Sherlock Breaux in the Creaux's Nest

MAYBE NEW BEGINNING AHEAD

The end of March marks a year since I've lost my freedom. That's how long I've been in lockdown. It wasn't only the worst year in our country's history, health wise it's been an awful year for me. One health problem after another, a dozen doctor visits with three different doctors and two hospital stays. The worse was a bleeding ulcer that had me bled out. I nearly waited too long on that one. My problems continued to mount but at least I dodged the virus and now have both of my vaccine shots. I'm more on an even keel than I've been for awhile and hoping to be able to attend the first Lunch Bunch gathering in a year on Wednesday, April 14, at Robert's. I will tell you more about that in the next couple of weeks. I've even forgotten what Christy Khoury looks like. Since we last gathered Rex Peveto became District Judge Peveto. I have missed Judge Chad Jenkins and Commissioner Johnny Trahan's stories. What have Marlene and Keith been up to since Keith retired as sheriff. I have missed seeing Karen Fisher, we go back a long way. Of course it's always a pleasure to see 99-year-old Cedric Stout and Cherry. The old Pearl Harbor veteran just keeps on keeping on, marching toward 100. I haven't heard how Nova Dee is doing with her health. I hope she's up and about. I hope Judge Price will join us from Vidor. This will be a special occasion and award presentation. I'm counting on Judge Gothia and Judge Thibodeaux for their help. More later. For now I have to move on. Come along, I promise it won't do you no harm.

TRUMP PUT ASIANS IN "BULL'S-EYE"

Least we forget the week after then President Donald Trump first used the hashtag "#chinesevirus' on Twitter, the number of people using the hashtag increased more than tenfold. Since then, anti-Asian bias and attacks have grown rapidly in conjunction with anti-Chinese rhetoric. Trump's use of that phrase in speeches, rallies and on Twitter, which was racist, preceded a cascade of its use by others online. The use of #chinasevirus rose by 8.351%. The hashtag used in conjunction with #chinesevirus expletives aimed at Chinese people and Asians in general, as well as hashtages that advocate killing Chinese people, are racist attacks on all things Asian. Twitter removed Trump's Chinese virus tweet and Trump's entire account on Jan. 8, citing concerns that Trump would incite further violence. After his supporters rioted at the Capital assaults escalated to attacks and violence against Asian-Americans and now it is almost a "Daily Tragedy." Trump's promoting of hate and telling Proud Boys "Stand up and stand by," led to the mob insurrection of the U.S. Capital by those who accepted his words, his message to them and likewise has led to the attacks on Asians. Calling Mexican immigrants drug addicts, rapist and murders, while taking babies from their mother's arms and separating them their parents and banning Muslims from coming to this country was very inciteful. We must put the blame where the blame rightly goes. For four years Trump advocated for hate and division, building a base of White Supremacist. That's not the first time that has happened. Gov. George Wallace built a coalitions of David Duke, KKK followers and ran for president in 1964, 1968, 1972 and 1976. Like Trump he never did reach 50% support. Both averaged between 40 and 45 percent. I should note however, that in 1976, he carried Jefferson County, the most liberal county in Texas by advocating racial dialog and hate. That sells with a certain segment of our population. My bet is that the Electoral College went for it twice for Trump but won't go for it a third time. In Trump's win against Hillary, he lost the popular vote by three million votes. Against Biden he lost by over seven million votes, a third run would be far worse for Trump as more normal thinking voters wake up to the real facts and that divisions just work to a certain point, not over 50%. It's a strong base that puts Trump holding the ace in the hole that gives him a strong hand to be kingmaker or reap havoc on his adversaries. His hate base among Republicans is around 22% average; others are conservative voters he can't lead to the polls to vote. Most of those voters are now starting to see through Trump and that he doesn't have the best interest of the country at heart.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2011

It looks like the target date for Judge Pat Clark to make his move is April 1. What will happen and who will take over 128th District Court is still unknown. The appointment, if one is made, to fill the post is Gov. Perry's call. The only new name being mentioned is Courtney Burch Arkeen, a Vidor attorney who practices family law. Courtney was associated with Larry Hunter before he joined Uncle Walter's law firm. Courtney, an active Republican, is a native of Orangefield. She also is on the Lamar Foundation board. She has strong ties to Ron Lewis and her husband is associated with Mr. And Mrs. David Montange so she has the contacts. I'm not sure she has the experience, although she's a very smart, beautiful lady. I believe she threw her bonnet in the ring and has a fair shot unless the governor is looking for more experience. ***** the shot heard around the area was that after 30 years, West Orange-Stark coach Dan Ray Hooks was calling it quits as Athletic Director and head football coach of the Mustangs. No doubt stepping down was a heart wrenching decision for him to make. Dan, the staff and players are family. Their success is unprecedented. Why would anyone leave with a stable of tough Mustangs coming back? The team will be pretty salty next season. It looks like all the chips fell in place, opening the door for him to exit now. The second option Dan had to look hard at is the busting out pay that would be off the table past last Friday. Coach Hooks never asked for anything unreasonable and he always got what he asked for. I don't believe he would have liked the process coming in January. An Athletic Director's job is getting ready to be a tougher road to travel. Not Dan's cup of tea. As for who will replace him, the WO-S stable is loaded with experience, some of the state's best. I said before, they're a family. It would be hard as an outsider to mesh and keep the troops. If the principal and board go experience, there's Cornell and Mark Foreman. They can't find any who knows the winning system better that they helped build.***** We were sorry to hear about the death of C.J. "Junior" Trahan, age 81, who passed away on St. Pat's Day, March 17. Service was held Sunday, March 20. He was raised in Abbeville, La. but was a native of Henry, a small Louisiana town washed out in a hurricane. Known as "Rompy," as a youngster, he ran his late dad's service station. After moving to Orange, he went to work for U.S. Steel and later retired from Firestone. In 1955, he married Charlene, who died in 1994. He then married Dixie, Joe Dupuy's widow. They had a great second life for 15 years. I had known "Junior" for many years and never met anyone who didn't like him.***** Longtime J.P., Pct. 3, employee Connie Burrow Garney has retired. She recently married and moved to the Houston area. She will be missed. Her position with Judge Janice has been filled by Penny Nguyen.*****We were pleased to visit with Clara Clary. She was dining at Robert's with Marlene Merritt and Nancy White. She is the widow of the late Bob Clary. Two of the greatest people I've known. *****Hogan Steel and Erectors have been named Sportlight Business of the Month by the Greater Orange Chamber of Commerce. *****Special thanks to Mary and Ray Clayton, who operate Clayton's Consignment on Texas Ave. In Bridge City. They sent Roy a photo taken many years ago of St. Mary Magdalene Church, the church he attended as a child. He treasures it. ***** Some special folks we know who are celebrating birthdays. Our buddy Johnny Dishon turned 22 Monday, March 21. It seems like yesterday he was a 15-year-old freshman. *** Our longtime friend girl, Louise Wood, celebrates this week. We celebrated together when she was 38 years younger. What a gal. ***Attorney Joe Alford, who we have known since he was a good size pup, celebrates this week. ***Euel Norwood, who we've known for over 40 years and are proud to call a friend, is a year older. ***Rev. Leo's better half, Ivalyn Anderson, celebrates this week. This lady is a jewel. ***Warren Claybar celebrates also this week.***Celebrating also is Natalie Sarver, a great athlete. Happy birthday also to Grant Kimbrough. ***Some FaceBook friends marking birthdays: On March 23, Cliff Hargrave and Annette Payne*** March 24, Kayce Gunn and Becky Jones. ***March 29 will be the big celebration for Al Granger.***** The Texas House takes up a bill requiring photo ID for most voters. GOP members have enough votes to rubber-stamp it.***** We understand our friend Rosalie Clark came home Saturday from the hospital in Houston where she had her knee removed, spacers put in place and wrapped in a cast. In the next six weeks she should be getting a new knee. Eight weeks later, if all goes well, she will be ready to dance.*****I've known Donna Hinton Riley since she was a teenager working at P.S. Tire Supply as a DE student. This was before she was a Riley and before her long school district career. She's now an administrative assistant with the Bridge City School District. I'm constantly amazed at her kindness and consideration, plus she was raised on the Penny Record and wouldn't miss an issue. It's required reading and she recommends it to others. "Wat a gal."

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Obituaries 10 Years Ago-2011

Linda Ann Mendoza Brown, 62, of Orange, died March 1. She is survived by her mother, Mary Jo Mendoza; brothers: Sherrell Gene and Ronald Joseph Mendoza; sons, Michael Slade Brown and Walter Alan Brown; and children: Mason, 5, and Lauren, 3, of Houston. Linda taught at Lincoln in Port Arthur and Anderson in Orange.***** Donna Jean Trahan, 53, of Orange, died Thursday, March 17. Funeral Services were held on Monday, March 21. Donna is survived by her husband, Roger Dale Trahan; parents, Donald and Beth Burke; daughter Robin Davis and son, Roger Trahan Jr.; grandchildren, Matt Davis, Tyler Davis, Ryan Trahan and Logan Trahan.***** Eva Jane Granger, 86, of Orangefield, passed away Thursday, March 17. Service was held Saturday, March 19.  She worked as a caregiver caring for the elderly and she was a member of the Harvest Chapel Church in West Orange. She is survived by six grandchildren, her numerous great grandchildren and her two great great grandchildren. 

22 Years Ago-1999

Donna Scales reports to work this week in her new position as Orange County Park Director. Scales has been in public service for 11 years, seven in the auditor's office and five in the Justice of the Peace, Pct. 2 office. Her family is involved in public service. Her mother Vivian Dorman, helped start the Employees Credit Union, uncle Louis Dugas is a former State Representative and District Attorney, brother Johnny Dorman is on the Orangefield School Board, brother-in-law John Scales is president of the Bridge City School Board and husband, Jimmy Scales, is an associate City Judge. No doubt Donna brings enthusiasm, a good work ethic and is qualified to do the job and do it well. *****Orange Savings Bank celebrates a grand re-opening. President Darby Byrd sniped the ribbon while Ms. Nelda Stark observed the proceedings. *****Pete Bean and Louis Dugas head up the newly formed Southeast Texas Veterans Coalition. *****David Bernstein is our freshman state senator. Lolita Ramos is a member of his staff. *****The City of Bridge City hasn't had an election since John Dubose became mayor. Time runs out for councilman Kirk Roccaforte and Moe Litton, Robert Harvey and Joe Raburn, who took over without opposition, will replace them. *****Sam and Jeff Hattman celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. *****J.P. Thibodeaux is owner of Orange Auto Center, the Oldsmobile and Cadillac dealership. Mike Collins, Sue's boy, is general manager. *****Conner Matthew Guillotte celebrated a first birthday on March 12. Proud parents are Greg and Tanya Guillotte. (Editor's note: Today that boy is 23 years old.)

42 Years Ago-1979

Mauriceville Junior High basketball Panthers are district champs. Team players are Mark Jones, Jeff Britian, Robert Harper, Billy Dunn, Danny Caruline, Wayne Frederick, Grey Perry, Danny Pearcy, George Shannon, Adam Vincent, Quain Benoit, Kenny Russell, Keith Burton, James Rash, Robert Hindt, Roger Gaudet, and Blake Barilleaux. E.R. Procelle is Panther coach. (Editor's note: They must have had three teams, they had plenty to choose from. I wonder how many of the junior high boys are still around. Not many I bet.)*****The Bridge City Community Center committee holds mock beauty pageant. "Miss LaDonna," Don Breaux, won the "Battle of the Sexes." "Miss Geraldine" was Curtis Lee and Charlie Johnson was "Miss Charming Charmaine." and Tim Lieby was "Fanny Bar." Those were top vote getters.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

A NOTE WORTH PUBLISHING

Roy, it does not seem as though I have been reading your words for 50 years. I remember very well the early editions of OVN and looked forward to reading the local news and history that the paper brought weekly. I often wondered what your office looked like with the number of cakes it had to have had laying around. I think my favorite columns in the past were Gordon Baxter's...loved reading him.

Congratulations for 50 years of doing what you have done so well. I thank you for giving me my start in the writing business. It has been fun. I miss the conversations we had when I worked for you.

I moved "way up north" to Livingston. I'm able to keep my writing going thanks to the internet and email. Thanks to the email I can "Read the Record."

Hope you stay at the roll top desk and yellow pad for a lot more years.

Take care of yourself.

Mike Louviere

*****

A few folks we know who will be celebrating birthdays in the next few days. March 22, finds Coach Joe Blanda and our longtime friend and journalist, Louise Wood, celebrating, also *****March 25, Claybar Funeral Home CEO Warren Claybar celebrates as does Kim Faulker and our neighbor, a very nice lady, Savanna and Gabe's mom, Stephany Ball.*****March 26, Happy Birthday to Sherry Stevens, turning 56 today, Karen Bozman and the "Postman" Billy Leleux.*****March 27, Bo Berry turns 56 today, also Art Mason, Dorothy Keith and Ruth Platt all celebrate on this day.*****March 28, Phyl and Roy's oldest grandson, Garrett Gros celebrates today. He's the oldest of Karen's three boys.*****March 29, A Happy Birthday to Al Granger, a good guy. Also celebrating is Kay Dee Wingate and Julie Norwood.*****March 30, one of Mark Dunn's five grandsons, Chase "Tank" Ballou, celebrates his fifth birthday. Also celebrating is longtime educator Terry Stuebing. Happy Birthday to all.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS

March 24: Football player Peyton Manning, 45; Actors Jim Parsons, 48 and Alyson Hannifin, 47.*****March 25: Rock Singer Elton John, 74; Actress Sarah Jessica Parker, 56; Race Car Driver Danica Patrick, 39.*****

March 26: Soul Singer Diana Ross, 77; Rock Singer Steven Tyler, 73; Country Singer Kenny Chesney, 53.*****March 27: Pop Singer Mariah Carey, 51; Singer Fergie, 46; Director Quinton Tarantino, 58.*****March 28: Pop Singer Lady Gaga, 35; Country Singer Reba McEntire, 66, Actor Vince Vaughn, 51.*****March 29: Movie Actors Scott Wilson, 79; Lucy Lawless, 53, Brendan Gleeson, 66.*****March 30: Pop Singer Celine Dion, 52; Country Singer Thomas Rhett, 31; Guitarist Eric Clapton, 76; Rapper MC Hammer, 59.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Harry Comeaux, him, was married to Agnes Boudreaux. She was very homely her, but worse den dat, she nag and nag over everyting. One night, Agnes woke up and Harry was missing from da bed. Agnes got up an pass herself all over da house but she couldn't find him. Den she heard sobbing coming from da outside porch. She pull da light chain and find Harry curl up in a ball crying uncontrollably.

"Harry, wat da hell wrong wit you, hanh?" Agnes wanted to know.

Between sobs Harry answer, "Agnes, you remember 20 years ago wen I got you pregnant me, and you papa told me, Harry you got two choices, marry Agnes or go to jail."

"Yeah, I remember dat me," Agnes say.

Harry took him a deep breath and say, "Well Agnes, tonight I would have been release and been a free man."

C'EST TOUT

Suspect Jailed in Sicknick Assault

A West Virginia man accused of assaulting Capital Police officer Brian Sicknick, who died after the Jan. 6 riot, was ordered jailed pending trial after a contentious court hearing where proscutors presented video clips showing the officer and two other colleagues being doused with chemical spray and struggling to recover. Describing the video as "surreal" U.S. Magistrate Michael Aloi said that he was "very satisfied with the government's evidence" against George Pierre Tanios, a 39-year-old restaurant owner from Morgantown. Tanios, who is charged with Julian Eli Khater, 32, of Pennsylvania, faces decades in prison if convicted on 10 criminal counts.

"We have created a culture radicalized by hate," Aloi said. "There were no songs or joy and peace (on Jan. 6) – nothing but hate and anger... I understand this is a one-time event, but there are people serving life sentences for a one-time event."*****My time is up. Thanks for coming alone. Take care and God bless.