-VOLUME 21 NO. 020 TUESDAY JAN. 31^ST, 2006-

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Liberty Police Officer Ricky Pearson said Johnny Breax failed to observe the warning signs and traffic cones, and slammed into the back of a highway work truck. Houston based Batterson Inc, was stripping Hwy. 146 near the entrance to the Featherstone subdivision in north Liberty yesterday afternoon. Two crew members from the Houston based Batterson Inc., were slightly injured and taken to Liberty Dayton Community Hospital.  Sharon Anderson, 48 of Romayor, a passenger in the car, was flown to Memorial Hermann Hospital with possible head injuries.  Liberty Co. EMS took Johnny Breax, to San Jacinto Methodist Hospital in Baytown with a possible fractured ankle.

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Liberty County Sheriff’s Captain Chip Fairchild said a high -speed chase Saturday night resulted in the capture of a New Mexico man wanted on outstanding warrants in his home state. Jesse Freeman, said to be in his mid-20’s, is alleged to have severely assaulted his father at his fathers Knight’s Forest home. Law officers from three agencies flushed the suspect from the parking lot of Fitzpak Grocery in Moss Hill. The pursuit- that reached speeds of up to 110 mph. ended a few miles into Polk County. Freeman is facing several charges here and several more in New Mexico. He is jailed in lieu of a $3,000 bond.

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At their last meeting, the Dayton City Council unanimously approved a motion by John Simmons to make Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday an official City holiday. Since 1986, the third Monday in January has been celebrated as a National Holiday honoring the birth and life of the slain civil rights leader. Simmons said Dayton had never officially taken that step and it was long overdue.  

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According to Ed Webb with the Hardin Fire Dept. a home in Old Snake River was completely destroyed by fire, and a woman was forced to jump from the second floor of the stilt house to escape the flames. The woman was not hurt. Just as fire fighters were ready to leave the scene one resident accused another of having threatened to set a fire earlier in the day. The cause of the fire that destroyed the home is under investigation.

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FUNERALS: Nancy Thurman, 86, of Dayton, Services at 2 p.m. today at Allison Funeral Service in Liberty. ** 

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*LAKE RELEASE: 1,000 CFS*LIBERTY BRIDGE: 6.44 ASL*

-VOLUME 21 NO. 019 MONDAY JAN. 30^TH, 2006-

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Harris County Precinct #3 Deputy Constable William Zermeno said a pick up truck driven by Charles “C. J. “ Pruitt crossed the center lane of FM 1960 and struck a second truck nearly head-on early Friday morning. Killed at the scene was a passenger in Pruitt’s truck, Barbara Diane “April” Smith, 22, of Liberty, reportedly 5 months pregnant. Another passenger, Rachel Atwood, 27, died later at Memorial Hermann Hospital. “C. J” Pruitt and passenger Hannah Wright are reported to be in critical condition at the Houston Hospital. The fifth person in that vehicle, Jonathan Wimberly, is said to be in serious condition at that same hospital. The driver of the other truck, Thomas Cooley of Dayton suffered only minor cuts and scrapes.            

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DPS Trooper Brent Henry said excessive speed and possibly alcohol contributed to the second major wreck we reported on Friday. Reports said it was shortly before 10 p.m. on FM 2830 when a vehicle driven by Danny Ray Cupid, age 40, left the roadway, hit a parked truck and flatbed trailer, then careened into or very near to several junk cars and trees before coming to rest on its side. Cupid’s passenger Kenneth Paul Brand, 34, is said to be critical at Memorial Hermann Hospital. The driver was also airlifted to the Houston Hospital with serious injuries.  

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A company called Liberty Motor Sports has announced plans to build a new state-of-the-art racing facility in Liberty County near Cleveland. Though we have not been able to confirm this information through other sources, a press release said a 3 mile race track with 20 turns would be on a 810 acre tract on Hwy 105 with groundbreaking this spring. Cleveland City Manager Philip Cook said he knew of the project, but had no details.  

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The new Tarkington High School opened officially on January 3^rd. The old high school campus will be renovated and converted into a new campus for Tarkington Middle School. Meanwhile, the new Cleveland High School on East Houston St. is substantially completed, but not yet open. Cleveland School Officials say this no timetable set for moving in students.

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FUNERALS: Herbert Louis “Bone” Moulton, 53, of Double Bayou, Services at 1 p.m. today at St. Paul’s Methodist Church of Double Bayou. ** 

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*LAKE RELEASE: 1,000 CFS*LIBERTY BRIDGE: 6.38 ASL*

-VOLUME 21 NO. 018 FRIDAY JAN. 27^TH, 2006-

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Both Congressmen Ted Poe and Kevin Brady issued statements yesterday critical of the way the Department of Housing and Urban Development has allocated the $11.5 billion dollars in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Funds for hurricane recovery.  With Texas receiving only 1 % of the funding, Congressman Brady said Texans were being treated like second class citizens.   US Congressman Ted Poe said the allocation for Texas wouldn’t even put a dent in Texas’ recovery costs.  He added, Texas is just as important at Louisiana and New Orleans is no more important than Beaumont.

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Liberty City Secretary Diane Tidwell said the period for early voting for the May 13^th city council and school board elections will be shorter this year by three days. The state has cut the early voting period from 10 to just 7 days because of the new electronic voting machines. Mrs. Tidwell said most entities holding elections in May will be leasing those machines from the county and there is a required length of time for the new machines to be reset after use in the upcoming party primary elections in March. Mrs. Tidwell said though there will be fewer days for city and school district early voting, another new state requirement is that two of those early voting days- between May 1^st and May 9^th - be extended to 12 hours.        

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Hardin Elementary Student Jake Thonsgaard, age 8, captured a Division 1 Grand Championship at no less than the Fort Worth Livestock Show and Rodeo. The grandson of Hardin businesswoman Connie Campbell, Jake won the top spot with his Maine Anjou Heifer.      

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At the state convention of the Texas Association of Fairs and Events held in Houston earlier this month, the Trinity Valley Exposition won 5 communications awards. Competing in the under 500,000 attendance category the local fair won best black and white newspaper ad, best poster, best premium book, best sponsor proposal and best badge.

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FUNERALS: Leota Belle Magee, 80 of Houston. Services will be Sunday at 2 pm at Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton * Mike Day, 64 of Dayton. Funeral services are pending at Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton. 

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*LAKE RELEASE: 1,000 CFS*LIBERTY BRIDGE: 6.28 ASL*

-VOLUME 21 NO. 017 THURSDAY JAN. 26^TH, 2006-

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Yesterday a jury found Matthew Dillon Whitmire guilty of Attempted Capital Murder and Assault for attempting to run over Daisetta Police Chief Mike Parrish during a high-speed chase in 2003. The Liberty man received two concurrent life sentences for those crimes, “stacked” on top of the two concurrent life terms he is already serving for conspiring to murder a DPS Officer. DA Mike Little said Whitmire must complete the first life prison term before beginning to serve time on the latest life sentence. Presiding Judge W. G. “Dub” Woods found Matthew Whitmire used a deadly weapon - a motor vehicle - in committing these latest crimes, so under state law, it will be at least 30 years after he begins this latest sentence before he is eligible for parole consideration.                      

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Liberty Police Chief Bill Griffin said a man wearing a ski mask and armed with a handgun attempted to rob the What-A-Burger Restaurant on Hwy. 90 in Liberty Tuesday morning. It was a little after 4 a.m. when the would-be robber held a gun to the head of an overnight employee who had been taking trash to the outside dumpster. Entering the restaurant through the back door, the crook tried unsuccessfully to open the cash register and left when he failed to get into the cash drawer.   

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The Internal Revenue Service has created a booklet designed to help those in the areas affected by Hurricanes Rita and Katrina with the newly allowed tax deductions.  With the passage of the Gulf Opportunity Zone Act, victims of those areas will be able to fully deduct all of their personal property losses from the itemized federal taxes.  While paper copies of the booklet are not yet available, it is available on line at www.irs.gov

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The Liberty Rotary Club’s 54^th Annual Fundraising Supper is Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. This year’s supper is fried catfish and it’s been moved to the Liberty VFW Hall. Oysters are not on the menu this year due to the uncertainty of supply. All you can eat fish is $7 and children under 5 eat free. Tickets are available from any Liberty Rotarian or at the door Friday. For more information, call 936-336-5604.   

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FUNERALS: Harry Ligons, 89, of Dayton, Services at 11 a.m. Saturday at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Dayton. ** 

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*LAKE RELEASE: 1,000 CFS*LIBERTY BRIDGE: 6.79 ASL*

-VOLUME 21 NO. 016 WEDNESDAY JAN. 25^TH, 2006-

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A jury in the 75^th District Court found 29-year-old Lloyd Lowe guilty of breaking out of the Liberty County Jail in June 2004 and he was sentenced by Judge C. T. “Rusty” Hight to 32 years in prison. DA Mike Little said a charge of Aggravated Robbery is still pending against the Houston man, though no trial date has been confirmed on that charge. Lowe is being tried as a habitual offender. If he is found guilty of one more felony he faces from 25 to 99 years or life behind bars.   

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State Representative John Otto said growing congestion in the Houston Metropolitan Area has resulted in talk of moving the big rail switching yards out of the city. Those in the know, expect the huge rail yards will move to far southwestern Liberty County. Otto said things are still in the discussion stage, but Liberty County is one of the few areas able to support that kind of massive project.  

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Liberty County Commissioners agreed to lift the ban against outdoor burning in the rural areas of the county at their meeting yesterday morning. Commissioners felt sufficient rainfall has been received to reduce the danger of wildfires. Open burning is now lawful with the permission of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Outdoor burning is always illegal inside the limits of incorporated cities.

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The Dayton City Council approved financing for the extensive sewer plant expansion project Monday night on a split 3 to 2 vote. A motion from Council Member Bill Gay to fund the project through Rural Development financing passed with Bill Gay, Barbara Zaruba and Frosty Pruitt for it, John Simmons and Jay Tadlock voting against it. Simmons said the “no” votes were opposition to the method of financing, not the project itself. He felt the city could get a better deal over the long haul borrowing money from the Texas Water Development Fund.      

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According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, hurricane evacuees who have not applied for a hotel authorization code need to do so before Jan. 30^th. This code is different from evacuee’s registration numbers hotel stays cannot be extended or new hotel registrations approved without the new number. Call 1-800-621-FEMA to apply.    

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*LAKE RELEASE: 1,000 CFS*LIBERTY BRIDGE: 6.68 ASL*

-VOLUME 21 NO. 015 TUESDAY JAN. 24^TH, 2006-

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Liberty Police Chief Bill Griffin said Liberty Police, Liberty County Sheriff’s Deputies and Liberty-Chambers Counties Narcotics Task Force Officers executed a search warrant at two rooms at the Inn at Liberty Motel Friday. Officers found an underdetermined quantity of crack cocaine, the meth-amphetamine drug “ecstasy”, marijuana and cash. Arrested and jailed for drug possession are Glenn Corey Roberts, 24, twin brothers Kevin James and Keith Albert Williams - 29, Darwin Hughes Taylor, 25, and Norma Jean Williams, age 43.      

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The trial of a Houston man, charged in two high profile crimes began yesterday. Lloyd Forest Lowe, 29, is charged with aggravated robbery and escape. Lowe was one of 2 suspects arrested for a series of burglaries in the Raywood and Daisetta areas in May of 2004.  A third suspect was shot and killed while fleeing police.  After Lowe had been in the Liberty Co. Jail for just over a month, he escaped by overpowering a guard and punching a hole in the jail ceiling June 2004.  He and 2 other inmates remained at large for just over 72 hours before all three were recaptured at a residence in Highlands.

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The Dayton High School Bronco Classic Golf Tournament is March 6^th at the Tour 18 Golf Course in Humble. Entry in the two-person scramble is $85 each and all proceeds benefit the Dayton Project Prom 2006. Awards go to 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place, longest drive, closest to the pin, with putting and chipping contests plus a hole-in-one prize. The deadline to sign up is February 24^th. For registration information, call Class Sponsor Pam Huggins at 936-258-2510, Ext. 25 or e-mail phuggins@daytonisd.net.        

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YMCA Partners Campaign is underway, with a very good start.  Major donations totaling over $14,000 have already been pledged.  County YMCA director Katina Delk said the money raised through this effort goes only to help disadvantaged kids to take part in the YMCA programs. Those wanting to help with the partners campaign can call the “Y” at 936 257 2888.

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FUNERALS: Kitana Elizabeth Aguilera, 2 months. Services Wednesday at 2 pm at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home Chapel in Dayton.  

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*LAKE RELEASE: 1,000 CFS*LIBERTY BRIDGE: 6.09 ASL*

-VOLUME 21 NO. 014 MONDAY JAN. 23^rd, 2006-

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Steve Swan, longtime director of Liberty County Adult Probation, has agreed to also take on oversight for the Juvenile Probation Department, without additional pay, while a replacement is found for Carolyn Loftin, who retired effective  last week. Sheriff Greg Arthur said he and other members of the County Juvenile Probation Board would be interviewing applicants for the job as Director of Juvenile Probation. Carolyn Loftin held that job for 30 years. Mr. Swan met last Friday with Juvenile probation staff and put immediate operational changes in place. He also assures police and school leaders he will be meeting with them to talk about changes in how the department will deal with juvenile issues in Liberty Co. in the future.        

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Matthew Dillon Whitmire goes on trial today for attempted capital murder and assault with a deadly weapon for allegedly trying to hit now Daisetta Police Chief Mike Parrish during a high-speed chase back in 2003. Whitmire is serving two life sentences after his 2004 conviction of conspiring to murder the arresting officer in that pursuit – DPS Officer Brian Nichols. The case is in 75^th District Court. His accused accomplice in the solicitation of murder case was his wife Lisa. She had multiple sclerosis and was free on $100,000 bond when she died last year.        

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U. S. Congressman Ted Poe visits Hull-Daisetta High tomorrow from 1 to 2 p.m.. Congressman Poe said he wants to give students a feel for how government works and encourage them in the political process. The Republican, representing most of Liberty County in Washington will speak and then have Q&A.    

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Liberty Elementary Students recently took the top three spots in the “Take Stock in Texas” Competition. There were more than 80 teams of 4^th – 8^th graders in the Houston Region. The program teaches about stock market investments. Lisa Byerly, Gabie Forames and Troy Vaughn were on the 1^st Place Team from LES. 2^nd Place included Shelby Ballard, Madison Regen and Kevin Vargas with Drew Dugger, Cabe Birge and Gavin Motschman finishing 3^rd in the same Houston. region.

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FUNERALS: Rachel Hamilton, 71, of Dolen, Services at 11 a.m. tomorrow at the old Tarkington Auditorium (Sterling).  **Walter Lee White III, 62, of Anahuac, pending at Wells.

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*LAKE RELEASE: 1,000 CFS*LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.86 ASL*

-VOLUME 21 NO. 013 FRIDAY JAN. 20^TH, 2006-

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We have learned that in December embattled Liberty Co. Juvenile Probation Director Carolyn Loftin submitted her intent to retire.  She had completed 30 years of service as Juvenile Probation head.  Yesterday, she informed the Juvenile Probation Board of Directors that she would step down immediately to use up vacation and overtime hours she as earned.  At an emergency called meeting of the juvenile board, her letter asking to step aside immediately was accepted.  Her last day as head of the juvenile probation department was yesterday.

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Anytime there’s a new scam we try to pass that information on to our listeners. This information comes from one of our Tarkington listeners who said she received a phone call from a man claiming to be working with banks in the Cleveland area.  The man, who identified himself as “Mr. Goodman”, said he needed her banking information.  The listener reacted in the right way, she hung up.  Banking and law enforcement officials remind everyone that unsolicited requests for private information by phone, mail or email are never legitimate. Anyone who gets such a request should hang up and notify the proper authorities.

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A former Dayton resident, Sherri Harris, 35 now of Lake Charles, Louisiana, is under federal indictment based on a charge that she filed a false claim for hurricane relief funds.  The grand jury indictment alleges she submitted a claim with FEMA falsely claiming there was storm damage to her former home, in Dayton. She is charged with filing a false claim and making false statements. If convicted, the former Dayton woman faces up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each charge. 

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Tuesday night, Liberty School Board members set May 13^th as the trustee election date.  The terms of trustees Dr. Allen Griffin, Matt Harris and Brent Hylton are all expiring.  So far, Matt Harris confirmed he will seek another term, Brent Hylton and Dr. Allen Griffin remain undecided. Filing begins February 11^th.

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FUNERALS: Clarence James Spence, 74 of Cleveland. Services 10 AM Saturday at Daisetta Assembly of God Church – Daisetta * Will E. “Bill” Caraway, 94 of Tomball. Services Saturday at 10 am Klein Funeral home in Tomball *

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*LAKE RELEASE: 1,000 CFS*LIBERTY BRIDGE: 6.10 ASL*

-VOLUME 21 NO. 012 THURSDAY JAN. 19^TH, 2006-

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Dayton School Trustees met Tuesday and officially ordered a trustee election for May 13^th to decide the seats currently held by Gerald Kolarik in Position #5, Larry Wadzeck Position #6 and Jim Smesney in Position #7. The first day for candidates to file in this race or other city and school board elections is Feb. 11^th.   

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The Liberty Rotary Club Annual Fundraising Supper- this year a fish supper- is Friday January 27^th from 5 to 7 p.m. This year’s event will be at the Liberty VFW Hall on North Main St. Tickets are $7 each from any Liberty Rotarian or at the door.

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Liberty School Trustees Tuesday night took up the question again of renovating the old gym on Grand and Crockett. Board members considered the sole bid they received for repairs to the building too high and now are considering the cost of demolishing it. Assistant Superintendent Tommy Davis said any estimate on demolition would probably have to include an asbestos survey of the adjacent dressing room area and trustees directed him to proceed with that survey.     

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Advance tickets are reported to be going fast for Saturday night’s Liberty County Metro Go-Texan Kick-Off Dance from 8 to midnight at the TVE Expo Hall. Jake Hooker and The Outsiders will provide the music and proceeds benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Scholarship Fund. Advance tickets are still available for $10 each at Pesco in Liberty or at Dayton Farm and Ranch Supply. The TVE Expo Hall is one mile south of U.S. 90 on FM 563 in Liberty.         

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Dayton ISD students have around 250 entries on display at the high school library for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo art competition. Judges from the rodeo will be at the school Friday to select the winning artwork that will represent Dayton at the Houston Rodeo.  A reception will be held Saturday from 1-3 PM at the library to honor all of the students that entered. The public is invited to stop by and view the entries.

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FUNERALS: Juanita Lane McMillen, 80 of Dayton. Services are tomorrow at 2 PM at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home – Dayton * Lila Mae Jimmerson Schwartz, 80 of Dayton. Services are 2 PM today at Kenefick Southern Baptist Church – Kenefick.

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*LAKE RELEASE: 1,000 CFS*LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.97 ASL*

-VOLUME 21 NO. 011 WEDNESDAY JAN. 18^TH, 2006-

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For the first time since suffering damage from Hurricane Rita, the Spirit of Sharing Thrift Shop in Liberty has reopened at the corner of Beaumont Ave. and Texas Street. The popular local charity has a new roof, new lighting and interior, but could use donations of clothing display racks. The Thrift Shop resumes their previous hours as of today. The shop is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.   

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The Annual Dayton Chamber of Commerce Banquet is tomorrow night at 6:30 at the Dayton High School Cafeteria. This year’s guest speaker is famed broadcaster “Tumbleweed Smith” and the meal is pork tenderloin catered by Pappy’s BBQ and Catering. Tickets are $20 each. Call the Dayton Chamber of Commerce at 936-257-2393 for reservations.

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The aggravated robbery trial of Curtis Robinson Jr. has been rescheduled for Feb. 6^th. The Ames man is charged with the home invasion style robbery of 83-year-old E. B. Young in September of 2004, but Robinson is also charged with numerous other felonies including the capital murder of Daniel Tebo, 63, two days prior to the robbery.

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There has been a major response by those applying for funds from the Liberty County Unmet Needs Program for Hurricane Victims. County Emergency Management Coordinator Leroy Hanel said applications are now available in Liberty at the Spirit of Sharing Business Office on Texas Street and at Operation Refuge, 1625 Blair St. in Cleveland. The deadline to apply is February 28^th. Applicants need to apply in person and bring a photo id, proof of residence and income.  

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The Dayton Rotary Club’s Gumbo Luncheon is from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday at 1^st United Methodist Church in Dayton. Dayton Rotarian Brooks Hiller said the luncheon raises money for the local service club’s many community projects, including the scholarship program. Tickets are $5 each.

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FUNERALS: Steffani Stone, 15, of Pasadena, Services at 3 p.m. today at Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton. ** Leonard Arvis Jackson, 56, of Baytown, Graveside Service at 2 p.m. today at Paradise Cemetery in Pearland. ** 

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*LAKE RELEASE: 1,000 CFS*LIBERTY BRIDGE: 6.09 ASL*

VOLUME 21 NO. 010 TUESDAY JAN. 17^TH, 2006-

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Dayton Postmaster Angie Hayes said the project to relocate Dayton area mailboxes sitting on the opposite side of a major hi-way or busy farm-to-market road has reached Hwy 321. TxDot crews will be moving boxes there onto the same side of the road as the residences beginning this week. Customers should mark their box posts with the pink ribbon delivered by their mail carrier Friday and use the bright pink flag also provided to mark the spot where they want their new box to be located. 

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In August 2005, Daisetta Police and a Precinct #2 Deputy Constable stopped a suspicious vehicle, and it didn’t take long for charges to start piling up against the driver, Tatum James Mallet 53 of Raywood. The vehicle registration belonged to another car, police say, and his driver license had expired just before being suspended. Police found what was believed to be drug paraphernalia, and possible traces of cocaine.  Saturday, after lab test results confirmed the presence of cocaine; an arrest warrant was issued for Mallet. He was arrested without incident.

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Owner John W. Cox and his family say the Liberty Opry will remain open indefinitely. Plans to close the doors were recently announced, but those have been dropped in favor of doing just one show – at 7:30 p.m. Saturday – each week.  John Cox is continuing to explore a number of options for the Opry.

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LifeShare Blood Center in Beaumont is holding a platelet donation drive coming up this Saturday at 1^st Liberty National Bank’s Community Room from 10 am until 4 pm  Platelet donations take about 2 hours, so set an appointment by calling Dorothy Nettles at 936 298 2689.

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The 80^th Annual Men’s Brotherhood Banquet at 1^st United Methodist Church is Thursday Feb. 16^th at 7 p.m. A tradition since 1927, the banquet is open to men of all faiths. This year’s keynote speaker is Rev. Clayton Whitaker, Pastor of 1^st United Methodist Church in Vidor. Tickets are $8 and available from 1^st Methodist Men’s Bible Class Members or call 936-336-6401.

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FUNERALS: Reverend James Carl Cross, 52 of Baytown. Funeral Services will be Wednesday at 1 PM at the Turkey Creek Baptist Church in Liberty.

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*LAKE RELEASE: 1,000 CFS*LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.84 ASL*

-VOLUME 21 NO. 009 FRIDAY JAN. 13^TH, 2006-

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Around 2 am Thursday morning, while on routine patrol, Liberty Police Office Mike Doyle surprised two men as they were leaving Lewies Convenience store with stolen weapons. A car chase followed before the two men, later identified as William Taylor George, 24 of Batson and a 15-year-old relative, ran the car into a ditch and ran into the woods on foot.  Liberty Police Chief Bill Griffin said the Hightower prison unit tracking dogs followed the men’s scent to Beaumont Ave. before they lost them.  At 6 am a Daisetta Police officer spotted the two men walking on FM 770 and they were taken into custody.  It was later learned the car the men wrecked was stolen from the area of FM 834 in Hardin. George and the juvenile are charged with evading arrest, and burglary of a building.

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The Liberty City Council voted to table proposed changes to their animal control ordinance Tuesday night. The provision requiring livestock owners to register their animals with the City’s Animal Control Officer generated the most debate. Council Members Mike McCarty and J.C. Burnham argued livestock registration would be almost impossible to carry out, but Police Chief Bill Griffin said only very general information about the animals and contact numbers for the owners would be provided to police. The information would help officers locate the owners of animals that escape pastures or pens.

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The Liberty County Metro Go-Texan Kick Off Dance, benefiting the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Scholarship Fund is Saturday Jan. 21^st from 8 to midnight at the TVE Expo Hall. Advance tickets are $10. Gate tickets are $12. Call for more information at 936-258-8324.    

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The Liberty County Courthouse and all Liberty City Offices will close Monday in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday. Dayton Offices will be open regular hours on Monday. Garbage service will run as scheduled in Liberty and Dayton. Banks and post offices will close Monday for the holiday.  

****************************************************FUNERALS: Marvin Chester “Dick” DuBose, 80 of Devers. Services Friday at 2 pm at 1^st Baptist Church in Devers. ** Robert Wayne Hanks, Sr., 76, of Hull, Services at 10 a.m. today at Allison Funeral Service in Liberty. ** 

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*LAKE RELEASE: 1,000 CFS*LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.83 ASL*

-VOLUME 21 NO. 008 THURSDAY JAN. 12^TH, 2006-

****************************************************There were no injuries or illness reported, after a Union Pacific Rail Car began leaking dangerous hydrochloric acid early yesterday morning. The pinhole size leak was discovered around 12:50 a.m. on the section of track that runs parallel to U. S. 90 in Dayton. Under extreme pressure, the leak created a cloud of gas over the highway. Liberty County Emergency Management Coordinator Leroy Hanel said no evacuations were called for, but traffic on U.S. 90 was rerouted until just after 5 a.m. Wednesday while haz-mat experts provided by the rail car’s owner- Bayer Chemical- stopped the leak.     

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Four, mostly local, longtime Liberty business have been ordered to relocate from the city block bounded by Hwy. 90, MLK, Fannin and Main Street to make way for a new $1 million CVS Pharmacy Building. The owners of Liberty Paging and Cellular, Noack Locksmith, Barrett’s Upholstery and Bail America have 30 days to find new locations. Best information indicates a company called Cedarwood Development will clear the block to build a new 11,945 square foot location and parking lot for the pharmacy chain, currently located on North Main Street.     

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The 6^th annual Liberty County Relay for Life, benefiting the American Cancer Society is set for April 7^th-8^th at Liberty’s Memorial Stadium.  Candy Rucka, Co-chair says they are hoping for even more teams then last year. To enter a team, call Geraline Daniel at 936 336 6105.

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The Liberty County Unmet Needs Committee is now excepting applications.  The funds are to help meet needs for assistance for victims of Hurricane’s Rita and Katrina. Apply for assistance at Operation Refuge, on North Blair in Cleveland, Mon-Tues, and Thurs.-Friday from 11 am until 1:30 pm.  They will also be accepting applications at the Liberty Co. Courthouse Annex in the Lobby, on Cos St. in Liberty Monday through Friday from 9 am-4 pm.  Deadline for applying is February 28^th.

****************************************************FUNERALS: Austin Gilley, 6 mo. of Liberty. Services today 10 am Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton*Pamela Sue Mills, 48 of Dayton. Services will be Friday at 2 pm at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home-Dayton*Marjorie Waldrop, 80 of Dayton. Services Friday 11 am Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton. 

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*LAKE RELEASE: 1,000 CFS*LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.64 ASL*

-VOLUME 21 NO. 007 WEDNESDAY JAN. 11^TH, 2006-

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Liberty County Commissioners met in workshop session yesterday to discuss 41 pages of documents alleging various irregularities in voting and election procedures. As reported, those questions came from Assistant County Republican Party Chair Charlotte Kramer. In addition to political party members and County officials, Elizabeth Winn with the Texas Secretary of State’s Office was also at the meeting. Among the steps agreed upon to address some of Mrs. Kramer’s concerns is the development by County Clerk Delia Sellers of a written plan on how central vote counting procedures are to be handled. Another suggestion- made by Commissioner Todd Fontenot – was the County’s State mandated Election Board –made up of elected officials- should become more active than is currently the case.          

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The Dayton City Council met Monday night and agreed to file an appeal seeking dismissal of the remainder of DCDC Director Sue Priddy’s lawsuit against the City. Judge Chap Cain has already dismissed much of the suit but breach- of- contract claims remain intact. The council action seeks to have the Appeals Court dismiss the rest of Mrs. Priddy’s lawsuit.      

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On Dec. 30^th, Spectra Group of Memphis, Tennessee’ s purchase of the 2.79 acres on the Hwy 146 Bypass in Liberty became final. The Spectra Group’s Jeff Farmer III said the size of the shopping center his company will build there next to the Wal Mart Super Center has been shrunk to 14,960 square feet, for seven tenants instead of ten. So far, Cato’s, a loan office and a shoe store are on the dotted line.     

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Liberty County Commissioners voted to extend the ban on outdoor burning. Citing the continuing dry weather conditions, commissioners banned all fireworks in the county.  While the incorporated cities in the county already have a permanent ban on fireworks, this covers the un-incorporated areas of the county. Commissioners said they would rescind the ban when the fire danger is reduced.

****************************************************FUNERALS: Nathan LaBove, 82 of Houston. Services at 11 a.m. Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Raywood. ** Mike L. Shipman, 36, of Dayton, Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at 1^st Baptist Church in Dayton. **  

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*LAKE RELEASE: 1,000 CFS*LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.64 ASL*

-VOLUME 21 NO. 006 TUESDAY JAN. 10^TH, 2006-

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A 18-wheeler chemical transport tanker rolled over Monday, and set the stage for a dramatic rescue. Melody R. Scroughan, the 31-year-old driver apparently lost control of her rig as she was traveling north on FM 1409 at what is known locally as Deadman’s Curve. It was a heroic effort as Liberty County EMS and a Liberty Co. Sheriffs Deputy worked to stabilize the woman sitting on top of what was left for her sunken and destroyed sleeper cab. A Dayton Fire Department boat was used to take her from the wreckage to the bank of the creek, where she was loaded onto a Liberty Co.  EMS Dreams Ambulance.  From there the truck driver was airlifted to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston. DPS Trooper Nathan Pierce said the driver was going too fast when she and her loaded tanker truck went into the curve and over the guardrail.

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After almost 12 years the Liberty Opry House, located in the restored Park Theater on Sam Houston Street, will close its doors following the final show on January 28^th. Karla Burris, part of the Cox family who has been putting on the shows since June 1993 made the announcement during the show this past Saturday. That final show will feature legendary Guitarist Randy Cornor.  Reservations for either the 2 p.m., or evening show at 7:30 p.m. can be made by calling 936 336 1079

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Kathryn Walker with the Beaumont Office of Social Security says that only original documents can be used when replacing a Social Security Card, copies are not acceptable. Documents that can be used to prove identity include a Drivers License, State ID Card, Passport, US Military ID Cards, among others. However, a birth certificate can not be used as proof of identification.   Applications for replacement cards can be printed off the Social Security web site, get there through our web site, kshn.com

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Dayton Volunteer Fire Department recently elected officers to serve for 2006.  Re-elected as Chief - Terry Boyette. Assistant Chief is E.J. Wisegerber, Secretary – Jeff Armstrong, Treasurer -John Simmons.

****************************************************FUNERALS: Valda Delories Hickman Vanya, 68 of Liberty. Funeral services today at 11 am at New Life Assembly of God Hwy. 105 in Batson.

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*LAKE RELEASE: 1,000 CFS*LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.82 ASL*

-VOLUME 21 NO. 009 MONDAY JAN. 9^TH, 2006-

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Much of DCDC Director Sue Priddy’s lawsuit against the City of Dayton has been dismissed. The civil action that claims the city had a contract with Priddy and broke it will be litigated or mediated. District Judge Chap Cain threw out claims against Council Members John Simmons, “Frosty” Pruitt and Jay Tadlock. The judge denied Mrs. Priddy’s injunction plea that to reinstate her salary, slashed in half by council. State law says the city has final say over budget and contracts by an economic development corporation but they say frequents requests for a copy of the DCDC agreement with Priddy were ignored. We have no date on when the civil trial might begin.  

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Dayton Interim City Manager Bryan LaBorde said the city’s maintenance department is moving into the newly rebuilt Maintenance Warehouse on Winfree at Linney. Six months ago the original was mostly destroyed by fire. Two juveniles  were charged in the breakin and with arson at the facility. Mr. LaBorde says the building is now larger, with space for more city offices.  

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TxDot Spokesman Mark Shepherd said SH 146 road work moves into the City of Liberty today from the Bypass So. to Jefferson Dr. on Main. Motorists should expect traffic delays in that area for several days. The roughly $2 million project will remove 4 inches of the old roadway replacing it with 2 inches. That should eliminate the cross street bumps. Shepherd said when it gets warmer the job will advance on Main to US 90.  

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Liberty City Council meets tomorrow at 7 p.m. The agenda includes consideration of revising the animal control ordinance. City Manager Allen Barnes said the proposal includes removing the regulation that dogs on City Park property must wear a muzzle. Another proposed change requires livestock kept in the city limits be registered with Liberty Police. Owners can then be more easily located when the animals are found running loose. ****************************************************

Dayton ISD offers two training sessions in January for parents to keep up with their kids progress online via the “Parent Connect System”. First session is Thurs. the 19^th at 7, 2^nd is Tues. the 24^th @ 6, both he Dayton School Admin. To sign up: 936-258-2667.

****************************************************FUNERALS: Bobby G. Schwartz- Kenefick- 2-Tues. @ Kenefick Baptist Church, under direction of Pace-Stancil.

*LAKE RELEASE: 1,000 CFS*LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.76 ASL*

-VOLUME 21 NO. 004 FRIDAY JAN. 6^TH, 2006-

On Thursday, the Trinity River Authority signed a contract with Archer Western Construction for the 6 months long rehabilitation project at the Lake Livingston Dam. Most of the repair costs are being paid by FEMA while the City of Houston – part owner of Lake Livingston- is picking up the balance. Since the dam suffered damage by Hurricane Rita, the water level has been lower than the normal 131 feet above sea level elevation. The TRA’s Spencer Karr said rumors of a plan to drop the level still more while the work is being done are not true. Repairs will begin almost immediately.     

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What began as a trash fire in Ames yesterday afternoon destroyed a storage shed belonging to Valentino Williams, before Liberty and Ames firefighters extinguished it. Liberty Fire Chief Fred Collins said it’s the latest in a series of grass and trash fires that have gotten out of control over the past several days. All were illegal burns. There is a ban against outdoor burning in Liberty and Chambers Counties until further notice.

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Liberty Police are investigating the theft of over $23,000 in saddles, tools and equipment from a local business. Eric Thomas, of “The Iron Pens” on FM 2684 told police someone broke into the business over the New Year Holiday, taking 15 new Western saddles valued at $1500 each and other property. 

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Last week, 75^th District Judge C. T. “Rusty” Hight approved the out-of-court settlement offered 17-year-old Bessie Parsons in her lawsuit against the Hardin ISD over a 2002 wreck involving a Hardin School Bus. Since the plaintiff in the case is a minor, Texas requires the court to hold a hearing to approve the settlement to ensure it is in her best interests.

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Coverage began on January 1^st for those who have enrolled in the new prescription drug benefits under Medicare Part D. Information indicates roughly 21 million people nationwide have signed up for the plan. For information on enrolling, call 800-633-4227 or visit www.medicare.gov

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FUNERALS: Louie Russell Seals, 78, of El Campo, Services at 1 p.m. Sat. at Soul’s Harbor Baptist Church in Ganado, Tx., * Morris Don Moody, Sr., 73, of Moss Hill, Services 2 p.m. Sat.  Earthman Funeral Home in Baytown. **

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*LAKE RELEASE: 1,000 CFS*LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.18 ASL*

-VOLUME 21 NO. 003 THURSDAY JAN.  5^TH, 2006-

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Before the filing deadline ended on Monday, Phil Fitzgerald officially became the third candidate for Liberty County Judge. Raised in the Hardin Area, he has been Precinct #3 Justice of the Peace for 19 years completing over 400 hours of judicial training. One of two Democrats running for County Judge, the 46-year-old said his background as JP and as a business owner gives him the judicial and administrative experience to be a good county judge. Phil Fitzgerald is opposed in the March Democratic Primary by Bruce Halstead. The winner will face Republican Craig McNair in the November General Election.         

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U.S. Postal rates go up two cents this coming Sunday. Dayton Post Master Angie Hayes said the price of a first class stamp remains thirty-seven cents until then. She reports long lines of people buying the new 39-cent stamps and 2-cent stamps to make up the difference, but those won’t be needed until after midnight on Sunday. All mail postmarked by Jan. 7^th will fall under a grace period for delivery to its destination.   

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On Dec. 19^th, Dessie Cherry took over the duties of Warden at the C.C.A. operated Liberty County Jail. She replaces the recently promoted Robert Lacy. Warden Cherry has only worked for CCA for a few years, but her career in corrections and criminal justice spans some 33 years. 

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Lifeshare Blood Center will hold platelet drives twice a month at 1^st Liberty National Bank beginning this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Platelets provide the clotting factor in human blood. The second opportunity to donate is on Saturday Jan. 21^st also at the Liberty bank. Call 936-298-2689 to make a reservation. 

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The public is invited to the 8th Annual Liberty County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Saturday January 14^th at 1 p.m. this year at Liberty’s Turkey Creek Baptist Church on FM 563. This year’s event will honor the late Rosa Parks, known as “the Mother of the Civil Rights Movement”. State Representative Dr. Alma Allen of Houston and Baseball Great Grover “Deacon” Jones will be the Keynote Speakers.   

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FUNERALS: Jennifer Stubbs, 42, of Moss Bluff, Graveside Service at 2 p.m. tomorrow at the Anahuac Cemetery. **

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*LAKE RELEASE: 1,000 CFS*LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.77 ASL*

-VOLUME 21 NO. 002 WEDNESDAY JANUARY 4^TH, 2006-

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Daisetta Police Officer Colin Hulsart stopped a car for making an illegal turn on Christmas Eve. The driver, Steven Wayne Robinson, 29, and a passenger, Jeffery Allen Robinson, 26, were arrested for outstanding warrants and for allegedly giving false information to a police officer. Daisetta Police said a search of the vehicle turned up what are commonly used as drug scales, clear plastic bags commonly used to distribute illegal narcotics and about 11 grams of a substance investigators believe to be methamphetamine. Any charges relating to that substance await the results of DPS Crime Lab Testing.  

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It took 50 years, but Texas jurors have gotten a pay raise. According to Liberty County District Clerk Melody Gilmore, as of January 1^st, the minimum pay for those selected to serve on county or district court juries went up from $6- the lowest rate in the nation- to $40 a day. The same law allows those who give false information in an attempt to be excused from jury duty to be held in contempt of court and fined up to $1,000. The pay increase is an attempt by lawmakers to get more of those summoned for jury duty to show up for it.        

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The Federal Emergency Management Agency has extended the deadline for Hurricane Rita and Katrina victims to register for assistance until March 11^th. Disaster Officials hope those living in the affected areas who need help will use the additional 60 days to apply for it. The toll free number is 1-800-621-FEMA and phone lines are answered 24 hours a day.

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Work begins today on that project to widen the West Side of one block of N. Travis between Trinity and Sam Houston in Liberty. It’s part of the new city hall and auditorium construction and will take from 3 to 4 weeks. West Side parking for that one block will be lost until the widening is completed.   

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All Nine Sports will broadcast the 2006 Rose Bowl Game between the Texas Longhorns and the USC Trojans tonight beginning with the pre-game at 6 p.m. Kick off is at 7. 

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FUNERALS: Anna Bell Handley, 84, formerly of Hardin, Services at 10 a.m. today at Cochran Funeral Home in Livingston. **

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*LAKE RELEASE: 1,000 CFS*LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.58 ASL*

-VOLUME 21 NO. 001 TUESDAY JANUARY 3^RD, 2006-

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The last day for candidates to file for the March Primary Elections saw Republican Ray Akins file to run for Precinct #4 County Commissioner. In the Democratic Party filings, Phil Fitzgerald made his expected run for Liberty County Judge official. The number of Democratic Candidates for Justice of the Peace Precinct #3 grew to eight with the addition of Robert Sellers. Two more Democrats- Tommy Koen and James Miles join Danny Frankum on the ballot for Precinct #3 Constable and Monique McDuffie Davis and David Perry brought the number of candidates for Precinct #6 JP to a total of four.      

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In the second sting operation run by the Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission, in cooperation with the Liberty County Sheriff’s Department, focused on businesses that serve alcohol, such as bar’s taverns and clubs.  The goal according to Sgt. Craig Smith with the T.A.B.C. was to find businesses that continue to serve after it is clear the patron was intoxicated, or selling to minors or what is called open saloon sales.  That means a private club serves alcohol even though that person is not a member. The team found 5 cases of public intoxication, 3 open saloon, and 1 sale to an intoxicated person violations.

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Mont Belvieu has put a moratorium on oil and gas expansion for 120 days.  City Manager Bryan Easum said they decided on the hold after a company began expanding operations without a city permit to do so, they are currently in litigation with Enterprise Products over the drilling of a new brine well. A judge has refused to grant an injunction against the drilling and the city is waiting for an appeals court to take up the case.

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Candidate filing yesterday saw F. Len Hughes toss his hat in the ring as a democrat for Chambers County Judge. Former Chambers County Sheriff Monroe Kreuzer, Jr. filed to run against Incumbent Jimmy Sylvia in the Republican Primary. Also Republican District 18 State Representative John Otto has an opponent in November. He is Libertarian Kris Overstreet.   

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FUNERALS: Ricky Eggleston, 38, formerly of Dayton, Services 10 a.m. today 1^st Baptist Church-Tomball * Thomas R. M. Brannon, 67, of Liberty, Services 2 p.m. Wed. - Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton. **       

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*LAKE RELEASE: 1,000 CFS*LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.56 ASL*