The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

THE WAY I SEE IT

Well, its come down to inauguration day, January 20, 2021. It really seemed like it was a long time getting here. Joseph R. Biden, Jr. becomes the 46th President of the United States. Making history is Kamala Harris, the first Black, South Asian and female to serve as Vice President. She is the 49th V.P. Today is a great day for America. I relate it to the days when Franklin D. Roosevelt took over as president from a failed president Hubert Hoover. President Biden has 50 years in government service. No longer than four years ago, he put in the last of an eight year hitch as vice president. Donald Trump has changed America from what it was just four years ago. Biden has inherited a country with some huge problems. One thing we can all rest assured of is that President Biden will never knowingly do anything that will hurt the country. He's not any of the crazy things you might have heard. Biden is not a wild-eyed liberal, socialist, etc. At one time Biden was considered one of the most conservative democrats in the senate. Here's an example of where Biden is politically. He's a centrist. George H. Bush, Gov. John Kasich and Biden could all have R's or D's on their foreheads. I believe in time you'll see I'm right. The three, all centrist, always put the country first. I believe this is a great day for our country and I believe we have just the right person at the right time to lead the country out of a lot of bad problems. Already the boys at FOX News are not wanting to give him a chance. Over the past 50 years of writing a column I've been criticized, but no one has ever attacked the facts. Through all the years I've stuck to the true facts. If I reported it, I had the facts on my side. Usually when people criticized me it was because they didn't like the facts. I usually considered the source and depth of knowledge. If a Trump Bubba believed the "Big Lie" that the election was stolen from Trump, not me, not the facts, not anyone will change their minds. I quit trying a long time ago. I present the facts and let them fall where they will.***** On a personal note, over the last two weeks I have really been under the weather. I didn't believe I could hold my head up long enough to do this column. I don't have virus, that would be a killer, but I am really sick. In fact, I have waited a long time for the swearing in of the new president and I'll miss most of it because I'll be at the doctor's office. Ain't that a kick. Come along, I promise it won't do you no harm.

TODAY PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN BETS ON FUTURE OF U.S.A.

Joe Biden campaigned as a rebuke to President Donald Trump, a singular figure whose political power was fueled by discord and grievance. The Democrat framed his election as one to "heal the soul" of the nation and repair the presidency, restoring the White House image as a symbol of stability and credibility. Biden, as much an institutionalist as Trump has been a disruptor, will look to change the tone and priorities of the office. "It really is about restoring some dignity to the office, about picking truth over lies, unity over division, "Biden said soon after he launched his campaign. "It's about who we are." Biden's main task is going to be needed to reestablish the symbol of the White House to the world as a place of integrity and good governance. Biden is uniquely situated to do this, his whole life has been spent in Washington and he spent eight years watching the job up close. The changes will be sweeping, starting with the president's approach to the COVID-19 pandemic that has claimed OVER 400,000 American lives. Trump flouted the virus, his staff worked largely without mask in the cramped West Wing offices while the president hosted "super-spreader" events at the White House and on the road. Biden's team has promised to restore daily news briefings and does not plan to refer to the press as "the enemy of the people." While Trump filled out much of his Cabinet and White House staff with relatives, political neophytes and newcomers to government, Biden has turned to seasoned hands, bringing in veterans and career officials. Biden also has as much work ahead repairing the image of the presidency overseas as he does on American shores. Joe Biden, who spent years on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and has a vast foreign policy portfolio as vice president, has pledged a course correction. He has promised to repair alliances, rejoin the Paris climate treaty and the World Health Organization and has said he would shore up U.S. national security by first addressing health, economic and political crises at home.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2011

CHARLIE IN BRONZE

Last week an eight-foot statue of Charlie Wilson was unveiled at the Charles Wilson VA Outpatient Clinic in Lufkin. The bronze statue sits on a three-foot base. Charlie was extremely proud of the V.A. clinic. He was completely devoted to veterans. His friend Buddy Temple, chairman of the Temple Foundation, helped raise $50,000 for the construction of the statue. The bronze statue was created by 83-year-old David Adickes. He is known for massive art works, including the 67-foot tall Sam Houston statue on Hwy. 45 at Huntsville. He also has done two clay busts of Wilson just before Charlie died at age 76. At the unveiling, Adickes, who turned 84 this week said, "I loved the guy." He has 43 presidential heads that he has sculptured, each one weighing 7,000 pounds. He bought the school in Huntsville he graduated from in 1943 and plans to have a museum and foundation for his art. What I remember most about Charlie, besides the personal things, is that he lived by his own rules, served us well in congress and was a champion for the poor and disenfranchised and his love for veterans. We will never see his likes again. If you are ever near Lufkin, visit his impressive statue at his V.A. Clinic.*****Former Louisiana governor Edward Edwards was released from prison after eight years. He will complete his sentence by home detention at a halfway house and will be monitored. He's 83 years old, what does he need monitoring from. He still maintains his innocence. His son was also convicted. Edwards said eight years ago, he would some day walk out. He did.*****When Con. Kevin Brady was in town last week he requested security. National and state office holders all over the country are spooked since the happenings in Arizona. Now state officials in Austin all want bodyguards. They all know the harsh tone and mean spirited dialog has done a lot of damage in shaping the political atmosphere but none have the balls to condemn it.*****In Kiln, Mississippi, Brandi Farve, 34, bonds out of jail after being caught in a methamphetamine bust. She was arraigned before her co-defendants because of the attention she drew. She's Brett Farve's sister and this is not her first brush with the law.*****By now I'm sure everyone knows that former Orange Police Chief Sam Kittrell has taken a job as district attorney Steven Reis' investigator in Matagorda county. We wish him the best. Sam will keep his home in Orange.*****We were sorry to hear about the death of Pam Stelly's twin sister, Pat Kibbe, 66, of Groves. She passed away Jan. 12.*****We send our condolences to the family of Michael Miller, age 16, who lost his life in an auto accident last week. Services were held Monday. His passenger Chance Hogan, 15, son of Sgt. Chad Hogan, is much improved and has left the hospital in Lafayette. Chad lost his brother last year in an auto accident.*****Thanks to Capt. Chuck Uzzle, who furnished the ducks, and to Allen Dunn for turning them into a delicious wild-game gumbo. That boy can cook. If anyone gets any extra fish, we sure could use a fish fry. (Editor's note: We didn't get any ducks from Chuck. First time in years.)*****Every year we get the sweetest oranges from Don Breaux. His tree must not have produced this year or his family is getting so big they consume them all. *****We understand Bobby Cormier is hopping but getting around pretty good since breaking his ankle. It was a close call in that tractor accident. ***** Special birthdays this week go out to Sandra Peveto who adds another year to her age.***Tyler Thompson, who has had many baseball days in his young life, will be leaving his teen age years behind.***Historian and our friend Roy McDaniel reaches his 86th on Jan. 25.***Special FaceBook friend Capt. Janois Straus, a nice lady, good friend who turns 45 on Jan. 20.***Believe it or not, David Cagle turned 50 on Monday, Jan. 17. Just the other day it seems he was a teenager. (Editor's note: David has since passed away.)

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Obituaries 10 Years Ago-2011

Vicki Parfait, known throughout Southeast Texas and Southeast Louisiana as an outstanding female radio personality and longtime writer for The Record Newspapers passed away Monday, Jan. 10. Vicki graduated from French High School in 1961 and joined the United States Marine Corps. She was a top rated radio personality on KYKR, KOLE, KKMY, KQXY, KTRM, KTFA, KJAS in Southeast Texas and other stations including Houston and Louisiana. She was survived by her children, Dottie Britt, Carl O. Stucker III, Jessica Parfait, Christi Stucker Battenfield, Clay Stucker and Joshua Jude Stucker; and six grandchildren.***** Nancy "Sue" Venable, 72, of Orange, passed away Jan. 16. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 19. Sue was a member of Community Church and had been a long time resident of Orange. She was survived by her husband of 25 years, Douglas Venable; daughter, Jackie White; son Danny; step-daughters Liz Guess and Lisa Nelmes; step-sons Douglas Venable Jr., Charles Venable and Chris Venable. She is also survived by nine grandchildren.***** Jackie Trahan, 46, passed away Sunday, Jan. 16. Services were held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 19. He graduated from Lamar University and worked for Xerox Corporation for 26 years. Jackie is survived by his wife of 24 years, Johna Trahan; parents, Jack and Cynthia Trahan; son, Alex Trahan and daughter, Emily Trahan; sister, Kelly Showers; mother-in-law, Verda Mae Barnes; sister-in-laws, Rhae Jones, Charlotte Jean Hamilton, Linda Oswalt and Shelah Way.

22 Years Ago-1999

The Bridge City community joined together last week, Jan. 11, for a special vigil to remember Melissa Mesch and Katie Schassow. The two 11-year-old friends were killed in an auto accident on Jan. 9, in front of First Baptist Church on Roundbunch Road. Several hundred people attended the vigil. Before the assembly was released for fellowship and counseling, Pastors John Lockler and Pastor Lindsey Smith spoke and led them in the Lord's Prayer. Bridge City superintendent Sam Lucia cited a similar tragedy that befell the community in 1966 with the death of Charles Holton Johnson, a Bridge City fifth grader, who was hit by a car on Texas Ave. on Christmas Eve. Fifth grade teachers at Bridge City Intermediate School, Cindy Claybar and Josette Choate, wrote the poem, "Reflections on Melissa and Katie." Both services were held on Jan. 12, 1999. Melissa died at the scene, Katie died the next day at St. Elizabeth Hospital. We pray it will never happen again.) *****Ex-boxers from age 80 to 50 turn out for reunion at Boilermakers Union Hall. Two hundred former Golden Gloves fighters attended. J.W. "Kid" Henry organized the event. A few of the ex-boxers were Paul Jorgenson, AAU state champion, 1951-52, who later turned professional. Dick Manchara, Paul Patin, who was ranked 9th in the world in the 1971 pro-ranks, Louisiana state champ four years and Texas state champ in 1956. He retired in 1973 after 23 lightweight pro fights.  Also attending were Keble Free, who fought from 1969-75 and had 66 fights winning 55, George Easterling, a Golden Gloves boxer in 1945 to 49, turned pro in 1950 and was Texas champion in 1948. It was a fun day. One of the area's most successful amateur boxer, Dow Gene Anderson, was trying to find someone who remembered the outdoor ring at Joe Bailey's on Cow Bayou where he started boxing at age seven. *****Bobby Menard, 62, passed away. He leaves behind his wife  Janice; daughters, Donna and Lanie; sons, Dean, Glen and Neal; and mother, Ella Mae. Janice is a longtime employee of J.P Court, Pct. 3, under Judge Flo Edgerly. (Editor's note: Today Judge Janice is the J.P. of Pct. 3 and was just sworn in for another term.)*****Bill Smith, 53, longtime appliance salesman, died of a massive heart attack.***** Joyce Young lost her sister, Gladys Duhon, on Jan. 5.*****A retirement party will be held at the City of Orange, Jan. 22, for James Foyle and Judy Davis.*****County Deputy Sheriff Jason Smalley takes a bride, Rebecca Cox, on Dec. 19.*****Bridge City star Shane Dronett, with the Atlanta Falcons, advances to playoffs with the teams 20-18 win over Minn. Vikings.*****SIDE NOTE: Forty-two years ago Crip Trahan, Gus Foyle and Raymond Hubbard, three good men, died in the same week.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

Condolences to Dickie, Jeep and Pauline Colburn Hargrove and their families on the loss of their mother, Billie Jean Whitaker Colburn, age 93, who passed away January 17. Public viewing of the service will be available Monday, January 25, at 2:00 p.m., online through Claybar Funeral Home's Facebook page. Ms. Billie lived a great life and she and "Dick" raised some great children. Please see obituary.***** After fighting the long COVID-19 battle, Liz Bearden was able to come home Tuesday afternoon. Sharon got cleared last week and is back to work. In fact, Monday he will try only the second case at the Expo Center. I believe they will use a split jury in different locations of the building. No spectators. Liz really had a bad case of the virus that attacked her lungs. Thank God she is home. There is no place like home.*****A few folks we know celebrating birthdays. On Jan. 2, Coach Steve Griffith celebrates.*****Jan. 23, Sandra Peveto, Rex and Eric's mom celebrates her birthday.***Our buddy next door, neighbor Roy McDaniel, turns what I believe is 97 years old, even though in one place I have him listed as 96. Anyway, he's a year older.*****Can you believe that on Jan. 19, Dolly Parton turned 74 and Neil Diamond will be 79 on Jan. 24.*****A year ago, on Jan. 26, Koby Bryant and daughter Gianna and others were killed in an airplane crash.*****On Wednesday, Vice President Kamala Harris was sworn in by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, a history-making event in which the first Black, South Asian and female vice president will take her oath of office from the first Latina justice. This was the second time Sotomayor took part in an inauguration. She swore in President-elect Joe Biden as vice president in 2013.*****Tom Hanks will host a 90-minute prime time special with remarks from Joe Biden and Kamala Harris Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. A few entertainers performing will be Garth Brooks, Justin Timberlake, Jon Bon Jovi, Demi Lovato and more.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK

Celebrating birthdays this week are Melissa Berry, Beth Fisher, Sarah Bonda, Cris Anderson, Don Collins, Lyndon Robinson, Suzanne Pittard, Caitlyn Lindner, Jennifer Grizzaffi, Stephanie Smith, Sue Harris, Karen Anthony, Toni Robertson, Eric Shuford, Taylet Thompson, Chelsea Anderson, Hayden Anderson, Mike Faulk, Ginny Pelpier, Ron Huebel.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Pooldo Comeaux's boy, Clarence, come in from da swamp at Pecan Island and got himself a job at da Sunrise Motel, in Kaplan, as da night clerk. Da first night he was there a lady call da switch board and say, "Look here, I got a leak in da batchtub me."

Clarence answer, "Mais Cher, dats ok, go ahead, you paid da rent."

Later dat night a man call and he say to Clarence, "Say fellow, me I got two rats fighting in da middle of da room."

Clarence answer, "Wat you expect for $37, a bull fight."

He didn't las long on da job.

C'EST TOUT

TRUMP IS GONE--WHAT WILL HIS LEGACY BE

We have finally come to the end of four years of chaos and according to Fact Checks 30,354 lies. Donald J. Trump's legacy will probably be as the worse president ever. Besides the lies, a record he holds, that will never be broken, is the events of last week. No one can deny Trump, Rudy, Donald Jr. and others caused the storming of the capital by Trump supporters. Nothing like this has happened before in our country. This was a grotesque assault on the very place where democracy happens in our country and none of it should be minimized or excused. This day, Jan. 6, under Trump's watch, is one of the worst days in our nation's history. Also on Trump's watch and a big part of his legacy is that we now have surpassed over 400,000 deaths from a virus that Trump claimed was no worse then the flu. "We have 15 cases today and in a couple of days it will be zero." He than claimed COVID-19 wasn't his responsibility and turned the problem over to 50 different state governors. Today, we have reached over 23 million COVID cases in the United States. Some Trump supporters have chosen to bury their heads in the sand and refuse to see the damage he has really done to this great country. Donald J. Trump is history now. The Senate will make a mistake if they don't convict him. The Republican Party will be the losers in the end. The last part of Trump's legacy will be that he is the only president twice impeached. Trump also faces the possibility of a criminal prosecution in New York for tax evasion and other charges. I believe some gray days lay ahead for the former president. Our country stands to be far better off without him in the White House. My guess is that his legacy, with all the chaos, will be that he was the very worst president in the history of this great country. None of the good and fair things Trump did outweighs the negatives.*****I've got to get out of here. Wear a mask, keep safe and pray for our country. Take care and God bless.

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