Sherlock Breaux in the Creaux's Nest

GREMLINS GOT US LAST WEEK

Last week universal broadsheet newsprint went into effect, meaning all broadsheet newspapers will be the same size. We were the last in this market to change over. It's not much of a noticeable change, but it was enough to cause problems with our classified ads and this column. No names were highlighted in the column so copy all ran together and was hard to read. I hate that because it was one of my better columns in a long time. Dan Perrine is doing a great job covering high school sports. He has been on the road a lot. We always expect some good copy from Margaret Toal, the lady is a true professional. Dave Rogers and Kaz have 79 years between them of journalism experience. Capt. Chuck Uzzle has been a member of the Record staff covering outdoors hunting and fishing over 20 years. Tommy Mann covers entertainment always up to date. Breaux and The Old Creaux have been snooping around, digging up what they can and recording history over 50 years. It's a great team putting out a great, free newspaper every week. I've got to move on. Come along I promise it won't do you no harm.

A "SACRED OATH" PULLS NO PUNCHES

Mark Esper was Donald Trump's second Defense Secretary. Trump fired him six days after losing the 2020 election. Esper now delivers a damming, tell-all account. "Sacred Oath" depicts Trump as unfit for office and a threat to democracy, over 752 pages, memoirs of a secretary of defense during extraordinary times. One of the disturbing revelations in the book is that Trump wanted to "shoot" unarmed protesters. According to Esper, Trump said, "Can't you just shoot them? Just shoot them in the legs or something." "A Sacred Oath" was released Tuesday, May 10. It was vetted at the highest levels of the Pentagon. The book was reviewed, in whole or in part, by nearly three dozen four-star generals, senior civilians and cabinet members that had witnessed what Esper heard. This is not just another book, it is scary and sobering.

LAST MINUTE LONG SHOT WINS DERBY

Last week when I put this column together the list of horses to compete in the Kentucky Derby didn't have a horse named "Rich Strike." That horse was added to the Kentucky Derby's Run for the Roses contenders Friday at the last minute. The odds were 80-1 for the horse to win. The long shot "Rich Strike" passed favorites "Epicenter" and "Zandon" down the stretch in the Derby's second biggest upset at Churchill Downs in the 148th Kentucky Derby. The long shot paid $163.60, second only to "Donerail" in 1913, that paid $184.90 for a $2 bet. The jockey on 'Rich Strike' was Sonny Leon, trainer Eric Reed and owner Rich Dawson who bought the colt for $30,000 in a low level claiming race. The rest is history. The fastest two minutes in sports is often an upset but not as big as in the 148th Kentucky Derby.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

15 Years Ago-2007

I was saddened to learn about the death last week of Sue "Mema" Gunn, 94. We had known this wonderful lady since the early 1950s when she and husband T.L. first opened Gunn's Studio on Second. Street. Her late son, Buzzie, was a great friend for many years.***** Three Cajun boys, born and raised just a dozen miles from each other, were on top of mounts in the 133rd. Kentucky Derby. The South Louisiana jockeys were the oldest. Mark Guidry, born August 6, 1959, in Lafayette, rode "Imawildandcrazyguy," odds 50 to 1, came in 4th. Kent Desormeaux, born February 27, 1970, from Maurice, in Vermillion Parish, Calvin Borel, born in 1966, in St. Martinsville, just 10 miles away. He rode 'Street Sense,' 4-1 odds, to win the 1-1/4 mile, $2 million purse. Calvin came from the 19th spot to win the Derby's Run for the Roses. Calvin had finished no better than eighth on his four previous Derby mounts, even though he had won 4,000 races, many at Vinton's Delta Downs and other tracks around the state and country. His dream started 32-years-ago, on rough dirt Louisiana tracks. On the bayou, at age 8, he had hopped aboard a 2,000-pound quarter horse and was in love with the sport. One thing Calvin never learned to do was read. He didn't make it through the 8th grade. One wonders how he got that far. He can only sign his name. That doesn't mean he is dumb, even as an adult he took lessons but just couldn't learn to read. He can count and add however. His brother and mentor Cecil said, "We don't have education no, we're not proud of it, but we are proud of what we've done." Calvin, the youngest of five boys, speaks broken English, in the Cajun twang, cutting off the tha's. His father taught Calvin to work hard and always point the horse's nose toward the opening in the pack. His dad died three years ago. Cecil told Calvin before the big race, "This one is for Papa." This 40-year-old, Louisiana boy, raised on Bayou Tech, near the Evangeline Oak, should never be embarrassed again that he can't read English. Calvin Borel won the biggest race on earth, witnessed by Queen Elizabeth II, of England. Not bad for a Cajun boy who will never see another poor day and has his fiance' Lisa as security in case there is something he needs to read. From Cajun bayous to the Winner's Circle, Saturday, May 5, 2007, was a great day for all of us who have a little Cajun blood. All three of the jockeys have relatives in Orange and Jefferson Counties. Desormeaux is a cousin to the Bonin twins, Audry and Flaudry, lovely ladies from Vermillion Parish. Kent has three Triple Crown victories. In 1998 he won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes with "Real Quiet." He then won the 2000 Kentucky Derby with "Fusaichi Pegasus." At age 25, he became the youngest jockey to win 3,000 races, a record that still stands with over $100 million in earnings. At age 30, he became the third youngest jockey to win 4000 races, behind Bill Shoemaker and Chris McCannon. He is married to Sonia, his Cajun childhood sweetheart. They have two boys. Well, that's my essay on three Cajun boys who have made Cajuns everywhere proud.****** Last week, in our County Record newspaper, Margaret Toal wrote a feature story on our longtime friend Suzanne Halliburton, a celebrated sports writer. A native of Orange and a Little Cypress-Mauriceville grad, Suzanne started writing sports as a junior in high school. She covered Bear Sports for the Opportunity Valley News, a Dunn owned publication. The Austin American Statesman reporter has covered all of Lance Armstrong's seven Tour de France wins. She was the on-the-scene reporter for the Dallas Cowboys when her friend Tom Landry was coach. Today, she covers all sports events for her alumni, University of Texas.*****Our buddy A.J. Broussard came home from the hospital over the weekend. Last week he had pain block surgery that hasn't done much good. A.J. has made the personal decision, since his cancer is inoperable, to forgo the chemo, radiation, etc. and go for being as comfortable and pain free as possible. What a great guy.*****We understand that Jackie Cormier was injured pretty badly in a motorcycle accident and is in the hospital. That's the word around Orangefield.*****John Patterson, our guy in the Major League, could be out a month. The elbow on his pitching arm has fluid and inflammation. If anyone deserves a break John does. It's bad enough to be with a team that has little offense and the lowest in runs scored without battling an injury. I really hoped this would be his year.*****Floyd Mayweather, Jr., 30, beat Oscar De La Hoya, 34, in a split decision. The 12-round boxing match earned Oscar $25 million and Floyd, the challenger $12 million. *****Congratulations to the Bridge City Lady Cardinals, who led the 3-A polls at number one all season long. They lost 2 out of 2 to Bellville in a game played in Texas City. The loss came after six hours on a bus and two hours sleep in between. Congrats are in order also for the Bridge City boy's baseball team who will meet Wharton Thursday in Baytown. Special bouquets to Jeff Stringer who struck out 17 batters in a win over Splendora.***** Matt Bryant is getting special reorganization in Florida this week for his work against child predators. Matt will attend the Bridge City game against Wharton Friday night and will be in Bridge City Saturday.*****Congrats to our friend Mike Gentry, Orangefield Superintendent, on his retirement. Lots of luck Mike.

45 Years Ago-1977

Harry Stephens, owner of Harry's Appliance, is presented the "Award of Merit" for outstanding service by the Frigidaire Division of General Motors. (Editor's note: Harry is still known for his great service 45-years later.) *****Richard Corder has become a pro being master of ceremonies at grand openings. Saturday he was in charge of the ribbon cutting at the new Bridge City Recreational Vehicles. *****The Mike Pasternaks hosted the monthly dinner club for cocktails at their Beaumont home. The Orange group then dined at Patrizis.  ***** Joe Kazmar picks "Seattle Slew" to win the Kentucky Derby. It did, and Kaz didn't brag about it in his next column.*****The 1977, Bridge City graduating students chose "Everything" by super-star Barbara Streisand for their class song. Arthur Maulsby, a senior student, sent her an invitation to attend the ceremonies. She was unable to do so but sent this message to the students, "I wish you and all the graduates of Bridge City High School the very best of luck and happiness in your future endeavors." (Editor's note: The 1977 class marks 45-years since leaving old Bridge City High. I wonder how life has been for them.)***** Shirley Hall, who has been with Orange Bank for 20-years, is recognized as a "Super Banker." She is responsible for installment loans of all types.

50 Years Ago-1972

The first part of June, 19 Bridge City High School athletes will go to two conferences of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, one at Estes Park, Colorado and the other in Russelville, Arkansas. Going to Estes Park are Lanston Fall, Mark Dunn, Mike Hill, Chuck Majors, Mike VanBreeman, Danny Blacksher, Bubba Ridley, Jimmy LeComb, Steve Miller, Rusty Wilson, David Mire, Craig Morris, Mark Hryhorchuk, Elmer Ernest and David Guidry. Those going to Russelville are David Riddling, Roger Esterling, Terry Burd and Larry Hagler. Bill Godwin, Bridge City principal and Coach Chief Wilson will accompany the boys. Wilson will speak at FCA. Coach Tom Landry and Dallas Cowboy quarterback Roger Staubach will also speak and take part at Estes Park. Other pros in the NFL and other sports will attend. (Editor's note: Hard to believe that was 50 years ago. They were a great bunch of boys and damn good athletes.)*****Congratulations to Bridge City students Craig Ray, named valedictorian; Malcolm Sanders, salutatorian; Sherry Lynn Hatton, Kathy James, Keith Farris, Donald K. Fields, Scott Hoffpauirs, William Ben Justice, Kathryn McRight, Ronald Paul Rayburn named honor students.*****Stark High honorees: Lee Bishop, and Susan Leslie Grubbs valedictorian; Greydon Gordon Baldwin, Jr. salutatorian; honor students Elizabeth Ball, Joe Fulford, Mary Ann Lesmeister, Robert Wayne Murphy, Donna Katherine Larson, Karen Simonton, Mary Dianne Spoat, Beverly Ann Stuntz and Ellen Ross Williamson.*****Banker Fred Gregory and attorney Roy Wingate are both sporting new broken arms. Roy broke his arm ice skating in Houston; Fred fell off of a ladder. H.D. Pate says with Fred in a cast, he's lost his tennis partner.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

J.W. Dalton will soon be holding the Grand Opening of his large, beautiful, "Top Deck" Flooring Company. More on that later. This week, the Dalton's are having their annual Jambalaya gathering at their lake house on Toledo Bend. He throws these shindigs for all the neighbors but Thursday, if you are in the area stop by, they love people and will welcome you. J.W. says last weekend's Mauriceville Festival was a success thanks to a great bunch of volunteers, venders and patrons.*****Lamar State College Orange is hosting an open house for Class A CDL, Class B CDL and Ordinary Seaman program from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, which will be free and open to the public. To book an appointment, email HYPERLINK "mailto:[email protected]" [email protected]. Open house is located at 320 Green Ave. in Orange.*****This past Saturday the Bridge City Farmers Market was bustling and in Orange, Depot Day, at the historic Southern Pacific train station, drew crowds. Orange City Council member Paul Burch joined with his friends from Orange Community Players to sing tunes as part of the entertainment. He wasn't up for election this year, but supported the two incumbents, Mary McKenna and Caroline Hennigan, as they won. *****The Orange Public Library is hosting another family movie event from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, where "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" will be shown. The movie will be screened in the Ira Williamson meeting room of the Orange Library at 220 5th St.***** Orange County's two power couples (each hold public office) were celebrating this weekend. In Bridge City, the Rutledges were celebrating Becky's reelection to the Bridge City school board, plus the overwhelming support for the school bond issue. Mayor David Rutledge did not have an opponent this year, but supported his wife and the school improvements.***County Clerk Brandy Robertson went to Galveston for a conference and then spent the weekend at the beach with husband Roderick Robertson, a West Orange-Cove school trustee, as an early anniversary. They were married on May 10. Neither had their names on ballots this time around.*****Jane Branch, First Lady of West Orange, was joined by daughters and grandchildren to mark her 70th birthday. West Orange Mayor Randy Branch is welcoming some new council members, including Lanie Brown. She's planning festivities for her 60th birthday on May 22.*****Beto O'Rouke's train is picking up steam in his run for Texas governor. Tuesday he was on the View after a big rally in Houston over the weekend. The race with Abbott is neck and neck. Beto is being viewed by many Texans as a breath of fresh air on several issues. 

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS

A few folks we know celebrating birthdays. May 11: Happy Birthday to Pat Collins, Scott Andes, Tami Vanderheiden, Sherry Walles and West Orange grad, actress Frances Fisher.*****May 12: My buddy, Tammy Yawn celebrates her birthday today. I haven't seen her in a long time. Wonder what she's up to these days. Also celebrating are Brian Sandifer, Jerry Hardee and Justin Roberts.*****May 13: Our longtime friend, the 'Bar-be-Que King,' longtime Ag teacher, WWII soldier, Orange County native J.B. Arrington turns 97 years old today. We salute this great American. Also celebrating are Kristie Hughes, Mike McNair and Brian Bolt.*****May 14: Happy Birthday to Madison Lyons, David Gauthier, Brad Johansson, James Birdwell and Cortney Spring.*****May 15: Celebrating birthdays today are Deborah Ellender, who gets prettier with each year, longtime educator Nancy Chenella celebrates at her home in College Station. Happy Birthday also to Heather Brinson and Kenneth Prosperie. *****May 16: I have known through all these years that Judge Pat Clark and Sam Frank Lucia were born on the same date, but I'm not sure about the year, so Happy Birthday to both of these great guys. Also celebrating are RaeAnn Chapman, Mark Simmons, Norman Gaspard, and Clay Sims.*****May 17: Happy Birthday to these lovely ladies Pam Hudson, Jennifer Clarke, Nickie Wall and Angela Breaux, Don's better helf.*****Next week will be V.J. Robert's birthday. I mention it now in case I forget next week. (Notice: Having a birthday or anniversary let us know at 409-735-5305 or online therecordlive.com.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS

May 11: Football Player Cam Newton, 33; Actors Coby Bell, 47; Pam Ferris, 73.*****May 12: Actors Emilio Esteves, 60; Kim Fields, 53; Malin Ackerman, 44.*****May 13: R&B Singer Stevie Wonder, 72; Show Host Stephen Colbert, 58; Singer Darius Rucker, 56.*****May 14: Director George Lucas, 78; Actor Cate Blanchett, 53; Country Singer Dustin Lynch, 37.*****May 15: Football Player Emmitt Smith, 53; Actress Sarah Hadland, 51; Football Player Ray Lewis, 47.*****May 16: Pop Singer Janet Jackson, 56; Actors Megan Fox, 36; Pierce Bronsan, 69; Tori Spelling, 49.*****May 17: Basketball Player Tony Parker, 40; Actor Nikki Reed, 34; Dancer Derek Hough, 37.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Tee-Nonk Comeaux's young, beautiful daughter, Edna Marie, was planning on marrying young Jules Boudreaux. First, however, Jules had to talk to her Papa. Tee-Nonk and Jules dem sat on a bench under da big oak tree to talk about Edna Marie and Jules marriage plans.

Tee-Nonk axe da young man, "Tell me, Jules, are you able to support a family?"

Dat surprised da young man and he replied, "Well, no Mr. Comeaux, wit my little job, I was jus planning on supporting Edna Marie. Da rest of you will jus have to fend for youselves."

C'EST TOUT

Congratulations to a couple of longtime friends on their election victories Saturday. Patty Collins, our neighbor as a little girl, was elected to the Bridge City council with 67.2 % of the vote.***Becky Rutledge, who we share many great stories about some great people, is the First Lady of Bridge City. She is a long time member and president of the school board, with over 400 hours of special schooling. If I was going to run against "Bear" I'd wait for another opening.*****Read us cover to cover. Take care and God bless.