Good morning, Longview.

Students began the new school year at Hallsville East Elementary on Thursday, Aug.

13 as older ISD students greeted younger ones with high-fives and a bubble-making machine. Spring Hill ISD opened this week while Longview and Pine Tree ISDs will start classes Monday and Wednesday.

Residents met Thursday night at the Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center to discuss plans for making Fourth Street safer.

City officials and planners are reviewing changes like right-turn-only driveways and extra speed limit signs, with further public meetings scheduled for spring.

The East Texas Alzheimer’s Alliance held its Dementia Live simulation at Mobberly Baptist Church on Thursday, Aug.

13 to help caregivers learn how to support loved ones with dementia. The free training will be offered again in October.

On Thursday, local volleyball teams competed in tournaments at Central Heights, Garland, Duncanville and Big Sandy.

The Lady Pirates won over Elysian Fields and Arp but lost to Central Heights while other schools posted varied pool play results.

Former Longview High three-sport star Jalen Hale has joined SMU after three seasons at Alabama, and he said the team’s family culture during his official visit made his decision easy while Coach Rhett Lashlee said Hale is healthy and ready to contribute as a receiver this fall.