-VOLUME 17 NO.124, FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2001-

Liberty County Commissioners have scheduled a second public hearing to address the topic of redistricting in the county and is expected the discussion will center around a new plan proposed by the Austin law firm charged with redrawing precinct lines. At the time of this report, the details of that plan were not available, but many residents of Precinct #4 who attended the first public hearing on the issue expressed dissatisfaction with the original plan of removing a portion of that precinct into Precinct #1. The second public hearing will be next Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Dayton High School Cafeteria.

Precinct #4 residents have, at least, one less bad road to be concerned over. Newly appointed Road and Bridge Supervisor Lester Ray Wisegerber said paving work has been completed on County Line Road, one of he worst in the area. Wisegerber helped oversee some of the asphalt paving work initially begun by suspended-while-under-indictment Commissioner Toby Wilburn. That work was completed Wednesday, one day after Wisegerber’s appointment by Liberty County Commissioners.

Approximately 50 Chambers County residents attended a public hearing earlier this week to discuss the proposed elimination of two of the county’s Justice of the Peace and Constable Precincts. Chambers County currently has 6 J. P. s and 6 constables, but the question, according to Commissioner Precinct #1 Buddy Irby is whether or not the county actually needs that many. No official action on the proposal has yet been taken as Chambers County Commissioners attempt to weigh the potential loss of services to the community against the roughly quarter of a million dollars annually that would be saved by the cuts.

On Tuesday, Liberty County Commissioners approved a proposal that will allow residents to pay property taxes and vehicle registration online via credit card. County Tax Assessor/Collector Mark McClelland said the web page would be ready in 60 to 90 days. Payment can be made with Visa, Mastercard or American Express at www.officialpayments.com.

6/29 FUNERAL: Cornelius "Neal" Myers Phelan, 85, of Beaumont, Services at 10 a.m. tomorrow at St. Anne Catholic Church in Beaumont.

**LAKE RELEASE: 1,420 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 7.33 ASL**

VOLUME 17 NO.125, THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2001-

Speaking at yesterday’s Liberty-Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon, State Representative Zeb Zbranek said he believes that the fight to keep Liberty and Chambers together in the same legislative district will ultimately be won in the courts. Zbranek said his efforts to persuade the State Redistricting Board on the issue will continue but a court action is already being planned should those efforts fail. As reported, if current redistricting plans are implemented the two counties that have long comprised Zbranek’s District 20 would be placed in separate representative districts

DPS Trooper Stephen Hebert said Kelly Glen, 21, of Dayton was westbound on Hwy 90 west of Dayton around 3 p.m. yesterday when she apparently blacked out. The woman’s car swerved to the left before she regained consciousness and a hard right sent the vehicle into a ditch where it struck a tree. Both Kelly Glenn and her 8-month-old son Cody were transported to Liberty-Dayton Hospital in stable condition. Trooper Hebert said both woman and child were properly restrained in the vehicle.

As nearly 500 people traveled to Austin this week to discuss insurance company responsibility in dealing with toxic mold infesting homes in the wake of recent flooding, Liberty resident Steve Swann said the potentially hazardous fungus has been found in at least three homes in the area, including his own. Insurance company representatives told the Liberty man that cleaning out the infestation could well involve the destruction of many of his possessions and a large portion of the home itself.

Monday is the final day for residents who still have not paid their 2000 property taxes to make payment without an additional 15% attorney’s fee being tacked on to the 18% penalty for late payment. All payments brought to the Liberty County Tax Assessor/Collector’s Office by 5 p.m. July 2^nd will not be charged additional fees and payments made by mail must be postmarked by Saturday June 30^th to avoid those fees.

6/28 FUNERALS: Infant Taylor Gray Norris, Graveside Services at 10 a.m. today at Pace Stancil Memorial Rest Gardens in Cleveland.

Jerry Dale Blanscet, 47, of Dayton, Graveside Services at 10 a.m. tomorrow at Palms Memorial Park

-VOLUME 17 NO.124, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2001-

It was around 11:45 a.m. yesterday when an employee of Quantum Seismograph working near a rest area on Hwy 90 west of Dayton alerted the Liberty County Sheriff’s Department to the discovery of a dead body. Investigators were able to identify the deceased man as Jerry Dale Blanscet, 48, of Dayton, whose family members said had been missing since last Friday. Sheriff Greg Arthur said preliminary indications are that the man died of natural causes, however an autopsy has been ordered.

Liberty County Commissioners voted unanimously yesterday to appoint Lester Ray Wisegerber as Road Maintenance Supervisor for Precinct #4 in the absence of Commissioner Toby Wilburn, absent while under indictment for federal wiretapping charges. Wisegerber will be paid $2,000 per month, plus a $1,000 car allowance. Commissioners also appointed Precinct #6 Deputy Constable Charles Martin to replace Craig Houghton as Precinct #4 Constable until the next scheduled election. As reported, Houghton resigned after his own wiretapping arrest and now awaits sentencing following a guilty plea to that charge.

State Senator for Liberty and Chambers County David Bernsen visited both counties yesterday to discuss the 77^th Legislature. That discussion included heavy criticism of Governor Rick Perry, who vetoed over 80 bills passed by both houses in a single day. Bernsen said Perry, unlike his predecessor George W. Bush, is not active in the legislative process and disrupted a lot of hard work by legislators and their staffs in vetoing those bills.

The Dayton City Council gave tentative approval Monday to a new garbage disposal contract with Waste Management. Under the new contract, the company will handle garbage pick up in the city for the next four years with an initial 50% increase in the city’s cost for commercial service and a 15% increase each following year. The cost of residential will increase 33% with no further increases later on. These figures are the cost to the city only any increase to customers has yet to be determined.

6/27 FUNERALS: Mary T. Patton, 87, of Dayton, Services at 10 a.m. tomorrow at Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton. ** Jaunell Collier, 65, of Liberty, Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at 1^st Baptist Church in Liberty.

**LAKE RELEASE: 1,420 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 7.71 ASL**

-VOLUME 17 NO.123, TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2001-

According to information from the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, no charges have yet been filed against 37-year-old Johnny Ray Fife in connection to two bank robberies in Liberty County earlier this year. Fife was arrested at his residence off FM 2830 near the Liberty Municipal Airport on May 26^th on a fugitive warrant for escape from a Mississippi jail. Fife has now been returned to that state to face other charges while evidence gathered here is still being examined. The results will determine if Fife will be charged with the armed robberies of the Hull State Bank in Hull and the Bayshore National Bank in Liberty.

A preliminary report from the Federal Emergency Management Agency indicates the cost to Liberty County of repairing damage caused by Tropical Storm Allison will top $2 million. Liberty County Emergency Management Coordinator Leroy Hanel said those figures do not include damages to homes or property and it is not too late for those who suffered such damages to be included in federal financial aid. To file a claim, call FEMA at 800-462-9029, Incident Number: DR-1379. To check the status of a claim already filed call 800-525-0321. FEMA has also established a web site to help with flood recovery information. The address is www.fema.gov/reg-viii/texas.htm.

The Liberty Police Department is warning residents of a recent rash of thefts in the city, all involving lawn equipment. Detective Bill Griffin said equipment such as lawn mowers and weed eaters should be locked up when not in use and the serial numbers should be written down for identification purposes if the items are stolen and then later recovered.

According to report in the Baytown Sun Newspaper, ground has been broken on a $20 million expansion of Lee College in Baytown. The project, funded by a 1999 bond election, includes a 75,000 square foot library and advanced technology center, as well as 43,000 square foot sports complex and wellness center.

6/23 FUNERALS: Richard Anthony DiStefano, 49, of Liberty, Services at 11 a.m. today at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Liberty

Johnny Leroy Dudley, 50, of Hull, Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Allison Funeral Service in Liberty.

-VOLUME 17 NO.122, MONDAY, JUNE 25, 2001-

The Liberty County Commissioners will meet in regular session tomorrow morning at 9 AM, and many of the items on the agenda have to do with the arrest of 3 local officials on June 7^th. First the commissioners will consider an appointment of an overseer to take over the day to day operations of Precinct #4. This overseer will take over for Liberty County Commissioner Precinct #4 Toby Wilburn, who has suspended his county duties until the charges pending against him are resolved. They will also consider naming someone as Constable for Precinct #4 to replace former Constable Craig Houghton. Houghton pled guilty to the charges of conspiring to wiretap the Courthouse last week.

State Representative Zeb Zbranek said he is hopeful that the Legislative Re-districting Board will be able to keep Liberty and Chambers Counties together. He said the Attorney General John Cornyn, who is the chairman of the board, will follow the Texas constitution which means rural counties would be districted together. The current re-districting proposal has Chambers County with a portion of Jefferson County, and Liberty and Hardin Counties will join a portion of Montgomery County. This proposal was not approved during the legislative session and now, it is the responsibility of the board to come up with a plan.

We reported on Friday of Bryan DeBlanc, 13 of Liberty, who was involved in a near drowning accident at the City of Liberty Swimming Pool. Because of concern of water in his lungs, doctors here decided to transfer him to Texas Children’s Hospital for observations. DeBlanc was held over for observation of his breathing, before being brought home yesterday by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Warren DeBlanc. Bryan DeBlanc is home and said to be doing just fine.

The Dayton Chamber of Commerce will be holding their 2001 Summer Social Thursday at 5:30 PM at Woodrow Wilson Junior High School. The cost to attend is $7 per person and that will include a spaghetti dinner, salad, bread, dessert and a drink. For more information or to reserve your tickets, contact the Dayton Chamber of Commerce Office at 257-2393.

6/25 FUNERALS: Donnie Burrow, 56 of Dayton. Graveside services will e held tomorrow at 4 PM at the Centerville Cemetery in Centerville.

**LAKE RELEASE: 5,800 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 14.97 ASL**

-VOLUME 17 NO.121, FRIDAY, JUNE 22, 2001-

A federal grand jury in Beaumont has indicted Liberty County Commissioner Precinct #4 Toby Wilburn and former-County Courthouse Maintenance Supervisor Neal Williford on two counts each of illegal wiretapping. The third man arrested, former Precinct #4 Constable Craig Houghton pled guilty to a single charge of conspiring to intercept private communications before a U.S. District Judge yesterday. Information from the U.S. Attorney’s office indicates a pre-sentencing report for Houghton is pending. In addition to the conspiracy charge, Wilburn and Williford were each also indicted for one count of intercepting private communication. If convicted on both counts, the two men could face up to 10 years in prison each. As reported, the three were arrested and charged in an alleged scheme to wiretap courthouse offices earlier this month.

It was after 3:30 yesterday morning when Liberty Police Officer Matt Custer discovered a mobile home on the corner of Washington and Oklahoma Streets totally involved in flames while on patrol. Subsequent investigation by Liberty Fire Chief Jamie Galloway and Liberty Police Detective Bill Griffin determined the fire was a probable result of burglary and arson. The homeowner, Ronnie Nugent told police he had been staying overnight with relatives after receiving threats and was not home when someone apparently broke into the home and set the fire. The home still stood, but the interior appeared destroyed.

The Liberty ISD Board of Trustees met Tuesday and approved an employee health insurance bid from Cigna that will raise the district’s cost more than $40 per month. Aetna the company that the district’s coverage last year turned in a bid that increased costs by almost $100 per month. While local physicians are not part of the current agreement, board members approved the bid with the understanding that negotiations can begin with those doctors to bring them into the program. The much-discussed state-funded teacher health insurance passed by the state legislature does not take effect until the 2002-2003 school year.

6/22 FUNERALS: Katy Tullock, 67, of Crosby, Services at 11 a.m. tomorrow at Allison Funeral Service in Liberty. ** Shirley W. Coughlin, 62, of Ames, Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at the Wilderness Church of God in Ames.

-VOLUME 17 NO.120, THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2001-

A federal grand jury will convene today in Beaumont and information we have received indicates it is probable the wiretapping charges levied against Precinct #4 Liberty County Commissioner Toby Wilburn, former Precinct #4 Constable Craig Houghton and former County Courthouse Maintenance Supervisor Neal Williford will appear on the docket. As in state grand jury proceedings, the U.S. Attorney will present evidence in the case behind closed doors and jury will vote either to indict the three men or no bill them if they find insufficient evidence to warrant an indictment. So far, Commissioner Wilburn is the only one of the three to issue a statement about the charge of conspiring to place illegal listening devices in some county offices. Wilburn said if indicted, he would plead "not guilty".

Boyd Arnold, Chairman of the Dayton Community Development Corporation announced Monday that Executive Director Laura Wilson has resigned to accept the position of Vice-President of Economic Development with the Partnership of Southeast Texas. Wilson has served as the DCDC’s executive director for the past two years and Dayton City Manager Robert Ewart called the move a positive one for Dayton, establishing a local person in regional position to bring economic development Dayton’s way. Laura Wilson will be leaving in early July and there is yet no word on filling the vacant position.

The Liberty ISD Board of Trustees met Tuesday and approved teacher salaries for the 2001-2002 school year. The board set starting salaries for district teachers at $32,000 a year, an increase of $3,000 over last year. Since the 1998-99 school year, the starting salary for LISD teachers has increased $8,000 and Superintendent Dr. Douglas Moore said he is proud that the board has been able raise beginning teacher salaries to remain competitive with other districts. Trustees also approved raising the district’s maximum teacher salary by $1,000 a year.

The next Liberty-Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon is set for Wednesday June 27^th at noon in the Liberty City Hall Auditorium. This month’s speaker will be District 20 State Representative Zeb Zbranek who will discuss the legislative session just past. Tickets are $6 per person. Call the Chamber Office at 336-5736 for reservations.

**LAKE RELEASE: 5,800 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 16.43 ASL

-VOLUME 17 NO.119, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2001-

We have reported that cutbacks in funds to the Federal Emergency Management Agency in President George W. Bush’s budget plan would eliminate flood insurance monies to over 240 Liberty County properties, but one Texas Senator thinks those cuts are a bad idea. U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison said not only should those cutbacks be dismantled, but an additional $1 billion should be provided to FEMA for disaster assistance. Senator Hutchison said dealing with Tropical Storm Allison’s more than $4 billion in damages could leave the agency financially unprepared for another such disaster in the future.

Liberty County Commissioner Precinct #1 Todd Fontenot is the first member of Commissioners Court to publicly comment on the lawsuit filed against the county by some Precinct #4 residents over the condition of roads there. Commissioner Fontenot said at Monday’s Team City Dayton Luncheon that he regretted the situation, but efforts by he and other commissioners to help had been hampered by the current Precinct #4 Commissioner. Fontenot did not mention Toby Wilburn by name, but said "the current commissioner" was the reason more had not been done already to assist in repairing those roads.

The Dayton City Council met Monday night to review the expiring contract between the city and Waste Management for garbage disposal. Waste Management’s Terry Woodsen told council the company would work on a month to month contract until a final agreement could be reached. Mayor Larry Harris voiced his concern the new contract may involve a hefty rate hike. Council will meet next Monday to further discuss the issue.

According to Liberty City Secretary Diane Tidwell, the city will put on a Fourth of July fireworks display again this year, but not on the fourth, on the evening of Tuesday July 3^rd. Last year thousands packed the Liberty City Park to enjoy the display and Mrs. Tidwell pointed out that the fireworks experts are much more available for booking the day before the holiday.

6/20 FUNERALS: Elmer "E. T." Reed, 72, of Kenefick, Services at 11 a.m. Friday at Pace Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton.

Hilton "Pap" Papillion, 51, of Devers, Services at 10 a.m. Saturday at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church in Ames.

**LAKE RELEASE: 5,800 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 18.80 ASL**

-VOLUME 17 NO.117, MONDAY, JUNE 18, 2001-

According to Liberty County Judge Lloyd Kirkham, the Liberty County Commissionsers will name an overseer to handle the day to day activities for Precinct #4 soon. Judge Kirkham said they are looking for someone who lives in the precinct, and has first hand knowledge of the road problems. He also said since he is the only representative of precinct #4 currently on the Commissioners Court, he would begin voting to represent that precinct. The County Judge has the right to vote on every issue, however Judge Kirkham usually just votes to break a tie. Now he said he would begin voting to represent Precinct #4 residents.

Friday morning, an early car accident led to the death of a Raywood woman. The Liberty County Sheriff's Department received a call from a passing motorist who found a sports car upside down on FM 1410, just East of Highway 61. There they found the vehicle and also found Debbie Brown, 41, who was pronounced dead at the scene by Liberty County Justice of Peace Precinct #2 Ronnie Davis. The Sheriff's Deputy, along with the Devers and Hull-Daisetta Volunteer Fire Departments scoured the area looking for a passenger, however were convinced there was not anyone else in the vehicle at the time of the accident.

The Liberty County Chapter of the American Red Cross will be holding a Hurricane Preparedness Meeting Wednesday at 11 AM at the Liberty City Hall Auditorium. The cost to attend is $10 per person and that will include a catered lunch. For more information or to make a reservation, contact the Liberty County Emergency Management Office at 336-4558 ext. 239.

The Liberty Count EMS will hold their 3rd annual Golf Tournament Friday at the Chambers County Golf Course. The cost to enter is $200 for a team of 4 or $50 per person. The funds raised will help to purchase new equipment and to support organizations in the county. For more information call 536-3080.

6/18 FUNERAL: Debbie Lei Brown, 41 of Raywood. Services will be held today at 2 PM at the Allison Funeral Home in Liberty. ** Eithel Collins Toney, 74 of New Caney. Graveside services will be held Wednesday at 2 PM at the Cleveland Memorial Cemetery in Cleveland. *** Dorothy Pearl Spilka, 85 of Baytown. Graveside services will be today at 11 AM at the Palms Memorial Park Cemetery in Dayton.

**LAKE RELEASE: 13,000 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 23.94 ASL**

-VOLUME 17 NO.116, FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2001-

The Trinity River crested at 28.55 feet above seal level in Liberty on Wednesday and has begun to decline. Liberty County Emergency Management Director Leroy Hanel said National Guard personnel have headed home and those evacuated will be returning to their homes in the coming days. Hanel cautions homeowners to check for wild animals that may have decided to seek shelter in those homes during the flood and be alert of hazards such as slippery floors, debris or contaminated water wells. Those who need to report flood damage to FEMA must call 1-800-462-9029 and give the reference number DR1379 to be included in the Liberty County relief effort.

With the appointment of Bruce Mintz as City Attorney, City Manager Kerry Lacy said longtime city employee Diane Tidwell will take over for Mintz as City Secretary. Additionally, the City of Liberty is also seeking someone to fill the newly created position of Finance Director to handle matters of the city’s budget and investments. The proposed salary range is between $35,000 and $37,000 annually and all applications will need to be submitted by 5 p.m. Friday June 29^th.

Chambers County Commissioners have scheduled public hearings on redistricting for Tuesday at 7 p.m. at White’s Park in Anahuac and Thursday June 21^st at the Cove Community Building, also at 7 p.m. Unlike the plan proposed for Liberty County, which would change only two precincts, the redistricting plan for Chambers County would affect all four county commissioners’ precincts to some capacity.

The Local Emergency Planning Committee and the Liberty County Chapter of the American Red Cross will hold a Hurricane Preparedness Meeting this Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Liberty City Hall Auditorium. The meeting will address community-wide readiness as a new hurricane season begins in Southeast Texas and cost is $10 per person for lunch and handout materials. For reservations, call the Liberty County Emergency Management Office at 336-4558, Ext. 239.

6/14 FUNERAL: Angelica Alexis Landry, Infant daughter of Arthur Landry and Latanya Smith of Raywood, Services at 11 a.m. today at New Bethel Assembly of God in Raywood.

**LAKE RELEASE: 13,000 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 28.50 ASL**

-VOLUME 17 NO.114, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2001-

Liberty County Sheriff Greg Arthur said yesterday that flood relief operations here are being scaled back to roughly half the National Guard personnel and equipment involved. Most residents along the river who plan to leave already evacuated, Sheriff Arthur said he felt that a smaller force would still be more than able to provide any needed rescue and patrol efforts needed in flooded areas. Sheriff Arthur also clarified that the prohibition against boat traffic did not apply to subdivision residents going to and from their own homes. To report flood damage to FEMA, call 1-800-462-9029, Ref.#DR1379.

More than 50 people, many residents of Precinct #4 attended the public hearing on redistricting yesterday morning. Liberty County Commissioners fielded a barrage of complaints over proposed precinct lines that would place a section of Precinct #4, including a portion of downtown Dayton, into Precinct #1. Most complaints centered on a lack of prior notice and the question of residents losing a vote over the very roads they traveled the most. Austin attorney Tom Pollan said revisions are still possible but this was still the most sensible and cost effective plan proposed. County commissioners have all said they would assist Precinct #4 as much as possible since recent events have left those residents without a vote on the court.

According to information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Beaumont, both former Precinct #4 Constable Craig Houghton and former Courthouse Maintenance Supervisor Neal Williford were granted conditional release from federal custody yesterday afternoon. The two men, along with Liberty County Commissioner Toby Wilburn were arrested last week on charges of illegally wiretapping areas of the county courthouse.

Many local residents rely heavily on the Houston Veterans Medical Center for care and information from the hospital is that it remains open and fully operationally. The V. A. Hospital remained fully staffed and operational throughout the devastating floods that struck Houston this past weekend, closing many medical centers and hospitals in the city.

6/13 FUNERAL: Roy Norman, 72, of Anahuac, Services to be held at a later date.

**LAKE RELEASE: 50,100 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 28.30 ASL**

-VOLUME 17 NO.113, TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2001-

As decreases in the Lake Livingston Dam discharge continue the Trinity River is expected to crest today at 29.30 feet above sea level. County Judge Lloyd Kirkham has ordered a prohibition against all boat traffic on the Trinity River for the duration of this flood event due to hazards created by high water, strong currents and debris. Homes along the river have been ordered evacuated and City of Liberty Emergency Officials also called for a voluntary evacuation of the South Liberty Oilfield. For help evacuating call the Liberty County Sheriff’s Dept. at 336-4500.

In a statement released yesterday, Precinct #4 Commissioner Toby Wilburn said he plans to enter a plea of "not guilty" if indicted on federal wiretapping charges. Wilburn said he is temporarily relinquishing his authority per the conditions of his release on bond. County Judge Lloyd Kirkham said Wilburn is still commissioner and will continue to draw his salary, but responsibility for precinct road work will fall to a non-voting representative to be appointed by commissioners to those duties.

DPS Trooper Brent Henry said Donald Ray Frieda, 51, in Liberty as part of the National Guard flood relief effort attempted a u-turn in the 5 ton truck he was operating on Hwy 90 east of the Bypass early yesterday morning. The truck did not have room to navigate the turn and was hit by a vehicle driven by Douglas Harris, 38, of Dayton. Harris was taken by air ambulance to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont.

On Friday, residents of Precinct #4 filed the much-discussed lawsuit against Liberty County over road conditions in that area. Plaintiff Melvin Williams, in filing on behalf of residents of the Woodland Hills Subdivision alleges in that suit that the county failed to repair and maintain roads that have caused damage to motor vehicles, as well as preventing emergency vehicles traveling at necessary speeds in emergencies. The suit seeks actual economic and mental anguish damages and tax abatement for plaintiffs in an amount to be determined at trial by a jury.

6/12 FUNERALS: Alfred James Ash, 78, of Dayton, Services at 10 a.m. tomorrow at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton. **Peggy Sue Morris Oakley, 68, of Sugarland, Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton.

-VOLUME 17 NO.112, MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2001-

Friday afternoon, Liberty County Commissioner Precinct #4, Toby Wilburn was released on a $25,000 bond. He had been arrested, along with Liberty County Constable Precinct #4 Craig Houghton, and County Courthouse Maintenance Supervisor T. Neal Williford, on the charges of conspiracy to wiretap offices in the Liberty County Courthouse. Per agreements in his bond, Commissioner Wilburn must delegate his commissionership until these charges are resolved. Liberty County Judge Lloyd Kirkham said the Commissioners Court would appoint an overseer to handle the business for Liberty County Precinct #4. Also, at an emergency meeting of the Liberty County Commissioners Court Friday, Constable Houghton resigned his position. No replacement has been decided yet, but the Commissioners will also decide who will be appointed to that position. Craig Houghton and T. Neal Williford remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Friday and are not expected to go back in front of judge until tomorrow.

The releases from the Lake Livingston Dam were increasing steadily throughout Friday, and remained at 83,400 cubic feet per second must of the day Saturday. Finally last night, the releases started to come down. Liberty County Judge Lloyd Kirkham issued an evacuation for anyone living in the low-lying subdivisions along the Trinity River. Texas Governor Rick Perry declared 26 counties, including Liberty County, disaster areas. The National Guard arrived in Liberty County yesterday with 24 large trucks and over 100 people to aid in emergency services. The Office of Liberty County Emergency Management has designated shelters for those that evacuate their homes. For more information call 336-4558, extension 239 or 336-4500.

At Saturday's special run-off election, James "Bubba" Campbell received 312 votes to claim position #3 on the Hardin Independent School District Board of Trustees. The run-off election was between Campbell and Texas Ranger Frank Huff. James Campbell will replace Liberty County Sheriff Greg Arthur, who decided not to run for that seat again.

The Liberty County Commissioners will hold a special public hearing tomorrow morning at 8:30 AM at the County Courtroom of the Liberty County Courthouse. The public hearing will address re-districting issues.

**LAKE RELEASE: 81,400 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 27.16 ASL**

-VOLUME 17 NO.111, FRIDAY, JUNE 07, 2001-

At the time of this report, Precinct #4 Liberty County Commissioner Toby Wilburn, Precinct #4 Constable Craig Houghton and County Courthouse Maintenance Supervisor Neal Williford remain in the custody of Federal Marshals in Beaumont following their arrest on federal wiretapping charges Wednesday night. Assistant U.S. Attorney Johns Stevens said his office was in possession of video, and audio tape evidence the three men conspired to place illegal listening devices in the offices of County Judge Lloyd Kirkham, Precinct #1 Commissioner Todd Fontenot and County Auditor Harold Seay. Craig Houghton has resigned his position as County Constable and, along with Wilburn and Williford is being held without bond until a hearing before a federal grand jury. Stevens said the alleged wiretapping was politically motivated and conviction on the charges carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.

According to Liberty Police, it was shortly before 1 a.m. yesterday when Randall James George of Arkansas attempted a u-turn in the 18-wheeler he was operating on Main Street in Liberty. The large tractor and trailer rig hooked into overhead electric, cable TV and telephone lines, jerking down at least three utility poles in the 2200 block of Main Street in front of Golden’s Furniture and the new Subway restaurant. No one was injured, but Main Street traffic in Liberty was blocked in both directions for several hours, while city utility crews worked to repair the extensive damage to poles and lines.

Registration is continuing for the Third Annual Liberty County EMS Golf Tournament scheduled for Friday June 22^nd at the Chambers County Golf Course. According to Liberty County EMS Director Mike Koen, entry fee is $200 per team and all proceeds will help training and equipment costs for EMS technicians. For more information, call 936-536-3080.

6/8 FUNERALS:

Bernardine Pickett Williams, 62, of Liberty, Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Trinity Valley Baptist Church in Liberty.

Donald Ray Bailey, 71, of Baytown, Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Allison Funeral Service in Liberty.

erman C. Reavis, 80, of Liberty, Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Batson United Pentecostal Church.

-VOLUME 17 NO.110, THURSDAY, JUNE 07, 2001-

After Tuesday night’s brush with Tropical Storm Allison, Liberty County Emergency Management Coordinator Leroy Hanel is urging preparedness as another hurricane season begins in Southeast Texas. In addition to routine precautions such as keeping bottled water, non-perishable foods and flashlight batteries on hand, Hanel reminds homeowners that even less-than-hurricane force winds can do serious damage. Make sure that objects outside your home are secured against wind, especially propane tanks and bottles. Also, make sure livestock have shelter against high winds to prevent injuries.

The Liberty ISD Board of Trustees met Tuesday and approved the purchase of $142,000 in new air conditioning equipment for Liberty High School. $131,000 of that cost was for HVAC units from Carrier-South Texas of Houston and a little over $11,000 for fans purchased from Houston-based TWSCO. Assistant Superintendent Tommy Davis said that price is for equipment only. The board will be taking separate bids for installation to expedite the process of replacing the system.

State Comptroller Carole Keeton Rylander has released the Monthly Sales and Use Tax Report for May 2001. The report shows a 15.77% increase in sales taxes in the City of Liberty over last year with a total $196,900 in sales and use tax rebates. In Dayton, sales tax rebates were up 13.03% over May 2000, with a total of $83,274. For the year to date, sales and use tax rebates in Liberty show an increase of 8.10% over last year and a 3.54% increase in Dayton over the same period in 2000.

The Liberty-Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce’s La Bahia Market is this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Courthouse Square in downtown Liberty. The increasingly popular monthly event offers local venders with a wide assortment of home grown and home made foods, handmade crafts and antiques on the second Saturday of each month. For more information, call the Liberty-Dayton Chamber Office at 336-5736.

6/7 FUNERALS: Lewis Carter Casinger, 86, of Dayton, Graveside services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Magnolia Park Cemetery in Dayton. ** Patsy Jo Cooley, 67, of Anahuac, Services at 2 p.m. today at Sterling Funeral Hom e in Anahuac.

**LAKE RELEASE: 12,000 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 12.31 ASL**

-VOLUME 17, NO. 109, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 06, 2001-

Liberty City Manager Kerry Lacy said he is now satisfied that the city’s new electrical substation is ready to be put into operation. As reported, the city cancelled a planned power outage last Saturday to make that switch over, but Lacy said the substation which has been a source of problems both during and after construction, still needed work. The new switchover date is set for this coming Saturday at 1 a.m., without the need for a planned power outage to get the new substation in use.

At the end of early voting yesterday, a total of 245 people had cast ballots early in the Run Off Election for Position #3 on the Hardin School Board. Hardin ISD Business Manager Craig Ringer said that is an all time record for early voting in any Hardin ISD race, surpassing even the 207 votes cast early in the May 5^th Election. Candidates James "Bubba" Campbell and Frank Huff are vying for the seat previously held by Liberty County Sheriff Greg Arthur. The election itself is this Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hardin ISD Administration Office.

The charge of attempted capital murder of a Chambers County Sheriff’s Deputy against Vernon Coates of Anahuac remains undecided as a new grand jury is being seated. The last grand jury to hear evidence against Coates adjourned without a decision and District Attorney Mike Little said it is not certain the new grand jury will hear the case. If so, all evidence will have to be re-presented in a attempt to obtain an indictment.

Winners of the 7^th Annual Kidfish last Saturday at the Liberty City Park have been announced. Top fundraiser was Jessica Griffin and 1st Place in the Biggest Fish Competition ages 6 and under was a tie between Chase Flores and Ethan Sommers. Crystal Hodgins won in the 7 to 11 age group and Lance Duff caught the biggest fish in the 12 to 16 age group.

6/6 FUNERALS:

Stowell Scherer Barnett Scott, 99, of Huffman, Graveside services at 10 a.m. tomorrow at Huffman Cemetery

Charles W. Berry, 72, of Dayton, Graveside services at 2 p.m. today at Palms Memorial Park in Dayton.

**LAKE RELEASE: 6,420 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 11.10 ASL**

-VOLUME 17 NO.108, TUESDAY, JUNE 05, 2001-

Of the 8300 properties nationwide President George W. Bush proposes removing from federally subsidized flood insurance rolls, 247 are located in the low-lying flood prone areas of Liberty County. The Associated Press reports the Federal Emergency Management Agency is targeting those policyholders that have filed four or more flood insurance claims or properties with three claims filed since 1978. The AP reports almost $8 million in flood losses paid out to Liberty County properties in the past 12 years and FEMA’s Diane Herrera said the strategy is to stop taxpayer subsidy of those habitual claims.

Assistant District Attorney Michael Mark said 35-year-old Mark Allen Bruce has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the aggravated robbery of the Devers Grocery Store on Hwy 90 on April 6^th. Mark said Bruce pled guilty to the charge of robbing the store clerk at knifepoint and prior offenses led to the stiff sentence. Mark Allen Bruce will be required to serve at least half of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

Precinct #2 Constable Jimmy Belt said it was shortly before 1 a.m. Sunday when he noticed a stopped vehicle with its passenger side door open on Hwy 90 across from Adam’s Quick-Stop Exxon in Raywood. Suspicious behavior by the car’s occupants led to the arrest of one of them Robert Lee Anderson, age 25, of Anahuac. Constable Belt said a substance believed to be marijuana was found in the man’s pocket at the scene and a more thorough search of his person later turned up a vial of a substance believed to be PCP, valued at around $7,000. Robert Lee Anderson was charged with possession of controlled substance with intent to distribute.

The District Attorney’s Office of Liberty and Chambers Counties will sponsor the 7^th Annual DARE Golf Tournament on Friday July 13^th at 8:30 a.m. at the Chambers County Golf Tournament. The fundraiser benefits the Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program in area schools and entry fee for players is $50. For more information call 336-4609 or 267-8273.

6/5 FUNERAL: Charles Alfred Stubblefield, 66, of Liberty, Memorial Service at 2 p.m. today at 1^st United Methodist Church in Liberty.

**LAKE RELEASE: 6,420 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 9.63 ASL**

-VOLUME 17 NO.106, FRIDAY, JUNE 01, 2001-

According to a proposed redistricting plan submitted to Liberty County by the Austin law firm of Bickerstaff, Heath, Smiley, Pollan, Kever and McDaniel, a portion of what is now Precinct #4 would be moved to Precinct #1. In order for the population to be divided as close as possible to the ideal figure of 16,427 per precinct, voting box #10 covering an area that stretches through the city of Dayton and continues west along FM 1960 to Texaco Circle would be moved. The plan calls for little change in the boundaries of Precinct #2 and none at all for Precnct #3. The first public hearing on the plan is set for June 12^th and final approval will come from the U.S. Department of Justice.

The 22-3A All-District Selections have been announced and four Liberty Panthers received First Team honors. Pitcher Kody Fiedler, who finished with a 4 and 3 overall district record and first baseman Craig Rader were First Team picks. So was Panther shortstop Jessie Pennington. The lone Liberty senior named to first team is outfielder Keith Strahan. Juniors Fiedler, Rader and Pennington will all return to play next season.

The Annual Kidfish is tomorrow from 9 a.m. to noon at the Liberty City Park pond. Sponsored by BJ Ford-Mercury in Liberty, Kidfish is an outreach program of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for kids under 17 to learn about conservation and the environment while fishing for fun and prizes. The event is free, no pre-registration is necessary and rods, reels and tackle will be provided for those who need them.

The Liberty Opry returns to All Nine Radio tomorrow night from 7:30 until 8:30 with weekly live broadcasts of the first hour of the Opry’s Saturday night show. Founded by the talented Cox family, the Liberty Opry has brought great music and comedy to downtown Liberty for the past eight years. For reservations to be at the Opry in-person, call 336-1079, 1-800-248-8918 or visit their web page at www.libertyopry.com. If you can’t be there, tune in to 99.9 FM Saturday at 7:30 p.m. for the first hour.

6/1 UNERALS: Mattie Armendia Squier, 74, of Cleveland, Graveside services at 10 a.m. tomorrow at the Squier Cemetery in Cleveland.

Joseph "J. T." Villemez, 82, of Liberty, Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at the Liberty Church of Christ.

**LAKE RELEASE: 4,420 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 10.77 ASL**