Kim delaPena News
Midland County Hospital District Police earns certified autism center status, second in Texas
By Kim delaPena | Mar 7, 2025
The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) awarded the Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation to Midland County Hospital District Police Department, the second law enforcement agency in Texas to earn the prestigious credential, according to a press release by Midland Memorial Hospital.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Permian Basin receives sculpture donation
By Kim delaPena | Mar 6, 2025
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Permian Basin received a sculpture donation from artist Robert Thomas titled “Generational Wisdom.” The piece has been installed at the Midland office and reflects the organization’s mission of fostering one-to-one mentoring relationships, according to Executive Director Kayla Minchew.
TAPPS 1-4A District Tennis Tournament set for March 26
By Kim delaPena | Mar 5, 2025
The TAPPS 1-4A District Tennis Tournament is scheduled for March 26 at Bush Tennis Center in Midland, starting at 9 a.m., according to Trinity School of Midland.
Craddick Files House Bill 3707 to Strengthen Oversight and Enforcement in Texas
By Kim delaPena | Mar 5, 2025
Representative Tom Craddick has filed House Bill (HB) 3707 to strengthen oversight and enforcement measures related to petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, and oil and gas waste. This legislation aims to enhance public safety, environmental protection, and industry accountability by addressing the inspection, purchase, sale, possession, storage, transportation, and disposal of these materials.
Midland Development Corporation awards $500K to local businesses through 2024-25 Entrepreneurial Challenge
By Kim delaPena | Mar 5, 2025
The Midland Development Corporation (MDC), in collaboration with the University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the Center for Energy and Economic Diversification (CEED), announced the winners of the 2024-25 Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge during an award ceremony on March 3.
Buckner Family Hope Center marks two-year anniversary with open house
By Kim delaPena | Feb 14, 2025
Buckner Family Hope Center marks two-year anniversary with open house
Hunter Haynie joins Centers for Children and Families as Development Director
By Kim delaPena | Feb 11, 2025
Centers for Children and Families has named Midland native Hunter Haynie as its new Development Director. Haynie brings experience from previous roles at United Way of Midland and Midland College. In his new position, he will work to expand community engagement, donor support, and event coordination.
Bowling for Fur-Babes returns to Odessa to support Grand Companions
By Kim delaPena | Feb 6, 2025
The 8th Annual Bowling for Fur-Babes, benefiting Grand Companions, takes place Feb. 22 at Diamond Lanes in Odessa. The event features bowling, prizes, and fundraising to support animal rescue efforts.
Midland Memorial Hospital Auxiliary marks 75 years of service
By Kim delaPena | Feb 4, 2025
Midland Memorial Hospital Auxiliary celebrated its 75th anniversary in late January, with an event in the hospital’s front lobby. The gathering recognized the Auxiliary’s decades of volunteer service and contributions to the hospital and its patients.
Friendship House hosts monthly gathering for special needs adults
By Kim delaPena | Feb 4, 2025
Friendship House hosts Friendship Night on the first Friday of each month from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and provides a space for adults with special needs in the Permian Basin to connect with volunteers and community members. The event includes a meal, interactive activities, a Bible study, and a craft project.
Negro Business Club hosts MLK celebration at Bush Convention Center
By Kim delaPena | Jan 30, 2025
The Negro Business & Professional Women's Club of Midland Inc. (NBPW) hosted its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Jan 20 at the Bush Convention Center. The sold-out event featured speeches, musical performances, and fundraising efforts for student scholarships, with sponsorships from companies across West Texas.
Midland College hosts Blue Sand Event for human trafficking awareness
By Kim delaPena | Jan 25, 2025
Midland College hosted the Blue Sand Event on January 23, at the Scharbauer Student Center in Midland, Texas. The event was organized in collaboration with the Midland Rape Crisis and Children's Advocacy Center (MRCCAC) to raise awareness about human trafficking during Human Trafficking Awareness Month.
Midland Animal Services Urges Pet Owners to Protect Animals in Cold Weather
By Kim delaPena | Jan 9, 2025
Temperatures in Midland are expected to drop significantly in the coming days, and Midland Animal Services (MAS) has issued guidelines to help residents protect their pets during the cold weather.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Permian Basin to Celebrate 50 Years of Empowering Youth
By Kim delaPena | Jan 3, 2025
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Permian Basin (BBBS) is gearing up to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025. The milestone will mark five decades of service to youth in Midland and Odessa, and will include introduction of a new Executive Director, Kayla Minchew, who stepped into the role in October 2024.
Teen FLOW spotlights Facilities Manager Zachary Ramirez
By Kim delaPena | Dec 20, 2024
Teen FLOW Youth Ministry, marking its 25th year, is recognizing the contributions of Zachary Ramirez, who joined the organization as Facilities Manager in May 2023. Ramirez is responsible for maintaining the youth center's 17,000 square feet, ensuring the upkeep of facilities and vehicles essential to the ministry's operations, according to Janiah Clark, Executive Director of Teen FLOW.
Christine Foreman Joins Midland College Board of Trustees
By Kim delaPena | Dec 20, 2024
Midland College has announced the appointment of Christine Gentry Foreman to the Board of Trustees. Foreman was sworn in during the Board meeting on December 17 by the Honorable Leah Robertson, filling the seat vacated by retiring Board member Steve Castle, according to a Midland College press release.
City Bank announces $60,000 in community rewards to support Permian Basin nonprofits
By Kim delaPena | Dec 18, 2024
City Bank has announced 30 nonprofit organizations that will receive funds from its $60,000 Community Rewards program, now in its fifth year serving the Permian Basin.
Braden Joplin Foundation Donates $65,000 to Teen FLOW Youth Ministry
By Kim delaPena | Dec 13, 2024
The Braden Joplin Foundation presented a $65,000 donation to Teen FLOW Youth Ministry on December 4. The donation supports the organization’s mission to “make leaders” among Midland teens.
Great Big Spring Cleanup Scheduled for December 7
By Kim delaPena | Dec 6, 2024
The Great Big Spring Vacant Lot Cleanup will take place on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 6419 TX 349, just north of Chevron and Occidental Parkway.
United Way of Midland breaks ground on new facility
By Kim delaPena | Dec 6, 2024
United Way of Midland to hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Training and Conference Center on Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. The event takes place at 1209 W. Wall St.