Liberty Vindicator

LIBERTY– An investigation into an escaped inmate last week has now resulted in the termination of a jailer after several procedural violations. The incident took place before daybreak at HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood, when Rafael Reyes, 31, an inmate in custody of Liberty County, escaped custody while at the hospital.

LIBERTY— A manhunt is underway for a Liberty County Jail inmate who slipped away this weekend while being treated for a medical emergency at a Kingwood hospital. Law enforcement agencies said Rafael Reyes, 31, has been on the lam since 5:30 a.m. July 18, when he ran from a Liberty County correctional officer after being transported from the jail to HCA Houston Health are Kingwood. Reyes was slated for care related to an unspecified medical condition.

MONT BELVIEU — In continuing discussions from last month’s Chambers County Republican Party meeting, the organization discussed youth engagement — welcoming representatives of the High School Conservatives of America. After a brief presentation by National Field Director Patrick Prudhomme on Thursday, July 9, the party opted to create a youth advisory board to work with the organization. “I think this is a great path,” GOP Chair Donnie Self said.

WINNIE— The East Chambers Buccaneers will play three Thursday night games during the 2026 football season, including the annual “Swamp Bowl” on Oct. 15 at Kyle White Stadium against the Anahuac Panthers. The season will get started at home on Aug. 28 against the new-look Jasper Bulldogs. East Chambers will then take to the road for their next two games as they visit Hardin-Jefferson on Sept. 4 and then will make a trip to Houston the following Friday for a contest against St. Pius.

ANAHUAC— The area library has been busy this summer with its annual Summer Reading Program, but activities won’t stop when the summer does. The Chambers County Library in Anahuac has a few upcoming events, including some back-to-school activities. The Back-to-School Slime Fun event will be on Wednesday, Aug. 5 from 2 to 3 p.m. Kiddos ages 4 to 11 can get ready for school with a gooey twist. Attendees will twist, stretch and design their own slime while exploring creativity and simple science.

FLOODING BATTERS HILL COUNTRY AGAIN A massive amount of rain once again engulfed the Hill Country, causing widespread flooding in several counties including Uvalde, Kerr, Kendall and Gillespie. At least two fatalities were reported near Comfort and Uvalde. More than 270 people were rescued. Damage was widespread from rains bringing as much as 25 inches to parts of Kerr County and 10 to 15 inches in other counties. PLEASE LOG IN FOR PREMIUM CONTENT.

People in the area may have recently received calls claiming to be from the sheriff’s office, but before becoming concerned, they should know it's a scam. The Chambers County Sheriff’s Office notified residents of recent scam calls on Thursday, July 9, and earlier the same day, a resident of Liberty County contacted newspaper staff about her experience with the scam.

ANAHUAC— Returning participant of the Anahuac Municipal Development District Summer Job Program, Zack Delacruz, is learning the ins and outs of Anahuac National Bank. Last year, Delacruz worked with Chambliss Construction under the leadership of Kolby Chambliss, where Delacruz learned a variety of skills each day. This summer, Delacruz is learning about the operations of the bank. As a recent graduate of Anahuac High School, Delacruz plans to attend Stephen F.

DAYTON— Although the volleyball season is still a few weeks away, there was plenty of action going on at Dayton High School last Tuesday afternoon as the Lady Broncos Summer League was in full swing. The Anahuac Lady Panthers were well represented, and they got in some valuable work ahead of the 2026 season. The first game saw the Dayton varsity taking on Anahuac. The Lady Panthers were playing with a mixture of their varsity, JV and freshman team.

Three men were arrested with charges related to theft and fraud involving an attempted Facebook Marketplace sale. On Tuesday, July 7, Chambers County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Michael Camerlin, 39, of Denton; Christopher Gibson, 22, of Albion, Michigan; and Antwain Armstrong, 23, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, for a felony charge of engaging in organized criminal activity. Left to Right: Camerlin, Gibson, Armstrong Gibson and Armstrong were both released, though Camerlin remains in custody.