Good morning, Tyler.

School is back as the Women's Fund of Smith County invites high school girls to join the GIVE program, a free philanthropic initiative where they will learn about collective giving and support local nonprofits that serve women and children.

The new 2025-2026 class will meet monthly to raise funds and build skills for college applications and future leadership — a hands-on effort to strengthen our community.

The Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office reported that a house fire injured one boy on Friday in Lindale—firefighters responded at 11:16 a.m. to a home on the 12900 block of County Road 374 with a preliminary investigation pointing to an overloaded power strip as the likely cause—and the teenager was treated for smoke inhalation at a Tyler hospital.

Greg Grant will lead a free lecture 'I’ll Fly Away… Gardening is for the Birds' on August 14 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office in the Cotton Belt Building in Tyler—he will show local gardeners how to create habitats that attract birds with layered plantings.

Amy Smith-Shively from the Smith County Extension Office offered back-to-school routine tips including waking up earlier, using a visual schedule, setting consistent sleep times, and prepping the night before—advice aimed at easing morning stress for families.

Expert Neil answered several gardening questions on issues ranging from a dying Japanese yew and pecked tomatoes to privet control and safe live oak root removal (published 10:27 p.m. Saturday, August 9) while urging gardeners to monitor their plants’ moisture levels (a common concern this season).

UT Tyler hosted a Patriot Sports Camp for a Cause on campus Aug.

5-6 that raised about $8,385.50 to aid Texas Hill Country flood victims—coaches and student athletes led sports clinics while participants donated instead of paying regular fees. The event partnered with UT Health East Texas and featured lunch provided by Hawaiian Bros on day one and Raising Canes on day two.

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.

Giovannie & The Hired Guns Concert

7:15 p.m. — Stanley's Famous Pit Barbecue — GA Standing — Experience an energetic blend of alt-metal, Red Dirt country, and Latin pop from this dynamic Texas band.

The Unknown Tour

6-8:30 p.m. — W.T. Brookshire Conference Center — Ticket prices vary — A night of fun, clean comedy, worship, and encouragement for women.