Hometown News For Orange County, Texas
Hometown News For Orange County, Texas
OLD SAILOR ON THE REBOUND
Our friend and Pearl Harbor hero, Cedric Stout, 96, had surgery in Houston to remove some bone spurs in his throat. He’s home awaiting a call to return to hospital to remove feeding tube. He will have to learn to eat all over again. The guy has always had a good appetite and he likes to eat. After two months without real food he will be ready for some of Van Choate’s seafood gumbo to get started. His lovely wife Cherry has been taking good care of him. I love those great folks. *****Now I’ve got to move on. Hop on board and come along, I promise it won’t do you no harm.
TRUMPS POLITICAL TRADE WAR
Here on the Gulf Coast we have a good reason to be concerned about Trump’s trade war with China. Tariffs will likely slow the development of some projects in development along the Coast.
The reality is China is going to be the largest consumer of natural gas in the world very soon.
The United States is the largest natural gas producer in the world, much of it coming from Texas.
In our state farmers are on edge, already operating under significant tariffs on grain and other products in China.
In Texas, tech companies and auto manufactures, which rely on a two way supply chain with Chinese manufactures for parts, are likely to be hit the hardest.
It’s a net negative for Texas and our economic growth.
Trump frequently claims that the Chinese are paying the tariffs.
He boasted, incorrectly, that the federal government is collecting “hundreds of billions of dollars” in tariff revenue.
Trump’s tariff comments clashed with those of his national economic council director Larry Kudlow, who acknowledged, in an interview with Chris Wallace on Fox News Sunday, that Americans will suffer.
The full incidence of the tariff falls strictly on domestic consumers.
Rick Helfenbein, CEO of American Apparel and Footwear Association says, “This is a self inflicted wound that will be catastrophic for the nation’s economy.” Ultimately, this is a political decision for the president and not an economic decision.
Trump is playing to his base by falsely claiming China is raping the United States and he’s standing up to them.
He believes his political benefit will come in the 2020 election.
He will claim his Democratic opponent would not stand up to unfair trade practices, only him.
There are those who will buy it like they do whatever he says.
He may reverse the situation when consumers pressure their legislatures, then he’ll say he won while the consumer was losing.
Trump is not concerned with raising taxes on American families.
That’s what tariffs are.
Millions of jobs are threatened that depend on global value chains.
Meanwhile, your senators and congressmen sit on their hands and let Trump play his little political game at the country’s expense.
NEVER TOO OLD TO LEARN OR TEACH
Congratulations “Jack”
On Friday, May 10, longtime attorney, Orange native, John Cash Smith, “Jack” to his friends, graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Master of Arts degree in history.
Jack teaches history at Lamar Orange.
He decided he wasn’t too old to get his masters degree.
Jack loves American history and has had a longtime interest in learning and teaching the subject.
We congratulate our friend on this new accomplishment.
More and more elderly people are productive in their latter years.
They do it to extend their knowledge and share the knowledge they have gained.
They don’t do it for the money.
It’s special to them to stay in the mainstream and continue to contribute as long as we can.
A BIG DAY ON THE BAYOU
Who can cook the best boiled crawfish? Sign up your business, organization, non-profit or yourself as an individual now to show off your crawfish boiling skills.
Join us Saturday, May 18 at Peggy’s Place aka Peggy’s on the Bayou. The entry fee is free. It will also be free to the public for tasting and voting.
Prizes will be awarded to First, Second and Third places.
The Chamber of Commerce will be choosing their “Best Overall Pick of Boiled Crawfish.” Silent auctions and raffles benefitting the SETX Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign will be held.
Peggy’s campaign has already raised over $2200 for Toys for Tots.
For more information or questions please contact Peggy at 409-988-3918.
TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME
10 Years Ago-2009
You are cordially invited to attend a retirement party for County Judge Carl Thibodeaux’s longtime secretary, Jacque Craft, a 31.5-year employee.
The party will be May 29, 2 to 4 p.m.
in the commissioners’ courtroom in the administration building.
This nice lady was a loyal employee and will be missed.*****Friendly rivals and neighbors, the Orangefield Bobcats and Bridge City Cardinals will meet in Regional baseball playoffs, in a best two out of three games Friday and Saturday if needed.
Friday will see an unusual double header.
Should the teams split the wins, the final game will be played Saturday.***** Cajun jockey Calvin Borel rides to victory on board filly Rachel Alexandra in the second leg of his personal Triple Crown.
The 3-year-old filly is the best in the land.
She is the first filly to win the Preakness stakes in 85 years.
Rachel Alexandra shot to the front Saturday and wasn’t seriously challenged until a late close by Mine That Bird, the horse Borel won the Kentucky Derby on.
The win by the filly validated Borel’s decisions to leave the Derby winner and stay on the filly that he had won big on as her regular rider.
rk and Sharon were in Lubbock attending the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center convocation and commencement ceremonies.
Also attending was Kerrie Dunn of Framingham, Mass.
Kerrie and Mark are proud parents of new doctor Amber Dunn, a 1999 Bridge City grad.
Dr.
Dunn will serve her anesthesiology residency at Case Western/University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio.
She is Sharon’s stepdaughter and Roy and Phyl’s granddaughter.
Also attending the ceremony was Amber’s friend, Dr.
Eric Payne, who has accepted a fellowship in Houston to continue his studies in facial plastic surgery on infants and children.
The couple will reside 2,000 miles apart. Just one of the prices paid to advance in the medical profession.
(Editor’s note: Today Amber is married to a doctor, both practice in Garden City, KS. and have two boys, Luke, 2½ and Liam, 10 months old.)*****Here is an amazing fact.
On the eighth day of July, at five minutes and six seconds after 4, the time and date will be 04:05:06 07/08/09.
(456789 will never again happen so if it’s your birthday it is really a special day.)*****On June 8, St. Paul Methodist Church of Bridge City is set for its first service at the new church on Roundbunch.
The only things missing will be the pews.*****Special birthdays this week.
Karen Dunn Gros, a special lady who played a large part in the establishment and success of these Record Newspapers, celebrates on May 20.
We wish her a great day.*****Bill Pope, from our Roundbunch office, celebrates this week.*****Also our friend Dr.
David Jones.
A great guy.*****Happy birthday to two very nice ladies who are married to dentist.
Mary Majors, wife of Dr.
Joe and Barbara Olson, Dr.
David’s wife and sidekick.*****A special wish to our longtime friend June Gregory, one of the county’s beautiful women.*****Birthday wishes to Amanda Uzzle.*****Belated happy birthday to Judge Pat Clark who celebrated May 16.
That’s two years in a row I ran a week over on his birthday.
No excuse last year but Hurricane Ike took my calendar of birthdays so I’ve been at a disadvantage, plus I’m older and my recall is not too sharp.***** The Bridge City La Quinta will be open next Friday, May 29.
They have 61 lovely rooms, a restaurant; and a convention room will be added on the south side before long.
A management company will operate the hotel.*****Remember I told you, in this column, that the stock market will have a powerful rally.
Soon the recession will be history.
Obama’s plan to throw a lot of money at an economy that was left in the tank will be successful.
People sure forget Bill Clinton was left with a bad deficit from the first George Bush.
People said, “We are leaving a debt our grandchildren will never pay off.
He balanced the budget and left a surplus.
You hear the same talk today that Obama is creating a debt our grandchildren will inherit.
Obama’s plan is not trickle down – everyone will do well and so will the country.
40 Years Ago-1979
VFW Post 8943 and Ladies’ Auxiliary has named new officers.
V.J. Marjolet, post commander, Larry D. Wedekin, vice president, Michael F. Armstrong, vice president, Charles Lieby, quartermaster, Henry Crowell, adjutant and Michael Armstrong, service officer.
*****Auxiliary president is Jennifer Lieby, Kerstin Jewell, vice president, Sarah Arsement, vice president Dorothy Wedekin, treasurer, Dean Encalode, Chaplin, Edna Vercher, conductress, Helen Marjolet, guard and Betty Beno, trustee.
******Legal secretaries name Carole Romero Secretary of the Year and Wayne Peveto Boss of the Year.*****Grey Hill of West Orange-Stark is state champion and holder of the national record in the 300-meter hurdles.*****Congrats to Becky Hargrave and Scott Harper – named Miss and Mr. BCHS.
Receiving honors at Bridge City Junior High are Cheryl Pesson and Paul Simmons named Miss and Mr. Red Raider.
(Editor’s note: The junior high mascot was the Red Raider before it was changed to Cardinals.*****B&PW at Bridge City install Sue Pate president, Claudine Hogan vice president, Jessie Hebert vice president, Bettye Lormand secretary, Lennie Rutledge secretary / treasurer and Mary Railey, treasurer.
*****In Acapulco this week are Patsy and Harold Fisette, Faye and Rod Fisette and Bobbie Jean and Calvin Stakes. *****Twelve Texas senators called the “Killer Bees” are hiding out.
Their disappearing was for the best interest of Texas.
This was their only recourse to prevent passage of a bill that would have established a special presidential primary in the state.
The cost to tax payers would be $5 million.
(Editor’s note: Best I remember, Sen.
Carl Parker, one of the “Bees,” hid at his secretary Dora McDonald’s house.”
45 Years Ago-1974
Harmon Chevrolet new car salesmen Joe Williamson, Bob Jones and Homer Flanagan achieved membership in the Chevrolet Legion of Leaders in the car year 1973.
(Editor’s note: I can’t believe that was 45 years ago.
All of those great guys have died.)*****Orange County sends 14 football players to the World of College Football. Scholarships have been handed out by college recruiters who flocked in from all parts of the country to see the high caliber athletes Orange County had to offer.
The West Orange Chiefs led the parade of talent as eight members of their district AAA championship team inked pacts with major colleges, the Bridge City Cardinals followed with four signers, Stark Tigers have two.
West Orange’s Roy Williams will head to the University of Southwestern Louisiana, Phillip January, Mississippi College, Larry Spears, Texas State, Ray Pousson, U of Colorado, Randle Teate, U of Houston, Mike Conway, U of Southwestern La, James Long, Tulane and Paul Bingham, McNeese.
Bridge City’s Lanston Fall, Lamar, Mark Dunn, UTA, David Smith, Wharton and Steve Trevino, Wharton.
Stark signers were Leonard Curtis and Alexander James both going to Ranger Junior College.
(Editor’s note: Those guys are all in their 60s today probably with grandchildren.)*****Tommy Gunn, a native of West Orange and former debate coach at West Orange High, has been named outstanding speaker in the Spring Mountain Court Competition at Baylor School of Law.Gunn has maintained a 2.76 grade point average out of a possible 3.0, which also makes him eligible to write for the Baylor Law Review.
Tommy graduated valedictorian from West Orange. (Editor’s note: Tommy came home to practice law.
The rest is history.
His parents Donald and Mary Lou were great folks who were good friends and were extremely proud of Tommy. *****Granny Harper celebrated her birthday at Harper Farm near Mauriceville.
Thirty-five gallons of gumbo was served.
According to Millie ‘Tallboy’ Harper, Ed Bacon ate a gallon.
(Editor’s note: I believe most of the Harpers are gone now but Millie and some of the Harper kids still live at the old place.)
A FEW HAPPENINGS
The Orange CVB is getting ready for Shootout on the Sabine this weekend.
There will be something for all ages and admission is free for all to see the DSRA run those boats.
The event will take place at the City of Orange Boat Ramp on Simmons Drive Sat.
May 18 and Sun.
May 19.
Races run from 11 a.m.
to 6 p.m.
each day.*****A few friends celebrating in the next few days.
Judge Pat Clark, who I’ve known since he was in short pants, will be a year older on May 16.
I had been a friend of his dad “Junior” since 1950.
He and the old buddy he went off to college with, Sam Frank Lucia, celebrates a birthday on the same day.
Sam tells the story of how Pat left him at college to be near the pretty Italian girl in Orange.
Happy birthday to those two great guys.*****On May 19, our friends Coach Les and Wanda Johnson celebrate their 64th wedding anniversary.
Best wishes for many more healthy years.
When it comes to daily workouts Wanda says Les is a slave driver who won’t cut her any slack, plus makes her walk three miles a day.
They’re the healthiest 80+ people I know.*****Our friend Veronica “V.J.” Roberts, Wilson’s better half, celebrates on May 18.***** A big day in the life of Phyl and Roy Dunn was on May 20, when their little girl finally came along following two older brothers.
Daughter Karen Dunn Gros has been a blessing to them.
Ms.
Phyl says “Thank God for a daughter.” Happy birthday to one of the most helpful and hard working gals we know.*****On May 21, two attractive ladies, June Gregory and Babette Philpott, celebrate birthdays.
Also former Record employee Bill Pope is a year older.
Please see birthday list.*****The Wednesday Lunch Bunch will dine at J.B.’s this week and back at Robert’s next week.
Everyone is always welcome.
No dues just good fellowship.
Feel free to bring a friend.***** If you find yourself over near the Vinton area, stop by and visit Lloyd Beniot at the GED Oilfield Diner. He is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11:30 am to 7:30 pm and is located at 816 Goodwin St. in Vinton, Louisiana.
Everybody loves his home cooked food and his specials each day.
Look for his ad in this issue and ask him about his Oilfield Sandwich.
“It’s good.”***** “Tony the Barber” Marvin “Tony” Gauthier, 89, of Orange, passed away May 11 at his home surrounded by loved ones.
Funeral services will be held Wed.
May 15, at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City.
Rev. Keith Royal will officiate, with burial to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be prior to service beginning at 9:30 a.m.
BIRTHDAYS
A few folks celebrating birthdays this week.
May 15: Deborah Ellender, Daniel Pachar, Heather Brinson, Nancy Chenella and Norman Gaspard celebrate.
Also having birthdays on this day are former football players Emmitt Smith, 49 and Ray Lewis, 43.*****May 16: Rae Ann Chapman, Mark Simmons, Samuel Lucia and Clay Sims have birthdays on this day.
Joining them are Pop singer Janet Jackson, 52, actors Megan Fox, 32, Pierce Brosnan, 65 and Tori Spelling, 45.*****May 17: Celebrating birthdays today are Pam Hudson, Jinnifer Clark, Nickie Judice and Angelea Breaux.
Celebrities joining them are basketball player Tony Parker, 36, dancer Derek Hough, 33 and actress Nikki Reed, 30.*****May 18: Ron Hutchison and Shelley Dugan celebrate.
Also a year older are Country singer George Strait, 66, baseball player Reggie Jackson, 70 and actor Zain Imam, 31.*****May 19: Celebrating today are Al Judice, Cheryl Stone,Harry Dodge, Justin Knight, Leon Carter, Mark Watts and Bret Shuford.
Joining them are Pop singers Sam Smith, 26 and Grace Jones, 70, and famous football player Archie Manning, 69.*****May 20: John Sims and Stormy Dupuip celebrate today.Celebrating also are Pop singer Cher, 72, race car driver Tony Stewart, 47 and Country singer Jon Pardi, 33.*****May 21: Ricky Land, Hannah Dupuis have birthdays today.
Celebrities celebrating are Mr. T, 66 and actors Hutch Dano, 26 and Kevin Quinn, 21.
Happy Birthday to all.
CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK
Maude Boudeaux was shopping at Robbie’s Grocery Store and happened upon a grandpa and his bad behaving three-year-old grandson. It was obvious to Ms. Maude that Gramps him, had his hands full wit dat kid screaming for candy and everything else. Ms. Maude watched grandpa working his way around da store saying in a calm voice, “Easy Albert, we won’t be long. Easy boy.” Da kid had anutta outburst and Grandpa him, in a controlled voice says, “It’s OK Albert, jus a couple more minutes and we’ll be outta here, hang in there.”
At da checkout da little terror is t’rowing items out of da cart and Gramps, again in a calm voice, is saying, “Albert, Albert, relax buddy, don’t get upset, we’ll be home in five minutes, stay cool Albert.”
Maude her was very impressed so she followed the old man to the car where he is putting up his groceries and loading da brat. Maude says, “You know sir, you were amazing in there. I don’t know me how you did it. Dat whole time you kept your composure no matter how loud and disruptive he got. You jus calmly kept saying things would be alright. Albert, him is very luck to have you for his Grandpa.”
Gramps said, “Tanks lady, but you see me, I’m Albert, da little brats name is Stevie.”
C’EST TOUT
Sajak and White mark 7000 episodes
Wheel of Fortune chalks up 7000 episodes as of last Friday.
Pat Sajakl and Vanna White have been doing the show for 36 years.
Vanna is now 62-years-old, Pat is 72.When “Wheel” began there were only three networks, today, with cable, there are hundreds of choices still “Wheel” logs 10 million viewers daily.
The show has earned Sajak a Guinness world record title for the longest career of a game show host for the same show.
For Pat and Vanna the fun has lasted decades.
As for retirement Pat says he doesn’t have a date in mind.
He predicts he and Vanna will leave together.
They renewed their contracts through 2020.
“Wheel” has become a part of some people’s daily ritual and offers viewers refuge from really dark subject matter found elsewhere on TV.*****Today President Trump was in Hackberry, LA. visiting the LNG liquefaction project.The Louisiana plant went on line Tuesday and began producing liquefied natural gas.
Trump of course took credit for the plant that the Obama/Biden Administration started and built, The front end engineering design phase for the project was started in November 2011 and the conditional non-free trade agreement was approval from the US Department of Energy (DOE) in February 2014 before Trump took office.*****I’ve got to go, my time is up, thanks for yours.
Take care and God bless.
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