Hurricane and Tropical Storm Warnings have been issued for portions of the forecast area in anticipation of Hurricane Laura impacting the region.

Governor Abbott has amended his previous disaster proclamation to include 36 counties in Texas. The latest counties are in East, and Northeast Texas include Anderson, Angelina, Bowie, Cass, Cherokee, Franklin, Gregg, Harrison, Marion, Morris, Nacogdoches, Red River, Rusk, Shelby, Smith, Titus, Upshur, and Wood counties.

The FBI is investigating the package delivered to the Shoe Department Store in the 3500-block of Lamar in Paris. Two employees suffered rashes caused by the powdery substance in the delivery. The package contained a rambling but non-threatening note found inside, and a crime lab is investigating the contents.

The Paris City Council will host a public hearing on the proposed tax rate at the meeting on September 14. The tax rate is the lowest in five years, but tax bills could be higher because of higher property valuations. The council also approved zoning changes for a tattoo parlor …

The United Way of Lamar County officially kicks off its fall campaign, Tuesday, September 1. The goal is to raise at least $500,000 to share with 22 partner agencies. In addition to the partner agencies, the United Way also sponsors a rental assistance program, gives utility bill assistance, and provides …

Choctaw County Sheriff Terry Park The Choctaw County Sheriff’s Office responded to Kiamchi Park at Hugo Lake. A Bonham man was arrested for malicious damage to property by trying to pull the copper wire from a transformer box. His wife was arrested on a Texas warrant for Failure to Appear …

The Lamar County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a benefit to help local restaurants affected by the current coronavirus pandemic. Tailgate at the Tower will take place from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm Thursday at the Eiffel Tower at 2025 S. Collegiate Drive in Paris. Those participating can purchase their …

Rescue crews recovered the body of 18-year-old Landen Drake from the Mountain Fork River just north of I-70 in Broken Bow Tuesday morning. Authorities say Drake and a 13-year-old were kayaking on the river in separate kayaks. Both kayaks overturned, and the 13-year-old swam to shore. But Drake never resurfaced.

Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches has canceled classes in preparation for Hurricane Laura. The campus is closed at noon today, and for the remainder of the week. The college expects to resume as scheduled Monday, Aug. 31. University offices will close at 3:00 pm. Non-essential university employees are released …

Hopkins County Emergency Management reports two new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total actives at this time to 42. The totals since testing began in March are 235 positives, 193 recoveries. The state reported one death from COVID-19, bringing the total number of deaths from the virus to 5. There …