The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the alleged sexual assault, kidnapping, robbery and arson that took place in Terlingua on December 6, as a possible hate-crime. The hate-crime provision may be invoked given that the attack seems to have been motivated by perceived sexual orientation of the victim. By John Waters    more »

In an effort to disrupt human-trafficking, the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) will bus will transport two busloads consisting of 94 Mexican Nationals, per day, caught illegally in Arizona, to the Port of Entry in Presidio. The transported individuals will then be released and allowed to walk across the international bridge to Mexico. by John Waters    more »

The proposal for a Wilderness Area within this park is not new. When the idea of designating two-thirds of Big Bend National Park as wilderness was first proposed, then-President Richard Nixon said, “At a time when our Nation is seriously concerned with conserving our energy resources, it is also important that we protect another treasured national resource — our wilderness areas and the many varieties of plant and animal life which thrive uniquely in wilderness environments.” By John Waters    more »

And perhaps best of all, staff levels have never been better; the organization now has three paid medics and fifteen volunteer firefighters, plus a group of almost a dozen newly-trained first responders, in addition to already on board stalwart volunteer ECAs and drivers. by John Waters    more »

When asked for details on the resignation, Liz Demetri, POATRI board president told the Gazette, “As I stated at the [April 25] meeting, we, the board have no announcement to make at this time. Whatever conversation you and Alida had is between the two of you.”   more »

I’m happy to report we at AIG are paying 400 of the good employees of our credit default swap unit $450 million of your money to stay at AIG. You might ask why would we pay the people who were responsible for our write down of $34 billion over $1 million each so they can hang on? Good question. Maybe because were using O.P.M. – Wall Street speak for “Other People’s Money,” which in this case is your money. By John Waters    more »

As 2008 closes I am happy to report we at AIG have borrowed $127.7 billion from you. This represents 84% of the $152.5 billion you have provided through your generous agent, the federal government, and in particular the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. by John Waters    more »

Last month, I predicted that some of our talented AIG employees might find the corporate culture at the NY Fed alluring. Well, those dogs from defunct Bear Sterns beat us to it. by John Waters    more »

After Dodson contacted Knight by phone, Knight insisted they speak in person. Dodson finally contacted Knight at Knight’s residence about 8:15 pm, at which time Knight told Dodson he had transported sodium cyanide to his son’s property off South County Road in Terlingua and had attempted to dispose of it on bentonite soil. Fearing that a hiker or illegal alien might come in contact with the cyanide, Knight contacted Dodson’s office after first seeking legal representation. by John Waters    more »

Now I am a journalist in search of the truth. To be more accurate, I am a reporter covering the issues and people of the Big Bend. Over the past several years we have strived to provide a quixotic lens on a unique region by way of thorough research, investigation and analysis. We have had our ups and downs.   more »

At nightfall Boren commanded the attention of the group and told the returning veterans he would lead them in an interpretation of the Navajo Enemy Way Chant Ceremony. Historically, the ceremony’s goal was used to exorcise the spirits of the violence and ugliness that warriors had experienced and to pray for and protect from the spirits of slain enemies. by John Waters    more »

Although authorized by the federal transportation bill, the $1.2 million for the Lajitas Relief Route remained unspent. After the transportation bill became law the funds could not be spent for anything else, period. by John Waters    more »

South Brewster County residents awoke to no electricity on the morning of Wednesday, July 30 in what was to be the start of almost 2 days without power. Power was lost on Wednesday morning at about 2:30am and restored at 11:20 am. Power was again lost at about 4:30 in the afternoon and restored on Thursday at about 1 pm. A third interruption of power occurred Saturday, Aug. 2. by John Waters    more »

In a first for the state of Texas, the Gazette has confirmed that the General Land Office is selling land with the state reserving solar energy rights to the property. The GLO has long reserved other rights such as mineral, geothermal; more recently wind rights and now solar energy. by John Waters    more »

Granted, my visit was on Memorial Day weekend, so a vibe was to be expected, but with the temperature at 102, the number of guests moving around was impressive. Impressive too was that people were still outside, on the patio, imbibing cold beverages, seemingly unbothered by the heat. For the first time in my living near and reporting on Lajitas in nearly five years, the place had a buzz. Could Lajitas be rising like a phoenix out of the ashes? by John Waters    more »

exas General Land Office Commissioner Jerry Patterson has responded to the National Park Service’s proposal to acquire the Christmas Mountains in Brewster County. His answer: No guns, no deal: create a National Preserve and we can talk. by John Waters    more »

On a stunningly clear mid-January afternoon Texas General Land Office Commissioner Jerry Patterson pilots his 90-horsepower Citabria aircraft from San Marcos to land at Terlingua Ranch’s 4,000-foot dirt runway, at 1:30 pm. On board with Patterson is a chilled Sam Gwynne, writer from Texas Monthly, who has endured the three-hour flight in the back of the small aircraft, sitting behind Patterson where the aircraft’s heat does not reach. Patterson is in Brewster County to explore the Christmas Mountains and Big Bend National Park by air, foot, truck and all-terrain vehicle. by John Waters    more »

Kelcy L. Warren of Dallas has bought the bankrupt Lajitas Resort for $13.5 million. Today Bankruptcy Court officials in San Antonio confirmed the price, and said a final hearing is set for December 18. An internal Lajitas memo issued today... by John Waters    more »

he U.S. Bankruptcy Court has again postponed a decision regarding Lajitas Resort. The resort has received several bids ranging from $13.5 million to $18 million. The resort, which filed for bankruptcy protection in July, continues to operate fully.The Bankruptcy Court has scheduled a hearing on December 7 to consider several motions... by John Waters    more »