Among the many powers Justices of the Peace (JP) possess, the ability to perform weddings is being embraced by Ector County JPs due to its lucrative upside, allowing the judges to potentially pocket thousands of dollars in cash each year – and several JPs appear to have concealed that cash from state ethics disclosures that […]
Posted inState
Gov. Greg Abbott Holds Border Discussion in Midland
As part of a two-day visit to the tall city, Texas Governor Greg Abbott held a round table discussion Thursday afternoon at the Horseshoe arena in Midland with local law enforcement officials regarding the ongoing crisis at the southern border. Officials in attendance included Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Steven McCraw, Midland County Judge […]
Posted inState
Candidate Interview: Chad Prather Discusses Campaign for Texas Governor during Odessa Visit
If you happen to ask any of Chad Prather’s fiercely loyal West Texas supporters why they are backing his campaign, you will quickly see a few common themes emerge: the first is pointing out that he is not like the typical politician, and secondly that his commonsense approach and unscripted honesty are qualities Texas voters are […]
Posted inLocal
Redistricting Results: A Look at the New Legislative Maps for Odessa/Midland
Every ten years, a combination of requirements in both the U.S. and Texas Constitutions require governing bodies within the state to redraw maps from which representatives will be elected from for the next ten years due to changes in population. While local political subdivisions of the state, such as cities and counties are still […]
Posted inLocal
Pfluger Discusses Major Issues in Odessa Town Hall
Texas Congressman August Pfluger (R-TX11) held a town hall in Odessa Thursday, reporting to roughly 100 constituents in attendance on his activities in the nation’s capital, and listened to citizens’ concerns on the issues. Pfluger, who is serving his first term in Congress, addressed numerous hot button issues during the event. A primary issue that […]
Posted inLocal
MCH Issues Statement Regarding Controversial Image of Patient and Threats
A picture of a young patient wearing a mask with a plastic equipment bag placed over her head went viral this week, drawing thousands of comments blasting the hospital in disapproval of using the bag to prevent the spread of COVID-19 – Now, the hospital has issued a statement in response to the image. The […]
Posted inLocal
Lee McClendon Appointed as New Ector County Attorney
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 […]
Posted inLocal
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 […]