IT'S RODEO TIME-GO WESTERN

There is no athlete like the professional rodeo cowboy. Their livelihood is based strictly on their own talent. They will drive thousands of miles, hauling their own rigs from show to show, hoping their performance puts them in the money. They often come up snake eyes. The cowboy just moves on to the next show where he hopes to have a winning performance. The rodeo cowboy often wakes up with aches and pains, feeling lucky that nothing was broken from that bad spill. The cowboy way is a tough way to make a living, it's not for sissies. Rodeo fans are special, they really admire the cowboy's efforts and talent. The rodeo is an old American tradition, with many shows nationwide yearly. I watched the Rodeo in San Angelo last weekend. Those young cowboys are amazing, fearless performers. That brings me to the big Cowboy Church Rodeo this weekend. Years back, when local Jaycees sponsored the Sheriffs Posse Rodeo, big stars were brought in for entertainment, like Tex Ritter, Lefty Frizzel, Claude King, plus western movie stars who rode in the downtown Orange parade. It was a week long celebration. Everyone was urged to dress western. That would still be a good thing today. We should have a "Go Western" week. After all, Orange County is where the West begins. I believe it would be a great idea, at least Friday and Saturday, for everyone to dress western. Even the ladies showing up for work Western style. It would remind everyone that it's Rodeo time and we are keeping a great tradition alive. Thanks to Cowboy Church and all the sponsors who make the Rodeo possible.

TENNESSEE LEGISLATORS TO BE REAPPOINTED AFTER NATIONAL OUTCRY

Three legislators stormed the House podium in a call for stronger gun control measures after a school shooting in Nashville killed six people on March 27. After the protest, Republicans accused the trio of breaking the rules of decorum in an attempt to incite an insurrection, but the move has been widely criticized as political overreach. Shortly after the expulsion, Metro leaders were quick to announce their support for Justin Jones and their intentions to send him back to House. He may have been expelled Thursday evening, but Jones is now back in the Tennessee House of Representatives. The ousted legislator was reappointed to his former seat in the 52nd District in Nashville by the Metro Council Monday afternoon, two business days after he was officially expelled from the House. Jones faced expulsion along with fellow Democrats Gloria Johnson of Knoxville and Justin Pearson of Memphis.  Johnson survived the expulsion vote by one, but Pearson was ousted as well Thursday. The move was met with national criticism of Republican leaders in the state house. The Chairman of the Shelby County Board of Commissioners announced that a special meeting will be held to determine whether to reinstate Justin Pearson to his District 86 House seat. Pearson was one of two Democrats expelled from the House after leading a protest to call attention to gun deaths on the House floor. Republican leadership said the protest violated House rules. Pearson won a special election to the seat in January and had just been sworn in. The Shelby County Commission must appoint an interim representative until the next election. That interim representative will likely be Pearson. A special meeting has been called for Wednesday to vote on the appointment.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2013

The Iron Lady," Margaret Thatcher, 87, died Monday, April 8. She was a fierce ally of the United States. The British leader teamed up with President Reagan to help end the Cold War.*****Annette Funicello, 70, America's girl next door and former Mouseketeer, died April 8.***** Despite 90 percent of Americans supporting the background check gun legislation, Republican lawmakers say they will filibuster any attempt to change gun laws. President Obama says the American people deserve a vote, yes or no. Majority leader Harry Reid said, "There is simply no reason for this blatant obstruction except for the fear of considering anti-violence proposals in full view." That's the whole thing; they don't want to vote against the NRA, they want to play it both ways, claiming one thing while doing another.*****Kree Harrison, our Southeast Texas girl, competes Wednesday night looking to make the five finalist. That's a big deal. The top five have a good shot at recording contracts. They also have tours, and have the opportunity to visit their hometown with American Idol. In Kree's case probably Woodville, "Dam B" where Kree lived until she was 12. She attended Bridge City High as a freshman and was one of the Cardinal singers. She's remembered by teachers and classmates.*****We lost two longtime friends in the past week. John Pickard, 88, died April 5. Services were held Monday, April 8. His grandson Chester Moore Jr. gave the eulogy. We had known John and his late wife Ruby well over 50 years. We also were friends of his mother, Ms. Ruth, who owned the Sugar & Spice on 5th St. in Orange in 1950. John and Ruby spent their lives helping people. If anyone had a need, they tried to fill it. For years they were active in local and state politics. Everyone knows of their "My Wish" work but they did much more. John visited with us often here at the office. We recalled many of the old times and old timers.*****We were also saddened to learn about the death of Tom "Buddy" Addison, 85, who died Saturday, April 6. Service was held Monday. Back in the early 60's Tom was active in Little League baseball and football. He was a good man who always had a hearty smile for everyone. Our deepest sympathies to sons Tracy and Keith and their families.*****Back in the 1990's western was dropped from country/western music. After watching the AMC Awards, I believe country is ready for another name change. The only hint of down home country music came from a duet appearance by George Strait and Garth Brooks. Mamau native Hunter Hayes got a lot of exposure. He plays a mean guitar but he also plays seven other instruments. Luke Bryan pulled off an amazing upset and won "Entertainer of the Year." The 36 years old Georgia native recently began headlining his first tour. He co-hosted the show with Blake Shelton.***** Congrats to Dwayne "Beaver" Dubois, who was hired as head football coach and athletic director at Hardin-Jefferson. Dubois was offensive coordinator for the past eight years in Vidor under head coach Jeff Mathews.*****Former Bridge City pitcher Jake Lemoine, a freshman at the U. of Houston, has been strong on the mound with five wins and only one loss. *****I also hear that former B.C. pitcher Matt Hicks has broken a record at USL Lafayette with 10 saves this season. On one day he won a game and saved another.

20 Years Ago-2003

"The Louisiana Man" Doug Kershaw brings his Cajun fiddle to the Mauriceville Crawfish Festival April 10 through 13. Angela Ledford is festival queen*****Since President Geo. W. Bush has taken office 2.2 million jobs have been lost, 108,000 lost last month. *****A thief walked into H.D. Pates' law office and took his computer. Pate didn't have a lock on his door because previous burglars had broken the door.*****Thanks to Peter Arnett we had coverage of Desert Storms "Smart Bombs" on Baghdad. CNN's Bernard Shaw got under a table scared to death. He got out of dodge as soon as someone could sneak him over the border. (Editor's note: Remember that? Those smart bombs turning the corners were the most amazing thing I have ever seen.)***** David W. Fusilier Jr., son of David and Debbie Fusilier of Orangefield, enlisted in the United States Air Force March 18 and is now in basic training at Lackland Air force Base.*****Roy and Phyl Dunn attended the 100th birthday party April 4 for Roy's aunt Eve in Abbeville. Roy, writer of Down Life's Highway column tells about his remarkable aunt and his trip back home to his Cajun roots. (Editor's note: Roy' aunt lived to be 105 and was never sick until just before her death. Her mind was remarkably sharp until the end.)*****The Bridge City Lady Cards are undefeated in district 21-AAA. Sissy Lemons is first year coach. The 10-0 Cards are ranked third in the state. Some players are pitcher Meagan Godwin, Laura Gremillion, Katie Faulk, Brittney McPhatten, Beth Hebert, Kaleigh Wallace, Elaina Clinton and Jessica Lemoine.

45 Years Ago-1978

Sak-N-Pak stores name Deanna Linscomb, manager of #13 store on Hwy.87, "Manager of the Month" for March. Lynn and Carol Emerson are owners of the 24-store chain in Orange and Jefferson counties *****Edgar Flowers, owner of Flowers Nursery, has 4,500 different varieties of plants. The nursery, located in Bridge City, is among the top 10 wholesale plant distributors in the United States. The nursery consists of 37 greenhouses with 180,000 square feet of growing area. Edgar and his late wife Dorothy, planted an 8 foot by 10 foot frame full of tomato seeds in 1960, sold the tomato plants and from that small beginning became one of the country's largest.*****Doug "Louisiana Man" drives the first nail for the T.C. Hemphill Annex and Bob Hope Vocational School. The new facility will include the Doug Kershaw Music Center. W.T. Oliver is fund raising chairman. The goal is to raise $600,000 for Hughen School.*****Flo and Gene Edgerly marked their 19th wedding anniversary April 10. They vow they will be together forever. (Editor's note: They were. When Gene passed away recently they would have been married 65 years.)

65 Years Ago-1958

Joe Runnels, candidate for county judge, is the only candidate who favors a County Court at Law court. He opposes the county unit system being advocated by candidate Sid Caillavet. Joe and Sid have opposed each other twice in mayoral races, each winning one. Runnels accused the county judge, Charlie Grooms, of neglecting county business. Runnels served two teams as county clerk and two as mayor of Orange. (Editor's note: Joe's son Pete served as county judge. He recently passed away.)*****Frenchie's Beauty Salon, on Highway 90, holds formal opening. Mr. Eugene is owner. *****Ollie Mendoza was presented Jaycee's Golden Key award. *****New Aldermen at West Orange are A.L. Lagrone and Glenn (Popeye) Sandlin. City secretary is Mrs. John Crawley.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

Bridge City mayor David Rutledge is still on the road, serving as State Municipal League president. This week, he's attending a week long conference in Georgetown. Meanwhile, 'Bear' keeps up the home front. She loves working in the yard.***** Orange County had another Easter cold spell, but it didn't stop the little ones from decking out in their Easter finery and hunting eggs. Paula and Randy Ragsdale got to spend some Easter time with granddaughter Janie Nash, who is close to a year old and wore a smocked frock for hunting eggs. Mom and dad are Orangefield coaches Sarah and Jake Nash. Aunt is Rebekah Ragsdale, also an Orangefield coach, and uncle is Ryan Ragsdale, a WO-S coach.***Little Martin Sanchez had his first Easter at Lake Sam Rayburn wearing a blue and white bubble suit with embroidered yellow duckies. Grandparents are Nancy and Cecil Byers, and his parents are Sarah and Dr. Charles Sanchez, whose daughter Eleanor is now 5 and was also dressed in blue with her dress showing off a bunny face.***The city of Orange had to cancel its annual Easter Egg Hunt on Friday because of the rain, but the group sponsoring a day of Easter activities at Navy Park was able to celebrate. Charming little Blue Alexander, a student at North Early Learning Center and son of Jamie and Tay Alexander, put on some dance moves and even won a bicycle.***Johnny and Becky Trahan now have a bunch of grands and had a grand time at Easter, but the Orange County commissioner apparently is not too happy with the mess from confetti eggs.*****Holiday travelers included Carly Thibodeau and Colleen Curtis, who went up to Palestine (East Texas) for a spring champagne ride on the Official Texas State Railroad vintage train.****Jacqueline and Dr. Keith Kyle visited son Brent and partner Julien at their new house in New Orleans.*****Orange's "celebrity" priest, Father Jim Sichko, who is based in Louisville, Kentucky, met up with Shaquille O'Neal at the Masters Tournament and gifted the basketball great a pair of custom Nike. Father Jim, a missionary of mercy appointed by Pope Francis, gave the pope a custom pair last year. This year, Father Jim has picked one of the most rare bourbons for the pope. Unfortunately, Father Jim and many others are mourning the loss of the shooting victims Monday in Louisville. One was a member of a church in Father Jim's diocese.*****After a two week successful run of the annual Lions Club Carnival, nothing is left at Lions Park except some marks in the grass. Akrotex supplied some workers and big equipment to help dissemble the Thunderbolt ride and get it back to the storage barn until next year. It's still amazing that the local club owns its own carnival rides and equipment.*****Some grandparents sure had busy weeks with birthdays. Betty and Robert Vail celebrated birthdays for granddaughter Brianna Vail and then grandson Trevor Vail, plus Betty's little "Sweet Sugar Baby" great-granddaughter, Kathy.*****Grandmother Jill Windham Turner had presents for her two little blonde beauties a couple of days apart. Harper and Haylinn Crowell are the daughters of Rodney and Jessica Crowell. Former longtime West Orange city councilor Shirley Bonnin had her 87th birthday party a Two Amigos Restaurant, and yes, she wore the sombrero.***Geradine "Muh" Richard turned 81 with lots of family and friends.***Others marking birthdays last week included Janet Hilliard  Anderson, 20-year-old A.J. Judice, Julie Simar Patronella, Janie Burns Melton, Kayla Cheek, Kenneth Wheeler, Leigh Anne Zerko, and Patsy Herrington.***The late Sue Halliburton, a teacher, was mourned on her birthdate by lots of family and friend. She and the late Grover Halliburton, a lawyer who once served as county judge, were one of the funniest couples in local history.*****Anniversaries this week included Stump and Dayle Gunn Weatherford, who have found happiness in their senior years and marked anniversary number 13.*** Nancy and Tony Dallas, expecting their second grandchild, dated since they were young teens and have now been married 33 years.***Terry and Susan Childers had their 35th anniversary. They are now living outside of Jasper.***Shawn Hare and Chance Henson have been married three years and been together for 13.*****Orange County's new U.S. Representative Randy Weber and his wife, Brenda, were around the county meeting officials and regular citizens last week. The get-togethers included a dinner with the public at Tequila's Mexican Restaurant in Bridge City and a reception for volunteers at the Orange County Disaster Rebuild.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS

A few folks we know celebrating birthdays in the following days. April 12: The Civil War began on this day in 1861 and ended in 1865. Celebrating today are Don Breaux, Amanda Toups, Jaclyn Phillips, Jill Lemoine, Kathy Vessel, Roy Mazzagate III, Jaclyn James and Shellie Holmes.*****April 13: Happy Birthday to Connie Angelle, Bruce Peveto, Dawn Mason, Gene Bellard, Kaylin Abshire, Ken Armstrong and Jo Ann Collins.*****April 14: Stephen Gault, Joy Learned, Kasie Moerbe, Kevin Huckebay, Phillip Elmore, Reatha Bradberry, Sam Carpenter, Jr., Tiffani Thompson, April Stone and Christy Swanson.*****April 15: Time does travel fast. It seems like just the other day we were chasing votes in Newton to elect Wayne Peveto to the State Representative's job. Today Wayne celebrates his 84th birthday. Happy Birthday also to Pat Cook, Linda Claybar, Debbie Aarons, Jaclyn Eickenhorst*****April 16: Our longtime buddy Kirby Ridley Cruse celebrates today as does Chuck Sterling, David Hock, Judy Pittman, Quentin Billeaud.*****April 17: A bunch of great folks celebrate today, Whitney Anderson, Katelyn Haynes, Janice Todora, Jessica Christiansen, Kaylie Byrd, Natalie Miller, Ronnie Haymon, Shelby Bickham, Cheryl Puntes and Matthew Franklin.*****April 18: Happy Birthday to Eric Haynes, Megan Waguespack, Grant Mott and Emily Gilson.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Tee-Man Comeaux's boy Junior was taking his first air plane flight. Tee-Man put Junior on da plane in New Orleans to fly to California to visit his aunt, Tee-Man's sister Agnes.

Wen dat air plane fly over the Rocky Mountains da steward her, pass out some chewing gum. She told Junior it would keep his ears from poppin wen they got to real high altitudes.

After da plane landed in Los Angles, Junior him unfastened his seat belt, den he walked up and ask, "Miss stewardess, can you tole me please how I'm gonna got dat chewing gum out dat is stuck in my ears hanh?"

C'EST TOUT

ANOTHER MASS SHOOTING

There has been another mass shooting in the United States. This one was at Old National Bank in Louisville, Kentucky on April 10, 2023. The gunman was identified as an employee named Connor Sturgeon, age 25. He live streamed online as he carried out the shooting at the bank. He opened fire inside a conference room during a morning staff meeting. The shooting lasted about a minute before the gunman waited for police. Five people were killed and at least eight were wounded. The gunman legally bought the weapon he used last week.*****With two weeks still left in the regular season, the Houston Roughnecks already clinched a spot in the XFL playoffs with an  overtime win in San Antonio on Sunday. The win snapped the Roughnecks' three-game losing streak and puts them one win away from being able to host the XFL semifinal playoff game at University of Houston's TDECU Stadium.*****The "Skeeters" are coming, call Pestco before they invade. Take care and God bless.