Ector County saw several major changes in the county and district attorney offices during a commissioner’s court meeting on Thursday, with Greg Barber resigning his office as county attorney followed by commissioners swiftly appointing Lee McClendon to fill the vacancy. Barber, who was just elected as county attorney last year, will be leaving the office […]
Posted inLocal
Emails Show County Judge Unreceptive to Hospital’s Request for Financial Help
In August, officials with Medical Center Hospital (MCH) in Odessa made a plea for help to both the City of Odessa and the Ector County Commissioners, asking for financial assistance due to the increased costs of treating COVID-19 patients during the latest surge. City officials responded quickly to the ask, inviting hospital officials before the […]
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Texas Public Policy Foundation to Honor Dick Saulsbury at Upcoming 5th Annual Midland Awards Dinner
An awards dinner is set to be held in early October to honor a local business and civic leader for his achievements in leadership and civic involvement. The Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF), which is a major non-partisan research institute based in Austin, is set to award Odessa businessman and civic leader Dick Saulsbury with […]
Posted inOpinion
Stringer: Congressman Pfluger is Delivering on Conservative Issues
I believe it is more common these days to see commentary that is critical of a politician’s activities in public office, as opposed to one being vocalized that is supportive, and to be fair for good reason. Politicians, especially at the federal level, overall do a terrible job at governing. One only needs to look […]
Posted inState
West Texas Lawmakers Discuss Redistricting
Several West Texas lawmakers took part in an online discussion on redistricting hosted Monday by the Midland/Odessa Transportation Alliance, the Permian Basin Coalition, and the Permian Basin Petroleum Association. The discussion included Representatives Tom Craddick (R-Midland), Drew Darby (R-San Angelo), and Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa). Maps for major political boundaries are redrawn by the Texas Legislature […]
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MCH: Biden Vaccine Mandate Could Cause “Unimaginable” Loss of Hospital Staff
Medical Center Hospital (MCH) in Odessa has issued a press release regarding the vaccine mandate ordered late Thursday by the Biden Administration – describing the “dire financial situation” the mandate will cause the hospital if they refuse to comply by cutting off Medicare and Medicaid funding, and also describing an “unimaginable” situation the hospital will […]
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Legislation Seeking to Ban High-Level Nuclear Waste Heads to Texas Senate
Legislation seeking to ban high-level nuclear waste from the State of Texas will now be taken up by the Texas Senate after the House of Representatives gave final approval of the bill in a vote held on Monday. House Bill 7 (HB7) by Representative Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) was filed in response to an effort to bring […]
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Parents and Residents Speak Out Against School Superintendent’s Mask Mandate
A special meeting of the Ector County School Board ran late Thursday evening, after parents and residents lined up to speak out against Superintendent Dr. Scott Muri’s proposed mask mandate resolution being considered by the board. In all 33 people addressed the board, with only 5 in support and 28 speaking against the resolution – […]
Posted inLocal
Ector County School Board Considering Mask Mandate at Upcoming Meeting
Update: School officials have announced that a temporary mask mandate will be in place for all employees inside school buildings and buses beginning Friday, and will be applied to all kids and visitors this Monday. The Ector County Independent School Board (ECISD) is set to consider requiring their students and employees to wear masks, possibly […]
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Hospital Officials: Treatment Protocols Touted by ‘Physician Groups’ Will Not Be Prescribed
Officials with Medical Center Hospital (MCH) and Odessa Regency Medical Center (ORMC) in Odessa held a press conference on Monday addressing continued overcapacity crisis, and numerous obstacles the recent spike in COVID-19 cases is causing. Among the many items addressed during the online press conference that dominated the discussion was the hospital’s position on treatment […]