The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

LUNCH BUNCH MARKS 32TH ANNIVERSARY

Last week an anniversary gathering of Lunch Bunch members was held at Robert’s Restaurant after being delayed a week due to the passing and service of former County Commissioner Marcell Adams. The previous week would have also marked the 89th birthday of one of the Lunch Bunch founders and only survivor Roy Dunn. The attendance was reduced due to the delay with several members attending state required classes. Cole Michalk, with Speaker of the House Dade Phelan’s staff, presented Roy, on behalf of the Speaker, with a Texas flag that had flown over the state capital on his birthday. Roy also received a delicious strawberry pie, fresh from Lucy’s, loaded with large, fresh strawberries. He and his family agree it was the best they had ever eaten. The pie was compliments of David Bailey. He was given more “Top Hog” smoked sausage from the Jenkins gang. Judge Chad, after someone gave him a large box of fresh blueberries, told his gang, “we’re going to learn how to make jelly.” After much study Blue Berry Hill Jelly was produced by the “5-J’s.” Great taste. Windee, one of the “J’s,” who has spent her entire life at the school house, has given up teaching. The longtime Orangefield special teacher has joined County Attorney John Kimbrough and his staff. She says she will miss the kids but after 30-years it was time for a change. “I bet she will miss being off all summer.” The Lunch Bunch is made up of a great bunch of folks; “Cream of the Crop,” who meets at noon at Robert’s each week. For names of who was in attendance see list in C’est Tout in this publication.

HUNTER BIDEN TO PLEAD GUILTY ON

MISDEMEANOR TAX CHARGES

The Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney for Delaware has reached a plea agreement with Hunter Biden, in which he is expected to plead guilty to two federal misdemeanor counts of failing to pay his taxes. Biden also faces a separate felony gun possession charge that will likely be dismissed if he meets certain conditions, according to court documents filed on Tuesday. Two sources familiar with the agreement told NBC News that it includes a provision in which the U.S. attorney has agreed to recommend probation for Biden for his tax violations. Legal experts also said that the tax and gun charges will most likely not result in any jail time for President Joe Biden’s son. It’s the first time the Justice Department — part of the executive branch, headed by the president — has brought charges against a child of a sitting president. The decision by U.S. Attorney David Weiss, who was nominated by President Donald Trump in 2018, indicates an end to the sweeping, five-year investigation by federal prosecutors, FBI agents and IRS officials into Hunter Biden’s conduct. The Biden administration has kept Weiss in place in order to avoid having a U.S. attorney appointed by the president oversee his son’s criminal case. The president and first lady said little in response to the filing. “The president and first lady love their son and support him as he continues to rebuild his life,” a White House spokesman, Ian Sams, said in a statement. “We will have no further comment.”

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2013

Darrell Segura and the Bridge City Historical Society will present the 2nd annual “Born on the Bayou” 4th of July celebration on Cow Bayou. The event starts at 5 p.m. with live music by “Three Legged Dawg,” performing until dark, when the fireworks start. Food will be available also the Bridge City Fire Department will sell links. The party will take place at one of the most beautiful spots in Orange County, the old Joe Bailey location, *****Believe it or not but an opera is developing on the life of Orange native Bum Phillips. Texan Luke Leonard is producing the epic based on Bum, football, Houston Oilers and the Astrodome. If everything goes well, the Bum opera is set to open in New York in early 2014. Bum, who had been in poor health, is approaching 90 years old. His health has improved but these days he‘s often confined to a wheel chair but can still get around. He and son Wade are both natives of Orange. ***** Rick Perry took off for Hartford, Conn. In search of gun manufactures to come to Texas after Connecticut, Gov. Darnel Malloy signed new gun restrictions into law after 26 children and teachers were killed in New Town. Perry pitched Texas as a place to make guns.*****Former State Representative Wayne Peveto was in the County Clerk‘s office recently telling Karen Jo, “He should have retired sooner“ and she was taking notes. Oh no, Karen Jo can‘t go.***** Patsy Pecks’ escorted traveling group just returned from a fantastic trip to Napa Valley, with San Francisco highlights. It was a small group of couples with Patsy and Ellen Ray attending to every need. Patsy also did another trip for a longtime Bridge City couple Dale and Debbie Etheridge in celebration of their 40th wedding anniversary. Dale got Patsy to plan the entire Mediterranean cruise out so he could present it to Debbie as a surprise.*****“Ride Sally Ride.” I sit here on Tuesday, June 18, wondering where the years have gone. It was 30 years ago today that Sally Ride became the first woman to fly in space.*****Chris Cuomo, formerly with ABC, has launched a new morning show on CNN. The show airs from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. in direct competition with MSNBC Morning Joe. Meanwhile, FOX News has brought back Sarah Palin.

17 Years Ago-2006

BCISD shuffles cards. Principals reassigned. Four new teachers hired. When Gina Mannino graduated from Bridge City High School in 1984, she never imagined she would one day become principal of her hometown Alma Mater. She becomes the first graduate of BCHS to head the school as principal. She replaced Terry Stuebing when he and wife, Ella, both retired. Tara Fountain replaced Ella at Intermediate. She is a 1993 grad of Orangefield.*****Jessica Blanda, daughter of Coach Joe and Terri Blanda, a Bridge City student was named “Student of the Month” by the Bridge City Chamber.*****Donna Peterson, 70, on Wednesday threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Astor game at Minute Maid Park. She was nominated by her daughter, Major Donna Peterson Jr., for her mother’s heroics during Hurricane Rita. *****Eugene Pousson, 76, died June 14. *****Freda Ross Dunn, 73, of Mauriceville, died June 17. She is survived by husband of 53 years, Bill Dunn, and four children. (Editor’s note: Since then Bill has also passed away.)*****Paula Kay Broussard Swiney, 47, died June 17. She was the wife of William “Perry” Swiney.*****Paige Leanne Smith became the bride of Mathew Kyle Austin, June 17, at Winfree Baptist Church.*****Bridge City Little League 11-year-old All Stars named. Bryce Sampere, Preston Pittman, Collin Gros, Hayden Guidry, Eric Truncale, Revel Diabo, Colin Smith, Adrian Schubarth, Ashton Hasyter, Aubrey Harrington, Reagan Ficken, Clint Delahoussaye.***12 Year-old All Stars, Matt Menard, Mitchell Hubbard, Jacob Lemoine, Cameron Dishon, Camaron Coulter, Austin Scales, Jacob Brown, Jeremy Watkins, Justin Bradley, Kenton Hill, Sterling Deslatte, Zachary Smith. (Editor’s note: Both teams advanced after winning region to the state playoffs.)

47 Years Ago-1976

Chairman W.T. Oliver, of the Bridge City-Orangefield Community Center fund drive, reports that $20,000 has been collected of the $400,000 goal. He predicts the money will be raised and a victory banquet will be held August 12 at Wayside Inn. (Editor’s note: W.T. was the world’s greatest optimist.)*****Sam Naifeh, of Orange, was nominated at the Demo convention in Fort Worth, to be a delegate to the National convention by the Fourth Senatorial District delegates. Orange County Democratic Chairman, Pete Runnels, and longtime Demo activist, Bob Montagne, came away from the convention with the feeling that Orange County hadn’t gotten its share and weren’t treated fairly by our neighbors. Montagne said, “That’s alright, there will be another day.” (Editor’s note: Bob meant that someone was due payback, he didn’t forget his friends or his enemies.)*****Bridge City policemen Bernis Bobbit and Steve Faircloth, under the direction of Police Chief Wilson Roberts, arrested KOGT manager Richard Corder for entering Bridge City without wearing a beard. The officers reported the hardest part was fitting him in the back seat while handcuffed. He paid his fine and was released. B.C. folks are growing beards in observance of the 1776 Bicentennial.*****Louisiana Hayride comes to Little Cypress- Mauriceville. Perry Lapointe, Karen Wiltz, Pam Folsom and Doug Childers, local talent, will entertain.*****Sis Keogh was excited to meet Sen. Ralph Yarborough at the Democratic convention. Bob Sanders, former Orange County Democratic chairman, visited the delegation. (Editor’s note: sis is now a resident of an assisted living home in Beaumont. Husband Mike has passed away.)

A FEW HAPPENINGS

Dr. Tom Johnson gave a report at the Lunch Bunch gathering Wednesday about good things yet to come at LSCO. Doc is always working to grow the school.***** Once again, a record-breaking heat wave hit right when Orange’s big Juneteenth Festival was going on. Still, the river breezes offered a bit of respite to people who showed up to enjoy the evenings with live music, food, drinks, and friends. Russell Bottley with the Krewe de Onyx, which sponsors the event, was running around taking care of business as usual. Hard to tell whether he’s busier at Bassmasters or Juneteenth. At least his community knows his dedication, he’s a former chamber of commerce Citizen of the Year. Jazz saxophonist Perry Richard, who is originally from Orange, on Friday evening kicked off three days of music. Zydeco bands and others provided dance music, though most people seemed to enjoy sitting in their lawn chairs instead. Nancy Dallas, Roderick and Brandy Robertson, Orange City Councilor Terrie Salter and Mayor Larry Spears, but probably no one enjoyed the music more than Beverly Richard Robinson. At the Sunday morning prayer service, Wayne Sparrow served as the MC for the year’s special honorees for community service. The Krewe surprised him by naming him at the event as one its honorees. Others included Mayor Spears, Al Granger, and Benny Smith.*****Peggy Claybar’s house in the Old Orange Historic District was the place to be Thursday as her three grandchildren, Annabelle, Caroline, and Keller, held their seventh annual cookie and lemonade fundraiser for Traci’s Texas Tails dog rescue group. What started as a simple gesture for children to help puppies by baking cookies and lemonade to sell has become a big event. The cookie-baking has been taken over by Chef David Claybar of the Old Orange Cafe, who is Peggy’s son and Keller’s father. Businesses and individuals have donated gift baskets for drawings for donors. This year, the kids raised nearly $4,000 for the rescue group.*****Even with the heat wave, people are traveling. Elvis and Melissa Anne Rushing took off for adventures including a stop in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee*****Randy and Paula Ragsdale visited the now-legendary Luckenbach, Texas*****Orange City Councilor Caroline Hennigan and husband, Mike, took grandchildren to San Antonio for all the sights, including the Alamo. At least Sea World offered cooling sprays of water*****Brandy and Roderick Robertson were also in San Antonio for a school board seminar. Roderick is a trustee for the West Orange-Cove district. They managed to get in a trip to the city’s famous riverwalk...Former Orange Mayor Jimmy Sims and wife Kaye traveled a long way for cooler temps. They celebrated their 50th anniversary with a tour of Iceland*****Pat and Patty Cook were also on the road for their 50th anniversary. They are spending three weeks traveling the western U.S., including a stop in Tombstone, Arizona, and riding along Route 66. Christine Brown-Zeto and grown child Audi went to Mackinac Island on a vacation trip to honor the 60th wedding anniversary Christine’s parents.*****Others with anniversaries this past week included Earl and Suzanne Williams marking No. 61. Margaret and Ronnie Peveto have now been married 54 years. John and Marla Blanke have 35 years of marriage, with Billy and Wendy Young celebrating their 36th. More anniversaries were Loretta and Thanh Minh Vo, Scott and Jolene Clark, and Logan (of The Hut barbecue fame) and Abbey Poluk.*****Birthday celebrants included Beth Wheeler, Rachael Parker, Alaniz Vasez, Kaitlyn Ellison Guillory, and Alice Cole-Hartsfield. Special wishes to dear Beverly Perry, who turned 87 and was treated to lunch with friends, including Charlotte Chaisson. Vivian McMillan’s family paid her a big tribute for her 90th...Justice of the Peace Joy Dubose-Simonton has a different celebration. She learned son, Christian and his wife, Jessica will be having twins in December. Sage Simonton will become the big sister instead of the only child.*****This week’s edition was a bit taxing with all of the internet and cell tower interruptions, but we managed to work around it.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK

A few folks we know celebrating birthdays in the coming week. June 21: Coach Wade Phillips, born in Orange, turns 76 years-old this week, also Shelly Arceneaux, Jane Johnson, Tyler Bailey, Dustin Hartsfield and David Dubose celebrate. A special Happy Birthday to our own Dr. Clay Greeson.*****June 22: Paul Richardson, Caitlin Wells and Charlene Braus celebrate today.*****June 23: Happy Birthday to Ken Johnson, Sissy Braus, Kim Turbeville and Jaden Trahan.*****June 24: Blake Amy, Amanda Adams and the clown’s better half Kathy Marsh have birthdays on this day.*****June 25: Celebrating today are Gary Savoy, Elise Becker, Cher Becker, Chris Humble, and a special shout out to Mark’s youngest grandson Rowan Knox Greeson.***** June 26: Happy Birthday to Phyllis Davis, Jan Henry, Judy Cagle, Shelby Dixon, Bridgett Teaff and Claudine Hogan.*****June 27: Lynn Nell Guidry, Judy Lewis, David Ball, Kristin Lollar, Shanna MacCammond, Trevor Kimbell, and our special friend Jody Raymer all celebrate. (Note: To place birthday or anniversary announcements free of charge email [email protected] or give us a call at 409-886-7183.)

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Clovis Fontenot was reading da Laffayett paper when he came across an ad for a cow for sale in Ville Platte wat gave tree gallons of milk a day. He hook up his trailer and went to see bout buying da cow.

Da owner confirmed that she sure gave tree gallons but dat she did something strange. He told Clovis to pull on one of her utters. He did and the cow mooed. He tried it again and she mooed again. Clovis thought, I can put up wit dat for tree gallons of milk a day.

Da next day his friend Sostan Comeaux stopped by. Clovis showed him his new cow and told him to pull on her utter. Sure nuff, she mooed.

Sostan axe, “Clovis, did you buy dis cow in Ville Platt?”

“I sure did, “ he answered, “But how you know dat hanh?”

Sostan say, “Mais, because I use to date an ol’ gal from Ville Platt, me.”

C’EST TOUT

Those attending the 32th anniversary Lunch Bunch gathering were C.E.O. of Top Deck J.W. Dalton, Commissioners Chris Sowell, Johnny Trahan, Robert Viator, Kirk Roccaforts; Judges Rex Peveto, John Gothia, Chad Jenkins and wife Windee, Hershel Stagner, Jr., and Rodney Price; LUO President Dr. Tom Johnson; school official Phillip Welch; attorney Jim Sharon Bearden; Orange city councilman David Bailey; from Texas Speaker’s office Cole Michalk; from the Record Newspapers, editor Margaret Tole, sport’s writer Dan Perrine, office manager Janelle Sehon, production manager Mark Dunn, publisher Roy Dunn; former county employee Alice Cole Hartsfield; and Boilermaker Local 587 retiree Allen Dunn. ***** Well, that’s the way the world turns in 2023. I’ve gotta get out of here. Thanks for your time. Please read us cover to cover, shop our family of advertisers and check us out at therecordlive.com. Take care and God bless.