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Oil & Gas Association of West Texas Hold Meeting on Oil Field Theft

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(David Gomez, News Anchor) 

Odessa, Texas/February 7, 2026-This is DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS. Oilfield theft by foreign actors is causing billions in losses for oil companies. Danny Barrera has the story. 

The Oil and Gas Association of West Texas held its regularly scheduled meeting to share information on oilfield theft with law enforcement agencies representing multiple county municipalities across West Texas and the Permian Basin, along with representatives from the Texas Legislature and oil company executives. 

(Mayes Middleton-Candidate for Texas Attorney General) 

“This is about law and order. We’re seeing this problem all over the state with oil field theft, and it is in the magnitude of billions of dollars. And that could potentially compromise Texas’s energy dominance, because look, that’s money that operators don’t have to invest in maintaining production, growing production, drilling, completing new wells, which we know benefits all of us. And that’s really at the end of the day, our Texas energy dominance.” 

The meeting aims to bring together stakeholders to identify real-world solutions and strategic partnerships that support law enforcement in addressing the rapidly growing problem of oilfield theft. 

(David Criner, Sheriff-Midland County Sheriff’s Office/Midland, Texas) 

“It’s a constant battle. But, you know, we have meetings once a month with the oil field theft intelligence hearing in our office at the Midland County Sheriff’s Office. And that’s where the companies come in. And they hear our concerns. They voiced their concerns. Get us all on the same page, kind of like a reboot every month to make sure that we’re doing the right thing. And sharing information is a big key, as you heard today. And we do share that information, and we are combating it the best we can right now. But there’s always room for improvement. But we like our partnerships with the major oil companies and the local people to combat this problem and get these guys off the streets.” 

The goal of the meeting is to assist law enforcement in combating the escalating crime of oilfield theft. Additional objectives include urging state legislators to pass stronger laws and ensuring those laws are enforced effectively. 

(David Landersman, Sheriff-Loving County/Mentone, Texas) 

“It is a billion-dollar industry that’s going on here. And the statistics. Congressman Gonzalez was saying are wrong. And I’ll tell you I’ll tell you one example. We get multiple calls. Somebody wants to do a complaint. They’re missing copper. They’re missing petroleum. It easily half of the cases. It’s an inside job. So, all those guys drive trucks and. Yeah, they’re from Afghanistan or someplace. And when the company finds out that it’s their people, they stop the complaint right there, so it doesn’t make the statistic. So, it’s actually worse than all these guys get up there. We need to make it so that the penalty and that works for us is harsh. We need to jam these things up. We need to get after these guys easily. Half of the people that we we end up jamming up. It’s not that they got a license. They don’t even have a regular driver’s license, much, much less a CDL. Those are the issues. And those things don’t always make the statistics.” 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

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

Team Odessa’s Meet the Candidates hosted by Homemade Wines

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(David Gomez, News Anchor) 

Odessa, Texas/February 5, 2026-This is DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS. Team Odessa recently held a Meet the Candidates event at Hosted by Homemade Wines. Danny Barrera has the story. Team Odessa held a special event to introduce candidates and incumbents running for local and Ector County governmental positions. The Meet the Candidates event was hosted by Homemade Wines located in the greater downtown area.  

(Ronnie Lewis, Advocate-Odessa Resident/Team Odessa) 

“And I’m all for the vote. The candidates to be able to interact with the voters one on one, as opposed to in a forum setting. But this main my main purpose, this was a voter rally to keep the momentum that we had in twenty twenty four. It was so robust and we won those elections in our primary. And in November we we brought in a new city council, a new mayor. And it’s important that we keep that alive.” 

Community leaders representing LULAC, Hispanic Heritage of Odessa, and Democratic candidates running for office gathered in an overwhelming show of solidarity to help make Odessa great to live and work. 

(Gene Collins, Retired-West Texas NAACP) 

“Well, you know, sometimes we don’t realize how much we have in common unless we communicate and talk with each other. We ride down the same street, we drink water from the same pipes. We are here together. And when we improve for one, we improve for all.” 

Five candidates are running for Ector County Commissioner Precinct 2. James Poor is the youngest candidate to run for this office. 

(James Poor, Candidate-Ector County Commissioner, Precinct 2) 

“I bring my youth. A lot of people have, uh, you know, that’s been a topic that I’ve had to address with people. Uh, a lot of people are concerned about that, but I believe that’s been one of my strengths. Uh, I’m very versatile. I’m able to, uh, you know, to to pivot and maneuver around in a way. I’m not stuck in my ways, uh, as some older politicians that we have.” 

Ronnie Hernandez, who is currently working for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2 is running for JP3. If elected, she brings a wealth of experience to the Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3. 

(Ronnie Hernandez, Candidate-Ector County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3) 

“I’m able to work behind the scenes. So, what the clerks do, nobody gets to see what we bring to the judge. So, I’m able to do that part and train my clerks to be able to do what needs to be done in the office and then help out as a team, just like we do in JP two.” 

During the Team Odessa Candidate Meet and Greet, a candidate for Lieutenant Governor Esala Wueschner is a U.S. Air Force veteran, tech worker, and citizen journalist who has made political corruption central themes of his campaign. 

(Esala Wueschner, Candidate for Lieutenant Governor/Texas) 

“I help uncover one of the United States biggest money laundering scheme that Representative Jim Jordan that’s investigating right now is called Actblue, and it’s one of the biggest money laundering scheme that’s done by the Democratic Party. And what makes me stand out is that I do I am running on a platform to bring the death penalty to Jared Kushner, Trump’s son in law, and Ted Cruz for betraying our country to working with the terrorist organization, the Israeli Defense Force.” 

Odessa Mayor Cal Hendrick addressed attendees at the meet-and-greet event, highlighting key accomplishments achieved by the current city council and emphasizing a message of unity for all Odessa residents. Mayor Hendrick announced that the city’s audits are now fully up to date and confirmed that preparations for the 2024–2025 fiscal year are already underway. 

(Cal Hendrick, Mayor-City of Odessa, Texas) 

“In February ninth, we’ll get a report from our auditor. We’ll have a clean audit. And that means all pass through audits are completed, which means you’re not going to approach our creditors and get our credit rating back for Standard and Poor’s and Moody’s. In case in case we need money for serious infrastructure needs. Hopefully we don’t need to access that account ever. If we need to access credit, we have access to it. The next one’s going to be due. The twenty four twenty five audit is due March twenty nine. I’m extremely confident in telling you that that audit will be done on time and presented to council. So, this year we’ll be not only caught up, we’ll be on time for the first time since twenty twenty.” 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

(David Gomez, News Anchor) 

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

 

40th Annual Shrimp Fest Preview hosted by the Ellen Noel Art Museum

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(David Gomez, Anchor) 

Odessa, Texas/February 3, 2026-This is DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS. The Ellen Noel Art Museum hosted the 40th Annual Shrimp Fest preview for local media and board members. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Local media were invited to a preview of Shrimpfest 2026 hosted by the Ellen Noël Art Museum. Board members and invited guests sampled Cajun-style shrimp served on decorative tables themed around Mardi Gras and displayed throughout the museum’s event room. 

(Paula Coulter, Shrimp Fest Chair-Benefiting the Ellen Noel Art Museum) 

“When you go to our shrimp fest, we will have tables of and we will have all you can eat shrimp, and we will have silent auction and live auction. And we have some great ideas and and fun activities for people attending Shrimp Fest this year.’ 

The 40th Annual Shrimpfest 2026 supplements funding it receives through donations, membership and grants. All profits from Shrimpfest support the museum’s educational and outreach programs. 

(Paula Coulter, Shrimp Fest Chair-Benefiting the Ellen Noel Art Museum) 

“Our Shrimp Fest event offers funds for programming for our museum. We go into the schools in second grade offering a program called Art to go, and we also have tours of the museum for our third graders.” 

For 20 years Chef Gabe Grewell along with the Chuck Wagon Gang have been donating their time to prepare and cook the variety of Cajun-Style shrimp. 

(Gabe Grewell, Head Chef-40th Annual Shrimp Fest 2026) 

“We have our some of our standard appetizers for the sponsor party, the shrimp Pontchartrain, the shrimp Noel, the standard boil shrimp, the shrimp fest recipe, and a new Bourbon Street scampi that I introduced this year. So this is our first. It’s going to be our first trial for another warm appetizer dish.” 

The 40th Annual Shrimpfest 2026 is on Monday, February 23rd, at the Ector County Coliseum Barn G starting with the Exclusive Sponsor cocktail hour at 5:30pm to 6:45pm and the General Admission entry at 6:45pm. 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

Odessa Chamber of Commerce Leadership Odessa Alumni Reunion

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(David Gomez, Anchor) 

Odessa, Texas/February 2, 2026-This is DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS. A special reception was held for Odessa Leadership Alumni. Danny Barrera has the story. 

(Renee Earls, President/CEO-Odessa Chamber of Commerce/Odessa, Texas) 

(Danny Barrera-Reporter) 

(V.O.) 

The Odessa Chamber of Commerce recently hosted Leadership Odessa Alumni reunion and reception at the First Basin Credit Union Community Room. The event was presented by Texas Tech University Health Science Center. the reunion serves as a premier gathering for graduates of the Leadership Odessa program. 

(Renee Earls, President/CEO-Odessa Chamber of Commerce/Odessa, Texas) 

“It teaches you about the community, whether you’ve lived here one day or you were born and raised here, you learned something about our community each and every time. It is a nine-month program. They meet once a month, uh, and we delve into all areas of education, healthcare, arts and culture, media, um, everything you need to know about Odessa. And again, I think the most important thing that they come out with is some wonderful relationships.” 

(Danny Barrera-Reporter) 

(V.O.) 

The Leadership Odessa Alumni had the unique opportunity to expand their professional networks with fellow alumni while receiving information on upcoming community events and volunteer opportunities within the Odessa area. 

(Blake Monk, 2025 Chair Odessa Leadership-Odessa leadership Alumni/Odessa, Texas) 

“With the with the array of people that we have with the diversity that goes through this program. There are so many different life lessons that people have been through, so many different business opportunities that people have had and that they have experienced, and to be able to share those experiences with each other is not just about it’s not only about what we can do for other people, but how the type of growth that we get. Also, just from sitting and having a conversation with someone about their specific field. And so the hope would be that this collective group of individuals would be able to come together, help each other, grow, but also help other people in a multitude of different industries to be able to grow as well on a personal basis and professionally.” 

(Danny Barrera-Reporter) 

(V.O.) 

Leadership Odessa has been a pillar of the Odessa community since the late 1970s, producing over 1,200 graduates. For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera 

(David Gomez, Anchor) 

Follow us on Facebook. X, formerly Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and visit DRB Media Communications Digital TV. I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watching. 

 

U.S. Congressman Wesley Hunt makes campaign stop at the Ector County Republican Party Headquarters

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Odessa, Texas/January 29, 2026-This is DRB Media Communications Digital News. U.S. Congressman Wesley Hunt, a former U.S. Army officer and Apache helicopter pilot visited the Ector County Republican Party. Danny Barrera has the story. 

The Ector County Republican Party welcomed U.S. Congressman Wesley Hunt of Houston. Hunt, who represents Texas’ 38th Congressional District, is currently running for U.S. Senate, challenging Senator John Cornyn. During his visit, Congressman Hunt addressed key concerns important to West Texans, including oil and gas and education. 

(U.S. Congressman, Texas 38th District Wesley Hunt-Running for U.S. Senator-Texas Against Senator John Cornyn) 

“We are trying to represent everybody in the great state of Texas, not just the greater Houston area, not just Dallas, not just Austin, but Odessa and Midland are near and dear to our hearts in Texas because quite frankly, this is where all the energy is provided. And oftentimes these communities get overlooked. So, it’s my job to ensure that I know the needs of every single community in the great state of Texas if I’m going to represent the great state of Texas.” 

Congressman Wesley Hunt is taking his campaign across Texas, particularly into smaller towns and cities, where he is emphasizing key differences between himself and Senator John Cornyn. 

(U.S. Congressman, Texas 38th District Wesley Hunt-Running for U.S. Senator-Texas Against Senator John Cornyn) 

“Well, of course, the biggest differences are, first of all, it’s can’t co-sponsor gun control legislation in Texas. That’s just one big difference. I’m a big Second Amendment guy on multiple ar15s for basically every single person in my home. I’m very, very conscientious of what it means to be a strong Second Amendment holder. And quite frankly, you know, Senator Cornyn co-sponsor red flag laws for Texas. That’s just not going to work, especially for people here in this region.” 

Under the leadership of Party Chair Donna Kelm, the Ector County Republican Party continues to take a proactive role in providing citizens of Odessa and Ector County with timely information on candidates and voter education. 

(Donna Kelm, Party Chair-Ector County Republican Party) 

At the conclusion of the presentation, Congressman Wesley Hunt presented certificates to players with the West Texas Buffs. For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

Follow us on Facebook, X Formally Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and visit DRB Media Communications Digital News.TV; I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watching 

Odessa College Welding Program Receives close to 300,000 in Industry and Community Support

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(Anchor) DAVID GOMEZ-DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS 

Odessa, Texas/January 23, 2026-This is DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS. Odessa College receives close to 300 thousand dollars in industry and community support. Danny Barrera has the story. 

The Odessa College Welding and Precision Manufacturing Technology Program recently received a significant investment through three donations totaling $285,500 dollars supporting equipment, upgrades and student resources. 

(Syed Muhammad Naqvi, Department Chair-Odessa College) 

“It’s going to take us to a different level where we can provide extra support for our students. So they can be job ready outside for any challenge that is available outside in the, in the industry.” 

Lincoln Electric donated $85,500 for a Lincoln Electric ABB Collaborative Robotic Arm that is one of the latest robotic technologies used in modern manufacturing. 

(James Coffey, Technical Sales Representative-Lincoln Electric Company) 

“In today’s world, we are short hundreds of thousands of welders. So companies have started up having to look at other ways, like what can we do to stay competitive? Part of that is going to robots and cobots, and other automation techniques. Yeah. To stay competitive in the world, there is a shortage of welders. “ 

A donation of $50,000 was made to the OC Welding Program from the Musa Family Living Trust in memory of Jonathan Musa, who was a student in the welding program. 

(Ms. Rakia Musa, Mother to Jonathan Musa-Parramore/The Musa Family Living Trust) 

“Now was his love. I mean, he tried other majors, and then eventually he said, “I’ll try. Well, then I said, okay, I’ll try on the on the sea. Well, then I will go and try on the land first. And we do the welding on the land before you start going to the other places. So, he came here, I loved it. Mohammed had been a great was a great coach for him and you know, and so he, he loved was that was this amount.” 

The Permian Basin Area Foundation donated $150,000 to the Odessa College Program to help expand opportunities, enhance hands-on training to ensure students meet industry standards and workforce demands. 

(Raymond Williams, Grants Officer-Permian Basin Area Foundation) 

“So this contribution was important to us because it’s one of those things that impacts a lot of different people in a lot of different ways. And so, this could be the person fixing your car. This could be the person fixing, you know, plumbing your house welding apparatus, or, you know, the person building an oil rig that’s going to pump out, you know, a hundred barrels a day down. So, it’s just one of those things that really lets us touch a lot of different lives and really multiply our impact across a lot of different areas.” 

Students who have graduated from the OC Welding Program are certified and are able to enter the industry workforce almost immediately and with a high starting salary. 

(Jose Sanchez, Graduate-Odessa College Welding and Precision Manufacturing Technology Program) 

(Roberto Gonzalez, Graduate-Odessa College Welding and Precision Manufacturing Technology Program) 

 “Everything they teach here in this school prepared me for my welding test and was able to get me a job as soon as I graduated.” 

“Yeah. As soon as. As soon as I graduated, I had a job. So, um, I’ve gotten three job offers, and, you know, they’ve been great since I’ve graduated. And the team here, you know, if you can’t find a job, they’ll help you get a job. And all the classmates that graduated with me, they all have jobs.” 

Jonathan Musa, who worked for Ector County in Road and Bridges, passed away in August 30th, 2024, and was a registered organ donor. 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

(Anchor) DAVID GOMEZ-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.TV; I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watching.