BREWSTER COUNTY TAX OFFICE CLOSED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER 2/1/2023. Alpine (Brewster County) received $1,482,255.55; Marfa (Presidio County) received $402,652.17; and Valentine (Jeff Davis County) received $32,955.53. Guide to Federal Broadband Funding Opportunities in the U.S. Participating organizations may be asked to provide follow-up reporting and communications outreach. But to the Enlightenment era founders -- to the extent they agreed there was a God -- viewed it as a God that bestowed the right of Liberty on everyone, not Authority on one. Local | It is in West Texas and its county seat (and only city) is Alpine. Drawer 119, Alpine, TX, 79831 ** For FedEx, UPS, Etc: 201 W Ave E., Alpine, TX 79830 For your convenience, links are available for pricing and applications for birth/death certificate, and online searches. (j)A director may not receive a salary or other compensation for service as a director but may be reimbursed for actual expenses of attending meetings at the rate in effect for employees of Brewster County. "People just need to know I'm out here and that I can pop up at any time," he said. Find out what programs serve Texas and Brewster County. Brewster County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. https://www.digitallearn.org/, Operation Connectivity: Initial connectivity guidance for LEAs Communities opted to assess some or all the sectors. https://connectednation.org/current-broadband-funding, BroadbandUSA: Federal Funding Guide One has a horse. For example, the house of representatives might be called an assembly in certain states. The tables below show the qualifications in each state. There are two primary types of broadband connections: fixed and mobile. This site does not wish to replace the great work that other organizations have done to keep government accountable and accessible. Most of Brewster County drains into the Rio Grande, although the northern part drains into the Pecos River. BREWSTER COUNTY, Texas - Brewster Ranches is a massive 420,000-acre ranch on the north side of Big Bend National Park and it's currently on sale for $320 million. While most democracies are "representative democracies,"many states have an "initiative" process by which certain issues CAN be brought to voters for a direct vote, bypassing the normal channels of representative government. Ballotopedia: Redistricting in Texas after the 2020 Census, the National Council of State Legislatures. Report your scam to warn your neighbors and see what else has been reported near you. In Jeff Davis, it is $53,088 and in Presidio it is $25,098. Heres an overview of how the primary contests are shaping up, and what issues have emerged as focal points so far. An overview of our mission with guidelines for using this website to participate in democracy. Redistricting can either strengthen or weaken the power of a party in the state overall. Time: 9:30 am. Broadband connects people to the world and opens the door to opportunity. https://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/info-2021/oats-senior-planet.html, Digital Learn: Use a computer to do almost anything! Curriculum should be reviewed and updated every 3-4 months. All work should be done by the teens; however, mentors may provide guidance. 12. Law Enforcement in the Big Bend Region of Texas. (b) The board is composed of: (1) three members who represent the cities, towns, or population centers of Alpine, Lajitas, Marathon, Study Butte, and Terlingua; (2) three members who represent the rural part of . Mentors must abide by all elements of their signed agreement. As we head into the 2022 midterm elections, democracy has never been more under threat. https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/resources/federal, Texas Broadband Providers by County January 6, 2021 504 PM ALPINE At an Alpine City Council meeting on Tuesday night, officials considered new candidates for city attorney to replace Rod Ponton, who was dismissed by the city last year. It makes tax regulations that go into detail about how the tax laws should be applied in specific situations. School Leaders - July 3, 2021 Brewster County Division I. Since its founding in 1919, the National Parks Conservation Association has been the independent, nonpartisan voice working to strengthen and protect America's favorite places. The dope runners will build a landing where the cars can simply drive across into the U.S. In 31 states, the secretary of state has to run for office, meaning they are not nonpartisan, but usually affiliated as Democrats or Republicans. On a stretch of road that connects the two highways that lead in and out of Big Bend National Park, 17 miles east of Highway 118 and in as desolate a place as I'd ever been, we stopped in the middle of a stretch of blacktop to visit with "The Governor of Marathon," as Dodson called him; a man who was an elected commissioner of Brewster County but who by day delivers propane to customers scattered around the area. Now in archive mode, the blog features essays and videos by managing editor Bill Moyers, as well as the perspectives of other journalists, scholars, activists, and creative men and women in the arts and sciences. Brewster County In Google Sheets, create a spreadsheet with 4 columns in this order: County, StateAbbrev, Data* and Color Free version has a limit of 1,000 rows; monthly contributors can map up to 10,000 rows per map Map data will be read from the first sheet tab in your Google Sheet If you don't have a Google Sheet, create one by importing from Excel or a .csv file George Johnson was named to fill a vacated County Commissioners seat by Brewster County Judge Kathy Killingsworth. Things like gerrymandering and voter suppression should be offensive to anyone who believes in the fundamental wisdom of democracy, and rule by the people, not just the powerful, entrenched interests. Brewster County Sheriff's Office is currently seeking qualified applications for the position of Executive Assistant. Promote free and reduced-cost services in the Tri-County area to make broadband accessible to the public through greater adoption and use rates, https://www.lifewire.com/free-online-wifi-hotspot-locators-818276, https://www.futurelearn.com/info/blog/the-complete-guide-to-digital-skills, https://www.aarp.org/about-aarp/info-2021/oats-senior-planet.html, https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/covid/operation_connectivity_playbook.pdf, https://www.educationsuperhighway.org/bridge-to-broadband/, https://data.usac.org/publicreports/CompaniesNearMe/Download/Report, BBT, 577 county locations for $4,103,451.00, BBT, 1,767 Alpine locations for $2,535,840.00, BBT would offer a 50 Mbps x 50 Mbps for $60.00 per month, Resound Networks, 493 locations for $1,385,890.00, BBT, 370 county locations for $1,737,872.00, LTD Broadband, 1,015 locations for $4,366,21.00, BBT, 134 county locations for $846,900.00, BBT, 617 Marfa locations for $1,251,365.00, Resound Networks, 169 locations for $236,046.00, Rio Grande Council of Governments, Workforce Solutions Borderplex, US Congressman Tony Gonzales, State Senator Roland Gutierrez, State Senator Csar Blanco, State Rep. Eddie Morales, Chambers of commerce and convention and visitors bureaus: Brewster County Chamber, Marfa Chamber, Alpine Chamber, Fort Davis Chamber, Presidio CVB, Marfa CVB, Alpine Downtown Association, Brewster: 79830, 79832, 79834, 79842, 79852, Sul Ross State University and school districts. All three communities have large Spanish-speaking populations so all curricula and workshop presentations should take this into account. One of the Republican candidates, businessman and Terlingua Fire and EMS Chief Greg Henington, is currently leading a local task force focused on finding a solution to the ambulance issue. Community members who currently serve as broadband champions can continue advising on broadband matters as part of the refreshed TCBA to ensure the successful implementation of this action plan. https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/resources/federal, Auction 904: Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Divisions & Leagues. Classes should take place at local facilities, such as the library or school gym, and be promoted through local media. Could it lead to a second U.S. Civil War between the states? Leverage community assets and strategic partnerships to increase broadband access in unserved and underserved areas of the Tri-County region, https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/connect-america-fund-phase-ii-faqs, https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/coronavirus/assistance-for-state-local-and-tribal-governments/state-and-local-fiscal-recovery-funds, https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/fiscalrecoveryfunds_countyfunding_2021.05.10-1a-508A.pdf, https://www.ntia.doc.gov/press-release/2021/ntia-s-broadband-infrastructure-program-receives-over-230-applications-more-25, 3. 13. And other states have partisan maps drawn by the party in power in the state legislature, gerrymandered to favor the party in power that got to draw the map: Whew! That suggests the candidates are hoping for votes from across the political aisles. While alike in many ways, each county is unique and could benefit from a designated voice on this important topic. Thats where this newsletter comes in. It is one of the nine counties that comprise the Trans-Pecos region, and borders Mexico. Community leaders and institutions to consider: Action 3 Reduced-cost broadband at home is but part of the solution. The welfare and rights of children affect their health in terms of food and shelter but also mental health, and their choices and civil rights regarding the medical choices and treatments affecting them. (NOTE: Because of the way legislative boundaries are drawn, more than a zip code is needed to determing which legislative disrict you are in. Democracy depends on powerful advocates. Where to file complaints related to consumer products and safety. Not only will residents benefit from broadband improvement inside county lines, but they will reap the benefit of broadband advancements in surrounding communities economically, technologically, and socially. NTIA Broadband Development Grant Application: Broadband providers who attended the May provider meeting: Additional information on the NTIA Broadband Development Grant and RDOF Program are below. working-class life in the United States is more difficult than it is in any other high-income country. He routinely waves to passing motorists who know him in his unmarked vehicle. Representative government is the form of democracy, that as an alternative to "direct democracy" where everyone votes on everything, instead, the people vote for "representatives" (senators, representatives, assembly members) and an "executive" (mayor, governor, president), to join together to run the affairs of government. Republicans are also enemies of personal freedom. Learn about how to file your candidacy for a local or county office. The County, schools, and library can use funds or grant money to acquire new devices or partner with community organizations and internet service providers to outfit buildings with computing devices. All major credit cards are accepted as a form of payment. Sign Up for Email Updates. And why should I care? for the convenience of collective action (e.g. Kids Encyclopedia Facts Brewster County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. Daily; Weekly; Monthly; Past Bowl Seasons; November 1, 2021; October 31, 2021; The Vocabulary Bowl is currently in its off-season. The FCC must determine the viability of RDOF projects during a long form review process before issuing funding. Henington, the south county business owner, referenced his experience with early-pandemic public health measures in pushing for direct communication from local officials about decisions that will affect businesses. https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/connect-america-fund-phase-ii-faqs, Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds For example, getting a business license for a baker is different than getting a business license for a consulting firm. There is 15-20 minutes of idle chit chat and we leave, headed back north. Powers voter info tools for many other websites. For almost 100 years, the ACLU has worked to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States. Regular Commissioners Court. "They can hear us coming a mile away and when they do, they just crouch down. Four years later I am in tears and proud say "Democracy Won!!!". Programs and resources should be published in English and Spanish to reach as many people as possible. Maybe more. Who Are Your State Representatives in Texass Legislature? Find legal information in your zip code for health care issues including access, death, women's, children's, men's, and healthcare for seniors. Why do we have to be in crisis mode? We appreciate everything you do for us, and if you are inclined to do a bit more, donate today! Where there is broadband, there is development, achievement, and innovation. The Commissioners Court should designate the broadband ambassador within 12 weeks of the publication of this plan. . Renters, workers who didnt own land, could not vote. We are more than a think tankwe are an action tank. John Cornyn. -- it's easy to remember, so tell your friends! According to the broadband survey conducted in Brewster, Jeff Davis, and Presidio Counties, in partnership with Connected Nation Texas, the average download speed reported by residential survey respondents was 24.82 Mbps, 12.41 Mbps, and 12.08 Mbps respectively. Quickly find contact information for your state's governor. Swing Left helps you find and support progressives in your closest swing district. The cybersecurity materials are intended for learners who are interested in internet safety and want to protect themselves from cyber criminals. In a democracy, the power of the government exists and is granted power onlyby the consent of the people it governs. Everywhere we turned it seemed we ran into someone who was friendly toward the sheriff. The computer basics materials are intended for learners that are new to using a PC or Mac or want to build confidence using the Windows 10 or Mac operating system. We have taken eight hours to drive from Alpine to Lajitas back to Study Butte for lunch, then east across the county to La Linda, and finally back to Marathon and Alpine. Dodson says Gov. Local units of government; Broadband providers; Community and regional organizations. The video conferencing materials are intended for learners who are interested in confidently using the popular video conferencing platform Zoom to conduct and participate in online meetings. Texas Association of Groundwater Districts An organization to stop gerrymandering. BREWSTER COUNTY - Sheriff Ronny Dodson stood in his office at the Brewster County Courthouse in Alpine one recent Thursday morning, waiting for me so we could begin a daylong trip through this desolate, beautiful country over which he presides. Such resources include EducationSuperHighway and EveryoneOn. To understand the current infrastructure landscape, the council should meet with providers who currently serve or have plans to build in the region to understand the progress and viability of projects. https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/coronavirus/assistance-for-state-local-and-tribal-governments/state-and-local-fiscal-recovery-funds, Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, County Allocation Our favorite reliable sources of fact-driven, quality news reporting on issues of interest to consumers. making a town water system.). Each state gets two senators in the U.S. Senate. Its 6,100 square miles encompasses Big Bend National Park and part of Big Bend Ranch State Park. It is paramount that the counties recognize the value of partnership in the broadband sphere. 1 was here. Founded in 2020 by Marc Elias, Democracy Docket delivers expert opinion and commentary on voting, as well as provides detailed information about important litigation that will shape our elections and democratic institutions for years to come. Another address based ballot tool, shows every local candidate and who has endorsed them. The broadband council should begin working with community organizations and leaders to market low-cost broadband programs immediately. This is significantly lower than the FCCs definition of broadband at 25/3 Mbps. Given the states history of abysmally low voter turnout in primaries and recently-enacted voting restrictions that could lead to even lower turnout this year, its easily plausible that the top two candidates in each of the Brewster County Judge primaries could go on to a runoff in May. Action 1 In the broadband survey, 34% of households in Brewster County who do not have internet stated cost was a barrier. View who's on the ballot in Texas, or any address. Three candidates have stepped forward, including former District Attorney Sandy Wilson. "You the reporter?" Texas Water Matters. A great way to support the building of rural toilets around the world and save forests with bamboo-based toilet paper. Not only will the partnership be marketable to broadband providers, but it will bolster general broadband opportunities. Over the course of 2021 and into 2022, state legislatures have embarked on a sweeping campaign to propose, consider, and, in some cases, enact measures that increase the risk of election subversionthat is, the risk that an elections declared outcome does not reflect the choice of the voters. "I almost left without you.". (g)A director serves until the directors successor has qualified. As a whole, the council will serve as the go-to resource for broadband questions, grants, opportunities, and meetings. Brewster County. Counties tend to have rules about what you can and cannot build, and building codes generally. The liaison should be knowledgeable about broadband and passionate about extending service to the unserved and underserved populations of the community. The U.S. House of Representatives' website offers this service to unscramble gerrymandered districts that cut across zip code boundaries willy nilly. Your Elected Representatives for Brewster County, TX, 3. Enter your email below to get updates and voting alerts. Daily; Weekly; Monthly; Past Bowl Seasons; January 27, 2022; January 26, 2022; The Vocabulary Bowl is currently in its off-season. County Leaders # of Counties Led; Greg Cook: 32 Anthony Hewetson: 26 Barrett Pierce: 10 David Brotherton: 9 Jay Packer: 9 John Berner: 6 Derek Muschalek: 5 Scott Lofland: 4 . (a)The district is governed by a board of seven directors appointed by the Brewster County Commissioners Court. Many families, young professionals, and retirees live in Brewster County and residents tend to lean conservative. (b)The board is composed of: (1)three members who represent the cities, towns, or population centers of Alpine, Lajitas, Marathon, Study Butte, and Terlingua; (2)three members who represent the rural part of Brewster County, exclusive of the cities, towns, or population centers of Alpine, Lajitas, Marathon, Study Butte, and Terlingua; and (3)one member who represents Brewster County at large. Rio Texico is a 117,000-acre . With a refreshed mission, TCBA should be comprised of three broadband liaisons-one from each county- and a board of advisors. A society where we share responsibility for strengthening community and country by reckoning with our past, and recommitting to each other. The council should also include a board of advisors who represent distinct community sectors, such as government, healthcare, and education. Digital skills and digital literacy workshops should be available no later than the end of Q2 2022. https://www.ntia.doc.gov/press-release/2021/ntia-s-broadband-infrastructure-program-receives-over-230-applications-more-25. Workshops should address specific topics ranging from skills necessary for the workforce to how to use broadband safely in your everyday life. You can't even see they're out there.". Should be an interesting case. Organizations that track Consumer Protection legislation. When they get back to Mexico, they'll turn around and do it all over again. The mules - many of whom support families in Mexico and often don't consider what they do anything more than just a way of make a living, not illegal at all - will be gone from home for up to two weeks at a time. "I could put 25 strategically placed men along the order at various points and it would make a big difference.". Many states offer online ballot tracking systems, others require contacting election officials. I think that they are feeling like the Republican candidates have backgrounds that lend themselves to administration more than the Democratic candidates this cycle, said Esparza, who has been following the race on her Hear Me Out Alpine podcast. Voting Info and Important Dates. Want to help the Republican Party of Texas in a larger way? While Brewster, Jeff Davis, and Presidio counties do not have to allocate funding or spend federal dollars within that same three months, the council should outline the scope of broadband infrastructure projects (ongoing and planned) within that timeline. Topics include: creating a Gmail account, performing basic email functions such as sending, receiving, replying, organizing, deleting, and searching emails, and how to recognize suspicious communication. Please note: as of now, RDOF awards are pending review at the federal level. The food and drug administration may propose policies about drug prices and have hearings about that. Case in point, 27% of Presidio County residents who do not have an internet connection at home stated it is because they do not own a computer. Local units of government; Broadband providers; Community and regional organizations. "They can walk as close to 40 feet off the highway and we'll never see them," Dodson said. Brewster County, TX Elected Representatives, How to Call Your Congressional Representative in Brewster County, TX. How to register a consumer complaint with the Texas attorney general. School Leaders - October 31, 2021 Brewster County Middle & Elementary Schools. America does not have an official religion, nor should it. In Brewster, 31.8% of homes speak Spanish, and in Jeff Davis, 40.5% of homes speak Spanish. Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. It focuses on using Gmail, one of the most common email platforms. You have an important role to play in enforcing Texas consumer protection laws, by reporting it when you experience it. Run for Something will recruit and support young, diverse progressives to run for down-ballot races in order to build sustainable power for Democrats in all 50 states. Who Draws The Voting Districts in Texas? This site is dedicated to fighting anti-democratic forces that are threatening the enlightenment ideal that this nation was founded on. The job of the legislative branch is to create laws to deal with the problems of government. Moreover it's time for us to seize the opportunity to tap into the great talent that this nation has to offer, if we just get the crushing weight of economic hardship off of the hardworking consumers who go to work every day and truly make this nation great. For more information, please call 432-837-3488 or email [email protected] / CLOSED I launched this site to fight his attack on democracy. The Tri-County Broadband Alliance has completed its community technology assessment. 24.04 acres $689,000. Cano cited family reasons in his decision, saying he wanted to spend more time with his children in San Angelo. Cano cited family reasons in his decision, saying he wanted to spend more time with his children in San Angelo. There are still today those who argue that the Constitution doesnt necessarily guarantee a right to vote to anyone. Ultimately, Brewster, Jeff Davis, and Presidio counties should play a strategic role in ongoing or planned projects that will widely benefit the most residents. In some states the legislative branch only meets a few months a year. And therefore, the only legitimate form of government, is one where those "endowed with Liberty" that God gave them, give up some of that liberty to be controlled (i.e. To start, go to Can I Vote and select Texas. And every vote should count, and not be nullified by sophisticated computer aided gerrymandering. The sheriff knows the money can't come from the county and he appreciates and understands the challenge the commissioners in Brewster face. An official website of the United States government. Late last year, incumbent Brewster County Judge Eleazar Cano, a Democrat, announced he would not seek reelection. Maybe 15. Here's how to find the people who represent you in Texas. Organizations that track Civil Rights legislation. In Texas, primary runoff elections are triggered when a race has a field of at least three candidates where no single candidate receives a majority of the vote. Dodson admitted having never seen a Texas DL with a Mexico address on it. If you've moved or havent voted in a while, your state can cancel your voter registration. To date, TCBA has been actively involved in promoting community surveys and attending monthly meetings with CN Texas. Track Texass voting legislation by using this database by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). https://rg.smartcitiescouncil.com/, US Census: Brewster County We are excitedly preparing to launch a new Vocabulary Bowl season. Curriculum should be developed using publicly available programs, such as those provided by AARP, Digital Learn (resources linked below), and county-sourced information, and should be offered to the public. After their drivers' licenses each came back clear - including one Texas drivers' license that showed one of the Lajitas workers had a home address in Mexico - Dodson wrote no tickets. Between 2019 and 2020 the population of Brewster County, TX stayed from 9,231 to 9,231, a 0% change and its median household income declined from $47,080 to $45,296, a 3.79% decrease. Local broadband teams should mirror the successes and objectives laid out by the State. "Swing districts" are places where the winner of the last House of Representatives election was determined by a thin margin. Perhaps the Trump brand of democracy bashing will finally end, and we will go back to fighting just the traditional bugaboos of gerrymandering and misinformation. When Donald Trump was president, his choice to run the CFPB was a lobbyist for the payday lending industry! This can include increasing the number of devices in locations that currently serve the public or the addition of computers, laptops, and tablets in locations that currently have none. I do see the importance in any entity [for] accountability, he said. To start, for heaven sake, make sure your voter registration is up to date. State | And, in some states, voters also elect or confirm the appointment of judges. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Check our blog for updates on the Vocabulary Bowl. Collectively, the broadband council should work together to share resources and wholistically bridge the digital divide in the Tri-County region. The results of the assessment in Brewster County can be found by clicking the symbol for each of the sections below. To understand the present, we have to understand how we got here. If you have questions, call the AgriLife office in Odessa at 498-4071 or in Midland at 686-4700. Here is a list of progressive causes and the organizations that fight for them. How to Track Your Vote in Texas. The silent majority showed up and voted, especially young people. Topics include: web browsers, search engines, internet navigation, and tips/tricks for basic and advanced online searches. leadership. The first broadband council meeting should convene within four weeks of appointment of its members. This report is a partnership between the States United Democracy Center, Law Forward, and Protect Democracy. Address broadband affordability and accessibility barriers among vulnerable populations in the Tri-County area. Voters rejected those who want to trash democracy. Finally, this site is very much a work in progress. Millions of Americans have fallen under the spell of this con man and supporting candidates who refuse to accept election results if they do not win. Vote suppression has a long and ugly history in the U.S., and over the last two decades, it has resurfaced with a vengeance. Superb resource for finding detailed voting information for Texas and Brewster County, Population 9,546 (h)If there is a vacancy on the board, the commissioners court shall appoint a director to serve the remainder of the term. Out of the 27 races for secretary of state this year, only six GOP candidates for the role including Brad Raffensperger in Georgia, who defied Trumps pressure over the election results in that state have defended the 2020 election results. (c)A member described by Subsection (b)(1) must reside in or in the immediate area of a city, town, or population center listed in that subsection. The MGGG Redistricting Lab is a research group at Tisch College of Tufts University that grew out of an informal research collective called the Metric Geometry and Gerrymandering Group. It is the secular, Enlightenment era exiperiment that our founding fathers embarked upon, that the power of government should derive from "the consent of the governed" as opposed to "the devine right"from "God" that Kings had always asserted as their source of legitimate authority. Ideally this broadband liaison will 1) promote broadband and technology access, adoption, and use; 2) serve as the go-to resource for broadband and technology needs; 3) seek ways to educate and empower the community regarding broadband and related technology; 4) take priority action on recommendations from the community action plan and implement other programs that are necessary and beneficial to the growth of the community; and 5) monitor federal grant applications and expenditures.