The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

HISTORIC TRIAL OF TRUMP BEGINS

Not until mid-afternoon Tuesday did Donald Trump’s lawyers and prosecutors select the first seven jurors for the case, which centers on allegations that the former president falsified documents to cover up a sex scandal involving a porn star. Dozens were dismissed after saying they could not be fair, underscoring the towering task of trying a former president in a city where he is deeply unpopular. The lawyers reached the heart of the selection process early in the afternoon, An Upper East Side investment banker, a high school teacher who likes to sew, a Mexico-born man who listens to podcasts about gay issues, a Harlem woman from a family of police officers and a bookseller who believes “no one is above the law.” These were just some of the hundreds of New Yorkers who on Tuesday reported to a Lower Manhattan courtroom for jury duty in the first criminal prosecution of a former American president. But that process was quickly interrupted when the judge, Juan M. Merchan, scolded Mr. Trump for muttering and gesturing while one of the potential jurors was being interviewed. Donald Trump, who faces 34 felony counts may take the witness stand in his own defense. Trump directed his fixer, Michael D. Cohen, to pay hush money to the porn star, Stormy Daniels. And while serving as president, he had his company falsify records to hide his reimbursement of Mr. Cohen.

CONDOLENCES

We were sorry to hear of the death of James “Sandy” Kirkland, age 75, who died April 8. Funeral services were held Monday, April 15, at Memorial Funeral Home of Vidor. Officiating was Clay Herford. Sandy, was a longtime member of Boilermaker Local 587. He was one of the great guys we have known. Our condolences to his family. May he rest in peace. Please see obituary.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2014

I was sorry to hear that our friend of many years Kenneth Smith, of K-Dan’s, suffered a heart attack recently. However, I’m glad to report that he is doing well now after getting a stint that has cleaned the 95 percent blockage.***** Last week on April 9, “Buster” Lapeyrolerie, a longtime resident of Bridge City, passed away. Buster was a salt-of-the-earth guy who I never heard a bad thing said about him. He and wife Audrey raised a large family of great kids. Ann, Amy, Janice, Jean, Arlie, Brad, Bill and Paul.***** Congrats to Orangefield ex-baseball star Chase Angelle. He completed a great game for Lamar on the mound in the 6-1 win over New Orleans. Chase allowed only one earned run. Lamar is on a roll.*****Coach Chad Landry’s Bridge City Cards baseball team keeps rolling on undefeated in district with three games to go. Pitcher Chase Shugart keeps getting stronger with each outing. He struck out 16 and allowed only one hit in a 2-1 win over Silsbee.***** A few folks we know celebrating birthdays this week: On April 16, a youngster we have known since she was sucking on a baby bottle, Hal and Laverne Ridley’s first of two daughters, Kirby Cruse, wife of preacher George Cruse, celebrates on this day.***Also celebrating is Judy Pittman, Betty Forman and Lillian Mercer.*****On April 17, a nice lady, Cheryl Puntes celebrates as does Matthew Franklin, Ronnie Haymon and Shelby Bickham.*****April 18, is Good Friday, it’s also the birthday of Mike Peebles, the former barbecue king at Yellow Rose. I’ve lost tract of his whereabouts but I haven‘t heard that he‘s in jail.***** On April 19, Shirley Bonnin, the pride of West Orange, celebrates*****Cheryl Patterson, Barbara Sarver and Mandi Chesson also celebrate. Celebrating also, last but not least, is our longtime friend Bill Nickum. ****Celebrating April 20, Easter Sunday, is pretty ex-teacher, Jody’s wife, Pearl’s baby, Beverly Raymer,*****April 21, in 2010, A great guy Mickey McNamara, 74, was murdered.

20 Years Ago-2004

Marine Lance Corporal Shane Lee Goldman was honored as a hero on April 16. Over a mile of vehicles trailed the hearse that carried his body from North Orange Baptist Church to Hillcrest Cemetery. Automobiles, police cars and fire trucks formed the long line. Hundreds at residents lined the street with hands over their hearts as the procession went by. April 13 would have been his 20th birthday. It also was the day his family took possession of the casket that held the body of their son, who was killed a week earlier on April 5 in Iraq. Tony Houseman Company placed five large signs around the county honoring the young Marine. Other businesses also displayed signs. I recall my friend Louis Dugas, a former Marine, wrote a beautiful tribute telling how he had met the young Marine before he left for Iraq. (Editor’s note: How time flies, 20 years have passed. Today, our friend Louis is also gone.)*****Troy Johnson elected County Court at Law judge. He out scored Sharon Bearden. *****Bridge City tract star, state champion sprinter Michael Gautier, has committed to run track for Lamar. *****GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: Tommy W. Green, 71, died Saturday, April 17, at his home. He was a resident of Orange County since 1943, a Stark High graduate and DuPont retiree. Service was held at Claybar in Orange, April 25. ***Service was held for William “Bill” White, 50, of Orange, who died April 16. *****The Bridge City Cardinal baseball team remains undefeated in the district. This week, the Cards defeated Hardin Jefferson. After being tied 3-3, Hunter Hays, with runners on second and third and first base open, came to the plate. H.J., instead of walking him chose to pitch to him. He parked the pitch in left center. Game over.*****Former Bridge City pitcher Luther Sanders, one of the best pitchers to come out of Cardinal land, has a 7-2 record at Blinn, .against U.T. Brownsville, he gave up only one hit in a 9-1 win. He struck out seven in seven innings.

50 Years Ago-1974

Texas Ave. Grocery weekly specials are: Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, 12-12oz. Cans, $1.99; lean ground round, 69 cents a lb.; Gold Medal flour, 5 lb. bag, 89 cents; whole fryers, 49 cents a lb.; Chuck roast, 79 cents a lb.; sliced bacon, 69 cents a lb.; 5 pounds of potatoes, 79 cents; baby beef hind quarters, cut your way, 89 cents a lb. Owner, Dick Bivens, Speck Farris meat manager.*****Rev. W.W. Kennedy will mark his 31st anniversary as pastor of Cove Baptist Church on April 28. *****Lee Brown has a painting by Gordon Baxter of a train. The painting hangs in his Beaumont hearing aid office. He has turned down 300 percent profit. Lee just won’t part with it. (Editor’s note: Lee and Bax have since passed away. I wonder where that painting is today.)*****HAPPENINGS: Glen Earl is doing the news on Channel 4. *****Willie Waldrop, the bearded reporter with the Leader, leaves for a job with the Dallas Times Herald as an investigative reporter.*****Bill Townes was elected Bridge City School Board president, Bill and wife Elaine and two sons reside at 2025 Texas Ave. He is manager of Kroger’s in Orange; C.W. Lormand was elected vice-president, Billy Christian, secretary; Gus Garza, assistant secretary. *****Inez Hearn is the manager of Montgomery Wards on 16th Street. *****Terry Hildalgo is now working at Charlie’s Furniture on Dupont Dr. *****Bridge City High D.E. banquet held. Debbie McCardle is the D.E. student working for the Opportunity Valley News, Rusty Wilson is the D.E. teacher.*****Bridge City High students Marjorie Bernhardt and Angelia Hock are finalists in the National Merit Scholarship competition.*****Alan D. Gary is running for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1. S.A. “Bill” Dickerson is candidate for constable of Precinct 2.

60 Years Ago - 1964

Sixth years ago a talented group of 13 year olds from Orange County really made their mark in bowling statistics. They won second place in the state TABY tournament at Longview. The members of this prestigious Brown Lane’s Junior Boys team were Jack Greenwell, Kevin Curran, Chuck Conroy, David Sparks, Harvey Reimer and Mickey Hall. The young keglers broke the state record in a semi finals match with a team score of 3274 and posted a 3038 in the finals.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

Dr. Tom Johnson always has something going on at Lamar State College Orange. On May 1, at 2:00 p.m., an unveiling and ribbon cutting of Technology H.O.T. Unit will be held. Orange County where the sun rises on Texas and higher education begins at LSCO.***** The spices are being gathered to boil up crawfish, shrimp, potatoes, corn and all the other stuff that is good simmering in a big pot as the Mauriceville Heritage Association prepares for the annual Crawfish Bash on May 3 and 4. The county's longest-running festival includes an all-you-can-eat deal for $50. Live entertainment this year includes Ryan Foret and Foret Tradition. And don't forget the Saturday morning parade. It's always a good time in Mauriceville.*****Stephen and Jami Lee will be leaving the Golden Triangle as he has been named the new president and CEO of First National Bank in Bastrop. Stephen helped lead Orange Savings Bank to become part of the First Financial Bank system.*****Judge Courtney Burch-Arkeen celebrated her 13th year on the bench in the 128th State District Court. She is now the senior judge of the county's three state courts.*****The Lions Club Veterans Memorial Park in Vidor has temporarily removed the historic tank on display. The tank is now off for refurbishing and will return to the memorial.*****Lots of grandparents take their grandkids to Disney World. Janie Burns Melton had the tables turned. Her granddaughter, Joey Dale Dronett, took her for a birthday trip to the Magic Kingdom, where they stayed at the Grand Floridian.*****Christine Brown-Zeto and her sister went on a cruise that included a stop in Roatan.*****Charlotte Chiasson with friends and family went to the Burnet Bluebonnet Festival and traveled through Brenham with a stop at Blue Bell Creamery. Should we ask how many scoops she ate?.*****Earnest Mickey marked his 38th year anniversary working for the Lutcher Theater.*****County Judge John Gothia and buddies trekked to South Texas to see the eclipse and got two minutes of total darkness.*****Denisha and Matthew LaFleur hosted a get-together for the Krewe C'est Bon. Juanita Smith provided the crawfish. Those attending included Leslie Williams, Sherry Hommel, Gina and Skipper Yeaman, Cody and Ashley Tarver, Lori Ardoin, and Dyan Morris.*****Pat and Phillip Caillavet have a new grandson, Bryce Weston Caillavet. His parents are Phillip and Katie Caillavet and his big brother is Pax.***** April is apparently a popular month for weddings and lots of people were marking anniversaries. We have a tie for this week's longest marriage. Dan and Lue Harris had No. 56, as did Jack and Theresa McClelland.***Russ and Theresa Cronin celebrated their 50th anniversary with a cruise to Barcelona with some side trips to a couple of other European destinations.***Timmy and Cara Campbell marked No. 35.***Others with anniversaries included  Terry and Susan Childers, David C. and Sabrina Claybar, and John and Tammra Frederick.

NEWS ABOUT THE NATIVES

Monday morning Judge Derry Dunn, the other Roy Dunn, ventured to Houston hospital for insertion of a pacemaker. The operation was put off for a week. Jane will let us know what happens there. Derry is still Municipal Judge in Pinehurst and serves on the LCM school board. Hopefully he will get over being puny in time to plant a few tomatoes.*****I heard from Phillip Welch and learned he was home feeding the dog and paying the bills while Sterling and his mom had taken a driving-vacation to Kentucky, etc. Sunday they were in Arkansas hunting for diamonds. Phillip still has that great job with the Kountze school district.*****I’ve been so much out of pocket that I didn’t realize city and school elections were May 1. In fact, early voting starts next Monday. I wouldn’t have know that if Bridge City mayor David Rutledge hadn’t been out here knocking on doors asking folks to keep him as mayor. Did you know, besides being a great mayor, David plays the bagpipes. He played at his father-in-law, W.T. Oliver’s funeral several years ago. My friend W.T. would have liked that. He was one of the finest people I’ve ever known and deserved that special tribute.*****I spoke to Martha, Glenda Dyer’s daughter, who is in Tennessee looking after her mom and helping Paul. She and her husband plan to move there in May. Glenda, who was so intelligent, is now an Alzheimer patient and is far advanced. I was very sorry to hear that. She and Paul, who is retired from Dupont, are such great folks. Our prayers go out to Martha and her family.*****Sorry to hear that Sue and Tommy Simar are now grounded. Tommy doesn’t drive any more. They say they are very grateful to Sue’s son Bud, who gets them where they need to go and cares for them.***** This week, in 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was shot and mortally wounded by John Wilkes Booth during a performance of “Our American Cousin” at Ford Theater in Washington. Believe it or not, Roy’s grandfather Allen was eight-years-old when word reached them that Lincoln was dead. His father had recently been killed in the Civil War.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS

A few folks we know celebrating in the next few days. April 17: Whitney Anderson, Katelyn Haynes, Joseph Taylor Jessica Christiansen, Kaylie Byrd, Ronnie Haymon, Shelby Bickham, Steve Evans, Cheryl Puntes, Matthew Franklin.*****April 18: Eric Haynes, Megan Wagnespack, Grant Mott, Emily Gilson.*****Bill Nickum, David Bailey, Maurelle McDonald, Jamie Moore, Barbara Sarver, Dustin Gibbs, Shirley Bonnin, Mandi Nugent, Cheryl Patterson.***The Branch Davidian compound was under siege on this date resulting in 51 adults and 23 children killed.*****April 20: Dr. Wilbur Hah, Beverly Raymer, Kenneth Brown, Becky Atkins, Belinda Norman. *****April 21: Theresa Lieby, Dana Hill, Christian Dubose, James Corley, Bonnie Short.*****April 22: Frances Shoemaker, Scott Fisher, Allison Rendall, Amelia Hollier.*****April 23: Jason Smalley, Paul Zoch, Samantha Briggs, Jeremie Breaux, Nancy Rendall, Brandon Fisher.***** Special birthday greetings to Shirley Goss, who celebrated No. 88. She wanted crawfish and her wish was granted.***Former WO-S football star Kevin Smith, who went on to be a star player for the Texas Aggies and Dallas Cowboys, turned 54.***Willie Perry had his 77th birthday party hosted by daughter Victoria Perry with lots of family and friends attending.***Others marking birthdays this past week included Kolton Marple, Devin Jack, Janie Burns Melton, Julie Simar Patronella, Myra Ratcliff Swiney, Patsy Herrington, Kenneth Wheeler, Ayden Theriot, Kenzie Caillavet, Frances Lewis, Leslie Williams, Kate Robards, Karen Wickham,  Carolyn Mello, Pat Cook, Adam Cloessner, Haylinn Crowell, Will Tubbleville, Trisha Spears, Tyler Roberts, Kahil Gibran Akram, Bubba Moore, Lindsey George,and Henry Brown. (To publish birthdays or anniversaries email us at therecordlive.com or call 409-886-7183. Publications are free of charge.)

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Oris Broussard took his uncle, Calvin Tee Nonk” Primeaux, to New Orleans for a couple of days of sight seeing and spending time together before Oris him, had to return to his military base.

After a long day of walking down every street in the French Quarters and from one end of Canal Street to da other, Oris took “Tee Nonk” to Hooters for a drink and some hot wings.

After being there for awhile, Oris axe “Tee Nonk” which one of dem waitress would he like to be stuck in an elevator wit?

“Tee Nonk” him, say, “Well Oris, it’s like dis, me I want da one who knows how to fix elevators. I’m old, tired and I pee a lot.”

C’EST TOUT

2024 HURRICANE SEASON

This year’s hurricane season is expected to be a busy one for two main reasons, the emergence of La Nina in the equatorial Pacific and record warmth in the tropical Atlantic. The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1, and already some are suggesting it’ll be one for the record books but is it still too soon to declare how active the season will be. Along the Gulf of Mexico, we are particularly prone to tropical cyclone landfalls. Almost every year we get at least one landfall along the Gulf coastline, there’s almost nowhere for cyclones in the Gulf to go besides hitting a coastline. While it may be too early to tell whether Texas will face direct hits from a hurricane this year, the implications of a major hurricane landfall are stark. Texas and specifically our area, are often cited as the most pone in the country to natural disasters driven or exacerbated by climate change. When a storm approaches, follow local authorities evacuation orders promptly and stay informed with battery-powered radios for updates. After the storm passes, assess damage cautiously, avoiding flooded areas, and be patient during recovery efforts. Preparation is key to staying safe and resilient during hurricane season.*****I’ve got to go my time is up. Thanks for yours. Please read us cover to cover and shop our family of advertisers. Tell them we sent you. Take care and God bless.