Marfa Dot Net

ALPINE – Sul Ross State University student journalists received 18 awards from the annual Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA) convention, held Thursday-Saturday (March 22-24) in Dallas.

Sul Ross won seven first-place awards, four in yearbook competition, including best cover design and overall excellence for The Brand. Vashti Armendariz, Marfa, won both first and second place in two categories, feature page/spread design and inside news page design.

In newspaper competition (The Skyline), Noah Fields, Newnan, GA, won first place in the environmental portrait category. Jesus H. Guerrero, El Paso, won first place in sports page/spread design. Andrew Smith, Houston, was a first-place winner in the sports column category.

Kacey Barton, Midland, placed second in both static graphic information and cartoon strip panel categories, and received an honorable mention in illustration competition. Magaly De Leon, Houston, received a second-place award in general news photo and third in sports feature photo competition.

Malyssa Reed, Katy, placed third in critical review competition; Andrea Bode, Georgetown, was third in general news column; and Rainey Miller, Hico, placed third in general news photo. Susanna Mendez, Temple, received an honorable mention in the sports action photo category.

All awards were received in previously-published categories.

With the original 1909 meeting at Baylor, the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA) became the oldest state collegiate press association in the nation and has grown into one of the largest and most respected collegiate groups in the country.

Contests have grown from three initial competitions to contests in general magazine, radio, television, online, two divisions of yearbook, two divisions of literary magazine and four divisions of newspaper, plus more than a dozen on-site contests during the annual convention.

By REBA GRIGGS

MARFA/ALPINE/SANDERSON/FORT DAVIS – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Brewster, Jeff Davis, Presidio and Terrell Counties will host a Big Bend Ag Day beginning at 10am March 29 in Alpine.

Reba Griggs, Presidio County AgriLife Extension agent, said the event will be at Everett E Turner Range Animal Science Center at Sul Ross State University.

“The daylong event will showcase topics important to landowners and ranchers in the Big Bend area,” Griggs said. “A mixture of talks on beef cattle, sheep, horse and wildlife will be given at the program.”

Registration is $10. RSVP by March 24 by calling the Presidio County AgriLife Extension Office at 432-729-4746. More information is also available at that number.

Brisket Lunch is sponsored by West of The Pecos Cattlewomen, AgWorkers Insurance and Capital Farm Credit. Door prizes will be awarded.

Topics and speakers will include:

– Texas Pronghorn Relocation Update, Dr. Whitney Gann, Borderlands Research Institute, and Shawn Gray, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Pronghorn Program Leader.

– Beef Cattle, Dr. Bruce Carpenter, AgriLife Extension Beef Cattle Specialist.

– Livestock Risk Protection, Bill Thompson, AgriLife Extension Economist.

– Equine Vaccine & Disease Update, Dr. Aaron Burbach, Big Bend Veterinarian Services.

– What are Dorper Sheep, Dr. Reid Redden, AgriLife Extension Sheep & Goat Specialist.

PRESIDIO COUNTY – This spring break, Presidio County AgriLife Extension and 4-H will offer day camps for 4-H members and friends in kindergarten to 8th grade. These programs will offer kids an enriching, learning experience to help them understand projects that Texas 4-H has to offer, cultivate friendships and belonging. Through a mix of educational and hands-on activities, kids will experience new adventures, learn new skills, and share interests with friends.

“With school out for break, many kids don’t get enough physical activity or learning—a critical gap that Presidio County 4-H is addressing,” says Reba Griggs, County Extension Agent for Presidio County. “In our day camp, kids are in a safe environment where they can discover what 4-H has to offer, develop character and explore new talents and interests to reach their potential.”

A camp will be held in Marfa at the Presidio County Fairgrounds on Thursday, March 15. Registration begins at 9:30 am, camp starts at 10 am and pick up at 5 pm. Each participants need to bring a sacked lunch; drinks and snacks will be provided.

During Discover 4-H Day Camp, kids will explore water, performing arts, healthy snacks and more! With all that fun rolled into one day, imagine the endless possibilities with 4-H!

(staff photo by JOHN DANIEL GARCIA)
Presidio and Fort Davis students were treated to a K-9 presentation by U.S. Border Patrol agents at the Texas Workforce Commission JobCon in Marfa on Wednesday morning. Around 500 students from Marfa, Alpine, Presidio, Fort Davis, and Valentine attended the event at separate intervals throughout the day. F

FAR WEST TEXAS – Workforce Solutions Borderplex El Paso, in partnership with the Alpine, Fort Davis, Marfa, Presidio, and Valentine independent school districts held a 2018 Tri-County JOBCON at the Marfa USO building on Wednesday.

The purpose of this event was to captivate and educate high school students in the rural areas about high-demand careers in their communities. With more than 20 major employers in attendance, students were offered a broad array of industries to explore as they seek their next step in life.

Participating Employers included Alpine Public Library, American Electric Power Company, Inc., Big Bend Community Action, Big Bend Regional Medical Center, Family Crisis Center of The Big Bend, Fort Davis Chamber of Commerce, Fort Davis County Library, Fort Davis National Historic Site, Fort Davis Veterinary Services, Humane Society of Jeff Davis County, Justice of the Peace, Martini Construction, National Park Service Rangers, Presidio Police Department, Preventative Care Health Services, Rio Grande Council of Governments, Rio Grande Electric Cooperative, Texas Department of Criminal Justice (Fort Stockton Correctional, James Lynaugh Unit), The Holland Hotel, United States Marshals Service, US Border Patrol Marfa Office, and Village Farms tomato greenhouse growers.

A Presidio High School student peers through a microscope at the Big Bend Regional Medical Center booth at the Texas Workforce Commission JobCon in Marfa on Wednesday.

Geared towards juniors and seniors, over 500 youth witnessed, first-hand, what careers offer by actual workers from local employers. The event enables students to explore careers and provides employers with opportunities to showcase the exciting and rewarding careers in their industries. Students will leave this event knowledgeable about the diverse range of career opportunities available in their area, as well as the skills needed to acquire these jobs.

The Tri-County JobCon provides the means for students to discover new interests and new possibilities in planning for their future careers. Participating companies were prescreened and provided with clear instructions to ensure exhibits are not only interactive, but performed by actual professionals working in their trade. Students also had the opportunity to take part in workshops that will help them to craft their resume, learn how to tie a neck tie, or they can take a headshot for professional purposes.

The Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative established by Governor Greg Abbott challenged the Commissioners of the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) with developing strong links between education and industry, with the goal of helping Texas grow in economic prosperity. The Careers in Texas initiative was created to promote statewide and regional industry clusters and objectives that support a variety of businesses and job creation.

The Careers in Texas Industries initiative also showcases a series of helpful websites such as TexasRealityCheck.com and TexasCareerCheck.com where students can explore in-demand careers across various industries. Workforce Solutions’ HowtoPickaCareer.com provides tools that enable students to plan for their futures.

Workforce Solutions Borderplex is a non-profit organization that provides skilled workers for employers by advancing education, employment, entrepreneurship and economic development opportunities. Our service region encompasses Brewster, Culberson, El Paso, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis and Presidio counties. Its goal is to empower the most dynamic workforce to achieve global competitiveness and regional prosperity. The organization consists of a 24-member Board of Directors responsible for strategic guidance and policy governance to achieve goals focusing on employment, education and economic development. Our funding is sourced from the Department of Labor, the Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Agriculture.

For more information about the organization please contact Romie Ruiz at (915) 887-2221 or visit our website at www.borderplexjobs.com.

From left front row: Andres Escontrias, Shantel Garcia, Viviana Salazar, Daniela Soto, Vianney Gonzalez, Arany Velasco, Melissa Lozano, Yaritza Garcia, Karyme Valdez, Adriana Sanchez, Alejandra Valles, Jasmin Deanda, Adrian Escontrias, Ricardo Chapa.
From left back row:. Jesus Quiroz, Anais Valdivia, Sebastian Madrid, Ceasar Armendariz, Homero Ramos, Alejandra Armendariz, Isabel Subia, Ivan Contreras, Omar Udave, Desirae Lujan, Jose Armendariz, Pedro Sanchez, Roberto Reyna. (Not shown: Miranda Saenz, Ismael Carrasco, Alexis Contreras)

MONAHANS – The Presidio High School Band traveled to Monahans on Saturday, Feruary. 3 to compete in the Region 6 UIL Solo & Ensemble Contest.

Students performed either a solo, ensemble or both at this competition for a judge, receiving a rating of 1-5(I being most desired).  They prepared materials from the state list of difficulty level 3 to level 1 (most difficult).

Students performing Class One Ensembles & Solos(memorized) also have the opportunity of advancing to the state competition held in Austin in May, which is the case for 35 of the PHS Band Members.  The following students received a division one on a class one memorized solo and are advancing to the state competition:  On flute – Karyme Valdez, On Alto Saxophone – Ivan Contreras, On Trombone –  Ceasar Armendariz, On Keyboard Percussion – Ricardo Chapa & Jasmin Deanda.

Students advancing to state competition with an ensemble are:  Flute Quartet-Karyme Valdez, Yaritza Garcia, Alejandra Valles, Adriana Sanchez; Clarinet Quartet – Viviana Salazar, Shantel Garcia, Andres Escontrias, Miranda Saenz; Clarinet Quartet – Vianney Gonzalez, Melissa Lozano, Daniela Soto, Arany Velasco; Saxophone Quartet – Ivan Contreras, Ismael Carrasco, Desirae Lujan, Omar Udave; Trumpet Quartet – Homero Ramos, Alexis Contreras, Alejandra Armendariz, Isabel Subia; Trombone Quartet – Ceasar Armendariz, Sebastian Madrid, Anais Valdivia, Jesus Quiroz; Percussion Ensemble – Adrian Escontrias, Ricardo Chapa, Jasmin Deanda, Roberto Reyna, Jose Armendariz, Pedro Sanchez.  Also receiving a division one on a class one solo(unmemorized) was on trumpet – Alejandra Armendariz, on French Horn- Izabella Ornelas, on percussion – Manuel Bustamante.

Class 2 Solos receiving a division one medal were on flute – Vanessa Rodriguez, on Clarinet – Maria Anaya, Michelle Knight, Luis Ornelas, Paulina Rios, Kaycee Valenzuela, Pamela Viramontes(9);  on Bass Clarinet – Myla Goldston; on trombone – Priscila Enriquez, Anais Valdivia, Jesus Quiroz; on baritone – Emilio Rios; on keyboard percussion – Jose Armendariz.

Performing a Class 2 Ensemble and receiving a division one rating- Clarinet Trio – Michelle Knight, Emely Viramontes, Pamela Viramontes;  Saxophone Quartet – Crystal Catano, Vivian Valenzuela, Sergio Prieto, Elian Lujan.

Receiving a division one on a class 3 solo on flute – Leslie Carrasco; on Alto Saxophone – Nicole Tavarez.

Receiving a division one on a class 3 ensemble  Clarinet Quartet – Luis Ornelas, Paulina Rios, Kaycee Valenzuela, Emely Viramontes; Baritone Quartet – Emilio Rios(9), Nataly Martinez, Wendy Piedra(11), Isabel Subia; Percussion Ensemble – Juliana Chapa, Alejandro Montemayor, Julia Montoya, Miguel Ornelas, Andy Perez, Aaron Valenzuela.

Receiving a division 2 were soloists Desirae Lujan on tenor saxophone; Alejandra Valles, Adriana Sanchez, Briseida Rubio on a flute trio; Kaelah Carbajal, Abril Lopez, Jessica Zuniga on a clarinet quartet.

After performing in the competition, the PHS band members traveled to Ruidoso, New Mexico for a fun and educational field trip to Winter Park Snow Tubing weekend.

Band Director, Mrs. Lucy Ferguson, says “This was definitely a weekend that will last in the memories of these talented students.  I am very proud of all of them, not only for their performances, but by the respect & good behavior displayed on our trip.   It is a privilege to be their teacher.”

From left, Ceasar Armendariz, Adrian Escontrias, Ivan Contreras

CLYDE – Three students from the Presidio High School Blue Devil Band achieved the honor of being selected and performing with the ATSSB Region 6 All-Region Jazz Bands on Saturday, February 10 at Clyde High School.

Ceasar Armendariz on trombone, Adrian Escontrias on Percussion & Ivan Contreras on Alto Saxophone auditioned last September for spots in 2 region jazz bands.

Both Ivan Escontrias and Adrian Escontrias received the first chair spot in their section in the second band and Ceasar Armendariz received the second chair spot in the first band, qualifying him to one of 2 area positions.

The grand concert was performed in the Clyde High School Performing Arts Center in Clyde and each band performed 5 incredible jazz tunes, with each of the Presidio students taking ad-lib solos.

MIDLAND – Permian Basin Area Foundation is pleased to announce its renewed partnership with AcademicWorks, an online scholarship application platform, for the upcoming 2018-2019 academic year.

Beginning on Monday, January 15, students and counselors can view eligibility, selection criteria, and apply for scholarships online at the Foundation’s website, www.pbaf.org.

In 2017, Permian Basin Area Foundation awarded $551,000 in scholarships from its more than 80 scholarship funds. The Foundation anticipates awarding approximately half a million dollars for the 2018-2019 academic year.

“This year, the Foundation will accept only applications submitted through the AcademicWorks system,” explained Sherri Heiting, Scholarship Administrator. “This scholarship management information system provides an efficient and secure platform through which students can apply for dozens of Foundation scholarships. All students are required to create an AcademicWorks user account prior to accessing the General Scholarship Application.”

Unless otherwise specified, the completed electronic scholarship application must be received by Permian Basin Area Foundation no later than March 31, 2018. Likewise, supporting documents and Reference Evaluation Forms are due by the March 31 deadline.

To learn more about scholarships, grants, and the philanthropic work of donors partnering with Permian Basin Area Foundation, visit www.pbaf.org or call 432.617.3213.

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MARFA – A golf tournament next month benefits the Marfa Shorthorn band’s trip to Disneyland this summer.

A 10am shotgun start on Saturday, March 10 at the Marfa Golf Course inaugurates the three-person scramble.

Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third places. Additional prizes will be raffled at the tournament’s end.

Breakfast burritos and hamburgers will be sold throughout the day.

All proceeds benefit the band’s Disneyland Parade in Anaheim, California this summer.

Donation is $125 per team.

Come and enjoy a great day of golf, food, music, and fun.

More information: David Gomez, 432.295.3721.

(photo by NOAH FIELDS) Dr. Sean Graham peruses published copy of “American Snakes.”

By NOAH FIELDS

The Skyline

ALPINE – Alpine’s Front Street Books will host a book signing Friday, February 9 for “American Snakes,” by Sul Ross State University faculty member Dr. Sean Graham. The event begins at 6 p.m. at 121 East Holland Ave.

“American Snakes,” published by John Hopkins University Press, includes photographs, anecdotes and facts about snakes designed for casual, yet informative reading.

Sul Ross student Noah Fields, Newnan, GA, snapped the cover photograph, as well as a number of other photos in the book.

To naturalists worldwide, the rattlesnake is seen as an iconic figure in American fauna even if it is not appreciated to the same degree by many of the people who share their space. Despite fear and loathing, Graham, an assistant professor of Biology, noted there is an insatiable curiosity about snakes, especially those who have encountered them.

“This book is intended as a celebration of an underappreciated group of animals that I believe every American should proudly embrace,” said Graham. “These snakes are as American as apple pie.”

From the swamps of the Southeast to the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas, “American Snakes” provides the reader, including seasoned snake enthusiasts, with knowledgeable accounts and vibrant photographs.

For more information, contact Graham, (432) 837-8084 or sean.graham@sulross.edu.