The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

THE PEAK OF HURRICANE SEASON

By this weekend a tropical system that will move near the southeastern Bahamas and Florida could become more developed and move into the northern Gulf. This system could bring more rain to the Bahamas and Florida. The Bahamas is totally destroyed from Dorian and looks like it’s been bombed. It is a sad situation and no one is rushing to help them. Their economy depends mostly on tourism and it will take several years, if ever, to restore the place. Now another storm approaches.*****I’ve got to move on. Please come along, I promise it won’t do you no harm.

TRUMPS APPROVAL RATING SLIPS

A new Washington Post-ABC poll was released Tuesday, Sept. 10.

Six in 10 Americans expect a recession and higher prices as Trump’s approval rating slips.

Americans express wide concern about Trump’s trade war with China, which will raise the price of goods for U.S. consumers.

Trump’s policies have increased chances of a recession.

Trump’s approval rating among voting age Americans is at 38 percent, with 58 percent saying they disapprove of his performance in office.

A separate question finds that 6 in 10 find that recession is “very likely” or “somewhat likely” in the next year.

Trump’s overall rating with Independents is deeply underwater, with 36 percent approving of his job performance and 58 percent disapproving.

The poll finds a persistent and large gender gap in views of Trump, only 30 percent of women approve of his job performance, with 64 percent disapproving.Men are evenly split with 47 percent approving, 47 percent disapproving. A sizable share of Trump core supporters say they are worried about price increases because of tariffs, including 55 percent of whites without college degrees, 54 percent living in rural areas and 45 percent of White, Evangelical Protestants.

Concern rises to about 6 in 10 political independents and people living in the suburbs, two key swing voting groups.

The poll found that American voters are 28 percent Democrat, 24 percent Republican.

Independents are the largest voting block with 37 percent.

In the poll of Democratic candidates people were asked to list their preference among 24 candidates.

Biden received 30 percent, Sanders, 19 percent, Warren, 12 percent and Harris, 13 percent among registered voters.

When the poll asked, “Who do you think has the best chance to beat Trump”42 percent said Biden,14 percentSanders, 12 percentWarren, with Harris and O’Rouke 2 percent.

Eight-nine percent support background checks on all potential gun buyers, including private sales and gun shows. Twenty-seven percent say they are greatly worried about mass shooting in their community, 34 percent said somewhat worried. Trump’s 38 percent is the same as the FOX poll two weekends ago.

COX TURNS 95 AND STILL KICKING

Monday morning, like usual, I started my week early; my first stop was at Neighbor Cox’s place.

Since it was still dark I left a little package for him in the middle of the yard where he couldn’t miss it when he took his first look out of the kitchen window.

Monday, Sept. 9, was my buddy Millard’s 95^th birthday.

The old WWII veteran is one of my heroes.

When we first met 23 years ago, we both operated full throttle.

Today, he’s slowed and walks in smaller steps but he’s still self-sufficient.

He lives alone, does his own cooking and chores.

At least once a day he will drive to Golden Years Assisted Living to visit Ginny, his bride of over 70 years.

For three years or more he’s done this routine.

It breaks his heart not to have her home but she’s well cared for and Cox is pleased about that.

I first met this wonderful couple, Ginny, was the gardener, she grew some great crops that the entire neighborhood enjoyed.

She was also the family mechanic.

She could take a carburetor apart, fix and clean it, then put it back together.

They have known each other since they were kids.

Every day, or most days, I check on “Neighbor” to see how he’s doing.

He’s usually doing better than me.

I was concerned that he would spend his birthday alone.

No one should spend their 95th birthday along.

Well Cox wasn’t alone.

His daughter, son, niece and nephew took him to Juanita’s for a great meal.

His friend Mark Brinson bought a birthday cake and a neighbor baked him a loaf of homemade bread.

He had a great 95th birthday.

Here’s wishing this old veteran continues having good health and mental sharpness.

Well Neighbor may the wind be at your back.

Happy Birthday.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2009

Folks gathered last Sunday in Bridge City to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Ike coming ashore.

It was a nice jester but I suspect that the fifth or even tenth anniversary will have a lot more meaning.

Seven hundred FEMA houses remain, folks are still in a dilemma and the community still has a long way to go before the true story of the outcome can be told.

The entire Bridge City story hasn’t been written yet. There are many heroes, residents and business people, who make their homes between Cow Bayou and the Neches. Some business people, who lost their total investments, picked themselves up after the tears dried and moved on and helped their neighbors get on solid footing.

In the case of this newspaper, the Dunn family invested thousands of dollars to keep the local newspaper published when businesses weren’t able to support it. Our paper made advertising available to businesses trying to get reestablished and get their reopening message out.***** September 9th we lost a good man.

We had known N.J. “Vick” Vicknair going back to the mid 1960s.

Vick worked as a union electrician and for a long time, in the early years, worked for Bubba Hubbard, who was instrumental in the incorporation of Bridge City.

Bubba was elected to the city council and when the term limits got him, Vick ran for his seat and was elected and served three terms.

For several years Vick was a successful coach in Youth Football.

He was one of the most companionate and helpful people we have ever known.

He never turned anyone down who asked for help.

He loved people and loved to dance. He and Shirley, his lovely wife of 50 years, could often be seen wherever a band was playing.*****We were sorry to hear of the death of George Sigler, 78, who passed away Sept. 12.

Service was held Tuesday.

Mr. Sigler lived in Orange many years and was a Dupont employee.

He was the father of our loyal friend Ron Sigler.

His two other sons are Dr.

Scott Sigler and Thomas Sigler.George and his late wife, Joyce, raised some great boys.***** Some of our special people having birthdays that we know about are Ms.

Phyl celebrates her special day this Wednesday, Sept. 16.

(She’s earned every year.)*****The great American “Mr. VFW” John Clark celebrates this week.*****Our buddy, BCISD Police Chief George Navarro, has a birthday.

We’ve known that boy and his great family since he was in diapers.*****Mark Anderson, Debra Cauthier and Susan Pennington all celebrate this week.*****Also very special happy birthday this week to a beautiful lady, Cathy Garretson, Sept. 15, a great friend over many years.

Best wishes to all.*****Over 32 million people watched President Obama’s health care speech to a joint session of Congress.

FOX was the only major network not to carry the speech live. That’s the third time since Jan. 20 they haven’t carried a presidential address.

That’s no big surprise.***** The United States economy is making the transition from recession to recovery.

Fed survey says the U.S. is healing but recovery still fragile, the job market still weak but the stimulus plan is working.*****Jivin’ Gene, after many years of not being in the recording studio, has released a new CD.*****Speaking of Gulf Coast music, our longtime buddy Johnny Preston will present “Solid Gold, Rock-N-Roll show VI” on Oct. 2, at Parker Center. Performing with Preston will be Jivin’ Gene, The Dixi Cups, Troy Shondell and the Ken Marvel band and others.

All proceeds will benefit the Museum of the Gulf Coast.

Preston is one of the great voices to come from our area.

Preston died shortly after the Rock-N-Roll show.)***** The Dallas Cowboys looked good in their 34-21 win over Tampa Bay.

The Bucs, for the first time in five years, didn’t have the accurate foot of place kicker Matt Bryant.

The new coach’s replacement, Nugent, got a chip shot blocked and was wide right on a 46-yarder.*****We received quite a few e-mails from people all over the country last week.

One came from Denise Guyote, who now lives in Angleton and had worked for Doug Harrington’s Pharmacy back in the 1970s.

That’s when we were all young.

She moved away from Bridge City in 1980.***** We were pleased to hear that our sweetheart Nelda Burton is home recouping after having surgery at St. E. The report card is still out on Commissioner Owen Burton’s nursing skills.

40 Years Ago-1979

Officers were elected to the newly formed Bridge City PTA. They are Faye Fisette, president; Linda Nicks, first vice president; Gayle Bell, second vice president; Billie Bradberry, secretary; Kay Klien, treasurer; Ralph Wallace, parliamentarian, Eloise Stoudenmier, historian.

*****The annual Miss Bridge City pageant will be held Sept. 22.

Helene Litton is chairman.*****Don Sharpe is store manager at Kroger, John Downs, food manager and Dorothy Cotton, general merchandise manager.*****Don Stump, talented McNeese place kicker, helped the Cowboys defeat Tulsa 6-3 with a pair of field goals.

Stump has a string of 33 straight extra point conversions and ranks among the top in the nation.

(Editor’s note: Don is one of the famous Stump brothers of Port Arthur.) *****Orangefield coach Ed Peveto is blessed with two good quarterbacks, senior Clint James #10 and sophomore Bradley Peveto, #12.

Meanwhile, Bridge City coach Andy Griffin will be relying heavily on junior Bryan Ward, key man in the backfield.*****Greater Orange Chamber unveils its new logo.

The logo replaced the Chamber’s sailor man and is the first city of Orange official city symbol.

It says “Orange, Gateway to the West.” It has a sunrise, pine cones, waterway and the outline of the state of Texas.

(Editor’s note: I still believe the best slogan is “Where the Sun Rises on Texas and the Stars Shine First.” The stars referring to the many stars who left here and made their mark in sports, entertainment and other endeavors.) Local artist Forrest Clough designed the final logo.

Chamber manager is Terry Burns, Chamber president is Jim Stelly and Orange mayor is Major Inman Jr.

45 Years Ago-1974

Billie Ewing, attorney H.D. Pate’s legal secretary, is expecting a baby in the next few days.

Betty Ess will fill in for her at H.D.’s office. *****Attorney Murry Harris has been appointed to chief clerk of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.*****Doug Patterson, a fine young man, has had a very successful season pitching pro-baseball.

Now he’s back at his winter job at Butler-Baker Pontiac just in time for the new 1975 models.

*****Jerry Pesson, Bonita Herbert, Phyllis Dunn and Cathy Daigle all celebrate birthdays this week.

*****The Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon raised a record $16 million.

This amount is up from the $12.3 record set in 1973.

The local telethon master of ceremonies was Al Caldwell and KBMT-TV station manager Bill Hill. *****New car salesman at Harmon Chevrolet, Third and Green, are Joe Williamson, Bob Jones and Homer Flanagan.

70 Years Ago-1949

No polio has been reported according to Orange doctors.

*****Jeff Davis, of Houston, defeated the Orange Tigers 14-0 in season opener.

The Tigers lost every opportunity to score by fumbles.

They actually played well enough to win, leading 11 first downs to 5.

It was a heart breaker for the Tigers who are loaded with talent.

The starting lineup, center, John Paul Gasow, guards, Raymond Depwe, Willey; tackles, John Trotti and David Van Pelt; ends, Goodson and Leon Parrish; backs, Don Harmon, Allen Burkart, Orney Beltz and Oneal Gauthier; subs, Oliver, Walter Hilliard, James Authement, Morris, Sam Carpenter, Henderson and Steve Kimble.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

Sept. 11, is Patriot Day-- Remember 9-11

Penny Leleux stopped by this week.

She and her film crew just completed shooting “Shhh,” a new movie in Orange County.

Eight hours were shot in Paul Bryant’s “Rustic” Saloon” in Bridge Cityand some scenes were shot in downtown Orange.*****Some special folks celebrating birthdays this week, all Virgos.

Sept. 12: Happy birthday to Brenda Lund, office manager at the Penny Record.

Best wishes alsoto Dustin James.***Sept. 13 is a special day for a special person, Jenna Dunn Ballou, Mark’s youngest, who has given him four grandchildren.***On Sept. 14, Fadra Thibeaux celebrates.

She was once named “Mother of the Year.” She is the mother of nine children, born in six years.

(Three sets of twins, three singles.) Also longtime friend Cathy Garretson marks another birthday, as does Lori Lista.***Sept. 15: Today is Ethel Dunn’s birthday.

Hope she has a great party.***Sept. 16, is the monarchs birthday.

Ms.

Phyl, who keeps the Dunn tribe on even keel, celebrates her special day on this day and a lot of folks are thankful for her.***Sept. 17: Another special lady, Darlene Montage, celebrates today.

Also having a birthday is school board member Mark Anderson, who I’ve known since he, Jeff and Goober were puppies.***** Last week, the Lunch Bunch celebrated Sheriff Merritt and John Roy Fredrick’s birthdays.

After several months being away, it was good to see 97-year-old, Pearl Harbor survivor, Cedric Stout, able to enjoy eating again.

Keith Wallace’s sidekick Logan, has a new, state-of-the-art wheel chair.

It does everything but talk.

It gets 7-feet tall.

Logan won’t have any trouble dancing with those long-legged women now.

The Bunch will dine at Southern Charm this week and back at Robert’s next week.

Everyone always welcome.*****After 31 years it appears the new has worn off.

Married Aug. 29, 1988, Todd Palin wants out.

He has filed for divorce from Sarah, former governor of Alaska and Republican candidate for vice-president with John McCain in 2008.

Todd has hired lawyer Kimberlee Colbo, who represented Dakota Megers in his divorce against the Palin’s daughter Bristol.

I always thought Sarah was batty, now Todd must feel he can’t take it anymore.

*****The Democratic debate will be held Thursday evening on ABC.

Ten candidates will participate.

I see good possibilities for some to be good cabinet members, plus I like some that didn’t make the debate that would serve well in an administration, for one Amy Klobuchar.*****Speaking of politics, I read last week in Dave Rogers; news story that Orangefield school board member, longtime lawman, Brad Frye is a candidate for constable of Pct.

3.

Brad certainly is qualified and has the experience.

Constable Mark Philpott is retiring after 30 years in law enforcement.

He and Babette are looking forward to doing other things like traveling etc.*****Eighty-four years ago this week on Sept. 10, 1935, “The Kingfish” Sen.

Huey P. Long died in Baton Rouge just two days after being shot in the Louisiana State Capital.

Dr.

Carl Weiss is alleged to have shot him.

BIRTHDAYS

Folks celebrating birthdays this week.

On Sept. 11, Andrea Peoples, Billy Fontenot, Chris Kovatch and Shannon Sparks.

Joining them are singer Harry Connick, Jr., 52, actors Taraji P. Henson, 49, Elizabeth Henstridge, 32.*****Sept. 12: Greg Ball, Jona Gilchrist, Karen Warner, Bryan Riedel, Buffy Bean, Cynthia Claybar and Dustin James celebrate.

Celebrities joining them on celebrating are singers Jennifer Hudson, 38, Kelsea Ballarini, 26 and basketball player Yao Ming, 39.*****Sept. 13: Celebrating birthdays are Kade Hanks, Margaret Jeffcote, Connie Swope and Paige Psencik.

Also celebrating are actor and producer Tyler Perry, 50, Rascal Flats guitarist Joe Don Rooney, 44.*****Sept. 14: Having birthdays on this day are James Braus, Justin Granger, Kim Norris, Nikki Wingate, Pat Tilley, Robin Woods, Greg Woods, Greg Choate and Lori Lista.

Also celebrating are actor Sam Neill, 72 and Andrew Lincoln, 46.*****Sept. 15: Tara Smith, Jon Berry, Ginger Ellis, and Shonna Hunt all celebrate.

Also Britain’s Prince Harry, 35, actors Tom Hardy, 42 and Tommy Lee Jones, 73.*****Sept. 16: Stephanie Morris, Todd Estes, O’Shanique Foster, Lori Campbell and Anthony Walker are a year older today.

They are joined by singer Marc Anthony, 51, actors Mickey Rourke, 67 and Amy Poehler, 48.*****Sept. 17: Stacey Key, DeLana Huebel, and Lynda Stout, all celebrate birthdays on this day.

Celebs celebrating are race car driver Jimmie Johnson, 44 and TV host Nate Berkus, 48.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Joe Dartez and some of his buddies were hanging out and planning an upcoming fishing trip. Dartez said, “I can’t go dis time me, Ula Mae won’t let me.”

Boy, Dartez him took a lot of teasing and name calling from Comeaux and da guys.

Dartez him, went home feeling low and frustrated.

Friday afternoon, wen da guys got off work dey head to da camp dem. Wen dey arrived at da camp on Bayou de Cropo, dey were shocked to see Dartez sitting on da dock drinking a beer, his feet propped up on his ice chest and a fire going in da barbecue pit.

“Dartez, how in da world did you talk Ula Mae into letting you come fishing, hanh?” Comeaux axe.

“I didn’t have to,” Dartez replied, “Yesterday wen I got home, I slumped in my chair wit a beer, feeling sorry for myself cause I can’t go fishing me.”

Den Ula Mae snuck up behind me, covered my eyes and said, “Surprise.” Wen I peel her hands back she was standing dere in a see-through negligee and she said,” Joe babe, carry me to da bedroom, tie me to da bed and you can do whatever you want.”

So here I am me.

C’EST TOUT

SINCERE APOLOGIES

I want to apologize to Danny’s and K-Dan’s for our BIG mistake last week by running the previous week’s ad instead of the new, current ad.

We also regret any inconvenience it caused to the stores loyal customer.

The mistake had something to do with the new ad getting into the wrong folder.

Computers are something I know nothing about.

Our relationship with those two businesses go back 45 years.

Danny Brack and Kenneth Smith are longtime, loyal friends, plus we have known new partner Dan Brack, Jr., since he was in short pants.

He brings new life and new blood to these to great food stores.

“Little Dan” keeps the excitement going.

He’s a constant promoter.*****Well folks, my time is up.

I certainly thank you for yours.

Please shop our advertisers; they keep this paper coming to you.

Goodbye, good luck, God bless you.