The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

July 20th ANNIVERSARY OF APOLLO II

When, running for president in 1960, John F. Kennedy chose as his campaign slogan “it’s time to get this country moving again,” Just three months into his presidency, Kennedy pledged, prophetically, in his address to Congress on May 25th, 1961, “that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth.” To which he added, “No single space project in this period will be more impressive to mankind, or more important for the long-range exploration of space; and none will be so difficult or expensive to accomplish.”  Kennedy was, of course, right about the Moonshot. It would take a historically massive amount of peace-time government spending; the lives of seven American astronauts; and three presidential administrations to oversee the project’s completion. But when, on July 20th, 1969, an American astronaut, Neil Armstrong, became the first man in history to leave a footprint on the Moon, it astonished the world. The race to the moon had been won. Kennedy’s prediction had been fulfilled.

(John F. Kennedy, 1917-1963, the 35th president of the United States, was killed by Lee Harvey Oswald in 1963, in Dallas, Texas. He never lived to see his dream accomplished.)

NOW THIS IS SCARY

Donald J. Trump and his allies are planning a sweeping expansion of presidential power over the machinery of government if voters return him to the White House in 2025, reshaping the structure of the executive branch to concentrate far greater authority directly in his hands. Their plans to centralize more power in the Oval Office stretch far beyond the former president’s recent remarks that he would order a criminal investigation into his political rival, signaling his intent to end the post-Watergate norm of  Justice Department independence from White House political control. Trump and his associates have a broader goal: to alter the balance of power by increasing the president’s authority over every part of the federal government. He wants to revive the practice of “impounding” funds, refusing to spend money Congress has appropriated for programs a president doesn’t like — a tactic that lawmakers banned under President Richard Nixon. He intends to strip employment protections from tens of thousands of career civil servants, making it easier to replace them if they are deemed obstacles to his agenda. Some elements of the plans had been floated when Trump was in office but were impeded by internal concerns that they would be unworkable and could lead to setbacks. And for some veterans of Trump’s turbulent White House who came to question his fitness for leadership, the prospect of removing guardrails and centralizing even greater power over government directly in his hands sounded like a recipe for mayhem. “It would be chaotic,” said John F. Kelly, Trump’s second White House chief of staff. “It just simply would be chaotic, because he’d continually be trying to exceed his authority. It would be a nonstop gunfight with the Congress and the courts.” Trump and his allies have been laying out an expansive vision of power for a potential second term. A long article appears in print on July 17, 2023, Section A. Page 1 of the New York Times edition with the headline: Trump and Allies Seeking Vast Increase of His Power. In 2015, we wrote about Trump’s desire to be a dictator. Since then we have learned the people he most admires are dictators like Russia’s Putin and others.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2013

Darrell Segura, of the Bridge City Historical Society, wants to thank all the sponsors, the City of Bridge City, the Police Department and Bridge City Fire Department and everyone who helped make the Fourth of July event on Cow Bayou.*****Last week I predicted the outcome of the George Zimmerman trial would be not guilty based on the “Stand your Ground” law in Florida. Not guilty was all the jury could find. Twenty-one states have adopted that law. I refer to it as bringing a gun to a fist fight. The D.A. wanted to take that case to the Grand Jury but the governor stopped that, took over the case with the state attorney supervising a team of prosecutors. They chose not to go to the Grand Jury but instead just charge Zimmerman with second degree murder. The police chief was fired when politics took over. The local DA was pushed aside even though the local law enforcement knew better than the state what kind of case they had. a big success. *****Back In the late 1970’s, Roy Dunn, who published the Community Post newspaper in South Jefferson County, came up with the idea to put a marker on the unmarked grave of Cajun musician Harry Choates, who had died in an Austin jail. Roy pitched the idea to writer Tim Knight, who recruited the help of Gordon Baxter, who used his radio show to publicize it. A marker was installed. Tim, a longtime author and American History teacher at Lamar/Port Arthur, has written a new book titled, “Poor Hobo; the Tragic Life of Harry Choates--A Cajun legend.” Harry is often referred to as the Jimmie Rogers of Cajun music. His most famous song, “Jole Blon” is the Cajun National Anthem. The life and times of Choates are well written and deeply researched in Tim’s book.*****Our friend Darlene Zavada, of the Orange Convention and Visitors Bureau, who comes up with all those great ideas to bring people to Orange, recently underwent open heart surgery, four bypasses and correction of a fifth. She’s back at work after 10 weeks off and doing remarkably well. She’s dreaming up ideas for new promotions while working on the old ones.***** Thanks to Evelyn Brandon, who organized a trash pick up on Bailey’s Road this past Saturday. It was a huge success. Thanks also to Donna Scales and the Park Department for their help. The group will meet again in the coming weeks in hopes to keep Bailey’s Road clean.*****A belated happy birthday to Lamar “Co-Co” Hardin, a native of Abbeville and longtime Orange County fixture, who turns 90 on July 16 and also celebrating on this day was the late Charlie Wickersham’s fair-haired boy Preston Fuller, who turned 66.*****A speedy recovery to our friend Harry Stephens, who had knee replacement surgery Tuesday at Baptist Hospital in Beaumont. He will be out of commission for awhile but he has a great nurse. Harry will not like the pain but he’ll enjoy Margie waiting on him. Knowing Margie, she will put up with that just so long.*****It’s hard to believe that 14 years have already gone by since John Kennedy Jr., his wife Carolyn and sister-in-law Lauren, were killed in that airplane crash. Also at that same time, one of our great friends, policeman Charles Frederick died. Eighteen patrol cars accompanied his body to Newton County for burial.*****

17 Years Ago-2006

Robert “Bob” Maron Blackshear, 83, died July 11. He was a World War II vet. He and his two sons, David and Danny, developed Waterwood, on the banks of Cow Bayou. It’s one of Orange County’s most exclusive additions. *****Kenny “Kee-Kee” Dupuis is recovering from hernia surgery.****Jack and Lynda Stout celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on July 22. *****Halli and Hanna Malagarie turned 2-years-old on July 15. *****Howard and Juana Mathews, formerly of Bridge City, now residents of Bronson, Texas, were married Aug. 3, 1956. Their children will host their 50th anniversary July 29. *****OCARC celebrates 50 years of service this week. What started as a desire of a mother to have activities for her mentally challenged child, has grown into a means of giving that now includes adults. OCARC gives vocational training and skills which assist students in obtaining jobs in the private sector and leading productive lives in society. OCARC was started by Cathryn Boyd in 1956 in her home. (Editor’s note: 68 years have gone by and the center has grown beyond belief.)*****Former U.T. quarterback Vince Young named “Big 12 Athlete of the Year.” Other Texas football players who have made the list in past few years are Derrick Johnson, 2005; Ricky Williams, 1999; Young also won the “Davey O’Brien” award given to the nation’s top quarterback. (Editor’s note: Young went pro after the Longhorns won the national championship but his star faded in the NFL.)*****Van Choate’s Tuffy’s is the place to eat great seafood in Orange County. Always serving large, tasty rolls and homemade pies, Tuffy’s is located in Mauriceville.*****Mosquito war continues in Orange County. Commissioners agree to use contingency fund money to keep the Mosquito Control Department operating. Natives say it’s the worst mosquito invasion in recent memory.

47 Years Ago-1976

Robert Hanks is sales manager of Flair Real Estate, Edward Patton is in sales. *****The Bridge City/Orangefield Community Center pledges have reached $72,712. Helena Litton heads up the door-to-door collection campaign.*****BCYRA names queens and princesses chosen from Little League sweethearts at coronation. They are: Pee-Wee queen, Kellie Bradley; Minor League queen is Valli Lemoine, princess is Dawn Hanson; Major League queens, Rosalyn Dailey and Angie Welch, princess is Janet Brunell.*****The Bridge City Knights install new officers at Sunday mass at St. Henry Catholic Church. Officers are, Manson Hebert Sr., grand knight; Father Frank Schanzer, chaplain; Lamar Roach, deputy grand knight; Mayo LeBlanc, chancellor; Hubert LaPoint, recorder; Lou Garriga, financial secretary; Don Calliquet, treasurer.*****On July 20, Gordon Baxter will celebrate 31-years in radio broadcasting. He’s put time in at radio stations KOLE, KPAC, KOGT, KTRM and KLVI. His audience ranges from little old ladies, housewives, rednecks, students, merchants and some hippie freaks. *****Tim and Ann Lieby, of the Print Shoppe, return from print show in San Antonio. *****Doug Harrington took in a metal health seminar at Rusk. (Editor’s note: It doesn’t say if he attended the “Nut House” for his own good or to help others. Anyway he has escaped.)*****Roy Wingate buys Jim Kirby Conn a drink of plain water at the yacht Club. Jimmy didn’t appreciate it much. (Editor’s note: That was before folks bought water to drink.)*****Sandy Parkhurst was saluted at July 12 BP&W meeting as “Member of the Month.”*****Keble’s Kuttery, a new concept in barbering and hair styling, opens in Northway Center. Barbers and stylist are Johnny Barton, Jack Welch, Skipper Free and Keble.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

One again, Maureen McAllister and her Orange County United Way put on a splendid fundraiser with another dueling pianos show at the VFW. A crowd of people, along with a bevy of sponsors, plus donated auction items helped get more money for United Way's effort to help local non-profits. The United Way has been instrumental in assisting groups that have helped county residents recover from hurricanes and floods. Rodney and Dr. Amy Townsend were in the crowd, as were Sherry Hommel, Chuck and Kelsey Bounds, Heather Montagne Mancopf, Tammy Judice, and Jennifer Dommert. Jennifer Cowling Burtsfield brought mom, Sue Cowling. Also seen in the crowd were Gina and Skipper Yeaman, Michelle Tuebbleville, Kristen Placette, Ashley and Zach Johnson, and Natasha Garrett. Emily McKee Mellon brought along parents Thereze and Tad McKee, plus mom-in-law Chrisleigh Dal Sasso.*****Stephen and Jamie Lee moved to Beaumont a couple of years ago, but they're always have deep roots in Orange. This week, the Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas, announced the couple will be chairs of the annual fundraiser gala LaSoiree to be held in January.*****Hot weather hasn't stopped people from traveling, especially to the beach. Michael Catt and son, Alex, took off for Las Vegas to see the NBA summer league, and of course, do a bit of gambling. Word is both can play poker.*****Gary and Allisha Bonneaux are spending more time in Galveston after buying a place there. This weekend, they met up with former Orange residents Kelly and Monte Morphew, who still own their house in the Old Orange Historic District.  They all enjoyed the monthly Art Walk in downtown.*****Scott and April Crim Goodman took off for steamy New Orleans.*****Orange City Councilor Caroline Hennigan went off to cooler Maine to visit son and his family. It was still warm there in the daytime, but not Southeast Texas hot. Plus it cools down into the 60s at night. Caroline may not want to come back home until October.*****Melanie Claybar and family took off for New Braunfels, where a zebra played up-close to daughter, Caroline, asking for treats. She'll have a good story to tell her friends when school starts.*****Steve and Gail Maddox went to Houston to see their son, Robb, promoted to chief for the U.S. Coast Guard.*****Harry and Geralyn Vine are still on their extended road trip to the western U.S., which included a long stop in Nevada to see grandkids Lucas and Ana.*****Belinda Huerta continued her birthday celebrations with a trip to Texas sites with husband David. They spent time in San Antonio and other spots, making sure the tried local cuisine.*****Scott Jackson turned 82, while Meri Elen Jacobs continued her 60th birthday summer with a trip to Florida and a reunion with lots of cousins.*****Carolyn Curran had another birthday lunch with childhood friends Sandy Gross, Bobbie Jo Howeth, Jeannie McDaniels, and Kay Jones.*****Ace local writer Ginger Broomes had a sushi birthday dinner and even got husband, Coy, to try some. Heard he liked it.*****Rosie Kovatch, namesake of her grandmother, dance school founder Rose Thayer, turned 18. All five of her siblings, plus parents Chris and Christi Kovatch, and grandparents, Steve and Theresa Kovatch had a sit-down dinner at Tia Juanita's.*****Others having birthdays included Orange County Treasurer Christy Khoury Roccaforte. Husband Kirk, who is Orange County Precinct 3 commissioner, sent flowers while daughter Coree and Dakota Posey made sure she got a cake, Kimberly Ray, Linda Hart Mayr, Ronald Rubin, Karl Wickham, Faye Beth Purifoy, Louis Blanda, John Backer, Dallas James, Hannah Smith, Ronald Brown,  and Terri Blanda.*****Congratulations to couples who had wedding anniversaries for making it another year. Lyndia and T.W. Permenter celebrate 62 years together. Peg and Mike Shearer had No. 54, while Bill and Sylvia Ney marked 19 years. Aaron  and Latouia DuBois have been wedded nine years. Also celebrating were Josh and Devin Fults, whose lives have been filled with hospitals and medical procedures lately. They have many, many people praying for them and helping them pay for medical expenses for Devin and their two daughters. They spent time this week at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota seeking medical treatments.                                                                                                                                              

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS

Folks celebrating birthdays in the next few days. July 19: Emma Briggs, Pam Honeycutt, Diane Grooters, Shirley McCall, Kurt Moerbe, Robin Thibodeaux and Paige Williams.*****July 20: Kylie Jones, Carrie Hunt, Kenyettia Foster, Megan Stephson, Rebecca Toal.*****July 21:Amanda Jo Stephson-Pringle, Todd Hunt, Danika Dubose.*****July 22: Lon Frederick, Renee Clark, Rocky DeCuit, Jeff Anderson, Keazie Cappel, Paige Dohmann.*****July 23: Travis Estes, Jim Reeves, Linda Brinson.*****July 24: Thomas White, Chassid Cude, Karen McKinney, Ralph Rucker, Renee Newson, James Rucker, Jody Batchelor, Lee Harris.*****July 25: Lori Smith, Misty Cappel, Ryan Kimbrough, Evelyn Toney, and a very Happy Birthday to our friend and Harry’s loving wife Margie Stephens. (NOTE: To announce birthdays or anniversaries free of charge call 409-886-7183 or email therecordlive.com.)

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Clovees Comeaux finally gave in and took his wife Clotiel

to a dance at Fred’s in Mamou for Mother’s Day.

Dere was a guy on da dance floor dancing like crazy him, break dancing, moon walkin, doing back flips, really cutting a rug, da whole works.

Clotiel turn to Clovees and she say, “Clovees, see dat guy? Dat’s “Cat” Robicheaux, 25 years ago, he propose to me him, and I turn his down.”

Comeaux him, he paused an den he say, “Mai sha, it look like to me dat Robicheaux him is still celebratin.”

C’EST TOUT

CARLOS ALCARAZ, 20, BEATS CHAMP DJOKOVIC

Novak Djokovic had won the last four men’s titles at Wimbledon. When the two faced each other in the French Open semifinals barely five weeks ago, they played 90 minutes of crackerjack tennis, and then Alcaraz gave in to what he called tension, the nervousness that came from the occasion and seeing Djokovic on the other side of the net.  Djokovic has spent his time destroying the hopes and dreams of nearly all younger challengers at the major tournaments. Not only has he continued to hold off the next generation, but he has relished his supremacy over them. However it has been clear for a long time that Carlos Alcaraz is just different. A month after his body crumbled under the sheer tension of facing Djokovic at the French Open, at Wimbledon he recovered from a set deficit to perform at a remarkable level across five sets as the No 1 seed toppled Djokovic 1-6, 7-6 (6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 to win his first Wimbledon title. While Alcaraz celebrated snatching a 2-1 lead, Djokovic cracked his racket on the net post. Against the best returner of all time, famed for his ability to recover from any deficit, Alcaraz kept moving forward. Then he lined up to the baseline at 5-4 without any hint of fear or nerves, and in a stunning game that included a bold drop shot and a lunging volley winner, Alcaraz served out the match of his life.*****My time is up, thanks for yours. Please read us cover to cover and support our family of advertisers. Take care and God bless.