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Robbie Johnson Ray of Alpine has passed away.
In 1986, she moved to Far West Texas with her husband Dan, and together the two built a meaningful life in curiosity, compassion and adventure.
Robbie’s professional life reflected both dedication and a lifelong love of learning. She worked for 19 years as a legal secretary, with her final position under attorney Kenneth DeHart. She later returned to school at Sul Ross State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Master of Education with a mathematics specialty. Robbie went on to teach freshman mathematics at Sul Ross for 12 years, positively influencing countless students before retiring in 2012.
Outside of her career, Robbie lived a life rich in interests and accomplishments. She was an avid reader and kept a lifelong journal, finding meaning and reflection through the written word. She also loved riding motorcycles and proudly fulfilled a lifelong goal by riding in all 48 contiguous United States. Gardening brought her great joy—especially watching bees and butterflies thrive in the spaces she lovingly tended. She also possessed a special gift for quilting, spending hours each day creating beautiful quilts. Robbie had a deep and abiding love for animals. She delighted in meeting other people’s dogs while out on her daily walks and cherished every opportunity to connect with them. Over the decades, her home was shared with more than 50 pet cats—many adopted and others lovingly taken in as strays—each cared for with compassion and devotion.
Robbie firmly believed in “angels on earth” and often spoke of seven angels—both people and moments—that made a profound and lasting impact on her life, gifts she treasured and remembered with deep gratitude. She will be remembered for her intellect, independence, creativity, and generous heart.
Robbie is survived by her husband, Dan Ray; her sister, two stepchildren, and her three beloved grandchildren.
If you wish to honor Robbie, donations may be made to the Alpine Humane Society.
Her legacy lives on through her family, her students, the handmade quilts she created, and the many lives—human and animal alike—that were better for having been touched by her.
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Alpine ISD is looking for local business partners for its Summer 2026 internship initiative.
Through the program, the district will cover payroll for participating businesses. The district just received a $50,000 grant from the Texas Education Agency to fund the internships.
Alpine ISD superintendent Michelle Rinehart talked about the program on a recent episode of Buck Banter on KVLF:
RINEHART1: “Through this program, students will participate in paid internships with local businesses here in Alpine, but at no cost to the local businesses. So this grant allows us, the district, to pay the student-interns to work in local businesses here in Alpine, which is such a win-win.” (0:17)
In addition to covering payroll expenses, Alpine ISD will also help with program coordination and support, and will help place students with the right internship. The district asks that participating businesses provide a positive work experience, supervision and mentorship.
If you’re an area business interested in partnering with the district to provide a summer internship opportunity for high school students, contact Jarrett Vickers at jvickers@alpineisd.net.
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Tomorrow, the city of Alpine will hold its next city council meeting.
According to an agenda, council members are set to discuss repairs, infrastructure improvements and overall progress on a project to fix the city pool. In light of recent mandatory water restrictions, the city will also consider and approve of a plan for the pool for the summer swim season.
Council members are also set to consider a resolution increasing water utility rates to help the city cover debt taken to pay for a new municipal well, which could cost up to $1 million.
You can find a copy of the agenda at cityofalpine.com.
Council members meet on Tuesday, May 19 at 5:30 p.m. at the council chambers.
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At the end of the month (MAY), the Alpine Cowboys baseball season kicks off with the Home Run 5K and 10K at Kokernot Field.
The race takes place Saturday, May 23. And whether you enter the 5K or 10K, you’ll reach the finish line at home plate with the Cowboys team cheering you on. The 10K race starts that morning at 9:00 with the 5K run starting at 9:15.
Water, fruit, and your finisher medal will be waiting for you at the finish line!
To register, head eventbrite.com and search for Alpine Cowboys.
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Next week the Jeff Davis County Library in Fort Davis presents a day with Rachel Más Davidson.
On Tuesday, May 26 at 10 a.m. the library will host an improv story time with Davidson and invite children to create an original story and a group illustration. And later that day, at 1 p.m., Davidson will talk about what it’s like to be a professional artist and narrate the items on exhibit.
Davidson is the writer of two children’s books and illustrator of six books.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call the library at (432) 426 3802.
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.