Take a look at the news in and around Odessa on Tuesday, Jan. 16. Find complete local news coverage in the Odessa American every day, online at oaoa.com and our daily E-Edition at myoaoa.com.

1. Martin Luther King Jr.’s message is still remembered to this day, and more than 150 people of all different races and backgrounds gathered Monday morning around the Southside Senior Citizens Center, 900 S. Dixie Blvd., to celebrate his message of equality and his dedication to civil rights.


2. Congressman Mike Conaway said he expects to release a massive farm bill in the coming months that seeks to reauthorize and reform food assistance programs this year, but revealed little on Monday about any potential cuts.


3. The Texas Department of Transportation begins this week on a privately funded project to add acceleration and deceleration lanes for a sand mine on Highway 302 in Winkler County.


4. A proposed STEM-based partnership between the University of Texas of the Permian Basin and Ector County Independent School district will be among the items discussed at an ECISD Board of Trustees work study session set for 6 p.m. today in the board room of the administration building, 802 N. Sam Houston Ave.


5. IN SPORTS: The Odessa High Bronchos and Permian Panthers enter their first crosstown matchup of the season tied for first place in the District 2-6A boys basketball race.