Opinion

Sul Ross President Believe it or not, summer is a busy time at Sul Ross State University. While the number of students living on campus during this season isn’t as great as it is during the long semesters – though enrollment is looking positive – we use this time for construction projects, maintenance, and in preparation for the coming fall.

Thank you Alpine and first responders A fire that seemed to begin somewhere in the rear of Judy’s Bread and Breakfast spread to the entire building, destroying our beloved GOTS and all of its contents. It also consumed Judy’s B & B, Eva’s Salon, La Azteca, and Vintage Antiques & Snazzy Things.

Here’s the second in a series of articles attempting to answer the question “What does a Justice of the Peace do”? In a previous article, I discussed how the arrest process works; an affidavit of evidence is presented to a judge, the judge reviews the facts and, if appropriate, issues a warrant for arrest (or a finding of probable cause if the person is already in jail). Once the person is arrested, the next step in the process is the accused is presented to a magistrate (judge) for a hearing required by Code of Criminal Procedure (CCrP) Article 15.17.

First, think beyond just smiling faces downtown and look at the numbers. Tourists bring a much- needed boost to Alpine’s economy.

“Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don’t turn up at all.” — Sam Ewing, Former American baseball player for the Chicago White Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays. Now Hiring.

Now that my age has surpassed the mid-century mark and I’m more ancient than virtually all professional athletes, everyone in my department at work, and even my pastor at church, I’ve noticed that the old memory is not what it used to . . . . Wait. What was I writing about again?

One summer night, we fell in love. One summer night, I held you tight.

There is a very delicate balance between our judicial system’s need to gather evidence and a person’s natural rights (rights every person has, not permissions granted by government) enshrined in the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights. The Fourth Amendment to our Constitution guarantees each citizen’s right to “be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures”. The key word is unreasonable. The amendment, and significant case law, goes on to list how a search or arrest warrant may be legally issued. As a Justice of the Peace, one of my most solemn duties is to ensure the law is followed while protecting the rights of the citizen. Indeed, as the Supreme Court opined in Boyd v. United States (1886), “It is the duty of courts to be watchful for the constitutional rights of the citizen, and against any stealthy encroachments thereon”.

“He’s a pinball wizard, There has got to be a twist. A pinball wizard’s Got such a supple wrist.” — Song lyrics ‘The Pinball Wizard” by The Who Remember video games? Yeah, I know they’re still around. I’m talking about early iterations: Nintendo, Pac-Man, Pong, Odyssey. I don’t know the history of video games, but I have no doubt my son does.

The Rio Grande There was a time of joyful people who came and went from both sides. They crossed the Rio as they pleased, no longer, now the Rio cries.