Sherlock Breaux in the Creaux's Nest

TIME FOR ABBOTT TO 'MAN UP' TO TRUMP

The Texas audit saga of four counties continues. A measly review of four counties, in a state that has 254 counties, is not enough for Trump. He kept pushing Abbott to add audit legislation to the special session agenda. To Abbott's credit he didn't budge on calling for legislation and has not agreed to let an outside firm conduct audits. That made Trump go into a full blown tantrum, suggesting that Abbott is weak and not a patriot, but Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Sen. Bettencourt are. Trump said in an email they are bold and Abbott is weak. Last week the bullying got to Abbott, he directed lawmakers to reverse a part of the massive voting redistricting and reform package that he recently signed into law, a bill that would have reduced penalties for illegal voting. Abbott's flip-flop comes a few hours after Trump pressured him on the audit. It's more of Trump's plan to scare certain people from voting. House Speaker Dade Phelan doesn't support it, saying, "Now is not the time to re-litigate." Trump has bullied our state and Abbott into a sham audit, wasting taxpayer dollars and sowing doubt in our election process that ain't broke and don't need fixing. I'll have to agree with Trump that Abbott is weak if he continues to let Trump call the shots for the state of Texas. Abbott needs to man up. In the end, Trump is going to throw him under the bus anyway. Abbott should be smart enough to see that Trump is making a chump out of him. Governor, this is Texas, not Manhattan, New York. Act like a Texan.*****Well, it's come on some beautiful weather, this would be a nice day to spend in the woods. I've got to get on down the road with this column. Hop on and come along, I promise it won't do you no harm.

ORANGE COUNTY REDISTRICTING A WASHOUT

Last week I mentioned some redistricting changes coming to Orange County, nothing really in stone yet. One move that's in the works is to add Orange County into Congressman Randy Weber's district. Word is he can't get reelected in his present district; he needs to pick up 10 or 12 thousand republican votes. Congressman Brian Babin, who represents Orange County now, has solid support in East Texas so the addition of democratic votes to his district would not delete him much more than the democratic votes in Orange County. I'm not sure the Abbott gerrymandering will stand. I'm also not sure you can split a city in two congressional seats unless it has as many votes as Houston. Either way we are not losing or gaining anything with the swap. Both are very weak representatives. If a congressman is not in leadership or a committee chairman they have very little stroke. They are used mostly to vote the way the leadership wants them to. They can write letters to help constituents with Medicare and Social Security problems. These congressmen can expect to get very little help from the Biden administration after pulling a political publicity stunt calling for the president's impeachment that won't go anywhere. He controls both houses. It was a silly move that doesn't help us in the district. I can't recall when any area congressman introduced a bill that became law. Congress is a great public trough, base pay is $174,000 and tax free perks amount to thousands. They work approximately 3.5 days a week with over two months vacation time. The work is easy, the staff does it all. Randy is not and won't be, the first Houston area congressman. We had Stockman, who ended up in the penitentiary. Kevin Brady came out of the Woodlands and a pencil line was gerrymandered to attach him to Orange County. Kevin did us a good job, he got things done, just ask the Port of Orange board members. There is a good chance that under the infrastructure bill that will pass, if we had a strong congressman like some we had in the past, Brooks, Wilson, Turner, Brady, we would have a chance at getting the Orange ship channel dug to 32 feet to bring in large ships. It would in time bring millions to the county, plus it would be enough dirt to build a levy around the Cove and Bridge City. It's a win-win, neither one of these guys are in a position to make FEMA pay Orange County what they owe. Best they can do is write a letter. Some congressmen in the past would have knocked FEMA'S door down and if that didn't work then they would go to the president and explain this county has spent its reserves and needs their money. Biden and Weber can't do that, they are not welcome. Remember when Trump made his local photo stop. Well, he promised he would get the FEMA money. A congressman is only as good as what he can deliver for his district. Orange County has never had a local congressman. The window is open right now. Weber is beatable. We need a good candidate that can win Orange County by a big margin. I can think of a couple of local, good candidates we could support.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2021

I'm glad to report that constable Chris Humble didn't have a stroke. He probably had just some of that crazy dizziness stuff that was going around. *****Our lifetime friend, Ruby Pickard, is now a resident of The Meadows. Meanwhile, John is still at home in the Cove. Ms. Ruby did so much for others over her lifetime, especially for filling many wishes of those who were leaving this earth. She is just a great, wonderful lady. (Editor's note: Both have since passed away.)*****Our own Edith "Edee" Pratt will also be at The Meadows for rehab. *****The Bridge City Chamber will roast Giesla Houseman at the annual fundraiser Thursday, Oct. 13. Ms. Houseman contributes a lot to our community. *****On Oct. 18, Lamar Orange will present Eugene Robinson as speaker at their Distinguished Lecture Series. The event will be held at the Lutcher Theater, 6:30 p.m. The lecture is free to the public. Robinson is an award-winning columnist for the Washington Post. I read his columns when I can but I also catch him often on MSNBC's Morning Joe show. He has a good personality and tells it the way he sees it. At Lamar he will speak on "Who's Up and Who's Down and What's Really Going On." *****We were sorry to hear about the death of Margie Baxter Davis, 58, who died Sept. 30. She was the daughter of Gordon and Mary Baxter. We had known Margie since she was a child. She and her husband Bill lived in Leakey, Texas. I would be remise not to mention the death of Steve Jobs, 56, who died of cancer Oct. 5, after an eight year battle. People around the world reflected on his many achievements. He was a visionary that changed the very fabric of our lives and how we communicate in this digital age, which he helped to create through Apple and his 300 patents. Quoting from his 2005 commencement address at Stanford, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer Jobs said, "No one wants to die, even people who want to go to Heaven don't want to die to go there yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped and that is because death is very likely the single best invention of life. It is a life-changing event. Your time is limited so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't let the noise of others opinions drown out your own inner voice. Most importantly, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition, they somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary." Another Job's quote in the Wall Street Journal, "Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn't matter to me. Going to bed at night saying you've done something wonderful-that's what matters to me." He started out in a garage and that story, in an authorized biography of Steve Jobs, is already number one and won't be released until Oct. 24 by Simon and Schuster. I personally saw a grown man cry, a doctor, over the death of Jobs when he remembered what all Steve had given the world and the medical profession. Maybe he was the greatest inventor of all times. He will be compared to Thomas Edison. *****On the lighter side, in other happenings, won't Paul McCartney ever learn? He took another young bride, Nancy Shevell, 51, as his third but with no pre-nuptial again. The last one cost him many millions for a couple years of loving. Nancy is a wealthy woman on her own.*****Speaking of loving, last week Dow Gene Anderson and his lovely Charlotte celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. "Boo-Boo" made arrangements for them to spend the weekend in the honeymoon suite of a Galveston hotel. On their return she was seen running around, full of pep, while poor Dow was creeping along with the help of a walking stick. Beats a wheelchair. Happy anniversary to these good friends and great couple. ***** I met an interesting lady last week. Jackie Huckabay is a Bridge City resident, born in Abbeville. She is doing extensive research on Vermillion Parish and the Nunez family. Her great-great-grandfather was a state and U.S. senator from Abbeville back in the late 1800's. *****Breaux and Creaux's tip of the week. Use air freshener to clean mirrors. It does a good job and leaves a lovely smell to the shine.

18 Years Ago-2003

The Orangefield Bobcats, 30-point underdogs against Anahuac, under the direction of Coach Kevin Flanigan and Bobcat quarterback John Modica, pulled a 31-14 upset to remain undefeated. *****Bridge City "Big Red" rips Hardin Jefferson 23-13. Jason Montagne led the defensive assault on HJ holding the Hawks to only 112 total yards. *****The Record's players of the week are Kerry Franks, WO-S, Blaine Callier, LC-M, Jason Montagne, B.C. and John Modica, OF. *****Cody Richard, 14 and Derick Buford, 13 recently advanced to the Gulf Coast Silver Gloves Regionals. Richard fights in the 132-pound class, Bufford, also in the 132-pound class, in a different age group. *****Don and Elaine Granger celebrated 50 years of marriage on Oct. 10. *****Rush Limbaugh, caught on felony drug charges, was getting thousands of pills for his drug habit by using several doctors for prescriptions, plus having others obtain pills for him. *****Jeremy Scott Ware, former Bridge City student, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from A&M.

43 Years Ago-1978

Jim Stelly is president of the Greater Orange Chamber of Commerce. *****A petition for a countywide ambulance service is being circulated. *****W.T. "Boss Cajun" Oliver is in California for a meeting with Bob Hope to finalize plans for a statewide television telethon. Proceeds will benefit the new Bob Hope High School for Crippled Children. *****Scott and Donna Faircloth are the proud parents of a new baby boy. Lee Scott Faircloth III.*****Darlene Adams is Orangefield Homecoming Queen. Bridge City Homecoming Queen is Melanie Ledouex.*****Cardinal Karolwojtyla, 58, of Krakov, Poland, is named new Pontiff John Paul II. He is the first non-Italian Pope since 1583. *****The Little Cypress-Mauriceville Band Booster Club recently sponsored a fundraiser with music by Don Williams and the Oakridge Boys held at Bear Stadium. This year the Oaks were named "Entertainers of the Year" and "Top Vocal Group."***** Other country award winners were Ronnie Millsap, Kenny Rogers, Dottie West, The Kendalls, Roy Clark and Crystal Gale. Dolly Parton was named "Entertainer of the Year."

48 Years Ago-1973

Monsignor Joseph O. Berberick, St. Mary's "Father Joe" is in his 36th year tenure at the church. He arrived on Friday, March 13, 1937. Father Joe was ordained on Sept. 22, 1928. He was sent to the Orange Oilfield to establish a Catholic Church. He opened the church in a shack belonging to Oscar Chesson, founder of the first oilfield gusher called "The Wonder Well." One Sunday, Father Joe told his congregation, "We'll stay here forever but perhaps if this old building burned down we could then find another." That same Sunday night a fire destroyed the shack. Father Joe said, "Perhaps it was the hand of God."***** In the first five games of the season the Bridge City Cards' "Wild Bunch" defense is still unscored on. Only one of three teams in the state holds that record. Lanston Fall, Mark Dunn, Kenny Brown and the "Wild Bunch" coached by Chief Wilson, are said to be the best team since the 1977 state championship team. (Editor's note: That was Wilson's last season. He had expected to go to the state playoffs with this team. Best I remember, in a controversial called game in Jasper, the Bulldogs tied Bridge City 14-14. Bridge City went undefeated until losing to West Orange in the last game of the season. West Orange, with one loss, advanced. Bridge City, the previous year, had done the same to West Orange. Only one team could go to the playoffs back then."*****Little Cypress-Mauriceville Bears, coached by Jim Crossland, has only one loss.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

I heard from our friends Sue and Tommy Simar last week. Sue said they had never had a store-bought pedicure but because she and Tommy no longer can cut their own toe nails, they were forced to visit a local salon. A first for both of them. First but not last. They both enjoyed the treat.*****Danny Cole is one of the good guys. If you don't like Danny, you wouldn't like anyone. Right now, during the pandemic, Danny is doing odd jobs with his tractor, bush hogging, light mowing, digging up garden spots, etc. He does great work. You won't need much money. See his ad in this paper.*****A few folks we know celebrating birthdays in the next few days. Oct. 6: Longtime friend, "The Fisherman" Samuel Troy Woodall celebrates today. I wish I had a dollar for every fish the longtime Bridge City coach has caught. Happy Birthday and may all your bites be good ones. Also on the birthday list today is former Port Commissioner and longtime insurance man, a good guy Jimmy Smith. Best wishes to Lisa Moore, Lori Harmon, Barbara Angelle and Charlie Dorman.*****Oct. 7: Happy Birthday Elda Molena, Carrie Richard, Connie Elkins and Jody Brown.*****Oct. 8: A beautiful lady Sandy Frye celebrates today. God bless her. I'll pass on the comments. Happy Birthday Jo Elizabeth VanMetre, Lisa Havens, Darrell Fisher, Larry Welch, Blaine Huff and Ronnie Halliburton.*****Oct. 9: Happy Birthday to Kay Ayre, Logan Conner, Megan Benoit, Will Stout, Kirsten Perricone and Betty Stimac.*****Oct. 10: Everyone's friend, sweet Missy Flowers celebrates today. Happy Birthday also to Taylor Jagoe, Janelle Matthews and Bob Bullard.*****Oct. 11: Today is Columbus Day. This next wonderful lady didn't come with him but she wasn't too far behind. Happy 98th Birthday to a great lady, Marcel Adams, first woman county commissioner, mother of the third woman commissioner Teresa Beauchamp. Marcel says she'll think about giving up her drivers license in a couple of years at 100. Celebrating also is Alana Clark, Preston Pittman, Alan Johansson.*****Oct. 12: County Judge John Gothia is a year older today but he doesn't look it. Stay at this job long enough and age will start to show. Getting older also is Candice Jenkins, Cheryl Squires, Leslie Anderson and Milton Briggs III. Happy Birthday to all.*****I hear through the grapevine that Keith Wallace is still working for Logan at Reliable Cleaners. Logan allows him enough time off to serve on Orange County's Port Board.*****Sen. Carl Parker's weekly column is getting great reviews. It's good material for every high school Texas history teacher.*****Great news. Due to popular demand Kaz's Korner is back in the paper. We received many request from folks looking for his long running sports column. Glad you're back Kaz.*****Brenda Lund, in charge of Record distribution gal, spent two days at Bridge City Animal Hospital waiting for her dog Amelia to deliver pups. After all of that I'm sad to say Amelia lost her pups and will be spaded.*****I really miss the Wednesday Lunch Bunch gatherings. I miss the gang, some of the county's greatest folks. It's coming on 30 years since the Lunch Bunch began and I truly can say I learned something new at each gathering. My time these days is mostly spent at doctor's offices so I'm unable to attend gatherings for now. Hopefully soon a small gathering can start meeting. Pam Scales Honeycutt has the call list. Let me know when and where you are planning to dine and I will let the public know.

THE SHOT HEARD AROUND THE WORLD

Tuesday the Yanks and Red Sox played a winner takes all game. The wild card game, played at Fenway Park, in Boston, brings back memories of a game played a longtime ago. Can time repeat itself. I recall very well the occurrence of Oct. 3, 70 years ago. A group of us, all high school football players, were listening to the New York Giants/Brooklyn Dodgers game in the football locker room. We didn't really have locker rooms in those days however, only hooks on the wall. No one stole, plus no one had anything worth stealing. Anyway, over the years, when us old guys got together, we always talked about "That Game." The Dodgers and Giants had finished the season tied so they played a tiebreaker, the best of three games. The Giants won the first game at Ebbets Field. The Dodgers won the second game. In the third game, Giants pitcher faced Brooklyn's Don Newcombe. Jackie Robinson singled home Pee Wee Reese for the first run. In the seventh inning, Bobby Thomson tied the game with a sacrifice fly. In the eight, the Dodgers got to Maglie for three runs and led 4-1. Most of us boys were Dodger fans and were celebrating. Headed to the bottom of the ninth, Giant shortstop Alvin Dark got a hit, another single followed and Dark made it to third base with the tying run at the plate, Irvin popped out. A double scored Dark advancing Mueller to third. He broke his ankle on the slide and the Dodgers put in Clint Hartung as pitch runner. The Dodgers replaced Newcombe with Ralph Branca, who Thomson had hit several homeruns off of that season. Branca threw a strike. The next pitch Thomson clobbered the ball down left field. Everything got quite in the locker room. The announcer said "Going, Going, Gone." The ball landed in the stands, with one swing of the bat Thomson won the pennant. It became known as "The Shot Heard Around the World." Waiting on deck was rookie Willie Mays. I don't remember what I had for lunch yesterday but that game, in 1951, is burned in my memory thanks to a small box radio with a long ground wire.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Father Morseaux, da parish priest at Breaux Bridge, was driving down IH-10 to New Orleans. Jus pas da Atchafalya Basin, a few miles from Baton Rouge, he was stopped by a Louisiana State Trooper for speeding. Da trooper him, smelled alcohol on da priests breathe and den he see a half empty wine bottle on da floor.

Da Trooper axe, "Sir, have you been drinking?"

Father Morseaux say, "Mais, jus some water, jus water officer."

Da Trooper says, "Well, den why do I smell wine hanh?"

Da priest him, look at dat bottle and say, "Good Lord! Well, I'll be darn, he's done it again."

C'EST TOUT

Thanks for your readership. Some of you have been loyal for over 50 years. We appreciate your readership. Take care and God bless.