The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

SENATE PASSES BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE BILL

(MAJOR VICTORY FOR BIDEN)

The Senate voted to approve a roughly $1 trillion bill to revamp the nation’s infrastructure on Tuesday, delivering a bipartisan breakthrough on legislation that includes key portion of President Biden’s domestic agenda. The final vote was 69 to 30, with 19 Republicans and 30 Democrats voting yes. Vice President Kamala Harris presided over the final vote. The bipartisan bill represents the first part of a two-track process, with the second being the broader piece of legislation with a price tag of $3.5 trillion. That package can pass with only the support of Democrats using a process known as budget reconciliation. All 50 Democrats must remain united for the measure to be adopted, since no Republicans are expected to support it. This is a blueprint for President Biden’s larger domestic economic agenda, and includes funds to expand Medicare and child care and combat climate change. The budget also includes resolution for the Senate Judiciary Committee to work on developing a solution for “lawful permanent status for qualified immigrants. Biden added more jobs in the first six months than any other president in history. Experience matters. Biden served 36 years in the Senate and eight years as Vice President.

PATSY PECK A SPECIAL PERSON REMEMBERED

I was shocked to learn of the passing of Patsy Peck. What a wonderful person. In the years I had known her, she never greeted me without a smile. I’m sure she treated others the same. She was very kind and caring. Our friend Karen Jo, who made several of Patsy’s travel vacation trips, once told me Patsy was always concerned for others. On trips she spent her time making sure everyone was happy. I don’t know how good a cook Patsy was but I do know she made the world’s best banana pudding. On production day, a long day for the staff of this paper, Patsy often brought a big bowlful of pudding. It didn’t last long with this bunch. Patsy was so kind, she really cared, and it wasn’t just a front for her. She came from and had a great family. Her dad, Pappy Ellis, was a real kick. Life had often been difficult for her but her faith always sustained her. To know her was to respect her. She knew a lot of people besides her church family. I’m told she was loyal to a fault. Patsy had that special quality. She was like a ray of sunshine. To many who knew and loved her, she left a void by her passing. That ray of sunshine will come through when we thing of her and give thanks to have known such a wonderful person. Please see obituary.

TED TOWNES SERVICE TO BE HELD

We were sorry to learn that Ted Townes, age 62, had passed away on Aug. 9 at his home. I had known Ted and the Townes family for over 50 years as family friends. Bill, Ted’s dad, was a Kroger store manager for several years before opening two King Saver Supermarkets. Ted’s mom, Elaine, owned Elaine’s Flower Shop in Bridge City. Ted was a student trainer under Coach Moe Litton while in high school and after attending Lamar, was certified as a trainer and coach and worked for the Montgomery School District as both. He left coaching to join the family business as store manager. Ted served 15 years as a deputy sheriff, retiring as a corporal in 2019. He is survived by wife Lydia, sons Tyler, twins Chad and Brad and daughter Tara and his brother David. What I best recall about Ted was his work ethic. He was always a hard worker and instilled that into his children. Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 14, at First Baptist Church in Bridge City. Our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2011

We were sad to learn about the death of Mildred Hatton, 91, who passed away August. 5. Funeral services were held Monday at St. Paul United Methodist, the church she attended many years and served as church secretary for 24 years. We had known Ms. Mildred for many years and knew her to be a sweet, wonderful lady. The community has lost a great person, always a lady, always so kind.****** TIDBITS AROUND THE NATION: For the first time in 45 years Jerry Lewis will not the host Labor Day Muscular Dystrophy Telethon. He was abruptly fired and will no longer serve as national chairman. In 50 years, Lewis has raised $2.5 billion. During the height of its popularity the Telethon featured stars like Sammy Davis Jr., Liberace, The Supremes, Johnny Cash, Frank Sinatra and a host of others. Interest has been falling in the 20-hour show, which will be shaved down to six hours. The Internet has emerged as a better generator of donations. Lewis and his followers are unhappy with the move. No more “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” That’s how it goes when the time comes to turn old folks to pasture. Not fair but a fact of life.*****Bob Dylan will release a batch of unfinished Hank Williams songs on Oct. 4 called “The Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams.” Dylan, Merle Haggard, Jack White, Lucinda Williams, Norah Jones, Sheryl Crow and other musicians have created the music for Hank’s unpublished lyrics. Hank’s granddaughter Holly, Vince Gill, Rodney Crowell, Alan Jackson and Patty Lovelace are helping to select the lyrics from the stockpile of notes left in a briefcase when Hank died in 1953.*****Rapper Lil Wayne is accused of stealing the song “Bedrock,” and is being sued for $15 million. The song peaked at No. 2 on Billboard. Now folks, stealing a rap song is a first for me, I thought they made that stuff up as they went along*****Astronaut Buzz Aldrin was bilked out of money made off his name. He has filed a lawsuit against his stepdaughter Lisa Cannon. What next?*****Eighty-two percent, in a Time/CBS poll, disapprove of Congress. Four out of five people said that the debt ceiling debate was more about gaining political advantage then doing what was best for the country.  The polls showed Republicans in Congress shoulder more of the blame than President Obama.*****Coaches vote Oklahoma No. 1. for the first time in many years. Texas A&M is ranked higher than Texas. A&M is No. 9, U.T. is No. 24. Alabama, Oregon, LSU and Florida State round out the top five.***** The Bridge City Jr. All-Star girls have made it to the  Little League World Series. They were undefeated in Regional play and Tuesday earned a berth at the LLWS after a ten inning shut-out with a final score of 1-0. They will leave for Kirkland, Wash. Saturday and have their first game Sunday. Members of the team include: Kellyn Cormier, Katelyn Dickerson, Brooke Derouen, Bailee Bacon, Sabryn Crain, Faith Kaufman, Kaleigh Carter, Skylar Kahla, Haley Mills, Kasey Frederick, Katelyn Dickerson, Ashlyn Mitchell, Harleigh Myers and Hannah Faulk. The girls are coached by Hilton Bacon and Coach Justin Frederic. Julie Kahla is the team manager.*****Jaden Dillon, former Bridge City star and McNeese pitching ace, has transferred to A&M Kingsville where he’s getting a full baseball ride. This summer he pitched in an East Texas League and constantly pitched 92-94 miles per. From start to finish, we wish this young man the best.*****The Wednesday Lunch Bunch dined at Robert’s Restaurant and Steak House last week. Always a great meal at Robert’s. The girls, Judge Janice, Brandy Slaughter, Donna Scales, Christy Kourey and Shirley Zimmerman added spark and beauty to the gathering.*****Miss Pearl Burgess, Orange County’s Poet Laureate, has written a great poem on the Depression Years. Good timing for the times we’re facing. At age 90, Ms. Pearl hasn’t lost her edge. I wish I was as sharp.*****I found out a very interesting fact about Judge David Peck which Nicole wrote about in this issue. By the way Judge Peck, Elvis died Aug. 16, 1977. That was 34 years ago and I know he was one of your heroes in your prime.*****District Clerk Vickie Edgerly just returned from a long weekend in Austin where she visited son Ryan and his wife Erica. The main purpose of the visit was to spend time with two-year-old Hazen. Hazen, who is named after her father Hazen Kenney. Vickie says she sure misses little Hazen wrapping his arms around her legs and telling her “I love you MeMom.” *****A few folks celebrating their special day this week. Our friend William “Bill” Smith, the old train engineer, the boy from Arkansas, marks another birthday on Aug. 10. ***Monty Eshbach, a special youngun to Ms. Dot, will celebrate Aug. 13, also our great pal and Met Life Insurance guy Clint Landry. ***Bill Triggs and Charlotte Conn, both mark their birthdays on Aug. 14. ***Pretty Kristie Gunn celebrates on Aug. 15. Chris and Cindy’s little girl is a big girl now. ***** FaceBook friends having birthdays are Jason Broussard, Jennifer Cohnour and Myra Sanders, Aug. 10***Marilyn Trevino, Lyndon Sharpton and Stephanie Latiolais, Aug. 11***Angel Birdwell, Darrell Quebodeaux, Kevin Philen and Pat Caillavet, Aug. 12. ***Wendl Adkins and Shawn Hanson, Aug. 13. ***Kent Hutchison celebrates Aug. 14. ***Kelley Peny, Cheryl Engle and Phyllis Hennigan, Aug. 15. ***Brandi Clark celebrates on Aug. 16.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Obituaries Aug. 11, 2021

Tommy Mack Madden Sr., 67, of Orange passed away on Sunday, July 31. A graveside service was held on Saturday, Aug. 6. He had lived most of his life in the Orange area and was employed at American Glass Company. He is survived by his wife Theresa Nell Madden; daughters, Tina Marie Pachuca, Jennifer Smith and Hollie Odom; sons, Tommy Madden Jr., Burley Johnson, Robert Johnson; 20 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.***** Sonny Simmons, 58, died Friday, Aug. 5. Funeral services were held Monday, Aug. 8. Sonny was a blacksmith for Gulf Co for 26 years. He is survived by his wife Ronda Simmons; son Bryan Simmons; daughters Sunny Daugnty, Beth Boudreaux, Amy McCurley; parents Harold and Wanda Simmons; eight grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

23 Years Ago, 1998

Four year old little Erica Edgerly wins the Miss South Texas America Petite Princess 1998 title. She also won Most Photogenic and the Spirit Trophy. She has a seven year old brother, Alex, and a 20 month old sister Macy. Their parents are John and Stephanie Edgerly. Grandparents Flo and Gene usually attend the pageants if it’s not during Judge Flo’s deer hunting season. (Editor’s note: The kids are grown now. Erica is 27, Alex, 30 and Macy is nearing 25.)*****Becky and Dr. Mark Messer have moved into their new home in Waterwood.*****Charlotte and Dow Gene Anderson went to a fishing lodge in Canada recently. No phones, no television, no honeymooning. The lodge rooms were divided only by hospital room curtains. They caught 962 fish and could bring only four back to the United States.*****This year marks 25 years Nancy Vincent has been with Orange Savings Bank. She received a Rolex watch. (Editor’s note: Thirteen years have gone by which would now make 38 years with the bank. She must have been a teenager when she started. She retired a few years ago.)*****Glenn Sterling returns to work this week after being hospitalized with a heart problem.)

43 Years Ago-1978

County Judge Pete Runnels declares Sunday, Aug. 20 as “LCM Country Music Day.” Singer Don Williams and the Oak Ridge Boys will appear for a big show at Bear Stadium. The money raised will fund the LCM’s band trip to the Fiesta Bowl. The trip will cost $40,000. Williams and the Oak Ridge Boys are new on the music scene but are getting very popular.*****A beautiful lady, Ann Guidry, wife of Andy Guidry, died Aug. 14. She left behind her beautiful children, Paula, Jennifer, Jeffrey, Paul, Richard and David.*****Pop Stewart, 75, owner of LouAnn’s dies.*****Major Inman elected mayor of Orange over Davis Cooper. He replaces Paul Hale.*****Howard Morse and Dr. J.E. Barnett are added to the Bridge City State Bank board of director’s as advisory members. (Editor’s note: Howard  served on the board until his death.*****Joe C. Majors III, “Chuck” to most, has been accepted to the University of Texas Dental School in Houston. (Editor’s note: Chuck went on to become a dentist. He is now in practice in Caldwell, Texas. He’s the son of Dr. Joe and Mary Majors.  *****Roy and Phyl Dunn hosted the monthly “Gourmet Club” at their home then the group took in Sartin’s at Sabine Pass.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

Congratulations to police officer Tod McDowell, who was named new Bridge City Police Chief. He has been in law enforcement 34 years, 27 years in local police work. I ran my traps and found that Chief McDowell is considered a good choice. I didn’t get any negatives. We wish him the best.*****Our own crack reporter Dave Rodgers had back surgery last week but he managed to get copy out. He is back on the beat this week. We treasure his dedication.*****Here is some free, proven advice. If you are hearing impaired and need a hearing aid its wise to contact a reputable dealer who has qualified technicians and computer equipment to check your degree of hearing loss. Hearing aids, like all appliances, will require adjustments, cleaning and new parts due to wax built-up etc. Be sure you can get on the spot service, not have to wait three or four weeks for your aids to return from repair from wherever. There is no such thing as one set of aids fits all. In fact, I require two different sizes because one ear passage is smaller than the other. The cheap brand is a waste of money. I use Brown Hearing Center right here at home. Eddie, Nancy and staff of technicians have many years of experience and can have your hearing aids cleaned and like new in one hour or less. It’s worth stopping by Brown for advice before you make “A one set fits all” purchase.*****A few folks we know celebrating birthdays in the next few days. On Aug. 11: Our longtime friend, a native of Arkansas, longtime train engineer, former city councilman, the guy who started Central Office Supply, Bill Smith turns 91. My records show Bill celebrates sometime on Aug. 10 or Aug. 11. Also celebrating today is Darrell Quebodeaux.*****Aug. 12: Truly one of my favorite people, a special lady, a special teacher, Wendi Jenkins, head of the Jenkins clan, celebrates today. Also happy birthday to Traci Miguez and Pat Caillavet.*****Aug. 13: A special friend, the MED-Life man, raised in West Orange, Coach Chad’s dad, Clint Landry, celebrates today. Also Monty Eshback, one of Dot’s boys I’ve been wishing Monty a happy birthday since he was 16-years-old. Celebrating today is Hilary Walker.*****Aug. 14: Happy Birthday to Diane Justice, Bill Triggs, Lindsey Schaffer and Britanie Long. Also Happy 45th Wedding Anniversary to Judge Don and Bobbie Burgess.*****Aug. 15: A Happy Birthday wish to Kristie Gunn, who I remembers as a baby, and today is a talented, beautiful lady. Also celebrating is Tiffany Schlicher, Brandi Arnold and Norma Smith.*** On this day in 1765 Arcadians (Cajuns) were exiled from Nova Scotia.*****Aug. 16: Brandi Clark and Gwen Boehme celebrate.***Aug. 16, 1948, Babe Ruth, 52, died of cancer. On this day in 1977, Elvis, age 42, died at his home in Memphis of a drug overdose.*****Aug. 17: Happy Birthday to Nancy Finchum, Shandi Conner, Dagma Hood, Johnny Stimac, Jordan New and Brenda Gage.*****We have rebuilt our home four times over the years due to storm damage but at least we had something left. After a fire like the one that totally destroyed Greenville, California, there is nothing left. I’ll take our hurricanes every time. Al Gore predicted 20 years ago that we would see this day come from global warming. He was made fun of. I won’t be here to see it but many of you will see global warming make the earth far worse.*****Our friend Cherry Stout came home Sunday after triple bypass surgery several days earlier. Cedric said the three cuts, in different places, has left her very uncomfortable. Otherwise she’s a tough Cajun girl. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.*****It seems Florida governor Ron DeSantis and Texas governor Greg Abbott have a few things in common. First they both take their lead from Donald Trump about the vaccine, they both say “It’s their body, it’s their choice what they want to put in it.” The insincerity of that statement is that they are both against women’s right to choose.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Calvin Badeaux him, would take off some time and his wife Agnes wouldn’t hear from him for weeks. He wouldn’t keep a job or give her any money so Agnes her filed for a divorce charging non-support. Da case came up in Judge Oris Comeaux’s court. Da judge award Agnes da divorce and he said to Calvin, “Mr. Badeaux, I have decided to give Agnes $400 a moun’h for support.” Calvin say, “Well dats fine Judge, Tank you, tank you very much and once in a while I’ll try to chip in a few bucks myself.”

C’EST TOUT

Forecast: Active Season for Hurricanes

The federal government continues to expect another active Atlantic hurricane season in 2021; seven to 10 hurricanes forming, according to an updated forecast. The average season spawns seven hurricanes and peaks in August, September and October. If predictions hold true, it will be a record sixth straight year of above normal activity. Fifteen to 21 named storms will develop. That number includes tropical storms, which have wind speeds of 39 mph or higher. Storms become hurricanes when winds reach 74 mph. Of the predicted hurricanes, three to five could be major, with wind speeds of 111 mph or higher. The forecast is a slight increase from the one released in May, when forecasters said six to 10 hurricanes and 13 to 20 total named storms would form this year. Already this year, five named storms have formed. Historically, only two named storms form on average by early August. After a record-setting start, the Atlantic 2021 hurricane season does not show any signs of relenting as it enters the peak months ahead. New storm Fred is expected to enter the Gulf next weekend and bring winds and rain to northern Florida. Atlantic sea water temperatures are not expected to be as warm as they were during the record 2020 season, when 30 named storms formed. Hurricane forecasters agree that 2021 will experience higher activity. The season runs through Nov. 30. Here’s hoping we’ll dodge the bullet in 2021.*****My time is up. Thanks for your time. Take care, stay safe and get vaccinated. God bless.