Opinion

Forty-five days. The good folks at the Avalanche have asked me to write about the goings on in the county after forty-five days. Does it count that I had to re-learn how to assemble a necktie after 30 years of living in Terlingua? No? Ok. Here are my observations to date.

“When your mother asks, ‘Do you want a piece of advice?’ It is a mere formality. It doesn’t matter if you answer yes or no.

Great things are happening in Alpine thanks to a lot of hard-working, dedicated individuals coming together. It was recently announced that there will be a new 50-spot daycare opening this summer in Alpine.

Out in the West Texas town of Valentine, now population 78 per the recent Census, I fell in love with an idea. As Valentine’s Day approaches, our little pueblito takes the opportunity to shine as folks seek out the cancellation stamp designed by one of our students.

“A father’s goodness is higher than the mountain, and a mother’s goodness deeper than the sea.” — Japanese Proverb I did something dumb a few days ago. That’s not a news flash and certainly not uncommon enough to warrant a column.

To Sheriff Dodson Dear Sheriff Dodson, I have long been impressed with your work since becoming sheriff. Though I will not try to review all of the reasons why, a recent experience has presented a striking example.

“Everything is changing. People are taking their comedians seriously and the politicians as a joke.” — Will Rogers 1879– 1935, actor, syndicated newspaper columnist, and social commentator “Didn’t you run for public office one time back there somewhere,” longtime friend and fellow newspaper publisher Hudson Old asked me last week? Hudson and I grew up in Mount Pleasant.

With each new year, comes new beginnings and endless opportunities. The same is true in city government, where each year, we can look forward to many chances to provide public service to our community. Ways to serve the community include serving on a city board, volunteering to help with monthly city clean-ups, or volunteering for local nonprofi ts and advocacy groups. Among the many volunteer and public service options available, serving on the city council provides a significant opportunity for citizens to effect change and improve our city.

Sul Ross State University students who graduated from high school or were home-schooled in Brewster, Jeff Davis or Presidio counties are encouraged to apply for the Bechtel Scholarship. Eligible recipients will be awarded $750, which can be applied to college expenses of the student’s choosing. The scholarship is noncompetitive, meaning that all eligible applicants will be awarded the funding. Applicants must be full-time undergraduates, have earned at least 24 credit hours and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Deadline to apply is Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at Noon. For more information or to receive an application, please email Matthew Walter at mwalter@sulross. edu or John Ferguson at jwferg451@ gmail.com. John Ferguson Presidio

“If you drive a car, I’ll tax the street, If you try to sit, I’ll tax your seat, If you get too cold, I’ll tax the heat, If you take a walk, I’ll tax your feet.” — “Taxman” song lyrics by The Beatles Every January, we charge into the new year filled with hope and optimism. We even get giddy, dreaming about how much better this year will be.