Presidio High students advance in rocketry challenge
PRESIDIO –– Two teams from Presidio High School are among 100 national finalists in the American Rocketry Challenge, which had a record-breaking 922 teams from 45 states enter this year. The 100 finalists will compete at the National Finals Fly-off on May 18 in The Plains, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C. Teams are competing for…
Dove mortality occurring across Texas due to trichomoniasis
AUSTIN –– The National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) has confirmed several doves collected across Texas, including the Trans-Pecos and Rolling Plains, tested positive for trichomoniasis. Trichomoniasis is an infectious disease affecting birds caused by a protozoan (single-celled) parasite, Trichomonas gallinae. It affects mostly pigeons and doves, but other species, such as finches, may also become…
Explainer: Does Customs and Border Protection pay property taxes?
PRESIDIO — At last week’s City Council meeting, Presidio local Javier Hernandez stood up during open comment to ask a question: who owns the housing compound for local Customs and Border Protection (CBP) employees, and do they pay property taxes? Hernandez was concerned that the agency had struck a sweetheart deal with the city to…
Texas Parks and Wildlife solicits comment on new mountain lion regulations
AUSTIN — On Monday, Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) announced that the department will be seeking public comment on a series of proposed regulations that would limit existing laws about the trapping of mountain lions. The regulations would prohibit “canned hunts” — trapping mountain lions with the intent of releasing them for an easier hunt…
City of Presidio celebrates hiring of new police chief
PRESIDIO — At last week’s meeting, the Presidio City Council selected Erik Rodriguez, a graduate of Presidio High School, as the city’s new chief of police in a unanimous vote. Rodriguez has served three years at the Presidio Police Department and has additional experience with the Presidio ISD Police. Rodriguez stepped up to the plate…
Permian Basin Area Foundation to present on its nonprofit grant program
TRI-COUNTY — In 1989 West Texas leaders envisioned a public foundation that would sustain the spirit of philanthropy in our local communities for years to come. With a charitable investment of $400,000, the Permian Basin Area Foundation (PBAF) was established. Its mission: to partner with donors in creating permanent charitable funds to enrich the quality…
Infinite Hellscape Festival showcases bands, art and culture in the Big Bend
TRI-COUNTY — The Infinite Hellscape Festival will be held May 3 through May 5 in the Far West Texas communities of Marathon, Marfa and Alpine. Infinite Hellscape is a DIY, volunteer-run music festival that brings together creatives from across Texas for a collaborative event that focuses on fostering connections between the creative communities of Austin…
Marfa Saturday Market seeks new vendors for opening season
MARFA — The Marfa Saturday Market is seeking new vendors for its upcoming season opening soon. A new venue for the market also will be announced soon. Anyone living within 100 miles of Marfa is welcome to join with their wares. All products must be locally made, harvested, collected or produced in the area ––…
Poindexter honored as West Texas conservation leader
PRESIDIO COUNTY — Cibolo Creek Ranch owner John B. Poindexter was honored recently at a Houston event for his conservation contributions in West Texas. The Borderlands Research Institute (BRI) celebrated the Third Annual West Texas Conservationist of the Year award ceremony at the River Oaks Country Club on April 10, which was hosted by the…
In a mental health crisis, Big Bend residents have options for help
Direct Hotline 988 is in place, but few know of its existence TRI-COUNTY — Few Americans are aware of a relatively new service that is intended to be like 911 for emergency services but is designated as 988, a direct hotline named the “Lifeline” for mental health, suicide and crisis intervention. The 988 Lifeline system…
