Monday, August 10, 2026


NO WALL, NO WIRE, PROTECT OUR LAND AND OUR ECONOMY

TERLINGUA MOON August 11, 2026
Vol 37, No. 31
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.) theterlinguamoon.blogspot.com

KEEP BIG BEND WILD!
No one who reads the Moon needs to be told what a heartbreaking, insane, horrific week last
week was.  Or that the destruction of what we know and love will continue apace until we, the
people, mobilize the political leadership to put an end to this.  After taking a breath, WE WILL
NOT GIVE UP and we hope you won’t either. KBBW volunteers have never worked harder than
we are working now.  Most of that is behind the scenes, with congressional staff, political
strategists, pro bono attorneys, national organizations with allied interests, and the media. 
While we’re not in this for any fame or glory, we’ve done at least a dozen interviews and there
have been at least 13 media articles that mention the work or positions of KBBW in the last two
weeks, and probably more by the time you read this.  We post all of them that are not behind
paywalls on our website here as soon as we can  (keepbigbendwild.org/news-and-updates/).
 Here are just a few that are not from West Texas media, in case you have not seen them:
 The Border Chronicle Weekly:  https://www.theborderchronicle.com/the-border-chronicle-
weekly-roundup-august-7/?ref=the-border-chronicle-newsletter
 The Travel: https://www.thetravel.com/us-dhs-plan-blow-up-big-bend-national-park-mariscal-
mountain-could-violate-mexico-boundary-treaty/
SFGate:  https://www.sfgate.com/national-parks/article/big-bend-national-park-border-
22378869.php
 The Wild Line Podcast (interview with KBBW starts at 12:17) https://thewildidea.com/wild-line-
60/
 Our Public Lands and Waters: : https://ourpubliclandsandwaters.substack.com/p/watch-
federal-contractors-destroy

 DON”T LOSE HOPE. We need to keep raising our voices, civilly, but persistently. The “wall” of
political officials in the Texas majority party is beginning to break. See former Speaker of the
Texas House Dade Phelan’s comments
here: https://x.com/DadePhelan/status/2085871167714345354. We need to encourage more
to speak out – particularly those running for re-election, which Phelan isn’t. Here are KBBP’s
tips on how to make your voice matter: keepbigbendwild.org/wall-handout/

Earth and Fire Gallery
The pottery at Earth & Fire Gallery is absolutely stunning! 
Each piece is a one-of-a-kind work of art, beautifully hand-painted and imported from Mexico.
The colors, intricate details, and craftsmanship are simply incredible—you really have to see
these beauties in person!

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.
Trash can receptacles and dumpsters so you aren't wasting money on capacity that you
don't need.
We do JUNK REMOVAL too: wood piles, tires, house clean outs, mattresses, appliances,
and more!

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.

“Last Minute Low Budget Theatre is gearing up for a rambunctious 2026-27 season and is in
need of sponsorship for the entertainment we hope to bring to the stage. If you have any
interest in joining the sponsorship team, please contact Farmer for more
information: crfarm@gmail.com
Brewster County Regular Commissioners Court Meeting on August 11, 2026. - Agenda
Brewster County Regular Commissioners Court Meeting Agenda - August 11, 2026

JAMES ROBERT HINES
Jim Hines passed away suddenly on August 3, 2026, after a brief, unexpected illness.  He
was born on July 3, 1948, in Jackson, Mississippi.  At an early age, Jim’s father taught him the
value of all people, regardless of the color of their skin.  In the 1960’s, Jim attended protests
fighting for civil rights of all people, a fight he continued to the end of his life.
Jim moved to Houston, where he later met Barbara, his best friend and wife of 49 years.
 They moved to Big Bend in 1989, living their dream life on their property on Terlingua Ranch.
 Through personal experiences, Jim saw a need to reduce emergency medical responses for
people in the area.  In the early 90’s, Jim along with Barbara, founded South Brewster
Responders to provide training to nearly 200 people (mostly river guides) who then
volunteered to be on call in the remote areas to respond to emergencies to stabilize patients
until Terlingua Medics arrived, often a 45-minute wait.
Jim was an avid birdwatcher and river guide for Big Bend River Tours.  After spending
some of the best years of his life working as a river guide and birding guide, Jim joined the
National Park Service.  He was the friendly face that greeted visitors at the Entrance Station;
later he became Fee Manager.  He retired in December, 2014.
After his career in the park service, he never lost his passion for ensuring emergency
medical services for the people of the Terlingua community.  He serviced on the Board of
Directors of Terlingua Fire EMS (TFEMS) for 5 years.  When the opportunity arose, he agreed to
serve as a Commissioner for the Brewster County Emergency Services District from January
2024 until his passing.
Passionate about life, the people he loved and the causes he believed in, Jim was always
up for a good conversation whether about politics or current events happening around the
world and could be very compelling.  He worked hard to support love, peace and justice, when
and where he could.  He was a protector of the environment and the Rio Grande, and a fierce
fighter against a border wall in the Big Bend until the end.
Jim is survived by two daughters, Julie Russ of Georgia and Amber Bailey of Florida;
brother-in-law, Michael Sykes and wife, Beth; Aunt Zoe; his beloved wife and best friend of 49
years, Barbara; and his 11-year-old puppy, Leonard..
TFEMS is establishing a scholarship fund In memory of Jim.  
Donations may be made to
TFEMS, P.O Box 290, Terlingua, Texas  79852.  Please call TFEMS at 432-371-2536 if you have
questions regarding donations.

Victoria Kempf Harris, 64, passed away on July 8, 2026. A lifelong resident of Terlingua
Ghost Town, Texas, Vicki was a beloved member of the Big Bend community whose spirit was
as wild and beautiful as the desert she called home.
A Celebration of Life will be held on what would have been her 65th birthday, August 22, 2026,
at 11:00 a.m. at the Terlingua Ghost Town Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather as
we honor and remember her life. A celebration in her honor will follow the service at The
Boathouse; there will be barbeque and live music. Please bring your favorite memories of Vicki
and your dancing shoes. Thank you to everyone who has donated at this point. The help is very
much appreciated.
Where; August 22nd at the cemetery in the Ghost Town
When; 11:00am Terlingua time

MILKY WAY TREATS ice cream trailer will be open this weekend, Saturday – Monday, 4–9 p.m!
We’ll have our creamy dreamy, chocolate and vanilla soft serve. Lots of delicious, homemade
pints of ice cream, fun sundaes, and a spectacular view! Hope to see you, Gracias Terlingua!
Espresso ... y poco mas Located in the Ghost Town and open at  7:30 a.m., 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.

TERLINGUA PET CLINIC 
Red Patillo Community Center Behind the Post Office 
201 Rex Ivy Road, Study Butte, TX 
Friday and Saturday August 28th and 29th 
FREE Spay and Neuter--Available by Appointment ONLY 
Surgery Check in at 8 AM 
WALK IN Wellness Clinic 
Vaccinations and MicroChip 
Daily from 10 to 4 
Appointments for Cats and Dogs 
For Appointment please contact 432 837 2532 or 432 837 3400 
Or email Maryann@AlpineHumaneSociety.org 
Alpine Humane Society is a 501c3 serving the Big Bend Tri-County area

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

 

Terlingua Moon 

Volume 37, Number 31 

August 4, 2026 by Abejita Chiquitita 


 

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

 

Crime is contagious. If the government becomes a lawbreaker, it breeds contempt for law; it invites every man to become a law unto himself; it invites anarchy.-- Louis Brandeis  

 

“When you think you are f***ed, you are only about 45% f***ed.”  

~Nimsdai Purja 

 

August 4 is: National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day, National Night Out, and the second day of Stop on Red Week! 

 

 

KEEP BIG BEND WILD! 

The KBBW team has worked hand-in-glove with Rep. Lloyd Doggett’s team, who sent an open letter on July 31 along with other Texas congressional Dems and members of the House Natural Resources Committee to DHS Secretary Mullin, Secretary of State Rubio, and other officials alerting them that blasting of Mariscal Mountain in order to build the senseless patrol road across it has the potential for impacting the flow and channel of the Rio Grande.  That would be a violation of the international treaty with Mexico, which DHS does not have the authority to waive. The US has treaty obligations to Mexico to alert them and seek their input before taking any action which might impact the river. 

  

The only reason that more congressional members did not sign on to this letter is that most members are in their districts during summer recess, and there was a time urgency to get this out.  Note KBBW is nonpartisan and will work with any elected official or candidate, of any party, that will work to protect the Big Bend area. 

  

  

  

This will all be posted on the KBBW website here (https://keepbigbendwild.org/congressional-action). 

  

Curiously, earlier in the week Rep. Henry Cuellar posted on his social media that he’d been assured by a senior CBP official that there would be no blasting on Mariscal Mountain.  Yet the so-called smartwall route has not been altered, and there’s no way they could cross that mountain anywhere close to that route without explosives.  KBBW sought clarification from Cuellar’s staff, who acknowledged that the statement might not be credible, as that same CBP official did not say they were abandoning plans for the road.  We will continue to track this down.  It would be great news if it were true, but can anything CBP says, especially anonymously, be trusted? 

  

Please follow us on our new Facebook page.  And please add your name to the Keep Big Bend Wild supporter list (if you have not already done so) at keepbigbendwild.org/become-a-supporter.  While donations are helpful and appreciated (we're financially sponsored by the El Paso Community Foundation, a 501c3), your names as supporters are even more valuable.  Local business supporters are especially important, and appreciated.   

  

Interested in doing more? KBBW is looking for additional people to join our core team (ie the board), especially from Big Bend area gateway communities. Contact bob.krumenaker@keepbigbendwild.org to discuss. 

 

 

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. 

 

 

PROPERTY OWNERS' ASSOCIATION OF TERLINGUA RANCH POTLUCK  
The monthly property owner potluck scheduled for Thursday, August 6, 2026 is canceled. Our next potluck will be held September 3rd. 
 
GHOST TOWN CASITAS SUMMER SPECIAL 
Ghost Town Casitas is offering 15% off stays through August 31, 2026 at all three units: Casa Piedra, Ghost House, and Desert Pearl. Book direct at www.ghosttowncasitas.com. Locals and returning guests welcome. 

Promo Code: TerlinguaMoon15 

 

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 PET CLINIC 

Red Patillo Community Center 

Behind the Post Office 

201 Rex Ivy Road, Study Butte, TX 

Friday and Saturday August 28th and 29th 

FREE Spay and Neuter--Available by Appointment ONLY 

Surgery Check in at 8 AM 

WALK IN Wellness Clinic 

Vaccinations and MicroChip 

Daily from 10 to 4 

Appointments for Cats and Dogs 

For Appointment please contact 432 837 2532 or 432 837 3400 

Alpine Humane Society is a 501c3 serving the Big Bend Tri-County area 

 

UPCOMING MUSIC & FUN EVENTS 
Wednesdays at the Boathouse: Open Mic 8 – 11 pm  
Thursdays at La Kiva: Karaoke 9pm  

8/7 Friday: 
     Marc Utter – Starlight 

8/8 Saturday: 
      Laird Considine & Friends – Starlight  

8/10 Monday: 
       Ted Arbogast – Starlight  

8/14 Friday: 
       Gary Gorence – Starlight 

8/15 Saturday: 
       Moses Martinez – Starlight  

8/17  Monday: 
       Marc Utter – Starlight  

8/21 Friday: 
     Lexie Weege – Starlight 

8/22 Saturday: 
       Bill Palmer – Starlight  

8/24  Monday: 
       Marc Utter – Starlight  

8/28 Friday: 
     Miles Adams – Starlight 

8/29 Saturday: 
      Laird Considine & Friends – Starlight  

8/31 Monday: 
       Jerome Ephraim – Starlight  

9/4&5 Friday & Saturday: 
     The Broussards – Starlight 
 

TIME TO CALL, NO WALL 
REMINDER:  

Please continue to call Governor Abbott (512) 463-1828 
Markwayne Mullin (202) 282-8000 extension 6 
Senator Cruz  (202) 224-3121 
Senator Cornyn (202) 224-3121 

No Big Bend Wall.org is an excellent source of information.  Follow us on Facebook at No Wall 79852 for current updates. Things are changing quickly. 
 
Download Printable Flyers thanks to no-al-muro.com: 
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ffgMnaK_nsqqOYLUUpPcHjdpwjqfyWLj 

No Wall. No Wire. No Way. 

Your voice matters. Speak up for Texas parks, for wildlife, for our economic survival, and for future generations.  

 

MARFA PUBLIC RADIO 
Marfa Public Radio presents ‘An Evening with David Sedaris’. 

Tickets on sale August 3, with exclusive pre-sale for Marfa Public Radio and Museum of the Southwest members 

MARFA, Texas — Marfa Public Radio is thrilled to welcome best-selling author and humorist David Sedaris for his first appearance and book signing in Marfa, Texas on Monday, November 9, 2026, at the historic Crowley Theater. 

This special event will feature one of America's most celebrated writers for an intimate evening of storytelling, wit, and laughter. 

Sedaris, who currently tops the New York Times Bestseller List for the sixth time with The Land and its People, will share stories and commentary in his signature style — equal parts hilarious, insightful, and deeply human.  

"We're honored to welcome David Sedaris to Marfa for what promises to be a truly memorable evening," said Anne Pitts Marozas, Executive Director of Marfa Public Radio. "Events like this bring people together around stories, ideas, and laughter while directly supporting the public service journalism and programming that Marfa Public Radio provides across West Texas." 

Station Manager Travis Bubenik echoed the sentiment. 
“David Sedaris’ visit to Marfa will continue a long tradition of this unique high desert town attracting world class artists, writers and musicians,” Bubenik said. “Marfa Public Radio is proud to be a resource for community enrichment, particularly now as we celebrate our 20th anniversary.” 

Supporters of both Marfa Public Radio and the Museum of the Southwest will get exclusive pre-sale access to tickets on July 30th - July 31st. General on sale on August 3rd. Not yet a part of either organization? Become a member of Marfa Public Radio or the Museum of the Southwest today to secure early access!   

In addition to Sedaris’ appearance, ticket holders can enhance their evening with an exclusive pre-show reception. Note: Mr. Sedaris will not be in attendance for pre-show activities. 

Proceeds from the event directly benefit Marfa Public Radio, helping sustain independent journalism, exceptional music programming, and locally produced storytelling throughout the vast and remarkable communities of Far West Texas. 

Marfa Public Radio anticipates a sold out performance. Early ticket purchase is strongly encouraged. 

Special thanks to Cultural Compass Consulting for its assistance in developing this special literary event and coordinating David Sedaris' appearance in Marfa. 

 

EARTH AND FIRE 

Christine Meaux is guest artist for the month of August here at Earth and Fire Gallery. 

Come stop in and say hello and take a look!  Always something new! 

 

THE WEST TEXAS REGIONAL JURIED ART SHOW & SALE, sponsored by the San Angelo Art Club, is coming soon to the Kendall Art Gallery! From Jean Hoelscher, SAAC Exhibits Chair: “The prospectus is ready for you to read carefully. [Moon editor note: the prospectus attachment is not playing nice with Terlingua Moon technology, so please contact Jean directly for a copy!] Lots of details!  One big detail: We will be awarding $6,750 in prize money to the five categories of entries.  They are Paintings, Pastels, 3-Dimensional, Mixed Media, and Photographs.  Each of those five categories has a $500 Award of its own, and there is the $1,000 Stribling Prize for Best of Show in any category.  In addition we have a $750 Award for a Realistic Painting from the Myers Fund plus ten $250 Merit Awards covering all the categories.   

 

So get ready for the big Intake Day on Saturday, September 12th from 9:00am till NoonFor those local artists who want to miss the crowd, and anyone traveling into town but staying till mid-afternoon on Saturday, there will be an Early Intake on Friday evening, Sept. 11th from 5:00 till 7pm.   Of course all of this is happening at the Kendall Art Gallery, the home of the San Angelo Art Club. 

 

Please read over the entire ProspectusI think it will answer your questions, but if you have some you can email meAlso, there is no printed tag included for your artwork, so please be sure it is identified at least with your name and its title on the back or bottom of the artwork.   

 

Looking forward to seeing lots of good art in September!  

 

For questions, 

text: Jean Hoelscher (325) 262-7957" 

 

MILKY WAY TREATS ice cream trailer will be open this weekend, Saturday-Monday, 4-9pm. We’ll have our dairy-free mango and creamy vanilla soft serve. Mangonadas, Brownie Sundaes, and more! Come by and chill out with us! Gracias, Terlingua!  

 

TERLINGUA TRASH PICKUP - Weekly trash pickup for residential and business. 

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

2 YARD DUMPSTERS for weekly pickup now in stock - pricing and pictures posted on the website: www.terlinguatrash.com. 

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

 

ESPRESSO ... Y POCO MAS 

Located in the Ghost Town and open at  7:30 a.m., 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.    

 

LA KIVA 

We missed you guys!  

Took several naps but we are back at it Monday (8/3) 5pm-midnight as usual. 

Neil Trammell Music Tuesday @7:30  

Karaoke Thursday 

Probably some other fun stuff  

Love you Terlingua