News from December 2023
Texas First Couple participates in Wreaths Across America event
By Midland Times | Dec 17, 2023
Governor Greg Abbott and First Lady Cecilia Abbott recently took part in a Wreaths Across America event at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin. This marks the fifth consecutive year that Governor Abbott has participated in this wreath-laying ceremony.
Education Foundaion of Odessa head Potter on new partnership with Dolly's Imaginary Library: 'We hope families in Ector County will embrace this program and read with their children'
By Midland Times | Dec 17, 2023
The Education Foundation of Odessa has formed a partnership with country music icon Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and Chevron to promote literacy among children in Ector County, according to the Ector County Independent School District (EISD). The Permian Basin public school district highlighted that Parton, renowned for hits such as "I Will Always Love You" and "9 to 5," established her foundation 28 years ago with the aim of fostering a love for reading and learning among children.
Pfluger votes to approve Biden impeachment inquiry
By Midland Times | Dec 17, 2023
U.S. Representative August Pfluger (R-San Angelo) was among the 222 House members who voted in favor of the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. The vote on the inquiry was strictly along party lines, with Republicans casting their votes in support.
Arrington praises House, Senate passage of new defense package
By Midland Times | Dec 17, 2023
U.S. Representative Jodey Arrington (R-Lubbock) has commended the passage of House Resolution (HR) 2670, also known as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, in both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. The Department of Defense (DOD) anticipates that the legislation will be signed by the president.
Abbott praises efforts to add more power plants to support grid
By Midland Times | Dec 17, 2023
Governor Greg Abbott lauded Texas' initiatives to increase the number of power plants in order to bolster the power grid during a visit to Houston. The Republican governor was at Calpine Corporation’s Freestone County Energy Center, where an expansion project was underway.
Which former Midland area high school standouts will be in action in the week starting Mon Dec. 18?
By Midland Times | Dec 16, 2023
These former Midland area high school standouts' college teams will be in action in the week starting Mon Dec. 18.
Midland County home sales in week ending Dec. 9
By Midland Times | Dec 16, 2023
There were 30 reported residential sales in Midland County in the week ending Dec. 9, according to BlockShopper.com.
Delta Airlines to commence service between Midland, Austin in April 2024
By Midland Times | Dec 16, 2023
Delta Air Lines is set to commence services between Midland International Air & Space Port and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, according to an announcement by the city of Midland. The airline will operate three daily flights between the two cities starting from spring.
School events this week in Midland: Dec. 17-23
By Midland Times | Dec 16, 2023
The following school events are scheduled to take place in Midland this week.
Cornyn, senators introduce legislation to improve veterans' access to mental healthcare
By Midland Times | Dec 16, 2023
U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), along with a bipartisan group of senators, has introduced the Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act. This legislation aims to ensure veterans' access to quality mental health care. Joining Cornyn in this initiative are fellow Republican U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Democrats U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Michael Bennet (D-CO).
Trio of MISD teachers earn National Board Certification
By Midland Times | Dec 16, 2023
Three educators from the Midland Independent School District (MISD) have recently been awarded National Board Certification (NBC). The recipients of this prestigious recognition are Reagan Curran of Greathouse Elementary, Laura Aguero of Ben Milam International Academy, and Halston McCalla of Young Women’s Leadership Academy.
UTPB athletics VP Dooley on extension for McCollough: 'Kris is dedicated to our football program and his players, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for him'
By Midland Times | Dec 15, 2023
Kris McCollough, after a successful rookie season as the head football coach of the University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) Falcons, has secured a new contract that will extend his tenure through the 2026 season. The agreement also includes an option for extension through 2029. McCollough's inaugural season saw him elevate the once struggling program to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II playoffs.
ECISD head Muri re-elected SBEC vice-chairman
By Midland Times | Dec 15, 2023
The Ector County Independent School District (ECISD) has announced the re-election of Superintendent Dr. Eric Muri as vice-chairman of the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC). The SBEC, tasked with overseeing every aspect of public school educators' preparation, certification, and standards of conduct, first welcomed Muri in March 2022 following his appointment by Governor Greg Abbott. Subsequently, the Permian Basin superintendent was reappointed to a six-year term.
‘Bluey's Big Play’ live at Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center
By DeLeesa Brown | Dec 14, 2023
The Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center will present "Bluey's Big Play," a live theatrical adaptation of the beloved and award-winning children's television series, “Bluey.” Nederlander will bring the Heeler family to life with puppets in their first live theater show at 6 p.m. Feb. 28 and 29.
Abbott graces Higher EDge 2023 leadership conference
By Midland Times | Dec 14, 2023
Governor Greg Abbott recently addressed the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s (THECB) Higher EDge 2023 leadership conference in Austin. During his speech, the Republican governor took the opportunity to laud the state's accomplishments in higher education.
Early College High School inducts 43 students in National Honor Society
By Midland Times | Dec 14, 2023
The Early College High School (ECHS) at Midland College, part of the Midland Independent School District (MISD), recently announced the induction of 43 students into the National Honor Society (NHS). The NHS, established over a century ago, is an esteemed organization that recognizes high school students who have achieved high academic standards.
Abbott presides over Menorah lighting in Austin
By Midland Times | Dec 14, 2023
Governor Greg Abbott recently presided over the Texas Capitol Menorah Lighting Ceremony in Austin to commemorate Hanukkah. The Office of the Texas Governor reported that the ceremony was attended by more than 200 people.
Midland County Commissioners Court met Nov. 7
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Dec 14, 2023
Midland County Commissioners Court met Tuesday, Nov. 7
Midland County Public Libraries offering ‘Letter to Santa’ kits
By DaLeesa Brown | Dec 13, 2023
Midland's downtown Library at the Plaza and the Centennial Library are offering Santa letter kits this holiday season for children to craft their own letters to send to the North Pole. The initiative started Monday, Nov. 27 and will run through Wednesday, Dec. 20.
Midland Animal Services announces ‘Home for the Holidays’
By DaLeesa Brown | Dec 13, 2023
Midland Animal Services has launched an initiative called "Home For The Holidays'' where they are offering $25 adoption fees for the month of December. The campaign aims to find homes for animals in time for the holidays as well as promote responsible pet ownership.