GUN BUYING BOOM IN U.S.

Shooting Leaves Many Dead in Uvalde Texas

Three days after a mass shooting in Buffalo, New York, that left 10 dead, a report was release by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which painted a vivid statistical portrait of a nation arming itself to the teeth. Buyers capitalized on the loosening of gun restrictions by the Supreme Court, Congress and Republican-controlled state legislatures. Starting in 2009, Glock-type semi-automatic handguns, purchased for personal protection, began to outsell rifles, which have been typically used in hunting. Embedded in the 306-page document was another statistic the law enforcement officials find especially troubling. Police recovered 19,344 privately manufactured firearms, untraceable homemade weapons known as “ghost guns,” in 2021, a tenfold increase since 2016. Law enforcement officials say that has contributed to the surge in gun-related killings. The numbers released Tuesday revealed an industry on the rise, with annual domestic gun production increasing from 3.9 million in 2000 to 11.3 million in 2020. Currently, there are around 400 million guns in the United States. A year ago, President Biden ordered the ATF, an undersized agency with the oversized task of enforcing the nation’s gun laws and regulations, to collect and analyze 20 years of gun data after series of mass shootings around the country. The gun industry has long resisted the disclosure of some firearms data collected by ATF. A series of Republican sponsored measures, pushed by the National Rifle Association, restricts officials at the bureau from releasing trace data and other information to the public. Manufacture of the types of semi-automatic rifles and pistols previously designated to be assault weapons steadily increased, particularly AR-type rifles and pistols, which are now commonly referred to as modern sporting rifles and modern sporting pistols. Tuesday, in Uvalde, Texas, 18 children and one teacher were killed. Texas has no boundaries or gun control ‘AT ALL’ not even background checks.

AROUND THE NATION

Ellen DeGeneres is taking her final bow Thursday after almost two decades. She decided it was time to end ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show.’ On Thursday, May 26, she is dancing off the daytime stage with high-profile guests. Ellen, who is a lesbian and married to actress Portia de Rossi, has wide appeal. When the show began in 2003, LGBT people were few in television. Her show was enjoyed by people of all ages.*****Former New York mayor Bill de Blasio announced that he will run for congress in a new district in New York.*****Trump pays $110,000 in penalties he racked up after being held in contempt of court for being slow to respond to a civil subpoena. He was fined $10,000 a day. He must still submit additional paper work.*****A presidential straw poll in Wisconsin found Florida governor Ron DeSantis beating Donald Trump, 38 percent to 32 percent in the state. There is no doubt in my mind that DeSantis is running for the Republican nomination regardless if Trump runs or not. I don’t believe he will. He can’t win in a General Election but he could win the nomination. Look for Mike Pence and Ted Cruz to jump in the Primary if DeSantis does. My guess none can beat Biden.*****‘Early Voting’ wins the Preakness Stakes. The colt stuns heavily favored ‘Epicenter’ by more than a length after skipping the Kentucky Derby. ‘Rich Strike,’ Derby winner, will run in the Belmont Stakes but ‘Early Voting’ will not. We probably will never know which is best.*****Tucker Carlson, with the 1,000 faces and fake laugh to make light of some thing or some one is considered the poster for FOX News. What Carlson hurled at U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw last week, denouncing him as “Eye-patch McCain” was beyond the pale, as was his disparaging of the late U.S. Sen. John McCain, a prisoner of the war in Vietnam. Carlson gets off dissing the sacrifices of war veterans. At times he appears not to have a soul. I’ve followed him since he was a bow-tie wearing nerd at CNN.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

15 Years Ago-2007

Mr. Cox’s Neighborhood is changing. Don Pate has purchased the neighborhood park that we enjoyed all these years and has started clearing off the trees. It’s progress, soon Don will build some much-needed apartment houses on the spot. I hope he gets to leave some of the 100-year-old Oaks. It hadn’t changed much until now. H.D., Doug, Dr. Messer, Bill Nickum and all of us are still around. We lost Bill Richter about a year ago, Margaret Richter remains. We look forward to the new neighbors. It will give Millard and Roy something different to talk about and new folks to tell stories to.*****Pct. 2 Constable Parker ‘P.T.’ Thompson is a perpetual optimist. A dedicated peace officer, who loves the law and has spent a lifetime enforcing it. His people skills have served him well. People still talk about how, every morning, he could be seen waving to parents as they brought their youngsters to school in Mauriceville. Over the years, P.T. has busted some big cases and not too many years ago, he was responsible for the freeing of a hostage at the Court House.*****Lera Mae Dickey and Lee Brown were named male and female ‘Senior Citizen of the Year’ last week. Judge Carl Thibodeaux presented the awards at a Rally Day event honoring senior citizens. Lera Mae’s volunteer service has been untiring over many years. We have known Lee Brown for over 45-years, when he brought the Brown Hearing Aid Center to Orange. The Center manufactures hearing aids that are distributed around the country. He and wife Dorothy raised their family in the Christian faith in Orange County.*****Bridge City junior pitcher, Jason Clark, was picked by Coach Billy Bryant as his starting pitcher for game 3 of the Regional Quarterfinals against Needville Saturday. The game was do-or-die for the Cardinals. Jason responded with not only 5 1/3 innings of good pitching, he also made a great play in the outfield for the final out in the 6-3 win. Jason didn’t overpower the batters, but he out-finessed them for a great win that sent B.C. into the next round against Carthage, who is 28-0.***** The Paul Cormier Oil Well Service 60th anniversary celebration was a big success. A great feed catered by Kenneth Smith and Danny Brack.  The affair was attended by some of the world’s greatest folks. Roy says his highlight of the annual event is the company of Joe Burke and also the lovely Nancy Vincent, of Orange Savings Bank. Another banker in attendance was Carlos Vasek, who along with shareholders, have sold County Banks in three counties to Walter Umphrey. The check hasn’t been signed yet. One of our favorite folks Glenn Oliver, who never keeps all his eggs in one basket, ‘Buckshot Winfree’ and Commissioner Owen Burton came ready to eat, Johnny Montagne was having belly problems and left early. The Harmon boys, Corky, Don and Donnie, enjoyed the vittles. Donnie toted cake for the older folks. Burke wanted the largest piece. Everyone got nice, free gifts. Former Supt. Robert Montange told Orangefield stories and what the Cormier family has meant to the community. We also learned that many changes will be made in the Orangefield School District. David Fusilier, Cormier operations manager, did a great job putting the affair together and the 300 guests appreciated it. Bobby also had their new $1.3 million drilling rig on display. Mr. Paul, ‘The Boss’ who has been in failing health, was enjoying every bit of the attention. Devera Cormier always brightens the day. Good folks. ***** We were sorry to hear that Jack Gisclair passed away last week. Condolences to Flora Glen and the family. *****Judge Pat Clark not only turned 62 last week but also had his mom and wife in the hospital at the same time. Rosalie had kidney stone surgery. His daughter-in-law, who is pregnant again, also had to make a trip to the hospital.

45 Years Ago-1977

A lifetime Bridge City resident, Lawrence Helton, will manage both the Bridge City Funeral Home and Noguess Mortuary in Orange. Lawrence and his wife, the former Marie Davenport, are both 1964 graduates of Bridge City High School. *****Kim Daniels, after a Bridge City senior trip to AstroWorld, was rear-ended and her car totaled. It happened to be Friday the 13 and Kim was driving a new Sunbird that was a graduation gift from her parents who were just thankful that she was okay. ***** *****The second annual West Orange Lion’s Club fishing tournament  drew 104 two-person teams. Cash prize winners Jerry Belcher and Ricky Baird took the $500 prize with 33 pounds, 1 ounce. *****CB radios are the craze. Some of the handles making the rounds are; ‘Annie Oakley,’ ‘Helping Hands,’ ‘Rainbow Lady,’ ‘Butter Cup,’ ‘Big Al,’ ‘Sandblaster,’ Blackmax,’ ‘Capt. Kangaroo,’ and ‘Coach Joe Hester opens Star Trac, on 37th and Martin in Pinehurst. The convenience store and Laundromat are the area’s most modern, up-to-date. Also on several acres of land is a new modern mobile home park. *****Neil Jenkins, former Bridge City football star, to wed Terri Henderson on Sunday, May 29. *****Joe Kazmar leaves for a trip to London, England. *****The noted Cajun artist George Rodrigue, has been commissioned to sculpt and eight-foot bronze statue of Evangeline. The $100,000 statue will be erected at the park in St. Martinville, Louisiana. *****Calvin Stakes, Jr. wins crawfish eating contest. The wiry guy consumed 12 pounds, 4 ounces of crawfish tails in 30 minutes. The Opportunity Valley News was presented the winning team trophy at the Houston Cajun Festival at the Astrodome.*****Bridge City High names three Valedictorians, Cindy Adams, Craig Fisette and Kevin Haynes. Salutatorian is Donna Becker.***** Orangefield holds sports banquet. Dudley Kraus was named ‘Most Athletic Boy,’ Vicki Proyka, ‘Most Athletic Girl,’ Ronnie Rudeseal awarded the ‘F.L. McClain Heart Award.’ Brian Day, ‘Most Valuable Player,’ Jeff Fruge, ‘Defensive Lineman,’ Lannie Evans, ‘Offensive Lineman.’ Coach Ed Peveto named by The Opportunity Valley News as ‘Coach of the Year.’ McNeese coach Jack Dolan was guest speaker.*****Steve Scott Worster, nine pounds, 11 ounces, was born April 28 in San Antonio to Ann and Steve Worster. Local grandparents are R.B. and Louise Worster and Uncle Gary. On Memorial Day, Ms. Louise will be 53-years-old. Scott is her first grandchild and she says it was long overdue. (Editor’s note: It’s hard to believe that boy turned 45 a couple of weeks ago.) His grandparents and uncle have all passed away. Dad Steve, a football star and All American at UT, still lives in the Bridge City area. His mother Ann lives in the Orange area.*****Joe Chenella is named principal at Bridge City and Roger Russel named asst. principal.*****Wilson Roberts resigns as Bridge City Police Chief on May 12. He did a great job and was a bargain at $1,000 a month.*****Don Jacobs performed at the Bridge City Rotary Club meeting Thursday held at Granger’s Seafood.

50 Years Ago-1972

Orange attorney Jim L. Graves elected Orange Rotary Club president. He succeeds Raymond Selzer. Other new officers are Major Inman, first vice-president; Bob Rasmussen, second vice-president; Roy L. Keller, secretary-treasurer; directors are Charles McQuhae, Mickey McNamara and Bob Jones.*****Stephen Drake, son of Betty and Earl Drake, recently graduated from Allen Academy, in Bryan, Texas. He lettered two years in football, was first lieutenant in the cadet corps, drum major of the band and Honor Society member.*****Dewey ‘Teddy Bear’ Cox is re-elected business manager of Boilermakers Union.*****Zack’s Hut, 2305 MacArthur, is featuring a man size, sirloin strip steak, 16 to 18 ounces, for $3.25 and a 7 ounce sirloin for the lady, $1.99. All steaks orders include baked potatoes, homemade rolls, large salad.*****Louvenia Hryhorchuck featured her two lovely daughters in her last political advertisement. She is in a run-off with Juanita Jordan.*****Harry’s Appliance & Service, owned by Harry Stephens, is located at 1003 W. Park Ave., phone 886-4111. This week Harry’s is having a big sale on Maytag washers and dryers. “We’ll trade- -We’ll deal.”*****Father’s Day Specials at Bealls, double knit men’s sports coat $27.88, dress shirts, 2 for $5.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

Orangefield will represent Southeast Texas when the Bobcats begin their Class 4A series against China Spring on Wednesday. Game 1 will be played at Navasota High School at 7 p.m. After this Wednesday’s game 1, Orangefield’s three-game series with China Spring will continue Thursday at Grand Oaks High School at 4:30 p.m. A Game 3 would take place immediately after, if necessary. Go Bobcats.*****I have known Annabelle Rost since we were kids. She turned 87 on February 27. I haven’t heard from her in a long time and wondered why. Many years ago, she and her husband built their home in the Cove where they raised their beautiful daughter. I just heard that she had a stroke back in October and is now a resident of Bonne Vie Nursing Care in Port Arthur. I hope someone will let her know I send my best wishes and love. *****I knew I would be hearing from Judge Pat Clark. He clarified that he and Sam Lucia were born on the same day. Pat and I are having similar leg and foot problems. I learned more about the care in 10 minutes from Pat than a hack-full of doctors.*****Speaking of that, our buddy Quincy Procell made a special trip to Bridge City to bring me some medicine he had discovered for me to try. No one I know has had more leg problems than Quincy. After several surgeries, he is exclusive on a walker. Too many years of picking up those heavy motors that the Procell’s built for all those years. They were nationally known for their award winning work.*****I haven’t gotten to thank Judge Derry Dunn for the nice tomatoes. We have really enjoyed them.*****The one thing I will not share is Judge Chad Jenkins’ homemade from scratch, smoked, sausage. I’ve done away with one pack Ms. Windi made sure I received. Thanks Chad and Windi.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS

A few folks we know celebrating birthdays in the next few days. May 25: Happy Birthday to Jo Lynn Harris, Monica Stevens, Judy Duncan and Mark Philpott, who also celebrated he and Babette’s wedding anniversary.*****May 26: Celebrating today is a special lady Barbara Olson, also pretty Jean Moreau, Brady Ancelet, Logan New, and Dylan Ball.***On this day in 1865, the South surrendered in the Civil War.*****May 27: Happy Birthday to Keshia Tomplait, Robert Herin and Charlene Terro.*****May 28: Celebrating birthdays today are Lisa Mesch, Debbie Guidry, Maureen McAllister, Jacque Phelps, Kyle Smoke, Michael Garcia, Kelli Boehme and Judy Landry*****May 29: Happy Birthday to A.J. Lemonie, Christina Cunningham, Matt Bryant and Sam Kitchell.*****May 30: Some very special folks celebrating today. Dr. David Olson, who just doesn’t change even though he’s a year older today. Also celebrating are Dr. Amber Dunn-Greeson, Judge Rex Peveto, Melissa Brisbane, Cayla Court, Nikki Barron and Nikki Fisette.*****May 31: Happy Birthday to Haley Duhon, Nelda Sanguin, Ronda Wilson, Brook Edwards and Larry Guyote. They all share birthdays with Clint Eastwood, who turns 90 today. Note: If you or someone you know is having a birthday or anniversary let us know at 409-735-5305 or [email protected].

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

One of dem Yankees from Ohio drove down to Sout’ Louisiana to spent a mont’ bird-watching. He went to all da swamp areas by day with his benogulas. One day, while deep in da marsh area, near Intercoastal City, way back in da country his car, it quit on him. Dat Yankee try and try to start dat car, but it won’t go. So dat Yankee him, he start walking. He walk and he walk for miles. Finally, he came up on a house. He was so tirsty and hungry he was ready to pass out. Agnes Boudreaux, da lady of da house, invited dat Yankee in and served him a bowl of home made Logger Head turtle soup. Dere is a small pig wat run around da kitchen. And came up to da Yankee and give him a lot of attention. Da man commented to Miss Agnes dat he had never seen such a friendly pig. Miss Agnes replied, “Oh, dat pig him, he’s not dat friendly Mr., dat’s his bowl you’re using.”

C’EST TOUT

Texas Briefs

Most Texans oppose school vouchers yet Gov. Abbott touted a renewed effort to pass a private school voucher program that would hurt funding for public schools. The opposition is deep in rural Texas.***A new Texas poll reveals that a majority of Texans support legalized marijuana use for medical and recreational use. The idea is backed by 83% of Texans.***Sen. John Cornyn has ignored Ken Paxton as long as he can. In a phone call with reporters last week, the senior Texas senator, senator and former state attorney general himself, said, “Paxton is the chief law enforcement officer of the state of Texas and is a source of embarrassment to me that has been unresolved.” Paxton has made a mockery of Cornyn’s former office. After he was sworn in was only the beginning of his legal troubles. His seven top staff members have accused him of taking bribes. The FBI is now investigating him for misusing his office. Paxton is a disgrace to his Party. Thanks to Cornyn for calling him out. (Odds are he won Tuesday against George P. Bush.)***Meanwhile, Texas Junior Senator Ted Cruz faces complaint for his roll in a Pennsylvania case. A Texas Bar complaint against Cruz was filed for his work on the case that sought to overturn the 2020 Presidential Election results in that state and making ‘false and misleading’ public statements.*****This is it for me for another week. Check us out on our Web-site,  http://www.therecordlive.com, for constant changing events. Thanks for making us Orange County’s best read. Take care and God bless our troops.