Good morning, Longview.

Dear Neil's gardening column published *Dec.

6* offered advice for Longview homeowners on removing mushrooms by sending samples to Texas A&M Plant Disease Laboratory and treating bermudagrass with glyphosate, while advising to delay blackberry pruning until early June.

On Dec. 6, the Gregg County Historical Museum hosted its annual model train display as part of Living History Christmas (an event featuring model trains, arts and crafts, and historical exhibits).

Local enthusiasts Fred Bauer and Caleb Buchanek operated the layout, and the exhibit will run through Dec. 20.

Local readers can share their best photos for the Best Shots feature by emailing submissions (include your full name and a brief description) for a chance to be featured next week.

The First Presbyterian Church will host Music on the Square Dec.

9-10 at 301 N. Center St. downtown, featuring the Longview High-School Concert Choir at noon Dec. 9 and the First Alpine Presbyterian Church Carillon Ringers at noon Dec. 10, with free lunch provided.

Downtown Longview offers a wide range of holiday food-and-drink options this season from Roma’s Italian Kitchen to new spots like Ki Mexico ETX at Greenside Beverage Co. Wild Honey Creamery serves seasonal ice cream flavors including white chocolate cranberry and gingerbread to highlight local partnerships.

On Friday night, Mt. Enterprise Wildcats outlasted Bremond 64-58 in Region III and advanced to the state semifinals to face Shiner; Kaegan Ash set a new state single-season rushing record with 501 yards (bringing his season total to 4,322 yards) in the win.

Carthage—10-time state champion—won 63-28 over Athens and saw four players sign with Division I programs on Wednesday.

The undefeated team will face Brock in the state semifinals this Friday at 7 p.m. at Memorial Stadium in Mesquite.

Newton beat Arp 66-20 on Friday at John Outlaw Memorial Field (Abe Martin Stadium), ending the Tigers’ season and setting a record for senior Josh Smith’s touchdowns.

Newton now advances to the state semifinals to face East Bernard next week.

Longview Code and Coffee Meetup

2-4 p.m. — Silver Grizzly Espresso — Free entry — A relaxed environment to code, learn, and sip coffee with fellow developers.

Bright! A Season of Lights

5:30 p.m. — Longview Arboretum and Nature Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical walk-through winter wonderland filled with sparkling lights and festive music.