-VOLUME 17 NO. 22, WEDNESDAY, JAN. 31, 2001-According to DPS Trooper Bobby Risch, an oversized truck carrying a large piece of equipment was responsible for delaying traffic on Hwy 146 north of Liberty for about 20 minutes yesterday morning. The truck, driven by Lawrence McHorse, 36, of Schertz, Texas, was northbound around 10:45 a.m. when it struck an overhead power line, which tore loose and fell onto the roadway. The line started a small grass fire, which local citizens quickly extinguished. While Liberty County Sheriff’s Deputies directed smaller vehicle traffic around the line, Liberty City Electrical crews cut the line and cleared the roadway.
Chambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia said, in spite of some delays, plans for the 1 million square-foot Home Depot Distribution Center to be built on FM 1405 are still on schedule. Closing on the land purchase is set for February 28th, construction is expected to start early in March with the facility open for operation by the end of the year. 25% of the roughly 300 center employees are required to be from Chambers County.
Liberty Police Officer Hugo Flores said Martha Hamilton, 72, of Liberty pulled out of the Mas Amigos Mexican Restaurant Parking Lot on North Main Street in Liberty around 6:30 p.m. Monday and struck a northbound vehicle driven by Annie Skaggs, 57, also of Liberty. Hamilton continued north and was pulled over by Precinct #1 Constable Tim Allison just north of FM 2830 a short time later. Neither woman was injured. Martha Hamilton was cited for failure to stop and give information.
Today is the last day for Liberty County residents to pay their property taxes without penalty. According to Liberty County Tax Assessor Collector Mark McClelland, the county tax office is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. today to make payment in person All payments sent by mail must be postmarked by January 31st.
William Paul Starke, 78, of Alabama, Services at 10 a.m. today at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton.
Bobby Jack Harmon, 49, of Galveston, Services at 2 p.m. today at Sterling Funeral Home in Anahauac.
Jimmie Lee Bird, 77, of Dayton, Graveside services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at the V. A. National Cemetery in Houston.
-VOLUME 17 NO. 21, TUESDAY, JAN. 30, 2001-Liberty County Commissioners met yesterday and agreed to provide extra manpower and equipment to aid in road repairs in Precinct #4. Lester Ray Wisegerber, representing other Precinct #4 residents in the Precinct #4 Road and Bridge Committee told commissioners that growth in the Dayton area had increased vehicle traffic to the point that approximately 75 miles of roads in Precinct #4 were in dire need of repair. With Precinct #4 Commissioner Toby Wilburn supplying materials and supervision, commissioners’ court agreed to help with additional manpower and equipment, though only to repair roads that presented a hazard to drivers, not construction of any new roads.
Zeb Zbranek, State Representative for District 20 has been re-appointed to the House Committee on Civil Practices and the Committee on Environmental Regulation. Representative Zbranek said one priority is going to be working to keep Liberty and Chambers Counties out of the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commissions’ proposed clean air regulations.
According to Pudge Wilcox, Manager of the Chambers-Liberty County Navigation District, future developments could stop the district’s recent sale of 30,000 acre-feet of water to the San Jacinto River Authority. The purchase contract stipulates that the sale will become final in 2006, only if the state legislature repeals the Junior Water Rights Provision. If not, the district will retain the water rights, as well as a $700,000 leasing fee.
The Office of District Attorney Mike Little will sponsor another Citizens Police Academy and the deadline to submit applications is February 22nd. The popular academy is a comprehensive block of instruction designed to provide the public with a working knowledge of the operations of Liberty County law enforcement. The classes will be held on Tuesday nights for 12 weeks at Moon’s Garden Chinese Restaurant in Cleveland. For more information, call the District Attorney’s Office at 336-4609.
FUNERALS: Charles Eugene Ham, 76, of Mt. Belvieu, Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton. ** Ruby Lee Norwood, 84, of Huntsville, Services at 10 a.m. Thursday at Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton. **
-VOLUME 17 NO. 20, MONDAY, JAN. 29, 2001-According to Nixon Wheat of the Chambers-Liberty County Navigation District, they have agreed to sell 30,000 acrea feet of water rights to the San Jacinto River Authority for over $8 million. Wheat said he agrees that rural communities should not be selling water rights, but the district decided to sell these rights because they were fearful that losing the income could mean losing all of the water rights. They will use the money for up keep on the canal system that the district is also in charge of. The Chambers-Liberty County Navigation District still has water rights for over 112,000 acre feet.
According to Liberty County Fire Marshall Jim Wilson, kids trying to put gasoline into a go-cart apparently started a fire that destroyed a home on 1409 yesterday afternoon. Wilson said the go-cart ran out of gas and when the children tried to refill it they spilled the gasoline onto the hot engine. This ignited the fire that quickly engulfted the entire home. Members of the West Lake, Dayton, Kenefick, Tarkington, Barbers HIll, Hwy 321, Beach City and Mont Belview Volunteer Fire Departments helped put the fire out 3 Volunteer Fire Fighters were treated and released by Liberty County EMS and West Lake EMS at the scene for heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation.
Liberty County Day at the state capitol in Ausitn will be on April 9th. According to Liberty County Judge Lloyd Kirkham, the county is preparted to bring an organized package to the state legislators to fight the TNRCC stipulations on clean air. For more information on the event contact the Liberty Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce at 336-5736 or the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce at 281-592-8786.
1/29 Funeral Listing:
Ruby Louise Cooley, 78 of Dayton. Tomorrow at 10am Sterling Funeral Chapel in Highlands
Thomasine Guidry Meche, 86 of Liberty. Today at 2pm Allison Funeral Home in Liberty
James L "Jim" Pittman, of Liberty, Memorial service Sunday at 2pm at the 1st Presbyterian Church in Liberty
T.E. "Edward" Rollins, 93 of Channelview. Services will be this morning at 10am at the Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton
VOLUME 17 NO. 18, THURSDAY, JAN. 25, 2001According to health officials in both Liberty and Chambers Counties, efforts to vaccinate the public in neighboring counties from meningitis have no effect on residents of this area. Liberty County Health Authority Dr. Steven Ellerbe said there is no evidence of an outbreak of the disease in Liberty County, while Chambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia said there are is no need for any sort of mass vaccinations there either. The Texas Department of Health is monitoring incidents of the disease on a daily basis. If you have questions or concerns about meningitis, call the Department of Health at 1-888-883-9997 or in Chambers County, contact the public information office at 281-576-2243.
Liberty Police Officer Larry Beard said Linda Gray, 40, of Liberty was eastbound on Beaumont Ave. in Liberty just after 4 p.m. yesterday, when she slowed to make a left turn onto Minglewood Ave. It was then, that her vehicle was rear-ended by one operated by Becky Tousha, 37, of Devers. Linda Gray was taken to Liberty-Dayton Hospital by Liberty EMS for precautionary reasons and Becky Tousha, who did not require treatment, was ticketed for failure to yield right-of-way.
Off to one of their best seasons in recent memory, the Hardin Hornets Boys Basketball Team is 8 and 1 in district and 14 and 6 overall. Tuesday night the Hornets defeated the West Hardin Oilers 103 to 47. Not unusual, since Head Coach Duane Joubert’s team has more than 90 points per game since district play began. Coach Joubert said one Hardin High School Junior, Brent Anderson is averaging 28 points per game. The Hardin Hornets next game is tomorrow night, at home against the Hull-Daisetta Bobcats. Start time is set for 7:30 p.m.
At their meeting Tuesday, Liberty County Commissioners approved a request by the Liberty-Dayton Area of Commerce to expand the hours of their La Bahia Market on the courthouse grounds in Liberty by two hours. Beginning this Saturday La Bahia Market begins at 8 a.m. and continues to 2 p.m. each Saturday through March 10th on the courthouse square.
1/25 FUNERAL: Juliette Marie Jeffre, 88, of Dayton, Services at 1 p.m. today at Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton. **
**LAKE RELEASE: 28,800 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 24.66 ASL**
VOLUME 17 NO. 17, WEDS., JAN. 24, 2001Liberty County Commissioners met yesterday and approved a county ordinance limiting the weight and regulating the use of commercial vehicles on county roads. The majority of those who appeared at the public hearing on the ordinance prior to the meeting spoke in favor of it and many were residents of Precinct #4 where the poor road conditions have been heavily publicized. Also at yesterday’s meeting, County Auditor Harold Seay told commissioners that a surplus of funds from last year’s fiscal budget meant additional money for each precinct’s road and bridge fund to be used this year. Seay said Precinct #1 will receive $67,575, Precinct #2 $80,057, Precinct #3 $101,060 and Precinct #4 had a surplus of $121, 933 from money that was borrowed to cover budget overruns in that fund last year.
Liberty City Secretary Bruce Mintz told the Sam Rayburn Municipal Power Agency Board at their meeting yesterday to find an individual or firm to take over the agency’s paperwork duties. Mintz, who has been handling the SRMPA’s business since the board voted to cut costs and fire their two full-time employees in Livingston, told board members he plans to leave his job with the City of Liberty and begin a law practice. Mr. Mintz said the duties for the agency could easily be performed on a part-time basis and the board agreed to seek proposals from anyone interested in performing the job on a contract basis.
Dayton ISD Superintendent Nancy Fuller said Dayton High School has been forced to forfeit last week’s basketball games in New Caney. With public attention focused on meningitis cases diagnosed in that community and, after numerous calls from concerned parents, Mrs. Fuller said she and Athletic Director Jerry Stewart decided to cancel Friday night’s games. Mrs. Fuller said it was her understanding the games could be made up, but the UIL District Committee said they had not been informed in a timely manner and Dayton would forfeit.
The Liberty Municipal Library will receive grant funds from two area conservation groups. Library Director Dana Abshier said the Friends of the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge and the Lower Trinity Valley Bird Club each donated $500 to the library for the purchase of natural history materials.
VOLUME 17 NO. 15, MONDAY, JAN. 22, 2001The Liberty County Commissioners will hold a public hearing tomorrow morning at 8:30 AM on the proposed ordinances to regulate the weight and the use of commercial vehicles on Liberty County Roads. According to Liberty County Commissioner Precinct #2 Lee Groce, the weight regulations, as stipulated by the state, will depend on if you are carrying goods or agriculture and the policing of the ordinance will go through the Weight Division of the Constables Office. The public is welcome to attend and voice their opinion on the issue.
Both the Liberty Boys and Girls Basketball teams were victorious over the Huffman Falcons Friday Night. The boys, who are 2-1 in district, are in a three way tie for 2nd place in the 22-3A district. For the girls, Friday night was their first district victory of the year, but head coach Mason Huffmeister says he expects the girls to improve in the second half of district play. The girls are currently 1-4 in against district opponents. Both the Liberty Panthers Boys and Girls Basketball teams are in action tomorrow night against the Hardin-Jefferson Hawks.
According to Deann Rives, The Event Coordinator for the Liberty County Metro Go-Texan Kick off Dance, there are just over 150 tickets left for the event Saturday night. The Dance will feature Mont Bellvieu native Carl Manchaca, Tickets for the event are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
The San Jacinto District of the Sons of the Republic of Texas planted a Stephen F. Austin Oak Tree on the grounds of the Liberty County Courthouse on Saturday. The plan is to take acorns from oak trees that stood where Stephen F. Austin died and grow them into trees and then plant them at permanent locations. A similar tree planting took place later that day at the Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center in Liberty.
1/22 FUNERALS:
Lennis Fabre, 71 of Dayton. Services to be held tomorrow at 11 AM at the Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton.
Mae Swift, 83 of Batson. Services to be held tomorrow at 2 PM at the New Life Assembly of God Church in Batson.
Freddie Mae Williams, 80 of Liberty. Services to be held today at 11 AM at the Mt. Rose Baptist Church in Liberty.
**LAKE RELEASE: 33,200 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 24.94 ASL**
VOLUME 17 NO. 12, WED, JAN. 17, 2001The Dayton City Council met Monday night and approved payment of the city’s bills, with one exception. A motion from councilman John C. Otto to pay all but the city’s $500 membership in the Liberty-Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce passed 4 to 0, with Councilman Frosty Pruitt absent from the meeting. Both Otto and Councilman Jay Tadlock said they felt the city should support the new Dayton Chamber of Chamber exclusively, at a cost of $180 for the city’s membership.
Information from the office of State Senator David Bernsen, indicates the senator from District #4 that includes Liberty County has, during the first week of the 77th Texas Legislature, proposed legislation to improve both the criminal justice and public school systems. Senate Bill 213 would, if passed, make kindergarten attendance mandatory and SB 214 proposes enhancing the statute limitations for felony offenses such as kidnapping, injury, abandoning or endangering a child and injury to an elderly or disabled person from 3 to 5 years. Bernsen has also reintroduced SB 215, calling for increased penalties for those convicted of fleeing or evading arrest. The last legislative session ended before SB 215 could be considered.
The Liberty Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce’s Monthly Luncheon is set for Wednesday January 24th at noon in the Liberty City Hall Auditorium. The guest speaker will be Jefferson County Judge Carl Griffith Jr., who will discuss the new Southeast Texas Entertainment Complex being built in Beaumont at an estimated cost of $50 million. Cost to attend the luncheon is $6. Call the Chamber for reservations at 336-5736.
The 9th Annual Bronco Stampede 5K Run and Walk to benefit Dayton High School’s Project Prom is on Saturday at 9 a.m. at Woodrow Wilson Jr. High in Dayton. Entry fees are $15 each for the run and the walk if received by Friday, with $20 late entries taken on Race Day. Awards will be given to best overall and top three 5K Run finishers, male and female. For more information, call John E. Miller at 258-2510, ext. 2520.
1/16 FUNERAL: Herbert Lafour, of Liberty, Memorial Service at 1 p.m. Friday at 1st United Methodist Church in Liberty. **
**LAKE RELEASE: 15,000 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 19.29 ASL**
VOLUME 17 NO. 10, MONDAY, JAN. 15, 2001Friday afternoon, a two-vehicle accident on County Road 2097, North of Hardin started a minor car fire. According to Department of Public Safety Trooper Stephen Hebert, Jack Russell, of Cleveland, was west bound when he was rear ended by Irma Weaver, of Hull. The engine of the car Weaver was driving started on fire after the accident. The Hardin Volunteer Fire Department was called out to the fire, but by the time they arrived a resident of a home on County Road 2097 had used a fire extinguisher and subdued the blaze. Both Russell and Weaver received medical attention at the scene from Liberty County Emergency Medical Service for minor injuries.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded Liberty County $55,250 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs. The selection was made by a national board that consists of representatives of the Salvation Army, American Red Cross, United Jewish Communities, Catholic Charities, U.S.A., National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and the United Way of America. Organizations or groups can apply for the funds by contacting Tracy Pegues, the local board chairman at 336-8185. The Deadline for applying for the funds is January 26th.
The Liberty County Metro Go-Texan Committee will be holding a Kick-Off Dance for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Saturday January 27th at the Liberty Elks Lodge. The featured performer will be Carl Manchaca. Tickets for the event are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Only 500 tickets will be sold. All proceeds from the event will go to scholarships for Liberty County Students. Tickets area available from any of the committee members or at the Liberty County Farm Bureau, Main Street Hair Cutters in Liberty, and Pappy’s Barbecue in Dayton. For more information contact Deann Rives at 334-2070.
1/15 FUNERALS:
Johnnie N. Frizzell, 89 of Dayton. Services today at 3 PM at the Sterling Funeral Home Chapel in Dayton.
Eddie Kilgore Hughes, 85 of Cleveland. Services tomorrow at 10 AM at the First United Methodist Church in Cleveland.
Layton Charles Sollock, infant of Dayton. Services today at 2 PM at White Cemetery in Highlands.
Keith Michael Trahan, 16 of South Carolina. Services today at 11 AM at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church in Ames.
VOLUME 17 NO. 09, FRIDAY, JAN. 12, 2001A fire that damaged an unoccupied home near Dayton is currently under investigation. Dayton Senior Fire Captain Earl Heider said a neighbor reported smoke coming from a manufactured home on CR# 6024 just west of Dayton around 11 a.m. yesterday. Nearby residents were attempting to contain the blaze with water hoses when Dayton Volunteer Fire Fighters arrived to make a forced entry into the home and extinguish the fire. Heider said the home, unoccupied since the first of the year, had no electricity and Liberty County Fire Marshall Jim Wilson said there were inconsistencies in the burn patterns that required investigation before making a determination on the fire’s cause.
According to information from the Dayton Police Department, Darren Waddell, 35, of Livingston had stopped his vehicle on Hwy 321 in front of Dayton High School waiting for traffic yesterday morning when he was struck from behind by another vehicle. Police said the driver of that vehicle, Leslie Lawrence, 73, of Onalaska apparently fell asleep at the wheel. The impact rammed Waddell’s vehicle into the back of the vehicle stopped in front of him, driven by Jimmy Flowers, 48, of Point Blank. Flowers and Waddell did not require medical attention, but Leslie Lawrence and his wife Peggy, age 59, were both transported to Baycoast Medical Center in Baytown by Liberty County EMS for precautionary reasons.
Dr. Steven Ellerbe of the Liberty Medical Surgical Clinic said most county residents badly in need of a flu vaccination have received it, but the flu vaccine remains in short supply. The flu season runs into March and those over 65 or with chronic illness who have not been vaccinated should still make every attempt to do so. Those that do receive flu shots are reminded it can take up to two weeks for the vaccine takes effect.
The Liberty County Courthouse and all municipal offices in the city of Liberty will be closed Monday in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ‘s Birthday. However, all city offices in Dayton will be open for regular hours Monday. Garbage service in both Liberty and Dayton will run as scheduled Monday. All banks and post offices will also be closed Monday. All offices will reopen for regular hours on Tuesday Jan. 16th.
VOLUME 17 NO. 08, THURSDAY. JAN.11, 2001DPS Trooper Leon Wilson said Liberty Police Detective Bill Griffin was operating an eastbound vehicle on Commerce Street in Liberty yesterday morning, when a second vehicle pulled into his path. The driver of that vehicle, 27-year-old Linc Simples, had been attempting to make a left turn onto Travis Street when the collision occurred. Liberty Police Officer Cedric McDuffie, a passenger in Detective Griffin’s vehicle was taken, as a precaution, to Liberty-Dayton Hospital. Neither Detective Griffin nor Linc Simples required medical attention.
The Liberty City Council met Tuesday night and agreed to form a committee to investigate a possible street in Liberty to be named for the late civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The item was placed on the agenda by Councilman Michael Mark who pointed out many other cities such as Cleveland, Jasper, Houston and Austin, have streets named for Dr. King. Council was unanimously in favor of the motion.
A new board of directors for the Trinity Valley Exposition was elected Monday to serve for the next two years. TVE Facilities Manager James Bricker said, from Liberty County, Larry Hanson was elected TVE President, Ricky Myers was re-elected to a new term and newly elected were past-president John Meche and Harold Seay. From Chambers County, Tommy Wilcox was re-elected and named Board Chairman with Leon Sonnier and Elzey Bourque elected to first terms.
The Liberty Panthers’ all time leading rusher and last year’s leading ground gainer for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, Reggie White has announced he will forgo his final year of college eligibility and join the National Football League. White said he announced for the NFL draft on Tuesday and has signed super agent Leigh Steinberg to represent him. The former Panther plans to earn his degree in business during the off-season.
1/11 FUNERALS:
Billy Gene Lawrence, 67, of Mont Belvieu, Services at 2 p.m. today at Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton.
Marshall Gregg "Jeep" Bell, 74, of Dayton, Services at 11 a.m. tomorrow at 1st United Methodist Church in Dayton.
Valson Pommier, 53, of Alabama, Services at 3 p.m. tomorrow at Best Cemetery in Liberty.
**LAKE RELEASE: 21,100 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 23.61 ASL**
VOLUME 17 NO. 07, WED. JAN.10, 2001Liberty County Commissioners held their first meeting of the New Year yesterday and approved a public hearing to discuss ordinances limiting weight and uses of commercial vehicles on county roads. The hearing is set for January 23rd at 8:30 a.m. in the county courtroom. In other action, commissioners approved a request by newly elected Precinct #1 Commissioner Todd Fontenot to table consideration of funds to repair a Precinct #1 Constable’s vehicle damaged by a run-in with a deer recently. Commissioner Fontenot said his Road and Bridge Fund was currently over budget. While budget analysis reports for December are not yet in, at last report 32% of the Precinct #1 Road and Bridge Fund had already been spent by former Commissioner Harry Hylton at the end of November with 10 months of the fiscal year remaining.
A loose valve on a natural gas line east of Raywood resulted in Hwy 90 being closed to traffic for almost 20 minutes yesterday evening. John Wright of Panther Natural Gas said crews were making repairs to the line when they became aware of the leak and a section of Hwy 90 between Raywood and Devers was closed as a precaution. Liberty County Sheriff’s Deputies, Precinct #2 Constable Jimmy Belt and members of the Hull-Daisetta VFD directed traffic around the gas leak until repairs were completed around 6:15 p.m. yesterday.
According to the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center’s John Drury, Southeast Texas is experiencing one of the worst blood shortages in recent memory. Mr. Drury said some Houston hospitals were forced to cancel several surgeries due to a lack of donated blood last week, and while the situation has improved since, all types of blood are still badly needed. The blood center will hold a blood drive tomorrow from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. at 1st Liberty National Bank. Eligible donors are urged to give.
The Liberty County Martin Luther King Celebration Committee will hold their 3rd Annual celebration of the life of the late civil rights leader on Saturday beginning at 1p.m.at the Liberty City Hall Auditorium. Guest speaker for the event will Rev. Paul Cross of Turkey Creek Baptist Church in Liberty. For more information, contact Committee Chair Henry L. Dugat Sr. at 336-7393 or Program Director Jo Ann Paul at 258-3918.
VOLUME 17 NO. 06, TUESDAY. JAN.09, 2001Information from the Liberty County Sheriff’s Department indicates that the death of a 19-year-old Cleveland man last Thursday night in an auto-train collision was an apparent suicide. Chief Deputy Ken Defoor said Elijah Seth Moye had parked his car on the railroad tracks off Hwy 59 just outside Cleveland around 11:30 p.m. A moving train struck the vehicle, knocking it approximately 180 feet from the point of impact. Elijah Moye was taken by Lifeflight air ambulance to Memorial Hermann Hospital that night and was pronounced dead from his injuries at the Houston hospital at 2 a.m. Friday.
According to police, three Dayton residents have been arrested in connection to two separate burglaries of Pappy’s Barbecue Restaurant on Hwy 90 in Dayton. Dayton Police Officer Jimmy Brannon reportedly arrested James Eric Brown, 19 and a 16-year-old juvenile attempting to leave the scene of one of those break-ins around 5 a.m. Sunday. The arrests and subsequent investigation led police to file charges in a prior burglary at that location on January 2nd. Charged in that earlier incident are Charles Randle Nixon, also 19, and that same juvenile suspect.
Liberty Police Officer Hugo Flores said Lucy Robinson, 73, was southbound on Crockett Street in Liberty around 5:30 p.m. yesterday when her vehicle was struck by one driven by Thomas Spino 40, of Dayton as she attempted to cross Hwy 90. Thomas Spino’s 12-year-old daughter Kathy, a passenger in his vehicle was taken by City of Liberty EMS to Liberty-Dayton Hospital for precautionary reasons. Lucy Robinson and Thomas Spino did not require medical attention at the accident scene.
The Liberty County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the disappearance of a Liberty woman missing for over a month. Primila Harris Pratt, age 49, was last reported seen walking in the Raywood area on November 28th. She is described as a black female, approximately 5 feet, 6 inches tall, weighing between 110 and 115 pounds. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the mother of three, are asked to call the Liberty County Sheriff’s Department at 936-336-4500.
1/9 FUNERALS:
A. E. "Earl" Standley, 73, of Double Bayou, Services at 10 a.m. today at Sterling Funeral Home in Anahuac.
James Thomas Gooch, 78, of Dayton, Graveside services at 3 p.m. today at the National Veterans Cemetery in Houston.
VOLUME 17 NO. 05, MONDAY. JAN.08, 2001According to Department of Public Safety Trooper Brian Nichols, Chris Graves, 25 of Dayton, and Chris Creel, 11 of Kountze, were both transported by Life Flight Air Ambulance to Hermann Memorial Hospital in Houston following a two-vehicle accident on FM 1960 last night. A vehicle driven by Randy Creel, of Kountze, was traveling east on FM 1960 when he slowed to turn into the Westside Grocery Store and was rear-ended by Mr. Graves, who was also traveling east. Both Graves and Creel were said to have head injuries. Traffic on FM 1960 was closed in both directions for more than an hour while members of the Dayton Police Department, Dayton Volunteer Fire Department, Liberty County Sheriff’s Department, Liberty County EMS and the Department of Public Safety worked to clear the roadway. The wreck happened less then a mile from the city limits of Dayton.
According to Department of Public Safety Reports, Trooper Bobby Risch pulled over Kamall LeDay, of Beaumont last Thursday on Highway 90 in Devers for a minor traffic violation and discovered he had several outstanding federal warrants. Although a DPS K-9 unit from Baytown alerted on the vehicle, no drugs were found in the car. Leday was arrested at the scene. The vehicle he was driving was impounded and he was turned over to the Liberty County Sheriff’s Department, where he is being held awaiting extradition by federal authorities.
According to Charles R. Wiggins, Chairman and CEO of First Liberty National Bank, Georgia C. Wilburn has been named Assistant Vice President at the Dayton Financial Center.
The Dayton Volunteer Fire Department voted in officers last Thursday night. Terry Boyett, a 20-year veteran of the department was elected chief. Former Fire Chief Earl Heider will remain with the department as a captain.
1/8 FUNERALS:
Ella Jane Black, 75-Atascocita. Services Wednesday at 2pm at the Atascocita United Methodist Church-Atascocita.
Frankie Hunt-36-Baytown. Services today at 2pm at Allison Funeral Service Chapel-Liberty.
Raymond Buford Tidwell, 78-Daisetta. Services were held Sunday.
VOLUME 17 NO. 04, FRIDAY. JAN.05, 2001
According to the office of State Senator David Bernsen, whose 4th Senatorial District includes Liberty County, Acting Lt. Governor Bill Ratliff has assigned Senator Bernsen to several major committees for the 77th Texas Legislature, which convenes January 9th. The first term state senator has been named Vice-Chairman of the Jurisprudence Committee and appointed to serve on the Texas Senate’s Health and Human Services Committee, as well as the Natural Resources Committee and its Subcommittee on Agriculture.
Liberty Post Master Greg Haguewood said that in addition to the postage stamp increase to 34-cents, several other changes in postal rates are effective January 7th. The price of priority packages weighing one pound or less will be $3.50 with a flat rate of $3.95 for a two-pound package. Express mail up to one-half pound will cost $12.25 and $16 for one-half to two pounds. Mr. Haguewood said the cost of post office boxes in Liberty decreases to from $6 to $24 a year depending on size.
According to Liberty Fire Department Captain Jennifer Huddleston, a loose seal in a natural gas line about two and a half miles south of Hwy 90 resulted in the closure of the South Liberty Oilfield Road for about 15 minutes yesterday afternoon. Captain Huddleston said the road closure was precautionary and the amount of escaping gas never reached the roadway itself. Fire department personnel sealed the leak without incident.
Head Football Coach Jack Parker said Hardin Hornet Offensive Lineman Joey Nunan has verbally committed to attend Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches in the fall. Nunan, a 1st Team All-District Pick at both offense and defensive line for Hardin last year, also received All-State Honorable Mention. The Hardin Senior’s commitment will not be official until National Signing Day on February 7th.
1/5 FUNERALS:
Mable June Davis, 68, of Liberty, Services at 1 p.m. tomorrow at Trinity Valley Baptist Church in Liberty.
Henry Lee Langford, Sr., 91, of Liberty, Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at 1st United Methodist Church in Liberty.
Ida Foster, 78, of Wallisville, Services at 2:30 p.m. tomorrow at the Pentecostal Church of God in Christ in Wallisville.
VOLUME 17 NO. 03, THURSDAY. JAN.04, 2001According to DPS Trooper Bobby Risch, 43-year–old Leslie Ortega of Dayton was westbound on CR# 6763, north of Dayton just before 6 a.m. yesterday when her vehicle struck Richard Deihl, 17, also of Dayton. Trooper Risch said Mrs. Ortego was apparently unable to see the young man, who was wearing dark clothing while walking on the side of the road in the pre-dawn hours. Richard Deihl was not thought to have suffered serious injury and was taken to Liberty-Dayton Hospital for what were described as "precautionary reasons".
The Liberty Panther Boys Basketball Team defeated Tarkington 84 to 68 Tuesday night with T.J. Redmond leading the scoring for Liberty with 23 points. The Liberty boys next take on Orangefield tomorrow night at Liberty High School, with play beginning at 6 p.m. with the Junior Varsity. Meanwhile the Liberty Lady Panthers finished the non-district portion of their basketball season with an 11 and 6 record. The Lady Panthers will open district play tomorrow night in Hardin Jefferson.
The Dayton City Council met Tuesday night and approved a request by the Priscilla Club to name the old Dayton City Park on North Winfree Street for John William and Emma Blake Parker, the husband and wife who helped establish the park, more than 70 years ago. Priscilla Club President Ena Stoesser told council the Parker estate had left $2,000 to the club for the purpose of building a city park, which was accomplished in 1934 through a partnership between the club, the city and President Franklin Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration.
During Saturday’s Liberty-Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce La Bahia Market on the Liberty Courthouse Square, the Texas Chapter of the Surf Rider Foundation will be picking up Christmas trees for disposal. Chapter President Ellis Pickett of Liberty said the foundation has been helping preserve Texas beaches since 1998 and the trees will be used to restore eroded dunes. For more information, log on to www.surfrider.org/texas.
1/4 FUNERALS:
Gladys Mae Brockelman, 69, of Hankamer, Services at 10 a.m. today at Sterling Funeral Home in Anahuac.
Grady Brian LeBlanc, 64, of Liberty, Services at 1 p.m. tomorrow at Allison Funeral Service in Liberty.
VOLUME 17 NO. 02, WEDNESDAY. JAN.03, 2001According to police, a Dayton woman was arrested on New Year’s Eve and charged with injury to child, a fourth degree felony, after allegedly biting the cheek of her ten-year-old son. Dayton Police investigators said the woman, whose name is being withheld, was attempting to restrain the child, who has a history of angry outbursts and abusive behavior toward his mother and sisters. The woman told police that in the course of struggling with the boy, she bit him on the cheek hard enough to leave a bruise. The children have been placed in the custody of their grandmother, whom police said reported the incident.
By the end of his first day on the job, new Chambers County Sheriff Monroe Kruezer said he has already instituted sweeping changes in the Chambers County Sheriff’s Department. Those changes include assigning at least one deputy to cover each county precinct around the clock and centralizing the department’s detective division to better coordinate investigations. Sheriff Kruezer said Chambers County Commissioners recently approved 5 newly hired deputies bringing the total number of deputies to 28. New Chambers County Chief Deputy is Dearl Hardy, who served almost 7 years with the Liberty-Chambers Counties Narcotics Task Force.
The post masters in both Liberty and Dayton want to remind everyone that the new 34-cent postal rate will be in effect on Sunday January 7th and the post offices in both cities have a good supply of the new stamps, as well as 1-cent make-up stamps. Liberty Post Master Greg Haguewood said in addition to the price of stamps increasing, the price of post office boxes, express mail and priority mail will also be changing.
The Liberty County Master Gardeners will hold their Spring Landscaping Short Course Jan. 22nd through Jan. 25th at Dayton High School. The keynote presenter will be Mercer Arboretum Staff Horticulturist Linda Gay. Cost is $5 for materials and only 50 spaces are available. Call 336-4558 ext.221 for reservations.
1/3 FUNERALS:
Paula Dean, 68, of Baytown, Graveside services at 2 p.m. today at Magnolia Park Cemetery in Dayton.
Adela Richardson Weston, 87, of Anahuac, Services at 10 a.m. Friday at 1st United Methodist Church in Anahuac.
**LAKE RELEASE: 25,500 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 23.51 ASL**
VOLUME 17 NO. 01, TUESDAY. JAN.02, 200Investigators believe it was an accidental fall that lead to a 70-year-old Liberty man’s being discovered in the cold waters of Day Lake some 3 to 4 miles south of Hwy 90 on Old Texaco road yesterday morning. A neighbor found Jerry Cleburn just before 8 a.m. yesterday lying in the freezing, knee-deep water some 15 feet from shore suffering from hypothermia and a possible fractured leg. Liberty County EMS technicians managed to raise Mr. Cleburn’s body temperature after he was pulled out of the lake and the man was transported by Lifeflight air ambulance to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston in what was described as "serious condition" yesterday morning.
A crowd of more than 300 were in attendance last Friday morning at swearing-in ceremonies for Liberty County Officials elected on November 7th. On hand to administer the oath of office were 75th District Judge J. C. "Zeke" Zbranek, Liberty County Judge Lloyd Kirkham, County Court-At Law Judge Don Taylor and Precinct #3 Justice of the Peace Phil Fitzerald. Among those taking office were Liberty County Attorney since 1965 A.J. "Jack" Hartel, the longest term office holder in the county, as well as Precinct #1 Commissioner Todd Fontenot and Precinct #3 Constable Leon Randolph, who are the first African Americans to hold those positions in Liberty County’s history.
The Liberty Panthers Boys Basketball Team went 2 and 2 in this past weekend’s Hardin-Jefferson Tournament moving their season record to a solid 10-5. Meanwhile, the Barbers Hill Lady Eagles Basketball Team won the Gulf Coast Classic in Mont Belvieu this past weekend, defeating Corpus Christi-Carroll High School 52 to 46 in the championship game. The win brings the Lady Eagles’ season record to 21-2.
The Liberty Rotary Club’s Annual Oyster and Fish Fry is set for January 12th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Liberty City Hall. Tickets are $10 each for all you can eat oysters and fish and there will be a drive though take-out lane provided on the west- side of the building. All proceeds will benefit the many scholarships and charities supported by the Liberty Rotary Club.
1/2 FUNERALS: Betty Mae Delp, 78, of Kenefick, Graveside services at 3 p.m. today at Hardin Chapel Cemetery in Hardin**