Midland Times

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Government

Midland Police Department to appoint interim chief, launch nationwide search for permanent replacement

The Midland Police Department (MPD) will hire an interim police chief and a full-time chief, following the announcement of current Chief Seth Herman accepting a position as the police chief with the Lubbock Police Department. The selection process for both an interim and a permanent replacement is underway.


Government

Midland city council meeting recap: May 14

The Midland City Council convened for a general meeting on May 14 at 10 a.m. at City Hall, where the Hogan Park golf course and sanitation department took precedence on the agenda. A key focus was the initiation of proceedings to issue a $31 million certificate of obligation (CO) bond to address determined needs for both items.


Government

Blong: 'It's important that we take care of immediate needs as well as planning for future needs, all while being prudent and conservative with your tax dollars.'

Midland Mayor Lori Blong has announced that the city council and municipal staff have initiated the review of next year's budget. She emphasized, "it's important that we take care of immediate needs as well as planning for future needs." In addition, Blong assured that the process would be conducted in a "prudent and conservative" manner with respect to citizens' tax dollars.


Government

Midland police posts future testing dates

Individuals with an interest in joining the Midland Police Department (MPD) will have two forthcoming opportunities to do so. The law enforcement agency is set to administer a test for entry into its academy on May 25 and June 8.


Government

Midland County Sheriff's Office investigates alleged homicide178

The Midland County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) has launched an investigation into a suspected homicide that took place in the 10,000 block of FM 1788 South over the past weekend. The authorities were initially called to respond to an unidentified medical situation on the morning of May 12.


Government

Midland considers issuing $54.5 million in bonds for its sanitation system, golf course.

The Midland City Council is considering the adoption of a capital funding plan to raise $31 million for the city's sanitation system and an additional $23.5 million for its golf course.


Government

Midland City Council to declare results of May 4 special election

The Midland City Council was slated to approve a resolution that would canvass the returns and declare the results of the special election held on May 4 for an at-large council position. The unofficial returns indicated Eric Davidson as the winner of this special election.


Government

Blong: 'Thank you, public service employees, for all you do to make our lives better.'

Midland Mayor Lori Blong has expressed that one of her favorite aspects of leading the city "is getting to interact with so many smart and talented city staff." This statement comes as the city celebrates Public Service Recognition Week, which takes place from May 5-11.


Government

Midland police make arrest in burglary of school

The Midland Police Department (MPD) apprehended a 27-year-old individual on May 9 in relation to an alleged burglary at the Texas Leadership Academy of Midland (TLCA), located in the 3300 block of Thomas Avenue. The authorities have charged Raiquann Terreek Abner with burglary of a building, and if convicted, Abner could face time in state jail.


Government

Midland's sales tax collection continues to stay above budget

The city of Midland, Texas, has reported that its sales tax collection remains above budget, albeit slightly trailing the record pace for sales tax collected in a year. This information was cited from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.


Government

Midland County Sheriff Criner alerts residents to ongoing phone scam

Midland County Sheriff David Criner has issued a warning to residents about ongoing phone scams. In these scams, the caller falsely claims to be a law enforcement official demanding money. According to Criner, while there are different variations of the scam, all callers pose as law enforcement and demand payment in various forms such as gift cards, credit or debit cards, or money apps for reasons like a missed court date, a missed subpoena, or an active warrant.


Government

Midland records first West Nile Virus case of year

The City of Midland has reported its first case of West Nile Virus (WNV) for the year, a finding that also marks the first instance of the disease in Midland County. The city's Health Services department indicated that mosquito traps have been installed throughout the county, with the Department of State Health Services tasked with testing these mosquitoes for diseases. The state later informed the city that some of these trapped mosquitoes were carriers of WNV.


Government

Midland Police Chief Seth Herman selected as Lubbock's next police chief

Seth Herman, the current chief of police in Midland, is poised to become Lubbock's next police chief pending city council confirmation.


Government

Midland County Commissioners Court meeting recap: May 7

The Midland County Commissioners Court convened for a general meeting on May 7, at 9 a.m., gathering at the Midland County Courthouse to address a range of topics.


Government

Eric Davidson emerges as presumed winner in special election

Eric Davidson has emerged as the leading candidate as of 8:17 p.m.,May 4. Out of 4,210 ballots cast, Davidson captured 1,791 votes, representing 42.62% of the total vote share.


Government

Midland construction firm plans single-family homes in Parkview Heights

A Midland-based homebuilding company has announced plans to construct three single-family homes on South Lee Street, following the successful rezoning of three adjacent lots from multi-family to single-family home zoning.


Government

Mission Agape plans food distribution site on Thomason Drive

Mission Agape, a nonprofit organization, has submitted a proposal to the city of Midland for rezoning a triangular property on the south side of Thomason Drive just west of South Midland Drive. The organization plans to establish its food distribution center on this site.


Government

Midland County judge Robnett to retiring employee: 'You are the best of the best!'

Judge Jeffrey Robnett of the Midland County 441st Judicial District Court recently praised Irene Olgin, a newly retired employee of the Midland County District Clerk's Office, as "the best of the best." In late April, Robnett and his court commemorated Olgin's retirement, marking the conclusion of her 25-year career.


Government

Beal Foundation donating $10 million to improve namesake park

The Midland City Council has approved an authorization that will allow the city to receive a $10 million donation from The Beal Foundation. This funding is intended to support the construction and installation of improvements at Beal Park. The project, which is expected to be completed in three phases, will see portions of the donation accepted at each stage.


Government

Collapsed sewer manhole endangered public health in Midland Draw

The Midland Utilities Department was compelled to contract for emergency work following the collapse of a sewer manhole in front of Home Depot. This incident brought the sewer system to the verge of overflowing in the Midland Draw area.