Opinion

Empty Buildings, Empty Wallets: How Alpine’s rental greed is killing our community Walk down any street in Alpine, and you’ll see them: vacant apartments with sunbleached ‘For Rent’ signs. Meanwhile, Sul Ross students cram four people into twobedroom units, young professionals commute 50 miles daily, and local businesses can’t find workers who can afford to live here.

For three days in February, Alpine became the center of one of the most important water conversations in Texas. Landowners, scientists, groundwater conservation district leaders, legislators, judges, nonprofit partners, and community members gathered at Sul Ross State University for the Water in the Desert 2026 conference.

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, a chance to brush up on the facts about colorectal cancer, one of the most preventable—and treat-able— cancers when detected early. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States.

Dear Editor, Recently, the City of Alpine began sending my gas usage bill to me instead of my landlord, the property owner. Having a very accommodating landlord, he agreed to allow me to pay for my gas usage and debit my rent payment accordingly.

Recently, the Department of Homeland Security has moved forward with plans for the construction of a physical border wall through Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. So, why no wall? Here are my questions: Why does it matter to me? It is unnecessary because immigration through the Big Bend section of the border is 1% of the total for the southern border and constitutes ¼ of its length, 517 miles.

One of the most important responsibilities in local government is maintaining a city charter that reflects current law, best practices, and the needs of the community it serves. Over time, changes in state law, court rulings, and voter-approved measures can leave portions of a charter outdated or inconsistent. For that reason, the Alpine City Council has begun a comprehensive review of our Home Rule Charter, and residents are invited to participate in this important process.

The City of Alpine is undergoing an exciting period of growth and revitalization as the city council and city staff pursue strategic projects designed to strengthen both the local economy and quality of life for residents and visitors. We are using a forward- looking approach to development by balancing tourism promotion, infrastructure improvement, and essential community services. We are committed to sustainable progress that benefits all sectors of the community.

“Alexa told me to take a break. Who’s working for whom here?” — Ginni Rometty, Former CEO of IBM “How’s retirement?” I’m asked that often since that retirement party I never planned.

In the Big Bend, land has a long memory. Heavy summer rains can carve new channels overnight. Wind strips exposed soil a little more each season. Plants that aren’t truly adapted may survive at first, then quietly fail. For many Alpinearea property owners, these changes don’t come from misuse of the land, but from applying conventional landscaping ideas to a desert environment that operates on very different terms.

“A grandmother’s kitchen — where memories are seasoned with love.” — Author unknown but likely well nourished Just like Sunday dinner at Granny’s house. That was my first thought last week at Lions Club, where fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, and hot rolls were served up for the civic club luncheon.