Opinion

Thank You A silent auction was held last Saturday at The Ritchey to raise funds for the Patty Manning Pollinator Garden that will be planted at the Alpine Public Library. Many thanks go to the generous donors and participants who supported the garden with their purchases.

To say that Texas this year had an above-average quail season would be an understatement, by my predictions. From the Rolling Plains to South Texas, all reports from fellow quail chasers have been nothing but a decade high.

Life is about the adventures you take and the memories you make.” — Katie Grissom, author News that Jimmy Mason in Mount Pleasant had passed away reached Center a couple of days ago. Everybody in town knew Jimmy.

W Profit Motive If two words most accurately describe how free enterprise works, they would be “profit motive.” But so far, not even President Trump, who has advanced an idea, has chosen them to explain how it would work. Trump thinks he can improve the lives of Palestinians in what they call the “largest outdoor prison in the world” by creating a new, modern community in the wreckage that now is Gaza.

The City of Alpine is preparing to implement significant updates to its zoning ordinance, a move aimed at modernizing land use regulations, streamlining processes, and enhancing enforcement mechanisms. These changes, recommended by the Planning & Zoning Commission and approved for consideration by the city council, mark a major step forward in Alpine’s long-term development strategy.

“Music is probably the one real magic I have encountered in my life. It’s pure, and it’s real.

For 65 years, BBT has been dedicated to keeping West Texas connected. What started in 1960 as a rural telephone provider has grown into a leading telecommunications company in the West Texas area, delivering high-speed internet and voice services to some of the most remote communities in Texas. BBT’s recent acquisition of TDS customers in the Alpine and Fort Stockton markets has expanded our network to more than 8700 locations, including 2,700 new customers, reinforcing our commitment to providing high-quality telecommunications services across our area. On February 11, we marked another major milestone by successfully transitioning the last remaining Fort Stockton customers into the BBT network, ensuring they have access to faster, more reliable connectivity for their homes and businesses.

Sul Ross State University remains committed to serving our communities by educating students, convening experts, and providing technical expertise. Among the many challenges facing the Big Bend region— including rural health care, agriculture sustainability, and tourism—none is more vital than water security.

I am calling on the 89th Texas Legislature to pass HB 2171, which would require the playing of our state song, “Texas, Our Texas,” after the national anthem at public K-12 sporting events. The 41st Legislature adopted “Texas, Our Texas” as the official state song, written by English immigrant William J.

W NO to school vouchers The Texas Senate held a hearing on SB 2 on Tuesday, January 28, regarding school vouchers. The committee members are proposing $1B for 60,000 kids already in private schools and only $3.85B for the 5.6 million kids in public schools.