SUPER BOWL LVII

Patrick Mahomes was magical when the Kansas City Chiefs desperately needed him to pull off another Super Bowl comeback. Playing on an injured ankle, Mahomes threw two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter and scrambled 26 yards on the go-ahead drive before Harrison Butker kicked a 27-yard field goal with 8 seconds left to give the Chiefs a 38-35 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night. Coach Andy Reid, who couldn’t win the big game in Philadelphia, beat his former team to earn his second ring with Mahomes and the Chiefs. With the score tied at 35-35, the Eagles tried to let the Chiefs score a touchdown with under two minutes left so they could get the ball back after a defensive holding call on cornerback James Bradberry on third-and-8 gave Kansas City a first down. But Jerick McKinnon slid at the 2, forcing the Eagles to use their last timeout. “It was holding. I tugged his jersey. I was hoping they would let it slide,” Bradberry said. After Mahomes took a knee twice, Butker nailed his kick, sending thousands of red-clad Chiefs fans into a frenzy. The Chiefs’ All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce and Eagles All-Pro center Jason Kelce became the first set of brothers to play against each other in the Super Bowl. Their mom, Donna Kelce, wore a half-red, half-green jersey with No. 87 on the front for Travis and No. 62 on the back for Jason. Reid, who turns 65 next month, ended any speculation about his potential retirement. “If they’ll have me, I’ll stick around,” he said. Reid won more games than any coach in team history during 14 seasons with the Eagles but the one knock against him was that he couldn’t win the big one.

JUST ONE “PETE”

J.L. “Pete” Runnels passed away Saturday, February 11, 2023. Services will be Friday, February 17 at 10:00 a.m. at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Visitation will be held Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For me to tell the entire Pete Runnels story would take the full column and more. We go back to when he was 7-years-old and I was his senior by at least 10 years. A lot of water has run under the bridge since then. I had a special bond with his family, dad, mom, two sisters and “Granny” Runnels. In 1971, at age 27, Pete was hired as sports editor of the new Opportunity Valley Newspaper, owned by the Dunn family. That got him to the 1972 Super Bowl in New Orleans as a guest of the N.F.L. For years he spoke of being served caviar in the press box. He got lots of great interviews and pictures in the locker room. Name recognition, through his sports column, sprung him into politics. He ran for Democratic Chairman against Jim Morris, a very popular district attorney. No one believed he had a chance against the incumbent but Pete won by a large margin. County Judge Grover Halliburton created a position as assistant to the county judge. The rest is history. He and Judge James Stringer defeated each other for county judge several times. Pete first won with the help of Charlie Wickersham. Charlie later helped defeat him when they fell out over how bids should be worded for county vehicle purchases. Judge Pete Runnels’ dad Joe was a former county clerk and mayor of Orange. He had run for county judge three times and lost. Pete’s grandfather also ran against Judge Sid Caillavet and lost. His dad and grandfather were Pete’s motivation to be county judge. It was something they couldn’t accomplish. The former Pinehurst city manager and mayor made friends in high places. A book could be written of he and James Stringer’s exploits. Besides the few who called Stringer “Stick” Pete never understood why folks called James “Judge” and referred to him as “Pete.” He had been given the name of the family mule or so I was told. It is befitting at times as he could be stubborn. His loss hits close to home. He took some great life stories with him. May he rest in peace. Please read Margaret’s story and also see obituary on our website at therecordlive.com.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2013

Recognizing Valentine Sweethearts 10 years ago. What these women have in common is that they are all upbeat, friendly, smile a lot and truly care about people. Here they are in no particular order. Joy Scarbourgh, a longtime educator now retired. Always on the go, Joy has been slowed by a bad accident that affects her walking but she manages. She makes the world’s best pecan fudge. I hoard it when I get some.***Patsy Peck is a great friend to have. She’s always available to help anyone who needs it. She stays on the go. No one makes better banana pudding and I’ve been the recipient of several gallons of it.***Sherlynn Blackshear, is not only easy to look at, she’s a great baker and always sees that we get some of her latest creations. You just can’t beat her pie making. She always has a smile for the next customer at Bridge City Branch Bank.***Pearl Burgess, at age 92, is like Betty White, spreading joy and entertainment. Pearl touches a lot of lives with her poetry. She’s so up beat you would never know she’s had a bad day. She also a master chef.***Donna Scales, always full of it, she is great to be around and she tells unbelievable stories. As head of Orange County Parks she’s a great ambassador and boy can she cook. No one makes better cakes, all varieties. My favorite is a ten pound pan full of Almond Joy cake.***Peggy Albair. What a gal. She was born to work in the public. A reality show should be done on her and Richard’s place, Peggy’s on the Bayou. She’s really cute in her baseball cap. She keeps me fed, plus I’m the guinea pig for new items and I’m good at that. She sends me home with the areas best seafood gumbo and crawfish pistolets. Gives me a hug and says “Enjoy.”***Lyndia Permenter, what a nice lady, very caring and always has a kind word. She’s a special kind. She was the first to remember me for Valentine’s Day. She sent me some goodies, delivered by our friend T.W. Lyndia is a proud great-grandmother who always wears a smile.***Well, there are my beautiful people for one more year. We wish them and all of you wonderful ladies a very Happy Valentine’s Day. (Editor’s note: I used to make a sweetheart list but haven’t in the last few years. I believe the above mentioned ladies are still with us, all but Pearl and Joy.)*****It wasn’t the best Grammy’s I’ve ever watched but a good thing that has happened over the last few years is that country music has become more prevalent. I recall when country got one award. I was glad that “Babel” Mumford and Sons got “Album of the Year.” I like music that has a banjo in it. Last week, in a special on TV, the band traveled from California to New Orleans and did concerts along the way. Earthy music that goes back in time.*****Speaking of that, our friend Glen Oliver ordered he and I a hardback copy of the new book by Woody Guthrie, called “House of Earth.” It’s a novel that was discovered and edited by a Rice University professor Douglas Brinkley and actor Johnny Depp. It was finished in 1947 but lost to readers until now. It’s a powerful portrait of the Texas Panhandle Dust Bowl. In many ways it’s a companion piece to Gutherie’s folk anthem, “This Land is Your Land.” It’s a powerful tale from one of our greatest artists. Even the book cover is a copy of a painting by Woody. On Sunday, April 1, 1935, Palm Sunday, Woody Guthrie thought the Apocalypse was knocking on the door of Pampa, Texas, when an immense dust cloud blew in. Bob Dylan says he was surprised by the genius of the writing of “House of Earth,” which told about how poor people searched for love and meaning. Woodrow Wilson Woody Guthrie, 1912- 1967. The discovery of “House of Earth,” reinforces Guthrie’s place among the immortal figures of American letters. The book went on sale last week. Thanks to Glen for this special novel. Anyone who loves history and learning about the hard times endured by ordinary people to plant roots in the arid land of the Panhandle should certainly read this book. (Editor’s note: My friend Glenn left us last year. What a great guy. I still treasure the book he gave me, “House of Earth.”)*****We were sorry to learn about the death of our longtime friend Beuford Herford, age 72, who died Sunday, Feb. 10. Visitation will start at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13 at Memorial Funeral Home in Vidor. Beuford was a retired Boilermaker, Local 587 in Orange with over 50 years of service. He was a close ally of Dewey “Teddy Bear” Cox and served as Business Agent of the Local. Our sincere sympathies to son Clay, daughters Rita and Monica and their families. He was a good man who helped many.*****Texas A&M racked up on talent signing day. The only area recruit for A&M is Alex Sezer Jr. 5 foot, 9 inch, 180 pounder from Little Cypress-Mauriceville. Aggie coach Sumlin says about Alex, “I had to check my timer twice to make sure it was working correctly when I clocked the speedster. He’s a sleeper who will get a chance to contribute in our return game.”*****Congratulations to Brent and Dana Dearing on the birth of son Reagan. Grandparents are Gary and Darlene Dearing and proud great-grandparents are Louis and Ella Jo Gossett. A nice birthday present for L.C. who celebrated on Feb. 11.

73 Years Ago-1950

Jimmy Conn was MC for the Tiger Grid Banquet. Twenty lettermen received special recognition. Thomas Jefferson coach Clarence Underwood was special guest.*****Bridge City fighter Dow Gene Anderson, a flashy welterweight, failed to record his fifth knockout in a row but did hammer out a decision over Harmon Miller to win the 147-pound class in Port Arthur Golden Gloves tournament.

75 Years Ago-1948

A hard freeze continues holding at 24 degrees bringing a fuel crisis. *****Sid Caillavet and Jimmy Conn create a big public scene in the New Orleans depot after Conn stole Sid’s overcoat. Sid took his belt off and started whipping Jimmy after Sid’s coat was found being worn under Jimmy’s coat. Conn sends card and toy skunk to Joe Blanda. The card read, “Thinking of you.”*****Orange fighters, coached by Crip Trahan, win five of seven Golden Gloves bouts. The show opened with exhibition by Orange’s battling twins, Robin and Roddy Tolar. Winners were Ray Duley, Red Lindsey, Don Stephenson, Earnest Casnino and Jack Dennis. Undefeated Kid Henry fought an exhibition with Charles Booty.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

The Wednesday Lunch Bunch meets every Wednesday at noon at Robert’s Restaurant. The group is attempting to rebuild the Bunch after a to year layoff because of COVID. Each week old members are returning and The Bunch is also trying to recruit new members to come out and share fellowship and gain insight into what’s going on around the county. Pete Runnels was one of the early members 20 years ago.***** Looks like spring is starting early with some of our warm recent days. Azaleas and bridal wreath are starting to bloom already. They usually don't come out until March. However, as every Southeast Texan knows, it's too early to think winter is over. We never know around here when another freeze might hit.*****James and Jackie Jeffcoat of Mauriceville marked their 65th wedding anniversary on Sunday by renewing their marriage vows during the service at Cowboy Church of Orange County. Friends and family watched and a few eyes grew misty with the sweet sentimental occasion.***** Orange's Mardi Gras week was a busy time for lots of people with all the events going on. The Spazmatics drew a lot of singing along during their concert at the Riverside Pavilion as part of the Together Thursdays concert sponsored by Dow and the Orange County United Way. The group did covers of '80s popular songs.  Lanie Brown, Michelle Tubbleville, Brandy and Roderick Robertson, plus Gary and Angie Stelly were among those loving the music. Of course, Maureen McAllister with United Way was there.***** The Stellys returned to the pavilion the next night for a special event. Mayor Larry Spears Jr. presented the longtime KOGT radio station owner with the ceremonial "key to the city" in recognition of his decades of community service. Gary wore a colorful Mardi Gras jacket for his special day and posed for lots of photos with friends and former co-workers. The mayor had to leave before the zydeco concert. Spears and his wife, Trisha, participated in the Samaritan Counseling fundraiser the "not-so newlywed game." Local supporters at the games included Sherry Hommel, Glynis Gothia, and Becky Trahan.*****Saturday was the big day culminating in the lighted Mardi Gras parade through downtown Orange. The Spears were royalty on their krewe's float. The Stellys also rode with their krewe dressed in Bavarian style costumes. Gary made an adjustment to the traditional lederhosen shorts. His were a capri-pant length. Over on the Krewe C'est LaVie float, Stump Weatherford dressed as an alligator and Michael Washburn wore a giant chicken costume.  The Krewe L'Orange started out with a gathering at the historic district home of Carol and Robert Sims. That krew includes Beth and Kenneth Wheeler plus Susan and Jerry Pennington. Al Granger served as parade marshal and drove a Granger Chevrolet pickup truck before the West Orange-Stark Mustang band, which set a good beat for the floats that followed. King Johnny and Queen Becky Trahan's float was at the end and was decorated all in the royal colors of white and gold. Even all the beads their krewe threw were pearl-colored or gold. And speaking of beads, kids walked off with enough bling to make Mr. T jealous. David C. Claybar of Old Orange Cafe once again held a private party as the parade passed by the restaurant on Division Avenue. Heritage House Director Charlotte Alford cooked tons of food for board members and guests there for a pre-parade party. Board member Geralyn Vine drew rave reviews for her bread pudding made with old king cakes. Board members Adam Conrad and Jody Chesson rode in the parade as Viking royalty for their krewe before leaving on a winter break cruise. And speaking of winter breaks, Bridget and Greg Trahan are traveling to Arizona and the Grand Canyon this week.*****Birthday celebrations have included Nuno Catano, who turned 65. Robert Pate had No. 70 with a party at the Garden District. Others included Mike Combs, Sarah Cruse, Christy Reves, Tricia Gordon, and Jennifer Restauri Dickinson. And we can't forget David Ibarra Jr., 17. Bohn and Susan Dorman marked their 45th wedding anniversary in an apartment with new furnishings. They lost their home and belongings to a fire.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS

Folks celebrating their special day in the following days. Feb. 15: Mary Ann Reid, Robert Montagne, Drew Domas*****Feb. 16: Clint Britt, Keith Wallace, Gary Stephens, Patricia Davis and Vicky Stanley.*****Feb. 17: Kim Harmon, Mellisa Tuttle and Alayna George.*****Feb. 18: Norman Barry, Justin Broussard, Jeremy Crocker and Leah Gunstream.*****Feb. 19: Tammy Temple, Christy Faulk, Darrin Havens, Jason Clark and Martha Pittman.*****Feb. 20: Today is President’s Day. Celebrating birthdays are Ryan Brack, Ty Broussard, Nathan Dickman, Ron Teaff, Allison Floyd.*****Feb. 21: John Nickum, Pauline Stevens, Erin Boren, Jeff LaPoint, Brian Amy, Beverly Satir, Jim Izer. Happy Birthday to all.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Clotile and Felix Morceaux were dressed and ready to go to da big Mardi Gras ball. Dey turned on da nightlight, da answering machine, covered da pet parakeet, put the cat in the backyard and dey called Comeaux’s Yellow Cab Company.

Da taxi arrived but wen dey opened da front door to leave da darn cat ran in da house. Not wanting to leave da cat in da house because she would eat da bird, Clotile goes to da cab and Felix went back in da house. Da cat ran upstairs wit Felix in hot pursuit.

Clotile doesn’t want da cab driver to know dat da house will be empty so she tells da cab driver that Felix will be out soon, him, he’s jus going upstairs to say goodbye to her mother.

A few minutes later Felix gets in da cab, “Sorry I took so long; dat stupid bitch was hiding under da bed. I poked her in da butt wit a coat hanger to get her to come out. She tried to take off so I grabbed her by da neck, wrapped her in a blanket so she couldn’t scratch me, den I hauled her downstairs and threw her out in da backyard.”

Boudreaux, da cab driver, him, hit a parked car.

C’EST TOUT

FOSTER OF ORANGE WORLD BOXING CHAMP

O’Shaquie Foster’s boxing career began as an 8-year-old at King's Gym in Orange. Coach C.L. Richard was the first to train with Foster, helping him become a rising star in the youth ranks. Foster, who attended West Orange-Stark High School, was an alternate for the 2012 United States Olympic Team in London. He has been training at Houston’s Main Street Boxing Gym for the past six years and dealt Rey Vargas (36-1, 22 KOs) the first loss of his career with a convincing 119-109, 117-111, 116-112 decision to claim the previously vacant title at 130 pounds Sunday night. “It’s just an unbelievable feeling to be champion of the world,” Foster said. “I’ve dreamed about this my whole life.” After a promising amateur career, Foster’s time in the sport seemed to be in peril. He suffered a couple early defeats and lost focus while still living in his hometown. Since moving to Houston and teaming up with Main Street Boxing’s trainer Bobby Benton, Foster has won 10 fights in a row and is the first boxing world champion from Orange. Foster (20-2, 11 KOs), wearing trunks that read “Shock the World” on the back, used his quickness and defense to frustrate Vargas, who already had claimed world titles at 120 and 126 pounds. Vargas entered the late rounds with swelling under both eyes and a busted nose, while Foster still appeared fresh. Now that he has his first world title, Foster wants to get greedy and attempt to unify the belts at 130 pounds. *****My time is up, thanks for yours. Check us our also on the web at  therecordlive.com. Take care and God bless.