4A
• The Record • Week of Wednesday, October 16, 2013
be required to visit the San Jacinto Monument, where Texas roots run deep and were Gen. Sam Houston defeated the Mexican army to gain Texas its freedom.
From the Creaux’s Nest ANOTHER WEEK ROLLS AROUND Well, here we go again on another week. The country waits, hoping a resolution is reached in Washington. I’m sure it will be a stop gap, kick the can down the road solution if we don’t go over the cliff.. It seems every time our economy starts to get a little traction here comes another crisis.*** At least I got to watch some good football, didn’t like all the results however. The best college game was Texas A&M-Old Miss. A great game that seesawed back and forth but it wasJohnny Manziel who again saved the day for the Aggies. ***The best NFL game was New Orleans-New England, played in Foxborough. The Saints had the game in the bag and were starting to celebrate when Tom Brady again did his last minute magic for the 32nd time. It was the Saints first loss, a blow to Cajuns everywhere. *** A big disappointment was not only how badly the Houston Texans were beaten but how badly some fans behaved. They showed no class at all by cheering when quarterback Matt Schaub was injured. I’ve seen that kind of behavior with other teams but it was unexpected with a Texas team. That’s not who we are, we don’t cheer our fallen.***On the local high school front, two Bridge City guys faced each other on Friday night as head coaches. Coach Dwayne Dubois, the new coach at Hardin Jefferson, hosted his old buddy, Josh Smalley and hisOrangefield Bobcats. Dubois, using his own son Camden, a Bridge City native, as quarterback, led the entire game and held on for the 35-30 win. Camden Dubois, in case some of you didn’t know it, isShirley and Mayor Kirk Roccaforte’s grandson. ***The Dallas Cowboys won one but the biggest win of the weekend was Mack Brown. The coach quieted some of the criticism with a Texas Longhorn win over the Oklahoma Sooners in the Red River Shootout.*****Well, I best quit gabbing and get to work. Come along, I promise it won’t do you no harm. CRUZ SINKS GOP TO ALL TIME LOW Sen. Ted Cruz and a handful of Tea Party congressmen caused the shutdown of the government becauseHouse Speaker John Boehner wouldn’t bring a bi-partisen senate bill up for a vote. That would have saved all the pain and expense the shutdown causes. Now it looks like a deal will be struck despite Cruzstill demigoding. The proposal does not include any significant reforms to theAffordable Care Act, which is the witch hunt Cruz was promoting. He knew that the health reform law was here to stay. His one man show wasn’t going to change anything but that didn’t matter toCruz. He took in a lot of cash and propelled himself to leader of the Tea Party. His first issue was immigration, which he used to destroy Sen. Marco Rubio with. However, he needed a stronger issue like Obama Care and shutting down the government. He pushed the thirty odd Tea Party radicals in the congress to move toward defunding President Obama’s signature health care law. Again Cruzknew that dog wouldn’t hunt but that wasn’t his purpose. I told you last week that Cruz cared only about his self-promotion. He didn’t care who got hurt in the process. I told you he was going to hurt all Republicans while setting himself up at the top of the hill. Well, I was even surprised how badly he and the Tea Party hurt the Republican brand. Eight major polls, including Republican polls, show that the brand is down to a all time low. Only 21 percent today approve of the Republican Partygovernment shutdown. Cruz hurt everyone, including President Obama, who is down to 47 percent. The Republican led congress is down to 5 percent approval. One percent more than Charles Manson.Cruz and the Tea Party congressmen don’t care if fellow Republicans get hurt because the congressmen are in safe gerrymandered districts. If a deal is not struck on the debt ceiling, theRepublican Party as we know it would be no more. As of today, polls show Independents, who really control the outcome of elections, favor Democrats by 78 percent. No doubt the Republican Party is hurt. Can they recover by next November? Maybe. Texas has 23 Republican congressmen, four are Tea Party Cruz followers. One of them is our congressman Steve Stockman, who is absolutely useless to the citizens of this district. To the Republicans credit they did run a couple of good candidates that were rejected by their own Party. Orange County was taken in by the straight party vote to oust President Obama. That wasn’t going to happen but it brought in people likeStockman. I believe the only people helped by the pain inflicted by the Tea Party is Ted Cruz and Hillary Clinton. She will look like the only adult in the crowd. The Republican Party, with one crisis after another, keeps shooting themselves in the foot. My prediction is that the Democrats will control the White House for the next dozen years. I may not be here to see it but remember where you read it. There’s just one place to place the blame and that’s the Republican Party for letting a freshman radical senator and a hand full of extremist take control of their Party. All polls show the country is center right. Far right or far left will never make it to the White House. They have lost the Independents. That’s my take. A TEXAS TREASURE The San Jacinto Monument stands as a stunning tribute to the spectacular 1836 military victory that won Texas Independence. Topped with a Texas star at 567 feet, it’s the world’s tallest monumental column. The only thing that it lacks is an adequate home for a museum, but that will be remedied with a new $15 million, 44,000 square foot exhibition hall/ visitors’ center to be opened in 2017. Every Texas child should
IN MY MEMORY The conversation with a couple of friends turned from politics today to remembering those who served us locally after the war. The war ended in 1945 but my first memory of local government starts about 1948. Raymond Sanders was mayor of Orange and later in the 1950s served as chief of police. Gene Nance was police chief. The city judge was Abram Prince. I believe the city attorney was Ernest Reid. In county government Sid Caillavet was the judge. In 1950, he was elected mayor of Orange. It paid more than the county, about $800 a month. Dick Stanfield was the sheriff, Chester Holts the jailer and was appointed sheriff when Stanfield died. Holts went on to be the longest serving sheriff, 21 years. Joe Runnels, Jr. was county clerk. He was elected mayor of Orange, defeating Caillavet and was later defeated for the office by Caillavet. Runnels then was elected to the same office again. Before leaving office Caillavet implemented the city manager form of government. When Runnels took office the salary went from $800 a month down to $100 a month. County attorney was Graham Bruce; I believe the dist. judge was named Adams. Jack Brooks was state representative. I recall one of the county commissioners was “Tick” Granger and Buck Patillowas constable. Another constable was Vorhees Ratcliff. Those are my earliest recollections. I don’t know who the first district judge was in Orange County who wasn’t a traveling judge. I also don’t know who the first county court at law judge was Charlie Holcombe. What year was the post created? A few people are still around who recall the war years, such as Harold Forse, Percy Bordelon, Vergie Scales, Ms. Pearl, etc. Why isn’t someone interviewing those people who have lived that history? I miss my friend King Dunn, who before he left us recorded the early days in Orange County.
TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME 12 Years Ago-2001 Area stylist and citizens remember Annie Broussard with prayer and benefit. Stylist donated their time for a Cut-AThon to benefit the American Cancer Society in honor of Annie, a teacher atHatton Elementary, who died of breast cancer last month, Sept. 16. According to Terry Gauthier of Total Impressions, $4,508 was raised during one day in the annual Cut-A-Thon. *****Dan Dumasis honored as Ambassador of the Month by Bridge City Chamber. Ricardo Ceja, owner ofTequila’s, accepts the award for Business of the Month.*****Britt Godwin’s parents, Mickey and Sandra Godwin, celebrate their 40th anniversary last Saturday, Oct. 20.*****If A.G. John Cornynhas his way, we are headed on a course that will take Congressman Jim Turner away from us. The state Republicans have redistricted, putting Orange County in the Houston area district. (Editor’s note: Well, that’s what happened. Since we lost Charlie and Jim, no new jobs have been brought toOrange County.)*****Frank Manchec, Jr., 43, son of Athelene and the late Frank Manchec, Sr.,died Oct. 18. Athelene has lost both of her sons. Mark was killed in a plane accident in Florida a couple of years ago. Her only surviving child is daughter Margaret. Frank, Jr. is survived by sonsStephen and William and daughter Karen. *****Jim Latiolais, 54, brother of BCISD board memberTim Latiolais, passed away Oct. 19. *****Mable Mann, 72, died Oct. 18. She was a 58 year resident of Bridge City. She is survived by mother Gladys Strong, sons Gary and Don and daughter Debbie.*****The 1951 class of Stark High School celebrated their 50th class reunion. Louis Dugas’ sister, Margaret and husband Preston Conway, attended. Louis says they were freshman when he graduated. (Editor’s note: Louis is gone to join wife Beth, but as far as I know, pretty Margaret and grumpy Preston are still around and I hope doing well.)*****The Record Players of the Week are WO-S Mustangs Jamarqus O’Neal; BC Cards Charlie Varrett; LC-M Bears John Rachal and Orangefield Bobcats Brett McPhatter. 37 Years Ago-1976 Congratulations to Bridge City high royalty. Homecoming queen June Nazat, band sweetheartMelissa King and football sweetheart Kim Daniels.*****At Orangefield, Julie Breaux was chosen homecoming queen, Patti Peveto football queen and Angie Hasting band queen.*****BCISDbusiness manager Neil Bond has a birthday Oct. 27.*****Art Miller is president of the BC Optimist Club.*****Jeanne Wood, Helene Litton and Lennie Rutledge will represent B&PW at the district conference.*****BC football star Tony Mullholland featured in “Sports Illustrated”magazine.*****Bridge City Fire Department opens spook house. Donna Hinton, auxiliary member, says expect a new assortment of spooks, ghosts and other scary stuff.****Sandi Mobley and Debbie McCardle will both celebrate birthdays next week.*****The world’s ugliest man, our own Gene Goza, (that’s according to “National Enquirer”) will appear on Merv Griffin’s national TV show. That will bring recognition to Orange. Gene is a super-talented person. He and wife Carol have two beautiful daughters. Daughter Traci has dad’s talent and has won quite a few honors and has a shelf full of trophies. Gene is one of the world’s great guys. (Editor’s note: It’s amazing the changes 37 years can bring. In Gene’s case, the world turned upside down.)*****Attorney Jack (John Cash) Smith, local lawyer, who is a big Baylor and Texas Longhorn booster and usually displays their stickers on his car, is victimized by an Oklahoma fan. Plastered all over his station wagon (JSY 357) are the following stickers: “Oklahoma, Seventh Flag Over Texas,” “Oklahoma is Switzer-Land,” “Sooner Power,” “O.U., We’re No 1,” and “Stomp Texas.”*****The Little CypressMauriceville Bears use passing attack to explode for 18 secondhalf points but fell just short of victory. SFA scored three TDs in the first half on Bear turnovers. In the first half, the Bears saved being shut out when split end Jet Toohey caught a 38yard pass and Wade Kachtik scored from 2 yards out. The second half belonged to the Bears with an 18-yard pass from quarterback Teddy Gibbens to wingback Mike Brosette and a 16-yard pass from Gibbons to Mark Mortimer. Gibbens passed for 205 yards;Tooney, 84 yards receiving; Brosette, 48 yards and Katchtik and Brian Landry accumulated 161 rushing yards. Bears came up one point short. A FEW HAPPENINGS I’m happy to report that our friend, a great guy, Don Harmon, has been showing remarkable improvements in his battle with cancer. He has a way to go yet but he gets a little stronger daily. *****On the other hand, we are quite concerned about the health of our buddy Doug Harrington, who is facing multiple problems. Over the weekend he was transferred to a hospital in the Woodlands for special treatments. He could use your prayers. *****A few good folks we know who are celebrating birthdays in the next few days. On Oct. 16, Wayne Mulhollan, longtime husband of legal secretary now retired, the beautiful
Barbara, celebrates on this day. ***Several people we know celebrate onOct. 17. The lovely Barbara Harmon, Tommy’s other half and John’s lifetime partner, his wife Linda Heard, celebrates. Johnny Dubose, one of my favorite youngsters is getting older in front of our eyes. And one of the great gals, Sue Collins, marks a birthday. Also on this day Dr. Wesley Palmercelebrates. ***On Oct. 18, Penny Becker, Emily Hughes, Bill Andes and Mary Kendrick are having full moon birthdays. ***Oct. 19, is a special day for Phillip Todora, Joy Simonton and Leona Simmons. They share a birthday with Chuck Berry, 87. ***On Oct. 20, longtime Orangefield resident Mary Nixon celebrates. So does Jason Yeaman and Jeanne Mullins. ***On Oct. 21, our buddy at Dupuis Full Service, David Tallant’s lovely wife Mary celebrates. Our longtime friendVicki Drake Brown marks her birthday also. The art work at the top of this column was created by artist Vickie many years ago. Many of the originals were lost to Ike. Brad Childs and John Cecil Beeson also celebrate on this day.***Oct. 22, former Orangefield coach Roy Farias celebrates as doesBob Frank, Bill Butler and Bryan Chauvin. Happy birthday to all. Please see complete list.*****You know you’re in a redneck church if some old boy request to be buried in his 4-wheel drive truck because, “That baby, it ain’t never been in a hole it couldn’t get out of.” Also if opening day of deer season is recognized as an official church holiday. You know you’re in a redneck churchif the final words of the benediction are, “y’all come back now, ya’ hear?”*****Tommy and Sue Simar stopped by. They just returned from Alligator Country near Morgan City. They detoured toAbbeville, Roy’s birthplace, a unique Cajun town. Tommy, a former Levingston Shipyard worker is looking forward to the Levingston employee reunion Saturday, Oct. 19 at North Orange Baptist Church, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Folks attending are asked to please bring a covered dish.*****Jeff McCarlson, a very interesting guy, is opening an interesting business called “MudBug” on Hwy. 62 at Hwy. 105. Watch for it. *****There are all kinds of rumors about who’s running for what, but the rumor that Bobby Fillyaw is running for anything is false. Tales will fly. The only thing for sure is that we will have several RINO’s running. *****This week the Lunch Bunch will dine at Peggy’s Off the Bayou, Hwy. 62, at Norton’s RV. Next week, Oct. 23, the Bunch will dine at Robert’s. it also will be Judge Claude Wimberly’s 79th birthday. Y’all come. Everyone is always welcome. *****Harry Stephens’ birthday was Monday. He spent it at the doctor’s office so he’s throwing his own party at Harry’s Appliance with a big sale storewide. Free same day delivery. Come by and wishHarry a happy birthday and take advantage of the savings. He services everything he sells. BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK Brad Brown, Christopher Brown, Edneshia Johnson, Channing Larkin, Gene McKinley, Linda Heard, Glinda Gomez, Pam Bowman, David Sargent, James Brown, Jeff Braus, Johnny Dubose, Linda Nicks, Rachel Tisdale, Sue Collins, Wesley Palmer, Bebe Ricks, Bob Puntes, Barbara Harmon, Cheryl Royal, Evelyn Nobles, Lynn Bates, Mary Everett, Mary Kendrick, Penny Becker, Bill Andes, Dina Defrates, Emily Hughes, Frank Fraccastoro, Griffin Lemley, Julie Prosperie, Phillip Todora, Kristin Bertles, Madeline Kirby, Blake Hunt, Joy Dubose-Simonton, Kyle Johnston, Leona Simmons, Mozelle Francois, Mary Nixon, Beth Baas, Rodney Cartwright, Ashley Sanchez, Jason Yeaman, Jeanne Mullins, Jenne Mullins, Kim Ezell, Jennie Hutchison, Earnest Barnes, Mary Tallant, George Fleming, Tammy Ballard, Marilyn Ponthieu, Vicki Brown, Treva Hodge, Anita Green, Brad Childs, Cory Moreau, John-Cecil Beeson, Marguerite Mahfouz, Kyle Murrell, Roy Farias, Becky Carter, Bob Frank, Bill Butler, Brian Prevost, Bryan Chauvin, Eldon Pendergast. CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK Teenot Theriot him, is a photographer for the Abbeville Meridional Newspaper. He got a call at home him, dat an oil well in da Gulf had blown up. Teenot call his editor, Guy Trahan, an he say, “Look Guy, me I need an airplane rat now.” Trahan tole him to head to da Vermillion Parish Airport and he assured Teenot a plane would be started and jus waiting on him. Teenot drive like hell him, from his house in Delcambre, bout eight mile. As soon as he got to da small airport, sure nuff, a plane was warming up near da runway. He grabbed his camera and jump in da plane and he yelled, “Les go, les go.” Da pilot him, turn dat little plane into da wind and in da air dey went. “Fly over da north side of da fire,” Teenot, da photographer, say, “and make tree or four low, low passes.” “Why’s dat?” axe da pilot. “Because I’m gonna make some pictures me. I’m a photographer and dats wat photographers do dem.” say Teenot. After a long pause da pilot him, who done turn plum white as a sheet, axed “You mean you not da instructor you?” C’EST TOUT The Scarecrows are back at Shangri La. Make plans to visit between now and Halloween. The grounds are beautiful and the weather should be good.*****On Nov. 1, the annual Holiday in the Park in West Orange kicks off. It’s always a lot of family fun.*****On Oct. 26, the City of Orange presents a free concert at Riverside Park Boardwalk Pavilion featuring Keith Frank. A fun time for everyone.*****Thanks to everyone who helped the Diesel Durkin fund raiser Sunday at First Christian Church. It was a big success. Good news: A report out Monday states the U.S. is now the world’s largest producer of oil and natural gas. The U.S. has now surpassed Russia who produces 21 million barrels a day. The U.S produces over 22 million barrels.*****I’ve got to go now but first a reminder, “Remember there are worse things than getting a call for a wrong number at 4 a.m., it could be a right number call.” Please read us cover to cover and shop our family of advertisers when you can, they bring you this paper free of charge. Also check us out on the web at therecordlive.com. Take care and God bless.