Storms, Smarts & Summer Starts - Issue #5
Weather | Wisdom | What's up
Weather forecast and seasonal prep, Wisdom from local professionals, and What’s Up in and around Longview TX.
Hey neighbor,
June’s hitting its stride—hot afternoons, sudden storms, and a rhythm that tests both your patience and your planning. We can’t control what the skies bring, but we can shape how we move through it.
This week’s Almanac leans into that mindset: a little weather wisdom, smart timing for your yard, and a closer look at a civic project that could shape Longview’s future.
It’s a week of real rain, real humidity, and real chances to tend to what matters—your roof, your routines, and your roots in the community.
Let’s take it one day at a time—and make it count.
— Aaron
☔Weather
💬Tell a friend:
Hey, heads up — the week starts off steamy and stormy.
High humidity and scattered thunderstorms are likely through Thursday, with sudden downpours in the mix.
Might be best to delay mowing and keep an umbrella close.
By Friday and Saturday, the sun returns and temps climb back into the 90s.
Classic June in East Texas—hot, humid, and always a little unpredictable.
Stay cool out there!
June 8th-14th, 2025
🌦️Sunday, June 8th: Hot with a chance of afternoon storms
⛈️Monday, June 9th: Stormy start to the workweek
⛈️Tuesday, June 10th: Cooler temps, heavier rain possible
🌦️Wednesday, June 11th: Lingering showers with scattered sun
⛈️Thursday, June 5th: Thunderstorms and sticky air
🌤️Friday, June 6th: Turning the corner—storms tapering
🌤️Saturday, June 7th: Warming back up
Weekly Temperature: It’s a warm and humid week with mid-to-upper 80s early on and low-to-mid 90s returning by the weekend.
Source: Weather Channel, KLTV
🏠Seasonal Spotlight - Yard Projects that Help Your Home, too
June is in full swing, and the heat is here to stay. Rain early in the week offers a great chance to let the soil soak and prep your garden beds.
By the weekend, sunshine returns—perfect timing for outdoor work or a reset around the house.
If your yard’s looking rough, don’t sweat it.
The heat and humidity make things grow fast and fall apart just as quickly.
A little mulch, a sharp mower blade, and some patience go a long way.
Here’s the plan:
Watch for washout days early in the week.
Pull weeds while the ground is soft.
Plant zinnias, okra, or basil if you’re feeling ambitious.
Hold off on major projects until things dry out.
Hydrate yourself as much as your plants.
Stay steady, work smart, and let the weather do some of the work for you.
🤝In The News & In The Know
The Longview City Council is revisiting plans for a previously proposed amphitheater, according to reporting by the Longview News-Journal.
Originally pitched in 2017, the project stalled when developers requested funding from both the city and Gregg County. Now, it’s back on the table—with a key change: the new proposal doesn’t include an upfront ask for public dollars. The developers, Jim Leslie of Wolverine Interests and Steve Powers of Red Cat Projects, are looking to move forward with a fresh pitch.
This caught my attention because just last week I had lunch at the Kilgore Lion’s Club, where Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt spoke. I’ve heard him before during my time in the Leadership Longview Class of 2022, and I admire the steady presence he’s brought to the community—plus, the man has a parkway named after him (not that he’d ever bring that up himself)
During the Q&A, I asked him about this exact project. He echoed much of what’s been reported and added an important detail: the proposed site sits in a floodplain. In fact, the parking lot would be placed where flooding tends to concentrate.
Now, I’m sure a sharp contractor could engineer around that—but it’s something to keep in mind. Mayor Kristen Ishihara has asked to see a detailed investor pro forma, which could shed more light on the financial side of the proposal.
A venue like this could be a cherry on top of Longview’s growing trail center and ongoing revitalization efforts. Either way, I appreciate the thoughtful, deliberate way the council is approaching it.
I’m curious—what do you think?
🦉Wisdom
💡Today’s Trusted Tip - Gutter Maintenance Season is Here!
from Chase Patterson, Farmers Insurance, Kilgore TX
“Keep your roof, gutters, and trees in check—because your insurance company might be checking too.”
Insurance inspections don’t just happen when you first sign a policy. Companies can re-inspect at any time, and lately, they’re using aerial imagery (even drones) to look for risks like missing shingles or overhanging branches. You might not even know they’ve checked until you get a notice about higher premiums—or worse, a dropped policy.
Take it from a local agent: staying proactive about roof and tree maintenance isn’t just smart for storm season—it could save you serious money on insurance. Fix the small stuff early, and it opens up better options—like qualifying for a more competitive policy through a provider like Farmers.
Meet Chase at World’s Richest BNI in Kilgore TX on Wednesdays at East Texas Treatment Center in Kilgore at 9:30am!
“Few human beings are born with the skill to weather storms and stress with grace. Yet everyone can learn. We can’t control the weather outside, but we can control how we respond.” - Eknath Easwaran
🏠What’s Up
East Texas Events from The Piney List!
New Favorite Find: The Piney List
In the spirit of sharing what’s good — not just what’s mine — I want to introduce you to a gem I recently came across (and turns out, it’s run by friends!): The Piney List.
They’re curating East Texas weekend happenings with a bright, family-friendly vibe and a great eye for design — seriously, their Instagram is worth the follow. While Rooftop Almanac leans into weather, wisdom, and what's up, The Piney List brings a fresh take on fun, especially for families looking for things to do.
This issue includes highlights from their latest weekend roundup. We’re all about making life a little easier and a little better around here — and sometimes that means pointing you to someone else doing it well.
Give them a look. I think you’ll like what you find.
Did you enjoy this edition? Share it with someone you know!
What’s your favorite part of this issue? Leave a comment👇