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Services for Beth Ann Collins will take place on Wednesday, April 23 at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Alpine.
Collins, who died on March 17, lived a life filled with purpose, dedication, and love.
Beyond her career, she was a woman of diverse passions. She cherished her time outdoors, finding joy in horses, deer, and birds. Gardening was a beloved hobby as well. And from 2015 to 2018, she served on the board of the Sunshine House in Alpine.
Collins is survived by her husband, Christopher, who shared many years of love and companionship with her.
Services for Beth Ann Collins are April 23, and begin with a visitation at 9:00 a.m. A silent vigil will be at 9:30 AM and a funeral mass begins at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Holy Angels Cemetery in Alpine.
Over the weekend, protesters across the country marched to voice opposition to President Trump and his administration’s policies – from federal spending cuts and tariffs to reproductive rights and public education.
The so-called “Hands-Off” demonstrations were organized for more than 1,200 locations in all 50 states – including in the Big Bend area.
Ramon Rodriguez is the chair for Presidio County’s democratic party. He was part of the organizing efforts for Marfa’s rally, which saw some 60 people march.
RODRIGUEZ1: It’s not just a one party issue – I think it’s around everywhere. What’s going on at the federal level, they’re playing with peoples’ lives – on both sides of the aisle. I think that’s what’s really pushing communities to stand firm.”
According to the Associated Press,when asked about the protests, the White House said in a statement that the President’s position is QUOTE “clear: he will always protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for eligible beneficiaries.”
According to local organizers, other demonstrations in the Big Bend took place in Terlingua, Alpine and Fort Davis.
After 8-and-a-half years, the executive director at Marfa Public Radio has left the organization.
Elise Pepple first came to the rural radio station in the fall of 2016 – and in her time the station has grown and received national recognition. The newsroom was honored with 5 National Edward R. Murrow Awards in the last several years, and Pepple helped launch a podcast studio – which has released Marfa For Beginners, So Far From Care – and is behind the station’s upcoming series “The Last Resort.”
Pepple hasn’t said what she’ll be doing next, but plans to hold a storytelling event in Marfa in the coming months.
The radio station is currently in the process of looking for its next executive director.
A second school-aged child with measles has died in West Texas – it’s the second-measles-related death from an outbreak that has seen nearly 500 people infected since January.
According to the Texas Tribune, the child was not vaccinated and had no known underlying health conditions. The outbreak began in Gaines County – and since then cases have been reported in 18 other Texas counties, including in Midland and Ector counties.
State health officials have said that the outbreak could go on for months.
The National Weather Service – along with the Big Bend Amateur Radio Club – is hosting the annual SKYWARN training class next week in Alpine.
Tomorrow, starting at 630 pm, learn how to spot severe weather and how to best prepare for it. The class is free and open to the public – and will be held at the animal sciences center, room 130, at Sul Ross.th at 9:30 am. Both programs will be in the community room at the Panther Junction visitor center.
This has been your local and area news report for KVLF 98.7 FM, 1240 AM and KALP 92.7 FM
Local news can be found on our website at bigbendradio.com.