Good morning, Odessa.

Believers from across West Texas will gather tonight at Rock the Desert — 2000 S.

FM 1788 — for a prayer and worship service honoring Charlie Kirk. The event will focus on intercession, encouragement, and spiritual strategy and will be led by Inner Court Worship.

Odessa police are accepting registrations for National Night Out scheduled for October 7th from 6—8 p.m. with the registration deadline on October 3rd at 5 p.m., offering residents a chance to host block parties and meet local first responders.

Ross Perot Jr., the newly elected U.S. Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman, will be the keynote speaker at the Odessa Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet & Awards Dinner on Thursday, September 18 at the Marriott Hotel — the event starts with a cocktail hour at 6 p.m. followed by the main program at 7 p.m.

Hispanic Heritage of Odessa held a luncheon today to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month – Mayor Cal Hendrick joined community leaders at the kickoff.

Odessa College is launching a new part-time Licensed Vocational Nursing Program for students balancing work and family and requiring only a TEAS test and a 2.5 GPA—applications will open Oct 1 with classes beginning in January.

The program provides identical clinical instruction to the full-time course and will take 18 months to complete to help meet the local nursing shortage.

Beginning Monday, September 15, 2025, crews will install asphalt in phases on Cross B Ranch Road between Faudree Road and Circle Cross Road as the road is reduced to one lane in each direction.

Meanwhile, P Bar Ranch Road remains closed between Faudree Road and Circle Road—detours are marked to guide drivers.

Tax increase hearings are set in the coming weeks after Tuesday’s hospital district board deadlocked on a proposed 64.11 percent rate increase and will consider a new 62.88 percent rate at 5:30 p.m. Sept.

18 — Odessa College, City Council, and County Commissioners have also scheduled meetings to review proposals that will raise property tax bills for local homeowners.

On Friday, the Odessa Police Department held a wreath-laying ceremony to mark the 18th anniversary of Fallen Corporal Abel Marquez—shot on a domestic violence call and taken to a local hospital where he died four days later—and honor his service.

Governor Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate state resources today to help communities in West Texas brace for severe storms that could bring tornadoes, heavy rain, and flash flooding.

He urged residents to check road conditions and follow local officials’ instructions — emergency teams will support swiftwater rescues, medical aid, and more.

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.