Good morning, Longview.

Robert Lewis Jr. of Carthage unearthed a rare 500-carat demantoid garnet in his front yard near Highway 315; experts in Dallas confirmed its high value and he will secure appraisals to decide if it will be shown in a museum—an unusual find that could boost local interest in gemology.

Roxy’s Candy Lounge held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday at its new location at 101 North Center Street in downtown Longview.

The shop offers gourmet desserts made with locally sourced ingredients and donates part of its profits to support children with autism — it is its second location after Gladewater.

Three local women are rising in the modeling world as they use their personal stories to guide others.

17-year-old Maddilynn Jones from Diana has walked in shows like Dallas Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week—while Longview mother Sondra Tibbens and her daughter Emily Fowler model together to show that beauty comes in all sizes.

Officials in Cherokee County have imposed a burn ban amid dry and hot conditions; Judge Chris Davis said local fire marshals and Texas A&M forest services noted that rain is not forecast and lower humidity will raise wildfire risks.

The ban will last for the week while commissioners decide next steps — a measure aimed at preventing fires from unsafe debris burning.

The Lobos moved up three spots to No. 15 in the Dave Campbell's Texas Football weekly poll—Longview will host Forney in District 10-6A play on Friday.

GLADEWATER — The Tatum varsity boys and West Rusk varsity girls won District 16-3A cross country titles Saturday at Union Grove High School with Victor Cantellano running the boys 5k in 16:56.81 and Sadie Loftis setting a new record in the girls 3.2k run at 11:51.64.

The top teams qualified for the UIL Region 2 Championship at Arlington’s Harold Patterson Sports Complex on Oct. 20-21.

The Longview High School swim team competed in a tri-meet against Tyler Legacy and Southlake Carroll at the Tyler ISD Aquatic Center on Saturday and posted strong finishes—Aidan Carlile took second in the mixed 50 freestyle.

Week 6 football games saw many local teams win as standout players made key plays in wins across the region.

Kilgore’s Williams rushed 27 times for 220 yards in a 27 to 12 win over Henderson — Dotson threw three touchdown passes in a 48 to 0 win over Winona — as teams delivered strong offense and defense.

The Longview Lobos blanked rival Spring Hill 19—0 in a Friday tune-up match.

Longview opened playoffs against Wylie East on Monday while Spring Hill will begin their postseason today at 9 a.m. against Liberty-Eylau at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall.

The Kilgore College Rangers returned to the win column with a 55-0 non-conference victory over the Community Christian College Spartans at R.E.

St. John Memorial Stadium on Saturday, as quarterback Liam Oczkowski completed 18 of 19 passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns—snapping a three-game losing streak.

On Sunday, LeTourneau’s volleyball team beat Concordia Texas by 3 to 1 in Seguin—Emma Smith had 18 kills and Emily Mullin recorded a triple-double, while at the Belhaven Invitational the women set personal bests and the men won their first team title in Jackson.

The men’s soccer team rallied for a 3 to 2 win over McMurry at the Joyce Family Athletic Village to earn their first SCAC win, and the women’s team lost 3 to 1 on the LETU Soccer Field.

Monster Truck Wars

12:00 – 1:30 p.m. — Longview Rodeo Arena — Tickets starting at $80 — Experience the thrill of massive trucks battling it out in an unforgettable showdown.

"Pink Heals" for Breast Cancer

Honoring all breast cancer survivors with a pink rose presentation and opportunity to sign your name on the Pink Heals Firetruck. From 11:00-1:00 with a light lunch served at noon, Women's Health Boutique, 605 N Sixth St, Longview, call 903-758-9904 for reservations.

Ruthie Foster Live Performance

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Longview Museum of Fine Arts — Tickets required — Experience the eclectic and vibrant musical journey of Ruthie Foster in an intimate setting.

Longview Gridiron Blitz Sale

9:30 AM – 11:59 PM — Alliance Auto Auction Longview — Free entry — Score big with great deals on cars and Cowboys-themed giveaways.

Glen Templeton Live

9-11 p.m. — Reo Stage — $20-$40 — Glen Templeton brings his country music vibes to Longview with special guest REO.

Salute to Heroes Veteran Appreciation Event

11 AM to 1 PM — Maude Cobb Convention Center — Ticket purchase required — Celebrate veterans with keynotes, a meal, and a military vehicle show.