News from February 2024
Midland RockHounds announce promotions schedule
By DaLeesa Brown | Feb 23, 2024
The Midland RockHounds are preparing for the 2024 season with a lineup of promotions and events at Momentum Bank Ballpark. The 52nd franchise season will begin on Tuesday, April 9.
Legacy High School senior wins Crime Stoppers Art Contest
By DaLeesa Brown | Feb 23, 2024
Legacy High School senior Mariah Lacovone won first place in the statewide Crime Stoppers Art Contest. As part of her reward, her artwork will be showcased at the Texas Crime Stoppers office in the State Capitol in Austin.
Cornyn, Cruz Issue Joint Statement on Closure of Rio Grande Sugarcane Mill, Mexico’s Failure to Fulfill Water Treaty Obligations
By Midland Times | Feb 23, 2024
U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz have expressed their concerns over the closure of the Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers, Inc.’s sugarcane mill due to acute water shortages. In a joint statement, the senators attributed the closure to Mexico’s failure to fulfill its obligations under the 1944 Treaty of Utilization of Waters.Cornyn and Cruz emphasized the impact of Mexico’s non-compliance on farmers and ranchers in South Texas, stating that more closures are likely unless Mexico acts to meet its obligations. They called the current situation "unsustainable and...
Governor Abbott Appoints Four To Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council
By Midland Times | Feb 23, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed four individuals to the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Advisory Council in Texas. The Council's purpose is to study and monitor artificial intelligence systems developed, employed, or procured by state agencies.John Bash, an accomplished legal professional, has been appointed to the council. Bash, a former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, is well-versed in appellate practice and has a strong background in law. He brings a wealth of experience from his time serving in various legal capacities.Mark Stone, Ph.D., currently...
Odessa Police Academy 26th Session Graduation & Swearing-In Ceremony
By Midland Times | Feb 23, 2024
At the Odessa Police Academy 26th Session Graduation & Swearing-In Ceremony held on February 23, 2024, four new police officers were proudly inducted into the Odessa Police Department. Among them was Officer Odilia Soto, who expressed her joy by saying, “It’s never too late! This is the best day of my life.”Chief Gerke announced the successful graduation of Officer Ethan Ryan McKown, Officer Joseph Gabriel Valerio, and Officer Mario Julian Vera. Officer McKown, a native of Odessa, Texas, shared his excitement about the new career path he is embarking on, looking forward...
Cruz, Cornyn Speak Out on Closure of Rio Grande Sugarcane Mill
By Midland Times | Feb 23, 2024
U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn from Texas have issued a joint statement regarding the closure of the Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers, Inc.'s sugarcane mill due to acute water shortages. The senators expressed their concerns over Mexico's failure to fulfill its water treaty obligations, stating that this failure is having disastrous consequences on farmers and ranchers in South Texas.In their statement, the senators emphasized the need for Mexico to comply with the 1944 Treaty of Utilization of Waters, with Cruz and Cornyn warning that more closures like the...
Midland County Sheriff’s Reports, Feb 22
By Midland Times Report | Feb 23, 2024
Midland County Sheriff’s Reports, Feb 22.
Children’s author: Promotion involves ‘a lot of school visits, a lot of story times, some markets’
By Midland Times | Feb 22, 2024
Rosie Talley, West Texas resident and children’s book author, said the multifaceted nature of her book's promotion entails school visits, assemblies, and story times, as well as active involvement in markets and expos, highlighting her willingness to push beyond her natural shyness and introverted nature to engage with readers for the love of her work. Talley was a guest on a recent episode of the Best of Midland Podcast, where she gave insights into self-publishing her book.
Rebels upset El Paso Americas to win bi-district title
By Bob Martin | Feb 22, 2024
The Midland Legacy Rebels (15-17, 4-6) hadn’t had a playoff game in 12 years, but they rose to the occasion by upsetting the heavily favored El Paso Americas (29-5, 14-2) by a score of 59-44 to take the Class 6A boys’ basketball bi-district title on Feb. 20.
Governor Abbott Names Ladner Chair, Appoints Houston To Risk Management Board
By Midland Times | Feb 22, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott recently announced the appointment of Jeffrey Houston to the Risk Management Board, with Gerald Ladner, Sr. being named as the chair of the Board. The Board's primary responsibility is to coordinate, monitor, and direct information resources management within the state government.Jeffrey Houston, a resident of Dripping Springs, is currently serving as the senior vice president at Mondee Holdings, Inc. in Austin. A highly accomplished individual, Houston is a member of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Society of Austin and has previously been...
Walmart Theft Investigation Unfolds After $377 Worth of Merchandise Stolen
By Midland Times | Feb 22, 2024
A recent theft incident at Walmart located at 2450 NW Loop 338 has prompted an investigation, as detailed in a report from Feb 22, 2024. According to the information released, an unknown male and female duo made off with about $377 worth of merchandise. The suspects absconded from the scene in a black Toyota Tundra. Detective M. Troglin, who is overseeing the case, urges anyone with information on the suspects to come forward. Detective Troglin can be reached at 432-284-2012. Alternatively, individuals can contact Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS and mention Case...
Police Seek Community Assistance in Burglary Investigation
By Midland Times | Feb 22, 2024
The Odessa Police Department is seeking the assistance of our community in identifying two individuals responsible for a series of burglaries at multiple Take 5 Oil Change locations in Odessa and Midland. Detective S. Lofton stated, "Anyone who recognizes the suspects shown in the surveillance footage or anyone with information in reference to this investigation is encouraged to contact Detective S. Lofton at (432) 284-2859." Residents are urged to reach out to Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS and reference case number 24-0002000 to provide any tips or information...
Governor Abbott Launches Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, And Innovation Program
By Midland Times | Feb 22, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has announced the launch of the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program, a new economic incentive initiative aimed at attracting new jobs and investments to the state. Applications for the program are now open, offering a competitive tool to drive economic growth in Texas.In a statement, Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of the JETI program in fostering economic development and job creation in the state. He highlighted Texas as a leading hub for business, infrastructure, and workforce, but acknowledged the need to remain...
Governor Abbott Reappoints Halbrooks As Presiding Officer Of North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority
By Midland Times | Feb 22, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Gary Halbrooks as the presiding officer of the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority for a term set to expire on February 1, 2026. Halbrooks, who has been serving in this capacity since October 2021, is the CEO and president of Venue Properties, Inc. He has been a member of the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority Board since 2012.In a statement released by the Governor's office, it was highlighted that the Regional Mobility Authority plays a crucial role in financing, acquiring, designing, constructing, and maintaining...
Midland County Commissioners Court Meeting Recap: Feb. 20
By DaLeesa Brown | Feb 21, 2024
The Midland County Commissioners Court convened on Tuesday, February 20, at 9 a.m. to address key agenda items, notably the issuance of a $170 million certificate of obligation (CO) for constructing a new county jail.
Children’s author: ‘I just compiled a list of the illustrators that I like their style and then I did a few interviews’
By Angie Alvarez | Feb 21, 2024
Rosie Talley, West Texas resident and children’s book author, said that finding her illustrator involved browsing through Indiegogo.com and compiling a list of preferred artists based on their styles, followed by conducting interviews to select the best fit. Talley was a guest on a recent episode of the Best of Midland Podcast.
10 student athletes from Midland sign letters of intent to play sports in college
By Bob Martin | Feb 21, 2024
A group of Midland High School senior athletes have taken the next step to playing sports at the next level by signing letters of intent with colleges and universities.
13 Rebel student athletes sign letters of intent with colleges and universities
By Bob Martin | Feb 21, 2024
The Midland Independent School District announced that 13 of their student athletes from Midland Legacy recently signed national letters of intent to play for colleges and universities after graduation.
MOVE Midland released voter guide for ongoing primary election
By Rachel Walker | Feb 21, 2024
MOVE Midland, a 501(c)4 non-profit organization dedicated to moving Midland forward, has announced the release of its voter guide in conjunction with the ongoing Republican primary election.
Governor Abbott Appoints Tracy Gray to 489th District Court
By Midland Times | Feb 21, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Tracy Gray to the 489th Judicial District Court in Kaufman County for a term set to expire on December 31, 2024, or until her successor shall be duly elected and qualified.Tracy Gray of Forney is Judge of the Kaufman County Court at Law, a position she was elected to in November 2018. Previously, she was a partner at Guest & Gray Law Firm and she served as an assistant district attorney for five years with the Kaufman County District Attorney’s Office. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas and is the former president of the Kaufman...