Happy weekend, Midessa! In today’s edition: High-paying West Texas openings, Basin Red Dirt BBQ and Music Festival, police e-bike patrol, and more.

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

West Texas agencies hiring: More than 20 Midland city and county jobs remain open, spanning law enforcement, fire, public health, and animal services, with some roles paying up to $158,613 — get all the details.

A wild midweek reset: Boardwalk trails, bird blinds, and a hawk tower ring an 86-acre urban playa, and Watersong Wild Space delivers trees, birds, and actual quiet when you need it midweek. Take a slow loop, breathe deeper, and remember Midland keeps wild space right in town.

A can’t-miss spring celebration: Basin Red Dirt BBQ and Music Festival returns to Midland on April 11 at Scharbauer Sports Complex. The official music lineup is announced today at 10 a.m. Tickets go on sale January 16. Expect top Texas pitmasters, a full outdoor concert, and community fun. Get all the details.

Expanded family fun ahead: Cinergy Entertainment announced plans to expand its Odessa location, including a 13,000 square foot addition to batting cages, a new kitchen and bar, arcade games, mini golf, and fire pits — learn more about the expansion.

Community tribute event planned: American Petroleum Institute and Permian Strategic Partnership will honor the Permian Basin workforce with a Midland celebration on January 20 featuring live music from Texas singer Roger Creager — see when and where.

Two-wheeled officers hit streets: Midland Police Department launched a new e-bike patrol unit, aiming to improve visibility, reach places patrol cars cannot, and strengthen community connections and safety at special events across Midland — read the full story.

Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had its best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

📆 Sneak peek at next week

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

✊ Annual Martin Luther King Celebration @ Bush Convention Center | Monday (1/19) at 11:00 AM – Take a break from the to-do list and show up for Midland’s annual MLK celebration at the Bush Center, a feel-good mix of purpose, fellowship, and support for our youth. It sold out last year, so snag tickets now, enjoy goosebumps.

🖼 Artist Reception: Joe Hernandez @ Sibley Nature Center | Tuesday (1/20) at 6:00 PM – An artist reception at Sibley means one thing, art that could actually bring down a bear. Meet Joe “Eddie” Hernandez, Loco Pony himself, and his hand-built bows in Osage, yew, bamboo, even horn. West Texas craftsmanship, stories worth hearing, and fresh-shavings nostalgia.

📖 Storytime @ Barnes & Noble | Wednesday (1/21) – If your midweek needs a reset, swing by every Wednesday with the littles for Ms. Kimberley’s storytime, snacks, and games that actually hold attention. It’s low-key, sweet, and mercifully short, so you get happy kids, a breather, and maybe a new favorite book.

🚸 Infant/Child Safety @ F. Marie Hall Outpatient Center – West Campus | Wednesday (1/21) at 4:00 PM – If you’ve ever wrestled a car seat or childproofed a drawer with zip ties, this two-hour safety class is your sanity check. Get the real talk on car seats, home hazards, poisons, and emergency prep, and yes, one ticket covers it.

🎟 The Open Show @ Arts Council of Midland | Thursday (1/22) at 9:00 AM – When your group chat stalls at “where to go,” steer them to The Open Show at 806 S. Main. 35+ local artists and 88+ works, all hometown talent, all easy to linger with, and no reservation required, just curiosity, and maybe some wall space.

🎨 Paint With Me @ Homemade Wines Bistro | Thursday (1/22) at 6:30 PM – An evening at Homemade Wines means brushes, bites, and vino, quality time you can hang on the wall. Paint a 16×20 acrylic canvas, supplies included, while food and wine are on you. Plans change, cancel a week out or snag a DIY kit or credit.

🎱 Pool Night @ COM Aquatics, Inc. | Thursday (1/22) at 7:00 PM – Pool night with Desert Reef Outfitters lets you trade the couch for a chlorinated reef, and remember which strap goes where. Certified divers can tune up skills, grab rentals with a quick heads-up, and blow bubbles without waves, kelp, or boat ramps.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Midessa report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 45°F – Low: 26°F – Precip: 1%

Sunny, with a high near 45. East wind 5 to 15 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 26. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

—

Tomorrow – High: 60°F – Low: 32°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 60. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 32.

Most popular house this week

Set on 1.42 acres wrapped in a pipe fence and secured by an electric gate, the home pairs a spacious open-concept layout with a primary suite built for unwinding. A sitting area anchors the suite, and a two-sided fireplace warms both bedroom and spa bath. The bath offers a soaking tub and a separate walk-in shower.

Outside, a 3,000 square foot shop includes HVAC, with a full bath already framed and awaiting fixtures. A heated pool anchors the backyard beside a pool house suited for second living quarters. Covered patios, an outdoor kitchen, and a fireplace-centered entertaining area complete the compound feel.

Take a peek inside →

📣 Own or manage a local business?

Meet BaseLocal Business — a free and easy way to get your business happenings in front of our readers.

How it works:

• Sign up (it takes less than 5 minutes)
• We’ll manually verify your business is legit
• Once verified, you’ll be able to share events, news, and special deals with us any time

Everything you share is reviewed, and approved submissions are automatically considered for future newsletters. AKA… your business has a much higher chance of being featured in front of thousands of Midessa locals who live, shop, eat, and share good things with their friends.

We also regularly spotlight verified businesses just because we think they’re great.

Click here to get started (it’s free) →