Midland Times

News from February 2024


Rebels place 3rd, Bulldogs 11th at Region 1-6A championship swim meet

The Midland Legacy boys’ swimming and diving team placed third at the UIL Region 1-6A Championship last weekend, with the 200 meter freestyle relay team winning bronze with a time of 1:25.69. The Midland Bulldogs placed 11th in the meet with a score of 12 points.


Krueger takes two golds in Region 1-6A swimming championship meet

The Midland Legacy girls’ swimming team placed fourth and Midland took fifth in the UIL Region 1-6A Championship on Feb. 9 with a score of 152 and 146 respectively. Hannah Krueger of the Bulldogs was the top swimmer in the area with a pair of gold medals.


Winter tree care: Tips for keeping your trees healthy in February

As the winter chill lingers, it's crucial to pay attention to the well-being of your trees.


Midland City Council Meeting Recap: Feb. 13

The Midland City Council held a general meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 10 a.m. in City Hall. Mayor Lori Blong commenced the session by leading a moment of silence to honor Councilman Dan Corrales, who passed away unexpectedly a few weeks earlier.


Midland city council election: Essential information for candidates

In preparation for the upcoming city council special election on May 4, prospective candidates in Midland are encouraged to familiarize themselves with key information about the election process and the responsibilities of elected officials.


West Texas Speech Pathologist: ‘A frenectomy is like releasing a rubber band’

Speech Pathologist Tanya Lujan said that when a patient gets a frenectomy, their speech impediment is not immediately fixed, and they need speech therapy because their tongue still doesn’t move.


Lady Bulldogs fall to Eastwood in bi-district playoff

The Midland Lady Bulldogs (13-19, 3-7) came out determined to give the Eastwood Troopers (26-5, 14-2) a run for their money, and a shot an an upset. While it was close in the early stages, Eastwood dominated most of the game in a commanding 60-23 win in the Class 6A bi-district playoff on Feb. 13.


Sen. Cruz, colleagues fight to overturn FHWA’s illegal GHG emissions performance measure rule

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, along with several colleagues, has introduced a joint resolution of disapproval to nullify a rule imposed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) that imposes greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions performance measures on state departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations. The FHWA implemented this rule in November 2023 despite lacking Congressional authority to do so.In a statement, Senator Cruz called the FHWA's regulation a "unilateral mandate" and an "act of federal overreach" by the Biden administration. He argued...


Sen. Cruz Announces Key Senior Staff Hires and Promotions

Sen. Cruz (R-Texas) has announced several staff updates in his Senate office, including key senior staff hires and promotions. The senator expressed his excitement about the new additions to his team and highlighted their qualifications and experience.One of the notable hires is Victoria Ellington, who has been appointed as the Deputy Chief of Staff. Ellington, a Houston native, previously served as the Director of Operations for the DeSantis presidential campaign. She also worked as a Special Assistant to Secretary Mike Pompeo at the U.S. Department of State during the...


City: Passengers at Midland International Air & Space Port ahead of record pace

The number of passengers flying out of Midland International Air & Space Port in Texas has been steadily increasing, surpassing expectations for the fiscal year. Southwest Airlines, American Eagle, and United have been the primary airlines serving the airport, with Southwest leading the way.According to city officials, Southwest Airlines carried the largest share of passengers in January, accounting for approximately 46.5% of the total. In fact, for the entire fiscal year, Southwest has accounted for 48.2% of the total passenger count at Midland International Air & Space...


Opd bomb squad unit visits OC tech

The Odessa Police Department Bomb Squad Unit made a special visit to OC Tech to educate students about the critical aspects of safety and security. The visit took place as part of the ECISD Criminal Justice Program, providing students with a unique opportunity to learn from the experts in the field.During the demonstration, the Bomb Squad Unit showcased their expertise in handling explosive devices and emphasized the importance of following safety protocols. The students were able to witness firsthand the meticulous procedures followed by the bomb squad to ensure the...


Pfluger Legislation Reversing President Biden's LNG Export Ban Passes House

WASHINGTON, DC — The House of Representatives has passed legislation to reverse President Biden's liquified natural gas (LNG) export ban. The bill, known as H.R. 7176, the Unlocking Our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2024, aims to unleash American LNG to lower energy costs and enhance U.S. energy security and the security of its allies."President Biden has used every weapon and every tool available to him to make producing American energy more difficult," said Rep. August Pfluger, the chairman of the RSC House Energy Action Team (HEAT). "His decision to ban future US LNG...


Sen. Cruz Leads Senate Republicans in Letter Calling for DOJ to Investigate UN Fundraising Group for Hamas Support

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, along with several Senate Republicans, has called on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to open a criminal investigation into UNRWA USA, a U.S.-based non-profit that raises funds for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). In a letter addressed to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, the senators urge the DOJ to investigate UNRWA USA for providing material support to designated foreign terrorist organizations, including Hamas.The senators highlight the long-standing issue of UNRWA's support for Hamas and other terrorist groups. They point...


Sens. Cruz, Graham, Republican Judiciary Committee Colleagues Investigate Rutgers University for Promoting Antisemitic Violence

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Republican members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, including Ranking Member Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), have taken action against Rutgers University for its alleged support of antisemitic violence. The senators have sent investigatory letters regarding the source of financial support for the Rutgers University Center for Security, Race and Rights, which sponsors events featuring speakers who promote violence against Israel, support convicted terrorists, and advocate for radicalism.The letters, addressed to the President...


Midland ISD board meeting recap: Feb. 13

In the Feb. 13 board meeting, Midland Independent School District (MISD) discussed several topics, ranging from the principal incentive allotment to updates on the 2023 school bond and other action items.


West Texas Speech Pathologist: ‘The language is so different, so they are continually making these errors’

Speech Pathologist Tanya Lujan said that accent reduction is a service she provides, and English is a difficult language to learn if it isn’t your first language.


Pfluger Named Impeachment Manager for Mayorkas Senate Trial

U.S. Representative August Pfluger (TX-11) has been appointed as an Impeachment Manager for the Senate Impeachment Trial of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Congressman Pfluger, who serves as the Chairman of the Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence Subcommittee on the House Homeland Security Committee, has played a crucial role in strengthening border security and addressing national security concerns.In his capacity as an Impeachment Manager, Rep. Pfluger will present the case against Secretary Mayorkas, highlighting the...


Phone theft at Walmart

On February 14, 2024, a theft occurred at the Walmart located at 4210 N. JBS. According to the victim, she accidentally left her $1200 iPhone at the check-out counter. Unfortunately, the phone was later picked up by an unknown male subject.An investigation into the incident revealed that the suspect was occupying a white Cadillac with a sunroof. Surveillance footage captured the moment when the suspect took the phone. The authorities are now seeking the public's help in identifying the suspect.Detective M. Troglin, who is leading the investigation, urged anyone who...


City of Midland announces solid waste schedule for Presidents' Day

The City of Midland has announced its solid waste collection schedule for the upcoming observance of Presidents' Day on Monday, February 19, 2024. In light of the holiday, all city offices will be closed on this day.According to the provided schedule, solid waste collection will be affected for the week of February 19 – 24, 2024. On Monday, February 19th, there will be no solid waste collection in observance of Presidents' Day. However, regular trash pickup will resume on Tuesday, February 20th, and continue throughout the week for the designated cart areas.The Citizens...


Odessa Police Department provides update on fuel spill

Investigation into the fuel spill that occurred on February 12, 2024, has revealed new details about the incident. The spill was caused by a single-vehicle crash involving a semi-truck at the intersection of S. Grandview Ave and Interstate I 20 Eastbound traffic. The driver of the semi, identified as Juan De La Cruz, was cited for not having a Commercial Driver's License on hand.According to authorities, the cause of the crash was a blowout of the semi's front left tire, which led to the loss of control and the vehicle jack-knifing. The impact of the crash caused a...