🌱 Basin PBS Heritage Festival + Local Veteran Celebrates 100 Birthday

Good morning, neighbors! I'm here with your fresh copy of the Odessa-Midland Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out all the local information you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Hot; breezy in the afternoon. High: 103 Low: 80.
• Tuesday: Mostly sunny, breezy and hot. High: 106 Low: 80.

Here are the top three stories in Odessa-Midland today:

1. Basin PBS is organizing the Basin PBS Heritage Festival, a cultural event aimed at celebrating and showcasing the diverse cultures present in the Permian Basin. The festival, taking place on Sep. 30 at Centennial Park Midland, will feature traditional pottery, performances on an outdoor stage, and booths from various cultural organizations. In addition, attendees can enjoy a free concert by Los Lonely Boys, a band known for their hit song "Heaven." (OA Online)
2. James Kelley, a local veteran from Odessa, celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by loved ones at Crossroads Church. Having served as an assistant engineer on a B-24 bomber during World War II, Kelley sees reaching 100 as a normal part of life and doesn't believe there's anything to fear. He expressed gratitude for the love and attention he has received from his friends, family, and community. (News West 9)
3. The 1:11 Project, a local Odessa non-profit organization consisting of individuals who have lost loved ones to fentanyl poisoning, held a car wash to raise funds for youth education on the dangers of fentanyl. The organization aims to provide educational presentations and print materials to schools across West Texas. Founder Michelle Watson, who lost her son to fentanyl poisoning, emphasized their mission to educate the community and support those affected by fentanyl-related tragedies. (CBS 7)

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Today and tomorrow in Odessa-Midland:

Monday, July 10

• Sports Physical Clinic At MCH Urgent Care (5:00 PM)
• Painting: Bird Of Paradise At Wine & Canvas (6:00 PM)

Tuesday, July 11

• Family Night: Decorative Votives At Ector County Library (4:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Odessa Fire Rescue quickly responded to a minor fire incident at Milam Elementary School on Saturday evening and was limited to the top of an A/C unit. No significant damage was reported, as the gas supply to the unit was promptly shut off, extinguishing the fire. (Your Basin)
• Tim Jakel, a Midland native and former member of the Boys & Girls Club, now plays a leadership role in the organization, serving as the Director of Development in Midland and Odessa. Despite losing college football scholarships due to a weightlifting injury, Jakel found purpose in working for non-profits and was inspired by a conversation with a high school mentor to make a difference in his community through the Boys & Girls Club. (CBS 7)
• Nearby Comanche Trail Park in Big Spring is a historic site that served as a watering hole and meeting place for the Native American Comanche tribe. It played a significant role in the settlement and development of the region, with Midland and Odessa owing their existence to the site. Today, the park offers a range of recreational amenities, including an amphitheater, golf course, tennis courts, baseball fields, playgrounds, and pavilions, while preserving its cultural and natural heritage. (News West 9)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll see you around!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.