Gunner

That time of year again-time for the young, bright future of the Permian Basin to cross the stage and get their diplomas and take the next step in life. Whether that's to Hih School, College, or off into the world workforce-this right of passage is one that will always be remembered by all involved. So let's take the time to celebrate and encourage and recognize this wonderful achievement and wish them all the best in the world. Congratulations class of 2022! Odessa College's Graduation Ceremony for its 450+ students was May 8th. Midland College Graduation was Friday the 13th. For area High Schools, commencement days and times are different depending on the school and city.

After what seems like an entire Spring filled with temperatures above the 3-digit mark, setting and/or tying records for high temps-the Permian Basin is finally in for some relief this weekend.

Heaven help the home or business where the air conditioning goes on the fritz and you have to call the repairman. We've been waiting for a new compressor for our ac units at the radio stations for over a week, and we're told they are on backorder. So our Boss has the office staff mostly working from home while we wait for the part we need. Thankfully the studio units are still working so we can come in and do shows on the air. There IS relief in sight though as high temperatures over the weekend drop from the 100s into the upper 80s on Saturday and low to mid-70s on Sunday.

It was November 2020. The month that Taco Bell decided it was done with the Mexican Pizza. The reason given at the time had something to do with the packaging not being eco-friendly or something. I'd always loved it, and it was my go-to order whenever we went to Taco Bell. So naturally, I was devastated when it went away. I ended up settling for their 3 Hard Shell Taco Supremes value meal as the go-to after that, but it was never the same. And even though no one else in my immediate circle liked it or ever ordered it-I was surprised to learn so many others, including big celebrities like Dolly Parton loved it as much as I did.

Everyone loves Mannheim Steamroller's Christmas stuff--well here's your chance to hold your Patriotism close to your heart and in your CD Player. "American Spirit" is a collection of Patriotic songs performed by Mannheim Steamroller like America The Beautiful, The Star-Spangled Banner, Battle Hymn Of The Republic, and more. It also includes classics like CW McCall's Convoy and Wolf Creek Pass, created by Chip Davis and Bill Fries of Mannheim Steamroller. Gwen and Gunner won't make it too hard on you to win so be listening for your chance to call in!

This little Chihuahua mix is almost 11 years old but still has the energy of a much younger dog. Cici is used to being around cats and gets along with other dogs. She isn't comfortable with children and would need a household with no kids. Cici lives in one of their cat buildings, so if you would like to meet Cici please let the office staff know when you get there, and they will take you to her building. Please share and help Cici find a happy ending to her story. Lonestar Sanctuary For Animals is at 4200 Fairgrounds Road in Midland, and visiting /adoption hours are every day EXCEPT Thursdays from 1:30-4:30 pm. Closed on Thursdays.

With high temperatures in the 100's this week-I thought it might be a good time to remind everyone that a hot car or truck IS NO PLACE to leave an animal. While there is no specific law making it illegal to leave a pet in a parked car in Texas-there ARE animal cruelty laws that can be applied to cases like this with some pretty steep penalties. Best to use common sense-would YOU want to be left in a locked, parked car with no air on an extremely hot day? NO, you wouldn't. So use your head and don't do it to your dog, either.

FINALLY! It's that time of year again in West Texas. After weeks of temperatures warm enough to be at the pool-the gates are finally unlocked and the pools are OPEN! Just in time to get a small tan on before Memorial Day Weekend and Bar-B-Ques and Pool time. Just a few things to remember, though, with temperatures this week reaching above 100 degrees for highs--to be safe and comfortable:

Supposed to be nice and warm temperature-wise, touching the low 100s (which is fine because many area pools are opening this weekend for the season here). But the big news is the forecast for the wind. Only supposed to get to 9 miles per hour on Saturday, and up to 15 miles per hour on Sunday. THAT means you can light the grill, and set all the condiments outside on the patio table with the paper plates too-and they won't all blow into the neighbor's yard!!! Wind does pick up slightly starting again on Monday-but only into the low 20s as far as wind speeds for the start of the week. Be safe, and enjoy or warm wind-free weekend!

I've driven past this 100 times or more since moving here but never paid that close attention till today when it caught my eye from across the other side of 191 heading toward Loop 250 in Midland. And it struck me as odd, because even though I know who the man on the billboard is because I'm 52-I wondered if anyone here age 35 or under would? I mean, growing up in the '70s and 80's, everyone knew who John Wayne was. "The Duke" starred in so many films, one of which is my favorite western thanks to my Dad passing on his love for it--Rio Bravo. I've even been to the movie set in Tucson Arizona to see where they filmed. But like everything else in life, as time passes and generations move forward-what and who was famous to one, will be replaced by the next in line.