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01/15/2025

Landgraf sworn in for new term as state representative

AUSTIN — State Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) took the oath of office at the Texas Capitol on Tuesday, marking the beginning of a new term serving the Ector, Loving, Ward and Winkler counties in the Texas House of Representatives.

Landgraf joined his colleagues in the Texas House and Senate as the 89th Texas Legislature convened on January 14, 2025. The legislature will meet for 140 days, during which lawmakers will pass a balanced budget and consider legislation on a wide range of issues impacting Texans.

“Representing West Texas in the Texas House is one of the greatest honors of my life,” Landgraf said. “The hardworking men and women of West Texas deserve strong, principled leadership, and I’m ready to fight for their values and priorities at the state Capitol.”

This session, lawmakers will allocate a budget surplus of $23 billion. Landgraf emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility and advancing a conservative agenda that supports Texas families and strengthens the state’s energy independence.

“Our economy is strong, but we must continue to safeguard the principles that made Texas prosperous. That means cutting wasteful spending, protecting taxpayers, and making smart investments in education and infrastructure,” Landgraf said.

Landgraf’s legislative priorities for the 89th session include reforming education to eliminate STAAR testing in favor of more effective student assessments and replacing attendance-based school funding with enrollment-based finance to provide equitable resources for public schools. He also aims to champion his Texas STRONG initiative to reinforce the state’s energy infrastructure and ensure the Permian Basin remains the backbone of American energy independence. Additionally, Landgraf will advocate for stronger voter registration requirements to verify citizenship upon registering to vote.

“From reducing burdens on our schools to fortifying our energy infrastructure and ensuring the integrity of our elections, I am committed to enacting policies that enhance freedom, strengthen communities, and secure the future of Texas,” Landgraf concluded.

The 89th Texas Legislature will adjourn on June 2, 2025.

01/15/2025

Carla Hartwig of Odessa Chamber of CommerceGraduates from Institute for Organization ManagementA Leadership Training Program Produced by the U.S. Chamber of CommerceWASHINGTON, D.C.— Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber ofCommerce, and the Odessa Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce that Carla Hartwig, IOM, Odessa Chamber’s Events &Programs Specialist, has graduated from the program and has received the recognition of IOM. Awarded to all graduates of theInstitute program, the IOM Graduate Recognition signifies the individual’s completion of 96 credit hours of course instruction in non-profit management. In addition, participants can earn credit hours towards the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) or CertifiedAssociation Executive (CAE), certifications. Nearly 1,000 individuals attend Institute annually. Carla’s graduation ceremony tookplace in Tucson, Arizona on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 near the campus of University of Arizona.“The Odessa Chamber is proud of Carla’s dedication not only to our Chamber and community, but also to our industry. This annualtraining program is a four-year commitment that delves into the inner workings of the organization and really shows her allegianceto the career that she has chosen. Carla has been with the Chamber since 2003 and is a tremendous member of our team. We areall very proud of her for this accomplishment,” said Renee’ Earls, IOM, President/CEO of the Odessa Chamber of Commerce.“Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM,CAE, the U.S. Chamber’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, anddedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.”Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating tens of thousands of association, chamber, and othernonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members and become strong business advocates.Institute’s curriculum consists of four weeklong sessions at four different university locations throughout the country. Through acombination of required courses and electives in areas such as leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance, and membership, Instituteparticipants are able to enhance their own organizational management skills and add new fuel to their organizations, making themrun more efficiently and effectively.Institute for Organization Management is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It is thepremier nonprofit professional development program for association and chamber professionals, fostering individual growththrough interactive learning and networking opportunities.The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization representing companies of all sizes across every sectorof the economy. Our members range from the small businesses and local chambers of commerce that line the Main Streets ofAmerica to leading industry associations and large corporations

01/15/2025

New Speaker of the Texas House

Austin, TX – January 14, 2025: Today, the Texas House elected a new Speaker of the House.
Jonathan Saenz, President & Attorney for Texas Values released the following statement:
"Our Texas Values team extends our congratulations to Republican Texas House member Dustin Burrows, the new Speaker of the Texas House. We look forward to Speaker Burrows joining Governor Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Patrick in prioritizing faith, family, and freedom for the 2025 Texas Legislative Session."

01/15/2025

Pfluger Votes to Protect Female Athletes

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) voted to pass legislation that will protect female athletes in Texas and across America. The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025 will prevent biological men from competing in women's sports by reinforcing Title IX protections and defining standards for athletic competition by a person's reproductive biology and genetics at birth.

In his speech on the House floor in support of this legislation, Congressman Pfluger said in part, "Female athletes should never be subject to compete against biological men in sports, plain and simple. Allowing biological men to compete in female sports is not only a complete and utter failure to women who have trained their whole lives to achieve their dreams, but it also completely ignores the scientific fact that men and women have clear biological differences that make competing on the same sports team unfair and dangerous... As a father of three girls who play sports, this issue is very personal to me. I desire to see my daughters succeed in their sports, to feel safe in their locker rooms and bathrooms, and to be protected by their educational institutions. That is why we must pass this legislation today."
Watch Congressman Pfluger's full remarks on the House floor in support of this legislation here or read them as delivered below.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in full support of H.R. 28, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act.
Female athletes should never be subject to compete against biological men in sports, plain and simple. Allowing biological men to compete in female sports is not only a complete and utter failure to women who have trained their whole lives to achieve their dreams, but it also completely ignores the scientific fact that men and women have clear biological differences that make competing on the same sports team unfair and dangerous.
Mr. Speaker, just last year, the Biden administration tried to push a radical Title IX change that would have prevented any institution receiving federal funding from banning biological men from competing in women’s sports. That is insane. Educational institutions have a responsibility to protect the women and girls that attend them, and this legislation ensures that they will be able to do just that.
Let me be clear, allowing biological men to compete in women’s sports hurts women. It takes away opportunities, scholarship funds, and titles that are meant for women. It takes away a woman’s right to feel safe and comfortable in her locker room. As a father of three girls who play sports, this issue is very personal to me. I desire to see my daughters succeed in their sports, to feel safe in their locker rooms and bathrooms, and to be protected by their educational institutions. That is why we must pass this legislation today.
The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports will prevent schools from allowing biological men to compete in women’s sports by defining s*x in an athletic competition by genetics at birth. I thank the gentlemen and my good friend from Florida, Mr. Stuebe, for leading this legislation and I urge my colleagues to support its passage.
I yield back.

01/15/2025

Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Texas Law Protecting Kids from Po*******hy

Washington, D.C. – January 15, 2025 - Today, the Unites States Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the case Free Speech Coalition v Paxton, which involved a Texas law that protects minors from accessing po*******hy and explicit content online. The Texas Values team will be present at the Supreme Court and will participate in the Protect Kids Online rally at 8:30 a.m. on the sidewalk in front of the Supreme Court, along with allies Family Policy Alliance and American Principles Project.

In 2023, Texas passed HB 1181 by Representative Matt Shaheen that requires pornographic and s*xually explicit websites to verify that their users are 18 years of age or older and creates civil penalties for entities who intentionally violate the law by allowing minors to access s*xually explicit material online.

The adult entertainment non-profit, Free Speech Coalition sued claiming that the law violated their first amendment rights and they lost their court battle at the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. Free Speech Coalition appealed and the case is now at the U.S Supreme Court. The outcome of the case could determine the success of similar laws in other states.

Director of Government Relations, Mary Elizabeth Castle said:

“Texas passed the age verification law because our state understands that giving kids unfettered access to po*******hy is detrimental to their development, their relationships, and how they view themselves. After passing this life-saving law, we must continue the fight for Texas kids at the Supreme Court.”

01/15/2025

nvestigation revealed that an unknown female stole property from Market Street on three separate occasions. The suspect left the scene in a gray Ford Focus with a handicap placard. Anyone who recognizes the suspect shown in the surveillance footage is encouraged to contact Detective M. Troglin at 432-284-2012 or Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS and reference Case #25-9000018, 25-9000019, or 25-9000020.

01/15/2025

Odessa Links Announces 2025 Tackle Homelessness in Odessa: The Big Game Watch PartyWin big while making a difference—don’t miss your chance to enter the raffle for a 2024 FordBronco and support Odessa Links in tackling homelessnessODESSA, TX - Odessa Links is excited to announce its 2025 The Big Game Watch Party, an engaging andimpactful event aimed at tackling homelessness in our community. Join us on Sunday, February 9th, 2025, atthe Odessa Marriott Hotel and Conference Center to watch the Super Bowl while supporting a great cause.This event will feature a tailgate meal, snacks, and football boards, offering a chance for attendees to cheeron their favorite team and engage in friendly competition. All proceeds will directly support Odessa Links’mission to provide resources, advocacy, and opportunities for impoverished and unhoused Odessans toachieve self-sufficiency.Event Details:• What: Tackle Homelessness in Odessa: The Big Game Watch Party• When: Sunday, February 9th, 2025• Where: Odessa Marriott Hotel and Conference Center• Why: To raise funds and awareness for Odessa Links’ efforts to combat homelessness2024 Ford Bronco RaffleIn addition to enjoying the game, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a raffle for a 2024 FordBronco, generously sponsored by Sewell Ford. Raffle tickets are $50 each and are available for purchase atwww.odessalinks.com. Please note that raffle tickets do not include admission to the event.Sponsorship OpportunitiesOdessa Links is currently seeking sponsors at all levels to support this impactful event. Sponsorship providesan excellent opportunity for businesses and individuals to demonstrate their commitment to addressinghomelessness in our community. For sponsorship details, visit www.odessalinks.com or contact AndreaQuiroz at (432) 288-5321.About Odessa Links:Odessa Links is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency governed by a dedicated board of directors. As a non-profit huband a nucleus of services, Odessa Links serves as a critical connection point for underserved individuals inOdessa. Our mission is to provide impoverished and unhoused Odessans with the resources, advocacy, andopportunities they need to become self-sufficient while offering guidance and motivation to those who areunderserved. For more information about Odessa Links, visit www.odessalinks.com or contact AndreaQuiroz at (432) 288-5321.

01/15/2025

Senior Life Midland's Foster Grandparents Martin Luther King Day Event-Thursday, January 16, 2025, in partnership with Midland Independent School District (MISD), Senior Life Midland has invited community leaders to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and the National Day of Service. This meaningful event will honor Dr. King's timeless “I Have a Dream” message by bringing together volunteers to read to students in classrooms across MISD, fostering unity and inspiration through education.

Reading Times and Locations:

Pease Elementary: 9:15 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.

Burnet Elementary: 1:00 p.m.

Anson Jones Elementary: 1:30 p.m. & 2:00 p.m.

Henderson Elementary: 2:30 p.m.

Observed each year on the third Monday in January, Martin Luther King, Jr., Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King and improve their communities. For 30 years, the MLK Day of Service has grown, and its impact has increased as more Americans embrace the idea that citizenship involves taking an active role in improving the communities where we live, work, and play. As we strive to fulfill Dr. King’s dream of creating the Beloved Community, AmeriCorps remains committed to showing that joining together in service can unify Americans to transform communities through a fierce urgency of now.

Since 2001, Senior Life Midland has proudly hosted the Foster Grandparents Program, which connects senior volunteers aged 55 and older with at-risk school-age children. Through this program, seniors find meaningful opportunities to make a difference while lending their support to the next generation. Foster Grandparents have collectively contributed thousands of hours of service, improving lives and strengthening the Midland community.

Join us in continuing Dr. King’s legacy by making a positive impact on the lives of local students. Volunteers Make The Difference! For more information or to volunteer, contact Senior Life Midland today!

01/12/2025

Collision on I-20 sends one to Midland Memorial Hospital

At approximately 2:59 a.m. Sunday (Jan. 12, 2025), Midland Police Department officers responded to a crash with serious bodily injuries at Interstate 20 and Terrell Street.
MPD reported that a white 2023 Ford F-250 was traveling west (the wrong way) in the outside eastbound lane of the 600 block of East I-20 when it collided with a Black 2011 Cadillac SRX that was traveling east in the same lane.
The driver of the Cadillac was transported to Midland Memorial Hospital with life-threatening injuries, MPD reported. The driver of the F-250 sustained minor injuries and was treated on scene. The identity of the driver of the Cadillac is unknown at this time, and the investigation is on-going.

01/12/2025

Odessa City Council Holds Special Saturday Work Session at the Odessa Marriott Hotel & Conference Center.

01/10/2025

The inaugural class of the new Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Program at Odessa College

01/10/2025

TXDPS/January 9, 2025/Midland County, Texas-On January 9, 2025 at approximately 6:35AM, a fatal crash occurred at SH 349 and SH 158 overpass in Midland County.

A 2020 Kenworth with trailer operated by Sheniel Nicholas Samuels, a 27 year-of-age male of Columbus, OH was traveling westbound on SH 349. A 2024 Chevrolet Silverado operated by Richard Allen Howell, a 57 year-of age male of Odessa and a 2022 Dodge Ram 1500 operated by Adrian Mathew Armendariz were traveling eastbound on SH 349. The operator of the 2020 Kenworth with trailer was traveling at an unsafe speed for the icy road conditions and veered into the eastbound lane, then colliding with the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado and the 2022 Dodge Ram on the overpass bridge. Richard Allen Howell the driver of the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado was pronounced deceased at the scene. This crash remains under investigation.

01/09/2025

The Odessa Police Department responded to 23 crashes between 4:00 a.m. and noon today, all directly related to the inclement weather conditions. The icy roads, particularly on overpasses and bridges created hazardous driving conditions for motorists.

As a reminder, ice tends to form first on elevated surfaces such as overpasses and bridges, even when other roadways appear clear. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, leave early, and reduce their speed to ensure they can navigate these conditions safely.

OPD urges drivers to stay alert, increase their following distance, and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns which can lead to loss of control on icy surfaces. Drivers are encouraged to monitor weather updates, allow extra travel time, and remain vigilant to help reduce the number of accidents during periods of severe weather.

01/09/2025

Pfluger Announces Winner of Congressional App Challenge

ODESSA, TX — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) announced Ajay Gundlapalli as the winner of the 2024 Congressional App Challenge for Texas’ 11th District. Gundlapalli is a freshman in high school from Odessa, and created an app called Querapy, which he developed to educate and empower students to better understand and care for their mental health. Through the app, users are presented with lists of questionnaires that they can take upon signing in, all of which are standardized medical questionnaires on depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental health conditions. Once completed, users are given a result that shows the severity of the condition and are provided with free mental health resources.
“I am proud to announce Ajay Gundlapalli as the winner of this year’s Congressional App Challenge for Texas’ 11th District,” said Congressman Pfluger. “Ajay’s app gives users quick and easy access to helpful mental health resources and is very impressive considering Ajay coded the application himself. Every year I am blown away by the creativity and skill from each student’s submission and am reminded of how many talented students there are in Texas. I wish Ajay the best of luck as his submission is sent to be judged in the national competition in Washington, D.C., and I am looking forward to seeing what he does next."
Ajay's app was chosen by a panel of expert judges, and will be featured on the U.S. House of Representatives website, House.gov, as well as on CongressionalAppChallenge.us. His winning app will also be displayed in the U.S. Capitol among other winners from across the country.
Pictured left to right: Ajay Gundlapalli and San Angelo Regional Director Kathy Keane.

More pictures available for broadcast and distribution HERE.

Background: The Congressional App Challenge is a district-wide challenge for middle school and high school students, encouraging them to learn to code and inspiring them to pursue careers in computer science.

01/09/2025

Beginning Friday, January 10, 2025, E. Murphy St., between Simm St. and S. Muskingum Ave., will be closed to thru traffic due to utility service work.
This closure is necessary for Edgardo Madrid and Associates, the contractor for the City of Odessa. Work is expected to last for one week.
We kindly ask citizens to follow all traffic control devices, use alternate routes when needed and anticipate potential delays during construction. For any questions or concerns, please contact the City of Odessa Utilities Department at (432) 335-4627.

01/09/2025

Women Triumph in Biden’s War on Women with Breaking Court Victory

January 9, 2024 - Today, a federal district court in Kentucky issued a decision in the anticipated State of Tennessee v Cardona case that blocks Biden’s re-write of Title IX in all 50 states. As you recall, currently 26 states enjoined Biden’s Title IX – that redefines “s*x” to include gender identity – this summer before the start of the fall semester. Texas had two notable court rulings to stop the Title IX rewrite from being imposed on Carroll ISD and a statewide injunction as well.

Mary Elizabeth Castle, Director of Government Relations, said:

“After the continuous defeat and the recent waving of the white flag of surrender, the Biden administration’s war on women is finally over. More than half of the United States were not going to stand for the eradication of Title IX, that allowed for women’s sports and education. Now, women in all states will be protected from the bad policy that would have denied them their rights. We will be looking to the next administration to correct this policy and further protect women and girls”.

This news comes after the Biden administration previously withdrew their separate rule on sports under their plan to re-write Title IX. However, there were still many issues in the remaining parts of the Title IX rule including forcing men in women’s locker rooms, forcing pronoun usage, and even support of abortion in schools. Recently, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the NCAA under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act for allowing men to compete in women’s sports.

To learn more about the Save Women’s Sports movement in Texas, please visit https://savewomenssportstexas.com/

01/09/2025

TxDPS-School Bus Crash-On Wednesday, January 8th, at approximately 4:25 PM, Texas DPS Troopers responded to a crash at the intersection of CR 1270 and CR 160 in Midland County. The preliminary information revealed that a Midland ISD school bus collided with a commercial truck tractor with a towed trailer at the intersection. One student was transported to Midland Memorial Hospital with minor injuries. All remaining students were released to their parents. This crash remains under investigation, and no further information is available at this time.

01/08/2025

Union Pacific Railroad will begin work to repair a line of tracks in the Odessa area. The railroad crossings listed below will be closed on their respective dates at 10 PM and will reopen at 8 AM the following morning. Please plan an alternate route during these times.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Lite & Barricade Sales at 1-800-755-5791 for more information.

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