The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

BIDEN BRINGS BREATH OF FRESH AIR

Thank God the days of Trump are coming to an end. What we have known all along is that it wouldn’t be a normal departure. During the next 70 days you can’t start to imagine how dysfunctional and abnormal this disorderly transition will be. One thing Donald Trump wants all of us to believe about the transfer of power is that he did not lose this election, it was stolen from him. That’s it period. It’s the lie he will promote for as long as he lives, like he had the largest inauguration crowd ever, “Period!” Donald Trump was soundly defeated. President elect Joe Biden defeated Trump by 4.5 million popular votes. That many more Americans favored Biden, a number I had predicted a week before the election. I also predicted that Biden would capture 333 Electoral College votes. His win won’t reach that high but will exceed 300. I missed on two states, Ohio and North Carolina. It seemed to me that if Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania went blue, it would be natural for Ohio to fall in the group blue wall. It is still a very close race. The polls showed Trump would carry North Carolina but I put them in the mix as just a hunch. I made 100 on the popular vote and a 90 on the Electoral vote. A friend said to me, “That’s a gutsy call in this area.” It had nothing to do with that. It was what I believed. I’m no dummy; I knew it wouldn’t be popular here. This congressional district, now represented by Dr. Babin, is the fifteenth most conservative district in the United States. A lot of you didn’t know that most of the Orange County votes were not for Trump but mostly for conservative causes. Trump is not a conservative by far, but he was on top of the ticket. Over my many years of predicting national elections this was not the first time I went across the grain. When Ronald Reagan ran against President Jimmy Carter there were few in Orange County who voted Republican, just opposite of today. Inflation had gone through the roof, interest rates had gone to 22 percent, the maximum allowed. I predicted that Reagan would win in a tight race disallowing Carter a second term. I took a lot of flack from my Democratic friends like Judge Flo and Gene Edgerly, my late friend H.D. Pate who gave me a cussing. They claimed Reagan would destroy the labor movement and they were right. No better person has ever served as president then Jimmy Carter, who today is still an example of goodness. The following term, in 1984, I again predicted a landslide win by Reagan. He carried 49 states. He picked up a lot of local blue-collar workers and the times started changing. Two years ago, I predicted Donald Trump would be a one termer. His election was a flux, he was, and still is, ill prepared to be the leader of the Free World. We really dodged the bullet with his defeat. We were so close to becoming a dictatorship. Just watch the next few weeks and you will realize what I’m saying is right. We will be fine under Joe. He’s very smart, he knows government. He is the right man, at just the right time in our history. He will do our country no harm.

MADAM VICE PRESIDENT

Kamala Harris makes history as 49TH VP

The vice presidential glass ceiling has been broken. California Sen. Kamala Harris will make history as the first woman elected vice-president, now that Joe Biden has captured the White House. Biden defeated Donald Trump four years after Hillary Clinton came up short in her bid to be the first female president. Harris, 56, was the first African American woman and the first Asian American person on a major party’s presidential ticket. Only the second African American woman elected to the Senate, Harris is the first African American to be elected district attorney in San Francisco and attorney general of California. After her selection to run for vice president by Joe Biden, Trump immediately called her a “phony.” He frequently made fun of her first name, which is Sanskrit for lotus, and hurled insults at her in his campaign rallies, even calling her a monster. Women’s groups spent millions on ads to push back on disinformation and racist, sexist attacks on Harris and show her in a positive light. She has said many times that “Someday soon, anyone will be able to see themselves as president.”

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TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2010

THE UNFORGETABLE 2010 BAYOU BOWL

I don’t know that I’ve ever seen a stranger ending to a football contest as what occurred in the Bayou Bowl Annual Classic last Friday. Orangefield and Bridge City played one heck of a game. The fans got their money’s worth. The Bobcats featured the Wing T offense and Coach Huckabey did as good a job as I’ve seen since the Les Johnson years at Bridge City in 1990’s. It was refreshing to see a running team. We are bombarded with the spread offense from pros, college to high school. Bridge City Coach Stump has done a great job bringing the spread, wide open offense to B.C. and getting them on this wining track. After the final score, both teams were disappointed in the results. That’s the strange part. It reminded me of the story, “The operation was a success but the patient died.” Orangefield won the game 28-26 to Bridge City’s disappointment. Giving both teams identical records of 7-3. However, the Bobcats had to win by five points to advance to playoffs. Every coach’s goal is the 11th game, the playoffs, so despite winning Orangefield’s season is over. The Cardinals move on to the 11th game against Coldspring Friday. The Bobcats had a good season and won the Bayou Bowl but with just three more points, it would have been a great season. They have reason to be proud of their accomplishments. They just got caught by the rules, which everyone knew going in. It’s a bad rule but it sure made for an unforgettable Bayou Bowl. *****Congrats to Coach Cody Knight and his cross country boys and girl’s teams. Both are headed to state meet. We wish those dedicated youngsters the very best. Team members are, Boys—Aaron LeJeune, Kirby Shepherd, Luke Hebert, Armando Chavez, Eric Chesson, Sawyer Hogan and Brock Jones. Girls—Mary Nguyen, Jessica Franklin, Bree Fontenot, Meagan Shockley, Alex Holland, Aaron Valencia and Adrianne Cude. Go gettum’ bring home the bacon. *****Coach Dan Hooks’ West Orange-Stark Mustangs are coming off a great season and again headed to the playoffs.*****The Bridge City Cardinals will take on Coldspring Friday at Huffman. *****Orange Police Chief Sam Kittrell will resign at the end of the month. Sam has been a good one. The city fathers have made a good choice in his replacement. Forty-three year old Major Lane Martin, a native of Orange, was chosen to become the new Orange Police Chief. The city could have gotten applications from around the country and not have matched the qualifications Chief Martin will have. The FBI graduate is not only law enforcement educated but is very street wise and personable. A good guy who will make a great chief. ***** We were sorry to hear of the death of Lennie Faye Rutledge, 90, who passed away Thursday, Nov. 4. What a great lady and educator she was. She was from the greatest generation, serving as secretary for the Defense Department in Washington. She and late husband Gene, former Bridge City Post Master, were proud citizens of Bridge City after coming here in 1952. To her children Carol Sanders, Calvin Rutledge and his wife, Dee, Winnie Rutledge, and David Rutledge and his wife, Rebecca we send our sympathies. *****Also we were sorry to learn about the death of Travis Stewart, 86, who passed away Nov. 5. A WWII veteran, we had known Travis since 1950. He and his family owned Stewart’s Bar-B-Que on 2nd St., in Orange and later LuAnn’s Club in Louisiana, on IH-10. The club was named after brother Alton’s wife.***** Matt Bryant made two field goals and three extra points in the Atlanta 27-21 win over Tampa Bay. Matt is perfect on extra points this season with 20 out of 20. The Falcons are 6-2 and are on top of the NFL South Division. Three Southeast Texans play for the Falcons, Jonathan Babineaux, Port Arthur, Sean Weatherspoon, Jasper and Matt Bryant, Bridge City. In all, Southeast Texas has seven players in the NFL including Earl Thomas of West Orange-Stark. ***** A happy Orange County camper is TCU ex Carlos Vasek, a former player. TCU continues to be undefeated and Carlos, a former player believes TCU is the best.*****Tommy Simar escaped from Echo last week and came into town. Ms. Sue must have been out of town. *****A few friends and notables having birthdays. Our young buddy Sean Cade Gros turns 20 years old on Friday, Nov. 12. A good guy. ***Also celebrating are Joann Alford and Patricia Kemp on Nov. 10. Karen Schrieber on Saturday, Nov. 13. Others celebrating are Steve Carlton, Pat and Don Stanton, Sr. and Michael Fisette all marking another year. Happy birthday to all. ***** Pat and Don Stanton, Jr. celebrate their 21st anniversary on Friday, Nov. 12. ***Mr. and Mrs. Jim Pruter celebrate their 58th anniversary. ***Congratulations to long ago Orange City Manager Jack Huffman and wife Betty on their 60th anniversary.*****Dallas Cowboy coach Wade Phillips, over his coaching career, has been one of the best all time defensive coaches. When his defense fell totally apart the last two games it became obvious that Wade would have to go. However, we heard a few weeks ago that Wade was not totally happy with the situation and this might be his last year anyway. Wade is second only to coach Barry Switcher in Cowboy winning percentages, ahead of coach Landry. If the truth were known, I bet he’s glad to be out of there and he got a sack full of marbles.

22 Years Ago-1998

Even though 22 years ago seems like just a few months back to me, Here is a short list of what was happening 22 years ago this week.*** Orangefield’s dynamic pole-vaulting duo, Eric Eshbach and Johnathan Henley, are Nebraska bound. Coach Joe Hester said, “The pair was a toss up all year; only one however could win a meet. The duo seemed to take turns winning, one then the other, even though Eric was named to the Track and Field All-American team, the call was close. One college is getting both as they head to Nebraska. No school has ever had two 17-foot pole-vaulters in one year. Their competitive nature made them both better.” Coach Hester took both to Nebraska to visit and see the campus. The young men knew it offered everything they wanted. Eric said, “My folks don’t like me going so far away but they know this is best for me.” (Editor’s note: Eric went on to be an All American, vaulting over 18 feet. He married in Nebraska, came back to Texas for a brief time and now he and his wife have moved back to Nebraska.*****Elections are over. Orange County elected its first Republican to the Justice of the Peace post. *****Orange City Prosecutor Cimron Campbell defeated Marlin Shelton, longtime judge in Pct. 2.*****Rick Perry is elected to a full term as governor.*****Democrats win and take back congress.*****Newt Gingrich, speaker, quits congress rather than stay on as just a congressman. *****Bridge City ex Matt Bryant kicked two field goals for Baylor’s only points in the Bears loss to Kansas State. ***** Some folks celebrating birthdays in the next few days of 1998 were Bree Jackson, Sue Bailey, Susie Riedel, Pat Stanton, Floyd Hebert, Jeanne Blacksher, Larry Gunter, Clara Edwards, Zora Hanks and Patsy Kibbie. (Editor’s note: A few of the above named are now deceased.)*****Spotted eating in the new Tos Cana Risorante Italiana were judges Grover Halliburton, Claude Wimberly, Pete Runnels, mayor of Pinehurst, Roy Dunn and Judge Pat and Rosalie Clark, who is one of the area’s best Italian cooks.*****Attorney Louis Dugas, a Marine, says there are no ex-Marines. Once a Marine, always a Marine. He wishes his comrades happy 223re birthday on Nov. 10. (Editor’s note: Dugas, one of the youngest to serve in the Texas House, died a few years ago. He had served as Orange County Attorney and District Attorney. I miss him every day.)

A FEW HAPPENINGS

HONOR OUR VETS, FLY FLAG

In every generation young men and women step up to serve our country during war and peacetime. Throughout our history our military personnel have proven time and again that they are this country’s true heroes. Everyday over 1,000 soldiers, from the Greatest Generation, WWII, are passing away. Their numbers are getting fewer with each passing day. However, there are some who still reside among us. I’m proud to say that many of them are our friends and we love them. God bless them all. Others proudly served in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan and have kept us free during peacetime. Veteran’s Day is Wednesday, Nov. 11. Honor a Veteran in some way and fly your flag. We have no greater heroes.*****To all our Marine friends who celebrated the Marine’s 236th birthday, Tuesday, Nov. 10, we salute you*****A few folks we know celebrating in the next few days. Nov. 11: Greg LeBlanc “The Iceman” is not as colorful as his lawyer brother Nolan but is always cooler. ***Pattie Hanks’ middle daughter Bree Hanks celebrates today. ***Also having a birthday is Michael Fisette. ***Happy anniversary to Carlis and Brad Roy, youngsters I’ve known since they were preteens. Today they are several years into grand-parenting.*****Nov. 12: One of my favorite guys, a half-Dunn, Sean Cade Gros turns 30 today.***Pretty Charmine Faircloth, Liz Briggs, Jeanne Blacksher and teacher Pat Stanton, who also celebrates an anniversary. Pat has been married to Teapartier Donnie Stanton for years.*****Nov. 13: A very special birthday wish to 95 years old, WWII vet Robert “Rock” Rothrock. Also happy birthday to another old guy Sidney Leblanc. He just woke up one day and he was old.***Happy 45th Anniversary to a very special couple, Debbie and David Fusilier, who married right out of high school. She spent over 30 years with this newspaper and David has been bossman at Cormier Oil Well Service for many years. *****Nov. 14: A very happy birthday to Ms. Ruby Wimberley. I haven’t heard from her in a long time. Hope she’s doing well.***Another great lady celebrating is Pat Kibbe Gifford, former Bridge City city councilwoman.***Also happy birthday to Mary Dixon and Susie Riedel.*****Nov. 15: Thad Angelle notches another year also Julien Oceguera, and Glenda Dixon.*****Nov. 16: Servet Satir, Mary Loyd, and RaeAnna Todora are a year older.*****Nov. 17: I would like to wish birthday greetings to a long ago friend I haven’t heard from for years and everyone’s friend, Reba Eddins. Happy birthday and happy sailing.***Also best wishes to Lourie Kosh and Barbara Briggs. Please see complete birthday list.*****Monday President Donald Trump terminated Defense Secretary Mark Esper, with whom he has clashed over withdrawing forces from abroad, using active duty troops to quell protests and banning Confederate emblems from installations. The move signals Trump intentions to remain active in the White House.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS

Natives celebrating birthdays in the next week. Sean Gros, Cynthia Dupuis Michelle Brown, Ryan Pickering, Edee Risher, Jeanelle Cochran, Tina Duncan, Matthew Ethredge, Phillip Kimbrow, Sharon Sims, Steve Fisher, Karla Holden, Kimberly Ray, Mary Cassidy, Carol Lopez, Tim Johnson, Cecilia Broussard, Darla Murphy Cody Edgerton, Lauren Fruge, Ella Jo Gosset, Lauren Peet, Vicci Milligan, Casey Smith, Dana Perkins, Hattie Arnold, Judie Wilson, Julie Smith, Kelli Peery, Wade Barron, Carol Izer, Chris Ford, Cora Betzen.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Joe “Crip” Arceneaux and his wife Telma moved back to Loosiana from California where he had been working for several years him. “Crip” had a wooden leg dat he got after being shot in Vietnam. To get insurance on his leg in Los Angeles it cost $1,200 a year. Wen dey got moved back to Kaplan, “Crip” and Telma drove to Abbeville to da Landry Insurance Agency to see wat it would cost to insure his wooden leg. 

Da agent, Jimmie Dale Landry, look it up on da computer and he said, “Mr. Arceneaux, dat will be $39 a year. 

“Crip” was shocked him, and axe, “Why is it so cheap to insure my leg in Loosiana, it cost me $1,200 in California hanh?”

Agent Landry turned his computer screen toward da couple and said, “Well, here it is rat here on da screen, it says any wooden structure wit a sprinkler system above it is $39. You jus got to know how to describe it.”

C’EST TOUT

Saving Our Democracy

The American people have voted, and with that vote we are sending a message that will resonate around the globe. Joe Biden’s win showed that the majority of voters—exhausted or enraged by the turmoil of Donald Trump’s first term, were looking for a change. For the first time in 28 years, they ousted an incumbent. They replaced the first president who had no prior public service experience with a politician who has nearly a half-century of it. They replaced a narcissistic, indecent person with one who is known for being unusually compassionate and caring. They replaced a divider with a uniter. A decent president who respects the nation’s democratic ideals is exactly what is needed, with a nation split by Trump’s reign of chaos. Part of Biden’s appeal is the things he won’t do; attack doctors and scientists in the midst of a deadly pandemic; attack the integrity of our democratic institutions; profit off the presidency while withholding his tax returns from the public; traffic in racist fear mongering or send unhinged tweets from the White House at all hours of the day and night. Biden perhaps can do more. There is a reason that attempts to smear him fell flat. The American people know him well, and he has built up a reservoir of goodwill. He can use that goodwill to the national advantage. Biden received the largest vote ever by any candidate. He set a new record beating Trump by nearly five million votes. In two runs Trump failed to win the popular vote.*****My time is up. Thanks for yours. Take care and stay safe. God bless.