June 8 , 2009

The Midland Police Department will welcome three new officers.  The swearing-in ceremony will take place on Thursday, June 4, 2009, at 3:00 p.m. in the third floor classroom.

Nathan Lann, Reico Patrick, and Daniel Ruiz are recent graduates of the Permian Basin Law Enforcement Academy. 

They will move on to the Field Training Officer (FTO) program as Probationary Police Officers (PPO) for 17-weeks.  During this time, they are teamed up with experienced officers and are rated daily on their performance in the field as well as paper work. 

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

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON

On June 1, 2009, at 5:24 p.m., the Midland Police Department responded to a stabbing call at the Salvation Army, 300 S. Baird.  The victim was transported to the Midland Memorial Hospital for a cut to his face. 

The investigation reveals the victim, 35-year-old Henry Raymond, was walking down the street from the Salvation Army when he was approached by the suspect.  The suspect began yelling and cursing at Raymond then pulled a knife, or a sharp object, from his pocket and cut the victim across the face.  The suspect then fled the scene and was chased by several people who witnessed the attack.

The suspect, 43-year-old Rodrigo Salinas (1-12-66), was located later at the Deluxe Inn, 401 E. Texas.  He was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

The motive is still under investigation.

KIDS ACADEMY 

The Midland Police Department will host a Kids Police Academy.  The class begins Monday, June 22 and ends on Friday, June 26, 2009.  Classes will be conducted from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. each day at Casa de Amigos, 1101 E. Garden Lane.  The class is opened to ages 8 – 12.

Space is limited, so those interested in participating should sign up as soon as possible. The academy filled up quickly last year.  Applications are available at the front desk of the Midland Police Department, 601 N. Loraine, or online at www.midlandtexas.gov, click on Residents, then Police Department.

The students will have the opportunity to learn about the police department and hear from officers and detectives.  Sessions are planned in the dispatch/911 area, with patrol, crime scene investigations, bike patrol, municipal court, Culver Youth Center, K-9, SWAT, mobile substation, gang unit, EOD, and gun safety at the firing range.

SUMMER SCHOOL ZONES 

For the majority of students, school is out for summer.  However, motorists should take caution and obey the school zone signs in designated summer school locations.

Jane Long, Lamar, Crocket, Bush, and South Elementary Schools
June 8th – July 3rd                   7:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Bonham Elementary
June 8th – July 1st  and July 15th – July 27th              7:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Abell Jr. High 
June 8th – July 1st                   7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Lee High School
June 15th – July 21st                           8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The speed limit in an activated school zone is 20 mph. 

NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING

Residents of Midland are invited to attend a neighborhood meeting.  The meeting will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2009, at the Cogdell Learning Center, 201 W. Florida.  The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. and last until 8:00 p.m.

Midland Police Chief Price Robinson and Midland County Sheriff Gary Painter will make presentations regarding the 2008-09 Racial Profiling Reports.

The meeting is part of Community Link, Making the Connection.  The neighborhood meetings are held in various areas of the City several times a year in an effort to open the lines of communication between neighbors and government and residents.  It is also an opportunity for the City and County to work together for the citizens of Midland.

Media Contacts: Vicky Hailey/Council Member District 2 at 682.3565 or Luis D. Sanchez/County Commissioner Precinct 3 at 688.4803

COUNTERFEIT MONEY

During the month of May, several cases of counterfeit money were reported to the Midland Police Department.  The paper money ranges in denominations from $5.00 to $50.00.

The quality of the fake bills is not very good. The actors have passed the fake money at numerous locations including local garage sales.

Midland Police Department Detectives do not have good suspect information at this time.  The public is encouraged to examine any money that they receive and merchants are being asked to check all currency with a counterfeit detection pen. 

Any questions or information can be directed to the Midland Police Department's white collar unit at 685.7175.

FILL THE BOOT

The Midland Fire Department will participate in the 2009 Muscular Dystrophy (MDA) Fill the Boot Campaign.  A press conference announcing the details will be held on June 8, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at the central fire station, 1500 W. Wall.

The Fill the Boot efforts will take place on June 12 & 13 with firefighters taking to different intersections in the city collecting money from motorists for the MDA.  In 2008, the citizens of Midland helped firefighters raise an amazing $115,645.  Midland ranked fifth in the state for total dollars raised.  This year, the Midland firefighters have set their goal at $120,000. 

 Media Contact: Russ Conley/Chief MFD at 685.7330

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM PUBLIC HEARING

The Midland City Council will conduct a public hearing at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2009, to consider approval of the 2009/10 Community Development Block Grant Program.  The public hearing will take place at City Hall in the City Council Chambers, 300 N. Loraine. 

Citizens are encouraged to have input on the proposed distribution of funds.  At its May 12th meeting, the City Council advanced a preliminary distribution of funds.  After completion of the public hearing, the Council may make adjustments to the proposed distribution and then approve the resolution. 

For the 2009/10 program year the City will receive $913,136, plus $148,200 in program income.  A minimum of 70% of CDBG funds must be allocated to projects that benefit low and moderate-income persons. 

A draft Action Plan will be prepared after the public hearing and will be subjected to a 30-day review period.  Approval of the plan will occur on July 28, 2009, and then the City will submit the plan to HUD by August 15, 2009. 

Media Contact: Sylvester Cantu/CDBG Administrator at 685.740

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