Transcript:
The Food and Drug Administration has conditionally approved of a topical treatment for the prevention and treatment of New World screwworm and the cattle fever tick.
In a press release announcing conditional approval, FDA commissioner said the treatment — called “Exzolt Cattle-CA1” — is a “new tool to combat two parasites threatening cattle in the U.S.”
The New World Screwworm has yet to be detected in the country, but there have been cases recently near the Texas-Mexico border.
According to the FDA, the conditional approval means the agency has determined the topical treatment is safe. The company producing Exzolt Cattle-CA1 has five years to gain full FDA approval.
________________________________________________________________________
Tomorrow (TUESDAY), officials with the city of Alpine and Brewster County will hold a joint workshop, where they’re set to discuss the future of emergency medical services in the region.
According to an agenda for the meeting, officials will consider – among other things – the current coordination on emergency services, overall needs and how the city and county can better work together.
County officials have decided not to renew the contract with the current EMS provider – that ends in May 2026.
The city-county workshop is Tuesday, Dec. 9, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the county courthouse.
You can find a copy of the agenda at www.brewstercounty.gov.
________________________________________________________________________
This is the last week to see Mexican Fiestas, the latest exhibit at Jeff Davis County Library.
The photography show presents a stunning chronicle of the historic and diverse traditions of Mexican festivals as experienced through the lens of Houston photographer Geoff Winningham. His work highlights how these celebrations unite communities through centuries-old traditions of art, music, dance and worship.
Mexican Fiestas is on display now through Friday, Dec. 12.
More information online at jeffdaviscountylibrary.ploud.net.
________________________________________________________________________
Later this month, the Sunshine House in Alpine will hold a free health clinic.
On Monday, Dec. 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the clinic will offer general checkups and consultations, EKG screenings, and ultrasound screenings.
The Sunshinehouse is located at 402 E. Holland Ave.
________________________________________________________________________
Registration is now open for next year’s Water in the Desert conference.
The three-day event focuses on the future of water in the Chiahuan Desert of West Texas.
Join landowners, scientists, policymakers, and community leaders from Feb. 11th through the 13th at Sul Ross State University. This year’s conference will feature sessions, field trips, and opportunities to connect with experts across the region.
Early bird registration is available now through Jan. 2. For more information and to get your tickets today, head to bri.sulross.edu/events/water-in-the-desert-2026/
________________________________________________________________________
The local nonprofit Friends of Big Bend Ranch State Park is holding a raffle for a chance to get an early look at the new Chinati Mountains State Natural Area.
The new state park stretches across roughly 39,000 acres of Big Bend country, but doesn’t officially open until 2032.
The nonprofit is welcoming a select group of raffle winners to hike the park on the first day of the new year.
They’re selling raffle tickets now until Dec. 13. Then starting on Dec. 14, Big Bend Ranch State Park employees will be drawing one winner per day, ending on Christmas Day.
Each person drawn will be allowed to bring one guest.
To enter the raffle, head to friendsofbigbendranch.com.
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.