May 12 , 2009

MEMORIAL BICYCLE RIDE

The Midland Police Department will host the 5th Annual Peace Officer Memorial Ride on Sunday, May 10, 2009, at 2:00 p.m.

This ride is in honor of officers from around the State of Texas that have given their lives in the line of duty from May 1, 2008, – May 30, 2009.  There were a total of fourteen officers killed in the line of duty over the past year.  The ride will also honor the three Midland Officers that gave their lives in the past.  Cyclists will ride a total of 17 miles for the fallen Officers.

Cyclists will leave from the Midland Police Department at 601 North Loraine.  Cyclist will return back to the Police Department at the end of the ride.  The public is invited to ride.  Helmets will be required.  Refreshment will be provided.

For information contact Officer John Kerrigan at jkerrigan@midlandtexas.gov or 685.7964.

CDBG PUBLIC HEARING

The City of Midland is developing its 2009-20010 Community Development Program and is holding a public hearing for that purpose.  The public hearing will be in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 300 N. Loraine, on Tuesday, May 12, 2009, 7:00 p.m.

A total of $900,331 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will be allocated to the City for the 2009/10 CDBG program. 

The purpose of the public hearing will be to inform the public of past usage of CDBG funds, allow staff to present applications and proposals for the use of CDBG funds, and to receive input and comment or concerns which could be addressed with the 2009/10 funding. 

A second public hearing will be held on June 9, 2009, at 7:00 p.m.

For further information, call the City's Community Development Office at 685.7402 or 685.7408.

Media Contact: Sylvester Cantu/CDBG Administrator at 685.7408

RECREATION PROGRAMS 

The City of Midland is currently offering several Recreation and Wellness programs.  The programs are open to the public.

The Doug Russell Pool is now open Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for Adult Lap Swim.

Yoga in the Park has been moved to Windlands Park until Centennial Plaza Renovations are complete. The class takes place from 12:05 p.m. -12:45 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Monday/Wednesday/Fridayfrom 12:10 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.a Fitness Boot Camp will be offered at Alamo Park (adjacent to Doug Russell Pool). The showers and changing areas will be available at the pool bath house.

The City of Midland 5k Run for Your Life will kick-off on Saturday, June 27 at Beal Park. There will be one race per month through December 2009. Mark your calendars for every last Saturday of the month at 8:00 a.m. There will be trophies awarded at each race as well as a series winner in the Men’s and Women’s overall. The more races you participate in, the more points you accumulate for the year end Series Champion title! Sign up At the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center or email btelesca@midlandtexas.gov for additional information.

Media Contact: Ben Telesca/Recreation Coordinator at 685.7381

100th ANNIVERSARY

The Midland Fire Department will celebrate its 100th anniversary.  The reception will be held on Monday, May 11, 2009, at 2:00 pm. at the Central Fire Station, 1500 W. Wall.  There will be cake and coffee and the media is invited to attend. A commemorative coin will be unveiled.

The Midland Fire Department was first organ­ized on a volunteer basis in 1909 in response to two disastrous fires, which almost destroyed the downtown business district. Initially, the department's equipment consisted of a Hose Cart stored in a shed at the courthouse.  In 1916, the city purchased its first modern engine from American LaFrance which was delivered June 20, 1917.

Today the Midland Fire Department employs 174 firefighters and 22 administrative and support staff.  What was once a small volunteer department is now a professional fire and EMS service with nine stations (including a Crash/Rescue station at Midland International Air Terminal), 11 fire engines, two ladder trucks, nine ambulances, and several other special purpose apparatus.

Media Contact: Chief Russ Conley/M.F.D. at 685.7330

MIDLAND HOST MUNICIPAL HEALTH OFFICIALS 

The City of Midland will play host to Municipal Health Officials from around the state.  The meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 12, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Residence Inn, 5509 Deauville Blvd.

Topics to be discussed will include:

• Animal Control – Pit Bulls Community
• Health – Obesity in America, Restaurants are not the Bad Guys
• Disparities within Texas Public Health

The Texas Association of Municipal Health Officials is a state organization affiliated with the Texas Municipal League.  Members work to bring attention to public heath by presenting issues to the state legislature and to other elected officials.  Over 25 members are expected to attend the meeting.

Media Contact: Sal Garcia/Health & Senior Services Administrator at 681.7613

PROMOTION CEREMONY

The Midland Fire Department will hold a promotion ceremony for a new Battalion Chief and four new Captains.  The promotion ceremony will take place on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. at Central Station.

Chad Clark will be promoted to Battalion Chief.  Chad was hired on October 1, 1992, promoted to Driver on December 16, 1994, and to Captain on October 1, 2003.

Charles Martin will be promoted to Captain.  Charles was hired on April 1, 1998 and promoted to Driver on October 16, 2005.

Robert Wade will be promoted to Captain.  Robert was hired on July 16, 2003 and promoted to Driver on October 1, 2006.

Rosco Thomas will be promoted to Captain.  Rosco was hired September 1, 1988 and promoted to Driver October 1, 1996.

Manuel ‘Corky’ Heredia will be promoted to Captain.  Corky was hired August 12, 1991 and promoted to Driver December 16, 1996.

The media is invited to attend and to help make this a special day for these firefighters. 

AGGRAVATED ROBBERY ARREST

A man wanted in connection with an April 29th Aggravated Robbery is now in custody in Big Spring.  The Howard County Sheriff’s Office arrested Phillip Garcia (11-7-76) earlier today, May 11, 2009. 

A warrant was issued for Garcia’s arrest following the Aggravated Robbery of the Pinkie’s Liquor Store located at 2701 N. Big Spring.

The incident happened April 29, 2009, at approximately 5:00 p.m.  Two male suspects entered the store and approached an employee working in the front area of the store and demanded she open the register.  The employee was unable to open the register.  The suspects then fled the scene in a red SUV. 

Physical evidence was collected at the scene which led police to Garcia who is from Big Spring.  He was positively identified by one of the witnesses and an arrest warrant was obtained. 

Later that day, Big Spring Police notified MPD of a similar Aggravated Robbery at approximately 10:00 p.m. with two suspects in a red SUV.

Police are still trying to identify the second suspect.

MAY 12th CITY COUNCIL MEETING 

• The City Council will consider approving the purchase of 25 digital video cameras and controls for the Midland Police Department.  Currently, the MPD has approximately 90 video cameras in their patrol, traffic, K-9, and directed patrol vehicles.  The new cameras would be replacements of existing cameras.  The cost of the 25 cameras is $159,290.  Media Contact: Chief Price Robinson/M.P.D. at 685.7101
  
  
• The City Council will consider adjusting the speed limits along a portion of Big Spring Street/Rankin Highway.  The speed limit along Big Spring/Ranking Highway from Gist Street to Crump Street would change from 50 m.p.h. to 40 m.p.h.  On Rankin Highway from Crump Street to the south City Limits from 50-60 m.p.h. to 50 m.p.h.  Media Contact: Gary Saunders/Transportation Manager at 685.7280
  
• A public hearing will be held at 7:00 p.m. as part of the process of developing the 2009/10 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Action Plan.  A total of $913,136 in CDBG funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will be allocated to the City for the 2009/10 CDBG program.  The purpose of the public hearing will be to inform the public of past usage of CDBG funds, allow staff to present applications and proposals for the use of CDBG funds, and to receive input and receive comment or concerns which could be addressed with the 2009/10 funding.  A second public hearing will be held on June 9, 2009, at 7:00 p.m.  This will allow input on the proposed allocation.  Media Contact: Sylvester Cantu at 685.7408

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