Good morning, Longview.

On Thursday, an assisted living center in Longview honored 93-year-old Purple Heart recipient Tom Klotz who served in Korea and lost his right leg and left eye when a land mine exploded — his Marine hat shows his pride.

The center surprised him with a celebration that included singing the national anthem and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance — a tribute to his service.

Kilgore ISD announced it will keep the free school meals program for the 2025-2026 school year.

The program—part of the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs—gives free breakfast and lunch to all students.

The City of Longview governing body proposed a tax rate of $0.5719 per $100 valuation for the 2025 tax year, an increase above the no-new-revenue level but below the voter-approval threshold.

A public hearing will be held on August 21 at 5:30 p.m. at 300 W. Cotton St. & residents may share their views by contacting council members.

Smith County Emergency Management Office held a Community Preparedness Night at UT Health Northeast on Aug 7 from 6 to 8 p.m.—Coordinator Brandon Moore explained disaster response training, CERT participation and how residents can sign up for the Rave notification system.

Former Longview Lobo Haynes King, now a senior quarterback at Georgia Tech, earned a spot on the Davey O’Brien Award Watch List for the 2025 season—he is also on the Maxwell Award and Wuerffel Award Watch Lists as well as Georgia Tech’s nominee for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

Longview FGHT Prayer Brunch

10 AM - 12 PM — Holiday Inn Longview - North by IHG — Free entry — A morning of prayer, fellowship, and delicious food awaits participants.

Gregg County Fair

6-11 p.m. — Longview Exhibit Center — $6 General Admission — Experience the vibrant community spirit at the annual Gregg County Fair with fun activities for all ages.

Medal Madness 5K, 10K, 15K, and Half Marathon

8 AM – 12 PM — Paul Boorman Trail Park — Registration required — Compete in a variety of races and earn your medal at this local running event.