News

In one of the most arid regions of Texas, where water sustains communities, working lands, wildlife, and local economies, Sul Ross State University has launched the Meadows Research Institute for West Texas Water, supported by a $2.75 million commitment from The Meadows Foundation that includes both long-term endowment funding and multiyear operational support. Housed at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, the Meadows Research Institute for West Texas Water advances collaborative water solutions in Far West Texas through applied research, education, and technical expertise to ensure a resilient water future for people, land, and wildlife.

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In an alert released on the Big Bend National Park website on January 3, park officials announced that on December 23, 2025, the water pumps at Oak Spring failed completely. These pumps supply water to the Chisos Basin developed area from Oak Spring, the only water source for the Chisos Basin.

The Big Bend Regional Medical Center (BBRMC) recently announced that Wendy Barnett, MBA, has been named as Chief Executive Officer, effective Monday, January 5. Barnett brings almost a decade of healthcare leadership experience to the Big Bend, with a background in operational excellence, patient- oriented care, and sustainable growth.

Hillside Baptist Church in Alpine invites the public to attend its new Wednesday night Bible Study video series, titled “The Promise of Heaven.” Written by wellknown Christian author Dr. David Jeremiah, The Promise of Heaven is a 12-week study containing topics such as: a body for Heaven, won’t Heaven be boring, Heavenly Worship, Five Crowns, the Celestial City, and more. This study will answer many questions often asked, such as what Heaven will look like, who will be there with us, what we’ll be doing throughout eternity, and what happens to babies and children who pass away. Dr. Jeremiah explains, “God has not left us in the dark regarding our eternal home. The Scriptures contain vivid pictures, solid promises, and detailed directions that assure us in this life of where we will spend the next.” Dr. Roger Hubbard, interim pastor at Hillside, will assist in navigating the study guide and the question-and-answer time. The video series study began Wednesday night, January 7, at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary of Hillside Baptist Church. For questions or further information, please call Karen at 432-386-3071.

The idyllic town of Fort Davis is known for its quiet, unassuming streets and neighborhoods. This all changed on New Year’s Day, with the tragic death of one of their young community members.

Start the New Year on high ground: With the calendar about to flip to 2026 and much of Texas stubbornly refusing to act like winter, Far West Texans are finding themselves in a rare position: New Year’s resolutions that don’t require gloves, parkas, or a treadmill in the corner of the living room. With temperatures lingering in the 70s and sunshine doing its usual West Texas thing for the next week or so, the great outdoors is calling, and Davis Mountains State Park is answering with a lineup that makes starting 2026 feel less like a chore and more like an adventure.

This year’s Wildlife Weekend held in Alpine on January 30- February 1 focuses on owls of the Davis Mountains, featuring experts from Borderlands Research Institute, Texas Parks & Wildlife, and other conservation organizations. All events are free and open to the public.

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Editor’s Note: These are a snapshot of just a few stories that impacted our region in 2025. Brewster Ranch sale results in funding repercussions for area ISDs The recent sale of the Brewster Ranch to the State of Texas leaves the county’s school districts, hospital district, and the county itself with even more reduced funding in their already precarious budgeting situations.