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

Odessa, Texas/January 12, 2025-On Saturday, January 11th, the Odessa City Council held a special work session at the Odessa Marriott Hotel and conference Center. Every
department within city government presented updates to the council. The
common issue is a shortage of workers and staff and a low PayScale and problems with building infrastructure.

(Cal Hendrick, Odessa Mayor-City of Odessa, Texas)
The 2023 audit that has caused an issue for the City of Odessa was discussed during the work session. 

(Cal Hendrick, Odessa Mayor-City of Odessa, Texas)
The City’s IT department during their presentation assured the Odessa City Council that the Cyber-attack was contained and the City of Odessa is secure.
(Richard Morton, Interim City Manager- City of Odessa, Texas)
 The City’s Utilities Director presented to the city council the water plant and other water issues currently affecting the city as well as projects that the city of Odessa is engaged in. 

(Craig Stoker, Odessa City Councilman At-Large-City of Odessa, Texas) 

The Odessa City Council may consider to continue Saturday 

work session to bring the residents and local government together. 

(Eddie Mitchell-Odessa City Councilman, District 1- City of Odessa, Texas) 

 For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

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

Odessa, Texas/January 10, 2025-Odessa College recently held the inaugural class orientation for nineteen students who will soon begin their 12-month program in the new Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree program.  

(Mayowa Ocuada, Program Director-Bachelor of Science in Nursing-Odessa College/Odessa, Texas) 

The 19 students already have their RN degrees and will be entering the new BSN program at OC. 

(Tyler Lowrey, RN-Medical Center Hospital in Case Management-BSN Student at Odessa College) 

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is designed to prepare nursing students for practice in a multicultural community with diverse health care needs. 

(Mayowa Ocuada, Program Director-Bachelor of Science in Nursing-Odessa College/Odessa, Texas) 

The graduating BSN students at Odessa College will provide quality and comprehensive health care in a competent, caring and compassionate manner. 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

Jesus House Providing Blankets And Other Cold Weather Items to Those That Need Them

Odessa, Texas/January 8, 2025-Jesus House in Odessa is now providing free blankets and other weather-related items to those in the community that need them during the cold winter months. 

(Jamie Gill, Properties Manager-Jesus House/Odessa, Texas) 

Business organization, Mom and Pop businesses and individual have donated blankets as well as monetary donations for thermal clothing, gently used coats, new socks and other items. 

(Jamie Gill, Properties Manager-Jesus House/Odessa, Texas) 

Follow Jesus House on Facebook for updates and other information. 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian Basin 40th Birthday Black Attire Gala

Odessa, Texas/December 30, 2024-On Saturday, December 28th the Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian Basin celebrated its 40th birthday with a formal black attire gala. Members of the Black Chamber of Commerce along with supporters and guest enjoyed a night of food, drink and dancing. 

(Chris E. Walker, CEO/President-Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian Basin-Odessa, Texas) 

The Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian Basin had a very productive 2024 and plans are being discussed to increase membership and to add business seminars and other types of entertainment in 2025. 

(Chris E. Walker, CEO/President-Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian Basin-Odessa, Texas) 

The Black Chamber of Commers 40th Birthday Black Attire Gala event featured a comedy show with Midland comedian Sho’Nuff. 

(“Sho’Nuff”-Stephanie Cook-Midland Comedian-Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian Basin 40th Birthday Black Attire Gala) 

Representatives of the Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian are embracing its rich history and celebrating those who pioneered the organization. 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

5th Annual ECISD District Police Operation Blue Santa

Odessa, Texas/December 24, 2024-The ECISD Police along with Student Crime Stoppers and community sponsors held the 5th Annual Blue Santa event. Volunteers helped Blue Santa load up presents into ECISD Police vehicles to make delivers to 11 families. 

(Terry Upchurch, Lieutenant-District Police/Ector County ISD-Odessa, Texas) 

Operation Blue Santa starts the week after Thanksgiving. ECISD Officers begin accepting donations, looking for sponsors and identifying families in need. 

(Terry Upchurch, Lieutenant-District Police/Ector County ISD-Odessa, Texas) 

Blue Santa and his volunteers brought the joy of Christmas to ECISD school age children and family in West Odessa. 

(Blue Santa) 

Operation Blue Santa is a way to bring the magic of Christmas to children of the Ector County Independent School of District. 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

Friends of Kellus Turner Park 1st Annual Christmas Cookie Exchange

Odessa, Texas/December 24, 2024-Friends of Kellus Turner Park had their 1st Annual Christmas Cookie Exchange. The Families and children were invited to participate in a cookie decoration activity and the cookie exchange later in the day. 

(Michele Lee Spinks, West Odessa Community Advocate-Friends of Kellus Turner Park/West Ector County-West Odessa) 

Children visited the Ector County ISD Mobil Inspiration Station and were able to apply for an Ector County Library Card and check out books. Families to enjoyed fun activities during the morning and purchased food items from the participating food truck. 

(Michele Lee Spinks, West Odessa Community Advocate-Friends of Kellus Turner Park/West Ector County-West Odessa) 

Daniel and Savanah Morales owners of Masa Bakery provided the cookies and the cookie decoration kits for the Kellus Turner Park Christmas Event. 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera.