From the Creaux's Nest

RECALLING THE PAST, 19 YEARS AGO

On Feb. 28, 1993, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) RAIDED Mount Carmel.

The raid resulted in the deaths of four agents and six Dividians.

Shortly after the initial raid, the FBI HRT (Hostage Rescue Team) took command of the federal operation, since FBI has jurisdiction over incidents involving the deaths of federal agents.

Contact was established with David Koresh inside the compound.

Communication over the next 51 days included telephone exchanges with various FBI negotiators.

As the standoff continued, Koresh, who was seriously injured by a gunshot wound, along with his closest male leaders, negotiated delays, possibly so he could write religious documents he said he needed to complete before he surrendered.

His conversations with the negotiators were dense with biblical imagery.

The federal negotiators treated the situation as a hostage crisis despite a two-hour video tape sent out by the Davidians in which the adults and older children/teens appeared to explain clearly and confidently why they chose, of their own free will, to remain with Koresh, whose real name was Vernon Howell.

The 51-day siege of Mount Carmel came to a fiery end on April 19, 1993, when U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno ordered the take over of the compound.

Everyone perished in the blaze.

Quite by accident I ran into the above situation, just out of Waco, as I was coming from Dallas where I had flown to pick up a car.

I’m sure many of you will recall the incident of the Davidians and Mount Carmel.*****I’ve got to move on.

I hope you will come along.

I promise it won’t do you no harm.

AMERICAN VOTERS PREFER SUNNY CONTENDERS

As I sit here in the early morning of Election Day in Michigan and Arizona, I have no way of knowing who will win.

If Mitt Romney doesn’t win his home state he’s doomed.

Meanwhile, Obama’s team is hoping for a Rick Santorum win.

Odds are that Obama will win in November against either Republican candidate but Santorum would be a disaster to GOP down ballot candidates.

The Obama forces figure they would pick up seats from the Courthouse to the Capitol but most importantly would be the congressional seats.

If Santorum wins the nomination history says he would still fare poorly in November.

In the General Elections, the angrier candidate almost always loses.

Americans prefer presidents who present themselves as cheerful and even tempered.

In the past 80 years, though 20 election cycles, over three generations, voters consistently selected sunny presidential candidates and rejected those who relied on anger and indignation.

Example: Barry Goldwater, in 1954, George McGovern, 1972, Tom Dewey, 1944-1948, Michael Dukakis in 1988, Bob Dole, 1996 and John Kerry in 2004 who came across as gloomy and negative.

John McCain, with his reputation for an explosive temper stood little chance against the cool Obama.

The force of personality would doom Santorum.

In choosing presidents the American people instinctively rally to “Happy Warriors.” Unfortunately for Rick Santorum, negative, grumpy warriors stand little chance.

Romney is still odds on favorite to win the GOP nomination but if he loses Michigan, the odds would change.

March 3 is the Washington State caucus where Ron Paul is expected to do well.

Newt Gingrich is betting his hopes on Super Tuesday, March 6, which includes Alaska, Georgia, Idaho, Massachusetts, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and Wyoming.

Texas will not be in on Super Tuesday but some predict the nomination may not be settled by May 29.

Others say it will go all the way to the convention.

Point of interest, regardless of the GOP winner in Michigan, President Obama is favored to win the state in November by 20 points.

SERVICE FOR LES ANDERSON FRIDAY

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m.

Friday, March 2, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange for Lester “Les” Anderson Jr., age 66, died Feb. 22 at his home.

Visitation will be Thursday from 5 p.m.

to 8 p.m.

Les died unexpectedly last Wednesday.

He had gone home Tuesday because he felt ill.

Judge Derry Dunn ordered an autopsy.

He was found on the floor and is expected to have died from a heart attack.

Les came to Bridge City in 1991 as city engineer and then became Orange County surveyor.

In 1998, he became the Orange County engineer and served in that position until his death.

Our condolences to wife Debbie, mother Ruby, sons Russel and Michael and their families.

May he rest in peace.

Please see obit.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2002

Charles Leblanc, age 43, of Vidor, is in the county jail on $200,000 bond for the murder of Carolyn Walston, 39.

Henry Willis, also of Vidor, is under investigation.

He told authorities he helped Leblanc dump Walston’s body in Cow Bayou near Orangefield.*****Ron Sigler joins the race for Orange mayor opposing Essie Bellfield, former mayor.*****Robert Montagne to retire as Orangefield superintendent.

Mike Gentry, assistant superintendent and Phillip Welch, elementary school principle have been interviewed for the job.*****James Conway, Bridge City head football coach, announced he will retire from BCISD. His last day at the school will be June 30.

The Conway’s, James and Robin, said they will return home to Shelby County.

Conway said “It will feel weird during football season and I’ll probably attend all the games in my area and wish I was on the field,” Conway said.

(Editor’s note: I remember how strange his leaving was.

He had a good program in Bridge City and led the team to a district title and a 9-3 record.

Bridge City had dropped from 4-A to 3-A when Conway replaced Les Johnson, who had built up a great football program.)*****In September, President George W. Bush had announced that Osama bin Laden was our primary target, “Dead or Alive.” Six months later he and Mulliah Omar are still standing.

(Editor’s note: The two avoided capture or killing for over 10 years until U.S. Navy Seals, under the direction of President Obama, killed Bin Laden in Pakistan, Omar has also been killed.)*****Snappy’s Express Mart, at Hwy.

105 and Hwy.

87, sold the winning Lotto Cash 5 Quick Pick ticket worth $59,603.

The winner remains anonymous.*****Bridge City native Bryan Frazier received his law degree and hung his shingle up at Joe Alford’s law office.

(Editor’s note: What became of that young lawyer? I remember he was a step-brother of Shane Dronett, NFL football star now deceased.)*****Jerry Wimberly celebrated his birthday with the Wednesday Lunch Bunch.

Sharon and Cheryl, lovely waitresses, did their upbeat rendition of Happy Birthday.*****Justin Shuff, son of Jennifer and Judge Mike Shuff, is now a freshman at U.T. His favorite reading is “The Creaux’s Nest” column in this paper.

(Editor’s note; Ten years later, I wonder what Justin is doing? Judge Mike is retired and doing a lot of nutten.)*****Tyler Bearden has picked one of Bridge City’s true beauties to be his bride.

He and Ashley Roy, daughter of Carlis and Brad Roy, will wed on June 15.*****Jason Mathews, NFL football star, married to Kim Roy, will be inducted into the Museum of the Gulf Coast on March 3.

The Mathews have a new baby, Baylee Noel.*****Marilou and Donald Gunn celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.*****Sharon and Liz Bearden tied the knot.

The newlyweds held their big reception at Wayne Peveto’s famous barn.

James Claybar, with the help of Bearden, prepared the great food.

Jerry Molley furnished the music.*****Actress Liz Taylor turns 70 years old.

35 Years Ago-1977

Area head high school football coaches participate in March of Dimes Walkathon.

They are Steve McCarty, West Orange-Stark, Andy Griffin, Bridge City, Ed Peveto, Orangefield, Lindney Thompson, Little Cypress-Mauriceville and Cliff Patton, Vidor.

*****Muhammad Ali’s movie “The Greatest” will premier in New York May 18-19.

In July Ali will fight one of four opponents in Seoul, Korea.

The Ali/Foreman fight will finally take place.

*****Kenny Dolly, son of Vera and Gerald Dolly, joins the Army.

*****Roy Dunn receives an autographed copy of the “Louisiana Bi-Centennial special limited edition of “The Cajuns” the history and culture of the Cajun people.

The gift was from artist George Rodriquez, a famous Louisiana painter.

*****Kim Daniels and David Gauthier were crowned Queen and King of the Bridge City coronation.

June Nezat and Jerry Bogan were crowned Duchess and Duke.*****Ron and Jean Moreau and Norma Darnell have just returned from the Dallas beauty show.

The Moreaus are owners of Ron’s House of Elegance in Bridge City.*****Westlawn Cemetery opens on Old Hwy.

90.

Directors are David J. Broussard and Roy Wingate.

The cemetery was named after Claiborne West, the first settler on the land.*****Bridge City Police Chief Wilson Roberts is looking to arrest Wayne Morse and Roy Dunn for painting a “Sandford and Son” sign on his pickup truck.

Both are said to be hiding.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK

Logan Dubose, Will Brinson, Kevin Jones, George Cassidy, Jennifer Thomas, John Gooch, Louise Hamilton, Monica Wilson, Robert Foster, Aiyana Bland, Kay Butler, Craig Nugent, Apryl Carter, Tommy Andrus, Brittany Waguespack, Franklin Scales, Lori Bonds, Joan Broussard, Andy Pryor, Donna Sullivan, Carolyn Miller, Vickie Parish, Darrell Evans, Jo Young, Frances Brood, Travis Reeves, Barron Nimitz, Carolyn Sheppard, Cathy Kimbrow, Lenzi Childress, Carolyn Hillsten, Don Bayliss, Pete Powell, Jerry Maldonado, Sam Moore, Trubie Beebe, John Philps, Kristen Rucker, Genevieve Simon and Glyndon Childress.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

We hear that poet Pearl Burgess is now a great-great-grandmother.

Five generations of girls.

Hopefully the new baby girl has the good genes of her 91-year-old great-great-grandmother.

The baby’s great-grandparents are retired teacher Beverly Raymer and husband Jody.

Beverly seems much too young and way too pretty to be a great-grandmother.

Five generations that started with the Myers family, in Bruner Addition, when twins, Pearl and Earl were born.

He’s gone now but Ms.

Pearl is still going strong.

Best wishes to the new baby for a long, healthy and productive life.*****Back before Bobby Charles died, he recorded, what turned out to be his last album, on his own “Rice and Gravy” label.

“Timeless” was dedicated to his friend Fats Domino. Just a few weeks before the album was due to be released Bobby unfortunately died.

He kept saying, “I’ve got to get this out, I want to hold it in my hands.” Bobby saw the final design for the album’s artwork but died before its release.

Judge Don Burgess loaned us an original release and we appreciate it and have enjoyed listening to it.

*****I see where our friend former Mayor Essie Bellfield is running for Orange City Council, Place 3.

Essie has a sincere interest in the betterment of the city and when no one stepped up to fill the position, the former mayor signed up to fill the council seat.

*****John Ford, 37-year constable of Pct.

3, stopped in last week at Novrozsky’s to visit the folks at the Wednesday Lunch Bunch.

He now lives in the Houston area.

Present Constable Mark Philpott accompanied him.

Ford said he is proud of the job Philpott is doing as his replacement.

Other visitors were Lynn T. Arceneaux, who is a candidate for the open Pct.

2 constable seat being vacated by Rob Strause, who is not seeking reelection, also Donna Scales, and husband Jimmy, drainage district director.

The Lunch Bunch meets at Robert’s this Wednesday noon then back to Novrozsky’s next week.

Everyone is always welcome.*****March 2 is Texas Independence Day.

Orange County had a signer of the Declaration of Independence at Washington on the Brazos.

Do you know who it was?*****I understand around 120 local folks went on a Carnival cruise out of Galveston.

Jackie Callier and his band furnished some of the entertainment on the ship.

Everyone had a great time.*****Big surprises at the 84th Academy Awards Sunday night.

The belief was that the actor battle was between Brad Pitt and George Clooney.

They were smoked by actor Jean Dujardin for his non-speaking part in “The Artist” a modern day silent film about the struggles of a 1920’s actor to adapt to the new world of talkies.

The French took over the night with “The Artist” taking five Oscars, including awards for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor.

Even the local Cajuns were celebrating.

*****Meryl Streep was named “Best Actress,” 82-year-old Christopher Plummer, the oldest actor to ever receive an Oscar, won “Best Supporting Actor,” and Octavia Spencer, “Best Supporting Actress.” Billy Crystal hosted for the ninth time.

He wasn’t exactly at his best but Crystal at his worse is still one of the best.*****Folks we know who are celebrating their special day.

Johnny Dubose’s son, Logan, a youngster we’ve known since his diapers days will be a year older Feb. 29.

Since he has been able to read, he has been a fan of The Record Newspaper.

Logan is not your typical youngster.

He has more energy than most.

A trait he probably picked up from grandfather John Dubose, the commissioner.*****Happy birthday on March 3, to Franklin Scales.

If you ever want to know the history of Orangefield and many of it’s characters, Franklin’s the guy to talk with.

Did you know Orangefield once had an airport when the Granger brothers were pilots.*****Former school teacher Carolyn Sheppard celebrates March 4.

I believe she and Buddy have moved away since Ike came.***Darrell Evans and Vickie Parish also celebrate on March 4.***Longtime buddy, Coach Sam Moore, who operates “The Zone” baseball academy at Jefferson County Airport, is a year older on March 6.

Best wishes to all.*****CREAUX’S TIP OF THE WEEK: Tomato will stain anything but here’s a good tip.

Spray your Tupperware with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in tomato based sauces and there won’t be any stains.*****CAJUN DIFINATION: Fricassee: (free kay say) a stew made by browning then removing meat from the pan, making a roux with the pan drippings and then returning meat to simmer in the thick gravy.*****Thanks to Jack Darby we got some of Paw Paw’s famous cracklins and fried peanuts.

After eating a few, I’ll make cracklin bread with the rest.

Terry Harvey and Burl LaSalle prepare the best cracklins you’ll find in the area.

Paw Paw also has other great specialties.

They are located on Hwy.

1442, (Roundbunch), and Hwy.

105, next to Burgertown.

Tell them you’re a friend of The Record, he might throw in a lagniappe (Lan-Yap).

QUESS WHO SAID IT?

“Labor is prior to, and independent of, capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital and deserves much the higher consideration.” Think about that during these political times. See who said it in C’EST TOUT.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS

Antonio Sabato Jr. will turn 40 on Feb. 29; Ja Rule, 36.*** Justin Bieber, will be 18 on March 1; Harry Balafonte, 85; Ron Howard, 58; and Javier Bardem will b 43.***Jon Bon Jovi will be 50 on March 2; Daniel Craig, 44; Reggie Bush, 27.***Ben Roethlisberger will be 30; Julie Bowen, 42 and Jessica Biel, 30.***Emilio Estefan Jr. will be 59 on March 4; Catherine O’hara, 58; Chaz Bono, 43 and Landon Donovan, 30.***On March 6, Tom Arnold will be 53; Rob Reiner, 65 and Shaquille O’Neal, 40.***On March 7, John Heard turns 67; Wanda Sykes, 48; Rachel Weisz, 41.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Clotele Comeaux and Ella Mae Boudreaux, both widow womens dem, were having coffee one afternoon wen Ella Mae say, “Dat nice man Oris Arceneaux axe me for a date him. I know you went out wit him and I wanted to talk wit you before I give him my answer.”

Colette say, “Ella Mae, dat Arceneaux was such a gentlemens him, he brought me some beautiful flowers, even picked me up in a chauffeured limousine to go to da restaurant. Den we went to da movies. He was such a gentlemen him. Den we went back to my house and Arceneaux him, turned into an animal, wild, and crazy. He tore off my new, expensive dress and den had his way wit me.”

Ella Mae’s eye got real big and she say, “Good gracious, so you telling me I shouldn’t go out wit dat Arceneaux hanh.”

“No Sha,” said Colitile, “Wat I’m saying me, is be sure and wear one of you older dresses.”

C’EST TOUT

Well, I’ve about come to the end of another column but first just a little more.

The first Monday Daytona 500 had a lot of strange turns.

Nothing before quite matches what happened in the first primetime running of NASCAR’s premier event.

A bizarre crash even by auto racing standards, between Juan Pablo Montoya’s race car and a track jet dryer let an explosion and jet fuel burning that took two hours to clean up.

The race didn’t end until 1 a.m.

The largest Daytona ever made for a short night for me but I did get in some writing.

In the end, car #4, Matt Kenseth won.

Dale Earnhardt, Jr., #3 came in second, the #2 car driven by Greg Biffie came in third, car #31, Denny Hamlin was 4th, car #9, Jeff Burton was fifth.

Surprisingly Tony Stewart came in 16th and Kyle Busch was 17th.

Danica Patrick came in 38th out of 43.*****I was glad to see that we will have a local area candidate for U.S. Congress.

Former four term Congressman Nick Lampson hopes to capture the seat Ron Paul has held for 24 years.

Twelve Republican candidates are running in District 14.

State Rep.

Randy Weber, Pearland, is considered the front- runner.

He also is one of Rick Perry’s boys on the Texas State University board.

When Nick was in office he was very accessible to local citizens.*****It’s getting that time of year if you’re in the market for a tractor.

I suggest you see George at David Self Tractor in Buna.

I promise you can’t beat his deal.

Tell him we sent you.*****The answer to “Guess Who Said It,” is Abe Lincoln.*****We’ve gotta go, thanks for coming along.

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Take care and God bless.