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🌱 Patch AM: How long ECISD schools will stay closed for the holidays

Make time for FREE WEBINAR | "A Renaissance Christmas - Remix" on the Odessa Patch calendar

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Good morning Odessa! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How long ECISD schools will stay closed for the holidays
  • Could a state challenge change Odessa’s tax rate and city services?
  • What’s planned for fans at this weekend’s Jackalopes home games?

Also on today's calendar: Winter solstice candle make & take.

Find out what's happening in Odessa-Midlandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: Last night I had a dream. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Odessa-Midlandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Saturday: Sunny, windy and very warm, with a high of 82 and low of 37 degrees.
  • Sunday: Sunny and cooler but pleasant, temps: high: 64, low: 42.
  • Monday: Sunny and warmer, with a high of 78 and low of 49 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• ECISD closed for holidays (star-telegram.com) — Ector County ISD schools and offices are closed for the next two weeks, so Odessa families should plan for no classes or district services until early January. Staff return Monday, Jan. 5, and students go back Tuesday, Jan. 6, giving everyone an extended holiday break from regular school routines.
   

• Odessa mayor disputes Texas Attorney General over alleged tax law violation (newswest9.com) — Odessa Mayor Cal Hendrick is challenging Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s claim that the city broke state law by raising property taxes above the no‑new‑revenue rate and filing a required audit one day late. Hendrick argues the complaint came after legal deadlines, warns that further tax cuts would mean reducing essential services, and urges other cities facing similar notices to push back.
   

• Jackalopes set to host Amarillo in weekend clash (yourbasin.com) — Odessa hockey fans can catch the Jackalopes at home this weekend as they host the Amarillo Wranglers, with games Friday night and Saturday evening. Beyond the on-ice action, fans can join a teddy bear toss and even adopt pets through the team’s ongoing partnership with the Odessa Animal Shelter, with adoptions available at the arena for just $27.
   

📸 Around Odessa

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Anyone looking for this sweet dog?
    Running around on Holley Ave. Seems to have an injured back leg. (Nextdoor Permian West)
  • Iso help for a friend and her 5 kids needed to escape a very bad situation and abusive relationship....
    yes cops have been called but they won't do anything 2 nights ago they made her leave w the kids since he was intoxicated. (Nextdoor Sherwood Park)
  • Bonham Avenue Utility Project Start Date: December 22, 2025 Edgardo Madrid & Associates will be working on a utility project on Bonham Avenue,... (X: CityofOdessa)
  • Traffic Pattern Change for N. Faudree Road Start Date: Early next week Expect N. Faudree Road lane changes early next week. Jones Bros. will install... (X: CityofOdessa)
  • Pizza Hut, Inc. posted a job opening for Hourly Assistant Manager in Odessa. Apply here.
  • Premium Retail Services, Inc. posted a job opening for Seasonal Merchandiser in Odessa. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Odessa here.

🗞 Nearby News

Midland

  • Midland Soup Kitchen Ministry hosts their 39th annual Christmas meal (firstalert7.com)
  • Midland native returns to star as Snow Queen in Midland Festival Ballet's Nutcracker (mrt.com)
  • Diamondback Energy invests $217,300 to expand VR STEM labs at Midland ISD (mrt.com)

Ok Odessa! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I dreamed I was swimming in a pool of orange soda, but it was just a Fanta-sea.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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