🌱 Man Hit, Killed By Truck On SH158 + Schwarz Trial About To Begin

Hello again, everybody! I'm back with your fresh copy of the Odessa-Midland Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days.

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy; breezy in the p.m.. High: 83 Low: 48.

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

1. The Texas Department of Public Safety reported that a man walking on State Highway 158 in Midland on Friday morning was killed after he crossed the path of a Ford F-250. DPS determined that James Evans, 35, was walking east on the highway when the driver of the Ford swerved to avoid him, ultimately hitting him with the truck's passenger side mirror. Evans was declared dead at the scene. (Nationwide Report)
2. Jury selection began Tuesday for the Odessa couple charged with capital murder following the death of the eight-year-old girl left in their care. Daniel and Ashley Schwarz were arrested in 2020 after investigators determined that they punished the girl, named Jaylin, by forcing her to jump on a trampoline for an extended period of time in temperatures above 100 degrees after forbidding her from eating breakfast. Attorneys narrowed the jury down from about 90 people to 14 with opening statements made on Tuesday, Apr. 25. (News West 9)
3. On Tuesday, the TSA began installing a new X-ray scanner at Midland International Air & Space Port Security Checkpoint. The new equipment will be installed in a phased approach, with one new lane being equipped per week. The city recommends passengers arrive at the terminal at least two hours prior to scheduled departure times. The project is expected to be completed by May 8. (CBS 7)

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Today in Odessa-Midland:

• Nerf Glow Wars At Harvest Time Church (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Odessa Animal Services will be holding a two-day pet adoption event at Bubba's 33 on Thursday and Friday. If you want to take home a new member of the family, the adoption fee is $27, cash only. (City of Odessa via Facebook)
• Get yourself some barbecue this Saturday at the 15th Annual Cook-Off at Living Way Foursquare Church in Midland. This year, the event will be be judging five categories: brisket, pork ribs, chicken, chocolate dessert, and non-chocolate dessert. (Living Way Foursquare Church via AllEvents.In)
• The annual Odessa Parks and Recreation Mother and Son Dance will take place on Saturday, May 13 with the theme "A Night at the Circus." Tickets are on sale now. (City of Odessa via Facebook)

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.