From the Creaux's Nest

LOCAL ELECTIONS ARE OVER

SOME ARE GLAD--OTHERS SAD

We had a lot of good, local candidates running for various offices.

Most candidates were diligent about working to gain votes.

Campaigning is hard work and expensive also.

We owe a debt of gratitude to anyone who would offer themselves for public office.

I’m often disappointed for the loser because I know how hard they tried.

A lot goes into someone getting elected and it’s not always the most qualified.

Personalities, organization, money and out working their opponent often wins out.

When you boil it down, it’s most often about salesmanship.

Through the years the best person for the job may not be elected but the system works and it’s democracy.

Winners were Sheriff Keith Merritt, John Gothia will become County Commissioner of Precinct 3, David Cagle will remain Constable of Precinct 1, Jimmy Mooney will become the Constable of Precinct 4, Karen Fisher was elected as Orange County Tax Accessor Collector, Orange County Clerk is Brandy Robertson and remaining as Democratic Chair is Deborah Mitchell.

Congrats to all the winners.

*****I’ve got to get going.

Hop on board and come along, I promise it won’t do you no harm.

PARKS DIRECTOR DONNA SCALES TO RETIRE

Saying goodbye to longtime county employee Donna Scales, who is retiring effective March 31, will be difficult for us who know and love her. For many years, she’s always been around. She worked in the auditor’s office and for years practically ran the JP Pct. 2 office. Her greatest work however, came as County Parks Director, a job she loves and is darn good at. She takes special interest in the maintenance of the parks. She has often been spotted cleaning trash on Bailey’s Road observation area and Claiborne West Park always maintains that well-kept look.

Donna has deep rooted interest in public service.

She went to work for the county right out of high school.

Her mom,Vivian Dorman, was a longtime county employee, her uncle Louis Dugas was a district attorney and was the youngest state representative elected.

Her brother, Johnny Dorman, served on the Orangefield school board for many years and her husband, Jimmy Scales, is a drainage district board member and Bridge City Municipal Judge.

Donna has been active in many service and civic organizations.

Most of all, it’s Donna’s great personality that will be missed, she never meets a stranger.

Donna has seen many changes over the years in county government, commissioners came and commissioners left but for 21 years, Carl Thibodeaux was county judge.

Donna and the Judge had a special relationship and when he retired last year, many county employees followed him out of the door.

Many of Donna’s longtime friends and co-workers left. Things are just not the same anymore but Donna’s number one reason for retiring is that she and Jimmy are going to be first time grandparents and that will be her first priority.

She also has worked all of her life, starting as a teenager.

Not having to fill out reports and having to answer to anyone will be nice.

She always has had a strong work ethic, believing if a job is worth doing, it’s worth doing right.

The county is losing another dedicated employee but Donna has earned the retirement that was a long time coming.

She paid her dues and served us well.

Happy retirement Donna.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2006

Bridge City Cardinal tennis standout Kody Duplechin remains undefeated on the 2006 season after defending his singles title in the Orange County tennis tournament, held in Bridge City.

It was his fourth straight tournament win.

He will compete in the U.S. Tennis Association tournament in Austin next weekend.

The senior is the son of Karen and Keith Duplechin and grandson of Virginia and Millard “Neighbor” Cox.*****Eddie Free had knee surgery.

Just too much basketball for a 50 years old.*****Pro scouts are coming in large numbers to watch Bridge City lefty Kevin Angelle pitch.

Last week he pitched a 12-0 shutout against Nederland.

Teammate Chase Warner went 3 for 3 at the plate.*****Andre Robertson’s ‘not so little brother,’ Rodrick, is giving hitting instructions at Grand Slam.*****Bridge City High senior Angela Evans, 18, recently won a coveted national merit scholarship with her perfect 800 SAT score in writing.

Connie Angelle, speaking for the school, said, “It is the highest honor.” Angela is the daughter of Martha and Curtis Evans.

(Editor’s note: Ten years have gone by.

I wonder what Angela did with her life? Did she take advantage of that brilliant mind? I always wonder what becomes of those youngsters once they leave high school.”*****Kim Hubbard was hospitalized last week long enough to have a kidney stone shattered.

She’s up but not quite ready to rock and roll.*****Congrats to West Orange-Stark boys basketball team headed to the state playoffs.*****Death is a heavy load for a great family.

Charlie Phelps died Feb. 22, and only six days later, Feb. 28, after losing her husband, Carolyn lost their lovely daughter Jo Lynn Matula.*****Possum LaFluer, Cody Caples and Matt Faul star for Bobcats in baseball tournament at Cormier Field.

They shutout Warren and Buna 10-0, forcing the 10 run rule in both games.*****The Rev. David Green, pastor of St. Paul Methodist Church in Bridge City, has offered to shave his head if the church can raise $30,000 by April 12.

(Editor’s note: I’m not sure if they reached that goal but they sure do have a beautiful, new church built after Ike.

The church is located on W. Roundbunch Road, (Hwy.

1442.) *****GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: Jo Lynn Matula, 48, of Mauriceville, died Feb. 28.

Service was held March 3, at First Baptist in Bridge City.

She was a member of the Sheriff’s Posse and APHA. She was preceded in death by her father, Charles “Charlie” Phelps.

She is survived by her husband Danny Matula, mother Carolyn, daughter Tamra Beard, sister Ellen Fry, and brother Charles Phelps, Jr.*****Marie Strahan, 85, of West Orange, died Feb. 28.

Survivors are her son and daughter-in-law Ronald and Debra Strahan and their family.

Service was held at Claybar Funeral Home by Father Joseph Daleo of St. Mary Catholic Church.****Charles Travis Ming, 72, of Mauriceville, died March 1.

He is survived by his wife Frances, sons Charles, Michael, Todd and their families.

*****Barbara Lee Burnett, 58, of Orange, died March 4 at her home.

She was a longtime cook at McDonalds.

She is survived by her daughters Victoria Kelly and Jennie Berry and several brothers, a sister and grandchildren.*****A.C. Toney, 64, died Saturday, March 4.

Service was held March 7, at Orangefield Pentecostal Church.

He worked for Transit Mix as sales manager.

He was a U.S. Army Sergeant during the Vietnam War.

He is survived by wife Evelyn, son Jeffery, daughter Kristy Norwood.*****Fred Joseph “Butch” Fuslier, Jr., 61, of Vidor, died March 4.

He was a pipefitter inspector for Local 195.

he was preceded in death by his mother and first wife Patsy.

He is survived by his wife Debbie, father Fred, Sr., sons Fred III and Bryan, daughters Brenda and Kim, step-daughter Adina Pratt, step son, Micah Shirley and grandchildren.*****Leslie Wallace Bellair, 74, of Orange, died March 4.

He was a United States Army Korean War veteran, a member of VFW, American Legion, Old Timers, Merry Mixers, Southeast Texas War Memorial, Heritage Foundation, USS Orieck Association and St. Mary Catholic Church.

He is survived by his wife Gertrude, daughters and son-in-laws Angie and Bruce Smith, Sheila and Billy Waller and Sheri Bellair.

Burial with full military honors were held at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

*****Darin Lee Trahan, 23, a 2001 graduate of Bridge City High School passed away Sunday, March 5.

Darin is survived by his parents Darrell and Claudia, brother Darrell, Jr.

grandmother Audrey Trahan.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, B.R. and Arlene Plott and grandfather Dallas Trahan.

Service was held March 8.*****Eloise Arnold Ritter, 91, died March 6.

She started her career and secretary for DuPont and retired as secretary for Pipkin-Nelson-Parker and Bissell Law Firm in Beaumont.

She is survived by brother Thomas Arnold, of Bridge City, two sisters-in-law, Flora and Millie Arnold.

Graveside service at Hillcrest was held March 7.

40 Years Ago-1976

It’s a girl for Steve and Mary Thrower of Bridge City, born March 6.

Christy Michelle weighed in at 8 pounds, 14 ounces.

Her dad is an officer in the Bridge City Police Department.*****Uncle Jim ‘The Fisherman’ McKay is 91-years-old on March 10.*****Karen Thibeaux will be 17 this week.*****Former Bridge City beauty Sharon Primeaux,who now makes her home in Louisiana, along with Candy Walker, visited here last weekend.

They attended the Jerry Jeff Walker and David Allen Coe concert and visited with several friends.*****Happy birthday to Jo Ann Wilson on March 9, and to pretty little Lani Hall, who will be all of seven on Tuesday, March 16.*****Happy anniversary to Amy and Whitney Oubre, who celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary on March 10.*****State Rep.

Wayne Peveto appointed to the Texas Legislative Council to study property tax reform by Lt.

Gov. Bill Hobby.*****Sharon Bearden is into his 10th week of his annual diet.

To date, he has lost 12 pounds.

Most friends are not holding out hope that he will last many more weeks.

In the past he has said that he’ll stick with it and later says, “I’ll start again next year.”

65 Years Ago-1951

At a meeting held at the Holland Hotel, three members of the Orange Rotary Club are elected to board. They are Dewitt Bennett, Forrest Clough and Rev. Herman T. Morgan.*****The Stark Supply Cage Team won the city league championship in playoff with the Buna Merchants. Players included; David Verner, Chief Wilson, Charles Goynes, Bobby Jones, W.E. Parker, Bobby Crew, Rayford Jimerson, Richard O’Banion and J. Harmon. Bob Ingram is the manager.

90 Years Ago-1926

Seventeen sweaters were issued to members of the Orange football team. Coach Kay presented sweaters to Tom Webb, Harrison Gill, Grover Emerson, Gilluan Linscomb, Lewis Weaver, Allen Peveto, Carlisle Prejean, Rufus Manley, Ellis Power, G.B. Feguson, Elzy Peveto, Lynn Jackson, Bohn Hillard, George Craft, Evert Parker, and Lee Carter. Manager was Eustis Roach.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

The fund raiser Saturday for Wayne Cole was very successful.

Several hundred people came and went and crowded the Community Center all day.

Over 1,000 pounds of barbecued chicken was sold.

A framed, signed jersey, belonging to Houston Texan J.J. Watt, brought over $2,000 at auction.

Wayne is battling cancer throughout his body.

Your prayers are what he really needs now.*****The First Baptist Church of Mauriceville is sponsoring a fundraiser Friday, 9 a.m.

to 6 p.m.

and Saturday 9 a.m.

till noon, to raise money for the Youth Summer Camp.

Many great garage sale items will be available.*****Matt Menard, former Bridge City baseball star, now Baylor catcher, went 3 for 4 at the plate in Baylor’s win over the weekend.

He is Judge Janice Menard’s grandson and she has been catching as many of his games as she can.

*****Good news that matters: Moderates gain in Iran vote.

Candidates backing Iranian president Hassan Rouhani claimed all 50 parliamentary seats in Tehran in a show of support for Iran’s deal with the United States and other world powers.

The deal substantially ended crippling economic sanctions.

Rouhani backers made strides after the Obama United States deal.

The sanctions were installed on Iran by Secretary Hillary Clinton.

Secretary of State John Kerry negotiated the final deal.

Many believe the Health Care Act will mark President Obama’s legacy but I believe it will be the Iranian deal that ended Iran’s nuclear program.*****Chris Rock, host of the 88th Academy Awards, who hit the ‘Oscars So White’ debate hard from the start, won applause when he called it ‘White People’s Choice Awards.’ Winners: Actor, Leonardo DiCaprio, “The Revenant;” Actress: Brie Larson, “Room;” Supporting Actor, Mark Rylance,“Bridge of Spies;” Supporting Actress, Alicia Vikander, “The Danish Girl;” Best Motion Picture went to “Spotlight.”*****This week in 1940, “Gone With the Wind” won eight Academy Awards.

Vivien Leigh, as ‘Scarlett O’Hara’ won Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress went to Hattie McDaniels, the first black performer so honored.

She played ‘Mammy,’ a slave.

This year the Oscars drew criticism because there were no black nominations.

I saw the film as a youngster and own an original black and white copy.*****A few folks we know celebrating their special day: On March 2, Texas Independence Day, Tommy Andrus, city councilman Eric’s dad, celebrates a birthday.

Also celebrating is former BCISD teacher Kay Butler, Craig Nugent, April Carter and Brittany Waguespack.

Celebrity birthdays are rocker Jon Bon Jovi, 54, football players Ben Roethisberger, 34 and Reggie Bush, 31.*****March 3 finds our buddy Norris Brandon, born on 3/3/33 celebrating number 83.

Also celebrating is Lori Bonds, Carolyn Miller, Joan Broussard and Donna Sullivan.

They join Olympic runner Jackie Joyner Kersee, 54 and actress Jessica Biel, 34.*****On March 4, Buddy’s better half, Carolyn Sheppard, celebrates as does Vickie Parrish, Darrell Evans and Jo Young.

Celebrity birthdays are Sonny and Cher’s daughter/son Chaz Bono, 47 and politician Rick Perry, 66.*****On March 5, Don Bayliss, Carolyn Hillsten, Lenzi Childress and Cathy Kimbrow all celebrate.

They join actress Eva Mendes, 42, religious leader Joel Osteen, 53 and football player Michael Irvin, 50.*****On March 6, our friend and Neighbor, Cox’s good buddy, master mechanic Mark Benton, from Bridge City Automotive Repair, celebrates, as does everyone’s buddy Coach Sam Moore who is a year older.

Also Trubie Beebe, Kristen Rucker, John Philps, Glyndon Childress and Pete Powell.

They join basketball player Shaquille O’Neal, 44, country singer Skip Ewing, 52 and R&B singer Mary Wilson, 72.*****March 7 finds a lovely lady, Libby Mitchell celebrating as does former sheriff Mike White, Misty Thurman and our longtime buddy Rick Trahan.

Celebrities celebrating on this day are actor John Heard, 71 and football players Franco Harris, 66 and Lynn Swann, 64.*****On March 8, a special lady who puts up with H.D., Pat Pate, celebrates.

Also our own Liz Weaver is a year older.

Others celebrating are Christi Wiegreffe, David Thibodeaux and Angela Burris.

They are joined by model Cat Von D, 34, actor Freddie Prinze, Jr., 40 and drummer of The Monkees, Micky Dolenz, 71.*****The Wednesday Lunch Bunch met at Robert’s last week.

This week the Bunch dines at P.K.’s Grill and next week a large gathering is expected at JB Barbeque.

Join the fun and fellowship.

Everyone always welcome.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK

Norris Brandon, Kay Butler, Craig Nugent, Apryl Carter, Tommy Andrus, Brittany Waguespack, 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, Glyndon Childress, Dana Bourque, Jennifer Barclay, Mike White, Libby Mitchell, Misty Thurman, Rick Trahan, Charles Day, Leisa Miller, Shelly Granger, Carol Smith, Christi Wiegreffe, David Thibodeaux, Pat Pate, Ryan Buker, Liz Weaver and Angela Burris.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

A guy walked into Tee-Boy’s Bar and Grill and said, “Give me 12 shots of dat tequila.”

Tee-Boy, wat was bartending said, “12-shots, are you sure?”

Da guy him said, “Sure am, set dem up.”

Tee-Boy him, poured 12 shots of tequila and lined dem up on da bar. Tee-Boy watched in amazement as dat man downed eight shots of tequila, one after an utter. At that point Tee-Boy him said, “Hey man, you need to slow down you.”

Da guy him replied, “Hey buddy, if you had wat I got me, you’d drink like dat too,” and he turned up da last four shots.

Tee-Boy said. “Jesus man, wat you got anyhow, hanh?”

“A dollar.”

C’EST TOUT

Today, March 2, is Texas Independence Day.

Our late friend, historian, Attorney Louis Dugas, always got upset that more wasn’t done for this important historical day.

This is the 180th anniversary of Texas’ independence from Mexico.

Sixty delegates signed the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836, including Claiborne West, from Orange County.

Louis even named one of his sons after him.

The Republic of Texas was annexed by the United States nine years later, on Dec. 29, 1845.

This Sunday, March 6, 180 years ago, in 1836, the Alamo fell after a 13-day siege.

A hand full of brave, heroic Texans fought thousands of Mexicans to the very end.

“Remember the Alamo” became the battle cry for Gen.

Sam Houston’s troops, who defeated and captured Santa Anna on April 21, 1836, at San Jacinto.

Santa Anna’s army had overrun and killed everyone at the Alamo.***** Well, I best get out of here.

Check us out daily on our website, therecordlive.com, for breaking news.

Please support our Family of Advertisers, they make this publication possible.

Thanks for your time.

Take care and God bless.