Hear Me Out: The Podcast

Amit Rangra, Alpine candidate for mayor

Betse Esparza — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 22:53:53 GMT

Alpine mayor candidate Amit Rangra on the issues, the Alpine of his youth, and how to take on expensive projects without breaking the bank.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hearmeoutalpine.substack.com

Catherine Eaves, Alpine candidate for mayor

Betse Esparza — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 22:52:50 GMT

Alpine mayoral candidate Catherine Eaves on engaging the community, the city’s top issues, and the non-profit she created to provide counseling for First Responders.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hearmeoutalpine.substack.com

A Tale of Two Elections

Betse Esparza — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 23:10:27 GMT

You’re going to need to vote twice in May — once for for city council and school board candidates, and again in a run-off/special election. Don’t think of it as inconvenient. Think of it as preserving Democracy.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hearmeoutalpine.substack.com

U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales on education, healthcare, national security

Betse Esparza — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 23:00:27 GMT

Rep. Tony Gonzales (R) calls in to talk about Sul Ross, rural healthcare, and how to reach across the aisle.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hearmeoutalpine.substack.com

More than fine: The Arts at SRSU are getting a big boost

Betse Esparza — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 00:00:17 GMT

SRSU Fine Arts Chair Marjie Scott tells us how state revenue bonds totaling $24.6 million will be used to upgrade the department’s infrastructure.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hearmeoutalpine.substack.com

Meet the Democratic Candidates for Brewster County Judge

Betse Esparza — Wed, 09 Feb 2022 00:27:57 GMT

Candidates Benjamin Barrientes, Oscar Cobos and Mimi Smith explain what qualifies them for the highest elected office in Brewster County. Early voting starts Monday.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hearmeoutalpine.substack.com

Meet the Republican Candidates for Brewster County Judge

Betse Esparza — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 00:20:33 GMT

Candidates Greg Henington, Monty Kimball and Ryan Skelton explain what qualifies them for the highest elected office in Brewster County. Early voting starts Feb. 14.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hearmeoutalpine.substack.com

Smart people live in Alpine: Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff talks with authority about Omicron

Betse Esparza — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 00:11:12 GMT

Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff, a global health correspondent for National Public Radio’s Science Desk, lives here in Alpine. She talks to us about the Omicron variant, who is vulnerable, plus common sense measures and the tools we can use to avoid infection, including vaccination and rapid testing.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hearmeoutalpine.substack.com

Alpine Montessori School's enrollment is growing

Betse Esparza — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 00:20:44 GMT

Alpine Montessori School Director Amelie Urbanczyk and teacher Amy Ellis talk about the curriculum, student life and avoiding COVID interruptions, plus more about getting kids vaccinated, and the tragic and sudden loss of Fire Chief Mike Scudder and what it means for emergency services.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hearmeoutalpine.substack.com

Filing for election: How do you do it?

Betse Esparza — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 00:00:36 GMT

To run for county offices and higher, you have to first “file” for election. We explain what that means, and tell you who has filed to run as of today in Brewster County.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hearmeoutalpine.substack.com

Chuck Wilson will soon leave the building

Betse Esparza — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 00:15:44 GMT

After 20 years, thousands of students and a lot of harmony, AHS Band Director Chuck Wilson is retiring in December.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hearmeoutalpine.substack.com

Vote: School homestead exemptions could decrease next May

Betse Esparza — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 22:50:55 GMT

Voters across Texas will decide next May whether or not to increase the school property tax homestead extension from $25,000 to $40,000. Is it worth $176 a year on average to leave school districts with less revenue?

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hearmeoutalpine.substack.com

Where are the tests?

Betse Esparza — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 23:00:00 GMT

COVID-19 tests are STILL hard to come by, especially in rural areas, where healthcare is facing shortages of staff and resources. One local physician proposed an interesting solution to members of the Texas Legislature.

Get on the email list at hearmeoutalpine.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hearmeoutalpine.substack.com

Brewster County may be changing Senate Districts

Betse Esparza — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 23:00:00 GMT

The Texas State Senate Redistricting Committee has published a first draft of its map following the 2020 Census, and Brewster County is likely to end up aligned with El Paso to the west instead of San Antonio to the east. Dr. Jimmy Case, professor of political science at SRSU, joins the discussion.

Alpine City Council: Funny Business

Betse Esparza — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 23:00:00 GMT

The Alpine City Council extended a contract to an interim employee who isn't meeting the job requirements, resulting in a messy budget process.

Alpine has a New Chief of Police

Betse Esparza — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 23:00:00 GMT

Chief Darrell Losoya, Alpine native and Navy veteran, talks about dysfunction amongst elected officials, policing in America and competition.

What the Census Means For You

Betse Esparza — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 23:00:00 GMT

A quick review of the 2020 Census figures in Far West Texas, and how they'll effect the redistricting process at the local level.

How to talk to your school board about mask mandates

Betse Esparza — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 22:00:00 GMT

I asked the Alpine ISD school board members about mask mandates. They were (mostly) not forthcoming about their thoughts. Also, how to contact them and share your own opinions.

The Cowboy Way: Big Bend Ranch Rodeo

Betse Esparza — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 23:00:00 GMT

BBRR's Chachi Hawkins is our guest to talk about the 21st year. Find out what's new and learn about the difference between a ranch rodeo and a pro rodeo.

The Anatomy of an Agenda

Betse Esparza — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 23:00:00 GMT

Local government agendas can be complex if you don't know what you're reading. On this episode, we break it down by section and discuss the purpose of each one. Nerd out!

Viva Big Bend celebrates 10 years

Betse Esparza — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 23:00:00 GMT

Texas Music Magazine Publisher and Viva Big Bend Director and Creator Stewart Ramser talks about what makes the festival's vibe so cool for both performers and audiences, and why you should see the bands you've never heard of before now.

A Tribute to Texas Musicians

Betse Esparza — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 23:00:00 GMT

Artwalk Executive Director Keri Blackman discusses the organization's fifth mural on the north facing wall of Printco in Alpine. Like the other four, artist Stylle Read is painting the faces of 50 of the finest Texas has to offer. And yes, Selena is one of them.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hearmeoutalpine.substack.com

High Expectations: Alpine ISD Supt. Becky McCutcheon

Betse Esparza — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 22:00:00 GMT

Alpine ISD Supt. Becky McCutcheon visits to discuss how the local state assessment test scores compare, and to give us a quick update on construction projects around the District.

Sul Ross: Change is in the Air

Betse Esparza — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 23:00:00 GMT

SRSU Pres. Pete Gallego is our guest. Some controversial cuts to popular programs are possible sooner than later. The former Texas State Representative and Alpine native explains how the university is in need of alignment.

Ham Radio Operators Are So Cool

Betse Esparza — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 23:00:00 GMT

A visit with Bob Ward about ham radio operators, their invaluable role in emergencies, and their upcoming annual Field Day.

Patrolling the Big Bend Border

Betse Esparza — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 23:00:00 GMT

USBP Deputy Chief Matthew Roggow is our guest. We discuss the massive influx of undocumented migrants on the Southwest Border, immigration policy, and the increase of search and rescue missions.

Stats: https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/southwest-land-border-encounters-by-component

The Edge of the Lege

Betse Esparza — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 23:00:00 GMT

The Texas Legislature has recessed, but probably not for long. Plus, a few updates on some of our other main topics.

What Happens at City Hall is Your Business

Betse Esparza — Wed, 26 May 2021 01:00:00 GMT

There are rumblings of recall elections following the termination of City Manager Erik Zimmer and City Secretary Cynthia Salas. How does that work, and why does what happens at City Hall matter to you?

Plus, a surprise guest and ... let's get ready for Cowboys baseball!

Meet Marfa Meats

Betse Esparza — Wed, 19 May 2021 13:00:00 GMT

Christy Miller fell in love with Marfa when she first stayed a night in 2015. She wondered, though, why she couldn't get a local cut of beef. She's spent the last two years preparing to open a meat processing plant, and is now days away. Recorded live at the KVLF Studio in Alpine on May 18, 2021.

The State of the Streets

Betse Esparza — Sun, 16 May 2021 19:00:00 GMT

Alpine City Manager Erik Zimmer is our guest to discuss the city streets, the budget, and the technicalities of how they're paved and how much it costs.

January 6 Capitol Riot & Low Voter Turnout

Betse Esparza — Sun, 16 May 2021 19:00:00 GMT

Host Betse Esparza reviews her opinion of the facts of the January 6 Capitol Riot, and discusses abysmal turnout in the city council and school board elections.

The Vax

Betse Esparza — Sun, 16 May 2021 19:00:00 GMT

Dr. Adrian Billings and his son, Blake, discuss the COVID vaccination, global benefits, and hesitancy.

Texas Senate Bill 10 and Rural Texans

Betse Esparza — Sun, 16 May 2021 18:00:00 GMT

Brewster County Judge Eleazar Cano is our guest as we discuss SB 10 and how it will limit rural voices.

Rural Broadband, Remote Learning and COVID-19

Betse Esparza — Sun, 16 May 2021 16:00:00 GMT

Big Bend Telecom GM Rusty Manager talks about how rural broadband was an integral part of keeping students connected during COVID-19, and what the Texas Legislature, along with Gov. Greg Abbott, are doing to balance access and infrastructure.