City of Odessa

Odessa Mayor Larry Melton elaborates Thursday on the announcement that the city will tighten its water restrictions following the cut in its allotment by the Colorado River Municipal Water District. The new restrictions will take affect April 1.

More water restrictions to begin March 1

BY LYXAN TOLEDANES

It’s going to be a long, dry summer ahead for residents as City of Odessa officials on Thursday announced tougher water restrictions to meet the Colorado River Municipal Water District’s reduced water deliveries. The new set of water...... Full story

David Richmond, left, and Nick Jakunik of Basset Construction fit an insulated concrete frame piece into a gap Tuesday during construction of a house on the 900 block Corpus Circle.The houses are being developed for low-to-moderate income families. Family's that qualify will be able to receive down-payment and closing cost from the City of Odessa.

More affordable homes being built

BY LYXAN TOLEDANES

While Odessa’s population continues to grow, places to live in town aren’t just hard to find – they come with a steep price, too. To offset the increasing price of renting apartments and buying homes, Odessa Affordable Housing and...... Full story

Council holds first public hearing for annexation

ODESSA AMERICAN

Three areas north and east of Odessa might soon be integrated into the city’s landscape as the Odessa City Council heard the first public hearing regarding annexation on Tuesday.East of the intersection of East 89th Street and Rainbow Drive,...... Full story

[NR] Odessa to participate in Great Texas Warrant Roundup

NEWS RELEASE

NEWS RELEASE The City of Odessa is participating in the annual Great Texas Warrant Roundup beginning Saturday, February 25, 2012. Individuals with outstanding warrants will be the primary focus of Odessa Police Officers.Anyone with a warrant is...... Full story

Council puts drilling issue on hold

BY LYXAN TOLEDANES

North Odessa residents will have to play the waiting game as the Odessa City Council deferred consideration of rezoning three proposed drill sites in Mission Dorado.Three areas totaling around six acres near Dorado Drive in Mission Dorado are being...... Full story

Council to consider seal coat alternative

ODESSA AMERICAN

Odessa is growing — literally, as the Odessa City Council considers an annexation request during their meeting 7 p.m. Tuesday in City Hall.Landowner Clyde Hinton has requested the city of Odessa annex 146.98 acres north and east of the...... Full story

Odessa sales-tax check increases again

BY STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

The local economy continues to go from strength to strength, following 2011’s sales tax numbers with even greater returns.The city of Odessa received $3,559,425.22 from the state comptroller’s office, a check based on December’s...... Full story

City of Odessa employees David Avary, left, and Ronnie Lewis wait for equipment to arrive Wednesday at a broken water main at Everglade Avenue and 56th Street.

Water main break

PHOTO BY HEATHER LEIPHART

City of Odessa employees David Avary, left, and Ronnie Lewis wait for equipment to arrive Wednesday at a broken water main at Everglade Avenue and 56th Street. Lewis said he arrived on scene around 4:30 p.m. and expects that the repair will take all...... Full story

Chevron employees work Wednesday at a Chevron drill site south of Highway 191 and about a mile east of Faudree Road.

Council will tackle drilling issue

BY LYXAN TOLEDANES

As Odessa’s population grows and the city expands to the northeast, residents and businesses are running into issues concerning drill sites.At its next meeting on Feb. 14, the Odessa City Council will consider rezoning three areas near Dorado...... Full story

Filling in the cracks

PHOTO BY MARK STERKEL

Andy "Gibbs" Gibson, left, and Rey "Razor" Baroro with the city of Odessa Public Works Streets department apply tar to the cracks in the roadway Friday morning on Whitaker Avenue near Fifth Street. The project is part of the ongoing street...... Full story

Firefighter Johann Ramos puts the finishing touches on a new decal decorating the side of an Odessa Fire and Rescue vehicle after removing the older decal. The Odessa Fire Department has formally changed its name to Odessa Fire and Rescue.

Fire chief: Name change reflects new mentality

BY JOHN CORRALES

Though not as dramatic as Robert Zimmerman or Cassius Clay, the Odessa Fire Department has opted to change its name.“Odessa Fire/Rescue” more accurately reflects the broader range of services provided by what was once known as the Odessa...... Full story

Council supports municipal-setting designation

BY LYXAN TOLEDANES

Though no official discussion took place during the meeting, Odessa City Council members approved a resolution of support for an industrial company applying for a municipal setting designation from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality...... Full story

New name, new logo for fire department

ODESSA AMERICAN

The Odessa Fire Department is now known as Odessa Fire/Rescue. The name change, announced Monday, reflects the changing needs of the community, officials said.As a result of a higher demand for EMS services, three stations are equipped with Squads,...... Full story

Council to consider medical grant

ODESSA AMERICAN

The Odessa Fire Department may be incorporating an emergency utility vehicle into their fleet if Odessa City Council members approve of their grant application during their meeting Tuesday.Council members will consider an OFD non-matching grant...... Full story

City’s affordable-home programs facing price increase

BY LYXAN TOLEDANES

Affordable homes in Odessa might be looking less than affordable for some Odessa residents looking to get help from the City of Odessa’s home buyer programs.Community Development Director Merita Sandoval said she will request the Odessa City...... Full story