Sherlock Breaux in the Creaux's Nest

FOR NOW PAXTON BEATS RAP—RIDE AIN’T OVER

The attorney general’s long-simmering securities fraud case appears closer to resolution, while the FBI has probed the same allegations that played a major role in his impeachment. After a 10-day trial, Texas senators on Saturday voted to acquit Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on allegations of bribery and corruption, clearing him to return to his duties as the state’s top lawyer. But Paxton’s legal troubles are not over. He still faces state securities fraud charges, a case that has stretched out for eight years and counting, starting with an indictment just months after he took office in 2015. The case has been delayed for years by pretrial disputes — including a back-and-forth battle over the trial venue that saw it moved to Houston from Collin County. Paxton has been under investigation by the FBI since October 2020, although no charges have been filed. Federal law experts and former prosecutors contacted by The Texas Tribune say the impeachment result isn’t likely to alter the course of Paxton’s securities fraud case. In the state case, Paxton faces two counts of securities fraud, a first-degree felony that carries a punishment of up to 99 years in prison, stemming from his 2011 efforts to solicit investors in Servergy Inc. without disclosing that the McKinney tech company was paying him to promote its stock. The only two Republican senators to vote for articles of impeachment against Attorney General Ken Paxton — Robert Nichols of Jacksonville, who represents Orange County and Kelly Hancock of North Richland Hills — are different brands of Texas conservative. On Saturday, they found common ground on a major vote that separated them from the rest of their party in the Senate when they each voted in favor of 13 impeachment articles removing Paxton from office. The acquittal shows that Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick may be the most powerful office holder in Texas. No doubt he had his thumb on the scale.

JOE BEN WELCH REMEMBERED

We were sorry to learn of the passing of former Lamar Orange president, Joe Ben Welch, age 83. He passed away September 12 in Zachary, LA. A funeral service was held Friday, September 15 in Zachary. He was the father-in-law of Judge Rex Peveto and father of his wife Robin. May he rest in peace.

CONDOLENCES

Our condolences go out to the family of Linda Faye Tibbitts, age 79, who passed away September 15. Funeral services will be held Friday, September 22, at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City. Burial will take place at Oak Bluff Memorial Park Cemetery in Port Neches. Our sincere sympathy to Kent and Chris Tibbits and their family on the loss of their mother.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2013

The latest, a mass shooting, leaves 14 dead and a dozen more wounded in a Navy yard in D.C. Aaron Alexis, the shooter, was killed at the scene. The 34-year-old had lived in Fort Worth for several years. The law says he acted alone. The Navy yard is the latest in a string of multiple slayings involving weapons, including the deaths of 20 children and six educators in Newtown, Conn.***** A little about the natives. Our buddy, Parks Director and champion cake baker Donna Scales attended the Paula Deen event in Houston last weekend. Donna had a nice visit with Paula and gave Deen her famous Almond Joy cake recipe. Paula was real interested and asked for Donna’s phone number. For years Donna has been baking the cake for special events. She also has made the recipe available to anyone for the asking.*****Robert and Karen Jo Vance celebrate their 40th anniversary Saturday, Sept. 21.****Also celebrating this week is Joey and Mel Kemp Campbell.***The Navarro girls, Lani and Emily, are both pregnant and expecting a couple days apart. Both are having girls and both of those beauties were former Mexican Heritage Festival queens. They have their mother’s good looks. They are the daughters of Sandra and George Navarro.*****We understand Angie and Don Breaux will be grandparents again.*****Former city manager, a native of Bruner Addition, West Orange, Jack Huffman, is moving to Irving where he once served as city manager. His lovely wife Betty Ramsey passed away a few months ago. Jack also owns a ranch in the hill country. Jack once said when he returned to Orange that he would never leave again. Son Jack, Jr. lives here so I wonder what is attracting him to Irving.*****Suzanne Halliburton, who started her sports writing for the OVN as a LCM student in 1978, and now working for the Austin American Statesman, wrote a piece on Johnny Manziel that was picked up by the A.P. and ran across the country. *****Orange native, Coach R.C. Slocum, was inducted into the “College Football Hall of Fame” and also is the 2014 recipient of the Paul “Bear” Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award. R.C. is the winnest coach in A&M history. *****Year in and year out, West Orange Mayor Roy McDonald does a great job running his city. He runs a tight ship without all the scuttlebutt.*****On Sept. 22, twins Matthew and Michael Broussard are a year older as is Miranda Fisette, Corkey Faulk and Connie Arnold.***On Sept. 23, our buddy Tommy Simar, who throughout the year, with the help of wife Sue, keeps us supplied with seasonal goodies, celebrates another birthday. We hope it’s a good one. Also we wish Penny LeLeux who is marking a birthday today. Penny is our Jack-of-all trades here at the Record, a gal who gets around and covers the community. Also celebrating on this day is County-Court-at-Law Judge Troy Johnson.***On Sept. 24, in 2005, the forgotten storm Rita blew in. Because of Ike, we seem to forget how damaging Rita was. *****Kristie Gunn, talented daughter of Chris and Cindy, is making quite a name for herself in the “Hip Hop” world. *****Bill Gates is still the country’s richest person. His net worth has doubled to $72 billion in the last five years. Second is Warren Buffett at $58 billion They earn more in one day than 99 percent of Americans will earn in a life time. (Editor’s note: That was 10 years ago folks.)

25 Years Ago-1998

Orange County awoke Sunday to tropical storm Frances, the storm that never hit but wouldn’t go away. The combination of excessively high tides and rainfall of more than 16 inches, combined to flood streets and some houses. The Airfest 98 air show was cancelled as was the Johnny Montagne bash, due to Cow Bayou raising out of it’s banks. The party was moved to Jewel Cormier Park. Dr. David and Barbara Olson shot video at the party to send to Fred Gregory, now is in Houston hospital.*****Charlotte Anderson is on a carrot juice kick and has Dow Gene on it also. She says, “If he’s going to keep up with this hot momma, he’d best drink his carrot juice. (Editor’s note: Just wondering if carrot juice still does the trick?)*****Joey and Ramona Hargraves are expecting a baby.*****Dr. Chuck and JoAnn Majors are expecting a baby boy in January.*****Services were held last week, Sept. 12, for Pastor Ed Robinson, 61, who died in Jasper on Sept. 9. He was one time pastor at Second Baptist Church in Bridge City.*****The Bridge City Cards stormed Kelly in a rainy 35-7 win. Coach Les Johnson’s troops ran the Wing-T and logged in 369 yards on 74 totes. Fullback Daniel Kibodeaux gained 169 yards on 33 carries.*****The Orangefield Bobcats rolled up 409 yards to beat East Chambers 34-6, in a rescheduled game played in Winnie on Saturday. It was still raining. Running back Beaux Daville rolled up 166 yards and one TD.*****Tommy Bean, who has been held in a Mexican jail for the past two months on illegal weapons charges was released and arrived in El Paso on Monday, Sept. 21. Con. Nick Lampson was instrumental in gaining Bean’s release.*****Jim Aarons is principle at Bridge City High. (Editor’s note: Jim died a few years ago from cancer.)*****Matt Bryant, former Bridge City star, youngest son of Mary and Casey Bryant, kicked 32-yard field goal to give Baylor at 33-30 win over North Carolina. Matt’s cousin, Raun Bryant, is the place kicker for the BC Cards.*****A good man, Terry Latour, died Sunday, Sept. 20, 1998 and his service was held Tuesday. He was a member of Pipefitters Local 195 in its heyday. He leaves wife Billie, daughter Kathy and son Jerry.*****Also passing away over the weekend was Iva Talbert. She was a wonderful lady and valued member of the community.*****The 32nd County Music Awards has an Orange County flavor. Former B.C. beauty queen, Theresa Hearn George, daughter of Ray and Elaine Hearn and granddaughter of Inez, will produce the country music show on

CBS.

45 Years Ago--1978

Ask any old timer who was the best football player to play for Orange High, and they will tell you Bohn Hilliard. The football legend died this week. In 1926-28, Hilliard was on the team with Louis Weaver and Ox Emerson. He went to Shriners’ and entered the University of Texas in 1932. He beat Notre Dame in ‘34 with the only TD. He was an All-American at UT and played pro ball but was injured during his rookie year. Hilliard died Saturday, Sept. 23, of a heart attack. He was buried Monday in Arlington. A native of Deweyville, he was reared in Orange. His family owned Dr. Pepper Bottling.*****Sharon Gregory is chosen Miss Bridge City. Other finalists are Denise Soileau, Brenda Braquet, Theresa Hearn, Lisa Young, Shelly Pate, Liz Godwin, Tanya Hoffpauir, Danette Davis and Melanie LeDoux. (Editor’s note: What a beautiful bunch of ladies.)*****Rep. Wayne Peveto cuts the ribbon at the new West Orange City Hall dedication.*****Corky and Betty Harmon had a rehearsal party Thursday night, married their daughter off Friday and hosted the monthly supper club the same day. They took the members to Pat’s in Lake Charles.*****Big News Flash: Inez Hearn is retiring from Ward’s at the end of the month. She spent 27 years with the company. (Editor’s note: The company folded in Orange soon after she left.) 

A FEW HAPPENINGS

Congratulations to our buddy Karen Jo Vance and husband Robert who celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary September 21. Best wishes for many more.*****Rodney Townsend had thrown his cap in the ring for county-court-at-law judge to replace Troy Johnson. I didn’t get one of his Republican political caps but I got a nice hunting cap from his law office *****In a summer full of festive fundraisers, Kristin Burman and Meals on Wheels, had a successful night of fun with a local version of "Family Feud."  Game host Adam Conrad, ace drama teacher now with the Lutcher Theater, made sure to keep the audience and participants laughing. Adam may end up being the next generation's Gary Stelly as local celebrity emcee. But don't worry,  Gary is still active and he's back calling local football games on that interweb thing. The Meals on Wheels fundraiser was held at the LSCO Shahan Events Center with a full bar plus dinner from Old Orange Cafe. Business entrepreneur Al Granger likes to brag that his Team Granger employees are like family, and they proved it by winning the big Family Feud Trophy, beating out several other teams. Of course "Father" Al was there, along with some Granger Team members like Matt Chandler, Preshawn Henson, Dyan Morris, Bobby Wilkins, Jessica Fink, Connor Vercher, and Rebecca Baker. Emily McKee Mellen made sure Chevron Phillips was represented, including Craig Lemons, plant manager at the new Golden Triangle Polymers plant under construction. Others spotted in the crowd included Jody Chesson sitting at a table with Brad and Terri Childs, MaQuettia Ledet, Charlotte Alford, Sherry Hommel, Jennifer Cowling Burtsfield, Megan Newson, Rodney and Dr. Amy Townsend, Erin Nichols, Maureen McAlister, and Justin and Vanessa Bufford. Photog Kimberly Manning was spotted taking pics with husband, Bob, who wore a new pair of overalls with a pressed white shirt and black bow-tie to the event. He also had on his signature derby hat to go with his attire. Of course Kim and Paul Dickerson were there. Paul's Orange Stationer in downtown is a neighbor of Meals on Wheels and they are big supporters of the program that offers low-to-no-cost meals to senior citizens at the Bellfield Community Center, plus delivers meals to senior shut-ins. Radio talk celebrity Michael Berry stopped in town last week and visited with old friends Darrell Quebodeaux, Toby Shults, and Ben Wernig. Berry is an Orangefield High graduate and grew up here.*****Krystal Sanchez, who grew up here but now lives across the Neches in Mid-County, has another starring role in a Beaumont Community Players musical in "Nine to Five." Last week her mother, Angie Smith, along with Meri Ellen Jacobs and other OC friends took in a performance and presented her with a big bouquet of flowers.*****Friends and family of Taylor Tinsley gathered to shower her soon-to-be born daughter with presents. Those attending included Kayleigh Eubanks, Haley Arnold, Serina Touchet, and Regina Marple.*****Edie Burch and Jennifer Byrd traveled to Kountze for the Kirby-Hill House Murder Mystery Dinner Theater benefit. Burch loves supporting local history projects and is on the Heritage House of Orange County board of directors.*****Natasha Garrett and G&G Enterprises hosted a Sip and Social gathering for the BBB of Southeast Texas.*****Marty Monogue has been traveling with family in cooler climes including Ontario.*****Fred and Linda Hanauer were recently spotted in the mountains around Gatlinburg, Tennessee.*****Birthday greetings to Denisha LaFleur, Shawn Hare, Margaret Peveto, Greg Trahan, Bryan Gross, Sabrina Patroneella, Risa Nelms, "Mother Hen" weather reporter Janet Johnson, Ardell Petterway, John David Roberts, Toyaka Moses, Cheryl Sargent, Father Kevin Badeaux, Christine Hanchey, Sue Will, Chase Collins, and JoAnn  Sparacino.*****Orange County spawns a lot of long-running marriages. Congratulations on No. 55 to Timothy and Judy Linscomb, as Craig and Pam Nugent reached their 47th. Others celebrating anniversaries this past week included Orange City Manager Mike Kountze and his wife, Jill, who works for the LC-M school district, plus Doug and Sharon Combs.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS

A few folks celebrating birthdays in the next few days. Sept. 20: David Yeats, Matthew Carter, Mic hael Wuske, susan Pennington, Caitlin Ziller, Jan Thurman and John Clark all celebrate.*****Sept. 21: Danny Brack turns a year older as does Bobby Cormier, Mary Rawls, Ronnie Teaff, Sis Keogh and our own Luke Clay Greeson, who turns a big 7-years-old. *****Sept. 22: Happy Birthday to Beverly Mixon, Brooks Tally, Donna Broomes, Matthew Broussard, Michael Broussard, Miranda Fisette and Noah Burns.*****Sept. 23: This is the ‘First Day of Autumn.’ Having birthdays today are Tommy Siman, Judge Troy Johnson, Penny LeLeux, Julie Saltzman, Mark Kelly, Megan Fontenot, Sammy Pratt and Jayna Campbell.*****Sept. 24: Hurricane Rita visited us on this day in 2005. Celebrating birthdays are Mark Norwood, Teresa Beauchamp, Trey Rhodes, Blake Seibert, Brittney Bean, Bill Nugent and Jimmy Thurman.*****Sept. 25: Today Jewish holiday ‘Yon Kippur’ is celebrated. Turning a year older are Donna Ford, Scott Stout, Cameron Pitts and Kailey Childress.*****Sept. 26: Joey Hargrave celebrates today along with Lynn Gremillion, Kara Day, and Sandra Rose. (To publish birthdays or anniversaries free of charge call: 409-886-7183 or email: [email protected])

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Two Louisiana businessmans, Leroy Romero and Roy Migues, who owns R&M Crawfish Sales, went to New York for a big seafood convention.

Migues and Romero, dey were invited to a party an maybe dey drank a lot of booze, dem.

When dey return to dere hotel room abo’t 10 p.m., dey turn on de TV and watch de local news. Dere was a man standing on de roof of a 20-story building, hollering dat he was gonna jump, him.

De police was trying to stop him.

Migues say, “I’ll bet you $10 Leroy, he jump, him.”

“I’ll call dat me,” Romero answer.

Dat man, him, he jump, and Romero pull out his 10-spot. Migues him, he say, “I can’t take you money, me, I saw dat earlier on da 6 o’clock news.”

“Well, me too,” Romero say, “but me, I didn’t tink the fool would do it da second time, no.”

C’EST TOUT

In this week’s Down Life’s Highway column, Roy looks at a special time in downtown Orange history. A time between wars. During those years Orange was visited by almost every statewide political candidate. Most governors visited often. Gov. Preston Smith, Dolph Briscoe, Mark White, Ann Richards, John Connelly and others considered Orange County a political strong hold, back before the redistricting of 2000, when all political power was striped away from rural counties. At one time the way Orange County voted was the way the state went. We have a picture of LBJ speaking in the Jack Tar ballroom around 1960. For the first time few elected officials visit Orange and we have only one local statewide office holder, House Speaker Dade Phelan. Every election I see local people voting against their own interest. For years it had been my hope that another convention-type hotel would be built on the banks of the Sabine, in downtown Orange, but we know now that it will never be.***** Thanks for your time. Please support our family of advertisers, read us cover to cover and check us out on our web, the recordlive.com. Take care and God bless.