News from December 2023
MISD Board approves architecture for new elementary school and seeks quotes
By DaLeesa Brown | Dec 22, 2023
The MISD Board of Trustees approved the enlistment of architecture and engineering services firm Parkhill for the construction of a new elementary school in the expanding Lone Star Trails area of Midland and a series of RFQs have been issued to architects, underwriters, and surveyors.
Cruz on CCP bill: This legislation will ensure Congress and the president have a clear picture of what our adversaries are doing in the U.S.
By Midland Times | Dec 22, 2023
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and his colleague Rick Scott (R-FL) have proposed a bill aimed at curbing espionage activities by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The legislation, dubbed the Countering Corrupt Political Influence Act (CCP Influence Act), mandates enhanced reporting requirements for diplomats representing American adversaries such as China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.
Summit Center of Midland: Building a beautiful place for fun and fellowship
By DaLeesa Brown | Dec 21, 2023
A vision is coming to life as Summit Center of Midland takes shape, aiming to be more than just a space but a community hub where the simple joys of life can be savored.
Midland cattle ranch owner: ‘The United States has some of the healthiest, cleanest meat there is in the world’
By Chloe Vander Laan | Dec 21, 2023
John Scharbauer, owner of Midland Meat Company, said his cattle ranch produces an all natural product for the consumers who pay attention to the foods they eat. Scharbauer joined the Best of Midland podcast to talk about his company and his family’s legacy.
Midland County Public Library weekly storytime for children included surprise guest and ticket giveaway
By DaLeesa Brown | Dec 20, 2023
At a recent storytime event at Midland County Centennial Library, families were surprised by special guest Sydney Gove from Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center. Gove read aloud stories and surprised attendees with free tickets to Wagner Noel’s upcoming shows, including "Baby Shark’s Big Broadwave Tour” and “Bluey’s Big Play.”
Odessa wideout Carreon to start classes at University of Oklahoma in January
By Midland Times | Dec 20, 2023
The Ector County Independent School District (ECISD) has confirmed that Ivan Carreon, a student-athlete from Odessa High School, has committed to the University of Oklahoma (OU). He formalized his commitment by signing a letter of intent with the Sooners. The letter has reportedly reached Norman, Oklahoma, where Carreon is expected to commence his studies in January.
Midland cattle ranch owner: Consumers are ‘getting used to the quality of that meat and the different flavor that wagyu produces’
By Midland Times Report | Dec 20, 2023
John Scharbauer, owner of Midland Meat Company, said his family’s cattle ranch and herd have evolved over time, changing breeds and breeding priorities. Scharbauer joined the Best of Midland podcast to talk about his company and his family’s legacy.
Midland County Commissioners Court met Nov. 21
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Dec 20, 2023
Midland County Commissioners Court met Tuesday, Nov. 21
Midland cattle ranch owner: My great-grandfather was running ‘20-30 thousand head of cows and about half a million acres’ at age seventeen
By Chloe Vander Laan | Dec 19, 2023
John Scharbauer, owner of Midland Meat Company, said his great-grandfather inherited the family business at a very young age and dropped out of college to take over the operations. Scharbauer joined the Best of Midland podcast to talk about his company and his family’s legacy.
Abbott names Kinsey chair of Texas State Board of Education
By Midland Times | Dec 19, 2023
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Aaron Kinsey, a resident of Midland, as the new chair of the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE). The Office of the Texas Governor confirms that Kinsey will serve his term until December 17, 2025, succeeding Dr. Keven Ellis.
Midland ISD uses retention incentives to encourage employee dedication
By DaLeesa Brown | Dec 19, 2023
Midland Independent School District (MISD) awarded bonuses to dedicated employees this week through a new retention program.
Cowboys clinch third straight playoff berth, fall to Buffalo on road
By Midland Times | Dec 19, 2023
The Dallas Cowboys' journey to Orchard Park in western New York ended in disappointment following their 31-10 defeat by the Buffalo Bills. Despite this setback, the team returned to Arlington with a secured playoff berth. In what is seen as a potential Super Bowl LVIII matchup, Buffalo surpassed Dallas with 266 yards on the ground, marking their second consecutive victory. However, losses by the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers propelled the Cowboys into the postseason.
City of Midland Planning and Zoning Commission met Nov. 20
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Dec 19, 2023
City of Midland Planning and Zoning Commission met Monday, Nov. 20
Midland cattle ranch owner: My family ‘formed Scharbauer Brothers in the 1880s’ in Midland
By Chloe Vander Laan | Dec 18, 2023
John Scharbauer, owner of Midland Meat Company, said his family put down roots in the Midland area in the 1880s and helped start a lot of major installations in town. He joined the Best of Midland podcast to talk about his company and his family’s legacy.
This week's government events in Midland: Dec. 17-23
By Midland Times | Dec 18, 2023
The following events are scheduled to take place in Midland this week.
Midland County Commissioners Court met Nov. 17
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Dec 18, 2023
Midland County Commissioners Court met Friday, Nov. 17
“The Preserve at Midland” Receives Critical Vote of Approval from Midland Mayor & City Council
By Midland Times Report | Dec 18, 2023
Boot Lake Ranch Property Owner, LLC today received unanimous approval for its zone change application for “The Preserve at Midland” proposal with the Midland Mayor and City Council. The approval is a critical step in moving the West Midland project forward.
Join us for a Magnificent Holiday Concert featuring Lone Star Brass!
By Midland Times Report | Dec 18, 2023
Experience the Magic of Music!
Permian Basin native to coach UT in College Football Playoff
By Midland Times | Dec 17, 2023
Derron Gatewood, a native of the Permian Basin, is on the brink of achieving a significant milestone in his career: winning the College Football Playoff National Championship. Currently serving as an offensive analyst at the University of Texas at Austin (UT), Gatewood and his team, the Longhorns, are gearing up for their New Year's Day Sugar Bowl face-off against the University of Washington (UW). Interestingly, UW is one of the former schools of Steve Sarkisian, Gatewood's current boss.
Odessa donates $100,000 to tornado-struck Tennessee city
By Midland Times | Dec 17, 2023
The city of Odessa has extended a helping hand to the city of Clarksville, Tennessee, which recently suffered from a tornado. Odessa's Mayor, Javier Joven, confirmed that $100,000 was dispatched to Clarksville, a northern Tennessee city located 50 miles north of the state capital, Nashville.