The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

AMERICAN IDOL 10TH ANNIVERSARY SINCE KREE

Ten years have gone by since local talent Kree Harrison was a finalist on American Idol

When the just-announced top three American Idol contestants Colin Stough, Iam Tongi and Megan Danielle, compete one last time on the Season 21 finale, they’ll be surrounded by an array of old friends and famous stars. The three-hour live episode airing on May 21, will include a performance by celebrity judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Katy Perry as well as appearances by a wide variety of hit makers and the return of multiple recent contestants. Last week, producers announced the former Idol judge Keith Urban will perform and serve as the guest mentor for finalists Colin Stough, Iam Tongi, and Megan Danielle for the season finale. Other performers announced for the Season 21 finale include pop stars Ellie Goulding, James Blunt, soul singer Jazmine Sullivan, country music’s Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson, Kevin Cronin from REO Speedwagon, Christian pop star Lauren Daigle, rapper Pitbull, and 90s pop sensations Rozonda Thomas and Tionne Watkins of TLC and Kylie Minogue. In addition to the Top 12, two longtime Idol fan favorites, Season 2 winner Ruben Studdard and runner-up Clay Aiken, will return together to perform. Season 21 finale, which will also include footage of the Top 3 contestants’ hometown visits, airs on May 21 starting at 7:00 p.m.

JOHN FORD AND JOHN FORD JR.

MEMORIALS SET

Celebration of Life services will be held for father and son. Former longtime Orange County constable John A. Ford, age 86, passed away March 7, 2023. His son, John Jr., born July 21, 1961, passed away shortly after his father on April 5, 2023. Memorial service for John Jr. will be held Monday, May 22, 3:00 p.m., at Liberty Baptist Church. John Sr. service, at the same church, will be held Tuesday, May 23 at 3:00 p.m. John Sr., was a native of Groves, Texas, raised in Kirbyville and longtime resident of Bridge City. He replaced his brother Louis as constable when he was killed while on duty. John served for the next 38 years. John Jr., was a native of Bridge City and former local businessman, who had moved to Cypress, TX a few years ago. John Jr. ‘Bubba’ was preceded in death by daughter Rachel Taryn, his parents John and Geraldine and his brother Mark. He is survived by his wife Melinda, her two children and his son Daniel Ford, wife Lynn, three children, sister Vickie and husband Bill Stein. Our condolences to the many Ford relatives and friends. May dad and son rest in peace. See our website therecordlive.com for obituaries.

J. D. ZERKO REMEMBERED

John David Zerko passed away May 8, 2023. Funeral services were held Monday, May 15, the day after what would have been his 87th birthday. J.D. was a native of Coalgate, Oklahoma. His parents and all six Zerko boys arrived in Pinehurst when he was 6-years-old. He loved his city and knew every inch of it. I always enjoyed his visits. He knew everyone in the city, past and present, and who was related to who. He was a fun guy to be around. A former basketball player at Lamar he roomed with his friend and teammate Billy Tubbs, who later became a famous college coach. J.D. loved talking sports, but his first interest always seemed to be the city. He served as a longtime alderman. Please see obituary on our website therecordlive.com.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2013

This Monday we chose to go spend a good part of the day with longtime friend, Ray Cotton, at the Longhorn. I had heard Ray and Dorothy had sold their Twin River Ranch and home in Natchitoches, over 2500 acres, livestock and equipment. The ranch was once used in a movie, a real showplace. Ray and Tina, his daughter, have a lot going on at the Longhorn location. I never realized how many racing horse stalls and training facilities they have, also long canals for horses to swim in for exercise. Jeff McCarson has been brought in to revive the Longhorn Club. For a couple of hours I heard some of Ray Cotton’s stories. He is living a colorful life and his 83-years don’t stop him from living every day to its fullest. One of 15 children, way back when a penny candy was hard to come by, has made Ray appreciative for everything he has but mostly thankful for his good health. Ray’s latest project will be the largest, nicest, state-of-the-art bingo hall, Cotton’s, due to open in June. It will seat 600 people at six foot tables. I was amazed at all the new technology. It will be cooled by 100 tons of air conditioning. It’s something to see. A $2.5 million structure right here at home.*****This weeks performance on American Idol could make Kree Harrison America’s darling. It’s been a long haul that started out with 100,000 contestants from throughout the country and is down to the final two. She and Candice Glover compete on the final show Wednesday night. One will become American Idol and winner of a one million dollar recording contract. Angie Miller was eliminated last week, leaving Kree to take head on Glover for the big prize. Glover has appeared to be a favorite of the judges, consisting of Randy Jackson, who has been with Idol all of the shows twelve years. Jackson has announced this week’s show will be his last. “Dawg” is getting out of Dodge. Some speculate that all of the judges will be replaced next season, if there is a next season. The show has come down from a high of 30 million viewers, to a mere 14 million. Other judges are Keith Urban, Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj. The two ladies have been feuding, which Urban calls awful and poisonous. Week after week, public voters have kept Kree in the mix. MTV made her an early favorite to win it all. Song choice is very important. Kree has a superior voice that has been unmatched throughout the competition. They are both very close in talent and a bobble by either will likely cost the grand prize.*****Bridge City Cardinals whipped up on Sweeny thanks to the pitching of Hayden Guidry and Preston Pittman, who threw his first no hitter, winning 11-0 with 11 strike outs in five innings. Leadoff batter Hunter Uzzle scored all four times he got on base as lead off. Our boy Collin Gros, drove in the final run for the icing on the cake. The boys all brought their sticks. The Cardinals will meet Huffman Saturday at LaPorte in a one game take all, starting at noon. Coach Chad Landry’s team will need to have total focus on every pitch.***** We were sorry to hear about the death of Eric Wayne Luker, 26, who died May 8. Service was held Monday, May 13. Eric was the son of Dale and Carol Luker. *****Bravely, strength and integrity certainly runs in the family of Pct. #3 Judge Janice Menard. It was her grandson, firefighter Chris Harvey, that rescued Dalton Ivy from the Hwy. 87 canal. Dalton suffered a cut on his arm and said had it not been for Chris, he would not be alive.*****Political advocate Jerry Wilson is taking great care of his wife, Judy, after her recent surgery on a pinched nerve. However, he still finds time to stay active in politics.***** The odd couple: We spotted Al Deroche and Dwight Thacker having Mother’s Day lunch together at Market Basket. Dutch treat.*****We ran into the lovely Mickey Litton. Age has treated her well. She says she sure likes her new step mother. Moe is on his best behavior.*****Some of the great folks we know celebrating their special day between May 15 to 21. May 15 finds longtime educator, now retired, Joe’s better half, Nancy Chenella, celebrating.***Also joining her is Deborah Ellender and Heather Brinson and John Rogers.***On May 16, Judge Pat Clark takes another step up the ladder of life. This is the first birthday in many years that he’s not working for pay. He’s a retired District and County Law Judge.***The Judge shares his birthday with Sammy Frank Lucia, former B.C. superintendent, his childhood friend.***On May 17, pretty Angela “Angie” Breaux, the longtime bride of lucky dog, Don Breaux celebrates.***On May 18, longtime friend Frank Fincham, celebrates. ***Also celebrating is Jacque Craft, Judge Thibodeaux’s retired assistant, and Ron Hutchison. They share birthdays with George Strait, who turns 61.***May 19, is a special day for Hubert “Sprad” Spradling and also for Flo’s brother, Leon Carter.***May 20 is a special day in the Dunn family. It’s the birthday of their only daughter, Karen Dunn Gros.***Also celebrating on that day is longtime Record employee, Bill Pope and our buddy, Dr. David Jones. They all share birthdays with Cher, who turns 67.***May 21 is the special day of Babette Philpott, constable Mark’s caregiver. Also celebrating on this day is pretty June Gregory, who is Fred’s widow.*****It looks like any hope for Medicaid expansion in Texas is going down the drain. Gov. Rick Perry chose to spend $18 billion Texas tax dollars rather than take $100 billion from the federal matching funds. Besides the poor, those who will be affected the most are doctors, hospitals and nursing homes. Republican governors in other states have found it would be irresponsible not to expand Medicaid, knowing that Obamacare is coming.*****Congrats to Kacey LeBlanc, senior at Orangefield High, who will be signing to play volleyball at San Jacinto Community College.

25 Years Ago-1998

Bridge City’s Jason Matthews has signed a two-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 6-foot, 4-inch, 305 pound offensive lineman has played his entire NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts.*****The Orange VFW, Post 2775 Ladies Auxiliary, honored Jeanette Clark at their annual Loyalty Day program.*****Mrs. T.L. Gunn, “Mee-Maw,” was named “Mother of the Year” by Record Newspapers.*****Zane Rex and Kane Willy Peveto turned one year old. They are the twin sons of David and Kim Peveto. Grandparents are Jean Dugas, Gayle Peveto, Charles Peveto and Gerald Dugas. (Editor’s note: On April 23, the twins turned 41 years old.)*****A few good places to eat in Orange, Luby’s Cafeteria, JB’s Barbecue, the Tamale Co. In Bridge City, J.J’s Fried Chicken, featuring all you can eat crawfish, $12.99, fried shrimp, oysters, catfish, BBQ crabs, stuffed crabs and plenty of chicken and gumbo. Snappy’s serves breakfast, lunch and deli sandwiches. *****Firestone plant awards Paul Odom, Eagle Scout, at the 40th Annual Boy Scout program. Paul is an Orangefield student.

50 Years Ago-1973

The lovely daughter of Milli and Len Harper is in St. Elizabeth Hospital following a car accident a couple of weeks back.*****Judge Halliburton had a slight heart attack after having had surgery a couple of months ago. He got a clear bill of health in Houston last Monday.*****Kenneth James Toups, a 1971 graduate of Bridge City High is home on leave from Uncle Sam’s Air Force. He heads for Korea when his leave is up.*****Calvin Stakes says he would never be guilty of bigamy because the penalty is too harsh--two mothers-in-law.*****Larry Bergeron is manager of McLaury’s Appliance, 1800 Strickland Drive.*****Weldon’s Bakery is at 1105 Green Avenue. French bread, butter bread, regular bread.*****Harry’s Appliance is at 508 Front.*****The Old Timers reunion is being planned for May 28. Mrs. Allen Peveto is publicity chairman. Newly elected officers are Allen Peveto, president, A.J. McKenzie, VP, Nadine Slaughter, secretary, “Rusty” Alexander, treasurer, Sid Caillavet Sr., managers, Mrs. Lawrence Winfree and Mae Harvey, Food committee, Sallie Frazier, Mrs. Willie Foreman and Mrs. Vernon Linscomb.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

We had inquiries about our friend and sports writer Joe Kazmar. This is usually “Kaz’s” favorite time of the year, writing about baseball. Instead he is back in hospital at St. Elizabeth’s after having to undergo a second surgery. His hopes are to return to rehab soon. We send best wishes from his loyal readers who have been following his sports column for years. Hang in there Joe, God speed.*****County Commissioner Johnny Trahan and wife, Becky, are back from a cruise to Belize, Roatan, and other tropical destinations. They enjoyed tubing in the ocean caves, something new for the Orange County residents.*****Karl and Karen Wickham took a trip to Disney World and enjoyed seeing granddaughter Karly Ray, who is now a graduate of Disney school and ready to appear at the park venues.*****Other tropical travelers this past week included buddies Al Granger, Dyan Morris, Staci Eatman and Melissa O'Mara enjoying the turquoise seas around the Grand Cayman islands.*****Those celebrating birthdays the past few days included  Sabrina Claybar, Wally Brown, Shelley Alexander, William Jeffers, Orange City Councilor Mary McKenna, Sabrina Terry, Susan Swan, and Beverly Robinson, who also traveled to San Francisco to see a niece graduate. Maddie Morphew turned 25 and Alexis Baumgartner marked birthday No. 18.*****Katie Joe Parkhurst, aka K.J., will be celebrating her first next year. She was born this past week as the second child of Kade and Kirstie Parkhurst.*****April and Trey King had their 25th wedding anniversary.*****The Dunn family traveled to Brenham last week to attend the commencement at Blinn College for Sean Cade Gros. His grandfather says that boy’s a professional student. This was Sean’s fifth graduation: high school; Lamar two year degree; graduation U.S. Coast Guard; Bachelor degree Lamar University; now a degree in Physical Therapy. He made the family proud.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS

A few folks celebrating birthdays in the next few days. May 17: Jennifer Clarke, Nickie Judice, Pam Hudson, Nickie Wall, Donna McClanahan, Greg Defrates and Angelea Breaux.*****May 18: Happy Birthday to our longtime friend Veronica “V.J.” Roberts, also Kim Hanks, Ron Hutchison, Cheryl Stone and Chris Day.*****May 19: Al Judice, Harry Dodge, Justin Knight, Mark Watts and Niki Bennett. Happy 68th anniversary to Wanda and Coach Les Johnson.*****May 20: Celebrating today are Dr. David Jones, Patty Dupuis, and Stormy Sharp. A very special Happy Birthday to Karen Dunn Gros.*****May 21: Ricky Land, Leah Chipman, Teresa Cain Lemke, Babette Philpott, Sarah McClure and June Gregory.*****May 22: Jackie Tate and Gar Hollingsworth and a special Happy Birthday to our friend and Record Newspaper’s editor Margaret Toal.*****May 23: Celebrating today are Billy Raymer, Justin Trahan, Tracy Davis and Amanda Uzzle.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Otis Boudreaux died him, so his longtime wife Marie went to da Daily Advertiser Newspaper to put a notice in da obituaries.

Calvin Premeaux was working da counter and after offering his condolences he axe Marie wat she would like to say about Boudreaux.

Marie replied, “Jus put dat Boudreaux died.”

Premeaux was somewat perplexed. He said, “Dat’s it?” “Jus Boudreaux died, surely Miss Marie, dere must be something more you’d like to say about Boudreaux.” “If it’s money you’re worried about, da first five words are free. We must say something more.”

Marie her, tink aout dat for a while and finally she say, “Okay, you put, ‘Boudreaux died. Boat for sale.’”

C’EST TOUT

DO NOTHING NOT THE ANSWER

A few years ago I predicted this day would come. Mass murder in Texas and around the nation is commonplace. In Austin and Washington our representatives in government offer only prayers instead of laws dealing with AR-15 type weapons that they know would curb mass killings. The Republicans in charge refuse any and all action to address the ongoing murder of so many innocent children and adults. In our state we have representatives in the legislature who receive money from the NRA. That’s easy to verify on the internet. A few years ago I wrote the “Wild West” was coming to Texas. It’s just a start. If nothing continues to be done, more mass killings are in our future. More than we can ever imagine.*****Thanks for your time. Until next time, Happy Trails to you. Take care and God bless.