🌱 Western United Life Building Demolished + Spring Plant Sale

Hi, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and nice. High: 75 Low: 42.

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I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

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

1. Odessa-Midland is experiencing a high number of train and car collisions this year, the most recent one happening last Tuesday night. Over the past three months, three collisions have occurred in the Permian Basin. The Union Pacific Railroad says many drivers get confident and think they can beat the train, or don’t get their timing right and get stuck on the tracks. The Department of Public Safety and the Union Pacific say the best way to avoid a collision is to be aware and have patience when driving over train tracks. (CBS)
2. The historic Western United Life Building in Downtown Midland was demolished Saturday morning. Built in 1948, the building housed The Subsurface Library, "a crucial collection of the Permian Basin's well data and a place where independent oil and gas pioneers could connect." The building closed in 1996. It is one of four buildings to be demolished in Downtown Midland in recent history, and the first since 2019. (Newswest 9)
3. The Ector County ISD Spring Plant Sale will be held from Apr. 17 through Apr. 21 at the ECISD Agriculture Farm. The sale, which teaches students customer service and business sense, will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Among the items on sale will be spider plants, geraniums, petunias, fuchsias, impatiens, and more. Proceeds from the sale go back into the horticulture program for students to plant and plan some more. (Odessa American)

From our sponsor:

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Today in Odessa-Midland:

• Walk-In Readings With Bridget At Earth, Body, & Soul (12:00 PM)
• Live Music With Bo Zertuche At Venezia Restaurant (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Beginning today (Mar. 27) there will be a three-lane closure along N. Dixie Blvd at 52nd Street. The lane closure will be between 51st Street and 52nd Street. Two-way traffic will be maintained at all times. (City of Odessa via Twitter)
• Elizabeth Prieto is the new executive director for Downtown Odessa, Inc. A native of West Texas, and now an Odessan for over 20 years, Prieto brings about 14 years of experience working for the city. Learn more about her story at the link. (Newswest 9)
• As a reminder, Odessa is seeking a new city manager. Last week, the benchmark committee finalized a thorough job description of the new position. They expect the position to be filled by June. For more information, visit the link. (Newswest 9)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday. I'll see you soon!

— 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.