Good morning, Tyler.

Tyler-area animal shelters will host free adoptions and special events all August as part of National Clear the Shelters Month.

Smith County Animal Control and Shelter will extend lobby hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays starting Monday, Aug. 4 with a lunch break from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., while Tyler Animal Services will offer free adoptions in exchange for a $50 donation of items like movies or art supplies and host an adoption event on Aug. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.—all to help more animals find new homes.

A Tyler man, Gregory Bargaineer, began his trial on Friday in a Smith County courtroom for allegedly killing his girlfriend Marilyn Janis McEachin by setting her house on fire on Shady Trail Drive+ he turned himself in on Nov.

18 and was indicted on Jan. 30 for capital murder by terror threat.

Tyler native Nakeia Burrell celebrated the success of her best-selling book, Leading With Faith: Unveiling Daniel’s Path to Success and Everlasting Impact, which earned high rankings on Amazon with five-star reviews.

Burrell — a CPA and top-producing realtor — used insights from the biblical figure Daniel to offer practical leadership advice for professionals.

A guest columnist urges Tyler residents during Make a Will Month to update their wills so that local families can secure guardianship for minor children and clearly direct asset distribution (instead of leaving decisions to the state).

The column outlines steps such as reviewing current circumstances and naming charitable beneficiaries to ensure personal wishes are met.

Volunteer educators from the local extension office explained today that tower gardening helps growers in small spaces by easing irrigation, controlling pests, and protecting plants from freezing.

They detailed how towers with 30 and 42 pockets can boost strawberry yields and simplify harvesting—local gardeners may soon try this vertical growing method.

Gardening expert Neil Sperry said that oak galls on red oaks come from wasp stings and that red ants feed on the honeydew from the galls—he also advised that skunkvine be removed manually or with glyphosate and that boxwood hedges be lightly trimmed in late winter to help them recover.

Childbirth Education Class Series

Aug 4, 6:30 PM – Sep 1, 8:30 PM — CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital - Tyler — Refunds up to 7 days before event — An informative and interactive series designed to prepare expectant parents for childbirth.

Chris Munch Comedy Show

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Rose City Comedy — Ticket prices vary — Experience the comedic talents of Chris Munch, a seasoned performer blending humor and storytelling.

Gene Watson Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Liberty Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the timeless voice of Gene Watson, a Texas country music legend with over 50 years of unforgettable hits.

Music Makers

10:15-11 a.m. — Tyler Public Library — Free entry — Engage babies and preschoolers in a lively morning of singing, dancing, and music-making.

Jimmy Fortune Concert

7-9 PM — Liberty Hall — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of country and gospel music with Hall of Fame artist Jimmy Fortune.

The After Party Live Performance

8 p.m. — Rick's On the Square — Tickets required — Enjoy a dynamic performance of Top 40 hits by an energetic 6-piece band.