Hometown News For Orange County, Texas
Hometown News For Orange County, Texas
CORONAVIRUS GRIPS A NATION PLAYING CATCH UP
There is little question now that the Trump Administration fumbled the ball.
The first duty of a government in a pandemic is testing people to see whether they are sick.
Dr.
Anthony Fauci, the renowned federal immunologist, told congress last week and several times since “that is a failing.” The admission came eight weeks after the first case was diagnosed in the USA. Valuable time was lost.
Poor leadership left growing numbers of sick or virus exposed citizens unable to get tested.
Through it all, President Trump falsely told the nation that “Anybody that wants a test can get a test.” That was after two weeks of telling the nation that the virus was a Democratic hoax, like the Russian hoax.
Well, the Russian interference in our elections wasn’t a hoax, even though Trump still protects them and even got impeached over wanting Ukraine to take the fall for Russia.
There is evidence now that Russia is tampering with our social media, attempting to make our virus crisis more difficult.
The testing crisis continues and meanwhile thousands of undetected infections are likely coursing through the population denying health officials knowledge of where to apply precious medical resources.
Even as the testing situation appears to be improving, it’s worth asking how this could have happened.
Once the worst is behind us, congress should get to the bottom of this failure to insure this doesn’t ever happen again.
During any crisis the most important thing for our president is truth and trust.
Trump has failed us starting with the statement, “I alone can fix it.” President Harry Truman said, “The buck stops here with the presidency.” Trump says otherwise saying, “I won’t take responsibility for lack of testing kits.” He added, “It’s the previous administration’s fault.” Some of his followers will buy that.
The rest of us know better.
In recent days there have been some positive developments.
Nationwide testing numbers rose from about 20,000 to more than 38,000.
It’s still behind the curve and many smaller nations have conducted 275,000 tests.
Until the widespread testing rolls out, the United States will continue flying blind through a pandemic.
We are in this for the long haul, it will get worse we need to prepare to pull together.
The demand for hospital beds and intensive care facilities has continued to rise for weeks.
Once someone is infected it takes time before they get sick enough to need hospital care.
We’ll know a lot more when testing comes on line full force in the next few weeks.
In the meantime, we should listen to our local and state leaders, they won’t mislead us.
Their precautions are all for the right reasons.
SIMPLY PUT IN A NUTSHELL
I would hate to think what Orange would have become without the Stark Foundation.
Next year the Foundation will celebrate its 60th anniversary.
The donations and accomplishments can be seen in any direction you travel the city.
Many millions of dollars have been spent daily to bring culture and wonderful endeavors to Orange.
If not for the foresight of those who set up the Foundation, downtown Orange would be the wasteland witnessed by most cities not as fortunate as Orange.
The Stark Museum of Art, the Lutcher Theater and Shangri-La are just some of the great visible things the Foundation offers to it’s people and make available to people the world over.
Orange is unique in so many ways. Most of it wouldn’t have been possible without the vision of Lutcher and Nelda Stark.
Much more is left to be done.
Millions more will be spent over the years right here at home. It’s a well established, well run foundation that asks for nothing but gives plenty.
TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME
10 Years Ago-2010
The Health Care reform bill President Obama signed into law Tuesday, March 23, is destined to affect nearly all Americans.
Poor adults will get Medicaid, small businesses will get tax credits, and children will be able to stay on parents’ policies until age 26.
Also seniors will gain additional prescription-drug coverage, AARP says most seniors will benefit and the “doughnut hole” gap will be closed.
Seniors will benefit with free preventive services such as cancer screenings and improved services for people with disabilities.
Pre-existing conditions can no longer be turned down by insurers. Insurance companies will be prohibited from cancelling coverage for people who develop costly health problems.
The American Medical Association and senior groups call it a major civil rights victory, giving patients and doctors more freedom.
The congressional budget office estimated a $143 billion savings over the next 10 years. For the past year Republicans have talked about ‘Death Panels’ and other scare tactics.
We will hear more about ‘Death Panels,’ this time from Democrats to remind people it is not what the Republicans and insurance companies have been selling.
Now Republican senators promise no-holds barred delaying tactics that so far hasn’t worked to stop health reform.
They are planning to deploy parliamentary maneuvers and offer a charade of amendments to drag out the debate in the so-call Reconciliation Bill.
Democrats believe the stalling tactics will help reinforce the GOP’s image of the “Party of No.” The health care argument will be a central part of the mid-term campaigns.
GOP “Talking Head” Rush Limbaugh said Monday, “Democrats who voted for the bill should be hounded out of office.” Meanwhile Wall Street is upbeat about the Health bill.
“The bill will result in grater demand for drug purchases and more medical care for doctors and hospitals.
They see it as a win-win for citizens and business alike.
The bill will help people.
John McCain, Obama and Hillary Clinton all sited the need for health reform while running for president.
For eight years, the GOP controlled the government; they did nothing on health reform.
They spent $1 trillion on the Iraq War while Americans suffered.
Why are they fighting it so hard? It has to do with protecting the big insurance companies who have the biggest lobbies.
Their hope is to get the congressional bill to the Republican Supreme Court and do another Florida.
***** Congrats to Heather who is the new owner of Heather Montagne Insurance Agency, 3127 16th.
St., Orange.
The business was formerly Pete Sterling State Farm.
Heather is the daughter of Darlene and Johnny Montagne of Bridge City.
*****We were sorry to hear about the death of Opal Scales Duplantis, 88, on March 21.
She was a native of Orangefield and from a pioneer family there.
***** We were also sad to learn about the death of Jeannie Riddling, 80, of Bridge City.
She passed away March 21.
To son David Riddling, daughter Sharon Davis and their family we extend our sorrow.
*****After a long battle with characinoid cancer, Lana Kaye Davis, 48, passed away on March 21.
To husband Chuck, daughter Brianna, mother Joyce Rice and the family our condolences.
*****Condolences to the family of two great Cajuns, Tony Caillier and John Lloyd, “Tee-Bruce” Broussard.
***** A beautiful lady, Odette Simar, is turning 100-years-old on March 31.
On March 28, cake and punch will be served at 2 p.m.
at the Meadows on Hwy.
105.
*****Palm Sunday will be March 28; Passover will come with the full moon on March 30.
*****A few special folks having birthdays this week.
Karen Gros’ oldest son Garrett Clay turns 25 on March 28.
It seems like just yesterday she was that age.
Garrett is the proud father of one-year-old Leland Clay, better known as “L.C.” Garrett, Brittany and little Leland now make their home in Bridge City.
Brittany’s mom Kelley and sister Hayley will be in town to celebrate Garrett’s birthday this weekend.
***** Also to our longtime friend, coach Joe Blanda.
He was named after his famous grandfather “Joe the Barber,” who was often referred to by his friends as “the Italian Clipper.” Joe’s grandmother died this past year at age 105.
Good genes.
*****Our buddy Louise Wood, longtime newspaper lady, married to Rush Wood and employed at Lamar is celebrating her special day this week.
Quite a gal.
I will always remember the good times.
*****Terry Stuebing, Ella’s other half; former Bridge City principal is celebrating another birthday this week.
By the way, Ella was also a BC principal.*****Warren Claybar, Grant Kimbrough, Margie Fields and the lovable Billy LeLeux are all celebrating.
Best wishes to all.
*****On Sunday, March 21, Johnny Deshon, on the LSU baseball team, turned 21-years-old.
*****On March 31, it will be 15 years since Tejano star Selena was killed.
Last week Yolanda Saldivar’s conviction was withheld.
She shot Selena at a Corpus Christi motel after she was confronted by Selena for embezzlement.*****ABC has hired Christiane Amanpour away from CNN where she has been reporting international news for 20 years.
She will start her Sunday political talk show in August.
The show had been hosted by George Stephanopoulos, who moved to Good Morning America. ***** Happy golden anniversary to Joe and Annie Hargrave. I can’t believe, after 50 years, Annie wants to do it all over again.
She has agreed to renew their wedding vows.
Their children will honor them with a reception Sunday at the KC Hall in Bridge City.
(Editor’s Note: Remember that was 10 years ago.
Congrats on 60 years.)***** Former BC grad and now sophomore shortstop Lauren Angelle continues to pound out the hits for the Lamar State College-Port Arthur Seahawks.
She is hitting .475 with eight doubles, two triples and 15 runs scored.
Bridge City High School senior Valerie Brown, who has signed to play softball for LSC-PA in 2010-11, won the 3A regional power-lifting championship (198-pound class) for the third straight year.
She then set a new state record of 480 pounds for the squat lift during the state 3A finals, topping the previous record by 10 pounds.
Valerie, the 2009 state champion in her weight class, lifted a personal-best 1,070 total pounds this year to finish second by five pounds.
LCM’s Meagan Fontenot won her third straight state championship.
She finishes her high school career with seven regional records and four state records.
Bear freshman Raven Cole finished in second place giving the LCM team a 2nd place overall at state.*****Time will prove how much better off we are because of the Health Reform Legislation signed into law on March 23, 2010.
40 Years Ago-2010
Eleven Orange County cyclists will compete in Astrodome.
Vying for the state championship are Byron Chism, Curt Hawkins, Von Thomas, Chad Parker, Buddy Strickland, Phil Drew, Greg Flowers, Darrell Waystaff, Heath Parker, Troy Broussard and Ty McCarty. *****Neyland-Gilmer House, 312 W. Pine, receives Texas Historical Marker Saturday, March 5.
The home is presently owned by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas McKenna. Former owner, Mrs. C.M. Tilley, delivered the welcome.
Frances Reid is chairman of the Orange County Historical Society.
In 1875, Albert Neyland built a small house on the site.
In 1877, Alexander Gilmer bought the property.
The Victorian residence was built around the original structure.
Gilmer deeded it to his daughter Martha when she married H.S. Filson.
*****Gordon Underwood is in the state race for ‘Realtor of the Year.’ J.D. Stanfield made the nomination.
*****Leeza Gibbons, P.M. Magazine television host, was surprised with a birthday cake after filming “Miracle Worker” segments at the Orange Community Playhouse. Surprising the attractive celebrity were director Charles Ferguson, Angie, Diana and Brooks Hill, Claude and Jean Hamerly, Beth and Louis Dugas, Jimmie Hart, Rosalie Anderson, Carol Block, Jerry Garrett, Bob Jones, Russ Turkel, Faye Speer, Bob John, Debbie and Daphne Franklin, Polly Walton and Sandra Taliaferro. (Editor’s note: I remember almost all of those fine people.
Leeza went from Beaumont to be a national star on Entertainment Tonight and her own network show.
Her co-host Mary Hart is still on ET.
*****Lani Hall turned 11 last week.
***** Cash and Martha Curtis are the proud parents of Cash Curtis, II.
*****Mauriceville citizens move to organize a Water SupplyCorporation.
The system will serve those families who are members of the non-profit organization.*****Candidate for Bridge City city council are Mayor Gordon Harvey vs. Billy Cagle; Place 2, Don Cole; Place 4, Mike Faulk vs. Bob Pruitt Jr.,Steve Baker and Albon Lee Buffington.
Place 6, Jim Wallace vs. John Banken.
*****On the water boards are G.A. Ham Laughlin, W.W. Bill Hutto and Howard Mathews.
*****Three seats are up on Bridge City School Board.
Incumbent candidates seeking post again are Barbara Landry, Gus Garza and Tom Brooks.
The fourth candidate is Jerry McInnis.
A FEW HAPPENINGS
Our friend Phillip Welch stopped by for a nice visit.
Phillip’s contact with Kountze ISD has been extended two years with a nice bump.
Saturday was Shania’s birthday.
She looks years younger than her age.
They had planned a cruise for this week but it was canceled.
*****March 18 would have been our late friend Corky Harmon’s birthday.
I miss him every day.
*****I’ve known Carol Bearden since she was around 18 years old and was being pursued by a young attorney.
My friend Sharon caught her.
Even though the marriage fell apart they produced two fine boys.
Ms.
Carol celebrates her birthday this week on March 19.
We wish the Bridge City resident a very happy birthday.
***Also this day would have been Larry David’s 79th birthday.
He passed away last month.
*****Spring arrives March 20, the earliest date in 128 years, since 1896.
*****Bridge City and LSU star Johnny Dishon celebrates a birthday on March 21.
*****Pretty Lisa Guyote celebrates her 54th on March 22.
She looks 15 years younger.
***Our friend Donnie Harmon, who we’ve known since he was a teenager, celebrates a birthday also on this date.
We knew his dad Don long before that.
Donnie has maintained the family tradition; the car business is his calling.
For a great pre-owned car deal visit Harmon’s on MacArthur at Henrietta, in Orange.
*****We haven’t heard from Helen Clark in a long time.
The Gospel singer celebrates a birthday March 23.
***Also on this day Euel Norwood celebrates.***March 23 is the 10th anniversary of Obamacare.*****Special folks celebrating on March 24 are Dr.
Grant Kimbrough, Att.
Michael Catt and a very longtime friend Louise Wood.*****I noticed U.S. senator John Cornyn has hit the airways with political ads even though the election is seven months away.
He apparently saw something that concerned him in the Super Tuesday Election.
I bet it’s a Demo guy named West.*****The Wednesday Lunch Bunch will not gather for the next two weeks due to Spring Break and the Coronavirus scare.
Last week the Bunch dined at Oscar LeBlanc’s little gold mine, “Blue Bird Fish Camp.” The food was great and I recommend it even for family outings.
The prices are very reasonable and the scenic dining on the river is very peaceful.
*****Pestco came out to my place and sprayed for mosquitoes.
I don’t have to worry about fighting the pest for at least six to nine weeks.
Call them to spray their special herbal formula at your place.
You’ll be glad you did.
No more bites.*****President Trump said on Sunday that he is considering a full pardon for Michael Flynn, who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about dealing with Russia before Trump took over.
Flynn is one of six Trump aids charged with ties between Russia and the United States. *****The Fed slashed rates to nearly zero.
That doesn’t help the elderly couples that saved all their lives so they could clip coupons and live on their interest in old age.
It will help corporations and individuals like Trump and Jared Kushner, who owe a billion dollars.
Interest has been cut from 4.2 percent to free money, saving them millions.
BREAUX BIRTHDAYS
Birthdays being celebrated in the next few days.
March 18, Blaine Slaughter, Geraldine Cherry, Tammy Stark and Kellie Miller celebrate.***March 19, Lori Johnson, Buffy Dioron, Roman Carpenter and Donna Fong.***March 20, Brittany Hilton, Abby Ludwig, Jan Savage, Diane Sims, Kamela Latiolais celebrate.***March 21, Michelle Prouse, Alayna Jacobs, Barbara Mosier, Pam Nugent and Romona Huff.***March 22, Sharon Boling, Robert Thomas, Wanda Taylor and Carsen Carpenter.***March 23, Kenneth Kemp, Lance Eads, Chad Gearhart, Natalie Sarvar and Renee Dillon .***March 24, Forrest Wood, Hannah Drane, James Stone and Marr Hanson all celebrate on this day.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
On March 18, actress and singer Queen Latifah turns 50 singer Adam Levine will be 41 and actress Vanessa Williams will be 58.*****March 19, actors Sharon Stone, 62 and Jon Hamm, 49 and singer Carrie Underwood will turn 37.*****March 20, director Spike Lee, 63, actor David Thewlis, 57 and President Trump’s son Barron turns 14.*****March 21, actors Scott Eastwood, 34, Matthew Broderick, 58 and Gary Oldman, 62.*****March 22, Texan star player JJ Watt turns 31, actors Reese Witherspoon, 44 and William Shatner, 89.*****March 23, blogger Perez Hilton, 42, singer Chaka Khan, 66 and country singer Brett Eldridge, 34.*****March 24, former football player Payton Manning, 44, actors Jim Parsons, 47 and Alyson Hannifin, 46.
CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK
Joe Boudreaux stop by to visit his friend Minus Breaux. He say, “Wat’s happening Breaux?”
“Well, me and Clotile are repairing to go visit my cousin Tee-Man in Gaydon. Clotile is getting repaired her but she takes so long to get repaired dat I’m almost ready to change my mind. It shouldn’t take so long for us to get repaired to go anywhere.”
Boudreaux couldn’t take it anymore and finally said, “Breaux, repaired means to fix something.”
Joe answered, “Mais, I know dat me, dats wat I said, me and Clotile are fixing to go visit Cousin Tee-Man.”
C’EST TOUT
Roy’s Down Life’s Highway column highlights Cajuns who played a big part in our lives.
He failed to mention that at one time there were three Cajuns serving in the Texas House at the same time.
Louis Dugas represented Orange County.
He was the youngest State Representative ever.
After serving in the Marines, he attended Texas law school while serving in the House.
***D. Roy Harrington served from the Port Arthur area and later became State Senator representing Jefferson and Orange County.
He was the only Liberal Democrat.
***W.T. Oliver was the other State Representative fromMid-County.
He and Louis were ConservativeDemocrats.
With Oliver’s help, Carl Parker became Senator.
After W.T. came in last by a small margin, he endorsed Parker over Beaumont State Representative Chester Slay. ***Wayne Peveto beat State Representative Clyde Haynes in Orange County.
When we were represented by the team of Peveto and Parker the area made great strides.
*****Well, I made it through another week.
Thanks for your time, mine is up.
Take care and God bless America.
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