Hometown News For Orange County, Texas
Hometown News For Orange County, Texas
SPECIAL MEMORIAL DAY EVENT SUNDAY
The public is invited to the 16th annual tribute to Orange County Veterans, at 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 26th, at the Heritage Veterans Memorial Plaza, 3810 M.L. King Dr., Orange.
The event is free to the public and is held annually on the plaza on the campus of Orange First Church of the Nazarene, the program includes special speakers, patriotic music and more.
The event will feature greetings from Col.
Thomas J. Curtis, USAF Retired and author of “Under the Cover of Light.”The patriotic tribute will honor all veterans and those currently serving in the military.
The program will also feature the Southeast Texas Color Guard, Community Band of Southeast Texas and other patriotic music.
Complimentary Hot Dogs and Apple Pie will be served after the program.
For more information, call Mike Bell at 409-460-3567.*****I have to move on.
Please come along, I promise it won’t do you no harm.
CONDOLENCES
The last few days have seen some good people I know pass away.
Howard Stewart Johnston was going to celebrate his 92nd birthday in a few days on May 24.
I had marked my calendar to be sure I remembered it.
I had extended him best wishes on that day over several years.
I also wrote about him from time to time.
The WWII veteran was my friend, the late Parker Thompson’s dad, as well as Donald, Dot and Harold.
Howard had married their mom Arlene, who had four small children that he helped to raise.
I was always impressed by the way those children expressed their love and respect for this good man.
Everyone I’ve ever known who knew Howard had nothing
but praise for him. He passed away May 13. May he rest in peace. Please see obituary.
REMEMBERING IKE
Isaak “Ike” Peters Wiebe, 71, of Bridge City passed away in his sleep on May 17.
A native of Winker, Manitoba, Canada, he had celebrated a birthday four days earlier on May 13.
If you had ever met this guy you would have been impressed with him.
He was a very interesting person who knew a lot about many things.
The first time we met he and I really clicked.
He and his lovely wife Lynn ran Muddy Water Marina on DuPont Drive.
Ike was a good cook, especially wild game.
He loved hunting and fishing.
He supplied me with live crabs and often delivered them to me personally.
Lynn ran their little restaurant at the marina and boy could she bake good bread.
They were both fans of this paper delivered to their home on Vivian Street in Bridge City.
They were first to grab it out of the driveway.
Ike was a German Mennonite, a John Wayne look-alike.
He was one of the good folks I’ve had the pleasure of knowing.
Please read Obituary.
I’LL NEVER FORGET JIM
James “Jim” Goodman, 69,passed away last Friday, May 17.
Jim was raised in the Cove where he and Sheriff Keith Merritt were kids together.
Keith says Jim always had a kind heart. He last saw him a few days before he died when Jim came to the courthouse.
He had asked the sheriff if he could park in the fire zone a few minutes, because his legs were so bad he couldn’t make it parked further away.
That was the last time Keith saw him.
I had spoken to him a couple of weeks before and he told me he was nearly immobile and was facing a possible leg amputation.
Jim never wanted to be a burden so I wasn’t surprised at his action.
He wasn’t a wealthy man but he always had enough money to help and show his kindness.
Anytime I saw him at Danny’s he would always offer to buy me breakfast.
He helped out at Veterans’ Grocery at noon and when a friend came in for a sandwich Jim offered to put it on his bill.
I always felt Jim was glad to see me and I believe he felt that way about all of his old friends.
By now he and his friends that have gone before him will be looking to have a Bourre game.
I’m thankful our paths crossed.
Our sincere condolences to Denisha and Scott and their families.
Service will be held Thursday.
Please see obituary.
SERVICE FOR BOBBY TARTER
Bobby Carrol Tarter, 75, passed away May 17. He was a Bridge City grad and had owned T&T Fence Co. His service will be held Saturday, May 25, at Dorman’s Funeral Home. Visitation will be held at 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. with a memorial service to follow. Our condolences to wife Phyllis, daughter Alison, family and friends. Please see obituary.
TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME
10 Years Ago-2009
The buzz for a week around Bridge City has been the million-dollar lotto winner.
The ticket was bought at Exxpress Mart.
That made a media star out of Miss Mary. She got more coverage than Obama. Pretty Courtney just stood by and smiled.
I bet Dennis will have a lot of friends, kinfolks too, that he didn’t know he had.
I’m glad the winner was local and a young family.
They should clear a little over $600,000 when taxes and the dust settles.
It sounds and is a good amount of money but it can disappear fast.***** We were saddened to learn of the unexpected death of Rev. Dale Vance, who died May 21.
A few days before his death, what had begun as a cold turned into Pneumonia.
Hurricane Ike and four feet of water had driven him and Ms.
Sally from their home in Schofield Place in Bridge City.
At the time of his death he was pastor at Central Baptist in Port Neches.
For many years he had been the pastor of First Baptist in Orangefield.*****Our deepest sympathies also on the death of William David Dickey,Willie to his friends.
He was a former West Orange football player and co-owner of Gary’s Coffee Shops.
He passed away at age 53 on May 22.***** Just as I had speculated, Kris Allen, 23, from Conway, Ark., would beat the panel of judge’s favorite Adam Lambert to win American Idol. The judges were obviously bias for Lambert and Danny’s fans, feeling he had been treated unfairly, switched their votes to the underdog Kris.
I had said that would likely happen.
Lambert will be a bigger star then Allen; he has more assets and charisma.*****On May 25, 74 years ago, Babe Ruth hit his final homerun for the Boston Braves. His record of 714 career homeruns held until 1974 when Hank Aaron hit No. 715 to break the record.*****Bob West wrote a heart wrenching column Sunday.
I feel for Bob and his family.
Their son Damon, a star high school athlete, a leader, who was looked up to and seemed to have a bright future got involved with “meth” in Dallas.
The end result is that he was over-stacked with a 65-year sentence.***** Speaking of writers, author Sylvia Dickey Smith’s newest book “Dead Wreckoning” has been listed as one of the top 20 summer reads by Conversations magazine.*****We were sorry to hear about the death of Duane Yates, longtime member of the Fabulous Boogie Kings.
Duane was well known in the area since the 1960s.
He passed away in Alexandria, La., on May 23.*****President Obama named Sonia Sotomayor as his choice for the Supreme Court.***** Good luck to the Bridge City Cardinal’s playing against Spring Hill. The teams will play in Lufkin Thursday and Saturday.
It’s possible the states two best pitchers will face each other.
Left-hander Garrett Methvin and Bridge City’s Matt Hicks.
Spring Hill is the number two, state ranked 3-A team, Bridge City is number four.
OBITUARIES
10 Years Ago-2009
Dena Rene Harris, 42, of West Orange, a loving mother and wife, died Saturday, May 23.
She had lived in the Orange area for 35 years and graduated from Little Cypress High School in 1986.
She is survived by her husband, Lloyd Wayne Harris, step-daughter, Amanda Harris, son, Jasper Harris.***** Meinrad Fillop, 61, of Orange, died May 18.
Funeral services were Saturday.
He was a director of maintenance-physical plant for Lamar State College-Orange, and an Army Vietnam Warveteran.
He is survived by his mother, Christina Fillop; former spouse, Judy Fillop-McClendon; daughters, Shelly Sullivan, Sally Hamilton-Shellhammer; grandchildren, Tanner and Kendall Sullivan, Macy and Madelyn Hamilton.***** Callie Marie Forrest, 81, of Orange, passed away on May 21.
Services were Sunday at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.
She had been an Orange County resident since 1954.
She is survived by her two children, Denny Forrest and Judy Forrest Still; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
40 Years Ago-1979
One of the area’s nicest ladies, June Wingate, is working at the Ramada Inn.
*****Mary Dorothea Fontaine Smith had a birthday May 27.*****Edgar Wooten was 25 years old on May 24.
*****Tom Powell is a new Farmer’s Insurance agent in Bridge City.
He is at 380 Texas Ave.*****Harmon Chevrolet is selling the new ‘79 cars for $195 over factory invoice.
They are at 307 Green.
*****Bickham Lincoln-Mercury is having a midnight sale.*****Stephen’s Buick is at 4101 IH-10.
*****Smith-Lee, Olds, Cadillac, Toyota is owned by Bennis Lee and John Smith and is at 2500 IH-10.
*****West Orange Stark Booster Club holds second annual All-Sports banquet.
Billy Tubbs, college basketball Coach of the Year was guest speaker.
H.B, Lindsey, booster club president, presented awards.
Ernest Anderson was selected outstanding athlete in football, Kevin Wolfford, outstanding in baseball.
Outstanding FemaleAthlete was Retha Jones,Outstanding Male was Van Barnett.*****Bridge City High School principal Joe Chenella, announced that commencement exercises May 29 will be in Cardinal Stadium.
Baccalaureate will be in the high school at 8 p.m.
Speaker will be the Rev. Charles Sheppard, pastor of St. Mark Lutheran Church.
David Dutschmann is valedictorian, Teddy Spurlock, salutatorian and Charlotte Bevil – highest-ranking girl.
After graduation a party will be at the Ramada in Orange.
*****The Bridge City High School baseball team is playing Brenham in bi-district title game.
Best two out of three.
N.J. “Vic” Vicknair had surgery last week and is doing fine.
*****State Rep.
Wayne Peveto received a gavel from speaker of the house Bill Clayton during the 66th session.
Peveto’s property tax bill (SB621) passed the House and Senate and has been sent to Gov. Clements for signing.
The Peveto Bill had lost in a close battle in 1975 and ‘77.
Peveto is a strong advocate of tax reform.
(Editor’s note: The Peveto Bill and Appraisal Districts are still being used today.)
45 years ago-1974
Wally Fowler, the gospel singer and Roy Dunn spent most of a morning recalling the past and exchanging memories of when they both were with Dudley J. Leblanc’s Hadacol Caravan.
Wally was with the Oak Ridge Boys and the first to bring Hank Williams Sr. to Nashville.
He also had a lot to do with Eddie Arnold’s early success.
Wally had written many songs recorded by other artist.
He gave Roy a copy of his new album, “Jesus.”*****On Thursday, 45 years ago, the day before Friday’s Bridge City’s graduation, pretty Terrie Linn Stakes, 18-years-old, lost her life in an auto accident.
She was the daughter of Calvin and Bobbie Stakes. The Bridge City class of 1974 held their commencement, marched in to the tune of “Pomp and Circumstance” but as one student put it, “It was a sad and empty occasion.” Terrie was buried on graduation day.*****James Broussard, a candidate for county judge, who didn’t make the runoff, endorses Judge Grover Halliburton over James Stringer.*****Debbie Hawks is the bride-elect of Duane Johnson.
The wedding is planned June 1.*****Ramona Dillard and Roger Perry were married May 31.
*****Muffins Burgess recently underwent surgery and is recovering at home.
*****Tommy Segura flew 36 hours over land and sea to get home to Bridge City.
He will be at his parents home, Ann and Jimmy Segura, for a 30-day leave.
He slept 13 hours after the flight.
*****Mr. and Mrs. Percy Blanda celebrate their golden anniversary at Percy, Jr.’s home.
Ninety-three guests, including 11 grandchildren attended.
A FEW HAPPENINGS
Peggy’s Place aka Peggy’s on the Bayou raised $5971.00 for SETX Marine Corps Toys for Tots.
Peggy and Richard want to thank their family, friends and everyone who came out to support them.
A big thanks for all businesses in the Golden Triangle that helped and supported them.*****Bridge City officer Brad Frye had an exciting bike ride last Wednesday.
Ask him about it.
He was also sore Thursday following a foot race.*****This week, on May 23, will mark 85 years since Bonnie and Clyde were gunned down in 1934, in a Louisiana ambush.*****On May 24, Loren and Judge Dean Crooks will mark their 23rd anniversary.
Best wishes for many more.*****Judge Carl Thibodeaux explained to the Lunch Bunch the process that goes into open heart surgery, requiring four bi-passes.
Three veins are borrowed from other parts of the body and one from the heart and neck is rerouted.
“Tib” is not yet on the golf course but it won’t be long.
The two newest constables, Mark Jones, Pct.
2 and Lannie Claybar, Pct.
1, were in attendance.
We go back a long way with Lannie’s folks.
His granddads were Lannie Claybar and Bill Stringer.
His dad, David, married the prettiest girl in Orange, Stringer’s daughter, Peggy.
His dad David was the driving force in today’s ambulance service.
Claybar and Jones are two great guys who love their jobs.
Of course when Judge Chad Jenkins is at the Lunch Bunch there is never a dull moment.
Mayor Roy McDonald’s lovely wife LaVerne, while chauffeuring him around, stopped in at JB’s to get him a barbeque sandwich.
Mayor Roy has been mayor of West Orange 24 years.
Three weeks ago he had heart surgery requiring five bypasses, one more than “Tib.” The Bunch dines at Robert’s this week and at Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant next week.*****May 25 is Constable Mark Philpott’s birthday but more importantly it is Mark and Babette’s anniversary.
I guess years ago he figured he’d give himself a birthday present, a gift that keeps on giving.
Happy anniversary to both.*****On May 26, 1865, the Confederacy surrendered, ending the Civil War.*****”War of Will” with jockey Tyler Gaffalione on board, won the Preakness Stakes.
A rider less horse made the entire trip after throwing off his jockey.*****Laine Hardy, of Livingston, LA., won American Idol over Alejandro Aranda, who was clearly the judges choice.
Again the voters went against the party’s favorite.*****Actor Matthew McConaughey received his high school diploma more than 30 years after graduating.
He was given his signed diploma Friday when he returned to Longview High School to address the Class of 2019. *****A pleasant surprise came from a beautiful lady last week.
Donna Peterson, Sr.
brought us a nice floral arrangement in appreciation of our 60th anniversary here at the Record and also Roy’s upcoming birthday.
The Petersons are just really nice folks.
We love Donna but her Mom is someone really special.*****And the winner of The Voice, Season 16 is John Legend’s Maelyn Jarmon! We were pulling for Gyth from right down the road in Singer, LA to win.
Congrats to all, I am thinking we will see stardom from the finalists.
BIRTHDAYS
Friends celebrating birthdays this week are May 22: Bailey McCurry, Jackie Tate, Margaret Toal.
Celebrities celebrating are super mobel Naomi Campbell, 48, wrestler Daniel Bryan, 37 and actress Maggie Q, 39.*****May 23: Amanda Uzzle and Billy Raymer.
Joining them are game show host Drew Carey, 60, actress Joan Collins, 85 and R&B singer Maxwell, 45.*****May 24: Having birthdays today are Lance Faulkner, twins Joey and Rusty Williams and Chris Green.
They are joined by singers Bob Dylan, 77 and Pattie LaBelle, 74, Elvis’ ex-wife, actress Priscilla Presley, 73.*****May 25: Celebrating today are Jo Lynn Harris, Judy Duncan and Sheryl Frazier.
Also celebrating are wrestlers Roman Reigns, 33, Alberto Del Rio, 41 and Bo Dallas, 28.*****May 26: Two of our favorite gals celebrate today, Barbara Olson and Jean Moreau, also Logan New.
They are joined by Rock singer Stevie Nicks, 70, Country singer Hank Williams, Jr., 69 and Funk singer Lenny Kravitz, 54.*****May 27: Today is Memorial Day and the birthday of Charlene Terro, Mary Donahey, Keshia Tomplait and Bruce Montague.
Celebrating on this day also are chef Jamie Oliver, 43 and actors Jack McBrayer, 45 and Chris Colfer, 27.*****May 28: Having birthdays today are Debbie Guidry, Lisa Mesch, Jacue Phelps, Judy Landry, Maureen McAllister and Kelli Boehme.
Celebrities celebrating are football player Michael Oher, 32, former basketball player Jerry West, 80 and Soul singer Gladys Knight, 74.
CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK
Old man Curtis Boudreaux had a lot of money him, and about ten years ago he married Agness Comeaux, who was 20 years younger dan him. Da first couple of years was okay but since den dey did a lot of screaming and cussing deep into da night. Dey stayed married but hated each utta. Old man Boudreaux would shout, “Wen I die me, I will dig my way up out of dat grave and come back and haunt you for da rest of you life.”
Neighbors feared da old man. Dey believed he practiced Black Magic, strange tings happened in da neighborhood. Boudreaux was a mean old man and finally died of a heart attack wen he was 80-year-old.
Everybody was relieved dat he was now dead. Agnes, her, started partying, going to bars, having a good time and spending crazy Boureaux’s money. Her friends were concerned for her and axed, “Agnes, aren’t you afraid you, dat Boudreaux him, might be able to dig his way up out of dat grave and come back and haunt you?”
Agnes said, “I’m not worried me, let dat old fool dig, I had him buried upside down, ass side up.”
C’EST TOUT
Pell Grants Would Go to the Moon
President Trump wants money meant for low income college students shifted to cover the bill for NASA’s moon shot by 2024.
The TrumpAdministration wants to move funds from Pell Grants to space exploration.
It’s apparent Trump doesn’t value helping poor students pay for school.
The Administration proposed a budget amendment that would transfer $4 billion from Pell Grants to fund space travel to the moon.
President Trump tweeted that the goal was to get America back to “Space in a big way.” Many on Twitter expressed outrage on the idea of encroaching on the Pell Grant program and shared stories of how the money made it possible for them to obtain their education.
The amount given varies on the level of a student’s need and the cost of the college.
The maximum for the upcoming school is $6,195.
Rep.
Rosa DeLauro said, “President Trump and his team should stop wasting their time on theatrics.” Others have said, “The plan is short sighted.” The transfer would need to be approved by congress where the leaders say the bill is dead on arrival.*****Gotta go.
Thanks to you and our family of advertisers.
Take care and God bless.
Reader Comments(0)