Opinion

While large universities often dominate the headlines with their expansive research budgets and groundbreaking discoveries, the role of research in smaller universities is equally vital, albeit in different and nuanced ways.

Thank You I would like to express thanks to new Alpine Councilman, Reagan Stone, for jumping into the job to try to make our community better. His article in the newspaper regarding the loss of life in Texas resulting from gun violence and his attempt to introduce a background check for gun shows here demonstrates his willingness to work to keep our community safe.

What were the odds, we surmised while talking about it? A miracle? Nothing quite so divine, but certainly, some intervention was involved. On that, we all agreed.

Now that two of my daughters are away at college and the one still at home basically views me as an ATM in an unfashionable neighborhood, I’ve tried to find myself a hobby. Since I’m not interested in activities that involve getting out of bed before noon on a Saturday, that pretty much rules out most manly-type-outdoorsy stuff that would require me to sweat profusely in a tent, clean an animal carcass or have one of my friends pluck a tick from a region of my anatomy that I can’t reach.

As a proud “former” Buck, I find myself reflecting on the many gifts our school district has given me. From academic opportunities to invaluable life lessons, my journey through Alpine ISD’s three campuses has been nothing short of transformative. Today, I extend my gratitude for the countless experiences and memories I have gained from being part of this educational community. In Alpine ISD, from the moment you’re enrolled in school, you are taught kindness, generosity, and integrity. You are taught what it means to be a good student, friend, and kid, not only within the school but also within the town. As you grow, these characteristics are strengthened by the teachers who shape you, and then by the fellow students who surround you and have also been molded into good humans. Being a Buck in Alpine ISD means being given the tools and the opportunities to flourish and become the best version of yourself to contribute fruitfully to the real world you’ll one day become a part of, while also being given the time to make lasting memories.

The Big Bend Arts Council and the other businesses lost in the fire on May 26th would like to thank Jennifer Harrod, owner of Javelinas on Holland Gift Shop & Boutique, and her staff for the event last Wednesday night. They had an event scheduled already for a new product launch with their VIP group members that night, but, once they saw the flames on Sunday, plans immediately transformed into a benefit for those that they saw lose so much.

Sul Ross President Believe it or not, summer is a busy time at Sul Ross State University. While the number of students living on campus during this season isn’t as great as it is during the long semesters – though enrollment is looking positive – we use this time for construction projects, maintenance, and in preparation for the coming fall.

Thank you Alpine and first responders A fire that seemed to begin somewhere in the rear of Judy’s Bread and Breakfast spread to the entire building, destroying our beloved GOTS and all of its contents. It also consumed Judy’s B & B, Eva’s Salon, La Azteca, and Vintage Antiques & Snazzy Things.

Here’s the second in a series of articles attempting to answer the question “What does a Justice of the Peace do”? In a previous article, I discussed how the arrest process works; an affidavit of evidence is presented to a judge, the judge reviews the facts and, if appropriate, issues a warrant for arrest (or a finding of probable cause if the person is already in jail). Once the person is arrested, the next step in the process is the accused is presented to a magistrate (judge) for a hearing required by Code of Criminal Procedure (CCrP) Article 15.17.

First, think beyond just smiling faces downtown and look at the numbers. Tourists bring a much- needed boost to Alpine’s economy.