ANNUAL EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FAIR 2026

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(Alfredo Chung, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News)

This is DRB Media Communications Digital News. The Odessa Police Department recently held their annual Emergency Preparedness Fair. Danny Barrera has the story.

Odessa, Texas/September 29, 2026-The Odessa Police Department recently hosted its annual Emergency Preparedness Fair at the Ector County Coliseum. Visitors had the opportunity to learn about a variety of safety and preparedness topics, including CRASE (Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events) training, women’s self-defense, fire safety, pet safety, and more.

(Cpl. Steve LeSueur, Public Information Office-Odessa Police Department)

“Uh, but this is an awesome event that is offered once a year, uh, to help prepare people in the event of an emergency. Uh, it can be anything, you know, fire, an active shooter event, um, a bomb threat. It could be anything catastrophic.”

The event brought together community members and local safety professionals, providing valuable information and resources designed to help individuals and families stay prepared and safe in an emergency.

(Cpl. Steve LeSueur, Public Information Office-Odessa Police Department)

“And it’s so important to have these. It is much needed because people contact us on a regular basis, asking how they can be better prepared for certain situations. And we want everyone to be safe.”

The Ector County Sheriff’s Office, Ector County Health Department, and representatives from other local agencies were also on hand to provide information, resources, and safety tips to visitors attending the event.

(Viridiana Gonzalez-Brown, Lead Navigator-Thriving Texas Families)

For the latest information from the Odessa Police Department, follow OPD through the City of Odessa website and on Facebook. You can also download the official Odessa Police Department app to your mobile device. For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera

(Alfredo Chung, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News)

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and visit DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS.TV. I’m Alfredo Chung. Thanks For watching.

Keeping Tradition Alive: Masa Bakery Teaches a 10-Year-Old Entrepreneur the Timeless Craft of Pan Dulce

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(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital New)

This is DRB Media Communications Digital News. The popular Masa Bakery invited a 10 year-old entrepreneur to learn the craft of baking Mexican Pan Dulce. Danny Barrera has the story.

Odessa, Texas/September 22, 2026-Ginanzarlo Ogaz, a 10-year-old baker and aspiring entrepreneur, is discovering the lost art of baking pan dulce, the beloved Mexican sweet bread. Under the guidance of Master Baker Daniel Morales and fellow baker Trinity Salcido, Giancarlo is learning traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations

(Savannah Morales, Co-Owner-Masa Panaderia Mexicana Pan Dulce-Odessa, Texas)

“We have to support our next generation. And I spoke about it before, like the bakery, especially in the Hispanic tradition, it’s dying. That tradition, that skill, it’s dying. There’s not many left. So I’ve seen another baker so involved and so willing to want to like, learn. I was like, we have to give them the opportunity. So that’s why we did it. I really loved how just watching the social media, how much he loved baking himself.”

Giancarlo Ogaz has been baking since he was 5 years old with the help of his mother Valeria Ogaz as a home school project.

(Valeria Ogaz, Giancarlo Ogaz’s Mother)

“I used to be a custom cake baker, but that was years ago, and every time I bake, he was next to me. He wanted to learn. Um, he was very hands on, and he always wanted to sell. He used to tell me if he could open his own business, but he was fired. So I told him when he was older. And now that he’s ten, I gave him the opportunity. But it started as a homeschool project. Like it wasn’t supposed to become a business. It was just for him to sell during the summer, and we didn’t expect it his business to grow this big. So we’re here because it started as a little project.”

At just 10 years of age, Giancarlo Ogaz is already building his entrepreneurial dreams through Little Batter Bakery, a Facebook page with more than 1,000 followers. With the guidance and support of his mother, Valeria, Giancarlo creates and sells delicious baked goods while learning valuable business skills. Together, they manage his growing social media presence and help him understand the responsibility of earning and managing income through his own hard work and creativity.

(Giancarlo Ogaz, 10-year-old Baker & Entrepreneur)

“I get to learn new things. You get to…umm, mix things together. So, I learn to bake with other people. I’m learning Conchas. And they’re very good.”

Follow Masa Bakery on Facebook, TikTok, and stay connected and never miss on what’s happening at one of the community’s favorite bakeries! For DRB Media Communications Digital News, I’m Danny Barrera.

(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital New)

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Medical Center Hospital Hosts September 11th Remembrance Ceremony

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(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

This is DRB Media Communications Digital News. On Friday morning, Medical Center Hospital hosted a September 11th Remembrance event. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Odessa, Texas/September 11, 2026-On Friday, September 11, Medical Center Hospital hosted a solemn 9/11 remembrance ceremony outside the hospital’s main entrance near the flagpoles. 

Members of Odessa Fire Rescue, the Odessa Police Department, Ector County ISD Police, Medical Center Health System Police, and MCH Security joined members of the Hospital Board, Odessa City Councilman Greg Connell, and Odessa residents for the ceremony. 

(Russell Tippin, President/CEO-Medical Center Health System (MCH)/Odessa, Texas) 

“We needed to do something, uh, just to recognize those who sacrificed that day and some of those that live on with the tragedy. But most importantly, to recognize our first responders, our nurses, doctors, police, firemen. And just to recognize our country and, uh, let people not forget what happened on this day.” 

Members of the Medical Center Hospital Security Department solemnly escorted the American flag and raised it to half-staff in honor and remembrance of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. 

(Russell Tippin, President/CEO-Medical Center Health System (MCH)/Odessa, Texas) 

“Well, the people that lost their lives that day, you know, some some ran into the danger. They didn’t run away from it. And I think that we all owe them a big thank you. And we will not let their memories fade. We will keep it alive.” 

Director of Pastoral Services, Doug Herget, lead everyone in prayer, followed by a moment of silence in remembrance of the lives that were lost on September 11, 2001. 

(Doug Herget, Director of Pastoral Service-Medical Center Hospital/Odessa, Texas) 

“Twenty-five years ago today, these folks gave their life so that others could have their lives. So, we just we just honor that and we give you all glory. We give you all honor, and we give you all praise. In your holy name, we pray.” 

 For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

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Odessa Fire Rescue Chief Announces the Passing of Firefighter Eric Handlin

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(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Odessa, Texas/September 7, 2026-This is DRB Media Communications Digital News…On Saturday, September 5th, a press conference was held by Odessa Fire Rescue Chief Jason Cotton on the passing of 25-year firefighter veteran Eric Handlin. Here’s the report. 

(Jason Cotton, Fire Chief-Odessa Fire Rescue/Odessa, Texas) 

“After handling on August twenty first, was found unconscious at firehouse eight on Yukon, and he was taken immediately to the hospital when his crew found him, taken to the E.R., taken to surgery and then taken up to ICU, where he has been for the past couple of weeks. He was put on life support.” 

On Friday evening, September 4th at approximately eight fifteen, Odessa Fire Rescue-Firefighter-EMT Eric Handlin passed away. 

(Jason Cotton, Fire Chief-Odessa Fire Rescue/Odessa, Texas) 

“That crew made a call around midnight, got back to the station a little bit before one a m on the twenty first. They got back to the house, went to bed. They had another alarm toned out at approximately four a m; the firefighter Handlin did not make it to the truck. One of the guys got off the truck to go look for him and found him inside the station unconscious. We don’t know what happened, exactly what happened, but it was deemed natural causes.” 

If you would like to support the Handlin family during this difficult time, donations can be made through The YARD Foundation at www.theyardfoundation.org/mayday/handlin. 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

Follow us on Facebook, X Formerly Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and visit DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS.TV. I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watching. 

 

Cheri Dalton, Director of Media Relations Retires after 32-Years of Service at Odessa College

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(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

This is DRB Media Communications Digital News. A long-time Odessa College icon retires after 32 years of service at the college. Here’s the story. 

Odessa, Texas/August 31, 2026- Cheri Dalton, Director of Media Relations at Odessa College, is retiring after 32 years of dedicated service to the college. Dalton has been with Odessa College since Dr. Gregory Williams became president and has witnessed the tremendous growth and changes the college has experienced over the years. During her recent retirement celebration, Dalton said she feels blessed to have made so many lifelong friends during her time at Odessa College. She says she will miss her colleagues and friends dearly as she begins this new chapter in her life. 

(Cheri Dalton, Director of Media Relations-Retires after 32 Years at Odessa College) 

“You have no idea what a blessing you have been to me. And, uh, when I started here in nineteen ninety-four, I believe it was. Never would I have imagined that I would be here thirty-two years later, and never would I have imagined the changes that I have seen to the campus through the personnel, uh, the pine trees that are gone now, we have much more parking in place. Um, the growth that we have had, but it has been such an honor and such a blessing to be able to work and play and spend time with you.” 

We here at DRB Media Communications Digital News wish Cheri Dalton a much-deserved retirement! After 32 years of dedicated service to Odessa College, Cheri leaves behind a tremendous legacy and many lasting friendships. 

We will certainly miss you, Cheri, and we wish you all the best in this exciting new chapter of your life. Congratulations and enjoy your retirement! 

 This is DRB Media Communications Digital News. 

(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

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Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library continues to make a difference for children across Ector County

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(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

THIS IS DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library continues to make a difference for children across Ector County, helping young readers build a strong foundation before they enter school. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Odessa, Texas/August 27, 2026-Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is an important literacy program offered through the Ector County Library. Once children from birth to age five are enrolled, they receive a free, age-appropriate book delivered to them each month. The program is designed to help young children develop a love of reading and encourage early literacy skills. 

(Howard Marks, Library Director-Ector County Library/Odessa, Texas 

“Dolly Parton is putting out and her foundation are putting out these free materials zero to five. And she, from what we hear, is even putting out videos, thanking them and congratulating them on completing the program. And so, it’s a real it’s a real boon to West Texas. And, you know, it’s an honor to be part of this program, first of all. And second of all, what an opportunity for kids to get a head start and excel in literacy and reading and, and all these fundamentals that will help them greatly throughout life.” 

The plans Dolly Parton and the Dollywood Foundation put in place weren’t a single funding model, but a multi‑layered strategy designed to keep the program alive through partnerships, matching systems, and private philanthropy. 

(Celeste Potter, Executive Director-Education Foundation of Odessa) 

“Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will continue there. The Dollywood Foundation has already reached out to all of the local affiliates and let us know the program is still continuing. She had plans in place after her passing, so the program is not going anywhere so long as we continue to have the funding. And right now, our funding looks really good. If we ever get into a position where funding is, we’re not so sure we will be reaching out to. The Ector County community to help us keep this program going.” 

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is funded locally by the Education Foundation and Chevron, while the Ector County Library also received a grant from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission to help support the program. the program, giving them a strong foundation in reading and helping prepare them for kindergarten. 

(Celeste Potter, Executive Director-Education Foundation of Odessa) 

“I actually had a parent reach out to me. Her little boy was the very first child we had signed up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. He graduated in February and this year enrolled in kindergarten at Austin Elementary. And on his first day of school. Saying what he loves more than anything is to read. And she attributes that to the books that he received through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.” 

So far, approximately 1,500 children have graduated from the program, giving them a strong foundation in reading and helping prepare them for kindergarten and their educational journey ahead. For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Follow us on Facebook, X Formerly Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and visit DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS.TV. I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watching.