News from August 2023
Pfluger introduces legislation to protect taxpayer dollars in broadband investment
By Ashley Haley | Aug 17, 2023
On Aug. 11, U.S. Rep August Pfluger (R-San Angelo) introduced a bill on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives that looks to protect taxpayer dollars in the federal government’s broadband investment. The proposed measure is the companion to legislation introduced on the U.S. Senate floor by Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL).
Nominations open for 40th Annual Governor's Volunteer Awards: 'As we celebrate 40 years of honoring exceptional volunteers, Greg and I are immensely proud of the profound impact they have had on inspiring generations of Texans'
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 17, 2023
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and First Lady Cecilia Abbott, in conjunction with the OneStar Foundation, are currently accepting nominations for the 40th Annual Governor's Volunteer Awards. The awards are the state’s way of recognizing individuals who engage in exemplary service and volunteering in their communities.
Winkler County Hospital District expansion will double clinic size
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 17, 2023
The Winkler County Hospital District (WCHD) invited members of the public to attend 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 High School Football Booster Club rallies around injured player
By Ashley Haley | Aug 17, 2023
The Midland High School Football Booster Club is rallying around the family of Jaxson Kidd, a player who was hospitalized after a collision during a scrimmage earlier this month.
Midland ISD Police Department to hire new officers: The addition of our officers as approved by the board, coupled with a new initiative to add off-duty officers, demonstrate our commitment to prioritizing the safety of students'
By Andy Nghiem | Aug 17, 2023
The Midland Independent School District’s (MISD) police department recently announced its intent to grow its workforce. According to an Aug 7. press release by MISD, the development comes a few months after the school board approved funding expansion for the department with the intention of hiring 16 officers over the next three years.
Odessa College extends well wishes to fire-ravaged Maui
By Ashley Haley | Aug 17, 2023
Odessa College (OC) joined the rest of the nation in extending concern and support to the people of the Hawaiian island of Maui, which was ravaged by wildfires earlier this month.
Abbott helps UT System, MD Anderson announce partnership to build new campus hospital
By Ashley Haley | Aug 17, 2023
Gov. Greg Abbott helped the University of Texas (UT) System Board of Regents on Aug. 14 deliver an announcement of a partnership between UT Austin, the flagship campus, and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center to construct a new campus hospital in the state capital, according to a press release.
Permian Basin Red Cross joins effort to aid victims of Maui wildfires
By Ashley Haley | Aug 17, 2023
The Permian Basin chapter of the American Red Cross Central and South Texas Region is working with other chapters nationwide to raise funds for the victims of the wildfires that ravaged the Hawaiian island of Maui earlier this month.
Abbott issues wildfire disaster declaration for 191 counties, including Midland and Ector
By Ashley Haley | Aug 16, 2023
Gov. Greg Abbott issued a wildfire disaster declaration for 191 counties on Aug. 14 as the Lone Star State experiences widespread wildfire activity, with the possibility of adding more counties as conditions warrant. The declaration includes several counties in the Permian Basin, including Midland and Ector Counties.
MISD board member shares concerns about critical theory-driven content
By Karla Florez | Aug 16, 2023
Midland Independent School District (MISD) board member Brandon Hodges recently expressed concerns regarding the curriculum set in place by the district, stating it supports “critical theory-driven content and practices,” the Midland Reporter-Telegram reported.
Midland ISD kicks off school year with nearly all teaching positions filled
By Midland Times Report | Aug 16, 2023
The Midland Independent School District (MISD) has begun the 2023-24 school year with nearly all of its teaching positions filled across the district, according to a press release.
City of Midland City Council met July 25
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Aug 16, 2023
City of Midland City Council met Tuesday, July 25
Odessa family creates GoFundMe for mother killed in car accident: 'The news came as a horrible shock to everyone who knew her'
By Midland Times Report | Aug 15, 2023
A GoFundMe page has been set up for 34-year-old Christine “Baby” Galvan, who the Odessa Police Department (OPD) said lost her life in a single-vehicle crash on Tuesday. The page will help Galvan’s surviving family pay for funeral costs for the mother of four.
McKinney to run for Midland County Sheriff: 'My decision comes based on the love and appreciation that I have for my community'
By Midland Times Report | Aug 15, 2023
Ex-Midland County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) official Rory McKinney on Aug. 5 entered his name into the race to become the Permian Basin county’s top cop, according to his Facebook profile.
One of three new I-20 bridges now open to Midland drivers: 'This overpass configuration will eliminate the risk of bridge strikes on I-20 by trucks'
By Midland Times Report | Aug 15, 2023
On July 31, the first of three new I-20 bridges opened to Midland motorists, according to a recent press release from the Texas Department of Transportation. Located at County Road 1250, the new bridge now used by I-20 travelers in Midland initially required main lane traffic to shift onto the new structure for the first two days following its opening.
Midland Development Corporation receives presentation on Midland Downtown Master Plan: 'Our motivation is to continue down the path of success we’re already seeing with downtown Midland'
By Karla Florez | Aug 15, 2023
Midland Development Corporation has secured presentation meetings withthree different firms following its request for a proposal to redevelop a full block downtown that MDC and the City of Midland own.
Dan Corrales appointed as Midland County’s Assistant District Attorney: 'We’re lucky to have someone who has applied to the office with previous experience that they’re able to bring to the table'
By Midland Times Report | Aug 15, 2023
The Midland County District Attorney's Office has appointed Midland City Councilman Dan Corrales as Assistant district attorney.
KPOT Korean BBQ and Hot Pot opens in Midland: 'It’s a new experience, it’s fun with friends…an interactive experience'
By Karla Florez | Aug 15, 2023
KPOT Korean BBQ and Hot Pot in Midland has opened to the public to local Midland residents this week.
President of the Midland-Odessa Transportation Alliance: 'Having access to the energy production capital of America is pretty important'
By Midland Times Report | Aug 15, 2023
The U.S Senate recently passed the expansion of Interstate 27 in a unanimous vote. Connecting Lubbock to Midland-Odessa, the addition would include a segment in the Petroplex.
Midland promotes digital “Report an Issue” forum for residents: 'They can upload pictures, they put in the address, they put in what the nature of their request is, and then they can track it along the way'
By Karla Florez | Aug 15, 2023
Midland officials remind local residents of its online forum, allowing them to submit a maintenance request upon noticing any problems the county should be notified of.