Midland Times

News from February 2025


New coffee shop slated for the northern portion of the city

A coffee shop is being developed at the Colonnade at Polo Park Shopping Center.


MC proposing $450 million bond for new facilities, campus renovation

Voters will have the opportunity to decide on Midland College's proposed $450 million bond after the board of trustees voted to include it on the ballot for the May 2025 election.


Blong: 'So excited to see this vision come to life'

Mayor Lori Blong said that the ExxonMobil Soccer Complex at Beal Park "is a big win for our community."


Pfluger congratulates Rollins on becoming U.S. Secretary of Agriculture

Congressman August Pfluger has expressed his approval following the confirmation of Brooke Rollins as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.


Bipartisan bill aims to improve broadband access on federal lands

Congressmen August Pfluger and Darren Soto have reintroduced a bipartisan bill aimed at improving the broadband deployment process.


Midland adjusts schedules for Presidents' Day

City of Midland offices will close early on Friday, February 14, 2025, in observance of the Presidents' Day holiday.


Midland's February sales tax collections steady with last year's figures

Sales tax revenue in Midland, Texas, for February 2025 remained consistent with figures from the previous year.


Midland finalizes pension fund agreement, securing firefighters’ retirement

City leaders in Midland have reached a final agreement with local firefighters and the Midland Firemen’s Relief and Retirement Fund board to secure the retirement fund for both current and future firefighters. This deal comes after extensive discussions on how to address the fund's unfunded liability, which stood at $120.942 million as of Dec. 31, 2023.


Midland County joins city in Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones

Midland County has agreed to participate in Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ) 3 and 4 to partner with the city to support infrastructure development and future growth.


Trinity school swim team shines at TAPPS State Championships

MIDLAND, TX – The Trinity School swim team concluded a successful season on Monday at the TAPPS State Championships, delivering outstanding performances and earning top finishes.


MFD responds to three incidents within 12-hour span

The Midland Fire Department (MFD) responded to three incidents within a 12-hour span between February 11 and 12, as reported on its Facebook page.



Midland firefighters approve pension fund fix, reports strong investment returns

Justin Graham, Chairman of the Midland Firemen’s Retirement and Relief Fund, provided an update on the pension fund at the Feb. 11 City Council meeting. As of December 31, 2023, the unfunded liability has grown to $120.94 million, and continues to increase. Graham discussed the steps firefighters have taken to address the fund’s financial needs.


Midland Development Corporation swears Garrett, Lacy in as new members of board of directors

The Midland Development Corporation (MDC) recently swore in Garrett Donnelly and J. Ross Lacy as new members of its board of directors.


Registration for MPD Citizens Police Academy Academy nears end

Registration for the Midland Police Department’s (MPD) Citizens Police Academy is nearing its close, according to a Facebook post.


Local author Talley shares book, "Linus the Troll," with MISD elementary school students

Midland Independent School District’s (MISD) Burnet and South elementary schools recently hosted author Rosie Talley, who shared her book, "Linus the Troll," with students.



Bowling for Fur Babes annual event to benefit homeless pets set for Feb. 22

Grand Companions is hosting its annual Bowling for Fur Babes fundraiser on Feb. 22 at Diamond Lanes, aiming to raise vital funds for homeless pets in the community. The event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., invites families and animal lovers to enjoy a day of bowling while supporting a worthy cause.


Construction on Alamo Jr. High weight room to begin in March

The new Alamo Junior High School weight room itinerary is coming into focus.


Element3 has produced battery-grade lithium carbonate from Midland Basin oil and gas wastewater

Element3, a Fort Worth-based company specializing in critical material extraction from oil and gas wastewater, has announced a significant achievement.