Good morning, Odessa.

Odessa Police Athletic League is hosting a summer program for kids to get active and work as a team with OPD officers, running from Monday, June 2nd to Friday, June 27th from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

Registration is on Saturday, April 19th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Floyd Gwinn Gym at 1015 N. County Rd. W — the fee is $100 per child, and only cash or money orders are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Protecting What Matters, a local volunteer group, is hosting three community meetings this week to discuss plans to build emergency services stations and add faster fire trucks and ambulances for families in Ector County.

The meetings will be held Monday, April 14 at Gardendale (17055 Azalea Ave), Tuesday, April 15 at West Odessa (West Texas Ballroom, 14094 W University) and Wednesday, April 16 at South Ector (Little Ranch Party Place, 15837 US-385).

Odessa College is reminding eligible high school seniors to submit their Wrangler Promise Pledge Form by April 15, as the pledge will cover full tuition and fees for students who enroll full-time in an associate degree or certificate program for Fall.

The scholarship helps remove financial barriers and opens new opportunities for students in the service area—ensuring college is within reach regardless of background.

On Friday, April 11, the STEM Academy Student Council was honored with the National Association of Student Councils Gold Council of Excellence award during a small celebration in the high school multipurpose room—sponsor Keli Morris said the event marked a year of change as the school shifted from principals to deans. The council also received praise for its work on community projects such as a donation drive with the Crisis Center of West Texas.

Noel Elementary students collected over 15,000 plastic bags during their recycling drive in March and celebrated with H-E-B and the Odessa City Council.

Buddy the Bag joined the event and the mayor read a story to show how important it is to recycle, and each student got a reusable bag.

Interim city manager Richard Morton announced on Thursday that three candidates—Odessa Assistant City Manager Aaron Smith, former Midland official Tina Jauz, and Sweetwater City Manager David Adrian Vela—were shortlisted for the city manager job.

The candidates met with department heads, completed interviews, and took part in a town hall at the MCM Elegante as the city council continues its selection process with a new manager expected to start around June 1.

State Rep. Brooks Landgraf voted early Friday morning for the Texas House state budget that balanced spending limits so that billions in surplus dollars will be returned to taxpayers.

The budget boosts nearly 51 billion dollars in property tax relief, adds more than 9 billion dollars for public education, and allocates funds for law enforcement, highways, and water infrastructure.

Medical Center Health System announced it will hire Dr. Timothy Benton as chief medical officer effective Monday, April 14 (he has over two decades of local health experience and served as co-interim CMO during COVID-19).

Basin Eye Surgery opened a new eye clinic in Odessa at 4222 Wendover near Target where Dr. Laura Farber offers specialized care and same-day treatments for cataract, glaucoma, and other eye conditions.

The clinic is fully booked through June and maintains a waiting list to meet growing demand from patients across West Texas.

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.

Mother & Son Dance

5-9 p.m. — Odessa Marriott Hotel & Conference Center — $25 per person — Celebrate the special bond between mothers and sons with music, dancing, and fun activities.