From the Creaux's Nest

FOR THE RECORD

Believe me, I would rather not write what I’m getting ready to write but I was forced into it.

This publication has never endorsed candidates in local races or favored one over any other.

We ask not to become a part of anyone’s campaign so as not to hurt the newspaper for political reasons.

Even though we asked him not to, one candidate, Brint Carlton, claimed that we were charging him more than his opponent.

That’s not true, and we told him so, but it fell on deaf ears.

We have one rate.

Everyone pays the same including county judge candidate John Dubose.

In short, Carlton is using Dubose’s report to support his accusations.

Dubose e-mails his ad copy, we build the ad late Tuesday night.

We’re closed on Wednesday so he doesn’t know until Thursday or Friday the cost.

When he files his report there is an over lap and his next report reflects payment has been made.

Other candidates e-mail their ads in and may not know the cost until after the ad runs.

It’s a silly issue anyway, with all the other county issues.

It’s a smoke screen.

When a candidate is not qualified they go negative, trying to convince the voters to vote against the other guy, not necessarily to vote for them.

Another misrepresentation occurred at that so-called rigged debate.

Candidate Carlton said he was a core Republican.

It seems he had two opportunities to vote against Obama and didn’t.

He didn’t vote for Ted Cruz, Stockman, Sen.

Cornyn, Rick Perry or even Judge Mandy Rogers last year when she had a Democratic opponent.

In fact, Carlton didn’t vote for any of the present office holders in Orange County.

He wants to lead as their boss, even though he’s not qualified to hold any of the jobs.

You see, this good Republican, until he filed for county judge, was not affiliated with a Party because he hadn’t voted in his life until he voted for himself in March.

His political advisor, Vidor Commissioner Jody Crump has been going around Vidor telling folks Carlton is made in the mold of Ted Cruz.

That’s the same Crump that denied elected officials and department heads one hour a year to celebrate Christmas with their employees.

Crump wants to run the county without running for county judge.

He also wants that 299 loop around Vidor, at a cost of $40 million to the County.

In all fairness, even though Carlton made the runoff with just 20 percent of the vote and a 100 vote lead, that probably cost Sheriff Mike White the nomination who he drained the vote off of, he never did anything to prepare himself or learn how the county operated.

He admitted to Stelly in an interview on March 4th that he never attended a commissioners court meeting, didn’t have time.

He’s not the first young lawyer who kicked their careers off by running for an office they couldn’t win or weren’t qualified to do.

Louis Dugas did it, Sharon Bearden, right out of Baylor, David Dunn, H.D. Pate, two years in town ran against the toughest in the county, Judge Martin Adroin, who whipped him badly but they later became good friends.

Rex Peveto and many others, including Brint’s father Steve, who ran in a a three way race, came in last but the race propelled his law practice.

You see, young lawyers win even if they lose that first race, which most do.

It helps them down the line.

I don’t know what Carlton’s goal is, but book it, he’s going to run for something else.

He’ll learn from this race and I’ll bet he will be successful in his future endeavors.

However, right now, he’s using smoke and mirrors and that doesn’t qualify him to run a $43 million operation with 500 employees.

Like I said in the beginning, I hate that he forced us to expose him.*****I’d best get down the road.

Come along, I promise it won’t do you no harm.

A MORE PLEASANT SUBJECT

This is the first time in 20 years that Judge Carl Thibodeaux is not on the ballot.

He is serving us well.

When Thibodeaux took office, the Orange county courthouse was falling down around their ears.

Space was very limited.

Some judges were sharing courtrooms and there was one less judge.

The justice of the peace operated out of a closet.

The tax office had long outgrown their space.

Everyone was cramped in that old building.

The first thing Judge Carl did was totally do over the building and the work had to be done according to the Historical Society of Texas.

Everything, including windows, had to look original.

Next he and the Commissioners built a new tax office, VA office and other buildings and moved everyone out of the court house except the legal departments. Judge Thibodeaux also inherited a long term debt of $6,735.000 and today has a “0” long term debt.

The county capital assets message body totaled only $16,737.312 and in 2012 the capital assets totaled $40,838.061.

Since then more value has been added with the building of Last Resorts and the Expo Center.

All of the improvements and additional assets were acquired with no cost to the tax paying citizens of Orange County.

Every year he worked with a different make up of the court when new commissioners came on board.

He put a good team together that is in place today.

It’s one of the best run counties in the state. Judge Thibodeux is highly respected by his peers throughout Southeast Texas.

Being County Judge is a very stressful job, from the time the judge gets to the office until he leaves and also being called at home at odd hours.

During this time in office theJudge has had 8 stints but never missed work. Judge Thibodeaux knows that there are a lot of good things in the horizon for Orange County.

It just will need dedicated, experienced leadership.

Ask him who he’s voting for.

He’s leaving the county in far better shape then he found it.

For that we can’t thank him enoug

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2004

Michael Gauthier, Bridge City High track star, won Texas gold.

The Cardinal senior soared into the record books with a time of 10.77 during the U.I.L. track and field state championship.

Over 14,000 watched him outrun three other speedsters at Meyers Stadium at U.T. Michael was the only white runner.

A fan was overheard saying, “That’s one fast white boy.”*****Little Cypress-Mauriceville students name Jeanne Logsdon, fifth grade history teacher at Mauriceville Elementary “Teacher of the Year.” Her class got to see early history in the making on a field trip with Civil War re-enactors, cannon blast and all.*****The winners in Saturday elections are Theresa Beachamp, a Bridge City assistant principle, will replace Bill Klein on the Orange City Council.

Jerry Hussy wins the mayors race at Pinehurst by 15 votes over Rick Trevino. Mark Philpott won a Bridge City council seat.

A referendum for term limits in West Orange was defeated 243 to 213.*****At the 11th anniversary of the Wednesday Lunch Bunch, held at Robert’s, a chair was draped with a black ribbon in honor of Judge Grover Halliburton who died May 7.

At his funeral service Grover, a U.T. ex and football fan, was honored with flowers sent from the University of Texas and Coach Mack Brown.*****Former Bridge City city councilman James “Steve” Stevens, 78, passed away.Steve served as a Marine in World War II. He loved to dance and he and wife Irene made dancing their hobby for many years.

Services were held Saturday, May 15.*****Dorothy “Dot” Wiegand, 50, of Orange, died Friday, May 14.*****Celebrating 50 years of marriage are Mr. and Mrs.Riley J. Bonnin.

of Orange.*****Nick Wingate celebrates 83 years as doesClaude Edward Darby, who celebrates the big 23.

40 Years Ago-1974

James D. Stringer is running for county judge.

His motto is, “He Listens.”*****Wood’s Men’s Wear, at 306 5th St., in Orange, is quitting business.

Men’s suits range from $49.90, dress slacks $9.99 to $15.99, dress shirts $4.99 to $8.99 and men’s shoes $14.99 to $29.99.*****Harmon Chevrolet congratulated three sales leaders.

They won Chevrolet’s highest award for outstanding salesmanship in 1973.

They are Joe Williamson, Bob Jones and Homer Flanagan.*****Stephen’s Buick Discount Center on MacArthur Circle has 11, 1974 Opels, list price is $3,352, now on sale for $2,988.

Real gas savers.*****University of Houston coach Bill Yeoman says Orange’s Larry Keller will be one of the best front four defenders in the nation.

Keller, Mack Mitchell, Wilson Whatley and Lee Carialito anchors the Cougar defense.*****A record number of 14 football scholarships have been handed out by college recruiters to Orange County football players.

The West Orange Chiefs lead the parade of talent as eight members of their district 10-AAA championship team inked with major colleges.

Runner up, 10-AAA Bridge City has four signees, Stark Tigers have two.

The 14 are B.C. Mark Dunn, UTA; Lanston Fall, Lamar; Steve Trevino and David Smith, Wharton; Stark, Lenard Curtis and Alexander James, Ranger; West Orange, Roy Williams and Mike Conway, USL; Phillip January, Miss.

College; Larry Spears, West Texas State; Ray Pousson, University of Colorado; Randle Teate, University of Houston; James Long, Tulane; Paul Bingham, McNeese.*****Tommy Gunn, former debate coach at W.O. High School, has been named outstanding speaker in the Spring Moot Court competition at Baylor University School of Law.

Gunn, a third quarter student received $50 and membership in the Order of the Barristers, a moot court fraternity.

He maintains a 2.76 grade point of a possible 3.00.

Gunnwas valedictorian at W.O. High.

He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Gunn. His grandparents are A.T. Pacher and Mrs. B.A. Gunn.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

Two great Bridge City High School athletes really did shine last week.

Alexus Henry became the state’s lady 3-A state champion, winning goal in the high jump, going 5 feet, 8 inches.

If I was voting that young lady would be my Orange County Athlete of the Year.***Bridge City pitcher Chase Shugart really put on a great performance on the mound to advance the Cardinals to the 3-A Regional quarterfinals when the Cards will face Huffman in game one,Wednesday, 7 p.m.

at Nederland; game two, Friday, 7 p.m.

in San Jacinto and game threeSaturday 2:30 p.m.

at Baytown Sterling.

Chase pitched a compete game against Sweeny that Bridge City won 9-0.

He pitched a no-hitter, walked only three and struck out 13.

That’s an all-state performance.

Chase has committed to the University of Texas.

Go Cardinals.*****Sally Vance finally got out of the Rehab Center after falling a few months ago and cracking a hip.

She is enjoying a new bedroom built just for her at her youngest daughter, Brenda Barrons,home in Royce City.*****I was sorry to hear of the death of Jerry “County Jackson” LaCroix, 70, who passed away May 7.

He was as good a music talent as anyone who came from this area.

He toured with our friend, the late Ned Theall, and the Boogie Kings, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Rare Earth and Edgar Winters’ White Trash.

For 40 years Jerry gave it all when he performed.

He was an interesting guy.

We enjoyed the few visits we were lucky enough to have had with him.

May he rest in peace.*****I hear County Court-at-Law Judge Mandy White Rogers is constantly seen reading or walking about with a copy of the new Estates Code.

Karen Jo says the last time she witnessed such ardent zeal from a judge was when young Pat Clark won the 1978 CCAL Judges election and single handedly cleaned up the backlog.*****There have been a million words written and said about Johnny Manziel so all I want to say is Houston may live to regret not trading up ahead of Cleveland to get him.

Also I hope Johnny doesn’t face the same fate as Colt McCoy.

If Johnny is given a fair shake he’ll star in Cleveland and the fans will love him.

Meanwhile, still no quarterback in Houston.*****A few folks we know celebrating birthdays in the next few days.

On May 14, the notorious L.K. Jarrell celebrates.

What a guy.

Brad Johansson and Anita Bussell, retired county employee also have birthdays.*****May 15 finds pretty Deborah Ellender celebrating, as does longtime Bridge City educator Nancy Chenella, now retired in College Station withJoe.

Also celebrating are Mauriceville’s John Rodgers and Norman Gaspard. They all share a birthday with Emmitt Smith, 45.*****On May 16, a couple of good ole boys get a year older, both will do to ride the range with.

Judge Pat Clark, retired, and his old college roommate Samuel “Sammy Frank” Lucia, school superintendent celebrate.

They will blow out a bunch of candles.*****On May 17, pretty Angelea “Angie” Breaux celebrates.

It still boggles my mind how Don talked that girl into marrying him but it seems to have worked for over 30 years.

Nice folks.

She shares a birthday with Barry Hunt and Bob Saget, 58.*****On May 18, three special folks celebrate.

Frank Finchum, who I believe I’ve wished happy birthday to every year for 50 years celebrates, also Ron Hutchison and retired county judge assistant Jacque Craft.*****May 20, sharing a birthday with Cher is Ms.

Phyl and Roy’s only daughter Karen, David Jones and John Sims.

Also on this day coach Les Johnson and his pretty bride Wanda celebrate their 59th wedding anniversary.*****Belated happy birthday May 13 to Marjorie Sanford, retired from county auditor’s office.

Please see complete birthday list.*****260th District Court Judge Buddie Hahn was spotted taking his mother out to Luby’s last week.

His mom says Buddie is a good boy.

We agree.*****Ten years ago, on May 10, 2004, our friend brother Dewitt Rainwater died.

This guy had a lot of talent as a preacher.

He could tell a great story.

Brother Rainwater was a fun guy to be around.

I loved to hear him pickin and singing when you could get him to cut down on an old country song.

He did a great Jimmie “Singing Brakeman” Rodgers.

Dewitt could have made it in the country field.

His son James is to be commended for keeping his dad’s radio show, 8 a.m.

Sunday on KOGT live for going on 11 years.

He’s footing the bill out of his pocket and could use any help you would like to offer.*****We now have two new Assistant District Attorneys,Danielle Nettles and Zackary Capra.

If you’re thinking Capra, as in Frank Capra and “It’s a wonderful Life,” you’re correct.

Zack is distantly related to that Frank Capra.*****Karen Jo said to tell Roy she misses Grover, too. Grover was her favorite visitor and when he came to visit he always brightened her day with his great stories.

He took a lot of history with him when he left us.*****Our friend Bridge City School Board member Jerry McInnis recently had heart surgery.

We are praying for a full recovery.*****The Wednesday Lunch Bunch celebrates their 21st.

anniversary this Wednesday at Robert's.

Dr.

Mike Shahan will be honored with the "Person of the Year" award.

Next week the Bunch will be at Novrozsky's.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK

Janis Goss, James Birdwell, Nikki Smith, L.K. Jarrell, Brad Johansson, Cortney Spring, Daniel Broussard,Deborah Ellender, Emily Domas, Hailey McCoun, Heather Brinson, Jaime Broussard, Kenneth Prosperie, Nancy Chenella, Ronda Savoy, Jimmy Sibert, Norman Gaspard, Mark Simmons, Pat Clark, Samuel Lucia, Alan Richey, Sondra Taliaferro, Clay Sims, Ed Berry, Nickie Wall, Donna McClanahan, Greg Defrates, Jennifer Williams, Angelea Breaux, Barry Hunt, Denise Kincade, Frank Finchum, Jimmy Tupiln,Kim Hanks, Ron Hutchison, Richard Allensworth, Shelley Dugan, Sydney Taylor, Cheryl Stone, Chris Day, Harry Dodge, Hubert Spradling, Jean Duplantis, Justin Knight, Leon Carter, Mark Watts, Niki Bennett, Bret Shuford, Dalayna Sandlin, John Sims, David Jones, James Batson, Karen Gros, Lucie Rucker, Pat Bland, Alayna Womack and Bill Pope.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Percy Guilbeaux him took his wife Clotele and his mudder-in-law Agnes Arceneaux to do Holy Land. Everyday wen dey would get ready to go visit da sights his mudder-in-law wanted to go her. Everyday she would complain bout da heat, being tired or how bad da food was. Just constant complaining. Halfway through their trip Mrs. Arceneaux up and died her.

Guilbeaux him, goes to da undertaker who explains to Percy dat dey could ship his mudder-in-law’s body back to Breaux Bridge but da cost would be bout $5,000 or dey could bury her in da Holy Land for jus $150.

Percy said, “We’ll ship her home.”

Da undertaker axe, “Are you sure? Dat’s an awful big expense and I can assure you we do a very nice burial here in da Holy Land.”

“Look, said Percy, two-thousand years ago dey buried a guy over here and tree days later he rose from da dead him. I jus can’t take dat chance me.”

C’EST TOUT

It seems the disappearance of Flight 370 is not breaking news anymore.

The 24-hour news channels are now focused in on L.A Clippers owner Donald Sterling.

He said, on CNNMonday night, “I love my league, I love my partners, am I not entitled to one mistake?” He needs to keep his mouth shut.

He comes off as being ignorant and hate filled.

He was doing okay in the interview then he trashed Magic Johnson and added, “Some of the African Americans, they don’t want to help anybody.” He later added, "I embarrassed the league, I humiliated them, I don’t know why I did it, it’s so terrible.” They have run Sterling off but I look for the force out to go all the way to the Supreme Court. His wife said, “Sometimes Donald acts like he’s not married.” Oh, really.*****We’re getting some feed back from fans and friends of Steve Worster who say he’s never been political, he’s always stayed above that..

They wish they would have left him alone.

Oh well, it will all come out in the wash.*****Don’t forget early voting starts Monday morning, 7 a.m.

This is the most important county race in 20 years, we can’t afford a mistake so please take time to vote.

A low turnout is not good.*****Thanks for your time.

Take care and God bless.