Midland Times

News from October 2023


Odessan Sergeant graduates from Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas

Sergeant Lindsay Waychoff of the Odessa Police Department in Texas has recently graduated from the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT). This program aims to bring new knowledge and best practices to law enforcement communities in Texas. Waychoff's graduation from LEMIT will equip her with new skills that she can bring to her team.


Local business Barnhart Bolt celebrates 30-year anniversary

The local business, Barnhart Bolt, is celebrating its 30-year anniversary. Founded in 1993 by Roger Barnhart, the company has now entered its third generation of Barnhart family members serving the business. The current CEO is Roger Barnhart's son, Dax Barnhart.


Whataburger on all-Texas ALCS: 'Astros [versus] Rangers going to have us feeling like Travis Kelce’s mom at the Super Bowl'

When it comes to the American League Championship Series (ALCS) between the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers, Texas fast food chain Whataburger had a humorous take on the matchup. Referring to a famous NFL parent, Whataburger said, "Astros [versus] Rangers going to have us feeling like Travis Kelce’s mom at the Super Bowl."


Midland ISD simplifies nomination process for Gifted and Talented program

In recent efforts to improve accessibility, Midland Independent School District (MISD) has implemented a new nomination process for its Gifted and Talented program.


MISD plans to establish bond advisory committee

The Midland Independent School District (MISD) has announced its plans to establish a bond advisory committee if voters approve a $1.4 billion bond next month. The bond aims to fund the construction of new Midland and Legacy high school facilities, a new elementary school, and improve safety and security throughout the Permian Basin public school district.


Coahoma Bulldogettes softball team receives state championship rings

The reigning Class 3A softball state champion Coahoma Bulldogettes were given rings to commemorate their first title in 25 years. The Coahoma Independent School District (CISD) expressed their gratitude to the sponsors, parents, and community for their support throughout the years. The team's achievement was celebrated in a ceremony where they were honored for bringing home the state championship title.


Midland Spaceport Development Corporation Board of Directors will meet Oct. 12

Midland Spaceport Development Corporation Board of Directors will meet at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 12


Boot Lake Ranch Property Owner LLC submits plans to the City of Midland for a new retail and event center

The Boot Lake Ranch Property Owner LLC has submitted plans to the City of Midland for a new retail and event center at the Nueva Vista Golf Club. The proposed development aims to create a family-friendly gathering space that will include dining options, shopping opportunities, and a waterfront area for leisurely walks.


Phelan condemns anti-Semitism in Texas GOP

Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont) has condemned anti-Semitism within the state GOP and called on his colleagues to distance themselves from the Defend Texas Liberty Political Action Committee (PAC) after it was revealed that its leader had met with a Nazi supporter. In a post on social media on October 9th, Phelan stated, "The Republican Party is no place for Hitler apologists."


Midland Chamber of Commerce announces grand opening of APSCO Supply's new Midland branch

APSCO Supply, a wholesale distribution company, recently celebrated the grand opening of its new branch in Midland, Texas. The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by ambassadors from the Midland Chamber of Commerce, who expressed their gratitude for being invited to the event. The Midland Chamber of Commerce highlighted the grand opening in a Facebook post on October 4th.


Midland ISD: 'As learning increasingly happens in a digital environment, curricula have moved to devices such as iPads and Chromebooks'

The Midland Independent School District (Midland ISD) has announced that for the 2023-2024 school year, students will have access to personal technological devices. The August 23rd announcement indicated that these devices would be uniquely assigned to each student, entirely free of charge.


Midland County Sheriff's Office, Midland Fire Department to host Halloween events

The Midland County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and the Midland Fire Department (MFD) are gearing up to host Halloween events for the public to enjoy. MCSO will kick off the festivities with "Halloween at the Shoe" at the Midland County Horseshoe Arena on October 14th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.


Abbott orders all Texas flags lowered to half-staff in honor of Hamas attack victims

Citing Chapter 3100 of the Texas Government Code, Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered Texas flags on all state buildings, facilities, and offices to be lowered to half-staff in memory of those who lost their lives in Palestinian militant group Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel. According to the governor, American citizens are counted among the fatalities.


Midland, surrounding areas prepare for solar eclipse

The city of Midland and surrounding areas are gearing up for an upcoming annular solar eclipse. Visit Midland, an organization that promotes Midland as a tourist destination, announced that residents and visitors will have an ideal position to view the eclipse this weekend.


Midland College offers firefighter training program: ‘They get the same training as our adult students’

Midland College has programs which allow high school students to receive firefighter and EMT training and earn certifications as part of a dual-credit program. Associate Professor Ryan Collier says students will get real training in this program, a collaborative effort between Midland Independent School District, Midland College and the city of Midland.


Midland College recognizes accomplishments of alumna: 'My journey to get to this point in my life hasn’t been easy'

Midland College recently highlighted the accomplishments of Midland College alumna Marisol Ramos-Armstrong. Through Midland College, Ramos-Armstrong was able to realize her childhood dream of being a nurse, an occupation she has now held for several years in Midland.


Midland Basin recycled water project complete: ‘This specific project sets the bar high for recycled produced water jobs in the Permian Basin’

Endeavor Energy Resources and Select Water Solutions, Inc. recently completed a massive recycled water job in the Midland Basin. Endeavor Energy Resources CEO Lance Robertson commemorated the project with a speech


Midland College grad promoted to Court Administrator at Municipal Court

Zayda Wakley, a Midland College (MC) graduate, has been appointed as the Court Administrator for the Municipal Court of the city of Midland. The promotion comes after she received an Associate of Applied Science degree in paralegal from MC in May.


H.S. Football: Bronchos rally, beat Panthers in shoot-out; First Odessa win over Permian since 2013.

Junior quarterback Mikey Cota threw for 404 yards and five touchdowns and the Odessa Bronchos rallied from a halftime deficit to beat Permian, 49-42, at Ratliff Stadium.


Abbott affirms Texas's support for Israel after Hamas attacks, boosts security at Jewish synagogues, schools

Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas has expressed his unwavering support for Israel following a sneak attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas. In a press release on October 9th, Abbott condemned the violence and offered complete support to the Israeli and Jewish communities.