From the Creaux's Nest

SKEETERS, SCHOOLS AND HIGH GAS PRICES

So far it’s been one of the mildest winters that I recall.

It hasn’t been cold enough to kill the bugs and we have again been invaded by large “Skeeters.” The pests are so numerous that if you open your mouth you’ll suck in a load of them.

If it continues we will have to escalate the spraying.

Kids can’t go outdoors, parent’s fear they will be carried off and eaten up.

Our school administrators across the state become more upset every day for the condition Gov. Rick Perry has put our education system in.

He robbed the schools to prop up his short falls in order to make that lousy attempt for president.

The great state of Texas, with all our wealth, under Perry is ranked in the bottom two thirds.*****Gas prices at the pump continue to rise despite refineries holding overflow stocks of refined oil.

Natural gas prices are nose diving, while oil keeps climbing.

I look for big oil to show big profits while the rest of us struggle to pay for it at the pumps.

Nothing will give President Obama as hard a time than high gas prices at election time.

That might be one reason they’re holding us up at the pump.*****Again, I’m running behind so I best get going.

I’d appreciate it if you would hop on and come along, I promise it won’t do you no harm.

FLORIDA MASSACRE OVER, OTHER BATTLES LOOM

By the time you read this, the GOP Florida $30 million dollar primary will be history.

My guess is that Mitt Romney will carry the election.

I believe it will be closer than the polls indicate, 47-27.

I look for Newt to do better than that and come within the 18-point range.

It doesn’t matter Florida is a winner-take-all state.

Even if Mitt wins by one vote, he gets all 50 delegates.

That’s just a small percentage of the 1,144 delegates needed to secure the nomination.

If Newt keeps Shelton Ableson in the fold he will go on to Super Tuesday March 6.

February will be tough months for him if Rick Santorum drops out and throws his support to Newt that could give him new life.

Like I told you last week, the establishment would be out to field dress him.

They haven’t accomplished that yet but the big hunters, with big guns, took some good shots at him and they have him wounded, dripping blood and they are following the trail, waiting for him to lay down.

Meanwhile not a word from Jeb Bush.

He’s keeping his options open.

His family is lukewarm supporting Mitt staying close to the money establishment.

Jeb is loved by the Right Wingers, that sets him good with both sides.

Jeb is not preparing to wait eight years, he has his eye on 2016, when it’s an open seat and he would face good odds.

No one in the GOP hierarchy really believes Mitt can win and the way he and Newt are tearing each other down will make it even more difficult.

No Republican friend I know is gung-ho about either.

I found it interesting that the Houston Chronicle poll published Sunday showed, in Texas, Obama leads Perry, 43-40, Newt by 14 points and ties Romney.

I’m not naive enough to believe Obama will carry Texas but some people will be surprised at how many and what county’s Obama carries.

I believe Obama’s battle cry will be “Send me some help and we will finish cleaning up the mess they left us.” He hopes his coattails will defeat some Tea Party congressmen.

If Newt is not gutted and goes to the convention with a pocket full of delegates it could be trouble for Mitt.

I believe Newtreally hates him and will never endorse him.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2002

Women’s death arouses suspicions.

Police follow leads in death of a woman found in Cow Bayou.

Investigations are treating the mysterious death of Carolyn Marie Walton, 29, of Port Arthur, as a homicide.

The partial decomposed body was found in Cow Bayou at Orangefield, Jan. 26.

Flo Edgerly, justice of the peace, ordered an autopsy.

(Editor’s note: It just doesn’t seem like that was 10 years ago.

A boyfriend was convicted of the crime by district attorney John Kimbrough and is now serving time.)*****Shooting rampage leaves Orange woman and two children dead.

One of the worst killing sprees in recent East Texas history occurred Monday morning, Jan. 28.

Three were killed and two others wounded.

Perry Anthony Stevenson, 42, of Orange, shot and killed his girlfriend, Mirian McElroy, 51, of Orange and then set fire to the house in Forest Heights, stole a vehicle and fled.

He lost control of the auto where he got stuck in a ditch in the community of Call, in Newton County.

Stevenson found the home of 33-year-old Gwen Pearson, where she and three children sat on the couch watching television.

He opened fire on the family striking Mrs. Pearson in the hand and abdomen.

Her five-year-old daughter was struck in the upper pectoral area.

A 10-year-old daughter died at the scene and later a 14 year old died in route to St. Elizabeth.

Both were struck with bullet fire.

*****Steve Parkhurst is named democratic chairman.

He joked that he has been a democrat ever since he was old enough to make conscious decisions.

He replaced Ed Barton, who resigned to run for J.P. against Cimarron Campbell.

Parkhurst said, “I stand for a fairly moderate platform and want to keep our party strong.”*****Faye Parish, Bridge City educator, wins prestigious UIL Southwestern Bell Excellence award.

Terry Steubing, principle said, “Hundreds are nominated, few win and are really deserving.

The honor also comes with a $1,000 check.

*****The Bridge City High math/science computer team placed the highest in competion at West Orange-Stark.

Instructor is Faye Parish.

Team members are Kevin Duplechin, Jessica Hammerly, Matt Morgan and Samuel Adams.

*****Jerry Wayne Bell has announced that he will be retiring from his job at Fina.

He doesn’t fish or hunt.

I don’t know what he’ll do with all that spare time.

(Editor’s note: Jerry Wayne does nothing very well.)*****President Ronald Reaganwill be 91 on Feb. 6.

He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 1994.

It’s one of the few times in our history we have six living presidents, Reagan, Ford, Carter, Bush #41, Clinton and Bush #42.

*****Former Enron vice-president, Cliff Baxter, 43, committed suicide.

*****Harry and Arlene Dodge celebrate their 53rd anniversary Jan. 28.

*****Dutch Hooks, Coach Dan Ray Hooks’ dad dies over the weekend.

Service was held Jan. 29.

35 Years Ago-1977

Picket lines go up at Livingston Shipbuilding.

Management and labor seem to be far apart. *****Gary’s Restaurant, with one location in Orange, will build a new establishment on Texas Avenue, in Bridge City.

*****Debbie and David Fusilier have moved from West Orange to the Orange Oilfield, where they have an oil well in the back yard.

Davidworks for his uncle, Paul Cormier and Debbie works for the Opportunity Valley News.

(Editor’s note: David still works for Cormier Well Service, Debbie is a retired grandmother.)*****Attending Orange County Day in Austin are Fred Gregory, H.D. Pate, Nolton Brown, Bob Montagne and Thomas “Tick” Granger. (Editor’s note: The only one still living out of this group is attorney H.D. Pate.)*****Wayne and Sherry Morse have moved from Bridge City to Vidor.

Neighbor Wilson Roberts says he will miss watching Sherry floating around in her pool.

*****Tony DalSasso, at the realtor’s annual banquet, presented Jerry Hughes, past president of Orange County Board of Realtors, with the “Salesman of the Year” award.

Hughes, a former 15-year employee of Dupont, has been with DalSasso since 1970.

He and his wife Loretta have two children, Glenn and Angela.*****Chuck and Carolyn Hare moved into their new home on Roundbunch.

(Editor’s note: What ever became of them anyway?)

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK

Cameron Powell, Lucas Adams, Mason Adams, Quade Clark, Wayne Sullivan, Virginia Williams, Brittany Leonard, Garrett Kerger, Jake Williams, Lisa Monceaux, Bobby Anderson, Daric Rogers, Fred Dohmann, Kelly McBride, Vance Thomas, Don Kachtik, Michael Hilliard, Stephanie Broussard, Rosalie Jones, Stephanie Carpenter, Alssa Allensworth, David Brandon, Shirley Brandon, Wanda Addison, Lisa Ludwig, Don Mosier, Lydia Wilson, Brad Freeman, Eric Eshbach, John LeBlanc, Lindsey Hollingsworth, Mary Bull, Mel Moreau, Rheese Rhodes, Syliva Holloway, Jack Jones, Jane Chesson, Madison Johansson, David Cooper, Grant Jones, Haley Arnold, Harold M. Collins, Lindsey Day, David Gryder, Peggy Jones, Cindy Lessard, Nancy Ewing, Darlene Brown, Charles Smith, Jamie Beaulieu, Jeanna Campbell, Luke Lyons and Jeremy Sleeman.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

Saturday, Feb. 4, is the 17th annual trash off and that’s a big deal.

All volunteers are welcome.

Check it out, help clean up our community.

Join Mike Hoke and be a part of one of the clean up teams for a fun day.*****The large and growing even larger by the year Orange Mardi Gras parade will be held Feb. 11.

The parade starts at 5 p.m.

Many people are putting in a lot of time building beautiful floats for us to enjoy.

Make plans to attend our local parade.*****First comes the big annual Super Bowl.

New England against New York; Tom Brady and the Patriots against Eli Manning and the Giants.

New England is a three-point favorite but being a favorite doesn’t seem to matter when playing against Eli.

He continues to define the odds.

I find most area sports fans are not excited about either one but I also believe it will be a good game.

Both teams are loaded with talent.

Tom Brady, on paper, should win but I’m through betting against Eli Manning.

He’s a magician in the fourth quarter.

Meanwhile, like many of you, I’ll make a party out of it.

Instead of barbecue or something else, I’m thinking seafood for the 6 p.m.

game.

Brady has a chance to tie Bradshaw and Montana by winning his fourth Super Bowl.

That’s a motivation to consider when betting.

*****I understand the property being cleared across from the airport, near Judge Janice’s court, will house Care Fire Extinguishing Co., now located in downtown Orange.

Other businesses will also be invited to locate there.*****We heard from our friend Doug Harrington.

He and Regina are new grandparents.

For her it’s the first grandchild.

Preslie Cait Long was born Jan. 27 and weighed in at 7 pounds, 12 ounces and was 20 inches long.

Mom and dad are Britanie and John Long, of Spring, Texas.

Doug is having grandkids when most of us are having great grandchildren.*****Feb. 2 is Ground Hog Day.

Ms.

Pearl Burgess has written and we are publishing her “Waiting on the Ground Hog” poem.*****Pinehurst will hold a ribbon cutting and open house for the new city hall, on Feb. 7., 10 a.m.

Mayor Permenter, administrators, council and staff invite everyone to attend.

We’re looking forwards to being there.*****Newt Gingrich is being sued for using Rocky Balboa’s theme song, “Eye of the Tiger.”Guitarist Frank Sullivan is seeking damages and an injunction to stop Newt from using the song which Gingrich has been using since 2009.*****The Wednesday Lunch Bunch will dine at Robert’sthis week and back at Novrozsky’s next week.

Everyone always welcome.

Last week Mike Abbott visited and broke bread with the group.

Come by, good folks, good food and great fellowship.*****Over the last couple of months, we have heard from people who praise Boomtown Furniture in Bridge City.

Most said they were surprised at the great bargains on quality furniture.

You will be surprised.

Look them over before going out of town.*****Allow me to give credit where credit is due.

Doug Manning, assistant county attorney, does a great job protecting our county and representing commissioner’s court. I believe any commissioner or office holder will tell you the same.

For many years he has served well and kept the county out of trouble.

You deserve to know that and Doug deserves a hat’s off. I’m a proud Orange Countian and proud of the job our office holders do.

We are one of the most fiscally sound counties in the state.

Think about it, no outstanding debts, money in the bank and no cuts in services.

That’s good management by our Commissioner’s Court.*****I don’t know if you have heard but Con.

Barney Frank, 71, will finally marry his live in boyfriend, Jim Ready, age 42.

They have been an item since 2007.

Barney is leaving the congress, taking a bride and will travel as Frank-Ready.

*****Honky Tonk Texas presents Jasper County Area Go Texan Kick Off, Feb. 3-Feb. 4, at 2389 Hwy.

96 S., Silsbee, Texas.

BBQ, Dance, Auction, Washer Tournament etc.

For more information call Janette, 409-673-3425, Gene, 409-673-6907, Bruce, 409-767-0580 or Christine, 409-658-2003.

Benefiting Youth and Supporting Education.*****CAJUN TIP OF THE WEEK: For blood stains on clothes: Don’t worry, just pour a little hydrogen peroxide on a cloth and proceed to wipe off every drop of blood.

Believe me, it works every time.*****CAJUN DEFINITION: King Cake, a ring shaped oval pastry, decorated with colored sugar in the traditional Mardi Gras colors, purple, green and gold, which represents Justice, Faith and Power.

A small plastic baby is hidden inside the cake.

Tradition requires that the person who gets the baby in their piece of cake must provide the next cake.

This time of year King Cakes are sold in stores and bakeries.

We are eating one now at the office.

I do know that they are available at Market Basket.

*****Our apologies if we caused birthday confusion last week.

We reported, in birthdays, that Mike Faulk, 87, in a nursing home, was having a birthday.

The name should have been Mike Fults. He worked at Griffins Men’s Wear a long time ago.

He was a great bowler also.

Mike Faulk, the longtime Bridge City teacher for 31 years, is 62 years old, married to Lindafor 40 years and now retired.

The former Bridge City councilman enjoys his three grandsons and traveling.

Sorry for the misunderstanding.

I knew this Mike wasn’t 87 years old.

*****Celebrating birthdays on Jan. 29 were the Amodeo twins who turned 61.

Happy belated birthday to Lynne Greenwell and Leslie Smith, “Ace” Amodeo’s little girls.***A great guy, Don Kachtik, the old Aggie, is a year older Feb. 2.***Don Mosier celebrates Feb. 4.***The champion pole vaulter, Dot’s pride and joy, Eric Eshbach, marks another birthday Feb. 4.***Neighbor Cox and Ms.

Ginny’s lovely daughter, Karen Duplechain, celebrates Feb. 6.

The former Bridge City teacher now lives in Oklahoma but reads “The Record” on line.

***On Feb. 1, Amanda Adam’s twins, Mason and Luke, will mark their seventh birthday.

A couple of hot shots, Mason lets Luke be the leader.*****Happy anniversary to Edee and Charles Pratt, who celebrate their 53rd on Feb. 7.

Best wishes for many more.

*****Point of interest: Clint Black turns 50 on Feb. 4; Garth Brooksreaches 50 three days later on Feb. 7.

This is also the same day Chris Rock turns 45.*****We hear that Peggy’s on the Bayou has changed their hours.

Starting this week they will be serving boiled crawfish.

Check out their ad in this paper.

Tell them we sent you.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS

On Feb. 1, Lisa Marie Presley will be 44; Pauly Shore, 44 and Lauren Conrad, 26.***Christy Brinkley will be 58 on Feb. 2 and Shakira, 35.***Morgan Fairchild will be 62 on Feb. 3 and Warwick Davis, 42.***Alice Cooper will be 64, Feb. 4; Clint Black, 50; Oscar De La Hoya, 39 and Gavin DeGraw, 35.***Bobby Brown will be 43 on Feb. 5 and Jennifer Jason Leighwill be 50.***Natalie Cole will be 62; Kris Humphries, 27 and Axl Rose, 50.***Garth Brookswill be 50; Chris Rock, 45 and Ashton Kutcher, 38.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Noland Badeaux him, always wanted to be a tough biker so after saving up and getting a big Harley, he joined the tough Coteaux Motorcycle gang in Lafayette. Dey were riding to Baton Rough, down IH-10, when dey got to da Whiskey Bay Bridge, when dey notice a girl about to jump off da bridge so da gang stopped.

Da leader “Hacksaw” Dartez, a big, burly guy, gets off his bike and says, “Wat you doing, Hanh?”

“Me, I’m going to commit suicide,” came da reply.

“Hacksaw”, da tough guy, didn’t want to appear insensitive but he also didn’t want to miss an opportunity, so he axe, “Well, before you jump, why don’t you give me a kiss?”

So da girl does. She plants a long, deep kiss on dat though biker. After she finish, “Hacksaw” says, “Wow!” “Dat da best kiss I ever got me. Dats a real talent you have Sha, why you want to waste it, you could be famous.” “Why you gonna commit suicide?”

“Becuse my Momma and Papa don’t like me dressing up like a girl,” came da reply.

C’EST TOUT

Well, I’m about done for one more week.

Mitt has serenaded us with his singing of America the Beautiful, just another strange pitch in a strange election year.

How much do you know about Mitt’s roots? Not much I bet.

Well, you’re getting ready to learn more and why the Romney’s fled the United States for Mexico where Mitt’s dad, George, was born to one of granddad’s five wives.

There won’t be anymore GOP debates until Feb. 22.

That’s not good for Newt.

Also, he will get killed in the Nevada election where 28 percent of the voters are Mormon.

A poll out today (Tuesday) shows that President Obama beats both Romney and Gingrich in Florida despite the candidates spending millions in that state.*****There is plenty to read inside these pages.

Don’t miss reading the outdoor reports by Capt.

Dickie Colburn and Capt.

Chuck Uzzle.

I’m told by sportsmen that our paper has the most reliable reports.

The outdoor reports also get a lot of hits on our website, TheRecordLive.com.

Read us cover to cover.

Our staff does a good job on a variety of subjects.

We urge you to shop our family of advertisers, read their advertising message and pay them a visit.

They bring you this publication free and wrapped in plastic to your door each week.

*****My time is up and in just a couple of hours I’m going to watch the Florida GOP results and listen to the “Talking Heads” on CNN and MSNBC dish out political verbish.

You have to like politics to watch that stuff.

Everyone else in the house runs off when I turn it on. Take care and God bless.