Sherlock Breaux in the Creaux's Nest

JOE BIDEN’S LEGACY

Awash in his party’s love, President Joe Biden finally did become that bridge to a new generation of leaders. He movingly performed the most profound act a politician in a democracy can undertake, willingly handing over power, as he ceded the leadership of the party to Kamala Harris Monday at the Democratic National Convention. He capped a half-century long career, as a senator, a vice president and finally president, by citing a verse of a song called “American Anthem” that he said was important to his family. “What shall our legacy be, what will our children say, let me know in my heart when my days are through, America, America, I gave my best to you,” he said. His legacy will continue to grow. In my lifetime he has been the best first term president, accomplishing more than most two term presidents. He did it with a GOP congress. President Biden has never exactly been a liberal Democrat or a conservative Democrat, he has instead stayed in his party’s mainstream. When the party moved right in the 1990s, he moved with it. When it moved left in the 2010s, so did he. But Biden has not simply gone with the Democratic flow. Over his more than 50 years in politics, he has periodically shown strong opinions about how his party should change, and helped it do so. Monday night in Chicago, Biden took a big step in his long political goodbye, delivering a 52-minute speech at the Democratic convention. Biden’s political career began in 1972, at age 29, when he defeated an incumbent Republican senator in Delaware even as Richard Nixon won a landslide. Biden ran as a subtly different kind of Democrat. Five decades later, Biden became the most populist Democratic president in modern times. Biden loves to talk about how he has proved his doubters wrong. He has signed bipartisan bills on infrastructure, semiconductor chips, Ukraine aid and TikTok, as well as on anti-Asian hate crimes, the aviation system, the electoral process, gun violence, the Postal Service, same-sex marriage and veterans’ health. In a polarized Washington, Biden has demonstrated that bipartisanship remains possible. Biden called picking Harris as his running mate the best decision of his career. He joked that “like many of our best presidents, she was also vice president.” Introduced by his daughter Ashley, Biden dabbed tears as convention delegates held signs reading “We Love Joe.” Speaking earlier, Hillary Clinton said, “On the other side of that glass ceiling is Kamala Harris raising her hand and taking the oath of office.” Several speakers contrasted Harris’s background with Trump’s felony convictions. Clinton smiled and nodded as the audience chanted “lock him up.” Tuesday’s speakers were Barack and Michelle Obama. Wednesday former president Bill Clinton, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Vice president nominee Tim Walz are expected to speak. On Thursday Kamala Harris will accept the convention’s nomination for president.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2014

Last week, Ms. Pearl Burgess had a fall in her home and broke her hip. She underwent surgery Friday at Baptist Beaumont. Pearl, who is fighting other health issues didn’t need to be bed ridden but like always, her spirits are high. She’s always on a stage and keeps everyone entertained. I love her outlook on life, death and longevity.***** Gov. Rick Perry was indicted on two counts; coercion of a public servant and abuse of power. Perry appeared on FOX News Sunday attacking the integrity of the grand jury system. *****Local attorneys Sharon Bearden and Tommy Gunn have bragging rights since Baylor, at number 10, is the only Texas team listed in college football’s top 20. A&M is at #21. *****A few folks celebrating their special day in the next few days: On Aug. 20, our buddy Tammy Davis is a year older but she has aged well. Another nice lady, Debbie Guilhas Harris, celebrates on this day. *******Judge Carl and Mikia Thibodeaux celebrate their anniversary on this day. I’m a little surprised Carl would get married in the dead heat of summer.

20 Years Ago-2004

 The man who is credited with turning around a placid Bridge City Independent School District, Sam Lucia, has resigned as superintendent effective Dec. 31. Sixty year old Lucia said he wanted a life less stressful than the past 35 years he has spent as a teacher, coach, principal and school administrator. He became BCISD superintendent in 1998, inheriting a district in poor financial condition and operating in deficit.*****Dr. Mark Messer, of Bridge City, has been nominated in a field of 19 for the prestigious “Texas Dentist of the Year” award .The award is the highest honor a Texas dentist can achieve in the state. He was nominated by the Sabine District Two Dental Society.*****A memorial service and dedication of a monument for the late Judge Grover Halliburton is set for Monday, September 13, at Claiborne West Park. A statement released by County Commissioner James Stringer names Judge Buddy Hahn as MC, Rev. Leo Anderson will give the invocation and Grover’s daughter, Suzanne, will speak along with Roy Dunn, C. Delle Bates and Judge Claude Wimberly. Recognized will be the Halliburton family, Johnnie Spencer of Texas Marble and Granite, Veronica Roberts, Les Anderson and Donna Scales, county parks director. The Wednesday Lunch Bunch, that Halliburton helped form, will also be recognized.*****The “Red Haired Stranger” Willie Nelson will appear at the Lutcher Theater Oct. 25.*****Joy Dubose married Robert Simonton Saturday, Aug. 21 at Bridge City First Baptist Church.*****Bridge City star in the NFL, Matt Bryant, kicked two field goals for the Dallas Cowboys to help the Cowboys beat Oakland. (Editor’s note: I wonder how many teams Matt has kicked for and how many field goals he has made,

45 Years Ago-1979

 State Rep. Wayne Peveto reappointed to the Texas Legislative Council. Peveto was appointed by House Speaker Bill Clayton and Lt. Gov. Bill Hobby, who chairs the committee. The council is the governing body for the legislature. Bill Clements, a Republican, is governor. Peveto is serving his fourth term in the Legislature. ***** Aug. 12, 1979, Dr. Wynne Pierce, 82, died at his home. His pallbearers were all old-line Orangeites Taylor Sells, Judge James Neff, Judge Graham Bruce, Homer Stark, Tom Rogers, Edgar Brown, III, Major Inman, Jr., Albert “Cowboy” Adams and Wayne Arrington. Dr. Wynne’s dad was a doctor in Orange before him. The family came to Orange in 1900. Dr. Wynne served in World War I. Him and Clay Dunn, Roy’s dad, both served in the 38th Field Artillery and marched through France together. Dr. Wynne, a 1914 graduate of Orange High School, set up a family practice in 1926. For many years he was also co-owner of the Frances Ann Lutcher Hospital. He delivered many babies free or for very little. Many were named Wynn. He never turned down anyone in need of medical service. ***** Will Frey was guest chef at the Boarding House Restaurant. Spotted in the crowd were Mavis and Joe Powell, with daughter Holly, of New York, June and Jessie Gunstream, Claire and Don Covington, Rex and Betty McCorquodale, John and Karen LeCroix, Houston and June Baker, Elizabeth and Stronnie McBride, Eddie and Martha Blankenstein, Sharon and Lynn Fuller, Janet and James Fontenot, Beth and Louis Dugas, with special guest from England, Beth’s brother Ed and wife Gladys. (Editor’s note: Did you know any of these folks.)***** David and Debbie Fusilier became parents of their first born, David Wynne, Jr., arrived at 3:56 a.m., weighing in at 8 pounds, 12 ounces.*****Actress Dolores Cantu of West Orange is home for a visit from Los Angles. The actress will be playing the part of Nita in the new cartoon “Shmoo,” starting in Sept. on NBC. *****J.D. Stanfield celebrated his birthday Sunday, Aug. 19. He also is a new employee with Dal Sasso Enterprises.

Y’ALL COME

Saturday the Southeast Texas Arts Council is hosting an “Antiques Road Show’ type of appraisal event called “What’s it Worth?” down at the Orange County Expo Center. They have six appraisers coming in from Houston and a comic book dealer coming in from Beaumont to cover just about any kind of family treasure you have. One of them is a fine jewelry appraiser that is a gemologist. One fella can even tell you if your great-grandfather’s fishing pole or rifle is of any value. Who knew there could be value in old fishing gear? Anyway, check it out. See the story and ad in today’s paper.

TEXAS HUNTING AND FISHING

LICENSES ON SALE

New hunting/fishing licenses went on sale Thursday for the 2024-25 season. Current year licenses expire at the end of August. Texas purchase more than 3.9 million hunting and fishing licenses each year, which funds conservation efforts and recreational opportunities including fish stocking, wildlife management, habitat restoration and public hunting leases, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said in a news release. A hunting license is required of any person, regardless of age, for hunting animals, birds, frogs and turtles. The only exceptions are feral hogs, coyotes and fur-bearing animals if the hunter already has a commercial trapper’s license.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

We were glad to hear that Judge Chad Jenkins dad, Jimmy, was out of ICU, the hospital and was in rehabilitation. Jimmy is looking forward to the day he can get back to his home in the country surrounded by his folks. Best wishes for continued improvement.*****Lisa Reeves, head of Orange County’s MIS (Management Information Systems ) can finally say 100 percent of county employees have taken the online cybersecurity course. Apparently County Judge John Gothia was the one keeping the county from reaching 100 percent. It’s not a joke these days, what with US security saying Iran hacked into former president Donald Trump’s campaign emails. Even the Muleshoe, Texas, water system had a cyber hack in April when Russians used it as a test to get into utility systems. Be careful what you click on.*****Orange Mardi Gras Krewes got together at the VFW Saturday night for their annual casual summer dance party. The hall was full of revelers. Lady Whistlebreaux, though, wants to know about the ripped T-shirt fashion Gary Bonneaux was wearing. Will this be a fashion trend for men? Paul and Raul Burch found time to party between doing all their jobs plus decorating their latest house. Mayor Larry Spears and wife, Trish were there. Pam and Rusty Honeycutt were sporting bright yellow outfits. Others seen in the crowd included Andre and Lanier Robertson, Gina and Skipper Yeaman, Jillian and Jason Yeaman, Caroline and Mike Hennigan, Russell Bottley, Keith Hebert, James Simar, Tammy Stark, Susan and Jerry Pennington, Troy Johnson, Lori Ardoin, Erica Beasley, Tina Robertson, Freddie Champine, Eric Ellison, Mindi Nichols, Dianne Hebert, and Freddie Champine.*****Nancy and Tony Dallas took a trip to the Jersey Shore and relaxed with some baseball. Son Jack Dallas has been playing minor league ball there. He and wife Reid spent time with them along with Rhonda and Jason Miller.*****August 20th has always been a special day for Dr. Tom Johnson, Lamar Orange president. On this date 40 years ago he went to work for the Houston Police Department. He retired after 20 years, went to work for Congressman Charlie Wilson and six years ago, on Aug. 20, he accepted the job at LSCO. He says he’s never been happier and besides loving Orange County he has been accomplishing great things at the school. Dr. Tom will do to ride the range with.*****There are a few folks we haven’t heard from in a long time and we’re wondering what became of them. Van Choate, Constable Brad Frye, Quincy Procell, and Keith Wallace do you still live here?*****We did speak with Shaun and Tammy Davis. It was a nice visit. Monday was Tammy’s birthday. They keep up with what’s going on by checking our website therecordlive.com.*****Sheriff Chester Holts died 40 years ago, Aug. 18, 1984. Hard to believe. Some of us will never forget him.

BREAIX BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK

Celebrating birthdays in the next few days are Aug. 21: David Jones, Olga Graham, Kimberly Hubbard, Shirlyn Findlay and Alexandra Wild.*****Aug. 22: Mari Ellen Jacobs, Johnny Montagne, Karen Fisher, Mike Johnson, Brian Sheppard Connie Forse and Jason Delano.*****Aug. 23: Keble Free, Corey May, Michele George, Pat Gunter, Ron Hopperton, John-David Walles, Ryan Moreau, Zach Jeter.*****Aug. 24: Marlene Marritt, Ben Ezell, Carol Cupe.*****Aug. 25: Coach Dan Ray Hooks, David Montagne, Amber Juneau, Ken Kreger, Milton Brigge, Jr., Ron Cowling, Phelecia Rucker, Bree Fontenot.*****Aug. 26: Donna Scales, Jerry Mercer, Molly Abshire, Sheryl Guillory.*****Aug. 27: Stephanie Roberts, Sydney Eby, Jaycie Dardeau, Nina Birdwell.***** The Goss family wins for most birthdays in a week. Patriarch Ross Goss turned 89, while Todd Goss and his wife Terri also had birthdays.***Michelle Belcher hit 60 this week while Liz Combs McKee marked No. 50.***Others celebrating included County Commissioner Chris Sowell, LaToya Overstreet, Regina Marple, Max Pachar, Violet Sparks, Valentin Catt, Loretta Warnell, Jackie Gisclar, Betsy Bachelor Bland, Deborah Bednar, Rebecca Flickinger, Myra Sanders, Greg Garrett, Natalie Smith, Cassie Grizzaffi, Norma Bergeron, Ryan Ragsdale, Phyllis Hennigan, and Myra Sanders. (Note: To post birthdays or anniversaries in this publication call 409-886-7183 or email [email protected]. No charge.)

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Joe Gilbeaux walk into Tee Boy’s Bar and Grill and he axe, “Do anybody in

here got da number for 911?”

Tony Comeaux say, “Wats da emergency?”

Gilbeaux say, “Is dat you red truck wit da Great Dane dog in it?”

Comeaux answer, “It sho is, wat about it?”

“Mais, I got some bad news for you me, my dog done killed your Great Dane,” Gilbeaux answer.

Comeaux axe, “Wat kind of dog you got hanh?”

Gilbeaux say, “I got a little Chihuahua me.”

Comeaux him started laughing, “You must be drunk you, explain to me how your Chihuahua dog can kill my Great Dane?”

Gillbeaux says, “He got stuck in his throat.”

C’EST TOUT

WHAT’S AT STAKE

Project 2025 is a 887-page mandate for leadership. The conservative promise. This very scary manifesto asserts that the president should control the entire executive branch. Their executive theory would reclassify tens of thousands of federal civil service workers as Trump loyalists. Heavyweight billionaires have provided Trump with a road map establishing an authoritarian government ruled by Trump cult members. Some of the more disturbing ideas are taking control of the Department of Justice, the FBI, the FCC and FTC, Homeland Security. Funding for Medicare and Medicaid would be cut out and abortion outlawed nationwide. The Affordable Care Act eliminated. That’s just a small sample of what a Trump dictatorship would be like. A good reason to be very afraid. The freedom of all our grandchildren and those that follow are at stake.*****I’ve gotta go. Thanks for your time. Shop our family of advertisers and tell them we sent you. Take care and God bless.