Sherlock Breaux in the Creaux's Nest

PHELAN NOW FACES BATTLE FOR HIS SPEAKERSHIP

Dade Phelan, who won his runoff by fewer than 400 votes, will need to mend GOP relationships, build coalitions and possibly even rely on Democrats to hang on to the speaker’s gavel. He said he plans to see his campaign all the way through. Typically, speaker’s races take shape in November, during or after the general election decides the makeup of the House. Currently, Republicans hold an 86-64 lead over Democrats. A candidate needs 76 votes to become speaker. State Rep. Jared Patterson, a Frisco Republican and Phelan ally, said he believes Phelan will be back for a third term next year, especially now that the speaker has the opportunity to support GOP candidates in the November election. Redistricting eliminated most competitive districts in Texas, but there are a few where Phelan could throw around his money or political weight to help Republicans get elected and maintain or expand their GOP majority. Patterson said he isn’t sure if Phelan will be able to secure 76 Republican votes to win the gavel, but he noted that the caucus will choose their preferred candidate by secret ballot later this year. It’s been widely discussed that Democrats supported Phelan, who may be seen as the most palatable option for the minority party. Democrats supported Phelan’s past two runs for speaker. Phelan is confident, “I’ve done it twice, I’ll do it a third time.”

GUILTY

Former President Donald Trump found guilty of 34 felony charges. Sentencing will be July 11. He faces three other felony indictments, including the Federal case over his effort to overturn the 2020 election. A closer look at the choice facing voters next week.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2014

Just a few facts about the recent Republican Primary that proves lack of interest and no movement by youth. Never before has a county judge been elected with so few votes. Only 5,565 votes were cast in the runoff. Out of 49,353 registered voters, averaging 49.5 years in age, less than 3,000 votes elected the county judge. The average age in the primary was 59.8 years but the voter was older in the runoff, 63.2 years. If 192 votes would have been cast differently, we would have had different results. Of the

3,571, the oldest was 100-year-old Clifton Arthur Mc-Gee, the youngest was Elizabeth Rachel Newell, who turned 19 on May 14, 2014. One thousand more voters voted in the congressional race than in the county judge race. Brint Carlton picked just the right time to run. A light turnout, out of nearly 50 thousand registered voters only 2,971 voted for the winner. Eighty-four thousand citizens will be represented by someone who got less than 3,000 votes.***** The Greater Orange Area Chamber is sponsoring the “Do It In Orange” third annual fishing tournament Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15. This year the event will also include a high school division. Those fishing events have brought many tourists to the area in the past and promoters are expecting many out-of-towners.***** Only New York has more Fortune 500 companies than Houston. Black Gold is Texas’ trump card.*****Ronnie Johnson, former high school basketball star and member of the All Decade Team of the 60’s, is in town visiting his ailing father, Grady “Guvnor” Johnson, former mayor of Pinehurst and owner of Johnson Ministorage. Ronnie, a published author and artist has several recent book published by Tate Publishers.*****Friday a big family crawfish boil was held for Dr. Amber Dunn, who was in from Ohio to celebrate her birthday. Her sister Jenna and daughter Delilah were here from Framingham, MA also. They are the daughters of Mark Dunn. The crawfish, from Big Daddy’s, were cooked to perfection by Clint Britt. On Saturday they joined in the big birthday bash for their “Poppa” Roy. A special surprise guest was Mary Ottea, who has been a friend of Roy’s for at least 57 years, and daughter Lisa were here from College Station. The Louisiana families brought many Cajun treats, even Grandma’s old treat “fig tarts” made with special dough and homemade cracklins, boudain etc.***** On June 6, on this day our late friend Lannie Claybar was born in 1912. He died Sept. 6, 1969, at age 57.

20 Years Ago, 2004

A 70th birthday party for Roy was held at Dunn’s Bluff on Cow Bayou. Many out of town family and an impressive group of friends helped him celebrate. Most all the county judges attended except Judge Pat Clark, who was given a pass for not attending. Pat had a legitimate excuse; he was attending a Clark family reunion at Fairmont, 15 miles from Hemphill. Clarkstown, where Pat’s folks are from, doesn’t exist anymore. Roy tried to talk Judge Carl Thibodeaux into taking his place when a sharp New Orleans gal sat on his lap and sang “Happy Birthday,” Marilyn Monroe style. Tib said there was just too much daylight. *****Mayne Ruth Williams Simar, 92, died Tuesday, June 1. She was preceded in death by her husband James Roy Simar and son Jimmy Simar. She is survived by sons Ronnie and John Simar and daughter Norma Gayle Campbell.

45 Years Ago-1979

The Bridge City High School Band is in Mexico for Fiesta ‘79. The band worked for a year to earn money for the 10-day trip. *****Bridge City grads earning 4.0 grade points as students at Lamar University in Beaumont are: Brigid Angelle, Elizabeth Chandler, David Daigle, George Durling, Kevin Hayes, Denise Lormand, Ronald Stokes and Susan Moon.*****The old Jimmy Ochiltree Sims home has been moved from Front and 8th Street to 905 Division to make room for the civic plaza. The Sims home will become the Heritage House. *****Becky Stoffer is chosen 1979 queen of the Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo. She replaces Sherry Curl. *****A few of the names making the round in the Bon Ami CB Club are: Tugboat Mama, Sugar Granny, Drill Stem, Capt. Kangaroo, Honky Tonk Angel, Sambo, Rod Burner, Miss Kitty, Sundance Kid, Cat Mama, Sugar Bear, Crippy Nipple, Snuff Gully, Never Ready, Coon Skinner, Sugar Bea and Capt. Kirk.*****State Rep. Wayne Peveto is home after session in Austin. The Peveto Bill is a version of tax revolt. Peveto’s final bill didn’t have everything in it he wanted but the tax cuts were the “bright spot” of the session. *****Pretty, little Tanya Thibodeaux turned 10 years old on June 3, Mike McCardle was 18 on June 7 and Norma Davidson will celebrate her day June 12.*****Bernard Giarratano has been named executive director of Family and Children Services of Beaumont. He is the husband of Betty Em and the father of Scott. Betty Em and Bernard were both raised in Orange.***** The Houston Astros have new owners, John McMullen and David LeFevre. They bought the team from Ford Motor Credit Corporation. J.R. Richard, Bob Watson and Jose Cruse are on the Astro team.

Remembering WWII Vets:

This week, on June 6, we mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the invasion of Normandy in 1944. Known as the “Greatest Generation” we honor their sacrifices on this D-Day. Like people who lived when JFK was killed, every WWII vet left knows exactly where they were when word reached them about D-Day. If you know a WWII vet give them a call or visit. Just a few years from now none will remain. The youngest today is 96-years-old.

THE PUBLIC IS BELIEVING IN THE MAVRICKS

The Celtics are prohibitive favorites to win Thursday’s Game 1 of the NBA Finals and odds are on Boston to hoist what would be its record 18th championship banner. But the money, at least at BetMGM Sportsbook, is pouring in on the Dallas Mavericks. Senior trader Halvor Egeland said Monday that 80% of the bets were coming on Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and the Mavs to win their second NBA title. Boston is a -225 favorite to win it all, meaning someone would need to wager $225 to win $100. As for the series opener, the Celtics are 6 1/2-point favorites, but 63% of the money has been on the Mavericks to cover the spread. Dallas is receiving 70% of the bets to win the game outright at +200. Jayson Tatum is a -120 favorite to be the Finals MVP. The odds at BetMGM favor the series ending in anywhere between five and seven games.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

Ellen Nickum, a beauty from the four corners at Rye, TX., is marking 12 years of business at A&E Insurance Co. Bill hauled her to Bridge City many years ago and she is a proud member of the business community and we are pleased to have her.***** Summer, as we know in Orange County, doesn't begin with the solstice on the calendar. It started last week when the heat index already reached 110 degrees at the airport. But vacations are beginning as the dance recitals and graduations come to an end for the season.*****Peggy Claybar's grandkids spent the first days out for summer working their tails off for some real wags. Annabelle, Caroline, Keller, and Breelyn worked their annual lemonade and cookie stand to raise money for the local dog rescue group Traci's Texas Tails, run by Traci James. Grandson Walker was working with Peggy's son, David C. Claybar at David's Old Cafe making cookies for the event that created a bit of a traffic jam in the Old Orange Historic District with its tree-lined streets. The group this year raised $5,146.*****Beth Wheeler was at Bolivar Beach, but it didn't look like the spot we know outside of Galveston. Was it in Greece with those blue seas?.*****Krystal Smith Sanchez has been getting her sun and sea in Antigua.*****Becky and Johnny Trahan took a jaunt closer to home with Bilouxi, Mississippi.*****Becky and Tom Green headed to Florida on their anniversary road trip.*****Michael and Angelique Catt started a vacation with grown son Alex in the Woodlands as they got to see Dave Matthews in concert.*****A local group crossed the Neches River to Beaumont to see singer Aaron Watson. They included Suzann Scott, Latouia DuBois, Brittany Elmore, Mandie Robinson, and Jamie Powell.***** The West Orange-Cove school district is continuing its Read and Roll summer program to help kids out for summer get books to read. The Orange Kiwanis Club donated $500 for the project and Kiwanis member Harry Vine kicked in an additional $250. What a great example of "It takes a village to raise a child".*****Rose Simar, who oversees all the events at the Orange Train Depot and helped restore the local landmark, put on another fun Sunday afternoon bingo fundraiser. Orange City Councilor Paul Burch called out the numbers. Board member Kacey Burnitt was also helping. City employees Jenn Pool, Rita Monson, and Patricia Anderson were among the players enjoying the games.*****St. Mary School will be celebrating its centennial this year and has announced the big formal fundraiser will have the theme "Met Gala" with black and white attire. Father Jim Sichko, a papal missionary who grew up in Orange, will be back as the guest speaker. Sponsorship tables will go on sale June 29.*****The Stark Museum of Art is looking for volunteers interesting in history who would like to help with archiving. Contact Karen Leonard by email at  HYPERLINK "mailto:[email protected]" [email protected].***** Bob and Cheryl Sharpton Stalnaker had a anniversary event with their three grown children, plus grandchildren and friends at the Orange Train Depot. Word is there was some dancing going on.***** Orange native, Coach Wade Phillips, who is successfully coaching the San Antonio Brahmans in the UFL looked like a big canary on the sidelines dressed in a yellow tee-shirt. I still believe “Bum´ and Wade should be honored here at home. They are proud natives of Orange County.*****We spoke with Sherry Brack last week and Danny was still in ICU at Herman Baptist Hospital. He’s fighting a tough battle. Please put him on your prayer list.***** Coach Sam Moore, West Orange native, had a successful baseball coaching career at different high school, the latest at Sulphur. Sam has retired from coaching and now has a great job in Lake Charles. However, he still is instructing baseball classes in Beaumont. “Bucket” is a great guy.*****Longtime news publisher Roy Dunn to be honored at a 90th birthday gathering at Robert’s Wednesday, June 5, 11:30 to 1:30. He’s looking forward to seeing friends.***** Tommy and Dana Skibo Mann marked their first wedding anniversary. Tommy is a local musician and music buff who writes about local concerts.***Others with wedding anniversaries included Randy and Patrician Shaw Hebert, Mark and Terri Frey, Harold and Kathy Fuqua, and Tom and Becky Henry.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS

A few friends celebrating birthdays in the next few days. June 5: Joyce Dowdle, Tim Hughes, Hunter Puckett, Brenda Howard, Patricia Mires, Nancy Ramsey, Aaron Bland, Gena Guyote, Jessica Freeman, Kevin Doss, Mary Jennings, Trey Wild, Chris Andes, Karen McDuff, Laura Silva and Roy Dunn.*****June 6: Ryan Gunstream,  Lorrie LeBlanc, Ed Worthy Jr., John Bertrand, Sherilyn Brister, Lynn Fields, Gail Griffith, Kelsey Miller, Linda Sims, Sarah Williams.*****June 7: Shirley Zimmerman, Richard Granger, Ashley LaRose, Billy Frank Bradberry, Billy Killman, Logan Smith, Penny Robards.*****June 8: Shon Jones, Tana Hightower, Walter Riedel, Aubrey Reynolds, Crystal Wells.*****June 9: Jennifer Reves. Demmos Monk, Elizabeth Barfield, Debbie Vidrine, Gavin Birmingham, Deane Moran, Alston Reynolds, Dixie Armstrong, Charlie Blalack, Jessica Hilliard, Karli Choate, Paige Olive.*****June 10: James Ardoin, Jennifer Turner, Kevin Ernes t, Chrisleigh Longlois, Rayford Jimerson, Tyler Derouen, Caroline Hennigan, Chris Riedel.*****June 11: Harold Adkins, Lacey Wallace, Jacqueline Bourdier, Jane Minor.*****June 12: Lindsay Hallman, Ronda Dishon, Candice Steele, Magdalene Bryant, Jeanette Hubert, Frances Ragsdale, Jesse Walles.***** Lots of birthdays were celebrated this past week including Clyde Mize, who turned 89, and Julie Hurn at 81.*****Blake LeBlanc and his twin sister Maddi turned 27. Momma Liz McKee says they can't be that old, but Liz, you're soon to be a grandmother.*****Interesting that new District 1 Orange City Councilor Matt Chandler had a birthday on the same day as Patrick Pullen, who held the same spot a few years earlier.*****Eric Ellison, also known as Captain Cornbread in his fishing guide business, partied for his 50th at the Orange Boat Club.*****Others marking birthdays included 163rd State District Judge Rex Peveto, Kay Cox Jones, Antonio Lee Roberts, Barbara Jane Hanneman, Reagan Lofton, Matthew Broussard, Kathy Fuqua, Sara Ragsdale Nash, Glenda Thompson, Mary Hanauer Sapp, Janell Bray Duchamp,  Ashley  Gibson, Eric Nies, Keith McCaley, and DeAnn Lumpkin.***(NOTE: Email therecordlive.com or call 409-886-7183 to post birthdays or anniversaries free of charge in this publication.)

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Joe Comeaux’s boy Alfred, in da Marines, was deployed to Afghanistan him. He got a letter from his girl friend, Camille, wat lives in Crowley. In da letter she explin to Alfred dat since he’s been gone him, she had slept wit two fellows and dat she wanted to break up wit him because one of dem mens really sent her in orbit, him. She wanted Alfred to send back da picture of herself she had given him.

Po Alfred him, he did wat any squared Cajun Marine would do. Alfred went to all his buddies and collected all dere unwanted photos of women’s dat he could find. He den mailed all 25 of dem pictures of women’s, some wit clothes and some witout, to his girl friend Camille wit the following note. “Me, I don’t remember which one you are, please remove your picture and be kind enough to send da rest back to me, tank you.”

C’EST TOUT

Biden Announces Order Limiting Asylum at Border

President Biden took long-expected executive action Tuesday that will turn away migrants seeking asylum who cross the southern border illegally at times when there is a high volume of daily encounters. The order will be in effect when the seven-day average of daily border crossings exceeds 2,500 between ports of entry, senior administration officials said, meaning it will go into effect immediately. Biden issued a proclamation announcing the change under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Senior administration officials framed the order as a response to congressional inaction on immigration after a bipartisan framework in the Senate was blocked by Republicans for a second time.*****I’ve got to go now. Thanks for your time, mine is up. Have a great week, take care and God bless.