April 18, 2008

LINEUP – The Terrell County Courthouse is the site of the turnaround each year for the Big Bend Open Road Race. This was the scene last year. There were about 150 cars signed up for the April 26 race at press time, the same as the number last year.

TOP TRACKSTERS – Marathon Colts, from left, Kristal Aguilar, Libby Hernandez and Christopher Stephens starred at track last week. Zach Gonzales also did well but was home sick when the camera came to call.

Photo by Jason Hennington

TOP DUO – Sul Ross President Dr. R. Vic Morgan congratulated Janice Mitchell of Round Rock and Alcee Tavarez of Presidio for their selection as the 2008 Woman and Man of the Year this week. The announcement was made at the annual Honors Convocation Monday evening in Marshall Auditorium.

TAKING TAKS TO TASK – Marathon ISD Superintendent Conrad Arriola argues that the state-mandated TAKS tests take away from student instruction because teachers have to teach to the test. It won’t get better, though. He said every Legislature comes up with something new.

DOWN IN THE  DUMPS – The old Marathon dump next to the elementary school, top picture, was closed over five years ago. But it still looks like a dump. The new dump, below? It looks like a dump as well. But then, that’s what it is, right?

NOW OPEN – The Christmas Mountains near Big Bend National Park is now open for business. Hikers and campers – as well as hunters – will be able to use the park. Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson has insisted that guns be permitted in the park. Access to the top of the mountain is still blocked by private property in Terlingua Ranch but Patterson said his staff is working on eliminating those barriers.

GARDEN SPOT - An aerial photo of a dam and water entrapment with lush vegetation in the Christmas Mountains.  Vistas such as these will be available to hikers and campers in the newly opened area, accessible through Big Bend National Park through a new easement.
THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER - This is the other side of the dam in the above photo.  This side is not as lush, proof again of what a little water will do in the desert.
BEAUTY TREATMENT?- Mrs. Javelina, fresh from her mud bath spa.  This denison of the Christmas Mountains will likely be seeing more visitors because of the new arrangement for access between the State of Texas and the National Park Service.  She will have to be careful, however, since guns will be permitted in this desolate recreation area.