Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian Basin Job Fair Event at Woodson Park

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

This is DRB Media Communications Digital news. The Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian Basin held their spring job fair at Woodson Park. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Odessa, Texas/May 18, 2026-Members and volunteers of the Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian Basin hosted their first Job Fair heading into the Spring and Summer season. Various businesses and institutions set up canopies and tables to welcome visitors to the Southside Odessa community event while sharing employment opportunities, resources, and information with attendees. 

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

“So, we wanted to have it here at Woodson so that we’d have an open atmosphere so people would feel comfortable to come in, talk to a lot of our entities here in our town, 

Law enforcement agencies including the Ector County Sheriff’s Office, Odessa Police Department, Odessa Fire Rescue and the Ector County ISD Mounted Patrol attended the job fair seeking new recruits. Meanwhile, Ector County Independent School District, Odessa College and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Permian Basin provided visitors with educational and scholastic information about programs and career opportunities. 

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

“We just wanted to thank all of the organizations that came out to support and thank everybody that is coming out and putting their applications in to help with this shortage that some of these companies are having. So hopefully we’ll do our due diligence and get some of these, some of these organizations, some new employees.” 

Darlene Mays, a volunteer with the Woodson Boys and Girls Club and a member of the Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian Basin, spoke about the organization’s upcoming annual Literacy Fair scheduled for the latter part of July. The event is expected to promote reading, education, and community involvement for children and families throughout the Odessa area. 

(Darlene Mays, A volunteer with the Woodson Boys and Girls Club/Member of the Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian Basin) 

‘We want the kids to fall in love with books, not only the kids, but also the adults to fall in love with books. 

It will take you anywhere in the world that you want to be. We are promoting the literacy festival that we have free entertainment. It’s a free family event. We will be giving away scholarships to some of our high school seniors that have been involved with the club ever since they were five years old, and now they’re graduating from high school. So, we are just excited. We will be bringing in a children’s author from Dallas, Texas that wrote his first book, and it was released in November of 2025. So, the kids will get a chance to really have that experience as well.” 

Follow the Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian Basin online or on social media for membership, Sponor Opportunities and upcoming community events. For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

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

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Odessa Family YMCA Prepares for the 2nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament

(Guillermo Villalobos, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

This is DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS. The Odessa Family YMCA is preparing for their 2nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Odessa, Texas/May 11, 2026- The Odessa Family YMCA will be hosting its 2nd Annual Golf Tournament at Ratliff Ranch Golf Links on June 18th. The tournament will bring together community members, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts for a day of friendly competition and fellowship while supporting the YMCA’s Basketball Gym renovations.  

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

“We are blessed to have Beryl and Derek by Marriott as our tournament sponsor. It will be a day of fun food, raffle prizes. Lunch will be sponsored by Brantley Creek Barbecue, and our gift bags are sponsored by MCH Urgent Care.” 

Participants can expect team play, contests, prizes, and opportunities to support the YMCA’s mission of strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. 

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

“We’re going to have a lot of raffle prizes giving out at at the tournament. Um, along with a raffle as well. So, at the golf tournament, we’ll have awards for first place, second place and last place.” 

Team slots are still available for golfers wanting to participate in the tournament, and sponsorship opportunities remain open for businesses and organizations wishing to support the Odessa Family YMCA fundraising event. 

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

“This year. The Odessa YMCA is really excited because all proceeds from this golf tournament will go to our gym renovation. Our gym is the most used, most popular place at the Y. We have families and children that enjoy it daily and throughout the year, and we’re looking forward to making it a safer, funner place for children and families.” 

Follow the Odessa Family YMCA online or on social media for upcoming events. 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

(Guillermo Villalobos, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

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Odessa Midland Police Memorial Service-Honoring our Fallen Heroes

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

This is DRB media communications. Digital news. Local law enforcement. The Texas Department of Public Safety and First Responders honor the lives and legacies of fallen officers during the annual Odessa midland Police Memorial ceremony. Danny Barra has the story. 

Odessa, Texas/May 10, 2026-On Thursday, May 7th the Odessa Police Department along with the Ector County Sheriff’s Office, Midland Police Department, the Midland County Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety and Odessa Fire Rescue held the annual Police Memorial at Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home. Officers with Ector County ISD Police and other agencies gathered to remember Law Enforcement Officers who were killed in the line of duty. 

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

“The the Bible is the living Word of God, and the Holy Spirit comforts us, and he brings attention to those that helps us get through the days, through the hard times, with our with our personal families, as we do a long shift, we see the evil out there that God’s Word comforts us and gives us the encouragement to carry on the good fight, because we know that we’re doing it in accordance to his will”  

Police Memorial events continued outside on the cemetery grounds that included prayer and special music from the offer. Drum in five corps. 

(Mike Gerke, Odessa Police Chief, Odessa Police Department/Odessa, Texas) 

“The vast majority of police officers that work for the for the Odessa Police Department live right here in Odessa. So, we’re our members of that community. So, yeah, it’s we’re reaching out to our fellow community members when we need help, when we ask for assistance, when, you know, and I don’t know if everyone was out for busting for badges last week, but, I mean, the turnout there, I mean, that’s the support that you see from this community. We say it over and over and over again that we’re so fortunate to be in law enforcement in West Texas, where you have support.” 

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day. This year, May 11th through May 16th has been designated as National Police Week. 

For DRB Media Communications Digital news Danny Barrera. 

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

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17th Annual Odessa Chamber Welcome Reception for TTUHSC 3rd Year Medical Students

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

The Odessa Chamber of Commerce and with Medical Center Health System along with local and State political representatives welcome the new 3rd year Texas Tech Med Students. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Odessa, Texas/May 9,2026-The Odessa Chamber of Commerce and Medical Center Health System hosted a reception for Year 3 Texas Tech University Health Science Center medical students. 22 medical students were welcomed by representatives of the Odessa Chamber of Commerce, MCH, and Mayor Cal Hendrick. 

(Jeff Meyers, Chairman-Chamber of Commerce/Odessa, Texas) 

“We’re excited to welcome them, to show them a little West Texas hospitality and get them started on their career.” 

The Odessa Chamber is the only non-political organization to host the new Texas Tech medical students and welcome them to the Odessa community. It is hoped that these medical students will one day return and practice medicine in Odessa. 

(Jeff Meyers, Chairman-Chamber of Commerce/Odessa, Texas) 

“So, our goal is that they come here for school, they get their residency here and they set up shop and, uh, you know, start their practice here. And so we’ve got folks from the community who are out here, uh, in the medical industry, chamber members that are just welcoming, welcoming them with open arms.” 

State Senator Kevin Sparks and State Representative Brooks Landgraf delivered welcome remarks to the new third-year medical students at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Permian Basin, encouraging the future physicians as they continue their medical education and training in the Permian Basin. 

(Kevin Sparks, Texas State Senator/District 31) 

“It is a great place to build a practice. It’s a great place to raise a family.” 

(Brooks Landgraf, Texas House of Representatives/District 81) 

“As you know, you are part of. And I get to work a lot with every medical school in the state of Texas.  

Y’all are, without question, part of the best, the hardest working, and the most, I’ll say, a prestigious medical school.” 

Each 3rd years medical student received a backpack loaded with information on banking and other businesses, as well as assorted gift cards. 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera 

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

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Bottle Signing Event Featuring the new Tequila LA MAFIA Blanco Rose

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

This is DRB Media Communications Digital News…Pinkie’s Liquor Store in Odessa hosts a special bottle signing event with the super Tejano Group La MAFIA. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Odessa, Texas/May 4, 2026-The 5-time Grammy Award–winning Super Tejano group La Mafia hosted a bottle-signing event for their new Tequila La Mafia Blanco Rosa at Pinkie’s Liquor Store on Saturday, May 2nd. More than 150 fans lined up for the chance to purchase a bottle and have it personally signed by the band, creating an energetic and memorable experience for attendees. 

(Orlando Spencer, Marketing Director-Pinkie’s Liquor Stores) 

“The response was overwhelming. You know, we appreciate everyone that came out. Definitely overwhelming. We did not expect the turnout that we got, but very pleased and grateful for people coming out. What’s important to us is we wanted to get community involvement, and this really creates an opportunity for people throughout the community to come in and maybe create some excitement that we don’t normally get out in Odessa.” 

Tequila La Mafia Blanco Rosa was created through a multiyear collaboration with the Lomelí family in Jalisco, with La Mafia personally shaping the flavor through repeated tastings and adjustments. The concept is rooted in their music, their history, and their long relationship with tequila. 

(Oscar De La Rosa, Lead Vocalist-LA MAFIA) 

“It’s a silver tequila. Then they put it into barrels of wine from California. So, they put the, uh, the, the silver tequila into the wine, and they let it sit there for like fifteen days so they can get the color. This is the real deal. It comes from from, uh, Napa Valley. Uh, and that’s where we get the, the color of the rose.” 

La Mafia appears to be expanding its tequila line with plans for multiple varieties, which suggests they’re aiming to build a recognizable presence in the spirits market. Pinkie’s Liquor Stores is positioning itself as a key retail partner, with efforts underway to collaborate in larger markets with wider distribution, bigger promotional events. 

(Oscar De La Rosa, Lead Vocalist-LA MAFIA) 

“We have five different bottles coming up, five different tequilas. So right now we are on the first one, which is the, uh, the pink tequila. And then we’re going to come out with the, the, the rest of them, uh, as, as we, right now, we’re getting this one in every store. Uh, and then in the state of Texas right now, uh, we’ll be, we’re trying to get it into every state in the United States. So, it’s already in Mexico in certain parts of Mexico, too. So, our goal is to get it everywhere.” 

(Orlando Spencer, Marketing Director-Pinkie’s Liquor Stores) 

“We may try to partner up with them, maybe in some different cities, you know. Lubbock was brought to attention, maybe San Angelo. So, it just kind of spread it out, getting as much community involvement, not just in Odessa, but through other our other markets as well.” 

Those who attended the LA MAFIA bottle signing event but were unable to purchase the tequila due to availability, were given the opportunity to place a pre-order, which will include the band’s signatures. 

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. TV. I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watching. 

 

 

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

(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.