Questionable searches erode trust

What is going on with our local policing? Minor traffic stops are getting out of hand. A burned-out light over a license plate—still visible from 50 feet away—should not justify pulling someone over. Yes, officers can issue citations for equipment failures, but common sense and courtesy suggest a warning would be more appropriate.

Even more troubling is the reliance on patrol dogs that appear inadequately trained. When a dog fails to detect drugs, yet an officer insists otherwise, it undermines public trust. These practices do not pass the “smell test.”

The motto “To Serve and Protect” seems to have been replaced with “Stop everyone for the smallest infraction and take them to the cleaners.” This is not the Marfa many of us grew up in—a town where neighbors looked out for one another, doors could be left unlocked, and crime was nearly unheard of. The landscape hasn’t changed; sadly, the people and practices have.

Marfa’s small-town charm is eroding under unnecessary policing tactics. I urge our community leaders and law enforcement to reconsider their approach. Respectful, proportionate enforcement builds trust. Heavy-handed stops and questionable searches do the opposite.

Jess Martinez
Ex Shorthorn, Class of ‘67 

Vecinos ayudando vecinos

This holiday season we want all to know that we care deeply about our neighbors. Está temporada, nosotros queremos que sepan que estamos allí con todos nuestros vecinos y estamos listos para ayudarlos.

Each member of our community matters and deserves our very best efforts. The Jeff Davis Food Pantry is requesting boxes of cereal for kids and adults, and the Jeff Davis County Democratic Party will match donations of cereal at $5 per box up to $500 for milk and other essentials. El banco de alimentos Jeff Davis solicita cajas de cereales para niños y adultos.

Please deliver boxes of cereal to the following convenient locations by Saturday, December 6. Por favor, entregue las cajas de cereales en los siguientes lugares convenientes antes del sábado 6 de diciembre. In Fort Davis: 205 Circle D Ave; In Valentine: 114 Texas Ave; In DMR: 103 Yellow Knife Trail

Jeff Davis County Democratic Party

School fair puts books in students’ hands

Many thanks to the individuals and groups who helped raise funds for the MISD library during the recent Scholastic Book Fair. Marfa PTO, Bianca Gonzalez, and Officers Lugo and Fuentes played an especially important role in helping the library reach its goal.

Because of our community’s support, more than 130 new books are ready for our library shelves, teachers’ classrooms, and—best of all—into the hands of our students. And even more titles are on the way. My motto remains: Reading is dreaming with your eyes open.

Crawford Marginot
Marfa Schools Librarian