Cleveland Police Detective Darrell Broussard said Donnie Howard, 24, of Humble was killed in an accident during a bull riding competition at Stancil Park in Cleveland on Saturday. The young man was reportedly thrown from the back of the bull he was riding and then, struck in the head by one of the bull’s hooves. Donnie Howard was pronounced dead later that night at the Cleveland Regional Medical Center.

With the removal of the Juvenile Detention Facility from Liberty County as part of the county’s new agreement with Corrections Corporation of America, Chambers County Sheriff Monroe Kreuzer said using some cells at the jail there to house juveniles is being considered. The 58 beds currently used for housing juveniles in Liberty County will be used instead to house adult inmates and juvenile detainees will be transferred to either Montgomery or Jefferson Counties. Sheriff Kreuzer said converting extra cells for juvenile detention is also a possibility.

Liberty Police Officer Matt Custer said it was sometime between 4 p.m. Sunday and 3 a.m. Monday when someone broke into the Noah’s Ark Pet Shop on the Courthouse Square in Liberty, stealing three puppies. The suspects reportedly broke through the front window of the shop. No money was taken and several valuable animals were left untouched. Anyone with information about the stolen puppies is asked to call Liberty Police at 336-5666 or Liberty County Crime Stoppers at 336-2336.

The Liberty-Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors met yesterday and canvassed the results of the board elections. The elected board members from Dayton are Greg Hayman, Bill Monk, Dennis Shelton, Terri Beene and Eliza Mae Guidry. A fifth board member was elected from Dayton to fill the unexpired term of the late Jay Tankersley. The four members elected from Liberty are Brad Herrington, Liberty County Sheriff Greg Arthur, Kay Barrow and Josh Hall.

12/18 FUNERALS:

Ila I. McDaniel Cook, 85, of Kenefick, Graveside services at 2 p.m. today at the Greenville Cemetery in Kenefick.

Donnie Howard, 24, of Humble, Graveside services at 2 p.m. today at Pace-Stancil Memorial Rest Garden in Cleveland

US Congressman Jim Turner announced last week he will seek re-election to the 2^nd District Texas seat. The 3-term incumbent has become the policy chair of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group who describe themselves as fiscally conservative Democratic House Members. He also is the ranking Democratic Member on the House’s Panel on Terrorism. Congressman Jim Turner has yet to file for his 4^th term. So far, no Republican Candidates have announced they will be opposing the incumbent Democrat in next year’s election.

Liberty Police Officer Matt Custer said Dorothy Lewis, 75 of Dayton was traveling on Cos street Saturday Afternoon, when she allegedly ran a stop sign and was struck by a vehicle driven by Juan Carlos Villegas, 16 of Liberty. City of Liberty EMS took Ms. Lewis to Liberty Dayton Hospital with what were described as non-life threatening injuries. Mr. Villegas did not require medical treatment.

The Liberty ISD Board of Trustees will meet tomorrow night at 6 to consider calling for a bond election. For the past several months, the Board have been meeting with architects and financial advisors to consider building 2 new facilities costing an estimated $16 to 17 million. If the idea of a bond election is approved, the election is expected to be in February.

According to report from the Dayton Police Department, at around 11:30 PM last Wednesday, officers placed, David Allen Castilaw under arrest for DWI following an accident on Highway 321. While the Policemen were investigated the accident, the Humble man escaped. He was captured later that night at a Dayton residence. Mr. Castilaw was charged with escape, driving while intoxicated and criminal mischief.

12/17 FUNERALS:

Thomas James "T.J." Brunson, 73 of Raywood. Funeral services are today at 10 AM at the Allison Funeral Home in Liberty.

Lemoyne Pittman Leopard, 84 of Hull. Funeral services are today at 2 PM at the Allison Funeral Home in Liberty.

Idell Bland, 73 of Raywood. Funeral Services are Thursday at 11 AM at the St. Miles Baptist Church in Ames.

Harvey Williams, 73 of Anahuac. Funeral Services were held this weekend, under the direction of Wells Mortuary in Liberty.

The Texas Transportation Commission voted yesterday to enact the TNRCC-proposed environmental traffic laws in Harris and surrounding counties that will lower speed limits in both Chambers and Liberty Counties to 55 miles per hour. Marc Shepherd, of the TxDot Office in Beaumont said new speed limit signs must be posted by May 1st and the new limits will not take effect until they are. The effort to reduce air pollutants in this area means 55-mph speed limits on I-10, Hwy 90, Hwy 146 and all roadways that currently have speed limits over 55.

In a statement following Tuesday’s Liberty County Commissioner’s Court meeting, County Republican Party Chair Richard Pegues called for a switch from the current system of road maintenance overseen by individual commissioners to the unit system. Under the unit system, county road and bridge funds would be pooled and the work overseen by a single engineer. Pegues pointed to recent commissioner pay raises and displeasure over the latest county redistricting as among the reasons county republicans endorse the change.

Five-term State Representative Zeb Zbranek denied he is considering a run for any district judgeship with an incumbent, after a story in the Conroe Courier newspaper Tuesday implied strongly that he was. Zbranek has said he is putting his political career on hold since his constituency in Liberty, Chambers and Hardin County was divided up in recent redistricting.

The Liberty Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon is set for next Wednesday at noon in the Liberty City Hall Auditorium. This month’s holiday-theme luncheon will feature a program of Christmas music. Lunch will be fried chicken prepared by Ken Owens Catering. Tickets are $6 each. For reservations, call the Chamber Office at 336-5736.

12/14 FUNERALS: 

Andrew A. Semien, Infant son of Anthony and Peggy Semien of Anahuac, Services at 10 a.m. tomorrow at Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton. 

Clifford Leon Acker, 61, of Liberty, Services at 10 a.m. tomorrow at Allison Funeral Service in Liberty. 

Rocky Quinn Osburn, 55, of Dayton, Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Allison Funeral Service in Liberty.

According to information from the UTMB hospital in Galveston, 39-year-old Pablo Delarosa remains in critical condition at the hospital’s burn treatment facility. The Liberty man was critically injured in the natural gas pipeline explosion in Hull last Thursday morning that claimed the life of Gene Weaver, 49, of Daisetta. The cause of that explosion is still under investigation.

Liberty School Trustees met yesterday afternoon to go over the final details of the proposal to build two new campuses. If district patrons so approve, a new middle school would be built next to Liberty High School on Jefferson Drive and a new elementary built at the site of the current Liberty Middle School, at an estimated total cost between $16 and $17 million dollars. Financial Advisor Mark McCliney advised trustees to place both bond issues before voters at the same time, while interest rates are low. Trustees will consider setting an amount and a date for the bond election at their regular meeting Tuesday.

The Liberty City Council met Tuesday night to hear a proposal from City Manager Kerry Lacy allowing the city to become a member of the Texas Municipal Retirement System. The TMRS plan means city employees could greatly enhance the investment rate on retirement funds and Lacy said the only complaint he had heard was from employees who did want to wait until October 2002 to join the plan as proposed. Council passed a motion by Mayor Pro-Tem Dennis Odell to join the plan as quickly as possible. Mr. Lacy said he felt the process could be expedited and the city could be in the system within 30 to 60 days.

Those wishing to apply for assistance from the Spirit of Sharing’s Operation Noel Program will need to do so by tomorrow at the latest. All donations of toys and monetary donations intended for the program will need to be in by Monday of next week. For more information, call at 336-6602.

71-year-old Eugene Johnson of Raywood will be among 15 Texans inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboys Hall of Fame on Saturday February 9^th in ceremonies at the Expo Hall in Belton, Texas. A member of the PRCA since 1947, Mr. Johnson has won calf-roping and steer wrestling events in 26 rodeos across the United States in his long rodeo career.

Liberty County Commissioners met with a full court yesterday morning for the first time since the arrest of Precinct #4 Commissioner Toby Wilburn in May for violating federal wiretapping laws. Following his acquittal on all charges, Commissioner Wilburn has returned to work and made the motion yesterday to end the services of Lester Ray Wisegerber as Precinct #4 Road and Bridge Supervisor. Commissioners voted unanimously to do so. Mr. Wisegerber was appointed to take over the job in Commissioner Wilburn’s absence.

U.S. Congressman Jim Turner said the recently passed Transportation Appropriations Bill provides $375,000 for the Brazos Transit Bus System. The federal funds will be used to purchase replacement buses for the Transit District, which serves 8 Eastern and Central Texas Counties and is the state’s first and largest rural general transportation system.

Former Chambers County Constable Jim Curl has filed to seek the Democratic nomination for Precinct #4 Liberty County Constable in March. Curl will be running to fill the remaining term of Craig Houghton, who resigned after his arrest on wiretapping charges. Curl will face opposition in the Democratic Primary from Charles Martin, whom commissioners appointed to the constable’s office after Houghton’s resignation.

According to local postal officials, all holiday packages shipped by regular mail need to be mailed by the beginning of next week. After Thursday of next week, Overnight Delivery will be the only way to insure that packages arrive by Christmas.

On last Friday’s Shine All Nine Radiogram, we misreported the name of a suspect arrested for drug possession. The correct name of the suspect is Harper T. Sirmons. We regret the error.

12/12 FUNERALS:

Sandra Gayle Robbins, 53, of Dayton, Services at 10 a.m. today at Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton.

Bertie J. Baker, Jr., 83, of Tarkington, Services at 2 p.m. today at Pace Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton.

Dorothy E. Perkins, 77, of Anahuac, Services at 2 p.m. today at Sterling Funeral Home in Anahuac.

Eugene Weaver, 49, of Daisetta, Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Pace Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton

Liberty County Health Authority Dr. Stephen Ellerbe said no treatment is needed for any Hardin ISD students or employees after the death of a Hardin Junior High and High School Cafeteria worker due to meningococcal meningitis. School officials said those in close contact with the worker have been notified and students will be given information for parents.

DPS reports indicate that Tony Rutledge, 18, of Willis lost control of his vehicle on FM 2025 north of Cleveland around midnight Saturday and struck a tree. The young man, who reportedly was not wearing a seat belt, was partially ejected from the vehicle in the crash. Tony Rutledge was pronounced dead at the Cleveland Regional Medical Center early Saturday morning.

Longtime State Representative Zeb Zbranek said he will not seek re-election in 2002. First elected to the District #20 House Seat in 1992, Zbranek has served on the Texas House Committees for Civil Practices, Judicial Affairs, and Rules and Resolutions, but said recent redistricting maps that essentially split his constituency into three separate districts prompted the difficult decision to step down. Mr. Zbranek said he hopes to have the opportunity to serve the public again in the future.

According to information from the Dayton Police Department, 25-year-old Henry Charles Odom of Dayon has been arrested and charged with two counts of Indecency with a Child, a 2^nd Degree Felony. Further investigation led Dayton Police to also arrest the man’s 17-year-old sister, Minnie Elaine Odom on a charge of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child Under Fourteen Years of Age. Both are currently held in the Liberty County Jail with bond set at a combined total of $190,000.

KSHN Radio begins our 20^th year of the popular "Find Santa" game today. When the announcement is made for listeners to call, the correct numbered caller will have chance to win Christmas Cash by guessing at which one of our sponsors Santa Claus in shopping that hour. The jackpot begins at $5 and keeps growing each time there is no winner, up to a possible $500.

12/11 FUNERAL: Carrie B. Vann, 68, of Laporte, Services at 11 a.m. tomorrow at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Dayton. **

Roy Eugene Weaver, 49 of Daisetta, died Friday night at the UTMB Hospital in Galveston. The Daisetta man has been in the hospital since early Thursday when he and 2 others were injured in a gas-line explosion. He went through 6 hours of surgery Friday, but doctors were unable to save him. According to an administrator at the Galveston Hospital, Pablo Delarosa, of Liberty, remains in critical condition. A 3^rd man, Melchor Delarosa, also of Liberty, was released from the hospital Friday.

According to reports from the Hardin Volunteer Fire Department, a fire in Hull Saturday night completely destroyed a home. The Hull-Daisetta Volunteer Fire Department was called to the McAdory family home at around 10:30 PM. The Devers and Hardin VFD’s aided in extinguishing the fire.

Eddie Shauberger, 46 of Hardin, announced Friday he will be seeking the Republican Nomination to the office of State Representative District #18. Shauberger was the Republican nominee for State Representative District #20, in 1998 and 2000. He lost on both occasions to State Representative Zeb Zbranek. Incumbent District #18 Representative Dan Ellis has also filed for re-election in the Democratic Primary.

The Dayton Boys Basketball team came in 2^nd at the Dayton tournament this weekend. The Dayton Hoopsters beat Lamarque Friday, and lost in the finals Saturday to Angleton. The Broncos next game is tomorrow night at home against the Huntsville Hornets. The Dayton Boys are 3 and 7 on the year.

12/10 FUNERALS:

Carl L. Beene, 77 of Baytown. The family will hold a private graveside service at a later date.

Frances Lee Nugent Bell, 59 of Batson. Funeral Services are today at 2 PM at the Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton. Clifford Earnest Kachel, 58 of Moss Hill. Funeral services will be tomorrow at 2 PM at the Moss Hill Cemetery.

Ernestine Moon, 74 of Hardin. Funeral services will be today at 11 AM at the Hardin Chapel Cemetery.

Joann B. Rumley, 66 of Dayton. Funeral services will be today at 3 PM at the Houston National Cemetery.

Florence Rene Standley, 46 of Oak Island. Funeral services will be today at 11 AM at the Oak Island Baptist Church.

According to Liberty County Emergency Management Coordinator Leroy Hanel it was around 8:30 yesterday morning when fumes inside a natural gas pipeline at the Gulf Hannah Oil Site in Daisetta, ignited. Three workers at the site were injured in the resulting explosion. With Lifeflight and Med-Link air ambulances unable to fly in the foggy conditions, U.S. Coast Guard Helicopters transported Roy Eugene Weaver, 49, of Daisetta and Pablo Delarosa, 39, of Liberty to the UTMB Hospital in Galveston in critical condition with burns to over 90% of their bodies. The third man, Melchor Delarosa is listed in stable condition at Liberty-Dayton Hospital with less serious burns. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.

Liberty County Sheriff Greg Arthur said a joint operation between his department, the Chambers-Liberty County Narcotics Task Force, the DPS Narcotics Unit and Precinct #2 Constable Jimmy Belt resulted in the arrest of two Liberty County residents and the seizure of 839 grams of meth-amphetamines valued at more than $80,000. Harper T. Simmons, 30, and Brandy Nichols, age 20, are each currently held in the Liberty County Jail on $75,000 bond for possession of a controlled substance.

Paul Kelly, 39, of West Woodland Hills has filed to run in March Republican Primary for Precinct #4 Liberty County Commissioner. Four democrats have filed for that office, but Kelly is the first Republican to file. Also, Larry Wilburn, 43, of Dayton has announced he will run as a Republican for Precinct #4 J.P. Wilburn was unsuccessful in his last bid for the office, losing the 1998 Democratic Primary to incumbent Glenn Pruitt.

Last night’s 1^st Annual Dayton Hometown Holidays sponsored by the Dayton Chamber of Commerce was a big success. The Cookie Contest garnered 57 separate entries, a total of 1,400 cookies. Among the winners: Ellie Arnold - Cookie of the Year, Kelsey Kapalski- Best Christmas Cookies, Daniel Sparks-Most Original Recipe and Scotty Morse, Jr. for Best in Class.

12/7 FUNERALS: L.G. Crisp, 88, of Dayton, Services at 10 a.m. today at Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton. ** Della "Gene" McDonald, 87, of Buffalo, Services at 10 a.m. today at Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton.

Yesterday’s Beaumont Enterprise Newspaper reported that longtime District #20 State Representative Zeb Zbranek will not seek election to the newly-created District #23 which encompasses all of Chambers County and a large portion of Galveston County. Under the recently approved redistricting, Zbranek is one of three incumbent democratic representatives residing there. Rep. Craig Eiland of Galveston was quoted as having been assured by Zbranek and fellow Democrat Patricia Gray that neither would oppose him in a bid for District #23 seat. Rep. Zbranek is expected to make an announcement concerning his true future political plans early next week.

In the latest Democratic candidate filings in Liberty County, longtime Precinct #3 J.P. Phil Fitzgerald has filed for re-election and Norman Brown of Dayton is now the 4^th candidate to file for Precinct #4 Commissioner in the March Democratic Primary. District #4 State Senator Candidate Michael Galloway will face some Republican opposition for his old job. Veteran District #15 State Representative Tommy Williams filed yesterday to make a run for the seat being vacated by Democrat David Bernsen, who has said he will run for Texas Land Commissioner.

Computer owners are being warned to be wary of the new, potentially devastating "Goner" virus that enters as e-mail and infects the entire system when opened. Kemp Newman of Kemptech Computers in Liberty advises the most efficient way to avoid the "bug" is a good, updated anti-virus program.

The Dayton City Council has scheduled the second set of public hearings for annexation of the remaining land along Hwy 146 south of Dayton for Monday December 17^th at 7 p.m. Last Monday, council concluded the hearings on tracts one through six and the upcoming hearings are for public comment on the annexation of tracts seven through eleven. The first hearings for these tracts were also Monday night. Final council approval of the land annexation is set December 17^th and January 7^th.

The Valley Players will perform "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with a matinee at 2 p.m. on Sunday, all at the Humphreys-Burson Theater in Liberty. Tickets are $5 each. For reservations, call 336-6699.

Last week, the U.S. Department of Justice put the stamp of approval on redistricting maps submitted by Liberty County Commissioners last August. In a letter to County Judge Lloyd Kirkham, Austin attorney Tom Pollan said the 60-day period during which complaints against the plan can be filed has passed. As of January 1^st, the area east of FM 1409 to the Chambers County Line in Precinct #4 moves into Precinct #1. The new map leaves Precincts #2 and #3 unchanged.

So far, only one Republican candidate has filed to run in the March Primary Election for an office directly effecting Liberty County. Michael Galloway of the Woodlands filed in Austin on Monday to run again for the District #4 State Senate Seat he lost to Democrat David Bernsen in the last election. County Republican Party Chair Richard Pegues said several local candidates have said they will run on the Republican ballot, but there is no hurry to file, since the deadline is not until January 2^nd. In Chambers County, only incumbent Precinct #4 J.P. Kenneth Epperson has filed to run on the Republican ballot.

Junior Running Back for the Dayton Broncos Football Team Lamar Mitchell has been named to this year’s 21-4A All District First Team as well as being recognized as the district’s All-Purpose Player of the Year. Other Dayton Players named to the First Team are, on the Offensive Team, Lineman Randy Denman, Guard Chase Willis and Kicker Jorge Carranco. Broncos selected for the First Team Defense are Outside Linebacker Daniel Jenkins, Defensive Tackle Randy Denman, Linebacker Stephen Bexley and Cornerback Kendrick Wilson.

The 1^st Annual Dayton Hometown Holidays sponsored by the Dayton Chamber of Commerce is tomorrow evening at the Dayton Shopping Center on Bryan Street. Activities begin at 5:30 p.m. and include performances by local church and school choirs, a cookie contest judged by County Extension Agent Barbara Evans, free refreshments, the lighting of the 24-foot Christmas Tree and fireworks. For more information, call the Dayton Chamber of Commerce at 257-2393.

12/5 FUNERAL: William H. Blackburn, 73, of Dayton, Services tomorrow in Michigan.

Candidates signing up on the first day of the filing period to run in the March Democratic Primary Election are: Michael Mark and C.T. "Rusty" Hight for 75^th District Judge; Pat Green, Janet Harrelson and Jo Anne Smith for County Treasurer; Bobby Payne, O. J. Stewart and George Tyson for Precinct #4 Commissioner; Incumbent Fred Dishongh, Mary Andress, Larry McMillan and Ronnie Danner for Precinct #6 J.P.; Incumbent Precincts # 2, #4 and #5 J.P.’s Ronnie Davis, Glenn Pruitt and Burl Thomas; Charles Martin for Precinct #4 Constable. Other office holders filing for re-election yesterday: County Judge Lloyd Kirkham, Precinct #2 Commissioner Lee Groce, Court-at-Law Judge Don Taylor and District Clerk Melody Gilmore.

The Texas Court of Appeals has ruled that TSP Development Incorporated cannot legally place a landfill in Western Chambers County as they have proposed. While the company has applied for a non-hazardous waste permit, many county and state officials have held that the landfill could pose a health and environmental risk. County Judge Jimmy Sylvia said a 1998 county ordinance prohibits such landfills in populated areas.

Liberty School Superintendent Dr. Douglas Moore said a provision of the new agreement between Liberty County and Corrections Corporation of America for operating the county jail relieves LISD from the burden of educating inmates at the Juvenile Detention Center. The change is estimated to save the school district between 100 and $200 thousand dollars a year.

Hull-Daisetta Bobcat Juan Gamez and East Chambers Buccaneer Josh Joseph have been named co-MVPs for District 24-2A by the district’s head football coaches. This year’s Offensive MVP is Dusty Evans of Hull-Daisetta and Defensive MVP is Medgar Starks of Pt. Arthur SFA. Newcomer of the Year honors went to Anahuac Panther Gary Redmond and Hardin Hornet Cedric Reescano was named 24-2A All District Quarterback.

12/4 FUNERALS:

Carl Cherry, 65, of Tarkington, Services at 10 a.m. today at Oak Shade Baptist Church in Tarkington.

Roland Donald Holt, 79, of Houston, Private service at a later date.

Virginia W. Carter, 76, of Dayton, Services at 10 a.m. tomorrow at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton.

According to DPS Trooper Brent Henry, at just before 7 PM Saturday Night, 13 year-old Eric Costley of Liberty was riding his bike Southbound on FM 160, when reports say he turned in front of a vehicle driven by Wallace DeBlanc, 35 of Liberty. Eric Costley was flown by Med-Link Air Ambulance to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Beaumont, where an administrator said he was treated and released.

State Representative Zeb Zbranek said he will most likely not be running for State Senator following the new re-districting maps released last week. About a month ago, the Democrat from Winnie hinted he might consider running for the position if the redistricting fell into the right place. Representative Zbranek told All Nine-News Friday it would not be practical for him to run for State Senator and expect to win.

According to John Wilson, Chief of the Moss Bluff Volunteer Fire Department, it was around 6:30 PM Sunday Night when his crew was called to a home on CR 1333. When the flames were extinguished, the approximately 2500-sq. ft. brick home of Leonard Bishop was heavily damaged. Liberty County Fire Marshall Jim Wilson is investigating the cause of the fire.

The filing period for candidates who wish to be placed on the March Primary Ballot begins today. Those interested in running in the Democratic Primary should contact Lib. County Democratic Party Chair John Archer at 336-6330. If you wish to run in the GOP primary in March, call Lib. County Republican Party Chair Richard Pegues at either 336-8185 or 336-2555. The filing period lasts until January 2^nd.

12/3 FUNERALS: Lindy Ray Dees, 72 of Dayton. Funeral Services will be tomorrow at 1 PM at the Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton.

Juanita Joy Fisher, 76 of Hull. Graveside Services will be tomorrow at 2 PM at the Guedry Cemetery in Batson.

Ruby Perkins "Momo" Isaac, 62 of Raywood. Funeral Services will be tomorrow at 11 AM at the Wells Funeral Home in Liberty.

James St. Andre’, 29 of Double Bayou. Funeral services will be tomorrow at 11 AM at the Our Lady of Light Catholic Church in Anahuac.

Elaine Marie Carroll, 81 of Liberty. Services were held Saturday.