In spite of the current vague state of redistricting, longtime District 20 State Representative Zeb Zbranek said he is still committed to seeking re-election to that office. While the final redistricting map is far from finished, the Winnie native is allowed the legal option of running for his current district one final time, no matter what the make up of the district actually turns out to be. Mr. Zbranek said he is also considering a possible run for the State Senate, but has made no final decision yet. According to latest estimates, the court battle over redistricting lines should be decided by the end of November.

Recent Liberty County Jail escapee David Garland Jenkins, Jr. of Liberty pled guilty to a charge of felony escape in the 75^th District Court on Friday of last week and was sentenced by Judge Don Taylor to the maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $2,500 fine. The 32-year-old Jenkins, along with fellow inmate Nathan Lee Winzel, escaped from the jail through an a/c. vent on Sunday Oct.22^nd and was recaptured the following day in Dayton. Jenkins was also sentenced to 10 years each for a previous escape on Oct.10^th and for sexual assault of child since the court revoked the probation he received on that conviction.

Voters in the Devers ISD will be deciding a $2 million bond issue on the November 6^th Election Ballot. Devers School Superintendent Bob Parker said the proposed bond monies will be used to make renovations and repairs to the Devers School building and gym, as well as construction of a new classroom/media center. The last bond proposal brought before district patrons in 1999 was voted down, but Parker said this proposal is for fewer expenditures. Early voting for both the Devers ISD bond election and the 19 proposed constitutional amendments continues through Friday at the Liberty County Courthouse and the Cleveland Courthouse Annex.

The Liberty County Health Awareness Coalition will sponsor the "Visions of Liberty County Youth" meeting on Tuesday Nov. 13^th at 7 p.m. in the 75^th District Courtroom on the third floor of the Liberty County Courthouse. All area teens and those involved in local youth activities are encouraged to attend and discuss how best to meet the needs of young people in this area. For more information about the meeting, call 334-8000.

**LAKE RELEASE: 1,420 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.88 ASL**

-VOLUME 17 NO.217, TUESDAY, OCT. 30, 2001-

A Liberty County Grand Jury has indicted 22-year-old Curtis Allen Stinnett on a charge of aggravated robbery in connection with the attempt to rob the Hull State Bank in Hull on Oct.9^th. Stinnett is alleged to have entered the bank with a shotgun and struggled with bank president Henry Gilfillian, at which time the weapon was discharged into the bank’s ceiling. Stinnett was apprehended at his Jefferson County residence later that day. The former Hull resident also faces an additional indictment for filing a false report since he allegedly called in a phony bomb threat to Hull-Daisetta Middle School earlier that day in an attempt to distract law officers from the planned robbery.

An application by Azurix North American Residuals Management of Houston has been filed with the TNRCC to put a sludge only wastewater treatment area in Devers, on land owned by Henderson Liberty Farms. Paul Beydler of the Azurix organization said the byproduct sludge of the proposed site will produce agents that will clean pollutants and enrich soil in that area. A previous attempt by the landowners to use the property in a similar fashion was denied by the TNRCC.

District Attorney Mike Little said a jury in Chambers County has sentenced Shawn Allen Dean, 34, to 60 years in prison and a fine of $6,000 for Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer. That same jury found Dean guilty on Oct. 24^th of swerving his vehicle directly at a patrol car driven by DPS Trooper James Holland during a high-speed chase that began in Baytown and ended on FM 563 south of I-10 on the early morning of August 20^th 1999. Reportedly, the chase began when Dean fled from a Baytown police officer trying stop him for driving with a headlight out.

Early voting in the upcoming Constitutional Amendment Election continues through this week at the Liberty County Courthouse and the Cleveland Courthouse Annex. County Clerk Delia Sellars said so far only 24 people have cast ballots early on 19 amendments to the Texas Constitution, including several issues of local importance. The General Election is Nov.6^th.

10/30 FUNERAL: Maria Leonidas Servin Chavez, 78, of Anahuac, Services at 11 a.m. tomorrow at Our Lady of Light Catholic Church in Anahuac.

**LAKE RELEASE: 1,420 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.96 ASL**

According to information from the Liberty Police Dept., 26-year-old Kevin Anthony Caudle of Liberty has been charged with the Oct. 3^rd aggravated robbery of Walter Shoaf. The retired businessman was assaulted and robbed on his property in Liberty and police said Caudle was charged with the crime following his arrest on Tuesday evening. Charges are also pending in connection to at least 15 other burglaries and thefts that occurred in the area in recent weeks. Liberty Police and Liberty-Chambers Counties Narcotics Task Force Officers have reportedly recovered approximately $8,000 in stolen property after questioning the Liberty man about those crimes.

Preliminary testing has detected potentially dangerous mold spores in an unused office and restroom on the third floor of the Liberty County Courthouse. Precinct #1 Commissioner Todd Fontenot said the area is contained and there is no danger to courthouse visitors or employees. Commissioner Fontenot said the next step is to obtain an expert evaluation of the type and source of the mold before proceeding further.

The Liberty County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee will hold dedication ceremonies for the re-naming of Commerce St. in Liberty to Dr. Martin Luther King Drive tomorrow morning at 10 under the flagpole at the intersection of Commerce and Hwy 90. The public is invited to the event.

The Liberty-Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce‘s popular La Bahia Market is now a weekly event each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the courthouse square in Liberty through Christmas. Local vendors will have a wide variety of homemade foods and handcrafts on display each week and the cost of becoming a vendor is still on only $5. For more information, call 336-5736.

Don’t forget to set your clocks back this weekend, as Daylight Savings Time comes to an end for another year. Daylight Savings Time officially ends at 2 a.m. Sunday and you’ll need to set clocks back one hour before going to bed Saturday night.

10/26FUNERAL: Anastazie "Stazie" Vyoral Hohn, 77, of Dayton, Services at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dayton

Liberty Police Officer Gary Martin said 21-year-old Alicia Pineda was eastbound on Hwy 90 in Liberty around 2 p.m. yesterday when her vehicle hit a curb and overturned, striking a utility pole. Lifeflight air ambulance transported the Liberty woman to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston in what was described as guarded condition with possible head and orthopedic injuries. Hwy 90 was closed to traffic while City of Liberty Electrical Department crews worked to clear a wire dislodged from the utility pole from across the roadway.

The second of two escaped Liberty County Jail inmates is back in custody. The Liberty County Sheriff’s Department reports Nathan Lee Winzel, 26, was apprehended by Houston police at a bus stop in downtown Houston around 2:30 p.m. yesterday. Winzel, along with David Garland Jenkins escaped from the jail through an air conditioning vent late Sunday night. Jenkins is being held on a $100,000 bond after being recaptured Monday night in the parking lot of Brookshire Brothers in Dayton.

Assistant District Attorney Michael Mark is now the third candidate to publicly announce that he will seek the Democratic nomination for 75^th District Judge in the March Primary Election. Longtime Judge J. C. "Zeke" Zbranek has said he will retire at the end of his current time. The 32-year-old Mark, also a Liberty City Councilman will be vying with Liberty attorneys C. Bruce Stratton and C. T. "Rusty" Hight, who have also announced their plans to run for the 75^th District Judgeship.

Both the Liberty Panthers and Dayton Broncos are on the road tomorrow night. The Panthers take on the Falcons in Huffman and the Broncos head to Houston for a match up with the Smiley Golden Eagles. Kick off for both games is 7:30 p.m., our live Split Channel Sports Broadcast begins at 7:20. Turn your stereo radio’s balance control to the left for Liberty vs. Huffman, to the right for Dayton vs. Smiley or log onto kshnfm.com and listen to the games live on the Internet. A reminder to Hardin football fans, the Hardin Hornets game against SFA has been rescheduled for Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. in Port Arthur.

10/24 FUNERAL: Nelda M. Burton, 61, of Dayton, Services at 3:30 p.m. today at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton.

Two Liberty County men, both proven flight risks, escaped from the Liberty County Jail Sunday night, apparently through an air conditioning vent that led to the jail roof. The Sheriff’s Dept. reports Nathan Lee Winzel, 26, of Cleveland and David Garland Jenkins, 32, of Dayton were discovered missing around 11 p.m. and each of the men have recently escaped from work details, only to be recaptured within a few days. Winzel is described as a white male, 5’11", 155 lbs., with brown hair and hazel eyes. Jenkins is also a white male, described as 5’10", between 160 and 170 lbs. with blond hair and green eyes. Anyone seeing either of these men is urged to contact the nearest law enforcement agency or call 911 immediately.

Court ordered changes to the Congressional Redistricting plan for Liberty and Chambers Counties continue. A majority vote of the Texas Supreme Court ruled last Friday to overturn the latest plan proposed by District Judge Paul Davis. The predominately republican high court felt Davis, a democrat from Austin, exceeded his authority in overhauling the map without holding additional hearings. We have reported that Judge Davis’ drastically redrew his own proposed plan on Oct. 10^th, drawing the ire of State Republican Party Chair Susan Weddington who said the action raises questions about the judge’s integrity.

Jo Anne Smith, 51, is the third person to publicly announce her candidacy for the office of Liberty County Treasurer since longtime County Treasurer Winn Skidmore has said she will retire after her current term expires. A Dayton native, Jo Anne Smith is currently employed in the Liberty County Tax Assessor/Collector’s Office and will be vying with Pat Green of Hardin and Janet Harrelson of Dayton for the Democratic nomination for Treasurer in the March Primary Election.

Early voting for the Nov. 6^th Constitutional Amendment Election continues now through Nov. 2^nd from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon. – Fri. at the Liberty County Courthouse or at the Cleveland Courthouse Annex. The ballot will contain 19 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution for voter approval.

10/23 FUNERAL: Gloria Marie Martin, 87, of Beaumont, Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Allison Funeral Service in Liberty.

According to Department of Public Safety Trooper Wesley Doolittle, 65-year old, James Wilburn McDonald, of Channelview was Southbound on Highway 146 South of Hardin Friday afternoon, when his vehicle left the road and struck a tree. Mr. McDonald was taken by Life Flight Air Ambulance to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, but was pronounced dead upon arrival. Trooper Doolittle said the Channelview man had a history of heart problems, which could have been a factor in the fatal accident.

George Tyson, 60, announced this weekend he would be seeking the Democratic Nomination for Liberty County Commissioner Precinct #4. Tyson, who is currently the Precinct #4 Road Foreman, has a long history of working in construction and roads. George Tyson is the 3^rd candidate to publicly announce he would be seeking the Democratic nomination for Commissioner Precinct #4. Norman Brown and O.J. STEWART announced earlier that they would also vie for the Office.

DPS Trooper Ryan Foley said John Griffin, 66 of Dayton was riding a motorcycle on FM 1960 yesterday morning when he was struck from behind by a truck driven by Kevin Campbell, 23 also of Dayton. Mr. Griffin was taken by Life Flight Air Ambulance to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston. An administrator at the hospital said Mr. Griffin is in fair condition.

The Dayton Broncos got a big win Friday Night. The Broncos beat the previously undefeated Conroe Oak Ridge War Eagles at Bronco Stadium. The Liberty Panthers were not so lucky, as they lost Friday Night to the undefeated Barbers Hill Eagles. Both teams are on the road this weekend, as the Liberty Panthers travel to Huffman to take on the Falcons, and the Broncos go to Houston to take on the Smiley Golden Eagles.

10/22 FUNERALS:

Thelma Kirkendall Dale, 75 of Dayton. Funeral services will be today at 11 AM at the Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton. 

Janie McClosky, 82 of Pasadena. Funeral Services will be tomorrow at 2 PM at the Magnolia Park Cemetery in Dayton. 

Hugh F. Wright, 89 of Cleveland. Funeral Services will be tomorrow at 2 PM at the First United Methodist Church in Cleveland.

Results from yesterday’s TVE Youth Livestock judging includes: Gr. Champ Mkt. Steer: Mark Arnold (Dayton FFA)-Res. Champ: Amanda Burt (Tarkington Jr. 4-H); Gr. Champ. Comm. Heifer: Katie Robbins (Dayton 4-H)-Res. Champ: Jakie Simms (Hardin FFA); Gr. Champ Mkt.Broiler: Jonathan Cooper (Dayton FFA)- Res. Champ: Charlsea Sims (Dayton 4-H); Breeding Rabbit Best of Show: Josh Phillips (Hull-Daisetta 4-H)-Res. Best of Show: Brittany Hutcherson (Barbers Hill 4-H).

One of Liberty’s champions, Laura Jane Hartel, died yesterday evening at Methodist Hospital in Houston, having been ill for sometime. Best known for her long-running involvement in Liberty’s Valley Players Community Theater, Mrs. Hartel served as the group’s president for many years having accepted her first role in "Mame" thirty years ago. That involvement came to include her husband, Liberty County Attorney A.J." Jack" Hartel and their three daughters. Laura Jane Hartel was 66 years old.

Dr. Martin Basuldua of Kingwood has announced he will seek the Republican nomination for District #4 State Senator in the March primaries. If the current redistricting plan holds up in court, District #4 that now includes both Liberty and Chambers Counties will also include Kingwood. Dr. Basuldua, who operates a private medical practice, co-founded what is now the Kingwood Medical Center and is current vice-chair of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Democratic incumbent David Bernsen has said he will not seek re-election to the office.

DPS Trooper Bobby Risch said Justin Backus, 16, of Dayton was northbound on Hwy 146 around 10 p.m. Wednesday when he attempted a left turn on to FM 1413. A motorcycle operated by Robert Keerms, 21, of Porter, Texas, apparently attempted to pass on the left and struck the front of the teen’s vehicle. Justin Backus did not require medical treatment but Robert Keerms was taken by Lifeflight air ambulance to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, described as being in stable condition.

10/19 FUNERALS:

R.T. "Pinch" Pinchback, 89, of Anahauc, Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at 1^st United Methodist Church in Anahauc.

Johnny Lynn McBride, 40, of Liberty, Services tomorrow at 11 a.m. at Trinity Valley Baptist Church in Liberty.

The TVE Youth Livestock Show reaches its annual culmination tomorrow with the TVE Youth Livestock Auction at 12:30 p.m. in the arena. Results in livestock judging so far includes: Gr. Champ. Mkt. Goat: Trey Harrison (Cleveland 4-H) – Res. Champ: Sara Klimtchek(Dayton FFA); Gr. Champ. Mkt. Lamb: Courtney Guthrie(Dayton FFA)–Res. Champ: David Sheffield(Cleveland 4-H);Gr. Champ Mkt. Swine: Jenna Nicholson(Tarkington FFA)–Res. Champ: Lindsey Henderson (Tarkington FFA); Gr. Champ Mkt. Rabbit: Bridgett Robertson(Tarkington FFA) - Res. Champ: Wade Robertson (Tarkington 4-H), and both the Overall Gr. Champ Sow and Overall Res. Champ Sow were shown by Lindsay Henderson.

With 1,094 votes at their disposal the Dayton School Board met Tuesday and assured Larry Wadzeck another 2-year term on the Central Appraisal District Board of Directors by casting 834 of those votes for him. Trustees cast the remaining 260 votes for former DISD board and CAD board member Bob Edwards, who has been nominated by the DISD and the Dayton City Council.

Both the Liberty Panthers and the Dayton Broncos have their work cut out for them tomorrow night, each facing an undefeated opponent. The Panthers will host the Barbers Hill Eagles in War Memorial Stadium while the Broncos are home against the Conroe Oak Ridge War Eagles. Kick off for both games is at 7:30 p.m. and our live Split Channel Sports Broadcast begins around 7:20. Turn your stereo radio’s balance control all the way to the left for Liberty vs. Barbers Hill, all the way to the right for Dayton vs. Conroe Oak Ridge or log on to kshnfm.com to listen to both games on the internet.

10/18 FUNERALS: Amelia Garrett, 93, of Hardin, Services at 10 a.m. tomorrow at Allison Funeral Service in Liberty.

Mary Jo Guillory, 48, of Liberty, Services at 10 a.m. tomorrow at Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton.

Dennis Griffin, 42, of Dayton, Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton.

Richard Earl Blanchard, 53, of California, Services at 3 p.m. tomorrow at 1^st Cornerstone Baptist Church in Raywood.

George Charles Wheeler, 82, of Cleveland, Services at 11 a.m. Saturday at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton. 

**LAKE RELEASE: 12,420 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 17.14 ASL**

DPS Trooper Ryan Foley said Billy Floyd Baker, 19, of Sour Lake was westbound on Hwy 90 in Devers shortly after 5 a.m. Tuesday when he crossed over into the eastbound lane and collided head-on with an oncoming sedan. Four men inside the sedan, all from Liberty and all en-route to jobs in Louisiana were reportedly killed on impact. They are Arnulfo Colazzo, age 29; Cipriano Lopez, age 30; Anastacio Mares, age 29; and Salvador Gerardo, 31. Billy Floyd Baker was taken to Liberty-Dayton Hospital in Liberty where he was treated and released.

Liberty County Health Authority Dr. Steven Ellerbe said the flu vaccine is now being delivered to local physicians and it is currently expected offices in this area will receive full or nearly-full supplies. In recent years, the influenza vaccine was in short supply but that is not expected this year. Dr. Ellerbe said most physicians are going to make sure there is enough on hand for the elderly and the chronically ill before administering flu shots.

TxDot officials report work will begin next week moving the above ground flume on FM 563 underground allowing larger trucks to make the road part of their routes. The huge water pipe used to transport water for the Devers Canal System is between 90 and 100 years old and completion of the $1.3 million project is an estimated 58 days. Closure of FM 563 to traffic for about one week is planned to coincide with school districts’ Christmas vacation so as not to complicate school bus traffic.

The Dayton City Council met Monday night and appointed former Dayton School Board members Bob Edwards and Ina Stoesser, as well as local lawman Oscoe Carter to fill voting seats on the Dayton Community Development Corporation. All three have previously served as advisory members. Council re-appointed Betty Tankersly and made new appointments in Randel Arnold, Barry Graves and Arlene Langham to the DCDC advisory membership. The appointments take effect January 1^st.

10/17 FUNERALS: 

L.J. Hall, 68, of Anahauc, Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at 1^st United Methodist Church in Anahuac.

Dorothy Mae Mikeska, 71, of Dayton, Services at 9:30 a.m. today at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton.

James Oran McWaters, 83, of Cleveland, Services held Tuesday

The 93^rd Annual Trinity Valley Exposition shifts into high gear tomorrow beginning with the TVE Baby Parade at 9 a.m. and the Opening Day Parade following at 10. Gates will open out at the fairgrounds on FM 563 in Liberty with lots of food and the Talley Amusements Carnival. Judging in the Youth Livestock Show will continue tomorrow and each day until the big Youth Livestock Auction on Friday afternoon with all proceeds benefiting the TVE Scholarship Fund. Tomorrow night, the Rodeo Grand Entry is set for 7 p.m. with PRCA Rodeo action starting at 8 p.m. and continuing each night through Saturday.

District Attorney Mike Little said 37-year-old Bruce Wayne Brown of Cleveland was sentenced to 99 years in prison for the aggravated sexual assault of a child by 253^rd District Judge Chap Cain last Friday. Brown entered a guilty plea to the charge on August 30^th and evidence presented at sentencing included the Cleveland man’s conviction and 10 year sentence for sexually assaulting a child in Harris County in 1999. Mr. Little said the defendant was free on an appeal bond for that conviction when he committed the attack on a neighbor’s child in Liberty County.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Liberty County Commissioner Toby Wilburn’s trial for violating federal wiretap laws has been postponed once again. Initially scheduled for yesterday, a docket call is now set for Nov. 19th and trial officials will decide then when the criminal trial will proceed.

The 17^th Annual Liberty Invitational Cross Country Meet is this Saturday at the Liberty City Park with events getting underway at 8:30 a.m. Teams competing include those from Liberty, Hardin, Hull-Daisetta, Cleveland, Tarkington, Anahauc, Beaumont Lincoln, Baytown Lee and Baytown Sterling.

Barbara Ann Hutsell Haynes, 67, of Anahuac, Services at 10 a.m. today at 1^st United Methodist Church in Anahauc.

Joe Bob Evans, Sr., 67, of Daisetta, Services tomorrow at 10 a.m. at Allison Funeral Service in Liberty.

Martha Ann Haywood, 81, of Liberty, Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Allison Funeral Service.

Marguerite Humber Bricker, 78, of Liberty, Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at North Main Baptist Church in Liberty.

-VOLUME 17 NO.206, MONDAY, OCT. 15, 2001-

A suspicious letter in the Woodland Hills Subdivision Saturday turned out to be a false alarm. According to DPS Corporal Donnie Smith, the resident received a letter that reportedly had a white powdery substance. The resident and 2 family members, along with a Liberty County Sheriff’s Department Deputy were quarantined for examination. Liberty County Sheriff Greg Arthur said following tests, the letter did not contain any powder, and the 4 were examined and released from the hospital.

Liberty County Judge Lloyd Kirkham, 59, announced this weekend he would be seeking re-election in the March Democratic Primaries. Kirkham said he has several goals which have yet to be completed, including building a Justice of the Peace Office in Dayton, and the $200 million Sempra Energy Project. Llloyd Kirkham is the first to announce his candidacy for the County Judge Position.

The PRCA Rodeo events at the Trinity Valley Exposition get kicked off tomorrow night at the TVE arena. Tomorrow night will be the annual PRCA Bull Riding. The events continue through Saturday Night. Advance tickets can be purchase at the First Liberty National Bank, The Dayton Financial Center, and at McDonald’s in Liberty.

Both the Liberty Panthers and Dayton Broncos got big district wins Friday Night. The Panthers beat the Kountze Lions 43 to 14, moving to 1 and 0 in district. The Dayton Broncos beat the Crosby Cougars 31 to 0 moving to 2 and 1 in district. The Liberty Panthers next game is Friday night at War Memorial Stadium against the undefeated Barbers Hill Eagles. The Broncos play Friday against the Oak Ridge War Eagles, at Bronco Stadium. Both games can be heard live on All Nine Radio, or on the internet at www.kshnfm.com.

10/15 FUNERALS:

Johnnie M. Chambers, 75 of Raywood. Services will be tomorrow at 11 AM at the Valley Baptist Church in Liberty.

Rosa Lee Pool, 96 of El Campo. Services will be today at 11 AM at the Ryan Cemetery in Tarkington Prairie.

Joe Bob Evans, Sr., 68 of Devers. Services are pending at Allison Funeral Home in Liberty.

Johnny L. McBride, 40 of Liberty. Services are pending at Wells Mortuary in Liberty.

-VOLUME 17 NO.205, FRIDAY OCT. 12, 2001-

Liberty County Sheriff Greg Arthur said Johnny Ray Fife, 38, the prime suspect in the armed robberies of two South Liberty County banks earlier this year is back in custody. Fife who escaped from a Mississippi courthouse on Tuesday Oct. 2^nd was recaptured in Florida yesterday. The Mississippi man escaped from jail there and apprehended in Liberty, returned to Mississippi, convicted of escape, then escaped again. Sheriff Arthur said now Fife will likely be in federal custody and charged with robbing the Hull State Bank in Hull and the Bayshore National Bank in Liberty, now called Southtrust Bank.

DPS Trooper Steven Hebert said 44-year-old Steve Yeager of Conroe was westbound on Hwy 90 in Raywood around 6:30 last night when, for as-yet-unknown reasons, his vehicle crossed into the eastbound lane and was struck by an 18-wheeler operated by Christiphol Edward, 38, of Mississippi. Lifeflight air ambulance transported Steve Yeager to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston in stable condition with what were described as serious injuries. Christiphol Edward was not injured in the wreck.

Janet Harrelson of Dayton has announced her candidacy for Liberty County Treasurer in the March Democratic Primary Election. Ms. Harrelson is currently coordinator for the Liberty County Court-At-Law and is the 2^nd person to announce her candidacy for Treasurer. Pat Green of Hardin announced earlier this week, she too will be running to replace the retiring Winn Skidmore. Another possible candidate for that office is Liberty County Tax Office employee Jo Ann Smith.

This Sunday the Annual TVE Ranch Rodeo gets underway at 2 p.m. at the TVE Arena. Local cowboys and ranch hands will compete in events that include ranch bronc riding, team penning and wild cow milking. Tickets are $2 each for adults and admission is free for children under 12. For more information on the Ranch Rodeo or any of the TVE activities, visit the web site www.trinityvalleyexposition.com.

Jimmie Lee Davis, 75,of Devers, Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Galilee Baptist Church in Devers.

Rosie Preston, 86, of Dayton, Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at First Baptist Church in Dayton.

**LAKE RELEASE: 2,420 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 8.30 ASL**

-VOLUME 17 NO.204, THURSDAY OCT. 11, 2001-

Liberty County Sheriff Greg Arthur said David Garland Jenkins of Dayton, a county jail inmate walked away from a work detail at the Senior Citizens Center in Cleveland around 10 a.m. yesterday and has not been seen since. Jenkins, who is serving a 90-day sentence for sexual assault of a child in the work detention program, is considered dangerous. He is described as a white male, 32-years-old, approx. 5’ 10", weighing about 170 lbs., with blond hair and hazel eyes, possibly driving a 90 or 91 model red Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of David Jenkins is asked to call the Liberty County Sheriff’s Dept. at 936-336-4500.

DPS Trooper Marcus Dickerson said Michael Glover, 28 of Daisetta attempted to turn left off FM 770 onto Smith Road in Daisetta around 8 a.m. Tuesday when his vehicle was rear-ended by Amy McElhatten, 19, of Raywood. The impact forced the Daisetta man’s vehicle through a fence and into a parked truck. Michael Glover was airlifted by Med-Link to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont as a precaution and Amy McElhatten was taken to Liberty-Dayton Hospital with unknown injuries.

The Liberty City Council met Tuesday night and approved a request by Robert Scott and Ted Kester to let them purchase and locate a concrete bench at the Liberty City Park in memory of the late Cliff Powell. The longtime city department head died two months ago. In other action council approved a final plat for the future site of a new building for the historic Turkey Creek Baptist Church and a preliminary plat for the Park North Subdivision to be located just outside of the Travis Park area.

The Liberty Panthers open district play tomorrow night at home against the Kountze Lions and the Dayton Broncos travel to Crosby to face the Cougars. Kick off is at 7:30 p.m. All Nine Sports Split Channel Broadcast begins around 7:20. Turn the balance control of your stereo radio to the left for Liberty vs. Kountze or to the right for Dayton vs. Crosby.

10/11 FUNERALS: Mary Avis Corley, 82, of Hankamer, Services at 2 p.m. today at Sweet Home Baptist Church in Hankamer. ** James Thomas Doucette, Jr., 68, of Liberty, Services at 1 p.m. tomorrow at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton

-VOLUME 17 NO.203, WEDNESDAY OCT. 10, 2001-

Liberty County Sheriff Greg Arthur said it was just before 1 p.m. yesterday when a man wearing a Halloween mask and carrying a shotgun attempted to rob the Hull State Bank in Hull. Following a struggle with bank president Henry Gilfillian, the man reportedly fled without taking any money in a gray pickup that was spotted by police in Beaumont less than half an hour later. The driver was apprehended in the driveway of his own Jefferson County residence shortly before 1:30 p.m. Sheriff Arthur said 22-year-old Curtis Allen Stinnett, originally of Hull, will be facing an attempted capital murder charge in Liberty County in addition to any further charges that may be forthcoming. This is the second robbery incident at the Hull State Bank this year, the suspect in the first, Johnny Ray Fife, remains at large after escaping from a Mississippi courthouse.

County Auditor Harold Seay presented Liberty County Commissioners with the final 2001 County Budget at yesterday’s meeting. In spite of the recent repair work to Precinct #4 roads by Road and Bridge Supervisor Lester Ray Wisegerber, the precinct used less than 92% of its budgeted road and bridge funds. Road and Bridge Funds for the other three precincts were also either very near to or under their budgets.

This weekend is the TVE Country Weekend and events set for this Saturday include the TVE Baby Parade at 10 a.m. in downtown Liberty, the Hay Hauling, Horseshoe and Washer Pitching Competitions out at the TVE Fairgrounds. At 8 p.m. Saturday night it’s the Concert Dance with Grand Ole Opry star John Conlee in the rodeo arena and on Sunday, local cowboys and ranch hands will compete in the TVE Ranch Rodeo.

The Liberty-Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon is on Friday this month, to make way for next week’s TVE activities. Guest speaker this Friday at noon in the Liberty City Hall Auditorium is veteran rodeo announcer Charlie Throckmorton and lunch will be chicken and dumplings catered by the Windmill Restaurant. Tickets are $6 each. For reservations, call the Chamber Office at 336-5736.

10/10 FUNERAL: Ruby Edith Johnson Ellsworth Krone, 93, of Dayton, a memorial service to be held at a later date.

**LAKE RELEASE: 2,420 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 8.18 ASL**

With the launch of U.S. military strikes in Afghanistan on Sunday, federal officials are warning of the possibility of more terrorist attacks on American soil. Liberty County Sheriff Greg Arthur said all local police and emergency personnel have been alerted to the need for tightened security and his department is keeping a close eye on possible targets in this area. Sheriff Arthur said preparations are also being made for evacuations in the event in the event a major city near Liberty County is attacked. Anyone who suspects anything out of the ordinary is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at 336-4500.

Pat Green of Hardin has publicly announced her candidacy for the office of Liberty County Treasurer. Currently employed in the management of B and J Vacuum Tank Service in Daisetta, Mrs. Green is also a Hardin City Council member and Captain of the Liberty County Metro Go Texan Committee. Longtime County Treasurer Winn Skidmore has said she will retire after her current term. Two other candidates have also taken preliminary steps towards the treasurer’s race: Janet Harrelson and Jo Ann Smith, both current Liberty County employees.

Chambers County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Dearl Hardy said three people have been arrested in connection with the September robbery of the Whataburger restaurant in Winnie. A masked suspect reportedly entered the restaurant and demanded money, implying that he had a gun. Charged with aggravated robbery are Jennifer Ann White, 19, of Beaumont, Josh Ryan Jeanjaquet, 18, of Winnie and a juvenile employed at the Whataburger.

The 2001 TVE Baby Parade is this Saturday at 10 a.m. in downtown Liberty. Children kindergarten age and younger are eligible to enter. Cost is $10 per entry. Entry forms are available at the Clip Joint on North Main St. in Liberty or call 336-6699.

10/9 FUNERALS: 

O. P. "Cotton" Knight, 81, of Daisetta, Services at 10 a.m. tomorrow at Allison Funeral Service in Liberty.

Blake Gordan Underwood, Infant son of Jason and Stephanie Underwood of Dayton, Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton.

Cora Jo Kennedy, 77, of Livingston, Memorial service at 2 p.m. Saturday at Linney Cemetery in Dayton. **

State District Judge Paul Davis ruled on the Congressional Redistricting last week. In this new map, Congressional District #2, which Liberty County is currently a part of, would be moved to the north. Liberty County would be placed in Congressional District #9, with Chambers, Jefferson, and several other surrounding counties. US Congressman Jim Turner said he is not worried about the new boundaries, and believes there will be several more changes before the redistricting lines are set.

According to Dayton Police Officer Keith Broyles, at around 1:30 PM Friday afternoon, Catherine Whitehead, 57 of Selman City, was stopped at the traffic control light at Cherry Creek Dr. and Highway 321. Chelsey Smesny, 17 of Dayton, struck her from behind Liberty County EMS took Mrs. Whitehead to Liberty-Dayton Hospital for what was described as a precaution.

The TVE Scholarship Committee is selling raffle tickets for a airline passes to Las Vegas, 2 nights at the Gold Nugget Hotel and tickets to The National Finals Rodeo in December. Tickets are $5 apiece or a book of 5 can be purchased for $20. For more information contact Bryan Reynolds at 334-3125.

The Liberty Panthers game Friday night against the Coldspring Trojans was canceled due to the rain. With a little more than 9 minutes remaining, the referees decided the rain and lightning was getting to heavy. The Panthers begin district play Friday night against the Kountze Lions at War Memorial Stadium. The rain also effected the Dayton Broncos Game Friday. The first half of the game was played Friday night, however the heavy rains caused the game to be postponed until Saturday. The Broncos defeated the Willis Wildkats 14 to 12. The Broncos will next travel to Crosby to take on the Cougars Friday Night.

10/8 FUNERALS:

Ada Mae McZeal, 82 of Liberty. Services will be Friday at 11 AM at the Godfrey’s Chapel Church of God in Christ in Liberty. Julia Tebo, 92 of Ames. Services will be tomorrow at 10 AM at the Our Mother Of Mercy Catholic Church in Ames.

Mary Lou Sewell, 73 of Coldspring. Services were held yesterday in Coldspring.

Blake Gordon Underwood, Infant of Dayton. Services are pending at the Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton.

According to information from local law enforcement agencies, Johnny Ray Fife, 38, the prime suspect in the armed robbery of both the Hull State Bank and the Bayshore National Bank in Liberty –now Southtrust Bank- is at large once again. Fife, who was arrested in Liberty on April 3^rd through a combined effort by the Liberty County Sheriff’s Dept., Liberty Police and the FBI was extradited to Mississippi to stand trial for escape after being convicted of bank robbery there. On Tuesday, Fife was sentenced to an additional 15 years for escape in a Mississippi courtroom, then, reportedly used a gun hidden in a bathroom to disarm two deputies and escape once again this time in their patrol car. At last report, Fife’s whereabouts remained unknown.

Officials at Memorial Hermann Hospital report Walter Shoaf, 67, is much improved though he remains under observation there. The retired local businessman was airlifted to the Houston hospital when head injuries he sustained during an assault and robbery Tuesday proved more serious than first thought. Liberty police said a white male, possibly in his mid-twenties clubbed Mr. Shoaf from behind, then stole his cash and credit cards.

Chambers County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Dearl Hardy said a traffic stop by Chambers County Deputies on Sept. 19^th resulted in the discovery of approx. 224 lbs. of marijuana in the vehicle’s trunk. Two men inside the car, John Jefferson and Derwin Weaver, both of Mississippi, were arrested for drug possession.

The Liberty-Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon is set for Friday Oct. 12^th at noon in the Liberty City Hall Auditorium. Usually held on Wednesday, the day has been changed to Friday this month due to the Trinity Valley Exposition the following week. Guest speaker will be veteran Rodeo Announcer Charlie Throckmorton. Lunch is $6 per person. For reservations, call the Chamber Office at 336-5736.

10/5 FUNERALS: 

Jausha Moore, 67, of Anahuac, Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Double Bayou. 

Nina "Pauly" Stephens, 47, of Dayton, Services were held on September 27^th in Arkansas. 

Roland David Coyle, 56, of Cleveland, Services at 3 p.m. tomorrow at Joy Fellowship Church in Cleveland

Liberty Police Detective David Allison said 67-year-old Walter Shoaf was about to step off his riding mower at the building he owns on the corner of Washington and Virginia in Liberty when he was clubbed from behind and robbed by an unknown assailant. The retired local businessman’s cash and credit cards were taken, but the painful blow to the head was not thought to be serious. Police said the only description available of the attacker is a white male, thought to be in his mid-20s.

The Liberty-Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors met yesterday and voted to promote longtime Administrative Assistant Mary Ann Campbell to Chamber President with Mabel McKnight sharing leadership duties as Administrative Assistant. The goal is to fill both positions for less money than originally budgeted. Former Chamber President Carole Taylor, hired to replace the departed Gary Underwood, was forced to resign the position due to ill health last month.

The Liberty County Health Awareness Coalition will present the 3^rd Annual Domestic Violence Conference Monday at the Liberty High School Special Events Room from 6 until 9 p.m. All those interested in learning the causes, consequences and help available for the victims of domestic abuse are invited. For more information, call Barbara Evans at 336-4558, Ext: 221.

It’s Homecoming for the Liberty Panthers and Dayton Broncos tomorrow night. The Panthers play host to the Coldspring Trojans and the Broncos take on the Willis Wildcats. Both games kick off at 7:30 p.m. and you can catch all the action live on All Nine Radio’s Split Channel Sports starting at 7:20. Turn the balance control of your stereo radio all the way to the left for Liberty vs. Coldspring or to the right for Dayton vs. Willis.

10/4 FUNERALS: Clyde A. McManus, 76, of Dayton, Graveside services at 2 p.m. today at Palms Memorial Park in Dayton. ** Willamena Juanita "Nita" Kirchner, 74, of Hardin, Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Allison Funeral Service in Liberty. **Kenneth "Cat Daddy" Simmons, Sr., 36, of Liberty, Services at 1 p.m. Saturday at Trinity Valley Baptist Church in Liberty. ** Sibyl Isaack Enloe, 86, of Dayton, Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton.

Liberty County Sheriff Greg Arthur said it was around 4:30 Sunday afternoon when Deputy Pete Vela responded to a report of shots fired at the Windwood Subdivision in the Northern Portion of the county. A witness told the deputy, 58-year-old Gary Lucky of the Cleveland area had fired a shotgun. After an argument with Deputy Vela, Mr. Lucky reportedly discharged the gun again then, struggled and fled into the woods behind his home when the lawman attempted to arrest him. Deputy Vela and DPS Trooper Gary Wright caught up with the man who was arrested and charged with assault on a public servant, resisting arrest and illegally discharging a firearm.

Liberty County Commissioners met yesterday and voted to seek new bids on the day-to-day operations of the Liberty County Jail. Contract negotiations with Corrections Corporation of America who have operated the jail since 1995, fell through last week though it is expected CCA will propose their contract again during the bidding process. Liberty County Sheriff Greg Arthur urged commissioners to reach a decision as soon as possible as to whether CCA’s contract will be renewed, a new company will be hired or whether jail operation will be returned to the sheriff’s department as it was before privatization.

Dayton Police Sergeant Doug O’Quinn said Karen Henson was lighting a controlled burn near her home in Kenefick around 1:30 yesterday afternoon when the flames flashed back, burning the woman’s arms, face and legs. Mrs. Henson was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston by Lifeflight air ambulance in what was described as stable condition. A member of Liberty County EMS said there was evidence indicating the Kenefick woman may have suffered internal burns.

The TVE Concert Dance is Saturday October 13^th at the TVE Rodeo Area on FM 563 in Liberty. This year’s featured performer is country music recording star John Conlee. Advance tickets are $8 each at Bricks Cleaners in Liberty, Dayton and Anahauc, BJ Ford-Mercury and Vandeventer Real Estate in Liberty. Tickets at the gate will be $10.

10/3 FUNERAL: Louis Michael Hearn, 50, of Livingston, Services at 3 p.m. tomorrow at 1^st United Methodist Church in Cleveland.

The Westlake Volunteer Fire Department’s Denny Loonham said a candle left unattended in the living room of a manufactured home on CR# 404 in the Westlake Area apparently started a fire that caused heavy damage. A child at a school run by the homeowner, Regina Pantalano, notified her the smoke detector in the home was going off. Neither the woman nor any of the children present in the school behind the home were injured and the Westlake VFD received assistance from Dayton Volunteer Firefighters in extinguishing the blaze.

On Monday, October 8^th, a district court in Austin begins hearing the lawsuit opposing the state representative and senatorial redistricting plans, as more than 20 lawyers representing different parties attempt to overturn the plans approved by the Republican-dominated Legislative Redistricting Board in July. District 20 Rep. Zeb Zbranek, who is the attorney representing two local individuals in the suit, said if the court’s decision is opposed, the case will go directly to the Texas Supreme Court, and, if necessary, from there to the federal courts for disposition. Rep. Zbranek said it is his understanding all redistricting decisions will be final by the end of this month. Court action is ongoing in a Travis County court opposing the state’s approved congressional redistricting plan.

Local attorney C. T. "Rusty" Hight has confirmed that he will be a democratic candidate for the 75^th District Judgeship being vacated by the retiring J.C. "Zeke" Zbranek. An attorney for 28 years, Mr. Hight said he has tried over 2,000 cases of all types and bases his candidacy on his experience and qualifications. Attorney C. Bruce Stratton and Assistant DA Michael Mark have also declared themselves candidates for 75th District Judge.

Advance tickets are on sale now for the TVE Rodeo Oct. 16^th through the 20^th in the TVE Arena. Tickets for the nightly PRCA rodeo action can be purchased at 1^st Liberty National Bank and McDonald’s in Liberty and at the Dayton Financial Center in Dayton for $7 each. Tickets at the gate will be $8.

10/2 FUNERAL: Josephine Herndon McGowan, 85, of Baytown, Services at 3 p.m. tomorrow at Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton.

According to Department of Public Safety Trooper Marcus Dickerson, a 5-vehicle accident on Highway 146 south of Dayton near the intersection of FM 1413 Friday claimed the life of David Fleming Hobbs, 34 of Baytown. Trooper Dickerson said the Baytown man was traveling north when he hit a guardrail and veered into the southbound lane. Roger Smith, 36 of Onalaska, Selina Michell Harrison, 23 of LaPorte, Peggy Hudson, 68 and an unnamed 3 year-old child were taken by Lifeflight Air Ambulance to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston. An administrator at the Houston Hospital yesterday said they have all been treated and released.

Early Saturday morning, Wesley Daniel Hobert, 38, was killed in a manufactured house fire in the West Lake Area. According to Denny Loonham of the West Lake Volunteer Fire Department, one of the firefighters lives across the street from the Westlake home and could see Mr. Hobert in the home, but could not free him. J.P. Precinct #4 Glenn Pruitt, pronounced Mr. Hobert dead, and ordered an autopsy through the Jefferson County Medical Examiners Office.

The Liberty County Commissioners will consider calling for proposals for management of the jail, at tomorrow’s meeting. The Commissioners met with officials from CCA, who currently runs the day to day operations of the Liberty County Jail last week, and since no headway was made in the negotiations, they must now decide how to proceed.

The Dayton Broncos got off to a shaky start in District, with a 26 to 19 loss to Caney Creek Friday night. Both the Broncos, and the Liberty Panthers play their homecoming games this Friday Night. The Liberty Panthers take on the Coldspring Trojans, and the Dayton Broncos play the Willis Wildkats. Both of those games can be heard live on All Nine Radio Friday Night.

Sherman Clayton Bentley, 77 of Dayton. Services will be this morning at 10 AM at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dayton.

Ellene Berry Williams, 86 of Dayton. Services will be tomorrow at 10 AM at the Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton.

Kenneth Simmons, Sr., 36 of Liberty. Services are pending at Wells Mortuary in Liberty.