Levelland EDC Recognizes 2019 Business of the Year

The Levelland Economic Development Corporation held their 6th Annual Industry Appreciation Luncheon this afternoon.

Board President Elgin Conner announced the 2019 Business of the Year is Occidental. Occidental is an international oil and gas exploration and production company with operations in the United States, Latin America and Middle East. Founded in 1920, Occidental’s nearly 100-year history of success is built on technical expertise, business acumen, strong partnerships and a proven ability to deliver lasting results.

Occidental is the Number 1 producer in the Permian Basin and a proud member of the Levelland community. Occidental is committed to respecting the environment, operating safely and upholding high standards of social responsibility throughout the company’s operations. Occidental’s Social Responsibility framework and programming is rooted in the company’s core values of integrity, investment and innovation.

Employees are encouraged to volunteer in the communities where they live and work through company supported programs. In the Permian, Occidental’s community efforts are focused on food assistance programs, quality learning opportunities, first responders and supporting healthy, safe communities.

Ray Perryman was the featured speaker for the event and gave an economic discussion on the energy sector in the Permian Basin and South Plains. He noted that many economists say we are going into another recession, although he does not see that. He said the economy is slowing down and the ongoing trade wars are a definite problem, however, he feels they will get worked out in due time.

Attempted Kidnapping Being Investigated by Levelland Police

Levelland police were called in reference to an attempted kidnapping and continue to investigate the case.

Officers responded to the 200 Block of West Monroe. When they arrived they found two male subjects and their grandmother. The two male subjects reported they had been with the girlfriend of one of those subjects, when her friend began texting them to see where they were and telling her they didn’t want them with the other two subjects. They then discussed this with their grandmother who went with them to meet the friend. The grandmother located the person in the 200 Block of West Monroe and made contact with the person and an altercation then ensued. A 15 year old and a 17 year old tried to pull a female from the car and during the altercation atleast one person was cut with a pocket knife. The female was able to get free and fled the scene. One of the male subjects also injured the grandmother during the altercation and she required medical treatment.

Three juveniles face charges of aggravated assault causing bodily injury while two of them face charges of injury to the elderly.

Levelland Police Alert Resident to Recurring Scam

Levelland Police released information Wednesday morning concerning a scam which has surfaced in the area once again.

Police say that local residents have received calls from someone claiming to be with Xcel Energy, stating that their account is past due and demanding payment.

Police urge anyone that should receive a call from Xcel Energy, do not give any information to them. If you have any questions or concerns call Xcel Energy Customer Service at 1-800-895-1999.

Firefighters Called to Fire at SPC Residence Hall

Levelland Firefighters were called to the South Plains College Campus Friday night at just after 9:30 pm. Fire alarms were going off in the North Sue Spencer Residence Hall.

According to a statement issued by South Plains College Friday night, it was a grease fire that caused no damage. Some of the girls from that wing were moved to Tubb Hall for Friday night due to the smell but the fire department did give an all clear for everyone to return to the residence hall around 10:15 pm Friday night.

A report from the Levelland Fire Marshall said that a pan of grease was left on the stove in a small kitchenette in the building. He said their was extensive smoke in the building.

Obituary: Willie Lockett, 59 of Levelland

Funeral Services are scheduled for Willie Lockett, 59 of Levelland. Services are set for Saturday, November 16th, 2019 in the First United Methodist Church in Levelland. Visitation will be held 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, November 11th through November 15th in the Head Duarte Funeral Home. He passed away on Wednesday, November 6th, 2019.

Levelland Police Advise of a Scam Targeting Local Residents

The Levelland Police Department has received reports about scammers calling Levelland citizens saying they are with the Levelland Animal Control.

The scammer then tells the person they have picked up their animal and that they need to pay a fine to get it back. This is NOT Levelland Animal Control, it is someone attempting to scam citizens out of money.

They are calling from a private or restricted number, and stating “if you do not come get your dog they will be put down immediately. If you receive a call and are not sure if it is legitimate, contact the Levelland Police Department at 894-6164 and the dispatcher will get you in contact with an Animal Warden.

You are also remined that our Animal Wardens only work 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. If you receive a call outside of that time frame, it is highly possible it is a scam.

Levelland Animal Wardens will only call you directly when you have called into the police department and requested a call back. If you have any questions or concerns contact the Levelland Police Department.

Brownfield City Council Terminates City Manager on a Split Vote

In a regular meeting Thursday morning the Brownfield City Council voted 4-3 to terminate Eldon Jobe as the City Manager for the City of Brownfield.  Jobe has held the position since 1999.  The council had a tied vote on the action item of termination and the Mayor cast the final vote for termination.

Assistant City Manager, Jeff Davis was appointed Interim City Manager until a replacement can be named.

No reason was given for the termination.  KLVT News has also learned through the Brownfield News that the city council held a work session last week and discussed the job descriptions of the Assistant City Manager, City Manager and City Secretary.  During that worksession, the council noted they wanted to see city administration at community events.

In a brief statement issued on the City of Brownfield Facebook page, the City of Brownfield thanked Jobe for 21 years of service to the city.