This is your local and area news.
Johnny Joe Marquez of Alpine passed away suddenly last month in Odessa. He was 55.
Born in El Paso, Johnny spent nearly his entire life in Alpine, the community he loved and faithfully served. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend whose life was defined by humility, hard work, and an unwavering willingness to help others.
For more than 30 years, Johnny dedicated his career to the City of Alpine Utilities Department. His work was far more than a job—it was a calling. Whether it meant sleepless nights, long days, holidays away from home, or responding to emergencies at a moment’s notice, Johnny took pride in ensuring the residents of Alpine always had running water. He understood that the work he did was essential, and he carried that responsibility with quiet strength and unwavering commitment. Though his efforts often went unnoticed and were met with very few words of thanks, Johnny never complained. He simply showed up, day after day, because he believed in serving his community.
In addition to his many years with the City of Alpine, Johnny also worked for the Texas Department of Transportation and Sul Ross State University. But no matter where he worked, he earned the respect of his coworkers through his strong work ethic, dependable nature, and willingness to lend a helping hand whenever it was needed.
Above all else, Johnny loved his family. He was a devoted husband to Megan Antrim and a loving father to Hope Marquez. His family was his greatest source of pride, and he worked tirelessly to provide for them, support them, and make sure they always knew they were loved.
Johnny leaves behind a legacy not measured by titles or accomplishments, but by the countless lives he touched through simple acts of kindness and genuine compassion.
He is survived by his loving wife, Megan Antrim; his daughter; his two sisters; a beloved nephew; close friends; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and countless friends who were blessed to know him.
A Rosary will be held later this month on Saturday, August 22 at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Alpine, followed by the funeral mass and burial at Holy Angels Cemetery. A reception will follow at the church.
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The candidate filing period for the November election is open.
There are two positions: mayor and city council representative for Ward 5. Anyone interested in running for either position can submit an application with the city.
You can pick up an application form at City Hall. The deadline to file is later this month on Monday, Aug. 17 at 5:00 p.m.
For more information you can call the city secretary’s office at 432-837-3301.
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Next week, Brewster County officials will hold the next commissioners court. According to an agenda for the meeting, commissioners will discuss and potentially take action on updating the policy for charging for public information requests. They’ll also talk about approving a school resource officer agreement between Alpine ISD and the County.
Commissioners will also receive updates from county departments, including tourism, emergency management, and the road and bridge department.
Commissioners meet Tuesday, August 11 at the county courthouse in Alpine.
You can find a copy of the agenda at brewstercounty.gov.
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This weekend, Front Street Books will celebrate “Book Lovers Day” with special giveaways and offers.
The annual event encourages bibliophiles to celebrate literature and the joy of reading.
The celebration takes place Sunday, August 9.
For more information and to get a peak at other upcoming events, head to fsbooks.square.site
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Next week, the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute hosts their annual BBQ and auction fundraiser.
The event helps raise money for CDRI programming throughout the next year. In addition to the silent auction, and the BBQ dinner, there will also be live music from Rick Ruiz and A Few Too Many.
The fundraiser is Saturday, Aug. 15 at 3:30 p.m.
For more information and to get your tickets now, head to cdri.org.
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Next month (SEPTEMBER), the Governor’s small business summit is heading to Brewster County and will help connect small business owners and entrepreneurs with the resources they need to start, strengthen and grow their business.
The Small Business Summit takes place Thursday, September 17 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Morgan University Center, located at the Sul Ross campus in Alpine.
Attention, vendors: in the fall (NOVEMBER), Artwalk returns for its 33rd year. For more than three decades now, Artwalk has showcased the artistic creativity of the Big Bend.
This year’s event takes place Friday, November 20 and Saturday, November 21.
For vendor applications or sponsorship applications, email artwalkalpine@gmail.com.
For other information, head to artwalkalpine.com.
This has been your local and area news for KVLF 98.7 FM, 1240 AM & KALP 92.7 FM. Local news can be found on our website at bigbendradio.com.