Odessa College, Odessa Arts and Basin Theatre Works Bring BRIGHT STAR Musical to the Ector Theatre

Odessa, Texas/March 31, 2023-Odessa College recently announced a partnership with Odessa Arts and Basin Theatre Works in Odessa to bring the 2016 Tony Award Nominated “Bright Star” Musical written and composed by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell to the historic Ector Theatre. 

(Josh Rapp, Director of Theater-Odessa College/Odessa, Texas) 

The cast of “Bright Star” Musical will be comprised of local talent from Odessa College and from around the Permian Basin. 

(Josh Rapp, Director of Theater-Odessa College/Odessa, Texas) 

“Bright Star” is an American folktale inspired by a true story of love and redemption against the backdrop of the American South in the 1920’s and 1940’s. 

(Josh Rapp, Director of Theater-Odessa College/Odessa, Texas) 

The musical portion of the musical will feature local musicians and musicians from the Dallas area. 

(Eric Baker, Chair of Visual and Performing Arts-Odessa College/Odessa, Texas) 

“Bright Star” Musical comes to the Ector Theatre stage April 27th, 28th and 29th. Go to: theector.com to purchase tickets. 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

Odessa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Celebrate Their 1st Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at The Hair Academy

Odessa, Texas/March 5, 2023-The Odessa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce recently held its first ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating THA-The Hair Academy, located at 4555 East University Blvd. 

(Savanah Morales, CEO-Odessa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce-Odessa, Texas) 

Brian Nuñez, Owner and instructor at The Hair Academy has had a passion for cutting hair since the age of 17. The road to opening his own business and teaching the art of cutting hair has been a long and winding road. 

(Brian Nuñez, Owner/Instructor and Gabriela Nuñez, Administration-THA/The Hair Academy-4555 E. University Blvd., Odessa, Texas) 

The Hair Academy currently has 30 students in their barber and cosmetology school and plan to enroll ten more students in April. Students at the Hair Academy can take their state exams at THA. 

(Brian Nuñez, Owner/Instructor and Gabriela Nuñez, Administration-THA/The Hair Academy-4555 E. University Blvd., Odessa, Texas) 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

Ector County ISD Annual State of the District Event

Odessa, Texas/March 3, 2023-On Thursday, March 2nd, Ector County ISD hosted the annual State of the District. The presentation featured the significant progress made on multiple strategic plan initiatives presented by Dr. Scott Muri, Superintendent of Schools at ECISD.  

(Dr. Adrian Vega, Executive Director-Education Partnership of the Permian Basin) 

The Ector County ISD’s school board spent more than a year working with school district employees, business leaders, and community members developing a strategic plan. In year three the plan led to several improvements like ECISD rated a “B” by the Texas Education Agency, overall academic growth and more. 

(Dr. Adrian Vega, Executive Director-Education Partnership of the Permian Basin) 

Music and entertainment were provided by the state-qualifying Broncho Mariachi, a three-time All-State Musician and an aspiring young cellist. Catering courtesy of the Culinary Arts students. 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

Ector County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Deceased Body at Kent Kwik in West Odessa

 

West Odessa/Ector County/February 23, 2023-On Thursday, February 23rd at approximately 6:04am Investigators with the Ector County Sheriff’s Office responded to a deceased body found in proximity to a trash dumpster at the Kent Kwik located at West University and Roundup in West Odessa.  

A spokesperson for the Ector County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the victim was seen alive inside the Kent Kwik Convenience Store then shortly after, exited the store. It is unknown if the person was inside the dumpster or how the victim ended up with bodily injury. 

Ector County Sheriff Office officials did confirm that there was no indication of foul play. 

The Investigators processed the scene by taking measurements and taking pictures of the Republic Trash Dump truck. The West Odessa Volunteer Fire Department washed down the area where the body of the deceased person was laying. The Ector County Sheriff’s Office took possession of the Republic Trash Truck. 

It is believed that the victim was homeless. No ID was found on the deceased. 

The name of the deceased is being withheld until the next of kin is notified. 

It’s unknown if an autopsy will be requested by the Ector County Sheriff’s Office. 

The investigation is ongoing. 

This is DRB Media Communications Digital News. 

BCCPB Hosts Retirement Luncheon for Executive Assistant Wanda Clayton

Odessa, Texas/February 19, 2023-A luncheon was held at the offices of The Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian Basin located on the 2nd floor of Bank American in downtown Odessa celebrating the retirement of executive assistant, Wanda Clayton. 

(Wanda Clayton, Executive Assistant-Retired-Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian Basin/Odessa, Texas) 

Wanda Clayton served the Black Chamber of Commerce for 24 years and saw the organization grow from a few members to a combined 300 businesses and individual memberships. 

(Wanda Clayton, Executive Assistant-Retired-Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian Basin/Odessa, Texas ) 

Wanda Clayton leaves a long-lasting positive impact on The Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian Basin. The organization will take its time finding a new executive assistant.  

(Bridget Sarpong, Social Media-Chair, Black Chamber of Commerce of the Permian Basin) 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

Former U.S. Congresswoman Texas District 34, Mayra Flores Speaks at ECRW Club Luncheon

Odessa, Texas/February 15, 2023-The Ector County Republican Women held its February meeting at the Odessa Country Club. This month’s featured speaker was Mayra Flores, former U.S. Congresswoman, Texas District 34.  

(Mayra Flores, Former U.S. Congresswoman-Texas District 34) 

Mayra Flores immigrated from Mexico with her family at the age of 6. Ms. Flores says she understands why people from other countries want to come to the United States. 

(Mayra Flores, Former U.S. Congresswoman-Texas District 34) 

According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Mexico and China are the primary source countries trafficking fentanyl to the youth in the United States. 

(Mayra Flores, Former U.S. Congresswoman-Texas District 34) 

Follow the Ector County Republican Women Club on social media and their website at www.ecrwodessa.com. 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera.