Opinion News
OPINION: Writer Returns to Writing Columns in Midland Times News
Greetings, fellow Midlanders. It’s been over a decade since I’ve written a column, but how exciting is this opportunity to be small part of such a positive news organization.
Shanna (Sissom) Iverson Joins The Midland Times
Shanna (Sissom) Iverson, a journalist with over two decades of experience, is joining the Midland Times as a columnist. Iverson, known to many as the former city editor and columnist for the Midland Reporter-Telegram, built a career in multiple facets of the news industry. Her work has earned her press association awards and respect in the journalism community.
Latest News
OPINION: City launches new programs to impact customer service, transparency
By The City of Midland | Sep 20, 2024
A city is only as good as the customer service that it provides its residents.
OPINION: Local Resident Turns Community Trash Problem Into Growing Volunteer Movement
By Keith Stetler | Sep 4, 2024
In my short time living in the Permian area, I noticed the trash problem and thought, someone should try to do something about it. As time went on, I also noticed that many others thinking the same thing were taking to social media to complain instead of taking action. How hard can it be? Take a bag, stop on the side of the road, and pick up some trash.
OPINION: Time to Raise the Bar for Permian Basin Schools: Our Students Deserve the Best
By Patrick Payton, Midland, Texas | Sep 3, 2024
Since I moved to Midland in 1999, I have had the privilege of serving our community as a pastor, Midland mayor, and most importantly, as an engaged citizen. I have seen the ability of our communities to come together to solve tough challenges in service of making the Permian Basin the best home we can for our families and neighbors.
OPINION: Rediscovering Downtown Midland: A Call for Community-Driven Growth and Preservation
By Josiah Carrasco | Aug 1, 2024
Midland, Texas, has always been known for its rich history and tight-knit community. As someone born in Midland but who lived in Fort Stockton most of my life, my recent move back to Midland has deepened my appreciation for the city's unique charm. The downtown area, in particular, has captivated me with its blend of history, beauty, and potential for growth.
OPINION: Bridge The Gap
By Haylee McBride | Jul 31, 2024
One thing I have noticed working with teenagers is there seems to be a major gap between teens and adults. I’m not just talking about age, but rather understanding. I’ve heard adults say, “kids are just too soft these days, they’re disrespectful” or I’ve heard kids say, “they just don’t care about me.” I’ve come to learn that the younger generation feels completely misunderstood.
OPINION: Without True Local Control, Pension Problems Spiral
By Rachel Walker | Jul 22, 2024
The 45th Legislature established the Texas Local Fire Fighters Retirement Act (TLFFRA) in 1937 to create local retirement systems for the benefit of full-time, part-time, and volunteer firefighters in participating cities.
Midland Animal Shelter plagued by capacity issues -- again
By Midland Animal Services | Jun 25, 2024
Midland’s animal shelter is again at capacity.
OPINION: The 'Christian Nationalist' Label Will Not Stick
By Tim Dunn | Apr 26, 2024
As a political observer and sometimes activist, I am accustomed to others' efforts to label their opponents. This is standard practice for politicians and the media, who know that disparaging the proponents of ideas they do not like is a way to avoid debate.
OPINION: Distemper aftermath requires community call to action
By City of Midland Strategic Communications Officer Stewart Doreen | Apr 19, 2024
This weekend, Midland Animal Shelter’s distemper crisis will end.
OPINION: Midland Health Department looks out for well-being of all citizens
By Dr. Whitney Craig | Feb 27, 2024
Midland Health Department is more than just shots.
OPINION: Nurturing young minds: Striking a balance in our public libraries
By Michele Allen | Feb 16, 2024
Concerns have emerged within our community regarding the accessibility of sexually explicit content in the children's section of our local library.
OPINION: It’s time for a new full-service hotel downtown
By Grant Billingsley | Jan 19, 2024
In 1928, the year before the Great Depression, Clarence Scharbauer opened the Hotel Scharbauer at the corner of Loraine Street and Wall Street in downtown Midland.
OPINION: Hotel Santa Rita is the next step for Midland to continue to invest in itself
By Kaes Van’t Hof | Jan 19, 2024
The Hotel Santa Rita project is slated to be a 135-room, full-service hotel that will continue the revitalization of downtown Midland.
OPINION: Maybe in Midland-Odessa: Addressing speculations while building a better community for us all
By Kevin Dawson | Jan 18, 2024
I recently found myself with my first “you’re famous” moment the other day while shopping at Lowe’s. A young couple who recently moved to Midland from Houston came up to me and said, “Hey, you’re the Maybe in Midland-Odessa guy. We love your page and to see all the new places coming and work you’re doing to make things exciting.” It was quite the moment for me.
OPINION: Investing in ourselves benefits the entire Midland community
By Jeff Beard | Jan 18, 2024
I've been fortunate to call Midland home for nearly 40 years, and one of the aspects I appreciate most about this town is its commitment to getting things done. Rooted in the resilience and determination of our founding families, this tenacity has been a constant thread throughout our history. Midland is not just a community; it's a community that invests.
OPINION: New downtown hotel will be a nod to Midland’s past and future
By Kevin Dawson | Jan 17, 2024
When I think about the history of Midland and all the business deals that have happened over the decades, I can’t help but think of what it was like when the rush of opportunities became available to develop and grow Midland back then. I imagine businessmen, bankers, entrepreneurs, oilmen, cattle ranchers, and the like meeting at the Scharbauer Hotel in downtown Midland. Meeting in the lobby or hotel bar hammering out deals while hammering down drinks like a Western version of “Mad Men.” Even after the Scharbauer Hotel was torn down and replaced with what was once the Midland Hilton and seeing deals down in the late 70s and early 80s before the “bust.”
OPINION: Midland investors on the verge of bringing a 4+ star hotel location to anchor downtown
By Dan Hord, Jack Harper, and Michael McWilliams | Jan 16, 2024
Downtown Midland has been transformed over the past decade. Catalysts for the revitalization include Centennial Park, the Bush Convention Center, and community and corporate investments.
OPINION: A Firemen's Pension Solution Is Coming
By Patrick Payton | Dec 8, 2023
By now, most Midlanders are aware of the issues facing our city’s Firemen’s pension program.