’s undoubtedly true, especially in rural communities across the state, it would be an incomplete narrative.