Sherlock Breaux in the Creaux's Nest

HARRIS-WALZ FRESH NEW TEAM

Vice President Harris has chosen Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to be her running mate, opting for a former high school teacher and Midwestern Democrat to complete a newly assembled presidential ticket. In a social media post, Harris said Walz’s “convictions on fighting for middle class families” stood out. Walz is scheduled to appear with Harris in coming days in each of the seven most competitive states — Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona and Nevada. Their first appearance a joint rally in Philadelphia Tuesday. In picking the Minnesota governor as her running mate, Ms. Harris gets a partner with Midwestern appeal who has lobbed catchy attacks at former President Donald J. Trump. A number of high profile Democrats quickly offered their support for Walz as Harris's running mate, including former President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi, among others. In a statement posted to X, President Biden said Harris made a "great decision" in choosing Walz, calling him "a strong, principled, and effective leader." "The Harris-Walz ticket will be a powerful voice for working people and America's great middle class," read Biden's post. "They will be the strongest defenders of our personal freedoms and our democracy. And they will ensure that America continues to lead the world and play its role as the indispensable nation." In the first few hours the Harris-Walz campaign raised over $10 million.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2014

At one time Speaker John Boehner had the votes to pass the senate bill that had cut a billion dollars off of President Obama’s request. Then freshman senator Ted Cruz cut his legs out from under him by calling a dozen congressmen to his dungeon and telling them they would not get any Tea Party pac money if they voted for the bill. In disgust Boehner said, “The President will just have to solve it with executive order.” Then it hit the fan. Rep. Steve King called for impeachment.*****Gone but not forgotten: June Ellen Middlebrooks Guidry, 58, passed away Friday, Aug. 1, in San Antonio. She was a native of Bridge City. The Middlebrooks family is well known in the community. They not only lost their mom and dad, but also three brothers, Stanley, Allan and Mark. Now only two sisters remain Lynn and Donia. *****We were also sorry to hear of the death of Coach Preston Prince, 84, who passed away Aug. 1. An Orange native, he had been a teacher, longtime coach and assistant principle at LCM. A former Golden Gloves boxing champion, he was known as a fisherman who always caught the limit. Some of his students say he was always upbeat and a great motivator.*****We were glad to hear that our friend Jerry McInnis is up and about and doing quite well after having open heart surgery.*****Our buddy, Ms. Pearl, who has been driving for 75 years has checked her keys in and gave up running the roads as of last month. We miss seeing her going by, tooting her horn, waving and flashing that smile. She was usually headed to Danny’s or MacDonald Baptist. She made her rounds, visiting the girls at Wal-Mart, Bealls, etc. Always independent about giving up her wheels she said, “Timing in life is everything, the time had come.” Ms. Pearl will turn 94 on Oct. 27.*****We understand our friend of many years, 95-year-old Inez Hearn has slowed down a lot and “Father Time” is taking its toll.***** Melinda Feverjean, of Bridge City, recently had quadruple bypass surgery. Her brother Randy Feverjean is also doing well after having many health related issues, including a kidney transplant and double leg amputations. Randy was a powerhouse basketball and football player for the Cardinals in the 70’s. He has retired to Village Mills with his wife Marilyn.*****The singing gambler, our friend Robert Carpenter celebrates on this day. I like the songs he sings.*****One of our favorite guys, Coach Dwight Thacker marks another one on Aug. 8. *****On Aug. 9, a good guy, Judge Dennis Powell celebrates. *****Aug. 10 is a special day for a special guy. Judge Joe Parkhurst and another great guy, William “Bill” Smith, founder of Central Office Supply.*****Judge Derry Dunn attended a family reunion at Chrystal Beach three weeks ago where everyone had a great time. Judge Dunn just went into the Gulf waters once but that was all it took. His right leg got discolored and turned bright red. Wife Jane took a picture of it and emailed it to their two doctor sons. Both responded within minutes to take him to the emergency room immediately. He was diagnosed with Necrotizing Fasciitis, commonly referred to as a flesh-eating bacteria. (That is a media hype term.) Anyway, Saturday, on the Judge’s birthday, Aug. 2, he underwent surgery. A six inch hunk of meat was removed from his right leg. The area was cut down past the infected area. The healing process will take some time because it must heal from the inside out. He will be constantly checked to prevent new growth. What went through the Judge’s mind was if he lost his right leg, how in the heck was he going to operate his tractor. Derry has been through so much he just takes whatever comes along in stride. He says it’s the Lord checking off the list.

20 Years Ago-2004

A real U.S. hero, Red Adair, died Saturday, Aug. 7, at age 89. He put out 2,000 oil well fires in his 50 year career. In 1968 he inspired the movie “Hell Fighters” starring John Wayne. In Kuwait he extinguished fires set by Saddam. Instead of taking years he put out all of the fires in months. He started his business with $125 worth of equipment. Sunday.*****Aug. 8, a lovely lady, Patsy Fisette, age 65, passed away. She had fought a lifetime battle with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Through all those years she kept a good attitude. She was a good friend to many and truly an inspiration to everyone who knew her. She and Harold were more than man and wife, they were buddies. She was a great mom to their sons Craig, Mark and Curtis. She was also survived by four grandchildren. *****Don and Joyce Kachtick celebrated their 50th anniversary Aug. 7. Don was one of Bear Bryant’s Junction Boys at Texas A&M. He also was a U.S. military helicopter pilot and was a longtime Orange County Extension agent. Joyce was a longtime secretary at Little Cypress-Mauriceville.)***** Masons dedicate new Bridge City High School. Masonic Lodge 1345 will place “Level” right in front of the new gym.*****Carla Wright became the bride of Bubba Lavergne on July 24*****Heather Nicole Tait and Christopher Rasberry plan an Aug. 14 wedding.

50 Years Ago-1974

Former Gov. John Connally indicted, the main witness against him is his longtime friend Jake Jacobson. The two worked for LBJ for many years. It looks like ole Jake sold John out to save his own hide. He was given immunity from prosecution. (Editor’s note: For all these years I’ve believed that the immunity law, that often turns loose the guiltier, is a bad law. Connally beat the rap.)*****Orange Countians spotted in New Orleans: H.D. and Sue Pate, Buddie and Carol Hahn, Betty Haynes and daughter Pat, the V.J. Zetos, Roy and Phyllis Dunn and children and friends.*****A memorial fund has been set up for Cecil Ray Brown, who was killed in an auto accident on Jack Island Road on July 23.*****On August 7, President Richard Nixon announced he would resign the presidency. This was the result of the Watergate scandal. (Editor’s note: That break in was blown plum out of proportion. Folks around Nixon caused his downfall. On August 9, Vice-president Gerald Ford was sworn in as president. *****Perry Brothers hold grand opening at Northway store. L.J. Brooks is store manager. Beth Thompson, age 15 wins stereo/radio/record player at drawing.*****James Foyle is a motorcycle bluff. Kirby Ray Granger is an avid shrimper. Steve Carlton and Don Burgess are two of the smartest, young attorneys in Orange. James “Stick” Stringer is the most handsome justice of the peace. *****County Tax Assessor Louvenia Hryhorchuk celebrates birthday. *****Bob Sims is manager of the Orange County Drainage District and is expecting lots of complaints if heavy rains come. Flooding can be expected.*****Officer Randall Ritter resigns at Orange P.D.*****Harmon Chevrolet has a new 1974 Vega on sale for $2,737, fully loaded.*****Big Mike Treece, football standout at West Orange, Kilgore Junior College and Oklahoma State University, sees action in World Football League game this week. According to his dad, Bill Treece, who lives at 122 Henrietta in Orange, Mike plays for the Memphis Southern.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

John Thomas, Sandy McCormack, and the rest of the staff at OCARC put on another spectacular benefit fishing tournament for the non-profit business that provides work for adults with special needs. It was the 36th annual fishing tournament and held at the city of Orange's Boat Ramp and Riverside Pavilion this past Saturday. Winners in the bass category were Matt Bertrand, Joshua Smith, and Alstin Bertrand. Other winners were Thomas Mayon, Slade Nunnally, and Stella Rico for redfish;  Andy  Allen, Cliff Digiovanni, and Mike Baker for speckled trout; Andy Allen, Mark Foreman,  and Case Tant for flounder; Alex Jackson, Jody Jackson, and Bryer Clark for catfish; Alstin Bertrand and Braydon Bertand for white perch; Noah McFarlane, Ava Ferguson, and Mitch Laughlin for sun perch; Sophia Lemke, Jaxon Galbreath, Stetson Vaghan,and Rhyse Vaughan for croaker; Lucas Mohan, Trevontae Jones, and Dustin Tillery for black drum; Kasen Jackson for grinnel; Andy Borel for mudcat; and Stella Rico and Kinsleigh Vail for appaloosa redfish based on number of spots.*****Betty Vail, who has had health problems, made it to the tournament, but not to fish. She helped husband Robert Vail at his booth selling his wooden carvings of our local fish and birds, plus mosquitoes.*****Gary Stelly, a board member and big supporter of OCARC was out there once again taking pictures and visiting with everyone, especially the OCARC clients.*****David Jones of Gopher Industries, who helped sponsor the tournament, was also there.*****Captain Cornbread, aka Eric Ellison, a fishing guide, got bragging rights for his young grandson, Keagan, winning a rod and reel plus a trophy with a sun perch. And speaking of grandpas, Orange County Commissioner Johnny Trahan was puffing his chest out after young grandson Case Tant won $150 and a trophy with his flounder.*****The Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce held another successful designer purse bingo benefit, drawing a crowd. Of course Ida Schossow was there. Steve Jones and Wade Smith were helping run the show. Others seen in the crowd included Sherry Hommel, Candace Lawrence, Maureen McAllister,  Terry Hoyland, Sarah Nash, Sherry Combs, Liz McKee, Leigh Anne Harrell, Jenn Pool, Alison Clary, Wendy Lloyd, Trish Anderson, Hillary Gravett, Rita Monson, and Brandi Judice.*****Bingo is popular and the Orange Train Depot held another Sunday afternoon round of games as a fundraiser. Rose Simar helped run the show with assistants including Kacie Burnitt. Orange City Councilor Paul Burch, wearing a colorful tropical shirt, called out the numbers. He's going to be real busy this coming week. He will be singing with the Orange Community Players at the Blues Festival at the Riverside Pavilion.*****People in this area love to go to Bolivar and Galveston for beach time, but the state health department is warning that several cases of flesh-eating bacteria have been reported. It's a serious infection that can quickly lead to loss of a limb or death. Ask retired JP Derry Dunn.*****Temperatures are in the 90s this week, but Bridge City is already planning the December 7 Christmas Lights Parade. The theme this year is Bayou Christmas.*****Armand Duplantis — the Lafayette, La., native and LSU product who competes for his mother’s home nation of

Sweden — secured the gold medal in four jumps. Clearing 6.0 meters was enough to win the gold medal at these Paris Olympics. ‘Mondo’ is the first back-to-back gold medal winner in the Olympics since American Bob Richards, who won in the 1952 and 1956. (Editor’s note: Roy Dunn’s mother was a Duplantis. Roy’s cousin Paul Duplantis, of Groves, at age 96, still golfs three times a week. He says it’s in the genes.)

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK

A few folks celebrating birthdays in the next few days. Aug. 7: Kimberly Sensal, Don Lyons, Rodney Hanks, Tessa Bailey.*****Aug. 8: O.C. Gunstream, Katie Allen, Fred Brent, Jim Finklea.*****Aug. 9: Paige White, Jada Montagne, Edie Anthony *****Aug. 10: Joe Allen, Leslie Smit, Max Powell, Timmy Bryd, Bill Loyd, Bill Smith, Bree Anne Collins.*****Aug. 11: Susan Eby, Morgan Taylor, Rene Danna, Deborah Bayliss.*****Aug. 12: Pat Caillavet, Jared Steeman, Jennifer Babin.*****Aug. 13: Chris Bailey, Melissa Cox, Lyn Goodwin Wade Estes, Terry Walles, Aaron MacCammond, Ada Bridges, Andrew Glover.***Other birthday celebrations: Orange County has lots of nonagenarians, and three celebrated birthdays this past week. Mary Bates turned 98, Betty Bass was 95, and Mavis Worsham was 94. Other people who celebrated birthdays included Jim Cash, Karen McKinney, Scott Coker, Jay Carpenter, Cheryl Donnaud, Connie Stephenson, Frank McCoy, James Foyle, Derry Dunn, Irene Smith, Jerree Powell, Glenda Perry, Olivia Davis, Nancy Dallas, Sheila Odom, Deborah Bedner, and Ron Adcock.*****Celebrating wedding anniversaries are Karl and Karen Wickham had their 52nd and Doug and Shelley Manning marked year No. 32.***** (NOTE: To place a birthday or anniversary free of charge call 409-313-6611 or email [email protected]

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Poor Sostan Comeaux him, was on his dying bed, his last breath could come at jus anytime. Den he smelled da most wonderful smell coming down da hall.

Comeaux struggled out of da bed him, too weak to stand up. He crawled down da hall and into da kitchen and pulled hisself up to da counter where his wife Marie’s brownies were cooling dem.

Comeaux grab one and put it in his mou’h and den stuffed two more in his pajama pocket, den stuffed one more in his mou’h. Den he said, “I just love dat smell and wonderful taste me.”

Bout dat time Marie walked up behind him and said, “Comeaux, wat you doing you?” Shame on you, dem brownies are for after da funeral.”

C’EST TOUT

RECOGNIZING SPECIAL FOLKS

I noticed a few friends are celebrating birthdays in the next few days. Judge Dennis Powell, who now makes his home in the Hill Country, celebrates on Aug. 9, as does everybody’s friend Coach Dwight Thacker.***My buddy, a special lady Windee Jenkins will celebrate on Aug. 12. I bet Judge Chad and the boys have something planned over the weekend.***Longtime friend, a very likeable guy, Clint Landry, celebrates on Aug. 13. Another good guy, Monty Eshbach celebrates on that day also.*****Gone but not forgotten: August 20th was Judge Joe Parkhurst’s birthday. A prince of a guy. I miss him.***Also, on Aug. 11, 2021, Kerrie Dunn passed away. Far too young. She would be proud of her two girls and their great families.***** Please read us cover to cover and support our “Family of Advertisers” when you can. You will always get the best deal. Take care and God bless.