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-VOLUME 21 NO. 230 THURSDAY NOV. 30^TH, 2006-

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The second highway traffic death in 24 hours happened yesterday morning just after 6 am. DPS Trooper Jamie Neault said south of Liberty, near FM 563 and not far from the Chambers County Line, near the intersection of CR. 125 and CR. 1250, Dustin Reed, 23, lost control of his pick up truck. It flipped on its side in a ditch. Trooper Neault said the young man was not wearing a seat belt and was partially ejected. Trooper Neault said the victim might have been killed instantly. No autopsy was ordered by the investigation continues.

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The National Weather Service predicts temperatures dropping into the low to mid 30’s tonight. While this probably will not be a prolonged hard freeze, there are certain steps to take to protect pipes and plants. Insulating water lines that run along exterior walls or floors, open cabinet doors to allow the homes warmer air to circulate around the pipes under sinks. Cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations near water pipes should be sealed with caulking. That deflects the cold off the pipes. As for plants, Master Gardener Nancy Brandli said protecting plants from damaging cold weather includes watering and covering them. Mrs. Brandli suggests using a sheet, and then cover the sheet with a piece of plastic for your outdoors plants. Plastic in contact with the plant may freeze to the plant. Tomorrow morning, once the danger of frost has passed, remove the protective coverings.

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Tonight’s Liberty Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce County Christmas Parade in Dayton has been canceled due to inclement weather. Chamber President Mary Ann Campbell said all the other Country Christmas activities, live entertainment, hot chocolate and cookies, and more, will go on as scheduled.

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Kimberly Putman, a long time fan of the TV game show, “The Price is Right”, flew to California for the sole purpose of hopefully getting on the show before host Bob Barker retired. Out of an audience of 325 nine are selected and only 6 make it on stage. She was one of the six, and she was the big winner of the day, winning over $36,000. The episode will air January 18^th,on local CBS affiliate Channel 11.

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Funerals: William P. “Bill” Coffin, 58 of Dayton. Services Friday at noon at the Pace Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton.

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LAKE RELEASE: 750 CFS LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.54 ASL

-VOLUME 21 NO. 229 WEDNESDAY NOV. 29^TH, 2006-

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A Cleveland man was killed, and four other people were injured following a major accident early yesterday morning on Hwy. 105. Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Sean Cheshire said for an unknown reason, one car veered across the centerline, and the two vehicles collided nearly head on. Dead is Ritchie Price, 25. The driver of the other vehicle was Ed Lannom, 29 of Saratoga. He was said to be in critical condition. Seriously injured was a passenger with Ed Lannom, which was James Ellis of Batson. Also injured was Michael Spears of Cleveland and Marcus Tingle of Spurger. The accident happened about 3 miles east of Moss Hill.

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During Tuesday’s special meeting of Liberty County Commissioner’s Court, approval was given to use grant money for the acquisition of up to 138 properties in flood prone areas of Liberty County. Jay Rice, President of Public Management, the firm that provides financial consulting services said the purpose of the grant is dedicated to the purchase of flood prone structures. Homes purchased through the program will be demolished and the land returned to its natural state. Appraisals will be made, then offers made to the property owners. Property owners will not be forced to sell.

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George Douglas “Doug” Richardson of Hull pled guilty Monday to three counts of Intoxication Manslaughter in the 75^th District Court before visiting Judge David Walker. Richardson crashed his truck into the back of a parked car on Hwy. 146 South in Dayton in June 2005. 19-month-old William Murphy and his infant sisters, Mariah and Miranda were killed. Judge C. T. “Rusty” Hight recused himself earlier this month from hearing the case to eliminate any question of a possible family connection between himself and Richardson, who now faces from 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine on each count. Sentencing is expected to be early in January 07.

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According to Chambers County Sheriff Joe LaRive, the suspect wanted in the fatal shooting of John Alfred Moore, age 50 last week in Anahuac turned himself into law enforcement yesterday afternoon. Arthur Lee Ford, 22, has been charged with murder. His bond was set at $50,000 and he is currently being held in the Chambers County Jail.

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LAKE RELEASE: 750 CFS LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.77 ASL

-VOLUME 21 NO. 228 TUESDAY NOV. 28^TH, 2006-

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Dayton Post Master Angie Hayes said holiday mailing destinations overseas sent by Global Airmail, Global Priority and Global Express Mail will fall between December 4^th and December 15^th depending on where your mail is going and how you send it. All Christmas packages sent by Global Express Guaranteed Mail should be shipped no later than Dec. 19^th. For a complete list of international mailing deadlines and costs go the Post Service Web Site at www.usps.gov .

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Dayton Veterinarian Dr. Luke Chachere said this time of year, most of the house pets that come to his office are there for upset tummies. In an effort to show pets how much they love them, people often over feed with holiday table scrapes. House pets that indulge in the rich fair of holiday food can and do get sick. Another tip from the Doctor, during cold weather move outside pets inside if possible. As for older pets or those in poor health, Dr. Chachere said treat them as you would an elderly or sick human, with a little extra T.L.C.

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The Liberty Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce Country Christmas celebration is this week in both Dayton and Liberty. Tonight is Liberty, starting with the lighted parade at 6 PM. Thursday night in Dayton, the lighted parade also kicks off the festivities.

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David Beauman with the Beaumont Office of Social Security said the open enrollment period for Medicare Part “D” Prescription drug coverage is now through December 31^st with coverage beginning in January 07. For more information call 800-MEDICARE, or on line at www.medicare.gov

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While not yet in the official “planning” stage, Dayton City Manager David Douglas said they are looking for property in the Dayton area of about 8-10 acres for a future Public Library, and community center combined. The current library, now over 20 years old, is heavily used, and out of growing room. He said the combination would allow for the city to save some expense because Library staff could also work at the community center.

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Funerals: Sibby Rae Rawlinson, 81 of Batson. Services will be tomorrow at 1 PM at Batson United Pentecostal Church.

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LAKE RELEASE: 750 CFS LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.69 ASL

-VOLUME 21 NO. 227 MONDAY NOV. 27^TH, 2006-

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The cause of a fire that destroyed a home at Austin and Trinity in downtown Liberty Saturday morning is still under investigation. A shortage of manpower, beyond the on duty staff, resulted in “more fire than we had people” according to one firefighter. A mutual aid call rallied the Hardin Volunteers and equipment. Jimmy Davis, 37, who was renting the home from Terry Ryland of Deer Park, woke to discover a utility closet full of flames. He got his wife and three sons out of the house safely, but the family lost all of their possessions in the blaze.

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The Annual Country Christmas Celebration, sponsored by the Liberty-Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, is tomorrow night in Liberty starting with the parade at 6 p.m. and Thursday night in Dayton, also at 6. Holiday fun includes wagon rides, pictures with Santa Claus, face painting, live musical entertainment and refreshments- all of it free to the public. For more information, call the Chamber Office at 936-336-5736.

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The 22-4A District Champion Dayton Broncos bowed out of post season play Friday night with a 35 to 21 area round loss to the Texas City Stingarees at Stallworth Stadium in Baytown.

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The Chambers County Sheriffs Department has issued an arrest warrant for 22-year-old Arthur Lee Ford, suspected of fatally shooting John Alfred Moore, age 50, in Anahuac last Tuesday. Ford is believed to be hiding out in Houston. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Chambers County Crime Stoppers at 409-267-8477.

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The Liberty County Bikes for Christmas Program – now in its fifth year in its present form - still needs donations of new toys and money. They hope to provide 1,500 bikes plus 8 – 10 thousand toys for siblings to needy kids this year. Gifts can be left at Liberty Co. EMS, Milam Discount Tire, KSHN Radio, Liberty Wal-Mart Super Center or the Liberty County Sheriff’s Department.

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Funerals: Ananias Gates, 61, Houston, Services were Sun.** Mary Bess Pennington, 81, of Liberty, Serv. were Sunday** Jimmy Silk 85, Channelview, Serv. were Sunday ** Charles A. Dye, 60, Anahuac – graveside 11 am Anahuac Cemetery (SFH)

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LAKE RELEASE: 750 CFS LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.48 ASL

-VOLUME 21 NO. 226 WEDNESDAY NOV. 22^ND, 2006-

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Dayton City Council is getting closer to a major change regarding extension of water and sewer service to first time customers inside the city limits. At Monday night’s Dayton City Council meeting, City Manager David Douglas provided Mayor Steve Stephens and council with information on a proposed change that would allow the first time customers to purchase the materials to make the connection, and the city would do the actual work. Douglas said the current policy, in place for many years would require the first time water and/or sewer customers to bear all of the expense of the materials plus all the cost of instillation. Because two council members were unable to attend, the issue was tabled until it could be voted on by a full council.

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Liberty Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce President Mary Anne Campbell is urging residents and businesses to spruce up for the holidays. Clean up, pickup, paint and decorate for the holiday season. She said company is coming, and we all want the area to look good, so they’ll want to come back. The Chamber Country Christmas celebration is Tuesday in Liberty and Thursday in Dayton. Both parades start at 6 pm.

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Monday night, some 50 or so citizens attended the Liberty Co. Hospital District Board meeting. Board President Bruce Stratton said a motion to increase the rate of reimbursement from the district to Liberty-Dayton Community Hospital for unpaid patient care, failed due to lack of a majority. We have reported the amount paid to the hospital to cover such losses has been only a fraction of the amount billed to the district. At a previous meeting, board members voted to increase the income requirement. It is now 150 % of the federal poverty guidelines.

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The Trinity Baptist Church in Dayton is again hosting a Thanksgiving Feast from 11 am until 1 pm on Thanksgiving Day. Traditional Thanksgiving dinners with all the trimmings will be served free of charge with delivery available to those unable to come to the church. The delivery area is not limited to Dayton, last year meals were delivered as far away as Hardin and Ames. For more information call 936 258 3276.

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Funerals: Harry Lloyd McGuire, 85. Memorial service today at 10 AM at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Liberty.

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LAKE RELEASE: 1,000 CFS LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.66 ASL

-VOLUME 21 NO. 225 TUESDAY NOV. 21^ST, 2006-

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Dayton Band Director John Eustace has been put on administrative leave while allegations of misconduct are being investigated. Dayton School officials we contacted said their attorneys have advised them that in order to be fair to Mr. Eustace and the district during the investigation, nothing would be said other than he is on administrative leave. We have been able to learn from various sources we believe to be reliable, the accusation is that sexually explicit text messages were sent to a female high school band student. John Eustace is in his fifth year as Band Director at Dayton.

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The Liberty County Courthouse will be closed tomorrow through Friday for the Thanksgiving Holiday. The city offices in Liberty and Dayton will close Thursday and Friday. There is no garbage service in either city on Thursday, but regular trash pick up resumes on Friday. All banks and post offices will be closed on Thursday- Thanksgiving Day- only.

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Advance tickets to the Dayton Broncos Area High School Football Playoff Game against Texas City are on sale today through Friday at 3 p.m. at FLNB’s Dayton Financial Center on Hwy. 90 in Dayton. Adult tickets $6, Student tickets are $3. All tickets at the gate at Stallworth Stadium in Baytown Friday night are $7. Kick off is at 7 p.m. If you can’t be there, listen to Dayton vs. Texas City on KSHN Radio starting at 6:50 p.m.

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A Harris County jury has sentenced 18 year old David Henry Tuck, formerly of Liberty County, to life in prison for his part in the brutal attack that left a 16 year old boy clinging to life in April. As reported, David Henry Tuck – one of two teens charged in the racially motivated assault – was on probation in Liberty county at the time he beat, tortured and sodomized the young Hispanic man with a pipe at a party in Spring. Tuck was sentenced to probation in Liberty County in relation to a cross-burning incident.

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Well known Liberty woman, Sandra Pickett has been re-appointed to a prestigious seat on the National Museum and Library Services Board. Initially nominated by President Bush in 2004 to fill a vacancy on the board, earlier this year, the President re-appointed Mrs. Pickett to a full four year term.

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LAKE RELEASE: 1,000 CFS LIBERTY BRIDGE: 5.81 ASL

-VOLUME 21 NO. 224 MONDAY NOV. 20^TH, 2006-

Hospital District Board meets tonight at 6:30 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church

Opening for Chili’s in Liberty is still early January. Builder Jerry Kachel says the company doesn’t open during major holidays.

A Liberty man was jailed after a police pursuit Thursday morning. Liberty Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Don Neyland said a stolen car was northbound on Hwy 146 pursued into Dayton by deputies, plus Mont. Belvieu and Dayton Police. The driver 31-year-old Jerry Riggs of Liberty left the car and jumped into a water-filled ditch. Officers ordered him out of the water and a deputy fired two warning shots. A handgun reported to be in the stolen car was not found. Riggs was treated at Liberty-Dayton Community Hospital for hypothermia after surrendering. He was arrested on old charges. More may be coming.

Tuesday night the Liberty City Council voted to include the Humphreys-Burson Theater in the planned expansion of the Liberty Municipal Library. City Manager Allen Barnes said the board of directors of the Humphreys Foundation promised to contribute to the expansion project if the theater was included. Architect Richard Edwards presented council with three different plans for the Library expansion with additional plans to expand the theater. The overall price tag could go as high as $2.4 million depending on which plan council approves.

Dayton Postmaster Angie Hayes said last day to mail domestic packages to arrive by Christmas via Parcel Post is Dec. 13^th. The deadline for 1^st Class Mail is Dec. 18^th and Priority Mail parcels need to be shipped by Dec. 20 to reach U. S. destinations by Christmas Day. For more information, go to www.usps.gov.

Dayton faces Texas City Friday @ 7P in Baytown at Stallworth Stadium. That after a 35 to 0 win over Crosby. Liberty Panthers lost to state-ranked West Orange Stark 60 to 0. Barbers Hill lost to Beaumont Central 31-28. Groveton beat Hull-Daisetta 45-34.

FUNERALS: Cliff Tanner75, Liberty, Services were Sunday. ** Charles P. Roe 59, Tarkington Prairie, Serv. held Sunday. **Harry Lloyd McGuire Services pending at Allison ** John Layne Keck 37 of Kenefick services were Saturday.(PSFH)

Work is underway in the $3.23 million project to widen FM 1008 for about 13 miles from Hwy 321 in Dayton to Kenefick. The project will widen the existing roadway by 6 feet total. According to TxDot Area Engineer Charlotte Warner, that project should be completed by next spring. TxDot also has plans to widen the bridges at Linney, Bowie and Long John Creeks along FM 1008 by 4 feet on each side but is not expected to bid that project until July 2007.

Dayton School Trustees met Tuesday night and approved a bid by Arnold Construction of Dayton for more than $2 million for Phase Two of the Bronco Stadium renovation project. Dayton School Superintendent Greg Hayman said the next phase includes switching the visitors and home side bleachers at the stadium, adding more seating plus additional parking. Work is set to begin at the end of this football season.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden Danny Diaz reminds citizens of the City of Liberty that the extra-large number of deer within the city limits means motorists need to use extra caution. Diaz said there have been numerous car vs. deer wrecks in the city in the past few weeks and urges drivers to be careful.

The Dayton Broncos host the Crosby Cougars in Bi-District Play Off action tonight at 7 p.m. The Liberty Panthers’ Bi-District opponent is West Orange Stark at Pasadena’s Memorial Stadium at 7:30 p.m. If you can’t be there, listen to the games live on All Nine Split Channel Sports. You can also listen on line at kshn.com. In other post season games tonight Barbers Hill vs. Beaumont Central at Deer Park, East Chambers takes on Hemphill at Lumberton and Hull-Daisetta vs. Groveton at Sam Houston State. All those games kick off at 7:30 p.m.

FUNERALS: Martin Cervantes, 17, of Dayton, Services at 10 a.m. today at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Liberty. ** Joe Frank “Little Joe” Smesny, 83, of Eastgate, Services at 10 a.m. tomorrow at St. Anne’s Mission in Eastgate. ** Shelley Irene Montoya, 53, of Dayton, Services at 3 p.m. Monday at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton. ** Otis Elliott, 79, of Dayton, Services at 11 a.m. Monday at Wells Funeral Home in Liberty. **

The Liberty City Council met Tuesday night and voted unanimously to redo the permitted route for Forest Oil Company’s access route to their proposed drilling site from the Travis Street area to the less-populated Panther Drive. Oil Industry expert and a resident of the current route, Dwight Lumpkins cited issues ranging from safety to the damage regular travel by trucks weighing tens of thousands of pounds would do to residential streets. The Liberty Council instructed City Attorney Bruce Mintz to assess what the City’s liability might be in switching the Oil Company’s route to Panther Drive.

The death of a Dayton teenager is apparently the result of suicide. Dayton Police Chief Pete Douzat said 17-year-old Martin Cervantes apparently took his own life by hanging outside his home on Waco Street sometime between 10-11 p.m. Monday. The teen did leave a note, removing almost any thought of foul play, but Chief Douzat said he would wait for autopsy results before making a statement on cause-of-death.

The Liberty ISD Board of Trustees met Tuesday night and discussed the future of the old San Jacinto Elementary School on Grand Ave. at Texas Street. While trustees discussed everything from demolition of the building to renovating part of it for possible use as a bus barn, they decided to start with an asbestos study and a survey to determine the actual property lines. LISD Trustee’s heard from district employees who, until this year, said they had been getting two weeks paid vacation each year. Superintendent Mona Chadwick said there is no paid vacations for employees in district policy. Trustees asked for more information on the issue before taking any action.

The Dayton Chamber of Commerce Hometown Holidays Celebration is coming up Tuesday December 5^th. There will be children’s games and prizes, hot chocolate and homemade cookies, a cookie contest, Christmas music, Santa and his sleigh, a fireworks extravaganza, and of course the lighting of the giant Christmas Tree. For more information, call the Dayton Chamber Office at 936 257 2393. The fun starts at 5 PM.

FUNERALS: George Willie Smith, 62, of Crosby, Services at noon Saturday at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Crosby.

At yesterday’s meeting of Liberty County Commissioners, the contract between Liberty County and Civigenics for operation of the Liberty County Jail was approved. The 5-year contract allows for county and other non-county prisoners to be housed at the facility for $44 a day for the first 2 years, $45 a day for the following 2 years and $46.50 the last year of the contract. Liberty County Judge Lloyd Kirkham said the proposal from Corrections Corporation of America, the company currently running the jail was over $55 a day. Civigenics will take over jail operations January 1^st, 2007, at 12:01 AM.

The Valley Players fall production is this weekend, Friday – Sunday. Sandra Sterling said “Smoke on the Mountain” is a fun filled, family comedy with a great cast and recognizable gospel songs. Shows are Friday and Saturday night at 7 PM. Two matinee’s Saturday and Sunday at 2 PM. Tickets are $8 and reservations can be made by calling 936 336 6699.

A hunter got lost after dark Monday on a 2200 acre deer lease off County Road 2212 – known as Oak Shade Road in Northwest Liberty County. Darral Luker of Clute, TX phoned a friend when he became disoriented in the thick underbrush. The Tarkington Volunteer Fire Department, with assistance from the Cleveland Fire Department spent over an hour searching before they found the lost hunter. Luker, who is a cancer patient had missed his evening dose of medication, and was becoming ill while stuck in the middle of a thick briar patch. It took workers another 30 minutes to get him out after he was found.

Dayton Noon Lions Club Radio Auction is tomorrow night from 6 – 9, on KSHN Radio. It’s your chance to bid on some great merchandise and services and support the Dayton Lions Club’s many fine community projects. Just listen as Dayton Lions take over the airwaves to describe the items for sale, and then call in to bid. Saturday morning 9-noon, the Lions will be back with even more items for auction. To donate an item for the Lions Club Radio Auction, call Linda Williamson at 258 3522. To bid, call the radio station at 936 336 5793 or 800 356 5793.

FUNERALS: Elda M. Morgan, 72, formerly of Anahuac, Memorial Service at a later date.

****************************************************The Bi-District round of the High School Football play-off picture is clear. The first game up is Thursday at 7:30 pm when 8-2, West Hardin takes on 3-7, West Sabine in 1-A action at Silsbee’s Tiger Stadium. Friday night the Dayton Bronco’s, 8-2, host 7-3 Crosby at Bronco Stadium. Kick off is at 7 PM. The undefeated Barbers Hill Eagles take on 7-3 Beaumont Central at Deer Park. 10-0 West Orange Stark and 4-6 Liberty tie it up at Pasadena’s Memorial Stadium. East Chambers, also undefeated travel to Lumberton’s Raider Stadium for a match up with 6-4 Hemphill. The 7-3 Hull Daisetta Bobcats and 9-1 Groveton go to Sam Houston State. With the exception of Dayton/Crosby, all Friday night games kick off at 7:30. The Dayton – Crosby game on the right side of our split channel while the Liberty - West Orange Stark game will be on the left.

October’s “Bunko for a Bigger, Better Library” held at the Liberty Center raised nearly $8,000 for the planned library expansion project. Liberty Library Director Dana Abshire said the event was a huge hit. Eventually, the effort, chaired by former Liberty Mayor Paul Henry, must raise about $1 million in matching funds to double the size of the Liberty Library.

Tomorrow marks the start of the new open enrollment period for prescription drug coverage under Medicare Part D. Those signing up for the first time can do so without penalty. The open enrollment is also for those wanting to make changes to their current Part D coverage. The open enrollment period continues through December 31^st. For more information, call 1-800-MEDICARE or go to www.medicare.gov.

High school students at Liberty, Anahuac and Goose Creek can, through, Lee College earn credits required for high school graduation, and also college credits as well. Called dual enrollment, Lee College’s Laura Acosta said if a student meets the requirements, they can use the classes to graduate early, catch up, or just get a jump start on their college course work. For more information on the duel enrollment at Lee College, students are urged to talk to their high school counselor.

FUNERALS: Charles Raymond West, 74 of Hull. Services 10 AM tomorrow at Allison Funeral Service Chapel in Liberty.

Tomorrow night Liberty City Council considers a request from city resident Dwight Lumpkins to change the permit issued to Forest Oil Co. for a route to an oil well site between the Liberty Municipal Park and North Travis Street. Lumpkins has a petition from residents who want the company’s access route changed from going through residential streets to instead using Panther Drive. He maintains the company’s claim that the $76,000 for a bridge across a ditch off Panther Drive is cost prohibitive is not true. Lumpkins said that misinformation provided by Forest Oil gives council grounds to change the route permit. Petition signers are not opposed to the venture, only the route to it.

The Dayton Noon Lions Club Radio Auctions are Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Bidders are invited to call in and bid on a variety of great merchandise and services donated by local businesses. Proceeds support the Dayton Noon Lion’s vision program and other local Lions’ charities. To donate to the auctions or to get more information, give them a call at 936-258-3522.

****************************************************U. S. Congressman Kevin Brady said a federal disaster declaration for flood damage to Liberty and 10 other counties could come in a few days. Brady has spoken with White House officials who say the application process for federal assistance could begin in days - not weeks. Once the declaration is given individuals and governmental entities can begin application for financial help with repairs.

The Liberty Panthers 63 to 25 win over Shepherd Friday night vaults them into the bi-district play-offs against 10-0 West Orange Stark at Pasadena Memorial Stadium next Friday at 7:30 p.m. The Dayton Broncos enter post season as the District 22-4A Champions. Dayton won a coin toss and plays Crosby at Bronco Stadium Friday at 7. Advance tickets for both games are on sale Tuesday. In each case, the tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for students. All gate tickets are $6 Friday night.

FUNERALS: Lloyd Edward Mire, 84, Dayton, Service was Sunday. ** John D. Pennell, 80, Huffman, Service at 1:30 p.m. today at Houston National Veterans Cemetery in Houston.**W. B. ”Jim” Croft 89, of Hardin. Serv. @ 10 Tues. at Pace Stancil.

A Cleveland doctor has been suspended from practicing medicine indefinitely by the Texas Medical Board. The medical board said Dr. Merrimon Baker violated a board order not to be involved in or even present at a spinal surgery. A medical board spokesman said Dr. Baker performed back surgery on a patient just four days after that order was given. The suspension could lead to revocation of his license to practice medicine. In 2000, Dr. Baker lost a malpractice lawsuit involving a patient that went into cardiac arrest during a 1998 surgical operation Baker was performing. The doors of Dr. Baker’s Cleveland office on Washington Street is reported to be locked with a notice that operations there would be shut down until further notice.

A law passed only last year in Texas says you can not fire a weapon of any kind where the projectile might reasonably be expected to cross property lines. Chambers County Game Warden Bobby Jobes said this includes rifles, shotguns, pistols, or bows and arrow, called trespass by projectile. For more information on rules and regulations for hunting in the State of Texas, go to www.kshn.com and click on the Texas Parks and Wildlife link at the bottom of the page.

The Perrigo Company, manufacturer of store brand over the counter medications has issued a voluntary recall of 11 million bottles of store brand Acetaminophen sold through Wal-Mart, CVS, Walgreens, and Costco. A quality control check found small metal bits in a small number of the caplets. To learn the batch numbers that are being recalled, go to www.fda.gov and click on the Perrigo Voluntary Batch Recall list. Be patient trying to find if the one you have is being recalled, it is a very long list. A quick call to the company, at 1-877-546-0454, and they will send you a return kit for any recalled bottles. No illness or injury has been reported from taking the medicine.

One popular program we do each year here at KSHN Radio began again yesterday, the Great Gobbler Give Away. Brought to you by Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton, and continuing each weekday through Thanksgiving Eve, we’ll be giving away 100, ten to twelve pound frozen turkeys, 10 per day. When the announcer tells you its time, just call the station for a chance to win a turkey. One turkey winner per household, please.

In a recent Liberty County Commissioners Court Meeting, ousted county treasurer Janet Harrelson, read a prepared statement, claiming she had been about to reveal criminal conduct by others in the court house. So these office holders in effect framed her for crimes she did not commit and removed her from office. She promised to fight her remaining two convictions saying she would soon be vindicated. According to D A Mike Little, the deadline for making an appeal to the US Supreme Court as was promised by Harrelson and her attorney has passed with no apparent action on their part. The only appeal remaining relates to when she would begin serving her probated sentence and pay the $1500 in fines that were a part of her punishment.

Americans who are nowhere near retirement age need to be aware that now is the time to start saving for retirement. David Bauman with the Beaumont Office of Social Security said Social Security was never intended to be the sole source of income at retirement. Mr. Bauman said benefit amounts vary greatly but the average monthly benefit amount from Social Security is a bit over $1,000. In fact, Bauman points out, the most a person can draw in monthly benefits is slightly more that $2,000.

Tuesday’s victory for the Liberty County Treasurer’s Office by Republican Candidate Kim Harris prompted some speculation that she may be the first republican elected to countywide office in a long time, some guessed back as far as the Civil War. Kevin Ladd, Director of the Wallisville Heritage Park did some research and found that in fact, it has been 111 years since a Republican has won a countywide office. The last one was L. C. Chambers who held that same office as a Republican from 1888 – 1900, winning his last race in 1898.

A reminder, the Liberty County Courthouse and Liberty City Hall will be closed tomorrow in observance of the Veterans Day Holiday on Saturday. City Offices in Dayton, as well as Banks, will be open. Garbage collection will run as normal, and the Post Offices will close Saturday only.

Funerals: Jewel Stevens Bales, 90 of Dayton. Funeral services are Saturday at 10 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Liberty.

Phil Fitzgerald is the newly elected Liberty County Judge. Yesterdays voting went like this, Republican Craig McNair 6,083, Democrat Phil Fitzgerald 8,146. Current Liberty County Judge Lloyd Kirkham did not run for reelection. In the race for County Clerk, Incumbent Delia Sellers won that race with 7,717 votes while challenger Republican Paulette Shivers Williams received 6,381 votes. Election results are unofficial until canvassed by Liberty County Commissioners.

In Liberty County Commissioner Precinct #4, Democratic Incumbent Norman Brown received 2,215 votes, while his challenger, Republican Ray Akins got 1,329 votes. In the race for Commissioner Precinct #2, Republican Challenger James Gunny Jorgenson 1,455 votes. Long time Incumbent Lee Groce received 2,731.

Appointed County Treasurer Linda Leonard got 6,685 votes in her first bid for elected office, while Republican Kim Harris got 7,423 votes for that county office.

Five JP Races were on the ballot. Justice of the Peace Pct. #1 went to Incumbent Bobby Rader for reelection with 1,617 while John Wayne Wilson got 860. JP #3 Cody Parrish is the JP Elect, with 53 %, or 1,057 votes. Alan Tidwell got 929 votes or 47 %. Moving on to JP #4, Incumbent Glenn Pruitt retains that position with 2,388 votes to challenger Larry Wilburn’s 1,725. In the north end of the county, JP #5 Incumbent Burl Thomas wins with 1,271 challenger Bernadine Ringewold, 794. And in JP Precinct #6, Peggy Dunn wins with 1,655 over Monty Odum’s 1,133.

While it passed in both Polk and San Jacinto Counties, the creation of the Lower Trinity Groundwater Conservation District failed in Liberty County. For 5,165– Against 7,041.

Funerals: David C. Start, Sr. 80 of Cleveland. Graveside services today at 2 PM at Palms Memorial Park in Dayton * Leona Hammitt, 90 of Dayton. Services tomorrow at 1 pm at Yarboro Chapel United Methodist Church in Anderson * Bernice Cessna Walker, 90 of Liberty. Services tomorrow at 10 am at Allison Funeral Service in Liberty.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for voting in today’s General Election. In addition to casting ballots in U. S. Congressional, Statewide and District wide races, Liberty County voters will also be deciding the race for Liberty County Judge, County Clerk, County Treasurer, Precinct #2 and #4 County Commissioner and five of the six County JP Offices. Also on the ballot is the vote to create the Lower Trinity Groundwater Conservation District. KSHN Radio’s live election coverage begins shortly after the polls close at 7 tonight.

Yesterday, Liberty County Commissioners approved the hiring of Betty Brown with the Austin Law Firm of Bickerstaff, Heath, Pollan and Caroom to act as a consultant over central counting for today’s general election. Liberty County Judge Lloyd Kirkham said the county had already spent $60,000 defending itself following previous elections in a lawsuit that ended with Liberty County being vindicated.

Larry Wadzeck, long time Devers School Principal, has been named the lone finalist for the job as Superintendent of the Devers Independent School District. By state law, Wadzeck can’t be confirmed for the job until he has been the board’s nominee for 21 days. Devers Trustees are expected to confirm their earlier decision at their November 16^th board meeting.

Five of today’s Liberty County voting precincts are at new physical locations since the last election. Voting Precinct #3 is now at the Hardin Senior Citizen’s or Community Center on CR #2010. Precinct Box #10 is now Dayton City Hall on Cook St. Box #11 voters now cast ballots at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on FM 160 in Raywood. Box #26 voting will be at the Dayton School Administration Offices just off Hwy 321 and voting for Box #30 is at Old River Assembly of God Church on CR# 401.

The Liberty County Courthouse and all City Offices in Liberty will be closed Friday in observance of Veterans Day. However, the Dayton City Offices will be open for their regular hours Friday. Garbage service in both towns will run as scheduled.

Funerals: Edna Maxine Poorbaugh, 66, of Liberty, Services at 2 p.m. tomorrow at North Main Baptist Church in Liberty.

After early voting Friday, 5,689 Liberty Countians had voted for tomorrow’s General Election. County Clerk Delia Sellers said that’s a solid increase over the 3,852 voting in the last Mid-Term Election, in 2002. KSHN Radio’s election coverage begins shortly after the polls close

One of the area’s best-known oil field experts and well service operators died Saturday. Service for W.G. “Dub” Shivers, 84, of Hull, will be at 2 PM today at 1^st Baptist -Hull. Burial follows at Guedry Cemetery in Batson.

State Representative John Otto said Pennsylvania-based “Exhibits Rex” wants to locate a new $50 million dinosaur theme park in East Montgomery County very close to Liberty County. The company wants to open “Dinosaur City” on a 100-acre site next to U. S. Hwy 59 in 2008, but several details still have to be worked out. . ****************************************************

Dayton truck driver, Tim Greene, has an extra $3 million or so today. Playing a lottery scratch game, called Vegas Action, he won big last Monday. He bought a $30 ticket at the Raceway on US 90 in Dayton. Greene had won $30 in another scratch game so store clerk, Tonya, convinced him to use it even though it was over his personal lottery limit. Store owners, Kevin and Dee Dee McGrew get $10,000 from the state. Mr. Greene, and wife Jackie, will make sure their 3 kids have money for college, and get new vehicles. Then we are told they will, as they said, make sure the clerk Tonya, will be taken care of for a while. She’s a working single mom.

Technical engineer for KTRH Radio, 740AM-David Armstrong-69 was found dead at the station’s transmitter near Dayton on FM 1413 by a tower crew, coming to meet him there. JP#4 Glenn Pruitt ordered an autopsy but a heart attack is suspected.

Liberty kept hopes alive for the play-offs with a 52-12 Homecoming win over Tarkington Friday. Sr. Ashley Guillory was crowned Queen. Dayton has won their district title, over Nederland 35-7. West Hardin beat Hull-Daisetta 36-7. Cleveland lost to Coldspring 40-0. Barbers Hill over C. E. King 27 to 15.

Funerals: Dorothy J. Mayo DeBlanc, 75, Ames, Service at 11 a.m. Wed. at the Liberty Mormon Church**.

Liberty County Judge Lloyd Kirkham said Texas Governor Rick Perry has forwarded the county’s request for federal flood assistance to President Bush for consideration. Liberty is one of ten Southeast Texas counties seeking federal help for flood damage that followed the heavy rains that began on October 15^th. Judge Kirkham said the process is moving forward but it is too early to say when relief funds would be made available and what the amount will be. Judge Kirkham said –countywide- roughly 800 people had suffered some degree of flood damage. According to U. S. Congressman Kevin Brady if the request for assistance is approved it would provide funding not only to affected homes and businesses, but also to county governments for repairs to damaged roads and bridges.

Today is the last day for early voting in next Tuesday’s General Election. Early ballots can still be cast today from 7 to 7 at the County Courthouse and the Cleveland Annex, as well as from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Hardin Community Center and the Dayton Annex. Polls will be open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. KSHN Radio will have live election results Tuesday night as soon as the returns are available.

Entries are being accepted for the 2006 Country Christmas Parades, in Liberty on Tuesday Nov. 28^th and on Thursday Nov. 30^th in Dayton. There is no cost to enter the lighted parades that begin each night at 6 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for Best Walking, Best Riding, Best Float, Best Decorated Horse or Horses and Best Overall. For information on entering the parades, call the Liberty Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce at 936-336-5736. The deadline for entries is Nov. 21^st.

It’s Homecoming for the Liberty Panthers tonight as they host the Tarkington Longhorns. The Dayton Broncos are back home against the Nederland Bulldogs. Kick Off for both games is 7:30. Listen to the games on All Nine Split Channel Sports starting at 7:20. Liberty vs. Tarkington is on the left side of our stereo signal, Dayton vs. Nederland is on the right. Or go to kshn.com and listen on line.

Funerals: Clarence Dearbonne Jr., 77, of Dayton, Services at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dayton. **

Two requests filed with the Texas Public Utility Commission by Entergy will save the power company’s customers about $10 a month on their electric bill. Entergy’s Susan Gilley said the rate reduction would vary based on usage.

This Saturday is opening day for White Tailed Deer Season in Texas. State Parks and Wildlife Game Warden Danny Diaz reminds all hunters- even those from out-of-state- who were born on or after September 2^nd 1971 that they must take an approved hunter education course prior to getting their license. Cost is $15. Call Danny Diaz at 936-334-4601 about locations and times of courses in this area or take the course on line at www. tpwd.state.tx.gov.

Both the Liberty and Hardin Volleyball Teams enter the area round of the play-offs tonight. The Hardin Lady Hornets earned a bye in the first round as district champions. Hardin plays Tatum at 7 p.m. today at Diboll High School. The Liberty Lady Panthers defeated Bridge City in bi-district action Tuesday and now move on to face the defending state champions Bellville at Cypress Woods High School tonight at 7.

The early voting numbers continue to climb in Liberty County, the overall total through the first nine days is 4,193. In Cleveland, 1,477 voters have cast early ballots, 1,187 have voted in Liberty, 865 in Dayton and 665 in Hardin.

The Annual Southeast Texas Beef Symposium and Trade Show is Monday Nov. 13^th at the Winnie Community Building in the Winnie-Stowell Park starting at 2 p.m. The yearly event is sponsored by the Texas Cooperative Extension Service and the Agriculture Committees of Liberty Chambers, Hardin, Jefferson and Orange Counties. Cost is $6 per person or $20 per family for those who RSVP by Wednesday Nov. 8^th. Call the Liberty County Extension Service at 936-336-4558, Ext. 221 or 281-593-0405, also Ext. 221.

Funerals: Billy Glenn “Bill” Blake, 77, of Baytown, Services at 10 a.m. tomorrow at Navarre Funeral Home in Baytown. ** Luebertha Jones Swift, 73, of Liberty, Services at 1 p.m. Saturday at Mt. Rose Baptist Church in Liberty. **

The opportunity to vote early in next Tuesday’s election continues through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Liberty County Courthouse and the Cleveland Annex; from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Dayton Annex and the Hardin Community Center. As of Monday, 3,228 Liberty County voters had cast ballots early. Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day.

The Grand Opening Celebration for Liberty’s new City Hall is tomorrow at 10 a.m. with the cutting of an extra-long ribbon across the front of the 17,000 square foot building. Visitors can tour the $2.1 million facility during the open house that continues until 2 p.m. Mayor Carl Pickett and former Mayor Bruce Halstead will speak at the event. Refreshments will be served and representatives of each city department will be on hand to answer citizens’ questions.

Larry Dean Fulton, 49, who once worked informally for Chambers County rounding up stray livestock has been charged with cattle rustling. Chambers County Sheriff Joe LaRive said his office worked with Jimmy Belt- now a special ranger with the Texas Cattle Raiser’s Association in the investigation. Fulton is alleged to have sold at least 12 cattle without their owners’ consent. He is charged with 2 counts of theft of livestock- a 3^rd Degree felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine upon conviction.

The candidates for 2006 Liberty Homecoming Queen are Ashley Guillory, Christina Halstead, Daisy Mancilla, Shala Melonson and Ginivra Sarfitti. The Homecoming Queen will be named during half time at Friday night’s football game against Tarkington. There will also be a citywide pep rally at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Liberty City Hall.

The last in our series of political forums featuring candidates running in the November 7^th General Election is tomorrow morning at 8:30. The All Nine Party Line Program will feature the candidates for District #18 State Representative- Incumbent Republican John Otto and Libertarian Kris Overstreet.

Funerals: Melvin “Jack” Stewart, 66, of Raywood, Services at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Miles Baptist Church in Ames.