Sherlock Breaux in the Creaux's Nest

WE SALUTE THE VETS THAT

KEEP US STRONG

Nov. 11, is Veterans Day. Government offices, banks, etc. will be closed. However many businesses are having sales so it’s a good time to shop. Veterans, past and present, are our true heroes. Many brave souls have died to keep us free. Our country could use more peace and understanding right here at home. There is just too much hatred, disrespect for our country, our leaders and our flag. Too many extremists destroying our fiber instead of shoring it up. That’s just a few of the many changes in my lifetime. Our veterans were true heroes back then and we were all proud to claim kinship to a veteran. We were truly one country. Today we are polarized and mean spirited.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2013

It’s often been debated about the time the USS Constitution known as “Old Ironsides” docked in Orange. Ms. Pearl Burgess said it was March 17, 1932, St. Patrick’s Day, and it stayed until March 19. Pearl was 11 years old. She said all the schools closed so the children could visit “Old Ironsides” They had a great time and got to walk all over it. She says that the USS Constitution was the American 44- gun frigate famous for it’s exploits in the War of 1812, 200 years ago. That’s what surprised me. “Old Ironsides” today is docked in Boston Harbor and I got to view it a few years ago. Now we know the rest of the story.***** Port Arthur born Janis Joplin, who died in 1970, was honored Monday with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her siblings, Michael and Laura attended the ceremony that featured a performance by Kris Kristofferson, who wrote some of Janis’ big hits, including “Me and Bobby McGee.”*****Courtney Arkeen, 128th District Judge, and husband Cody are expecting twins, a boy and girl. Boy, that’s a quick way to jump start a family. (Editor’s note: They should be about 10-years-old.) *****The Bayou Bowl banquet Monday night at the new Orange County Convention and Expo Center was a big success. The Bayou Bowl, between Bridge City and Orangefield, began 13 years ago in 2001. It was the brainchild of Roy and Mark Dunn, promoted by The Record Newspapers, who after a few years turned it over to the Rotary Club. The Gunn family donated Buzzie’s personal trophy to be presented to the winning team after his death.

22 Years Ago-2001

On Thursday, Nov. 8, we lost one of the great ladies of our day. She was a special lady from a one-of-a-kind mold. Jewel Bearden, 83, a 60 year resident of Orange, former sheriff’s department employee, retired school counselor and bailiff for Judge Pat Clark, was born in Caledonia on Jan. 2, 1928. She was preceded in death by her husband Jim Bob Bearden and son J.B. Bearden, Jr. She is survived by son Jim Sharon Bearden, two grandchildren Tyler and Jim Sharon and longtime companion “Buffy” Bearden. (Editor’s note: She will forever live in the memory of this writer.)*****The Bridge City Cardinals and Orangefield Bobcats will meet in the second Bayou Bowl. The Bobcats are the host team. The Cardinals were winners of the Bowl last year. They received the Buzzie Gunn Trophy. The trophy is a traveling trophy that yearly goes to the winner. The Buzzie Gunn Trophy is a symbol of good sportsmanship. The late Buzzie Gunn is recognized for his contribution and love for high school football. Gunn photographed many of America’s greatest athletes for scores of publications including Sports Illustration. Locally, he captured many of Orange County’s most memorable events and images such as the Bridge City and West Orange-Stark state championships, as well as the Stark High Tigers in their hay-day. Nationally, he sat in the New York Yankee dugout where he was able to record Mickey Mantle and the Yankee greats. Buzz was a second generation photographer. His dad, T.L. started it all.*****Sammy Carpenter and Mitzi Harris will be wed later this month.*****Former Bridge City place kicker Dominic Colletti, son of Marialiece Saucier, is having a fantastic year kicking for Mary Hardin-Baylor. He has missed only two field goals all season. (Editor’s note: I wonder what became of that boy anyway.)*****Leah Johansson is marrying off both her boys. Eric will wed Michelle Lindley on Nov. 17 and Ryan will wed Stacy McCorkle on Dec. 22. ***** The sons of George and Sandra Navarro, Justin and Jonathan, are both in the United States Air Force.

47 Years Ago-1976

It all began with the resignation of Judge Fred Trimble from the 163rd District Court and the appointment of County Court-at- Law Judge David Dunn by Gov. Dolph Briscoe to fill Trimble’s unexpired term. County Judge Grover Halliburton, who was twice elected to the post, resigned and accepted the commissioners’ appointment to fill the court-at-law position. With a motion by Commissioner Raymond Gould and seconded by Morris Collier, J.L. “Pete” Runnels, was unanimously selected to fill the county judge seat. Judge Halliburton, a six-year veteran of the court, was saddened by his departure. He had worked to upgrade and modernize county government. Great strides were made under his leadership. Pete Runnels, 33, is a graduate of Stark High School and Sam Houston University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He also has served three and a half years as administrative assistant to the county judge. Runnels brings lots of experience to the judgeship. Sworn in Nov. 17 by County Clerk Sallie Frazier, Runnels said, “I am indeed honored to have been selected to serve as county judge.”*****F.L. “Butch” Butcher passed away and was buried on Monday, Nov. 15. He was a good man. *****Phyllis Dunn returns from a trip to Missouri where she visited relatives and also longtime friend Doris Holt Fogal. Doris and husband Frank operate Honey Bear Cave.*****Deer hunters go west! Bobby Smitherman, Jerry Pesson and Huey Simon and their brides are on a trip. *****Bob Montagne will become democratic chairman replacing Pete Runnels, who resigned to become county judge.*****Jimmy Conn runs pictures of Richard Corder and Roy Dunn holding their “pet sticks” in local paper. *****Mark Dunn covers Neil Young’s concert for the family paper, Opportunity Valley News. *****Doug Childress and Uptown Country play for dance at the VFW.*****David and Debbie Fusilier celebrate their first anniversary Nov. 13.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

It had been awhile since I had visited with Judge Roy Derry Dunn. Jane is still teaching half day classes and keeping busy. Derry is still Municipal Judge in Pinehurst and is on the LCM School Board. He said that the paper mill closing came as a shock, even to the 300 people who worked there. “It’s a big blow to the school district. About 23 percent of the district’s income is from the paper mill. International Papers’ main office is in Tennessee. Derry said they were awaiting word that might help relieve some of the pain but here will still be a lot of unemployed citizens and a tough road ahead for this great school district.***** The Lutcher Theater this weekend solved the great philosophic debate of whether decorations should be in shades of brown and orange for Thanksgiving, or whether go straight to Christmas with red and green. Pink was the color for the Lutcher’s presentation of  the musical “Mean Girls,” based on the Tina Fey film. Pink, pink, pink everywhere, even with some of the guys. It was fetch. Barbara Dardeau and granddaughter Ella certainly dressed for the occasion in bright pink dresses and wearing solid pink, heart-shaped sunglasses with a bit of sparkle. Jill Kunst wore pink, but husband, Mike, who is Orange city manager, opted for a white shirt. Clint Ray, though, donned a pink shirt to wear with his suit. Cindy Claybar and longtime friend Sherry Windham always know how to dress like art teachers. Wonder why?  Also in the crowd were Kacey Burnitt, Alicia Wriston, Adriana Smoat and Diana Sikes. Brandy Bonnin even came back home to see the fun musical. The Beaumont Community Theater’s summer kids production did “Mean Girls” this summer. Some of those kids got to meet some of the leads in the touring company. The Stark Foundation is an ace at setting cross activities between their venues. This time, they held a “date night” at the Stark Museum of Art before the theater.*****Gary and Angie Stelly took in a different type of music. They headed to The Oaks event center in Vidor for a concert with country music legend Gene Watson, from Palestine, Texas.*****Mickey Litton Gisclar, who has a heart so big it’s hard to imagine how it fits in her petite body, continues with her kind gestures. She is the daughter of the late Moe Litton, the unforgettable coach-trainer at Bridge City High for decades. He died in five years ago at the age of 91. Mickey kept the  purple tie that Coach Litton wore to his induction as a distinguished alumnus of Stephen F. Austin University. She sent the tie to another Lumberjack, Kent Hutchison, who nominated the coach for the honor. Kent grew up in Orange County and has returned after living years in Nacogdoches.*****Orange Mayor Larry Spears Jr. has become known for his positive attitude and faith in God. Now, he’s ready to venture out to conduct wedding ceremonies, vow renewal ceremonies, funerals, and motivational speeches.*****The holiday season is upon us and all kinds of events are being set up. The Lions Club is getting the big jump all the way into 2024. The annual Lions Charity Carnival will be March 13-16, and March  20-23.*****The St. Mary’s Altar Society is having their annual gumbo and gift benefit this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Parish Hall, 912 Cherry Avenue. Lots of baked goods and crafts will be on sale, along with silent auctions. Those ladies have a reputation for good gumbo.*****Roberts Ford in Orange is looking for vendors for their second Christmas festival to be held at the dealership on December 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The ‘fee’ for vendors is a donation of a new toy, plus one of their items to be used for raffle drawings. The toys will be given to the Bridge City-Orangefield Ministerial Alliance to help children. The money from the raffles will go to the Sugie Lane Foundation to help victims of domestic abuse.*****The city of Bridge City and the Bridge City Chamber have set their community Christmas in the Park for December 1 from 5 to 9 p.m.  The tree will be lighted at 6 p.m.*****Orange Kiwanis have set their fundraising Breakfast with Santa for the morning of December 2 at Spanky’s. Tickets are $12 for a pancake breakfast with the jolly old elf. Wonder if he drips syrup on his beard? .*****The Orange Service League’s annual Toy Coffee to gather toys and money for the OC Salvation Army will be in the Old Orange Historic District. Beth and Kenneth Wheeler are opening up their restored home, plus their recently-restored Miss Laura’s School building. The tiny two-story house started as a stable behind and 1800s house. It was once converted into a private school.***** Steve and Gail Maddox have been back in Europe again. After seeing the sights in Paris, they caught a river cruise seeing more of France, plus Luxembourgh and Germany.*****Carly Thibodeaux and Kathleen Hughes took a short jaunt to Charleston, South Carolina.*****Terri and Brad Childs seem to always be on the go, even if it’s not across state lines. This time, it was to RenFest. Who knew City Councilor and Aggie Brad had lederhosen.***** Folks celebrating birthdays in the next few days. Nov. 8: Bryana Hernandez, Debra Burch, Keith Longlois and Aaron Hommel.*****Nov. 9: Jim Reid, Madalyn Carpenter, Sue Barnes, Eric Meadows, Linda Faulk, Pauline Chatelain, Keith Royal, Susan Veillon, Cecil Welborn, Charlotte Wooten, Donna Bradley and L.C. Boudreaux.*****Nov. 10: Steve Carlton, Rana Miller, Troy Crochet, Della Buxton, Jeff Bland, Patricia Kemp, Karen Clopp, Trey Todora, George Roberts and Lora Hanks.*****Nov. 11: Greg LeBlanc, Michael Fisette, Cynthia Dupuis, Michelle Brown, Ryan Pickering, Allison Ball, Bree Hanks, Gerald DeLeon, and Janelle Cochran..*****Nov. 12: Sean Cade Gros, Jeanne Blacksher, Tina Duncan, Kathy Reeves, Larry Gunter, Liz Briggs, Phillip Kimbrow, Sharon Sims, Shelby Newton, Cyndi Longlois, Steve Fisher, Carol Ware, Charmaine Faircloth, Crystal Jones, Pat Stanton and Daneille Graffagnino.*****Nov. 13: Karla Holden, Kimberly Ray, Mary Cassidy, Karen Schrieber, Carol Lopez, Tim Johnson, Cecilia Broussard, Daniel Chasson, Darla Murphy, Donald Miller, Cody Edgerton and Katie Hoffpauir. *****Nov. 14: Ruby Wimberley, Kristina Schisler, Lauren Fruge, Lauren Peet, Traci Birmingham, Mary Dixon, Susie Riedel, Vicci Milligan, Anna Cappadona, Casey Smith, Dana Perkins, and Fred Fuselier.*****Also Rose Bottley, whose name fits her elegant sweetness, celebrated another birthday this week.***Retired Orange Leader writer-photographer Bobbie Earle made another trip around the sun. Others lighting candles on cakes included young red-headed Jackson Johnson, Marilyn Prewitt, Ryan Keszeg, Laura Chumley Wade, Donna Bell, Kreshonda Armstrong, Sandra Latiolais, Kristian Russo, S’vana  Kaylan Roberts, Donna Bell, Lynn King, Deborah Fezia Walker, Kay Wallace, Wade Hanchey, William Green, Theresa Cronin, Codie Vasquez, and Tim Hickey.*****Kent and Dallie Miller celebrated another wedding anniversary.*** Celebrating their 48th wedding anniversary are Debbie and David Fusilier.***Brad and Carlus Roy celebrate their anniversary Nov. 11.*****Ryan Ragsdale and fiancée  Kennedie Schexnayder were honored with a couples shower. Their wedding will be soon.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Joe Babineaux came from his home in Sout Louisiana to visit his aunt in Beaumont. Babineaux went into a Beaumont store and he tell da clerk, “I’d like some boudain please.”

Da clerk look at him and he say, “Are you a Cajun?”

Babineaux him, he is really offended. He answer, “Well yea, I’m a Cajun me, but let me axe you something, if I had axe for Italian sausage, would you axe me if I was Italian, hanh?” “If I axe for German bratwurst, would you axe me if I was German?” “If I axe for a Kosher hot dog, would you axe me if I was Jewish?” “Wat if I axe for a taco, would you say, are you Mexican you?” “Would ya hanh?” “Would ya?”

Da clerk say, “Well no.”

Wit deep self righteous indignation, Babineaux say, “Well damit, all right den, why you axe are you a Cajun jus because I axe for boudain?”

Da clerk answer, “Well sir, it’s because you’re in Home Depot.”

C’EST TOUT

THE WASHINGTON POST REPORTS

Former President Donald Trump, according to a new report, is plotting to use the Department of Justice to go after his political foes, including some members of his prior administration. The Washington Post  reported Sunday, in a piece authored by Isaac Arnsdorf, Josh Dawsey and Devlin Barrett,  that the former president is now plotting vengeance against his political foes in a very pointed manner. Donald Trump and his allies have begun mapping out specific plans for using the federal government to punish critics and opponents should he win a second term, with the former president naming individuals he wants to investigate or prosecute,” Trump has been open about his desire to go after his political foes in a second term. The Post report is noteworthy because of the revelation that Trump is also looking to exact revenge on numerous high-level officials from his first term. In private, Trump has told advisers and friends in recent months that he wants the Justice Department to investigate onetime officials and allies who have become critical of his time in office, including his former chief of staff, John Kelly, and former attorney general William P. Barr, as well as his ex-attorney Ty Cobb and former Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Gen. Mark A. Milley, according to people who have talked to him. Trump has also talked of prosecuting officials at the FBI and Justice Department, a person familiar with the matter said. Milley did not comment to the Post about the report, but the other three Trump officials named in the piece did. “There is no question in my mind he is going to go after people that have turned on him,” Kelly said. “I’m quivering in my boots,” Barr added. The report first appeared on Mediaite. In a previous report Trump said he would pardon those charged in the January 6 Capitol invasion.*****Well, I’ve probably done all the damage I can do for one week. Keep those cards and letters coming. If you don’t have a stamp send an email. Be sure to check us out daily on our website, therecordlive.com and please shop our family of advertisers. (Note: To place a birthday or anniversary notice, free of charge, in this publication, please call 409-886-7183 or email to therecordlive.com. Take care and God bless.