Ben Shaffer

Selinsgrove

Features Reporter at Midland Reporter-Telegram

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Articles

Two Midland County students receive service academy appointments from Pfluger

Jun 27, 2024 | star-telegram.com | Ben Shaffer

Jun. 27-Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) has announced that 10 students have received a total of eleven appointments to U.S. Service Academies per his nomination. Each year, members of the House of Representatives and U.S. Senate nominate senior-aged high school students for admission to the U.S. Air Force, Merchant Marine, Military and Naval Academies. Students go through an application phase and must meet strict requirements, according to Pfluger's office.
Former MRT reporter to release book on Baby Jessica rescue

Jun 25, 2024 | star-telegram.com | Ben Shaffer

Jun. 25-Lance Lunsford tells the whole story of the Jessica McClure rescue in his new book, "Inside the Well: The Midland, Texas Rescue of Baby Jessica."The book chronicles the international media spotlight in the West Texas oil town and the tragedies that followed. It illustrates the aftermath rescuers faced as they navigated movie deals, international media and scrutiny to become one of first high-profile cases of PTSD among first responders, Lunsford said. Lunsford is a native West Texan.
MCPL encourages literacy with 1000 Books Before Kindergarten

Jun 21, 2024 | star-telegram.com | Ben Shaffer

Jun. 21-Midland County Public Libraries launched it's improved 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program at the beginning of summer. The free program allows parents to develop early literacy skills in their children. The program is simple: Just read 1,000 books with your child before they start kindergarten, MCPL said. Each 100-book milestone will be rewarded with a small prize provided by the Midland County Public Library Foundation.
West Texas Super Show to feature car show, live music

Jun 20, 2024 | star-telegram.com | Ben Shaffer

Jun. 20-The 2024 West Texas Super Show will be a day of automotive excellence, live music, and family-friendly entertainment. West Texas Super Show will take place on June 22, doors open at noon at the Ector County Coliseum. Presented by Showbiz West Texas and Que Buena 106.7 will host the show which will feature over 100 cars on display, showcasing a variety of styles from classic cars to custom builds, according to Backstage Event Marketing.
Midland College board discusses governor’s order on antisemitism policies in Texas

Jun 19, 2024 | star-telegram.com | Ben Shaffer

Jun. 19-Midland College discussed and confirmed its policies on antisemitism on campus, per an executive order from Gov. Greg Abbott. The governor signed executive order GA 44 in March. It cites the Oct. 7 attack in Israel by Hamas.
Texas Cultural Trust invests in art education in the state, locally

Jun 19, 2024 | mrt.com | Ben Shaffer

Texas Women for the Arts, a part of the Texas Cultural Trust, granted The Ellen Noël Art Museum money to art education initiatives in the area. The Texas Cultural Trust is a statewide nonprofit organization that aims to be the leading voice for the arts in education, advocacy and economic impact. It also highlights the artistic excellence of Texas. This happens through a variety of programs.
CASA of West Texas swears in five court appointed special advocates

Jun 17, 2024 | star-telegram.com | Ben Shaffer

Jun. 17-CASA of West Texas swore in new court appointed special advocates at the Midland County Courthouse on Monday. CASA of West Texas aims to recruit, train and support committed volunteers appointed by judges to advocate in court and in the community for the best interest of children in the welfare system. Jeremy Hallmark, Debbie Martin, Sherrie Vogler, Kristin Fechtel and Loren Rich made their commitments.
CASA of West Texas swears in five court appointed special advocates

Jun 17, 2024 | mrt.com | Ben Shaffer

CASA of West Texas swore in new court appointed special advocates at the Midland County Courthouse on Monday. CASA of West Texas aims to recruit, train and support committed volunteers appointed by judges to advocate in court and in the community for the best interest of children in the welfare system. Jeremy Hallmark, Debbie Martin, Sherrie Vogler, Kristin Fechtel and Loren Rich made their commitments.
MC mental health program prepares professionals

Jun 14, 2024 | star-telegram.com | Ben Shaffer

Jun. 14-The final deadline to apply for Midland College's mental health technician program is July 22. The mental health technician program is a two-semester program designed to prepare students and learners to work in the mental health field in both inpatient and outpatient settings in the Permian Basin. Through scholarships, the program is fully funded for the 2024-2025 academic year for the first 20 accepted applicants, the Midland College said.
Maverick Players relocate to Allison Fine Arts Building at Midland College

Jun 14, 2024 | star-telegram.com | Ben Shaffer

Jun. 14-The Maverick Players, an all-volunteer community theater that specializes in comedies, is moving to a new home. Over its 25-year history, the group has performed their 85 or so productions at Midland Park Mall, the Yucca Theatre, Midland Center and Midland Community Theatre, with their last stop being at the VFW Post 4149 for the past eight years. The Maverick Players' newest home will be on the campus of Midland College at the Allison Fine Arts Building.