Andy Nghiem News
Midland County Sheriff's Office grateful for community donations
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 28, 2023
The Midland County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) expressed gratitude in response to those who contributed to its community fund. The MCSO used some of the donations to purchase emergency medical kits for its officers.
NYC-based clothing company donates 5,000 pairs of socks to Crisis Center of West Texas
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 28, 2023
New York City-based clothing brand Bombas has given the Crisis Center of West Texas (CCWTX) a donation of 5,000 Socks to distribute to those in need. The CCWTX joins Bomba's network of more than 3,500 charitable partners.
Winkler County Hospital District holds groundbreaking for new health clinic in Kermit
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 24, 2023
The Winkler County Hospital District (WCHD) held a groundbreaking ceremony on Aug. 10 to mark the beginning of a project to expand its Rural Health Clinic in Kermit. This new expansion will bring more healthcare resources to Winkler County residents.
Midland City Council issues proclamation for Walk to End Alzheimer's Day
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 23, 2023
On Aug. 22, the Midland City Council issued a proclamation declaring Sept. 16, 2023 as Walk to End Alzheimer's Day. This year’s event will be held at the Conterra Pavilion at the city’s Scharbauer Sports Complex at 5514 Champions Dr. beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Landgraf proposes stiffer penalty for hoax threats
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 23, 2023
Texas State Rep. Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) took to Facebook on Aug. 23 to say he consulted with local law enforcement officials following a fake threat to Permian High School and plans to crack down on such actions. Landgraf said he’ll work to stiffen the penalty for hoax threats.
Hancock Advertising Group: 'We look to continue to improve and perfect our quality of business and services while providing lasting career paths for women in Midland'
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 23, 2023
Located in Midland Texas, Hancock Advertising Group delivers marketing and advertising solutions, according to the company's website. The company has been employing experts and state-of-the-art technology to provide services to clients for 30 years.
Don Tomás Café: 'The taste and smell of homemade cooking and tortillas that reminds one of their grandmother's home is something worth sharing'
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 23, 2023
According to its website, “Don Tomás Café” makes a variety of “authentic Mexican food,” including tortillas, burritos, Asado, and more. Located in Midland, Texas, the restaurant is open Tuesday through Friday, with varying hours of operation.
Midland Independent School District assesses 2023 STAAR results
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 21, 2023
On Aug. 15, the Midland Independent School District (MISD) assessed its results for grades 3-8 from the 2023 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test recently released by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The Permian Basin public school district said that it’s showing above state averages in six of 22 assessments: namely, fourth grade math, sixth grade math, third grade Spanish reading language arts (RLA), fifth grade Spanish RLA, third grade Spanish math, and fourth grade Spanish math.
New Odessa city manager Beckmeyer reflects on meaning of his position
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 18, 2023
As of Aug. 16, new Odessa City Manager John Beckmeyer has had a full week on the job under his belt, a job which he believes requires him to see beyond himself. Beckmeyer says that he's committed to steering Odessa toward a brighter future.
Gov. Abbott announces $984 million in annual funding for Texas hospitals
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 18, 2023
On Aug. 17, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced that the state will provide $984 million in annual funding to support its hospitals. According to a press release from the Governor's Office, the funding was secured by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
Odessa City Council adopts resolution to protect and assist human trafficking victims
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 17, 2023
The Odessa City Council has approved a resolution to provide protection and assistance for victims of human trafficking. Councilwoman Denise Swanner introduced the resolution, according to an Aug. 14 Facebook post.
Landgraf praises signing of pro-energy bills into law
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 17, 2023
Texas State Rep. Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) expressed pride in two pieces of legislation he authored during the 88th legislative session becoming law after Gov. Greg Abbott signed them in San Antonio on Aug. 10. House Bill (HB) 33 and Senate (SB) Bill 1017 formed the Texas Energy Independence Act and Energy Choice Act, which seeks to benefit the Lone Star State’s energy sector.
Abbott touts small businesses as part of Texas' economic growth
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 17, 2023
Gov. Greg Abbott attributed Texas’ consistently strong jobs economy to small businesses during the Governor’s Small Business Summit in McAllen on Aug. 10. As keynote speaker, Abbott, a Republican, said small businesses are a reason the Lone Star State is a national economic leader.
West Texas Symphony names new chorale director
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 17, 2023
The West Texas Symphony has named Dr. Juan Hernández as its new permanent director of the Chamber Chorale. His appointment comes following a season in which he held the position on an interim basis.
Odessa resident emerges from mental, financial adversity to open her own business: 'It was always my dream to open a restaurant'
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 17, 2023
A few years ago, Faith Bernabe never thought she would find herself standing in the middle of a restaurant she could claim as her own, but on Aug. 8, she celebrated the opening of Mixasian Fusion at 1351 E. 8th St. in Odessa. Bernabe faced numerous hardships on the road to success including impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, depression, unemployment, and financial difficulties.
SCS Technologies CEO Johnson: 'SCS Technologies takes immense pride in our partnership with One Tree Planted'
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 17, 2023
On Aug. 7, Houston and Big Spring, Texas-based carbon dioxide and compression and measurement systems provider SCS Technologies announced it has formed a partnership with non-profit organization One Tree Planted to plant one million trees within the next seven years. The company has planted more than 5,000 trees to date.
Pfluger introduces bill to allow ranchers to protect livestock from avian predators: 'My legislation restores the ability of livestock producers to protect their herds from Caracaras'
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 17, 2023
A bill introduced by U.S. Rep. August Pfluger (R-San Angelo) on Aug. 4 seeks to authorize ranchers to protect their livestock from the caracara bird of prey. A bipartisan piece of legislation, Pfluger is joined by fellow Texas lawmaker U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Laredo).
Midland mayor extends best wishes to MISD as classes begin: 'Praying for a blessed, safe, and wonderful year'
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 17, 2023
On Aug. 9, Midland Mayor Lori Blong offered her best wishes to the Midland Independent School District (MISD) as it began classes for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Midland Memorial Hospital launches internship program for MISD grads with developmental disabilities
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 17, 2023
Midland Memorial Hospital (MMH), Project Search, the Midland Independent School District (MISD), PermiaCare, Texas Workforce Solutions (TWS), and Empowering Hands have come together to form a partnership to launch a program on Aug. 9 intended to provide internship opportunities to fresh graduates of Midland High School or Legacy Senior High School with developmental disabilities.
Gov. Abbott signs property tax cut bill
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 17, 2023
On Aug. 9, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ceremoniously signed the $18 billion tax cut package for Texas property owners into law during an event in the Houston suburb of New Caney, nearly three weeks after he officially signed it into law. The package promises to deliver the largest property tax cut in Texas history.