Good morning, Odessa.

The Tall City Memorial Stair Climb returns for its eighth year to honor the bravery of fallen first responders on 9/11—participants join the event to support remembrance and celebrate local heroes.

The Odessa Police Department will host three upcoming community events, including the 9-week Citizens Police Academy (held every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.) and an Emergency Preparedness Fair on September 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ector County Coliseum.

They will also conduct National Night Out on October 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with registration closing on October 3.

Tomorrow, First Friday ODTX will brighten Downtown Odessa with a vendor market and over 20 local businesses hosting special activities from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.—bringing a lively spirit to the community.

Odessa Arts will partner with the West Texas Food Bank for its annual Peanut Butter Drive at the Ector Theatre to fight hunger during Hunger Action Month—donors will receive free admission to a movie night showing Grease and a local documentary tribute.

Odessa food truck vendors now use a single statewide health permit that cuts red tape for businesses, and the Food Truck Freedom bill took effect on 9/1 with full benefits coming by July 2026—helping vendors move between communities with fewer hurdles.

Today, the Sewell Family of Companies announced Sewell Kia of the Permian Basin will open this Fall at the current Sewell BMW site on Andrews Highway in Midland — the company plans to build a modern Kia dealership in either Odessa or Midland with a grand opening targeted for 2027.

Odessa police are investigating a home burglary in the 7100 block of Valverde on Sunday when forced entry was reported and the suspect fled in a white Dodge Ram—officials urge anyone with helpful footage or information to contact Detective A.

Reyes or Odessa Crime Stoppers referencing Case #25-0009337.

Odessa police reported that the body of a 62-year-old man was found in a field near the IDEA school area by Archuleta on September 3 at 1:53 p.m.—no foul play is suspected as the investigation continues.

Texas schools are updating their library systems as Senate Bill 13 now gives parents more control to view and block certain books.

Ector County ISD has revised its process so that the school board reviews new titles and a built-in tool alerts librarians when a restricted book is checked out—helping families have more input.

Law enforcement agencies across Permian Basin will work together at a new Texas Anti-Gang Center — the 10th facility of its kind — set up under Governor Greg Abbott’s initiative to combat violent crime and drug trafficking as the Midland County Sheriff’s Office hosts the center.

First Friday ODTX

6-9 p.m. — Downtown Odessa — Free entry — Experience a lively monthly celebration of music, games, and delicious food in the heart of Odessa.

Autumn Blaze 5K Run

8 a.m. – 12 p.m. — McKinney Park — $40 Registration Fee — Experience a scenic 5K run through beautiful park views to welcome the autumn season.

Brincos Dieras Comedy Show

8-9:30 p.m. — Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the whimsical comedy of Brincos Dieras, the irreverent clown of Latin America.

Mr. Gnome Concert

2:00 – 9:30 PM — Ector County Library — Cost info not provided — Experience the vibrant sounds of Mr. Gnome with special guests The Talking Hours.

Paula DeAnda & Amanda Perez Concert

7-10 p.m. — The Ector Theatre — Cost TBD — Experience a memorable night of music with Paula DeAnda and Amanda Perez.