Take a look at the news in and around Odessa on Monday, Jan. 29. Find complete local news coverage in the Odessa American every day, online at oaoa.com and our daily E-Edition at myoaoa.com.
1. Republican voters in Ector County will pick one of two political newcomers to become the new county judge, marking the first time in 16 years that the county’s top administrator has been decided by an election and falling at a time when the county faces critical challenges including the prospect of an ongoing budget crisis.
2. Leading the U.S. House Intelligence Committee’s investigation of possible Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election, U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway says he expects the report will confirm that the Russian government tried to influence the outcome in favor of President Trump but that its efforts didn’t change any actual vote results.
3. About two years ago, Ector County Independent School District and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center agreed to offer mental health treatment through telepsychiatry.
4. For the first time in many years, Bonham Middle School has a Communities in Schools representative on campus to help ensure students are passing their courses, have the proper attire to wear and even enough food to eat.
5. IN SPORTS: The Permian Panthers overcame a midgame letdown, but responded when needed to take a 58-44 victory over Midland High at the Chaparral Center to wrap up the first half of the District 2-6A boys schedule all alone in first place. The Odessa High boys basketball team found its familiar stride in the second quarter and the Bronchos rolled to a 60-36 victory over Wolfforth Frenship on Friday in the OHS Fieldhouse.
6. BONUS: IN SPORTS: The UTPB Falcons got out quickly Saturday and maintained control all the way in defeating the Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds 94-77 in Lone Star Conference men’s action at the Falcon Dome.
