County court changes tied to jail cleanup and budgets
In Ector County, Sara Kate Billingsley joined the bench as the first female district judge on Sept 22 after Aug 18 appointment by Abbott. Ron Eckert replaced Susan Redford as county judge Oct 12, finishing her term and seeking re election unopposed. Redford oversaw the 2015 2016 budget process amid cuts and higher tax rate, while the county faces revenue shortfalls from lower oil activity. A four year old died at Ector County Cemetery when a centuries old headstone fell. Levi Driver’s family seeks interviews with Redford and cemetery director Fierro as litigation looms.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ector County
Sara Kate Billingsley
Abbott
John Cliffet-Billingsley
Ector County Commissioners
Ron Eckert
Susan Redford
Austin
Redford
Texas Association of Counties
Eckert
Clay George
Chet Bales
Levi
Odessa Regional Medical Center
Caroline Lena Wilson
Cemetery Direc
Community fundraisers face shortfalls in Odessa
United Way relies on local donors to fund 35 Odessa programs including the Boys and Girls Club and Salvation Army. Despite efforts, goals were not met with Red Kettle and Empty Stocking drives falling short. Officials warn future giving may dip and may force smaller allocations while urging continued support.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
United Way
Pursel
Odessa
David Chancellor
Purser
Chancellor
Boys and Girls Club
Salvation Army of
Joe Contreras
Salvation Army
Contreras
Firework Fire Safety Notes From Local Vendors Amid Burn Ban Talk
Fireworks sales buzz around burn bans but Harris reports no counties seeking restrictions yet. Weather moisture described as reducing fire risk, while officials urge caution and surrounding checks. Benavidez, shopper at Mr W Fireworks, favors explosive devices but emphasizes safety and wind awareness. Tony Dennis of Mr W notes proceeds aid Agape Dream Center and Freedom House programs.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Harris
Mata
Larry Benavidez
Mr. W
FM 1936
West University Boulevard
Benavidez
Tony Dennis
Agape Dream Center
SeaWorld sues California over breeding ban at new orca exhibit
SeaWorld filed a San Diego County suit claiming the California Coastal Commission overstepped by banning captive killer whale breeding and transfers at its Blue World project. The park argues federal law governs orca care and that the commission lacks jurisdiction over the orcas.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
SeaWorld
San Diego
California Commission
California
San Diego County
California Coastal Commission
Commission
Texas lawmaker apologizes for rape comment from 2008
Republican Rep. Jonathan Stickland, 32, faces questions as he campaigns for re election after old Internet posts surface. He said the remarks do not reflect his views and sought forgiveness for statements made on a fantasy football forum in 2008.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Austin
Texas
Jonathan Stickland
Stickland
Rick Perry
Fire destroys most of motel in Wildorado Texas
A fire in Wildorado in the Texas Panhandle destroyed a significant portion of the Royal Inn Motel, an L shaped property near Route 66. No injuries were reported. The cause is undetermined though an electrical issue is suspected by Potter County Fire Chief.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Amarillo
Texas Panhandle
Oldham County
Brent Warden
Richard Lake
THE
Associated Press
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