Good morning, Longview.

The city will not supply a police escort for the annual Truman Smith Toy Run (citing safety and traffic concerns) and granted a parade permit that requires strict adherence to laws; the event begins today at 1 p.m. from Outlaws Longview Bar to the Truman W.

Smith Children’s Care Center in Gladewater.

On Thursday night, families gathered at Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center for the 11th annual Flash Mob Balloon Glow when Santa arrived by a red fire engine.

The free event featured 11 hot air balloons and a drumline performance + community moments shared by organizer Dr. Bill Bussey.

The library and Broughton Branch Library will be closed on Dec.

24 & Dec. 25 for the Christmas holiday; outside drop boxes will still accept returns and the facilities will reopen on Dec. 26.

East Mountain hosts its annual Christmas Bash and Breakfast with Santa today from 8 to 11 a.m. at City Hall (103 Municipal Drive) with a parade starting at 8 a.m. from Medlin and Main, followed by breakfast and character visits.

Texas Bank and Trust was named one of the Best Banks to Work For by American Banker on Friday, Dec.

12 — Interstate Battery Center collected 7,000 pounds at its first recycling event and UT Health East partnered with Lumin Fitness to add adaptive training in rehab.

BBB warns local shoppers to avoid delivery scams after texts claim package issues and urge quick clicks that could steal personal data.

It advises tracking orders and contacting carriers directly to verify alerts.

The final ArtWalk of the year took place Thursday in downtown Longview alongside a holiday market at the Longview Museum of Fine Arts — the free self-guided tour featured artists, musicians and craft-makers, and the next ArtWalk is scheduled for the spring.

Union Grove ISD announced that Dr. Greg Bower, a 1992 graduate, will be the new superintendent effective April 1, 2026, after a unanimous board vote — six to zero — at Gladewater.

Leverett’s Chapel Independent School District will hold its regular board meeting Tuesday, Dec.

16 at 5:30 p.m. in the Board Room on the parking lot at 8956 St. Hwy. 42/135 N in Leverett’s Chapel, where board members will review financial reports and vote on officers.

On Monday, Rachel experienced shoulder pain and signs of a heart attack, prompting husband Jack Stallard to rush her to emergency care in Kilgore & Longview.

Doctors quickly treated her condition, and her recovery underlines the importance of recognizing symptoms and seeking help immediately.

Latexo senior Madilyn Smith earned MVP honors in district volleyball on Friday, Dec.

12 as coaches named her on the All-District Team; superlatives also went to top players (including Offensive MVP Kaitlynn Patterson and Defensive MVP Bryleigh Nelson) from Latexo, Overton, and Alto.

The Kilgore Bulldogs won a decisive game (49-0) over the La Vernia Bears on Friday and now aim for their first state title since 2004; they will face the Stephenville Yellow Jackets next week in the 4A D1 UIL State Football Championship.

Longview Code and Coffee Meetup

2-4 p.m. — Silver Grizzly Espresso — Free entry — A relaxed environment to code, learn, and sip coffee with fellow developers.

Bright! A Season of Lights

5:30 p.m. — Longview Arboretum and Nature Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical walk-through winter wonderland filled with sparkling lights and festive music.