The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

TEXAS A TWO PARTY STATE

Early voting in Texas is in full swing. In Texas there are 228 pledged delegates on the line that will play a major role in the Democratic presidential primary.

For many years Texas has been an after thought, voting only after the races were all but over.

Moving up as a “Super Tuesday” state, Texas voters will get to be a big factor in picking a primary candidate in the unsettled Democratic presidential campaign.

Winning Texas could move any of the candidates into the driver’s seat.

A lot of money will be spent in the state. Orange County is one of the counties that will, for the most part, be ignored by both parties on the state and national level because of its forgone conclusion.

A county with a visible two party system attracts more attention and benefits.

The Orange County local Republican Party is the only ones fielding candidates facing opponents, some very good, experienced candidates.

My belief is that the way the trend in Texas is going this will be the last presidential election without a slate of candidates from both parties.

As of now, any local candidate facing each other who wins the primary is all but elected because they have no opposition in the General Election.

Write-in candidates will be counted in the general elections but not in the primaries going on now.

Because of the very little attention Orange County is getting the voters are not very familiar with statewide candidates from either party.

Most local voters have no idea who the candidates are, who to vote for in both Parties for statewide candidates.

There is only one local Democratic candidate and that’s Jack Smith, running unopposed for Democratic chairman.

Change is coming.*****I have to move on, be sure and vote this election cycle.

Come along, I promise it won’t do you no harm.

SERVICES FOR LARRY DAVID TO BE HELD

We were sorry to learn of the death of Rev. Laurence “Larry” David, age 74, who passed away February 12.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, February 20, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Orange.

A rosary will be recited at 5:30 p.m.

There will be an additional gathering of family from 9:00 A.M. until 10:30 A.M. Friday, February 21, at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, Beaumont, with a mass of Christian burial celebration at 10:30 A.M. Interment with military honors will follow at 3:00 P.M. at St. Mary Cemetery, Orange.

Larry, a Catholic Deacon, was known in Orange for his many years of community service.

He was Santa Claus, gumbo king and the maker of great hamburgers at various events.

CONDOLENCES

We were sorry to learn of the death of Shirley Lockett Marks, 87, who passed away February 13, funeral services were held Tuesday, February 18. Marks and his late wife Dorothy lived in Bridge City for over 30 years where Shirley served on the city council. He also was a member of the Bridge City Home Rule Charter committee. The Charter was dated February 8, 1974. Some others on the committee were Albert Gore, George Crawford, Donald Cole, C.R. “Ray” Cotton, Tim Lieby, Frank Hryhorchuk and Jack Moore, just a few of the 15 signees. Shirley Marks was a good man. Our sympathy to his family. May he rest in peace.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2010

BRIDGE CITY BANQUET LIKE OLD HOME WEEK

It was a very enjoyable evening.

Van Choate’s crew did a good job with the dinner, the Chamber put on a great, high-class show.

The banquet honored Steve Worster, All-American in high school and twice All-American at the University of Texas. He was part of a state championship team in high school and two national championships at Texas.

He was drafted for the pros, No. 4 overall and also nominated for the Heisman Trophy.

Steve, who is basically shy, has always been very humble about his personal accomplishments and what it had done for a little unknown community on Cow Bayou.

He has never taken himself seriously.

He credits teammates and good coaching, allowing him to take advantage of his talent.

Last Saturday’s gathering will long be remembered by those in attendance.

Several team members of that championship team were spotted including Darrell Segura, Johnny Miller, Jerry Burd and Jerry Jaynes, who presented Steve with a video of the entire championship game.

Cheerleaders spotted were Mary Alice Cole Heartsfield, who is still team mother, Pat Doucet, Sharon Smith and Becky Andrews.

Jeff Anderson served as master of ceremonies.

Longtime Bridge City Superintendent Glen Pearson, who came to BC as a basketball coach in 1958 and went on to be the longest serving superintendent in school history, honored Steve. He spoke about those championship years and the youngsters who put Bridge City on the map.

He and Bill Godwin, who had played football at Texas A&M in 1956-59, came as a coach and ended up principle, related those great times and stated that throughout his coaching years had never seen a better football player than Worster.

Moe Litton went on to serve 30 years, including all those great years in the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s.

To a man, all former BC athletes say Moe didn’t have much compassion for those in pain but he always had you ready to play on Friday night.

Dot Eshbach was in attendance.

Dot was so much a part of the business community back in the 1960s and 1970s, and a big backer of the early sports program at Bridge City High. She knew everyone of those boys and their parents on the 1966 state championship team.

Judge Carl Thibodeaux, Commissioner John Dubose, who wasn’t here in 1965 and 1966, went away very impressed with the banquet and Steve’s accomplishments.

To Mark Dunn, president and the chamber board and staff, we congratulate you on an event and honoree whose “time had come.” A musical CD of top hits recorded by Kenneth L. Webb, the Pearson’s son-in-law, was made available to guests.

The Chamber also held a raffle and gave out several prizes.

They extended the night at the Senior Center. *****Pat Doucet and Becky Andrews, who were both cheerleaders on the Bridge City 1966 championship team and attended Saturday night’s Chamber banquet, lost their father early Sunday morning.

A.J. “Al” Blanchette, 85, died Feb. 21.

Al was a good man.***** Also Saturday after the banquet Darrell Segura, a player on the ’66 team, returned home to find his wife Sharon had suffered a mini-stroke.

Sharon, who also was a cheerleader on the ’66 team, had not attended the banquet because she was feeling ill.

*****Happy birthday to a few friends having birthdays this week.

On Feb. 21 Chris Menard, our buddy, celebrated his 30th.

*****Also celebrating this week is our young friend Logan Dubose. He doesn’t miss a Cajun story.

***Also David Claybar, Doris Byrd, Butch Choate and Gretta Brinson are all a year older.

*****Our great friend G.L. “Red” Garrett is now a resident of the Meadows.

After 60-years, the former city councilman quit smoking.

“Bugger Red” is one of the great guys we’re been fortunate to know.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Obituaries 10 Years Ago-2010

Paul Shelton Hebert, 68, of Bridge City, died Sunday, Feb. 21.

Funeral services were held Wednesday.

Paul was a sergeant in the Army and later worked as an independent truck driver.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge Madison 126.

He is survived by his son; daughters, Pamela Hebert and Robin Burch; seven grandchildren; brother, Lloyd Hebert; and sister, Janice Guidroz.***** Jacqueline “Jackie” Riley Bean, 77, of Orange died Friday, Feb. 19.

Funeral services were Monday.

She worked as a legal secretary for Stephenson Law Firm for 32 years and for U.S. Federal Judge Joe Fisher for over 15 years.

Jackie was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary 2775.

She was a caregiver for her family and also took care of her husband for several years during his illness.

She is survived by her son, David Bean; daughter Jennifer Hernandez; five grandchildren

40 Years Ago-1980

Mr. and Mrs. Butch Lormand celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary on Feb. 24.

Butch also celebrated a birthday on the 21.

*****Lori Landry turned 10 years old on Feb. 19.

(Editor’s note: That should make her 50 this week.)*****Janice Smith turns 18 this week.

***Bernice Fisette celebrates on Feb. 29.

She is the mother of Harold, Dr.

Rod and Billy Fisette and has 10 grandchildren.

*****Congrats to Don and Angie Breaux on the birth of their first child Angellia Daniell, she arrived weighing 8 pounds, 6 ounces and all of 20 inches high.

*****Louis Garriga, Bridge City football standout, signs with Lamar and will major in chemical engineering.

*****Bum Phillips will be honored May 30, with a banquet in the Port Arthur Civic Center after the ‘Bum Phillips’ invitational golf tournament.

*****According to Judge Pete Runnels, Orange County officials will present Phillips, an Orange native, with an award at the banquet.

The city of Orange and the Orange chamber will also participate.

Orange County had wanted a “Bum Phillips Day” and parade but because of Bum’s schedule it was not possible.

(Editor’s note: Oh yea! Well, why hasn’t Orange and Orange County honored him during the past 40 years? He and native-born son Coach Wade should both be honored.

They are our most famous natives.

I’ve said for years 1442 should be named Bum and Wade Phillips Highway.)*****Ray Price, the Cherokee Cowboy, came down to fish Lake Sabine with Wilson Roberts.

The ex-police chief has a lot of time to fish these days.

*****American Legion Lloyd Grubbs Post 49 dedicates its new home at 105 W. Green Ave. It was the 49th Post and one of the earliest which now numbers over 600.

Lloyd Grubbs was the first Orange casualty in World War I. A native of Goliad, he moved with his family to Orange as a child.

He was valedictorian of his class of nine students.

He graduated from the old Henderson school that preceded Orange High.

First Savings and Loan financed the new building.

Davis Cooper is president.

Over the past year Bubba Voss, Howard Turner and Shon Hudson each secured 100 members.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

Tuesday, February 25, is Mardi Gras and also Brad’s birthday but he doesn’t need a mask.

*****Wednesday is Ash Wednesday and the start of the Lenten season.

What are you giving up for Lent? *****Our friend George Crawford, who was raised in my neighborhood, a lifelong friend, came by.

He’s always great to visit with and is loaded with good information.

He’s a historical student of the Bridge City, Orangefield areas. He always comes up with some great facts.

*****A few friends having birthdays in the next few days.

Paulette Stevens, a very special person I’ve known a long time, celebrates her 57^th birthday on Feb. 21. *****Celebrating a birthday on Feb. 24 is Doug’s widow, Regina Harrington, who turns 65.

She was so young all those years ago when she and my late friend Doug got married.

We haven’t heard from her in a long time.

We hope she is doing well.*****Peace officer and school board member running for constable of Pct.

3, Brad Frye, celebrates a birthday on Feb. 25.

Happy birthday to all.

Please see complete list.*****The Wednesday Lunch Bunch will meet this week at Robert’s where new Orange City Manager Mike Kunst will be recognized and honored.

Mayor Larry Spears and other dignitaries will be introduced.

County Judge John Gothia will introduce Spears, who will recognize the city manager.

Next week the Bunch will dine at Southern Charm, in Pinehurst.

Everyone always welcome.*****Our buddy, John Dubose, CPA, is still very much in the tax business.

He even is available evenings and weekends by appointment.

Give him a call at 409-735-7163.

Getting him to retire would be like getting Roy to quit.

I believe they think they are going to take their work with them.*****I understand it was quite a trip for the Keith Wallace family when they took in the ski sloops in New Mexico.

I’m told it was a riot to watch the beginners on skis.

Logan stole the show on his ski mobile.

Keith said the family really enjoyed it and it will probably become a yearly trip.

Keith and Orange Port board members won’t need to call an election this year, Walter Mullins will replace Barbara Winfree, who has served on the board since the death of her husband Lester “Buckshot” Winfree.

BREAUX BITHDAYS

Folks celebrating birthdays this week.

Feb. 19: Tammy Temple, Christy Faulk, Jason Clark and Martha Pittman.

*****Feb. 20: Ryan Brack, James Dean, and Allison Floyd all celebrate on this day.*****Feb. 21: Celebrating are John Nickum, Beverly Satir and Erin Boren.*****Feb. 22: Chad Boatman, Leslie Braus and Brint Carlton celebrate birthdays today.*****Feb. 23: Kearsten Temple, Carrie Pugh Auster, John Hughes, BCISDemployee Crystal Jones, Misti Bishop and Kelle Betz all celebrate birthdays.*****Feb. 24: Celebrating today are Dalton Bonds, Scarlett Fontenot, Taylor Brownlie.*****Feb. 25: Zelda Jones, Doris Byrd and Angela Brinson all have birthdays today.

Happy Birthday to all.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS

Feb. 19: Actors Jeff Daniels, 65 and Haylie Duff, 35; singers Smokey Robinson, 80 and Seal, 57.*****Feb. 20: Model Cindy Crawford, 54, former basketball player Charles Barkley, 57 and singer Rihanne, 32.*****Feb. 21: Actors Jennifer Love Hewitt, 41, Corbin Bleu, 31, Kelsey Grammar, 65.*****Feb. 22: Basketball player Julius Erving, 70, singer James Blunt, 46 and actress Drew Barrymore, 45.*****Feb. 23: Actors Dekota Fanning, 26, Kelly MacDonald, 44 and Niece Nash, 40.*****Feb. 24: Boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr., 43, actors O’Shea Jackson, Jr.

29 and Kristin Davis, 55.*****Feb. 25: Comedians Carrot Top, 65 and Chelsea Handler, 45.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Joe Premeaux tell his frien ‘Tee-Man’ Dartez, “My old barn, it’s completely infested wit rat, big rats. I tried everyting, me, and can’t got rid of dem.”

Tee-Man say, “Joe, I know xactly how to get rid of dem rats, you got to get you one of dem bull constriptons.”

“Wat’s dat?” Joe axed.

“Man, dats one of dem big snakes dat loves to eat rats and swaller dem whole.” Tee-Man answer.

Da next day Premeaux bougt da biggest bull constriper in da store. He turn dat snake loose in the middle of his barn and he sat dere and watched. He watch for a long time, nuttin happen. Dat big snake jus curled up and slept all day. He don’t move. Dem rats jus run all around. Premeaux him, got real frustrated and he call his frien, “Tee-Man, “Dats some bad advice bout dat snake. Dem rats still run around and dat snake jus lay dere sleeping.”

Dartez say, “Joe, I know wat to do, give dat snake some Viagra.

“Premeaux say, “You crazy Cajun, now tell me wat good Viagra gonna do hanh?”

Dartez answer, “Me, I was jus listening to da radio and da man say dat Viagra is da best ting to use for a reptile dysfunction.”

C’EST TOUT

I usually hibernate on weekends.

I get up early for work on weekdays so I hide when weekend comes.

This Saturday however my friend Van Choate was cooking food at Walgreens Pharmacy parking lot and invited me to come by.

I can’t say no to Van, he does so much to help others.

Someday I’ll write his story.

After Hurricane Harvey, Van served nearly 20,000 hot meals to victims of the storm at no cost.

He traveled the back roads to feed people who had no electricity and couldn’t get out.

After Hurricane Ike, when we lost everything, building and all newspaper equipment, Van and Josette were the first to reach out to us with their help.

Saturday, Van prepared and served his own homemade sausage, pork loins, ribs, etc.

His famous pickled okra, which takes seven days to prepare, was a big hit, especially with the ladies.

Van’s feed was to introduce his friend Rob Strause and other candidates.

I got to see many friends I hadn’t seen in awhile.

I was thrilled to visit with longtime friend Karen Jo Vance, country clerk retired.

She’s glad she doesn’t have to politic anymore.

I had forgotten she was from Kentucky.

She said she still has an 87-year-old aunt, one of her only relatives left in Kentucky.

Karen calls her often just to hear that great Kentucky accent.

That’s music to her ears.

Anytime you see Van’s Tuffy's truck cooking somewhere, stop for a treat.

Many people took advantage of the beautiful day last Saturday and came by for the great food and fellowship.

Now if I can only get him to stop watching FOX News.

He says he has.*****My time is up.

Take care and God bless.