The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

JUST SAY IT AIN’T SO

I’m just having a real hard time accepting that my longtime friend Harry Stephens is gone. Early Sunday morning I glanced down at the ringing phone and seeing Margie Stephens’ name I knew it wouldn’t be good news. I had checked on Harry a few days earlier and had gotten Margie’s cell number to use if I couldn’t reach Harry. She told me he was wearing an oxygen machine full time but was still working at the store five days a week and a half-day on Saturday .A person would never guess he was having health problems. He always carried on like everything was fine, “Just getting older he would say.” So I’m thinking when I answered the phone that maybe he was back in the hospital. That was just wishful thinking. I didn’t want to believe Harry had passed away. Margie said he told her he felt like he was getting sick. Those were the last words he spoke. Before she could suggest a breathing treatment he was gone. That was Saturday night. I felt so bad for Margie. They were so close and she sounded so lost. Harry and I had been friends for a long time, going back to after he got out of the service and had gone to work for Verrett Appliance at the stores’ present location. After he purchased the store he started advertising in our newspaper, The Opportunity Valley News and later The Record newspapers. For over 50 years we have been Harry’s Appliance number one source of advertising. Harry and Margie have worked hard to make their store one of the most successful small business in Orange County. Over the years, like so many other families, we have purchased all of our appliances from them because no other store offered the service and fair prices on quality merchandise, plus a large parts department. Visitation will be Thursday, April 25, at 12:00 p.m. at Claybar Funeral Home, in Orange, funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Please see obituary.

REMEMBERING GLENDA DYER

For a long time Glenda and Paul Dyer had made their home in Orange. Paul worked for DuPont until his retirement. Glenda, who was well educated and had a Master’s Degree, planned to become a medical doctor. Even though she got close her plans were diverted. She turned her attention to journalism. While living in Orange she was a reporter for the Beaumont Enterprise, later becoming the first woman editor of the Orange Leader. Glenda also started and published her own paper in Bridge City, with the help of her “Girl Friday” Charlotte Chiasson. After going out of business, she went to work for the Dunn Families Record Newspapers. After moving to Paul’s family farm near Nashville, where Trace Atkins was their neighbor, she continued writing and publishing her on-line newspaper where she uncovered corruption in city government. She was a reporter’s reporter. She was one of my dear friends. Glenda passed away April 20. Funeral service to be held Thursday April 25 in Chapel Hill, TN. She was 80 and called Eagleville, TN. home. Daughter Martha and her husband Huw Howells, Orange residents, plan to move next month to help Paul run the large family farm. Please see obituary.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2014

Reagan Taylor Alton Dugas, 50, passed away in Austin after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He outlived the odds. Pancreatic cancer is usually a fast killer. We had known Reagan, the son of Beth and Louis, for most of his life. Throughout all those years I never met anyone who didn’t like him. Reagan, as a youngster, was a bundle of energy, as an adult he never met a stranger. He was very personable and could sell anything by first selling himself. For a while he sold advertising for The Record. There are many great stories about Reagan’s short life that could be told by lifelong friends. Ron Sigler was one of the people raised with the Dugas youngsters. He says they were either at the Sigler home or the Dugas home. ***** We were saddened to learn of the death of Harold Force, 94, who died Monday, April 21 of an apparent heart attack. We had known this good man many years. Despite being a Baptist, Harold always accompanied his lovely, late wife Marguerite, who was a Catholic and in turn she attended Baptist functions with him. Funeral services were held Friday, April 25, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. He and Marguerite, his wife of 64 years, have four children, Gayle, Hal, Anita and Paul. *****Last week, in the Bridge City/Orangefield “Students of the Month” pictures run our paper, I was surprised to see the picture of B.C. student Jayden Trahan, son of Terri and Rick Trahan. He’s a big old boy now but as a baby he was trapped in his crib in a house fire. The Bridge City firemen did a great job going through flames and smoke to get to him. They worked to save his life and after an extended time in the hospital Jayden was declared to be in perfect health. I was pleased to see that little baby is now an outstanding student. Bridge City firemen say they will never forget that child rescue. What a great, happy ending. Another of the “Outstanding Students” is Brittany Dowdle from Orangefield, our longtime friend Joyce Dowdle‘s granddaughter, by way of son Chad and wife Tracey. We‘ve known Chad since he was in diapers.*****Our friend Margie Stephens, who has been battling kidney stones was in the hospital at Beaumont Baptist to get the stones water-blasted.

20 Years Ago-2004

The Orange Chamber has named Ross Smith, president and CEO of Akrotes Inc., “Small Business Person of the Year.” Smith, a 1966 graduate of Little Cypress-Mauriceville, attended Lamar and the University of Houston. He was a 25-year employee of A. Schulman, Inc. A former Orange Chamber chairman, he is involved in many service organizations. He is a member of the Lamar State Foundation board, a former recipient of the “Community Building” award, a Mason and an active member of St. Henry Catholic Church. (Editor’s note: That shows how versatile Ross is, Masons and Catholics. (Editor’s note: What a great guy. Since he sold the Ford store we are not in touch with him.) *****County Commissioner John Dubose has been named as a board member of County Bank. Dubose was recently honored by the state of Texas with the esteemed “Texas Courthouse” award given yearly to an outstanding public servant. Bank president Carlos Vacek said, “Mr. Dubose will be a valuable asset to our bank board. He’s a longtime resident, very intelligent and as a CPA he has a lot of financial experience.” Other board members are Billy Burrow, Mike Moreau, Dr. Rod Fisette and Vecek.*****Marcelle and Cowboy Adams’ pretty daughter Theresa, educator and wife of Frank Beauchamp, is following in Marcelle’s footsteps by entering politics. Theresa is running for Orange city council. Her mom was Orange County’s first female commissioner. (Editor’s note: Mrs. Beauchamp was elected and went on to serve as County Commissioner.) *****Former NFL football star Pat Tillman was killed in Afghanistan.*****Happy anniversary to Ramona and Joey Hargraves. They were married this week in 1986. *****Tony and Karen Fusilier held grand opening of Cajun Corner Furniture with a big party, street dance and entertainment by Tee Bruce, Herby Stutes, Jiven’ Gene, Jerry Ballot, Barbara and Joe, Jessie Domingue and Skipper Free. ***** Bridge City High beats Buna 11-1. Kevin Angelle pitches another great game. Hunter Hayes was 3 for 3 at the plate. Jamie Knight was down from Dallas to watch his former teammates. *****Happy birthday Pat Faircloth born April 25, 1954.

50 Years Ago-1974

State Rep. Wayne Peveto asks to be returned to state house. ***** Bob’s Barber Shop is now open at Deweyville Circle, across from Claybar’s store. ***** County Judge Grover Halliburton reelected. ***** Mr. and Mrs. Marian Loiacana were wed at St. Mary’s, in a mass celebrated by Father Secco. He is 80, his bride is 60. *****Bonita Hebert will fly to California May 25 to visit son Ronnie, who will graduate from college June 10. *****Sis Keogh received a palm tree from a son as a Mother’s Day gift. She and Mike planted it in the front yard. *****Vivian and Leland Morrow celebrate their 29th anniversary. *****In town this week for a short visit was Bill Potter, former Orange County deputy sheriff. His health has failed and he now makes his home in Houston. *****Raymond “Bubba” Ridley wins state pole vaulting championship for B.C. with a height of 14 feet, 6 inches. Bubba did it with a cane pole, landing in sawdust. *****Judge Claude Wimberly re-elected to J.P. court, Precinct 1. *****Larry Gunter is a runoff for J.P. Precinct 2 with Judge Marlin Shelton. Gunter is Pinehurst city judge.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

Here’s a little advice that has worked good for me over the years. Come May, I always call Pestco to spray for mosquitoes. I had them spray last week and I won’t have to be bothered by “Skeeters” for at least a couple of months. I enjoy the sitting outdoors in the evenings this time of year and Pestco makes that happen. They do a great job for a small amount of money. Give ‘um a call.***** Retired educator and judge Derry Dunn let us know about a couple of other men from what is now Orange County who helped fight for the Republic of Texas. They were Peyton Bland, who married Elizabeth Harmon, a daughter of some of the first settlers, and Napoleon Linscomb, sometimes spelled Lincecom. He said the Linscomb family has found papers showing the Republic of Texas paid him $50 for a horse he had that was shot during a revolution skirmish. Dunn is also a descendant of local pioneering families and sits on the OC Historical Commission.*****Retired State District Judge Pat Clark let us know that he and the late Louis Dugas Jr. always considered April 21, the date of the Battle of San Jacinto, as the true Texas Independence Day.*****Speaking of history, Heritage House Museum ended up with perfect weather and not a lot of rain the night before to hold a Cemetery Walk at the Jett Cemetery, one of the oldest cemeteries in the county. Spencer Day, who loves local history and has become an expert in old cemeteries, helped put together the stories of some of the people who are buried in the cemetery, which many people pass each day on Old Highway 90 between the Brown Estate and Lindenwood subdivision. Heritage House board members helping to arrange the even included Jody Chesson, Adam Conrad, Peggy Wells, Kimberly Manning, Alison Clary, Leslie Williams, Edie Burch, Jill Kunst, Angela Abshire, and James Scales. Museum Director Charlotte Alford, who is continually working for the benefit of non-profit groups, was there early for the set-up.  Those attending included Angela Mills, Donna Ferguson, Amy Prouse, and County Clerk Brandy Robertson.*****Bridge City schools will be showing off their artistic students on Thursday, May 2, in the competition gym at Bridge City High School  from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The event will feature artwork and performances from students of the intermediate, middle, and high schools. Awards will also be announced.*****West Orange-Stark High has named prom royalty for this year. Princesses are Cateria Flores, D'Ayrrah Womack, Katelynn Perry, Marilynn Guillory, and Miranda Mendoza. Princes are Christopher Jones, Derek Lope, Jalen Gilmore, Tay'Vondrick Miller, and William Lee.*****Bridge City Mayor David Rutledge played a celebrity role in the Bridge City Chamber of Commerce's Designer Purse Bingo fundraiser at the Expo Center. He modeled the purses for the mostly female crowd that gathered. Chamber Director Mandy Lyda knows how to put on an event.*****Dr. Amy Judice Townsend has been nominated to serve on a Texas Medical Association committee on private practice physicians.*****David Boehme, technical director of the Lutcher Theater, marked his 18th year working at the theater.*****County Judge John Gothia traveled to Austin with the Orange County Disaster Rebuild team was the group was honored at the Governor's Mansion as one of the top volunteer groups in the state this year. The group making the trip included Michelle Tubbleville, Ida Schossow, Lori Arodin, Russell Bottley, Lanie Brown, and Julie Reid.*****Gothia was back in Orange hobnobbing at the Port of Orange's crawfish boil along with County Commissioner Johnny Trahan, Ida Schossow, Lanie Brown, Michelle Tubbleville, Janet Brown, Stephanie Roberts, and State Representative Dade Phelan attending.*****Speaking of Phelan, who is in a big runoff race with David Covey of Orange, it looks like some local restaurants are making money off the election. Both candidates have been hosting meet-and-greet events and serving appetizers.*****Local licensed massage therapists Carly Thibodeaux, Sue Kemp, and Becky McCall traveled together to Grapevine for a professional conference. Don't confuse them with the storefront shops busted by law enforcement a few weeks ago. Those shops were open at night until early morning.*****Paula and Randy Ragsdale, along with Pat and Phillip Caillavet, traveled to see the sights in Fredericksburg. Word is the guys got bored with shopping and went for some adult refreshments.*****Miriam Lutcher Stark created the Stark Reading Contest in 1904 and it has continued through wars and pandemics. The finals will be held this Saturday, April 28, at 2 p.m. at the Lutcher Theater and is free to the public. For the past 20 years, the contest has had all five county public high schools participating with each school sending their winners in reading and declamation. The Stark Foundation awards a lot of college scholarship money to the overall winners and the winners at each school level.*****Rock star Melissa Etheridge played at a Lake Charles casino during the weekend and the crowd included Steve and Gail Maddox, plus son Stephen Maddox and his wife, Kelley. Also going were three generations of women with Della Gallien, Rita Monson, and Melany Monson.*****Shangri La gardens ended up with good weather for the evening Sip 'n Stroll last Thursday and Saturday's annual EcoFest. Jane and Jerry Chesson made it to enjoy the evening stroll along with son Jody Chesson and Adam Conrad. EcoFest drew out Betty Harmon, who toured the gardens in a wheelchair pushed by daughter Debora Harmon Lanciaux. Also seen in the big crowds were Mari and Leah Guillotte-Stark, Deborah Fezia Walker, and Mallorie Frey Henning with her crew.*****Cathy Manshack joined with Stephanie Leggett and Sabrina Gray for a bread-making party. That's a certain way to make the house smell good.*****Gary and Allisha Bonneaux celebrated another wedding anniversary. They are traveling so much these days it's hard to keep up with what town they may be in.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS

A few folks we know celebrating in the next few days. April 24: Allison Small, Shaun McAlpin, Robert Schilicher, Sean Edgerton, Peggy Granger, Barbara Fuselier, Chrystal McCarthy.*****April 25: Glenn Jeter, Jeff Fisette, Marriet Litton, Roberto Deleon, Bro. James Gilbert.*****April 26: Susanne Parker, Pam Broussard, Luke Domas, Stephen Russell, Christi Goodyear.*****April 27: John Applebach, Mike Cain, Rosalyn Hollingsworth, Tim Batchelor, Chelsea Ballard. *****April 28: Dr. Nina Scales Leifeste, Joe LaMoine, Josh Blanchard.*****April 29: Kelsea Burns, Candice Vigil, Drew Wappler. King Dunn, age 93, died in 2012. Don Cole, age 93, died in 2017.*****April 30: Willie Nelson turns 91 today. Celebrating also Paula Johnson, Alissa Williams, Janice Gooch, Kim Izer, Mary Grimes, Samantha Ziller, Virginia Woods, Carl Peltier, David Winfrey, Garbrielle Freeman.***** Birthdays this  past week included Billy Young, Joshua Welch, Tammy LaBert, Hugh Hawkins, Jerry Loncon, Shari Rule, Sherry Barrett Sturdivant, and Christian Simonton.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Nolan DeVille and Oris Gilbeaux, lifelong friends, fulfilled dere dream of bot gradating from da LS&U medical school. Dey decide dat dey would go home to Abbeville and in spite of two different specialties; dey would open a practice togetter to share office space and personnel. Dr. Deville, him, was da psychiatrist and Dr. Gilbeaux da proctologist. Dere sign read “Hysterias and Posteriors.”

Da town council was livid dem and insist dey change da sign. Dey say to bring dere suggestions to da mayor for his approval, so da two doctors brought a couple suggestion to Mayor Leblanc.

One say, “Schizoids and Hemorrhoids.” “Oh no’ said da Mayor.

Den dey try, “Manic Depressives and Anal Retentives.” Da Mayor

turn thumbs down on dem.

Da doctors left and said dey would be back.

A few days later day came back wit a list, “Minds and Behinds.”

No good.

Dey try again, “Lost Souls and Butt Holes.”

Da Mayor say, “Absolutely not.”

“Freaks and Cheeks.”

Da Mayor shake his head no.

“Loons and Moons” didn’t sell either. Da young doctors, at dere wits end, gave it one more shot. “Dr. DeVille and Dr. Gilbeaux, specializing in “Odds and Ends.”

Da Mayor approved it and everybody loved it.

C’EST TOUT

‘CATCH AND KILL’ TO BURY TRUMP’S STORIES

Jurors in former President Donald Trump's criminal trial in New York heard testimony Tuesday from David Pecker, a former media executive who described his efforts to use the National Enquirer to bury negative stories about Trump and attack his rivals during the 2016 presidential campaign. Pecker, who was the CEO of the Enquirer's parent company at the time, testified that he agreed to be Trump's "eyes and ears" in 2015 and alert Trump's attorney Michael Cohen to damaging stories that might hurt the campaign. He described using a tactic known as "catch and kill" to buy the rights to the stories and decline to publish them, effectively keeping them hidden. Prosecutors allege a $130,000 "hush money" payment Cohen made to the adult film star Stormy Daniels in the days before the election was part of the scheme. Trump is charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records related to reimbursements Cohen received.*****My time is up, thanks for yours. Take care and God bless.