Good morning, Longview.

Hiway 80 Rescue Mission held a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday for its new 20,000-square-foot Women’s and Children’s Shelter at 3117 West Marshall Avenue — the facility will double its capacity to 160 beds and begin construction in early 2026 as part of a larger campus plan to add supportive services.

Several members of the Rotary Club of Kilgore visited Chandler Elementary on October 9 to deliver dictionaries and pens to local students to support their school year, and they thanked school staff for making the donation possible.

East Texas ranchers said cattle prices hit the highest levels in 50 years as fewer calves left cows, causing herd numbers to fall to a 70-year low.

They warned that if New World Screwworm flies cross the southern border — the threat could hurt the market — ranchers will face tougher times ahead.

Carthage ISD Band Director Johnnie Cotton resigned on October 9 due to his opposition to a Texas law that requires every classroom to display the Ten Commandments — he said such mandates cross the line between education and politics.

Assistant band director Todd Dock is now serving as interim director as the district moves forward with the new requirement.

The Texas Tribune hosted an event called 'Running Out: Texas’ Water Crisis and the Path Forward' on Wednesday evening—bringing community members in Longview together online and in person to hear water experts discuss challenges facing East Texas' water supply.

Speakers included reporter Alejandra Martinez, Janice Bezanson, Kelley Holcomb, and Jeremy Mazur who explained conflicts over resource management.

Tyler Water Utilities issued new water restrictions—mandating a 10% daily use cut—after flooding and equipment failures took the Lake Palestine plant offline.

The city is now using only the Golden Road plant while repairs continue.

Residents in a Longview neighborhood have experienced repeated power-outages and are urged to report issues like outages and energy theft to SWEPCO or the Public Utility Commission.

SWEPCO spokeswoman Michelle Marcotte said the utility uses these reports to fix problems and keep the power flowing.

On Thursday, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office unveiled a portrait of former Sheriff JB Smith in a ceremony attended by local law enforcement; he began his tenure in 1976 and retired in 2013.

His portrait now hangs with those of past sheriffs—honoring his legacy as a lawman, rancher, veteran, and auctioneer.

The Overton Lady Mustangs defeated the Carlisle Lady Indians in five sets during Tuesday's District 19-2A matchup.

Mason Fenter led the team with 11 kills and eight aces — helping Overton improve to a 22-10 record while Carlisle fell to 14-16.

Former Longview Lobo Haynes King was named to the top-25 list for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award on Wednesday.

He led Georgia Tech to a 5—0 start this season—breaking team records while setting the stage for further honors in December.

Corbin King led the LeTourneau men's golf team to a tie for first at the Carla Spenkoch Invitational at Quarry Golf Course with a 54‐hole score of 2‐under and 11 birdies — he was named Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Golfer of the Week.

The team will play next in the Golfweek October Classic in Sandestin, Fla. Oct 12-14.

Four-time World Champion Steve Torrence is set to race his CAPCO Contractors Toyota at the Texas Fall Nationals today at the Motorplex—he skipped the final two season races to spend more time with his family.

Nitro qualifying starts today at 5:15 p.m., with additional sessions on Saturday and finals on Sunday.

Today, the Longview Lobos face Forney at 7:30 p.m. at Lobo Stadium on Airline Road at Hawkins Parkway — a key home game — while Spring Hill takes on Van at 7 p.m. at Panther Stadium on Spring Hill Road.

Today, many high school football games are set in the region with teams such as Hallsville, Marshall, and Kilgore scheduled to play at 7:00 or 7:30 p.m. — previews list key player stats and team records that set the stage for competitive contests.

Monster Truck Wars

12:00 – 1:30 p.m. — Longview Rodeo Arena — Tickets starting at $80 — Experience the thrill of massive trucks battling it out in an unforgettable showdown.

"Pink Heals" for Breast Cancer

Honoring all breast cancer survivors with a pink rose presentation and opportunity to sign your name on the Pink Heals Firetruck. From 11:00-1:00 with a light lunch served at noon, Women's Health Boutique, 605 N Sixth St, Longview, call 903-758-9904 for reservations.

Ruthie Foster Live Performance

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Longview Museum of Fine Arts — Tickets required — Experience the eclectic and vibrant musical journey of Ruthie Foster in an intimate setting.

Longview Gridiron Blitz Sale

9:30 AM – 11:59 PM — Alliance Auto Auction Longview — Free entry — Score big with great deals on cars and Cowboys-themed giveaways.

Glen Templeton Live

9-11 p.m. — Reo Stage — $20-$40 — Glen Templeton brings his country music vibes to Longview with special guest REO.

Salute to Heroes Veteran Appreciation Event

11 AM to 1 PM — Maude Cobb Convention Center — Ticket purchase required — Celebrate veterans with keynotes, a meal, and a military vehicle show.