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-VOLUME 21 NO. 81 FRIDAY APRIL 28^TH, 2006-

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More than a year after South Liberty County voters approved the creation of a hospital district, the final elements of litigation brought against that election have been resolved. Assistant County Attorney Mark Beausoleil said a judge’s decision on Monday disposed of the state court action brought by opponents of the hospital district. A second suit filed in federal court challenging the Election’s legality was denied some time ago.

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During Tuesday’s Commissioners Court Meeting, County Emergency Management Coordinator Leroy Hanel informed commissioners of a program in the works to provide county residents warnings by phone in the event of an emergency disaster. It is known as the first call program, and acts as sort of a reverse 911 system. Warning calls are sent out to folks in an emergency to provide information about the nature of the threat and what citizens should do. Hanel did not estimate on when the system would be ready for use.

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Kidfish is this Sunday from 1 to 4 pm at the Liberty City Park. Sponsored by BJ Ford and the Burnham Family, Kidfish is free to all kids under 17. Parents and children are invited to come out and enjoy a day of fishing together. Kids can bring their own fishing equipment, or everything will be provided. For more information on Kidfish, call Robert Dunn at 936 336 2215.

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Former longtime reporter of the Liberty Vindicator, Britt Hall, who left that post after graduating from the South Texas Law School, and passing the bar, we learned yesterday, has been missing since early January. Information from the State Bar of Texas indicates he was last seen in his leased law office January 3^rd. Family has hired a private investigator, but to no avail. He has not used his social security number or his credit card, and his car has not been found.

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Today’s All Nine Partyline Program at 8:30 a.m. features the candidates in the Liberty ISD Special Election on May 13. Listeners are invited to call in their questions for Raymond Gilmore, Kenneth Flournoy, Ragis Fontenot Jr. and Bobby Pope.

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Funerals: Willie Savannah, 67 of Baytown. Services pending at Well’s Funeral Service of Liberty.

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**LAKE RELEASE: 1,000 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.47 ASL**

-VOLUME 21 NO. 80 THURSDAY APRIL 27^TH, 2006-

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According to Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden Danny Diaz, three-year-old Damian Keith Abbot became the first drowning victim of the season in Liberty County last Saturday when he fell from a poorly maintained fishing pier near his home. Reported missing from Trinity River Lake Estates just before noon, the child’s body was recovered by divers in a small lake around 4 p.m. Danny Diaz said the numerous loose and broken boards of the pier could have been contributing factors. Precinct #3 JP Phil Fitzgerald said in his opinion the drowning was accidental and did not order an autopsy performed.

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Early voting in the May 13^th City Council and School Board Elections starts Monday May 1^st and continues weekdays through Tuesday May 9^th. The state requires that two early voting days this year for city elections are to be extended to 12 hours and those are different for Liberty voters and Dayton voters. Early voting hours in Liberty only are 7:30 to 5:30 Mon. –Wed. of next week, 7 to 7 Thurs., 7:30 to 1 Fri., 7 to 7 on Mon. May 8^th, 7:30 to 5:30 Tues. May 9^th. In the City of Dayton, early voting is 8 to 5 Mon. – Fri. next week and from 8 to 8 Mon. and Tues. May 8^th and 9^th. All school district elections have early voting during normal business hours, as usual.

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The 25^th Annual Hull-Daisetta Mayhaw Festival is today through Saturday in Downtown Daisetta. Activities include the carnival, arts and crafts, food booths, the BBQ Cook Off, the Mayhaw Cake and Jelly Contest, the Mayhaw Festival Parade at 10 a.m. Saturday and the free Street Dance Saturday from 8 p.m. to Midnight. For information, call Mayhaw Festival President Aubrey Fregia at 936-587-4956.

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Tomorrow’s All Nine Partyline Program at 8:30 a.m. will feature the four candidates in the Liberty School Board Special Election on May 13^th. Raymond Gilmore, Kenneth Flournoy, Ragis Fontenot Jr. and Bobby Pope are seeking to fill the two years remaining on the recently retired Carl Pickett’s term on the LISD Board. Listeners are invited to call or fax in their questions for the candidates.

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FUNERALS: Michael Ray Anderson, 49, formerly of Hardin, Private Memorial Service scheduled.

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**LAKE RELEASE: 1,000 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.69 ASL**

-VOLUME 21 NO. 78 TUESDAY APRIL 25^TH, 2006-

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The recipients of the 2006 Bellamy Scholarships have been announced. This year’s $10,000 scholarship recipients are, from Dayton, Michael Brazos Fielder, from Hardin, Elizabeth Nicole Golden. Liberty High School seniors Joanna Martinez and Trevor Delaney Wood were both awarded $10,000 scholarships. There was one additional scholarship in the amount of $2,000 that went to Ginger Nichole Alexander, a senior at Hull-Daisetta. So far 172 students from South Liberty County High Schools have been awarded a total of $1,388,000 over the past 25 years.

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Liberty County Constable Precinct #2, Jimmy Belt today tendered his resignation to Liberty County Commissioners. Now in his 5^th year as Constable, Belt was offered a position with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. He will be working as a Special Investigator, commissioned through the Texas Department of Public Safety. He said there are 29 such investigators in the state, and his area will cover Liberty and 9 other counties. Sunday will be Jimmy Belt’s last day on the job as Constable Precinct #2.

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The Social Security Administration is urging folks that may be eligible for the Medicare Part “D”, prescription drug benefit, to sign up by May 15^th. For those that are eligible and do not sign up, they will be charged a penalty on the cost of their premiums of 1% for each month following their eligibility date that they wait to sign up. Also, the Social Security Administration has funds available to help pay the premiums for those who qualify. Call 1-800-772-1213 or the Beaumont office at 1-409-924-6413.

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The long running Dayton FFA Livestock Show and Rodeo is set for May 11^th through the 13^th at the Anson Rigby Arena on Hwy. 321 in Dayton. Now in it’s 57^th year, it is a chance for students in Dayton ISD to show off their talents in the livestock field. One of the several organizations that raise money as a group to bid on the animals is the Dayton FFA 100 Club. Tim Gassiott, Career and Technology Director for Dayton High School said they use the combined funds to purchases animals at the auction. He said it’s a way for everyone to get involved in the auction and support the kids. For more information on the Dayton FFA Livestock show, or on how to join the 100 Club, call the Dayton High School Ag Department at 258 2510 Ext. 4155.

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

-VOLUME 21 NO. 77 MONDAY APRIL 24^ST, 2006-

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An early Saturday morning house fire claimed the life of a 51-year woman after midnight Saturday morning. Dead is Sharon Mae Ray. An autopsy has been ordered to establish the exact cause of death. JP #3 Phil Fitzgerald said he was fairly sure the woman’s death was accidental but wants to remove doubt.. The victim was a stroke victim. She was incapacitated to the extent she may have been unable to escape the flames. Her mobile home, at the end of FM 2069 south of Moss Hill, was destroyed. Information indicates she was a known smoker and may have been smoking in bed. Her funeral service will be tomorrow at the Pace-Stancil Funeral Homes in Dayton at 10 a.m. ****************************************************

Another email scam has hit locally. On-line shoppers know of a company called “Pay Pal”. If you subscribe they maintain your credit card info. Then when making a purchase the member shopper can use Pay Pal to handle the credit card information safely. Now, a bogus email is making the rounds to Pay Pal clients claiming a purchase has been charged to their credit card. There is a link to click if you wish to dispute that charge. That’s when the crooks ask for personal information to complete the identity theft. Pay Pal does not send emails addressed simply to Pay Pal members. They will send it to the member by name plus we are told thieves do not have the trademark logo of Pay Pal. This company is legitimate but the con-game is to make a victim think the fraudulent email is from Pay Pal.– BEWARE. .

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Annual Candlelight Vigil for crime and child abuse victims is Tuesday night at 6:30 in the 3^rd Floor Courtroom of the Liberty Co. Courthouse. The elevator is operational. One of the sponsors is District Attorney Mike Little who says this allows the public to show support to victims.

House Bill #3, co-authored by State Rep. John Otto (R-Dayton), may get a House vote today. Otto says this would provide long term property tax relief while satisfying the Supreme Court on school finance. The bill is now divided into pieces so no one has to vote against the entire plan if they don’t favor part of it.

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Funerals: Sharon Mae Ray, 51, Moss Hill, Tues.10 AM, Pace-Stancil**Peggy Green, 88, Liberty today 1 PM, First Baptist Church-Liberty** FUNERALS LAST SATURDAY: Anne Harrell –29 was of Hardin and J.W. Cormier –84, Anahuac.

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**LAKE RELEASE: 1,000 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 6.07 ASL**

-VOLUME 21 NO. 76 FRIDAY APRIL 21^ST, 2006-

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Just before 11 am yesterday, DPS Trooper Eric Hauck pulled over a pickup on HWY. 146 just south of HWY. 105 for an expired registration. Trooper Hauck said he learned the driver's real name, who had given a false one previously, when he asked the man to sign a ticket. When he did, he signed his real name, Blake Hart. As the Trooper was getting information on the subject, he fled into a wooded area. It was learned that Blake Hart, thought to be in his mid 20’s, was wanted in Hardin County on a felony arson charge. DPS, Liberty and Hardin Co. Sheriffs Departments, and TDCJ were all involved in the hunt. The search was called off around 2:30 yesterday afternoon and the Batson man remains on the loose.

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Former Cleveland Area Minister of Music Andrew Argent, 39, pled guilty on April 10^th to Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child and Indecency with a Child before 75^th District Judge C. T. “Rusty” Hight. DA Mike Little said the guilty pleas were part of a plea bargain that caps the length of prison time Argent can be sentenced to at 20 years. The DA said the plea bargain allowed the case to go forward without Argent’s young victim having to testify. Sentencing on both charges is set for June 15^th.

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The Annual “Kidfish”, sponsored by BJ Ford and the Burnham Family is Sunday April 30^th from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Liberty City Park Pond. The event is free to everyone under 17 years old. Bring your own fishing gear or everything will be provided. Prizes will be awarded. Anyone interested in fundraising can get registration forms at BJ Ford on Hwy 90 in Liberty or call Robert Dunn at 936-336-2215 for more information.

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The 14^th Annual Dayton Ole Tyme Days is today through Sunday in Downtown Dayton. Activities tomorrow include the Car and Texas 4 x 4 Show, the Junior Chili Cook Off, carnival rides, petting zoo, face painting, live local musical performers and more. Tomorrow night, the Nifty Fifties Dance Contest starts at 8 p.m. Sunday events include the Antique Tractor Show and Parade as well as the Junior Miss and Mr. Dayton Ole Tyme Days Pageant. Admission is free.

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Funerals: Booker T. Sears, 82, of LaMarque, Services at 2 p.m. Sat. at Greater Bell Zion Baptist Church in Texas City.

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**LAKE RELEASE: 1,350 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.95 ASL**

-VOLUME 21 NO. 75 THURSDAY APRIL 20^TH, 2006-

Dayton Police along with the Texas Department of Public Safety, and Harris County Sheriff’s Deputies were involved in a high-speed chase that started in Dayton and ended in Humble. Dayton police Sgt. John Coleman said a car driven by Juan Carlos Varela, of Liberty ran a stop sign nearly hitting the patrol car of Dayton Officer Kenny Broyles. According to Dayton Police, Varela refused to stop and headed west on FM 1960 at speeds reaching up to 90 MPH. DPS Troopers used the “spike” system to flatten the tires of the speeding car, and deputies from the Harris Count Sheriff’s Department did what is called a “pit maneuver”, causing the suspect’s car to spin out of control, striking both a Harris County and Dayton Police vehicle. Juan Varela was arrested charged with Felony Evading Arrest, and taken to the Liberty County Jail. Other charges are pending.

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The Annual Liberty Dayton Chamber of Commerce Secretary-Bosses Luncheon is next Wednesday at noon at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Marion Hall. Chamber President Mary Anne Campbell said local businesses and individuals had donated door prizes for many of the lucky honorees to win. Tickets are $12 each, and reservations need to be made by tomorrow. Call the Chamber office at 336-5736.

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Dayton School Trustees voted Tuesday to formally cancel the May 13^th School Board Election, since all three of the incumbents – Larry Wadzeck, Gerald Kolarik and Jim Smesney- are unopposed this year. Under these circumstances state law allows the district to save the cost of the election.

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Dayton High School recently got a visit from the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges. That’s an accreditation team that grades and ranks schools on student’s abilities to move into college academics. Dayton High School Principal Laurie Elliott said the school received an exemplary rating, the highest possible score.

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Tuesday is the Annual Candlelight Vigil honoring victims of crime and child abuse. It will be held in the 75^th District courtroom of the Liberty Co. Courthouse at 6:30 pm.

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Funerals: Willie L. Wilson Jr. 60 of Los Angeles. Services Friday at Ames Catholic Church at 10 am *

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**LAKE RELEASE: 1,350 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.90 ASL**

-VOLUME 21 NO. 74 WEDNESDAY APRIL 19^TH, 2006-

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Monday, the Liberty County Sheriff’s office arrested Daisetta resident, Micki Jo Taylor, 32 on charges of Sexual Assault of a Child. Taylor, who works as a substitute teacher for the Hull-Daisetta School district was accused last week of having participated in sexual contact with at least one high school age male student in the Hull – Daisetta school system. Taylor’s bond was set at $25,000 by Justice of the Peace Pct. #1, Bobby Rader. Taylor posted bond late Monday and was released. The sheriffs department reports the investigation is continuing to determine if there are any other victims.

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Liberty’s Team City Advisory organization is asking folks in the south part of Liberty County to fill out a survey to rate the various aspects of the community. Questions cover such topics as comparing the local education systems with others of the same size, how well does the community welcome and support change, and how would you rate the quality of life in your area among other questions. The survey’s can be picked up at the Liberty Co. Courthouse, Ames City Hall, Hardin City Hall and Liberty City Hall as well as on our web page, www.kshn.com.

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Dayton City Council met Monday night, approving hiring the Houston Law firm, Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams and Martin, to represent Dayton in the lawsuit filed by DCDC Director Sue Priddy.

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This Saturday, there will be an Earth Day celebration at the Champion Lake south of Dayton from 11 am to 2 pm. Refuge Manager for the Trinity River Wildlife Refuge system, Stuart Marcus said they would have lots of outdoor activities, including canoeing, kayaking, boating tours, bird and butterfly viewing, and opportunities for the kids to learn about dip netting and fishing. Champion lake is about 10 miles south of Dayton off of FM 1409, take a left at CR. 417. TxDot has signs to direct you.

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In yesterday’s radiogram, we incorrectly stated the night of the “Nifty 50’s” dance contest during the Dayton Ole Tyme Days. The dance contest starts Saturday night at 8 pm.

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Funerals: Leonard Andrew Bock, 67 of Liberty. Memorial service at his home on Sunday at 2 pm.

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**LAKE RELEASE: 1,350 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.90 ASL**

-VOLUME 21 NO. 73 TUESDAY APRIL 18^TH, 2006-

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Texas Department of Public Safety Sergeant Chuck Havard said 13 year old James Passmore, of Dayton was riding his ATV on CR. 4902 near Kenefick Saturday afternoon when he hit the vehicle of 17 year old James Waller of Dayton. No one was injured. The mother of the 13-year-old was cited for allowing the child to operate the ATV on a public road.

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Tarkington Firefighters, along with assistance from Cleveland and Splendora VFD, worked for over 3 hours early Sunday morning to extinguish a mobile home fire in Tarkington Prairie. Tarkington 1^st Assistant Chief Dalton Gregory said neither the homes owner, nor her grandchildren who live with her, were home at the time of the fire. The home was a total loss.

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The Barbers Hill School Board has named Dr. Greg Poole as the lone finalist for the position of superintendent. Dr. Poole, currently serves as an executive principal with the Caney Creek Schools. He will succeed Wayne Rotan, who left in December to become Superintendent at Glen Rose.

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US Congressman Kevin Brady’s mobile office tour stops in Hardin tomorrow. The congressman and his staff will be at the new Hardin City Hall on CR 2010 just off Hwy. 146 at 4 PM. ****************************************************

According to FEMA officials storm victims should know, that if their request for financial aid is denied, there is an appeals process. FEMA Coordination Officer Sandy Coachman said appeals must be submitted in writing within 60 days for the date of the denial. A handbook on the appeals process guidelines is available by calling 1-800-621-FEMA, or on line at www.fema.gov

****************************************************This Friday kicks off the 14^th annual Dayton Ole Tyme Days festival in downtown Dayton. BBQ teams sign in at 6 PM, family night at the carnival, with $12 armbands allowing a person to ride all the rides they can stand is Friday night as well. Friday night there will be a dance, and “Nifty 50’s” dance contest starting at 8 PM. There will be 1^st place trophies to the best dance couple, and a $25 cash prize for the best theme dressed man and woman. There is a $5 gate fee to enter the dance, no charge to enter the dance contest.

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**LAKE RELEASE: 1,350 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.75 ASL**

-VOLUME 21 NO. 72 MONDAY APRIL 17^TH, 2006-

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Congressman Kevin Brady, Liberty Co. Judge Lloyd Kirkham and other Southeast Texas leaders recently met in Orange with HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson to discuss more funds for Texas victims of Hurricane Rita. Brady said he feels the group made a case for the requested $1.2 billion from HUD for housing and help rebuilding storm damaged public facilities.

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State lawmakers are back in Austin today for the latest 30-day special session on school finance reform. Representative John Otto said he mostly favors the plan developed by former State Comptroller John Sharp that would expand the business franchise tax while lowering the current $1.50 cap on school property taxes. The Texas Supreme Court has given lawmakers until June 1^st to change the property tax cap and return some funding discretion to local school districts.

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The Liberty City Council unanimously approved to ask for a $1.3 million grant from the Texas Department of Transportation to renovate the old Southern Pacific Railroad Depot and the “chicken shack” building that once served as the city’s bus depot. Grant consultant Jay Rice said the money would be used to relocate the buildings to a nearby site where they could be renovated into offices for the Brazos Transit Authority, public meeting rooms, a small museum, etc. Liberty Attorney Ed Pickett, who has been trying to preserve the railroad depot, agreed to work on raising funds through private sources for the city’s $313,000 match in local funds and in-kind services.

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Trinity Valley Exposition is accepting applications from seniors in Liberty and Chambers Counties for $35,000 in TVE Scholarships. That’s up again this year. Students must be in the top 25% of their class, either be in 4-H or FFA and participated in the TVE or non-FFA and 4-H members who were in the TVE Public Speaking Contest. For more call 336-7455.

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FUNERALS: Rev. Jack B. Linney 83, formerly of Dayton, Serv. 2 today at Greens Bayou Assembly of God-Houston** Ernest Lee Pinckard-69-Liberty. Memorial service later** Betty Jo Brackeen, 69-Liberty-Funeral 2PM Tuesday at Liberty Church of Christ (AFS)** Sherry Gayle Taylor Cobb-45. Serv. on Tues. 3 PM Gospel Lighthouse Church.-Daisetta.(SFH)**

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**LAKE RELEASE: 1,350 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 6.18 ASL**

-VOLUME 21 NO. 71 THURSDAY APRIL 13^TH, 2006-

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The Liberty Co. Sheriff’s Dept. along with the Texas Department of Public Safety and tracking dogs from the Hightower prison unit spent several hours yesterday afternoon hunting for a man who escaped out of police custody and into the woods at Simmons Bottom off FM 1008. Sheriff’s Capt. Chip Fairchild said Timothy Hudson, 28 of Cleveland ran from police yesterday morning when officers went to talk to him about an accident Tuesday night. He was found hiding in the woods about 30 minutes later. However, while in custody, Hudson managed to get out of the patrol car and run off into the woods this time in handcuffs. Hudson now faces felony escape charges as well as 2 counts of felon in possession of a weapon, stemming from guns found at his campsite. As of late yesterday afternoon, Timothy Hudson was still on the loose.

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In a special called meeting yesterday morning, Liberty County Commissioners met with Martin Atwood with Global Tubing, a company that wants to locate a manufacturing facility in Dayton. While not an action item on the agenda, Commissioners did express their willingness to grant a tax abatement of 100 % for 10 years to the company on improvements. If the company located in Dayton, Atwood said the first year they would provide 30 – 50 jobs for low skill workers to be trained on site. He said the plan calls for increasing the employment force to around 200 to 250 employees in 5 to 7 years.

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Liberty County Sheriff Greg Arthur said a gas leak and small fire at the old County Jail resulted in 77 prisoners being taken to the recreation area around 6 p.m. Tuesday. While firefighters worked to turn off the gas, law enforcement officers from around the county responded to provide extra security, as 18 prisoners from the jail’s solitary confinement were moved to the new jail on Beaumont Ave. No one was injured in the incident.

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The Liberty County Courthouse and all city offices in both Liberty and Dayton will be closed tomorrow for the Good Friday Holiday. Garbage service in Liberty and Dayton will run as scheduled tomorrow. All banks and post offices will be open.

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FUNERALS: Charlotte Ladelle Jones, 48, of Dayton, Services at 10 a.m. today at Crepo and Jirrels Funeral Home in Baytown. ****************************************************

**LAKE RELEASE: 1,600 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 6.74 ASL**

-VOLUME 21 NO. 70 WEDNESDAY APRIL 12^TH, 2006-

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A New Caney woman was taken to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Beaumont following an accident on Hwy. 90 three miles east of Raywood yesterday. DPS Trooper Tommy Chase said Ruth Underwood, 80 was going west on 90 when she crossed the center line and struck an eastbound tractor trailer rig, driven by Christopher Simon, 29 of Louisiana. Mrs. Underwood was said to have some broken bones, however none of her injuries were thought to be life threatening. Trooper Chase said citations are pending the outcome of his investigation.

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Liberty County Clerk Delia Sellers is warning of the latest telephone scam being reported in other Texas Counties. Mrs. Sellers said crooks claiming to be court officials are contacting people and falsely claiming they failed to report for jury duty. The point is to try and frighten people into giving out personal financial information that can be used in identity theft. Legitimate County Courthouse staff would never try and get sensitive information over the phone. Anyone contacted in this way should report it to the Clerk’s Office at 936-336-4670.

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In a workshop session yesterday, Commissioners and several leaders from the Dayton area heard from David Clay, project manager for Enstor Corporation. They own a salt dome on CR 686 in Dayton, and want to leech out the salt to create two caverns for storing natural gas. According to Clay, at full capacity, the company would be able to store around 15 billion cubic feet of natural gas. The company is expected to present a tax abatement proposal to commissioners at a future date.

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According to Event Chair Judy Glover, the amount of money raised by last weekend’s South Liberty County Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society has climbed to $80,147.70 with at least another $6,000 yet to be delivered. A final total of funds raised by the event, as well as the total figures for the North Liberty County Relay held at that same time at Tarkington High School should be available soon.

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FUNERALS: Randy Norton, 57, of Westlake, Memorial Service at 6 p.m. tomorrow Sterling Funeral in Dayton. ** Bobby Trahan, 52, of Ames, Services at 10 a.m. today at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church in Ames. **

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**LAKE RELEASE: 1,600 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 6.68 ASL**

-VOLUME 21 NO. 69 TUESDAY APRIL 11^TH, 2006-

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The deadline to sign up for prescription drug benefits under Medicare Part “D” is coming up May 15^th. David Bauman with the Beaumont Social Security Office said that is the last day for those eligible for these benefits to get them without having to pay a penalty. Also, if a health insurance company has sent a notification letter announcing benefit decreases, for any reason, then that person can switch over to a Medicare Part “D” approved plan without penalty after May 15^th.

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Voting in today’s Primary Run Off Election is from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Liberty Co. Courthouse, the Cleveland Annex, the Dayton Annex, Hardin High School and the Rye Voting Box. Locally, Democratic races for Precinct #3 and #6 Justice of the Peace will be decided in today’s election.

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The Dayton Broncos take to the field tonight against the Crosby Cougars. Listen to the game starting just before 7 pm. On Thursday, the Dayton girl’s softball team travels to Crosby. We will broadcast that game starting a little before 6:30. Also Thursday night following the Dayton Girls game, we will broadcast the Liberty vs. Splendora game.

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The 23^rd Annual Shine All Nine Easter Egg Hunt is Saturday starting at 10 a.m. in the Liberty Municipal Park. All kids ages 9 and under are invited to hunt for 5,000 candy filled eggs, 90 specially marked prize eggs and three grand prize eggs good for bikes with safety helmets and a red wagon.

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The Dayton Ole Tyme Day’s has extended the early registration for the Lil’ Mr. and Miss. Dayton Ole Tyme Day’s Pageant. Registration through April 15^th is $15 per entry. Late registrations, which will be taken up to noon Sunday April 23^rd, are $20 per entry. For more information, go to www.kshn.com and click on upcoming events.

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FUNERALS: Loren Deann Gruver, 4 months, Services at 2 p.m. today at Sterling Funeral Home-Dayton.* Valencia Huff Johnican, 86 of Galveston. Services Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Wilbur Chapel United Methodist Church–Hitchcock * Fred Morris “Fritz” Rogers, 84 of Daisetta. Services Thursday at 10 a.m. at Allison Funeral Service–Liberty *

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**LAKE RELEASE: 1,600 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 6.68 ASL**

-VOLUME 21 NO. 68 MONDAY APRIL 10^TH, 2006-

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William Randolph Norton, 57, of Dayton was killed Saturday night, seven miles south of Dayton. Reports indicate the victim was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected. DPS Trooper Rob Willoughby said Norton was northbound when he went into a FM 1409 curve to fast and hit a guardrail. JP #4 Glenn Pruitt ordered an autopsy. Service pending at Sterling Funeral Home. ****************************************************

Liberty County Sheriff Greg Arthur said a search warrant executed by several police agencies last Thursday at a Moss Bluff Area home netted 7 grams of cocaine, $4,000 in cash and, surprisingly, a working “moonshine” still. Arrested at the residence on CR #133 were James Otis Huey, 35, and his brother, Steven, 37. The charges against the duo are possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of firearm by a felon. More charges may be coming, including federal firearm violations. Sheriff Arthur said the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission took the homemade alcohol and related equipment.

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An Ames man who suffered critical burns in a trailer fire last month has died of his injuries. March 27^th former Liberty Police Officer Matt Custer pulled 52-year-old Bobby Dean Trahan from the victim’s burning camper on private road #159. Airlifted to Memorial Hermann Hospital with 2^nd and 3^rd degree burns, Mr. Trahan died Friday. Services pending at Wells F. H.

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The Primary Run Off Election to decide two local Democratic Justice of the Peace Races, as well as statewide Democratic and Republican races is tomorrow. Locally, Laurie Long faces Cody Parrish for the Precinct #3 JP nomination. The north county race for Precinct #6 JP nomination is between Monique McDuffie-Davis and Peggy Dunn. Polls open from 7 to 7 tomorrow at five consolidated voting boxes: Liberty Co. Courthouse, Cleveland Annex, Dayton Annex, Hardin High and the Rye Voting Box.

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Tuesday is last day to ask for help from FEMA after Hurricanes Rita or Katrina. Call 800-621-FEMA or www.fema.gov.

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FUNERALS: Bobby Dean Trahan,52-Ames, pending at Wells F.Serv.-Liberty.**Dorothy Ford,58-Liberty, Serv.11 today at Wells Funeral** Fritz Rogers- pending at Allison.**Diane Fields–60–Serv,Tues. 2pm at Navarre Funeral -Baytown.

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**LAKE RELEASE: 1,600 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 6.68ASL**

-VOLUME 21 NO. 067 FRIDAY APRIL 7^TH, 2006-

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According to Davelin Bracken, with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Beaumont, John Henry Guillory, 31, of Raywood, was convicted in a federal court of felony possession of an unlawful firearm and one charge of a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. He was arrested at his home last year after he failed to show up at a scheduled court appearance. Members of the Chambers–Liberty Co. Narcotics Task Force, went to his home, where they found a prohibited sawed off shotgun. Only the day before his arrest, he had been sentenced to probation on a charge of felony drug possession. A jury in the federal court found the man guilty on Wednesday. The Raywood man could get up to 10 years on each of the charges. It could be from 2 to 3 months before a sentence is handed down.

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Starting Monday, the Texas Department of Transportation will start the final phase of the $1.9 million resurfacing project. Working at night, crews will pick up where they left off on Main St. in Liberty, and complete the resurfacing of Main St. south of Jefferson Square Shopping Center to Martin Luther King Drive. John Sudela, Area TxDOT Engineer said work would be done from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. beginning Monday. This final phase of the project is only expected to take about four days to complete.

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Liberty County’s State Senator Tommy Williams said the school finance plan proposed by former-State Comptroller John Sharp is a good start to the work facing lawmakers in the special legislative session that begins April 17^th. Williams said the plan provides for a broader business tax offset by a significant property tax decrease.

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The UM ARMY youth outreach group is coming back to Liberty in June to provide help to those in need of home repairs and reconstruction. Tresa Patti, UM ARMY co-director said crews would be here in May, to determine what work the kids can do in an approximately 25-mile radius of Liberty’s 1^st United Methodist Church. If you or someone you know needs basic maintenance work done at home but cannot do it yourself, call Felicia Davis at 936-336-6401.

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Funerals: Michelle Drake, 45, of Dayton, Services at 11 a.m. tomorrow at Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton. **

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**LAKE RELEASE: 1,500 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 9.73 ASL**

VOLUME 21 NO. 066, THURSDAY APRIL 6^TH, 2006-

**************************************************** Liberty police report 20 year old Brent Hutchins of Liberty was arrested yesterday morning at his home on FM 563. Police Detective Gary Martin said after almost causing a wreck on his motorcycle, Hutchins was followed to his home by motorist, Sean Lemaine and his brother Joseph Lemaine. While the 2 men waited for police to arrive, Hutchins is alleged to have gotten a gun and pointed it at the driver, and then attempted to punch the passenger. When police officer Johnny David arrived, Hutchins ran back into the house, leaving the weapon inside before returning to the yard. He was placed under arrest charged with reckless driving, deadly conduct and evading arrest.

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Dayton Police and Volunteer Fire Fighters were called to a house fire Tuesday afternoon on Hope Street, just off Colbert. Dayton Police Sgt. Doug O’Quinn said the single wide mobile home was a total loss and 27-year-old Gregory Godfrey was arrested for allegedly setting the fire that destroyed it. Godfrey-who had been causing a disturbance earlier in the day- reportedly told officers and family members he was on drugs, specifically PCP. The incident remains under investigation.

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The Vindicator, Liberty County’s oldest newspaper announced in its Wednesday edition that it has been sold to Granite Publishing Partners, Inc. of Taylor Texas. President Bill Hartman of Hartman Newspapers said his family has owned the Vindicator since 1968, and the new owner is also a family of community newspapers with 23 publications in Texas. The Vindicator is nearly 120 years old, founded in 1887. The new publisher, Emmett McKinley, will assume the duties April 12^th, McKinley brings more than 27 years of newspaper experience to the post. The sale includes the Anahuac Progress and a small free publication called The Advertiser.

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Tomorrow is the final day for early voting in next Tuesday’s Party Primary Run Off Election. Early voting goes on through tomorrow at the Liberty County Courthouse from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Cleveland Annex from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and at Hardin Middle School from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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Funerals: Lloyd Ruth, 89 of Dayton. A memorial service will be held April 14^th in Zachery Louisiana.

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**LAKE RELEASE: 1,500 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 11.69 ASL**

-VOLUME 21 NO. 065, WEDNESDAY APRIL 5^TH, 2006-

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For the second time in the past four days, Mayor Steve Stephens and the Dayton City Council held a meeting, Monday was their first regular meeting of the month. Council heard the annual audit report from Robert Belt of the accounting firm of Sanderson, Knox and Belt. Belt said the audit showed the city to be in good financial health. Most public account experts encourage cities to maintain a fund balance that equals operating costs for at least 3 months. At the end of the previous fiscal year on September 30^th, Belt said the city of Dayton had a fund balance of $1.4 million dollars on a budget of $3.5 million and he said that falls easily into that standard.

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The deadline to register for individual financial disaster assistance for those who suffered losses due to Hurricane’s Katrina or Rita is coming up on Tuesday April 11^th. FEMA Officials extended the application deadline 30 days last month because they said people who need recovery help were still contacting the agency months after the storms.

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The Trinity River Wildlife Refuge has openings for summer employment for young men and women ages 15 to 18. Crew members will work 40 hours a week, starting June 5^th. Work will be outside and can be physically demanding. Typical duties will include trail maintenance, boundary line posting, fence construction and maintenance projects. Selections will be on a random basis from the list of qualified applicants. For more information call the Trinity River Wildlife Refuge at 336 9786.

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Bank night for this weekend’s Relay for Life is Thursday from 4-8 pm at Legend Bank in Dayton. Team captains can drop off money the team has raised and pick up their T-shirts that night.

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Today’s All Nine Partyline Program at 8:30 a.m. features the two Democratic Primary Run Off Candidates for Precinct #3 JP Laurie Long and Cody Parrish. Listeners are invited to call or fax in their questions for the candidates.

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Funerals: Barbara J. Campbell Ambrose, 60 of Dayton. Graveside services tomorrow at 2 pm at the Magnolia Park Cemetery in Dayton ** Services pending for Lloyd Ruth, 89 of Dayton at Wells Funeral Service.

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**LAKE RELEASE: 3,000 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 19.13 ASL**

-VOLUME 21 NO. 064, TUESDAY APRIL 4^TH, 2006-

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The City of Liberty has been recognized by the International City / County Managers Association for their actions both prior to and following Hurricane Rita. City officials have also been invited to play a major role in a roundtable discussion at a disaster recovery conference called Restoration 2006, to be held in New Orleans this May. City Manager Allen Barnes said they would like citizens’ help in finding pictures of Liberty leading up to, during and after the hurricane. Drop off digital photos at Liberty City Hall during normal business hours.

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Liberty Co. Sheriff Greg Arthur said his department, along with the Chambers Liberty Co. Narcotics Task Force, Dayton and Liberty PD and the DPS Narcotics division, arrested DeQuency Broussard Friday night in Ames. The 21-year-old was charged with Manufacture of a controlled substance, and possession of a controlled substance. Sheriff Arthur said the Ames man was caught in the process of producing crack cocaine, and had approximately 62 grams of the illegal substance with a street value of around $3500.

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The 6^th annual Relay for Life is this Friday and Saturday. Benefiting the American Cancer Society, the event is at Liberty’s Memorial Stadium starting Friday night at 7 p.m. At least one member of each team will be on the track, for the full 12 hours of the event. According to Committee Co-Chair Candy Rucka, there are already more teams signed up to walk over last year, and even more may sign up before Friday night. To sign up a team, call Geraline Daniel at 336-6105. To walk in the survivors’ lap at 7 p.m. Friday, call Candy Rucka at 336-7267.

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Yesterday, we incorrectly reported the times and locations for early voting in the April 11^th Primary Run Off Elections. Early voting is today through Friday from 8 to 5 at the County Courthouse, from 8 to 7 at the Cleveland Annex, 4 to 7 p.m. at the Hardin Middle School and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at the Dayton Courthouse Annex.

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Wednesday April 26^th is the Liberty Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce annual “Administrative Professionals” luncheon. Tickets are $12, make your reservations by calling the Chamber office at 936 336 5736.

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**LAKE RELEASE: 3,000 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 19.13 ASL**

Dayton City Council met Friday in special called meeting, described by City Manager David Douglas as a “get acquainted session” with John Dubois. He plans to locate a manufacturing plant called Global Tubing west of Dayton on U. S. 90. Actually outside the city limits, the location falls within Dayton’s extra-territorial jurisdiction and Dubois wants water and sewer services to be extended to the plant site. The company will manufacture seamless metal tubing used in drilling oil wells. Dubois said they would start with between 50 and 55 employees, but expects 200 or more within two years time.

Today is the first day for early voting in the Tues April 11^th Primary Run Off Elections. Only local run off races are on the Demo ballot, with Monique McDuffie-Davis and Peggy Dunn for Precinct #6 JP. Then Cody Parrish and Laurie Long compete for the JP Precinct #3 Democratic nomination. Early voting continues Friday at the Liberty Co. Courthouse, the Cleveland Annex and the Dayton Annex. Early voting hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon –Wed. Extended hours 8 am to 7 pm Thurs. and Fri.

An autopsy is ordered in the death of Michelle Yvonne Drake-45 found dead in her home Sunday morning on FM 6501.

The 14^th Dayton Ole Tyme Days is Fri, Sat. and Sun. April 21^st – 23^rd downtown Dayton. The BBQ Cook Off has nine categories: brisket, ribs, margaritas, chicken, beans, cook’s choice entrée, cook’s choice dessert, beef fajitas and omelets. For info on entering call Bill Gray at 281-413-1661. Cost to enter the Kids Chili Cook Off is $20 per team. The Junior Division is 5 to 12 years old or Senior Division, ages 13 to 18. For Junior Chili Cook Off information, call Pam May at 281-576-2640.

KSHN has two Liberty High School Baseball Broadcasts this week. First, the Panthers go to Huffman Tuesday night to take on the Falcons. Join us shortly before the first pitch at 7 p.m. On Friday, Liberty hosts the Barbers Hill Eagles. We’ll air that one too. Start time for the Liberty vs. Barbers Hill is also 7 p.m.

FUNERALS: Dorothy Lee Thacker, 76, of Dayton, Services at 2 p.m. today at Sterling Funeral Home in Dayton. **James Lightfoot–76–Serv. Wed. 11AM@Cornerstone Church-Liberty.