Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 27th of March.
Good morning, Odessa.
At about 5 p.m. Tuesday evening, a rollover crash near West Murphy Street and Meteor Crater Road killed two boys—including a 16-year-old—and left the Silverado driver seriously injured; neither boy wore a seatbelt and investigators are looking into the crash.
A 30-year-old homeless man named Ezekiel Jamaal Warner was arrested Sunday night after he allegedly threatened a sheriff’s deputy with a knife and resisted arrest when officers responded to a call at Woodson Park on East Murphy Street—he now faces charges of aggravated assault on a public servant, evading arrest, and resisting arrest with a $54,000 surety bond.
A 21-year-old Odessa man, Lorenzo Jesus Ramirez, was arrested on Saturday, March 22 on an outstanding warrant tied to a February shooting at Skateland Rollerink on West University where two victims were shot, and he now remains in Ector County jail at a $50,000 bond (per the sheriff's report).
During their March 25 meeting, Ector County ISD trustees approved an agreement to provide two officers to Compass Academy Charter School, with Compass covering salaries and benefits while the district supplies the equipment—ensuring local safety support after requests to other agencies fell through. They also voted 6-0 to appoint Denise DeLoera as the principal for Zavala Elementary starting in the 2025-26 school year.
Starting April 1, the City of Odessa’s Billing and Collection Department will resume service cutoffs and late payment fees.
Customers with unpaid bills are urged to pay soon — call 432-335-3204 for help.
Odessa police remind drivers to move over or slow down when they pass emergency vehicles on the roadside to keep responders safe; officers had several close calls with cars during traffic stops and crashes.
Drivers who do not follow the rule may face a citation for 'Passing Emergency Vehicle: Vacate Lane or Lower Speed'+ the law is meant to protect both the responders and road users.
At Tuesday's city council meeting, tempers flared when members argued over the unpaid use of a city stage for handing out Bibles and holding religious events—raising concerns about church and state.
The council also discussed a new food truck permit process, a plan for a homeless day center, and updates on the city manager search.
Odessa Police Department reminds drivers to move over or slow down when they see stopped emergency vehicles, tow trucks or law enforcement on the roadway to help keep responders and citizens safe—those who pass too close risk getting a ticket.
Governor Abbott today announced an interactive map that shows where Texans can get free or purchased Naloxone to help stop fentanyl poisonings — part of the One Pill Kills campaign by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
The tool gives details on location types, hours, and contacts — a resource aimed at saving lives during opioid crises.
On-Site Tour of Holiday Lincoln Tower
Explore the amenities and community at Holiday Lincoln Tower, a highly-rated senior living community in Odessa, Texas.
Midessa Boat, RV, Sport & Gun Show
10 a.m. - 6 p.m. — Ector County Coliseum — Admission fees apply — Explore a variety of boats, RVs, sports gear, and firearms at this exciting local show.
Vintage Deluxe x ODT Vintage Trade Day
10 AM - 5 PM — Vintage Deluxe — Free entry — Explore a diverse array of treasures from over 20 local vendors at this family-friendly pop-up event.
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