– The start of the official filing period for the March elections are now only a few days away.

The first day to file as a candidate is this Thursday, and the last day to file is Jan. 4. Candidates seeking an office in a particular county will file with their respective county Democratic or Republican Party offices. Candidates whose jurisdiction covers multiple counties file with the state party offices.

By Associated Press

– Texans have tried to make sure no fellow Texan went without a traditional Thanksgiving feast.

The 30th annual Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving dinner for more than 25,000 diners in San Antonio was just one of many community feasts served up yesterday.

Locally, Commerce, Cooper, Birthright and Greenville were among area cities to provide free Thanksgiving meals.

By Scott Harvey

Sulphur Springs – A Rhodes Scholar recipient has close ties to Hopkins County. Elizabeth Longino, of Dallas, is the granddaughter of long-time Sulphur Springs residents Dr. and Mrs. Joseph B. Longino.

Libby is a senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she majors in English and public policy analysis. She, along with her boyfriend are on their way to England, joining 30 other American students.

By Scott Harvey

– The Texas Department of Transportation has approved nearly $2 billion in highway projects statewide, several of which will benefit the Northeast Texas region.

The projects are each aimed at increasing safety, rehabilitating pavement, expanding highway corridors and reducing traffic congestion.

By Associated Press

Terrell – The small town of Terrell, just east of Dallas, is once again struggling with the news of a resident killed in war.

Army Spc. Joseph "Joe" Michael Lewis, 26, whose wife and young daughter live in Terrell, became the fifth service member from the city of about 15,500 to die in Afghanistan or Iraq since 2004. He is the second to die since October.

By Brad Kellar

– It's that time of year again when we start to hear bells. The Salvation Army of Hunt County is scheduled to start its annual Red Kettle fundraising drive on Black Friday.

The kickoff of the drive is scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday at the center court of Crossroads Mall in Greenville.

The agency is also asking for assistance from anyone who is willing to take a shift as a bell-ringer from now until Christmas.

By Scott Harvey

– Volunteers will be on hand today serving hundreds of free Thanksgiving meals throughout the region.

The Salvation Army of Hunt County will be hosting a free sit-down meal starting at 10 a.m. at its Greenville location, 4601 King Street.

First United Methodist Church in Cooper will continue its tradition of serving free Thanksgiving Dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the church's Fellowship Hall.

By Scott Harvey

Sulphur Springs – Four additional Hopkins County officials will seek re-election in March.

They include Commissioner for Precinct 4 Danny Evans, County Clerk Debbie Shirley, District Clerk Patricia Dorner and County Treasurer Treva Watson.

All four will hold a press conference Tuesday to formally announce their re-election bids. The event will take place at 9:30 a.m. in the Commissioners Courtroom on the first floor of the Hopkins County Courthouse. The public is welcome to attend.

By Scott Harvey

Sulphur Springs – Hopkins County Judge Cletis Millsap announced Wednesday plans to run for re-election in the Democratic Party Primary in March.

The long-time judge is a native of Hopkins County, and has previously served as Justice of the Peace, Precinct One. Millsap also attended East Texas State University for a time.

He was elected County Judge in 1998. In that capacity, Millsap serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Commissioners Court, the governing body of Hopkins County.

By Scott Harvey

Paris – Paris Police have charged David Murray with robbery and assault in connection to an alleged shoplifting at the city's Wal-Mart.

Store employees on Monday attempted to detain the man when they suspected he was shoplifting packages of meat. Murray would then reportedly become combative.

As employees detained the man outside the store, several packages of meat fell out of his jacket that totaled over $86.00 in value. Upon arrival, police would find Murray also in possession of drug paraphernalia.