Opinion

I am honored to introduce myself to the community as your new Postmaster. My name is Oscar Davila, and I am excited to begin this journey serving the residents and businesses of Alpine.

“Our mission is to connect every person in the world.” – Mark Zuckerberg Technological advancement should bring improved quality of life with rewards in saving time and productivity. The internet does that, as do phones that can replace a plethora of everyday items while fitting in a pocket or purse.

The Brewster County Appraisal District is once again moving values up to try to hit the state standard of 95% of market value. Alpine ISD has lost state funding due to the continuous failure of the Property Tax Value study done annually by the State Comptroller. The rapidly rising local market after the pandemic, coupled with a general increase in values throughout the state, has exacerbated the difficulty of setting correct values.

“We’ve got to patch it up baby, Before we fall apart at the seams. — “Patch it Up”performed by Elvis Presley in 1970 A well-meaning friend gifted me a coffee mug on my 40th birthday … a few years ago.

As the spring semester draws to a close and the excitement of spring commencement fills the air, I find myself reflecting on all we’ve accomplished at Sul Ross State University over the past few months. It has been a season of tremendous growth, resilience, and achievement, and I could not be more proud of the students, faculty, staff, and families who make our university community so special.

“Things Money Can’t Buy: Time. Happiness.

Imagine it is 2 a.m. and that annoying chest pain you had earlier in the evening has not gone away. In fact, it has gotten much worse. To the point where you are asking yourself, “Is this a heart attack”? Someone you love dials 911 and requests assistance from the Emergency Management Service (EMS). Now, if you are like me, you would want the following to show up: four Paramedics, three Ambulances, two Helicopters, and a Cardiologist. More importantly, I (or you) would want someone highly skilled to take the pain away, transport you to the closest medical facility, and do it with care, kindness, and professionalism.

Thank You The funeral service for Beth Ann Collins was held on April 23rd. The professional and compassionate staff of the Alpine Memorial Funeral Home worked seamlessly with the clergy and staff of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church to provide a beautiful ceremony.

“My old friend, I apologize For the years that have passed Since the last time you and I Dusted off those memories.” — Song lyrics performed by Tim McGraw. We never forget friends.

As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week next week, there has never been a more critical time to support Texas’ public school teachers. For generations, public school teachers have been the bedrock of our communities, educating the next generation of leaders, public servants, business owners, tradespeople, faith leaders, workers, and officials.