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:
Also on today's calendar: Reiki Clinic Day and 5 more events.
Today's riddle: What is the longest word in the dictionary? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. Odessans may get water bill credit (star-telegram.com) — Odessa residents could see a one-time credit on their water bills after July's smelly, bad-tasting water, if City Council signs off on the plan. Council will also hold a public hearing on the 2026–27 budget, consider a slight property tax rate increase, major street design contracts, and nearly $449,000 to replace aging city radios.
2. IDEA executive excited about new year (oaoa.com) — Families in Odessa now have three IDEA Public Schools campuses, including the new K–12 IDEA Henry on Briarwood Avenue, serving roughly 3,000 students across the Permian Basin. Regional leader Erica Matamoros says staff are focused on smooth arrivals and dismissals, strong instruction from extensively trained teachers, and supporting many first-time IDEA educators as they launch a unique full-scale K–12 model.
3. Basin Gridiron Training Camp: Compass Cougars (yourbasin.com) — Odessa fans following Compass Academy football get a look at how the Cougars are preparing for a tougher district and a new run-pass-option offense after last year's 9-2 run. Coaches and senior leaders say improved receivers, a deeper defensive playbook, and strong chemistry could fuel a deeper playoff push when they open at Crane on August 28.
4. How one organization helps West Texas nonprofits survive & thrive (yourbasin.com) — Nonprofits in Odessa and Midland can tap the Nonprofit Management Center for help with finances, HR, board governance, and long-term planning. The group offers training, technical assistance, and networking so local organizations can stay sustainable and better serve West Texas communities. Leaders can also sign up for future workshops and capital campaign support.
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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: Smiles, because it has a mile between "s". (Thank you Sharon M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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