North of the Creaux's Nest

A MILLION DOLLAR WINNER, LOTS OF BUZZ I went by to see our buddy Millard Cox and Ms.

Ginny this week.

Both have been under the weather with some kind of crud.

Neighbor Cox got a shot from Dr.

Chris Penning.

Cox calls him “Kid.” Anyway, the good doctor fixed Cox up and he was tending the scaled down neighborhood garden.

Cox has even quit cutting neighborhood grass.

Ms.

Ginny was waiting for the holidays to end and the doctor’s office to reopen.

*****The buzz for a week around Bridge City has been the million-dollar lotto winner.

The ticket was bought at Exxpress Mart. That made a media star out of Miss Mary.

She got more coverage than Obama.

Pretty Courtney just stood by and smiled.

I bet Dennis will have a lot of friends, kinfolks too, that he didn’t know he had.

I’m glad the winner was local and a young family.

They should clear a little over $600,000 when taxes and the dust settles.

It sounds and is a good amount of money but it can disappear fast.

I’m sure they are getting more advice than they need but here’s mine.

Freeze the money in the bank for six months.

Act like you never got it.

Don’t spend a dime.

Put $100,000 in a college fund, it will earn $200 a month and will grow.

Forget you have it.

Put the other $500,000 in CDs, it will earn $1,000 or a little more a month and keep living on it and your present income and you will never again have a poor day.

Building a house, going into business and other expenses should wait and bought with the interest the money earns, otherwise it won’t last a lifetime.

Splurge only on what runs over the $600,000.

It’s free advice but I’ve seen it both ways.

*****I’m sitting here working on Memorial Day.

I think of all the people who gave their lives in all the wars.

Freedom hasn’t been without a high price.

I hope you enjoyed your time off.

There is no time off in this business.

My wife said I should have listened to her and got a job at the PLANT. I’d best get to work.

Come along, it won’t do you no harm.

CONDOLENCES We were saddened to learn of the unexpected death of Rev. Dale Vance, who died May 21.

A few days before his death, what had begun as a cold turned into pneumonia.

Hurricane Ike and four feet of water had driven him and Ms.

Sally from their home in Schofield Place in Bridge City.

At the time of his death he was pastor at Central Baptist in Port Neches.

For many years he had been the pastor of First Baptist in Orangefield.

Many stories have been told of this good man and his compassion.

He was always available to help others.

Brother Vance loved banana pudding and members of his congregation kept him supplied.

He was as good a man as any that ever walked this earth.

His services were Sunday at First Baptist in Bridge City.

See obit.

Our deepest sympathies also on the death of William David Dickey, Willie to his friends.

He was a former West Orange football player and co-owner of Gary’s Coffee Shops.

He passed away at age 53 on May 22.

Services were Tuesday May 26.

Willie never met a stranger.

If you went into his restaurant, he would always acknowledge you and took time to visit.

He was a great guy.

Condolences to his mom, Ms.

Lera and the family.

See obit.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME 35 years ago-1974 Wally Fowler, the gospel singer and Roy Dunn spent most of a morning recalling the past and exchanging memories of when they both were with Dudley J. Leblanc’s Hadacol Caravan.

Wally was with the Oak Ridge Boys and the first to bring Hank Williams Sr.

to Nashville.

He also had a lot to do with Eddie Arnold’s early success.

Wally had written many songs recorded by other artist.

He gave Roy a copy of his new album, “Jesus.”*****On Thursday, 35 years ago, the day before Friday’s Bridge City’s graduation, pretty Terrie Linn Stakes, 18-years-old, lost her life in an auto accident.

She was the daughter of Calvin and Bobbie Stakes.

The Bridge City class of 1974 held their commencement, marched in to the tune of “Pomp and Circumstance” but as one student put it, “It was a sad and empty occasion.” Terrie was buried on graduation day.*****James Broussard, a candidate for county judge, who didn’t make the runoff, endorses Judge Grover Halliburton over James Stringer.*****Debbie Hawks is the bride-elect of Duane Johnson.

The wedding is planned June 1.

*****Ramona Dillard and Roger Perry were married May 31.

*****Muffins Burgess recently underwent surgery and is recovering at home.

*****Tommy Segura flew 36 hours over land and sea to get home to Bridge City.

He will be at his parents home, Ann and Jimmy Segura, for a 30-day leave.

He slept 13 hours after the flight.

*****Mr. and Mrs. Percy Blanda celebrate their golden anniversary at Percy, Jr.’s home.

Ninety-three guest, including 11 grandchildren attended.

30 Years Ago-1979 One of the area’s nicest ladies, June Wingate, is working at the Ramada Inn.

*****Mary Dorothea Fontaine Smith had a birthday May 27.

(Editor’s note: We wonder what became of “Aunt Mary” anyway? If anyone can tell us please let us hear from you.)*****Edgar Wooten was 25 years old on May 24.

(Editor’s note: We know that talented guy is still around, we just don’t run into him anymore.)*****Tom Powell is a new Farmer’s Insurance agent in Bridge City.

He is at 380 Texas Ave.*****Harmon Chevrolet is selling the new ‘79 cars for $195 over factory invoice.

They are at 307 Green.

*****Bickham Lincoln-Mercury is having a midnight sale.

*****Stephen’s Buick is at 4101 IH-10.

*****Smith-Lee, Olds, Cadillac, Toyota is owned by Bennis Lee and John Smith and is at 2500 IH-10.

*****West Orange Stark Booster Club holds second annual All-Sports banquet.

Billy Tubbs, college basketball Coach of the Year was guest speaker.

H.B, Lindsey, booster club president, presented awards.

Ernest Anderson was selected outstanding athlete in football, Kevin Wolfford, outstanding in baseball.

Outstanding female athlete was Retha Jones most outstanding male was Van Barnett.*****Bridge City High School principal Joe Chenella, announced that commencement exercises May 29 will be in Cardinal Stadium.

Baccalaureate will be in the high school at 8 p.m.

Speaker will be the Rev. Charles Sheppard, pastor of St. Mark Lutheran Church.

David Dutschmann is valedictorian, Teddy Spurlock, salutatorian and Charlotte Bevil – highest-ranking girl.

After graduation a party will be at the Ramada in Orange.

*****The Bridge City High School baseball team is playing Brenham in bi-district title game.

Best two out of three.

N.J. “Vic” Vicknair had surgery last week and is doing fine.

(Editor’s note: Vic recovered from that surgery, had many productive years but has now been under the weather for several years.)*****State Rep.

Wayne Peveto received a gavel from speaker of the house Bill Clayton during the 66th session.

Peveto’s property tax bill (SB621) passed the House and Senate and has been sent to Gov. Clements for signing.

The Peveto Bill had lost in a close battle in 1975 and ‘77.

Peveto is a strong advocate of tax reform.

(Editor’s note: The Peveto Bill and Appraisal Districts are still being used today.) A FEW HAPPENINGS Just as I had speculated, Kris Allen, 23, from Conway, Ark., beat the panel of judge’s favorite Adam Lambert to win American Idol.

The judges were obviously bias for Lambert and Danny’s fans, feeling he had been treated unfairly, switched their votes to the underdog Kris.

I had said that would likely happen.

Lambert will be a bigger star then Allen; he has more assets and charisma.

If the boy from Jasper would switch to country music, with his roughneck background, he could be a big star on country radio.*****On May 25, 74 years ago, Babe Ruth hit his final homerun for the Boston Braves.

His record of 714 career homeruns held until 1974 when Hank Aaron hit No. 715 to break the record.*****Congratulations to the Bridge City baseball Cardinals on their two our of three win over the Orangefield Bobcats.

The Cards move on in the playoffs against Spring Hill, Thursday.*****Congrats also to Coach Bennett and his Bobcats on a great season.

He not only had a good team but a great bunch of boys.

This was not the only times these two teams have met in playoffs.

They met in 2005.

In the first round of playoffs, the Bobcats beat Huffman.

That’s when all team members bleached their hair.

In the second round, the Bobcats beat Jasper with a winning homerun by Joseph LaFleur.

The win pitted Orangefield against Bridge City in the third round in a game played in Port Neches.

In the last game freshman “Possum” LaFleur came in to shut the last batter, Cody Sparks, down with a strikeout.

The Bobcats however, lost both games to Bridge City.

I suspect Orangefield and Bridge City youngsters will meet again and again in playoffs games for years to come.*****Bob West wrote a heart wrenching column Sunday.

I feel for Bob and his family.

Their son Damon, a star high school athlete, a leader, who was looked up to and seemed to have a bright future got involved with “meth” in Dallas.

The end result is that he was overstacked with a 65-year sentence.

It’s a tragic story that must have been extremely hard for a dad to tell about a son he was so proud of.

There is a moral to this story.

None of us are immune and there is not a darn thing we can do once a youngster leaves home.

Trouble is always just right around the corner.*****Speaking of writers, author Sylvia Dickey Smith’s newest book “Dead Wreckoning” has been listed as one of the top 20 summer reads by Conversations magazine.

She is also host of an Internet and radio talk show called “Murder She Writes.” Sylvia is also completing a novel set in Orange during World War II, “A War of Her Own.”*****Your help is needed.

Any help would be appreciated.

The Orangefield Little Dribblers senior girls’ All-Star team is heading to the national tournament in Lubbock.

These seventh-  and eighth-graders need about $6,000 for lodging.

Other expenses will be picked up.

I understand the donation is a tax write off.

Our readers have always been good about helping out the youth.

A story appears somewhere in this paper.

To help or buy a $5 raffle ticket for an Academy $500 gift card call Josette at 313-1533 or Marty at 670-3792.

Your help is needed.

It would be a shame to have to forfeit.*****Happy birthday this week to “Sprad” who turns 79 on May 25.*****Also celebrating is Dr.

David Olson, Nikki Fisette and Dr.

Amber Dunn on May 30.*****Celebrity birthdays.

Gladys Knight of Gladys Knight and the Pips will be 65 May 28.*****Country music star Wynonna Judd turns 45 on May 30*****There is more to the Duhon firing at the Drainage District than what meets the eye.

It was too much of a “up jumped the devil” type firing.

To be fair however, he stayed about the same amount of time a manager usually lasts.

Remember Sigler’s release came about the same way, same amount of time.

I also believe the Drainage District has one of the better boards of directors.

I’m sure I could, but haven’t tried, to find out who was behind the firing.*****We were sorry to hear about the death of Duane Yates, longtime member of the Fabulous Boogie Kings.

Duane was well known in the area since the 1960s.

He passed away in Alexandria, La., on May 23.

He was born April 18, 1944.

He had many fans here.

*****Don’t forget about the big, annual Ed Peveto Crawfish Boil Saturday at 1 p.m.

at the Jewell Cormier Community Center on FM 1442.

It’s always a fun outing.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK Robert Herin, Bruce Montague, Charlene Terro, Honor Lee Smith, Jacque Phelps, Jeanie Larch, Judy Landry, Kyle Smoke, Maureen McAllister, Michael Garcia, Rebecca Brumer, Shelly Smith, Kelli Boehme, Steffan Milligan, A.J. Lemoine, Christina Cunningham, Derek George, Nikki Barron, Nikki Fisette, Darrell Perkins, David Olson, Florence Evans, Jeannette Foster, Lauren Brownlie, Macey Joubert, Terry George, Wilda Hart, Rhonda Wilson, Brooke Edwards, Dorothy Slusher, Emily Culpepper, Gene Armand, Joyce Bourdier, Rollie Cardner, Sheila Deason, Claudia Lyon, Janice Prevost, John Gifford, Julie Lummus, Kathy Holland, Kayla Hickey, Miranda McClure and Donna Witt.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK Old man Curtis Boudreaux had a lot of money him, and about ten years ago he married Agness Comeaux, who was 20 years younger dan him.

Da first couple of years was okay but since den dey did a lot of screaming and cussing deep into da night.

Dey stayed married but hated each utta.

Old man Boudreaux would shout, “Wen I die me, I will dig my way up out of dat grave and come back and haunt you for da rest of you life.” Neighbors feared da old man.

Dey believed he practiced Black Magic, strange tings happened in da neighborhood.

Boudreaux was a mean old man and finally died of a heart attack wen he was 80-year-old.

Everybody was relieved dat he was now dead.

Agnes, her, started partying, going to bars, having a good time and spending crazy Boureaux’s money.

Her friends were concerned for her and axed, “Agnes, aren’t you afraid you, dat Boudreaux him, might be able to dig his way up out of dat grave and come back and haunt you?” Agnes said, “I’m not worried me, let dat old fool dig, I had him buried upside down, ass side up.” C’EST TOUT President Obama named Sonia Sotomayor as his choice for the Supreme Court. That’s a good move.

It’s also historical; she will be the first Latina on the court. I doubt the Republicans will give her a free ride but she will be confirmed.

*****A big problem facing Obama is North Korea.

They are testing him and the West.

Nukes in the hands of that insane bunch can’t be allowed to stand.

We could easily take care of those sites if it weren’t for China.

Here’s betting they throw a monkey wrench in the plan.

You can’t trust them in the outhouse with a muzzle on.

They will never go for us bombing.

*****The Texas legislature has accomplished nothing.

The Republicans voter ID Bill looks like it’s down the drain.

Gov. Perry is not even faring well on his appointees.

Maybe state lawmakers are fatigued by Perry’s long tenure or they are just balking at his leadership.

They keep turning their backs on the governor.

I don’t believe there is a chance he can get re-elected.

Next year will be interesting in Texas politics.

I don’t believe Sen.

Kay can be stopped.

I also believe the Democrats will take over the House.

That’s not the most pressing – redistricting is.

It’s time the counties are freed from the Houston / Dallas stronghold.

Orange County needs one state representative, not a split county.

Our congressman and state senators need to be from right here in Southeast Texas.

Presently they are both from the Houston area.

The Tom DeLay, Rick Perry gerrymandering, years ago, has cost this area plenty.

We don’t have one of our own representing us.

It’s ridiculous the way those clowns divided our state to give all the power to the big cities.

They then did crazy things like splitting Orange County in half.

The plan was designed to give Republicans more power, like the National Party that has sunk to an all time low.

The people of Texas are getting fed up with the failed Republican policies of the last few years.

*****Good luck to the Bridge City Cardinal’s playing against Spring Hill.

The teams will play in Lufkin Thursday and Saturday.

It’s possible the states two best pitchers will face each other.

Left-hander Garrett Methvin and Bridge City’s Matt Hicks.

Spring Hill is the number two, state ranked 3-A team, Bridge City is number four.

*****Congrats to all the grads.

Please be careful, safe and not stupid.

You have come too far to throw it away foolishly.

*****Gotta go.

Thanks to you and our family of advertisers.

Take care and God bless.