Sherlock Breaux in the Creaux's Nest

2024 PARIS OLYMPICS

The United States women’s gymnastics team has done it again. It is back on top with its fourth gold medal in the team event in the last 32 years of a medal-earning streak. Team USA had a glorious showing on all four apparatuses heading into the individual finals strong. It's no surprise Simone Biles hit her floor routine Tuesday, the last of 12 chances Team USA had to prove it was worthy of a gold medal. It'll head to the top of the podium with Biles' score of 14.666. Her teammates held hands ahead of their final team routine of the day and welcomed Biles off the mat with hugs and cheers. Up next for Biles: The individual all-around Thursday, then individual event finals for floor, vault and beam. The official Olympic standings are sorted by the country with the most gold medals, not just the most overall medals. So, tracking which countries win each event — not just the ones that make it to the podium the most — will be important. The United States won the most gold medals at the 2021 Tokyo Games with 39 total. That was one more than China's 38 gold medals. It could be a fierce battle to see which country ends up on top in Paris. As of Tuesday Japan was leading. Team USA has a great shot in coming events. Enjoy the Olympics.*****I have to move on, come along, it won’t do you no harm.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2014

At the Lunch Bunch gathering last week, Nova Dee Strickland brought a guest Carolyn Parker, the widow of Hollis Parker, who retired from DuPont before his death. Son Ricky is now a DuPont employee. Carolyn makes her home in Mauriceville. Our friendship with the Parkers goes back 50 years. Marlene Merritt was down in the back, usually it’s her feet, Joel Steirman was on a cruise, Joe Parkhurst on a vacation trip. T.W. and Lyndia Permenter were celebrating their 54th anniversary.*****August 2, finds longtime friend, a special lady, Joyce Dubose celebrating. She finally got John, the workaholic, to take off long enough to take her on a trip even though he cut off a couple of days.***Also a good guy, a special friend, Judge Roy Derry Dunn celebrates on this day.*** “Mr. Lion” Stump Weatherford, everyone’s friend and Dayle’s other half, marks another birthday. (Editor’s note: Stump passed away Jan. 11, 2024.)*****On Aug. 3, a nice lady, Bridge City’s first city secretary, Evelyn’s mom, Pat Brandon, celebrates. *****Aug. 4, is a special day for the Mayhaw man, ultra conservative, John Harrington.*****“Person of the Year,” Lamar’s president, Dr. Mike Shahan, marks another birthday on Aug. 5. *****Early Monday morning, the late Judge Grover Halliburton’s former law office on Green Ave. (what once was called “Deep Elam”) was destroyed by fire. Grover had spent a small fortune moving the old house to that location and remodeling it. He spent all that money just to get away from Charles Sexton, his former landlord, who occupied a law office next door.*****Here’s something Grover probably wouldn’t believe. The New York Times has endorsed the legalization of marijuana. I recall us talking about some guy in Waco who got 35 years in prison for possessing a matchbox of pot. That’s when one joint was prison time and a roach got you locked up.***** The sports world has gone crazy or some folks have more money than they can use. A Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M jersey, is expected to set a record for a college football jersey of $100,000. It’s the jersey Johnny wore in all six home games in 2012, the year he won the Heisman.*****Also Michael Jordan has no problem with LeBron James returning to No. 23 in his second stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers. I don’t know what Jordan could do if he did have a problem with it. Think about this, the two greatest basketball players ever will both retire as number 23 being the best ever.

20 Years Ago-2004

Mark Magnuson, hometown architect, creates the new Bridge City High School. The state-of-the-art school and gym is on track to be ready on school opening day,

Sept. 1. BCISD superintend Sam Lucia and assistant Joe Chenella have both taken active rolls according to Magnuson.*****Suzanne Halliburton was visiting her

mother Sue and family in Orange after returning from France where she covered the sixth Lance Armstrong’s sixth win in a row of the Tour-de-France. She has covered them all. She someday plans to put it all in a book. I wonder if at any time Suzanne saw the turn of events in Lance’s life causing him to have to give up all of those awards. She knew Armstrong really well and there’s a great book there. At the time she was writing a daily column in the Austin Statesman. Suzanne’s first sports writing was for the Dunn owned Opportunity Valley Newspaper, while a student at LC-M. For years Suzanne traveled with the Dallas Cowboys and Coach Tom Landry. (Editor’s note: At this time we are looking for students interested in writing a column covering their high school sports. Like Suzanne, you too may become famous. Call 409-313-6611 for an interview. Your byline and picture will run with your copy.)

45 Years Ago-1979

Texas A&M University has announced that a street on the new fire training field has been named in honor of the late Jack G. Methner of Bridge City who was an instructor at A&M Firefighting School for many years. He was also a retired DuPont employee.*****Bridge City attorney H.D. Pate swears in new police chief Andy Verrett. Councilmen Richard Caillouct, N.J. “Vick” Vicknair, mayor Gordon Harvey and city manager C.R. Nash attended the ceremonies.***** The state announced traffic soon will flow smoother and safer in Bridge City with a $600.000 project to remove concrete esplanade that runs the length of the city and will allow for new traffic lane. Palm trees were planted on the esplanade as a beautification project after Highway 87 (Texas Ave.) went from a two lane road to six lanes. The removal will make the road seven lanes. C.R. Nash credits Sen. Carl Parker for the expediency from the Highway Department. B.C. chamber president Bill Nickum said, “I hate to see the palm trees go but they have become a maintenance problem with grass growing between them. The new design will be more practical and safer as traffic continues to increase in our city.*****Tropical storm Claudette cried over our area for three days dumping 10 inches of rain, knocking down trees and disrupting electric and telephone service.*****Happy anniversary to Vivian and Fain Holbrook.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

Those who braved the rain had a great time at Karen Fisher’s retirement party at Robert’s. Former tax assessor Linda Gunstream was a surprise guest. The incoming tax assessor Octavia Guzman was also in attendance. Alice Hartsfield served as Roy Dunn’s chauffer on condition that he visit St. Mary’s Chapel with her.***Darrell Segura, who wrote Karen’s first political statement, celebrated by buying several lunches. By the way, sponsors Judge John Gothia and former judge Carl Thibodaux failed to show up. Gothia had a good reason, Tib fell asleep waiting to attend and woke up when Roccaforte called to tell him he missed the party. It’s hard for some old folks to stay awake. J.W. Dalton had a legit excuse, he was stuck in Colmesneil. *****We got to meet Judge Rodney Prices’ new bride, Betty, at Karen Fisher’s retirement gathering. She is a very intelligent and attractive woman. They have known each other through the years and were very compatible. Congratulations.*****Monday in Austin, at the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library, President Biden unveiled three proposals aimed at reforming the U.S. Supreme Court. Biden noted, “We can and must prevent the abuse of presidential power. We must strengthen the guardrail of democracy.” Biden was in Austin to mark the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act.*****Six years ago, on July 24, Dr. Tom Johnson got the call to come to Orange as president of Lamar State College-Orange. He got here as quick as he could. It’s amazing how much he has accomplished and has plans for much more. *****Judge Courtney is so proud of the Bridge City Little League 10-year-old State Champs. She was seen wearing son’s Chaplin Arkeen’s championship ring in court. Something to be proud of. Congrats to coach Johnny Dishon and the gang. His son Easton is on the team. Johnny gave us several years of enjoyment as an athlete at Bridge City. He was outstanding in all sports.*****We checked on our friend Danny Brack this weekend. He is still unable to do things on his own but is doing better. He is still in rehab and not expected to leave anytime soon. His wife Sherry spends days with him. Danny is tough. Raised in Starks, LA, you had to be tough. He welcomes your prayers.*****Judy Shockley has been missing around Bridge City but we found out her son Donnie has built a barndominium home in West Orange and that’s where these two B.C. natives now call home.*****We received a nice thank you note from Michelle Judice for our story on her Masonic ‘Community Builder’ award, written by Penny LeLeux. Michelle, a longtime Lamar Port Arthur professor, is not only a very kind person, she’s also the prettiest girl to come out of Maine. Al wasted no time latching on to her.*****Lady Whistlebreaux is happy to see the sun out after all the days of rain, plus the winds from Beryl. Summer is back on but cooler this year than last year. Of course, that's not to say it's cool outside. But who would guess that the Orange Run Club would draw more than 100 people out on an early Saturday morning in late July to run. Yes. Orange is changing. People out running and artists painting murals.*****Ken Kreger hasn't lived in Orange for nearly 19 years, but he served many years in the Orange Fire Department, working his way up to deputy chief and emergency management director for the city. He left to become fire chief in Conroe, and now he is retiring.*****Beverly Robinson headed out of town to Indianapolis for a sorority convention last week.*****Edie Burch celebrated her birthday with a weekend trip along with Richard Teague, Jennifer Byrd, and J.C. Allan.*****Tricia Gillis and Eric Ellison headed out to Florida. Lady Whistlebreaux heard she had a special outfit she modeled for him.*****Brandi Griggs and Justin Rieson said bon voyage to Bridge City and headed out on a cruise ship.*****Penny LeLeux has a goal of being on the big screen in all 50 states. Last weekend, the short film “Death by King Cake” won best comedy at the JXN Film Festival in Jackson, Mississippi, bringing her one state closer with a new total of 13. She just snagged another role in a sci-fi feature that will be shot in Houston in 2025. She said she couldn’t pass up the chance to be a space pirate queen. The way roles are falling in her lap she’s bound to make her goal in the near future.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK

A few folks we know having birthdays in the next few days. July 31: Celebrating today are Tiffani Daigle, Amber Weidner, Jane Duchene, Kimberly Sieck, Laci Braus and Mary Bradford.*****Aug. 1; Dr. Pauline Hargrave, Vickie Arkeen, Terri Romero, Missy Pillsbury, Megan Vogt, and Megan Leleux.*****Aug. 2: Birthday wishes to our friends Joyce Dubose, Judge Roy Derry Dunn and Wayne Morse. Also having birthdays on this day are Nathanishe Foster, Sherri Christiansen, Travis Fields, Ayden Sanders and Cody Hollis. John and Joyce celebrate their 56th anniversary today.*****Aug. 3: Joe Elam, Diana Tally, Glenda Delano, Lacey Monceaux, Par Beardin, Bob Gephart, Dena Cox, Ethel Hicks. and Frank Wiegreffe.*****Aug. 4: Jean Ousley, Jarrod Vogt, Jeannette Edwards, Kody Fisette, Vickie Wells, Cetha Haure, Claire Williams.***Former U.S. President Barack Obama turns 63 today.*****Aug. 5: Mike Shahad, Micah Satir, Garhett Bonneaux, Mitzi Peoples.*****Aug. 6: Pam Boehme, Randy Hickox, Sarah Fisher, Sonya Villanoueva, Anita Decker, Jilly Rowley, Melanie Braus, Clare Calahan.*****Birthday greetings also go out to Richard Terry, who turned 80, Anna Matthews, Chantell Frazier, Sally Ferrell Peveto, Sam Willey, Della Gallien, Melinda James, Mike Magnuson, Joyce Sanders, Michael Swope, Artis Petterway, Telisia Norwood, Coy Broomes, Orange City Councilor Matt Chandler, and Becky Trahan.***Gina Simar Yeaman had a real birthday, but who can tell.  Appears husband Skipper treats her like every day is her birthday.*****Retired Bridge City coach Terry Landry and his wife Jan celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Saturday with a papal blessing from Father David Edwards following Mass at St. Mary Catholic Church near Fannett. The special occasion was attended by a small group of family and friends who afterward, with Father David, joined the golden anniversary couple for dinner at Pappadeaux's.***Judge Rex and Robin Peveto had their 33rd anniversary, while Bryan and Gina Gross celebrated 21 years***Marvin and Benitris Edwards marked No. 10.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Joe Nunez, wat is 65 years old, goes to see a doctor in Lafayette for a check up. Dr. Dartezis amazed him, at da shape Nunez is in. He’s straight, tanned and loaded wit muscles.

“To wat do you attribute you good health Joe?” the doctor axe.

“I’m an alligator hunter me, I get up before daylight and go to da Atchafalaya Basin and at daylight I chase and jump in da water and wrestle dem alligators into my boat. I do dis all day me.”

Dr. Dartez says, “Well, I’m sure dat helps but dere has to be genetic factors. How old was you papa wen he died him?”

“Who says my papa is dead?” Nunez axe.

“How old is he?” Doc axe.

“He’s 83 years old, we alligator hunted dis morning us.”

The doctor scratch his head, “How old was you papa’s daddy wen he died him?”

“Who says my grandpaw is dead?” axe Joe.

“Your papa is 83 years old and his papa is still living, how old is he hunh?”

“101,” Nunez aswer.

“I guess you gonna tell me he went wrestling alligators dis morning?” Doc axe.

“No, said Nunez. He got married him.”

Doc him, he look at Nunez in amazement. “Got married, why would a 101 year old guy want to get married?”

Nunez answer, “Who says he wanted to?”

C’EST TOUT

As former President Donald Trump wrapped up his nearly 75-minute speech on Friday night, in West Palm Beach, he delivered a final pitch to the Christian conservative crowd, saying if they vote for him on Election Day, they would never be obligated to vote again. "I love you, Christians. I'm a Christian. I love you, get out, you gotta get out and vote. In four years, you don't have to vote again. Trump’s comments made the rounds on social media as users suggested that his comments sounded similar to when he commented that he’d be a dictator, but just on “day one” and suggested that Trump was alluding to never leaving the White House, trading democracy for dictatorship. The Harris campaign is characterizing Trump's comment that if Christians vote this one time they won't have to do it anymore as a "vow to end democracy." Trump also suggested that Christians don't vote "proportionately," which Trump often bickers about on the campaign trail.*****If mosquitos are keeping you indoors call Pestco at 886-4248. They’ll help you out. *****It looks like I’ve used up my time. Thanks for yours and your loyalty to this column. Please read us cover to cover and do business with our family of advertisers when you can. They make us possible. Take care and God bless.