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🌱 Patch AM: What could state penalties mean for Odessa’s new property tax rate?

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Greetings Odessa! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What could state penalties mean for Odessa’s new property tax rate?
  • Odessa family mourns the passing of James Ivan McKinney
  • How much are Midland–Odessa drivers really paying at the pump now?

Today's riddle: I used to work in a doughnut shop. 🤔 (Answer below!)

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

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Warm with periods of sun, with a high of 74 and low of 52 degrees.
  • Thursday: Very warm with clouds and sun, temps: high: 81, low: 54.
  • Friday: Sunny and very warm, with a high of 80 and low of 53 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Odessa vows to fight any penalties issued by Attorney General over delayed audits (star-telegram.com) — Odessa city leaders are vowing to fight penalties the Texas Attorney General says the city faces over delayed financial audits tied to its recently approved property tax rate. Mayor Cal Hendrick argues state officials are misapplying a new law retroactively and says Odessa will challenge both the penalties and the AG’s authority to enforce them.
   

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

2. James Ivan McKinney (thepampanews.com) — Family and friends in Odessa are mourning 60-year-old James Ivan McKinney, whose daughters and several grandchildren live here while services will be held in Pampa on December 27. Remembered as a gifted guitarist, devoted granddad, and longtime Pizza Hut delivery driver, he was known for his humor, music, and love of people.
   

3. National average price of gasoline continues to drop as prices at some gas stations drop below $2/gallon (breckenridgetexan.com) — Drivers in the Midland–Odessa area are paying about $2.44 per gallon on average this week, up 7.7 cents from last week but still well below last month’s prices. Statewide and national averages continue to drift lower, with some Texas stations now dipping under $2. The report suggests prices may stay relatively low in the weeks ahead.
   

4. UTPB football's Kris McCullough accepts head coaching gig at Gardner-Webb (newswest9.com) — UTPB football fans in Odessa are waking up to big news: head coach Kris McCullough is leaving after three winning seasons and a deep 2025 Division II playoff run to take the top job at Gardner-Webb. The program, based in Odessa and beloved across the Permian Basin, now begins a crucial search for a new leader to build on its recent success.
   

5. Obituary: Maria Granado lived a life of learning and educating (bigbendsentinel.com) — Family and friends in Odessa are mourning 94-year-old Maria Granado, who passed away in the city on December 16 after a long life devoted to learning and teaching. A longtime Sul Ross State University employee, she inspired children and grandchildren through education, music, and her Mexican heritage. Services will be held December 26 in Alpine, with burial at Holy Angels Cemetery.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Found two male German Shepards around McKnight and 49th.
    I’m holding them for now but can’t keep. Please help me find their home! (Nextdoor Sherwood Park)
  • Ok folks, I want to give a BIG Shout out to "Big Joe".
    He came and got my walkin shower completed for me. I would recommend him for anyone that needs any work done in your home. He was very… (Nextdoor Floyd Gwinn Park)
  • City of Odessa residents, please review the Holiday Trash Collection schedule for Christmas Week (Dec 22-27). Additional dumpsters will be placed... (X: CityofOdessa)
  • See something that needs attention? Use the Team Odessa app to report issues, submit requests, or share feedback from potholes to code concerns... (X: CityofOdessa)
  • H&M Company posted a job opening for Structural Welder -Fitter in Odessa. Apply here.
  • ABM Industries posted a job opening for School Custodial Cleaner - No Experience Required 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 got tired of the hole business.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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