-VOLUME 19 NO. 185, THURSDAY SEPT. 30^TH 2004-

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DPS Trooper Randy Peck said 20-year-old Roger Dale Johnson of Dayton was going too fast on FM 1409 last Friday night. He lost control of his vehicle, which went off the roadway and into a ditch on the left. Roger Johnson was ejected from the vehicle. He was transported by air ambulance to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston where he later died of his injuries.

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The Liberty City Council met Tuesday and ended weeks of discussion by voting to leave the city ordinance that prohibits the discharge of firearms as it is. While some local hunters had been pushing for a change that would allow permitted hunting in certain areas within the city limits, both City Manager Allen Barnes and Game Warden Danny Diaz expressed concerns about liability issues if that change was made. The final vote was 5 to 1. Councilman Mark Beausoliel, who said he favored some sort of accommodation with hunters, cast the lone “no” vote.

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The TVE is offering a chance to meet and visit with Country Music Legend Gene Watson Saturday from 8:30 to 10 p.m. before he performs at the TVE Kick-Off Dance. Back Stage Passes for only 20 couples are available for $100 each and that cost includes dance/concert tickets for two, as well as some light food and refreshments. To reserve your passes, call the TVE Office at 936-336-7455 before they sell out.

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The Liberty Panthers have the week off to get ready for Homecoming on Oct. 9^th. However, the now 1 and 3 Dayton Broncos are hoping to make it two-in-a-row tomorrow night on the road against the Channelview Falcons. The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Our live broadcast of Dayton vs. Channelview starts at 7:20. On Saturday, the Texas Longhorns have an early game against the Baylor Bears with kick off at 11:30 a.m. Texas Longhorns Football on KSHN Radio starts with the pre-game show at 10:30 Saturday morning.

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FUNERALS: Tamara L. Redmon, 37, of Dayton, Services at 11 a.m. Saturday at Trinity Valley Baptist Church in Liberty. ** Donald Nicol, 46, of Dayton, Graveside services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Scholobohn Cemetery in Humble. ** James “Paw Paw” Lemay, 65, of Dayton, Services at 10 a.m. today at Pace Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton. **

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** Lake Release 1,120 CFS Liberty Bridge: 5.66 ASL**

-VOLUME 19 NO. 184, WEDNESDAY SEPT. 29^TH 2004-

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So far, a Liberty County Grand Jury has taken no action on theft charges leveled against Former County Courthouse Maintenance Supervisor Buddy Craig. Sheriff’s Investigator Todd Mauthe said the charges resulted from some $2000 in county owned building materials that Craig allegedly kept at his home, then moved to another location to keep it from being discovered. The 51-year-old Craig had already received a demotion and was handed a salary cut when he admitted to storing county owned pipe at his home without anyone’s permission or knowledge. Buddy Craig was fired from the Courthouse Maintenance Department over this more recent investigation on Sept. 14^th.

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Liberty County Commissioners met yesterday and adopted a resolution that allows each Commissioner’s Precinct to charge a fee for installing culverts at private residences. As reported, those fees return to the individual precincts that did the work. The lone “no” vote came from Prct. #3 Commissioner Melvin Hunt, who has been opposed to instituting the fee, since it was initially proposed by Prct. # 4 Commissioner Norman Brown. ****************************************************

The 35^th Annual Texas Rice Festival is in full swing today through Sunday at the Winnie-Stowell Park in Chambers County. Live entertainment includes appearances by John Anderson, Roger Creager, Django Walker, Brian Jack and more. There are also carnival rides, lots of food, contests, a poker-run, a talent show and the Grand Parade on Saturday morning. Tickets are $6 for adults, $4 for students. Take I-10 and Exit: 829 to Hwy 124 South and follow the signs.

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Reserved, General Admission and Students tickets are now on sale at the LISD Administration Offices on Grand Ave. for the Liberty Panthers Homecoming Game against Tarkington on Friday October 8^th. Reserve tickets are $5.50, General Admission tickets are $5 and Student Tickets are $2. Student tickets are also available at all LISD campuses. Pre-game tickets sales will continue through noon on Friday October 8^th.

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FUNERALS: Henrietta Burress, 83, of Cleveland, Funeral Services at 11 a.m. today at Allison Funeral Service in Liberty. ** Betty Navatril, 88, of Dayton, Services at 11 a.m. today at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Crosby. **

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** Lake Release 1,120 CFS Liberty Bridge: 5.78 ASL**

-VOLUME 19 NO. 183, TUESDAY SEPT. 28^TH 2004-

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Reports in the Vindicator Newspaper and other sources indicate a marked difference in the way the Dayton Community Development Corporation deals with request for public information as opposed to other governmental entities. The newspaper published a report about a Dayton man, Earnest Fields, who said DCDC Director Sue Priddy’s response to his polite request for public information was to tear up his request and ordering him to leave or be arrested. All Nine News has reported on the Vindicators’ accusations. We have contacted Mrs. Priddy, and asked her on four separate occasions if the newspaper reports are accurate. Each time she has declined or refused, sometimes angrily, to answer.

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The deadline to register to vote in the November 2^nd General Election is Monday October 4^th. Prospective voters will need to complete an application form with the County Tax Assessor/Collector’s Office by that date. For more information on voter registration, call 936-336-4629 or 281-593-8415.

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According to John Meche who heads the mortgage department for Prosperity bank, programs are available that make is possible for virtually any one to get into a home of their own. He said one of the first steps potential buyers should make is to get pre-qualified for a home loan. Bob Edwards, a real estate agent in Dayton said sometimes even sellers want to know if a buyer is pre-qualified, before taking their home off the market by excepting a bid. Homes can be tied up for weeks before it’s discovered a potential buyer is not qualified for a loan.

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Friday is the deadline to enter the Public Speaking Contest at this year’s TVE. This is the first year the competition is being offered and it’s opened to students in the 6^th through 12^th grades. Participants will be eligible to apply for TVE Scholarships in their Senior Year. Cost to enter is $15 and all entry forms and speech manuscripts must be submitted by this Friday Oct 1^st. For more information, call 936-336-7455.

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FUNERALS: Dustin Allen Fincher, 14, of Dayton. Services will be Wednesday at 10 am at Pace Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton.**Annie Lucille Fregia, 87, of Liberty. Services will be this morning at 10 am at Allison Funeral Service in Liberty. **

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** Lake Release 1,120 CFS Liberty Bridge: 5.85 ASL**

-VOLUME 19 NO. 182, MONDAY SEPT. 27^TH 2004-

A Dayton woman died when hit by a car Saturday. Tamara L. Redmon was celebrating her 37^th birthday when she was killed about 7:40 PM in front of the Dayton Park Apts, where she lived. Police said Clarence Brown-52, of Dayton was driving the car when the victim reportedly tried to cross the road in front of him. JP Glenn Pruitt ordered an autopsy.

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Liberty Police Chief Bill Griffin said 22-year-old Bonnie Paddy was arrested Thursday night in connection with three recent armed robberies. Chief Griffin said the Daisetta woman is a suspect in the robbery of Happy Chap’s Ridgewood Grocery in August, the Game Room on North Main in Liberty and Sept. 19^th’s robbery at gunpoint of the Miller’s Shell Food Mart on Hwy 90. Bonnie Paddy is jailed on $100,000 plus $10,000 bond for Possession of a Controlled Substance.

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Union Tank Car Officials said Friday they will be making $6 million in improvements and expansion to their Cleveland rail car repair facility. That includes introducing new technology to the plant. The upgrades will be finished in 2006.

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The Manager of the new Dayton Walgreen is 28-year-old Terry Vaughn, originally from Buna. He’s an 8-year-Walgreen employee who’s managed two other stores. Store opens Friday.

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Valley Players present “ A Bad Year for Tomatoes” Friday thru Sunday. Tickets are $5 – reserve them by calling 336-6699.

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The TVE Kick-Off Dance is Saturday October 2^nd from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Fairgrounds on FM 563 in Liberty. This year’s featured performer is County Music Legend Gene Watson, with Opening Act, Derringer. Tickets are $8 in advance at Pappy’s BBQ in Dayton, Baskin’s in Liberty, Brick’s Cleaners in Liberty, Dayton and Anahuac, as well as the TVE Office.

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In High School Football Friday night, the Dayton Broncos picked up their first win, Santa Fe, 48-6. The Kirbyville Wildcats defeated the Liberty Panthers 22 to 12 in a deluge. West Sabine 14, Hardin 0;Groveton 28, Hull-Daisetta 14 and Tarkington beat Kountze 16 to 14. Barbers Hill 27 Columbia 21.

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FUNERALS: Dora Varado Bevil, 100, formerly of Dayton, Services at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Sterling F.H.-Dayton. **

** Lake Release 1120 CFS Liberty Bridge: 5.88. ASL**

-VOLUME 19 NO. 181, FRIDAY SEPT. 24^TH 2004-

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Expected heavy rains associated with Tropical Storm Ivan have prompted Liberty County Emergency Management Coordinator Leroy Hanel to issue a flood warning for those low-lying areas of the county prone to flooding. The National Weather Service is predicting from 3 to 5 inches of rainfall in our area, with the possibility of as much as 10 inches of rain in isolated areas. Motorists in particular are urged to use caution and never attempt to drive across areas where floodwater covers the roadway.

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Liberty County Sheriff’s Detective Shannon Bowdoin said two-year-old Brandon McCall is now listed in fair condition at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston. The child suffered burns on over 60% of his body last Sunday when he accidentally overturned a crock-pot of cooking beans at his home in the Dayton Oaks Subdivision. Hospital Officials said the little boy is conscious, though in obvious discomfort. Vital signs are stable and all indicators for recovery are good.

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At a special called meeting next Tuesday at 5 p.m., the Liberty City Council will consider increasing the amount of the certificates of obligation for new city facility construction from $3 million to $3.5 million. Council is already planning to build a new city hall, fire station and animal control shelter, and the additional funds would be for renovation and expansion of the City Library. Former Mayor Paul Henry and former Council Member Michael Mark will be on hand to answer Council’s questions on the proposal. Council will also consider and possibly, take action on an ordinance that would allow hunting in certain parts of the city.

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The UT Longhorns play host to the Rice Owls tomorrow night with kick off at 6 p.m. Our live broadcast begins with the pre-game at 5 p.m. Due to the Longhorns game, our regular Saturday night programming moves to Sunday again this week. A recorded broadcast of the Liberty Opry airs at 5 p.m. Sunday while Roy Bennett’s “Country Classics” and “Liberty Bluegrass” will follow “Solid Gold Sunday “at 9 p.m.

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FUNERAL: Jay Freeman, Jr., 81, - Mont Belvieu, Services at 2 p.m. Fri. at 1^st United Methodist Church of Mont Belvieu. **

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*LAKE RELEASE: 1,120 CFS*LIBERTY BRIDGE: 6.49 ft ASL*

-VOLUME 19 NO. 180, THURSDAY SEPT. 23^RD 2004-

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Liberty City Manager Allen Barnes said the number of applicants for City Fire Chief has been narrowed from 12 down to 3 finalists. They are: Fredric H. Collins of Dayton, a 27-year-veteran of the Liberty Fire Department who now holds the rank of captain and currently serves as Acting Fire Chief. Also in the running is Patrick Hughes Sr. of Keller, Texas, who retired at the rank of Assistant Chief from the North Richland Hills Fire Department after 22 years. Finally, Edward Russell of Coldspring, retired from the Baytown Fire Department after 23 years, at the rank of Battalion Chief. All three will be interviewed next week. Allen Barnes said he hopes to name a new Liberty Fire Chief early next month.

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According to Jim Bob Evans, an executive with the large nationwide development firm, Lincoln Property, that company holds a purchase option contract on some 20 acres at the corner of FM 1960 and Waco Street in Dayton. Evans said while overtures are being made toward building a shopping center at that location, no definite decision has yet been made. Lincoln is expected to move forward on the land acquisition and construction if prospective clients show a clear interest.

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Liberty Police Chief Bill Griffin said complaints of prostitution and illegal drug activity led to an undercover sting operation at the Cantina Mexico Tavern on MLK Drive in Liberty. While no narcotics trafficking was detected, the investigation led to the arrest of 33-year-old Nevieda Duque of Humble on prostitution charges at the establishment on September 17^th.

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The 2004 TVE Fun Passes are available now at $40 each at BJ Ford on Hwy 90 in Liberty. Each pass is good for unlimited carnival rides for all 5 days of the Fair October 19^th through October 23^rd. You will need to bring the child with you when you buy the Fun Pass and only a limited number are available.

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Both the Liberty Panthers and Dayton Broncos are on the road tomorrow night. Liberty meets the Wildcats at Kirbyville, while Dayton is at Santa Fe. Listen to the games live starting at 7:30 p.m. Friday on All Nine Split Channel Sports. Liberty vs. Kirbyville is on our left channel, Dayton vs. Santa Fe is on our right channel. You can also listen live at kshn.com.

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*LAKE RELEASE: 1,000 CFS*LIBERTY BRIDGE: 6.49 ft ASL*

-VOLUME 19 NO. 179, WEDNESDAY SEPT. 22^ND 2004-

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As planned, the Liberty City Council met in closed session Monday to interview the applicants for City Judge. According to City Manager Allen Barnes, council members tabled any action on filling the position left vacant by the death of W.E. “Sonny” Loftin, because they have nine fully qualified candidates and will need more time to reach a decision. Those applying for the part-time City Judge’s job are Gary Bunyard, John Hebert Jr., Roy House, Rick McGuire, Ellis Pickett, Bobby Rader, Jimmy Sterling, Mark Stroud and Steve Swan. Barnes said council would meet in a special called meeting sometime within the next 10 days to name a new Liberty City Judge.

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The Dayton City Council met Monday night and decided to drop the Vindicator as their “official newspaper” in favor of the Cleveland Advocate and/ or the Dayton News, both owned by a large Houston community newspaper chain that is, in turn, owned by Pepsi. Although the switch will actually cost the city more, Councilman Bill Gay said he believed the city would reach a greater circulation through the Advocate and Dayton News with required legal notices. The final vote was 3 to 1, with Gay, Barbara Zaruba and Jay Tadlock voting to in favor, “Frosty” Pruitt voting against and John Simmons abstaining.

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A discovery ripe with historic possibilities was made Monday when Liberty County probationers digging a small trench for a sewer line on the Fannin Street side of the “Jail Square” unearthed a 3 by 3 feet brick foundation of what had been the base corner of a building. Research by local historians indicates the find is the foundation of Liberty County’s first brick jail, built in 1885. Sam Houston Regional Library Director Robert Schaadt said that jail cost $4,400 and replaced a wooden building built in 1876. Area archeologists will be consulted about further exploration of the discovery.

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The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will hold a Hunter Safety Course Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Dayton Financial Center on Hwy 90. Cost is $10 and anyone born on or after September 2^nd, 1971 or who hunts out-of-state is legally required to take this course. Hunters will need to have proof of certification while they hunt. To sign up for the course, call 936-257-8319 or 936-536-6912.

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*LAKE RELEASE: 1,500 CFS*LIBERTY BRIDGE: 6.83 ft ASL*

-VOLUME 19 NO. 178, TUESDAY SEPT. 21^ST 2004-

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Liberty County Sheriff Greg Arthur said his office received a call around 10: 45 yesterday morning from a woman who said her husband, who had military combat experience had discharged weapons inside their home on FM 787 North of Rye. Dispatchers were told the man was dressed in camouflage clothing and armed with several handguns as well as an M16 rifle. The wife left the home and met with officers at an intersection several hundred yards away. Sheriff Arthur spoke to the distraught 28-year-old man on the telephone and after some discussion, he agreed to put down his weapons and surrender. No one was injured in the incident. Sheriff Arthur said the man was evaluated by Tri-County MHMR Services in Cleveland who said he was not in need of their care. No charges have been filed against the man, an Iraqi War veteran.

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Yesterday’s meeting of the State Library and Archives Commission at the Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center brought the announcement of yet another honor for that statewide commission’s Chairman, Sandy Pickett of Liberty. Mrs. Pickett has been named a Presidential Appointee to the National Institute of Museum and Library Services. Sandy Pickett, now in her second full six-year term on the Texas Commission’s Board of Directors, would serve on the national institute’s governing board pending U.S. Senate confirmation.

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The City of Liberty will be hiring part-time EMTs and paramedics beginning October 1^st. EMS Director Tom Jones said they are looking for 25 people to fill 24-hour shifts one day per week. Applicants to do not need to have prior experience, just appropriate certification. Call 336-3922 for more information.

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The Liberty-Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon is tomorrow at noon at the Liberty City Hall Auditorium. This month’s luncheon features representatives from the Trinity Valley Exposition who will discuss the upcoming fair and rodeo. Lunch is chicken fettucini by Ken Owens’ Catering for $7 a plate. For reservations, call the Chamber Office at 936-336-5736.

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FUNERALS: Robert G. Anderton, 79, of Dayton, Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton.

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*LAKE RELEASE: 1,500 CFS*LIBERTY BRIDGE: 6.54 ft ASL*

-VOLUME 19 NO. 177, MONDAY SEPT. 20^TH 2004-

A 2½-year old boy, of Dayton Oaks Subdivision north of Dayton, was badly burned Sunday afternoon. The child who’s last name is McCall apparently pulled a crock pot of cooking beans on top of him. The boy was life airlifted to the burn ward at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston with severe, but not thought to be life threatening, injuries. We learned he may have 2^nd degree burns over 60% of his body.

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A 31year old Dayton man, Louis “Tooter” Hohn, III died early Saturday morning in a one vehicle wreck. The incident occurred in Vermillion Parish, Louisiana. State police there told Associated Press Mr. Hohn’s pickup truck went into a ditch, struck a culvert, and burst into flames. Services at St. Joseph Catholic Church–Dayton-Tues. at 10am. Wake 7PM today . ****************************************************

At their meeting last Tuesday, the Liberty City Council authorized their financial consultant, Debi Jones of Coastal Securities, to prepare documents for a proposed sale of $3 million in certificates of obligation to finance construction of a new city hall, new fire station and new animal shelters. City Manager Allen Barnes said that estimated price tag breaks down to $1,8 million for the city hall, $700,000 to $800,000 for a fire station, another $250,000 for demolition of the old structures and $150,000 for a new animal control shelter.

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The Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge says for the first time, big game and muzzle loader hunting is ok on the refuge.

Only waterfowl hunting had been permitted. Nearly 5,000 acres will be open for hunting hogs and deer in Liberty County. Also, roughly 1,000 acres around Champion Lake has waterfowl hunting. For more information, call 936-336-9786.

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Liberty-0-4 with 23-14 loss to Stafford. Dayton lost to Rosenburg Terry 21to14(OT) Hardin in Homecoming win over New Waverly, 51 to 20.West Hardin27Hull-Daisetta 7, Tark 27Huntington 14, Barbers Hill over Diboll. Anahuac wins again.

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82, serv.2PM Tues. lP @ Mt Zion Baptist-Lib. by Wells F.H.

*LAKE RELEASE: 1,500 CFS*LIBERTY BRIDGE: 6.40 ft ASL*

-VOLUME 19 NO. 176, FRIDAY SEPT. 17^TH 2004-

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District Attorney Mike Little said murder suspect Curtis Robinson, Jr. is currently being held in the Liberty Co. jail on a $700,000 bond. Experts say that amount will probably be reduced on the charges of robbery, burglary and vehicle theft filed against the Ames man, but he is also being held on a parole violation or “blue warrant”. Those arrested for parole violations are held without bond. The DA said Curtis Robinson, a suspect in the stabbing death of Daniel Tebo of Ames last Friday will not be released from custody for a while.

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The new 14,000 square foot Dayton Walgreen’s Pharmacy and Retail Store is scheduled to open on October 1^st on Hwy 90. A store official said installation of display racks and related items would be finished today with inventory arriving on Monday. Walgreen’s store hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. The store includes a large one-hour photo processing department and a two-lane drive through pick up window. Those applying for a job can do so in person starting Monday or on line at Walgreen.com. Be sure to reference Store # 7878 when filling our your application on line.

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The Liberty City Council appointed Councilman Charles McGuire to the Board of Directors of the Sam Rayburn Municipal Power Agency. J.C. Burnham stepped down from the board, saying he wanted to make way for someone younger to take his board position. Also, Mayor Bruce Halstead was again appointed as the city’s representative to the Houston Galveston Area Council’s General Assembly. Councilman Mark Beausoliel was selected as the HGAC alternate.

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The Dayton ISD is hosting an Open House tomorrow morning at 10 at the new Kimmie M. Brown Elementary School. All district patrons and community members are invited to attend a brief dedication ceremony and then tour the new school facility. The new school is at 151 Brown Road, at the FM 1409 Intersection, just south of Hwy 90 in Dayton.

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FUNERALS: Berne Gautreaux, 46 of Batson. Funeral services today at 10 am at Sterling Funeral Home, Dayton* Thelma Ethel Campbell, 66 of Liberty. Services at 2 p.m. Saturday at Allison Funeral Service, Liberty*

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*LAKE RELEASE: 1,500 CFS*LIBERTY BRIDGE: 7.11 ft ASL*