Hey there, Odessa! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Livingston Forge Hammer-In and 7 more events.
Today's riddle: Why are elevator jokes so good ? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Odessa Firefighter passes away aged 53, city says (yourbasin.com) — Odessa residents are mourning longtime Fire Rescue firefighter and paramedic Eric Handlin, who died Friday night after weeks on life support following a mid-August medical emergency at Fire House 8. City officials plan to announce a memorial service soon, and Odessa Fire & Rescue is encouraging anyone wishing to help his family to donate through The Yard Foundation.
2. US solar recyclers cash in on recovered metals as low-silver panels threaten the model (thecooldown.com) — A solar panel recycling plant in Odessa is helping tackle the growing waste from damaged and retired solar modules, recovering valuable materials like glass, aluminum, and silicon. The story explains how changing panel designs and lower silver content could challenge recyclers' business models, while new technologies in Texas and other states aim to keep panels out of landfills and strengthen clean‑energy supply chains.
3. Discover Odessa earns four Destination Texas Awards, including two first-place honors (star-telegram.com) — Odessa's tourism arm, Discover Odessa, just brought home four Destination Texas Awards, including top honors for a cinematic "Discover Your Story" campaign and a football-themed sports promotion inviting fans to spend weekends in town. The group also earned recognition for convention and leisure tourism efforts tied to major events like the Permian Basin International Oil Show, underscoring Odessa's growing visitor economy and professionalized tourism team.
4. Jury dismissed as judge declares mistrial in 2019 Odessa murder case (newswest9.com) — A high-profile Odessa murder case ended in a mistrial after an Ector County judge dismissed the jury following days of deliberation over the 2019 killing of Brandon Swinney. Jurors heard sharply different arguments about digital evidence, phone records, and suspect Roman Alvarado Jr.'s interviews, and it's now unclear whether prosecutors will seek a retrial or what comes next in the case.
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
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: Because they work on so many levels ! (Thank you Gary M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Odessa Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.