Good morning, Odessa.

An Odessa man, Paul Christopher Hicks, was arrested last week after his 23-year-old daughter reported he choked her to unconsciousness during an argument over a text message—he also threatened a man with a gun in December, took $5,800, and was released on bond on April 4.

Officers arrived at a home on the 1000 block of West Monahans shortly after noon Monday where two 24-year-old men were arrested for firing several rounds that shot an 8-year-old boy; the boy was taken to a local hospital and then airlifted with severe injuries — the investigation is ongoing.

A 26-year-old Odessa man on parole did a burn out on West 42nd Street and North Knox early Saturday and was arrested by a deputy who learned he had an active warrant and found drugs in his Ford F150 – he now faces charges for manufacture, delivery, and possession of controlled substances with bail set at $175,000.

A 33-year-old Odessa man was arrested on Sunday for his part in robbing Chavito's Burrito stand on South Moss around 7 a.m. on Friday when three men stole $1,800 and damaged property; he is now held on $100,000 bail while a warrant has been issued for another suspect.

Harmony Public Schools will offer sign-on bonuses up to $10,000 to newly hired TIA designated teachers as part of its effort to attract experienced educators—new teachers will receive bonus amounts based on their TEA designation level and campus need.

The school system will add these bonuses to regular TIA compensation, with some teachers set to earn more than $20,000 in annual bonuses.

Medical Center Health System hosted its annual Donor Memorial Service on April 11th, 2024 at the Donor Garden near Wheatley Stewart Medical Pavilion to honor local and employee donors, where donor families and kidney recipient Lee Bryant shared their personal stories—adding context to the 14 donors that led to 55 organ transplants. The free event ended with a powder cannon release to mark the tribute to those who gave the gift of life.

The Ector County Health Department reported eight confirmed measles cases and is offering emergency MMR vaccines — available to children 6 months and older — along with booster doses for exposed individuals.

The department has set walk-in clinics on April 14 and April 21 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. as it works to track contacts and limit further spread.

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.

Viva La Fiesta Odessa

12 PM — Ector County Coliseum — Tickets from $20 — Experience a vibrant celebration with concerts, food trucks, vendors, and exciting carnival activities.

Viva La Fiesta Odessa featuring Javier Rosas y Su Artillería Pesada

12-3 p.m. — Ector County Coliseum — Tickets from $20 — Celebrate with music, food, and carnival fun at this vibrant community festival.

Get The Led Out - A Tribute to Led Zeppelin

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center — Tickets required — Experience the high-energy tribute to Led Zeppelin performed by a Philadelphia-based group with an authentic sound.