The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

MUELLER’S 448 PAGE AUDIO REPORT

Trump said highly respected, former special council Robert Mueller, who testified Wednesday at a House hearing, “Should not be given another bite at the apple.” I can see why, because this apple is rotten to the core and the Mueller report bares that out.

Sean Hannity, the snake who spews the most venom on FOX News Prime Time, tutored his Boy Scouts Jim Jordan, Kevin Jones and others on how to question Mueller and break him down on how the investigation into Russia’s interference in 2016 election got started.

Of course, Hannity wanted to give the impression that FBIDirector James Comey, as well as Hillary and the Steel Dossier, were all part of the witch hunt Hannity and Trump have promoted.

Mueller’s report detained Russia’s efforts on behalf of Donald Trump and what appears to be several attempts by Trump to obstruct justice.

Trump’s mouthpiece, shyster lawyer, Attorney General William Barr, has attempted, in several ways, to stonewall the report, right down to the last minute, even when Mueller was testifying.

Barr is using the Justice Department to silence some key points prior to Wednesday’s testimony.

Trump took all measures to discredit Mueller.

Those of you who didn’t read the full report might find it enlightening that Trump ordered White House council Don McGahn to have Muller fired and how Trump directed former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski to limit the probe and worst of all, how Trump ordered McGahn to falsify the evidence.

Hannity’s stooges were eager to bruise the reputation of a respected, former FBI Director and Vietnam War hero.

My bet is that it was at their political peril.

Trump renewed his attack on the former special council down to the last minute.

By now all of you reading this should know just how rotten the apple is.*****I’m going to watch the Wednesday night Democratic debates on CNN. It should be the better night.

My opinion is that at least six, maybe seven, of those well versed candidates are prepared on day one to serve in the cabinet.

Some would be excellent after the long parade of cabinet members who have gone through Trump’s swinging doors for the last two and a half years.*****That it’s for me.

Come along, it won’t do you no harm.

DEMOS NOT SITTING STILL IN TEXAS

Monday, Dallas state senator Royce West of Dallas, who has served in the Texas Senate three decades, joined a crowded field of democrats vying to unseat U.S. Senator John Cornyn in 2020.

West wants to reclaim LBJ’S senate seat for Democrats, claiming he will be an LBJ-type senator, “sit down and get the job done.” Meanwhile, Wendy Davis, former Texas senator, will challenge U.S. Representative Chip Roy, a Republican, who represents the San Antonio area, Dist 21, in the Congress.

Roy won his last election by 2.6 percent.

Davis inspired a flash of democratic optimism in Texas in 2014, raising nearly $40 million in her run against then attorney general Greg Abbott for governor.

Adding to Davis’ name recognition will be the film, “Let Her Speak” retelling Davis’ filibustering story that got her national attention.

The film stars Sandra Bullock as Davis.

The film recounts how Wendy overcame a difficult childhood in poverty being raised by a single mother.

She worked her way up from community college to TCU and was accepted to the Harvard Law School, where she graduated with high honors.

She was elected to the Texas Senate in 2008.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other house leaders threw an event in Washington, D.C. in support of her campaign and link to donate.

Things are changing on theTexas political scene as Texas becomes more purple. There will be several interesting races to watch.

A preview to 2024 shows Texas is predicted to turn blue.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2009

I really enjoyed and learned a lot about the Port of Orange and the great improvements and additions made there by Gene Boullion and the Port directors.

Robert Hankin wrote a great story last week on the new $3.5 million security system.

*****The Orange County mosquito plane, flown by pilot Patrick Bourke, should be in the air soon.

MosquitoControl Director Patrick Beebe and crew have been doing a great job with ground spraying but the skeeters have been light and that’s getting ready to change with all this rain.

The plane may be going into action just in time.

*****It’s with sadness we learned that our longtime buddy G.L. “Red” Garrett has been admitted to an area nursing home after a stay in the hospital.

Red had been falling often and the family felt he should not stay alone.

They made the correct decision.

To know “Booger” is to love him.

The former Orange city councilman is just a prince of a guy.***** *****Our buddy Cal died Tuesday.

His son Dale attended the Wednesday Lunch Bunch to invite the group to be honorary pallbearers.

In attendance also was J.W. “Kid” Henry. He hasn’t been around for several years.

Thursday night visitation was held for Cal at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange, the place he had worked and lived as a young man.

David Claybar called to say he was like a big brother.

Catholic Deacon Larry David and Roy Dunn did the honors of giving Cal a good send off at Friday’s funeral.

Cal was laid to rest in the soil from which he came in Morse, La.

On his Sunday morning radio program, Rev. Leo eulogized Cal and spoke of the man’s goodness and how he had helped his ministry and many people.

*****Saturday was a better day.

Sue and Tony Simar, good country folks, rewarded us with some fresh-cut okra and some of the best tomatoes I’ve tasted.

They had 150 pounds of tomatoes they were selling.

The crop is about done and they have already gathered and frozen all the corn.

(Editor’s note: What a difference 10 years makes when you reach the last quarter.

This year, no crop, just figs.)*****Hank Aaron, who hit 755 home runs, says that Pete Rose should be in the Baseball Hall of Fame. *****Alaska’s “Barbie,” Sarah Palin, stepped down Sunday after just serving half of her first term as governor.

You can bet it’s moneymaking time.

She’ll be on the talk circuit in less than a month.*****Lance Armstrong came in third in the Tour de France.

***** Rush Limbaugh, the nation’s biggest pill head, at one time swallowing 4,000 pills a month.

No rehab, he just quit.

If you believe that I have a bridge over the Neches to sell you. *****Judge Sonia Sotomayor was cleared by the senate committee to be passed on to full senate where she will be confirmed and become the 111 Justice,the third woman and first Latino to serve on the Supreme Court.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Obituaries 10 Years Ago-2009

Joseph C. “Jay” Campbell, 77, of Orange, died on July 27.

Joseph was an Orange County resident and served in the National Guard.

He is survived by his son, Joey Campbell and his wife Mel; daughter, Katherine Ann Karr and her husband Rogers; five grandchildren, Misty Morawski, Nathan Karr, Aaron Campbell, Jayna Bourdier, Jeana Campbell; and seven great-grandchildren.*****Blanche Barnes Gongre, 97, died Tuesday, July 21.

Services was held Thursday at Claybar Funeral Home.

She came to Orange during World War II and married Louis Gongre and for several years worked at the Orange Public Library.

She is survived by her son, Charles Gongre; granddaughters, Linda Graffagnino, Brenda Hicks, Deborah LeBlanc; grandson, George Baggett; five great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.

40 Years Ago-1979

Bridge City will get a new traffic lane.

City manager C.R. Nash says the state has approved the Highway 87, Texas Ave, remodeling project. Removal of the palm-landscaped esplanades will create a new lane, making Texas Ave. seven lanes.

Originally it was a two-lane road.

A recent poll showed that 48,000 vehicles traveled through Bridge City during a six-hour period.

Many are traveling to plants in Port Arthur.

Chamber president Bill Nickum said almost everyone he had spoken with were in favor of removing the esplanade.

The palm trees had been planted during the tenure of city manager Bill McClure.*****A very weak tropical storm dumped over 10 inches of rain over Orange County, knocking down trees and disrupting electric and telephone service.*****Vivian and Fain Holbrook celebrate an anniversary.

*****Jo and Ace Amodeo celebrate August 1.

*****John Alton Bergeron turns 14 on July 31.

*****On Aug. 2, Lynn Hall and Wayne Morse will celebrate birthdays.

*****Jeanne Dumesnil celebrated on July 27.

*****Russell Turkel will turn 9-years-old on July 31.

*****New store manager at Big Red Pantry, owned by Howard Morse, is Marshall Eggers. *****Polly and Mike Gamblin are headed to Florida, Polly’s homeland, on their vacation.*****Helen Harrington returned from a cruise on Saturday and caught the big bird to Vegas on Sunday.

Sue Pate left the sands of Corpus Christi just in time to also catch the plane to Fun City.

(Editor’s note: I don’t recall Doug or H.D.

shedding any tears over their wives being out of town for so long a period.)

45 Years Ago-1974

Spotted enjoying the food at the new LaPlace on Short Sixth Street, owned and managed by Ernest and Ann McCollum, were the Jack Smith’s, “CoCo” Harden and his bride, Louis Dugas, Dan Dumas, Tony Gerritona, who wrote the song, “My Happeniness” and Dist.

Att.

Sharon Bearden and his assistant Pat Clark.

Bearden was on a diet; he only ate one bowl of gumbo and two beignets.

LaPlace is a unique New Orleans style restaurant and coffee shop.

*****Judge Sid Caillavet will go into the hospital next week for surgery.

*****Clester Andrews is the Honda and Uniroyal tire outlet in Orange.

*****Attorney Jim Graves takes a new bride.

(Editor’s note: Which number was that?)*****Accountant Charles Reed has set up shop at Sneed’s Shipbuilding. He has also gotten a new bride.

He and Martha will live in Beaumont.

(Editor’s note: Charlie later went to law school and started practicing law in Beaumont.*****Attorney Buddie Hann has been appointed by the court to represent Cliff Blanchett and Cimron Campbell was strapped with defending Billy Wayne Dowden. Both are charged with causing the killing of officer Danny Gray, OPD. *****Roy Ingram is the new manager of Triangle Savings and Loan in Bridge City.

He’s a friend of Leroy Caffey, Donny Anderson and other pro football players.

*****Gene and JudyHidalgo are expecting the stark.

Gene was spotted assembling a baby bed on the front porch.

*****Nelson’s Automotive Service is located at 902 W. Division.

(Editor’s note: If my memory serves me right, I believe Jack Luther owned it.)

85-Years Ago-1934

Fifteen-year-old Julius David made a hole-in-one at Sunset Grove Country Club. He made it on number 12, using a five iron. *****Charles Cottle defeats W.L. Shepherd for tax assessor collector. He will contest two boxes, Orangefield and Pine Forest. Attorney Dewitt Bennett has prepared the petition. *****A reward of $5,000 is out for the arrest of John Dillinger’s five mad dogs. They are John Hamilton, Charles A. Ford, “Baby Face” Nelson, Homer Van Meter, Richard “Tallman” Galaths. *****Funeral service was held for Arthur J. Bancroft, 82-year-old pioneer.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

I can’s believe that Heather’s little boy Blaze will already be 20 years old on July 28.

Just the other day it seems Heather was 20 years old.

She and her sister Caroline are two fine young ladies like their mom Darlene.*****Bob Hope, who often visited our area and who the Bob Hope High School for the Handicapped is named for in Port Arthur, died on this day, July 27, in 2003 at age 100.

The late W.T. Oliver was responsible for promoting Hope’s interest in the area and the school.

Oliver also promoted the Bob Hope Celebrity Golf Tournament that many locals played in.

Some of them are still around.*****Let’s wish Dan’s sweet Manon Mohon a happy birthday on Monday the 29th.*****July 29 was also the late Rev. Leo Anderson’s birthday.

He passed away a few years ago and we still miss him.*****We are living through the longest economic expansion in the United States. The expansion, officially began by President Obama in June 2009, has now surpassed the 120 month record set from March 1991 to March 2001.*****Recently retired NBA superstar Dewayne Wade was a guest judge during Tuesday’s elimination round of “America’s Got Talent.” He joined his wife, pretty judge Gabrielle Union, judges Julianne Hough, Howie Mandel and Simon Cowell.

Wade got to use the Golden Buzzer.*****Last week, the Wednesday Lunch Bunch drew a small group.

I guess there was a lot going on.

The Bunch however, had some quality folks present.

Judge Joe Parkhurst made his first outing in several weeks before having to leave early for a treatment.

It was great to see him.

Commissioner Johnny Trahan and new judge John Gothia, two interesting guys, showed up.

I’ll have to get use to calling Gothia judge.

You know once called judge, always called judge.

It’s been 40 years since Pete and Stringer were judges but they are still referred to as “Judge.” Then there are Judge Flo, Judge Janice and many more.

John Roy told a few interesting stories, some painful to tell.

His latest adventure is installing above ground pools.

This week, The Bunch will dine at JB’s Barbeque.

The food is always good.

Next week The Bunch will be back at Robert’s.

Everyone always welcome.***** While on a trip to Israel Dr.

Chris Penning and wife Bethanie celebrated their 25th anniversary a little early by renewing their wedding vows in Cana.

What a wonderful experience.

Congrats to this inspiring couple.*****Today I’m thinking about my longtime friend Beth Rach, a real sweetheart. Beth has been fighting some health issues.

Our prayers are for her to get better and be her jolly, healthy self real soon.*****The NFL Dallas Cowboys, owned by Jerry Jones and family, is the worlds most valuable sports franchise at $5 billion, second is the MLBNew York Yankees at $4.6 billion.

The NBA Knicks is in fifth place at $4 billion.

Of the 50 teams Forbes found 26 teams were NFL franchises.

Football is king.

In third and fourth place were soccer teams, Madrid at $4.2 billion and Barcelone, $4.1 billion.

BIRTHDAYS

Chassadi Decker, Ralph Rucker, James Rucker, Lee Harris and Margie Stephens celebrate birthdays on July 24.

Joining them are Pop singer Jennifer Lopez who turns 49 and Kristen Chenoweth, who will be 50.*****July 25: Misty Cappel, Bobby Batchelor, Ryan Kimbrough and Allison LeLeux celebrate today.

They are joined by actors Marr LeBlanc, 51, James Lafferty, 33 and Meg Donnelly, 18.*****July 26: Celebrating today is Laura Berman and celebrities Rock singer Mick Jagger, 75, actors Sandra Bullock, 54, Kate Beckinsale, 45, and Helen Mirren, 73.*****July 27: Sherry Collins, Lisa Simmons and Ty Manuel have birthdays today.

Also golfer Jordan Spieth, 25, actress Maya Rudolph, 46 and former baseball player Alex Rodriquez, 43.*****July 28: Paula Richey, Allison Donnell, Chaelynn Wilson and Blaze Montagne, who turns 20.

Also having birthdays today are actress Lori Laughlin, 54 and basketball player Manu Ginobili, 41.*****July 29: Laurie Davis, Millie Lemaire, Hannah O’Grady Clayton, Lisa Fauld, Nancy Bourgeois and Bonnie Sipes celebrate birthdays.

Also celebrating are Cowboy QB Dak Prescott, 26, Country singer Martina McBride, 52 and actor Wil Wheaton, 46.*****July 30: Ronda Hale, Conner Godwin, Daniel Faircloth and Keith Gros celebrate today.

Joining them are actors Arnold Schwarzenegger, 71, Lisa Kudrow, 55, Terry Crews, 50 and Hillary Swank, 44.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Tee Nunc Comeaux’s boy, Norris, has jus received his drivers license him. He axe his PaPa when he could drive da car.

Tee Nunc said, “Norris, I’ll make a deal wit you, if you bring up you grades, study you Bible and get you hair cut, den we’ll talk about you borrowing da car.”

Sure nuff, Norris, him, buckled down and after six weeks his PaPa said, “Son, I’m really proud of you, me. You brought up you grades and studied you Bible. However, I’m a bit disappointed dat you didn’t get you hair cut.”

Norris paused and said, “You know PaPa, I’ve noticed in my Bible studies dat Samson had long hair him. John da Baptist had long hair too. Moses, him, had long hair and dares a strong argument dat Jesus had long hair, him too.”

Tee Nunc replied, “Norris, in your studies, did you also notice dey all walked everywhere dey went dem.”

C’EST TOUT

Gates slips to third in World’s Richest

Bill Gates is not the world’s second richest person any more. Gates lost his title to French billionaire Bernard Arnault Chairman and CEO of Luxury Products Group LVMH,according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Arnault is worth $108 billion while Gates is valued at $107 billion.

Holding the top spot on the Index is Amazon CEO and founder Jeff Bezos at $125 billion.

Bloomberg says Gates charitable giving is a big reason why he has lost ground among the world’s richest.

He has donated more than $35 billion to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

In 2010, Gates, along with Warren Buffett, unveiled the “Giving Pledge Initiative” aimed at encouraging billionaires to give away their wealth to charitable causes.

Among their latest recruits is MacKenzie Bezos, who recently divorced Jeff Bezos.

After the billions he gave her he’s still number one.

Donald Trump’s $3 billion is pocket change to these guys.*****My time is up, a sincere thanks for yours.

Take care and God bless.