Opinion

As we approach the annual livestock sale on January 11, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the Big Bend Livestock Show Association‘s (BBLSA) significant role in our community. This organization is more than just a club for those passionate about livestock; it’s a cornerstone of our local culture, economy, and future. If you haven’t considered joining, now is the time to become part of something meaningful, enriching, and impactful for your family and community.

“When a friend deals with a friend, let the bargain be clear and well-Penn’d so that they may continue being friends to the end.” — Written by Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) in Poor Richard’s Almanac under the alias of Richard Saunders. The publication appeared from 1732 to 1758.

Accumulating clippings, notes, earmarked books, unmarked photos, and mysteriously scribbled-on pieces of paper. It’s what writers do. We often consider ourselves to be quasi-historians. Known to keep an immense library of outwardly appearing random reference material because we might need it someday.

Let me be the first to say it: Welcome home, John Klingemann. Sul Ross State University and the Museum of the Big Bend are pleased to welcome Dr.

September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, a time to educate women about common symptoms and to remind them to schedule their annual well-women exams. Depending on individual risk factors, additional testing may also be worth considering.

In August 2024, the current Alpine City Council adopted Chapter 23 of the Code of Ordinances, Article III, reestablishing Rules of Decorum to guide the conduct of both council members and audience participants during meetings. These rules aim to promote a respectful and orderly atmosphere where city business can be conducted efficiently and free from unnecessary disruption, insults, or disrespect.

“Saturday night at the movies Who cares what picture you see When you’re hugging with your baby, In the last row in the balcony.” — Song lyrics by the Drifters, 1965 “Is it OK to sit there?” My question was about finding a place to land and enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee a few Saturdays ago. I was at the Farmer’s Market in downtown Center, where Stacy Riley’s coffee bar is a new addition to her business.

As we start off the 202425 school year strong, Alpine ISD is leaning into three themes that exemplify our district this year: #WeAreAlpine, #OwnOurExcellence, and #BuckPrideRunsDeep. Here is a bit more about each of these mantras.

When I visit with members of the Alpine community, we often discuss the role Sul Ross plays as an economic driver for this area and concerns around enrollment fluctuations since the height of enrollment of 2,500 in 1996or, most recently, 2,100 in 2016. I am usually posed with statements like, “If we could only get back to those enrollment numbers, things would be headed in the right direction, the economic outlook of our community would improve, and we could fill empty downtown buildings with bustling new businesses.”

After speaking to legal counsel at the Texas State University System, it’s crystal clear that the Big Bend Gun and Knife Show, planned for Labor Day weekend, will violate state gun laws and Sul Ross State University policy by inviting illegal carry events onto campus including open carry, unlicensed carry, and long gun, assault weapon carry. Since those events are banned on Texas college campuses, the gun show must be immediately canceled by the SRSU administration. Further, if President Hernandez doesn’t act, the event will allow weapons of war, like the AR-15, to be sold to criminals in daylight. Only by mandating background checks can we prevent legal gun purchases to individuals who have raped, assaulted children, or been convicted of other violent felonies. Still, the gun show in question isn’t legally allowed on campus in the first place.