HAPPIEST DAY FOR NEWLYWEDS TURNS TRAGIC

Will Byler, 24and Bailee Ackerman-Byler, 24, an Orangefield grad, both seniors at Sam Houston, had been married just hours in a wedding held at the Byler family ranch near Uvalde.

They were headed to their honeymoon destination when at 1:30 a.m.

the family helicopter crashed into a hill in Uvalde County.

The Bell 206B helicopter had been piloted for the last 20 years by Gerald Lawrence, 76.

The helicopter had been airborne for 10 to 15 minutes before crashing in the brush covered, 400 foot hill.

Their bodies were found amid the wreckage.

Another helicopter arrived at the crash scene at 7 a.m.

and the fathers of the bride and groom identified the bodies of the young newlyweds.

Bailee was going to graduate in December and Will in May. They were both members of Sam Houston State’s rodeo team.

As a youngster in Orange County, Bailee had been very active with the rodeo.

Visitation for Bailee will be Thursday, Nov. 8, from 2 p.m.

to 4 p.m.

at Turning Point Church of Vidor.

A funeral service will immediately follow.

She will be laid to rest with her husband Will at the family cemetery on the Byler Ranch in Uvalde.

The deaths of this wonderful, young couple puts everything in prospective.

Such a tragedy tops everything else.

It is very sad, their lives had so much promise.

Our condolences to both of the families and their friends.

God bless them and care for them during this great loss.

BEAUCHAMP—STRAGNER WIN LOCAL RACES

Congratulations to local winners Beauchamp and Stagner.

Theresa Beauchamp became only the third woman to be elected to Commissioners Court.

Her mother Marcel Adams was the first, Sue Bearden was second.

Beauchamp, a former Orange city council member and retired educator, is anxious to get to work on the court and is thankful for her broad support from the citizens.

Judge Hershel Stagner, who was appointed as judge of the justice of the peace court, was elected to serve his first full term as JP. I have never seen candidates work as hard to get elected; they didn’t take the election for granted.

Both did all the right things to reach the voters.

They knocked on doors, put up signs and advertised through the media.

They asked the citizens for their vote.

They out worked their opponents.

Teresa and Hershel are both going to take a few days off after the long campaign.

Judge Stagner and nine friends will go pheasant hunting in Kansas.

It’s a real sport that requires two different breed of dogs.

One is a “Pointer” that spots the covey, the other is a “Flusher” who flushes out the birds and also is the “Retriever” who fetches the game.

Sounds like a lots of fun.

The Judge will then return home to pick up his political signs.

We will comment on our predictions and outcome of state and national races next week.

WWII VETS TO BE HONORED

This week at Robert’s, the Wednesday Lunch Bunch will honor 97-year-old Cedric Stout who will be celebrating a birthday.

The Bunch also will be saluting all WWII Veterans, along with all veterans, in observance of Veterans Day.

Over a dozen WWII veterans are expected.

In the past year, we’ve lost the following WWII veterans, Moe Litton, 91, Navy; Clyde Chesson, 95, Navy; Charles Benoit, 93, Marines; Johnny Johnson, 92, Navy; Donald Slocum, 94, Army Air Corps and Robert Jackson, 97, Army Air Corps.

We have 21 WWIIVeterans on our list, one female, Ruby Parks, 95, Coast Guard, who plans to attend.

Everyone is invited and always welcome.

Next week the Bunch will dine at JB’s Barbeque.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2008

A new leader for an ailing nation. After one of the hardest fought political seasons in my lifetime, the end came with two eloquent speeches by both the winner and loser.

President-elect Obama said, “I will listen to you, especially when we disagree.” For a nation struggling with domestic and international issues, which include two wars and a crippled economic crisis, the need for a leader who hears all voices is crucial.

I believe in Sen.

John McCain’s concession speech he spoke the words that we should all abide by.

Unfortunately we still have our Sean Hannitys and Rush Limbaughs preaching fear and drawing a “Far Right” audience.

That’s how their gimmick works and is what has made and continues to make them multi-millionaires.

McCain’s parting message was delivered with dignity and class.

He spoke words that deserve repeating and should be abided by.

He said, “I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him, but offering our next president our good will and earnest effort to find ways to come together. To find the necessary compromises, to bridge our differences and help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world, and leave our children and grandchildren a stronger, better country than we inherited.

Whatever our differences, we are fellow Americans.”*****We were saddened to learn about the death of our longtime friend Colleen Gray, age 82, who passed away Nov. 9.

She was the daughter of Judge Martin Ardoin, who lived to be 100 years old.

Her mother, brother, Doug and sister Margaret also preceded her in death.

She is survived by her husband Lloyd, a great guy who she had been married to nearly 60 years and to daughter Kathy and son Larry and their families, several grandchildren and many friends.

A good lady who will be missed.

(Please see obit.)*****Our condolences to the family of Missy Jones, LC-M educator, who died Nov. 10.

Jones was injured in a bus accident several months ago in Mexico while on a school trip.*****Our sympathy goes out also to Von Broussard on the death of her brother James Mills.***** Our friend Cal Broussard continues to beat the odds.

Sunday he ate for the first time in 68 days.

He had chicken broth.

He continues to improve and is looking forward to being transferred to a rehab in Mid-County for a few weeks.

Meanwhile, son Dale is getting his destroyed house on Cow Bayou redone.

Cal’s son Randy and Betty Lou remain at his side.

(Editor’s note: Cal passed away a short time later.)*****Congrats to Art and Evelyn Hughes, who celebrate 50 years on Nov. 15.

Art, for many years was in law enforcement serving with the Orange police, sheriff’s office and was the first investigator for the D.A.’s office.

Ms.

Evelyn, for years, worked for Carl Thibodeaux at West Orange Pharmacy.**** A daylily has been developed and will be named for our late friend Tony Houseman. The Lilly will bloom in April.

Tony and Giesla owned several thousand lilies.

*****We congratulate coach Dan Ray Hooks and his West Orange Mustangs on another perfect season.

We wish them the best in the 3-A playoffs.

.*****Congrats to Bridge City runner Tim Cude who has qualified for class 3-A state cross country meet.

He ran the Region III meet in 16 minutes, 40.9 seconds in the 5-K race.*****Texas A&Mfootball just hasn’t been the same since Orangeite coach R.B. Slocum was replaced.

The Aggies got beat 66-28 by Oklahoma.

On 29 rushes A&M gained only 46 yards.*****Judge Janice Menard’s Justice of the Peace office, in Bridge City, destroyed by Hurricane Ike, will reopen Wednesday.

She has relocated at the Orange County Airport.***** Someone must have given Judge Pat a trip or maybe he won the Jewish lotto enabling he and Ms.

Rosalie to visit Israel.

He relates with people careful spending their money or just no spending at all.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Obituaries 10 Years Ago-2008

Arthur Lindy Martin, 50, died Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Services were Friday, Nov. 7.

He was a lifelong resident of Orange and worked as a mechanic for Coastal Marine.

He is survived by his wife, Tammy Martin, daughter, Shelby Martin and stepchildren Ashley and Sterling Turner, mother, Georgia Martin.*****Billy Mayo Grayson, 78, passed away Nov. 5.

He was a chemical analyst in the oil industry.

He is survived by his wife Jackie Grayson, daughters, Dana, Kathryn, Kimberly and Debra and seven grandchildren.*****Leslie Keith Hunt, 83, died Friday, Nov. 7.

Services were Tuesday, Nov. 11.

He was a member of Boilermaker Local 587 and served in the Navy.

He was also a fireman for the city of Orange for eight years.

He is survived by his son Jack Hunt, daughters, Judy Mancil, Peggy Schaeffer, son, Joey Hunt, stepsons Jack Pryor and Mike Pryor stepdaughter Patti Boose, 21 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

40 Years Ago-2008

Doug Harrington is developing his property behind his Texas Avenue Pharmacy; it will be called “Professional Park.” H.D. Pate’s law office and a new building, just completed, is occupied by Rusty Nick’s Real Estate and Larry Webb, CPA. (Editor’s note: the Nick’s / Webb building later became the “Creaux’s Nest” now in need of much repair caused by Hurricane Ike.

Neighbor Cox can’t spy on us anymore, nor will we be able to see the “Neighborhood Garden” but it will be like going home.)*****Bridge City boxers captured third place in Beaumont’s AAU Boxing Tournament, promoted by ex-boxer Bubba Busceme.

Outstanding boxer award went to James Pipps, 125 pounds.

Clary Chesson, 60 pounds, E.T. Laughlin, 65 pounds, Cory Sherman, 75 pounds and Shawn O’Dell, 80 pounds all fought in the junior division.

James Reedes, 120 pounds, Dale Bendy, 112 pounds and Robert Tankersley, 125 pounds, represented the Bridge City Boxing Club.

*****A former Orangeite, Ken Blanchard, a Gillett representative, is considered the best bowler in Tennessee.

He has the highest average among male bowlers in the last two seasons.

*****Bob Shinn’s Ramada Inn in Orange was named one of the “Top 10” of Ramada’s 650 inns.

*****Bill Clements is the first Republican to be elected governor of Texas in over 100 years.

He beat John Hill. *****Incumbent governor Dolph Briscoe was defeated by Hill in the Democratic primaries.

Clements out spent Hill $12 million to $7 million.

Orange and Jefferson counties favored Hill.

Gov. Briscoe’s family supported Republican Clements. *****Gregory Cline Still, 13 years old, was killed in a dirt bike accident.

***** Barry Wiseman opens the Gulf Discount store on IH-10.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

A few of our friends who are celebrating wedding anniversaries this week.

Wilson and VJ Roberts mark 30 years Nov. 8.

That gal has stickability.

Best thing that ever happened to Wilson.

Best wishes for many more.***Happy Birthday to our good friend, Lawrence Trim, who is always ready to help with being our special occasion photographer, he celebrates on Nov. 10.***On Nov. 11, high school sweethearts Carlis and Brad Roy celebrate their many years together.***School teacher Pat and Donnie Stanton celebrate Nov. 12.***Nov. 13 is a special day for Debbie and David Fusilier, who met in high school at Bridge City and have been inseparable since, all the way to being grandparents.

Keep on trucking and before you know it 50 years will roll around.

Congrats to all.*****A special happy birthday on Nov. 12, to our buddy Sean Cade Gros who is now home after serving four years in the Coast Guard.*****Seventy-eight years ago this week, on Nov. 5, 1940, President FDR won his third term defeating Republican Wendell Willkie.*****I ran into Donna Peterson, Sr., last week and I’m always impressed by that beautiful lady.

The Peterson family is celebrating 50 years in business in Orange County.

Their A-1 Peterson Plumbing was even recognized by Gov. Abbott on behalf of the state of Texas.

The proclamation ran in the Record Newspapers last week.

We join in the congratulations.*****Last Sunday Bridge City resident Collin Gros went all the way for his Houston Texan team, all the way to Denver, where the Texans beat the Broncos 19-17.

Collin visited with his former Bridge City classmate Nick Portacci, who now lives in Denver.

BIRTHDAYS

Folks we know celebrating birthdays this week.

Nov. 7: Claris Collins, Bob Johnson, and Chuckie Ganze all celebrate today.

Joining them are actors Algee Smith, 23, Adam DeVine, 33, singers Lorde, 21 and Joni Mitchell, 74.*****Nov. 8: Dee Moran, Dixie Brint, Debra Burch and Keith Longlois all celebrate today.

Celebrities celebrating are chef Gordon Ramsay, 51 and country singer Lauran Alaina, 23.*****Nov. 9: Having birthdays on this day are Madalyn Carpenter, Eric Meadows, Linda Faulk, Susan Veillon, Charlotte Wooten and L.C. Boudreaux.

They are joined by singer Nick Lachey, actors Eric Dane, 45, Robert David Hall, 79 and Lou Ferrigno, 66.*****Nov. 10: Steve Carlton, Della Buxton, Judy Hunt, Joann Alford, Trey Todora and George Roberts have birthdays on this day.Also celebrating are singer Marinda Lambert, 34, actors Tracy Morgan, 49, Sinbad, 61 and Michael Jai White, 50.*****Nov. 11: Celebrating today are Bree Hanks, Gerald DeLeon, Greg LeBlanc, Michael Fisette, Cynthia Dupuis.

Celebs celebrating are actors Leonardo DiCaprio, 43, Demi More, 55 and Stanley Tucci, 57.*****Nov. 12: Sean Cade Gros, Jeanne Blacksher, Liz Briggs, Matthew Ethredge, Sharon Sims and Steve Fisher.

Also celebrating are figure skater Tonya Harding, 47, singer Neil Young, 72 and actor Ryan Gosling, 37.*****Nov. 13: Karla Holden, Michele Fontenot, Sidney LeBlanc, Tim Johnson, Darla Murphy and Paul Smith all celebrate today.

Joining them aretalk show host Jimmy Kimmel, 50, actors Whoopi Goldberg, 62, Gerard Butler, 48 and Joe Mantegna, 70.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Joe and Clotile Boudreaux have been married 70 years dem. Boudreaux him, invited his friends Alcid Comeaux and his wife, Bernice, to come have supper and share dare special occasion. Clotile, her, would fix da meal.

Sure nuff, dey came and during da meal Boudreaux say to his wife, “Honey, you hair sho do look nice.”

A little while later he say, “Honey, you sho got a pretty dress on.

When dey finish eating Boudreaux say, “Boy, Honey, dat was a good meal, yeah.”

She said, “Tank you.”

Wen da ladies went to wash da plates Comeaux say to his friend, “Joe, it’s amazing how even after all dos years you still call you wife Honey.”

Boudreaux say, “Well, Alcid, it’s like dis, me, I forgot her name about 10 years ago.”

C’EST TOUT

The Shameful Actions of the President

The Mid-term election is over now so far a little while at least, until Trump starts his run for re-election, we can hope that he will tone down the hate and the campaign of fear.

He hit an all time low last week with a version of the “Willie Horton” ad of the 1980’s.

On his Twitter feed he ran footage of a twice deported Mexican immigrant being sentenced to death for the killing of two California police officers.

The ad included the words, “It is outrageous what the Democrats are doing to our country.” Three facts to correct: First: The Democrats had nothing to do with this guy.

Second: Undocumented immigrants commit fewer crimes than native born Americans.

Third: This incident occurred during the Bush Administration.

The words “Be Afraid, Be very afraid,” by Trump, is a low-in fear mongering for the president of the United States.

Only one Republican had the nerve to call out Trump.

Sen.

Jeff Flake, who will be departing said the ad was “sickening and a new low in campaigning.” Last week, Speaker Paul Ryan said, “The 14^th Amendment is clear, if born here you are a citizen.” Trump, who wants to circumvent the 14^th Amendment, got all over Ryan for even commenting, saying, “It was none of his business and that he didn’t know what he was talking about.” That is why no congressman or senator will step up and correct this Wildman.

Perhaps Trump’s biggest lie, of many, is on Oct. 20, in Houston, he promised a 10 percent middle-class tax cut before Election Day.

He focused on Con.

Brady and asked, “Isn’t that right Kevin?” After asking the second time Kevin gave him thumbs up.

Then Trump said, “We have been working on that for several months, Kevin has it ready to go.” Brady looked like he was in shock and wanted to climb under his chair.

Congress is not even in session.

He didn’t care that he put Brady in a bind with that lie.

Next he declared a national emergency, describing the migrants as invaders and declaring he had dispatched 5,200 troops to the border, with 8,000 to follow.

These migrants, mostly women and children, are just seeking asylum.

Poor people whose family members have been killed by gangs.

They are not carrying weapons and seek only a safe haven.

He’s sending more troops than the U.S. employs against the Taliban.

Finally, Trump shamelessly promised, at rallies, to safeguard coverage of pre-existing conditions, when at the same time, the government is in the courts suing to outlaw it.

The lies rolled off his lounge so easy in the final days.

Nonpartisan Fact Check outlets have found that as of Oct. 31, Trump had told 6,420 lies, probably several hundred more in last week.

Our president is out to prove your mom was wrong and so are you.

It pays to lie but you have to do it a lot and over and over again.

If the president of the United States is an example of good and what’s morally right in our country, then we have all been wrong to tell our children not to lie.

Just remember, truth will serve you better and it’s the right thing to do, one lie leads to another.

As for Trump cleaning his act now that the mid-terms are over, “No chance.” His ego won’t let him quit holding rallies, that’s how he feeds that sick ego.

He’ll lie about mid-term defeat and spin that it was a win.***** Thanks for your time, take care and God bless.