PUPPETS – Children participating in a puppet show at Marathon Public Library this week were, from left, Isaac Briones, Noah Lopez, Noah Aguilar, Madison and Mason Cavness. Behind was Giana Gonzales, Cameden Lujan, Arlene and Steve Griffis and the puppets.

IN THE SHADE – Entertainer Craig Carter held a parasol for Alice Stevens at Marathon’s Cowboy Chili Cook Off last weekend. Carter and his Spur of the Moment Band played for the dance Saturday night at the Post Park.

THE WINNAH – Juanita Hines of Del Rio, left picture, was the first place winner at day one of the annual Cowboy Chili Cook Off in Marathon Saturday. On day two, top honors and the bronze Mustang, went home with Dave Boone of Odessa. Juanita took home a bronze cowboy hat.

PECOS BRIDGE – The Pecos River Bridge near Langtry, which soars 270 feet above the legendary river, will be rehabilitated starting early next month. Traffic will be restricted on one way only during the 20-month project and heavy and wide vehicles are urged to take a detour through Ozona and Sonora.

WEEDY BLENDER – Debbie Conley used a blender powered by a weed-eater motor at the Cowboy Chili Cook Off in Marathon last weekend. Looking on was her brother Jim Taylor. Some 50 pounds of strawberries went into the concoction. Debbie won tenth place Saturday behind sister Betty Ramirez and ninth place Sunday. Betty placed second Sunday and Debbie came in ninth. The Cook Off benefited the Marathon Fire and Rescue and Friends of the Marathon Library.

VAULT SCULPTER – Clyde Curry sculpted in a vault at a new paper-crete home he and friends are building for Guil Jones of Marathon. Sunglasses add to the Hollywood effect of this “glamorous” job.

CURRY-CRETE – Clyde Curry and friends built a new paper-crete addition to the Marathon skyline for owner Guil Jones. Four weeks and four workers can go a long way with this building product, made with recycled paper.

WORKING THE CROWD IS FUN, FUN, FUN – Arlene and Steve Griffis man a table for the Friends of the Marathon Public Library on Sunday at the annual Cowboy Chili Cook Off.  They collected $594.43 for the benefit of the Marathon Library.

COOL, MAN – Low clouds hug the Glass Mountains keeping the July weather cool, so far. Extended weather outlook: cool, hot, cloudy, dry, sunshine, rain, not necessarily in that order.

ONE MULEPOWER – Buster McSparran and his mule-drawn wagon have become a regular fixture in the Sanderson July 4 parade each year. With him Friday were wife Dianne and Doris McSparran Tollett. Oh, yea. The mule is Sally.