According to a report on KHOU Channel 11 TV in Houston, residents of Liberty County Precinct #4 plan to file their lawsuit against the county over poor road conditions there next week. Precinct #4 Commissioner Toby Wilburn told a Channel 11 News reporter there was only enough money in his budget to repair 5 to 6 miles of the roads needing work. We have reported that Precinct #4 will receive over $600,000 in certificates of obligation for the Road and Bridge Fund leaving Commissioner Wilburn with over $1,000,000 for road repairs. Another Liberty County Commissioner estimated it would cost about $18,000 to $35,000 to repair even the worst of those roads.
Liberty County Sheriff’s Captain Don Shauberger said a Liberty County Jail escapee has been recaptured in North Carolina. Jail Trustee James Rupert Howard failed to return from a work assignment Sunday evening. Howard, who was incarcerated on a theft of property charge as well as a revocation of probation or parole warrant was arrested by the local authorities at a bus stop as he attempted to contact an estranged girlfriend on Tuesday.
The City of Liberty has scheduled a planned power outage for Saturday at 7 a.m. affecting the service area of the city west of Bowie Street. City Officials said the power outage is necessary in order for SRMPA and Entergy crews to connect transmission lines to the new substation. The power is expected to be out for only about 30 minutes to an hour if no problems occur.
Beginning this Saturday, a regular summertime feature returns to KSHN Radio. Shine All Nine’s live radio auction "What’s Your Bid?" is aired each Saturday through out the summer from 9 a.m. to noon. Listeners are invited to call in and bid on a variety of merchandise and services provided by area merchants and each item will be sold to the highest bidder, but always at far below the retail price. Tune in to 99.9 FM this Saturday at 9 a.m.
Kenneth Ray Brooks, Sr., 58, of Liberty, Services at 1 p.m. tomorrow at Turkey Creek Baptist Church in Liberty.
Audrey Nellie Elliott, 94, of Dayton, Services at 1 p.m. tomorrow at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton.
Denitra Kay Redmond, 35, of Ames, Services at 1 p.m. Saturday at Trinity Valley Baptist Church in Liberty.
**LAKE RELEASE: 4420 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 10.81 ASL**
-VOLUME 17 NO.104, WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2001-
District Attorney Mike Little said that more than $800 in cash that Chambers County Sheriff’s Deputies seized from 21-year-old Derrick Arvie of Anahuac must be returned. We have reported that Sheriff’s Department officials took Arvie’s money because they suspected it was the proceeds of illegal drug sales, even though Arvie was not arrested at the time and no drugs were found. The District Attorney said the seizure does not meet the criteria and guidelines that allow law enforcement to seize "drug money". As reported, Derrick was arrested a week after the incident by the DPS and charged with drug possession.
According to Dayton Lake Estates Police Corporal W.S.Marks executed a search warrant at the home of Michael Allen Wedgeworth, 42, last week and found two bags of a substance believed to be marijuana. Marks said officers became suspicious when they answered an emergency call at Wedgeworth’s home and observed what was possibly marijuana in plain view. Wedgeworth has been released from custody on a $1,000 bond but drug charges are pending the outcome of lab tests as well as an unrelated charge of interfering with a police officer. Wedgeworth serves on the city council for Dayton Lake Estates.
Tomorrow is the deadline to file a protest of preliminary property value appraisals with the Liberty County Central Appraisal District. According to Chief Appraiser Allen D. Conner, preliminary appraisals for the county have exceeded $2.3 billion. For more information on contesting property appraisals, call CAD Office Mon. –Fri. at 936-336-5722.
All Nine Radio has learned that Clear Channel Communications has turned over exclusive broadcast rights to Texas A&M Football Games for this area to KPRC AM Radio in Houston, a station owned by Clear Channel. All Nine Sports has broadcast the Aggies live each football season for many years but will now be unable to do so. While we regret the end of our long affiliation with Aggie Football, KSHN will broadcast the University of Texas Longhorns games live starting next season.
5/30 FUNERAL: Marcus J. "Buddy" Curry, 74, of Huffman, Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Allison Funeral Service in Liberty.
**LAKE RELEASE: 5,800 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 11.25 ASL**
-VOLUME 17 NO.103, TUESDAY, MAY 29, 2001-As the 77th Texas Legislature draws to a close two pieces of legislation with special importance locally have passed. House Bill 412 allowing the City of Liberty to retain exclusive rights as an electrical provider to the city in the face of deregulation on January 1st 2002 has passed both houses and now only awaits Gov. Rick Perry’s approval. Rep. Zeb Zbranek filed the bill after city officials missed the deadline to file with the Public Utilities Commission. Also Senate Joint Resolution 6 proposing a constitutional amendment exempting goods in transit from ad valorem taxes received two-thirds votes of both houses and now goes before the public on the November election ballot.
As reported this past weekend, a jail escapee from Mississippi, Johnny Ray Fife, 37, was arrested Friday in connection with the armed robberies of the Hull State Bank in Hull and the Bayshore National Bank in Liberty earlier. Liberty County Sheriff Greg Arthur said Fife is currently being held on a fugitive warrant, but no information is currently available on a possible female accomplice described by some witnesses.
Former Liberty Vindicator employee Cliff Acker has filed suit in the 253rd District Court against State Republican Party Chair Susan Weddington, Liberty County Republican Party Chair Richard Pegues and Liberty attorney Bob Ford in connection to a press release issued by Weddington last year. Weddington accused Acker of responsibility in printing a false newspaper ad intended to damage the campaign of a Republican candidate. Acker has denied any involvement in that ad and is suing the Republican Party and its officials for unspecified damages.
The District Attorney’s Office has set July 13th as the date for the 7th Annual DARE Golf Tournament at the Chambers County Golf Course. The event provides additional funding to the Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program in area schools. Entry fee is $50 and sponsorships are available at three levels: gold, silver and platinum. For more information call 336-4609 or 267-8273.
Horace "Bill" Hebert, 66, of Beaumont, Services at 10 a.m. today at St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Beaumont.
Lester Lee Woodral, Jr., 54, of Thicket, Services at 2 p.m. today at 1st Baptist Church of Votaw.
**LAKE RELEASE: 5,800 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 12.19 ASL**
-VOLUME 17 NO.102, FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2001-Liberty County Fire Marshall Jim Wilson said the Hardin and Hull-Daisetta Volunteer Fire Departments were called to the home of James and Rosie Brown on FM 770 in Hull just after 10 a.m. yesterday to find the residence completely engulfed in flames. Wilson said that Mrs. Brown had been sleeping when she was awakened by her daughter and found a mattress and bedroom drapes were on fire. The women removed the burning objects from the manufactured home only to discover the fire had spread to the roof. No one was injured but the home was completely destroyed. Jim Wilson said the cause of the fire is under investigation, but possibly started in the electrical wiring.
We reported Tuesday that Marc Allen Boullion had been arrested and charged with burglarizing "The Cow Palace" restaurant in Dayton on Monday night. Now, Dayton Police report the 18-year-old has also been charged in the aggravated robbery of the Circle K Convenience Store on Hwy 90 that same night. Police said Boullion confessed to robbing the store in Dayton at gunpoint as well as the restaurant burglary.
The Liberty City Council met for a special called session Wednesday night to consider the suddenly vacant position of City Attorney. Liberty attorney Tommy Chambers, who has held that position for a year and a half has resigned to accept a position with the Attorney General’s Child Support Enforcement Office in Jefferson County. Council decided to post the vacant position at city hall, the courthouse, as well as through the Liberty County Bar Association. Applicants can submit a letter or resume to City Manager Kerry Lacy by 5 p.m. June 7th, giving council time to review the resumes and make a decision at their next regular meeting on Tuesday June 12th.
The Liberty County Courthouse and all city offices in Liberty and Dayton will be closed on Monday in observance of the Memorial Day Holiday. Garbage service in both cities will not run Monday. Garbage will be picked up on the next scheduled day in each city. Area banks and post offices will also be closed. All offices re-open for their regular hours on Tuesday May 29th.
5/24 FUNERAL: Bailey Roberts, 81, of Hardin, Graveside services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at the Hardin Chapel Cemetery in Hardin.
**LAKE RELEASE: 2,050 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 10.72 ASL**
-VOLUME 17 NO.101, THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2001-DPS Trooper Brent Henry said 28-year-old Margaret Ann Thain of Liberty was westbound on Hwy 90 west of Dayton yesterday afternoon when her vehicle veered off the road to the right. In overcorrecting, the woman lost control and her car entered the median, rolling over on to its side, pinning her underneath. Bystanders freed her and Lifeflight air ambulance transported her to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston in what was described as serious condition. A passenger in the vehicle, Ms. Thain’s 4-year-old daughter Brittany, was not injured.
According to State Rep. Zeb Zbranek, Senate Joint Resolution 6 has passed the Texas House by a substantial vote paving the way for a referendum election in November to amend the state constitution to exempt goods in transit from ad valorem taxes. Zbranek said the resolution, a byproduct of Senate Bill 174 that died in committee before a vote this week, sets a precedent that could very well lead to legislation that costs Liberty and Chambers County taxing entities millions of dollars each year. According to Rep. Zbranek, Texans need to be educated on the dangerous consequences of such legislation in order to prevent its passage by the 78th Texas Legislature in 2003.
The Liberty-Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce has set July 12th for the Annual Liberty-Dayton 500 Auction and Barbecue at the Liberty VFW Hall on Main Street. Interim Chamber President Mary Anne Campbell said this year’s line up of prizes for the popular event includes an 8 mm camcorder, a DVD player and the grand prize, a 50’ big screen TV with digital surround sound valued at over $1600. The Chamber’s biggest fundraiser of the year also includes live, silent and Chinese auctions in addition to the raffle drawing. Raffle tickets are $20 each and available at the Liberty-Dayton Chamber Office on Trinity Street in Liberty across from the fire department.
The Barbers Hill Eagles enter the Regional Semi-finals of the state high school baseball playoffs tonight with the first of a best-of-three series against the Lorena Leopards in College Station. Game two is tomorrow at 4 p.m., also in College Station and if a third game is needed that will follow game two. All Nine Sports will broadcast the series live beginning with tonight’s game shortly before the first pitch at 7:30 p.m.
**LAKE RELEASE: 2,050 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 10.93 ASL**
-VOLUME 17 NO.100, WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2001-Liberty County Commissioners met yesterday and set the salaries and allowances for county officials in the 2002 Fiscal Year Budget, but not without some discussion. We have reported commissioners are proposing a 15% pay increase for themselves, the county sheriff, tax assessor/collector, county clerk and each justice of the peace plus increases of more than 50% for some county constables. Precinct #1 Commissioner Todd Fontenot voted against the measure, having said in several workshop sessions that he was in favor of pay increases, but not for such large increases at one time. Public hearings on the increases as well as other aspects of the new budget are still ahead.
Dayton Police Chief Buddy Bean said 18-year-old Marc Allen Boullion of Dayton was arrested around 1 p.m. yesterday and charged with the burglary of "The Cow Palace" located at Hwy 321 in Linney Street. The break in at the Dayton Restaurant occurred Monday night and investigators located a safe taken from the business yesterday morning, open and empty, missing a large amount of cash. The money was recovered and Boullion is charged with burglary of a building, a 4th degree felony.
Monday night the Dayton City Council voted 2 to 1 to grant requests by some North Winfree St. residents to install a four-way stop at the intersection of North Winfree and Jamison. As reported, residents there were concerned about drivers traveling at high rates of speed from the Richter Elementary Campus northward. Councilmen Herb Brown and John Simmons voted for the ordinance and Jay Tadlock voted against it. Frosty Pruitt and John Otto were running slightly late and missed the vote.
Today marks the first day of early voting for the run-off election between James "Bubba" Campbell and Frank Huff for Position #3 on the Hardin ISD Board of Trustees. Since neither candidate garnered more than 50% of the vote in the May 5th School Board Election, the run-off election is set for Saturday June 9th. Early voting continues through Friday June 1st at the Hardin ISD Administration Office. Both candidates have confirmed they will appear on tomorrow’s All Nine Partyline Program at 8:30 a.m.
5/23 FUNERAL: B.F. Hutto, 83, of Cleveland, Services at 10 a.m. today at Pace-Stancil, Probst Funeral Home in Cleveland.
**LAKE RELEASE: 2,050 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 11.92 ASL**
-VOLUME 17 NO.99, TUESDAY, MAY 22, 2001-We reported yesterday that Senate Bill 174 exempting goods in transit from ad valorem taxes had died in committee but according to Rep. Zeb Zbranek, the bill has reappeared, in another form. Senate Joint Resolution 6, a proposed amendment to the state constitution, calls for the same exemption on goods in transit and, if passed, would mean millions of dollars in lost revenue to local taxing entities. An approval by a two-thirds majority of the Texas house today means the issue would appear for a statewide vote on the November election ballot, then on to the 2003 legislature for possible, ultimate passage into law.
Liberty Police Officer Hugh Bishop said he was first to arrive on the scene when a burglar alarm when off at Baskins Department Store in Liberty around 3 a.m. Sunday. Officer Bishop said he witnessed 24-year-old Jorge Palomo of Liberty climbing out of the front window of the store carrying merchandise valued at around $500. The man fled upon spotting Officer Bishop, who chased Palomo about 50 yards, caught the suspect and then used pepper spray to subdue him as he resisted arrest. Jorge Palomo was arrested and charged with burglary of a building.
Graduation Day for many local seniors will be later this week. Liberty High School graduation is set for Friday at 8 p.m. at the TVE Arena. Anthony Allison has been named LHS valedictorian and Shannon Reeves named salutatorian. Dayton High School graduation is at 7 p.m. Saturday at Bronco Stadium. Dayton valedictorian is Roxie Etheridge and salutatorian is Chris Conner. Hardin High graduation is also Saturday at 8 p.m. at the TVE Arena. Colby Burmaster is Hardin High School valedictorian and Jessica Anglin is salutatorian.
The Liberty County Metro Go-Texan Committee will sponsor the 2001 Cowboy Classic Golf Tournament on June 9th at the Magnolia Ridge Country Club in Liberty. Cost to enter is $100 per four-person team and covers cart rental, greens fees, 2 mulligans per person and hole-in-one prizes. All proceeds from the tournament benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Scholarship Fund. For more information, call 258-8043.
5/22 FUNERAL: Carey Harrison "Bull" Curry, 83, of Hardin, Services at 10 a.m. today at Allison Funeral Service in Liberty.
**LAKE RELEASE: 2,050 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 12.01 ASL**
-VOLUME 17 NO.98, MONDAY, MAY 21, 2001-According to State Representative Zeb Zbranek, it appears as if Senate Bill 174, known as the goods-in-transition bill, will not come out of committee. The deadline for the bill to come out of the House Calendar's Committee was last night at 10 PM, and since they didn't meet yesterday, Representative Zbranek said the bill will most likely stay there. Senate Bill 174 caused a lot of commotion locally as if it would have passed, it could have cost Liberty County an estimated $1 million and Dayton ISD an estimated $2 million in annual tax money.
The Liberty County Commissioners will meet in regular session tomorrow morning at 9 AM. On the agenda for the Commissioners is the setting of the 2002 salaries and allowances. The Commissioners have proposed a 15% pay increase for themselves, the Sheriff, the County Clerk, the District Clerk, The Tax Assessor/Collector, the Treasurer and all of the Justice of the Peace's. The County Judge is proposed to receive an 11.72 % increase on his County Judge and his Juvenile Judge's salary as well.
The Barbers Hill Baseball team advanced to the Regional semi-finals in the state playoff tournament after winning 2 of 3 games from the Bridge City Cardinals this weekend. The Eagles beat the Cardinals 5 to 3 Thursday night, then lost Friday night's game 8 to 1, but came back to win the series Saturday afternoon 10 to 6. The Eagles will next face the Lorena Leopards in a best 2 out of 3 series starting Thursday at 7:30 in College Station. The second and third games of that series will be on Friday also in College Station. All Nine Radio will broadcast all of the remaining Barber's Hill Games.
According to Charlotte Daniel, the Tournament Director for the 8th Annual Dorothy Matthews Memorial Golf Tournament, which was held on May 5th, the tournament raised over $18,000 for the Liberty County Chapter of the American Cancer Society. That money combined with the over $50,000 brought in by the first annual Relay for Life, will help Liberty County provide materials for the education to help fight cancer.
5/21 FUNERALS: Olive Gail Peterson, 94 of Henderson. Services were held yesterday.
**LAKE RELEASE: 2,050 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 10.12 ASL**
-VOLUME 17 NO.97, FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2001-
According to information from the office of Rep. Zeb Zbranek, Senate Bill 174 exempting goods in transit from ad valorem taxes has passed the House Ways and Means Committee and is continuing to move toward a full house vote. As reported, passage of the bill would mean an annual loss of more than $1 million in tax revenue to Liberty County and a $2 million annual loss to the Dayton ISD. The bill is currently in the Calendars Committee but it must be brought out for a vote by 10 p.m. on Sunday May 20th or else it will die in committee.
The Liberty City Council met in a special called session Wednesday night to approve a new health insurance package for city employees. The issue was tabled at council’s last regular meeting when initial projections showed a significant increase in the employee contribution, but council approved a one-time fund transfer of up to $34,000 from the city electric department’s economic development fund to cover the cost in insurance premiums. Employees will therefore keep virtually their current level of coverage without any significant cost increase.
The Liberty Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon is next Wednesday at noon in the Liberty City Hall Auditorium. This month’s guest speaker is Liberty County Sheriff Greg Arthur, who will talk about protecting your family from crime both at home and away. Lunch will be provided by Fontenot’s Cajun Catering. Cost is $6 per person. To make your reservation, call the Chamber Office at 336-5736.
The 16th Annual Batson Oil Patch Festival continues today and tomorrow in Batson with live entertainment, BBQ cook off, a carnival, contests, food, arts and crafts and more. The Oil Patch Festival Parade is tomorrow at 10 a.m. Tomorrow night’s street dance features the music of ‘the Texas Roadrunners" from 8 a.m. to midnight. Tickets are $3 per person or $5 per couple.
5/18 FUNERALS:
J.W. "Buck" Smart, 77, of Liberty, Services at 2 p.m. today at Allison Funeral Service in Liberty.
Frank R. "Percy" Gatlin, 81, of Liberty, Graveside Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Palm’s Memorial Park Cemetery in Dayton.
Reita Lucille Norman, 79, Liberty, Services at 11 a.m. tomorrow at Middleton United Methodist Church in Wallisville.
**LAKE RELEASE: 2,050 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 10.12 ASL**
VOLUME 17 NO.96, THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2001The Federal Bureau of Investigation is continuing to pursue every lead in the case of two local bank robberies that appear to have been committed by the same person. Agent Norm Townsend said the bureau has no new information on the robbery of Hull State Bank in Hull on Feb. 12th or the Bayshore National Bank in Liberty on April 3rd. However, investigators have not been able to connect the method of operation in those crimes to any other similar robberies in Texas or elsewhere. As reported, the suspect in both robberies is a white male using an automatic pistol that fled the crime scene in a vehicle stolen from a parking lot in Liberty. Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI in Beaumont at 409-832-8572, Liberty Police at 336-5666 or the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office at 336-4500.
The current Chambers County Grand Jury is scheduled to convene one final time on Friday May 25th and that will be their final opportunity to reach a decision on whether or not to indict Vernon Coates on attempted capitol murder charges. We have reported that the Anahuac man is alleged to have tried to run down a Chambers County Sheriff’s Deputy with his vehicle, but two previous grand jury hearings ended with no decision. If there still no decision reached on the 25th, a new grand jury would have to be convened to hear evidence in the case.
The Liberty School Board voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve a memorandum of understanding between the district and Lee College in Baytown. Superintendent Dr. Douglas Moore called the memorandum the first step in the forming of joint education and grant programs between the two. Lee College President Dr. Jackson Sasser told trustees he expects the College Board of Regents will also approve the memorandum.
The Hardin ISD has changed the date for a special run-off election for Position #3 on the board of trustees. As reported, neither James "Bubba" Campbell nor Frank Huff garnered more than 50% of the vote in the May 5th school board election, so the two will meet in a run-off election on Saturday June 9th. Early voting starts Wednesday and continues through Friday June 1st.
5/17 FUNERAL: Arthur Weldon Heider, 65, of Cove, Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Sterling White Funeral Home in Baytown.
**LAKE RELEASE: 12,800 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 16.38 ASL**
-VOLUME 17 NO.95, WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2001-Floor consideration of House Bill 2312 in Austin Monday included senate adoption of two important amendments issued by Senator David Bernsen. The bill that renews authorization of the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission was amended to require industrial facilities in existence prior to 1971’s Clean Air Act legislation to seek permitting and begin emission reductions. Pre-existing pollutant emitting sites are currently exempt from those requirements. Bernsen’s second amendment to the bill would prevent the storage of hazardous waste in salt domes or sulfur mines in Texas. The amended bill now returns to the House for final approval.
Liberty County Sheriff Greg Arthur said Katherine Stinnett, 41, of Daisetta was reportedly thrown from a moving vehicle driven by her husband, Sammy Joseph Stinnett on Bobcat Lane in Daisetta Monday night during an argument between the two. The woman was taken by Lifeflight air ambulance to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston where she was treated and released. Sammy Joe Stinnett was arrested on assault charges.
Dayton seniors received more than $745,000 in scholarship monies at the Annual Awards Banquet Monday night. The student with the largest total awards is Jonathon Lee who was awarded $250,000 to attend the U.S. Naval Academy in Anapolis, Maryland plus a $60,000 ROTC Scholarship. Jonathon was also offered a $270,000 U.S. Air Force Academy scholarship but said he will attend the Naval Academy instead.
The 48th Annual Magnolia Ridge Invitational Golf Tournament starts tomorrow at the country club in Liberty with a variety of events for golfers of all levels. Entry fee is $200 and covers all the events through Sunday for the contestant and a guest. $55 sponsorships are also available covering all events with the exception of golf play. For more information call 336-2215.
5/16 FUNERALS:
Neoma Tanner Shrader, 87, of Dayton, Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton.
Ada Lee, 83, of Liberty, Services at 11 a.m. Saturday at Mt. Rose Baptist Church in Liberty.
Annie Lee Baldwin Bush, 80, of Houston, Services at 1 p.m. Saturday at Trinity Valley Baptist Church in Liberty.
**LAKE RELEASE: 12,800 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 16.38 ASL**
-VOLUME 17 NO.94, TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2001-DPS Trooper Bobby Risch said 54-year-old Fred Marvin Lundy III of Coldspring was northbound on Hwy 59 near Cleveland just after midnight Wednesday of last week, when a vehicle driven by Colby Earl Lawrence, 45 of Webster attempted to pass. Lawrence said his brakes locked up as he attempted to steer left and he struck Lundy’s vehicle, causing it to roll. Fred Marvin Lundy was ejected from the vehicle and Precinct #6 JP Fred Dishongh pronounced him dead at the accident. Colby Lawrence was arrested and charged with intoxicated manslaughter. As previously reported, northbound traffic on Hwy 59 was closed at the accident scene, but re-opened to allow a high-speed pursuit from Montgomery County to pass through. DPS troopers had to quickly make a lane for the chase to come through to prevent any further injuries from occurring.
The war of words between Anahuac attorney Ed Leick and the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office continues over last week’s arrest of 21-year-old Derick Arvie for possession of PCP. We reported that deputies had earlier seized more than $800 in cash from Arvie without finding any drugs or charging him with anything. Arvie’s attorney, Ed Leick said his client could account for the money, but the Sheriff’s Dept. maintained it was "drug money." Sheriff Monroe Kreuzer, in a press release issued after Arvie’s arrest accused Leick of media grandstanding. Leick called the tactics used by the department illegal and statements made to the media by Chief Deputy Dearl Hardy, irresponsible.
After taking two in row from Tarkington last week, the Barbers Hill Eagles march on in the Class 3A baseball playoffs to challenge Bridge City in the Regional Quarter Finals. Game one of that best of three series is Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Pt. Neches- Grove, game two is Friday at 7:30 p.m. in Deer Park and, if its needed, game three will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at PNG. All Nine Sports will broadcast the Barbers Hill playoff games.
The Annual Police and EMS Memorial and Recognition Service is tomorrow night at 7 p.m. at 1st Baptist Church in Liberty. The public is invited to pay tribute to those police officers and EMS personal who have lost their lives in the line of duty in commemoration of National Police Week. The service will feature a highland piper, a color guard, firing party and taps.
**LAKE RELEASE: 12,800 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 15.87 ASL**
-VOLUME 17 NO.93, MONDAY, MAY 14, 2001-
According to an administrator at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, Jason Wilson, the 17 year-old Plum Grove boy who was taken to the hospital last Thursday after being accidentally shot in the stomach, has been upgraded from critical to serious condition. According to Liberty County Sheriff Greg Arthur, Wilson had given a ride home to a 15 year-old friend and was in that friend's home when the shooting took place. The initial investigation indicates that the 15 year-old had been holding a 30-30 rifle when it accidentally discharged.
The Liberty County Central Appraisal District reports that the preliminary appraisals show Liberty County's taxable land value has risen 9.26 percent since last year. The big jump came from minerals, or oil and gas, which grew over 152 % since last year's totals. Anyone wishing to protest the value of their land can go to the Central Appraisal District Office which is open from 7 AM until 6 PM Monday through Friday and through May, will be open from 8 AM until noon on Saturdays.
The 52nd Annual Dayton FFA Livestock Show and Rodeo Auction on Saturday and raised all-time new record totals. The Grand Champion Market Steer was sold to Jim Wilson for $13,800. Dayton High School Senior, Leah Yates, sold the Grand Champion Market Steer. The total bidding for all of the animals at Saturday's auction was $138,695.
The Dayton Broncos and the Hardin Hornets both bowed out of the state baseball playoffs this weekend when both were swept in 2 games. The Broncos lost Friday night to the Angleton Wildcats 4 to 2 and the New Waverly Bulldogs defeated the Hornets 7 to 3. The Barbers Hill Eagles advanced to the next round with a 2 game sweep of the Tarkington Longhorns. The Eagles will next play Bridge City on Thursday.
5/14 FUNERAL: Laura Ferguson, 91 of Baytown. Graveside services will be held tomorrow at 10 AM at the French Cemetery in Dayton. ** Abraham "Abe" Nash, 79 of Dayton. Funeral services will be held today at 4 PM at the Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton. ***Thomas Tilman Taylor, 65 of Hubbard. Funeral services will be today at 10 AM at the Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton.
**LAKE RELEASE: 12,800 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 15.49 ASL**
-VOLUME 17 NO.92, FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2001-
DPS officials said a 37-year-old Kingwood man reportedly ran a red light in Porter, Texas early Wednesday then fled the scene as the trooper who pulled him over approached his car. What followed was a 50-mile chase at speeds over 100 miles per hour through 3 counties, involving numerous police agencies. Several attempts to stop the suspect proved unsuccessful and, after one DPS trooper was reportedly injured when the suspect rammed a patrol car with his own, police shot and killed the man on Hwy 59 between Cleveland and Livingston. The man’s identity has not yet been released and the reason he fled police is not known.
According to Liberty County Judge Lloyd Kirkham, a bill exempting goods in transit held in a facility for less than 180 days from ad valorem taxes has passed the Texas Senate and is currently headed for a house vote. As reported, Liberty County Commissioners, the Dayton City Council and the Dayton ISD have all passed resolutions opposing the bill, since its passage would mean the loss of millions of dollars in tax revenue to local taxing entities. Information from Rep. Zeb Zbranek’s office indicates strong support for the bill from North Texas counties hoping to compete with other states with similar tax exemptions. Kirkham advised those concerned to call Rep. Rene Olivara of the House Ways and Means Committee at 512-463-0640.
Three Dayton teens were treated and released after Lifeflight air ambulance transport to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston Wednesday night following a one-vehicle rollover accident west of Dayton. DPS Trooper Leon Wilson said the vehicle’s driver, 17-year-old Laurie Phillips lost control of her eastbound vehicle on FM 1960 just before 7 p.m. The vehicle flipped and rolled 4 times before coming to rest. Also injured in the wreck were two passengers, Brandi Garrett, age 18 and Katrina Cantrall, age 17.
The Liberty-Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce’s La Bahia Market is tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the courthouse square in Liberty. In addition to a variety of home-baked goods and hand-made crafts, Denise Barkis will be conducting a tai chi demonstration at the event. For more information, call 336-5736.
5/11 FUNERAL: Ella H. Davis, 96, formerly of Liberty, Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at the Belton Church of Christ in Belton, Tx.
**LAKE RELEASE: 10,800 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 13.40 ASL**
-VOLUME 17 NO.91, THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2001-
According to Liberty County Sheriff’s Captain George Ellington, deputies called to a disturbance at a home west of Dayton yesterday found Thomas Jackson, 25, of Dayton dead, apparently killed in a fight with his 23-year-old brother Andrew. Information indicates the two brothers lived in the manufactured home on CR# 4907 with their mother who was also at the home when a neighbor made a 911 call to report the altercation. The investigation is ongoing but Andrew Steven Jackson was taken into custody by sheriff’s deputies and Precinct #4 J.P. Glenn Pruitt has ordered an inquest by the Jefferson County Medical Examiner into the exact cause of Thomas Jackson’s death.
The Liberty City Council met Tuesday night and councilmen J.C. Burnham, Dennis Beasley and Bruce Wright were sworn in for new terms after running unopposed in last Saturday’s election. In other action, council scheduled a workshop session for next Tuesday at 7 p.m. for further discussion of bids for major medical, dental and life insurance coverage for city employees. Liberty insurance agent Jim Hall told council that it would cost employees an additional $100 per month to maintain their current level of coverage or the city’s cost would increase by 36% if the employees costs are not raised.
Both the Dayton Broncos and the Hardin Hornets will need to win the next games in their best of three baseball playoff series to continue in post season play. Hardin lost game one to New Waverly 11 to 1 in Cleveland Tuesday night and game two is set for Friday at 7 p.m. in Conroe. If the series goes to three games, the third will be Saturday afternoon, though a location has not yet been determined. The Dayton Broncos lost their first series game to the Angleton Wildcats at Daniel Park in Dayton Tuesday 3 to 0. Game two is in Angleton Friday and All Nine Sports will broadcast that game live beginning shortly before the 7 p.m. start time. If a third game is needed, it will be played Saturday at 2 p.m. at the University of Houston.
The City of Liberty will hold a public auction this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Liberty City Hall Auditorium. Items up for bid include construction equipment, vehicles, tools and computers. The items will be available for viewing prior to the auction from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. tomorrow.
**LAKE RELEASE: 10,800 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 4.35 ASL**
-VOLUME 17 NO.90, WEDESDAY, MAY 09, 2001-
According to Sam Rayburn Municipal Power Agency President Bruce Halstead, the power agency has withdrawn its request for a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service. The Liberty Mayor said he felt there was only a 50% chance the ruling would be granted and the agency’s attorneys advised withdrawing the request rather than see the ruling become a liability at some future date. The IRS ruling would have allowed the SRMPA to re-issue bonds dividing its debt among the individual member cities. SRMPA board member Ben Ogletree, long an opponent of the plan to dissolve the agency, said that plan is now back at square one. Mayor Halstead said alternative ways of financing the bonds now need to be examined.
Liberty County Commissioners met in workshop session yesterday with Henry D. Adair of the Aquila Corporation, which recently purchased 167 acres of salt domes in Dayton for natural gas storage. Commissioners met to consider offering the company tax abatement on the land for a period of time, though not on the gas to be stored underneath it which could mean an extra 1.8 million dollars in tax revenue annually to the Dayton ISD. The Aquila Corporation estimates the storage facility will be operational by next year and fully completed, with 12 billion cubic feet of available natural gas storage by 2004.
The Dayton City Council opened Monday night’s meeting with City Attorney Neal Iverson swearing in Mayor Larry Harris and Councilmen Herb Brown and Heywood "Frosty" Pruitt for new terms. Each official ran without opposition for reelection and council opted to forgo an election. Mayor Harris named Pruitt as Mayor Pro-tem after being sworn in, an honor traditionally bestowed on the most-senior council member, a distinction "Frosty" Pruitt shares with outgoing Mayor Pro-Tem Herb Brown. In other action, council passed five separate ordinances in unanimous votes to annex 1,000 acres along Hwy 90.
The 52nd Annual Dayton FFA Livestock Show and Rodeo is this week at the Anson Rigby Memorial Arena on Hwy 321 north of FM 1960 in Dayton. Livestock judging is tomorrow through Friday with the Livestock Auction set for 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Rodeo performances are tomorrow, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. nightly. Tickets are $6 for adults, $4 for children.
**LAKE RELEASE: 3,800 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 4.94 ASL**
-VOLUME 17 NO.89, TUESDAY, MAY 08, 2001-
More news is coming in from Saturday's local school board and city council elections. In the City of Ames, Sherman Broussard received 35 write in votes to win the position #2 on the city council. Broussard will fill the un-expired term left vacant by Keith Varner when he resigned last October. Also, the date for the Hardin ISD special run-off election to see who will represent position #3 on the board of trustees will be Saturday June 2nd. Early voting for that special election, which will be between Frank Huff and James "Bubba" Campbell, will begin May 19th.
In the "not the brightest criminal category" Travis Brautigam, 19 of Baytown, was arrested Sunday in Galveston after allegedly stealing a vehicle from Liberty on April 23rd. According to City of Liberty Detective David Allison, the Baytown man left his driver's license at Tower Autoplex in Liberty while taking the car for a test drive and never returned to pick up his license or drop off the car. Sunday night, a Galveston County Sheriff's Department Deputy stopped Brautigam for a traffic violation and found that he was wanted out of Liberty. He was charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and was set a $5,000 bond.
Time Warner Cable will raise the rates for their analog and digital cable subscribers. The rate will take effect June 1st, and according to Gary Underwood, the Public Affairs Manager for Time Warner in Beaumont, it has been 2 years since analog cable subscribers have received rate increases and 3 years for digital cable subscribers. Anyone with any questions about the rate increases should call the Liberty office at 336- 2166.
State Comptroller Carole Keeton Rylander released her April sales and use tax report and both Liberty and Dayton showed increases. Liberty for April 2001 showed an increase of 6.88% over April 2000 while Dayton showed an increase of 11.64% between April 2001 and April 2000.
5/8 FUNERALS:
Rachel L. "Raye" Mayfield Greer, 70 of Liberty. Funeral services will be held tomorrow at 2 PM at the Allison Funeral Home in Liberty.
Ernest Carl Gerhard Noack, 90 of Simmons Bottom. Funeral services will be tomorrow at 10 AM at the Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton.
Maude Slankard, 101 of Batson. Funeral services will be today at 3 PM at the Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Batson.
LAKE RELEASE: 3,800 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 4.41 ASL**
-VOLUME 17 NO.87, FRIDAY, MAY 04, 2001-
New allegations of misconduct and harassment by the Chambers County Sheriff’s Department have arisen after deputies seized more than $800 in cash from 21-year-old Derick Arvie during a drug sweep in Anhauc last week. Chambers County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Dearl Hardy said the money is believed to be proceeds from illegal narcotics sales, even though no drugs were found at the scene, no charges were filed and Arvie was not arrested. Arvie’s attorney Ed Lieck said his client even showed deputies pay stubs to prove the money was legally his, but it was still confiscated. We have reported ongoing investigations by the FBI and the U.S. Justice Department into possible civil rights violations by the Chambers County Sheriff’s Department.
Lee Murphy, Vice President of A&B Builders has announced his company has moved another portion of their fabrication project to the Liberty Facility in the Old National Pipe and Tube building and will be adding 45 to 50 more employees, especially experienced pipe fitters and welders. Applications are available at the Liberty Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce on Trinity St.
The Liberty County Sheriff’s Department warns motorists that Operation Mobilization, a nationwide enforcement blitz, is being launched on May 21st to target drivers who don’t buckle up their children and themselves. Police agencies across the U.S. will be ticketing drivers who are not wearing seat belts or with children and infants who are not properly restrained. Operation Mobilization, which will be joined by over 10,000 police agencies nationwide, will be in effect through Memorial Day.
Due to previous commitments by our play-by-play personnel, All Nine Sports will not be able to broadcast tonight’s Liberty and Dayton Baseball Playoff games, but we could be broadcasting as many as three games tomorrow. KSHN will broadcast the Liberty Panthers 2nd game against the Cougars in Buna tomorrow at 2 p.m. and, if it is needed, the 3rd game in that series slated for around 5 p.m. tomorrow. If the Dayton Broncos series against Houston Davis requires a 3rd game, we will also broadcast it live from Daniel Park in Dayton at 7 p.m.
5/4 FUNERAL: Johnnie M. Stowe, 76, of Liberty, Graveside services at 3 p.m. today Cooke Memorial Cemetery of Liberty.
**LAKE RELEASE: 9,000 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 7.23 ASL**
-VOLUME 17 NO.86, THURSDAY, MAY 03, 2001-
According to Tom Pollan of Bickerstaff, Heath, Smiley, Pollan, Kever and McDaniel, initial redistricting figures provided to Liberty County Commissioners have been revised. Pollan’s firm, which the county has engaged to handle redrawing precinct lines inaccurately based initial population totals on outdated 1980 information. Pollan said the new totals, based on 1991 precinct lines, show a difference of 1,242 people in two county precincts compared to the original figures. In order for the U.S. Dept. of Justice to approve new precinct lines, the difference between the most and least populous precinct can be no more than 10%.
Liberty School Superintendent Dr. Douglas Moore said plans are in the preliminary stages to offer college classes in the Liberty ISD for Lee College in Baytown. Dr. Moore said he will propose a memorandum of intent for the project for approval first by the Liberty School Board, then to the Lee College Trustee Board while the technology necessary to make the transition would come from Technology Infrastructure Grant Funds.
The Dayton ISD Board of Trustees met in special session Tuesday night and voted to award a $336,000 roofing contract to Liberty County Roofing of Hardin. The project will involve all three elementary campuses and includes new roofs on the main building at E. R. Richter, the choir and cafeteria area at Nottingham and one wing at Stephen F. Austin. In other action, the board voted to reconfigure the district’s budget year to match the academic year. Effective July 1st, 2002 the district’s budget year will now run from September through June each year.
The Annual Community Wide Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Memorial and Recognition Service is Wednesday May 16th at 7 p.m. at 1st Baptist Church in Liberty. The public is invited to attend and honor those police officers and emergency personnel who have given their lives in the line of duty. The service features a highland piper, a salute to fallen officers, color guard, choirs from churches, firing party and taps.
5/3 FUNERALS:
Rosalie A. Hlavaty Dloughy, 84, of Dayton, Services at 10 a.m. Saturday at Crosby Brethren Church.
Mary Katherine Coe Lowe, 71, of Kountze, Graveside services at 10 a.m. today at Hooks Cemetery in Kountze.
**LAKE RELEASE: 9,000 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 7.91 ASL**
-VOLUME 17 NO.85, WEDNESDAY, MAY 02, 2001-
Liberty County Sheriff Greg Arthur announced yesterday that his department’s Chief Deputy, Ken Defoor has resigned. Defoor told Sheriff Arthur with his 65th birthday approaching and with his wife Jo recently retiring after 35 years at Exxon, he had also decided to retire. Sheriff Arthur said Defoor had been priceless in the reorganization effort at the Sheriff ‘s Department since he took office on January 1st. Arthur said he has no plans to replace Ken Defoor, but will revert to his original plan of having department captains reporting directly to him.
The Redistricting Committee of the State House of Representatives voted Monday to approve the proposed redistricting plan that would place Liberty and Chambers Counties in separate representative districts. As previously reported, if the plan is ratified in its current form, District 20 Representative Zeb Zbranek would be removed from that district although he would continue to represent his current constituency until the next election. The plan must now be ratified by the full house and then approved by the governor before it becomes law.
The Liberty Panthers secured a berth in the State Baseball Playoff’s Monday night with a 9 to 7 win over the Huffman-Hargrave Falcons at the Liberty City Park. The Panthers followed the first game of that double-header with a 10-0 loss to Barbers Hill, but now move in to a best-of-three series against Buna this week. Game one is Friday night at 7 p.m. at the Liberty City Park, the second game is Saturday at 2 p.m. in Buna and the third game, if necessary, will follow game two on Saturday. Hardin-Jefferson won the district championship, with Barbers Hill as runner up and Liberty in third place.
The public is invited to a reception for two Liberty City employees tomorrow. Electrical Superintendent Don Ivy, who has served the city for 27 years and City Hall employee Barbara Wiggins who has served the city for 32 years are retiring and the reception is from 10 a.m. to noon tomorrow at Liberty City Hall.
5/2 FUNERALS:
John Wilton Williams, 58, of Raywood, Services at 10 a.m. tomorrow at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Raywood.
JoNeita Fregia, 66, of Liberty, Services held Sunday.
**LAKE RELEASE: 9,000 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 8.05 ASL**
-VOLUME 17 NO.84, TUESDAY, MAY 01, 2001-
The Dayton Broncos begin post-season baseball action this week with a best of three series against the Houston Davis Panthers. Game one is tomorrow night at Houston’s Delmar Stadium, game two is set for Friday at Daniel Park in Dayton and, if a third game is needed, that game will be at Daniel Park on Saturday. All Dayton vs. Houston Davis games begin at 7 p.m. and All Nine Sports will broadcast the Dayton games live. Meanwhile the District 24-2A Champion Hardin Hornets earned a bye in the first round of the playoffs and begins post-season play next week against an as-yet-undetermined opponent.
Chambers County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Dearl Hardy said deputies executed a search and arrest warrant at the business and home of an Anahuac woman around 5:20 Sunday morning. 59-year-old Lora Williams Alford, operator of Gail’s Sandwich Shop in Anahuac was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and deputies seized more than $600 in cash that Chief Deputy Hardy said were proceeds from the sale of "crack cocaine". Roberta Lewis, 45 was also arrested on drug charges at the residence. Bond for the two women was set at $10,000 each.
Today marks the final day for early voting in upcoming city council and school board elections. A lack of contested races prompted the cancellation of elections in the cities of Liberty, Dayton and Hardin, as well as the Liberty School District. Elections are being held in the cities of Cleveland, Kenefick and Daisetta as well as in the Dayton, Hardin, Hull-Daisetta, Cleveland,Tarkington and Devers School Districts. Also the City of Ames must legally hold a special write in election to fill a vacant council seat even though no candidates have actually filed for it. Election Day is this Saturday May 5th.
The 20th Annual Hull-Daisetta Mayhaw Festival is set for Friday and Saturday May 11th and 12th in Daisetta with plenty of arts and crafts, food booths and contests including the Basketball and 42 Tournaments, the BBQ Cookoff and the Mayhaw Jelly, Cakes, Cookies and Crafts Contest. The Mayhaw Parade begins at 10 a.m. Saturday May 12th and the Mayhaw Street Dance that night will feature the music of "Lost in the Shuffle" starting at 8 p.m. For more information, call 936-536-6897.
**LAKE RELEASE: 9,000 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 8.87 ASL**