Odessa Insight

A fun and informative visit with Linda Gillis, Vice President of the OAHS. Linda shares a lot of information that most Odessans wouldn't know about our town's history including a pretty grisly murder!

A visit with James Krahenbuhl, Dawn Boyer and Talon Searles. Three members of the Police Facility Focus Group who participated in the difficult task of determining what the community expectations were for a new police facility and how to use those expectations to package a recommendation to the Board of Aldermen to make it a reality.

Growing Pains: Balancing Residential Growth with Economic Opportunity in OdessaThis final part of the series explores the challenges and opportunities of growth in Odessa. This episode delves into the critical need for thoughtful preparation, strategic investment in infrastructure, and the importance of community participation to ensure a thriving future for all.

The Use Tax: What it Is and Why it MattersDiscover how this tax levels the playing field for local commerce and captures lost revenue without raising tax rates.

The Vote for a New Police Facility... Round 2Join me as I discuss the upcoming April vote on a new police facility for our community. We'll explore why it's vital for officer and citizen safety, how it moves Odessa forward, and the consequences if the proposal fails.

Informed Decisions: A Framework for Evaluating Ballot MeasuresDecisions about community funding can be complex. In this episode, we break down three vital questions to help you make informed choices about ballot measures and understand their true impact on our community's future.

The Way Forward: Overcoming Apathy, Misinformation and NegativityMoving a city forward isn't just about big ideas; it's about practical improvements in our streets, safety, and local opportunities. But progress isn't made by government alone—it requires active citizen participation. Join me as I discuss how apathy and misinformation hold us back, and why your voice, your vote, and your engagement are essential for shaping a community we can all be proud of.

Join us as we explore the vital role of School Resource Officers (SROs) in our communities. This podcast delves into the multifaceted responsibilities of SROs, from ensuring campus safety and fostering positive relationships with students to navigating complex situations and acting as mentors. We'll uncover the daily expectations placed upon these dedicated professionals and highlight the incredible resilience required to serve in such a demanding yet rewarding position. Hear directly from Officers Sam Bell, Andrew Lockhart, and Ben Brown as they share their experiences, challenges, and the profound impact they have on the lives of students and the overall school environment.

Laura Sanders is back to visit about the excitement of the National Bicentennial and Odessa's Centennial celebrations back in the 70's and what we can do to bring that excitement back! And we also talk a bit about Puddle Jumpers which is right around the corner!

A candid conversation with Street Superintendent Darrin Lamb and City Administrator Shawna Davis about our city streets. We dig into the problems, the root cause and what's being done.

Join me as I sit down with City Administrator Shawna Davis for an in-depth discussion on strategic planning for Odessa. What exactly is strategic planning, and what role does the community play in shaping the future of our city? This episode explores the strategic planning process and highlights the importance of citizen involvement in determining Odessa's path forward

Join Laura Sanders and me as we embark on an exciting podcast journey through the rich history of Odessa! We're kicking off this ongoing series by exploring the very origins of our beloved town. From schools and churches to community organizations, future episodes will delve into the stories that have shaped Odessa's unique identity. Don't miss out on this fascinating exploration of our hometown's past!Each month we'll discover more about our past. In this first episode, we'll learn a little about Laura, her passion for Odessa history and discuss the beginnings of the place we call home!

A visit with one of the many difference makers in Odessa, Pam Corn, founder of Helping Hands of Odessa. More than just a food pantry, Pam shares about the mission and vision of Helping Hands.

Step into the relaxing world of Woodruff's on Second, Odessa's upscale cocktail lounge and winner of the New Business of the Year award! Join us as we sit down with owners Scott and Amy Burnett to uncover the vision behind this "come as you are" establishment. Discover the inspiration behind the unique ambiance and design, and get the inside scoop on those mysterious orbs that appear at night. Join us as we explore what makes Woodruff's a must-visit destination in Downtown Odessa.

The new downtown sidewalks are coming very soon, but not without some major challenges. Join us as we discuss these challenges as well as details and thought put into the project to make sure the spirit and traditions associated with Odessa remain unchanged.

A visit with Jason Hawkins, pastor of the Odessa Church of Christ about the history and mission of the Odessa Faith Alliance.

A candid look at the electrical infrastructure with Electric Department Superintendent Troy Woutzke and City Administrator Shawna Davis.