Good morning, Odessa.

Odessa officials expressed deep condolences to flood victims in San Angelo and Central Texas after Officer Bailey Martin and his family died and Officer Jayda Floyd has been missing since July 5th.

The Odessa Community Foundation is accepting donations (with some funds to cover funeral costs) at City Hall, the Commissioners' Court and the Chamber of Commerce to help those affected.

Six teenagers were arrested Thursday for auto burglaries after officers responded at 11:54 p.m. on July 10 at the 1100 block of Honeysuckle—an owner fired at the suspects causing them to flee until they were later caught on the 700 block of Jeter and charged with organized criminal activity, evading arrest, and attempted auto burglary.

On July 11th, the Ector County District Clerk processed felony dispositions where Luis Barreras Armenta pleaded guilty to controlled substance possession with a four-year TDOC sentence, Michael Baca pleaded guilty to unlawful firearm possession after aggravated assault charges were dismissed with a five-year TDOC sentence, Matthew Dozier pleaded guilty to criminal mischief resulting in a seven-year TDOC sentence, and Christopher Perez pleaded guilty to attempted aggravated assault with a three-year TDOC sentence—civil forfeiture actions also involved Michele Altman’s $1,500 and a 2016 Toyota 4Runner seized from Melody Williams.

Prosecutors asked an Ector County judge to revoke Leonel Torres Jr.'s probation — he was arrested on July 7 for assault, evading arrest and resisting arrest — after he had been on probation for a 2021 crash that killed two people.

Julie Marshall started as the executive director of leadership at Ector County ISD on July 1.

After leading Dowling Elementary for five years, she now takes on the role of coaching campus principals—helping them meet their goals—while remaining close to the students.

Odessa Fire Rescue is supporting flood response by deploying teams with Captains Shaffer and Brown to Kerrville for firefighting and sending Denney and Guevara with EMTF ambulances in Hunt; Battalion Chief Brumbalow and Lieutenant Gallegos will relieve them on Sunday, July 13.

Retired OFR personnel have been approved to assist in Ingram—showing their ongoing commitment to service.

Former City Attorney Dan Jones said in an affidavit that former Mayor Javier Joven and several council members secretly pushed for John Beckmeyer’s inclusion on the final candidate list for city manager before the public interviews.

Beckmeyer resigned on November 12 and is now suing the city for breach of contract for over $683,000—fueling calls for further investigation into the hiring process.

Bridal & Quinceañera Dream Life Expo

1-4 p.m. — Odessa Marriott Hotel & Conference Center — Free entry — Experience a vibrant boho desert-themed expo with top vendors for your dream celebration.

Johnny Blaine at Diamond's Country Bar

8 PM – 12 AM — Diamond's Country Bar — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a night of live country music with Johnny Blaine at one of Odessa's top venues.

Professional Women's Relaxation Conference 2025

3 PM – 4 PM — Odessa Marriott Hotel & Conference Center — Tickets go on sale March 1! — Enhance your career and well-being with relaxation strategies.

Odessa Men's City Championship

Tournament — Jul 25-27 — Ratliff Ranch Golf Links — Entry fee required — Compete in a 54-hole stroke play event with various flights for players.

Back to School Bash

2-4 p.m. — Music City Mall Carousel Stage — Free entry — Celebrate the end of summer with fun activities, prizes, and a chance to win exclusive backpacks loaded with goodies.