MARFA – Playboy Enterprises Inc. has completed work on what appears to be a large-scale sculpture on the western edge of Marfa, but mystery surrounds the motive behind the work.

Is this an art installation for the sake of the art and artist? Who is the artist, or artists? Is this a public ...]]> By ALBERTO TOMAS HALPERN

MARFA – Playboy Enterprises Inc. has completed work on what appears to be a large-scale sculpture on the western edge of Marfa, but mystery surrounds the motive behind the work.

Is this an art installation for the sake of the art and artist? Who is the artist, or artists? Is this a public relations stunt or campaign for Playboy? Will scantily clad Playboy bunnies eventually come hopping to town? What about Hugh Hefner, “Hef” to his friends, the man who lives in pajamas who founded the magazine with topless and now nude photos of the “girls next door?”

A crew installs the Playboy bunny neon light. (staff photos by ALBERTO TOMAS HALPERN)

An artist’s rendering shows a car atop what appears to be a large, sinking box, next to a neon Playboy Bunny sign. Is this poking fun at the holy trinity of Chinati Foundation artists, Donald Judd, John Chamberlain and Dan Flavin?

These questions weren’t answered by the PR firm that called the Sentinel recently, asking to spike the story.

What we do know is that a 20-foot by 13-foot neon sign, in the shape of the iconic Playboy Bunny logo, can be seen at the installation site, just west of the Marfa city limit on U.S. 90.

The Big Bend Sentinel recently obtained documents from Presidio County, which were filed by Playboy Enterprises. The multimedia corporation applied for a certificate of compliance under the county’s subdivision regulations for new electrical service, presumably to light the giant neon Bunny.

Caitlin Bower, Playboy’s head of special projects, signed off on the affidavit requesting the new utility service.

When contacted this week, Bower referred all questions to a public relations firm that is working on the project.

James Volpe, a consultant with the New York City-based firm, PR Consulting, declined to comment about the project at present. The firm’s website lists Playboy, among many other fashion, entertainment and lifestyle corporations, as one of its clients.

According to the documents filed with the county, Playboy is leasing about 6,500 square feet of land from the Bob Eppenauer Eppco LTD ranch.

According to Presidio County Judge Paul Hunt’s office, writer, curator and artist Neville Wakefield is working on the temporary installation. The New York Times and The Hollywood Reporter identify Wakefield, who was the curator for a Ballroom Marfa exhibition in 2011, as Playboy’s new creative director of special projects. Wakefield’s staff did not respond to questions.

A Border Patrol vehicle zips by the installation west of Marfa on Highway 90.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that New York City-based artist Richard Phillips is part of the project.

Bill Wren, special assistant to the superintendent at McDonald Observatory, confirmed this week that he has been in contact with individuals working on the project.

“I spoke with a couple of the artists planning to do this,” Wren said. “They did take the dark sky ordinance into concern. They had the manufacturer do the design to have shielding to keep it from shining up.”

Wren said that with Presidio County’s approval and especially with the temporary nature of the project, the observatory gave them the ok.

“It’s not fully dark sky friendly. It’s largely dark sky friendly,” Wren said. “Being temporary, I think most folks are willing to cut them some slack. If it were permanent, it would be problematic. It would be an easy enough thing to remedy and since they took the willingness to call the observatory, we decided we didn’t want to make a big stink.”

MARFA – There might be oil in Presidio County.

Sunup Oil & Gas Inc. of San Antonio this week spudded a wildcat well on a ranch off of Nopal Road, 15.4 miles southeast of Marfa on a 6,400-acre lease.

The contract operator is Inland Ocean Inc., a San Antonio oil and gas ...]]> By ALBERTO TOMAS HALPERN

MARFA – There might be oil in Presidio County.

Sunup Oil & Gas Inc. of San Antonio this week spudded a wildcat well on a ranch off of Nopal Road, 15.4 miles southeast of Marfa on a 6,400-acre lease.

The contract operator is Inland Ocean Inc., a San Antonio oil and gas company whose president and director, Hans Helland, is Sunup’s vice president of operations. Pinson Brothers of Edmond, Oklahoma are the drilling contractors.

The Pinson Brothers rig #2 off Nopal Road east of Marfa. (photo by and courtesy of Sunup Oil & Gas)

Oil exploration in the Big Bend area has occurred in the past, but is almost non-existent.

“We’re drilling an oil well. We hope that there’s oil beneath,” said Sunup president James “Jimmy” Nixon III from his San Antonio office.

According to documents obtained from The Railroad Commission of Texas, the state agency that regulates the oil and gas industry, Sunup and Inland Ocean initially applied for a new drilling permit on December 17, 2012. After making minor amendments to the permit application, it was approved by the commission on April 23, 2013. The drilling permit shows that Sunup will be drilling a vertical well to a total depth of 4,500 feet. There is only one well on the lease.

According to Nixon, the Barrett family of San Antonio owns the oil well while the surface owners are Bob and Richard Nunnley. Nixon said that his company put the project together and is working with various partners.

The same patch of land was used for oil production in 1996, explored then by an Edmond, Oklahoma petroleum company, Alpine Inc. Oil Co doing business as Steve Knox Oil Co.

“Sixteen years ago another company found oil and produced it and we figured there has to be more,” Nixon said.

The well in the mid-1990s produced one barrel a day before it was shut in.

Nixon said he hopes to produce more this time around.

“We hope that there’s a lot of it,” he said of potential oil below the Far West Texas ranch country. “We believe that there is and hope that we’re right. We believe everybody else missed it.”

The oilman sees the discovery of oil in the area as an economic driver. “I hope we can bring some jobs and prosperity.” He also added that the public school district would benefit greatly with the increased property value of the ranchland.

Workers install the pumpjack for the mid-1990s oil well in this file photo.

Nixon was quick to say that his company isn’t engaging in the controversial practice of hydraulic fracturing or fracking, though he says there is nothing wrong with the practice. “This is a conventional oil test. Like the old times.”

He did add though, “We might decide we want to [frack]. It’s not against the law.”

Nixon also said that his company is very conscientious of the environment. He said that they would “respect the land” and use as little of the land as possible. In addition, he said his operation is not pumping water from underneath the ranchland. They are, however, trucking water in bulk from a city of Marfa water customer.

Lorenzo Hernandez, a former mayor of Presidio and current Presidio County Commissioner, is purchasing the water from the city of Marfa and trucking it to the rig site.

According to Marfa’s city hall, Hernandez is one of about 25 bulk water customers this year.

City administrator Jim Mustard said bulk water customers are charged four to five times more for water than in-city customers are charged.

“We charge them $20 per 1,000 gallons and the highest rate for in-city customers is $4.80 per 1,000 gallons,” Mustard said.

Mustard said that Hernandez has purchased about 40,000 gallons of water from the city in the last week, a figure that he says is “relatively minor.”

The drilling operation will be done using air, not water, Nixon said. He said the water is needed to various operating procedures, such as making concrete for pipe casing.

A road side sign off of U.S. Highway 67/90 points to the rig site. (staff photo by ALBERTO TOMAS HALPERN)

“It’s a conventional well with an air rig. There is no fracking scheduled. We have a frack tank to store water,” Nixon said.

Sunup Oil & Gas Inc.’s website proudly says they are, “actively exploring far West Texas for new energy sources.”

Hollywood has come to Marfa twice to tell stories of oil. The classic film “Giant,” based on the Edna Ferber novel, depicts the rise of the Texas oil and gas industry displacing king cattle and starred James Dean, Rock Hudson, and Elizabeth Taylor.

“There Will Be Blood,” from the novel “Oil,” by Upton Sinclair follows the story of a diabolical oil baron-to-be portrayed by Daniel Day-Lewis in the burgeoning Southern California petroleum rush of the early 20^th century.

Both films won Academy Awards.

MARFA – Playboy Enterprises Inc. has begun installing a large-scale sculpture on the outskirts of Marfa, but mystery surrounds the motives behind the installation.

A 20-foot by 13-foot neon sign, in the shape of the iconic Playboy Bunny logo, can be seen at the installation site, just west of the Marfa city limit ...]]> By ALBERTO TOMAS HALPERN

MARFA – Playboy Enterprises Inc. has begun installing a large-scale sculpture on the outskirts of Marfa, but mystery surrounds the motives behind the installation.

A 20-foot by 13-foot neon sign, in the shape of the iconic Playboy Bunny logo, can be seen at the installation site, just west of the Marfa city limit on U.S. 90.

A crew installs the Playboy Bunny neon light. (staff photos by ALBERTO TOMAS HALPERN)

The Big Bend Sentinel/BigBendNow recently obtained documents from Presidio County, which were filed by Playboy Enterprises. The multimedia corporation applied for a certificate of compliance under the county’s subdivision regulations for new electrical service, presumably to light the giant neon Bunny.

Caitlin Bower, Playboy’s head of special projects, signed off on the affidavit requesting the new utility service.

When contacted this week, Bower referred all questions to a public relations firm that is working on the project.

James Volpe, a consultant with the New York City-based firm, PR Consulting, declined to comment about the project at present. The firm’s website lists Playboy, among many other fashion, entertainment and lifestyle corporations, as one of its clients.

According to the documents filed with the county, Playboy is leasing about 6,500 square feet of land from the Bob Eppenauer Eppco LTD ranch.

According to Presidio County Judge Paul Hunt’s office, writer, curator and artist Neville Wakefield is working on the temporary installation. The New York Times and The Hollywood Reporter identify Wakefield, who was the curator for a Ballroom Marfa exhibition in 2011, as Playboy’s new creative director of special projects.

Bill Wren, special assistant to the superintendent at McDonald Observatory, confirmed this week that he has been in contact with individuals working on the project.

A Border Patrol vehicle zips by the installation west of Marfa on Highway 90.

“I spoke with a couple of the artists planning to do this,” Wren said. “They did take the dark sky ordinance into concern. They had the manufacturer do the design to have shielding to keep it from shining up.”

Wren said that with Presidio County’s approval and especially with the temporary nature of the project, the observatory gave them the ok.

“It’s not fully dark sky friendly. It’s largely dark sky friendly,” Wren said. “Being temporary, I think most folks are willing to cut them some slack. If it were permanent, it would be problematic. It would be an easy enough thing to remedy and since they took the willingness to call the observatory, we decided we didn’t want to make a big stink.”

MARFA – Playboy Enterprises Inc., Hugh Hefner’s multimedia corporation that brought Playboy magazine to the world, is installing a roadside sculpture near Marfa.

According to documents filed with Presidio County, Playboy has applied for a certificate of compliance under the county’s subdivision regulations for new electrical service.

An artist’s rendering of ...]]> By ALBERTO TOMAS HALPERN

MARFA – Playboy Enterprises Inc., Hugh Hefner’s multimedia corporation that brought Playboy magazine to the world, is installing a roadside sculpture near Marfa.

According to documents filed with Presidio County, Playboy has applied for a certificate of compliance under the county’s subdivision regulations for new electrical service.

An artist’s rendering of the Playboy outdoor art installation planned near Marfa.

Playboy is leasing about 6,500 square feet of land west of Marfa from an area rancher to site the installation.

Caitlin Bower, head of special projects for Playboy Enterprises signed off on the affidavit requesting the new utility service.

Bower and Jeremy Kenik, Playboy’s Division Vice President for Business and Legal Affairs, could not be reached at press time.

According the Presidio County Judge Paul Hunt’s office, Neville Wakefield, a writer, curator and commentator on contemporary art, culture and photography is working on the project.

Wakefield was the curator for Ballroom Marfa’s Autobody exhibition that was on view from September 30, 2011 to February 12, 2012.

An artist’s rendering of the project shows a car on top of what Hunt described as a “post-apocalyptic” Donald Judd concrete box. Erected next to the sculpture is a neon light displaying the iconic Playboy Bunny logo. According to the elevation details and a 3D rendering of the project, dubbed Playboy Marfa, the neon bunny, measuring 13 feet wide and 20 feet tall, will stand 40 feet above the ground on an electric pole.

“My understanding is it will be a temporary, possibly as long as one year, installation just west of town on the north side of Highway 90,” Hunt said this week.

The sculpture came on his radar when the new electrical utility was needed.

“One of the requirements it will have is to light this sign which requires new electric service, and in a border county you have to get a certificate of compliance.”

Hunt said Playboy Enterprises complied with the requirements of the application.

“They’ve done some adjustments to direct the light down and they’ve worked with representatives from McDonald Observatory,” Hunt said about Playboy Enterprises’ efforts to comply with the Dark Skies ordinance.

“Since it’s going to be a temporary installation there won’t be any permanent concerns of light pollution.”

Detail and scale of the Playboy bunny.

Hunt said the artist’s rendering is not exact; it shows the sculpture a few feet from the highway. Ultimately it will be set back from the highway “quite a bit,” Hunt said.

He said another element of the project is to stream a video of the project online.

“Their intention, also, is to have a 24/7 online streaming video view of this from across the highway.”

Hunt added, tongue-in-cheek, “If they’re not clever, you may get to watch the vandalism as it occurs,” a reference to the multiple acts of vandalism of Prada Marfa.

Asked what he thought the community’s response would be to the project, he said with a sigh, “I’m guessing it will stimulate some conversation among quite a few constituents in the county.”

MARFA – Award winning Tejano accordionist AJ Castillo stars as the 27th annual Marfa Lights Festival concert returns to Vizcaino Park on Labor Day Weekend.

AJ Castillo

The Marfa Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual festival, and this year the chamber is planning a great event.

This year’s event is ...]]> By ROSARIO SALGADO HALPERN

MARFA – Award winning Tejano accordionist AJ Castillo stars as the 27th annual Marfa Lights Festival concert returns to Vizcaino Park on Labor Day Weekend.

AJ Castillo

The Marfa Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual festival, and this year the chamber is planning a great event.

This year’s event is co-presented by Ballroom Marfa. The arts and culture organization is partnering with the Marfa Chamber of Commerce to help fund and organize the concert, which takes place on the future site of the Ballroom Drive-In, an ambitious project that will reestablish the 21-acre Vizcaino Park as a state-of-the-art performance venue and community gathering space.

Three-time award winner AJ Castillo is known for his unique accordion sound and style, his energetic live performances, and his extraordinary custom accordions.

Having lent his musical talent to many artists through countless studio recordings and performances, in late 2008 he felt it was time to step to the front of the stage and introduce a fresh new sound that expands the boundaries of accordion music.

With the release of his debut CD, Who I Am, followed by, On My Way, and The MixTape (which is a power-cumbia CD), the DVD Up Close and Personal and the New Movement, AJ has embarked on a new journey as a well-known accordionist, singer, and performer.

AJ sings and plays the accordion and is joined on stage by his younger brother Sergio on vocals and his father Arturo on alto saxophone and vocals. Other band members are Alex Pulido on trumpet, keys and vocals; Leroy Esparza, bajo sexto and guitar; Pedro Rodriguez on bass; and Duran Bermea on drums and percussion.

In 2009 AJ kicked off the Tejano Music National Convention in Dallas and in 2010 became a three-time award winner, being named the Tejano Music Awards Best New Male Artist and the Tejano Academy’s Best Accordion Player and Best Emerging Artist.

“The first time I saw and heard AJ Castillo, competing in the inaugural Big Squeeze competition in Houston, he blew me away,” said Joe Nick Patoski, the Texas music and culture writer and Marfa Public Radio music show host. “A skilled accordionista descended from a storied musical family, an engaging singer, and an all-around entertainer, A.J.’s the real deal: he’s a solid conjunto player respectful of traditions, but constantly expanding his boundaries and redefining his music, while keeping the crowds moving on the dance floor. Twenty-first century Tejano music never sounded so good.”

Influenced by his grandfather, accordionist Lupe Moreno, and by his musician father, AJ began playing the accordion at the age of 10 and began his professional music career at 13. Today, this young talented musician is reaching Latin music fans all over the world and is being recognized by professionals in the Latin music industry. In a short period of time, he has accomplished many great things.

Hilary Rivera of Austin and formerly of Marfa had this to say about AJ Castillo and his band in an email to the Marfa Chamber of Commerce: “I want to recommend a Tejano group for the 2013 festival. AJ Castillo and his band are from Austin. He plays the accordion and his brother Sergio does some of the singing. They also have an awesome stage setup. I’ve been to several shows and every one is better than the last. What I love about them is they stay till every fan has been talked to, every autograph has been signed and every picture has been taken, both during intermission and after the show. They are very down to earth and I promise if you brought them you would not be disappointed.”

“No good deed goes unpunished,” an apologetic Browning said, referring to his information earlier this week that the segment would have aired this Sunday.

the CBS eye

He said ...]]> MARFA – The Marfa segment on the CBS News program 60 Minutes has been rescheduled for Sunday, April 21, the show’s producer, David Browning said Thursday.

“No good deed goes unpunished,” an apologetic Browning said, referring to his information earlier this week that the segment would have aired this Sunday.

the CBS eye

He said corporate executives advised him of the change on Thursday.

Veteran broadcast journalist Morley Safer and crew came to town in October and were here the better part of a week, staying at the Hotel Paisano, conducting interviews with townsfolk, and getting plenty of video.

Between 11.5 million to 12 million viewers typically watch a 60 Minutes show.

Alas, the suspense and excitement of seeing Marfa residents and video of the eclectic community in national prime time Sunday has to wait another two weeks.

When it does air, the local affiliate is CBS 7 in Odessa, and a spokesperson there said 60 Minutes airs at 6pm Sunday. It can also be seen on the show’s website, www.cbsnews.com/60-minutes, as soon as the segment airs.

MARFA – The 60 Minutes segment on Marfa will air Sunday on CBS, the show’s producer, David Browning, said Tuesday afternoon.

Morley Safer interviews Joe Cabezuela of the Blackwell School Alliance. (Big Bend Now photo by Alberto Tomas Halpern)

Veteran broadcast journalist Morley Safer and crew came to town in October ...]]> By ROBERT HALPERN

MARFA – The 60 Minutes segment on Marfa will air Sunday on CBS, the show’s producer, David Browning, said Tuesday afternoon.

Morley Safer interviews Joe Cabezuela of the Blackwell School Alliance. (Big Bend Now photo by Alberto Tomas Halpern)

Veteran broadcast journalist Morley Safer and crew came to town in October and were here the better part of a week, staying at the Hotel Paisano, conducting interviews with townsfolk, and getting plenty of video.

Soon after they left town, locals speculated how the show would portray Marfa. Said Browning of the final cut: “I think it’s pretty darn good. It’s a nice travelogue piece.”

Some of those interviewed indicated Safer was probing how the town’s social groups – Marfa natives, newcomers, artists, Hispanics and Anglos get along – or don’t. Browning said that Safer found that “everyone gets along just fine.”

He said that between 11.5 million and 12 million viewers typically watch a 60 Minutes show. The Marfa piece will likely be the last of three segments. The lighter, travel pieces tend to end each show.

Browning noted that any show time is subject to change, but he doesn’t believe that will occur.

The local affiliate is CBS 7 in Odessa, and a spokesperson there said 60 Minutes airs at 6pm Sunday. It can also be seen on the show’s website, www.cbsnews.com/60-minutes, as soon as the segment airs.

Presidio

City

Mayor’s race

The candidates are appointed incumbent Mayor Obed Escontrias and Esperanza Carrasco and John Ferguson, the high school counselor and a former mayor and council member. Escontrias runs a trucking company, and Carrasco listed her occupation as office manager.

Council

Two full-term council positions are on the ballot, one that had been ...]]> All elections are Saturday, May 11.

Presidio

City

Mayor’s race

The candidates are appointed incumbent Mayor Obed Escontrias and Esperanza Carrasco and John Ferguson, the high school counselor and a former mayor and council member. Escontrias runs a trucking company, and Carrasco listed her occupation as office manager.

Council

Two full-term council positions are on the ballot, one that had been held by Escontrias before he was appointed mayor and one held by council member Butch Acosta, who isn’t seeking re-election.

Candidates are John Edward Schaefer, eighth-grade principal; Grace Allie Perot, Transforming Texas grant associate; Ahmed Baeza Benavidez, teacher; Jesus Jose Chavez Garcia, no listing under occupation; Mario Vargas, commercial customs broker and retired US Customs officer; Armando Saez-Albo, teacher; and Cruz Madrid, business owner.

Thanks to Presidio economic development director Brad Newton for the information.

School Board

Four full-term trustee posts are on the ballot, those of board president Carlos E. Nieto, vice president Carmen Elguezabal, secretary Abelardo Franco, and trustee Marco Baeza.

Nieto, Elguezabal, and Franco have filed for re-election; Baeza didn’t.

Also on the ballot will be Velva I. Saenz, Kasey Taylor, Ronald A. Galliete, Helio Franco, Teodoro Escontrias, and Alfred P. Muñiz.

The top four vote getters take office.

Thanks to Superintendent Dennis McEntire and PISD administrative assistant Rebecca Coffman for the information.

Marfa

City

The mayor’s post, two full-term council positions, and a one-year unexpired term are in play. Mayor Dan Dunlap filed for re-election and is unopposed.

Incumbent council members David Fannin and Josie Simpson filed for re-election and are unopposed.

No one has filed for an unexpired post, open following the death last year of Corina Brijalba. The deadline to file for that position may be March 11, but that was unconfirmed at this time.

(City Administrator Jim Mustard, at the Marfa post office Friday afternoon, told bigbendnow.com that unless there were some last-minute filers, to not expect an email. No email came from city hall after 5pm, the filing deadline.)

School

Incumbent trustees Tina Lujan, Mark Cash, and Robert Halpern all filed for re-election with no challengers.

A one-year unexpired term on the school board is open following the recent resignation of Teresa Villarreal Ontiveros. The filing deadline for that post is March 11.

Thanks to Superintendent Andrew Peters for the information.

Alpine

City

Terms are expiring for Ward 1 council member Angie Bermudez, Ward 3 council member Carlos Lujan, and Ward 5 council member Diana Asgeirsson.

Bermudez doesn’t have a challenger, Lujan isn’t seeking re-election, and candidates are Dian Raun and Jim “Fitz” Fitzgerald.

Asgeirsson, who has been re-elected multiple times, is term-limited and can’t seek re-election this cycle. Michael Castelli is the only Ward 5 candidate.

Thanks to city secretary Molly Taylor, who emailed bigbendnow late Friday afternoon: “If you don’t hear from me again by five, this is final.”

School Board

The Alpine Daily Planet reports that incumbent trustees Justin Cross filed for re-election to single member district 5 and Paul Loeffler filed for re-election in single member district 7. Neither drew an opponent, so it’s likely the school board will cancel the election.

Thanks, Cindy and Mike.

FAR WEST TEXAS – The deadline to file as a candidate for city and school board elections on Saturday, May 11 is quickly approaching. Those interested in seeking office have until 5pm on Friday, March 1, to file for office, a mere eight days from now. Application packets can be picked up ...]]> By ALBERTO TOMAS HALPERN

FAR WEST TEXAS – The deadline to file as a candidate for city and school board elections on Saturday, May 11 is quickly approaching. Those interested in seeking office have until 5pm on Friday, March 1, to file for office, a mere eight days from now. Application packets can be picked up at city halls and school administration offices throughout the area.

Only two people on the Marfa City Council, which has three council places and the mayor’s post in play, have filed so far.

Mayor Dan Dunlap has filed to seek re-election for a fourth term in office. Councilman David Fannin has also filed to seek re-election for a third term in office.

A full-term council seat is up, currently held by councilwoman Josie Simpson, as is a one-year unexpired term to fill the vacancy of the late Corina Brijalba.

Marfa ISD’s school board has three full-term positions and a one-year unexpired term on the ballot. No one has yet filed to run for any of the positions currently held by Tina Lujan, Mark Cash, and Robert Halpern. Trustee Teresa Villarreal Ontiveros has submitted a letter of resignation, which if accepted by trustees this evening, would create a one-year unexpired term.

The city of Presidio has a contested mayor’s race. Current appointed Mayor Obed Escontrias is seeking to hold on to that position. Escontrias, the former councilman, was elevated to that position recently when former Mayor Lorenzo Hernandez was elected to county government. Former mayor and councilman John Ferguson is seeking the mayor’s seat once again, and will compete with Escontrias for votes.

Two full-term council positions are in play, one that had been held by Escontrias before he became mayor and one held by councilman Butch Acosta.

Grace Perot and Mario Vargas have filed for city council. City council positions are at-large. In the event that a more people file for city council, the two top vote-getters will take office.

Terms are up for Alpine City Council positions in Wards 1, 3, and 5, held respectively by Angie Bermudez, Carlos Lujan and Diana Asgeirsson.

Bermudez is the only person to so far to file to run for Ward 1, while Dian Raun has filed for Ward 3.

Lujan says he is still considering whether to run for re-election. It was reported that Robert Polanco had filed to run for the Ward 3 council seat, but according to City Secretary Molly Taylor, Polanco withdrew his candidacy after learning an error had been made on his voter registration card and that he in fact lives one block outside of Ward 3.

Asgeirsson cannot seek re-election, after having served six consecutive years on the council. Michael Castelli has filed to run for the Ward 5 position.

Over at the Alpine school district, which has two school board seats in play, board member Justin Cross has filed for re-election for single-member district 5. The single-member district 7 position, currently held by Paul Loeffler, is also in play, but has yet to attract a candidate.

MARFA, WASHINGTON, DC – A petition asking President Obama’s administration to keep the Tethered Aerostat Radar System operational is underway.

Reports circulated two weeks ago about the closure of aerostat installations throughout the country, including one east of Marfa. Langley Air Force Base in Virginia has yet to respond to press ...]]> By ALBERTO TOMAS HALPERN

MARFA, WASHINGTON, DC – A petition asking President Obama’s administration to keep the Tethered Aerostat Radar System operational is underway.

Reports circulated two weeks ago about the closure of aerostat installations throughout the country, including one east of Marfa. Langley Air Force Base in Virginia has yet to respond to press inquiries about the closures, but it appears that the closure is near, as citizens throughout the country have begun circulating the petition.

A tethered aerostat radar system.

The Marfa aerostat employs more than 20 persons, most of them from Marfa.

The petition states, “The Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS) is due to be shut down on 15 March. This shutdown will open one more door to those wishing to bring narcotics into our country or otherwise violate our Southern Border by removing a vital sensor system that is used by the Coast Guard, CBP, and other agencies. Direct the US Air Force and/or the Department of Homeland Security to continue operating this system in Puerto Rico, Florida, Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. If we truly are concerned with the War on Drugs and wish to have a cost effective sensor to fight that war, then this sensor must remain active.”

Petitioners are using a tool on the White House website, which the Obama administration recently created for citizens to petition the president on any issue. The move has caught on like wildfire, with 279 petitions active already on the website that range far and wide.

Examples of serious petitions include asking the president to bring all U.S. troops home from Afghanistan and making English the official language in the country.

More comical petitions include, “Please help me about visa I need visa for meet with my girlfriend! Regards from Turkey,” and changing the national anthem to the theme of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.

The way the petitions work on the site is, if a threshold number of people sign the petition by a certain date, the Obama administration will formally respond.

The aerostat petition needs 100,000 signatures by Monday, February 18. So far there are 1,455 signatures, 23 of them from Marfa.

You can view the petition on the White House’s website, or create your own, at petitions.whitehouse.gov.

If you were wondering, the Turkish man seeking a visa has 541 signatures on his petition.