Jeff Davis County could have been on its way to becoming a hub of innovation and business growth, but instead, local officials chose to drive out the very forces working to make that a reality. The Big Bend Times, a highly successful media startup, was met with public harassment and baseless investigations as soon as it began gaining traction. Despite these challenges, the publication continues to provide vital news coverage for the region, but the county no longer benefits from the presence of a thriving business that once aimed to help grow the local economy.
Public Harassment and Baseless Investigations
What began as a vision to help bring economic growth and opportunity to Jeff Davis County quickly turned into a nightmare. Big Bend Times’ efforts to shine a light on local issues, promote tourism, and support small businesses were met with an orchestrated campaign of harassment.
Local officials, instead of welcoming a growing business, launched investigations into the publication and subjected its publisher to public shaming and intimidation. From unwarranted traffic stops to legal threats, the harassment escalated until it became clear that the county leadership had no interest in allowing an independent voice to thrive. These actions culminated in forcing the publisher to relocate Big Bend Times out of Jeff Davis County.
Lost Economic Potential
Jeff Davis County has never been a bustling hub of economic activity, but Big Bend Times saw the potential for growth. The publication’s ability to promote local businesses, boost tourism, and drive engagement represented a significant opportunity for the county. In the most recent month, Big Bend Times generated over $17,000 in revenue, bootstrapped from nothing since its start in 2023. With its growing audience and influence, it could have played a significant role in transforming the local economy.
However, the county’s leadership chose to push Big Bend Times away, essentially sabotaging its own economic prospects. Now, although the publication still provides news coverage, Jeff Davis County no longer benefits from the direct economic contributions of this successful startup.
Government Dysfunction and Incompetence
The pattern of dysfunction within Jeff Davis County’s government is well-documented, and the treatment of Big Bend Times is just one example. From the county attorney’s office to the Fort Davis Chamber of Commerce, officials have failed to support local businesses or promote tourism effectively. The Chamber’s incomplete and poorly maintained website, for instance, continues to hurt local businesses by failing to provide up-to-date information or basic details about the area’s attractions.
Big Bend Times offered multiple times to help redesign the Chamber’s website for free, but the offers were rejected. Instead of working with the publication to promote economic growth, local officials chose to focus on silencing a critical voice.
The Cost of Intimidation and Silence
The ongoing harassment of Big Bend Times and its publisher sets a dangerous precedent for Jeff Davis County. Businesses looking to relocate or invest in the area will likely think twice before doing so, given the hostile environment toward those who question or criticize the government.
While Big Bend Times continues to serve the region’s residents and businesses through its news coverage, the local government’s actions have ensured that Jeff Davis County will not benefit from the full potential of the media outlet’s success. The intimidation worked—Big Bend Times no longer operates from within the county—but the long-term economic damage of this approach will be felt for years to come.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity
By driving out Big Bend Times, Jeff Davis County has missed a crucial opportunity for growth. The public harassment and intimidation of a successful startup not only sent a chilling message to other businesses but also stifled the potential for economic development.
Now, while Big Bend Times continues to cover the region, the county is left to grapple with the consequences of its leaders’ decisions. Until local officials address the corruption and dysfunction that have taken hold, Jeff Davis County will remain a place where opportunity is stifled and progress is pushed away.
Contacting Local Officials
If you are concerned about the current state of affairs in Jeff Davis County and would like to see positive changes, consider reaching out to your local officials. They are responsible for ensuring the county’s government operates in the best interests of its residents and businesses. Below are their contact details:
Jeff Davis County Commissioners Court
Judge Curtis Evans
P.O. Box 836
Fort Davis, TX 79734
Phone: 432-426-3968
Fax: 432-426-2292
Precinct 1 Commissioner
Jody Adams
P.O. Box 825
Fort Davis, TX 79734
County Cell: 432-249-2148
Precinct 2 Commissioner
Roy Hurley
P.O. Box 833
Fort Davis, TX 79734
Phone: 432-244-9221
Email: roy.hurley@jeffdaviscounty.texas.gov
Precinct 3 Commissioner
John Davis
P.O. Box 1542
701 A Rattlesnake Ln.
Fort Davis, TX 79734
County Cell: 432-249-2149
Email: john.davis@jeffdaviscounty.texas.gov
Precinct 4 Commissioner
Royce Laskoskie
P.O. Box 836
Fort Davis, TX 79734
Phone: 432-249-0426
Email: royce.l@jeffdaviscounty.texas.gov
County Attorney
Glen Eisen
P.O. Box 1642
Fort Davis, TX 79734
Phone: 432-426-4434
Cell: 432-249-2683
County Sheriff
Sheriff William (Bill) Kitts
105 Court Avenue
P.O. Box 1061
Fort Davis, TX 79734
Phone: 432-426-3213
Fax: 432-426-3937
Your voice matters in ensuring that Jeff Davis County remains a place of opportunity and fairness.
So sad…
Unfortunate since that is the one area of Texas that we have enjoyed visiting and spending our money in. Now we’re questioning if we’ll ever return.
Thank you for your honesty about what you’ve endured in Ft Davis. It’s appallingly disgusting. I want you and everyone to hear you. And to hear me in Marfa where i’ve undergone issues with local police when I tried to report my house being robbed. All i got was smirks and now lies are being told by police snd also by the former Marfa City manager.
I’m also having serious issues with Marfa City Hall who turned off my water August 4,2023 while i was in the hospital in el paso for a week after a 3 hour surgery for total hip repair — after dislocating my hip 5 times in 1 1/2 months. Our local hospital was only able to pop my hip bsck in once so the others required air lifts! Ive been hauling water since that time…over a year and 1 month. Luckily i have a couple friends help me by allowing me to fill up bottles (often 12 individual gallon jugs that I haul to get them into my house. Also haul 4-5 gallon jugs for purified drinking water from either Lowe’s or Stripes. My doctor wrote a letter to city officials asking them to turn my water on for the obvious reason that hauling was hampering my rehab. That letter was greeted with annoyance. Nope you gotta come up with the astronomical sum. I know, as do msny in Marfa know, our city wster system is very flawed, quite erroneous: bad “smart” meters plagued by human error, old, old pipes and some installed improperly, and often the ity cant even identify where exactly the pipes are located, and leaks & busted hardawre & pipes all over. And the city council past & present will virtually never until pushed hard to acknowledge that water issues aren’t the issues created solely by the homeowner! I’ve heard from many about their issues & about gets help & who doesnt. We need to work together to end these kinds of issues. We all use water & sewer but for the benefit of everyone WE MUST SOLVE THIS KIND OF CORRUPT BEHAVIOR. I can say more but ill only rnd for now with the evidence in my recent radiology report showing the ways my new hip is failing. DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT IM TELLING YOU??
If we want a wonderful town for everyone to live & work in, we gotta be better!
Have you heard the phrase about reap what you sow? If we want better it takes intention.
PLEASE, CULTIVATE DECENCY NOW,