Sherlock Breaux in the Creaux's Nest

DOW REACHES ALL TIME HIGH

The Dow posted its all-time high during intraday trading on May 16, 2024, reaching a peak of 40,051.05 points. The highest close occurred the day before when the index closed at 39,908.00 points. The peak was led in part by optimism that the Federal Reserve could cut interest rates later this year. All three of the big U.S. Stock indexes set records last week in large part because of revived hopes that the Federal Reserve will be able to cut interest rates this year as inflation hopefully cools. More reports showing big U.S. companies are earning fatter profits than expected also boosted stock prices. Norwegian Cruise Line was helping to lead the market and steamed 6.1% higher after giving some financial forecasts for the year that topped analysts’ expectations. It said demand is growing for cruises. Inflation may finally be heading back in the right direction.

‘Seize the Grey’ seizes the day

D. Wayne Lukas, the 88-year-old Hall of Fame trainer, keeps winning big time races. ‘Seize the Grey’ ended Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan’s Triple Crown bid Saturday by going wire to wire to win the Preakness, giving Lukas his second victory in the race, one short of the record held by good friend Bob Baffert. The strapping grey colt took advantage of the muddy track just as Lukas hoped he would, pulling off the upset. Going off at 9-1 as one of the longest shots on the board, Seize the Grey moved to the lead immediately out of the starting gate and never looked back, finishing in 1:56.82.

IDIOTIC WAY RUDY GOT SERVED

BIRTHDAY INDICTMENT

Rudy Giuliani shitposted himself into an indictment Friday night as he left his 80th birthday party in Florida. The former Trump lawyer spent weeks mocking the Arizona attorney general as he evaded receiving a subpoena. Agents traveled to Florida on Friday knowing he was there because of his nightly live video streams. During Friday night’s birthday bash, Giuliani, whose birthday is May 28, posted a photo of himself surrounded by a gaggle of cookie-cutter blonde women beaming through Botox. He taunted the Arizona attorney general, writing, “If Arizona authorities can’t find me by tomorrow morning they must dismiss the indictment and concede they can’t count votes.” Hours later, Arizona attorney general Kris Mayes tweeted that authorities with the Arizona attorney general’s office had served Giuliani his subpoena. “The final defendant was served moments ago. Nobody is above the law,” Agents took the opportunity to serve Giuliani when he was out at a friend’s nearby house as he left his birthday party. It was confirmed that the former Mussolini of Manhattan was served. “We knew he’d get served eventually, but it seemed like he was playing these games just because he felt like it.” Giuliani, expected to appear in Arizona court alongside 17 co-defendants schemed to prevent the lawful transfer of the presidency to keep Unindicted Co-conspirator 1 in office against the will of Arizona voters. At the rate Giuliani’s going, he’ll be celebrating his next birthday in jail.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2014

We were saddened to learn of the death of Ben Culpepper, Jr., 71, who died Monday, May 19. An Orange native, Ben gave back so much of himself to the community he loved. Our sympathies go out to wife Gloria and her entire family. *****Our outstanding county clerk, Karen Jo Vance, was honored by Region VII as “Outstanding Clerk of the Year.” We’ve known a long time that she’s the best and had a chance to be voted the best. *****Lacie Gunn was notified by her Godfather Russell Bottley that her music was being played on 102.5. Lacie has been performing regularly on the college circuit. She stays busy. And is just a step away from the big times. *****A few folks we know celebrating birthdays this coming week. On May 21, our friend Babette Philpott celebrates and in a few day, May 25, she and husband Constable Mark Philpott will mark 24 years together. ***Also celebrating a birthday on this day is pretty June Gregory, Fred’s widow.***May 22 finds Margaret Toal, longtime newspaper person, who has vast experience in publishing and worked at one time in this publication celebrates. Lately she has become a radio personality and seems to be enjoying it. She shares a birthday with Apollo Ohno, 32 and Naomi Campbell, 44. Both her juniors.*****On May 23, Billy Raymer, one of Beverly and Jody’s sons, celebrates on this day.*** Also a real sweetheart Amanda Uzzle celebrates another one as does our friend George Gros.*****On May 24, Joey and Rusty Williams mark another birthday. They share birthdays with Bob Dylan, 73 and Priscilla Presley, 69.*****May 25 finds one of the nicest people we know, Barbara Olson, longtime Bridge City resident and longtime bride of Dr. David, celebrating on this day.*****California Chrome, winner of the Kentucky Derby, won the Preakness Saturday. All that is left is the Belmont, a 1.5 mile race, to complete the Triple Crown. I don’t believe Chrome can win the long race however, he will be permitted to wear his nasal strip designed to open up his air passage. He has won all six races wearing the strip. If not allowed the owners won’t let him run. ***** Judge Thibodaux told the story about agreeing to a debate and shortly after it started he learned his opponent had prepared answers to the loaded questions. Carl said, “Look, I’m out of here, I’m not staying for my own lynching.” He left.

20 Years Ago-12004

The community mourns the death of Tim Lieby, 60, who died May 21, 2004. Services were held May 24 at Community Church. Tim and his former wife Ann were owners of the Print Shop and at the time of his death he had retired from Texas Polymer Service. He was very active in civic organizations and was a charter member of the Bridge City Rotary club. He was a member of the famous W.T. Oliver gumbo cooking team that won the world gumbo cooking contest in the Astrodome and also the championship in Bridge City Louisiana. The team also won several championships in the Orange Gumbo Cook-off.*****Brown Claybar is elected mayor of Orange. He had been a longtime school board member. *****The City of West Orange is celebrating a 50th birthday Saturday, May 29. Jay Trahan and Cajun Jam will furnish the music with plenty of food and entertainment. *****Debbie and David Fusilier’s daughter Crystal gave birth to a son Easton Drew Gibbons. He’s David and Deb’s first grandchild.*****The annual “Fat Boy’s” pig roast was held. Who are the “Fat Boys” you ask? They are “Buckshot” Winfree, Bobby Cormier, Dr. David Olson, Dr. Lance Craig, Kenneth Smith and host Johnny Montagne. *****Someone spotted Judge Pat Clark paying for a couple of meals at Van Choate’s place. They say when Pat opened his wallet; a couple of moths flew out.*****The Bridge City High 2004 class

Valedictorian is Kenneth James Prosperie, Salutatorian is Ellen (Missy) Bloomfield.*****At West Orange-Stark, Jacob Moore is Valedictorian and Jeffery Hamilton is Salutatorian.*****Little Cypress-Mauriceville Valedictorian is Elizabeth Smith and Salutatorian is Amy Lynn Heiner.*****At Orangefield Valerie Austin is Valedictorian and Jennifer Broussard Salutatorian. (Editor’s note: A lot of youngsters left school 20 years ago to scatter around the world. Think about that.)

45 Years Ago-1979

Cowboy Adams and 94-year-old Jim “The Fisherman” McKay were among the 30,000 to attend the Gumbo Cook Off. Some others were Congressman Charlie Wilson. Miss Orange County, Carla Elaine Alsandor. Sheriff Ed Parker, Lynn Hall, Vickie Cash, Arlene Turkel, State Rep. Wayne Peveto, Jim Stelly, Martha Hughes, Barbara David, Sandi Mobley and Mark Dunn, photographer for the Opportunity Valley News. The Bridge City Chamber gumbo team won top gumbo award. The team members were Lawrence and Ethel Foux, W.T. Oliver, Roy Dunn and Tim Lieby.*****Legal Secretaries name Carol Romero as Secretary of the Year and Wayne Peveto was chosen as Boss of the Year.***** The Bridge City Rotary Club has named two teams in attendance contest. Bubba Hubbard is captain of one and Roy Dunn the other. The team names were “The Outlaws” and “Good Guys.” Can you guess which is captain of which team?*****Happy birthday this week to Karen Dunn, Kim LeBlanc, Evy Kathleen Ramsey and Vernon Peveto who celebrated May 20.*****New officers of the B&PW club of Bridge City installed were: Sue Pate, president; Claudine Hogan, first vice president; Jessie Hebert, second vice president; Bettye Lormond, recording secretary; Lennie Rutledge, correspondence secretary and Mary Railey, treasurer.*****Britt Godwin, age 10, a 5th grade student at Hatton Elementary in Bridge City, has been playing the guitar and performing since kindergarten. Britt also plays the piano and saxophone. He is the son of Mickey and Sandra Godwin of Bridge City. Last year he did an Elvis tribute on TV Channel 4 and has been performing throughout the area. (Editor’s note: Britt went on to record but is best known for his musical talent.)******Jill Wheeler, age 6, is the 1978 Bridge City grand talent winner and also the 1979 Orange and Nederland heritage talent winner.*****On May 28, Memorial Day, the Putman Curry official Texas historical grave marker was dedicated in the Evergreen Cemetery. The marker was financed by the Hotel occupancy tax fund. Dr. Howard Williams, historian, researched and wrote the historical narrative which is required to receive an official historical marker. Putman Curry was born Sept. 16, 1835 at Owego, Tioga County, New York. He came to Texas on July 1, 1861. His company participated in the battle of Galveston, Jan. 1, 1863 and also the battle of Sabine Pass. On June 14, 1868 he married Eliza Ann Ochiltree, the eldest daughter of Colonel Hugh Ochiltree. They had two girls and two boys. He died May 15, 1910. His wife passed away Sept. 15, 1907. Both are buried in Evergreen Cemetery.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

This coming season the Lutcher Theater will be no degrees of separation from Kevin Bacon. The Bacon Brothers, including movie star Bacon, will be playing there in the 2024-25 season that was announced on Monday. The theater in downtown Orange is so popular that it has a waiting list to get season tickets. First dibs always go to the season holders for the previous year. Right now, the theater is once again the site for local dance studio recitals.*****The Texas Lions Club International convention was held in Amarillo last week and a tribute was given to the late Stump Weatherford, who was known around Orange as "Mr. Lion." He was also known across the state for his contributions and volunteer work with Lions Club charities.*****Gary and Allisha Bonneaux seem to be everywhere now that they're in retirement. Last week they saw the Brooks and Dunn Reboot tour concert in the Woodlands.*****T'Era Garrett, a freshman at Blinn Junior College with a softball scholarship, was named to the NJCAA Academic All-American second team. She was also an NFCA Scholar Athlete. Proud parents are Bianca and Charles Garrett, along with kid sister Charlsi.*****Payson' Scales had a birthday party and his grandmother, Donna Scales wasn't invited. Payson' is the 3-year-old dachshund of James Scales.*****On this day 90 years ago, in 1934, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Burrow were killed.***** Point of interest: Elvis Presley’s hair was naturally a dirty blond color. He first dyed it on this day in 1957, hoping to emulate his Hollywood idle, actor Tony Curtis.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK

A few folks celebrating birthdays in the next week. May 22: Our own Margaret Toal celebrates. Have a good one. Also Jackie Tate, Lauren Parrish, Will Schisler, Bailey McCurry, Gary Hollingsworth.*****May 23: George Gros, Billy Raymer, John Hanes, Louis Purifoy, McCartney Miller, Justin Trahan, Tracy Davis and Philip Douglas Thomas.*****May 24: Lance Faulkner, Rusty Williams, Gracie Lemley, Jane Logsdon, Chris Green.*****May 25: Monica Stephens, Cutler Hubbard, Jo Lynn Harris, Judy Duncan, Sheryl Frazier, Archie McLellan.*****May 26: Celebrating today are Barbara Olson, Logan New, Greg Williams, Willamette Reynolds, Dylan Ball.*****May 27: Keisha Tomplait, Mary Donahey, McKenzie Louvier, Bruce Montagne and Charlene Terro.*****May 28: Debbie Guidry, Lisa Mesch, Lee Ludwig, Jacque Phelps, Jeanie Larch, Judy Landry, Kyle Smoke, Maureen McAllister, Michael Garcia, Rebecca Brumer, Shelly Smith, Keith Boehme, Steffan Milligan.*** Birthday greets also to Wally Brown, Ashley Brackens, Marisa Peevey, Rusty Honeycutt, Braxton Burch, Cissie Cameroon  Bridget Toohey, Baylee Bonnin, Theresa Blankinship, Latouia DuBois, Sydney Catt, and Randy Lane..*****Congratulations to Blake and Anna Allbritton, who were married this past weekend.***Royce and Cherry Scales celebrate 69 years married on May 27th.

(Call 409-886-7183 or email therecordlive.com to publish a birthday or anniversary free of charge in this publication.)

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Otis Broussard’s widowed Papa, Alcide, was sickly and not expected to live too much longer, him. Wen da big rice farmer passes, Otis him, would inherit a fortune, so he searched for a woman to share all dat wealth wit him.

He made da round him. He went to Tee-Boy’s Bar and utter places, but didn’t find da right woman. Finally he went to a singles bar. Dere he spotted a woman whose beauty took Oris’s breath away. He axe if he could buy her a drink.

She agreed. Dey talked and Otis told her his story. “I’m jus an ordinary man, me, but before too long my Papa will die him, and I will inherit $15 million and a lot of land.”

The beautiful woman went home wit him.

Wen he came home from work da next day, she had become his stepmother.

C’EST TOUT

ONCE IN A LIFETIME ELECTION

EARLY VOTING ENDS THURSDAY MAY 24

ELECTION DAY MAY 28

The Texas District 21 representative race has been the wildest and most expensive race in district history. It is the first time Representative Dade Phelan, Speaker of the Texas House, faces a challenge in his ten years in office. Phelan, after a three-way race in March, was forced into a runoff with David Covey. Phelan is the only House Speaker to ever come from Southeast Texas so being challenged in his own district came as a surprise. So much money and dirt has been thrown at him that it seems he faces great odds, however, voters now have had a chance to think about what losing the powerful speakership would mean to our little part of Texas. Voters are now realizing the budget process is controlled by Speaker Phelan, involving everything a district needs from mental health, to schools, shipping and storms. Local officials have a direct line to the Speaker without having to appear before several committees and possibly getting turned down on a request. Orange County has never had it this good and the results over the last few years prove it. Southeast Texas has never had such a powerful voice. Paxton’s revenge has no limit to how far they will go to defeat Phelan. West Texas billionaires want the speakership out of East Texas so they can pick a speaker of their own. There is no guarantee Phelan can keep the speakership, however, there is no chance if he is not re-elected at home. If he is replaced by a freshman representative, who would have the lowest seniority in the House, bottom of the list, and in just two years will face a strong challenge in another election. Chances are his friends with all the millions today won’t be found. They will be off on another mission and have no more use for this one. We know what we have. (These are my individual views.) Either way don’t forget to vote. *****Take care and have a safe Memorial weekend. God bless.