Good morning, Longview.

City officials and nonprofit leaders held a food drive Friday at Longview Convention Complex to support local food pantries after SNAP benefits expired on November 1 amid the government shutdown.

They noted that in Gregg County over 18,000 residents—many children and seniors—and 27% of East Texas children rely on SNAP, while urging local donations online.

Longview’s business scene is busy with the first Braum’s opening on November 10 at 3069 Eastman Road and a ribbon-cutting for FRESH by Brookshire’s at 10 a.m. November 12 at 3121 N.

Eastman Road—highlighting a 66,000-square-foot store with added amenities. Other updates include the planned opening of Bearded Monkey Sports Bar and Grill at 1013 Wal St. within 90 days and East Texas Juicery’s first anniversary celebrated on November 8 at 424 E. Cotton St.

Local store owners at East Texas Juicery and Groom & Sons Hardware showed how small businesses serve Longview customers.

Reed and Williams started the Juicery last year at 424 E. Cotton St., hired two employees, and may expand healthy meal options, while Fuller at Groom & Sons at 1341 Heritage Blvd. fine-tuned his store’s stock to meet customer needs.

The local library will host a free Dungeons and Dragons session for teens ages 13 to 17 on November 22 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. A teen intern and youth services staff will lead the game — helping participants create character sheets and setting the stage for monthly meetups.

Kilgore College and Northeastern Oklahoma played a high-scoring SWJCFC game Saturday at R.E.

St. John Memorial Stadium — NEO won 65-48, ending Kilgore’s season at 4-5 and lifting NEO to a 5-4 record as it will host a playoff game next week.

No. 1 ranked Carthage Bulldogs beat Brownsboro 56-8 on Friday to secure their ninth straight undefeated district title and extend a 53-game win streak.

They will begin postseason play next Thursday at 7 p.m. at Lindale High—seeking to defend their 4A-DII state title.

Marshall’s Mavericks defeated Whitehouse 49-7 on senior night to honor their seniors with a strong performance on both offense and defense.

Coach Jason Hammett said the win came from a well-protected offensive line and balanced play—helping the team secure a dominant victory.

Lindale beat Henderson 42-21 on Friday as Lindale built a 35-0 lead with early rushing touchdowns by Hank Thurman, A’million Johnson and QB David Lindig—Henderson rallied late but could not close the gap.

Henderson ended its season with a strong effort—while Lindale now prepares to host its playoff opener next week.

Longview Mall Christmas Tree Lighting

2-6 p.m. — Longview Mall — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday season with a festive tree lighting, local vendors, and family fun.

Peppermint Land Holiday Expo

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Longview Exhibit Center — Free entry with RSVP — Celebrate the festive season with shopping, food, and enchanting holiday characters.