Vol. 37, No. 8

 

Terlingua Moon

Volume 37, No. 8

February 24, 2026 by FreeBird

 

"The battle for conservation must go on endlessly.

It is part of the universal warfare
between right and wrong." – John Muir

 

 

 

 

BREWSTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING – Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 9:30 A.M.  For more information, see attached agenda.

2026 EARLY VOTING IN THE PRIMARY ELECTIONS – is happening NOW in Alpine.

Poll hours for the remaining early voting:
Monday, February 23- Friday, February 27^th, 7 AM-7 PM

Early voting location for ALL Brewster County Precincts:
Judge Val Clark Beard Complex
203 North 7th Street, Alpine

Due to restrictive Texas legislative voting laws, there will be NO remote early voting anywhere else in Brewster County. 

Sample ballots for each precinct are available at Brewster County Elections.  All ballots include a list of propositions proposed by each party.  To make voting faster and easier for you as well as other voters, please read these from the sample ballots before Election Day.

Election Day is Tuesday, March 3, from 7 AM-7 PM, at the following locations:

PRECINCT 5 ‑‑ Panther Junction Visitor Center Community Room
Big Bend National Park

PRECINCTS 6 & 7 ‑‑ JW "Red" Pattillo Community Center
201 Rex Ivey Rd, Study Butte

Remember you must vote in your precinct on Election Day! 

TERLINGUA TRASH PICKUP ‑‑ Do you want trash pickup service but don't need an entire dumpster?  We offer 64 gallon and 96 gallon trash can receptacles for WEEKLY TRASH PICKUP.  All the details on our website: terlinguatrash.com.  (432) 201 -5638.

KEEP BIG BEND WILD!
All of this controversy over the planned border wall in Big Bend National Park is a reminder that we can't take the current situation in our local national park for granted.  Politics and policies change, and park lovers won't always be in lockstep with the NPS, but almost everyone locally agrees on two things: the current roads and facilities should be maintained and, if possible, improved; and the still-roadless areas that make up the vast majority of the park should remain that way so that our grandchildren, and theirs, can experience Texas' Gift to the Nation the same way our generation does.  That's also the best way to assure wildlife thrive and the night skies remain the darkest in the lower 48.  The only way to assure that protection is to convince Congress to include those undeveloped parts of Big Bend in the National Wilderness Preservation System.  They'd still be part of the national park, and everything we can currently do in the park legally would continue.  But they'd be guaranteed by law to remain roadless forever.

Wilderness is not new in Texas — most of Guadalupe Mountains National Park was designated as wilderness decades ago, and that works without any controversy.  Wilderness by itself will also not prevent the wall from being built.  But it expands the national constituency for Big Bend and will help fuel the outrage against unnecessary and harmful border security infrastructure if we make it past this current crisis.  For our Congressional delegation to take action to protect what Texans love about their largest national park, they need to hear that it's what their constituents want.

Please learn more at keepbigbendwild.org, and consider supporting Keep Big Bend Wild.  There's no more important time.  Donations are welcome (we're financially sponsored by the El Paso Community Foundation, a 501c3), but we need you to allow us to list you as a supporter even more.  Local business supporters are especially appreciated.  See who's already supporting KBBW at https://keepbigbendwild.org/our-supporters/.  If you want to help further, reach out at info@keepbigbendwild.org.

Keep Big Bend Wild supports strong border security, and experience in the park shows that the NPS and the Border Patrol can work cooperatively and their missions are not incompatible.

Bob Krumenaker
BBNP Superintendent, 2018-2023
Chair, Keep Big Bend Wild

DUSTY’S 1^ST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION ‑‑ Come join the fun and get some burro cuddles with Dusty and friends!  Meet the birthday burro, and celebrate this adorable milestone with us.  It’s a perfect day for smiles, snuggles, and photos!  All are welcome — bring your camera!

Free entry • Burro Cuddles

The Little Burro Store

Wednesday, February 25

TAQUERIA EL MILAGRO ‑‑ Street tacos, steaks and big side dishes all from authentic Mexican recipes.  Come in and enjoy our food and great setting.  BYOB.  Open Wednesday through Sunday from 3 PM until 9 PM. (432)371-2060 for takeout via our drive-through window.

ESPRESSO … y POCO MAS ‑‑ We're open 7 days a week for home-cooked breakfasts, lunches and the best coffee in the area.  Located in the Ghost Town, great seating with fantastic views, strong wifi, and newspapers.  (432)371-3044 for to-go orders.  Open at 7:30 AM. 

COMMUNITY YOGA CLASS ‑‑ Red Pattillo Community Center
Every Monday thru May 4
5:30-6:30pm
No Class 3/2

Bring your own Mat
Some Props Provided
Sugg Donation $5

Local Residents/Service Workers Only
Beginners & Stiffies Warmly Invited

Hatha Yoga (one pose @ a time)
led by Kate Healy, cyt

DISCOUNTED LOCALS MASSAGE THERAPY
Mondays - Temple of the Bird
Tuesdays - JAF Arena Lounge
PM or Text 731-699-0509
Kate Healy, Tx Lic 135433

THE BIG BEND MOBILE LIBRARY

>Hours:
Thursday, February 26th 2 PM-5 PM at Canyon View Community Park(next to the school).
Saturday, February 28th 10 AM-3 PM at the Community Gardens in the Ghost Town.

>Crafternoons:  This Thursday (Feb 26th) afternoon from 2 PM-5 PM at the Library Trailer, we are having our first all-ages Craft Time.  We will be making paper collages, bring your kiddos and your friends and come join the fun!  Supplies will be provided by the library, but feel free to bring any additional paper supplies or old magazines.

>FREE Spanish Classes:  Our next Spanish class is Saturday, February 28th from 2 PM to 3 PM at the library trailer in the Ghost Town.  All beginners are encouraged to join us, don't be shy, we'll meet you at whatever level you're at!  Please bring your own chair and a pen/pencil and paper for note taking.

>Library Tech Services:  Do you have computer, printer, or internet needs?  We have the fastest internet in town and a laptop that is available for check out hourly at the library.  Dr. Gigabyte is also on hand to help with general questions on technology and communications in the Big Bend.

>Exchange Box:  Our clothing swap was a huge success, and we've used some of the leftovers to replenish the clothing in the free porch!  Come check out what's new and drop off your gently used items that you no longer need, let's keep the cycle of things flowing!  All donations must be approved by library staff.  If you have large donations, please bring them in sturdy boxes :)

>24/7 Book Returns:  Did you know we have a drop box for book returns at the entrance to the community gardens? This means you can return your books anytime, even if the library isn't open!

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

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.

YOGA WORKSHOPS ‑‑ Join CERTIFIED Iyengar teacher Jerri Crowley from San Angelo who is offering 3 workshops:

Feb. 28 - Yoga for Low Back Pain - 10 am to 12 noon
Feb. 28 - Yoga for Posture, Neck and Shoulders - 4 pm to 6 pm
March 1 - Yoga for Happy Hips and Hamstrings - 11 am - 1 pm

Red Pattillo Community Center, Terlingua, TX
$30 per workshop or $75 for all 3.

Preregistration is required by emailing Angela Delamar at angeladelamar@gmail.com or texting 956-433-9984, and your spot will be confirmed when you Venmo @Jerrilyn-Crowley.  We need to know you're coming to ensure that we have enough props on hand for you! 

TEXAS INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE AND FOURTH ANNUAL UGLY FEET CONTEST ‑‑ Monday, March 2 @ 4:00 P.M.  Come celebrate the 190th anniversary of Texas Independence from Mexico with the annual impromptu parade beginning and ending at the Ghost Town Porch celebrating the sacrifices of those who won our freedom that has been so easily forgotten by native Texans and unknown by the naturalized and visitors.  The parade is scheduled to begin at 4:00 P.M. at the Porch.  Gathering for the parade will be at any time necessary for the preparation of your "float" to make the 4:00 start.  ALL FLOATS AND UGLY FEET WELCOME.  

The Ugly Feet contest will take place on the Ghost Town porch right after the parade.  First, 2nd and 3rd place prizes for contest.  Please try to attend with a float and enter your ugly feet into the contest or just come as a spectator and spread the word.  Please don't be shy about entering your UGLY FEET.  Be proud of your ugly feet!  Terlingua is notorious for our ugly feet.  Don't let the tourists beat you because the entire planet is eligible to enter.

CRISIS CENTER ‑‑ Hello Terlingua, we are going to start a Junk Journal session on Wednesdays, starting on March 4^th, 10 AM to 12 PM, here at the Crisis Center.  The idea is to create a journal of your journey, be healing, travel, life, memories or whatever you would like to journal.  Supplies you will need are basically scrap fabric, whatnots, junk you have found or any “lil bits” left over from your projects, scrap paper, scissors, glue, and the basic old cereal box.  I hope to see you there.

  

RING PAUL HUGGINS
July 11, 1945 – August 17, 2025

A Celebration of Life honoring Ring Paul Huggins, owner of the rock shop Many Stones near the entrance of Big Bend National Park, will be held on March 19, 2026, at 12:30 PM at Many Stones, located at 53700 Highway 118 in Terlingua, Texas.

Family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by Ring’s craftsmanship, teaching, and deep reverence for the natural world are invited to gather in remembrance. The obituary will be read by his daughter, Spirit Huggins, as stories and memories are shared in honor of his enduring legacy.

 

MORE FROM CRISIS CENTER ‑‑ It' that time of year again, are we ready to run?  Shout out to all that want to participate, volunteer, donate to the silent auction and to all the wonderful people who donate to the prizes, please call the office at 1-432-371-3147.  It's gonna be fun and we can help raise the funds to keep the Food Distribution going for another year. 

TANKS A LOT TERLINGUA
Water Catchment Tanks, Pumps, Filters and Installation

ALSO NOW AVAILABLE:
Food Grade 275 gallon totes - $275/each
Food Grade 55 gallon barrels with removable lids & ports - $85/each
Steel 55 gallon drums with no lids - $50/each

Shop Local!
Located near the Terlingua Ranch Lodge.
Call Mark or Michelle: 432-371-3096 (home/office) or 806-781-7814 (cell)

MILKY WAY TREATS ‑‑ Saturday morning bakery cart will be open this Saturday, 10 AM – sell out!  If you haven’t tried one of our kolaches or cinnamon rolls yet, what are you waiting for!?  We have gluten-free items, assorted cookies, breakfast pastries and coffee.  The ice cream trailer will also be open this weekend, Saturday – Monday, 4–9 PM.  We’ll have our dairy-free pineapple along with our creamy vanilla soft serve!  Homemade pints of ice cream, delicious milkshakes, and fun sundaes!  Hope to see you, Gracias, Terlingua!

ENJOY OUR SATURDAY COMMUNITY MARKET ‑‑ Come see us at the Saturday Community Market, open from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.  Located at the Community Garden in the Ghost Town, we're here every Saturday with happy vendors offering an array of locally produced goods and other items.  You'll also be able to enjoy our fabulous local mobile library and portable free ‘porch’, even consult with Dr. Gigabyte if you have a computer problem.

Local art, handcrafted textile goods, sour dough bread, all natural lip balms and skin care products, all natural essential oil fragrances, beard oil and massage oils, handcrafted, creative jewelry, resin creations, block printed textiles and vintage goods, both curated and up-cycled, 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.

PAISANO POST FROM TERLINGUA SCHOOL ‑‑ Good luck to the Paisano Boys' Team in their Bi-District game against Sanderson on Monday the 23rd in Balmorhea at 6 PM. 

Congratulations to the following Paisanos and Paisanas on the All-District Honors:  District MVP Defense-Adriel, 1st Team:  Adriel, Anael, and David, 2nd Team:  Brayan T., Brayan L., and Exavier, and Honorable Mention:  Hank.  1st Team:  Asa, 2nd Team:  Sethany, Nereida, Honorable Mention:  Desiree and Xiomara.  High school track athletes had their first meet in Fort Stockton this past weekend.  Good luck to the Junior High track athletes in their first meet on Wednesday in Alpine.  Good luck to the High school athletes in their 2nd meet in Marfa.  Good luck to the Purobots and safe travel to Lubbock for their Regional Competition.  Students of the Week: Elem:  Tobias Alonso, JH: Dafne Huerta, and HS:  Ivanna Ocho

BIG BEND EPISCOPAL MISSION SERVICES & OTRA VEZ THRIFT STORE HOURS ‑‑ Saturdays Holy Eucharist Services w/Father Mike Wallens at the Sts. Mary & Josephs' Chapel in Lajitas 5 PM.  All are welcome.

Otra Vez Thrift Store:  Wednesdays:  10AM-2PM & 5:30 PM-6:30 PM

MUSIC AT THE BAD RABBIT RESTAURANT AT TERLINGUA RANCH

Charlie and Judy, Saturday Feb. 21, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Charlie on accordion and Judy on guitar play old country songs, some funny originals, a bit of Broadway and let's not forget the yodeling. 

Full dinner menu, come for dinner, maybe do a little dancing.

 

TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT THE RIO GRANDE AND BIG BEND RANCH STATE PARK

A border wall along the Rio Grande through Big Bend Ranch State Park and isolated desert communities will damage fragile desert ecosystems, put cultural and historic sites at grave risk, impede wildlife migration, and affect enormous devastation to an already endangered river system.

It is a violation of the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act.

Call AND email your U.S. Senators and Representative today.

For Brewster County:

Senator John Cornyn (202)224-2934
https://www.cornyn.senate.gov/contact-john-cornyn/

Senator Ted Cruz (202)224-5922
https://www.cruz.senate.gov/contact/write-ted

Representative Tony Gonzales (202)225-4511
https://gonzales.house.gov/contact

Urge them to oppose any border wall construction in Big Bend Ranch State Park and to defend our environmental laws and public lands.  Your voice matters.  Speak up for Texas parks, for wildlife, and for future generations.

Our economy, our property values and our very existence in South County depend on this!

CALL TODAY AND EVERY DAY!

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).