Big Bend Sentinel

The Big Bend Sentinel is a weekly newspaper that has been covering Presidio county and Far West Texas since 1926. Published by The Big Bend Reporting Project, a Texas nonprofit, it provides direct observation-based reporting on local culture, government, and community events. The publication is published weekly on Thursdays, 50 times a year, and covers the mountainous high-desert area spanning Presidio, Brewster, and Jeff Davis counties.

The newspaper is published by a tiny staff from a new nonprofit organization called The Big Bend Reporting Project. Their newsroom is located at 209½ W. El Paso Street in Marfa, and they aim to expand their reporting to future-proof the paper for the next century. The team focuses on providing unbiased, well-researched articles that cover a wide range of topics from local crime investigations to environmental issues.

The publication has a long history of breaking significant stories, including tracking the border wall construction and exposing small town corruption. They have also stopped a proposed nuclear dump site in Sierra Blanca and freed a man from prison in Ojinaga. Founded in 1926, it is the oldest print news source in the Big Bend region.

The newspaper is published weekly on Thursdays, 50 times a year, though they currently print bi-weekly (every other week) while keeping full editions online every week. They offer special rates for abroad and handle classifieds and public notices directly via email. Insertion orders for the print edition are due Friday at 5 p.m., with copy due Monday at 5 p.m.

Annual subscription rates are $50 for residents in Presidio, Brewster, and Jeff Davis counties, and $60 elsewhere in the United States. Special rates apply for international subscribers. The paper is a periodical with class postage paid at Marfa, Texas 79843, and postmasters should send address changes to Drawer P, Marfa, TX 79843.

Reviewers consistently praise the quality of the content, describing the articles as engaging, well-written, and free from hidden agendas. Many readers appreciate the unbiased reporting and in-depth analysis that provides a breath of fresh air in today's media landscape. The team is described as doing an amazing job of keeping readers informed and entertained.

The newspaper has a Trustburn rating of 4 out of 5 from 8 reviews, with feedback ranging from 3 to 5 stars. The most recent reviews are from November 2023, and they highlight the paper's dedication to accurate, thought-provoking, and reliable local news. Some reviewers note the wide range of topics covered, from community events to environmental issues.

Reddit users and news sources mention the Sentinel's role in reporting on the border wall construction and local opposition. Sam Karas of the Big Bend Sentinel first reported on contractors moving heavy equipment into Big Bend National Park in August 2026. The paper also covered local sheriffs speaking out against the wall and locals giving contractors grief.

The newspaper covers a wide range of topics including crime investigations, politics, government, and culture. They also feature sections for art, events, obits, and opinion. The site includes a newsletter signup to be notified every week of the latest stories and features.

The newspaper is powered by Newspack and includes a privacy policy. The website domain is bigbendsentinel.com, and the social profiles include Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The publication is part of the Sentinel News Project.

The publication is a Texas nonprofit organization that funds vital reporting across the vast Big Bend region. It focuses on border issues, rural healthcare, local government, and national parks. The coverage matters to those that live in and love this remote area of far west Texas.

The newspaper has a dedicated team that includes an editor and advertising inquiries contact. They offer a special talk by Jim Kitchen about the legend of 'The Desk' on Hancock Hill. The paper also provides a way to submit tips and letters to the editor.

The newspaper is published by The Big Bend Reporting Project, a Texas nonprofit organization. The office is at 2091/2 W. El Paso St., Marfa, Texas, and the mailing address is Drawer P, Marfa, TX 79843. The telephone number is 432.729.4342.

The newspaper has been in existence since 1926, making it over 100 years old. It is the oldest print news source in the Big Bend region. The publication is published weekly on Thursdays, 50 times a year.

The official website of Big Bend Sentinel is bigbendsentinel.com.