September 8 , 2008

“SOGGY DOGGY SPLASH DAY”

The City of Midland’s Animal Services and Parks & Recreation Divisions invite all dogs and dog owners to the fifth annual “Soggy Doggy Splash Day” on Saturday, September 13, 2008, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., at Doug Russell Pool, 900 N. Midland Drive.   The entrance fee for each dog is $1.00 and each person is $1.00 with children two and under being free.

This is a great opportunity for you and your dog to cool off at Doug Russell Pool and enjoy the companionship of fellow dog owners.

In an effort to ensure that all dogs and their owners have a safe, enjoyable experience the staff of Animal Services and Parks & Recreation remind you of the following:

• Dogs must be accompanied by a responsible person 16 years or older
• Dogs must be on a leash outside the fenced area of the pool
• Dogs must be properly vaccinated and licensed or show proof of vaccination
• Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets
• Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times

Lifeguards will be on duty, so dog owners are invited to swim with their pets if desired. 

Call the Animal Services at 685.7420 for more information.

The money raised by this event will be used to help purchase amenities for Hogan’s Run Dog Park.

SEPTEMBER 9th CITY COUNCIL MEETING

• During an 8:30 a.m. briefing session, the City Council will listen to a presentation by the Midland Development Corporation regarding LiveMidland.  The initiative is aimed at raising internal and external awareness of redevelopment opportunities in downtown Midland.  The campaign targets businesses and individuals interested in working, living, or socializing in downtown Midland.  The concept includes web based information including blogs, live video, message boards, and pictures on flickr. 
• Also during the briefing session, the City Council will discuss the Midland Police Department’s community based strategy for strengthening neighborhoods.  The discussion will include what the department is currently doing as well as potential initiatives for the future.  They will discuss the Justice Department’s Weed & Seed Program and how a local model could be adopted. 
• During the regular meeting, the Council will consider approving the selection of a firm to conduct a comparative fee study for city services.  The firm will have the task of reviewing all fees the city currently charges for various services and compare them to other municipalities to determine if any adjustments are needed.  The comprehensive study will ensure that Midlanders continue to receive top-notch services at an affordable rate.
• The City Council will consider approving a contract with Casa de Amigos for the Home Cleaning Program.  As part of the 2008/09 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, $24,366 was allocated to the Home Cleaning Program.  This program is administered by Casa de Amigos.  A total of 300 indigent senior citizens and disabled individuals will be served.  The contract will support the program from October 2008 – September 2009. 

AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT ARREST
Midland Police arrested a man today in connection with the Aggravated Sexual Assault of a 67-year-old female back on July 19, 2008.

35-year-old Colonel Livingston Lewis (7-29-73) was taken into custody this morning after officers obtained an arrest warrant.  He is charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault due to the age of the victim.  When a sexual assault is committed against someone over the age of 65, it is an aggravated offense.

The arrest follows notification and confirmation from a DPS Crime Laboratory out of Lubbock.  The lab ran tests with physical evidence from the case.  Midland Police were notified of a DNA match with a convicted felon.  Lewis, who was residing in Midland, was then arrested for the crime.  

Back on July 19, Midland Police responded to a call of an Aggravated Sexual Assault at approximately 6:00 a.m., at 2613 N. Midland Drive, the Ashton Way Apartments.

The victim reported that an unknown male entered her apartment through an unlocked door and then assaulted her.  The suspect was wearing a black ski mask at the time of the assault.