Good morning, Longview.

Patty Shappell received a flag at Teague Park Veterans Memorial honoring her father, WWII hero George Yates, during a ceremony hosted by the Honor and Remember organization (a group that supports veteran remembrance).

The event celebrated his legacy with cherished family mementos.

The Longview Arboretum and Nature Center will host two week-long summer science camps for children ages 6 to 12 featuring daily themed activities such as Bird Day, Butterfly Day, and Mushroom Day, and local families can join guided outdoor and indoor learning experiences.

NASA’s Artemis II astronauts are returning today via a parachute splashdown in the Pacific near San Diego — a historic milestone celebrated by families watching live updates at Tyler Junior College’s Earth and Space Center.

Dr. Hartweg said the event sparks interest in future space exploration.

Longview is set to revitalize Teague Park after City Council allocated over $1.3 million for the project; design is underway for an inclusive playground—tailored for children with various disabilities—and a new entryway off Highway 80 with connected trails.

The playground is projected to be installed within six months.

Sen. John Cornyn and Rep. Nathaniel Moran met with local health leaders at UT Tyler Health Science Center this week to review the $281 million Rural Health Transformation Program — a plan to modernize rural hospitals and clinics.

The roundtable focused on using new technology and workforce training to boost care access.

Several district track meets unfolded Saturday at White Oak High School and other local venues where varsity boys and girls competed.

White Oak led in both divisions (146 for girls and 163 for boys) as results from districts 16-3A, 23-2A and 17-4A showcased spirited race and field event competitions.

Tyler Legacy and Longview athletes earned top-four finishes at Royse City ISD Stadium Wednesday and Thursday and will head to the District 9/10-6A meet with strong performances in sprints and distance runs (including Maddry East’s wins in the girls’ 1,600 and 3,200 runs).

Kilgore College Rangers split a doubleheader against Mississippi Delta Community College last Thursday with standout hits from Stephanie Salas and Camryn Milam, and they will play conference games in Paris today at 1 and 3 p.m.

Pine Tree’s Darron Pair and Bosston Johnson earned top honors on the District 16-4A All-District Basketball Team for the 2025-2026 season, with Pair sharing Offensive MVP honors and Johnson named Defensive MVP.

Awards went to players from Pine Tree and other local schools following Friday’s release.

Pine Tree captured the Boys District 16-4A tennis title by edging Spring Hill and Kilgore by one point on Friday, April 10.

The Pirates finished second overall while Natalie Ceja and Kaleb Kelley won the Mixed Doubles crown.

At Longview High School courts, the District 10-6A Tennis Tournament concluded with Brandt Heaton winning boys singles 6-1, 6-1 and Nora Kononovych claiming girls singles 6-4, 6-1.

Dominant finishes in doubles and consolation rounds rounded out a day of competitive play.

District 16-4A basketball awards were announced Friday, April 10.

Spring Hill senior Elizabeth Corbitt and Kilgore sophomore Serenity Oliver shared MVP honors while Pine Tree’s Addison Edmond earned Newcomer of the Year honors (district coaches also recognized Taylor High’s and Tony Riley’s work with Coach of the Year awards).

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta!

4-8 p.m. — Longview Arboretum and Nature Center — $10 Adults, Kids under 12 FREE — Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with live music, dancing, and tasty tacos.