Midland Times

News from February 2025


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!


Midland begins construction on new ExxonMobil Soccer Complex at Beal Park

Midland, Texas – The City of Midland commenced the construction of a new soccer complex at Beal Park on Wednesday.


Bipartisan bill targets illicit use of animal tranquilizer linked to fentanyl crisis

Congressman August Pfluger and colleagues have reintroduced the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, a bipartisan and bicameral legislation aimed at controlling the use of xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer being used as a cutting agent for fentanyl.


Bipartisan bill targets terrorism threats via foreign messaging apps

Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) and Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) have reintroduced the Countering Online Radicalization and Terrorism Act.


Rep. Pfluger hosts U.S. Energy Secretary on Capitol Hill for energy talks

Today, Congressman August Pfluger of Texas hosted U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright at the Republican Study Committee's weekly meeting on Capitol Hill.


Bynum School students participate in Love Without Limits Prom 2025

Bynum School students attended the Love Without Limits Prom 2025 at the Midland County Horseshoe Pavilion on Feb. 7.


Shining Star School Spotlight: Texas Leadership Charter Academy names Veteran Teacher of the Year

Texas Leadership Charter Academy (TLCA) has named Maria Ramirez, a special education paraprofessional, as Veteran Teacher of the Year. Ramirez, the longest-tenured educator at TLCA Midland, was nominated and selected by her colleagues for her dedication to students and her role in shaping the school’s culture.


Future breeding programs part of Zoo Midland’s long-term vision

As plans for Midland’s newest zoo continue to develop, officials are considering the implementation of breeding programs aimed at supporting wildlife conservation and educating the public about endangered species.


West Texas FC announces Scarduzio as new Director of Goalkeeping/Assistant Coach

West Texas FC has announced the hiring of Matteo Scarduzio as Director of Goalkeeping and Assistant Coach.


Blong attends A Celebration of Texas Women benefit for Young Women’s Leadership Academy

Mayor Lori Blong attended the "Celebration of Texas Women 2025" event at the Petroleum Club of Midland on February 6.


MISD's Pre-K Department provides free books

The Midland Independent School District’s (MISD) Pre-Kindergarten Department is distributing free books on the Student Services floor of the administration building, as announced in a Facebook post.


Three MISD students were named National Merit Finalists

The National Merit Finalists for the Class of 2025 will include three seniors from Midland Independent School District (ISD).


Midland robotics teams excel in local tournament

Midland Independent School District's (ISD) FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics Tournament was deemed a success.


Local Government Meeting today in Midland County

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


Oxy donates land in Midland for new fire station development

Occidental (Oxy), a major oil and gas company in the Permian Basin, has announced the donation of 4.5 acres of land in northeast Midland, Texas, for the development of what is expected to be the city's 12th fire station.


Rep. Pfluger discusses energy production act passage

Congressman August Pfluger recently appeared on "Mornings with Maria" to discuss the House's approval of his proposed legislation, the Protecting American Energy Production Act.


Congressman Pfluger schedules Brady town hall meeting for February 14

U.S. Congressman August Pfluger is scheduled to hold a town hall meeting in Brady this week.


Hunter Haynie joins Centers for Children and Families as Development Director

Centers for Children and Families has named Midland native Hunter Haynie as its new Development Director. Haynie brings experience from previous roles at United Way of Midland and Midland College. In his new position, he will work to expand community engagement, donor support, and event coordination.


Cupid's Corner: A Valentine’s story for the ages

Their first encounter was what dreams are made of.


Cupid’s Corner: From friendship to forever

We met through a mutual friend through college, I liked him from the very beginning, but he didn’t notice. He was funny, kind and I was a very shy person, He also had a crush on another girl. She was not interested but liked the attention. We would hang out with mutual friends. I didn’t talk much but he always knew how to get me to laugh. Eventually he made me comfortable talking more, I wanted him to think of me more than a friend, I would come over just to talk to him about anything and everything, his parents loved me instantly.