COVID-19 RELIEF PACKAGE

Cash should start flowing after the relief bill gets the final okay from the congress Wednesday and should go to the President this week for signing. Millions of Americans should see checks up to $1,400 land in their bank accounts in a few weeks. The one-time payments are part of President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package. The Internal Revenue Service hasn't indicated how soon it will start to distribute the money. Analysts said the checks should appear in bank accounts via direct deposit in a couple of weeks. Not everyone who got a relief check last time will be eligible this round. Lawmakers changed the eligibility rules after complaints from Republicans and some moderate Democrats. The faster phase out will mean that as many as 6.5 million Americans who got checks in the first two rounds would be left out this time. The IRS would probably use tax returns on file to calculate how much money people would get. For those who've already filed a return for 2020, the aid check would probably be based on their income from last year. Otherwise, 2019 returns would probably be used to determine the amount. I believe history will show that President Joe Biden is just the right person at just the right time. Just like FDR was after President Hoover. Biden is the most experienced person to serve as United States president. He has vast experience in both domestic and foreign affairs. His roll out on the COVID Vaccine is a masterpiece that was stuck in idle after a bad rollout before Biden took over. Trump never really was on the frontline to fight the pandemic and never urged the American people to listen to the experts and abide by the rules they set out. Under Trump the virus would have kept escalating with no end in sight.******I believe Judge John Gothia made just the right decision by opening up vaccinations to everyone at this time. It would be great to have 75% of Orange County vaccinated by the end of May.

OVN BORN ON ST. PAT'S DAY 50 YEARS AGO

The upcoming St. Patrick's Day, March 17, marks exactly the day, 50 years ago, in 1972, that the Dunn family launched its newspaper, The Opportunity Valley News. It went on to become a very successful publication that is still talked about today. The Dunn's also published the Consumer Beacon in Beaumont and the Community Post in Port Arthur. The family also owned Triangle Press in Beaumont, The three publications and printing press that grew from that one publication were sold to Cox Enterprise in 1980. Cox owned the Port Arthur News and later Orange Leader. The OVN existed until 1986 under the Cox Company. Several years later the family went back into the newspaper business and today still publishes the Penny Record and the County Record in Orange County. Next week a lot more will be printed about the Opportunity Valley News as this publication celebrates the 50-year anniversary of one of the most popular area publication. During those years the publication was invited to the Super Bowl as guest of the N.F.L. and also attended the Muhammad Ali/Leon Spinks return fight. Ali recaptured the championship title.

MAYO LEBLANC, 94, ONE OF A KIND

Mayo J. LeBlanc passed away March 2. Funeral services will be Saturday, March 13, at St. Henry Catholic Church. We have known Mayo since the early 1950's when he had moved to Bridge City in 1948. Mayo bought three or four lots to be able to have a cow, chickens and farm a large garden He was employed by Gulf Oil. At that time many plant workers in Port Arthur moved to the Bridge City area which was unincorporated. This enabled them to avoid high city taxes and have animals, like goats, sheep, etc. Most of those people, like Mayo and Gus Garza became pillars of the community. Mayo was raised in the LeBlanc Community in Vermillion Parish. The school was named LeBlanc School. Most residents and the general store were called LeBlanc. In fact, Mayo married Juanita LeBlanc, a very distant relative. Roy LeBlanc, who ran the general store was Mayo's cousin and Roy Dunn's step-father. Most of the Leblanc's claimed Dudley J. LeBlanc, the Hadacol man, as a relative. Mayo was a good man. He and Juanita raised a great Catholic family. They are now back together. May this Godly man rest in peace. Please see obituary.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2011

Well, the surprise of the week came when Judge Carl Thibodeaux announced, at Commissioner's Court, that he was making a motion that Dist. Judge Pat Clark be appointed to fill the County Court-At-Law judgeship left open by the retirement of Judge Mike Shuff. Judge Pat would have to give up his 128th District Court judgeship, leaving an opening in that court. The governor appoints district judges. Almost always the appointee is someone from his party but not necessarily. The appointee could agree to run for the post, in this case, as a Republican. It's anyone's guess what's going to happen. In the past the state senator usually pulled that string. Orange County has two state representatives, a Democrat and a Republican. Hamilton will have some input but that's about it. I believe the person with the most influence will be former State Rep. Ron Lewis, who is the closest to Gov. Perry. If Lewis can't get an appointment he can certainly stop one; that I would go to the bank with. One thing is for sure, they will want to appoint someone who they feel can get elected against a strong Democrat. They wouldn't want the first Republican appointee to go down in defeat. *****Congrats to Ray and Virgie Fontenot, who celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on March 5. That's not a record but it's a darn good average. For several reasons, health, etc., only one in over 10,000 marriages will last that long. Roy, a World War II veteran from the Greatest Generation is also retired from DuPont. Best wishes. Keep on keeping on.*****A few Facebook friends having birthdays. Josh Smally celebrates March 9.***Steve Benett, March 10.*** Virginia Perkins, March 11.*** Hester Bell, March 12.*** Greg Seal, March 14.***Our friend Julie Myers also celebrates this week. *****Congratulations to Bridge City senior Mary Nguyen, who last week set a new school record in the 3200 meters in 12:17, at the Pirate relays. She also captured the 1,100 meters. Bridge City's Meagan Shockley won the 800 meters in 2:33.4. Some claim she gets her athletic genes from her grandmother Judy, however, it's fair to note that her granddad Don "Cochise" Shockley is a direct decent of the great Indian runner Jim Thorpe. Congrats also to Bree Fontenot, who captured the 400 meters in 1:00.78. To all of the winners, we say. "Way to go."*****Judge David Peck is getting high marks as the new Justice of the Peace, Pct. 1. What a lot of folks don't know is that he also is a good singer. He claims however, his best talent is cooking. Over the weekend, he cooked a feast of fried red fish and all the trimmings for a meal hosted by Constable Mark Philpott and his lovely wife, Babette. Again, the eating champion was the smallest in the group, Judge Janice Menard, who attended with son Neil. She can put away the vittles and never gain a pound. *****McDonald Memorial Baptist Church will celebrate their 80th anniversary in May. It has a new pastor. The Rev. Joel Warren, 28, accepted the call to become the new pastor beginning March 27. He is a native of Jacksonville, Texas. ***** In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell received a patent for his telephone. It was 75 years later before my family got one.***** Our dear friend Rosalie Clark is still battling staph infection, even though improved; she's not well and will seek more treatment in Houston. 

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Obituaries 10 Years Ago-2011

Johnny Preston Courville had been sick for some time and had heart surgery in December. He passed away at St. Elizabeth Friday, March 4. He leaves behind his wife Sharron and four children, Leslie, Scott, Michael, Lisa and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. *****

Shirley "Nannaw" Broussard Arceneaux, 75, of Orange, died Tuesday, March 8. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, March 10. Shirley is survived by her husband of 32 years, Gary Arceneaux; sons, James "Butch" Broussard, Wade Broussard; daughter, Debbie Broussard Helton; and step-daughter, Shelly Arceneaux; grandchildren, Nicole Helton Pollock, Jarred Helton; step-grandson, Ty Arceneaux; great-grandson, Gavin Pollock.*****Randy Wilkerson, 53, of Orange, died Friday, March 4. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, March 11. Randy is survived by his wife, Donna Wilkerson; son, William Marcus Wilkerson; daughter, Casey Ann Wilkerson; son, Michael Christopher Wilkerson; grandson, Dennis Wilkerson. ***** Kendall A. McKay, 57, of Orange, died Monday, March 7. Funeral services were Friday, March 11. Kendall is survived by his parents; brothers, Mark McKay and Kevin McKay; sister, Jean Gunter.

22 Years Ago-1999

Joe DiMaggio, New York Yankee great and national legend to generations of baseball fans died Monday, March 8, 1999. "Joltin Joe" turned 84 on Nov. 25. He had won three MVP awards and led the Yankees to eight World Series championships. In 1941, from May 15 to mid July, he hit safely in 56 consecutive games. Retiring at age 36, with a lifetime batting average of .325. The Yankee Clipper was born Giuseppe Paolo DiMaggio, Jr., in Matinez, Calif. In 1914. His younger brother Dom was also an all-star with the Boston Red Sox and older brother Vince was with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds. Joe started with the minor league San Francisco Seals in 1934. He hit successfully in 61 straight games with a .341 average. The Yankees acquired Joe in 1936 for $25,000. His rookie season, he led the majors with .323 average and 46 homeruns. In 1954, he married Marilyn Monroe, the nation's sex symbol. They divorced nine months later. After her death in 1962, he laid flowers at her grave annually. Joe was immortalized through Simon and Garfunkel's song, "Mrs. Robinson." With a line "Where have you gone Joe DiMaggio?" He is considered by many to be the best all-around baseball player in the history of the sport. He put his baseball career on hold for service in WWII. (Editor's note: I never saw him play but upon his return from the war, I listened to many Yankee games. He was a hero. Do you remember who the youngster was that replaced him when he retired in 1951? It was Mickey Mantle.)*****Paul Davis, a Bridge City native, has been appointed captain of the DPS Beaumont office. Paul is the youngest captain in DPS history. (Editor's note: He went on to become a DPS Major and is now police chief of his hometown.)*****Vivian Dorman celebrated her birthday with family. Sister Margaret and husband Preston Conway, brothers Louis Dugas, A.J. and Richard Broussard and wives. Also, all of her children, grandchildren and one great-grandchild. *****Spotted at Heath's Golden Corral were former judge Pete Runnels, mayor of Pinehurst, judge Grover Halliburton, Rev. Leo Anderson, Roy Dunn and judge Claude Wimberly. (Editor's note: that was the Lunch Bunch in the early days.)*****Dr. Fred Zoch celebrates a birthday as does Julie Myers and Jack Luther. *****The Bridge City baseball team of coach Mark Jones is red hot. They haven't lost a game yet this season.*****Bridge City track stars are Nick Judice, Shane Peveto, Brad Miller, Matt Nguyen and C. Curtis.

42 Years Ago-1979

The home of Mr. And Mrs. J.K. Conn, on Cherokee Trail, in Little Cypress, was completely destroyed by fire. Inez Conn died in the fire. Jimmy suffered second and third degree burns. (Editor's note: Since then, Orange County humorist Conn has also died.)*****Waggoner Carr, former Texas attorney general, is in town to present W.T. Oliver the "Citizen of the Year" award. Judge Pete Runnels proclaimed March 16 as "W.T. Oliver Day" in Orange County. Meanwhile, W.T's in-laws, wife Ann's sister June and brother-in-law Earl, lost their daughter Mary Ann, 16, in an auto accident. (Editor's note: After W.T.'s death, Ann, remarried Miles Hall.  All those folks were great people and good friends.)*****District Attorney Sharon Bearden announced that Assistant D.A., Don Burgess, will resign March 31. Bearden is expected to appoint Bill Wright or Joe Alford to replace him.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

John Zerko, of Pinehurst, is a county treasurer. John is a pure, down-to-earth guy who truly likes people and loves his community. I was glad to see that the city named some of Peacock Street, the place where he was raised, to Zerko Lane. John recalled the early days when it was a dirt road maintained with a grader. I was also raised on such a street. When it was dry, it was four inches of dust and when it rained, it was six inches of mud. Zerko has many wonderful memories of his growing up days in the place were for nearly two decades he has served on the city council. If you ever meet Zerko you won't forget him. Great guy. *****A few folks we know celebrating birthdays in the next few days. March 10, a guy we have known since he was in short pants, Robert Harvey, celebrates.*****March 11, a guy raised in our neighborhood, Attorney Paul Fukuda, is a year older today.***** March 12, Happy Birthday to Carol Kimbrow. *****March 13, longtime friend, artist, creator of caricatures of Breaux and Creaux, pretty Vickie Brown celebrates. Sharing birthdays also are Amy Peevey, Kyle Dubose and TV's Angel San Juan.*****March 14, Bridge City councilperson, the lovely Lucy Fields, celebrates, also Jill Peveto and Bud Briggs. Today starts Daylight Savings Time. *****March 15, Julie Myers, Amber Doiron celebrates. Ricky Glenn Robert's Jr. turns 19 today.*****March 16, Blane Slaughter, Amy Peveto, Chelsea Coleman, Colton Sterling, Cody Edwards, Karli Anderson and Buffy and Jordan Doiron celebrate. Happy Birthday to all. *****Spotted getting their COVID-19 vaccination at the Expo Center were J.B. Arrington and wife Mary, also Bill Klein, who we had not seen in a long time. Joyce Dowdle was seen in a long line for her first shot. The Texas National Guard was busy directing the lines and everyone distributing the vaccines was very courteous and helpful. A lot of folks called my name but I didn't recognize them with their mask on. *****I heard from Quincy Procell who told me there has been a lot of sickness in his family. His brother is still at the Meadows trying to get over a long fight with CORONA. *****John Heard, who raises the best oranges and grapefruit in the county, said he is not sure what the freeze has done to all of his citrus trees.*****I know no one who is more enthused about his job than Lamar Orange president Dr. Tom Johnson. He gets so excited talking about what's coming at the campus that he gets me excited and I don't excite easily. Dr. Tom is a good man who will do to ride the range with. We are fortunate to have him as the replacement for Dr. Mike Shahan.*****I discovered Patty Collins is one of Dr. Johnson's right hands. It so happens I've known Sue's little girl Patty, since before she entered first grade. She tells me her brother Mike and family now live in New Braunfels. Great folks I've known for many years.

CELEBRITY CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYSBIRDAYS

March 10: Country Singer Carrie Underwood, 38; Actors Chuck Norris, 81; Sharon Stone, 73; Jon Hamm, 50.*****March 11: Actors Terrence Howard, 52; Alex Kingston, 58; John Borrowman, 54.*****March 12: Politician Mitt Romney, 74; Actors Liza Minnelli, 75 and Jamie Alexander, 37; Folk Singer James Taylor, 73.****

March 13: Actors Emile Hirseh, 36 and William H. Macy, 71; Rapper Common, 49; Pop Singer Charo, 80.*****March 14: Basketball Player Stephen Curry, 33; Gymnast Simone Biles, 24; Actor Billy Crystal, 73; Music Producer Quincy Jones, 88.*****March 15: Actor Eva Longoria, 46; Model Fabio, 62; Rock Singer Bret Michaels, 58.*****March 16: Actors Erik Estrada, 72; Victor Garber, 72; Lauren Graham, 54.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

While Tee-Boy Dartez, him, was putting his stuff in da trunk after shopping at Home Depot, two nice looking, young, womens came over to his car and start wiping his windshield wit a rag and some Windex. Dere breasts was almost falling out of dere skimpy T-shirts. Tee-Boy couldn't help himself from looking. He offer to pay dem a tip. Dey say, "No tank you." Instead dey axe if he would give dem a ride to da McDonald. Tee-Boy say, "Mai Yea."

Dey boat get in da backseat. On da way, dey start undressing. Den one of dem beauties climb over the front seat and starts crawling all over him while da utta one steals his wallet.

About ten days later he went to da police.

Officer Calvin Badeaux axe, "Wat can I help you wit Mr. Dartez?"

Tee-Boy, told him about dem women steal his wallet and now dey left town.

Policeman Badeaux axe him when did dey steal his wallet?

Tee-Boy say, "Well, dey took it on Feb. 3rd, den on Feb. 5th, twice on da 8th and on da Feb. 14." "I paid $2.99 each for dem wallets at da Walmart and had $20 in each one."

C'EST TOUT

TRUMP'S ACTIONS RUNNING OFF GOP SENATORS

A fifth Republican senator decided to pass up a 2022 re-election bid. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo, who turned 71 in January, announced his retirement via video Monday. Blunt said, "I won't be a candidate for reelection to the United States Senate next year." In declining to run in 2022, Blunt joins retiring Republican Sen. Toomey, of Pennsylvania, Richard Shelby, of Alabama and Richard Burr. of North Carolina. The party is waiting on decisions by other GOP senators, such as Ron Johnson, of Wisconsin and Chuck Grassley, of Iowa. Blunt and other retiring Republicans avoid a congressional election in which ex-President Donald Trump plans a major role, forcing GOP candidates to take a stand on his divisive presidency. Bunt's retirement creates the possibility of a "messy" Republican primary involving Trump, his supporters and anti-Trump campaigners. For Trump, who has demanded that all of his supporters not send any money to the National Republican Committee or any RNC Pac. He is urging that the donations be sent to his Pac instead. For Trump, its self preservation. He wants to milk the "Cash Cow" and control use of the donations to help only candidates of his choice. He can also administer vengeance to those not totally loyal to him and control the power. Some political experts believe Trump wants to control the Republican Party or else destroy it. I warned it would be this way if the senate didn't convict Trump when they had a chance. I'll bet now Democrats will pick up at least four senate seats in 2022. *****Gotta go. Thanks for your time. Stay safe and continue to wear your mask. God Bless.