News from August 2023
Midland Bulldogs hold first official football practice
By BD | Aug 8, 2023
The first official practice of the 2023 football season for the Midland Bulldogs was Aug. 7, Wes Torres, Athletic Director for Midland ISD, announced on X. He tagged Thad Fortune, who will once again lead the Bulldogs as head coach this season.
Midland College alumna on answering life's calling: 'I love helping students'
By Midland Times Report | Aug 7, 2023
When she was a teenager growing up not too far from Midland College (MC), Meredith Walker discovered that her true calling was in working with students. According to an Aug. 3 MC-issued press release, Walker, the college’s associate director of scholarships, got a glimpse of her future working as a teacher’s aide at Santa Rita Elementary School in the Midland Independent School District (MISD), and since then, has embarked on a rewarding journey through the education sector.
Vendors Mercantile owner on cancer survival: 'We want every day to feel like Christmas'
By Midland Times Report | Aug 7, 2023
After the Christmas holiday, people usually take their Christmas trees down. Vendors Mercantile owner Benetta Arenivas, however, still has hers up at two of her stores to be exact, for a very special reason. According to an Aug. 3 City of Odessa Facebook post, Arenivas and her son, Ian, are survivors of their respective cancer experiences.
Mayor Blong seeking input on 2024 city budget
By Midland Times Report | Aug 7, 2023
Midland Mayor Lori Blong and the Midland City Council began work on Aug. 2 on developing the fiscal year (FY) 2024 budget and tax rate, with Blong taking to social media to urge citizens to give their input on the process.
Midland School District announces employee retention incentives
By Midland Times Report | Aug 7, 2023
With the Midland Independent School District’s (MISD) classes about to commence for the 2023-2024 academic year on Aug. 9, officials have announced the addition of employee retention incentives, according to a press release.
ConocoPhillips and LiftFund hosting Small Biz Builder program
By Press Release | Aug 7, 2023
ConocoPhillips has launched a collaborative venture with LiftFund and multiple local entities to run a three-week entrepreneurial advancement program in the Permian Basin.
Midland County Commissioners Court met July 17
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Aug 6, 2023
Midland County Commissioners Court met Monday, July 17
City of Midland City Council will meet Aug. 8
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Aug 5, 2023
City of Midland City Council will meet at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 8
Midland Commissioners approve tax package for Bass Pro Shops
By Midland Times Report | Aug 5, 2023
On July 31, the Midland County Commissioners Court gave the green light to sales tax rebates for Springfield, Mo.-based outdoor recreation merchandise retailer Bass Pro Shops. Odessa CBS affiliate KOSA Channel 7 reported that the development follows the court’s approval of property tax abatements for the business.
Texas A&M chancellor comments on school controversies
By Midland Times Report | Aug 5, 2023
Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp penned an editorial that was distributed to numerous media outlets in which he addressed the alleged controversies surrounding a former journalism program hire and a pharmacy professor.
Odessa Crime Stoppers names Cooper Aranda of Odessa High School as student advisor
By Midland Times Report | Aug 5, 2023
Texas Crime Stoppers Council named Cooper Aranda, a senior at Odessa High School and a member of the Odessa Student Crime Stoppers, its student advisor this summer.
Midland County home sales during week ending July 29
By Midland Times | Aug 5, 2023
There were 45 reported residential sales in Midland County in the week ending July 29, according to BlockShopper.com.
Midland Development Corporation Board of Directors will meet Aug. 7
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Aug 5, 2023
Midland Development Corporation Board of Directors will meet at 10 a.m., Monday, Aug. 7
Midland County Commissioners Court met July 27
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Aug 5, 2023
Midland County Commissioners Court met Thursday, July 27
City of Midland Planning and Zoning Commission will meet Aug. 7
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Aug 4, 2023
City of Midland Planning and Zoning Commission will meet at 3:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 7
Cost of living in Midland lower than Austin, Dallas, and Houston
By Midland Times Report | Aug 4, 2023
The Midland Development Corporation reported that Midland's cost of living is low compared to other cities across Texas and America. The statement and supporting data can be found on a LinkedIn post from MDC.
Gov. Abbott signs law to increase penalties for street racing
By Midland Times Report | Aug 4, 2023
Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law on Wednesday pieces of legislation designed to fight illegal street racing and takeovers during a ceremony held in Fort Worth.
Literacy Coalition of the Permian Basin celebrates second anniversary
By Midland Times Report | Aug 4, 2023
The Literacy Coalition of the Permian Basin (LCPB) celebrated its second year of working to improve literacy rates with the release of its first annual report. Since its founding, the coalition has used programming, sub-grants and book distributions to help over 10,000 individuals across the 22-county area it serves.
Midland Police Department to provide free dorms
By Midland Times Report | Aug 4, 2023
The Midland Police Department (MPD) is providing free housing to those enrolled in its academy, according to a Facebook post the law enforcement agency posted Monday. MPD said recruits will stay in dormitories throughout their training and their probationary period of employment.
Mayor Blong praises Senate passage of Interstate 27 bill
By Midland Times Report | Aug 4, 2023
This week, Midland Mayor Lori Blong took to social media to give praise to the U.S. Senate's unanimous approval of Ted Cruz's (R-TX) bipartisan 27 (I-27) Numbering Act of 2023 to formally name the Ports-to-Plains Corridor through Texas and New Mexico as Interstate 27.