ORANGE COUNTY ADVANCED POWER STATION STATE OF THE ART

The new power station in Orange County, near Bridge City, at the present Entergy location, will be in the city of Port Arthur. However, the advanced power station will continue to be in the Bridge City school district. The power station will provide critical power to Southeast Texas with a significantly lower emissions rate than the legacy generation it replaces. An outside analysis conducted by TXP, Inc. determined that construction of The Orange County Advanced Power Station will create nearly $1.8 billion in total economic activity in Southeast Texas. Construction of the facility will result in more than 7,000 direct jobs and approximately 27 permanent jobs once operational. Entergy Texas is committed to working with local vendors to maximize the economic impact to the community. Construction of the power station is expected to start in 2023 and be completed by 2026.

TRUMP DINES WITH

WHITE SUPREMACIST

On Tuesday President Donald Trump had dinner at his private club in Florida with Nick Fuentes, an outspoken anti-semite and racist who is one of the country’s most prominent young white supremacists. Also at the dinner was performer Ye, who has changed his name from Kanye West and has also been condemned for making anti-Semitic statements. Ye traveled to meet with Trump at the club, Mar-a-Lago, brought Fuentes along. In recent years, Fuentes, 24, has developed a high profile on the far right and forged ties with such Republican lawmakers as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, of Georgia, Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona, largely through his leadership of an annual white supremacist event called the America First Political Action Conference. A Holocaust denier and unabashed racist, Fuentes openly uses hateful language on his podcast, in recent weeks calling for military to be sent into Black neighborhoods and demanding that Jews leave the country. Trump knew of Fuentes’ well-documented bigotry and extremism before their dinner. Jonathan Greenblatt, the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, condemned Trump’s meeting with Fuentes. Sharing a meal and spending time is appalling. And really, you can’t say that you oppose hate and break bread with haters. It’s that simple. Trump claims he didn’t know the dinner guest. Seven years ago, after meeting with David Duke, Trump claimed he didn’t know Duke was a longtime KKK leader. Trump is a longtime fool and liar. It didn’t just happen.*****I have to move on. Come along, I promise it won’t do you no harm.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2012

Friday, Dec. 7, the Orange Jaycees sponsor their 64th annual Christmas parade starting at 6:30 p.m. The parade theme is “A Cajun Christmas.” I bet there will be a lot of real Cajuns in it.*****On Dec. 8, at 10 a.m., the Orangefield Christmas parade will take place. Don’t miss Uncle Jesse’s Farm at the Cormier Museum.*****On Saturday night, Dec. 8, the fourth annual Bridge City nighttime, light Christmas parade will start at 7 p.m.*****Also Saturday evening, will be the Christmas Stroll at Shangri La.*****The annual Mauriceville Senior Citizen Supper will be held Saturday, 5 p.m. at the Mauriceville Elementary School.*****Swamp Gold Christmas Album. The area boys who made the Gulf Coast Sound famous and became the artist who popularized Swamp Pop, have put together a totally different Christmas album with that special beat. Some of those youngsters, still popular today when they appear on a gig, wrote the songs they perform on the album. Performing on the album are Jivin’ Gene, Don Rice, Lynn August, Johnnie Allen, Warren Storm, Tommy McLain, Willie Tee, Ken Marvel, V.J. Boulet and Charles Mann. The album is available by calling 409-548-1837 or [email protected]. It’s a good Christmas gift for yourself or to give. It’s a collectors treasure. These guys will probably never get together again.*****I received a letter from friend, Jeanne Wood Kern, a longtime Bridge City teacher who I’m sure many students will remember. A dozen years ago Jeanne moved to Lincoln Nebraska and since then she has been involved in several publishing projects. *****Swing Bridge gets historical marker. A bunch of great, community heritage minded folks turned out for the unveiling and ceremony for the Cow Bayou, Hwy. 87 Bridge that is now on the national register as one of our historical treasures. Dr. Howard Williams, who has spent over 40 years promoting Orange County history and is past president of the Orange County Historical committee attended the unveiling. Attorney Jerry Pennington, new president presided. Commissioner John Dubose took part as well as both Orange and Bridge City chambers. Mark Dunn, the driving force to establish the bridge as a national treasure was present. A few spotted at the ceremony were Betty Harmon, Geslia Houseman, Christy Khourey and Corey, Shirley Zimmerman, Brandy Slaughter, Margaret Toal, Butch Thurman and a host of others.*****Bridge City’s Matt Bryant booted three field goals, including a 55 yarder, in a 23-13 win over the New Orleans Saints. Bryant’s two other kicks were for 45 yards and 29 yards. His two extra points gave him 11 points in the Falcons win. They are now 11-1 for the season.*****Orange native, Carrie Joiner Woliver, will have a reception and book signing Sat. Dec. 8, at the Old Orange Café. “The Train Stopped in Orange” is written from the diaries of her grandparents, Will and Pearl Joiner, in 1917 and 1918. Carrie covers life in Orange during the buggy days through the 1950’s. Carrie, a 1959 Stark High grad hopes to see many of her classmates at the reception If you are a history buff, don’t miss it.*****Three finalist are in the running for the Heisman trophy, Johnny Manziel, a freshman quarterback with Texas A&M; Manti Te’o, linebacker with Notre Dame and Collin Klein, quarterback with Kansas State. My guess is that Manziel will get it. *****Our friend Wayne Peveto, the AT&T telephone man, is retiring from the telephone company on Dec. 21 after 40 years.

44 Years Ago-1978

Last week for the first time in over 100 years, the voters of Texas elected a Republican governor. Bill Clements upset John Hill, who had successfully defeated incumbent Governor Dolph Briscoe in the primaries. The Republicans spent over $12 million, a large amount for the times. Also, it’s speculated that Briscoe supporters crossed over and voted for Clements. *****Dr. Mark Messer was recognized by the Bridge City Rotary Club.*****Vivian Morrow passed away Nov. 25. Vivian and Leland first came to Orange in 1940. She met her death after being involved in an auto accident near Longview. She had been to Oklahoma to visit her mother and to spend Thanksgiving with her family. Leland was suppose to meet her in Oklahoma but the weather prevented him flying in.*****David Fusilier celebrated a birthday Nov. 28.*****Celebrating birthdays are Kim Daniels, who is 19 and John Lapeyrolerie, who is 4 years old.*****Brad and Brenda Lapeyrolerie celebrate 11 wedded years on Nov. 25.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

Alex Townsend shows you can go from Bridge City to London, England, and earn a fancy degree. The daughter of Rodney and Dr. Amy Townsend has earned a master’s of science degree in archeological science technology and materials. She is graduating from University College in London.*****Collin Gros, girlfriend Morgan Shaw and the Shaw clan left early Friday to catch a plane to Vegas to attend Ried Whaley and Jack Dallas’ wedding. Morgan served as an attendant in the wedding. Sunday she made it to bed at midnight in Nederland, was up at 4 p.m. for a 7:30 a.m. class in Baton Rouge. She made it with eight minutes to spare. Jack, of course, is the former West Orange-Stark quarterback who led the Mustangs to state championship titles. He and his bride met at Lamar University, where he ended up setting pitching records for the Cardinals baseball team and earned an engineering degree. He’s now in minor league baseball. The couple has a 1-year-old daughter, Drue, who also attended the wedding ceremony***** Ryan Ragsdale, son of Randy and Paula, grew up down the street playing barefoot ball with the Dallas brothers, Jack and Chad. Now he’s officially engaged to girlfriend Kennedie Schexnayder. The Ragsdale family had a Cow Creek Thanksgiving at the old McClelland camp. Of course there was a bonfire on the sandbar. Wonder if they gave a toasted marshmallow toast to Paula, who had a birthday last week.***** Lots of people were marking Thanksgiving week birthdays including the legendary Mickey Litton Gisclar, who is ageless. Also, our favorite twirler Cecil Broom marked another year older. She learned her baton skills decades ago when she was a little mascot for the Bengal Guards girls drum and bugle corps. Don’t ask who is the tallest of the two.*****Ricky Jacobs hit 60 years old this week. The Record’s ace sports and news reporter Dan Perrine is a bit older. The youngster of the week was Eric Ellison’s 3-year-old grandson, Keagan, who celebrated with a Shrek-themed party. Others with recent birthdays include Betty Vail, Karen Colburn, Rick Bridgers, Bob Manning, Mary “Coach” Anderson, Sherry Hommel, Jason Burch, Wayne Guidry, Ann Caples and recent bridge Leigh Anne Dallas Harrell. Debbie Hughes also turned another year older and got to visit with grandchildren during Thanksgiving. Michael and Janey Schwegel had their 17th wedding anniversary.*****Country star Cody Johnson performed at Ford Park in Beaumont and drew a lot of people from Orange, including Gary and Angie Stelly. Al Granger was in the crowd, as were Lori and Joel Ardoin,  Staci Eatman, Duane Lormand, Mackenzie Decker, Leis Hogan and Bobby Walker. You know CoJo is great if country music lovers Stelly and Granger go.*****Gina and Skipper Yeaman were on another cruise. Seems like they travel so much all they have time to do is wash their clothes before packing up for another trip. Skipper has been wearing some stylish duds, like the yellow duckie matching outfit that included shirt, shorts, and hat. Plus, he still has a Lutcher Stark High School shirt to model.*****MaQuettia Ledet took time from planning the Blossoming Minds events for MLK weekend to travel with West Orange City Councilor Lanie Brown to Monroe, Louisiana, to watch the Warhawks play football featuring their favorite player, Quincy Ledet from WO-S.*****Thousands of people traveled for the Thanksgiving holidays, some coming, some going. Roy and Phyl had all of the kids home, with the exception of Jenna and her tribe from Massachusetts. Mark’s other daughter Amber and husband Clay Greeson were here from Vero Beach, Florida. They drove with the three boys, Luke, 6; Liam, 4 and Rowan, age 2. They left Saturday morning in the middle of a real Texas rainstorm. Next year they may choose to fly. Clay prepared most of the delicious food shared by the Dunn clan.*****For many years Betty Harmon was the most active voice for the Great Orange Area from chamber president to bank board member. Since husband Corky Harmon’s death she sold her Sunset Drive home and she and daughter Deborah bought a home in Dishon Addition in Bridge City. Both seem to love it.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS

A few folks celebrating their special day in the next week. Nov. 30: Happy Birthday to Evelyn Brandon, Sandra Smith, Tish Garrett, Ryan Anderson, Vance Chauvin, Sydney Burrows and Kirk Ellender.*****Dec. 1: Celebrating today are Jamey Doguet, Ashley Mott, Bill Hare, Kelsey Dardeau and Amanda George. This would also have been our late friend Gene Edgerly’s birthday. We miss him.*****Dec. 2: Cheryl Fornois, Jake Glazner, Lisa Walker, and Beverly Blalack celebrate *****Dec. 3: Happy Birthday to Annalise Borg, Dawn Hartman, Wayne Scales, Todd Wilson, Trisha Anderson, Amber Franklin, Carolyn Andrus, Chris DeCuir and Ms. Phyl’s sister, Jo Ann Huard, turns 90 on this day.*****Dec. 4: Birthday wishes to Dana Simmons, Gwen Tallant, Stephanie Kreger and celebrating 34 years of wedded bliss are Tommy and Sue Simar.*****Dec. 5: Leslie Dishon, Rene Hanks, Belinda Force, Susie Collins, Mary Bridges, Shea Bolton and Steve Hightower celebrate birthdays today.*****Dec. 6: Rosalyn Potter, Debbie Bishop, Cheryl Jones, Mayme Bock, Richard Briggs and Channing Larkin celebrate. Happy Birthday to all.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS

Nov. 30: Tiger Woods,  47  Golfer; Lail Ali,  45  Boxer; Caity Lotz  36  TV Actress.*****Dec. 1: Woody Allen  87  Director; Janell Monae  37  Soul Singer; Bette Midler  77  Pop Singer. *****Dec. 2: Britney Spears  32  Pop Singer; Aaron Rodgers  39  Football Player; Jana Kramer  39  Country Singer; Nelly Furtado  44  Pop Singer.*****Dec. 3: Ozzy Osbourne 74  Metal Singer; Julianne Moore  62  Movie Actress; Brendan Fraser  54  Movie Actor.*****Dec. 4 Tyra Banks  49 TV Show Host; Orlando Brown  35 TV Actor: Marisa Tomei  58  Movie Actress: Jeff Bridges  73  Movie Actor.*****Dec. 5: Frankie Muniz  37  TV Actor; Paula Patton  47  Movie Actress; Kali Rocha  51  TV Actress.*****Dec. 6: Johnny Manziel  30  Football Player; Millie Davis  16  TV Actress; Stefanie Scott  26  TV Actress

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

GoSleaux Comeaux’s turd grade son, Elray, come home from school in da middle of da day him. His papa axe him why? Elray say, “Well Papa, it’s like dis, our new young teacher Ms. Alice, yesterday, axe wat my favorite animal was and I said, fried chicken.”

Ms. Alice said dat wasn’t funny but she couldn’thave been right because everyone laughed dem. GoSleaux said, “Elray, you teacher is probably a member of PETA, dey love animals very much.” “I do too Papa, especially chicken.

Anyway she send me to the principal’s office. I told Mr. Premeaux wat happen. He laughed too but told me not to do it again.” Da next day, today, Ms. Alice axe wat my favorite live animal was. I told her it was chicken. She axe me why?

I told her because you can make dem into fried chicken and she sent me back to do principle. He laughed and told me if I did it again dey would suspend me. Papa, I don’t understand. You taught me to be honest.

Today Ms. Alice axe me to tell her wat famous person I admire da most. I told her Colonel Sanders and Papa, dats why I’m home me.”

C’EST TOUT

DAY OF INFAMY DEC. 7, 1941

President Franklin D. Roosevelt said that “Dec. 7, 1941, a day that will live in infamy,” on that terrible day when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, 81 years ago next week. I recall where I was when word came of the attack. I’m sure any of you who were old enough, also recalls that day. Three Orange County men who experienced the attack, Cedric Stout, 101 years old, was on the Utah when it was hit. He and wife Cherry make their home in Bridge City. Seaman McKinnley Bland, served on the USS Salt Lake City and Joseph Rougeau, Navy Seaman 1st. Class, served on the USS Medusa. The United States lost 2,390 lives that day, 1,999 Navy, 109 Marines and 233 from the Army Air Force and 49 civilians. We are fortunate to still have Cedric, who is active and in good health. Very few Pearl Harbor survivors, an estimated 3 percent, remain throughout the country. We honor them all on this Dec. 7, 2022. Raugeau and Bland have passed away.*****Gotta go. Thanks for your time. Please shop our family of advertisers. Until we meet again happy trails to you. Take care and God bless.