Rachel Fortunato

1 week ago | firstalert7.com | Rachel Fortunato

BIG SPRING, Texas (KOSA) - The Texas Department of Public Safety aims to honor all of their fallen heroes. On Friday, April 11, Texas DPS honored late State Trooper Troy Hogue. “A family man, a member of the community, an honorable man. Those are words that I’ve heard,” said Sgt. Steven Blanco, from the Texas Department of Public Safety. Hogue was killed over 30 years ago on December 30, 1994 after responding to a request to assist a Howard County Sheriff’s Deputy at a traffic stop.

2 weeks ago | firstalert7.com | Rachel Fortunato

ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - On Wednesday, April 9, 15 Chick-fil-A employees received money towards their future education. Chick-fil-A gives these scholarships out annually every spring. “It’s such a privilege and I’m so blessed. It’s amazing. I don’t know how to explain it,” said Flor Lozano, a Certified Trainer at Chick-fil-A. “It’s an honor and a blessing.

2 weeks ago | firstalert7.com | Rachel Fortunato

MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - April 6 to 12 is Crime Victims Rights week. On Tuesday, April 8, the Midland Victims Coalition held their Annual Crime Victims Rights and Awareness Ceremony. “We got so much crime. Human trafficking, child abuse, rape and domestic violence,” said Lydia Frescaz, an Advocate. This ceremony is held to recognize and remember all victims of crime, show support to them and their families, and connect them with organizations that can help them. “It means a lot.

2 weeks ago | firstalert7.com | Rachel Fortunato

MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - Zoo Midland is well on its way to reality. Zoo Midland will be taking 52 acres of space to give the community the chance to see and interact with live animals. “Unique animals, displays and interactions, and digital elements, as well as fun play spaces for adults and kids to explore,” said Jason Green, the Director of Zoo Midland. These live animals will include giraffes, rhinos and monkeys.

2 weeks ago | firstalert7.com | Rachel Fortunato

ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) - On Friday, April 4, Odessa Arts invited the community to a presentation of an arts economic impact study. In 2024, the arts industry in Odessa generated $33.5 million in economic activity. “When we support the arts we’re building healthier communities,” said Randy Cohen, the Vice President of Research for Americans for the Arts. In 2024, $15.7 million was spent by arts organizations and $17.8 million was spent by attendees at art related events in Odessa.