The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

WELCOME TO OUR CHRISTMAS ISSUE

We have rolled up on another Christmas and are very grateful to be here with you and still be able to knock out this weekly column and bring “The Record” to you. We thank our faithful readers who have made us the most popular and most read publications in Orange County. Christmastime is a great time to say thanks to our writers who are always current, informative and interesting. Our staff, week after week, does a yeoman’s job of putting out a good paper. Thanks also to our distributors who deliver the paper. Most of all we are grateful for our family of advertisers who make it all possible by using our two newspapers to spread their message. We reach more consumers than any other combination of publications.

GLENDA’S CHRISTMAS GIFT TO US

Among our stories this week is a special feature from Glenda Dyer, who spent many years in the area as a Beaumont Enterprise reporter, Orange Leader editor and writer for The Record. She also published her own newspaper in Bridge City for a time. Today, she and her husband Paul live in Tennessee, near Nashville, on a large family farm in a home built in the 1800’s. She previously wrote a unique story that begins in Orange around Christmastime in 1943. As far as I know, the story and the discovery by Huw and Martha Howells has never been told by others locally. It is very interesting to discover how the history of Orange shipbuilding finds its way to Devon, England at an interesting place; the home of legendary writer, Agatha Christie. It’s Glenda’s Christmas gift to all of us. (Today Glenda is in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s. Our prayers are with Glenda, Paul and daughter Martha, who is now living with her parents and husband to help care for Glenda.)

PORT NECHES-GROVES DEFEATS SOUTH OAK CLIFF

20-17 IN CLASS 5A DII STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

It’s the first state title for Port Neches-Groves since 1975. South Oak Cliff was the two-time defending champion and defeated Port Neches-Groves in the 2022 title game. “It’s so sweet getting the chance to come back and beat (South Oak Cliff). Coach Jeff Joseph said, “I don’t think the reality of us winning the championship and being the best team in the state has really set in yet,”.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2013

I saw where Dr. Sam Monroe, Lamar Port Arthur president, will retire next year on Aug. 31. We have been fortunate to have known Sam since we were all much younger. He has been the only president of Port Arthur Lamar, installed in 1974. His parents started Port Arthur College, which later became Lamar. They would be proud of the great job he has done. Sam is one of the finest men I’ve known, something that is shared with every young musical artist of the back-in-the-day. Someone else will take his place but no one will ever replace him. LSC Port Arthur is a true successful story, along with the museum that Sam made happen.*****Congrats to Chief Cliff Stutes, husband of the beautiful Donna Peterson Stutes, who was grand marshal of the 72nd Pearl Harbor anniversary celebration on Dec. 7. The Navy Chief led the parade in a 1961 convertible with his lovely daughter Donna Peterson, Jr., *****Our friend, Margie Stephens received an early Christmas gift. While visiting Dallas/Fort Worth, Harry surprised her with a new 2014 BMW.***** The Greater Orange Area Chamber held their annual awards dinner meeting last week. Congrats to Chad Jenkins, Ag. Teacher at Orangefield, named Citizen of the Year. Beverly Perry received the Athena award. They were well deserving, as well as the other civic workers who were recognized.*****Jamie Winston, Florida State quarterback, became the youngest player to win the Heisman award Saturday. The 19 year old is the second freshman to win the award. Johnny Manziel, A&M, winner last year, came in fifth in this year’s ballot.***** Mack Brown will be gone from UT after 16 years as coach of the Longhorns. His final game will be in the Alamo Bowl against Oregon, Dec. 30. Brown, age 62, did a far better job than he’s getting credit for, but in coaching, it’s ‘what have you done for me lately’.***** Dec. 20, longtime friend, Port Arthur native and Market Basket checker, Anne Hargrave, celebrates as does one of the great guys, former union boss, Kenny Pigg and another great guy, Phillip Welch, who turns 55.******On Dec. 21, a good friend of many years, a great judge running for his last term, Dist. Judge Buddie Hahn celebrates. It is also Buddie and pretty Ms. Carol’s 44th wedding anniversary this week.*** On Dec. 24, Rene, mayor of Starks, and his lovely bride, Lucy Hanks, celebrate 58 years of wedded bliss.***On Dec. 25 celebrating Christmas birthdays are former JP Flo Edgerly, Ronnie Hutchison, Earline Russell, Velma Theriot, Ruby Ryan, Rushia Mae Cooper, Evelyn Foster, Janelle Deutsh, Randy Wuske, Mary Frances Hartley and Louise Buker.***** After hearing about the death of country singing legend, Ray Price, I was just thinking how fortunate I’ve been to have lived through the times of pure, true, country music and the great artist who sang the songs and played the music. Price was an East Texas boy, born in Perryville, raised in Dallas. Willie Nelson, Roger Miller and Johnny Paycheck were at one time Price band members. This year we lost two of the best in George Jones and Ray Price.*****A very special lady, Inez Hearne , turns 95 years old this week. What a trooper.

20 Years Ago-2003

Three dead in murder-suicide: A 23 year old woman, Wendy Roque, and Lance Pearson, 37, were shot by Alvarez Roque, 33, husband of Wendy Roque. When approached by deputies, the 33 year old husband shot himself in the head with a handgun. Justice of the Peace Janice Menard said, “The body of the woman was outside and Pearson’s body was in his residence, a mobile home in Vidor.” Judge Menard said an 18 month old child was found at the scene and was delivered to Child Protective Services unharmed. Menard said, “That is so sad right here at Christmas.” The Judge also said a 78 year old man was killed as he was looking under his hood when the gear shifted and ran over him. She could not relate his name but said it occurred on Winfree Road, off Highway 62. She also said a woman died traveling from Florida to McAllen to spend Christmas with her grandchildren. She became ill where she stopped at a local restaurant and died. Judge Menard said, “I love my job but this is the tough part.” *****Celebrating birthdays on Christmas Day are former JP Flo Edgerly, Gordon Baxter, 80, and Ronnie Hutchison. *****Coaches Mark Forman and Cornell Thompson haven’t been hanging on to jobs very long since leaving West Orange-Stark. They just left their latest jobs at Huntsville.*****Congrats to Amber Dunn, who last week received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Texas at Austin College of Natural Sciences. Amber is a Bridge City High graduate. (Editor’s note: Amber attended the Texas Tech Medical School and served her residency in Cleveland, Ohio. She is presently an Anesthesiologist in Vero Beach, Florida. She is the daughter of Mark Dunn of Bridge City.)*****GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: Donald A. Gunn, 76, died Sunday, Dec. 21 at St. Elizabeth. Services Dec. 24 at Claybar. Gunn was a retired plumber and former constable of Pct. 2. He was a U.S. Navy veteran during WWII. Gunn is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Lou Pacher, son, attorney Tommy Gunn, daughters Donna Mitchell and Diana Dotson and their families.***Kyle David Richardson, 16, of Bridge City died Friday, Dec. 19, at Texas Children’s Hospital after a brief illness. He was a sophomore at B.C. High. ***Aaron “A.G.” Burch, 72, died Dec. 19 at Herman Hospital. ***Richard A. Hudnall Ferris, 47, of Mauriceville died Monday, Dec. 15. ***Delward “Del” Fred Keischnick, 64, died Dec. 16. ***Joseph O. Broussard, 81, died Dec. 16. ***John L. Toups, 55, died Dec. 19. ***Georgia Gertie Welch, 94, died Dec. 22. *****Joe Kazmar, in his Kaz’s Korner column, runs his annual Santa’s list. For many years Kaz has been publishing his list. Over the years many of his friends have left us. (Editor’s Note: Joe has now passed away. His list ran for 40 years. We sure miss him.)

45 Years Ago-1978

Some of the folks seen floating around town doing last minute shopping were James “Stick” Stringer, Asa Mansfield, Crip Trahan, Bob Montagne, Ernest Willard Frank, Buddy Rhodes, Curry Barton, Raymond Seltzer, Bill Stringer, Alvin Keown, Butch Ibach, Sunny Gunstream and Cecil Beeson. (Editor’s note: Stringer is the only one still with us.)***** There are 22 Sak-N-Pak stores, owned by Lynn and Carol Emmerson, in the Golden Triangle.*****The Fashion Scene is located at 333 Roundbunch in Bridge City.*****Ronnie Theriot is a car salesman at Stephen’s Buick.*****Noguess Mortuary is located at 2300 MacArthur in Orange.*****Spotted at the Village Squire were the Three Stooges, Tina Cotton, Nancy Scarborough and Kim Young Worster, bride of Gary Worster and mom of new baby Jacob.*****Betty Jo Spence is editor of the Dunn family owned Opportunity Valley News, located at 109 6th Street in Orange.*****Albert Gore, assistant Bridge City superintendent is BC Rotary president. Other officers are John Brooks, first vice president; Don Cole, second vice-president; Charlie Patten, third vice-president; Chapman Bell, secretary-treasurer; Tim Lieby, sergeant-in-arms; directors are Lawrence Helton, Roy Dunn, C.R. Nash and Hank Eckhardt.*****Attorney Buddie Hahn celebrates his 35th birthday on Dec. 22. (How young we all were.)

A FEW HAPPENINGS

A special lady will be celebrating a special birthday next Wednesday, Dec. 27. Our longtime friend, Steve Stevens’ widow, Irene, will celebrate her 96th birthday. She and Steve raised a good family and during their marriage they danced over 10,000 miles. Irene Stevens is a nice, sweet lady that deserves a great birthday. *****Congratulations to Stump Weatherford for being named Citizen of the Year by the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce last week during the group's annual banquet. Stump can chalk up a lot of contributions to his community during the past 50 years. Wife Dayle Gunn Weatherford accompanied him. He's been out and about a lot in the days after leaving the hospital for cancer treatment.*****Jessica Hill from Entergy took over as the chairman of the board for the chamber as Steve Jones stepped down from his leadership. Jessica was the Orange County Economic Development director before taking the job in private industry. Stacy Brister, superintendent of the LC-M school district is the chair-elect. Chad Jennings, plant manager at Golden Triangle Polymers, now is a member of the chamber's board of directors.*****Those attending included Emily McKee Mellon, Paul and Kim Dickerson, Gary Stelly, Tad McKee, Corey Stark, Heather Montagne, Dr. Tom Johnson, Wade Smith, and Caleb Meadows. Of course, Ida Schossow, president and CEO was there.*****Adam Conrad has become King of the Video for the Salvation Army of Orange. His Facebook shorts seeking volunteer bell ringers show off his acting antics. Speaking of bell ringers, Cecil Broom and Betty Harmon, longtime members of the local Army's advisory board, were at Walmart on Friday ringing for Red Kettle donations. They've been doing that for more than 50 years. Betty's daughter, Debora Harmon Lanciaux accompanied them and Orange City Councilor Paul Burch made it a foursome. Remember, local donations to the Red Kettle go to help people in Orange County who need assistance.*****The Orange Alumnae of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority with Margaret Adams as president, brought dozens of boxes of cereal this week to help the Army's food pantry. Cereal and shelf-stable milk are popular grocery items for hungry families.***The LC-M football team raised $2,500 for the Salvation Army Angel Tree program and bought 55 bicycles.***Captains Dante and Tiffany Salgado are the new local leaders of the Army and moved here with their young children just in time for the busy holiday season.*****Bridge City High has announced the royal court for January's Winter Formal. Seniors are Heidi Broussard, Elizabeth Bunch, Raema Lyda, Carys Wolfe, Victor Hernandez, Aden Lapeyrolerie, Lorn Little, and Brayton Tregre. Juniors are Alyson McAllister, Kylie Thomas, Zackary Dommert, and Luke Williams. Sophomores are Kinsley Commack, Gabrielle Moore, Koby Dean, and Abraham Mungia. Freshmen are Madeleine Doyle, Jensyn Yeaman, Braxton Burch, and Reece Skinner.*****Joe and Kendra Waldbusser took a trip west or the NFR and picked up new cowboy hats for the event.*****County Commissioner Johnny Trahan and wife Becky escaped for a getaway to Universal Studios sans grandkids.*****Justice of the Peace Joy Dubose-Simonton celebrated the birth of twin grandsons. Parents are Christian and Jessica Simonton.*****The Bridge City school district honored retiring business manager Melinda James with a reception.*****Kent Hutchinson was among the locals taking a holiday trip to Natchitoches, Louisiana, for their famous festival. Orange City Councilor Brad Childs and wife, Terri, also traveled there this past weekend. The previous weekend, they hosted their big annual wing-ding. Guests included Lanie Brown, Gary Bonneaux, Keith Longlois, Jody Chesson, and Adam Conrad.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK

A few friends celebrating birthdays in the next few days. Dec. 20: Kenneth Pigg, Jeremy Granger, Jeffery Huebel, Elizabeth Parish, Majed Jaarah, Matt Reeves.*****Dec. 21: This is the first day of Winter. Celebrating are Daniel Perry, Rick Deutsch, Glenda Granger, Paula Hall and Rachel Guidry.*****Dec. 22: Phyllis Broussard, Rodney Harmon, Yvonne Veillon, Clevie Fontenot, Charlee Lemons, Dale Burns, Debi Foster.*****Dec. 23: Chris Gunn, Rodney Petty Sr., Jane Holton, Sue Cowling.*****Dec. 24: Helen DeRoche, Holly Bryan, Mindy Granger, Toni Thompson, Terri Estes, Lewis Sims, Mary Jane McCune, Mike Dillion.*****Dec. 25: Judge Flo Edgerly, Ruby Ryan, Ronnie Hutchison, Velma Theriot, Janelle Deutsch, Randy Wuske.*****Dec. 26: This was the date in 1922 that Cajun music performer Harry Choate died. Celebrating birthdays are Ashley Burris, Emily Glover, Jennifer Ferguson, Kent Broussard, Laura Floyd.*****Birthdays in the past week were Lee Clark who celebrated his 90th birthday. Others completing another trip around the sun included John Mallory, Bobbie Lynn Hudson, Frederick Robinson, David James, Gary Marks, Virginia Fregia, Daniel Bourgeois, Cody Caples, Kallye Harris, Franke  Brown, Tommy Bradford, Ricki King, Jackie Dallas, Mariah Mims, Danny Simar, Pam Hughes, Sheilia Rellford, Cheryl Sharpton-Stalnaker, Stryker Kovatch, Chip DuChamp, Raven Walker, and Susan Wingate.***** Speaking of special people celebrating birthdays, Judge Buddie Hahn will be celebrating his 79th on Dec. 22. I recall the time, many years ago, when I first met Buddie and Carol. Happy anniversary also Dec. 23 to these great folks on 54 years of marriage.***Becky and Mark Messer celebrate a anniversary on Dec. 22.***Chris and Linda Gunstream with No. 39.***Brandon and Alexis LaBarbera celebrate. Best wishes to all for many more healthy years together.                                       

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CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Naville Badeaux and his wife, Lula Mae, were lying in bed, turned in for da night. Naville was falling asleep but LuLa Mae was in a romantic mood her and wanted to talk.

She said, “Babe, you used to hold my hand wen we was dating.”

Naville reached over and held her hand for a few seconds and rolled over to get to sleep him.

Lula Mae said, “Den you used to kiss me.”

Naville, mildly irritated, leaned over and gave her a peck on da cheek and settled back down to sleep him.

A few seconds later, Lula Mae added, “Den you used to bite my neck.”

Really pissed by now, Naville threw back dem covers and got out of bed.

Lula Mae axe, “Where you going hanh?”

Naville say, “To da bashroom to put my teets in.

C’EST TOUT

THE ICONIC COUNTRY SINGER/SONGWRITER

Willie Nelson celebrated his 90th birthday with a party at LA’s famous Hollywood Bowl. The event took place for two days, April 29, his birthday and April 30. Over the weekend we got to watch a two hour television special of the event. I first met Willie when he wore a crew cut. That was right after he and Paul were run out of Nashville. I recall when Mark Dunn, as the photographer for The Record, got to go on the bus with Willie and the boys. Somewhere there is some great film of that event. The weekend birthday lineup included Neil Young, Kris Kristofferson, Dave Matthews, Keith Richards, Lyle Lovett, Kacey Musgraves, Chris Stapleton, Rosanne Cash, Snoop Dogg, Ziggy Marley, Beck, Sheryl Crow, The Lumineers, The Chicks, Norah Jones, Tom Jones, Leon Bridges and Nelson’s sons Lukas and Micah. Willie is a Texas treasurer. He is truly a living legend of music. At 90, he’s still going strong and is embarking on a new tour and will release his 72nd studio album. Willie is currently a nominee for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.*****Thanks for coming along. Read us cover to cover. Merry Christmas from all of us to all of you. Take care and God bless.