KTBB News, Weather, Talk

SMITH COUNTY — Michael Stoltz, Chairman of the East Texas State Fair Board, gave the Commissioners Court an estimated economic impact the nearly two-week event had on the area. For the second year at its new location, The Park of East Texas, the fair saw more than 104,000 people in attendance, making an estimated $28.8 million economic impact on Smith County.

He said $995,000 in sales tax revenue was generated, 88 percent of the food and restaurant vendors at the fair were East Texas businesses, and 550 hotel room nights were generated.

Its first-ever professional rodeo was sold out all three nights, for a total attendance of 7,500 people, and was broadcast live nationally on the Cowboy Channel. He said more than 400 athletes competed in the rodeo, for a purse of more than $40,000. Continue reading East Texas State Fair economic impact report

LONGVIEW — On Wednesday, the trial for one of the men charged in connection with the 2016 murder of Longview resident Ron Horaney has been set. According to our news partner KETK and court documents, the trial for 88-year-old Reza Kamali is scheduled for June 8, 2026. Kamali was arrested in 2024 and charged with murder eight years after the crime. His trial will be held at the 124th District Court.

Horaney was killed on the evening of Memorial Day in 2016, after answering the door of his Tryon Road residence in Longview. According to an arrest warrant, the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) received a call of a reported shooting. The sheriff’s office located Horaney, who later died at a local hospital.

In 2024, court documents showed that investigators met with the initial “cooperating individual” who called the sheriff’s office on June 10, 2016, to do a photo lineup, where the individual identified Kamali as the person who solicited the individual to kill the victim. Kamali was one of three people arrested for the murder of Horaney; the other two were Alfredo Lizcano and Rene Garcia Jr. Both men were also charged with murder in connection to the case. Lizcano’s trial has been scheduled for May 11, 2026.

SMITH COUNTY — Our news partner KETK is reporting that the Smith County Animal Shelter will continue to care for the 44 dogs that were seized last month at a home in Troup after a ruling on Wednesday. A hearing was held where Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace James Meredith ruled for the shelter to keep custody of the dogs who were found malnourished with skin disorders, overgrown nails and possible gastrointestinal disorders.

The woman who lived on the property had died, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office said. Now, the woman’s daughter will have 10 days to appeal the decision, but will be required to pay $24,000 to reverse the appeal. Since the shelter has taken custody of the animals, a veterinarian has examined the rescued dogs. Continue reading Court ruling keeps dogs at Smith County animal shelter

LIVINGSTON — A bipartisan group of state representatives is currently visiting the Polunsky Unit in Livingston to show support for death row inmate Robert Roberson, just days before his scheduled execution.

According to our news partner KETK, those in attendance include State Reps. John Bucy (D-Austin), Jeff Leach (R-Allen), Lacey Hull (R-Houston) and Rhetta Bowers (D-Rowlett), all of whom have publicly expressed concerns about Roberson’s conviction and the evidence used against him. Roberson was convicted in 2003 of killing his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis, a case that has since drawn national attention and renewed scrutiny from lawmakers, medical experts, and criminal justice reform advocates.

Jeff Leach brought some new information to light on behalf of the other representatives, stating that they are just asking for a pause button and a new tria,l considering that Roberson was denied the chance to defend his innocence in front of a jury

“To my legislative colleagues on the other side of this issue who want to see him executed next week, and believe that nothing went wrong with the trial. I would ask them to comment on the fact that Robert’s own attorney. When Robert asked to be heard, when Robert asked to go in front of the jury to tell his side of the story to tell them I’m innocent, his attorney wouldn’t let him.” Continue reading Lawmakers visit Roberson days before execution

VAN ZANDT COUNTY – Edgewood ISD has released more information after a student reportedly made a threat against their district and Canton ISD.

According to our news partner KETK and Edgewood ISD, on Friday, administrators uncovered “troubling activity” on the internet at their high school that alerted them to investigate the students’ well-being.

“While the threat was unspecific, there were references to Canton High School, and enough specific evidence to lend itself to be treated with the utmost seriousness,” the district said. “At no time has there been a weapon on campus. The school’s part in this situation was solely online materials.

The district said that there was “sufficient evidence” to involve law enforcement, and the student was immediately removed from campus upon their findings. Continue reading Student removed after making threats against schools

CANTON — Our news partners at KETK report that an East Texas woman was indicted on Friday for allegedly withdrawing money from the Grand Saline Youth Foundation for personal use without authorization. The Van Zandt County Criminal District Attorney’s Office said Sheri Raylynn Roach, 47 of Grand Saline, the former treasurer for the nonprofit, is accused of withdrawing money from the Grand Saline Youth Foundation account without accounting to the foundation for the funds. The amount of misapplied funds is estimated to be between $2,500 and $30,000. Continue reading East Texas woman charged with misusing nonprofit funds

SMITH COUNTY – It’s been an eventful week for the Smith County Animal Shelter. Over the weekend, the Smith County Animal Shelter posted on Facebook that the shelter is ‘operating with a limited staff’. Fire Marshal Chad Hogue was also named acting supervisor. Now, Commissioner John Moore tells our news partner KETK, the shelter is presently reaching maximum capacity. The overflow is due to 44 malnourished dogs that were rescued from a residence in Troup and taken to the shelter.

CANTON – An investigation is underway after a student reportedly made a threat against Edgewood and Canton ISD. Tuesday afternoon, both districts said that they are aware of the threat and are committed to maintaining a safe learning environment. The threat is also being investigated by law enforcement. In a statement, Canton ISD said “[…] both districts are working closely together, in full cooperation with law enforcement, to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure that appropriate safety measures are in place.” Due to the nature of the incident both districts stated that no further information will be given until further notice.

TYLER — Award winning actor Rob Lowe spoke to fans about his journey through a 40 year career in the television and film industries at University of Texas at Tyler’s Cowan Center on Tuesday night.  Lowe was accompanied by our news partner KETK’s  Kaci Koviak in their discussion about his career in Hollywood and current projects that have recently made it to television screens across the country.

While Lowe is widely known for his roles as Sodapop Curtis in the 1983 film The Outsiders and Chris Traeger in the NBC comedy series Parks and Recreation, Lowe can now be seen in a new trivia game show titled The Floor. Continue reading Rob Lowe visits East Texas to discuss career

GLADEWATER – A woman has been pronounced dead in an officer-involved shooting near Gladewater.  The woman reportedly attempted to evade law enforcement on Monday night and rammed her vehicle into a patrol car. Authorities attempted to detain the 43-year-old woman at a restaurant located near the 1100 block of East Broadway. The victim has been identified as Amanda Allen.

While Allen attempted to flee, she rammed her vehicle into a Gregg County patrol car. The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office later said this was the moment a sheriff’s deputy fired his weapon in defense of the other officers and deputies. The sheriff’s deputy who shot Allen was placed on administrative leave as part of the sheriff’s office’s policy.

The case has since been turned over to the Texas Rangers for an investigation.

TYLER – Carlton Hotel owners, NORF Companies, were given approval from the U.S. National Park Service to go through with the full removal of their parking garage. Our news partners at KETK report that the garage currently stands with only its southern wall demolished, which was prompted after multiple incidents. In late July, bricks falling from the wall prompted street closures and surveys from inspectors. The southern wall was demolished Aug. 15, allowing the reopening of the streets surrounding the building. NORF says it’s too early to announce a specific timeline.

TYLER — The Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC) hosted their annual luncheon at the W.T. Brookshire Conference Center where they celebrated 125 years of service to the Rose City, according to our news partner KETK. Chamber members were celebrated along with volunteers who dedicate their time towards helping out the community over the last year.

Those present witnessed a video presentation of highlights that occurred throughout the city in 2025 and an invocation from Elder of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Reverend Orenthia Mason.

A lot has been accomplished in the last 125 years and TACC Chief Operating Officer Grant Ingram is looking forward to what the future holds in the community.

“It’s incredible to see what all we have been able to accomplish and knowing that we are not done yet, we’ve got more to come,” Ingram said. “Tyler is growing, Tyler is a great place to live, to work, to play, to raise your family. to start a business. We’re just excited to be a part of that and support our business community.”

---

 

LIVINGSTON (AP) — Robert Roberson was calm and hopeful as he pondered his mortality and whether he could again avoid becoming the first person in the U.S. executed for a murder conviction tied to the diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome.

With days to go before his scheduled Oct. 16 execution, Roberson maintained his innocence in the 2002 death of his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis, in the east Texas city of Palestine. He is set to die by lethal injection nearly a year to the day after a group of Texas lawmakers, who say he is innocent, secured an extraordinary last-minute court reprieve as Roberson waited outside the death chamber in Huntsville.

Roberson said he was placing his hopes for another execution stay in the hands of his lawyers, his supporters and God. Continue reading Roberson hopeful as he faces another execution date

TYLER — The City of Tyler Municipal Court and Smith County Courts are teaming up to offer a Warrant Solution Program starting Monday, Oct. 6, through Friday, Oct. 17. According to a news release, during the Warrant Solution Program, defendants with a warrant who voluntarily appear in the Tyler Municipal Court will receive a $50 reduction on each outstanding case.

To get started, defendants must first contact the Purdue Brandon Law Firm at (866) 870-8565 for guidance on the appropriate court. The law firm manages case collections for both the Tyler Municipal Court and the Smith County Courts.

Anyone who voluntarily appears in person at the Tyler Municipal Court may participate in the program and request a payment plan. Defendants who are unable to pay the authorized monthly installment will be allowed the opportunity to see a judge to explain their circumstances.

To learn more about Tyler Municipal Court’s Warrant Solution Program or to determine eligibility, contact the Perdue Brandon Law Firm at 1-866-870-8565 or click here.

SMITH COUNTY — Farm to Market Road 346 in Smith County will remain closed through Tuesday as construction crews mill and inlay the road, according to TxDOT.

Tyler maintenance crews are working on multiple areas of FM 346 this week including rehabbing from Cumberland Road to 0.45 miles north of FM 346.

Crews will begin mill and inlay work on FM 346 moving east from Farm to Market Road 756 to County Road 2142. Crews will also tackle ditch and drainage issues in the county.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY – A man was pronounced dead while under custody at the Van Zandt County Jail last month, according to our news partner KETK. Jason Lane Lopez, 53, was arrested on Sept. 2 and charged with public intoxication after he was found on N. 4th Street in Wills Point, according to a Texas Attorney General’s Office report into his death. Prior to his arrest, Lopez was acting combative and assistance was required from a Van Zandt County Deputy to take him into custody.

Following his arrest, Lopez was transported to the Van Zandt County Jail and continued to resist officers by attempting to get loose of their grasp and thrashing his body before officers placed him on the ground so he could be placed in a restraint chair. Continue reading Man dies in Van Zandt Jail while in custody

TYLER – On Saturday, supporters gathered at the Texas State Capitol, asking lawmakers to stop the execution of Robert Roberson, who was convicted of murder in 2003 for killing his two-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis. According to our news partner KETK, one Texas lawmaker is also calling for action to stop Roberson’s scheduled execution on Oct. 16.

“This man must have a new trial, justice demands it,” State Rep. Brian Harrison of Waxahachie said.

Harrison made a motion to issue a legislative subpoena in October of 2024 that led to a stay of Roberson’s first scheduled execution. Now, he’s saying this case should be seen in court again.
He said wrong statements and misinformation have also clouded the facts of the case. Continue reading Texas lawmaker calls for new trial in Roberson case

LUFKIN – Three people were flown to a hospital on Monday morning following a head-on collision in Lufkin. According to our news partner KETK and the Lufkin Police Department, the crash occurred at around 8:30 a.m. in the 4000 block of Southwood Drive. The vehicles involved in the crash include a Buick, driven by a woman who was accompanied by a teenager and a child; the second vehicle, a Ford truck, was driven by a man.

The identity of the victims has not been released at this time. The department is currently investigating the crash and will release more information when the investigation is complete.

SMITH COUNTY, Texas – Crews are responding to a major crash on Highway 69 heading towards Tyler. Our news partners at KETK report that Smith County Emergency Services District 2 are on the scene of a crash near the community of New Hope. The crash involved an 18-wheeler and a Kia Soul. Traffic is moving but authorities are urging drivers to stay aware.

AUSTIN — A Jacksonville, Texas resident claimed a top prize winning ticket worth $1 million in the Texas Lottery® scratch ticket game 500X. The ticket was purchased at Kim’s #47, located at 10750 FM 346 W., in Flint. The claimant elected to remain anonymous. This was the 10th of 15 top prizes worth $1 million to be claimed in this game. 500X offers more than $229 million in total prizes. Overall odds of winning any prize in the game are one in 3.36, including break-even prizes.

LONGVIEW – Our news partners at KETK report a senior at Longview’s Trinity School of Texas (TST) has been named a NASA Texas High School Aerospace Scholar. Emilio M. was nominated for the prestigious program by TST and State Representative Jay Dean, and he was selected from over 800 high school juniors across the state to participate in this NASA engagement activity. Continue reading Trinity School of Texas senior named NASA Scholar

EAST TEXAS — The last day to register to vote in Texas is Monday, marking a crucial deadline for residents to ensure their participation in the upcoming November election.

Eligible to register to vote if:

• United States citizen
• Resident of the county where your application is submitted
• At least 17 years and 10 months old on the date of your voter registration application is submitted and your 18 years old on Election Day
• Not a convicted felon (You may be eligible if you have completed your sentence, probation and parole)
• Not declared mentally incapacitated by a court of law

Continue reading Texas voter registration ends Monday

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Animal Shelter is operating with limited staff and is asking community members to call to make an appointment to adopt one of the available dogs, according to our news partner KETK.

“The Smith County Fire Marshal and Smith County Animal Shelter staff are working hard to take care of the 65 animals, despite being short staffed and continuing to respond to emergency dog calls,” the county said “Thank you for your dedication and service.”

The shelter said on Friday that there are 19 dogs available for adoption, including several puppies. Community members can make an appointment by calling the shelter at 903-266-4303.

SMITH COUNTY – On November 18, 2020, two Smith County Deputies were working drug interdiction at the Greyhound Bus Station located at 16243 US Hwy 271 North at Interstate 20. While checking the bus, they located a “suspicious blue backpack” at the back of the bus, and no one would claim it. Subsequently, the Deputies located over $4,000 in cash and approximately 4.5 pounds of methamphetamine within the unclaimed blue bag. Continue reading Drug offender sentenced in federal court

PALESTINE — Our news partners at KETK report that two years after the case went cold, two Texas people have been arrested in connection with human trafficking of their own family members.

In October 2023, the San Jacinto County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division was notified by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services of several complaints of sexual misconduct and possible prostitution in the Cleveland area of San Jacinto County.

The case went cold until September 2025, when the county reopened the investigation and identified two suspects, Glyn Banning and Jeremy Waltrapp, who are suspected of engaging in human trafficking. Law enforcement obtained statements from victims and witnesses that confirmed the allegations, county officials said. Continue reading Palestine woman accused of trafficking family members

TYLER – The University of Texas at Tyler opened the new expansion to the Longview University Center and announced the launch of the first physician assistant program in East Texas.

With the support of Texas Rep. Jay Dean, funding for the building expansion and the PA program was provided by the 88th Texas Legislature. The Legislature provided $10 million for the 10,144 square-foot expansion that includes a large classroom, multipurpose lab space, nursing skills and health assessment labs and centralized study areas. This additional space enables UT Tyler to
broaden its undergraduate and graduate degree offerings — like the new PA program — in Longview and across Gregg County. Continue reading UT Tyler opens new building at Longview campus