Sherlock Breaux in the Creaux's Nest

RECORD COLD DAYS AHEAD

Low to dip to 18 degrees: wind chill to drop single digits

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures will drop below freezing later in the week as an arctic air mass makes its way over the region. “Big weather changes are in store for Thursday according to meteorologist Donald Jones. A very strong cold front will move through the area Thursday evening into Thursday night. Temperatures will be very low Thursday night dropping to 18 degrees,” Jones said “Hard freezing conditions are dangerous for anything that’s going to be outdoors, In under 20 to 25 MPH winds, at a temperature of wind chill will drop into the single digits. around 18 degrees, frostbite can occur in just 30 minutes. A fairly long duration of freeze events beginning Thursday night and continuing possibly until sometime Saturday afternoon is predicted before we finally get above freezing.” Christmas will be gumbo weather.

PANEL ASKS FEDS TO PROSECUTE TRUMP

The first time in U.S. history Congress has referred a former president for criminal prosecution is the coda to the committee’s intense 18 month investigation into Trump’s effort to overturn the 2020 election that culminated in a violent mob of the former president’s supporters laying siege to the Capitol. The House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol accused former president Donald Trump Monday of inciting insurrection. The panel referred five other Trump allies, Mark Meadows, his final chief of staff and lawyers Rudy Giuliani, John Eastman, Jeffrey Clark and Kenneth Chesebro, for potential prosecution for actions the committee said warranted Justice Department infestation. The charges would carry lengthy prison sentences if federal prosecutors chose to pursue them. The referrals send a powerful signal that a bipartisan committee of Congress believes the former president committed crimes. Trump’s relentless drive to remain in power after he lost the 2020 election by 7 million votes, identifies co-conspirators who aided Trump, but it singles out the former president as the primary cause of the mob violence. The panel urged the Justice Department to investigate Trump for four crimes. The panel also referred four Republican members of Congress to the House Ethics Committee, including the man seeking to become the next speaker, Rep. Kevin McCarthy, because of their refusal to comply with panel subpoenas. The other three are Reps. Jim Jordan, Scott Perry, and Andy Biggs. The report demonstrated how despite Donald Trump being told time and time again that his claims of election fraud were false, he kept repeating them.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2012

We were indeed saddened by the death of Dorothy Harmon, age 81, who passed away Friday, Dec. 14, at St. Elizabeth. Ms. Dorothy had been fighting numerous illnesses the past few months. Time after time the families’ hopes would brighten only to meet another challenge. She fought on until she was called home. Dorothy and Don had been married 60 years. They remained extremely close and best friends and over the years, had two sons and several grandchildren. She wasn’t only a mother hen to Don but also to all the offspring. She was an avid reader of this column and as we share an office with Don and Corky her passing hit close to home. Dorothy Harmon was a very nice woman and always a lady. Condolences to our friend Don, our prayers are with him and sons Donnie and Kevin and their families and friends. (Editor’s note: Don passed away in 2014.)*****We were saddened also to learn of the death of our longtime friend Donny Garsee, age 66, who passed away Dec. 13, at Baptist Hospital in Beaumont. He was a native of San Augustine and had lived in Orange 45 years. He had been employed by Boilermaker Union Local 587 for the last 35 years, and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Mauriceville. Donny loved the outdoors, he loved to hunt, fish and ride his motorcycle.*****At this time of year, for over 20 years, our friend Dot Esbach would come driving up, delivering a gift of her famous fudge. Dot passed away this year but to keep the tradition going, Cal and Connie Esbach duplicated Dot‘s recipe and blessed us with an annual gift package of fudge.*****Our friend Donna Peterson Stutes (mom) had hip joint replacement at Methodist Hospital in Houston. The first time she tried to get up she passed out. The attendant thought she had a heart attack. That rumor sped through Orange. “Mom“ is fine, her heart is good.*****We ran into Al Lyons, the butcher at Bridge City Market Basket the other day. We had a lot to visit about and told stories about “Spec” Faries, who was a famous Orange and Bridge City butcher. Everyone who ever knew “Spec” has a story. He even once worked for Frank Todaro at the Save-way Super Market, on Park Ave. Those two were a pair of aces. Both are long gone now. I wonder if Pat and Rosalie Clark remember “Spec.”

20 Years Ago-2002

After 22 years, Justice of the Peace Flo Edgerly retires from Pct. 3. Dec. 31 will be her last day as J.P. Longtime employee Janice Menard was elected to the J.P. post and takes over Jan. 1, 2003. Judge Flo celebrates her birthday Christmas Day. She says, “I can not imagine having a birthday at any other time. Our Christmas tree has both birthday and Christmas gifts under it. I get more gifts than anyone.”*****The Bridge City Chamber named Marialaice Saucier “Citizen of the Year.”*****Bill and Betty Smith celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary Dec. 23. (Editor’s note: Betty passed away a few years ago but Bill, the railroad engineer, is still going strong.)*****Point of interest. This week, back in 1945, Gen. George Patton was buried after being killed in a Heidelberg, Germany auto accident on Des. 21. I didn’t realize that he hadn’t made it to D-Day. *****Bridge City’s Matt Bryant and the Giants beat Payton Manning and the Colts, 44-27. *****Services were held for Lee Roy Arnaud, 66, who died Dec. 22. A native of Arnaudville, he was a resident of Bridge City. His wife Lynn died a couple of years ago. His children are Tony, Mary Ann and Richard. ****Margaret “Peggy” Toal Garrett, 80, a native of Orange, died in Dallas on Dec. 19. *****Derrick Bufford, 12, of Orange, wins the ‘Silver Gloves State Champion Bantam Weight’ championship in McKinney. Derrick is a student at Little Cypress-Mauriceville Junior High. The 119 pound youth will fight next in Region 6. A win would sent him to the national championship.

50 Years Ago-1972

The All Orange County Fellowship of Christian Athletes football team was announced by six coaches. Coaches were Chief Wilson of Bridge City, Bill Parker of Little Cypress-Mauriceville, Cliff Larson of Stark, Mike Trevathan of Orangefield, Jeep Colburn of Vidor and Glen Green of West Orange. The team was recognized Sunday afternoon at Little Cypress-Mauriceville auditorium at an FCA rally. Popular spiritual singer Ray Hildebrant was special guest.*****Clyde Haynes is outgoing state representative, Wayne Peveto replaces him next month.*****James Stringer, county judge, likes to marry people so well he married himself this year.*****Joe Blanda is the town’s most famous barber.*****Bridge City judge is Guy Rasco.*****Pretty Carmon Davis, a realtor, is the goddess of poise.*****West Orange police chief is Tony Taylor.*****John Greco is a colorful doctor who is married to Joan. (Editor’s note: she hadn’t yet hooked up with Ed Lovelace).*****Sallie Frazier is county clerk. David Dunn is judge of County Court at Law. Larry Gunter is city judge of Pinehurst. Louvenia Hryhorchuck is the new tax assessor. Casey Peveto is still commissioner, Pct. 1.*****Jerry Peveto, son of Mr. and Mrs. Allen Peveto, wins RCA National Rodeo Championship Steer Dogging for 1972 held last week in Oklahoma City. He also won $3,500 in prize money.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

The Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual banquet last week and Al Granger was named Citizen of the Year for his contributions to the community. Steve Jones, a previous citizen of the year, took the gavel to become the new chairman of the board for 2023. Robert Currie's Innovative Air Solutions was given the business community service award while the Stars of Gate City #57 was honored with the non-profit community service award. Benitris Edwards, who is active with the Stars of Gate City, was named Ambassador of the Year for her contributions. Heather Montagne Mankopf was chamber Chairperson of the Year.*****Orange Mayor Larry Spears Jr. can rack up accomplishments in office, but he got the biggest award out of town last week. The mayor went back to college and was graduated Summa Cum Laude from Texas A&M Commerce with a bachelor's degree. He finished 42 hours with a 4.0 GPA. The graduation came 21 years after he earned an associate's degree. He dedicated his degree to his late parents, Peggy and "Scubby" Larry Spears Sr.*****Robert and Mindy Currie picked up their community service award at the chamber, but they had big plans. They traveled to Germany where they are visiting the Christmas markets and enjoying the sights. They aren't the only ones traveling for the holidays. Craig and Elva Couvillion are on a 10-day cruise on the Enchanted Princess. Chris and Christi Kovatch have taken their crew of kids to Disney World, where KK, the youngest, got to celebrate his seventh birthday. The Kovatches might run into some other peeps from the OC. Johnny and Becky Trahan are taking their grow children, their spouses, plus grandkids to Disney World for the holidays.*****Adam Conrad drew rave reviews for his performance as Buddy the Elf in the Beaumont Community Players production of the musical version of the now-classic Christmas story. He's now in a throw-down with Will Ferrell. Who did Buddy the best?  Wonder if Ferrell will accept the challenge to see who does Buddy best.*****The Stark Foundation's venues continue to help those in need. The Lutcher Theater and Shangri La Botanical Gardens collected 52 new pairs of pajamas along with 30 new blankets to give to the Salvation Army. Believe it or not, a lot of kids asking for Christmas presents at the Salvation Army request bedding. Those PJs and blankets will come in hand this week as an Arctic front moves in. Shangri La will be open Wednesday for the last night of lighted Christmas strolls this year. People are asked to bring non-perishable food donation for Orange Christian Services. The elaborate lights have been drawing big crowds.*****Speaking of donations, Paul and Raul Burch collected more food donations for the Salvation Army by having an open house at their Old Orange Historic District home. The couple have hosted the Service League Toy Coffee in the past, but decided spontaneously to open up to help the charity's pantry. Helping with the tour were Mike and Caroline Hennigan, Tanya Guillotte, and Judy Smith.*****Bridge City ISD Police Chief Cliff Hargrave spent time reading Christmas stories to elementary students, who in turn decorated his door. Over at Bridge City Intermediate, art students earning blue ribbons to send them to the next round of competition in the Houston Livestock Show art contest area Jaeda Igueroa, Emily Sensat, Macie Andrews, Taryn Pellegrin, McKayla Willis, Layla Smith, Dallex Pelt, Natalie Wilson, Addison Landry, Jaxson Jones and Paloma Ortiz.*****Chris and Linda Gunstream celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary this week. Birthdays included Johnny Mallory, Raven Walker, former Orange mayor Brown Claybar, Hallie Jo Picard, artist Lauren Leigh, and Lucy Terry, who turned 59. Sarah Todaro Berryman marked another birthday with longtime friends Rosalie Eason and Pam Burrow. Recent groom Jack Dallas turned 24. Hard to believe eight years have gone by since he had to forego his 16th birthday driver's license test because he was playing quarterback for WO-S in the state championship game. And congrats to his former teammate and childhood friend, KJ Miller, who earned All-American Division III honors as he set records playing for Mary Hardin Baylor.*****I had not had a home-grown tomato in a couple of years till Judge Derry Dunn brought me some large, red, ripe, right off the vine, tomatoes from his four remaining plants. You can’t beat a homegrown tomato. That will all come to an end with the bad freeze coming but I’m sure grateful for what I got.*****Argentina won the World Cup title over France. Argentina won 4-2 on penalties after a 3-3 draw. Lionel Messi’s career is complete. The Argentian super star scored two goals then another in the Shoot-out. There is no debate Messi is one of soccer’s greatest players alongside Pele’, three time World Cup champion from Brazil.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS

A few folks we know who will be celebrating birthdays. Dec. 21: Longtime friend, a great guy who has done to ride the range with, Judge Buddie Hahn celebrates his birthday today. Also in a couple of days on Dec. 23, Buddie and Carol will celebrate their 56th wedding anniversary. Harold Beeson introduced me to the West Texas boy from Sanderson almost 50 years ago. For that I’m thankful. Happy Birthday and congratulations on you and Ms. Carol’s Anniversary.*****Dec. 22: Happy Birthday Jason Chapman, Janet Williams, Yvonne Veillion, Dale Burns, Debi Foster. Happy Anniversary to Dr. Mark and Becky Messer.*****Dec. 23: Happy Birthday to a good guy we have known since he was in short pants, Dayle and Buzzie’s little boy Chris Gunn. Also best wishes to Virgie Baker and Sue Cowling.*****Dec. 24: Happy Birthday to Ms. Helen DeRoche, why up in her 90’s. Also Sydni Beuhler, Amie Dear, Billy Moore, Mike Dillion, Terri Estes, Toni Thompson, Mindy Granger and Trey Clark. A special day for our friends Rene and Lucy Hanks who celebrate 67 years on Dec. 24.*****Dec. 25: Christmas Day. Our longtime friend Flo Edgerly celebrates today. This will be Judge Flo’s first Christmas without Gene who passed away recently. Also having birthdays are David Kerr, Gina Zuniga, Ronnie Hutchison and Evelyn Foster.*****Dec. 26: Happy Birthday Janelle Deutsch, Ashley Burris, Jennifer Ferguson and Kent Broussard. The king of Cajun music Harry Choate was born on this day in 1922.*****Dec. 27: A bunch of great folks celebrate today. Sharon Bearden will be 84, Commissioner Kirk Roccaforte, Bobby Fillyaw, Irene Stevens, Russell Bottley, Bobby Sibett, Bobby Filly and Terri Turner. For birthday and anniversary announcements call 409-886-7183 or email to [email protected].

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Alcid Comeaux him, walked into da crowded waitin room at Dr. Boudreaux’s office. Da receptionist, Ms. Agnes, her, axe Comeaux why he needed to see da doctor him?

Comeaux say, “Well, dere’s something wrong with my weiner.” Ms. Agnes her, came unglued, got huffy and say, “Mr. Comeaux, you shouldn’t come into a crowded room and say anyting like dat.”

Comeaux say, “Mai, you axe wats wrong wit me and I toll you.” Ms. Agnes say, “Mr. Comeaux, you caused a lot of patients in dis room to be embarrassed. You should have said something is wrong wit you ear and wen Dr. Boudreaux axe you in private, tell him wat is wrong wit you.”

Comeaux say, “Okay,” and turned and walked outside . In a few minutes he come back in. Ms. Agnes smiled and say, “Yes.”

Comeaux say, “Dere’s something wrong wit my ear.” Ms. Agnes smile her, knowing Comeaux had taken her advice. Den she axe, “Wat seems to be da problem wit you ear, hanh?”

Comeaux anser, “Mai, I can’t pee out of it.”

C’EST TOUT

BEARDEN MARKS 57 YEARS IN PRACTICE

On December 16, 1965, 57 years ago, Jim Sharon Bearden, Sr., was licensed and sworn in to practice law. Sharon was only a few days away from his 27th birthday. I recall the time. He had recently graduated from Baylor Law and was sharing an office with Roy Dunn that joined Bernard Abrcgo’s store on Border Street, just down from the jail. Dunn owned the Gulf Coast Bail Bonding Company. Sharon’s mom Ms. Jewel was Sheriff Chester Holts’ secretary. A lot of water has run under the bridge since then. The following year Sharon ran for state representative against State Rep. Clyde Haynes. Bearden carried all the boxes until he got to Vidor where Clyde clobbered him with 90% of the vote. Later Sharon was elected District Attorney at a time when criminal activity in Orange County history was at its worse after Sheriff Holts was replaced by Buck Patillo. Holts had left office with no unsolved major crimes. Sharon gave up the County Attorney D.A. position which didn’t pay much, to go into private practice at his present location. Bearden has a long history as a successful criminal attorney. He will be 84-years-old on December 27 and is still winning cases and working every day. Someday soon someone needs to do a story on this guy and the two other attorneys, Jim Dunaway and Jack Smith, who have been practicing law over 50 years and are the best in their field. I’m proud to know and have been friends with those three great guys for over 50 years.*****To our friends, loyal readers and supporters over all these many years we wish you a very Blessed and Merry Christmas.