Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How an Odessa predator ended up with two life sentences

You won't want to miss El Gran Caribe on the Odessa Patch calendar

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Friday December 12th Patch AM
Friday December 12th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hello again Odessa! We’re bringing you the latest town highlights. Don’t miss out, keep going! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How an Odessa predator ended up with two life sentences
  • How can Odessa kids get a letter back from Santa?
  • What this Odessa lawsuit ruling means for your city government

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: I once read a book about anti-gravity. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Friday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 69 and low of 38 degrees.
  • Saturday: Mostly sunny and very warm, temps: high: 74, low: 29.
  • Sunday: Colder; breezy in the morning, with a high of 42 and low of 38 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Odessa man sentenced to life for child sex crimes (newswest9.com) — An Odessa man has received multiple prison terms, including two life sentences, for a series of child sex offenses prosecuted by the Ector County District Attorney’s Office. The convictions stem from assaults reported in 2022 involving minors he contacted through social media, with DNA evidence linking him to both cases.
   

2. Odessa's Santa mailbox tradition returns for the holidays (yourbasin.com) — Families in Odessa can once again drop children’s letters to Santa in the special mailbox outside Odessa City Hall, now available through December 19. The City of Odessa Activities Committee expects hundreds of notes and promises each child a reply, keeping this growing local holiday tradition alive for another festive season.
   

3. Ector County judge rules against TGAA in Odessa lawsuit (firstalert7.com) — A local judge has ruled that a key agreement in the lawsuit between the Texas Government Accountability Association and the City of Odessa is invalid and unenforceable, permanently blocking arbitration against the city. This final order, unless appealed, ends the case and keeps the dispute in the court system, which city officials say supports transparency and responsible use of taxpayer money.
   

4. Centers for Children and Families awarded grant for Hill Country flood survivors (firstalert7.com) — Odessa residents now have a local access point to free counseling for survivors of the recent Kerrville flooding, thanks to a $100,000 grant to Centers for Children and Families. The nonprofit has expanded outreach at its Midland and Odessa offices, with virtual options, so anyone affected by the disaster can quickly connect with mental health support.
   

5. From Odessa to the Heartland, sailor supports US Navy's ‘Take Charge and Move Out' mission (star-telegram.com) — An Odessa native and New Tech Odessa graduate, Petty Officer 1st Class Stephen Reffner is now supporting the Navy’s critical “Take Charge and Move Out” nuclear communications mission from Oklahoma City. He credits lessons learned growing up in Odessa and earning his business degree from UT Permian Basin for shaping his resilience, education focus, and success in the service.
   

📸 Around Odessa

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Odessa

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★ Featured events ★

    Friday December 12
  • El Gran Caribe
    La Playa, 2102 E 8th St, Odessa
    8:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Odessa Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Hello!
    My first time on the app, I have a kitten I cannot take care of and she was a stray but she is super cute and loving 2-3 months and I’m giving her… (Nextdoor West Odessa)
  • Found running in traffic, Mission Drive and Santa Ana.
    Just a baby! Please let me know if this is your baby. Call 432-528-3146. @ (Nextdoor Mission Dorado)
  • Whataburger posted a job opening for Restaurant Porter - Unit 302 in Odessa. Apply here.
  • MCR Hotels posted a job opening for Housekeeper in Odessa. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Odessa here.

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 couldn’t put it down.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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