Odessa Fire Rescue Chief Announces the Passing of Firefighter Eric Handlin

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(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Odessa, Texas/September 7, 2026-This is DRB Media Communications Digital News…On Saturday, September 5th, a press conference was held by Odessa Fire Rescue Chief Jason Cotton on the passing of 25-year firefighter veteran Eric Handlin. Here’s the report. 

(Jason Cotton, Fire Chief-Odessa Fire Rescue/Odessa, Texas) 

“After handling on August twenty first, was found unconscious at firehouse eight on Yukon, and he was taken immediately to the hospital when his crew found him, taken to the E.R., taken to surgery and then taken up to ICU, where he has been for the past couple of weeks. He was put on life support.” 

On Friday evening, September 4th at approximately eight fifteen, Odessa Fire Rescue-Firefighter-EMT Eric Handlin passed away. 

(Jason Cotton, Fire Chief-Odessa Fire Rescue/Odessa, Texas) 

“That crew made a call around midnight, got back to the station a little bit before one a m on the twenty first. They got back to the house, went to bed. They had another alarm toned out at approximately four a m; the firefighter Handlin did not make it to the truck. One of the guys got off the truck to go look for him and found him inside the station unconscious. We don’t know what happened, exactly what happened, but it was deemed natural causes.” 

If you would like to support the Handlin family during this difficult time, donations can be made through The YARD Foundation at www.theyardfoundation.org/mayday/handlin. 

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

Follow us on Facebook, X Formerly Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and visit DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS.TV. I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watching. 

 

Cheri Dalton, Director of Media Relations Retires after 32-Years of Service at Odessa College

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(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

This is DRB Media Communications Digital News. A long-time Odessa College icon retires after 32 years of service at the college. Here’s the story. 

Odessa, Texas/August 31, 2026- Cheri Dalton, Director of Media Relations at Odessa College, is retiring after 32 years of dedicated service to the college. Dalton has been with Odessa College since Dr. Gregory Williams became president and has witnessed the tremendous growth and changes the college has experienced over the years. During her recent retirement celebration, Dalton said she feels blessed to have made so many lifelong friends during her time at Odessa College. She says she will miss her colleagues and friends dearly as she begins this new chapter in her life. 

(Cheri Dalton, Director of Media Relations-Retires after 32 Years at Odessa College) 

“You have no idea what a blessing you have been to me. And, uh, when I started here in nineteen ninety-four, I believe it was. Never would I have imagined that I would be here thirty-two years later, and never would I have imagined the changes that I have seen to the campus through the personnel, uh, the pine trees that are gone now, we have much more parking in place. Um, the growth that we have had, but it has been such an honor and such a blessing to be able to work and play and spend time with you.” 

We here at DRB Media Communications Digital News wish Cheri Dalton a much-deserved retirement! After 32 years of dedicated service to Odessa College, Cheri leaves behind a tremendous legacy and many lasting friendships. 

We will certainly miss you, Cheri, and we wish you all the best in this exciting new chapter of your life. Congratulations and enjoy your retirement! 

 This is DRB Media Communications Digital News. 

(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Follow us on Facebook, X Formerly Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and visit DRB Media Communications Digital News.TV. I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watching. 

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library continues to make a difference for children across Ector County

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(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

THIS IS DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library continues to make a difference for children across Ector County, helping young readers build a strong foundation before they enter school. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Odessa, Texas/August 27, 2026-Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is an important literacy program offered through the Ector County Library. Once children from birth to age five are enrolled, they receive a free, age-appropriate book delivered to them each month. The program is designed to help young children develop a love of reading and encourage early literacy skills. 

(Howard Marks, Library Director-Ector County Library/Odessa, Texas 

“Dolly Parton is putting out and her foundation are putting out these free materials zero to five. And she, from what we hear, is even putting out videos, thanking them and congratulating them on completing the program. And so, it’s a real it’s a real boon to West Texas. And, you know, it’s an honor to be part of this program, first of all. And second of all, what an opportunity for kids to get a head start and excel in literacy and reading and, and all these fundamentals that will help them greatly throughout life.” 

The plans Dolly Parton and the Dollywood Foundation put in place weren’t a single funding model, but a multi‑layered strategy designed to keep the program alive through partnerships, matching systems, and private philanthropy. 

(Celeste Potter, Executive Director-Education Foundation of Odessa) 

“Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will continue there. The Dollywood Foundation has already reached out to all of the local affiliates and let us know the program is still continuing. She had plans in place after her passing, so the program is not going anywhere so long as we continue to have the funding. And right now, our funding looks really good. If we ever get into a position where funding is, we’re not so sure we will be reaching out to. The Ector County community to help us keep this program going.” 

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is funded locally by the Education Foundation and Chevron, while the Ector County Library also received a grant from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission to help support the program. the program, giving them a strong foundation in reading and helping prepare them for kindergarten. 

(Celeste Potter, Executive Director-Education Foundation of Odessa) 

“I actually had a parent reach out to me. Her little boy was the very first child we had signed up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. He graduated in February and this year enrolled in kindergarten at Austin Elementary. And on his first day of school. Saying what he loves more than anything is to read. And she attributes that to the books that he received through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.” 

So far, approximately 1,500 children have graduated from the program, giving them a strong foundation in reading and helping prepare them for kindergarten and their educational journey ahead. For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Follow us on Facebook, X Formerly Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and visit DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS.TV. I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watching. 

 

 

Odessa Arts Our Town Everywhere 100-Year Anniversary 2027

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(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

This is DRB Media Communications Digital News. Odessa Arts has a new project for Odessa’s 100-year Anniversary in 2027. Danny Barrera has the story. 

(Jessenia Corco-Team Member-Odessa Arts/Odessa, Texas) 

Odessa, Texas/August 24, 2026-Odessa Arts has launched a new project in preparation for Odessa’s 100-year anniversary in 2027. The project, called “Our Town Everywhere,” will highlight the people, businesses and institutions that help make Odessa unique. 

(Jessenia Corco-Team Member-Odessa Arts/Odessa, Texas) 

As part of the project, Odessa Arts plans to visit various businesses and institutions throughout the community to create self-characters representing the people and organizations they encounter. These characters will eventually be featured in a special publication celebrating Odessa’s centennial. 

The project is designed to capture the spirit and personality of Odessa and the people who have helped shape the city over the years. For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Follow us on Facebook, X Formerly Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel. Visit DRB Media Communications Digital News. Tv.  I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watching.  

Medical Center Hospital Hosts Community Resource Fair at Texas Tech University Health Science Center

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(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

This is DRB Media Communications Digital News. Medical Center Hospital Hosted a Community Resource Fair. Here’s the story. 

Odessa, Texas/August 20, 2026-Medical Center Hospital hosted a Community Resource Fair for a day of connection, support and community. This fair gives maternity patients an opportunity to see what resources are available for them as they leave the hospital. 

(Megan Parker, Director of Labor and Delivery-Medical Center Health System/Medical Center Hospital) 

“There’s a lot of people that don’t even realize what Odessa has to offer. Um, and so I think if you’re needing some assistance or some help and whether it’s financial, housing, education, um, there’s a lot in the community that people don’t know about, and there’s a lot out there that can help people who, um, you know, maybe even need some help or are ready to take a next step in purchasing a home or going to school or whatever the case may be.” 

The free Community Resource event was held in the Rotunda area at Texas Tech University Health Science Center Permian Basin. Several organizations and institutions included Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels of Odessa, Odessa College, Ector County ISD, financial institutions and others provided information focused on Healthcare, Education, financial services and pathways for home ownership. 

(Megan Parker, Director of Labor and Delivery-Medical Center Health System/Medical Center Hospital) 

“And then we also have partnered with some of these, um, resources that are out in organizations that are out in the community. And we’ve gotten their pamphlets and stuff that we can share with our patients.” 

For more information contact the Marketing Department or the Health and Wellness at Medical Center Hospital. This is DRB Media Communications Digital News. 

(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor-DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Follow us on Facebook, X Formerly Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and visit DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS.TV. I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watching. 

Faith In Uniform Inaugural Event Honoring Veterans and First Responders

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(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor- DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

This is DRB Media Communications. Crossroads Fellowship Church hosted its first Faith in Uniform community event. Danny Barrera has the story. 

Odessa, Texas/August 17, 2026-Crossroads Fellowship Church held its inaugural Faith in Uniforms event, honoring veterans, local law enforcement officers and first responders. Families came out to enjoy an afternoon of music, free hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and drinks. Children also enjoyed jumpers, volleyball and other fun activities. 

(Steven Ramirez, Investigator-Midland County Sheriff’s Office/Group Leader-” Faith In Uniform”) 

“It’s a way to get back to the community for the ones who, who, uh, who backed us and supported us. So, we’re here to give back to the community and just kind of, uh, have, have everybody get together from all the permanent bases. This event is for active and retired military and first responders. So, you’re going to have everybody from, uh, Air Force, military, retired, active; they’re all walking around here. Um, and it’s just a way just, just to say thank you for their service as well.” 

Faith In Uniform is a veteran and first responder Christian-based support group at Crossroads Fellowship Church. The group provides support to veterans and first responders dealing with PTSD, depression and other challenges that can arise following military service or as a result of the demands of their jobs. 

(Trey Hammond, Discipleship of Groups at Crossroads Fellowship Church/Odessa, Texas) 

“As a church we are. For the basin is one of our mantras. It’s our our desire to to reach out to the basin area, uh, to be able to serve our community with different types of outreaches. And this is one of those where we can reach families that are involved in our first responders, you know, military, retired, veteran, active duty, uh, just a chance for us to serve.” 

To find out more about FAITH IN UNIFORM contact Crossroads Fellowship Church.  

For DRB Media Communications Digital News, Danny Barrera. 

(David Gomez, AiNews Anchor- DRB Media Communications Digital News) 

Follow us on Facebook, X Formerly Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and visit DRB MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS DIGITAL NEWS.TV. I’m David Gomez. Thanks for watchingl.