Good morning, Longview.

The January/February 2026 New Year, New You issue of ETX View is available for digital readers; it features inspiring stories (including local business revivals and animal welfare highlights) to welcome the new year.

On January 20, the local library will host a Popcorn Day Party with a Babygarten Story Time at 10:30 a.m. followed by games, crafts, and a popcorn snack bar free to attend.

Longview City Council on Thursday allocated $417,000 from the fund balance and awarded a contract to Dallas-based Sunbelt Pools to repair the indoor pool at Paula Martin Jones Recreation Center; officials expect the pool to reopen within six months.

Titus Regional Medical Center's board did not act Thursday on a potential sale or lease, with a final decision expected Jan.

26, noted chairman Don Lowry amid ongoing financial challenges. The independent hospital is reviewing proposals from several suitors to improve its situation.

Angler Chris Smith warns that power plant lakes like Martin Creek and Lake Tyler remain in the 50s today — a warming trend might soon stimulate bass spawning, so he urges anglers to prepare for unexpected ice storms by using the correct tackle and dressing for the weather.

Food columnist Barbara Richardson McClellan shared three easy recipes yesterday in the Longview News-Journal, including a stir-fry shrimp and rice dish, Szechwan chicken, and a three-ingredient strawberry salad (or dessert) that can be made for one and stored.

On Friday, Jan. 9, the Pine Tree Pirates won 3-1 over Texas High as Ryder Snow, Mauro Gonzalez, and Julian Ibarra scored, and the varsity team will face Cumberland Academy at 11 a.m.; the Tatum Lady Eagles edged Crockett on penalty kicks after a 2-2 tie.

The 2026 high school soccer season is underway in Longview as local teams, including the Lobos, Pirates + Lady Panthers, aim to build on last season’s district play; the Lady Lobos, now led by coach Margaret Wright, hope for a playoff return.

Longview's Lady Lobos won 75-39 over Rockwall-Heath Friday night & improved to 16-4 with Jailiya Rockmore scoring 19 points.

The team will meet North Forney Tuesday.

The YellowJackets fell 93-88 to the Schreiner Mountaineers at Stephens Family Arena on Friday night, with Logan Brinkoeter scoring a career-high 24 points and Cooper Smith adding 20 as LeTourneau fought until the end.

They will face McMurry on Sunday at noon.

Caleb Correa signed with Hendrix College on Friday after shining with Action Baseball Club over the summer at Harleton High School — he will serve as a two-way player while balancing academics and baseball.

Friday's District 16-4A double header ended with Spring Hill girls winning 51-25 and Pine Tree boys taking 39-27 at Pirate Center — Pine Tree will visit Kilgore and Spring Hill will host Henderson on Tuesday.

Morgan Gee of White Oak lifted 700 pounds in three lifts at the Harmony Powerlifting Meet on Friday, surpassing the regional auto-qualifying mark in the 123-pound weight class as other team members competed in divisions ranging from 97 to 220 pounds.

HERPS Longview Exotic Reptile and Pet Expo

10 AM - 5 PM — Longview Exhibit Center — Admission details unavailable — Explore a wide range of reptiles and exotic animals with educational activities for all ages.

Longview Deals and Resolutions Auction

10 a.m. - 11:59 p.m. — Alliance Auto Auction Longview — Free entry — Explore 400 units from top dealers and kick off the new year with amazing deals.

Longview 5K

8 AM – 12 PM — Electric Cowboy Longview — Entry fee not specified — Enjoy a community-focused 5K as part of the Healthy Initiative in Longview.

Freeze Your Fanny Cycling Event

10 AM – 3 PM — ORR PreOwned Longview — Registration fees apply — Participate in a multi-distance cycling event supporting local athletes with intellectual disabilities.