🌱 One Killed In Motorcycle Crash + New Bill Changes Interstate Name

Morning, everybody. I'm back in your inbox this morning with your fresh copy of the Odessa-Midland Patch newsletter. Keep reading for everything you need to know about what's happening these days in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Very windy; mostly sunny. High: 73 Low: 46.
• Saturday: Partly sunny and delightful. High: 78 Low: 57.

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

1. Severo Muniz was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident in Odessa on Tuesday night. According to authorities, several motorcycles were traveling down 42nd Street when a Nissan going the opposite direction in the left turn lane failed to yield to the right of way. Two motorcycles collided with the vehicle and another had to lay his bike down to stop. Two bikers were taken to the hospital with serious injuries, where Muniz was later pronounced dead. Another biker was treated at the scene and released. It's not clear yet if the driver will be facing charges; a formal investigation is underway. (The Legal Advocate)
2. Gov. Ted Cruz filed a bill to name the Ports-to-Plains corridor "Interstate 27." The section of highway that diverges from I-27 to Midland is currently named I-227, but with this new bill, it will become part of the Interstate 27 route. Formally naming the route so it can be federally identified will help bring the infrastructure project to fruition. The governor believes this interstate will bring more efficient transportation, lessen the costs of maintenance, and expand opportunities for farmers and ranchers. (Subscription: Midland Reporter-Telegram)
3. Three new restaurants have opened for business, each covering a section of Midland. El Vaquero Tacos y Montados has been serving food in a truck for a few years in the area but has now opened a permanent restaurant in Tall City. If you're looking for something unique, the ramen option offers a delicious fusion meal. Frynatics is a new food truck that had a soft opening last week. It offers 10 different options of piled-high, loaded fries with savory and sweet options. Szechuan House is an Asian fusion restaurant that offers a large menu that includes 25 appetizers, soup, rice, noodles, and various meat, seafood, and vegetable options. (Subscription: Midland Reporter-Telegram)

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Today and tomorrow in Odessa-Midland:

Friday, March 31

• Whiskey Myers - Midland County Horseshoe Arena (7:00 PM)

Saturday, April 1

• April Market At The Gardens - 3300 N. Fairgrounds Road (All Day)
• Teen Crafting Hour - 301 W. Missouri Ave. (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• A recent study by BeenVerified found Texas had the second-highest rate of catalytic converter thefts per 100,000 automobiles in 2022. Visit the link for more statistics on catalytic converter thefts in the Lone Star State and across the United States. (BeenVerified)
• A ceremony for Vietnam veterans was held on Wednesday, Mar. 29 at the Midland Vet Center. Veterans and their families gathered together to honor their service in the war. Special pins were given to veterans who attended. (NewsWest9)
• A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the new Odessa Animal Shelter on Wednesday, Mar. 29. Many local leaders came to tour the new facility that will officially open on Apr. 11. The animal shelter would also like to remind everyone to spay, neuter, and vaccinate their animals. (City Of Odessa via Facebook)
• U.S. Senators Cornyn and Luján introduced a bill to expand and preserve Big Bend National Park. Big Bend National Park to the south of Odessa-Midland is one of the many treasures of the southwest. The new bill is expected to expand the park by 6,100 acres and will also allow the National Park Service to conserve the beautiful ecosystem that thrives along the Terlingua watershed for years to come. (Odessa American)

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.