Good morning, Longview.

Smith County ESD2 responded to a fire at Lakewood Church on Highway 155 in Flint on Monday morning — no one was in the building and no injuries were reported as several crews stayed on scene to check for hotspots while the Fire Marshal’s Office investigates a possible attic-origin fire.

A former storage facility off E.

Loop 281 will become a biomining plant that will safely extract gold and metals from old electronics using self-contained tanks (the CEO said this process is similar to a micro-brewery and uses diluted chemicals familiar from local hardware stores). Local contractors will finish the interior construction by September with testing and the hiring of 30+ employees from technical colleges to follow by summer, and the facility will be fully operational by September 2026.

Librarian Book Talk is an online discussion where LPL staff will review The Lost Tomb: And Other Real-Life Stories of Bones, Burials, and Murder by Douglas Preston and discuss similar non-fiction titles (streamed on the library's Facebook page April 26 at 10:00 a.m.).

Longview ISD introduced an anonymous climate survey on Thursday to get feedback on school culture and environment.

Superintendent Marla Sheppard said the survey will help guide decisions to improve education—ensuring every voice is heard.

Kilgore High School SkillsUSA students won state championships in American Spirit and Community Service last week—earning the Gold Chapter of Excellence award while several job exhibits received superior ratings.

Texas Mutual Insurance Company is awarding a $100,000 grant to Kilgore College’s Risk Management Institute to help fund and expand its workplace safety courses (including a new emergency management planning course and online safety classes).

The grant continues an 18-year tradition of support that benefits community employers and employees.

Karin Smith was sworn in as Smith County auditor by 7th District Judge Kerry Russell on Monday.

With over 20 years of experience and prior work in Burnet and Anderson Counties, Smith replaced Ann Wilson, who retired on April 11.

City of Longview Job Fair

3-7 p.m. — Maude Cobb Convention Center — Free entry — Explore job opportunities in various City departments and the skills needed to succeed.

Guthrie Creek Open Pickleball Tournament

8 AM – 8 PM — Guthrie Park — Proceeds benefit the local pickleball community — Enjoy spirited competition at the fifth annual tournament hosted by the Longview Pickleball Club.

Longview Symphony Orchestra Concert

7 PM — Belcher Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience an evening of classical music performed by the Longview Symphony Orchestra.

One-Night Event with Kevin and Kathi Zadai

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Breakthru Church — Free entry — Experience an evening of fellowship and inspiring teachings.

Annual Mobberly Family Services Rummage Sale

8 AM - 2 PM — Longview Exhibit Center — Supports local community services — Browse unique finds at this beneficial charity sale.

Easter Sale 20% OFF Donated Items

Get 20% OFF on all donated items, including new cabinets, building materials, furniture, and appliances. Now through Saturday, April 19.