Sherlock Breaux in the Creaux's Nest

EXTREME HEAT AND DROUGHT CONTINUES

Never in my lifetime would I have believed we would see so many consecutive days at 99 degrees and above. We have had more 100 degree days in the last couple of weeks than we have had in the last few years. Today, Tuesday, at 3:15 p.m., our backyard temperature is 102 degrees. With no rain in sight everything is burning up. It’s hard to keep enough water on the plants. Our garden is gone but we still have a little hope for okra. This record heat is across the country although storms cover part of the nation. It’s come on a bad summer and we haven’t gotten by hurricane season yet.*****I have to move on. Come along, I promise it won’t do you no harm.

SAYING GOODBYE TO SKIPPER

We were sorry to learn that Skipper Free, age 89, our longtime friend, had passed away Saturday, July 30, in Austin. She was the only person we ever knew that was born at Shangri-la, in Orange. Her family lived on the Starks property during its hay-days and on January 1, 1934, Constance Amelia Thrailkille, “Skipper” was born. She graduated from Lutcher Stark high school and through the years kept up with her classmates, never missing a class reunion where she was sure to furnish some entertainment. Skipper hung out with us at the old Opportunity Valley Newspaper and later at The Record. She also contributed her writings to the paper. She told stories about her and Gordon Baxter’s nightclub entertaining and how they often had to dodge thrown beer bottles. Bax insisted that chicken wire be installed in front of the stage to catch the flying objects. Skipper was a born entertainer, she just needed the opportunity and at the drop of a hat she was on stage. Over the years she had many friends in entertainment, one of the best was longtime radio personality Bill Clark. She took care of him like one of her own family. Besides living a life filled with fun she found time to be married to Murphy Free and raised five children. She was the first woman to be a licensed barber in the state of Texas. She broke into what had been the men’s game. Her children followed in her footsteps. Son Keble, her oldest, a onetime successful boxer, was a successful hair stylist. The Free children all excelled in their chosen fields. Laura is a beautician; Eddie, a longtime barber; Scott, also a barber, in his youth was an actor. They all picked up their mother’s personality and fondness and caring for people. That was Skipper’s greatest asset. She will be missed. A special celebration of her life will be held August 4, 3 p.m. at Claybar Funeral Home, in Orange. You don’t want to miss this going away party in the true spirit of the life that Skipper lived. Please check obituary in this publication or on our website

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2013

Congrats to Little Cypress-Mauriceville’s Trent Manuel, place kicker, who has been offered a full ride scholarship at McNeese. He is a senior at LC-M. Trent has worked out with pro-kicker Matt Bryant. Dad Ty and the family have reason to be proud of this young man. Best of luck with the Bears this season.*****“Neighbor” Cox had been batching it for a couple of weeks but Ms. Ginny, with daughter Karen Duplichain, who will stay for a few days, is back home. Cox couldn’t be happier. His bride of 65 years on Oct. 2, and his baby girl are home. It’s better than Christmas. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cox have passed on.*****Karen Jo said she visited with Judge Janice Menard who says her sister Mildred Lemoine is getting stronger every day. She said her mother always said, “Take your life one day at a time and put a smile on your face.” Judge Janice said she never thought she’s quote her mother as much as she does. Mildred has come a long way from the critical list. *****If you ever picked cotton, not pulled bolls, you are at least 80 years old. The cotton picking machines came in the 1950’s and the cotton sack was put away for good. Judge Pat Clark said he picked cotton in East Texas one summer. That convinced him to get an education.*****Mickey Litton Tompkins, longtime court reporter and everyone’s sweetheart, retired last Friday from the 163rd District Court as Judge Powell’s court reporter. The daughter of Moe and Helene Litton could write a book about the things she witnessed in her long career. Not only in the court room but also as Rep. Wayne Peveto’s right hand in Austin. During those years she met the real political power brokers. She also got to know a young, upcoming politico, Karl Rove, who later became President George W. Bush’’s brains*****We were sorry to hear of the death of Claude Thompson, 94, who passed away at his home July 27. He was the father of coach Cornel Thompson.

24 Years Ago-1999

In her column Vickie Parfait recalls the life of Virgie Mansfield Scales, born in 1912, in Duncan Woods, Orange County, Texas. Her parents Bosie and Metina Mansfield were Orange County natives and early pioneers of the area. Her paternal grandfather, Dr. Guy Mansfield, was the son of Dr. Sylvester Mansfield, the first M.D. in Beaumont. Virgie said in the column, “We were rich compared to most. I never knew there was a depression.” Virgie is 87 years old. She is the sister of former county commissioner Asa Mansfield. (Editor’s note: Ms. Virgie passed away at age 103.)***** Amber Dunn is working at the Louis Dugas Law Firm trying to decide if she wants to be a lawyer or a doctor. (Editor’s note: One summer working for Louis made up her mind. She chose the medical field. It took 14 years to become a specialist. Today she is an anesthesiologist, married to an orthopedic surgeon and is the mother of three sons, ages 7, 5, 3. She says, (“Thanks to Mr. Dugas, I made the right decision.”)*****Jeff Wright is the new baseball coach at West Orange-Stark. He also is the tight end football coach.

44 Year Ago-1979

Sheriff Ed Parker receives a state award at a ceremony in the jail. The Orange County jail, completed Sept. 30, 1978, is the only jail in the state to meet all standards. The jail also has a full-time nurse. *****Gary Worster, 21-year-old son of R.B. and Louise, brother of Steve and father of one son lost his life in a motorcycle/auto accident Thursday, Aug. 3. Gary was a BC football star recruited by Lamar. *****Judy Peabody is sales manager at Bickham Lincoln Mercury.*****Fanny Beaty is seen scooting around town on a yellow moped. *****Joe Kazmar makes a 200-yard hole-in-one at the DERA Par 3 17th hole with a #5. *****Rush Wood is selected sports information director at Lamar U. *****John Smith, co-owner of Smith Lee Olds-Cadillac-Toyota, is jogging and dodging food. He’s lost several pounds and can get in last year’s jeans.*****Sammie Perkins and son Chad both celebrate birthdays on Aug. 6.*****Juliette Patton and daughter Janet both celebrate birthdays this week.*****Mr. and Mrs. Gene Lackey celebrate their eighth anniversary. They have three children, Tommy, Timothy and Terry. *****A big day is coming Aug. 13. That’s Janet and James Fontenot’s anniversary.*****Vickie Drake is engaged to Frank Brown, son of Edgar and Betty Brown. Frank, who has a doctorate, is now teaching at the University of Texas. The couple plans a December wedding. (Frank and Vickie have both passed away.)*****Frank Manchac Jr. will wed Laura Ann Pachar on Aug. 18. Her uncle, Neal Miller, will give the bride in marriage. *****Karen Leslie Smith becomes the bride of Mark Hryhorchuk. Both attended Texas A&M.*****Bill and Patsy Nacol leave BC for Lafayette. They are opening a jewelry store there. *****Doug Ballard is home from the hospital were he was treated for spinal meningitis.*****Neal Bond has surgery and is still hospitalized. *****Lou and Arval Hebert have new twins, Michael and Anna. Mason Hebert is the proud grandfather.*****Top Country songs are #1, “You’re the Only One” by Dolly Parton; #2, “Coca Cola Cowboy” by Mel Tillis; #3, “Suspicious” by Eddie Rabbit; #4, “Save the Last Dance for Me” by Emmylou Harris; #5, “Family Tradition” by Hank Williams Jr.; #6, “Ghost Riders in the Sky” by Johnny Cash.*****Carol Storvinon is a good poet who has been publishing some lately.

89 Years Ago-1934

Julius David, only 15 years old, made a hole-in-one at Sunset Grove Country Club. He made it on Number 12, using a 5-iron. *****W.L. Shepherd contests the election returns in two boxes. He was defeated by Charles Cottle in the tax assessor’s race. *****A reward of $5000 is issued for the arrest of John Dillinger’s Five Mad Dogs. They are John Hamilton, Charles Floyd, “Baby Face” Nelson, Homer VanMeter, Richard and “Tallman” Galatas.*****Funeral services are held for Arthur S. Bancroft, 82, Orange County pioneer.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

In answer to inquires about our friend and longtime sports writer Joe Kazmar, we have been in touch with his wife Susan. Joe came home last Wednesday from rehab, maybe a little too soon according to Susan. She has been able to get a hospital bed for Joe but is having a hard time helping him around. She’s called for assistance. If you know Joe or Susan and are able to offer help give her a call.*****County Commissioner Chris Sowell and Mindy Nance officially tied the knot. Word is they are honeymooning in Mexico enjoying the beaches and sun. Sowell, who lives in Mauriceville and represents Precinct 3, is a widower. His first wife died in a car crash back in 2020. He and his new bride have been blending their kids' activities together for a couple of years.*****The Sowells aren't the only ones vacationing in Mexico. Skipper and Gina Simar Yeaman went off to Isla Mujeres off on the Caribbean side. Activities included a trip in a glass-bottom boat across clear, aquamarine waters to see things like stingrays. Gina has also been celebrating a birthday.*****Brandi Griggs and Justin Rieson took off for more domestic beaches in Alabama and Florida*****Terri and Brad Childs didn't have to travel far to get to Crystal Beach and the Bolivar Peninsula.*****Sheila Faske is off to Las Vegas and the desert to take in the sites.*****Christine Hanchey and husband went on a trip to New Orleans for fun and food.*****Pat Kemp once again attended the National VFW Auxiliary convention held this year in burning Phoenix.*****Elvis and Melissa Anne Rushing decided to play it cool with their oldest grandkids and took them to Houston to the Galleria, where not only is the grand mall air conditioned, but also as an ice skating rink.*****Allisha and Gary Bonneaux battled the heat at the Woodlands pavilion two nights in a row. The first was to see the Steve Miller Band, and the next was for a concert with ZZ Top, Lynard Skynard, and Uncle Kracker.*****Speaking of concerts, Orange County had good representation in Silsbee at Honky Tonk Texas where the immortal Johnny Lee performed as part of his Farewell Tour. The county was even represented on stage with Bridge City native Britt Godwin opening the show. The audience included Terri and Todd Goss, Pam Chapman, Marie Lafleur, Kerri Droddy, Shirley Goss, and Brandon Wilcox.*****Orange native and work boxing champ O'Shaquie Foster will meet lots of kids Saturday at the Golden Chick on 16th Street from noon to 4 p.m. as the store has a Back to School event for students, including school supplies and 200 free meals.*****Mike Hennigan retired last year, but is now becoming unretired. As a certified peace officer, he had been working part-time as a deputy constable. He must have missed an everyday job and this week was named director of security for the Little Cypress-Mauriceville CISD.*****Save the date. Orange County Disaster Rebuild has announced its fifth annual fundraiser Taste of the Holidays is set for November 16. The benefit helps people in Orange County repair their residences after natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes.*****Dr. Pauline Colburn Hargrove, retired LCM superintendent and former cheerleader for Stark High and Lamar University, celebrated her 74th birthday. Not only has she been an educator and church leader, she also has a reputation as a gifted inspirational speaker. Another birthday girl who turned 74 is the ageless Artis Petterway. Others with birthdays this past week included "Jimi Jams" Jim Cash, who can often be seen cruising in his boat along the Sabine with wife Sandra. Birthday wishes also go to Fred Thompson, Olivia Davis, Margaret Frances Owen, Juliet Smith, Sam Willey, Francine Todd, reigning Mardi Gras Queen Becky Trahan, Janet Flores, Sally Peveto, Edie Burch, Melinda James, Sherry Flowers, Jeffrey Fuge, Mike Theriot, Chantel Frazier, Monica Ibarra Freeman,  Joyce Permenter Sanders, Gina Yeaman, and John Blanke.*****State District Judge Rex Peveto and wife, Robin, had their 32nd anniversary. Others celebrating wedding anniversaries included Paula and David Ibarra.*****Our friend Nelda Burton has been fighting some health problems. She goes in to the old Baptist Hospital for daily treatments. She says there are still a lot of services available at the site. Nelda also had knee replacement. She has a lot of praise for Owen, the old commissioner. She says he has really been a big help. He even fixed the bed. Great folks, good friends. We wish Nelda a speedy recovery.*****Our website went wild last week for Margaret’s Emmitt Till story. We got thousands of hits from around the country which continued throughout the weekend.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS

A few folks we know celebrating birthdays. Aug. 2: Our friend Judge Roy Derry Dunn celebrates today, also the “little round man” Wayne Morse is a year older. The guy smart enough to marry Dayle Gunn, photographer Stump Weatherford, marks another year. Celebrating also are Sherri Christiansen, Travis Fields, Chloe Halliburton and Debbie Desper. Happy 55th anniversary to Joyce and John Dubose.*****Aug. 3: Happy Birthday to Joe Elam, Glenda Delano, Lacey Monceaux, Bob Gephart and Frank Wiegreffe. This is also Tom Brady’s 47th birthday.*****Aug. 4: Former president Barack Obama celebrates his 62nd. birthday today. Jarrod Vogt, Kody Fisette, Vickie Wells celebrate today.*****Aug. 5: A great guy Dr. Mike Shahan celebrates today, also hoping a beautiful lady Micah Satin has a great day today. Having birthdays are Nan Briggs, Paul Jagen and Mitzi Peoples.*****Aug. 6: Pam Boehme, Randy Hickox, Sonya Villanoueva and Gladys Ousley. *****Aug. 7: Happy Birthday Tessa Bailey, Rodney Hanks and Kimberly Sensat. *****Aug. 8: Celebrating another birthday is Coach Dwight Thacker. He just keeps rolling along. Also having a birthday is Fred Brent. (NOTE: Call 409-886-7183 or email [email protected] to post birthdays or anniversaries free of charge.)

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Clovis Landry, him, was speeding from Church Point to Eunice, when a peace officer turn on his siren and bubble and pull Clovis over.

Clovis, him, he jumped out of his car and he say, “Officer, me, I can explain.”

Officer Broussard said, “Jus be quiet, you, I’m going to let you cool you heels in da jail until da Chief gets back, him.”

Clovis, he’s nervous, him, he says, “But Officer, I jus wanted to say….”

“I tol you to shut up and be quiet. Now for sure you going to jail,” said Officer Broussard.

A few hours went by and da officer, him, looked in on his prisoner and said, “It’s lucky for you, Clovis, dat da Chief is at his daughter’s wedding. He’ll be in a good mood, him, when he gets back.”

Clovis, him, he speaks up, “Don’t count on it, I’m da groom, me.”

C’EST TOUT

Donald Trump indicted by Grand Jury Arraignment Thursday

A federal grand jury indicted former President Donald Trump for a third time Tuesday, this time accusing him of organizing a conspiracy to steal the 2020 election from President Joe Biden, including the insurrection of Jan.6, 2021. The indictment handed down in a federal court in Washington, D.C. listed four counts against Trump: Conspiracy to Defraud the United States; Conspiracy to Obstruct an Official Proceeding; Obstruction of and Attempt to Obstruct an Official Proceeding; and Conspiracy Against Rights.***** Well, I’ve got to get out of here. Thanks for your time. Take care and God bless.