Month: April 2026

WTFB Receives Truckload of Food In Celebration of U.S. 250th Birthday

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

This is DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS. The West Texas Food Bank received a truckload of food in celebration of American’s 250th Birthday. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Odessa, Texas/April 29, 2026-The West Texas Food Bank received a truckload of food as part of a combined effort with the Trump Administration and the Church of Latter-Day Saints. The donation is in celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States and will help support individuals and families facing food insecurity across the region. 

(Hal Mead, President of the Odessa Texas Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints) 

“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes in caring for the needy all across the world, and we really, we really want to find ways to be able to do this with local organizations that are very effective on how they do that. And so so that’s why we’re partnering with a group like West Texas Food Bank.” 

 This donation emphasizes the power of public and private partnerships in addressing hunger while also commemorating a historic milestone for the nation.  The West Texas Food Bank and its partners help provide West Texas families with access to nutritious food when they need it most. 

(Libby Stephens, Chief Executive Officer-West Texas Food Bank) 

“What we’re seeing is the neighbors in which we’re serving as our elderly population because they are on a fixed income, and then also single guardians or parents raising kiddos who have kids under the age of 18, you know, just the cost of living. And for them to go to work, for them to be able to pay their car insurance, you know, all those things have gone up. And so, because they do have jobs there, just they don’t qualify for government assistance. So, they are having to turn to the West Texas Food Bank and our partner agencies throughout the 19 counties. So, to receive a gift like this of just so much great food is amazing, but also to be selected again by the church and also the interfaith office with President Trump is a true honor.” 

  The event featured The Honorable Sara Kate Shock, Ector County Judge Dustin Fawcett, President of the Odessa Texas Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints: Hal Mead 

Libby Stephens, CEO of the West Texas Food Bank. 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

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

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

 

Lamar Early Education Center Hosts Heroes on Wheels Event

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

This is DRB Media Communications Digital News. Preschoolers and their families enjoyed an afternoon with ECISD Police and First Responders. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Odessa, Texas/April 27, 2026-On Friday, April 24th, Lamar Early Education Center hosted a special event for preschoolers and their parents called Heroes on Wheels. The event brought together local first responders and public service agencies, giving children a hands-on opportunity to explore emergency vehicles and meet the people who help keep their community safe. 

(Mary Jane Hutchins, Principal-Lamar Early Education Center/ECISD-Odessa, Texas) 

“The big thing has been the canine and the horses. They are loving that they’ve gotten their picture made with them, and they’re just having the best time ever.” 

The event aimed to build positive relationships between young students and local agencies while creating a fun, interactive learning experience for families. 

(Officer Linda Velez, ECISD Police-Ector County ISD/Odessa, Texas) 

“You know, we’re trying to bring awareness to show, you know, that law enforcement can be very diverse. You know, have the horses, have the motorcycles, the bikes for our department.” 

Participating organizations included ECISD Police, Odessa Police, the Texas Department of Public Safety, TxDOT, and Odessa Fire Rescue. Each group showcased their vehicles and equipment, allowing students to learn about safety, teamwork, and the important roles these everyday heroes play. 

(Mary Jane Hutchins, Principal-Lamar Early Education Center/ECISD-Odessa, Texas) 

At Lamar, we love to have families come in for whatever reason. was just the perfect time to to combine that with some law enforcement emergency personnel and our families as well. 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

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

Follow DRB Media Communications Digital News on Facebook, X Formally Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and visit online at DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS dot TV. I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watching. 

Traditionally Texas, LLC Hosts 2-Day Pop-Up Event

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

This is DRB Media Communications Digital News. Traditionally Texas, LLC, an events and promotion company, held a special Pop-Up Vendor’s Market. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Odessa, Texas/April 26, 2026-Traditionally Texas, LLC—owned and operated by Martin and Cynthia Hernandez—kicked off the Spring and Summer season with a pop-up vendor market at La Margarita Fairgrounds. The event brought together a wide variety of vendors, each showcasing their products and services to attendees. 

(Martin Hernandez, Co-owner/Operator-Traditionally Texas, LLC) 

“We got beef jerky, we got hats, we got a food truck, we got a bunch of vendors, boutiques. We got little snacks here and there. We have Saint Stephen’s doing a raffle for their, um, for their church. And we also have a lemonade stand and toys for the kids.” 

Athletes from the Soccer Association joined parishioners of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church for a lively afternoon at the Pop-Up Vendor’s Market, where attendees mingled and enjoyed a variety of local offerings. Looking ahead to May, Traditionally Texas will host an exciting country concert at Dos Amigos, promising even more fun for the community. 

(Martin Hernandez, Co-owner/Operator-Traditionally Texas, LLC) 

“May ninth, we have a Texas night with line dancing and country music coming to DOS Amigos. It’s going to be a good good night for the family and everybody.” 

(“Swinging Neon Nights”-Music Provided by Envato Elements) 

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

Follow us on Facebook, X Formally Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel. Visit drbmediacommunicationsdigitalnews.tv. I’m David Gomez. Thanks for Watching. 

Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian Basin Spring Cleanup 2026

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

This is DRB Media Communications Digital News. A Community cleanup on Odessa’s Southside starting at M.L.K. Jr. Street was hosted by the Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian Basin at the Woodson Boys and Girls Club. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Odessa, Texas/April 25, 2026-The Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian Basin along with Keep Odessa Beautiful held their annual Spring community cleanup event. Odessa City Councilman District 1 Eddie Mitchell along with members of the Black Chamber, residents and students helped with the cleanup. 

(Darlene Mays, Volunteer-Woodson Boys & Girls Club/Member-Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian Basin/Odessa, Texas) 

“Not only in the south side Odessa, but the entire city limits, Odessa, it’s very important that we clean up our trash. 

We have citizens that come through. We want to make sure, first of all, that the people that live here have a clean property around them, at their homes and other homes, that there’s not trash just blowing everywhere, that you should put your trash in the trash can. And if all, you should bag your trash before putting it in there. That way they don’t blow with the high winds that we have this time of year. They don’t blow and stick to the mesquite that are. They’re very important that we beautify our home, first of all, and then the other lots that are around the city limits of Odessa, we want a clean city.” 

Residents in the heart of southside Odessa have renewed pride in keeping District 1 clean and free from trash.  Cleanup efforts began along M.L.K. Jr. Street near the Woodson Boys & Girls Club, with volunteers working in surrounding neighborhoods and the nearby cemetery in Odessa’s Southside.  

(Darlene Mays, Volunteer-Woodson Boys & Girls Club/Member-Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian Basin/Odessa, Texas) 

“It’s very important to have our students, our teenagers, even our young. It can be or it is a family event. That way you’re teaching them from the ground up. That trash belongs in the trash can. It also teaches them that wherever they go, they should make sure that the properties around them is clean as well. So, it’s teaching not just for now, but for generations to come.” 

Follow the Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian Basin on-line and on social media for upcoming community events and sponsorship opportunities. 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

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

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

 

 

Odessa Family YMCA New Playground Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Healthy Kids Dany 2026

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

Odessa, Texas/April 21, 2026-The Odessa Family held a special ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new all-inclusive playground and celebrated the annual Healthy Kids Day event at Mike Neeley Park. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Staff and members of the Odessa Family YMCA, joined by representatives from the City of Odessa and partnering agencies, gathered at Mike Neeley Park to celebrate the official unveiling of a new all-inclusive playground. The project, made possible through community collaboration and additional funding support, aims to provide a safe and accessible space for children of all abilities to play and connect. 

(Crissy Medina, President/CEO-Odessa Family YMCA/Odessa, Texas) 

“So, some of the obstacles we faced definitely was the cost of the playground. We want it to be as safe as possible. So, writing grants and the supporters and the foundations and all of the donors were very integral in making this vision a reality. So we really want to thank them for their support, because of their community support. We’re able to do something like this for their children and our Odessa community.” 

The Odessa Family YMCA leadership team and board members carefully researched and evaluated a variety of playground options, prioritizing solutions that would be both cost-effective and low maintenance while supporting the vision of an all-inclusive playground. 

(Crissy Medina, President/CEO-Odessa Family YMCA/Odessa, Texas) 

“We did, evaluate and study a lot of different playgrounds. And so, we wanted something that was going to be beneficial for all children to be able to play at our previous playground really didn’t have a lot of those elements, and it would have been hard for wheelchairs to get through. So, some of the process was making sure we had the put in place foundation, so they were able to easily access elements of the playground.” 

Families gathered on April 18 as the Odessa Family YMCA hosted its annual Healthy Kids Day, part of the YMCA’s National Healthy Kids Day celebration. The event featured a variety of fun, hands-on activities designed to promote healthy living and marked an exciting kickoff to spring and summer. 

(Tara Crouch, Community Relations Director- Odessa Family YMCA/Odessa, Texas) 

“A lot of the kids are more able to do hands-on activities, make bracelets. They did little potting plants. They had them dance off with Odessa drillers. They were here and they were great. And our band, they interact with the kids the whole time. We have hula hooping by the Reagan Star Wars.” 

To find out more about the Odessa Family YMCA’s upcoming events or sponsorship opportunities, visit odessaymca.org or on Facebook at Odessa YMCA. For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

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

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

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Permian Basin to Holds Annual Research Day 2026

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

This is DRB Media Communications Digital News. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Permian Basin held its 35th Annual Research Day 2026. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Odessa, Texas/April 16,2026-Texas Tech University Health Science Center Permian Basin held its annual Research Day inside the Academic Classroom Building. Research Day is a celebration of excellence, a dedication to advancing innovation, collaboration and high-value patient care through research scholarship.  

(Ashley Sanchez, Senior Research Scientist-Texas Tech University Health Science Center Permian Basin) 

“We have a lot of different types of projects. A lot of them tend to look at population health related issues or quality quality of care. Really the research, whether, you know, how are things in the hospital going in terms of, the quality of care that they’re giving? So it’s very wide. And that’s mostly because of the Permian Basin. We’re mostly known for rural health and community health. So, they really focus hone in on that rural community type of, engagement research.” 

Students, residents and fellows, spotlighted the vital contributions to health care advancements in the region. 

(Issa Abujeries, 3rd Year Medical Student-Texas Tech University Health Science Center Permian Basin) 

“My personal research was about a colon lipoma that looked like a cancer, actually. Um, and then it was a long procedure that we ended up realizing it wasn’t actually cancer. Um, and that’s why we kind of kind of wanted to shed light on that. Uh, on, on that area.” 

Attendees had the opportunity to explore the research efforts of these students. For DRB Media Communications Digital News. Danny Barrera. 

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

Follow us on Facebook, X Formally Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Visit drbmediacommunicationsdigitalnews.tv I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watching.