-VOLUME 21 NO. 104 WEDNESDAY MAY 31^ST, 2006-

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It may be a couple of weeks before the Liberty Co. Sheriff’s Department has confirmation on the victim of that murder discovered last week in Ames. Captain Chip Fairchild said it would take that long before a dental comparison and DNA tests can be completed, however he still believes the body is that of Greg Jackson.  As to the case against the two adults – 19 and one juvenile-16, all have admitted their role in the crimes of murder, robbery and arson. Captain Fairchild said the body found in the fire aftermath was dead from a gunshot wound.

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Recent legislation requires schools in Texas begin class on the 4^th Monday of August starting in 2007. LISD Superintendent Mona Chadwick said she felt start and end dates for districts should be left to local control.  Greg Hayman, Superintendent for Dayton said the later start date could push back the end date of schools. Both superintendents said a later end date could adversely effect students from getting into summer sessions at colleges, and teachers who use the summer months to further their own education. 

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The hurricane evacuation routes for Southeast Texas have changed slightly according to TxDOT’s Mark Shepherd. While all traffic in South Liberty Co. still evacuates north via Hwy. 146 or Hwy. 321, those coming through the county from the East on Hwy. 105 will be routed directly to Hwy. 146 at the Moss Hill intersection, and will not be allowed to travel north on FM 770 or FM 787. Mark Shepherd said steps are also being taken to keep traffic from the Houston area from coming to Liberty Co.

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At last weeks Liberty Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce Monthly luncheon, Janet Harris, talked about the non-profit group “Spaulding for Children”. The 27 year old organization works to match hard to place children with families that will foster or adopt these kids.  She said older kids, sibling groups and those with special emotional and medical needs are primarily the focus of her group. For more information on the organization, call 713-681-6991 or check them out on line at www.spauldingforchildren.org

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Funerals: Jere Charles Showalter III, 41 of Giddings. Services Thursday 10 am at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Giddings, Tx.

    **LAKE RELEASE: 1,500 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 6.44 ASL**

 

-VOLUME 21 NO. 103 TUESDAY MAY 30^TH, 2006-

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Former Liberty resident Jere Showalter, 41, apparently took his own life at his combination office/home in Giddings, Texas on Sunday. Information indicates Giddings Police discovered Showalter’s body around 7 p.m. Sunday after calls to the home from friends got no response. The man’s death appears to be from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, but an autopsy has been ordered. Jere Showalter had been in the real estate business for several years, but that business recently failed and closed and he was separated from his family.  

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Through a $250,000 grant from the state, the City of Ames built one 2-bedroom and three 3-bedroom homes for deserving families there. Mayor John White said the recipients got the keys to their new homes on Saturday. A new handicapped-accessible 2-bedroom went to Favian Trahan. A 3-bedroom- also wheelchair friendly- went to Lionel and Delilah David and their two children. Mrs. Ethel Swift’s house is on CR #154 while Kimberlee Booker and her three children are moving into a new 3- bedroom frame home in the Baker Subdivision.        

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A report in Saturday’s Houston Chronicle Newspaper strongly suggests the May 16^th wreck on Hwy 105 that claimed five lives was in fact a murder-suicide. The report said William Pete DeShayes of Splendora had reason to believe he was being investigated for sexual abuse of a 15-year-old stepdaughter and may have intentionally turned into the path of an oncoming 18-wheeler. DeShayes, two of his daughters and the man and woman inside the tractor- trailer rig were killed in the collision. Only DeShaye’s third daughter, Nikki, survived. We have already reported that Houston businessman Robert Baurele died in a similar wreck a day earlier on that same road, 1 ½ miles away. It is also possible that wreck was intentional.

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Local vet Dr. Ricky Myers said a bat found in a barn between Devers and Raywood has been confirmed to have rabies. Liberty County Health Authority Dr. Steven Ellerbe said everyone-especially children – needs to know not to handle sick bats or for that matter sick birds that might carry West Nile Virus.  

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Funerals: Former Chambers County Commissioner Herbert Hampton “Mac” McCollum, 97, Services were Monday. ** 

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  **LAKE RELEASE: 1,500 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.45 ASL**

 

-VOLUME 21 NO. 102 FRIDAY MAY 26^TH, 2006-

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Less than 48 hours after the burned body of an unidentified man was found in the smoking remains of a manufactured home in Ames, three suspects are in custody. Information from the Liberty County Sheriff’s Department is that further forensic testing will confirm the identity of the victim as 41-year-old Gregory Jackson. Kevin Washington, 19, is in custody, charged with murder. Investigators believe Washington shot Jackson to death, then instructed Robert Lee Kirkwood, also 19 and an unnamed juvenile to burglarize and burn the home to cover up the killing. Kirkwood is charged with arson and the 16-year-old juvenile with arson and burglary. All three suspects are said to be cooperating with the investigation.       

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Liberty County Sheriff Greg Arthur said 16-year-old Khristina Hope Wagoner was found safe Wednesday afternoon by state and federal authorities near Gulfport, Mississippi. The Cleveland teen had been the subject of a nationwide Amber Alert since Tuesday, believed to be in the company of 38-year-old John C. Glover. Sheriff Arthur said Glover was arrested, with at least two Mississippi charges and at least one federal charge for transporting a minor across state lines pending.      

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Magnolia Ridge Invitational winners: Championship Flight Patrick Prince: 1^st flight Kolby Worthy. 2^nd flight Scott Callaway. 3^rd flight Randy Flatau. 4^th flight Jimmy Kochwelp. 5^th flight B.J. Varnadore. 6^th flight Luke Calvert.

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Today is the official start of the Memorial Day holiday weekend, when millions are expected to hit the roadways.  Texas Department of Public Safety Sergeant Chuck Havard said through Monday, all available Troopers will be on the job, looking for primarily those who are speeding, driving while intoxicated or not using seat belts.

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The Liberty County Courthouse and all city offices in Dayton and Liberty will be closed on Monday in observance of Memorial Day.  All banks and post offices will also be closed Monday for the holiday.

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Funerals: Olga Lucille Hogue, 71 of Liberty. Memorial service today at 2 pm at Allison Funeral Service in Liberty.

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  **LAKE RELEASE: 1,200 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.45ASL**

 

-VOLUME 21 NO. 101 THURSDAY MAY 25^TH, 2006-

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The Liberty Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the Texas Work Source, the Cleveland Chamber, Dayton Chamber and Lee College will hold another job fair.  Chamber President Mary Ann Campbell said they already have several companies signed up to attend.  Job seekers are reminded to bring a resume’, social security card, photo ID, and dress for a job interview. The Liberty County Job Fair will be Thursday June 8^th from 10 am until 2 pm at the Woodrow Wilson Jr. High School on Highway 146 South in Dayton.  Businesses that would like to participate should call the Texas Work Source at 936 336 8063.

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Hull-Daisetta Elementary School Principal Kelley Berry said a large fan motor in one of the schools air conditioning units overheated yesterday afternoon, filling the building with smoke.  While no one was injured, the damage to the fan motor necessitates the closing of the campus. Only Pre-K and Kindergarten students and 5^th graders need show up for their respective graduation ceremonies. Grades 1^st through 4^th are now through for this school year, thanks to the fan motor.

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Deadline for golfers to sign up for the D.A.R.E. / Bridgehaven Children’s Advocacy Center Golf Tournament has been extended into next week. The tournament is June 2^nd at the Magnolia Ridge Country Club with a 7:30 am shotgun start.  Also, they are still looking for sponsors and donations for door prizes.  For more information call 936 336 4610. Proceeds from the Golf Tournament benefit both Bridgehave and the D.A.R.E., or Drug Abuse Resistance Education program.

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Graduation ceremonies for South Liberty County high schools all take place this weekend.  On Friday, Hardin seniors will graduate at 8 pm at Hornet Stadium.  Also on Friday, Hull-Daisetta commencement exercises will be held in the auditorium at 7 pm.  Friday night at 8 pm, Liberty seniors will graduate at the TVE arena, and Sunday at 3 pm Dayton Seniors take their final walk as high school students at the Montaigne Center in Beaumont. Congratulations to each and every graduate.

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Funerals: Don R. “Duke” Smith, 44 of Westlake. Services Saturday at 10 am at Pace Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton.

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  **LAKE RELEASE: 1,200 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.43 ASL**

 

-VOLUME 21 NO. 100 WEDNESDAY MAY 24^TH, 2006-

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Suspicion surrounds the death of a man in a house fire in Ames Monday night.  Liberty County Sheriff’s Captain Chip Fairchild said dental records and DNA tests will probably be used to positively identify the body, although officials believe the dead man is Greg Jackson, 39 – who works primarily mowing lawns in the area. Foul play is suspected, and we have been told a suspect, is - or has been, questioned in the case.

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Monday night, in addition to swearing in reelected trustee Jim Smesney, Dayton School board members approved two new assistant principals for the high school, Rebecca Ellington and Travis Young.  Mrs. Ellington has been a teacher at Dayton High for the past year, and previously was Principal at Tarkington High.  Mr. Young has taught at Dayton for the past 5 years.

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The Liberty Co. Sheriffs Department issued an Amber Alert yesterday for 16 year old Khristina Hope Wagoner, who was reported missing Monday afternoon.  Officials say the young girl was last seen by her mother late Sunday night.  Khristina is thought to be in the company of John C. Glover and may be headed to Natchez, Mississippi.  Miss Wagoner is described as a white female, 5’2” tall, 175 lbs, with brown hair and hazel eyes.  John C. Glover is 38 years old, 6 ‘ tall, 190 lbs., hazel eyes, brown hair that he wears shaved, with a thin-lined cheek beard and pierced ears. He is believed to be driving a 1979 Chevrolet pickup, black on the cab forward and red on the truck bed.  It has a West Virginia license plate 1CJ-477. Anyone with information on either of these two is asked to call the Liberty County Sheriff’s Department at 936 336 4500.

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Newly elected board member Bobby Pope was sworn in as an LISD Trustee during Monday nights meeting. Board members also voted to change the policy on high school seniors who have not passed the state required exit tests, in regards to graduation activities. Effective this year, seniors who have satisfactorily completed all of their required course work, yet have not passed the exit, or TAKS test, will be allowed to “walk” with the rest of the graduating class.  The vote was 4-2 in favor of the change.

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Funerals: Kimberley Jo Sizemore, 36 of Double Bayou. Services today at 2 pm at Broussard’s Chapel in Winnie.

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  **LAKE RELEASE: 1,200 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.42 ASL**

 

-VOLUME 21 NO. 99 TUESDAY MAY 23^RD, 2006-

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The National Hurricane Center yesterday released their predictions for the 2006 Hurricane Season.  Scientists say while the average hurricane season in the Atlantic produces 11 named storms, this year they expect 13 to 16 named storms with 4 to 6 of those becoming a category 3 or greater in strength.  City of Liberty Office of Emergency Management is urging folks to prepare for the June 1^st through Nov. 30^th season now. Gather storm supplies like First Aid kits, important documents, battery operated radios and non-perishable food as well as learn about hurricanes and the types of problems they create.  For more information on emergency kits, go to www.kshn.com and click on either of the two emergency preparedness links.

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According to DPS Trooper Eric Hauck, 16 year old Sara Ford of Hull was going south on HWY. 146, when she crossed the centerline and into the path of north bound Sandy Sizemore, 33 of Liberty. The Hardin Volunteer Fire Department used an extrication device, known as the Jaws of Life, to cut Mrs. Sizemore from her badly damaged vehicle.  DPS Trooper Hauck said both women were taken to Hermann Memorial Hospital in Houston by LifeFlight Air Ambulance said to be in stable condition, with serious but not life threatening injuries.

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This year’s Dayton Ole Tyme Day’s Scholarship recipients have been announced. $2000 scholarships went to Ashley Blackmon Hynson, Justin Blalock, Laura Halter, and Christopher Kraeer. $1,000 each from the Dayton Ole Tyme Day’s were awarded to: Bradley Chachere – Lukas Chachere – Heather Cramer – Melissa Gay – Lauren Graves. Brian Gunter – Cynthia Mogollan – Leo Moreau – Wes Skrla – Katie Wallet and Paula Williams. The Dayton Ole Tyme Days Scholarship Committee granted $20,000 to Dayton High School seniors this year.

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The Liberty Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce Monthly luncheon is tomorrow at noon at the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall in Liberty. Make your reservations by calling the Chamber office at 936-336-5736.

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Funerals: Hazel M Jannise Hollinghead, 70 of Old River. Funeral Services 2 pm Wednesday at Pace Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton.

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  **LAKE RELEASE: 1,200 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.39 ASL**

 

-VOLUME 21 NO. 98 MONDAY MAY 22^ND, 2006-

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Tonight’s Liberty City Council meeting will be headlined by two major resignations: City Council Member John Meche and City Economic Development Director Jerry Grooms. Meche works in home mortgage for Prosperity Bank, mostly in Houston. He said the daily travel has become an ordeal and now he is getting married next Saturday and will buy a home there. That necessitates his resignation from council. Jerry Grooms will become economic development director in LaMarque just 12 miles from his League City home. LaMarque has more tax money for economic development. He will work for former Dayton City Mgr. Robert Ewart, who moved there last year.

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State Rep. John Otto said the school finance bills from the just-ended special session in Austin means more money for all school districts in Texas. The so-called “robin hood” system of sharing the wealth remains in place. He said the Devers ISD- wealthy due to mineral values-will send almost $1 million less to the state next year. Meanwhile, Liberty ISD gets $687,000 more next year from the bill. The larger Dayton ISD gets even more.     

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The Dayton Rotary Club gave $5,000 in scholarships to Dayton  Seniors last week. The local club awarded $1,000 each to Justin Blalock, Brian Gunter, Erica Hannemann, Bilal Kahn and Katie Wallet. Dayton’s Commencement is 3 PM Sunday at the Montaigne Center in Beaumont.   

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Hardin ISD Trustees set June 24^th for the Run Off Election for Pos.#2 on their School Board. It’s between Incumbent Klint Bush and closest challenger from May 13^th voting, Justin Key. The early vote starts June 12^th and continues 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hardin ISD Administration Building through June 20^th.

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The 27^th Memorial Day Ceremony at Palms Memorial Park in Dayton is at 10:30, Monday May 29th. Speaker is Channel 13 TV News Anchor Art Rascon. The Memorial Day event will also feature a fly over by the Texas Air National Guard, a bagpiper, and a 21-gun salute to fallen war veterans.

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Funerals: Desmo Winters-96, Liberty. Serv.- noon Tues.-Mt. Rose Baptist Church in Liberty. ** Lee” Robinson -90, Raywood, Serv. @10-Tues.-Sacred Heart in Raywood. 

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  **LAKE RELEASE: 1,200 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.33 ASL**

 

 

-VOLUME 21 NO. 96 FRIDAY MAY 19^TH, 2006-

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The investigation of Monday’s fatal wreck on Hwy 105 has revealed the victim Robert Bauerle of Houston had been reported missing by his wife on Monday May 8^th. Information from Houston Police indicates the 59-year-old had been interrogated about questionable financial transactions at the American Bureau of Shipping where he served as Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer prior to his disappearance. Witnesses to the accident that claimed Baurele’s life said it appeared the man might even have intentionally pulled out in front of the 18-wheeler on Hwy 105.     

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Liberty County EMS was named the Public EMS Provider of the Year by the Greater Houston EMS Council at an awards ceremony on May 10^th. Director Mike Koen said his service was both honored and surprised to receive this prestigious award. He cited his service’s involvement in both Hurricane Rita and Hurricane Katrina as well as their community involvement and experience with the prototype “Dreams” ambulance as factors that contributed to Liberty County EMS winning the award.   

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Yesterday, Governor Rick Perry signed House Bill #1 into law. Included in the school finance reform legislation is a mandatory start date for all Texas public schools. According to State Representative John Otto, the law says the first day of school in Texas cannot be earlier than the 4^th Monday in August. John Otto said shorter and shorter summer breaks each year have hurt students who depend on summer employment to support their further education and their families.  

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Last night, Dayton City Judge Glenn Pruitt administered the oath of office to new City Council Members Felix Skarpa and Ricky Brown as well as to re-elected Council Member Bill Gay- the winners of the May 13^th Election. Mayor Steve Stephens also re-appointed Council Member “Frosty” Pruitt as Mayor Pro-Tem.  

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Funerals: Lucinda Edwards, 92, of Liberty, Services at 11 a.m. tomorrow at Lily of the Valley Baptist Church in Liberty. ** Bobbie Morgan, 70, of Smith Point, Memorial Service at a later date. ** Adolph Jerry Kocian, 75, of Liberty, Services at 10 a.m. tomorrow at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Liberty. 

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  **LAKE RELEASE: 1,200 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.04 ASL**

 

-VOLUME 21 NO. 95 THURSDAY MAY 18^TH, 2006-

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DPS Trooper Sean Cheshire said a vehicle carrying four members of the DeShay Family- with a Cleveland address- crossed the center line of State Hwy 105 Tuesday night and plowed nearly head-on into an 18-wheel tractor trailer rig. Both vehicles erupted in flames. William “Pete” DeShay, 41, died inside his burning truck with his 11-year-old daughter Haven. Mariah DeShay, age 10, died at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston. The driver of the 18-wheeler, Eldon Bennett, 53, and his wife, Kathrine, 64, both of Tyler also died in the crash. The sole survivor of the fiery collision is 14-year-old Debra Nicole DeShay. Now at Memorial Hermann Hospital, “Nikki” DeShay is expected to recover from her injuries. Hwy 105 was closed for 15 ½ hours following the wreck.       

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The Liberty Lions Club has awarded a total of $21,000 in scholarships to 9 graduating seniors at Liberty High School. $4,000 each goes to Lauren Allison, Andrew Hunt, Marissa Melonson and Michelle Pontash. Luis Aguilar, Jenny Towns, Sarah Whitehead, Laura and Rachel Brady each get $1,000. The Liberty Lions Club cites community support of programs such as “Flags Across Liberty” in making these scholarships possible.   

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The Better Business Bureau of Southeast Texas gave their Small Business Torch Award for marketplace ethics to Alfred Anderson and Anderson Ford of Cleveland at the 9^th Annual Awards Banquet Tuesday at the Beaumont Civic Center. Anderson has distinguished himself in many ways of the years, including as one of the original leaders of the effort to bring the YMCA to Liberty County.        

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The Liberty Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon is Wednesday at noon in the Fellowship Hall at 1^st United Methodist Church in Liberty. Guest speaker this month is Janet Harris with the “Spaulding for Children” Organization of Houston. The non-profit organization assists families in becoming adoptive parents and foster parents. Lunch is Chicken Pomodoro by MJK Catering for $8. Call the Chamber Office for reservations at 936-336-5736. 

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Funerals:  Ruth Ann Nolan, 72, of Dayton, Memorial Service at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at McLeod Park in Mont Belvieu

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  **LAKE RELEASE: 1,200 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.04 ASL**

 

 

-VOLUME 21 NO. 94, WEDNESDAY MAY 17^TH, 2006-

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Last night, on the eve of the grand opening of the new Liberty Supercenter, the Wal-Mart Corporation surprised local organizations with charitable donations totaling $25,100. $500 each went to the local boy scouts, the Liberty Co. Sheriff’s Office, Hardin VFD, Liberty County EMS and the LHS Band. Gifts of $300 each went to the LHS Prancers and Mothers of Pre-Schoolers. Wal-Mart gave grants of $1,000 each to the Liberty and Dayton FFA Chapters, the Liberty County Chapter of the American Cancer Society, the Liberty Lions, the West Beaumont Rotary Club, LHS Project Graduation and the TVE. The Liberty Library received $7,000 and $8,000 went to the Spirit of Sharing.      

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Two new Dayton City Council members and one incumbent will be formally sworn in during a special called meeting at 7 p.m. tomorrow. Dayton Mayor Steve Stephens said after the May 13^th Election returns were canvassed, reelected Councilman Bill Gay and new council members Felix Skarpa and Ricky Brown would be sworn in to office.     

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While competing at last weekend’s Business Professionals National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida, against students from 24 states, Dayton High School Student Heather Cramer placed 1^st in the Nation. Heather also took first place in the Regional and State Competitions.

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According to information from the Precinct #2 Constable’s Office, 35-year-old Leland Boyd McElhatten was arrested for public intoxication last Friday night, not far from a Raywood home he had allegedly just exited. A search of his person turned up items reported stolen from that same home. McElhatten has since been charged with Burglary of a Habitation and was at last report, in jail awaiting bond.  

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KSHN Radio’s Annual Senior Portraits will air throughout the broadcast day featuring graduating high school students from schools in our listening area. Each student’s story lasts about a minute and will be repeated several times.  

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FUNERALS: Thomas Lee Durham, 34, formerly of Liberty, Graveside Service at 11 a.m. Saturday at Ryan Cemetery in Tarkington Prairie.

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  **LAKE RELEASE: 1,200 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.96 ASL**

 

 

-VOLUME 21 NO. 93, TUESDAY MAY 15^TH, 2006-

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Dwight Stephens, 57, of Cleveland said he was eastbound in his tractor trailer rig loaded with logs just west of the Trinity River Bridge on State Hwy 105 yesterday afternoon when a late model sports convertible whipped out of a line of cars directly in front of him. Stephens’ big rig hit the guardrail and eventually fell on its side in attempting to avoid impact. The car’s driver, 59-year-old Robert Bauerele of Houston is thought to have died instantly in the collision. Dwight Stephens suffered bruises and abrasions. The damage to a third-vehicle involved in the wreck was not severe. Information indicates Robert Bauerele was reported missing by his family prior to the wreck that claimed his life. Hwy 105 was closed to traffic for about four hours.          

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State Representative John Otto said all legislation relating to school finance reform has passed both House and Senate and is awaiting Governor Rick Perry’s signature. The Dayton Republican said the bills include significant property tax relief as well as returning tax rate discretion to local school districts as set down by the state supreme court. John Otto said that $2,000 across the board pay raise for Texas teachers was also passed.

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We have received new totals from Saturday’s Liberty School Board voting and although the winners are the same, some of the numbers are different. In the regular LISD Election, unofficial totals have Allen Griffin with 418 votes, Brent Hylton 420, Matt Harris 483 and James Harris 389. In the LISD Special Election, Bobby Pope remains on top with 387, Raymond Gilmore 49, Kenneth Flournoy 209 and Ragis Fontenot Jr. earned 158. 

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The Annual Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Memorial Service is tomorrow night at 7 at 1^st Baptist Church in Liberty. Hosted by the church, in cooperation with the Liberty Rotary Club, the service includes a color guard, bag pipe band and a 21 gun salute to those in emergency services who have fallen in the line of duty. The public is encouraged to attend.   

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Advance tickets for Friday night’s Pro-Bull Riding at 8 p.m. at the TVE are on sale now at Baskins and 1^St Liberty National Bank in Liberty and Dayton for $15 Adults, $10 kids 12 and under. Gate tickets will be $3 more. You can also buy tickets on line the TVE web site. Link there from www.kshn.com.      

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  **LAKE RELEASE: 1,200 CFS * LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.96 ASL**