VOLUME 27, NO. 165 THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012

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Trial Continues Without Defendant: Testimony in the sexual assault trial of 21-year-old Eric Bernard McGowen continues today in the 75^th District Court of Judge Mark Morefield. However, in a surprise turn of events yesterday, the defendant disappeared during an afternoon recess. Judge Morefield ordered McGowen re-arrested and set a new bail of $250,000. Eric McGowen is described as an African American with short black hair. He also has a short mustache and goatee. He was last seen wearing light colored jeans, a white long-sleeve shirt with a black T-shirt underneath, and a pair of black high-top shoes. Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Eric McGowen should contact their local law enforcement or Liberty County Sheriff’s Office at 936-336-4500. The defendant’s defense attorney asked the court for a continuance until his client could be located. Judge Morefield said Eric McGowen waived his rights voluntarily when he disappeared and ordered the sexual assault trial to resume at 9 a.m. today.

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Social Security Card Security: Kim Richard of the Beaumont Office of Social Security reminds everyone to keep their Social Security cards in a secure location, away from the threat of theft. Ms. Richard said there is valuable information on Social Security benefits, replacing missing cards and more at the Social Security web site. You can link to the user friendly site from ours, www.kshn.com.

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Closed for Labor Day: Monday is Labor Day and the Liberty County Courthouse and all municipal offices in Liberty, Dayton and Cleveland will be closed. Most banks and all post offices will also be closed Monday for the national holiday. Waste Management garbage service will not run.

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Liberty Police: We recently reported the City of Liberty Police Department has a new Facebook page and Twitter address for the public to contact them. Liberty Police Chief Billy Tidwell said so far the response has been great and he expects it will only get better. You can like the Liberty Police Department on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @libertypolicede

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Obit: Eleanor Maxine Pickle Burnett, 97 of Tomball. Services 10:30 a.m. Friday at Memorial Baptist Church in Baytown.

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*Lake Release: 1,000 CFS – Liberty Bridge: 6.30 ASL*