Sherlock Breaux in the Creaux's Nest

ENTERGY BREAKS GROUND AT BRIDGE CITY

The ground breaking Monday of Entergy’s newest facility at Bridge City kicked off what is expected to be the biggest economic boom in Orange County since WWII. Gov. Greg Abbott, government and county officials took part in the ceremony. Even though the new plant, like the old one, is in Orange County, it is in the city of Port Arthur. The plant however is in the Bridge City school district. The project is estimated to be complete in 2026. Over 7,000 construction workers will built the new plant providing $1.8 billion in economic development. Entergy Texas is committed to investing with local vendors to maximize the economic impact in the area. When complete, the plant will employ 25 permanent workers who will produce 1,215 megawatts of electricity per year, enough to power 230,000 homes. This is just the beginning of great changes that will grow the community to new heights and make Orange County a bright star on the Gulf Coast. It never again will be the quite community that we all know and love.

JOE BIDEN LAUNCHES 2024 REELECTION BID

President Joe Biden Tuesday announced he has launched a re-election campaign.. Biden told supporters to "finish the job" in a  long-expected online video announcement, arguing that there remains a "battle for the soul of America." He formally enters the race as the overwhelming favorite to secure the Democratic nomination and will face the winner of a contentious Republican primary field that includes former President Donald Trump.

CARLSON--LEMON FIRED BY FOX AND CNN

Fox News Monday parted ways with prime-time host Tucker Carlson, whose stew of grievances and political theories about Russia and the Jan. 6 insurrection had grown to define the network in recent years and influence GOP politics. The break comes less than a week after Fox agreed to pay $787 million to settle a lawsuit with Dominion Voting Systems over the network’s airing of false claims following the 2020 presidential election. Carlson was also recently named in a lawsuit by a former Fox producer who said the show had a cruel and misogynistic workplace. Meanwhile, CNN axed its own controversial anchor, Don Lemon, part of a one-day bloodletting in cable television news. “Tucker Carlson had become even bigger than Fox News,” said Brian Stelter, who is writing an upcoming book about Fox, “Network of Lies.” “His sudden ouster will have profound consequences for Fox News, for TV news and the Republican Party.” In several messages, Carlson spoke candidly about his distaste for Trump at the time and his fear that the network was losing viewers among the former president’s fans. He was also quoted using profane language to describe Sidney Powell, the Trump supporter and conservative attorney who was given airtime on other Fox shows to spread lies about Dominion, and called her a “psychopath.” Carlton was recently named in a lawsuit filed by Abby Grossberg, a Fox News producer. Grossberg had gone to work for Carlson after leaving Maria Bartiromo’s Fox show. Her lawsuit says that Grossberg learned “she had merely traded in one overtly misogynistic work environment for an even crueler one, this time, one where unprofessionalism reigned supreme, and the staff’s distaste and disdain for women infiltrated almost every workday decision.” On her first day of work at Carlson’s program, Grossberg said in her lawsuit, she was met with large, blown-up photographs of Rep. Nancy Pelosi in a bathing suit with a plunging neckline. Fox News Tonight will air in Carlson’s 8 p.m. Eastern primetime slot, hosted by a rotating array of network personalities, for the time being. Fox News, with its conservative viewership, will live to fight another day. In 2017, Bill O’Reilly’s reign atop cable news ranking came to an end and Carlson quickly filled the void. The same audience that propelled Carlson to fame will likely usher in the next pundit.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2013

We got the list down to three candidates but in the end the choice was very obvious. Over the years, we honored citizens in many different vocations, school teachers, administrators, law enforcement, mayors, city officials and others. We were long over due to honor this year’s recipient, Judge Carl K. Thibodeaux. For many years, he has lead Commissioner’s Court, often through some trying times. Over the years, every election has brought new commissioners for the Judge to work with. He always saw to it that it was a smooth transition. Several officials who worked beside him say how fortunate we were to have Judge Thibodeaux in a leadership role when hurricanes Rita and Ike struck. He not only guided us through the vast destruction but squeezed every nickel available from the federal government to rebuild our structures, roads and repair of damages. No county judge in our history has done more, built more, for less money from the tax payers. We are proud to have him as our “2013 Person of the Year.”*****Condolences to Martin and Mary Sneed and their family on the death of their grandson Martin Sneed, III who died April 19. Services were held Monday, April 22. *****On Thursday, April 25, the George W. Bush Presidential Library will open at SMU. All living presidents will attend the dedication. Presidents Jimmy Carter, Geo. H. Bush, Bill Clinton, Geo. W. and Obama. *****Former Olympic boxing hopeful Oshanique Foster, of Orange, has signed a deal to be training with the Mayweather crew.*****We visited with Quincy Procell who is recovering from back surgery. The procedure involved more than he expected. It’s been a rough recovery. According to Quincy, he couldn’t have made it without the services of Sara Peterson, Barbara Murr and the staff with ILC Assisted Living. “I was helpless and hopeless and those wonderful ladies got me through it.*****Despite having a 54 to 46 vote to pass background checks, the measure failed in the Senate. It was the first gun bill since Newtown. To pass the bill required 60 votes out of 100 senators. Both Texas senators, Cornyn and Cruz, voted against background checks.*****Orange boxer Cody Richard is 13-0 as a pro boxer after a second round knockout of Andre Lopez Saturday at Evangeline Downs Casino.*****Former West Orange -Stark and Northwestern star, Roy Locks Jr., was hired by Central High Coach Toby Forman to be his defensive coordinator.***** Kree Harrison, our girl on American Idol, after last week has her back against the wall. After coming in first or second all season, she was fourth last week, mostly because of song selections, This week’s performance will decide the top three, an important plateau. I believe if Kree makes this week’s cut she will likely win it all. Her voice is the best but she needs everyone’s vote.*****Since we visited last week after the Boston Marathon bombing, one brother was killed, the other will face the death penalty in Federal Court. We also had the fertilizer explosion in West, killing 13, injuring many. Most of the structures were destroyed. Willie Nelson will hold a benefit concert for the stricken town. Willie was raised and has a home five miles away at Abbott.

20 Years Ago-2003

The Bridge City council is honoring Steve Worster with a proclamation that recognizes April 29th as “Steve Worster Day,” the same day the Bridge City High and University of Texas All American is being inducted into the “Cotton Bowl” Hall of Fame. In 1965- 1966, Steve was the talk around the state. All football fans knew where Bridge City was because of Worster’s exploits on the high school football team. Bridge City went to the state finals in 1965 and won the state championship in 1966, four years before the city was incorporated. The University of Texas consensus All American was on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1970. Texas went on to be national champions that year. Coach Darrell Royal recruited Worster but it was Asst. Coach Emory Bellard, using his son, who developed the Wish Bone offense in his back yard, especially designed for Worster. He made it famous. (Editor’s note: The number 30 Steve wore at Bridge City has been retired 57 years. (Steve passed away in 2022 at age 73.)*****Elana Clinton, a freshman, is the youngest of a staff of pitchers on the Bridge City Lady Cards 12-0 team. Pitchers include Laura Gremillion and Meagan Goduin. Elaina, in her first full game pitching debut, pitched a perfect game shutting down a good Kountze team 15-0.*****Bridge City police sting halts burglars. After getting a tip, Bridge City detective Jason Ashworth approached Chief Steve Faircloth about setting up a sting. A spree of burglars had been going on in the city since February. After at least 14 business burglaries, Ashworth and four other officers, Maj. Joey Hargrave, patrolmen Frank Carpenter, David Soileau and Shannon Meaux busted three suspects. Merchant, age 19, Grasty, 26 and Purkey, 18. Chief Faircloth praised the officers and said 99 percent of the stolen items were recovered. “This is real police work,” Faircloth concluded. *****Randy Jarrel bought a prize chicken at the Mauriceville 4-H auction. Joel Steirman made another kid happy when he bought his goat. “Buckshot” and Johnny Montagne were the big buyers. They claimed Bobby Cormier dodged the auction and action by attending his Orangefield class reunion. They were going to buy stock in his name but lost their nerve. (Editor’s note: “Buckshot” is gone now and he’s still missed. What a fine guy.)

50 Years Ago-1973

Former Bridge City High School linebacker and son of Coach Chief Wilson, takes a bride. Pretty Debbie Berry and Rusty Wilson wed after his dad signed the okay. Brad Roy was best man. ***** Joe Burke likes high school track. He caught the 4-A regional meet in Houston Friday night, raced to Conroe Saturday for the 3-A competition. Joe says Bridge City’s David Guidry is too short to jump hurdles. All he does is beat people on sheer guts and determination. Joe watched Dave advance to the State Finals. Guidry will also be part of the state bound mile relay team of Bo Worrell, Larry Hagler and Mark Truncale.*****Local hurlers Dennis Duhon and Doug Patterson have received their assignments. Duhon will join St. Petersburg, of the Florida State League; Patterson launches the campaign with Stockton, of the California League. Both pitchers are products of Stark High.*****West Orange is sending seven athletes to the state track meet in Austin. They are high jumper, Waymon Sibley; long jump, Roy Williams; miler, Miron Gautier; sprinter, Randall Teate; 440 yarder relay quartet consists of Sibley, Williams, Steve Fisher, Teats and Kenneth Britton.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

Saturday ended up a pretty spring day for outdoor activities like Eco Fest at Shangri La with the famous butterfly release. Lots of parents and grandparents took their little ones out for the event. Vanessa Bufford took Anna Belle, who turned 11, a couple of days earlier, to the festival. Anna Belle's grandmother,  Sandra Cash, was there giving away free small trees to plant. Sandra is the unofficial "Tree Lady" of Orange County.***Rebecca Willey took curly-headed daughter Willow to the event.***Amy Bonneaux was there with her little girl.***Melissa and Elvis Rushing enjoyed their time with grands Emma and Milla.***The Ragsdale family turned out to watch baby Janie Nash get her first butterfly. The group included grandparents Randy and Paula Ragsdale, plus Aunt Rebekah Ragsdale. Of course mom, Sarah Ragsdale Nash, was with the family.***Other grandparents spotted strolling the gardens included Brandy and Roderick Robertson with toddler Zayvin.***Tony and Nancy Dallas accompanied little Drue to release her butterfly. Dad Jack Dallas was out playing minor league baseball, but Drue's mom, Reid was there, along with aunt and uncle, Leigh Anne and Broderick Harrell. The next day, the Harrells had a gender reveal party to announce they are expecting a little girl, Adeline Honey Harrell. *****More big news was coming this week from Sydney Brittain and Cody Carr. They became officially engaged at a beach setting in the Turks and Caicos. Of course, she's now got some finger bling..*****Latouia DuBois is also showing off a big sparkle on her finger, thanks to an early Mother's Day gift from husband Aaron DuBois.*****The Orange Lions Club hosted the District Conference Saturday at the county expo center, bringing lots of out-of-towners to Orange County. Local Lions member Chris Kovatch has been serving as district governor and brought the convention here. Of course Stump and Dayle Weatherford were there. Stump is "Mr. Lions" around the OC. Kovatch gave a special service award to Benitris Edwards, who is one of the top volunteers for a number of groups. Her energy to help others keeps on going and going. Other local Lions included Tiffany Brown-Bell  and Rachel Hannan. Orange Mayor Larry Spears Jr. was invited to give remarks to the convention.*****Birthdays this past week included Ann Mooney turning 80.  Christian Simonton is now 28 and Zoe Winn became 15. Mary Hardin Baylor star football player and former WOS Mustang KJ Miller hit 24. Other birthdays included Shana Ivey, Brandi Griggs, Richard Spector, Bill Nickum, April Hargrove King, Lisa Petry, Orange City Councilor David Bailey, and Dr. Amy Townsend.*****Gary and Allisha Bonneaux celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary and Kade and Kirstie Parkhurst married six years. Other wedding anniversaries this week were Rex and Debbie Gibson, and Melanie and Lannie Claybar. Reeanna Lynch and Linda Mathis tied the knot and are now Linda and Reeanna Mathis.*****Congratulations to Bridge City seniors Grant Hale and Amaris Larkin who were named Male and Female Athletes of the Year. The Cardinal Pride award went to Shaun Hallman. The awards were presented at the Bridge City All-Sports Banquet.*****Saturday, April 29, is the day two fine men died. Both community caring folks; both lived a long life and passed away at age 93. Wilson “King” Dunn died in 2012. He was a longtime post master at Mauriceville.***Donald Cole, a master plumber and former county commissioner, died in 2019. We’re proud to have known them.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS

A few folks celebrating their birthdays in the next few days. April 26: Celebrating are Susanne Parker, Luke Domas, Stephen Russell, Christi Goodyear and Donna Lee.*****April 27: Gus Harris celebrates today along with John Applebach, Mike Cain, Chelsea Ballard.*****April 28: Peggy Dunbar and Josh Blanchard are a year older today.*****April 29: Happy Birthday to Kelsea Burns, Jimmie Simmons, Judy DeCuir, Tommy Bourgeois and Drew Wappler.*****April 30: Paula Johnson, Alissa Williams, Dr. Nina Leifeste, Harold Haymon, Janice Gooch, Jenni Barrow, Kim Izer, and Samantha Ziller. This is also Willie Nelson’s 90th birthday.*****May 1: Chad Prouse, Jo Lynn Salazar, Flo Arnold, Karolyn Doiron, Frank Carpenter, Christina Johnston, and Jason Mayfield are all a year older.*****May 2: Celebrating their big day today are Mary Stewart, Megan Cornwell and Glenda Dailey. (To announce birthdays or anniversaries call 409-886-7182 or email [email protected].)

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

We got a note from Cuzan Sostan, wit an update bout Aunt Maude Breaux, wat turn 86 las week. She also went on trial. It went like dis. Da defense lawyer ask Aunt Maude, “Tell us in you own words wat happened on da first of April dis year.”

Aunt Maude say, “It’s like dis. I was sitting on my porch at sundown, enjoying da nice spring weather wen a young man comes creeping on da porch and sat nex to me.”

“Wat happen after he sat down?” axe da lawyer.

“He started rubbing my thigh,” answered Aunt Maude.

“Did you stop him?” axe da lawyer.

“No, I didn’t,” say Aunt Maude.

“Why not?” axe da lawyer.

“It felt good,” said Aunt Maude. “No one do da since my Felix pass away turdy years ago.”

“Wat happen next?” axe da lawyer.

Aunt Maude looked at Judge Boudreaux and answer,

“It’s like dis you honor, I was feeling so spic me, dat I jus lay down on dat swing and said to him do wit me wat you want.”

“Well, did he?” axe the lawyer.

“Hell no, he jus yell, ‘April Fool’” and dats wen I

shot dat little coon ass, me.”

Cuzz, Aunt Maude beat dat rap. I got to go to da store for Sugar Bee. Tell everyone hello.

You Cuzz,

Sostan

C’EST TOUT

IT’S CRAWFISH TIME

FUN FACTS

There are more than 500 species of crawfish found throughout the world, and more than 350 of those live in the United States. Of these, only two species are actually harvested and eaten.***Most crawfish in the U.S. grows to 3-4 inches, there are species Down Under in Australia that grow to 15.5 inches and weigh more than 8-pounds, and no, they are not lobsters.***Crawfish come in a variety of colors. The most common is red but crawfish also come in blues, whites, greens, and yellow. When cooked, however, all crawfish turn the color red.***Crawfish live on every continent in the world except for Antarctica. Now you know.*****My time is up for another week. I thank you for yours. Take care and God bless.