Midland Times

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Government

MCSO charges couple with child abandonment after finding autistic five-year-old alone

The Midland County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is investigating an alleged child abandonment case after finding a lone toddler with autism on July 25. Sheriff’s deputies discovered the child in the 2100 block of SCR 1140 in Midland County.


Government

Alleged assault in Macarena's parking lot remains under investigation

The Midland Police Department (MPD) continues to search for a suspect in an alleged assault that occurred on the afternoon of July 21. The incident took place at 5:46 p.m. in the Macarena’s parking lot at 4411 W. Illinois Ave.


Government

Heather Bredimus announces candidacy for Midland City Council District 1

Heather Bredimus announced her candidacy for the Midland City Council District 1 seat.


Government

Midland City Council votes to begin issuing pension obligation bond

At the Midland City Council meeting on July 23, the council voted unanimously to begin the process of issuing a pension obligation bond to address the unfunded pension liability of the Midland Firemen’s Relief and Retirement Fund. The bond, which also includes benefit changes affecting Midland Firefighters, aims to stabilize the fund’s finances and ensure its long-term viability while maintaining a competitive benefits package for recruitment and retention.


Government

Midland Professional Firefighters Association ‘disappointed’ with City Council's discussion on firefighter’s compensation

Midland’s Professional Firefighters Association voiced dissatisfaction with the City Council’s meeting on July 23. Jesse Martinez, President of the Professional Firefighters Association of Midland (PFAM), praised the council for taking steps to secure pension benefits but was disappointed over the limited discussion of overall firefighter compensation.


Government

MCSO captures inmate following alleged escape attempt

The Midland County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) thwarted an inmate’s escape attempt from the Central Detention Center on July 22. Adolfo Williams was identified as the suspected escapee.


Government

MPD Honor Guard participates in funeral for fallen Harris County Deputy Esqueda

The Midland Police Department (MPD) Honor Guard participated in the funeral for fallen Harris County Deputy Fernando Esqueda on July 19. Esqueda, who was 28 years old, was killed in the line of duty in the early morning hours on July 11 while investigating the residence of an assault suspect.


Government

Midland police respond to fatal pedestrian-vehicle collision

The Midland Police Department (MPD) responded to a July 19 traffic incident that claimed the life of a 43-year-old man.


Government

Operation Independence results in a dozen solicitation of prostitution arrests

The Midland County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) was among the law enforcement agencies that netted a group of people in a prostitution sting. The multiple apprehensions occurred on July 11.


Government

MCSO nabs 26-year-old male following alleged aggravated robbery

The Midland County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has made an arrest in connection with an alleged post-Fourth of July aggravated robbery. On July 10, MCSO deputies apprehended Sajel Noel Gonzalez-Ward for the incident that occurred in the 8500 block of Farm-to-Market (FM) Road 307 in Midland County.


Government

Midland approved $924,374 as its share of the Wildcatter Trail-Champions project

The Midland City Council approved $924,374 as its share of the $4.8 million for the Wildcatter Trail-Champions project during its July 9 meeting. The funding agreement is with the Texas Department of Transportation.


Government

Two-vehicular accident claims life of 71-year-old motorist

The Midland Police Department (MPD) responded to an early morning traffic incident that claimed the life of an elderly man. The accident occurred shortly before 8 a.m. in the 8700 block of Highway 191.


Government

Midland County warns of scam calls using Warrant Services number

Midland County has warned residents about a scam involving the main phone number at Warrant Services.


Government

Midland County Hospital District Board reviews financial gains, strategic plans, and project updates

The Midland County Hospital District Board of Directors held their monthly meeting on June 27. The meeting focused on financial reports, strategic plans, and project updates.


Government

MFD responds to small plane crash at MAF

A small plane crash at the Midland International Air & Space Port (MAF) on the afternoon of June 29 prompted the attention of the Midland Fire Department (MFD). The incident occurred just before 5 p.m.


Government

Midland MSA registers labor force growth in May

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) reported that the Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) accounted for the lowest unemployment in the state of Texas last month.


Government

Midland police investigate accident that killed Odessa man, 48

The Midland Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal accident along Farm-to-Market (FM) Road 1788 that claimed the life of an Odessa man on June 27.


Government

Midland Firemen's Relief Fund Admin: After Pension Review Board first listed our fund as non-compliant 'the report was sent'

The Midland Firemen’s Relief & Retirement Fund (MFRRF) is currently listed as a non-compliant benefit plan on the Texas Pension Review Board's website due to incomplete financial reporting for Fiscal Year 2022, spokespeople for the PRB, City of Midland, and MFRRF all confirmed with Midland Times.


Government

Midland City Council approves mental health app for first responders

On June 25, the Midland City Council held a regular council meeting where they unanimously approved a resolution to enhance the mental health and wellness services for the city’s police and fire department personnel. Agenda item No. 5 on the docket was a resolution to approve a three-year subscription to the Cordico app by Lexipol LLC through Sourcewell, at a total cost of $146,526.60.


Government

MPD warns of increasing vehicle break-ins during summer

The Midland Police Department (MPD) stresses motorists to "lock it or lose it." MPD cautioned that as summer progresses, vehicle break-ins will increase with college-age children home and family members visiting.