From the Creaux's Nest

HIGH COURT FACES LANDMARK SAME SEX ISSUE

The Supreme Court Tuesday started hearing oral arguments in a case that appears likely to give gays and lesbians a constitutional right to marry.

The question before the high court is “Does the 14th amendment require a state to license a marriage between two people of the same sex?” A second question is whether states must recognize marriage licensed in other states.

The 32 plaintiffs in the six consolidated case illustrates virtually every problem, from cradle to grave, gay and lesbian couples face who can not marry or have their marriages recognized.

Both sides have filed nearly 140 briefs.

Major business and military leaders are backing gay marriage while Republican officials continue to support the bans.

Today, 63 percent of Americans support same-sex marriage.

A far cry from just a few years ago.

Something as a boy I never could have imagined.

My bet is the Supreme Court will make this landmark decision in favor of making same-sex marriage the law of the land.

Interracial marriage came a long way in my lifetime but I never saw this one coming until the last couple of years.

The Civil Rights Act, signed by L.B.J., changed America however no one can predict the fallout two moms and two dads will bring.

I’ve yet to wrap my head around it.

*****Well, I have a long way to go and plenty fish to fry.

It would be my honor if you hop on board and came along.

I promise it won’t do you no harm.

CONDOLENCES

Dr. Majors Dies

We were sorry to learn of the death of Dr. Joe Majors. Joe was Bridge City’s first dentist and served the area for over 35 years. He and his wife of 66 years, Mary, raised their family in Bridge City where they were strong supporters of school activities. They attended most sporting events. Son Chuck, also a dentist, was on the famous 1973 football team, Coach Chief Wilson’s last team. Joewas a charter member of the Rotary Club and Optimist Club. He also was a lifelong friend since the first day he arrived in Bridge City. He and Mary had moved to College Station about 10 years ago. Our condolences to his family. Please see obituary.

Caillouet Funeral to be Held

Don Caillouet, 86, of Bridge City passed away Sunday, April 26. Service will be held Friday, May 1, at St. Henry Catholic Church. Visitation will be Thursday, 5 to 9 p.m., at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City. Don, a former city councilman, moved to Bridge City with wife Georgia Mae in 1954. The couple raised nine children in the only home they ever owned on Roberts Street across from the Fire Station. Please see obituary.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2005

The Florida Supreme Court turned down Rush Limbaugh’s drug violation appeal.

He claimed the law had violated his privacy when they seized his drug records that showed that Rush was purchasing 6,000 pills a month from different pharmacies and different doctors.

(Editor’s note: The countries biggest pill head is still on the air 10 years later but his listeners are a fraction of what they were.

Sponsors continue to leave him.)*****A final report shows no weapons of mass destruction or chemical weapons found in Iraq.

The Iraq invasion and occupation was a drummed up war of choice, misleading the American people.

To date, 1,600 soldiers were killed, over 15,000 injured, over $300 billion spent.

It’s been a field day for defense and weapons contractors, with Halliburton being the largest benefactor.

*****At home, Kirk Roccaforte is again running for Bridge City city council.

His ads read “A Decade of Leadership.” (Editor’s note: He was elected and is presently serving his last term as mayor.)*****Mr. and Mrs. Gary Berard, of Bridge City, announce the engagement of their daughter Melissa Ann to Guy Whitford, son of Mr. and Mrs. Guy Whitford, also of Bridge City.

The wedding is set for May 14.

*****Jake William Bell turns 4-year-old on May 3.

He’s the son of Jason and Sarah Bell.*****Congrats to Thomas A. Hamrick, Jr. for successfully completing his Coast Guard training at Cape May, New Jersey.Thomas attended school at Bridge City and Orangefield.

His plans are to be a game warden when his hitch is over.

(Editor’s note: I wonder where life has taken him ten years later.)*****The Bridge City Cardinal athletics advance to state competitions with baseball and soft ball playoffs beginning, Kody Duplechin advances to 3-A state tennis tournaments and distant runner Aaron Brannen will compete in the 3200 meter and 1600 meter run.*****Orange’s John Patterson pitched against the New York Mets Sunday.

He left the game after six innings of work with the score tied at three.

The National would go on to lose 6-3.

John’s ERA is still the best in the National league at 1.60.

*****GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: Marie Louise “Tut“ Perry, 85, of Vinton, died April 25.*****Louise Albano, died April 28.

She was born Oct. 2, 1922.*****Jane Elizabeth Adams, 87, of Lake Charles, died April 26.

She is survived by three children, 17 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.*****Karen Hebert Criswell, 56, of Orange died April 28 at her residence.

She was preceded in death by her parents Bonita and Fred Hebert, aunt Dora Theriot and brother-in-law Bob Arrington. She is survived by her daughters Melissa and Chantell and their families, sister Rhonda, brothers Ronald, Donald and their families.

(Editor’s note: We had known Karen most of her life.

She was a nice, sweet lady.

We remember the shock when she was discovered dead in her home of a heart attack.)*****Rhonda Kay Stephenson Fontenot, 46, of Orange, died April 30.

She is survived by husband Michael Fontenot and her children.*****Thomas Dale Lund, 57, of Orange, died May 1, at Baptist Orange.

He was a self-employed mechanic.

He is survived by his wife Elizabeth, their children and mother Lou Ellen Vaughn.

35 Years Ago-1980

Emily Fore, a junior at Little Cypress-Mauriceville, was installed as recording secretary of Area IX Future Homemakers of America.

She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bennie Fore.*****Seventeen Bridge City students were inducted as new members of the National Honor Society at banquet.

They are seniors Louis John Garriga, Barbara Hryhorchuk, Lori Ledoux, Judy Nixon and Rene Thomas; juniors Robert Freeman, Michele Marmon, Theresa Ohnheiser and Bryan Ware; sophomores Brenda Berry, Tracy Brinson, Scott Dattalo, Georgia Fleming, Rhonda Kuebodeaux, Daniel Stout, James Truncale and Fred Zoch.

The president is Jean Simpson, principal is Joe Chenella, Dist.

Judge Patrick Clark was guest speaker.*****Last week Barbara and David Olson welcomed their new daughter Catherine Elizabeth “Katy.” She has an older brother Michael.*****“The Life of Hank, Sr. From Beginning to End.” a TV special, with Hank Williams, Jr., was shown last week .

It was a great show with stars like Little Jimmy “Tater” Dickens, Roy Acuff, who sang “Wabash Cannonball.” Minnie Pearl, Theresa Brewer and Kitty Wells.

Hank Jr. ended the show singing “Little Bocepheus.”*****Amos Roy throws big crawfish boil.

Crawfish cooked from boiled to barbecued was served.

MawMaw Judice furnished her famous crawfish boudain.

Crawfish was also served in etoufee, bisque, pie, pizza and salad.*****Jimmy Sichko, 13, will attend Fred Waring Workshop in Pennsylvania.*****Constable John Ford announces that he will seek a third term.

Jarvis A. Buckley, Jr., a Bridge City High grad and lifetime resident of Pct.

3, is a candidate for County Commissioner.

J.W. Thompson, former Deputy Sheriff, is running for Constable Pct.

1.

Forrest Hudson is running for Commissioner Pct.

1.

S.N. “Bill” Dickerson is a candidate for Constable Pct.

1.

Hubert Marshall wants to be full time constable for Pct.

3.

His opponent Ford is against full time status for constables.

(Editor’s note: John changed his mind a few years later.) Charles L. Griffith is running for Constable Pct.

1.

County Commissioner Pct.

1 Arthur Simpson runs for re-election.

George “Curly” Anderson is a candidate for Drainage District Director Pct.

4.*****Bill Tiger and Susan Lemley were married last week.*****Beverly Matsoukis turned 45 on April 25.

*****BCHS student winners at UIL Regional Literary contest in Huntsville are Sharon Gregory, Teresa Hearn, Emily Bourgeois, Lori Ledoux and Lisa Flowers.*****New Lamar National Honor Society members from Bridge City are Mark Ayo, George Durling and Martha Kibbie.*****Flo Edgerly and Ginger Prince catch 12 pound catfish.

It took both of them to land it.*****Varsity cheerleaders at Bridge City for 1980-81 are Tammy Emerson, Adam Hollier, Tina Sigler, Angie Boudreaux, Lori Wagner, Theresa Benoit, Kellie Little and Gina Goodyear.

Sue Jordan is sponsor.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

On Thursday, May 7, 3 p.m.

till 5 p.m., Mayor Pro-Tem Theresa Beauchamp will be honored with a reception to be held at the Police Department Danny Gray Room, 201 8th Street.

This very nice lady and good public servant, longtime city council person, has served three terms, as long as the law will let her.

She has served her city well.

The longtime educator is married to Coach Frank Beauchamp and is the daughter of former Orange County commissioner Marcell Adams and the late Cowboy Adams.*****Craig Corder, son of Ruth and the late Richard Corder, is moving back to Orange.

He has accepted the position of Chief Juvenile Probation Officer for Orange County.

He began work on April 27.*****Glad to see our old buddy Kenneth Young still has the energy to be involved in politics.

His old buddy Jerry Wilson passed away last year but Kenneth is still up to his letter writing.

This time in the Vidor mayor’s race.*****Someone posted a notice on the wall at Peggy’s on the Bayou that reads, “Wanted good woman, must be able to cook, clean, sew, dig worms and clean fish, must have a fishing boat.

Please send picture of boat.”*****Update on our friend Jimmy Dillon. Another kidney biopsy will be done in a few days to see how much of the transplanted kidney still has healthy tissue.

The doctors know two-thirds of the kidney is rejected and can’t be recovered.

They are working desperately to save the inflamed one-third.

It’s hard to believe a sinus infection could lead to rejecting the kidney.

It’s very rare.

Jimmy is doing fairly well, just tired and napping a lot.

The biopsy in the next couple of weeks should give the full picture.

We wish this great guy a streak of good luck.*****Our buddy Earl Duhon, manager of Dupuis Tire and Service Center, underwent cancer surgery last week and is home now, preliminary reports say he is cancer free.

He is doing pretty good and anxious to get back to work.*****We understand Judge Don Peters is having some difficult times.

Our prayers are with him.*****We hear that Sandy and Barbara Aucoin are both under the weather.

We hope they are feeling better soon.*****It’s been a big week at the Dunn’s place.

Mark’s daughter Jenna and the three kids flew down from Boston.

Nate, the oldest and sister Delilah are great with 6-month-old baby sister Willow Grace, a beautiful child that none of the family had seen.

Everyone had a great time.

Jenna got caught up on Cajun food and plenty of seafood.

Roy and Phyl enjoyed all four of their great grandkids including Leland, their local 6-year-old.

They loved our Southeast Texas weather after spending a long, cold winter in Massachusetts.*****A few folks we know celebrating birthdays in the next few days.

Celebrating on April 29 is our longtime buddy, former county commissioner Don Cole.

Don was also a Bridge City city councilman and a master plumber for many years.

Don and his family have given much of themselves to the betterment of the community.

We wish Don a very happy 89th birthday.

Also celebrating on this day are Tammy Bourgeois, Kelsea Lane, Judy DeCuir and Jimmie Simmons. They share birthdays with Willie Nelson, 82, comedian Jerry Seinfeld, 60.

It also is the day Wilson King Dunn, 93, passed away.

Three years have gone by and I still miss that great guy.*****On April 30, Harold Haymon, Roger Brister, Mary Grimes, Samantha Ziller and Dr.

Nina Leifeste celebrate.

They are joined by race car driver Michael Waltrip, 51, singer Bobby Vee, 71 and actress Cloris Leachman, 88.*****On April 1, another one of Sammy’s boys, Frank Carpenter, celebrates.

Also Karolyn Doiron, Tom McDavid and Christina Johnston They are joined by singers Tim McGraw, 47, Judy Collins, 75 and Rita Coolidge, 69.

This also would have been the birthday of our late friend Dot Eshbach.*****On May 2, Jonette Brown, Mary Stewart, Glenda Dailey and Megan Conwell celebrate.

They join singer Engelbert Humperdinck, 78, wrestler/actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, 42 and soccer player David Beckham, 39.*****May 3 finds our buddy in Oklahoma, former Record employee Nicole Gibbs celebrating as does Kay Boudreaux, Stacie Hollier and Jeff Harrison.

They join singers Eric Church, 37, Frankie Valli, 80, and Christopher Cross, 63.*****On May 4, Julia Hoke, Jenna Dismukes and Jeff Harrison all celebrate.

They join singer Randy Travis, 55, (he looks 65 after having a stroke),Michael’s mother, Katherine Jackson, 84 and actress Pia Zadora, 50.*****On May 5, Dayle and Buzzie’s daughter Bridget Gunn Toohey celebrates as does Tahia Washington, office manager at Orangefield Appraisal District, Grace and Jeff’s granddaughter, Amanda Dumesnil has a birthday as does Brad Broussard, Butch Myers and Susan Spencer. They join singer Adele, 26, TV anchor Brian Williams, 55 and actress Tina Yothers, 41.*****Larry Dorman was seen at Bridge City Little League baseball field watching his two great nephews Colin and Cooper Dorman playing ball.

Larry enjoyed the hamburgers too.*****The Wednesday Lunch Bunch had a great gathering at Robert’s last week.

Robbie Hood, new Pinehurst Administrator, was in attendance and met some great folks.

Judge Carl Thibodeaux told some of his stories that will be in his book, “Why I Gave Up Fishing for Golf.” He kept the Bunch in stitches.

David Ball says he should be a stand-up comic.

Dunn says, “Thib and Donna Scales could go on the road with their act.” The Bunch dines at PK’s Grill this week and back at Robert’s next.

Everyone welcome.*****Booger and Donna Minter recently enjoyed a cruise to Key West and the Bahamas.

This was their sixth cruise but everyone was like a honeymoon.

Great food too.*****David Letterman's last show will be May 20.

He has been a night talk-show host 33 years and with CBS 22 years.

On May 4, at 8:30 p.m.

CBS will have a prime time send off for Letterman,.

The 90-minute special, “A Life on Television,” will be hosted by Ray Romano.*****Mike and Dianne Hale vacationed at their lake house last week.

Dianne catches supper and Mike cooks and cleans.

What a great deal.*****Friday, May 1, will be Judge Joe Parkhurst’s last day as Pinehurst Administrator.

Joe was the right person, at the right time for the city and he did a great job.

We wish him the best in the future.

Judge Parkhurst is a doer.

We don’t look for him to stay idle long.

This week let him know you appreciate his dedication and good work.*****Newlyweds Mike and Jamee Bland, of West Orange, are enjoying married life.

Mike says Jamee is a fantastic cook and could not be happier.*****"American Pharaoh" is the likely winner in Saturday’s 141st Kentucky Derby.

He won the Arkansas Derby on April 11 by eight lengths.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Alex Boudreaux stop by Tee-Boy’s Bar and Grill and dere he found his good friend, Tee-Neg Picou, getting plastered. He was drinking heavy, him.

Boudreaux see how bad his friend Picou looked and he axe, “Tee-Neg, wats wrong wit you hanh? Why you get so drunk like dat?”

Picou look at him wit dem bloodshot eyes and say, “Boudreaux, it’s like dis, my wife Lula Mae don run off wit my best friend Joe Comeaux.”

Tee-Neg down anutter beer and wit tears in his eyes he say, “An Boudreaux, me I miss him so much.”

C’EST TOUT

This week, in 1937, citizens throughout America started receiving Social Security checks for the first time ever. Since that first check, Social Security has stood between millions of citizens and poverty.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt set it up as insurance, guaranteeing that every elder citizen would have food and lodging in their latter years.

That was 78 years ago and every Republican Administration since has wanted to do away with it.

President George W. wanted to privatize it.*****On the last day of April, 1787, our first president, George Washington, took office.

In 1803, the United States purchased Louisiana from Spain for $15 million.

In 1812, Louisiana became the 18th state. I’m surprised the Cajuns don’t celebrate that day.

On this day in 1788, Maryland became the seventh state to ratify the constitution of the United States.

Today, 227 years later, Baltimore burns. Rioters hurled rocks at police, destroyed patrol cars, looted and burned stores.

Fifteen officers were injured and the governor of Maryland sent in state police and the National Guard.

Thugs took over a peaceful demonstration after the death of Freddie Gray, a black man who died in police custody.

The city and state vowed to end senseless acts of violence.*****This past week, Bruce Jenner, one time the world’s greatest athlete, declared he was transgender and wants to be a woman.

The father of six children has started a transgender debate throughout the country, including in the Texas legislature.

I won’t believe he’s truly committed to being a woman until he gives up the family jewels.*****Tuesday, the Texas Voter ID Law appeal made it to the Court of Appeals in New Orleans and is on a path to the Supreme Court. A Federal Judge found Texas acted with discrimination, requiring picture ID. It’s unfair to the elderly and minorities and should be done away with.*****Times up.

Thanks for yours.

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News updates 24/7.

Hopefully the rains are gone.

Neighbor Cox is replanting for the third time.

Take care and God bless.