Opinion

When I celebrate Valentine’s Day with my wife, I will be totally unapologetic if my mind wanders to my first crush. Here’s the backstory.

“To attract men, I wear a perfume called ‘New Car Interior.’” — American comedian Rita Rudner That new car smell. It’s intoxicating.

About the 14th Amendment Recently, a letter to the editor argued that the 14th Amendment could be interpreted to stop birth tourism, by considering the parents not under the jurisdiction of the US: local, state, and federal. “Jurisdiction” is a word that derives from juris, a Latin word meaning pertaining to law.

On Friday, January 31st, we received the devastating news that the Brewster County Appraisal District failed the Texas Comptroller’s Property Value Study (PVS) for the sixth straight year. This CAD failure will result in $700,000+ in state funding being withheld from Alpine ISD for the 2024-25 school year, which is a 7% midyear decrease in our revenue.

“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.