Midland Times

News from June 2024


MDC Executive Director: ‘We help small businesses and existing businesses grow’

Sara Harris, executive director of the Midland Development Corporation, said the MDC supports new and existing businesses in Midland, funding the Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge to provide capital for small businesses while remaining uninvolved in the judging process to ensure impartiality. Harris was a guest on a recent episode of the Best of Midland Podcast.


How Zoo Midland is meeting city, state, and federal zoo regulations

Zoo Midland is being built from the ground up, with careful planning and collaboration among the zoo’s array of professionals. Architect firms, alongside Zoo Midland’s Project Coordinator Charles Harrington and Zoo Director Jason Green, are working together to design and construct a zoo that adheres to regulatory city, state, and federal requirements.


Grand Companions: Helping People Save Stray Pets

Grand Companions was founded in 1989 to help people save, honor, and connect with homeless pets, and to find them homes, according to Program Coordinator Nash Traylor and Executive Director Laura Langham.


Roseland's Oil and Gas to host Fall Classic Golf Tournament

Roseland's Oil and Gas, an organizer of oil and gas events, announced the Fall Classic Golf Tournament, scheduled for Oct. 3. The tournament will take place from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Ratliff Ranch Golf Links, located at 7500 N Grandview Ave. in Odessa.


Local Government Meeting today in Midland County

Midland County City Council Meeting starting at 10 am today — here's what you need to know!


Donald Earl McDowell, Former Pastor and Community Leader, Passes Away at 86

Donald Earl McDowell passed away on June 9. Below is the obituary.


Senators urge swift Senate action on House-approved ICC sanctions

U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) issued a joint statement after the U.S. House of Representatives approved sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC). The sanctions follow the court’s decision to apply for arrest warrants for Israeli officials.


Cornyn criticizes Schumer's focus on 'show votes' over substantive legislation

On June 11, 2024, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) criticized the Senate Majority Leader for holding election-year show votes on widely supported issues instead of advancing substantive legislation. Cornyn specifically highlighted his bipartisan Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act, which has not been brought to the floor for a vote despite passing the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously 16 months ago.


MISD sees improvements in STARR testing at the high school level

Midland Independent School District (MISD) has announced the results of the spring 2024 State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) End-of-Course (EOC) assessments. The Texas Education Agency issued data related to student performance in key core classes, including English and algebra, enabling the district to assess current performance accurately and identify areas for improvement.


MDC Executive Director: ‘We're funded by one-quarter of 1% of the sales tax’ in Midland

Sara Harris, Executive Director of the Midland Development Corporation, said that Midland's economic development is funded by a portion of local sales tax, allowing the city to invest in infrastructure, education, health care, job creation, and business expansion. Harris was a guest on a recent episode of the Best of Midland Podcast.


Local Government Meeting today in Midland County

Midland County City Council Meeting starting at 3:30 pm today — here's what you need to know!


American Safety Services Inaugurates New I-20 Training Facility and Fire Service Fleet

American Safety Services celebrated the grand opening of its new training facility and fire service fleet on June 6. The expansion facility is located along Interstate 20 in West Texas.


Government events this week in Midland County: June 9-15

The following events are scheduled to take place in Midland County this week.


Elizabeth Imholte, 61, Remembered for Her Kindness and Strength

Elizabeth Imholte passed away on June 8. Below is the obituary.


Ronnie Ray Montgomery, 77, Veteran and Musician, Passes Away in Odessa

Ronnie Ray Montgomery passed away on June 8. Below is the obituary.


Texas celebrates Father's Day by honoring historical figures like Stephen F. Austin

As we leave the flowers of May behind, summer fun and Father’s Day lie ahead. In the Lone Star State, this day provides an opportunity to honor our fathers and the legacy of some who laid the groundwork for Texas’ rich history.


Midland considers next steps over The Tailgate's unmet conditions

The Midland City Council planned to discuss the failures city staff said The Tailgate has made in operating as an event venue during its June 11 meeting. The council approved three Specific Use Designations (SUDs) authorizing its operation.


Family & kids events this week in Midland County: June 9-15

Don't miss out on these family & kids events happening in Midland County this week.


Religious meeting this week in Midland County: June 9-15

The following religious meeting is scheduled to happen in Midland County this week.


Funeral or memorial service tomorrow in Midland County

The following funeral or memorial service is scheduled to happen in Midland County tomorrow.