News from August 2023
Abbott extols importance of nuclear technology development in Texas economy
By Ashley Haley | Aug 18, 2023
Gov. Greg Abbott graced a moderated fireside discussion with Dow Chemical Chair and CEO Jim Fitterling and X-energy head Clay Sell at the University of Texas at Austin (UT) on Aug. 16, extolling the importance of nuclear technology development in the Texas economy, according to a press release.
Cruz objects to Biden administration's alleged plans to restart Palestinian aid
By Ashley Haley | Aug 18, 2023
U.S. Sen Ted Cruz (R-TX) criticized the Biden administration’s purported plans to resume aid into Palestinian-controlled territories on Aug. 16. A press release issued by Cruz’s office said the junior senator was reacting to a Washington Free Beacon report about the U.S. State Department’s attempts to be exempted from U.S. anti-terrorism laws to restart the aid.
Midland’s Arielle Loewen ranks third place, top American at CrossFit Games
By Midland Times Report | Aug 18, 2023
Midland’s CrossFit athlete Arielle Loewen finished in third place after scoring 883 points during the women’s competition of the 2023 NoBull CrossFit Games held earlier this month in Madison, Wisconsin, a Midland Reporter-Telegram report reveals.
Midland County Commissioners Court votes on new library policy
By Karla Florez | Aug 18, 2023
During a recent Midland County Commissioner's meeting, officials spent half an hour on whether to follow a new policy set by Texas House Bill 900, which proposes the restriction of obscene content from the children's section at the library, a Newswest9 report states.
City of Midland City Council will meet Aug. 22
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Aug 18, 2023
City of Midland City Council will meet at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 22
Permian Basin Petroleum Assn. conference to focus on produced water and seismic activity
By Karla Florez | Aug 18, 2023
The Produced Water Society's annual Permian Basin Summit is focusing on finding uses for produced water, the five to 10 gallons of water typically produced per barrel of oil.
MISD Bond Committee recommends combining projects
By Midland Times Report | Aug 18, 2023
The Midland ISD Bond Planning Committee presented all of its project ideas as a single proposition to the Midland ISD board during its monthly meeting Tuesday.
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.
Midland Police Department urges motorists to prioritize safety as new school year commences
By Ashley Haley | Aug 17, 2023
The Midland Police Department (MPD) has advised motorists to prioritize the safety of schoolchildren as the 2023-2024 academic year gets underway, according to a pair of Facebook posts by the law enforcement agency.
University of Texas Permian Basin hires new VP of community engagement and partnerships
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 17, 2023
The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) tabbed Jacqui Gore on Aug. 7 to be its new vice president of community engagement and partnerships. Gore comes to UTPB from nearby Odessa College (OC), where she previously served as its vice president of advancement, business, and governmental relations.
Odessa Police Department warns citizens about phone scam
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 17, 2023
The Odessa Police Department (OPD) is warning residents about a phone scam in which the caller claims to be an officer with the law enforcement agency. OPD said it has fielded numerous complaints in relation to the calls in question.