Opinion

Over the last two months, staff at Alpine Elementary have been hard at work designing and leading a culture shift on behalf of the children of Alpine. Why? Because, as Alpine Elementary’s motto states, The Bucks Start Here.

“Bells started ringin’ and chains rattled loud, I knew I’d moved in a haunted house.” — ‘Haunted House’song lyrics, recorded by Jumping Gene Simmons 1964. The old house was charming, even in stages of ruin.

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The Alpine Police Department frequently receives multiple mental health calls each day. It is common for family members to contact 911 and report that their son, daughter, father, or mother is experiencing a mental health crisis and request a police officer. These situations require prompt and sensitive responses to ensure the safety and well-being of the individual in crisis. The police department collaborates with mental health professionals and community resources to provide appropriate support and intervention in such cases.

“My memory isn’t faulty; it just goes on vacation more often than I do.” — I would tell you who said that. But I forget.

It’s a very exciting time in Sul Ross State Athletics. I cannot fully explain how amazing it is to see the realization of such a major milestone coming to life. When I first stepped onto campus a little over three years ago, the potential of this place was palpable. I was so excited when I was offered the opportunity to serve as the Athletic Director and help nurture the department into what it is today.

On the road again, goin’ places that I’ve never been, Seein’things that I may never see again, And I can’t wait to get on the road again — Song lyrics written and recorded by Willie Nelson I’m thinking about going in the opposite direction. Geographically speaking, that is. This trip I’m thinking about could be made going two different directions. Center is only 17 miles from the Louisiana border, so going north for 127 miles would take me to Texarkana. And 134 miles of windshield time would find me looking at the city limits of Beaumont. Whichever way I venture from home, the initial leg of this proposed journey would be only 1/24, or roughly four percent, of the entire journey.

As the month of March has blown in, the Big Bend region is on tap for the annual influx of visitors for the Spring Break holiday. This week-long hiatus for school-age children and their families along with the college- aged crowd, have planned for the lengthy travel to Big Bend country for a little rest, relaxation, and perhaps some adventure.

“Well, it’s one for the money, two for the show, Three to get ready now go, cat, go But don’t you, step on my blue suede shoes.” — Rock and roll standard written and recorded by Carl Perkins in 1955. It was a hit song for Perkins in 1955 and for Elvis Presley in 1956.

To the local citizens of South Brewster County, Tourism, “The Industry” that supports our working friends and families, is the reason we have access to the conveniences we have and use such as GROCERIES, MULTIPLE RESTAURANTS, FUEL, and VEHICLE REPAIR, just to mention a few. For all of the primary Spring Break period, Brewster County’s Hotel Occupancy Tax provides roll-off dumpsters for TOURISTS to place their trash bags in, in Marathon and Study Butte. This helps keep bags from being left on the sides of the roads. There is signage asking for trash bags ONLY, however, each and every year there are local folks that fill these dumpsters with every manner of household junk within 24 hours of drop off. Some ideas for scheduling can possibly help with extra pickups as tourism declines, but PLEASE allow the dumpsters to do the job they are intended to do, which is preventing littering all over our highways and camping areas. Later, let’s work to get the Commissioner’s Court to provide more than one Trash Day per year for South County! Thank you all for your consideration and help. Barbara Trammell Study Butte-Terlingua