February 29, 2008

Road Race back on track

FORT STOCKTON – The Big Bend Open Road Race between here and Sanderson is back on track and will run on its scheduled dates of April 23 to 26 with the actual race on Saturday, April 26. That was the announcement Tuesday night after a long and sometimes-contentious meeting of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Whether the Road Runner Open Road Race between here and Marathon would be run in October has not been determined. Also announced was the appointment of Jim Ivy, a member of the board of the Fort Stockton Convention and Visitors Bureau, to the three-member board that oversees the non-profit organization created to run the race. The announcement appeared to answer what threatened to be a major sticking point. Terrell County Judge Leo Smith, chairman of the race board, objected to “negative” comments that had been posted on the race’s website. “One of the things that has to change is the attitude of some of the racers on the web site,” Smith told the Chamber Board discussing re-instituting the race. “They have trashed all of the leaders,” Smith said. “They are not welcome in my community.” Smith wanted to disqualify any racer making negative comments on the web site’s message board. “I disagree,” Race Director Randy Archer said. “Over the past years, I have been called a lot of things. A lot of this is just anger and frustration.” Chamber Board President Glenda Pasqua had requested the meeting stay “positive” and not go into past disagreements. “If there are differences, we need to just sweep them under the carpet and start over,” Board Member Leticia Slater said. Archer and Race Coordinator Kenda Furman both told the board they thought they could have the race by the April date. They indicated they might not know for sure until today or, perhaps Monday, because there were at lease two people that needed to be consulted. But Furman and Archer then retired to a closed-door meeting with the race board, presumably contacting the other safety workers. It was Smith who emerged from that meeting and told reporters the race would happen on April 23 to 26 and “everything is forgiven.” Smith said past indiscretions would be overlooked “in the interest of the community.” It was next to impossible to determine exactly what caused the rift that led to the announcement last week that the race had been canceled. Nearly everyone contacted by the News Leader and other media outlets seemed to blame each other and most of the comments were made “off the record.” The problem seemed to stem from confusion over who was responsible for the race when Furman left the city and went to work for Pecos County State Bank, saying she was “taking the race” with her. Some thought the bank was then “sponsor” of the race. Bank President George Hansard told the board the bank supports Furman in her race activities but the bank is not the sponsor of the race. He said the bank underwrote credit cards for the race committee and wants the race because it is good for the community and good for the bank’s customers. “But we do not make any money on it,” he said. “We are really trying to make it happen,” CVB Board Vice Chairman Dwayne Bonham said. Bonham chaired the discussion of the road race during the meeting. QEP beats March 1 deadline ALPINE – The supporting research document explaining Sul Ross State University’s Quality Enhancement Plan has been completed and sent to the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges five days ahead of the March 1 deadline. A committee of 43 has been at work on the plan since fall 2006 with 11 new committee members added in the fall of 2007. The QEP is part of the documentation and planning for the school’s reaffirmation of accreditation by SACS. “I’m pleased that our hard-working committee was able to meet this important deadline,” President R. Vic Morgan said. The 75-page, single-spaced, document includes an explanation of the Sul Ross plan to enhance student learning through engagement with their classes and supporting university activities. The plan includes three strategies: increasing outdoor learning opportunities, a pilot program to encourage innovation, and faculty development seminars. Student learning will be measured through administration of the National Survey of Student Engagement and the critical thinking portion of the Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency test. These instruments also represent the two categories, engagement survey and academic testing, required by the Voluntary System of Accountability that has been designed and sponsored by the American Association of State Colleges and the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges. Sul Ross has registered for participation in the VSA. Thus, the QEP also fits neatly into a larger national transparency plan to help students and parents select a university that will provide the educational opportunities desired. “Sul Ross State University should look very attractive on the VSA website,” Morgan said. “We will rank close to the top for ratio of available laboratory equipment per student, number of full-time Ph.D. faculty who teach freshman courses, campus safety and numerous other categories. We will rank close to the bottom in cost and class size. “We also believe that our students will make significant progress in critical thinking during their four years at Sul Ross,” he said. “The NSSE survey and the CAAP test should work together well to guide us toward demonstrating that our graduates receive a quality education for a reasonable price.” As research reviewed in the QEP document demonstrates, higher education is now focusing on “value-added learning” or measuring how much progress students make during their college careers, rather than using a university’s endowment fund and the ACT/SAT test scores of entering freshmen. A similar document was provided by a similar committee at SRSU’s Rio Grande College campus. Both QEP documents will be evaluated by a SACS review team scheduled to arrive on the Alpine campus March 29 to April 2. Morgan has served several other universities as a reviewer for their QEPs. Prior to submission, he reviewed the QEP document for each campus. “I feel confident that our reaffirmation team will find these QEPs satisfactory and that we can begin implementation next fall,” he said. Back Diners fund church project MARATHON – Hungry residents here contributed to a fund to repair and open a small room behind St. Mary’s Catholic Church Sunday. Church volunteer Ray Santos said some damaged walls and roof will be removed from a small room at the back of the church and a new apartment will be built to provide housing for visiting priests. A dinner was provided by volunteers at the church and sold for $6 per plate. Santos said other churches in town also contributed volunteer work to make the event a success. He specifically mentioned First United Methodist and First Baptist Churches as helping out. “We have some differences in our liturgy but we all believe in the same person,” he said. “This gives us a sense of community.” Santos said he moved to the area about nine years ago from Chicago “where they have huge cathedrals.” While Marathon will never be large enough for big cathedrals, he said, the town is starting to “build up. “I’m glad to see it,” he said. The church also plans to raffle off a goat on Saturday, March 15 and a dinner is planned for the priest, Father Tony Amoata-Atta who is returning to his native Ghana. The church in May plans to make Dr. Paul Lister a deacon. Back Marathon gets weather station MARATHON – Residents here can check on local weather whenever they need to know. Danny Self, who operates Marathon Motel here, said the information is posted on the town’s Channel 6 on the cable television service. It is also available on line at www.marathontexasweather.com. The site provides temperature, humidity, dew point, rainfall and barometric pressure. It also gives highs and lows and current wind as well as a graph with wind in five-minute intervals. Back Regents OK $386,000 in gifts ALPINE – The Board of Regents of the Texas State University System has approved several items, including a $30,000 grant from Mayme B. Brotherton of Dryden. The grant, which was among $386,000 in gifts, will go to the History Endowment and History Excellence Fund at Sul Ross State University. The regents, meeting at Beaumont last week, also granted authority for Sul Ross to negotiate and sign, with appropriate System Office approvals, a long-term lease with Brown-Miller Management Inc. of Beeville on approximately eight acres of land on the south side of East Highway 90. Brown-Miller proposes to build a 60-unit franchise hotel on the site. Negotiations are still in progress and no formal lease has yet been signed. Sul Ross sold surplus duplex housing units located on the site in July. The surplus buildings, empty since the construction of the Lobo Village Residential Living Complex, were removed by the buyer. The university determined it had no planned use for the land due to its separation from the main campus. The regents also approved a four-percent increase in meal plan rates and seven-percent increase in room rates, effective in the fall semester. Increased room rates were requested due to increased costs of operation of the new apartment-style facilities, including wear and tear and utilities. Effective in the fall semester, rates in Lobo Village Residence Halls will rise from $1,735 to $1,855 in the fall and spring semesters and from $595 to $635 during summer semesters. Lobo Village efficiency apartment rates will increase from $415 to $445 per month and family apartment rates will rise from $450 to $480 per month. Back Landscapes a feature of Gallery show MARFA – Greasewood Gallery at the Hotel Paisano will host a new exhibit, “Large Landscapes of the Big Bend” by Richard Fenker, in the Hotel Paisano Ballroom beginning today, Feb. 29.  Fenker is an artist, photographer, author and entrepreneur from Santa Fe, NM, and Fort Davis whose work has been featured in Greasewood Gallery and at the Hotel Paisano for several years.  For the past ten years, the majority of Fenker’'s landscape work has been in panoramic format using a Fuji landscape camera that takes a negative roughly two by seven inches in size. The prints are typically two to three feet in length – large prints by many photographic standards but not large enough, given the detail in the negatives. “I started the ‘large landscape series’ in the spring of 2007 as an experiment to move the viewer from ‘looking at a framed photograph of a natural scene’ to actually ‘participating’ in the scene – and to take advantage of the enormous detail in the negatives, Fenker said. Although Fenker’s work covers many areas of New Mexico, Utah and West Texas, the prints in this show come only from the Big Bend region. The large Big Bend landscapes are approximately 30 by 96 inches and framed. The pieces appear more like paintings than photographs as Fenker’s way of ‘seeing’ and style of printing moves them in that direction. As the artist, Fenker attempts to control and soften the light throughout the scene in the printing process and choice of materials – ink on watercolor paper. The result, Fenker said, “comes closer to capturing the ‘sweet light’ that is so characteristic of the Big Bend area, dramatic at times and yet, in the early morning and late afternoon, filled with softness and warm hues that enhance the desert’s subtle color palette.”  There will be an artist’s reception from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight in the hotel ballroom. For more information, contact Vicki Lynn Barge, gallery director, at 432/729-4134. Back

The three-member board had been made up of former County Judge Dudley Harrison, then Fort Stockton Mayor Tony Villarreal and then City Manager Danny Valenzuela. Smith was appointed when Harrison died. Villarreal did not run for re-election but stayed on the board. His replacement as mayor, Ruben Falcon, told the board the city wants to support the race but does not want to run it. Valenzuela left the city manager job and resigned from the board, creating the vacancy filled Tuesday by Ivy. Furman told the chamber board early in the discussion that “almost everything has been ordered and some of it has come in” for the April race. She said she now needs to make “heavy phone calls” to racers and others involved in the race. Furman said the goal is 160 cars but the race could be run with as few as 75 to 80 cars. She said the race crew needs assurances that communications, medical and fire serves and all other support services will be available. She said the April race date is “probably salvageable.” Smith had suggested a “Plan B” with alternates for the race crew and an alternate date, such as the Road Runner Open Road Race date in October. But Archer and Furman agreed “there is no Plan B.” Furman said it remained to be seen if the Road Runner event could be run. She said that could be determined after the April event. Johnny B’s to open MARATHON – Johnny B’s lunch counter just east of the Gage Hotel will be good for diners soon. Ruben and Coy Gonzalez plan to re-open the Marathon restaurant in early March. “We will be open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays” Coy Gonzalez said. “The menu items include hamburgers, fries, sandwiches, ice cream, shakes and malts. The jukebox is ready and full of rock and roll from the [19]50s and 60s.” The 1950s style and motif of the lunch counter will remain. Gonzalez said their other restaurant, The Oasis, will continue to be open during lunch. Back ‘One Ranger’ signs books By R.M. GLOVER MNL Editor ALPINE – Former Texas Ranger Joaquin Jackson got down and dirty with some of the most notorious criminals of Texas, including the sado-masochist Henry Lee Lucas and his necrophiliac partner Ottis Toole. Jackson discussed his new book, “One Ranger Returns,” at Front Street Books here Friday night. Lucas and Toole united in homosexuality and claimed to have killed more than 200 people, including Lupita Gonzalez, a mother of two from Uvalde. Jackson who feared too many law enforcement officers were happy to get half-baked confessions for unsolved murders from the duo, interrogated both of them and concluded indeed they were the Gonzalez murderers. This story and more come alive in the new book, presenting readers with pure mean and vicious killers as well as conflicted characters like Tom Bybee, a bootlegger who never drank, never sold to minors or drunks and ran his business in a straight ethical format until one day when he chopped a man’s head off with a double bit axe. In his talk Friday night Jackson gave much praise to his wife Shirley, who acknowledged him often as well as offered her own side notes from the seats. The two are a well-honed pair and immensely entertaining. Shirley, a former country and western singer, also writes a chapter in the book called “Stand By Your Ranger.” Jackson also praised his co-writer James L Haley and his former co-writer David Wilkenson on the first book, “One Ranger.” Jeanne Hardy, owner of Front Street Books here and in Marathon, said Jackson’s newest collection of tales is the fastest-selling book in the store’s 14-year history. Back Garden Extension under way By R.M. GLOVER MNL Editor MARATHON – “J.P. said he wanted something with a running brook,” Gage Garden Project Manager Rip Winkel said this week. He looked down a freshly bulldozed dirt corridor in the middle of Marathon. “So that’s what we’re doing,” he said. J.P. Bryan, owner of the Gage Hotel and The Gage Garden, acquired the old Adam’s Dairy Farm some time ago. “They had cows back in the [19]40s and 50s,” Sam Cavness said. His brother-in-law, Taylor Adams, now deceased, owned the dairy. “It was a raw milk operation,” Cavness said. The 18.75-acre parcel will allow Bryan to extend the present Gage Garden and have a running brook. “It’s in a flood plain. Some of the old timers have told me that during the strong rain cycle of the 1940s water would lake from here to the railroad tracks,” Winkel nodded, his head to the north. “What’s cool about the flood plain is the six feet of topsoil. “We plan a running brook down the center, a pathway, exactly one mile around, a couple of bridges and clumps of trees – forests,” he said. He pointed toward several knolls around the property already shaped in soft rolling mounds. “We’ll plant three varieties of Red Oak, Native Maple, Pine and Cypress,” he said. “Buffalo Grass and Blue Gamma will hold the dirt down and Bull Rushes along the water. “Initially, we’ll rely on an irrigation system that’ll pump 100 gallons of water a minute – 90 pounds of pressure – until nature can take care of itself.” The wind was blowing and dirt from the project was flying through the air. “There’ll be several gazebos, protected spots along the pathway to get out of the weather,” Winkel said. We walked away from the old farm toward the metal sheds near the heart of Gage Gardens. The entourage he led consisted of a reporter, Gage Hotel General Manager Wilma Schindler and three marketing consultants, Melissa Baldridge of Denver, Philip Fell of Houston and Pat Sherby of Austin. At a small fenced vineyard, Winkel rubbed his beard and continued the tour. “We had a problem with Pearce’s Disease and had to remove the old vines,” he said. “Because the soil is so alkaline, you can’t dig around here without hitting caliche. I had to find some varieties that could resist Pearce’s Disease and handle the high soil PH. “We’ve got Champanelle and Favorite growing now,” Winkel said. He lifted his head a little and smiled. “Expect to see a vintage wine come out of here in 2009,” he said. Inside the greenhouse, the warm humid air brought out the biotic smell of the purple and green plants. “These plants are for the grounds at the hotel,” Winkel said. “We’re building another green house to grow vegetables and herbs for the restaurant.” “Buy less grow more,” Schindler said. “Fresh organic vegetables are essential to the restaurant.” “The vegetable green house should be up by next month,” Winkel said. “We’ve already got Rutabaga.” Winkel, who hails from Colorado, points to a row of potted plants. “Texans need to know about rutabaga.” Back Theatre announces ’08 schedule ALPINE – The Theatre of the Big Bend Summer Repertory will perform three shows beginning June 27. The summer bill opens with the musical “Cowgirls” by Besty Howie and Mary Murfitt, followed by “Petra’s Cuento,” the second play in Rupert Reyes, Jr.’s bilingual series, and ends with “Pecos Bill and the Ghost Stampede” by Eric Coble. “Cowgirls,” directed by Dona W. Roman, is a country versus classical music mash up about a famous country-western saloon in jeopardy of foreclosure. The women of the saloon mistakenly hire a classical music trio in hopes of saving the saloon. The misunderstanding leads to laughs, song and dance and the coming together of two very different groups. Justin Badgerow will offer musical direction with vocal direction by Dr. Donald Callen Freed. “Petra’s Cuento,” directed by Liz Castillo, continues the story of the lovable, superstitious and somewhat meddlesome Petra as she tries to reconnect with her daughter and grandchildren after a worrisome visit to the doctor. “Pecos Bill and the Ghost Stampede,” directed by Dr Keith West, is a larger-than-life, Pecos Bill tall-tale production. Packed with action, laughs and the world’s largest prairie dog, “Pecos Bill and the Ghost Stampede” is a show for the cowboy in everyone. “Cowgirls” runs three weekends, June 27 to July 13. “Petra’s Cuento” runs July 18 to August 3 and “Pecos Bill and the Ghost Stampede” runs the final weekend Aug. 8 to 10. Curtain time for all shows is 8:15 p.m. Back Marathon’s Crystal Ybarra poetry contest winner ALPINE – Crystal Ybarra of Marathon High School was among the winners at the Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering here. Crystal won third place in the ninth through 12th grade category for “My Best Friend.” The contest was open to children in school grades kindergarten to high school senior and had to be about ranch life. Other winners in the ninth through twelfth grade category were first place Blake Trester of Big Bend High School for “Western Sky” and second place Helena Stark, also of Big Bend High School, for “A Cowboy’s Sonnet.” Lauren Hardin of Alpine Middle School finished first in the seventh and eighth category for “Trouble Is…” Eloise Haynes from Alpine Christian School was second for “Ranch Dog.” Third place went to Jayna Rogers of Alpine Middle School for “Snake for Dinner.” In the fifth and sixth grade category, first was Ashleigh Pasqua of Dirks-Anderson in Fort Davis for “The Old Ford Truck.” Cody Rabie of Alpine Middle School was second for “Waiting for Eight” and Cory Manek, also of Alpine Middle School was third for “It’s not Over.” The winners in the Kindergarten through fourth grade category were all from Dirks-Anderson School. First place went to Karlee Crenshaw for “Out in the Pasture,” second to Kennedy Caldwell for “ A Day on the Ranch” and third to Katelynn Roman for “Pinky.” The announcement was made by Dr. Nelson Sager, Sul Ross State University English professor and long-time member of the Poetry Gathering’s steering committee. The other judges were William “Trey” Darby III, a graduate student, and Virginia Sandoval, an undergraduate. Darby and Sandoval are both members of the Sigma Tau Delta English Honorary Society. In addition to being related to ranch life, the poems had to be eight lines – four in category K-4 – and were limited to a maximum of two pages. Poems were judged on creativity, originality, figurative language, appropriateness and structure. Back SR BFA exhibition through March 7 ALPINE – “Art of Influence,” a Bachelor of Fine Arts exhibition by Sul Ross State University student Jonathan Smith of Galveston, will be on exhibition through March 7.  Smith’s exhibit will be on display in the Main Gallery of the Francois Fine Art Building. A closing reception will be from 6 to 8 p.m. March 7. There is no admission and the public is invited. “My art is influenced by events I’ve faced during my life,” Smith said. “Being raised by a single mother has had an impact on my life and my art. “I try to put my all into each of my paintings, just like my influences did in their own lives,” Smith said. Back

There had been reports the Marathon event would be canceled because of drilling activity along US 385 between the two communities and because that race had not yet been profitable. Sand Ridge Energy, which has extensive drilling operations along US 385, helped sponsor the race last year. “I was afraid we were going to be told that we couldn’t have the race, that they weren’t going to let us close the road,” Furman said after the RRORR last year. “But they sponsored the race and they were wonderful.” However, extensive truck traffic along the highway has taken its toll. Back Accident blocks road ALPINE – A Union Pacific freight train derailed just west of the Alpine city limits about 1 a.m. Wednesday, spilling chemicals from several tank cars and closing Ranch Road 1703. The road was closed while emergency crews attended the spill. The Alpine Middle School, approximately one mile away from the derailment, was also closed. Nobody was hurt in the accident. “There may be several types of liquids that leaked,” Assistant Fire Chief Mark Scudder said. “We’re awaiting the state hazardous materials inspector to fly out from Austin and verify. “However, we are pretty certain that approximately 6,000 gallons of an extremely flammable material with a flashpoint of six degrees has been released,” he said. But Sheriff Ronny Dodson later said no toxic chemicals had been released. Back Vandals caused drainage MARATHON – There was some confusion last week over a project to remove weeds from the creek at the Post Park south of here. There were reports that workers drained the creek to remove weeds but Texas Comptroller Susan Combs, whose family donated land for the park, said “vandals” broke out a floodgate causing the pond to be emptied. “It’s [the water] coming up now,” Combs told the News Leader. A report in the News Leader on Feb. 15 said the park is “leased” from the Combs family. “My grandfather gave five acres for the park,” she said. “They needed more so we now lease a couple of acres around it to the county.” Combs said she gets a check for a few dollars “every couple of years.” The original donation was for five acres and the park is now eight or nine acres, she said. County Commissioner Ruben Ortega said the weeds were removed in the first phase and the creek filled back up. When the now murky water clears up, sterile triploid carp and, perhaps, largemouth bass will be added to keep down the weeds. Back Two killed in accidents PECOS – Two people were killed in separate rollover accidents over the weekend. One person was killed and one injured in a one-vehicle rollover about 6 p.m. Friday on US Highway 67 about 12 miles south of Interstate 10 near Fort Stockton. Ashley Tiara Stern, 19, of Dallas, a student at Sul Ross State University at Alpine, was killed when the northbound sedan she was driving drifted to the right. She overcorrected and the car rolled over several times. She was pronounced dead at the scene by Pecos County Justice of the Peace Robert Gonzales. Chantil Lacey Stapp, 21, of Junction, another Sul Ross student, was injured but was later released from a hospital in Odessa. Department of Public Safety Trooper David Nañez of Fort Stockton investigated the accident. Another one-vehicle rollover On I-10 ten miles west of Balmorhea about 6 p.m. Sunday killed one and injured two. Pronounced dead at the scene was David Leija 24, of Algoa. The DPS said he was a passenger in an SUV that rolled after a tire “rapidly lost air” while the car was eastbound on the interstate. Injured were Crystal Lynn Casillas and Carlos Mendoza, both 21 and both of San Antonio. The driver, Angela Cristine Bazan of New Braunfels, was not injured. Back Clean-up at Elementary a success By THE PAPER BRIGADE Audrey Galindo & Capri Garlick MARATHON – Hats are off to all the people that showed up for Saturday’s clean-up day at Marathon Elementary playground. Student Council members worked hard and displayed many talents. Sponsor Gracie Galindo and council president Victoria Zimmerman kept track of time, food donations and other contributions of each member. Parent Teacher Organization members Judy Briones and Rhonda Garlick also helped keep things working smoothly. At lunch, everybody enjoyed a delicious hamburger, cold drinks and chips. Students painted, weeded, raked, shoveled and moved railroad ties to expand the garden for the little ones. The best part of it was when Jay Grano, Abel Galindo and Ricky Briones showed up with their loaders to help move the pea gravel. That work could not have happened without their help. The icing on the cake was the elementary kids that also showed up to help. They were Loryn Garlick, Isaac Briones and Jeremy Ramirez. Council members present were Serena Arenas, Capri Garlick, Audrey Galindo, Christopher Stephens, Julia Ramirez, Libby Hernandez, Omar Grano, Micella Grano, Prissy Hernandez, Cito Hernandez, Marshall Duncan and Victoria Zimmerman. Although some other members were absent because of previous commitments, they still donated food items. “We did not have the turnout we would have liked. However, the help that did show up worked their hearts out,” PTO President Briones said. “We got a lot done,” she said. “It was more work than we had initially anticipated but we knocked out a lot of it.”  She said they still have to finish painting, water sealing the wood and clearing out even more gravel. They where not able to get the painting done because of the wind and the danger it posed to kids high up on ladders. The PTO thanked everyone who helped make it possible, including Rip Winkel and Ben Ramirez and Mike Mike Johnson for the use of a backhoe, Daniel Galindo for the use of his Kubota and machine operators Jay Grano, Abel Galindo and Ricardo Briones. Briones also thanked Billy Sanchez and Ben E. Keith Distributors, Ruben Gonzales and the Oasis Café, Gilda Gonzales and Shell Grill, Laverne Avery and Gracie Galindo. And she thanked the MISD Student Council, the PTO and many more people behind the scenes, without whom progress was not possible, she said. Back Church group takes a hike MARATHON – Marathon Baptist Church Pastor T.J. Joyner and wife Traci led a group of young adults and a couple of old timers on a hiking trip on the Lost Mine Trail in Big Bend National Park Sunday. The youth group tries to go on monthly hiking trips and has made several trips through the Big Bend, including Dog Canyon and The Devils Den. This summer, the Joyners plan to take the youth a bit further for summer camp in Leakey, near San Antonio. They will also load up some youth and attend Girls in Action and Royal Ambassadors, girls and boys groups who camp in Camp Paisano between Marathon and Marfa. “So far we have about four for sure interested in Leakey,” Joyner said. The Baptist Church in Marathon has recently finished a playground for the younger bunch on the church grounds. For more information about organized youth activities at the Marathon Baptist Church, contact Joyner at 432/386-4370. Back Trappings opens tonight ALPINE – Classic western gear and art will headline the 22nd annual Trappings of Texas Exhibit and Sale today and tomorrow, Feb. 29 and March 1, at Sul Ross State University. Trappings is a juried invitational exhibit that brings together contemporary cowboy gear and art. It is hosted by the Museum of the Big Bend at Sul Ross and has become a West Texas tradition. This year’s Trappings began with a lecture, “Old Masters: Taos School of Art,” by Michael Duty, guest curator of art, last night. The main event, the Trappings sale and opening reception will begin at 7 p.m. today, Feb. 29, at the newly-renovated Museum of the Big Bend on the Sul Ross State University campus.  Tickets must have been purchased in advance. The Trappings public auction will be from 10 a.m. to noon tomorrow, March 1, in Room 309 of Lawrence Hall. Items for the auction have been donated from gearmakers, artists and businesses from around the world. Back Cowboy Poetry Gathering opens ALPINE – The 22nd Annual Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering opened Tuesday in Marshall Auditorium on the campus of Sul Ross State University. The Gathering is an opportunity for working cowboys and cowgirls to display their talents as poets, musicians and storytellers. The Gathering also serves as a reunion for the participants. Starting at 2 p.m. today, Feb. 29, and running until 5 p.m. tomorrow, there are nine concurrent sessions at various locations on the Sul Ross campus. The event is funded by the contributions of area businesses and individuals. West Texas National Bank is the 2008 title sponsor and the City of Alpine has made a significant contribution to the event. Sul Ross State University provides the facilities and the Alpine Avalanche is a significant contributor. Others include TransPecos Banks, Morrison True Value Radio Shack Just Ask Rental, Kay Burnett, Jim and Julie Nowell, TransPecos Guitars, Rob and Margaret Matthews, TriCounty Printing, Texas Disposal, Carpenter Real Estate and Greg and Michelle Reynolds. Also Penitas Ranch, Tanksley Ranch, One Way Nursery, McCoy Remme Ranches, Bill Rubenstein, Three Mesquiteers, Johnson Feed and Western Wear, Jack and Louisa Mayfield, Big Bend Saddlery and Mike Forrester. Also Big Bend Telephone, Karen Travland (Bunk House), Trans Pecos Appreciation, Front Street Books, Texas Fusion and Dr. J.P. Schwartz at Cactus Health Services. A custom made pair of spurs by Cotton Elliott will be raffled to support the event. Tickets are available at Twin Peaks Liquors, West Texas National Bank, Johnson Feed and Western Wear, Big Bend Saddlery and Trans Pecos Guitars, They also will be available at the event until the drawing tomorrow night. Tickets are $10 each. This year for the first time, the steering committee will offer a 2008 commemorative partner pin for a minimum $10 donation. Those pins will be available on the Sul Ross campus at the information booth and from committee members during the Gathering. Charlie Chambers and Michael and Dawn Moon will be the headliners for the show tonight in Marshall Auditorium. Joel Nelson will emcee the show, which will include other performers as well. Guy and Pip Gillette and R.P. Smith will join others on the Marshall stage at 7 p.m. tomorrow. Michael Stevens will be the emcee. For both night shows, the cost of admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children and lap babies are free. Back