VOLUME 27, NO. 118 FRIDAY, JUNE 22, 2012

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Unemployment Up: The unemployment rate for both Liberty and Chambers counties got worse during May and continues to lag behind both the statewide and national figures. According to Texas Workforce Commission, the unemployment rate for May here in Liberty County was 9.2 percent. In Chambers County, it was 8.3 percent. The jobless rate in Texas held steady at 6.9 percent in May while the U.S. unemployment rate ticked slightly higher to 8.2 percent. For both Liberty and Chambers counties, there are now a combined 4,534 residents who say they are looking for a job but are unable to find one. That is a two-county increase of 458 jobless residents compared to April.  

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Tiremax Folds: Tiremax has closed its Liberty and Cleveland locations, but no word from the tire retailer on why. Our phone calls have not been returned. What we do know is last week the Tiremax store in Liberty - with a showroom and four work bays - was open for business. Over the weekend, everything not tied down was removed, and by Monday, the Main Street building was empty. There is not so much as a note on the door, but clearly the Tiremax stores in Liberty and Cleveland are closed.

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Helipad Dedication: A crowd of about 75 people was on hand Thursday for the official dedication ceremony for the new Dayton helipad located on the grounds of the Dayton Community Center. Liberty County EMS Director Mike Koen said statistics show 194 Dayton area residents required air ambulance transport in a recent 18-month period. While Lifeflight helicopters are likely to use the landing pad most often, it is certified to accommodate most commercial choppers. The helipad construction was fully funded through community donations to the Dayton Rotary Club.    

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Tax Deadline: As reported, the last day to pay any remaining unpaid property taxes without additional penalties and attorney collection fees is June 30. Since that is a Saturday, property owners actually have until Monday, July 2, to make payment.  County Tax Collector Ricky Brown said paying any amount of the total by the deadline can mean substantial savings.      

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Obituaries:  Vivian Lavon Carraway Clegg, 69, Graveside services at 10 a.m. today in Plantersville.

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*Lake Release: 1,420 CFS – Liberty Bridge: 6.7 ASL*