Terlingua Moon 

Volume 37, Number 17 

April 28, 2026 by Abejita Chiquitita 

 

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). 

 

April 28 is National Superhero Day; the middle of American Camp Week and World Immunization Week; National Arbor Day; Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work Day; and National Cubicle Day! So exercise your superpowers to go camping, get that tetanus booster you’ve been putting off, plant a tree, or sit your kids in your cubicle so they can see how you save the world one email at a time! 

 

BREWSTER COUNTY CLEANUP DAY  
2026 Countywide Cleanup Event 

EVENT DATES & TIMES: 

Saturday, May 2, 2026, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Terlingua - Road & Bridge Yard on FM 170 

Saturday, May 9, 2026, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Alpine - Landfill (8 miles East on Hwy 90) 

Saturday, May 9, 2026, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Marathon - Road & Bridge Yard on North Albert St 

 

WHAT IS IT? 

A countywide opportunity to easily dispose of large junk and rubbish 

HOW DOES IT WORK? 

Brewster County trucks will be on-site to accept your junk and rubbish. A separate tire trailer will be available for tires County trucks will haul all items to the landfill 
 

COST: 

FREE to all Brewster County Residents 
 

ACCEPTABLE ITEMS: 

Furniture & household items, Mattresses & bedding, Appliances*, Water heaters, Carpet, Scrap lumber & metal, Discarded building materials, Yard waste, Tires 
 

Important: 

Keep tires separate from other junk 

Remove wheels/rims from tires 

Appliances with refrigerant must be certified that refrigerant has been properly removed 
 

**ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED: 

Commercial waste, Car batteries, Petroleum products, Pesticides, Free liquids, Hazardous waste (asbestos, paint, etc.), Dump trailers with dirt/debris (Terlingua & Marathon) 
Let's work together to keep Brewster County clean! 

 

ATTENTION CONTRACTORS! 

Eco-Logic is excited to announce an upcoming Request for Proposals (RFP) for a construction project focused on sustainable landscape development. 

Project Overview 

Location: Terlingua, TX 79852 

Issue Date: April 24, 2026 

Proposal Due Date: March 4, 2026 

This RFP seeks bids for the construction of: 

A small permeable patio (approximately 225 sq ft) 

A 15' x 15' shade structure 

A caged rock weir 

A rock basin 

These elements are part of an ecological landscape design project on a 17-acre site. The project will create a low-impact gathering space integrated with swales and berms, adhering to permaculture principles. Please see the following link for scope of work, proposal submission requirements, and additional information or questions. 

https://form.jotform.com/261135496851058 

Moon editor’s note: We’ve asked for clarification on the due date and will update next week! 

 

KEEP BIG BEND WILD! 

Is anyone surprised that CBP updated the so-called “Smart Wall” map again last week again, and without any public notice or explanation?  They are now calling for 4 segments of physical vehicle barriers in the national park and miles and miles of “Detection Technology and Patrol Roads,” some far inland from the river.  They are also calling for a vehicle barrier all the way from Big Bend NP to Amistad Reservoir, most of which is in or adjacent to the Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River.  Many miles of these barriers would be above the canyon rims, again showing the utter disregard for terrain and reality by the CBP mapmakers.   

  

The impact of this development would be devastating to park resources and the park experience.  There’s absolutely no rationale for a vehicle barrier in the park. When was the last time anyone saw a vehicle carrying migrants cross the Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park or the Lower Canyons??   

  

And now the map has been taken off the “Smart Wall” website. They don’t even want us to see what they’re proposing.   

 

Anyone who thought this battle was over – or that technological surveillance alone was not to be worried about - has hopefully had a wake-up call.  We can rant  (and most of us have) –about the utter lack of connection between the latest wall plans and either the real world or public and political opinion. But ranting is not enough.  WE NEED TO KEEP THE PRESSURE ON. 

  

Keep Big Bend Wild made sure our allies on Capitol Hill became aware of the latest developments immediately upon our learning about them, including the letter our own county judge Greg Henington and the other 13  judges representing every border county in Texas sent to the DHS Secretary last week.  Thank you, judges! 

  

Join Us by Zoom! KBBW will be participating on a statewide zoom panel about the wall issue at 6pm central time this Wednesday (4/29), sponsored by the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club.  The Big Bend Conservation Alliance will also participate. It’s open to all but RSVPs are requested in order to get the zoom invitation: https://sierraclub.zoom.us/meeting/register/gYO5-nUeS5WQRqaCrkdOYw 

  

Back-to-back podcasts about the Big Bend border wall fight and its wider context will be posted this week on “The Landscape,” with the Center for Biological Diversity’s Laiken Jordahl in the first and KBBW’s Bob Krumenaker in the second. Find them after Tuesday at https://westernpriorities.org/category/podcast/ or wherever you listen to pods. 

  

Want to proudly show that you want to Keep Big Bend Wild?  We now have caps, t-shirts, and stickers available.  Shop at https://www.hubnotic.com/collections/keep-big-bend-wild. This is the only authorized Keep Big Bend Wild merchandise, and fully half the cost you pay is returned directly to Keep Big Bend Wild to support our efforts to protect this area from the wall and for the long term.   

  

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.   

 

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.  

 

MILKY WAY TREATS ice cream trailer will be open this weekend, Saturday – Monday, 4–9 p.m. We’ll have our creamy vanilla and chocolate soft serve! Check out our fun sundaes and delicious, homemade pints of ice cream! Hope to see you, Gracias, Terlingua! (the Saturday morning pastry cart is closed until October) 

 

SATURDAY COMMUNITY MARKET, 5-2, SET-UP DONATION WAIVED 

Wow! April just flew by and the first Saturday of May is coming right up. We waive set-up fees this week on Saturday May 2, a thank you for being here to our regular vendors and a welcome, glad to have you to our new vendors 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, fresh eggs, 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 upcycled, 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. 

 

PRIMARY RUNOFF ELECTION INFORMATION  

The primary runoff election is coming up soon.  Since this is a runoff election, you must vote in the same party as you voted in the primary election that happened in March.  If you did not vote in the March primary, you may vote in the runoff in the party of your choice.  Election judges will have a record of which party you voted in during the March election.  The following information is from the Brewster County website:  https://www.brewstercounty.gov/page/elections.information. 

 

MONDAY APRIL  27 

Last Day to register to vote in the Primary Run Off 

*Check and update your voter registration at VoteTexas.gov* 

FRIDAY MAY 15 

Last Day to apply by mail (must be received by 5pm-not postmarked) 

 

MONDAY MAY 18-FRIDAY MAY 22 

Early Voting for Primary Run Off  

 

TUESDAY MAY 26 PRIMARY ELECTION RUN OFF 7am-7pm 

BALLOT BY MAIL MUST BE RECEIVED BY 7PM 

For more information:  432-837-6200 Ext 6230 

Or email: election.admin@co.brewster.tx.us 

 

PRECINCT POLLING LOCATIONS 

EARLY VOTING MAY 18-22  7AM-7PM 

ALL PRECINCTS     Judge Val Clark Beard Complex,  203 N 7th Street, Alpine 

 

ELECTION DAYTUESDAY MAY 26          7AM-7PM 

*YOU MUST VOTE AT YOUR PRECINCT POLLING LOCATION ON ELECTION DAY* 

Precincts 1 & 2               Judge Val Clark Beard Complex, 203 N 7th Street, Alpine 

Precinct 3              Marathon Community Center, 106 NE 3rd Street, Marathon 

Precincts 4 & 8               Alpine Civic Center, 801 W Holland Ave, Alpine 

Precincts 5, 6, & 7           Red Pattillo Community Center, 201 Rex Ivey Rd, Study Butte 

 

Sample ballots are available at: 

Republican Party sample ballot 

Democratic Party sample ballot 

 

VOICES FROM BOTH SIDES 

Greetings, all! With so many things to consider, we're extremely grateful to announce that Voices From Both Sides/Voces de Ambos Lados returns Saturday, May 9th from 11am - 6pm. Keeping with tradition, this amazing gathering of families, friends and neighbors will convene at Paso Lajitas on the Río Grande/Río Bravo del Norte and will be a fun and love-filled day and the celebration of the things that make our frontera great.  

 

We humbly and respectfully ask that everyone who plans to attend will please come for a moment of peace and fellowship together in solidarity, and importantly, refrain from using this gathering as a platform for protest and let our actions of neighborly love and kindness speak for themselves on this special day. 

 

NO WALL 79852 UPDATE  

Thursday, April 30th PRESIDIO, TX  9:30am -11:00am  NO RAZOR WIRE 

Border community members are gathering to respectfully request the removal of razor wire from our river.  Flood season is coming. The threat is imminent. 

Our voices must be heard! 

The exact location in Presidio will be announced ASAP.  Please check social media for updates. 

Organizers ask folks to focus ONLY on the razor wire. This is not an anti-administration, anti-CBP, or even anti-wall event.  This event serves as a public record warning the decision makers that the razor wire is a real and significant threat. If it is not removed, they must be held accountable. 

 

Terlingua Rally  - Saturday, May 3rd 

FM 170 & Hwy 118 8:00-10:00am or later as you please... 

Join our non-partisan, family friendly rally against proposed drastic infrastructure along the Rio Grande corridor. The irreparable damage these incursions will cause will devastate our water table, our tourism economy, and our fragile desert ecosystem.  

There is no border crisis in Big Bend. 

 

DC Debrief 

Many thanks to Anna Claire Beasley and Jess and Billy Bartko for making the trip to Washington to meet with elected officials, staffers, and partners. 

 Main points: 

• Our bipartisan strategy is working. 

• We need to keep the pressure on! Representatives and other decision makers are not aware that surveyors and contractors are on the ground. Communicate urgency, transparency, and local input.  

• Call our reps, senators, governor today and every day! 

• Folks in other border communities who have dealt with wall threats see a better chance of succeeding here than anywhere else.   

 

Landowner Information 

• The Center for Biological Diversity is challenging the legality of the environmental waivers.  

• There is a new landowner coalition that is working with private landowners on strategies. Send landowners to https://nobigbendwall.org/landowner-resources/ for more information.  

 

For current updates check our Facebook page No Wall 79852, email us at nowall79852@proton.me . Check out nobigbendwall.org and no-al-muro.com for more information and printable material. 

 

TAQUERIA EL MILAGRO 

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

 

ESPRESSO ... Y POCO MAS 

Open seven 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 a.m.   

 

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) 

 

NEED A MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT? 

Veteran Independent Insurance Agent, Michelle Chiles, is coming out of retirement and ready to help. 

Call or email for information and quotes:  

mvmchouse@sbcglobal.net 

806-781-4723 - cell 

 

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

Otra Vez Thrift Store Hours: Wednesdays: 5:30pm-6:30pm and Saturday 9-12pm. The month of May will bring back the $1 bag sales. Thank you for your support. 
 
MAGIC MESA MASSAGE THERAPY 

Text 731-699-0509  

Kate Healy, Tx Lic 135433 

Travel Massage for Locals avail til 5/3 

 Pop Up Shops fully Booked.  

       Have a great Summer! See you for Chili Cookoff!  
 
TERLINGUA TRASH PICKUP 
Terlingua Trash Pickup - weekly trash pickup for residential and business. 

GRAND OPENING SALE ENDS ON APRIL 30TH, 2026. 

64 gallon can - $49.99 per month. 

96 gallon can - $59.99 per month.  

All the details on our website: terlinguatrash.com. 

I had a typo on my phone number in previous posts mailed postcards, sorry! This is the correct number now. Have a great day! -Jimmy (432) 201 -5638. 

 

 

BRAVO HEALTH TERLINGUA PRIMARY AND URGENT CARE 

199 Rex Ivey Road Terlingua, TX  79852  
(432) 300 5175 
Our Services:  

·         Preventative Care 
·         Acute Care 
·         Routine Physical Exams 
·         Chronic Disease Management 
·         Medication Management 
·         Mental Health Services 
·         Pediatric Care 
·         Geriatric Care 
 

 

TIME TO CALL, NO WALL 
REMINDER: Call AND email your U.S. Senators and Representative today to take a stand 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  

Governor Greg Abbott’s Office (512) 463-2000 
https://www.gregabbott.com/contact-us/  
https://gov.texas.gov/apps/contact-us/opinion  

The Texas 23rd Congressional District no longer has a Representative, so if you live outside this district, please help by calling your own Congressperson. 

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

Download Printable Flyers thanks to no-al-muro.com: 
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ffgMnaK_nsqqOYLUUpPcHjdpwjqfyWLj