Good morning, Odessa.

The 43rd annual Merry Marketplace will run Nov.

5-8 at the Ector County Coliseum, hosted by the Junior League of Odessa, offering local merchants and ticketed events (shopping party for 21+, champagne brunch, and breakfast with Santa) for holiday shopping and fun.

Today, Diamondback Energy hosted its 8th annual Honor & Serve Luncheon to recognize Permian Basin first responders in Odessa.

Employees served meals and held a raffle to appreciate the work of these local heroes.

Odessa oilman Kirk Edwards is optimistic that American LNG will remain a secure energy source even as Europe uses less gas and renewable power rises, noting new pipelines like Blackcomb + Hugh Brinson will ease Permian supply challenges and boost Gulf Coast exports.

Halloween events sweep Odessa this week.

The Ector County Sheriff's Office hosts a Spooktacular on Oct.-25 from noon to 4 p.m. at 5816 W. University, while Permian Nightmare offers its Black Out Night today at 500 S. Grant Ave and downtown trick-or-treat events begin on Oct.-30.

Hundreds of job seekers gathered at the Ector County Coliseum on Thursday for an oil and gas hiring event that saw some companies hiring over 200 people on the spot.

Permian Basin Hiring Events organized the fair, and another similar event is planned in Midland on Nov. 12.

Ector County ISD will start Red Ribbon Week on Monday, Oct.

26 at Bonham Middle School at 9:15 a.m., featuring a drug-free celebration with community leaders (superintendent, mayor, police chief) and high school performances. Students across ECISD will take part in theme days promoting healthy choices through Oct. 30.

TxDOT will display a mobile exhibit at Odessa High School football game today from 6 p.m. through halftime (west parking lot) to share safe driving tips and interactive quizzes for young drivers and families.

Odessa’s Rinah Lewis won Gold at the IBJJF Jiu Jitsu tournament in Fort Lauderdale last weekend when teammate Ava Smith took Silver and Paul Kosanke Jr. earned Bronze.