Sherlock Breaux in the Creaux's Nest

FIREARMS NUMBER ONE KILLER OF CHILDREN

The killer in a Nashville school shooting on Monday had drawn a detailed map of the school, including potential entry points, and conducted surveillance before killing three students and three adults in the latest in a series of mass shootings in a country growing increasingly unnerved by bloodshed in schools. The suspect, who was killed by police, is believed to be a former student at The Covenant School in Nashville. The shooter was armed with two “assault-style” weapons, a rifle and a pistol, as well as a handgun, authorities said. At least two of them were believed to have been obtained legally in the Nashville area. Communities around the nation are reeling from an outburst of school violence, including the massacre at an elementary school at Uvalde, Texas, last year; a first-grader who shot his teacher in Virginia; and a shooting last week in Denver that wounded two administrators. “We have a manifesto, we have some writings that we’re going over that pertain to this date, the actual incident,” Metropolitan Nashville Police Chief John Drake said Monday during one of several news conferences. “We have a map drawn out of how this was all going to take place.” President Joe Biden, speaking at an unrelated event at the White House on Monday, called the shooting a “family’s worse nightmare” and implored Congress again to pass a ban on certain semi-automatic weapons. “It’s ripping at the soul of this nation,” Biden said. Before Monday’s violence in Nashville, there had been seven mass killings at K-12 schools. Monday’s tragedy unfolded over roughly 14 minutes. Two officers from a five-member team opened fire in response, fatally shooting the suspect.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2013

Kree Harrison, with strong ties to our area, performs Wednesday evening on FOX. She is already in the top final eight. One contestant is eliminated each Thursday. The Wednesday performance is judged by the public with their votes. “U.S. A. Today” says Kree, who is one of the top talents on the show, may be at a disadvantage as she gets closer to the top because of a smaller voter base. An example of that is Tuesday’s Houston Chronicle that featured a two page lay out on contestant Amber Holcomb, an 18 year old from Spring, TX, located near Houston. Amber was picked eighth last week, Kree came in second. However, the large Houston base of voters plus the backing of a 700,000 circulated newspaper and Houston television audiences can benefit a contestant in large metro areas. Kree must overcome that with talent and by voters who judge on the merits, also what base support she picks up from Southeast Texas.***** The George W. Bush Presidential Center at SMU will hold a ribbon cutting April 25. It will open to the public May 1. The 24 acre site has a 226,560 sq. foot center and 15 acre park and a beautiful Texas rose garden, a version of the White House rose garden. SMU is the Alma Mater of first lady Laura Bush. I‘m not sure if VP Dick Cheney is invited to the ribbon cutting.***** March 28 is the special day for Garrett Gros, Phyl and Roy’s oldest grandson, who celebrates his number 28. By the way, he’s “Scoots” daddy and Karen Dunn Gros’ oldest.***Also celebrating this day are Mike Roberts, Rayford Spurgeon, Jean Jackson and Steve Hollard.*****Al Granger celebrates on Good Friday, March 29.***On March 30, Karen Bergeron, who happens to be a cousin of pretty Brandy Slaughter, is a year older.***Also getting older is former Bridge City High principle and longtime educator Terry Stuebing.***As I recall, March 30 is also the date my friend “Red” Garrett died in 2010. ***Easter Sunday, March 31, finds Dana Myers and Danny Carter celebrating.***April 1. Born on April Fool’s Day, or All Fool’s Day, take your choice, are Pam Savoy, Tracie Ray, Steve Adams, Elizabeth Weir, Angie Sellers, Allison Asbusy and James Williams. Happy “Fool’s Day” to you all. *****A decade ago the Dixie Chicks were selling millions of records then one night in London, they said they were ashamed that President Geo. Bush was from Texas. They were banished from country music. The April issue of Texas Monthly has a long feature story on the rise and fall of the Chicks. Sisters Martie Maguire and Emily Robison, on fiddle and banjo, and singer Natalie Maines were the hottest country act until that fateful day. Toby Keith started flashing a photoshopped image of Natalie hugging Saddam Hussein on a screen above the stage when he played “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” in concerts. He helped kill them off. It was the tongue in cheek statement in London that did them in. They became the darlings of the anti-war crowd. Rush Limbaugh and the FOX News crowd worked to destroy them. They played eight dates with James Taylor, REM and Bruce Springsteenn but the radical right wouldn’t let them survive.*****“The Voice” (musical chairs) returned Monday and Tuesday night for season four. The coaching panel has changed but country super star Blake Shelton and Grammy winner Adam Levine remain. Two new coaches have been added. Multiplatinum selling Grammy winners Shakira and Usher bring a different prospective to the show. They replace Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green and his cat. It’s a good show, highlighting great talent from around the country. How the panel meshes is key to the success of the Voice.

25 Years Ago-1998

On April 1, Sam Lucia, a native of Orange and graduate of St. Mary High School, returns to the area as new superintendent of the Bridge City School District. Since 1995 Lucia has been superintendent at the Palestine School District. He and wife Judy will live with his mother while searching for a home. Judy is also a native, and her parents still live in Roselawn. Her sister is county clerk, Karen Jo Vance. *****This coming weekend Snappy’s in B.C. will hold its grand opening. (Editor’s note: Glenda, I can’t believe it, we were 25 years younger and full of pep.)*****J.P. Thibodeaux, a Bridge City native who owns several auto dealerships in Louisiana, has purchased the Austin-Lee dealership on IH-10 in Orange. Clay Higgins will be general manager. (Editor’s note: J.P. has since died, as has his brothers Lloyd and Gordon, who were raised in Bridge City. Bennis Lee was owner of Austin Lee when it sold.)*****Orange County is looking for a county engineer to replace Pete McKinney.*****Last Saturday, Marialeice Colletti became Mrs. Lester Saucier. *****Friday night, 20/20 will run a feature on the new “resurrection pill” called Viagra. Everyone is talking about it. Older married women are said to oppose it. (Editor’s note: It’s been 25 years since the “Blue” pill, and the percentage of old men charged with rape hasn’t gone up.)*****Vickie Edgerly, democratic nominee for district clerk, thanks her supporters. *****Inez Hearn, former Bridge City resident, has been named ‘Senior Citizen Worker of the Year’ in Louisiana. She received a plaque and roses from Gov. Foster but she didn’t make the ceremony, she was too busy working. Inez, 79, soon to be 80, is retired from Montgomery Ward after 25 years. She runs a route feeding the elderly. Recently she totaled her car, got another one and saw to it that the old folks got lunch, milk and juice. (Editor’s note: Today, Nez is gone.) Janice Overman is her daughter and Ray Hearn her son. She was one of a kind. I’m glad the Lord put me and Nez down in the same place and gave me the privilege to know her and be her friend.)***** Terri Gauthier and the staff of Total Impressions are excited about the grand opening of Grace Plaza. The ribbon cutting is April 3.*****Jacey Marie Walker celebrated her first birthday March 22.***Zara Killman turned three March 24.***Kaley Patnaude celebrates her eighth birthday March 27. (Editor’s note: Just add 25 years girls. I hope life is good.)*****Voting made easy. You can cast your vote at Wal-Mart. (Editor’s note: In 1998, every effort was made to make voting easy and assessable. Today, around the country, groups are attempting to suppress the vote by making it harder for minorities to vote.)

45 Years Ago-1978

George Easterling has moved to the country (Mauriceville) from Bridge City. Son Roger is teaching school in Houston. Son Ben is a backfield football coach at Ball High in Galveston. His daughter Becky and her husband make their home in Corpus Christi. They’re all expected to come home to Mom and Dad’s for Easter.*****Joe Kazmar moved to a new house this weekend.*****The Doug Harringtons are vacationing in Colorado. Dick Bevins claims that’s why things are quiet in BC.*****Birthday wishes to Skipper Nance who is 30 this week. Also Janet Hall is four on March 28. Gail Rogers notches another year on March 29.*****David and Debbie Fusilier became parents of a baby girl on Monday.******Gordon Harvey is mayor of Bridge City.*****Bill Forte is manager of KOGT.*****“Airport 77: and “Silver Streak” are showing on Liberty Cable Showtime. James Stewart stars in one and Gene Wilder in the other.*****Sandy Sanford announces for West Orange- Cove School Board.*****Mike Feagan and Daryll Petry are motorcycle racers.*****Tommy Humphrey catches a 7 pound, 14 ounce bass.*****Deanna Linscomb is manager of the month at Sak-N-Pak #13 on Hwy. 87.*****C.W. Holt is pastor of the West Orange Assembly of God.*****A few CB handles floating around on the airwaves are, Undertaker, Window Buster, Gabby, Lonely Lady, Warrior, Good Times Express, Texas Viking, Lady Porky Pig and Texas Lady.

50 Years Ago-1973

Elizabeth Black is 92 years old and happiest when she is busy working in the soil. She keeps up the flower beds at Green Acres Nursing Home.***** Kathleen Cook is Orange Public Librarian.*****Charlie Warner plays baseball for BC High.*****Fred Bailey has a large magnet on a rope to find keys lost in the lake. Last weekend he retrieved Phyllis Dunn’s keys.*****The Cecil Wingate family has a house fire.*****Grover Halliburton is recovering, getting stronger after a heart attack.***** Jim Backus is planning a tour of seven countries; he leaves June 7.*****El Matador Barber and Style Shop features Lewis Gay, Jim Dugas and B. David.*****Ralph Smith solicits your vote for BC Council.*****Jack Brooks Sr. is a candidate for Pinehurst Council.*****Joe Kazmar picks the West Orange Chiefs to win the 10-AAA baseball championship. On the team are Danny Longmier, Ray Pousson and Paul Richardson.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

On Easter Sunday, March 28, 1948, a crowd of 4,675 visitors turned out for an Easter open house at Shangri La. The Stark family, on special occasions, would open the grounds, then at some time, I believe around 1950, it shut down for good until it was re-opened by the Stark Foundation. Today, it is the crown jewel of Orange.***** The rain held off for the first week of the annual Lions Club Carnival and it looks like the wet weather will hold off for this second week. The Lions Club has joked about rain and storms affecting the carnival for the past 20 years that they are now selling an orange and white umbrella with a seal saying "Orange Lions Club Charity Carnival, Bringing the rain since 1939." You can order a $25 umbrella at the token booth. The carnival will run again this week on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Last week ended up a good time for the carnival with lots of people turning out for the rides and food. Kenneth and Patricia Kemp scored a funnel cake after an hour in line. But who cares about the wait? Kenneth had his 77th birthday and he wanted funnel cake.*****Steve Maddox and crew were grilling the burgers trying to keep up with the lines for Lions burgers.*****The Team Granger crew, including Katina Olivier and Dillon Gaspard, was helping at the kiddie cars. *****Brandy and Roderick Robertson took grandson Zay, now a toddler to the carnival and the Beaumont fair. *****Constable Lannie Claybar took his mother, Peggy Claybar out to the carnival along with daughters Annabelle and Caroline. Gina and Skipper Yeaman worked in the Blinky Booth selling the kiddie designs with colorful blinking lights. Gina is a model for the headpieces. Of course all the Lions Club members volunteer, but the community event relies on lots of other volunteers to keep the tradition going. First United Methodist Church sent a group out to help and kids from Bridge City High were among those helping. I hear Port Commissioner Keith Wallace, besides running his four Reliable Cleaners, is neck deep in the Lions Club Carnival. We are hearing great reports, fun for all and all for a great cause.*****Donna Scales is back from her spring break trip to Canada with son James, Devon, and exchange student Eli. Donna is an international traveler, but don't get her upset at Walmart. She is not happy with the way some people park at the Walmart in Bridge City.*****Terri and Brad Childs made a spring trip to Fredericksburg and saw lots of bluebonnets. Iva Kay and Lawrence Odom are taking a country break in Comfort, Texas, in a quaint cabin.***** Lots of people were celebrating March birthdays this past week. Larry Fisher marked his 72nd by posing on the steps of West Orange's Carl Godwin Auditorium, where he posed for a class picture in the first grade.  Carolyn Gorby turned 82 and partied with family. Former Orange police chief Jack McClelland was 78 and took off on another multi-state motorcycle trip.  Bridge City ISD Police Chief Cliff Hargrave also had a birthday. Retired OPD officer Kelly Griffin also turned another year older. Brittany Pipkin had her big 4-0 and had a couple of parties, including traveling to Houston with Fletcher Pipkin, Edie Burch, and Richard Teague. Melissa Monson Ashby had a birthday and went to Bullfish in Orangefield for a celebratory dinner with mom Rita Monson and grandmother Della Gallien. Lawyer Michael Catt had a birthday, but also lost a beloved dog this week. Condolences to him and his family. Another lawyer with a birthday was Christine Brown-Zeto. Others with birthdays included Sissy Willey, Kelvin Knauf, Annette Payne, and Denise St. Pierre.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS

Happy Birthday to a few people we know. March 29: For over 30 years, we have been wishing Al Granger a happy birthday in this column. I know he is at least older than that. Happy Birthday Al, best wishes for continued good health. Also celebrating are Kaydee Wingate, Robert Clark Jr. and Julie Norwood.*****March 30: Chase Ballou, One of Mark’s grandsons, turns 5-years-old today. Also celebrating is former Bridge City high school principle Terry Stuebing, Karen Bergeron, Lisa Smith.*****March 31: Christy’s daughter, Coree Guerea, turns 19 years old on this day. I remember when she turned six. Thirteen years have flown by and she is off to college. Also celebrating are Terry Seal, Dana Myers, Danny Carter, Hunter Wilson and Rebecca Hunter.*****April 1: Happy April Fools Day, also Happy Birthday to Tracie Ray, Pam Savoy, Steve Adams, Allison Asbury and Angie Sellers.*****April 2: Today is Palm Sunday. Happy Birthday to Michael McAllister, James McDonald, Vickie Foreman, Dalica Marie Bienivides, Jason Vincent, Kellie Fontenot, Kent Pierce.*****April 3: Constable Lannie Claybar celebrates today, also Aliceson Haynes, Desirea Wilson, Eddie Asbury, Linda Currie.*****April 4: Celebrating today is our longtime buddy and former Record “Super Salesman” Al Deroche, also Happy Birthday to James Wroten, Debbie Kendick, Jason Ballard, Jeremy Simmons, Joe Peery, Kathie Dorman, Kird Jordan, Sandra McRight. This is also the day MLK was killed by James Earl Ray in 1968. (Note: For birthday and anniversary announcements please call 409-886-7183 or email therecordlive.com.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Joe Gillbeaux’s boy, Ned, wat is not too sharp in da head, is in his turd years as a LS&U freshman. While sitting in his U.S. Government class, his professor axed Ned if he knew wat Roe vs. Wade was about.

Gillbeaux’s boy pondered da question, talking to himself he repeated “Roe vs. Wade.”

Finally he said, “Prof, I got it me, dat was da decision George Washington him had to make before he crossed da Delaware.”

C’EST TOUT

TEXAS LOSS KILLS MY INTEREST IN MARCH MADNESS

Miami beat Texas 88-81 in the Elite-Eight, a game Texas should have won. They led by 13-points in the second half before blowing the game. Miami Hurricanes face UConn in Final Four Saturday in Houston.*****Wade Phillips and his Houston Roughnecks lost a second game. Two in a row now. They were beaten by the D.C. Guardians Monday night. D.C. is undefeated, while Houston is at 4-2.*****Trump’s rally was held deep in the Heart of Texas, at Waco, which sits between Houston and Dallas. From the center of the state Trump’s first campaign stop could pull followers from all part of Texas. His campaign committee expected to draw 25,000 to 60,000 people. Local press reported attendance was around 15,000 to 18,000.*****We were very sad to learn of the death of our friend longtime Precinct 3 Constable John Ford, formerly of Bridge City. Our friend Patty Collins notified us right at press time of his passing back on earlier this month. Arrangements will be planned for local services soon.*****According to Judge Derry Dunn, the group is still working to get the Wednesday Lunch Bunch attendance up. This week promises to be a good turnout. Y’all come.*****My time is up. Until we meet again happy trails to you. Take care and God bless.