🌱 Former Midland Employee Speaks Out + 3 Human Trafficking Arrests

Hello, neighbors. It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Odessa-Midland Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in our community.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 82 Low: 67.
• Thursday: Increasingly windy. High: 88 Low: 63.

Interested in reaching our local readers with targeted messaging that drives traffic to your business? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

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

1. A former Midland city employee who was fired last week has expressed concern over his departure as the Animal Service Manager. Ty Coleman was unaware of a year-long probation period, and claims he was never given negative feedback, disciplined, or coached to evaluate his progress. The shelter was closed two weeks ago due to a virus outbreak, and although Coleman advised against reopening, the city went ahead, causing workers to euthanize 30 dogs. (CBS 7 News)
2. Three men in Odessa have been arrested and are now facing second-degree felony charges in relation to a human traffic operation. The Texas Department of Public Safety conducted an Online Solicitation of a Minor Operation from Apr. 26-29 to identify and apprehend individuals suspected of being involved in human trafficking. Multiple agencies, including DPS and Texas Highway Patrol, assisted in these investigations. (CBS 7 News)
3. Alyssa Chere Owens, from Lamesa, died in a collision on State Highway 349 in Midland County on Monday. She was traveling northbound in the left lane and collided with a trailer that was stopped in the left lane. Owens was pronounced dead at the scene and this is the 17th fatality reported in Midland County this year. (Midland Reporter-Telegram)

From our sponsor:

Today’s Odessa-Midland Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Odessa-Midland Patch newsletter possible.

Today in Odessa-Midland:

Wednesday, May 3

• Yoga At The Museum At 4919 E University Blvd (8:00 AM)
• Bookmobile At Freeland Park (2:00 PM)

Thursday, May 4

• League Night At Rimrock Raceway (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Midland Habitat for Humanity is accepting online applications from prospective homeowners to provide affordable housing to families in the Permian Basin. The organization has a thorough qualifying process that includes a minimum of 350 hours of volunteer work and a homeownership education program. Successful applicants receive a 0 percent interest mortgage, helping them achieve homeownership. (News West 9)
• Join the OC Sports Center on the second Monday and fourth Friday of every month for a guided meditation. This a great opportunity to relax and spend 30 minutes on yourself. The event is open to all Odessa college students, employees, and sports center members. (Discover Odessa)
• The Bush Tennis Center is hosting its annual "Best of the West" event this weekend to raise funds for local non-profit organizations. The event features various activities, including a BBQ competition where participants will grill chicken, brisket, ribs, and other meats. This year's event promises to be a fun-filled weekend for all attendees, with proceeds going to support charitable causes in the local community. (Your Basin)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (May 4)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (May 6)
• College Planning and Financial Aid Webinar (May 9)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you back in your inbox soon with a new update!

— 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.