Vol. 37, No. 43

 

Terlingua Moon

Volume 37, No. 43

October 27, 2026 by FreeBird

“[W]hile we have our eyes on the future, history has its eyes on us.” ‑‑ Amanda Gorman

BREWSTER COUNTY REGULAR COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING

Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 9:30 AM in the Brewster County Courthouse, Commissioners Courtroom.
See attached agenda or visit Commissioners Court agenda 10/27/26.
invites you to join us for a spooky evening under the full moon
at The Cactus Farm!

LAST CHANCE TO VOTE EARLY!

Monday, October 26 through Friday, October 30, 7 am – 7 pm

EARLY VOTING LOCATION:

Val Clark Beard Complex 203 N 7th St, Alpine.

This is the ONLY option for early voting.  There will be no early voting in Study Butte/Terlingua.

ELECTION DAY: November 3, 7 am – 7 pm

ELECTION DAY VOTING LOCATIONS:

Precinct 1 & 2 --Judge Val Clark Beard Office Complex, 203 N 7th, Alpine

Precinct 3—Marathon Community Center 150 N 2nd St, Marathon

Precincts 4 & 8—Alpine Civic Center 801 West Holland Ave, Alpine

Precincts 5, 6, & 7—JW “Red” Pattillo Community Center, 201 Rex Ivey Road, Study Butte

Remember, on Election Day, you MUST vote in your designated precinct location.

BALLOTS BY MAIL ‑‑ To be counted, mail ballots must be received at the County Election Office by 4 pm on November 3.

FAMILY CRISIS CENTER OF THE BIG BEND ‑‑ Thank You, David Elkowitz, Reine Wonite, and the Terlingua Preservation Society!  FCCBB extends our heartfelt gratitude to the Terlingua Preservation Society for their generous donation!  Your support helps us continue providing vital services and support to individuals and families in South Brewster County.  We are grateful for community partners like you who help us make a difference in the lives of those we serve.  Thank you for investing in our mission and the well-being of our community!

FULL MOON POTLUCK — HALLOWEEN EDITION!

Jackass Flats Improvement Association

October 26th

The Cactus Farm

Start eating at 7:00 PM

Music starts at 7:30 PM with Moses!

Costumes are encouraged!

Halloween-themed dishes are encouraged too!  Bring your favorite spooky, creepy, or just plain delicious creation to share.  Come enjoy good food, good music, great company, and a little Halloween fun under that beautiful West Texas moon.  Bring a dish, bring a friend, wear a costume, and come hang out with your Jackass Flats community.  Everyone is welcome!

TERLINGUA RANCH PROPERTY OWNERS' POTLUCK ‑‑ Join your friends and neighbors on Monday, November 2nd, 6:00 pm, at the Bunkhouse for our monthly potluck.  It will be an evening of great fun as we will be amazed at a MAGIC show by Brad and Georgeanne.  Following the potluck, Starry Night Ranch will host a FREE STAR PARTY for property owners from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm.  For the star party, please bring a chair and a red light if you have one.  The ranch will provide plates, cutlery, iced tea and water.  Please bring a covered dish to share.  For more information, call Marilynn at 512.484.1409.  See you there!

FREE BBQ & BREATHWORK ‑‑ Join us for an evening of community, connection, and healing, featuring a heartfelt discussion led by voices from our community, and FREE BBQ (vegan option provided) at 5 PM.

At 6 PM, unwind with a sundown Kundalini breathwork and sound bath experience led by Kasie Lunson, Midland-based yoga and breathwork practitioner.  Mats provided if needed.  No need to have a level of knowledge.  If you breath air, this practice is for you!

Let’s explore how we can support our community mentally, emotionally, and wholeheartedly.

Come for the food, stay for the connection, and leave feeling renewed.

31st ANNUAL KEN & JOEE BARNES MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER ‑‑ Join us November 14th for our annual Cribbage & Horseshoe tournaments (sign up at 9), BBQ (noonish) and silent auction at the Terlingua Ghostown Horseshoe Pits.

31st Annual Fundraiser for Terlingua High School graduate scholarships.  We lost Joee May Barnes at the age of 16 after a tragic accident.  The community opened their hearts and rallied to raise funds for our family, but it wasn’t needed for its intended purpose.  We decided to return the money thru a Scholarship and my father, Ken Barnes, kept the scholarship fund going by honoring Joee’s memory with a Memorial Fundraiser every year.  My husband, Jared, and I have kept the tradition going after Ken’s passing and the fundraiser now honors both their memories.

BETTY ALEX ‑‑ Betty touched the lives of many people in the Big Bend region of west Texas.  Join others to honor her life on Saturday, November 14, 2026.  We will meet at the Red Patillo Community Center in Study Butte, Texas at 2:00 pm to share stories of our shared life in this remarkable desert.  Bring photographs and stories about how Betty touched your life here.  If unable to attend, please send memories to share to email.tom.alex@gmail.com.  Refreshments will be provided.

 

JACKASS FLATS IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION ‑‑ Dutch Oven Cookoff and Potluck

November 13 through the 15th

Bring a dish or enter your Dutch Oven

Team Roping, Wagon Rides, Horseshoes, Art Show, Flea Market, Stick horse contest and race, Women’s Skillet Toss

Games, Music, Prizes

Western Food, fun and camping for all ages.

51491 Hwy 118, 60 miles south of Alpine, Texas

Contact the Little Burro Country Store 432 271 2082 or Pam Gordon 765 252 8863.

DON'T LOSE THAT PRECIOUS RAIN WATER!

We can help - Call: TANKS A LOT TERLINGUA

Water Catchment Tanks, Pumps, Filters and Installation

Locally owned - located near the Terlingua Ranch Lodge.

Call Mark or Michelle: 432-371-3096 (home/office) or 806-781-7814 (cell)

MILKY WAY TREATS ‑‑ ice cream will be open this weekend, Saturday (Halloween!) thru Monday (Dia de Los Muertos).  We’ll have our delicious vanilla and chocolate sauce serve, along with some awesome homemade pints!  Check out our spooky sundaes!  Gracias, Terlingua!

SATURDAY COMMUNITY MARKET ‑‑ Come see us at the Saturday Community Market, open from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.  Located in the Ghost Town, down in the Community Garden, we're here every Saturday with happy vendors offering an array of locally produced goods and other items.

Local art, handcrafted textile goods, fresh eggs, sour dough bread, jelly, pickles, all natural lip balms and skin care products, all natural essential oil fragrances, beard oil and massage oils, handcrafted, creative jewelry, resin creations, practical and artistic items made of reclaimed steel and more -- you never know just what or who you'll find here.

Flea market items are also welcome.  After all, reusing and up-cycling already existing items is smart and green.  We ask a $10 donation to the Community Garden to set up, helping us to continue to improve this space and experience for all of us.

We welcome new vendors.  To make it easy for new vendors to try our market and to show our appreciation to our regular vendors, we waive set-up fees on the first Saturday of the month, offering free set-up on that day.

For more information, text or call 432.213.1863 or pop in at the market for a chat.  Prepared food vendors must display current food handling license.  (A quick, easy and affordable online course can provide that).

Please help keep our market space safe and comfortable for all, two-legged and four, by keeping all dogs leashed and under control.  We look forward to seeing you there.

ALL YOU NEED TO ATTEND AN AA MEETING IS A DESIRE TO QUIT.  If you have, or think you might have, a drinking problem, we meet at 6:30 pm on Thursday at the Big Bend Church, just north of the post office.

TERLINGUA TRASH PICKUP ‑‑ weekly trash pickup for residential and business.

Straightforward pricing:  No long term contracts, No fuel fees, No environmental fees!

We do JUNK/DEBRIS REMOVAL too:  wood piles, bulk trash, tires, house clean outs, mattresses, appliances, and more!

Details and pricing here: www.terlinguatrash.com.

Have a great day! -Jimmy (432) 201 -5638.

PAISANO POST FROM TERLINGUA SCHOOL

Book Fair Time:  Oct. 26th-30th at BBHS - During school hours.  Parents’ nite Oct. 28th 00pm. 

The folks at CASI would like to spread the word, concerning Trick or Treating, during the Cook Off ‑‑ 

“Halloween is on the Friday when most of us arrive.  There will not be that many trailers for the kids to trick or treat.  I think most of us are just going to set up tables under the pavilion so they don’t have to walk around while trailers are pulling in.”

Basketball seasons are gearing up.  The Home Opener for Junior High will be vs. Presidio on Nov. 12th at 5pm.  The Home Opener for High School will be Girls vs. Valentine on Nov.16th at 5pm.

BIG BEND ESPICOPAL MISSION & OTRA VEZ THRIFT SHOP

Sts. Mary & Joseph’s Chapel in Lajitas:  All are welcome to attend services on Saturdays at 5pm.  Our Lady of Guadalupe service will be held at Santa Inez in the Ghost town on Dec. 12th at 5pm.

Thrift Shop Times:  Wednesdays 5:30pm-6:30pm.  NO Saturday Hours on 10/31.  Thank you for your support.

Mark ("eYeBall") Kneeskern Memorial Scholarship and Terlingua Music Bash

MARK (“eYeBall”) KNEESKERN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AND TERLINGUA MUSIC BASH

Cabin 10 would like to thank everyone who contributed in any way, shape or form to the 2026 Terlingua Music Bash and Silent Auction benefitting the Mark (“eYeBall”) Kneeskern Memorial Art Scholarship for Terlingua High School.  We are assured of the continuation of this scholarship thanks to your generosity – both those who donated items and those who bid on/ purchased items.

We would also like to thank the venues who contributed to the success:  Greg and Mellie Hammer of The Boathouse Bar and Bugalows; The Ivey family and The Starlight; Don Baucham and DB’s Rustic BBQ; Mike Minnick and The Temple of the Bird and Meg Lowery La Kiva.

Mark was a beloved member of our community, and we are so grateful that you continue to show up and make sure this scholarship remains whole and his memory alive.  He loved this community and he especially loved the children of Terlingua and always encouraged their creativity and pursuit of the arts.  This past year, two scholarships were awarded.  One to graduating senior Ervey Sotelo and the second was a renewal of the scholarship presented last year to Caitlin Staib.  We look forward to the presentation of the scholarship in May of 2027 and hope many of you will come to the Terlingua High School graduating ceremony as all of the graduating seniors embark on their next journey.

For more information on Cabin 10 and this scholarship, check out https://cabin10.org/scholarships. 

TAQUERIA EL MILAGRO ‑‑ Authentic Mexican food and more located in the Ghost Town. We serve Mexican recipes from street tacos to steaks and huge side dishes.  Great food, great setting.  BYOB and make a party.  Open Wednesday through Sunday from 3 pm until 9 pm. 432 371-2060 for takeout via our drive-through window.

ESPRESSO …Y POCO MAS ‑‑ Ghost Town favorite for locals and visitors to the area. Seven days a week for home-cooked breakfasts, lunches and the best coffee in the area.  Smoothies and iced drinks.  Great seating with fantastic views, strong wifi, and newspapers.  432 371 3044 for to-go orders.  

KEEP BIG BEND WILD!

Justice Samuel Alito, who gets the first look at all applications for Supreme Court action from Texas, has given the plaintiffs until this Thursday, October 29, to submit a brief in opposition to the government’s request that SCOTUS stay or overturn the preliminary injunction.  This is an encouraging sign – Alito is not acting quickly or unilaterally, apparently wanting to thoroughly understand the arguments on all sides.  The Justices meet in conference next week to discuss cases, so it’s also possible that he will bump this to the entire court for consideration.

So the injunction holds at least until late Thursday, and possibly much longer.  Or he could just be delaying until after the midterms – we simply don’t know.

Have you seen this frightening article in the NY Times this week, about AI surveillance towers?  Here is a gift link: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/10/22/us/politics/ai-surveillance-cameras-border-mexico.html?unlocked_article_code=1.LFE.WjD7.5nB9gxrElxuQ&smid=url-share.  (It may require registration, but there’s no actual paywall.  Make up an email if you have to…)  This is a stark reminder that when DHS or CBP say they are “considering” alternative plans for the Big Bend area that will have lesser impact, and when some well-meaning folks in our area say that technology is the answer rather than barriers, all technological solutions are not the same.  We NEED to continue to DEMAND transparency from the government, and see their entire plan, including all the towers, roads, power and communications cables, man camps, wells, staging areas, etc.  Their arrogant responses to the court suggests that they continue, despite almost universal opposition, to assert that they alone can solve the problem, and they alone can define what that problem actually is.  WE DON”T BUY IT.

This government overreach appalls people across the political spectrum, which is why KBBW strongly believes that a bipartisan legislative solution in the next Congress is the necessary resolution to the current situation for the entire Big Bend region. 

So do the folks at LetTexansDoTexas.Org (LTDT), a new politically-savvy Texas-based organization that has emerged from within the midst of this fight. LTDT is advocating for a redirection of federal border infrastructure money to a trust fund that Texans control, as we know best what is really needed in the Big Bend to assure a secure border AND the protection of our environment, economy, livelihoods, and quality of life.  Cordial discussions are ongoing between KBBW and LTDT, as we share a commitment to establishing wilderness at Big Bend National Park as part of the legislative strategy – see www.lettexansdotexas.org/the-solution.

We probably don't need to remind folks that your vote really counts this time, more than ever.

A big thank you to everyone, especially local businesses, that have added your names to the Keep Big Bend Wild supporter list at keepbigbendwild.org/become-a-supporter. 

KBBW is a strategic partner in the No Big Bend Wall Coalition.  Please follow us on our FaceBook and Instagram pages.   #keepbigbendwild

Bob Krumenaker

Chair, Keep Big Bend Wild

bob.krumenaker@keepbigbendwild.org

www.keepbigbendwild.org

“Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth.” ‑‑ Abe Lincoln

Send your MOON news and submissions by Monday NOON for that week’s MOON.  Email to terlinguamoon@gmail.com.  Please no PDFs or fancy fonts!  (We like it easy.)  On the web at:  theterlinguamoon.blogspot.com.  For 37 years, THE source for news in South Brewster County. 
Updated every Tuesday (sometimes Monday). 

Terlingua Moon - Vol 37, No 42 - October 21, 2026

 TERLINGUA MOON

October 21, 2026

by Terlingua Thinking Team!!!

"It's always the small people who change things. It's never the politicians or the big guys. I mean, who pulled down the Berlin wall? It was all the people in the streets. The specialists didn't have a clue the day before." - Luc Besson, French filmmaker

SCHOOL FUNDRAISER THURSDAY

BBHS Senior Class will have their Fall Fundraiser at Cottonwood this Thursday, October 22nd. They will be selling papas preparadas, aguas frescas, and Mexican candies. They will be selling from 4:00 p.m. until sold out. 

ELECTION INFO

Early voting started Monday, the 19th and runs through Friday the 30th in Alpine, only for Precincts, 5, 6 and 7. They will not be any early voting in Terlingua. You have to go to Alpine. On election day, voting will be at the community center in Terlingua, for Precincts 5, 6 and 7. There will not be any voting set up in the Park. So anyone from Precinct 5 needs to either do early voting in Alpine or drive to Terlingua on election day.

EARLY VOTING STARTED MONDAY!

Monday, October 19 through Friday, October 23, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Saturday October 24, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Sunday October 25, 1 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Monday, October 26 through Friday, October 30, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

EARLY VOTING LOCATION:

Val Clark Beard Complex 203 N 7th St, Alpine. 

This is the ONLY option for early voting. 

There will be no early voting in Study Butte/Terlingua.

BALLOTS BY MAIL:  

Eligible voters can request mail ballots from the County Election Office at 432-837-6000 Ext 6230.   Deadline to request a ballot by mail is October 23.  

To be counted, mail ballots must be received at the County Election Office by 4 p.m. on November 3.

ELECTION DAY: November 3, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

ELECTION DAY VOTING LOCATIONS:

Precinct 1 & 2 --Judge Val Clark Beard Office Complex, 203 N 7th, Alpine

Precinct 3—Marathon Community Center 150 N 2nd St, Marathon

Precincts 4 & 8—Alpine Civic Center 801 West Holland Ave, Alpine

Precincts 5, 6, & 7—JW “Red” Pattillo Community Center, 201 Rex Ivey Road, Study Butte

Remember, on Election Day, you MUST vote in your designated precinct location.

MAKE A PLAN AND VOTE!

NO WALL ACTION

Judge Kathleen Cardone just turned down the DHS attorneys' request to stay her injunction. On to the Supreme Court.

Rally #35.  Saturday, Oct 24, 9-11 a.m. at the Y in Study Butte.

Eyes still fixed on the Supreme Court, but we will rally as long as our beloved Big Bend remains under threat! The only border crisis in the Big Bend is the threat of a Big Bend barrier system. It will crush our economy, diminish our night skies, irreparably damage the ecosystem, and defile and destroy our sacred Rio Grande. 

The fight is not over! We stand with Raymond Skiles and other landowners in Val Verde County. "The recent El Paso court order did not halt border infrastrcture progress in the Amistad canyonlands of Val Verde County, Texas. It's contiguous to the USBP's Big Bend Sector, but happens to fall administratively into their Del Rio Sector." -  Raymond Skiles, long-time border landowner. Check his FB page for more info.

Parks to People Community Gathering 

Wed, November 11, 2026, 4:30 p.m.

Far Flung

Join us for an evening of community, connection, and healing, featuring a heartfelt discussion led by ****voices from our community, and a free BBQ at 5 p.m.

At ****6 p.m., unwind with a sundown Kundalini breathwork and sound bath experience led by Kasie Lunson, Midland-based yoga and breathwork practitioner. Mats provided if needed.

Let’s explore how we can support our community mentally, emotionally, and wholeheartedly.

Come for the food, stay for the connection, and leave feeling renewed.

KEEP BIG BEND WILD will be in Odessa October 22. KBBW Chair Bob Krumenaker will be the keynote speaker before a free screening of "The River and the Wall," followed by Q&A as long as people want to talk. It’ll be at the Odessa High School Performing Arts Center at 7pm CT, sponsored by the International Baccalaureate Students and Faculty of Odessa High School and presented by Keep Big Bend Wild and No Big Bend Wall.  No Cost, No Tickets, No RSVP.  Find more info at www.facebook.com/events/1739045257382011.

 

Court News: Judge Cardone issued her full written opinion explaining the rationale behind the preliminary injunction on October 14.  You can read it here: www.courtlistener.com/docket/73199706/75/friends-of-the-ruidosa-church-v-mullin-etal/  

 

Two days later, the defendant (ie DHS) gave the Judge, in effect, an ultimatum – either stay the preliminary injunction by October 21, or they’ll appeal for emergency relief to the Supreme Court.   Read the government’s notice here: www.courtlistener.com/docket/73199706/76/friends-of-the-ruidosa-church-v-mullin-etal/. It may be written respectfully, but have no doubt; this is arrogance on the part of the government and an aggressive strategy, especially before the midterms.  DHS seems to relish more headlines that they intend to run over the Big Bend area.  Bring it on.  

 

While this is a very high stakes poker game, it’s what we’ve expected. The lawyers on our side believe the Judge wrote a strong opinion, fully cognizant of her Supreme Court audience.  Congress directed DHS to build physical barriers and roads, and waive laws, only in “areas of high illegal entry.” There’s no better place to show DHS’ overreach beyond Congress’ intent than right here.  

 

As Judge Cardone wrote, “[t]he unrebutted evidence shows that the Big Bend Sector is, by far, the sector with the lowest rate of migrant apprehensions along the entire U.S.-Mexico border.”  

 

Her opinion continues: “For ‘high illegal entry’ to impose any limit, it must at least mean, ‘not the lowest rate of illegal entry.’ And the evidence shows that the Big Bend Sector has the lowest rate of illegal entry along the entire U.S.-Mexico border. Therefore, the Court finds that Plaintiffs are likely to succeed on the merits of their major questions doctrine claim that the Big Bend Waivers were issued in excess of the Secretary’s authority.”

 

As confident as we are with the strength of the legal case, the risk is high that this Supreme Court will, without explanation, stay the injunction quickly on its shadow docket. And then DHS could resume destruction. Hence the Congressional strategy we’ve written about frequently remains the best way to PROTECT BIG BEND FOREVER.  KBBW is non-partisan and reminds you that your vote matters more than it ever has before.

 

A big thank you to everyone, especially local businesses, that have added your names to the Keep Big Bend Wild supporter list atkeepbigbendwild.org/become-a-supporter.   

 

KBBW is a strategic partner in the No Big Bend Wall Coalition.  Please follow us on our Facebook and Instagrampages.   #keepbigbendwild

MILKY WAY TREATS

The ice cream trailer will be open this weekend, Saturday-Monday, 4-9 p.m. We’ll have our creamy vanilla soft serve, along with the dairy-free pineapple! Thank you for your support! See y’all soon!

TAQUERIA EL MILAGRO

Authentic Mexican food and more located in the Ghost Town . We serve  Mexican recipes from street tacos to steaks and huge side dishes. Great food, great setting.  BYOB and make a party. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 3 - 9 p.m. 432 371-2060 for take out via our drive-through window. 

ESPRESSO ...Y POCO MAS

Ghost Town favorite for locals and visitors to the area.   Seven days a week for home-cooked breakfasts, lunches and the best coffee in the area. Smoothies and iced drinks. Great seating with fantastic views, strong wifi, and newspapers. 432 371 3044 for to go orders.   

LOCAL MUSIC LISTINGS:

BOATHOUSE

Wed - Open Mic, 8:00 - 11:00 p.m.

Sat, Oct 31, Wayward Gypsies, 8:00 - 11:00 p.m.

Sun, Nov 1 - Hank Woji, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

STARLIGHT

All concerts are 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Thur, Oct 22 - Laird Considine and Friends

Fri/Sat, Oct 23/24 - Jason McIntyre and Michael O'Connor

Fr, Oct 30 Wayward Gypsies

Mon, Nov 2 Hank Woji

DB'S RUSTIC IRON BBQ

Sat, Oct 31 - Hank Woji, 5:30 - 7:30

Sun, Nov 1, Wayward Gypsies, 5:30 - 7:30

HIGH SIERRA CHILI COOKOFF

Bite Me Chili Cook Off 2026

Location:

High Sierra Bar & Grill

100 Ghost Town Rd

Terlingua, TX

Prices for the Top 10 Chili Cooks and the Top 3 Show Teams, November 1, 2026

The Sunday Before TICC!

Registrations fee $35.00 

Open Meat * 3:30PM Turn-in, Casi Rules Apply * Live Music * Vendors

Food and Drink Specials at the High Sierra Bar & Grill

Proceeds Benefit: Alpine Humane Society

For more Information contact:

Jen Hansen 214-927-4500 or email at Jenchili01@gmail.com

TOLBERT TERLINGUA CHILI

Wed, Nov 4

 Kathryn Legendre, 7  8:30 p.m.

Billy King and the Bad, Bad, Bad, 8:45 - 10

Alejandro Escovedo, 10:30 p.m. - midnight

Thur, Nov 5

Sentimental Family Band, 7 - 8

Gary P. Nunn, 8:30 - 10

Low Pinche Gringos, 10:30 - midnight

Fri, Nov 6

Keegan McInroe, 7:30 - 8:45

Mark David Manders, 9:15 - 10:30

Victor Trevino, Jr., 11 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.

ALL YOU NEED TO ATTEND AN AA MEETING IS A DESIRE TO QUIT

If you have, or think you might have, a drinking problem, we meet at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Big Bend Church, just north of the post office. 

COMMUNITY MARKET THIS SATURDAY AT 10:00 A.M.

Come see us at the Saturday Community Market, open from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Located in the Ghost Town, down in the Community Garden, we're here every Saturday with happy vendors offering an array of locally produced goods and other items.

Local art, handcrafted textile goods, fresh eggs, sour dough bread, jelly, pickles, all natural lip balms and skin care products, all natural essential oil fragrances, beard oil and massage oils, handcrafted, creative jewelry, resin creations, practical and artistic items made of reclaimed steel and more -- you never know just what or who you'll find here. 

Flea market items are also welcome. After all, reusing and up-cycling already existing items is smart and green. We ask a $10 donation to the Community Garden to set up, helping us to continue to improve this space and experience for all of us. 

We welcome new vendors. To make it easy for new vendors to try our market and to show our appreciation to our regular vendors, we waive set-up fees on the first Saturday of the month, offering free set-up on that day.

For more information, text or call 432.213.1863 or pop in at the market for a chat. Prepared food vendors must display current food handling licence. (A quick, easy and affordable online course can provide that).

Please help keep our market space safe and comfortable for all, two-legged and four, by keeping all dogs leashed and under control. We look forward to seeing you there.

31st ANNUAL KEN & JOEE BARNES MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER

Join us November 14th for our annual Cribbage & Horseshoe tournaments (sign up at 9), BBQ (noonish) and silent auction at the Terlingua Ghostown Horseshoe Pits.

31st Annual Fundraiser for Terlingua High School graduate scholarships. We lost Joee May Barnes at the age of 16 after a tragic accident. The community opened their hearts and rallied to raise funds for our family, but it wasn’t needed for its intended purpose. We decided to return the money thru a Scholarship and my father, Ken Barnes, kept the scholarship fund going by honoring Joee’s memory with a Memorial Fundraiser every year. My husband, Jared, and I have kept the tradition going after Ken’s passing and the fundraiser now honors both their memories.

PAISANO POST FROM TERLINGUA SCHOOL

Book Fair Time is Around the Corner: Oct. 26th-30th at BBHS - During school hours. Parents’ nite Oct. 28th until 5:00pm. The folks at CASI would like to spread the word, concerning Trick or Treating, during the Cook Off- “Halloween is on the Friday when most of us arrive.  There will not be that many trailers for the kids to trick or treat. I think most of us are just going to set us a table under the pavilion so they don’t have to walk around while trailers are pulling in.” Basketball seasons are gearing up. The Home Opener will be High School Girls vs. Valentine on Nov. 16th at 5pm. The next date for a home game will feature both High School Girls and Boys teams starting at 6pm on December 8th against Dell City. Viva Hoops!

BIG BEND EPISCOPAL MISSION & OTRA VEZ THRIFT SHOP

Sts. Mary & Joseph’s Chapel in Lajitas: All are welcome to attend services on Saturdays at 5pm.

Our Lady of Guadalupe service will be held at Santa Inez in the Ghostown on Dec. 12th at 5pm.

Thrift Shop Times: Wednesdays 5:30pm-6:30pm & Saturdays 9am-Noon. 

ANNUAL BBAC MEMBERS ART SHOW

Our next show is our Members’ show with an entry deadline of October 27th.  I am attaching the prospectus for additional information. This show runs through ArtWalk so is a great vehicle for showing your work to the maximum number of people. If you have any questions, please contact the show curators. Also, the following show will feature Nichos and small work.  Details and prospectus is attached.  Thanks!

VIRTUAL CHURCH SERVICE

The terlingua Bible church at 51455 St. Hwy 118 will be presenting a live stream featuring Cornerstone Chapel every Sunday morning at 9 a.m. until further notice. Please come as you are to worship with us.

SAFELY DISPOSE YOUR EXPIRED MEDS IN ALPINE

TakeBackDay is a free event for communities nationwide to properly dispose of old and unneeded medications safely and anonymously. On Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m, bring those old and unneeded medications to True Value, in Alpine. www.DEATakeBack

TRASH

Terlingua Trash Pickup - weekly trash pickup for residential and business.

Straightforward pricing: No long term contracts, No fuel fees, No environmental fees! 

We do JUNK REMOVAL too: wood piles, bulk trash, tires, house clean outs, mattresses, appliances, and more!

Details and pricing here: www.terlinguatrash.com.

Have a great day! Jimmy (432) 201 -5638.

SEASONAL POSITION OPENINGS AT BBNP 

The Summer 2027 Maintenance Worker (Seasonal), Custodial Worker and Laborer (MVO) are now open, links below:

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/887417800

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/886854700

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/886360600

You can find Big Bend National Park under the Location section on the right of the screen.

Terlingua Moon   

Vol. 37   No. 41

October 13,  2026

Please no PDFs or fancy fonts!  (We like it easy.)  

On the web at: theterlinguamoon.blogspot.com

For 37 years, THE source for news in South Brewster County.  

Updated every Tuesday. Or Monday 

Million sMiles

We are what you share. 

"Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, 

while bad people will find a way around the laws."

   - Plato (427-347 B.C.)

JIM CARRICO CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Join family and friends to honor the life of Jim Carrico on Saturday, October 24, 2026. We will meet in the Terlingua Cemetery at 11:00 am followed by a celebration at Desert Sports. Bring your photographs, stories, limericks and puns. Food and beverages will be provided! If unable to attend, please send memories to share at creasetall@gmail.com. Help us honor the life of this extraordinary human being!

Brewster County Regular Commissioners Court Meeting on October 13, 2026

https://brewstercotx.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1130/files

MILKY WAY TREATS ice cream will be open this weekend, Saturday thru Monday, 4-9pm. We’ll have our creamy, dreamy chocolate and vanilla soft serve, as well as pints of homemade ice cream! The Saturday morning bakery cart is back November 7, 10am! Gracias, Terlingua!

TERLINGUA MUSIC BASH - October 15 -18 2026! The excitement level out there for The Bash is super high this year, it's going to be a fabulous weekend of music and friendship with 60 musicians in 5 venues over 4 days. Admission is free. Cabin 10 Inc. 501(c)3 charitable organization makes the festival happen, it has deep roots in both The Hill Country and Terlingua and is about half "hometown" Chihuahuan Desert players and half "visiting" Hill Country players, many of these friendships go back decades. Come start new friendships, play your songs in after hours song circles and help fund a local scholarship for Ghostown... it's THE thing to do every 3rd weekend of October! The theme this year is Day of the Dead and the opening night musical showcase and Shrine Dedication is Thurs, Oct. 15th at La Kiva from 8:30 pm until midnight. A short Day of the Dead costume parade open to all starts near the cemetery at 3:00 pm on Sat. Oct. 17th. ending with a parade party with The Lavens at DB's at 4:00 pm. Full schedule at www.cabin10.org.

Update from Terlingua Music Bash  We're close enough to get more accurate predications, very high likelihood of rain Thursday going overnight into Friday mid morning. If you're tent camping Thursday night be prepared for rain. 

What this will most effect is our traditional Thursday open mic at The Whitmore's so we are moving that inside to nearby La Kiva Restaurant & Bar. All the times stay the same, we'll just have a roof over our heads.  If this forecast holds it looks like the rain will pass after the front Friday in time for our first event at DB's at 4:00 then much decreased chance of rain for Friday night, then none for Saturday and Sunday. Moving the open mic to La Kiva means all events have roofs overhead. It will be windy and temps will be cool, come prepared!  Via los Bash!

Parks to People Community Gathering November 11, 2026 | 4:30 PM at Far Flung    Join us for an evening of community, connection, and healing, featuring a heartfelt discussion led by voices from our community, and a free BBQ at 5 PM   At 6 PM, unwind with a sundown Kundalini breathwork and sound bath experience led by Kasie Lunson, Midland-based yoga and breathwork practitioner. Mats provided if needed.

FULL MOON POTLUCK — HALLOWEEN EDITION!   Jackass Flats Improvement Association invites you to join us for a spooky evening under the full moon at The Cactus Farm! 

October 26th

The Cactus Farm

 Start eating at 7:00 PM

Music starts at 7:30 PM with Moses!

Costumes are encouraged!

 Halloween-themed dishes are encouraged too! Bring your favorite spooky, creepy, or just plain delicious creation to share.

Come enjoy good food, good music, great company, and a little Halloween fun under that beautiful West Texas moon. 

Bring a dish, bring a friend, wear a costume, and come hang out with your Jackass Flats community!

Everyone is welcome!

The Mark ("eYeBall") Kneeskern Memorial Art Scholarship for Terlingua High School

The Silent Auction that accompanies the Terlingua Music Bash, hosted by the 501(c)(3) Cabin 10, funds this scholarship and will take place this year on Saturday, October 17th at The Boathouse. There is a wide array of items on which to bid anywhere from a Gift Basket from Josh & Jamie Flack for Cigar Mountain House including 2 nights for up to 8 people and lots of goodies for the swimming pool; a Gold threaded quartz and lapis necklace and earrings set donated by Lisa Fancher; Massages (two 60 minute sessions) - one with Ceil Drucker and the other with Robèrt Sutherland; to all kinds of wonderful art from Sharon McLanahan; Sarah Dial Primrose, Ollie Morris, Molly Dumas and more. SO much more! The auction also includes a raffle. This year's Raffle Item is an Ovation CC28 guitar with built in tuner and a new set of D'Addario strings - generously donated by The Ramblewoods. 

What promising young student from Terlingua High with a focus on the Fine Arts will you help send to university next year?

If you'd still like to donate an item to the auction, please send a text to Sha at 512/ 739-2212. It would be great to get your information in advance to have the bid sheets ready but you're welcome to bring the item to the Boathouse anytime between 1 and 4 on Saturday, the7th.Thank you to all who have donated thus far and to those who will be at the Bash and auction. 1

Save the Dates.  Jackass Flats Improvement Association Dutch Oven Cookoff and Potluck

November 13 through the 15th

Bring a dish or enter your Dutch Oven

Team Roping, Wagon Rides, Horseshoes, Art Show, Flea Market, Stick horse contest and race, Women’s Skillet Toss

Games, Music, Prizes

Western Food, fun and camping for all ages.

51491 Hwy 118, 60 miles south of Alpine, Texas

Contact the Little Burro Country Store 432 271 2082 or Pam Gordon 765 252 8863

Chili Time! The 59th Annual Original Viva Terlingua International Championship Chili Cookoff, held in Terlingua, Texas, is happening soon! November 4-7!

Tickets available now at  www.abowlofred.com

Compete-Explore-Celebrate

Food and cooking contests, 2 massive parks nearby, and 12 bands over 4 evenings!

Your ticket gets you a wristband to come and go all 4 days. It allows you to camp/RV onsite, no additional charges. There is no water or electricity on site so bring your own. 

Rent an RV from Outdoorsy, there is a link on our website for a 10% discount.  See you there!  Tickets:   www.abowlofred.com

Need Information about CASI Chili Appreciation Society international?

  Go here:  https://www.casichili.net/

Big Bend Public Library 

Our Big Bend Mobile Library trailer is REOPENING!

Thursday October 15th we will be open 3pm-6pm at Canyon View Community Park(next to the school). We will be using this time to tidy up and get the trailer ready for another season of bookmobile fun, so feel free to stop by and lend a hand!

Saturday October 17th we will be open 10am-3pm at the Community Gardens in the ghosttown. We're very excited to be back, and hope to see you there!

Follow us @BigBendPublicLibrary on Facebook and Instagram for more updates!

DB’s is starting 7 days a week Today Oct.12th. 

Plus we have Terlingua Music Bash venue for the 16-17, the bike rally burn out at 2:30 on 17th and the gospel brunch on Sunday the 18th at 9:00am for all the musicians that participated in the music bash.

Espresso ...y poco mas

Ghost Town favorite for locals and visitors to the area.   Seven days a week for home cooked breakfasts, lunches and the best coffee in the area. Smoothies and iced drinks. Great seating with fantastic views, strong wifi, and newspapers. 432 371 3044 for to go orders.  

Taqueria El Milagro

Ghost Town's authentic Mexican food and more.  Serving  Mexican recipes from street tacos to steaks and huge side dishes. Great food, great setting.  BYOB and make a party.Open Wednesday through Sunday from 3 pm until 9 pm. 432 371-2060 for take out via our drive through window.

Paisano Post from Terlingua School 

Book Fair Time is Around the Corner: Oct. 26th -30th at BBHS - During school hours. Parents’ nite Oct. 28th until 5:00. Congratulations to the XC athletes and Coach Hazlehurst and Coach A for finishing out their District season: JH: Killian 8th, Marcella 18th and HS: Asa 9th, Xiomara 16th, Hank 7th, Tatum 21st, Edwin 22nd, Usiel 24th, Jose 30th, and Andrew 31st. Regional Qualifiers: Asa and Hank will run at UT-Arlington on Oct. 27th. Elementary student winners of the Fire Prevention Poster Contest were announced during this past week’s school-wide assembly: 1st: Sergio, 2nd: Alex, and 3rd: Tobias. The Terlingua Fire & EMS crew along with Law Enforcement were honored with with provided by Student Council members, Advisor Ms. Valdez, Mr. Rodriguez, and Ms. Mague Garcia. Congratulations, Mr. Hazlehurst, on being selected for the Holdsworth Center’s teacher leadership professional development opportunity in Austin that’s sponsored by HEB. Basketball season will tip off later this month, schedule of games coming soon.

Big Bend Episcopal Mission & Otra Vez Thrift Shop

Sts. Mary & Joseph’s Chapel in Lajitas will not have service on Saturday, Oct. 17th, due to Father Mike being at the Diocese Meeting in ABQ, NM. Services will resume Oct. 24th. 

Thrift Shop Times: Wednesdays 5:30pm-6:30pm & Saturdays 9am-Noon. Thank you for your clean donations and support. Please do not leave donations at the peril of the winds and rain.

Come see us at the Saturday Community Market, open from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. 

Located in the Ghost Town, down in the Community Garden,  we're here every Saturday with happy vendors offering an array of locally produced goods and other items.

Local art, handcrafted textile goods, fresh eggs, sour dough bread, jelly, pickles, all natural lip balms and skin care products, all natural essential oil fragrances, beard oil and massage oils, handcrafted, creative jewelry, resin creations, practical and artistic items made of reclaimed steel and more -- you never know just what or who you'll find here. 

Flea market items are also welcome. After all, reusing and up-cycling already existing items is smart and green. We ask a $10 donation to the Community Garden to set up, helping us to continue to improve this space and experience for all of us. 

We welcome new vendors. To make it easy for new vendors to try our market and to show our appreciation to our regular vendors, we waive set-up fees on the first Saturday of the month, offering free set-up on that day.

For more information, text or call 432.213.1863 or pop in at the market for a chat. Prepared food vendors must display current food handling licence. (A quick, easy and affordable online course can provide that).

Please help keep our market space safe and comfortable for all, two-legged and four, by keeping all dogs leashed and under control. We look forward to seeing you there.

Terlingua Trash Pickup - weekly trash pickup for residential and business.  Straightforward pricing: No long term contracts, No fuel fees, No environmental fees! 

We do JUNK REMOVAL too: wood piles, bulk trash, tires, house clean outs, mattresses, appliances, and more!  Details and pricing here: www.terlinguatrash.com.  Have a great day! -Jimmy (432) 201 -5638

BBNP Custodial Worker (MVO) /seasonal

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/886360600

Larry Joseph Brewer, 78, of Terlingua, Texas, passed away on September 28, 2026, at Midland Memorial Hospital in Midland, Texas.   Larry was born on April 6, 1948, in Hannibal, Missouri, to Lester and Inez B. Littleton. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1966 to 1970. 

Those who knew Larry will remember a man who was hard to miss and even harder to forget. He was funny, loud, and always ready with a joke. Beneath his larger-than-life personality was a generous heart and a willingness to help others whenever he could. His home was always open to anybody and everybody, and he had a way of making people feel welcome.   Larry loved the Big Bend country and made his home in Terlingua, a community that became an important part of his life. Over the years, he gave his time to young people coaching baseball. He also occasionally served as a substitute at the school in Terlingua. Larry deeply loved his wife, Marsha Sykes, who preceded him in death. He is survived by many dear friends who loved him and will miss him greatly. Larry will be remembered for his booming presence, his sense of humor, his open door, and his generous spirit. The stories, laughter, and memories he leaves behind will remain with the many people whose lives he touched.   A graveside service was held Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at American Heritage Cemetery, with Pastor Chris Hagger officiating.

KEEP BIG BEND WILD is going on the road – join us if you can!  October 19 at 7pm MT in El Paso, “The Urgency to Keep Big Bend Wild” presented by KBBW Chair Bob Krumenaker and sponsored by the El Paso/Trans Pecos Audubon Society and the Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club. Live at the UTEP Interdisciplinary Research Building.  Or view it on zoom. Learn more at http://www.trans-pecos-audubon.com/monthly-meeting.html, which also has a link where you can sign up for a zoom link. 

October 22 at 7pm CT in Odessa, Bob will be the keynote speaker before another showing of "The River and the Wall", at the Odessa High School Performing Arts Center.   This event is hosted by the International Baccalaureate Students and Faculty of Odessa High School and presented by Keep Big Bend Wild and No Big Bend Wall.  Parking is available and all are welcome.  No advance registration is needed.

 Parking is available at both events and all are welcome. You can also find info on the KBBW Facebook site events calendar, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61591090042176&sk=events

 By now everyone knows that DHS has asked Judge Cardone in El Paso to stay her preliminary injunction; we await word on that but do not expect her to be swayed by the government’s arguments – in essence that the financial cost of having idle contractors far outweighs the damages to the environment and the plaintiffs from continuing construction destruction.

Please forgive the long post, but this seems to be a good opportunity to write about why we are on the verge of an unprecedented opportunity in Congress to truly protect Big Bend National Park from both the border infrastructure and from unwanted additional development in the park’s remaining wide-open spaces.

 Decades ago, following extensive study and public involvement, the NPS recommended the permanent protection of more than 4/5 of the park’s area from additional development as Congressionally-designated “Wilderness.” This is the highest level of recognition and protection for any public land in the country.  Big Bend would join Yosemite, Mt. Rainier, Death Valley, Olympic, Zion, and about 50 other NPS areas whose large undeveloped backcountry areas are protected in the national Wilderness system.  Designed park Wilderness remains a vital part of each national park and managed by the NPS; it simply prohibits – with the force of law – the construction of new roads, buildings, or permanent developments more extensive than trails or walk-in campsites in that part of the park with the Wilderness overlay, which would not include the current road system or NPS developments.

 A Big Bend Wilderness, with boundaries carefully drawn to exclude the existing NPS network of paved and unpaved roads, visitor and administrative facilities, and the Rio Grande, would keep those undeveloped lands forever undeveloped – while having absolutely no impact on current legal uses of the park or private inholdings inside the park (yes, there are a few) or lands outside the park’s boundary.  No existing visitor facilities or opportunities would be affected in any way by a Wilderness designation.  

 NPS national policy has mandated that park managers preserve the wilderness values of Big Bend until Congress acts – but between the border construction proposals and the likely rollback of that protective policy by the current administration, these undeveloped lands are clearly not as protected as we have long thought.  Only Congress can make those protections permanent, and they have yet to do so. Not because they’ve debated or voted on it and rejected the idea; it simply faded off of their radar years ago.  

 OK, but what about the border?  It’s true that the Department of Homeland Security can normally waive the protections of Wilderness to expedite construction of border walls or related industrial development for border security, just as they have waived the protections of the Clean Air and Water Acts, the Endangered Species Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, and even the fundamental laws that established the NPS and Big Bend National Park.

But Congress can also rescind those waivers and prevent them from ever being imposed again at Big Bend – and there’s a growing interest on Capitol Hill in seeing that happen in the next Congress.  

We have an unprecedented opportunity resulting from the current crisis to Protect Big Bend Forever in the 120th Congress, which will convene in January 2027.  

 The Capitol Hill staff we’ve spoken with are interested, and advise that the best way to get a Big Bend bill through Congress with bipartisan support would be to bundle the rollback of DHS’ overreach in the Big Bend with a wilderness designation at the same time. That law would include provisions that would prohibit the construction of border barriers or other major security infrastructure in Big Bend without explicit, site-specific authorization by a future Congress – and then only within existing law, subject to the normal environmental and cultural reviews and public involvement, and prohibiting any legal waivers.  

 It’s not easy to get a bill through Congress but crisis begets opportunity. We’ll likely never have more attention to, and national support for, the need to protect Big Bend than we have now.  It’ll be essential to have local and regional businesses, organizations, and governments in support, speaking as much as possible as one.  We can, and must, work together to Protect Big Bend Forever. 

While Wilderness designation is specific to the federally-owned lands in the national park, If there is enough local, regional, and congressional support, the Protect Big Bend Forever bill’s border security provisions could also extend to the private and public lands in the Big Bend Sector and beyond, between Fort Quitman and Amistad. If there’s enough support, it could go even further.  The challenge will be determining what is the art of the possible, to craft a bill that can pass the Congress and not be vetoed by the President, that protects as much of the area that is politically feasible at this time.

By designating Wilderness for currently undeveloped areas of Big Bend National Park, Congress and the American people would make a commitment to keep those areas undeveloped forever.  It would be our generation’s opportunity – and maybe it’s our obligation -- to fulfill the vision of our predecessors.  And it’s our best opportunity to stop with the force of law, the horrific assault on the Big Bend park and region by the Department of Homeland Security.

 A big thank you to everyone, especially local businesses, that have added your names to the Keep Big Bend Wild supporter list at keepbigbendwild.org/become-a-supporter

 KBBW is a strategic partner in the No Big Bend Wall Coalition.  Please follow us on our Facebook and Instagrampages.   #keepbigbendwild

Bob Krumenaker

Chair, Keep Big Bend Wild

bob.krumenaker@keepbigbendwild.org

www.keepbigbendwild.org

WANT TO HAVE SOMETHING IN THE TERLINGUA MOON?

Send submissions by Monday noon to terlinguamoon@gmail.com  

You can also subscribe to our email list by emailing us to add you!

Terlingua Moon

6 October 2026 --Vol. 37 #40

 

this week’s Moon brought to you by Ghost Writers on the Sly.

 

THE source for news in South Brewster County.  Updated every Tuesday. If you have something to share, send it to us at terlinguamoon@gmail.com.

Send information in plain text  by NOON on Monday. We are what you share. Please no PDFs or fancy fonts! Don’t format it yourself! –

 

MAKE A PLAN AND VOTE!

 

EARLY VOTING:

October 19– October 23, 8 am – 5 pm

Saturday October 24, 7 am – 7 pm

 Sunday October 25, 1 pm - 7 pm

October 26 – October 30, 7 am – 7 pm

 

EARLY VOTING LOCATION:  Val Clark Beard Complex 203 N 7th St, Alpine

 

BALLOTS BY MAIL:  Eligible voters can request mail ballots from the County Election Office 432-837-6000 Ext 6230.  Deadline to request a ballot by mail is October 23.  To be counted, mail ballots must be returned to the County Election Office by 4 pm on November 3.

 

ELECTION DAY: November 3, 7 am – 7 pm

 

ELECTION DAY VOTING LOCATIONS:

Precinct 1 & 2 --Judge Val Clark Beard Office Complex, 203 N 7th, Alpine

Precinct 3—Marathon Community Center 150 N 2nd St, Marathon

Precincts 4 & 8—Alpine Civic Center 801 West Holland Ave, Alpine

Precincts 5, 6, & 7—JW “Red” Pattillo Community Center, 201 Rex Ivey Road, Study Butte

NOTE:  There will be NO early voting in Study Butte/Terlingua.  Remember, on Election Day, you MUST vote in your designated precinct location.

 

KEEP BIG BEND WILD applauds the plaintiffs and lawyers who successfully won the preliminary injunction last Friday ceasing all groundbreaking activity and “staying” all of the waivers in the entire Big Bend Sector. The data KBBW obtained from the NPS about apprehensions in the national park was an important plaintiff exhibit, and the subject of the testimony KBBW Chair and former BBNP Superintendent Bob Krumenaker discussed as the first “fact witness” called in the hearing.  This data clearly show that the national park and the sector are not an “area of high illegal entry”, which is the legally-required predicate for DHS to issue the waivers.  

 

It’s sweet that this order followed quickly upon CBP’s announcement that they were ending the “pause” and would make a decision soon on what they actually plan to do in the national park and beyond.  Incredible that they were bulldozing a national park and yet didn’t (and still don’t) have an actual plan.

 

Find the preliminary injunction and all of KBBW’s court documents at keepbigbendwild.org/court-action.

 

All parties await the Judge’s “memorandum opinion” that will follow, which will more fully explain her reasoning. We also await the government’s decision on whether to appeal.  That’s likely, and until that’s resolved, we can’t rest for more than a moment.  Even if not appealed, the injunction lasts only until the case is resolved in the district court.  And while the Judge indicated that the plaintiffs were likely to succeed on the merits on at least one of their claims in the suit, no border infrastructure lawsuit has ever defeated DHS.

 

Hence we continue to work on the legislative strategy, as discussed in previous installments – stopping or delaying the appropriations in the congressional lame duck session after the midterms and getting a bipartisan bill introduced early in the next Congress.  We’re working on drafting the text of that bill now and will share it for review and hopefully get letters of support from community members, businesses, and local government this fall or winter.

 

Keep Big Bend Wild’s goal is a “Protect Big Bend Forever” Act establishing permanent, binding protection for the undeveloped areas of the national park; a permanent rescission of the waiver authority DHS has to operate at will without accountability; cancellation of the contracts; and a requirement that any major border infrastructure construction in the future would have to be explicitly authorized with site-specific legislation by a future congress and subject to normal environmental and cultural review, with meaningful opportunities for public involvement.

 

With enough support, and enough voices, we can get this done. With enough voices, we can get it done for more than just the national park – hopefully for the entire area from Fort Quitman to Amistad. 

 

Congressional staff suggested in our Hill discussions that the likelihood of success for a Big Bend bill will be greatest if these elements are bundled together.  Let’s work together for this common goal!

 

JIM CARRICO CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Join family and friends to honor the life of Jim Carrico on Saturday, October 24, 2026. We will meet in the Terlingua Cemetery at 11:00 am followed by a celebration at Desert Sports. Bring your photographs, stories, limericks and puns. Food and beverages will be provided! If unable to attend, please send memories to share at creasetall@gmail.com. Help us honor the life of this extraordinary human being!

 

CAMERA LENS

Hello.  I am reaching out in hopes that you might be able to help me locate a camera lens I lost in the Terlingua area. On or around September 2, 2026, I lost a Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S lens near the Ghost Town ruins in Terlingua, Texas.

I have been searching online and contacting local businesses and used camera retailers, but so far I have not been able to locate it.

If someone found the lens or knows of anyone who may have picked it up, I would be extremely grateful for the information. I am offering a reward for its safe return.

-Guillermo Luna

 

Terlingua Music Bash - October 15 -18 2026! The excitement level out there for The Bash is super high this year, it's going to be a fabulous weekend of music and friendship. Cabin 10 Inc. 501(c)3 charitable organization makes the festival happen, it has deep roots in both The Hill Country and Terlingua and as you can see, it's about half "hometown" Chihuahuan Desert players and half "visiting" Hill Country players, many of these friendships go back decades. It's totally unique, memories made at The Bash are priceless. If this will be your first Bash welcome aboard - come start new friendships, make some great music and help fund a local scholarship for Ghostown in appreciation... it's THE thing to do every 3rd weekend of October!

 

Paisano Post from Terlingua School

Thank you to Mr. Maus and the 3rd-5th Enrichment class for creating posters of appreciation for the Rio Grande Electric workers.  Congratulations to Mr. Victor Garcia who was named as the Region 18 Facilities Professional of the Year. Ms. Pena took the Senior class to a Career Fair at Fort Stockton High School. Good luck to the JH & HS Cross Country teams as they compete at the UIL 1A- District 9 Championship this Wednesday at the Marfa Golf Course. This will be the last meet for the JH and HS athletes will have a chance at advancing to Regionals in Arlington with either a Top 10 finish or a Team place of 3rd or higher. The schools participating will be Terlingua, Marfa, Balmorhea, Fort Davis, Valentine, Sierra Blanca, Dell City, and Fort Hancock. Go Paisanos!

 

Big Bend Episcopal Mission & The Otra Vez Thrift Shop 

Blessings of the Animals: 10/7 5:30p-6:30p. This Come-and-ago event will be held at the Otra Vez Thrift Shop. The store will also be open. September Dollar Bag Sales Days are done and our normal pricing of most items $1 will run until May. 

Sts. Mary & Joseph’s- Lajitas Chapel- Holy Eucharist on Saturdays at 5pm

 

31st ANNUAL KEN & JOEE BARNES MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER - Join us November 14th for our annual Cribbage & Horseshoe tournaments (sign up at 9), BBQ (noonish) and silent auction at the Terlingua Ghostown Horseshoe Pits.

31st Annual Fundraiser for Terlingua High School graduate scholarships. We lost Joee May Barnes at the age of 16 after a tragic accident. The community opened their hearts and rallied to raise funds for our family, but it wasn’t needed for its intended purpose. We decided to return the money thru a Scholarship and my father, Ken Barnes, kept the scholarship fund going by honoring Joee’s memory with a Memorial Fundraiser every year. My husband, Jared, and I have kept the tradition going after Ken’s passing and the fundraiser now honors both their memories.

 

TERLINGUA STAR PARK - STAR PARTIES ARE HERE! ₊˚⊹☆
Public star parties have officially begun at Terlingua Star Park! Enjoy the same kind of laser-guided star tour and hands-on telescope experience inspired by our friends at McDonald Observatory, but at a fraction of the cost and much closer to Terlingua.
We keep our groups small, with a 20-to-1 guest-to-telescope ratio, so you get more time at the eyepiece. We can’t compete with McDonald’s world-class equipment and facilities (yet!), but we’ve modeled our program after theirs and are bringing that experience to the Big Bend community.
Most Fridays & Saturdays, with additional dates throughout the season.
Tickets & schedule: astromucho.com

 

NOW HIRING

The Terlingua Trading is interviewing for a cashier/inventory manager position.  Stop by the store in the Terlingua Ghost Town for details!

 

HELP WANTED

The Terlingua Trading Company is currently interviewing for a part time position, stop by the store in the Terlingua Ghost Town for details.

 

Earth and Fire Art Gallery
Guess who is back!!!? Richard Curtin is our guest artist for the month of October! Stop
on by and see his beautiful artwork!

 

MILKY WAY TREATS ice cream trailer will be open this weekend, Saturday-Monday, 4-9 pm. We’ll have our creamy vanilla soft serve along with the dairy-free mango. Check out one of our fun sundaes, milkshakes, or just take-home a pint of my homemade ice cream! Treat yourself! Gracias, Terlingua!

 

Espresso ...y poco mas

Ghost Town favorite for locals and visitors to the area.   Seven days a week for home cooked breakfasts, lunches and the best coffee in the area. Smoothies and iced drinks. Great seating with fantastic views, strong wifi, and newspapers. 432 371 3044 for to go orders.  

 

Taqueria El Milagro

Ghost Town's authentic Mexican food and more.  Serving  Mexican recipes from street tacos to steaks and huge side dishes. Great food, great setting.  BYOB and make a party. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 3 pm until 9 pm. 432 371-2060 for take-out via our drive through window.

 

FLEA MARKET

Second Saturday Sale Sat.Oct 10 at Chili Pepper Cafe parking lot 9:30-1:00  Free Set Up!  Tools, Clothing, Kitchen Ware, Collectibles, Furniture, Shelves, Come And Set Up or Shop!!!

 

Come see us at the Saturday Community Market, open from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Located in the Ghost Town, down in the Community Garden,  we're here every Saturday with happy vendors offering an array of locally produced goods and other items.

 

Local art, handcrafted textile goods, fresh eggs, sour dough bread, jelly, pickles, all natural lip balms and skin care products, all natural essential oil fragrances, beard oil and massage oils, handcrafted, creative jewelry, resin creations, practical and artistic items made of reclaimed steel and more -- you never know just what or who you'll find here.

 

Flea market items are also welcome. After all, reusing and up-cycling already existing items is smart and green. We ask a $10 donation to the Community Garden to set up, helping us to continue to improve this space and experience for all of us.

 

We welcome new vendors. To make it easy for new vendors to try our market and to show our appreciation to our regular vendors, we waive set-up fees on the first Saturday of the month, offering free set-up on that day.

 

For more information, text or call 432.213.1863 or pop in at the market for a chat. Prepared food vendors must display current food handling licence. (A quick, easy and affordable online course can provide that).

 

Please help keep our market space safe and comfortable for all, two-legged and four, by keeping all dogs leashed and under control. We look forward to seeing you there.

 

Terlingua Trash Pickup - weekly trash pickup for residential and business.

Straightforward pricing: No long term contracts, No fuel fees, No environmental fees!

We do JUNK REMOVAL too: wood piles, bulk trash, tires, house clean outs, mattresses, appliances, and more!

Details and pricing here: www.terlinguatrash.com.

Have a great day! -Jimmy (432) 201-5638.

 

DON'T LOSE THAT PRECIOUS RAIN WATER! We can help - Call:

TANKS A LOT TERLINGUA

Water Catchment Tanks, Pumps, Filters and Installation

Locally owned - located near the Terlingua Ranch Lodge.

Call Mark or Michelle: 432-371-3096 (home/office) or 806-781-7814 (cell)