The Big Bend Sentinel

The Big Bend Sentinel has been serving Presidio County and the Far West Texas region as a weekly newspaper since 1926.

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AI data center could be coming to Marfa

1 week ago | bigbendsentinel.com | Mary Cantrell

Local officials are privy to the proposal but lack details on key factors like water use PRESIDIO COUNTY — Marfa grasslands, long inhabited by grazing cattle, could soon be the site of a multi-million dollar data center established to meet the growing demand for artificial intelligence if preliminary plans progress. Presidio County and City of Marfa officials have recently gleaned project details from Open Origin, the energy generation and distribution company developing the proposal.
AEP proposes new substation on Oak Street, prompting resident backlash

1 week ago | bigbendsentinel.com | Mary Cantrell

MARFA — American Electric Power (AEP) is proposing to build a new, much larger, substation on Oak Street, catty-corner to the existing substation’s current location, and is seeking a rezone in the process, prompting backlash from neighborhood residents who oppose the industrialization of residential property.
City Hall shake up: Marfa city manager axed

1 week ago | bigbendsentinel.com | Mary Cantrell

MARFA — Marfa City Council members voted to terminate City Manager Andrea Walter at a special council meeting held on Tuesday at noon, effective immediately. Walter was given an hour to collect her things and will receive severance pay for three months. It was not immediately clear why Walter was fired. Mayor Manny Baeza declined to provide further details, stating that “we don’t discuss personnel issues.” Walter declined to comment.
On second go-round, county approves funding for new court coordinator

2 weeks ago | bigbendsentinel.com | Sam Karas

PRESIDIO COUNTY — At Wednesday morning’s Commissioners Court meeting, Presidio County officials continued to debate the prospect of partially funding a second assistant for the 394th District Court. Commissioners David Beebe, Deirdre Hisler and Franky Ortiz voted down the roughly $10,000 annual commitment last week, but District Judge Monty Kimball and Court Coordinator Lori Holguin came to the meeting in person to ask them to reconsider.
Clinic could reopen in Presidio as soon as next month

2 weeks ago | bigbendsentinel.com | Sam Karas

PRESIDIO — At Wednesday’s Presidio County Commissioners Court meeting, Lynette Brehm of the Big Bend Regional Hospital District (BBRHD) announced that a clinic that had abruptly closed in February would reopen by early summer, thanks to Hamilton Health Box, a company that runs private hybrid in-person and telemedicine clinics. In late February, a sign was posted on the door at the Big Bend Regional Medical Center clinic on O’Reilly Street announcing the resignation of Dr. David Sanchez.
Residents raise issues with Marfa Housing Authority

2 weeks ago | bigbendsentinel.com | Mary Cantrell |Rob D'Amico

MARFA — Some residents of the Marfa Housing Authority (MHA) are raising concerns about the site’s management after one resident alleged her car was recently illegally towed. For resident Sierra Slaughter, the abrupt and seemingly unjustified towing of her vehicle from the apartment parking lots was the culmination of long standing “harassment” by MHA maintenance man and security guard Juan “John” Lara.
Holland Ave property gets new buyer, fire clean up

2 weeks ago | bigbendsentinel.com | Mary Cantrell

ALPINE — Efforts are finally underway to clean up the wreckage on Holland Avenue left by a devastating May 2024 fire. The site, 109 to 115 West Holland Avenue, has remained walled off to the public since the tragedy. The City of Alpine and the building’s current owner, Bill Ivey, have been in negotiations since November 2024 regarding the sale of the site, which used to house several local businesses and is located in the heart of downtown Alpine’s commercial district.
Elise Pepple deja Radio Pública de Marfa después de 8 años y medio

3 weeks ago | bigbendsentinel.com | Sam Karas

Elise Pepple deja Radio Pública de Marfa después de 8 años y medioMARFA — El lunes, Radio Pública de Marfa cerró un capítulo en la historia de la venerada estación, ya que la veterana directora, Elise Pepple, celebró su último día en el cargo. Trabajó durante ocho años y medio, guiando a la organización de medios local a través de dos administraciones presidenciales, una pandemia mundial y miles de historias locales, grandes y pequeñas.
Butterfield Overland Trail interpretation still rolling along

3 weeks ago | bigbendsentinel.com | Mary Cantrell

FAR WEST TEXAS — Efforts spearheaded by the National Trails Office, a division of the National Park Service (NPS), to develop an interpretive trail along the historic Butterfield Overland mail route are still underway with a comprehensive plan draft set to be completed this July. The circa 1857 trail begins in Tipton, Missouri, and stretches westward ending in San Francisco, California. A significant portion of the 3,292 mile trail cuts across Texas, including parts of Jeff Davis County.
Elise Pepple departs Marfa Public Radio after 8 1/2 years

3 weeks ago | bigbendsentinel.com | Sam Karas

MARFA — On Monday, Marfa Public Radio closed a chapter of the venerated station’s history as longtime Director Elise Pepple celebrated her last day on the job. She served for eight and a half years, guiding the local media organization through two presidential administrations, a global pandemic and thousands of local stories big and small. A number of important changes were implemented under her leadership: the nonprofit’s budget grew by 70%, allowing for a bigger and more diverse team.