The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

ELECTION TURNOUT PITIFUL

We congratulate all the winners in Saturday’s elections however, we are disappointed in the overall turnout.

Fifty-two thousand citizens are registered to vote in Orange County yet in the countywide port election, with five candidates vying for two seats, only 4,832 votes were cast.

In the Bridge City, City election, only 440 votes were cast.

In the School board only 598.

The City of Orange mayor’s race drew only 1,187 votes.

All of the above are very important enities.

The total is a small percentage of qualified citizens, showing a dangerous lack of interest in local government.

*****Apparently persistence matters.

Carrol Holt, 83, was elected to the port commission on his third try.

It’s my opinion that of all the candidates running, Carrol, the eldest, worked harder than all.

He didn’t leave a stone unturned from the Sabine River to the Neches River.

He walked many streets and knocked on plenty of doors, plus, no one has attended more port meetings as a citizen.

He really has a life filled with accomplishments going back to being a driving force in bringing a college to Orange.

He’s donated his life to volunteering for important causes. This good man even makes his own vanilla from beans.

*****I met port candidate Walter Mullens after the election.

A longshoreman, he had previously served on the port board back in the Wickersham days.

A great guy from the Cove, he’s still is relatively young, strong and knowledgeable.

*****Our buddy Keith Wallace found out how light voter turnout can be scary to an incumbent.

A 49 vote win is not a landslide; however Dr.

Miller ran a good race.

*****Congratulations to other winners, Larry Spears, Jr., Orange mayor.

I recall his dad and was a friend of his grand dad, Johnny Spears.*****Lucy Fields was reelected to Bridge City council; Patty Collins, a youngster raised in our neighborhood, was elected to Bridge City school board.

We must encourage more citizens to participate in future elections.*****Well, I’d best move on.

I invite you to come along; I promise it won’t do you no harm.

CONDOLENCES

We were sorry to learn about the death of Robert Jackson, 97, a WWII veteran, prisoner of war and Purple Heart recipient. Please see obituary.*****Also condolences to the family of Wanda Jean Trahan, who passed away May 6. Services will be held Wednesday, May 9, 4 p.m. at MacArthur Heights Baptist Church.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2008

Jimmy Scales became the first Bridge City Resident ever to serve on the Drainage Board.

The time had come and Jimmy will fill the bill just fine.

Pete Bean lost to J.B. Arrington, a popular former Ag teacher, who is just a great guy.*****Friday evening daughters Tina, Patsy and other employees threw a surprise 78th birthday party for Ray Cotton at The Longhorn.

A host of longtime friends shared Ray’s special day.

Roy says he and Ms.

Phyl joined the others in good food and refreshments.

Winford and Many Jane Smith, since selling their Gary’s Restaurant chain, have built a new home off Highway 62.

After being healthy as a bear for years, he had a heat stroke and now spends much of his time doctoring.

Chipper Nance, his wife Connie and dad enjoyed the festivities.

Ms.

Dorothy Cotton, who’s been fighting emphysema despite never smoking, made a brief appearance.

Coleman Peveto was his gracious self.

Mike Louviere and Jane enjoyed the evening.

Mike,Record reporter, fits in like one of the family.

Others enjoying the party were longtime friends the Hintons, James and Belinda Broome.

Shirley Dickerson was around, she’s always around.

Ray has a lot going on.

A big new arena is under construction with a new four-story motel to follow.

Ray’s a mover and a shaker and at age 78 he’s not slowing down.

(Since this was written he has lowed down but not much.)*****Congrats to Orange County citizens who obtained their doctorate degrees at Lamar over the weekend.

One is Dickie Colburn’s little sister, pretty Pauline, LC-M Superintendent, who is now Doctor Hargrove. Also former State pole vaulting champion Wayne Guidry became a Doctor Saturday.

Other Orange Countians joining them were Terri Thompson Estes and Carol Ellen Schulte.

That’s a big accomplishment and we commend you.

*****Three Lamar University students attained perfect 4.0 grade-point averages to receive the Plummer award.*****Little Cypress-Mauriceville’s Tiffany Smith, a mechanical engineering major, was the top female grad.

Tiffany is the daughter of Carolyn and David Smith.

She will begin work at the Dupont Sabine River Works in Orange in June.*****Don and Alice Cole celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary at the K.C. Hall in Bridge City Saturday.

Friends and family honored them on their special day.*****Special birthdays: Ann Bryant and L.K. Jarrel both celebrate on May 14; Nancy Chenella, Deborah Ellender and Brad Johansson on May 15; Sam Lucia on May 16, Angela Breaux and Frank Finchum on May 18, Hubert ‘Sprad’ Spradling and LeonCarter on May 19.***** Tuesday, May 20, our girl Karen Dunn Gros marks her day.

Joining her is our buddy Darby Byrd, who also celebrates on May 20.

(Editor’s note: Darby passed away since 2008.)*****On May 12, one of our helpers, Sherry Walles, reached the big 50.

For the first time in 11 years both of her sons spent Mother’s Day and birthday with her.

Michael is home prior to redeployment to Iraq for a third tour, son David is in process of joining the military.*****Congrats to B.C.’s Cory Smith for capturing third in the state relays in the 800 meter.

Also to the West Orange 4x100 and 4x200 track team for capturing a fourth and a second place finish.*****The Bridge City baseball team will meet Jasper this week in the state playoffs.*****Gospel singer-songwriter Joyce ‘Dottie’ Rambo, 74, who was killed Sunday, Mother’s Day, when her bus struck an embankment.

Ironically the day she was killed, I was listening to her music sung by Ricky Van Shelton. She was a giant in the Gospel Music industry.

Dottie had written over 2,500 published songs.

Many recorded her songs including Dolly Parton.

Dottie was on her way to perform on Mother’s Day in North Richland Hills, Texas.

A bad storm, high winds in Missouri might have let to the accident.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

OBITUARIES-10 YEARS AGO- 2008

Richard R. Pachuca Sr., 94, of Orange, passed away Friday, May 9.

Service was held Monday, May 12.

Pachuca served in the US Navy during WWII. He retired from Texaco after 32 years of service.

He is survived by his sons and daughters, Richard Pachuca Jr., Bobbie Jean Toomey, Dora Lowe, Lupe Brown, and Rudy Pachuca, twelve grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren.*****Ronald Joseph Gendron, 69, of Bridge City, passed away Tuesday, May 6.

2008.

Funeral arrangements will be under the direction of Falgout Funeral Home in Raceland, La.

Local arrangements were handled by Dorman Funeral Home in Orange.***** Kenneth Lauzon, 62, of Orange, passed away Sunday, May 4.

Service was held Saturday, May 10.

He is survived by his wife, Loretta Lauzon, daughters Lori Et;omger, Cindy Lauzon and Jeannie Lauzon, son, Jim Lauzon and granddaughter, Ella Etlinger.***** Jeanette Marie LeBlanc, 68, of Orangefield, passed away Wednesday, May 7.

Funeral services were held Friday, May 9.

She is survived by her husband, Walter LeBlanc Sr., sons, Walter LeBlanc Jr., and Ronald LeBlanc, daughters, TinaTarver, Mary Richard, and Cathy Jordan, grandchildren and great-grandchildren

40 Years Ago-1978

Congrats to J.B. Bearden for his promotion in the coaching ranks at West Orange-Stark.

*****Also, to Darla McMullin, Cindy Cronk and Betsy Jones, winners in the Campfire symbol contest.

*****To Joe R. Kelly on his victory to become a Little Cypress-Mauriceville school board trustee.

*****To eight county women selected ‘Girls of the Year’ by local Beta Sigma Phi chapters.

They include Sheelagh Barron, Nina Dilbert, Vonne Evans, Jo Fite, Molly Theriot, Becky Davis, Debbie Fremont and Carole Cassens. ****Former Sheriff Chester Holt is now home recovering after having open-heart surgery.

*****Congrats to Craig Fisette, pre-med student at Lamar.

He was initiated into the National Honor Society.

At the banquet Craig was also recognized as most ‘Outstanding Freshman Biology Student.’ He is the son of Harold and Patsy Fisette. (Editor’s note: I don’t know what became of Craig.

Harold still live in Bridge City. Patsy passed away a few years ago.

She was an angel and I bet she still is.)*****Janice Overman and Edna Lusignan took five cosmetology students to Austin for their state boards exam.

While in Austin they visited with old friends Gloria Lovelace and Debbie Pulliam.

Gloria and son Robbie have opened a seafood restaurant called ‘Momma’s Money’ on Sixth St. and Brazos.

*****June 5, the Orange Lion’s Club will install new officers.

John Cochran, president; O.C. Gunstream, 1st vice-president; Glenn Oliver, 2nd vice-president; Dan Mohon, 3rd.

vice-president; Rick Mayes, secretary; Bert Flickinger, membership chairman; David Reese, finance secretary; Ed White, treasurer; Harold Welch, tail twister; and Jay Bland, lion tamer.

*****In ceremonies held in the 128th.

District Courtroom, Roy Dunn, publisher of the Opportunity Valley News, was presented the Liberty Bell award by the Orange County Bar Association.

He was recognized for his outstanding contribution to Orange County.

The award is presented annually during the Law Day actives.

*****Dist.

County Attorney, Sharon Bearden, will be stepping down.

Most lawyers agree Joe Alford, 31-year-old, would be the ideal choice to replace Bearden. However, Alford has a good law practice.

Others mentioned are DA Assistants Mike Shuff and Bill Wright, and also Jim Wallace. (Editor’s note: If I remember correctly Wright got it.)

A FEW HAPPENINGS

Come pass a good time at the Stark Mayhaw Festival and Car Show, Saturday, May 19, 10 a.m.

to 1 p.m.

Singer/songwriter Shawn Branham will perform all three days.

Jo-El Sonnier will join him Saturday evening plus other artist and Gospel singing throughout the festival.

A fun time for the entire family.*****Our friend Marlene Merritt, homebound and totally grounded for five weeks, said, “Those five weeks were the most boring weeks ever.” Her third foot surgery consisted of breaking every bone in her foot to make repairs.

Unable to put any weight on it, Sheriff Merritt fixed all the meals, cleaned up and sought to her every need.

Last week she got out for the first time and was chauffeured to the Lunch Bunch.

It was great to see and visit with her.

This week, the Bunch dines at Robert’s and next week at Novrozsky’s. Everyone always welcome.

***Judge Derry Dunn was back with the Bunch after another bout with kidney stones.

After returning from Justice of the Peace state required class, wife Jean had to take him to the emergency room where he was hospitalized.

Apparently, the Judge has a little factory mining stones.

Enough to mount in a cluster ring.*****Monday I visited by phone with longtime friend James “Buster” Scales, who is 90 years old.

About a year ago he found out he had cancer and has been on chemo treatments.

So far, so good.

Son Kendell was taking his dad to M.D. Anderson, in Houston, Monday for a scan.

We pray the results were good.

Buster says he has been truly blessed with a great bunch of kids.

His youngsters take turns looking after his needs.

I’ve known all of his children for years including our late friend Jimmy.

Buster has a right to be proud of them.

Our prayers are with Buster.

He’s a great guy to ride the range with.*****I said last week that there would be at least one Cajun in the Kentucky Derby this year.

It turned out to be Kent Desormeaux, who rode “My Boy Jack,” trained by his brother Keith.

Ten years ago, in the 134^th Derby, Kent won his third derby on top of “Big Brown.” Kent and Keith are from Maurice, just out of Abbeville.

Saturday, in the 144^th Derby Kent, riding “My Boy Jack” came in fifth.

“Justify” won the Derby and might well be a Triple Crown winner if he runs in all three races.*****Budweiser brews a beer inspired by President George Washington.

“Freedom Reserve Red Lager” is inspired by a handwritten recipe found in Washington’s military journal, kept during the French and Indian war in 1757.

The beer will begin showing up in stores later this month and will be sold until September or while supply last.*****Ron and Jean Moreau will celebrate their 44^th anniversary this week.

Two great folks.*****Two longtime friends celebrate birthdays in the coming week.

First is the youngest, Ray Cotton, who turns 88 years old May 9.

I’m amazed at everything Ray has done in just 88 years.

He’s not only a colorful guy but he has a heart as big as a barn and is a great guy to be friends with.*****Also a guy who’s become a legend in these parts, J.B. Arrington, celebrates 93 years on May 13.

J.B. is a WWII veteran, a longtime Ag teacher and next month his restaurant, J.B.’s Barbeque will celebrate 46 years in business.

He started smoking meat as a retirement job to keep him out of trouble.

Today, he is also active serving on the Drainage District board.

I’ve known J.B. most of my life and I swear he hasn’t aged a bit since he was 90.

Happy birthday to both of these special guys.*****Last week I ran into Daryl Peveto who I’ve known for a long time.

Daryl is a real artist and at one time was famous for his hand designed paint jobs on cars that gave them their special Peveto look.

As far as I know Daryl is still doing specialized paint jobs.*****Saturday morning I also ran into Darrell Segura, who I have known since he was a puppy.

He said the rumor that he’s in the barbecue business is not true.

In fact, he’s staying away from food.

He’s on a diet.

He was a member of Bridge City’s state championship team but I don’t think he’ll ever see his playing weight of 112 pounds again.***Also at Judice’s I saw James McDanial, what a great guy.

He also was a very good plumber before he suffered a stroke.

***I also hoped I’d run into Danny Cole at Judice’s but he didn’t show up.

He doesn’t often play hooky.*****Auto Lube is now open under new ownership.The Bearden’s have purchased the business next to Valero, located at 1004 W. Roundbunch, in Bridge City.

Look for their advertisement in this week’s paper and details about upcoming grand opening later this month.

The Bearden family has owned a business in Vidor for 23 years.*****We received great response for both our publications, The Penny Record and The County Record, last week, thanks to our two professional, longtime reporters, Dave Ball and Dave Rogers.

As newsmen, those two guys are unbeatable.*****

BIRTHDAYS

A few folks we know celebrating birthdays in the next few days.

May 9: Our old friend of many years Ray Cotton turns 88 today.

Also Doug Havens, Lynn Scales, Justin Dupuis, Trudy Blair amd Dalton Gilliam.

They are joined by Billy Joel, 68, actors Rosario Dawson, 38 and Cree Cicchino, 15.*****May 10: Katie Hubbard, Sharon Woolley, Stacie Teaff and Chuck Williams all celebrate today.

Celebrities joining them are singer Bono, 57, actors Paige O’Hara, 61, and Lindsey Shaw, 28.*****May 11: Pat Collins, Sarah Moreland, Tami Vanderheiden and Sherry Walles all celebrate today.

Joining them are football player Cam Newton, 28, actor Coby Bell, 42.*****May 12: Justin Roberts, Jerry Hardee, Bridgett Bonneaux celebrate, along with actors Emilio Esteves, 55 Kim Fields, 48 and Malin Ackerman, 39.*****May 13: Today we celebrate Mother’s Day, a very special day.

Having birthdays are Calvin Granger, Jamie Garcia, Kate Jackson, Kristie Hughes and Renee Price.

They are joined by singers Stevie Wonder, 67 and Darius Rucker, 51, TV show host Stephen Colbert, 53.***** May 14: Janis Goss, James Birdwell, Nikki Smith celebrate today.

Joining them are director George Lucas, 73, actress Cate Blanchett, 48 and country singer Dustin Lynch, 32, country singer.*****:May 15: Celebrating today are Daniel Broussard, Deborah Ellender, Heather Brinson, Jaime Broussard, Nancy Chenella, Jimmy Sibert and Norman Gaspard.

Celebrities joining them are football player Emmitt Smith, 48 and Ray Lewis, 42, actress Sarah Hadland, 46.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Wen Tee Paul, wat lives on a farm near Youngsville, come down for breakfast his mother Mable axe if he had done his chores him.

“Not yet,” he answered.

His mom say, “Tee Paul, you know dat you don’t get no breakfast until your chores are done.”

Tee Paul him, was ticked off. He slams da screen door, kicks a chicken wat was feeding, kicks da cow to make her move over, den he kicks one of da pigs. Wen he comes in for breakfast Mable gives him a bowl of cereal.

“How come I don’t get eggs and bacon and why I don’t got no milk for my cereal hanh?” He axe.

“Well,” she answer, “I saw you kick a chicken so you don’t get no eggs for a week. Den I saw you kick da cow and a pig so no bacon or milk for a week.”

“But mom,” he said jus as his papa Sostan, who had been trying to start da tractor comes in for breakfast. Sostan him kick da cat half way across da kitchen. Tee Paul looked up at his mama wit a smile on his face and says, “Well.”

C’EST TOUT

Benchmark prices for U.S. crude oil, for the first time since 2014, closed about $70 a barrel on Monday.

Watch for prices to shoot up now that Trump has pulled out of the Iran deal.*****Apple stock was up 2% Monday, raising its market cap to roughly $915 billion.

It’s inching its value closer to one trillion dollars.*****House Speaker Paul Ryan reversed his decision to oust House Chaplin Patrick Conroy after Conroy retracted his forced resignation letter, Ryan decided that he will remain Chaplin of the House.*****The Falcons gave quarterback Matt Ryan a $100 million, five year deal.

In all he will average $30 million a year, a first for an NFL quarterback.*****It seems because of his arrogance, Trump probably believes he knows best how to handle his legal issues.

He and Rudy Giuliani have cooked up a whopper.

Trump continues to make matters worse for himself and then blames others for the mess ‘The Donald’ created.

He truly believes he can lie his way out of any problem.

Different news outlets have documented over 3,000 important lies he has told, plus he contradicts himself over and over.

What makes no sense is that a poll shows 41% support. The same 41% believe he had sex with Stormy and he knew about the $130,000 when it was paid to her.

Trump can make fun of the disabled, consort with Russia, belittle our FBI and pronounce contempt for our justice system and rule of law.

Besides cheating on three wives, he continues to be a poor moral example to our youth.

All said, the Bubba’s choose to ignore all that while witnessing the decline of the presidency itself.*****I have to move on.

If you have a Mom, don’t forget her. Believe me you will miss her when she’s gone.

Happy Mother’s Dayto all Moms. Thank od for the part you play in our lives.

Thanks for your time, mine is up.

Take care and God bless.