Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Want a behind-the-scenes look at Odessa police work this fall?

You won't want to miss Ector Theatre on the Odessa Patch calendar

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Friday August 21st Patch AM
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Hello Odessa! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Want a behind-the-scenes look at Odessa police work this fall?
  • Where to bring your lawn chair for Odessa's free August 29 concert
  • How detectives say a west Odessa traffic stop led to big bust

Also on today's calendar: Sound Healing Sessions and 6 more events.

Today's riddle: What is full of holes but still holds water? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Sunny and toasty conditions, with a high of 101 and low of 76 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: Mostly sunny and hot, temps: high: 101, low: 76.
  • Sunday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high of 103 and low of 76 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Odessa Police Department invites public to 32nd Citizens Police Academy (yourbasin.com) — Odessa residents can now apply for the Police Department's free 9‑week Citizens Police Academy, starting Thursday, October 1, with weekly evening sessions. Participants will tour divisions, learn how officers work day-to-day, and get hands-on insight into local policing. Applications and full details are available through the city's Citizens Police Academy webpage.
   

2. West Texas Music Academy to host lawn chair concert (star-telegram.com) — West Texas Music Academy is celebrating 15 years with a free outdoor "Play For Peace" concert in downtown Odessa on August 29 at 10 a.m. Residents are invited to bring lawn chairs, enjoy student and teacher performances, and note that West 5th Street between Grant and Lee will be closed for safety during the event.
   

3. Odessa men arrested with over 3 pounds of methamphetamine (newswest9.com) — Odessa police say two men were arrested late Wednesday after detectives investigating suspected drug activity at a west Odessa industrial lot reportedly found more than 1,700 grams of methamphetamine. Officers stopped a car leaving the property, then executed a search warrant, and the two suspects are now being held in Ector County Jail on high bonds.
   

4. Be a Buddy: Meet Ava (firstalert7.com) — A 9-year-old Odessa girl named Ava is looking for a Big Sister through Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Permian Basin, hoping for someone to support her big dreams and everyday adventures. Local residents can volunteer by contacting the organization, potentially changing a child's life with just a few hours each month.
   

5. Odessa Bronchos kick off football season with annual watermelon feed (yourbasin.com) — Odessa High's Bronchos are one week from kickoff, and fans just packed the annual Watermelon Feed at Odessa High School to meet the 2026 team. Community members enjoyed performances, plenty of watermelon, and a first look at players, cheerleaders, and dancers. Team leaders say growing participation and a stronger locker-room culture are fueling optimism for the season.
   

📸 Around Odessa

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Odessa

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★ Featured events ★

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Other local events

📣 Odessa Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Friday August 21
  • 15th Annual Pull for a Promise Clay Shoot
    Midland Chamber of Commerce Midland Shooters Association 7400 W County Road 170 Midland, TX 79706
    8:00 am
  • Classic Albums Live - Fleetwood Mac "Rumours" →
    Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, 1310 Farm to Market 1788, Midland
    7:30 pm
    • Saturday August 22
  • 50 Years at the Brown-Dorsey Home Celebration
    Midland Chamber of Commerce Brown-Dorsey Historic Home 213 N. Weatherford Midland, TX 79701
    6:30 pm
    • Wednesday August 26
  • XC @ Brownwood
    Greenwood ISD Midland, TX 79706

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.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Got a package for someone named the Flores residence on W.
    Venita near Dunn. If this is you, please dm me. (Nextdoor McCoy St)
  • What do I not like about this grill place?
    It is almost impossible to choose from all the delicious foods! (Nextdoor Crescent Park)
  • Crunch Fitness posted a job opening for Janitorial/ Maintenance Attendant in Odessa. Apply here.
  • Jason's Deli posted a job opening for Kitchen Team Member 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: A sponge (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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