Opinion

The undergraduate teacher preparation program was recognized by the National Council on Teacher Quality as among the best in the nation in preparing future elementary teachers to teach children to read, earning an A+ distinction in NCTQ’s new report, “Teacher Prep Review: Strengthening Elementary Reading Instruction.”

“Family reunions are the place where you remember where you came from.” — Author unknown “You know,” Stan said. “Those two are the reason we’re here.” The ‘here’ he referred to was another gathering of the descendants of Arthur George Johnson and Bernice Conlee Johnson, a family with Kentucky roots dating to the 1700s.

A very big and sincere thank you goes out to everyone who participated, attended, volunteered, and judged this year’s Smoke in the Mountains BBQ and Ribeye Shootout. The Smoke in the Mountains board can’t begin to express our appreciation to everyone that has supported us throughout the year as well as the event itself. Between the attendance of the teams and locals alike, we are just blown away. The event was better than we expected, and this year’s success left us flying high and excited about plans for next year’s Smoke in the Mountains 2024. While a final tally of the donation money is not available at this time, we will have it available to present the donation at the July 11 Jeff Davis County commissioner’s court. The donation money will go towards the first responders in Jeff Davis County including the Fort Davis Volunteer Fire Dept. and EMS, the Valentine Volunteer Fire Department, Davis Mountains Resort Volunteer Fire Department, and the Cherry Creek Volunteer Fire Department. The success of this event allowed us to pay out $23, 175 in prize money which was all entry fees and add on money donations from individuals and companies like Henley Buildings of Midland and Big Bend Title of Fort Davis and Alpine. Once again, thank you so much from the bottoms of our hearts for all your support. Jennifer Webster President-Smoke in the Mountains

“The thing about parenting rules is there aren’t any. That’s what makes it so difficult.” — Ewan McGregor, Scottish actor.

When Elton Miles discussed the legend of Indian Emily in his “Tales of the Big Bend,” he stated that he thought the story was not unique to Fort Davis, but he made no reference to any other locations where the story was told or from where it may have originated. In my research, I could find no other antecedents for the tale, but my internet research skills are limited.

Over the past week, Texans have been talking about the underfunding of Big Bend area schools. This reporting has shed light on the persistent underfunding of rural, remote schools in Texas and the devastating impacts this has on rural students and communities. These articles have also illuminated Texas legislative leaders’ failure to lead on behalf of public schools, despite this being a core part of their constitutional duties. When the state refuses to lead, we will fill that void.

“Customer: A person who pays for all your vacations, hobbies, rent, food, car notes, and gives you the opportunity to better yourself.” — Unknown “Good afternoon, Elegante Suites reservations in Abilene,” the voice on the phone said. “How can I help YOU today?” Heavy emphasis on the word, ‘you,’ made me smile.

“A good snapshot keeps a moment that’s gone from running away.” – Eudora Welty, (1909 2001) American short story writer, novelist, and photographer. A McCormick porcelain decanter bust of Elvis Presley was priced at $35.

Listen. Did you hear that? It is a call to action. The current city council understands the importance of community input and actively seeks your ideas and suggestions. Budget workshops, town hall meetings, and city council meetings serve as valuable platforms for engaging in open dialogue.

The City of Alpine celebrated National Public Service Appreciation Week in May. It’s a great time to thank and acknowledge the nearly 90 men and women who work hard every day to make Alpine a great place to live.