Good morning, Odessa.

On March 29 at about 1:50 a.m. Odessa police arrested two suspects—Martha Aguilar, 30, and Alejandro Ortiz, 27—after finding a 5-year-old boy and a 3-year-old girl sleeping alone in a purple Dodge Charger; child protective services later released the children to a family member.

A 32-year-old Odessa man named Corey Alan Lance was arrested Saturday after a pregnant woman reported he broke into her home and repeatedly punched her in the stomach and face and choked her, leaving injuries such as a bloody mouth and knots on her head—he was booked on burglary charges with a $50,000 bond.

The Ellen Noël Art Museum named Nicole Herden as its new Executive Director, and she will begin on April 14.

Herden brings over 20 years of experience in museum work and will lead plans for a new 36,000 square foot facility set to open later this year — a project funded by a $20 million capital campaign.

Odessa Arts invites residents to join First Fridays, a monthly downtown event featuring music, food and shopping that will boost local business on the first Friday of each month from 6 to 9 p.m. The event began in August 2023 after Odessa Arts was inspired by a similar gathering in Lubbock and has grown in vendor participation since then.

According to GasBuddy’s survey of 156 stations, average gasoline prices in Midland-Odessa fell 11.2 cents last week and now average $2.70 per gallon on Monday—prices are 4.1 cents higher than a month ago but 52.1 cents lower than a year ago.

Midland County Utility District is proposing a 645 million dollar bond (to build a water treatment facility, pump stations and 100 miles of water lines) to improve water service for its 54,800 acre area.

The bond election is set for May 3 and if approved, the district will repay the bond over 40 years through property taxes, which may cause a rate increase of about $14 a month for some residents.

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.

Texas REALTORS 360: Leadership Round-Up

6-9 p.m. — Odessa Country Club — Free entry — Network with REALTORS® leadership over dinner, drinks, and entertainment at this vibrant gathering.

Annie Musical Performance

7:30-10 p.m. — Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center — Tickets required — Experience the uplifting story of Little Orphan Annie filled with hope and determination.