Good morning, Temple.

Local photographer Joshua Sharon is marking his 11th annual Stop and Give Christmas Drive by providing gifts to 118 kids this holiday season in Central Texas — donations totaling between $20,000 and $25,000 from local businesses help the drive expand next year.

The Army is investigating Maj.

Blaine McGraw (a Fort Hood doctor suspended over allegations of secretly recording patients) as officials review his work, including his time as a physician assistant at Fort Campbell, to ensure patient safety.

Temple Star Studios - a creative facility owned by Marc Elieson - now offers an affordable workspace for local artists in a building connected to a storage facility in Temple.

Dr. Jill Hoffman, who brings 25 years of museum leadership experience, was named manager of Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum on Friday by the city’s Department of Libraries and Museums; she will lead operations at the historic Santa Fe Depot (315 W.

Avenue B).

Jews in our community will celebrate Hanukkah starting at sundown on Sunday, Dec.

14 by lighting one extra candle each night, plus honoring the temple's rededication nearly 2,200 years ago as they share traditions of food and charity.

Rink on the Rails opened for the season Friday morning at the MLK Festival Grounds in downtown Temple with a grand-opening celebration featuring special guests Anna & Elsa.

The festive event gives locals a cool winter twist against warm Texas weather.

Central Texas College held its fall commencement on Friday night at the Killeen Civic and Convention Center, where nearly 900 graduates were cheered on by family and friends.

Local school officials advise students on coping with holiday blues as Meredith Cole supports keeping spirits high at Bonham Middle School amid construction (guidance meant to help families manage seasonal emotional challenges).

On Friday, more than 330 Texas A&M University-Central Texas students celebrated their fall graduation at the Cadence Bank Center in Belton with hundreds of attendees in the stands.

Rowan Digital Infrastructure donated $15,000 plus built a new greenhouse for Cultivate Academy-CTX Microschool of Urban Agriculture in Temple, ensuring youth agriculture education continues.

The completed project bolsters the nonprofit’s hands-on learning program.

Canadian & Mexican troops are at Fort Hood for a joint disaster-response training exercise aimed at boosting military coordination.

The drill is ongoing and will help improve readiness for emergency situations.

McGregor Girls Varsity Basketball Game

2-3:15 p.m. — Central Texas Christian School — Admission details not provided — Witness a competitive non-conference matchup between local high school basketball teams.