Odessa American

01/04/2026

When creating a new garden or looking for new additions, check out the Perennial Plants of the Year. Selected by members of the Perennial Plant Association, winners must be suited to a wide range of climate conditions, low maintenance, and provide multiple seasons of interest.

By Melinda Myers When creating a new garden or looking for new additions, check out the Perennial Plants of the Year (PPOY). Selected by members of the Perennial Plant Association, winners must be suited to a wide range of climate conditions, low maintenance, and provide multiple seasons of interest...

01/04/2026

When you think of a butterfly garden, I’m sure you picture a flowerbed of big bright blooms, a few butterflies, and sunshine. What happens when you get down plant level and look a little closer? You will see caterpillars munching, a chrysalis hanging from a stem, maybe a cocoon bundled up in the leaf litter. It really is a magical experience when you get to see all the life phases in one spot.

By Amanda Green Master Gardener When you think of a butterfly garden, I’m sure you picture a flowerbed of big bright blooms, a few butterflies, and sunshine. What happens when you get down plant level and look a little closer? You will see caterpillars munching, a chrysalis hanging from a stem, ma...

01/04/2026

Well, my dear readers, as we wave goodbye to 2025 and welcome 2026, many of you might be finding that your faithful PC isn’t quite as enthusiastic about the New Year as you are. If your computer is acting up — perhaps it’s crashing, showing you the dreaded “Blue Screen of Death,” or just moving at a snail’s pace — don’t throw it out the window just yet. Instead, it’s time to talk about one of the oldest and most reliable tools in the Windows diagnostics toolkit: Safe Mode.

Well, my dear readers, as we wave goodbye to 2025 and welcome 2026, many of you might be finding that your faithful PC isn’t quite as enthusiastic about the New Year as you are. If your computer is acting up — perhaps it’s crashing, showing you the dreaded “Blue Screen of Death,” or just m...

01/04/2026

Pennie, a 4-year-old female heeler mix, needs to be adopted into a good home. To adopt Pennie or any of the other pets at the Humane Society of Odessa, stop by 2230 W. Sycamore, call 432-257-4311, visit www.odessahumanesociety.org or leave a message at facebook.com/humanesocietyofodessa/. The Humane...

01/04/2026

Aubrey, a 1-year-old female lab mix, needs to be adopted into a good home. To adopt Aubrey or any of the other pets at the Humane Society of Odessa, stop by 2230 W. Sycamore, call 432-257-4311, visit www.odessahumanesociety.org or leave a message at facebook.com/humanesocietyofodessa/. The Humane So...

01/04/2026

Meet our Pet of the Week, Coco! Coco is a 4-year-old Chihuahua with a big personality and plenty of opinions to share. True to his breed, Coco can be a bit vocal and sometimes comes across as grumpy — but beneath that tough exterior is a dog who enjoys people and gets along with most [...]

01/04/2026

On most Monday nights, the sanctuary of All Saints Episcopal Church — with its vaulted ceilings, stone arches and stained-glass windows — seamlessly transforms into a space of quiet contemplation.

By LUIS ANDRES HENAO and DEEPA BHARATH The Associated Press On most Monday nights, the sanctuary of All Saints Episcopal Church — with its vaulted ceilings, stone arches and stained-glass windows — seamlessly transforms into a space of quiet contemplation. It’s in this Gothic Revival church in...

01/04/2026

Can you believe we are already starting a new year and it seems we just started 2025. As I thought about the “New Year,” I came across “First Fruit.”

By Jannie Linney Can you believe we are already starting a new year and it seems we just started 2025. As I thought about the “New Year,” I came across “First Fruit.” The Lord God remembered Israel, He said” I remember you, The love of your betrothal, When you went after me in the wilderne...

01/04/2026

Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou came forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.”

From the time we enter school, we have been taught individuality. No two of us are alike. We do not look alike; we do not think alike and our personalities, interests and abilities are as varied as the stars in the universe.

By Van Yandell Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou came forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” From the time we enter school, we have been taught individuality. No two of us are alike. We do [...]

01/03/2026

Often, I believe, writers spend too much time on the “what was” and “what will be” instead of the “what is.”

I admit to such whimpering occasionally, and this time, make no promises to do better, but I’ll try.

Often, I believe, writers spend too much time on the “what was” and “what will be” instead of the “what is.” I admit to such whimpering occasionally, and this time, make no promises to do better, but I’ll try. Keep in mind, though, that my promises — if golf shots — typically veer ...

01/03/2026

Court rulings arising from the significant disruptions caused by Winter Storm Uri in February 2021 are providing greater clarity on the interpretation of standard natural gas sales contracts in the oil and gas industry. These decisions, primarily from Texas courts in cases involving producers and buyers, center on widely used agreement templates developed by the North American Energy Standards Board. The judgments resolve longstanding uncertainties and offer practical direction for managing unforeseen events, such as severe weather.

By Ed Longanecker Court rulings arising from the significant disruptions caused by Winter Storm Uri in February 2021 are providing greater clarity on the interpretation of standard natural gas sales contracts in the oil and gas industry. These decisions, primarily from Texas courts in cases involvin...

01/03/2026

The end of one year and beginning of another is a natural time of reflection and assessment. As far as 2025 goes, all I can say is — What a year! Economic changes occur constantly, but 2025 saw several large-scale shifts that will reverberate for years to come. As we wrap up 2025, let’s look back at some of the most notable economic highlights (and lowlights).

The end of one year and beginning of another is a natural time of reflection and assessment. As far as 2025 goes, all I can say is — What a year! Economic changes occur constantly, but 2025 saw several large-scale shifts that will reverberate for years to come. As we wrap up 2025, let’s look [.....