The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

WHY PHELAN SHOULD BE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE

One of the three most powerful political positions in Texas is on the line. It is more important to House District 21, in Southeast Texas because that is the district the powerful Speaker of the House of Representatives is from. It is the first time in Southeast Texas history that our little part of Texas has had such a strong hand in the governing of Texas. Speaker Dade Phelan is a true southeast Texan; his roots are deep in the Beaumont area. He is one of us. He is a great asset for us in Austin. Ten million is being spent to take the leadership out of Southeast Texas. A small group, headed by Midland billionaire Tim Dunn, a West Texas oilman who has built a political machine along with his allies who control the most powerful seats in the state and now want control of the Texas House. The only way to do that is to defeat Phelan or enough of his core supporters in the House. Dunn and allies provide the cash and access to political consultant’s operations that can be used to spread false attacks on their targets through glossy mailers and television commercials. Someone who is not well known in the community and tell him we’re going to make you a star. The person has no idea what he is getting into. He has no platform and has no say. Dunn and his group call all the shots; their candidate is just their stooge. If he’s elected he goes to the House as a freshman. The power, which includes Paxton and Patrick, will then fulfill Dunn’s wish with a speaker of his choice. Former Texas Governor Rick Perry said in a Enterprise commentary, “It is disheartening to see the political discourse surrounding this primary with outside interest spending millions.” The attacks against Phelan are from folks who don’t know the first thing about Southeast Texas’ needs. These outsiders want Dade out so they can take control of the Texas House and District 21 for themselves. Perry continued, “Use your vote to send a message that Southeast Texas is not for sale.” Phelan is the real deal not someone off the street with no experience. Dade is real accessible to the public officials and citizens of Orange County with an office on 16th. St. The only way the outside forces can destroy him and take the speakership away is for the voters of Southeast Texas to turn against Dade Phelan. Despite all the money and the trash being thrown at him it’s not likely that the local voters will give up this first in a lifetime leadership to return to the little forgotten part of Texas. For the continued good of Southeast Texas, vote to keep Dade Phelan Speaker of the Texas House. Remember it always get down to who you know in Austin.

SERVICES TO BE HELD

Dorris Norwood, 89, a 58-year resident of Bridge City, passed away February 25, 2024, in Tomball Texas. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City. Officiating will be Mark Bunch.  Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, March 1, at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City. Condolence to her family and friends. See obituary on our website therecordlive.com

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2014

Congratulations go out to the City of Orange and also, the Orange Chamber for a great Mardi Gras parade and party. The Christmas parades that started at MacArthur Shopping Center to downtown Orange used to have people lined up on both sides of the entire stretch. This parade had the most folks congregated in a smaller area. Former Orange Mayor, the pride of Rayne, LA, “The Frog Capital,” Essie Bellfield was in her element dancing to Wayne Toups’ accordion music. She danced the night away. *****Thur., Feb. 27, the West Orange City Council will honor number 29 with “Earl Thomas Day.” Earl got some great reviews for his participation in the Mardi Gras activities.*****It was old home week at Robert’s Restaurant last Wed.. It’s a great place for the natives to gather. Spotted in the packed house, besides the Lunch Bunch crew, were Norman and Loretta Berry, John and Linda Heard and friends, also Ms. Pearl who was dining with her two daughters Beverly and Juanita and a friend from Houston. Pearl has some pretty daughters but she was the one getting all the attention.*****March 2 is Texas Independence Day. It’s one of our most important historical days. It used to upset our friend, historian attorney Louis Dugas that so little was done to mark that holiday. Did you know that the folks who died at the Alamo never knew Texas had declared its independence? ***** We were sorry to hear of the untimely death of Bonnie Pepper Peveto, 72. Bonnie passed away Tuesday, Feb. 18, at her home. Services were held last Saturday, Feb. 22. Bonnie was such a beautiful, nice lady and had many friends. She had taught special education at Orangefield and was a longtime employee for Orange County Road and Bridge. Lately, she had worked part time for James Stringer. Our condolences go out to sons, Dean and Chad, daughter, Dana and their families. *****Finally arrested in Mexico after escaping 13 years ago was drug lord “El Chapo” Gusman. The billionaire was the boss of the Sinaloa, the world’s largest exporter of drugs. The United States wants to extradite the 56 year old. They fear another escape in Mexico.*****One of the most active community guys we know is Port Commissioner Keith Wallace. The guy is everywhere doing good deeds and has time to look after his Reliable Cleaners.

20 Years Ago-2004

Former Bridge City Judge Guy O’Neal Rascoe, 81, died Sat., Feb. 28, after a lengthy illness. A native of Haynesville, La., born Feb. 6, 1923. He had been a resident of Bridge City for 54 years. He served as municipal judge 16 years. He was a WWII Army veteran. He retired from U.S. Steel after 31 years and was a Master Mason. He is survived by wife Roxie and four children. *****Darryl Brinson is named executive editor of the Record Newspapers. He replaces Jerry Childress, who was appointed Veterans Service Officer. *****Russell and Stephanie Turkel are the proud parents of a new baby girl. Mya Rose was born Sat., Feb. 28. She has a three years old sister Zoe. Grandparents are Dr. Arlene and Richard Turkel and Cathleen and Ron Ledbetter. Uncle Scott Turkel came from Austin to welcome the new baby. *****GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: Sybil Goulas Scales, 72, of Bridge City, died Feb. 28, 2004. Service was held March 1 at St. Henry Catholic Church. Sue is survived by husband Buster, sons Jimmy, Johnny and Kendal, daughters Christy, Nancy, Cyndi, Susan and Jodie. 

A FEW HAPPENINGS

Spring is here and social activities are ready to get into full swing. Orange Christian Services is ready to have the most unusual fundraising event. The Roper Romp is set to be held Saturday, March 9, at 2 p.m. at the Hop Brewery in Bridge City. The fun party will pay tribute to the 1970s hit TV show “Three’s Company” that featured landlord Helen Roper wearing colorful caftans. Women are invited to get their vintage caftans and curly wigs, while the men can dress like hubby Stanley Roper in old cardigans and sweater vests. The party is being planned by the Southeast Texas Chapter of the International Order of Mrs. Roper. Admission is a $20 donation, or donations of person need items like bath soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, and shampoo.*****The Lutcher Theater continued its season with a candlelight presentation by the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra. The crowd included retired county judge Carl Thibodeaux and wife, Michaela, Janois and Mark Grizzaffi, Michelle and Pat Belcher, Rhonda Ritter-Fenton, plus Casey and Leah Guillote Stark, who brought their daughter.*****Some headed across the river to the Golden Nugget in Lake Charles to see Shane Smith and the Saints. Locals there included Brandi Griggs with Justin Rieson, Edie Burch, Brittany and Fletcher Pipkin, and Jennifer Byr.*****Penny LeLeux of Orangefield pulled off another successful Boom Town Film Festival in Beaumont. It was her second year to be director of the event. She scored big by bringing in 75-year-old West Orange High School graduate Dolores Cantu from Las Angeles. Cantu drew in some of her classmates at the festival, including a special screening at the Jefferson Theatre of the classic “Saturday Night Fever,” where the character portrayed by Cantu beats up John Travolta. The festival gave her a lifetime achievement award for her half century work in film. *****Get ready for some country music on Saturday night of March 9. The Lamar State College Orange Foundation, which supports scholarships and other needs of the local school, is having its 10th annual Boot Scootin’ at the Brown Estate. Wonder if Dr. Tom Johnson will wear a bow tie. He’s usually in cowboy boots anyway.*****We need to get Paul Burch of Orange Community Players to sing the melody of the West Side Story song ‘Maria,’ substituting the name LaToya for us. We got OCP volunteer LaToya Overstreet’s first name incorrect last week.*****Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center held its annual community trash-off last Saturday and drew a few hundred volunteers to pick up litter and garbage along roadsides and waterways in Orange. It was started by the late science teacher Michael Hoke, who first got volunteers to clean Adams Bayou to establish the first nature center. The trash-off has now grown to include the Sabine River and areas of Orange, Pinehurst, and West Orange. Lots of companies, churches, and civic groups sent volunteers. First United Methodist Church had a team including Angela Abshire, Leigh Barron, and Lance Rousseau. Sarah Boehme was out with the Orange Rotary Club. Chevron Phillips had a team including Emily Melon and Miranda Stansifer that cleaned the Cordrey Avenue area with Cooper’s Gully. Future Orange city councilor Matt Chandler, who is also pastor of Life Church, was joined by his young daughter, who asked to help. Maybe we can get her generation to finally stop throwing out trash on public streets and waterway. *****Congratulations to our staff of writers. Margaret always brings us up to date on events in her special style. Dan does a great job with sports. Last week he highlighted our area girl’s softball teams. He always gives a great effort. Debby Schamber’s story on Capt. Danny Gray’s death and the death of Billy Wayne Dowden in prison February 1, was like a walk through the past. Dowden was responsible for Capt. Gray’s death. Sharon Bearden, who was district attorney at the time praised Debby’s report. By the way, I spoke with Bearden while he was attending a Bridge City baseball game. He tries to make as many as he can. His grandson Hutch is left fielder and pitcher for the Cardinals. Sharon doesn’t get around as fast now-a-days but he’s still in the courtroom and winning at age 86.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS

A few friends celebrating birthdays in the next few days. First we want to wish a happy belated birthday to Ellen Nickum who celebrated Feb. 27. *****Feb. 28: LeVerne McDonald, Anna Marshall, Amy Ball, Kathy McKenzie, Kurt Reeves, Royce Pendergast and Ginger Romero.*****Feb. 29: Celebrating today is our buddy Logan Dubose, also Will Brinson, Kevin Jones and George Cassidy.*****March 1: Jill Culp, Jennifer Thomas, John Gooch, Louise Hamilton, Monica Wilson, Robert Foster and Aiyana Bland.*****March 2: Amy Taylor, Kay Butler, Craig Nugent, Apryl Carter, Tommy Andrus and Brittany Waguespack.*****March 3: Lori Bonds, Joan Broussard, Andy Pryor, Donna Sullivan and Carolyn Miller.*****March 4: Cassie Bearden, Coby Richard, Vickie Parish, Darrell Evans, Jo Young, Frances Brood, Travis Reeves, Barron Nimitz and Carolyn Sheppard.*****March 5: Jennifer Byrd, Chris Slaughter, Cathy Kimbrow, Lenzi Childress, Carolyn Hillsten and Don Bayliss.*****Sunyi Lemoine celebrated her birthday with a gathering of friends including Nancy Gillam Byers, Pat Shuffler, Vicki Bingham, and Debbie Peveto Taylor. Shirley Ann Cloudy turned 90 with a family party honoring her. Others celebrating birthdays this past week included Sandra Godwin, Brandi Leatherwood, Bridget LeBlanc, Beth Mathews, Kathy Jackson Green, Bryce LeMoine, Carter Claybar, Tony Perry, Rachel Bryan, Scott Clark, Dr. George Olive, Jackie Andrew, Becky Smith, Carroll Holt, Doris Parks, Barbara Williams, Tony DuCharma, Sam Goss, Lowell Campbell, and Pastor Eddie Sheler. And don’t forget retired coach Randy Ragsdale. The grandpa turned 60. Word is that his wife is much younge.*****Bridge City ISD Police Chief Cliff Hargrave and wife Sally marked 36 years of marriage. He had hair when they wed.***Toy and Michael Moses have been married 27 years.*** Rusty and Pam Scales Honeycutt haven’t been married as long, but this is their second time around.

NATION TRULY AT CROSSROADS

In November comes the General Elections where the big apple will be the presidential race. That race could be the most important race in my lifetime and quite possibly my last. My first one goes back to Ike, in 1952. Our democracy is the worlds best but for the first time in our history we are at the edge of going over the cliff and throwing away all the great gains our country has made. This country has had some rocky roads throughout these years from using mules to haul goods to many of our young dying to keep us free, all guided by a strong constitution. Our biggest blow to the fiber of the union came on January 6, 2021 when our Capital, Democracy and Constitution were attacked from within by its sitting president who led an insurgent against his own government in an attempt to overthrow the results of our fair, national election, won by his opponent by over seven-million votes. Donald Trump tells us every day what his plans are for our democracy. If successful in the next election in November our children, grandchildren and great, great, great will never get to live with the same freedoms and laws that have guided this great country. Make no mistake about it, everyday Trump works to dismantle the Grand Old Party of Ike, Reagan, Sen. Bob Dole and one of our greatest heroes Sen. John McCain. In its place, Trump wants to install his own type of government which would be more reflective of a dictatorship. His relationship with Russian President Putin could be very profitable to him but dangerous for our country. This would be an end to this great democracy and also to the two party Republican and Democratic system. One man rules all is what Trump is pushing, along with a barrage of daily untruths. That’s my thoughts as I think about the future of my country that I love and has been so good to me and mine.. We are really at the Cross-roads.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Tee-Not Dupuis hitch hiked from Kaplan to Lafayette him, to attend da big Mardi Gras celebration. Tee-Not him, he don’t know

much bout big city life. He was walk down dis alley wen two robbers jump him. Tee-Not, wat is strong him, put up one heck of a fight but da robbers finally got da best of him. They emptied Tee-Not’s pockets only to be disappointed.

One of dem robbers say, “You stupid Cajun, you got youself beat up an almost killed fighting for just $2 in you pocket.”

Shaking his head Tee-Not said, “I’m not stupid like you say, me, I have a hundred dollar in my sock me.”

C’EST TOUT

We congratulate the candidates who have offered themselves for public service. We thank those who have used our publications, The County Record and The Penny Record, to reach the voters with their messages. Early voting ends March 1 and Election Day is Tuesday March 5. A very important race that usually goes unnoticed is the all important Precinct Chairman race that is being contested in the Republican Primary.*****I’ve got to get out of here. Thanks for your time. Please read us cover to cover, including the ads and patronize our family of advertisers. Take care and God bless.