The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

BIDEN MAKES SURPRISE VISIT TO UKRAINE

President Joe Biden made a surprise trip to the capital of embattled Ukraine on Monday, traveling under a cloak of secrecy into a war zone to demonstrate what he called America’s unwavering support for the effort to beat back Russian forces nearly a year after they invaded the country. Biden arrived early Monday to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after a 10-hour overnight train ride through Ukraine, and the two stepped out into the streets of Kyiv even as an air-raid siren sounded. “One year later, Kyiv stands,” Biden declared at Zelenskyy’s side in Marlinsky Palace. “Ukraine stands, Democracy stands.” Thank you so much for coming, Mr. President, at a huge moment for Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said. Biden joined Zelenskyy for a visit to St. Michael’s monastery in downtown Kyiv, where the sun glittered off the golden domes as the air-raid alarms wailed. Ukrainian officials have been warning that Russia is planning a large scale missile bombardment to be timed to the anniversary of the war Friday. The White House on Sunday night issued a public schedule for Monday showing the president still in Washington and leaving in the evening for Warsaw, when he was already half a world away. Biden greeted the American ambassador, “It’s good to be back in Kyiv,” he said. Tuesday President Biden met with President Andrzej Duda of Poland and delivered a speech from Warsaw Castle praising Ukarine and its people for their bravery.

FOX KNEW THEY WERE PUSHING FALSE NARRATIVES

Rupert Murdoch and Fox News hosts expressed disbelief in former president Donald Trump’s false election fraud claims, according to evidence released from Dominion Voting Systems $1.6 billion lawsuit against Fox Corp. and its cable TV networks.  In court papers filed Thursday, text messages and testimony from depositions show that Fox executives and TV personalities were skeptical about claims that the election between the victorious Joe Biden, a Democrat, and Trump, a Republican, was rigged.  “Really crazy stuff. and damaging,” Fox Corp. Chairman Rupert Murdoch said in an email on Nov. 19, weeks after the election, regarding claims Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani was making on Fox News.  Top Fox News anchors like Sean Hannity, Tucker Carlson and Laura Ingraham expressed disbelief in what Sidney Powell, a pro-Trump attorney who had aggressively promoted claims of election fraud, had said at the time, too. “Sydney Powell is lying,” Tucker Carlson said in a text message to his producer, misspelling Powell’s first name. Meanwhile Laura Ingraham said in a message to Carlson: “Sidney is a complete nut. No one will work with her. Ditto with Rudy.” The pressure Fox’s top personalities felt from their audience base is strewn throughout messages in the weeks following the election and Fox’s early call. It even continued through Jan. 6, when a violent mob of Trump supporters breached the U.S. Capitol. That evening, Carlson texted his producer calling Trump “a demonic force. A destroyer. But he’s not going to destroy us,” court papers show. Meanwhile, on the night before the Jan. 6 riot on the Capitol, Rupert Murdoch told Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott, “It’s been suggested our prime time three should independently or together say something like ‘the election is over and Joe Biden won,’” according to court papers. Saying so “would go a long way to stop the Trump myth that the election stolen,” he added. The case is being watched closely by First Amendment watchdogs and experts. Libel lawsuits are typically centered around one falsehood. In this case Dominion cites a lengthy list of examples of Fox TV hosts making false claims even after they were proven to be untrue. Media companies are often broadly protected by the First Amendment. I reported a survey a while back that showed the least informed Americans watched FOX News. They don’t let the truth get in the way of rating.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2013

Kree Harrison wows coaches on American Idol. Country singer Kree Harrison made it to the Top 40 on Season 12 of “American Idol,” swaying the judges by singing Grace Potter’s “Stars” in memory of her departed mother. The Texas born singer lost her father, Clint Harrison, in an airplane crash and in an incredibly cruel twist of fate, also lost her mom, Cathy, in an auto accident. She sang the Potter track in a soulful, emotional performance that amply displayed not only the quality of her voice, but also her way to conveying the emotional intent of a song. The judges were blown away. “I fought for you a few times, and I know why, “ Keith Urban said. “Because your voice is one of my favorites in the entire competition. Mariah Carey agreed, saying, “There’s something that feels genuine about you as a performer. Nicki Minaj became a convert on the spot, telling the young performer, “I feel like today you became a star in front of me.” Kree, who spent her early years in Woodville, also attended school in Bridge City before moving to Nashville to live with her sister Lacy Johnson Bruce. Her mother and father were both raised and attended school in Bridge City.***** We were sorry to hear of the death of Kent Conwell, 76, who passed away Feb. 14. Kent had written a weekly column for our Record Newspapers for 20 years. Kent was a very good writer who had written some 40 or more western novels and written also for other publications. His column on national affairs and politics leaned far to the right. He was described as an ultra conservative. We didn’t often agree with him, however he gave a balanced view to the paper. His opinions were well written and he made a good case for his beliefs.***** Congrats to Orange pro-boxer Cody Richard who improved his record to 12-0 with his sixth knockout against Steve Trumble. The bout was held Saturday at Evangeline Downs Casino, in Opelousas.*****We heard our longtime friend Marcell Adams has been in the hospital with a high blood pressure flair up.***** MSNBC has gained popularity over the past year. Their daily programming starts with Morning Joe at 5 a.m. and features a number of personalities throughout the day. Chuck Todd, Andrea Mitchell, Tamara Hall, Chris Matthews, Ed Shultz, Rachael Maddow and Lawrence O’Donnell and others.***** Sen. John Cornyn seems to be keeping some distance between he and Sen. Cruz. Ted doesn’t make us Texas proud. Unfortunately, we Orange County folks really get hit hard, we have Steve Stockman, who is one of the real crazy ones in the U.S. congress. At least Cruz might be crazy but he’s not stupid, he knows what he doing stroking the Tea Party‘s ego.

20 Years Ago 2003

Local church and civic groups are organizing to benefit Orange County resident Mandy LaCombe, survivor of a tragic auto crash. .*****Salem United Methodist Church celebrates its 134 year anniversary on Sunday, Feb. 21. The church was established in 1868 in an Orange house which is now the site of the Oaks Town Homes. (Editor’s note: Today the church is 154 years old.)*****Bridge City volleyball star Natalie Sarver signed to play for Lamar in Beaumont. The District 20-4A MVP and all state first team player, led Bridge City to the Class 4-A state semifinals and a season record of 37-3.*****Ten of coach Les Johnson’s Bridge City football players received football scholarships last week. They are Dustin Juneau, Jeremy Stolfa, Eric Bramblett, Raum Bryant, Jared Williams, Dathan Juneau, Daniel Kibodeaux, Bryan Wiggins, Brad Miller and Jeremy Buckley. During Coach Johnson’s four years at Bridge City, 26 of his players received football scholarships. A few others recipients over the years are John Hoffpauir, Bryan Bock, Nicolas Watson, Sambo Carpenter, Joe Brackin, Toby Latiolais, Chad Hanks, Tony Lute, Kenny Strong, Chris Collins, Colby Doucet, Joey Anderson, Lack Jetter, Ryan Skinner and Rhett Sanders. (Editor’s note: That’s all I remember. Lute went to the Air Force Academy, Kenny Strong, U of H, Hoffpauir and Watson, McNeese, Doucet, Northwestern and Latiolais went on to Harvard. I wonder what became of those boys and how their lives turned out. I’ve heard from Coach Johnson that Chad Hanks is now a judge in Collage Station.

49 Years Ago-1974

Joe Alford will be the new assistant DA under Sharon Bearden starting Feb. 15.*****Attorneys Malcolm Dorman and Jim Dunaway have formed a partnership. Frank Hustmyre, who is semi-retired, is still associated with the firm. Jim is almost back on two legs since being injured riding a motorcycle. (Imitating Evel Knievel.)*****Patsy Fisette is in Houston having surgery again for rheumatoid arthritis.*****Don Harmon started building a new home in the country. Before the house could be completed he was taken into the City of Orange.*****Cynthia Hooks, who recently had a baby, is planning on going back to work at the courthouse in about two weeks.*****Joe Hester is building a new trailer park.*****The City of Orange and the county jointly purchased a bus to transport senior citizens.*****As soon as Crip Trahan was appointed constable, he asked for a raise.*****Some members of the West Orange Chiefs track team are mile relayers James Bean, Randall Teate, Marty Edwards and Steve Fisher; 440 relayers Roy Williams, Teate, Earl Thomas and Fisher; shot putter Paul Bingham; 100 yard dash and broad jumper Roy Williams.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

Orange's Art in the Park is getting ready for April 1 and this year will begin with a parade in honor of Orange's new world-title boxing champion, OShaquie Foster. Earlier this month he won the WBC super-featherweight championship held before a crowd in the Alamodome plus pay TV audiences. Mayor Larry Spears Jr. wants to honor the hometown product and thinks a parade ending with a ceremony of congratulations will be perfect. The parade will travel along Green Avenue and end at the old city hall. Art in the Park is set up at the adjacent Stark Park along Green.  The city's event planner, Leigh Anne Dallas Harrell is in charge of Art in the Park and on Monday, she and husband Broderick Harrell made a big announcement. They are expecting a baby later this year. Tony and Nancy Dallas will be getting another grand.*****The Bridge City-Orangefield Rotary Club is looking for sponsors to support the Eighth Annual Bunny Run and Egg Hunt. Sponsorships are $250, $150, and only $50 for a Friends of Rotary level. The fun run will be April 8 at Bridge City Elementary with the 5K at 8 a.m. and the 1K at 9 a.m. After the races, there will be a community egg hunt. The civic club raises money to give as academic scholarships for local students. Contact a Rotarian to get more details for sponsoring the event, or signing up for the run.*****Schools got out last week for "winter" break and a lot of people traveled, including the LC-M band and chaperones, who went to Disney World.***Eryn Carlton Tays set a cruise for her and her husband, Frankie, and then other friends and co-workers joined in. They included Chad and Elisa Kelly, Kyle and Amy Stephens, along with Sydney Brittain and Cody Carr.  They made stops in Honduras and Mexico, making friends with moneys and sloths.***Adam Conrad and Jody Chesson set off on another cruise after riding as royalty in the Orange Mardi Gras parade.***Scott and April Goodman made a trip to Isla Mujeres, Mexico.*****Mardi Gras celebrations in Iota, Louisiana, have been a popular destination for Orange County residents and Tuesday morning,  Dayle Foreman set out with three buses of travelers there.  They included Becky Henry, Lanie Brown, and Clint and Kimberly Ray. The trip is a fundraiser. During the weekend, Gina and Skipper Yeaman, along with James Simar, and Lori and Joel Ardoin plus friends went to the Cajun town.*****The Orange Boating Club on Adams Bayou drew a crowd on Saturday for its annual chili cookoff. The blustery day was perfect for getting a steaming bowl. Jay and Mary Odom won the first place award.*****February must be a popular month for weddings based on the number of anniversaries. Randy and Jane Branch had their 52nd anniversary. Randy is mayor of West Orange and must be doing a good job because no one is running against him. The city gets to call off the May election because of no contested races.***Cliff and Sally Hargrave got married on the same day as the Record's Dan Perrine and his wife, Marcia. Both couples reached the 35-year anniversary.***Ricky and Meri Elen Jacobs marked 32 years of marriage.*****Birthdays last week included Heston Cheshire turning 31, Makayla Walker, age 15, Paige McKee, age 15, and Kyle Tubbleville, age 17. Others who may not want their age in print are Paul Anthony Hardin, Jean Parker, Randolph Knipp, Doug Burdin, Marianne Rafeedie, Keith Hogan and Tee Brown. .*****Lamar Orange president Dr. Tom Johnson, is again in Austin to meet with legislators. I wonder what goodies he will come away with this time. He never quits begging favors for his college.*****President Jimmy Carter under Hospice care. After a series of short hospital stays the 98-year-old former president decided to spend his remaining time at home with family and receive Hospice care instead of additional medical intervention. The 39th United States president and his wife Rosalynn were born in the small town of Plains, Georgia, which is still their home. Carter is the longest retired U.S. president in history.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS

A few folks we know celebrating their special day. Feb. 22: Today is George Washington’s birthday and also Ash Wednesday. Celebrating birthdays today are Kathy Green, Barry Foster, Barry Murchison, Chad Boatman, Leslie Braus, Wesley Arnold and Brint Carlton.*****Feb. 23: Kearsten Jones, Carrie Pugh Auster, Crystal Jones John Hughes, Jody Andes, Misti Bishop, Kelle Betz, Rachel and Vidor mayor Misty Songe. Today we remember teacher Anna Lee Knight, who died on this day 27 years ago in 1996. She would be proud to know her boys have done well.*****Feb. 24: The boy “Bear” raised grew up to become Bridge City mayor and the town’s only bagpipe player, David Rutledge, celebrated a birthday today. Carol Holt, the vanilla man, gets a year closer to 90. Also celebrating today are Matthew Squires, Dalton Bonds, Regina Harrington, Taylor Brownlie, Bill Bennett.*****Feb. 25: Our buddy, Pct. 3 constable and Secretary of Orangefield School Board, Brad Frye, celebrates a birthday, also Nathan Fleetwood, Sara Gibson, Zelda Jones, Doris Byrd, Angela Brinson.*****Feb. 26: Happy Birthday to Lee Ann Nicholson, Charlotte Perritt, Betty Sherman, Braelyn Baugh, Marilyn Powell, Zachary Gilliam, Amanda Beeson.*****Feb. 27: Elllen Nickum celebrates her birthday today. She’s the head of a great family. Also celebrating are Pamela Miller, Jeffrey Fregia, Bailey Noah, Beth Mathews, Butch Choate, Gretta Brinson, Lindsey Moreau, Sarah havens. Today we remember our late, longtime friend Anna Belle Hebert Rost who would have been 88 years old today and would have celebrated her 70th class reunion at Abbeville High. *****Feb. 28: Kristi Smith-Moore, Dalton Ivy, LaVerne McDonald, Kathy McKenzie, Kurt Reeves, Royce Pendergast.*****Feb. 29: If this year had 29 days these folks would celebrate today. They celebrate just every four years. Our buddy Logan Dubose, Tabitha Brooks, Will Brinson, Kevin Jones, George Cassidy. Happy 10th anniversary this week to Pam Scales and Rusty Honeycutt. (Notice: If you are having a birthday or anniversary let us know at 409-886-7183 or therecordlive.com.)

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Seven retired Cajuns were playing Bourre’ (booray) at Tee-Boy’s Bar & Grill wen Alex Comeaux him, loses $500 on a single hand of cards. Poor Comeaux, he clutches his chest and drops dead at da table. Showing respect for Comeaux, dere fallen comrade, da utta six continue but standing up.

At da end of da game, Thibodeaux axe, “Mais who is gonna tell his wife Hazel?” Dey cut da cards and Alfred Premeaux picks da low card and has to carry da news. Da mens tell Premeaux to be discreet, be gentle, don’t make a bad situation any worse.” “I’m da most discreet person you will ever meet, said Premeaux, leave it to me.”

He went to Comeaux’s house and knocked on da door. Hazel her, answer through da door and axe, “Wat you want you hanh?”

Premeaux says, “Miss Hazel, you husband Alex jus lost $500 in a card game and is afraid to come home him.” Hazel say, “Tell him to drop dead.”

Premeaux say, “Okay, I’ll go tell him me.”

C’EST TOUT

PHILLIPS--ROUGHNECKS COACH IN NEW XFL

I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of play in the new XFL League, great passes and outstanding catches. I was impressed all around with the offensive and defensive play. I watched the Houston Roughnecks, coached by Wade Phillips. He won his first game. Wade, a native of Orange, is now 75-years-old. His first coaching job was at Orange Lutcher Stark high school. Wade has made at least 15 coaching stops since then, plus several returns. I recall when he coached in Orange in 1970. Phillips is considered one of the best coaches in NFL history. He was the coordinator when Reggie White, J.J. Watts and Aaron Donald were named defensive players of the year. Phillips retired after the 2019 season as defensive coordinator of the Rams. He had helped Las Angles get to the Super Bowl the year before, holding Tom Brady to just 13 points. Coaching is in his blood, he couldn’t say no. It is football and he’s a coach. The XFL co-owners Dwayne ‘Rock’ Johnson and Ms. Dany Garcia are betting the league can grab attention from hardcore football fans with a 10-week season. Houston is joined by San Antonio, Arlington and Orlando in the South Division of the eight team league. With ESPN broadcasting, along with ABC, the XFL will receive plenty of exposure. This is legitimate football with former NFL coaches Phillips and Jim Haslett, who coached in Seattle and former Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, who guides Arlington. This is not the old XFL that was more gimmicks than substance. They have embraced the league’s position as a possible feeder for the NFL. Wade says he has already found some players who are ready to go to the NFL now. The league is loaded with former football stars who are assistant coaches. My take is that the Houston Roughnecks will be worth watching because of Phillips’ coaching. My bet is that Wade and his Roughnecks will be league champions when this season ends. Watch them once and you will be pleasantly surprised at how entertaining the new professional football league is.*****My time is up. Thanks for yours. Happy trails to you till we meet again. Take care and God bless.