-VOLUME 17 NO.82, FRIDAY APRIL 27, 2001-

According to information from Chambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia, the proposed Home Depot Distribution Center to be located on FM 1405 became official on Wednesday when the home improvement retailer purchased the land for their new facility intended to supply store locations in six southern states. Already enormous at a proposed $1 million square feet, Home Depot has contracted an option to purchase an additional 50 acres adjacent to the original site and could expand the center to $2 million square feet. Judge Sylvia said he believed construction on the facility will begin next month and the center is expected to be open for business by the end of the year.

Sam’s Steak and Seafood Restaurant on Main St. in Liberty remains closed after a fire in the motor of an ice maker, discovered after midnight last Saturday, damaged a portion of the kitchen and caused smoke damage through out the building. Manager Ken Winfrey said repairs and renovations should be finished and the restaurant re-opened within the next few days.

Liberty County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Stephen Combs said the Hardin and Moss Hill communities have instituted a crime watch program in that area to allow citizens to assist local law enforcement agencies. Citizens involved in the program will be instructed on how to be more observant of their surroundings in spotting and reporting suspicious persons, vehicles or incidents. Those interested in the program are invited to a meeting at the Hardin Community Center on Friday May 11^th. Anyone interested in starting a crime watch program in their area should contact the Liberty County Sheriff’s Department at 336-4500.

All Nine Sports will have a high school baseball double-header today, beginning just before 4:30 p.m. with the Liberty Panthers in Hamshire Fannett to take on the Longhorns. Following that game, tune in as the Dayton Broncos face the Willis Wildcats for the district championship at Daniel Park in Dayton. Our broadcast of Dayton Broncos Baseball begins just before 7 p.m

4/27 FUNERALS: Myra Land, 93, of Liberty, Services at 4 p.m. today at Allison Funeral Service in Liberty

Willow Don Jones, 53, of Crockett, Graveside services at 10 a.m. tomorrow at Greenville Cemetery in Kenefick

Noemie Koenig died in Houston Texas at the age of 91 April 24, 2001.  She is
survived by daughters Betty Fischer,(Charles)Juanita Dominguez,(Luis). Mary
DePugh, Lola Hattox(Jerry) and sons, Rudy Jr. and Butch Koenig. Mrs. Koenig
and family were long time residents of Liberty, Texas.  Funeral is scheduled
for Friday, April 27, 2001, at  Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Bellaire, at
10:30.A.M. In lieu of flowers please make donations to University of St.
Thomas or St. Dominic's Nursing home in Houston,  In inquiries  to be made to
 Bellaire Southwest Funeral Home

**LAKE RELEASE: 9,000 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 11.31 ASL**

-VOLUME 17 NO.81, THURSDAY APRIL 26, 2001-

State Representative Zeb Zbranek said he plans to continue to work to insure that the state’s redistricting plan does not split Liberty and Chambers Counties into separate districts. Zbranek, who has long represented both counties, as well as Hardin County in District 20 said he has plenty of support for an amendment to the proposed plan that will keep those counties together. If the redistricting plan passes in its current form, Zbranek, a Chambers County resident would find himself in District 21 with an incumbent state representative, Allen Ritter.

Liberty Mayor and SRMPA President Bruce Halstead told the SRMPA Board at their meeting Tuesday there was a 50% chance the IRS would approve a private letter ruling in conjunction with the agency’s dissolution plan. Halstead and Jasper Mayor R.C. Horn recently met with IRS officials in Washington D.C. and reported the main problem seemed to be the IRS viewing the plan as a refinancing move than as a splitting of assets and liabilities between the SRMPA’s members cities. In other action Tuesday, the board tabled any action on a payment of more than $20,000 to the KPMG auditing firm of Houston. The board voted to fire KPMG last year when the firm did not provide the Year 2000 Audit on time. Now KPMG is refusing to return some SRMPA paperwork in lieu of payment.

The 12 and 1 Dayton Broncos Baseball Team ‘s have a chance to clinch the district championship tomorrow night as they take on the 11 and 2 Willis Wilcats, the only team to beat them in district play this year. The game will be at the Parker Baseball Complex in Dayton’s Daniel Park at 7 p.m. Meanwhile, Friday marks the final season game for the Liberty Panthers and the Hamshire Fannett Longhorns. The teams face each other tomorrow afternoon in Hamshire Fannett and All Nine Sports will broadcast that game live just before the 4:30 p.m. start.

According to owner Mike Barnes, the new Subway restaurant in Liberty set to open next Wednesday on North Main Street. Barnes, who also owns Subway locations in Dayton and Crosby said he will be hiring from 9 to 10 employees and those interested should contact Stacy Seay at the Dayton Subway at 258-7222. The interior decorations of the new restaurant will be pictures of New York Subways to keep with the Subway theme.

-VOLUME 17 NO.80, WEDNESDAY APRIL 25, 2001-

Redistricting plans released from Austin propose significant changes in the Senatorial and Representative Districts for Liberty and Chambers Counties. The Representative District plan proposes moving Chambers County from District 20 into District 21 with a portion of Jefferson County and creating a new district- District 158 for all of Liberty and Hardin Counties plus a small portion of Montgomery County. Longtime District 20 Representative Zeb Zbranek and District 21 Representative Alan Ritter could either relocate to another district or run against each other for the District 21 House seat. Liberty and Chambers Counties would still remain part of State Senator David Bernsen’s District #4, but Montgomery County would not. District #4 would include parts of Harris and Galveston Counties, as well as all of Orange, Jasper, Newton, Tyler, Polk and San Jacinto Counties. The proposed plans must still be passed by the State Legislature and approved by the Governor.

The Liberty ISD Board of Trustees met in special session yesterday afternoon and authorized Mark McLiney of Southwest Securities to create qualified zone academies for the $1 million in interest-free bonds the district will receive from the state for facility repairs. The bonds are to be paid out over 14 years with the district receiving approximately $75,000 annually. Superintendent Dr. Douglas Moore said the interest-free bonds would save the district over $600,000 over a ten-year period.

According to Gary Vandeventer, Vice-President and Manager of Heritage Bank in Liberty, the bank’s name will officially become Prosperity Bank as of May 1^st, though changes in signs and letterheads for both the Liberty and Cleveland branches will probably not be completed until next fall. The Heritage and Prosperity Bancshares merger became final on February 15^th, but it was not then known of the name would actually change.

Information on the "Texas Tomorrow Fund" program that allows families to lock in the cost of a child’s future college tuition at today’s prices is now available at the Liberty-Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce at 1801 Trinity in Liberty. Booklets can be picked up during regular business hours. The deadline to enroll in the program is May 25^th 2001. All applications must be postmarked by that date.

**LAKE RELEASE: 9,000 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 12.50 ASL**

-VOLUME 17 NO.78, MONDAY APRIL 23, 2001-

Last Thursday, The Liberty Masons honored Sandra J. Pickett with their Community Builders Award. This honor is bestowed to a non-Mason who they feel most closely met the ideals and standards of Masonry. Sandy Pickett served for 24 years on the Liberty City Council and as Mayor Pro-Tem and also served as one of Liberty's representatives to the Sam Rayburn Municipal Power Agency. Masonic Worshipful Master Donnie Smith said, Sandy has served her community with honesty and integrity since coming here 37 years ago.

The Liberty Panthers Baseball Team moved their district record to 5-3 with a 4-3 9-inning win over the Huffman-Hargrave Falcons Friday night. Kody Fiedler pitched 7 strong innings for the Panthers, and Junior Craig Rader came into to pitch the final 2 innings. The Panthers next game will be tomorrow night against the district leading Hardin-Jefferson Hawks. That game will be at Liberty Municipal Park and All Nine Radio's live broadcast will begin just before 7 PM.

The Board of Directors of the Sam Rayburn Municipal Power Agency will meet in Jasper tomorrow at 10 AM and on the agenda for them to consider is the final payment due to the auditing firm of KPMG-Pete Marwick of Houston. The Board of Directors voted to terminate the auditing firm for the fiscal year 2000 audit in October and was replaced by Donnelly, Gainer and Desroache. KPMG retained some work papers and the Board of Directors needs to decide if they should make the final payment to retain those papers or if they should attempt to recreate the numbers on those papers. Liberty Mayor Bruce Halstead, who serves as Board President for the SRMPA, said they are not sure what information those papers contain.

4/23 FUNERAL: Arrie B. Bradford, 83 of Liberty. Funeral services will be today at 11 AM at the Trinity Valley Baptist Church in Liberty. ** Julia A. "Julie" Fontenot, 91 of Hardin. Funeral services will be today at 10 AM at the Hardin Chapel Cemetery in Hardin. ** Robert Laviene, 59 of Liberty. Funeral services will be tomorrow at 11 AM at the Godfrey Chapel Church of God in Christ in Liberty. ** Katheryn Nell "Cassie" Zaruba, 71 of Cleveland. Funeral services will be today at 11 AM at the Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton.

**LAKE RELEASE: 11,000 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 14.76 ASL**

-VOLUME 17 NO.77, FRIDAY APRIL 20, 2001-

The Annual Bellamy Scholarships have been announced and a total of $46,000 will be awarded to Liberty County students. Liberty Seniors Stephanie Marie Cryer and Rahkia Shivonne Hanks, Dayton Senior Shane Wade Gibson, Hull-Daisetta Senior Linda Johnson and Hardin Senior Dawn Michelle Sehon will each receive $8,000 scholarship awards and Dayton Senior Kevin Lawrence Fontenot will receive $2,000. Supplemental awards of $2,000 each go to past Bellamy scholars Larry R. Hutson Jr. and Monica Semien, both LHS graduates. In the past 20 years, the estate of the late Dr. Richard and Esther Bellamy has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships.

Mt Belvieu Police are seeking information on two convenience store burglaries that occurred roughly 48 hours apart this week. Police report the first burglary was at a store located on FM 565 and Loop 207 around 5 a.m. Tuesday, while the second was at a convenience store in the 1300 block of Hwy 146 near Cherry Point Drive at about 4 a.m. Thursday. In both cases, the suspect or suspects entered through the front of the store and took an undisclosed amount of property. Anyone with information is asked to call Mt. Belvieu Police at 281-576-2417 or Chambers County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-252-TIPS.

The Liberty Lady Panthers Track Team made LHS history by winning last weekend’s district meet and capturing the 22-3A Championship. Liberty accumulated a total of 193 points scoring 1^st place finishes in both the 4 x 100 and 4 x 400 Relays, as well as the 3200 Meter, 1600 Meter, 800 Meter, 400 Meter, Shot Put and Discus. Now, the Lady Panthers will head to the Regional Meet on April 27^th and 28^th at Humble High School.

The 9^th Annual Dayton Ole Tyme Days Festival starts tomorrow at 9 a.m. in downtown Dayton, with activities continuing though out the day, evening and during the day on Sunday. Events include the Classic Auto Show, the Goat Dressing Competition, the BBQ Cook Off, the Street Dance with Southern Breeze, plus food, arts and crafts, entertainment and much more. For more information on Dayton Ole Tyme Days, call 258-2642.

4/20 FUNERAL: Odessa Ozan, 60, of Raywood, Services at 11 a.m. tomorrow at St. Miles Baptist Church in Ames.

**LAKE RELEASE: 11,000 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 18.80 ASL**

-VOLUME 17 NO.76, THURSDAY APRIL 19, 2001-

One of the main topics discussed by Liberty County Commissioners at Tuesday’s budget workshop is the county’s contract with Corrections Corporation of America, the private company that has operated the Liberty County Jail for the past 7 years. CCA is currently attempting to negotiate an extension of that contract that, according to County Judge Lloyd Kirkham, could raise the county’s cost as much as $1 million. Should negotiations fail, jail operation will become the responsibility of the county sheriff, as it was prior to privatization.

Residents of Liberty County Precinct #4 are being invited to two informational meetings about the status of a pending lawsuit against Liberty County over the state of road conditions in that area. The meetings will be Tuesday April 24^th, with one at the Old River-Winfree Community Bldg. on FM 565 and the other across from Simmons Grocery on FM 1008. Both begin at 7 p.m. We reported in early February that nearly 300 people are suing the county for money to repair their roads.

The Liberty ISD Board of Trustees met Tuesday night and voted to adopt the much-discussed new calendar for the 2001-2002 school year. The new school calendar calls for LISD students to begin classes after Labor Day next year and Superintendent Dr. Douglas Moore said the money saved on electricity needed to run the campuses air conditioning at high levels by starting school later each year will be substantial.

The Dayton Broncos moved their district baseball record to 10 and 1 Tuesday night with a 5 to 3 win over Forest Brook. The Broncos next game is tomorrow night at the Parker Baseball Complex in Dayton’s Daniel Park against Crosby. All Nine Sports will broadcast that game live beginning shortly before 7 p.m. Meanwhile, the Liberty Panthers lost a tough one to the Barbers Hill Eagles 6 to 4 Tuesday. The Panthers next game is tomorrow night at 7 p.m. against the Falcons in Huffman.

4/19 FUNERALS:

Christian Issiah Watkins, Infant son of Princeton Kyle Watkins and Xanthe Lee Johns of Dayton, Graveside services at 11 a.m. tomorrow at Palms Memorial Park in Dayton.

Melba Laird, 88, formerly of Dayton, Services at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow in Dahlonega, Georgia.

-VOLUME 17 NO.75, WEDNESDAY APRIL 18, 2001-

On Monday, a Chambers County Grand Jury resumed deliberations in the attempted capitol murder case of 42-year-old Vernon Coates of Anahuac. As reported, Coates is charged with driving to run down Chambers County Deputy Sgt. Frank Saye with his car on March 15^th, while claiming that the charge was manufactured because he had made misconduct allegations against Saye and other officers in the department. Among those witnesses called to testify Monday was former Liberty County Sheriff O.J. Stewart, who appeared as a character witness for Sgt. Saye, a former Liberty County Sheriff’s Deputy. The grand jury heard testimony all day Monday and then adjourned, again with no decision and will reconvene on Friday.

The Mayors of Liberty and Ames have declared this Saturday as Reggie White Day in both cities as the celebrated Liberty High School Athlete will be participating the NFL draft, having decided to forgo his last year of collegiate eligibility. Fans will be gathered at Sam’s Steak and Seafood in Liberty from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. to watch the draft on television and Reggie himself is expected there after he is drafted this Saturday.

The Dayton City Council met Monday night and approved an amendment to the city’s much-discussed truck route ordinance. The amendment allows residents to park unloaded trailers on their personal property within the city limits, so long as those trailers are permitted and the owners can show proof that the trailers were parked on that property prior to August 7^th, 2000 when council passed the initial ordinance.

Perhaps the most interesting race coming up on May 5^th in our area is the special election to fill the seat on the Ames City Council left vacant by the resignation of Keith Varner. No candidates filed for the seat and with no other candidate on the ballot facing any opposition, the city still must hold the election since a write-in candidate can be legally entered on the ballot up to and including Election Day itself in a special election. If no write-in candidate appears to fill Varner’s position, then council will appoint a replacement after the election.

4/18 FUNERAL: Tom B. Taylor, 88, of Daisetta, Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Central Baptist Church in Daisetta.

**LAKE RELEASE: 17,000 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 22.31 ASL**

-VOLUME 17 NO.74, TUESDAY APRIL 17, 2001-

Liberty County Sheriff’s Sgt. Stephen Combs said a 56-year-old Sam Houston Lake Estates man, missing this past weekend was found in good condition yesterday afternoon. A search was launched for Charles Harper when he did not return home from a trip to the river Saturday night. Harper was found on CR# 2252 around 2:45 p.m. yesterday, dehydrated but alert, having been stranded when his truck became stuck in the mud. Harper was taken to Cleveland Regional Medical Center in good condition.

DPS Trooper Bobby Risch said a rain-slick roadway caused a vehicle driven by Calvin Cox, 20, of Dayton to hydroplane out of control on Hwy 146 near the Liberty-Chambers County Line yesterday afternoon. Cox’s vehicle crossed over into oncoming traffic, striking a dump truck operated by Kenneth Geisendorf, 43, of Liberty. A chain reaction ensued as 25-year-old Candy Hart of Dayton stopped suddenly behind the truck and was rear-ended by a propane truck. That truck, driven by Scott David Craig, 32, of Vidor was, in turn, rear-ended by Jeanne Malone, 37, of Deer Park. A passenger in that vehicle, Montaha Jaber, 36, also of Deer Park, was transported along with Candy Hart to Baycoast Regional Medical Center in Baytown with minor injuries. Traffic was slowed for almost an hour at the scene.

State-funded renovations to the Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center in Liberty began early last month and Sam Center Director Robert Schaadt said the facility is still open for research, although the displays inside are being temporarily closed. Those planning a trip to the center are urged to call ahead to determine the current construction schedule at 336-8821.

Early voting in the May 5^th city and school board elections begins tomorrow at local municipal and school district administration offices. With no contested races on the ballot, the cities of Liberty and Dayton, and the Liberty ISD have all three cancelled their elections. The Dayton ISD has one contested school trustee race, between Luke Chachere and Randy Remsing. There are also contested trustee races the Hardin, Hull-Daisetta and Devers ISDs. Early voting ends May 1^st.

4/17 FUNERAL: Vernon Horace Fregia, 76, of Batson, Services at 10 a.m. tomorrow at Allison Funeral Service in Liberty.

**LAKE RELEASE: 17,000 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 22.36 ASL**

-VOLUME 17 NO.73, MONDAY APRIL 16, 2001-

A two-vehicle accident on Highway 321 North of Dayton Thursday night sent 7 people to local hospitals. According to Department of Public Safety Trooper Bobby Risch, Jamie Turner, 24 of Channelview, was traveling south on 321 and apparently turned in front of a northbound vehicle being driven by Harley Tillery, 18 of Dayton. Tillery and his passenger, Lucas Herndon, 17 of Dayton, were taken by Westlake EMS to Baycoast Regional Hospital in Baytown. Turner and her passenger's Randy Segura, 7, Dustin Segura, 6, Mario Segura, 4 and Christina Yoder, 7, all of Channelview, were taken by Liberty County EMS and Liberty EMS to Liberty Dayton Hospital and San Jacinto Methodist Hospital in Baytown.

On Wednesday of last week, The Chambers-Liberty County Narcotics Task Force arrested William Randell Remsing Jr. after a reliable source said he was allegedly seen selling illegal drugs to both adults and juveniles. A media release from the Task Force reported a 9-MM pistol; an undetermined amount of cocaine, several "ecstasy" pills and about $800 in cash was seized at the Dayton residence. Mr. Remsing, who is running for a position on the Dayton Independent School District Board of Trustees, was charged with possession and delivery of a controlled substance and released after posting a $40,000 bond.

The City of Liberty Police Department arrested three juvenile subjects Thursday night after allegedly Burglarizing Griffin's Liberty Pharmacy. According to a press release from the police department, an alarm system alerted the police and when they arrived they found one subject outside of the building and 2 more hiding inside. The 3 male subjects, ages 11,12 and 14 were taken into custody and charged with burglary of a building.

The Liberty County Commissioners will meet in a budget workshop on both Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. Both meetings will begin at 9 AM and will be held at the Juvenile Probation Meeting Room of the County Courthouse.

4/16 FUNERAL:

Dewey Gordon Graves, 79 of Dayton. Services will be today at 10 AM at the Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton.

Christopher Sterling Joseph, 29 of Cove. Services will be today at 2 PM at the Old River Baptist Church.

**LAKE RELEASE: 24,400 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 24.42 ASL**

-VOLUME 17 NO.72, THURSDAY APRIL 12, 2001-

Liberty County Commissioners met with Austin attorney Tom Pollan Tuesday in a special redistricting workshop and began the process of redrawing precinct lines in the county. 2000 census figures minus prison inmates, leaves the county with 65,709 or 16,427 per commissioners’ precinct. The population difference between the most populous precinct, currently Precinct #4 and the least populous, Precinct #1, cannot be more than 10% after redistricting if the U.S. Justice Dept. is to approve the plan.

A vacationing Hardin High School Sophomore, Mitchell Sutterfield, suffered serious injuries but survived the wreck of a light plane that claimed the life of the pilot in Florida earlier this week. The 15-year-old, who was visiting his grandparents at the time, said he was a passenger in the ultra-lite "pelican" aircraft when mechanical problems resulted in it striking a canal as the pilot attempted to take off. The Hardin youth was taken to a Florida hospital with 2 broken legs, burns and lacerations, but said he is expected to be back home in Texas in about a week.

The Liberty City Council met Tuesday night and joined the Dayton City Council and Liberty ISD in canceling their May 5^th election, as allowed under state law, when ballot positions have candidates without opposition. Incumbents J.C. Burnham and Dennis Beasley will each begin their second terms on council after the election and incumbent Bruce Wright starts his third.

The 9^th Annual Dayton Ole Tyme Days Festival is coming up the weekend of April 20^th and 21^st. The streets of downtown Dayton will come alive with arts and crafts, food, a classic car show, live entertainment and more. The Street Dance is that Saturday night with the music of "Southern Breeze" and tickets are $5 for adults, $3 dollars for children. For more information, call Dayton City Hall at 258-2642 or log on to oletymedays.com.

The Liberty County Courthouse and all city offices in Liberty and Dayton will be closed tomorrow in observance of Good Friday. Brazos Transit buses will not run tomorrow or Saturday and both the Liberty Municipal Library and the Jones Public Library in Dayton will be closed tomorrow and Saturday. Garbage service will run as scheduled tomorrow in both Liberty and Dayton. All banks and post offices will be open.

**LAKE RELEASE: 24,400 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 24.42 ASL**

-VOLUME 17 NO.71, WEDNESDAY APRIL 11, 2001-

Monday’s Liberty County Day at the State Capitol in Austin is being described as a huge success with county residents who made the trip being recognized on the floors of both houses of the legislature. Senator David Bernsen made the introductions in the Senate and State Representative Zeb Zbranek, did the same in the House. More than 2,025 county residents and legislators were served lunch by County residents on the capitol grounds.

Liberty County Commissioners met Tuesday and gave 30 days notice of cancellation to the contact with the law firm of Linebarger, Heard, Goggan, Blair, Graham, Pina and Simpson. Commissioners had contracted with the firm to collect payment on fees owed the county, for a percentage of the amount collected. Precinct #2 Commissioner Lee Groce said the firm had been unresponsive since being denied the go ahead to collect unpaid J.P. Court fines. The firm had been told the agreement was only for unpaid fines assessed by the County Court At-Law.

This week, the Magnolia Ridge Country Club Board of Directors is expected to open bids for construction of a new 5,000 sq. ft. Clubhouse to replace the more-than-forty-year-old structure destroyed by fire last July. Magnolia Ridge volunteer member Horace Calvert said the board will open and consider bids, then decide how soon construction should begin.

The Liberty Panthers Baseball Team moved their district record to 4 and 2 after defeating the Kountze Lions 10 to 0 Monday night. Panther pitcher Kody Fiedler pitched his second official no-hitter of the season and the Liberty batters stayed hot getting 13 hits off two Kountze pitchers. The Panthers’ next game is Tuesday April 17^th against last year’s co-district champions the Barbers Hill Eagles set for 7 p.m. at the Liberty City Park.

This Sunday the Annual Easter Sunrise Services at Palms Memorial Park begin at 6:55 a.m., sponsored by the cemetery, Sterling Funeral Home and the Dayton Ministerial Alliance. The public is invited for services and music provided by local ministers. Palms Memorial Park is south of Dayton on Hwy 146.

4/11 FUNERAL: Mark McMillan, 49, of Cleveland, Services at 10 a.m. tomorrow at Pace Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton.

**LAKE RELEASE: 24,400 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 24.65 ASL**

-VOLUME 17 NO.70, TUESDAY APRIL 10, 2001-

According to DPS Senior Trooper Richard Vasser, 17-year-old Chastity LeGrand was eastbound on I-10 in Chambers County around 6 p.m. Saturday night when her vehicle crossed over a grassy median into westbound traffic. The Baytown teen’s car struck a vehicle driven by Craig Wade, 37, of Highlands and was, in turn hit by a truck tractor driven by James King, 38, of Alvin. Chastity LeGrand was pronounced dead at the accident scene and Craig Wade was transported by air ambulance to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston in stable condition. Mr. Wade’s wife, Mitzi and their two children, ages 10 and 13, passengers in the vehicle, and James King were all treated and released from separate Baytown Hospitals.

County Judge Jimmy Sylvia said about 70 people marched peacefully last Friday at the Chambers County Courthouse to protest the grand jury hearing for Vernon Coates of Anahuac, charged with Attempted Capitol Murder. Coates allegedly tried to run over a Chambers County Sheriff’s Officer with his vehicle last month. Coates maintains the charge is bogus, made in retaliation for misconduct accusations he has leveled at sheriff’s deputies. The grand jury heard evidence for almost 9 hours without reaching a decision and will reconvene on April 16^th.

Kenefick Volunteer Firefighter John Cain, 23, suffered a sprained ankle but no other injuries were reported when a home off FM 1008 was destroyed by fire early Saturday morning. The manufactured home fire was reported around 5:30 a.m. and personnel from the Kenefick, Dayton and Westlake Volunteer Fire Departments were called to fight the blaze. Cain suffered a fall inside the damaged structure after the fire was out.

This Saturday it’s the 18^th Annual Shine All Nine Easter Egg Hunt in the Liberty City Park. The event is free to kids 9 and under who will be hunting for 5,000 candy-filled eggs, 90 prize eggs to be exchanged for a toy and 3 grand prize eggs, each to be exchanged for a new bike and safety helmet. Tune in to 99.9 FM this Saturday for instructions. The go signal is given at 10 a.m., but you will want to come earlier for a parking space.

4/10 FUNERAL: Bernard William Dike, Jr., 75, of Liberty, Services at 10 a.m. Thurs. at Navarre Funeral Home in Baytown.

**LAKE RELEASE: 26,600 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 25.35 ASL**

-VOLUME 17 NO. 69, MONDAY, APRIL 09, 2001-

According to Liberty County Constable Precinct #2 Jimmy Belt, Mark Allen Bruce, 35 of the Devers area, was arrested Friday night after allegedly robbing the Devers Grocery Store on Highway 90. The Liberty County Sheriff’s Department received a 9-1-1 call Friday night at approximately 6:45 p.m. stating that the clerk working at the store had been forced at knife point to hand over the money in his cash register. The clerk did not report any injuries to the police. The Sheriff’s department and Constable Belt arrived at the scene and about 25 minutes later, Constable Belt found Bruce walking through the marshy area behind the old Devers School. Department of Public Safety Troopers Gary Wright and Bobby Risch also aided in looking for the man. After further investigation, Mark Allen Bruce was arrested and charged with aggravated robbery.

Liberty County Sheriff’s Captain George Ellington said the parents of an 11-year-old, who reportedly shot himself at home on March 14^th, have been charged with making a firearm accessible to a child. The boy, who apparently wanted sympathy or attention from his family, shot himself with a gun reportedly belonging to his father, then told authorities an intruder was to blame for the shooting. Madge Dianne Lasco and Paul David Lasco were accompanied by their attorney while turning themselves in to police Wednesday night and were subsequently released on a personnel recognizance bond.

Longtime Barbers Hill Girls Basketball Head Coach Pennee Hall has resigned to accept an assistant coach’s job at Stephen F. Austin University. Barbers Hill Athletic Director Dan Price said Hall, with the school since 1992, leaves behind a team with 103 game district winning streak and has the distinction of helping the Lady Eagles bring home two State Championships: First as a player in 1982, then as head coach in 1997.

4/9 FUNERALS:

Velma Lee Stubbs Green, 70, of Houston. Services at 2 PM today at Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton.

David "Goob" Bishop, 38, of Liberty. Services at 2 PM today at Pace Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton.

Womba "Wayne" McBride, 46 of Baytown. Services tomorrow at 10 AM at the Sterling Funeral Home in Anahuac.

Elizabeth Rose Mican Fisher, 89 of Highlands. Services at 2 PM tomorrow at the St. Anne’s Mission Catholic Church in Eastgate.

**LAKE RELEASE: 26,600 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 25.36 ASL**

-VOLUME 17 NO. 68, FRIDAY, APRIL 06, 2001-

The investigation of the robbery of Bayshore National Bank in Liberty continues and police are seeking information from anyone who may have been in or near the Liberty City Park on Tuesday afternoon between 2 and 2:30 p.m. That is when the suspect drove to the park in a small black pickup and left in a small red older model passenger car in the company of a white female. Anyone who may have seen something is urged to contact Liberty Police, the Liberty County Sheriff’s Dept. or the FBI in Beaumont. A $1,000 Crime Stoppers reward is offered for information on the Bayshore robbery and a $4,000 reward in connection with the Hull State Bank robbery on Feb. 12^th. It is believed the two crimes may be connected.

The Baytown Sun Newspaper reported that a protest is planned today at the Chambers Courthouse in Anahuac in support of Vernon Coates and his allegations of racial profiling and police misconduct against the Chambers County Sheriff’s Dept. A grand jury begins hearing evidence today on the charge Coates, attempted to murder a Chambers County Sheriff’s Officer last month by running him down with a vehicle. Coates’ attorney claims the charge is retaliation for accusations of police brutality Coates made earlier against Sheriff’s Deputies. Chief Deputy Dearl Hardy said Coates’ accusations, as well as similar ones reportedly made by another man this week, are false.

City of Liberty residents will have about a 50/50 chance of losing electrical power for approximately 90 minutes beginning Sunday at 7 a.m. Electrical Superintendent Don Ivey said one or two switches have to be repaired and one of the two major feeders providing the city with power has to be shut down.

District Attorney Mike Little is extending a county wide invitation to the Annual Candlelight Vigil for victims of crime and child abuse on Thursday April 19^th at 6:30 at the Liberty County Courthouse. The vigil is an occasion to remember the victims and alert the public to the realities of crime and child abuse. For more information, call Kathy Lowe at 336-4612.

4/6 FUNERAL: Clarence Bernard Carter, 86, of Liberty, Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Allison Funeral Service.

**LAKE RELEASE: 26,600 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 25.36 ASL**

-VOLUME 17 NO. 67, THURSDAY, APRIL 05, 2001-

According to FBI Agent Robert Loosle, there is a good chance that the persons who robbed Bayshore National Bank in Liberty Tuesday are the same ones who robbed Hull State Bank in Hull on Feb. 12^th. In both robberies, a single white male suspect armed with a handgun entered the bank, vaulted over a counter, took cash and fled the scene in a vehicle reported stolen not long before the robbery. Agent Loosle described the suspect as a white male, between 150 and 160 pounds, and between 5’6" and 5’10" in height, possibly driving a small black or red passenger car, accompanied by a white female with wavy brown hair. Anyone with information on either bank robbery is urged to call Liberty Police at 336-5666 or the FBI in Beaumont at 832-8571.

On Tuesday, Liberty County Commissioners met in the first of several budget workshops to determine the county budget for Fiscal Year 2002. One item of agreement among commissioners already is the proposal of a 15% pay increase for themselves and other elected county officials. The last pay increase for officials came in 1999, 16.6% increases for commissioners and the county judge, while other elected officials received an 11.1% increase. Pay raises for county officials were included in last year’s budget, but commissioners did not give the prior posted notice to be able to legally approve them.

The latest drop in electrical rates in the City of Liberty is apparent in the March billing statements to residential customers. Information from the city indicates that residential customers are now paying $82.64 per 1000 kilowatt-hours compared to $103.27 per 1000 kilowatt-hours in April 1998. City Officials report that adds up to a 19% drop in electrical rates and brings the price Liberty residents are paying for electricity on a par with the average for the State of Texas.

The Liberty Panthers Baseball Team, after a 4-1 loss to Hardin Jefferson Tuesday night, dropped to 2 and 2 in district play. The Panthers will take on the Hampshire-Fannett Longhorns Friday night at 7 p.m. at the Liberty City Park. Meanwhile, the Dayton Broncos lost their first district game of the season, losing, 5-2 to the Willis Wildcats. Our live broadcast of the Dayton-New Caney game tomorrow night begins shortly before 7 p.m.

**LAKE RELEASE: 33,200 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 26.18 ASL**

-VOLUME 17 NO. 66, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 04, 2001-

Law enforcement officials are searching for two suspects in connection to the robbery of Bayshore National Bank in Liberty yesterday afternoon. It was around 2:30 p.m. when a lone gunman described as a white male, entered the bank and took money from the bank’s drive-thru area. The man reportedly drove to the Liberty City Park in a compact pickup that Liberty Police confirm was reported stolen from the Brookshire Brothers Parking lot in Liberty on March 28^th. Witnesses said the suspect left the park in a small red passenger car in the company of a second suspect described only as a white female. Investigators have observed striking similarities in this crime and the robbery of the Hull State Bank in Hull on Monday February 12^th.

According to a corporate news release, Aquila Inc., a subsidiary of Utilicorp United has purchased an underground salt dome cavern site west of Dayton from SG Resources to build a 12 billion cubic foot natural gas storage facility. Aquilla has also purchased an additional 168 acres of land estimated to accommodate as many as five more 8 billion cubic foot capacity caverns. It is not yet been confirmed whether or not that land is also in the Dayton area. The project is estimated to be operational next year and completed by 2004.

The Dayton City Council met Monday night and, as expected, voted to cancel the May 5^th council election since only the three incumbents are running for office. They are Mayor Larry Harris and Councilmen Herb Brown and "Frosty" Pruitt. In other action, council agreed to grant a special exception to the city’s manufactured home ordinance to allow the Texas Baptist Men’s Group to bring some 25 RV’s into Dayton for construction of a new visitor’s center at the Hightower Prison Unit.

Hardin Hornets Offensive/Defensive Lineman Joey Nunan has been selected for the Texas High School Coaches Association All- Star Football Game this summer in Ft. Worth. Hardin Head Football Coach Jack Parker reportedly nominated Nunan for the prestigious game and the selection committee announced Sunday the Hardin Senior was picked for the South Team. Nunan, joins eight other Southeast Texas seniors also chosen to compete in the All-Star Game at Amon Carter Stadium on July 31st.

**LAKE RELEASE: 33,200 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 26.18 ASL**

-VOLUME 17 NO. 65, TUESDAY, APRIL 03, 2001-

Last week in the 75^th District Court, Marcus Easterly Sr., of Cleveland led no-contest to a charge of manslaughter in the death, almost two years ago, of his three-year-old son. Assistant District Attorney Steve Greene said it was May 12^th 1999, when the man called 911 to report that he had discovered the child, Marcus Easterly Jr. submerged in a bath tub full of water in his home. Initially charged with capitol murder, Easterly was offered the reduced charge when it was discovered additional autopsy information from the Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office disagreed with the initial autopsy finding of homicide. The secondary report indicated the little boy’s death could have been accidental. Judge J.C. "Zeke" Zbranek sentenced Marcus Easterly Sr. to 10 years in prison on the charge of manslaughter.

According to Patty Riddlebarger, Texas Communications Manager for Entergy, the proposed merger between one this area’s largest power distributors and the Florida Lighting and Power Group announced last July has been terminated. Had that merger been successfully completed, the companies would have joined to form the largest power generating company in the United States, but Riddlebarger said it had become apparent during the merger talks the two electrical suppliers had very different ideas about organizing the new company. Those philosophical differences resulted in the merger’s termination.

Monsignor Paul Fee has died, after more than 50 years as a clergyman in churches all over southeast Texas, including service as priest of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Liberty in 1949. Bishop Curtis John Guillory of Beaumont will perform funeral services for the monsignor today at 10 a.m. in the church he co-founded and served for twenty-five years: St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Dayton.

Tickets are available now for the Annual Liberty-Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce Secretary-Bosses Luncheon on April 25^th at noon in the Liberty City Hall Auditorium. As each year, there will be plenty of food and door prizes donated by local merchants. Tickets to the event are $9 and those who plan to attend are encouraged to get them early. Call the Liberty-Dayton Area Chamber Office at 336-5736 for reservations.

**LAKE RELEASE: 35,400 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 26.24 ASL**

VOLUME 17 NO. 64, MONDAY, APRIL 02, 2001

Vernon Coates, of Chambers County, who was arrested for attempted capitol murder, has accused the Chambers County Sheriff’s Department of police brutality and racial profiling. Coates is said to have apparently attempted to run over a Sheriff’s Officer with his car. According to Ed Lieck, the attorney for Vernon Coates , the situation is that of a make up crime. Coates had been arrested 2 weeks earlier for misdemeanor offenses and complained to the Federal Bureau of Investigation about mishandling by the Sheriff’s Department. Lieck said his client did not attempt to run over the officer, he was simply trying to leave the scene in order to avoid further incidence. He also said he has 4 other affidavits from people who had to be hospitalized after being arrested by the Chambers County Sheriff’s Department. Chambers County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Dearl Hardy said he is only aware of the complaint from Coates and the real issue that Mr. Coates attempted to kill a Sheriff’s Officer is being overlooked.

The Liberty Panthers Baseball Team moved their district record to 2 and 0 after a 1 to 0 win over the Huffman Hartgrave Falcons Friday night. The Panthers were led by a complete game no-hitter by Panthers pitcher Kody Fiedler, his second of the year. The Liberty Panthers next game will be tonight in Mont Belvieu against last years district champions the Barbers Hill Eagles. This game will get underway at 6 PM.

KSHN Radio and Liberty Dayton Hospital will hold their 6^th Annual Free Prostate Screening Clinic Saturday between 8 AM and noon at the Outpatient Clinic of the Hospital. Doctors recommend that men over the age of 50 and African American Men or men with a family history of prostate cancer over the age of 40 should have the exam done annually. To reserve an appointment, call the Outpatient Clinic at 336-3073.

The Dayton Broncos Baseball Team moved to 5 and 0 in district with a 2 to 1 win over the Crosby Cougars Saturday afternoon. The Broncos next game will be tonight against the Caney Creek Panthers. The game will be in Caney Creek and is scheduled to start at 6 PM. This is a make up game for Friday night’s game which was rescheduled.

**LAKE RELEASE: 35,400 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 26.90 ASL