Sherlock Breaux in the Creaux's Nest

THANKS IS A DOUBLE EDGED SWORD

We folks here in Southeast Texas have much to be thankful for. All around us, in many ways, from crime to weather and more, this is one of the luckiest areas. Anyone who wants a job can get one and the economy is now on the verge of booming. I probably won’t be here to see it but you can’t even envision the drastic change that will occur. It won’t be without affecting our infrastructure. Traffic will be a solid bottleneck. Six-thousand new construction workers will amount to at least 10,000 new citizens. It will almost be impossible to get out of places like Market Basket on Texas Ave. in Bridge City etc. I’m told despite all the R.V. parks being built, workers will be staying as far as Jasper and Lake Charles, commuting to work in Orange County. Great things are coming but big headaches will come with it. It is a blessing for young people and younger families that work right here at home but for the elderly folks on fixed income not so good. Since WWII, Orange County has been waiting on another boom. Let’s be thankful for the progress that will make us the envy of others. If you would like to acknowledge any guest in for Thanksgiving or if you visited anyone, contact Margaret or Janelle at [email protected] or call 409-886-7183. Happy Thanksgiving.

CONDOLENCE’S

I was sorry to learn of the death of Harold Austin Scales, age 90, who died November 8. Funeral services were held Saturday, November 19, at First Baptist Church of Bridge City. It was this time of year, 65 years ago, when I first met Harold. He had served in the Army during the Korean conflict, and then went on to work at Firestone until retirement. Harold always read the daily newspapers but never subscribed to any. For years, every morning I visited with him at the Mobile store at Roundbunch and Texas Ave. when he came in to buy a paper. He also was a big fan of the Penny Record and often asked about an editorial or subject. I had not seen him in the last few years but will always remember how we met and our friendship through the years. He leaves behind a great family and many kin-folks. May he rest in peace.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2012

I’ve got all involved in my new Texas Monthly. Read all about Willie Nelson and his 45 year old guitar, “Trigger.” It was a great interview with Willie but also a feature story on “Trigger.” I first met Willie at the Hilltop, right after he and Paul got kicked out of Nashville. He had a crew cut then. Thanks to my friend Helen, a longtime Willie friend, I got to hang out with him and the guys. Ms. Mattie, 100 year old writer with the Shelby County Light, wrote a couple of months ago that her friend Willie would be coming out with his new book, “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die” in November. Well, last night Willie was on the Pierce Morgan show on CNN hawking the new book. What a life that guy from Abbott has lived and think of the treasures he’ll leave behind. ***** “Bill” Clark was born Lee O’Daniel Clark, in Fairmont, on August 22, 1939 and died Nov. 25, 2012, at age 73. I never did know for sure but I suspect he was named after Texas governor Pappy Lee O’Daniel. I had known Bill well over 40 years even before he got into radio, when he and Doris Ann were young newly weds and before their two girls came along. They even named the street where he lived, off Hwy. 408, in Bridge City, Clark Lane in his honor. I had known most of his siblings, even before I met Bill. They are down to earth, real country folks. Junior Clark, who was Judge Pat Clark’s dad and Doyle, a great guy, are both gone now. H.K. Clark, another brother is a longtime fixture in Bridge City, who helped build the city. Bill had a lot of beautiful sisters. I remember Mozell, the best but there was Jo Nell, Bobbie Lena and Reba. Of all the Clarks I’ve known, Bill was different. His talent was no different from the others however when it came to the gift of gab. They’ll talk your horns off. Bill was really artistic and for years he wrote a column in The Opportunity Valley News. He was gifted. Nephew Pat Clark shares that gift but few people know about his great poetry.***** Congratulations to coach Thompson, the staff and the West Orange-Stark Mustangs on their win over the West Columbia Roughnecks. The Stangs, 12-0, take on Lorena, 10-2, at 7 p.m. Friday at Waller Stadium. They will face quarterback Harris Coleman, who has been a one-man show all season. He rushed for 1,823 yards and 31 TDs and threw for 1,698 yards and 15 TDs. Each week the Mustangs meet a team that is better than the last. *****To good friends Sue and Tommy Simar, Creaux and I say happy 24th anniversary this week. They drove to Pennsylvania so Sue could get a little Yankee charge. About every two years Tommy has to get her recharged however, Sue says they have made their last driving trip. *****Bridge City’s Matt Bryant and the Falcons beat Tampa Bay 24-23. Matt made a 31-yard field goal and missed a 21-yarder. In all Matt added six points. Atlanta is 9-1, the same as the Houston Texans. Wade Phillips defense wasn’t as sharp as usual but the Texans barely pulled out a 34-31 win over Detroit. ***** “Johnny Football” Manziel is only a 19 years old freshman at Texas A&M. Last year he was a high school student at Kerrville, today he’s being considered for the Heisman Trophy. Saturday he put on a clinic against Missouri throwing 44 passes and connecting 32 for 372 yards. He rushed for 370 yards in the 59-29 win. His freshman season he threw 25 TDs and ran for 17 more. (Editor’s note: Then it all went south.)

25 Years Ago-1997

A going away party was held in Commissioners Court for retiring Judge Claude Wimberly. Pauline Farris was appointed to fill his unexpired term.*****C. Delle Bates is moving to the beach. (Editor’s note: I don’t think he stayed very long.)*****Local insurance agent and businessman, Fletcher Garner, 79, passed away. Garner had lived in the Port Arthur/Bridge City area for over 50 years. He was a partner in Parkside Place Subdivision along with Paul and Bobby Cormier, Roy Dunn and others who donated the property that the Community Center and other facilities sit on. Fletcher is survived by wife Geraldine. (Editor’s note: Ms. Geraldine left Bridge City after Hurricane Ike destroyed her home on Strapper Dr.)*****We were sorry to learn about the death of Bronnis Faircloth, 64. Mrs. Lee Scott Faircloth was retired from Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Beaumont. She is survived by daughters Jane Hewitt Dupree and Liz Bergman, step children, Steve, Lee Scott Jr. and Pat Bostsck. (Editor’s note: Since her death, Lee Scott Jr., has also passed away.)*****Record Newspaper journalist Chris Farkas jumped from an airplane so he could write about it. He’ll do anything for a story. He called his feature “Paper Wings.” He said he never was so scared. I believe they had to push him out.*****Judge Flo Edgerly bagged an eight-point buck.*****Marialeice is wearing a new rock so not to be outdone, Shirley Roccaforte is wearing an empty jar of tartar sauce, with several carrots attached to it, around her neck.*****Bridge City Chamber appoints two new directors, Michael Cedars and Terri Gauthier. Mike is a PNG and Lamar grad, Terri is a 1978 Bridge City grad. She has been married to her high school sweetheart, David, for 19 years. They have two children.

50 YEARS AGO-1972

The West Orange Chiefs, undefeated and state ranked going into the last game of the season, meet their Waterloo. The Bridge City Cardinals defeat the Chiefs 22-20 in West Orange, their only loss of the year. The Chiefs score first on Barney Duhon’s one yard run. Butch Campbell kicked the extra point to make it 7-0. Lanston Fall scored from one yard out and also made the two point conversion, 8-7 Cards. Randall Teate, on the reverse play, goes 61 yards for a TD. Campbell’s boot is good, 14-8 West Orange. After halftime Keith McCammond and David Mire move up the middle for Bridge City. Fall scored again. Jimmy LaComb’s kick is good, 15-14 B.C. The Chiefs threatened again; Coach Chief Wilson’s defense held tough with leaders Fall, Mark Dunn, Charlie Hildebrandt, Tim Lawler, Kenny Brown and Roger Easterling. The Chiefs are forced to try a 26-yard field goal by Campbell; the kick fails. BC’s Bo Worrell intercepts a Ray Pousson pass and scores, 22-14 BC. Campbell adds six more for the Chiefs, 22-20 BC. The two-point conversion fails. Fall is the outstanding two-way player with seven tackles and three assists, 178 yards gained on 2 carries. Dunn led all Bridge City tackles for the year. Fall and Dunn, two district standouts return next season. West Orange will represent the east zone in District 3A playoffs. Bridge City had two district losses.*****The east zone all-star team player, Bubba McGallion, Silsbee; Most exciting runner, Barney Duhon, West Orange; coach of the year, Jim Crossland, LCM. The Bears, picked to finish last, were 7 - 3.*****Offensive players of the year, Wayne Courville, LCM; Bobby Jo Westbrook, Silsbee; Jerry Callier, WO; David Riddling, BC; Mike Fishbeck, LCM; Paul Bingham, WO; Kenny Johnson, WO; and Michael Landry, BC; Bubba McGallion, Silsbee; Lanston Fall BC; Barney Duhon, WO; Butch Campbell, WO.*****Defensive team: James Long, WO; Curtis Jenkins, Jasper: Kenny Brown, BC; Tommy Dunnigan, Silsbee; Larry Spears, WO; Mark Dunn, BC; Ronny Duhon, WO; Keith High, LCM; Lee Jay Perry, LCM; Clifton Rankin, WO; Keith McCammond, BC; Bryan Carr, LCM; Bo Worrell, BC.***Second team: West Orange, Roy Williams, Ray Pousson, Darrow Judge, David Taylor, Randle Teate, Steve Lovett, Arlister Scott.***LCM, Pat Johnson, Allen Harrison, Johnny Fleming, Gene Hennigan.***Bridge City: David Mire, Paul O’Rourke, Roger Easterling, Chuck Majors, Clint Belk, Tony Bramblett. (Editor’s note: The following year, West Orange returned the favor. Bridge City had shut out seven opponents and only had a tie when West Orange beat them.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

The Lutcher Theater was full of parents, grandparents, and children wearing colorful Christmas sweaters and sparkling outfits as they all went to see the musical "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer." Looks like all had a "Holly Jolly" good time.  And apparently, the concession selling stuff Rudolph dolls did well as a lot of children left clutching the soft, snuggly dolls. Sarah Byers Sanchez came from Beaumont with husband Dr. Charles Sanchez to bring little Eleanor, who wore adorable mary jane shoes with pearl straps, along with blue velvet. Sydney Brittain and dressed up Collins Ruth went accompanied by YaYa Angie Williams. Free State Winery has started serving wine and charcuteries pre-show and during intermission, but for Rudolph, they sold pre-ordered cookie trays and hot chocolate cookie cups. Yum. Walter Riedel, retired CEO of the Stark Foundation, was seen wearing a red velvet Santa hat as he rang the bell in the theater to help start off the Salvation Army's annual kettle drive. All the donations stay local.***** Speaking of the Salvation Army, Al Granger is once again hosting the Granger Chevrolet-KOGT.com food drive on Thursday, December 2. Later that morning, the Orange Service League's Toy Coffee will be held at the Brown Estate, probably the only place in the county to top last year's coffee at the home of Paul and Raul Burch. Admission to the Toy Coffee is a cash donation or a new, unwrapped toy for the Salvation Army. This year, they are also accepting blankets and bedding because some children ask for that for Christmas. Captains Frankie and Jan Zuniga will be everywhere this next month.*****Birthday celebrations this week included John Goss, who hit the big 4-0, and Gavin Lee Roberts, who turned 14. Stephanie Duval turned another year older, as did Melanie Claybar (married to Joey Claybar), Jana Deason, Jimmy Lestage, and Jason LeLeaux. Carly and Jardin Thibodeaux marked their 19th anniversary while Geralyn and Harry Vine toasted their 43rd anniversary. Bridget Trawhon is celebrating becoming a grandmother with the birth of Luna Elizabeth.***** Paul and Kim Dickerson hosted a big Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting reception at Orange Stationer on Division Avenue in downtown Orange. Paul opened a furnished office space complex people may rent for conferences, or even individual office spaces for the day or longer. The Pink Lady and Free State Winery served refreshments.*****  We're sorry to hear about West Orange City Councilor Lanie Brown's unfortunate accident in her new vehicle, dubbed "Black Betty." Lanie is OK, but the deer she hit going 75 mph is deceased. Black Betty suffered damages even before Lanie could make the second payment.***** County Judge John Gothia and family are traveling this weekend to see the big Texas A&M-LSU game. Looks like his neighbor in Bridge City, Ida Schossow, will be dog sitting.***** A true American story, Procter and Gamble turns 185 years old. Globally P&G’s products are used by 4.5 billion consumers. The company employs 126,000, in 75 countries, and P&G brands are sold in 105 more countries. Among their blockbuster brands are Tide and Pampers. My memory goes back a long way to when we quit using grandma’s homemade lye soap and got to buy store-bought soap. It was a large white bar of P&G soap. So I’ve traveled much of that 185 years with P&G.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS

A few folks celebrating their big day in the next few days. Nov. 23: Rita Ellis, Barbara Boyton, Christina Tallant, Haylie Belcher, Scott Mackey.*****Nov. 24: Happy Birthday to Steven James, Cindy McLaughlin, Dae Leigh Sandlin, Thomas Hutchison, Candance Todora, Kim Hubbard, Debbie Hughes.*****Nov. 25: Celebrating today are Kristen Baker, Sherry Hickman, Serena Simonton, Amber Permar, Sherry Hommel, Kelly Stanley.*****Nov. 26: It a big day for Judge Courtney Arkeen, D.A. John Kimbrough, Todd Dixon, Tracy Cole, Ronald Risinger, Mary Sexton, Eric Andrus, Holly McKinley, Christri Nelson, Taryn Hubbard, Katie Deal, Wanda Monogue, Colby Daville, Dana Bryant. Celebrating an anniversary on this date are Don and Angie Breaux. We wish you many more years together.*****Nov. 27: Happy Birthday to Michael Wiggins, Casey Tally, Mark Bourgeois, Melissa Fisher, Sharon Gregory, Tena Kenney, Betty Simonton, Cindy Huckabay.*****Nov. 28: Celebrating today are Brooklyn Samperie, Barbara Peveto, Jade Seibert, Andrea Tupper, Rick Bridgers, Russell Dillow, Haley Barlow, Lynda Walther, David Fusilier, Tiffany Osborn, Cassandra Carpenter,*****Nov. 29: Troy Manuel, Angela Harkness, Freda Riley, Vickie Fontenot, Tyler Bearden and Barry Burton.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Theophile Leger’s boy, Oray, went to New Orleans to look around and spend some time in the big city. While hanging out around Jackson Square, he met dis woman who invite him to sit on da bench. After dey walk around, she took him to her apartment in da French Quarter. Oray him, he spent da night. After a big night of fun, he rolls over and is looking around wen he notices a framed picture of anutter man on da night stand. Oray him, he start to worry “Is dat you husband?” he ax. “No silly,” she replied, while snuggling up to him. “Is dat you boyfriend den?” he questioned. “No, not at all, “ she said, while nibbling on his ear. “Is dat you dad or you brother?” Oray ax, hoping to be reassured. “ No, no, no,” she said. “Well, dammit, who it be den?” Oray demanded. Calmly da girl replied, “Honey, dats me before da surgery.”

C’EST TOUT

POLITIFACT ON

TRUMP’S MANY FALSE STATEMENTS

He is peeing against the wind. He’s a fool but even he knows that he can’t win a general election. His best bet is to win the Republican nomination with his 30-35 percent cult factor in the Party. That would allow him to keep milking the “Cash Cow.” He has never won the popular vote and the mid-term elections proved he can’t win the Electoral College. Former President Donald Trump announced Nov. 15 at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida that he’ll seek the Republican presidential nomination in 2024. Trump has long hinted that he would run again, and has disparaged potential rivals. Pundits have described Trump as the “big loser” of the midterms, suggesting he is to blame for weaker-than-expected results for Republicans. PolitiFact has fact-checked Trump 960 times since 2011, as a businessman, presidential candidate and president. He is the most fact-checked politician on PolitiFact’s Truth-O-Meter. He has spread conspiracy theories, repeated baseless false claims and has been thrice “awarded” PolitiFact’s Lie of the Year. In his presidency’s final weeks, Trump refused to accept electoral defeat and encouraged his supporters to go to Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, 2021, to protest Congress certification of the 2020 presidential election results. The insurrection of the U.S. Capitol that day led to nine deaths, hundreds of prosecutions and a yearlong probe by the House committee. In 2021, the Lie of the Year award went to the campaign to whitewash the history of the January 6 riot. Two things that will prevent Trump from ever being president again, besides a felony convection, Republicans are tired of losing. The American people don’t want four more years of lies and chaos. He’s done, but will continue to make suckers out of small donors that send him their hard-earned $30.*****Well, I made it. Thanks for tagging along. Take care and God bless.