Sherlock Breaux in the Creaux's Nest

ALLRED AND CRUZ IN TIGHT SENATE RACE

There was a time in Texas that the United States Senate race was always the hottest, most expensive race. Orange County was once a hot bed for U.S. Senators. The state has two senators who do not face elections at the same time for six-year terms. Most states have a senator from each party. Texas, for 30 years, has had two Republican senators. This election cycle could change that. A new poll puts U.S. Rep. Colin Allred up by one point over U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, as the candidates bid to represent Texas on Capitol Hill. Several polls in recent weeks have shown a tight race between Allred, a Dallas Democrat, and Cruz, a Republican who has served as one of the state’s two senators since 2013. The latest poll from Morning Consult, which describes itself as a “global decision intelligence company,” is the first to have Allred ahead, according to a roundup of polls from 538. Forty-five percent of likely voters said they support Allred and 44% said they support Cruz. A University of Houston Hobby School and Texas Southern University Jordan-Leland School have had Cruz ahead by about 2 points. Cruz has argued Allred is too radical for Texas, and Allred has worked to stress bipartisanship. The two are scheduled to debate each other for the first time on Oct. 15. “Congressman Allred has built a campaign to win and Cancun Cruz is more vulnerable than ever,” Allred campaign spokesperson Josh Stewart said in a written statement. “His policies hurt Texans, whether it’s his extreme abortion ban or his tax cuts for billionaires. This November, Texans are finally going to get a Senator they don’t have to be embarrassed by.” National Democrats see Texas as one of their best pickup opportunities, though they are more focused on defending their incumbents in other states.

‘JIMMY’ JENKINS LEFT US LAST WEEK

James Arden ‘Jimmy’ Jenkins passed away September 16, two days before his 82nd birthday. His death came as a surprise to me. I learned from Phillip Welch that he had attended Jimmy’s funeral service Friday. The last time I had spoken with Judge Chad Jenkins I was under the impression that his father would be going home from the nursing home where he was receiving therapy. He passed away Monday. He was a good, well respected man. Please read his obituary in this issue. Condolences to his family and many friends.

CONDOLENCES

We were sorry to learn about the passing of Bart Allen Corder, 56, of Orange, who passed away on September 18, 2024, at his home in Orange. Funeral services was held Tuesday, September 24, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Born in Orange, Texas, on February 20, 1968, he was the son of Richard Corder and Delitha Ruth Peveto Corder. A proud graduate and athlete of Orangefield High School, Bart cherished his time as a football player, where his talent earned him the distinguished All State Honor.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

5 Years Ago-2019

I woke up Sunday morning confused, was I in the twilight zone or had I dreamed the events of the last few days? Imelda, a rain carrying storm, had hit the Gulf Coast area, from Houston to Cameron, Louisiana.*****While many people in the Mauriceville area were flooded out, Josette and Van Choate opened their doors of Tuffy’s and fed everyone who came by and also gave them extra meals to take home to their families. They fed hundreds of families. The Choate’s’ are two of the finest and generous folks I know. ***** Trump must really be concerned about the run against former VP Joe Biden, as well he should be.  Trump and Rudy have fabricated the Biden Ukraine story. The Wall Street Journal, owned by Rupert Murdoch, who also owns FOX News, broke a story that Trump, eight times, had asked the  Ukraine  president to come up with some dirt on Biden’s son  Hunter, where there isn’t any dirt.  Trump has the most corrupt administration in my lifetime, since day one, when five cabinet members were convicted. There is no line Trump won’t cross. There will be a price to be paid, even if it’s after Trump leaves office. Something Rudy Giuliani might think about is that Trump’s former attorney Michael Cohen once said he would take a bullet for Trump. Now he is serving a three year prison sentence. He became the fall guy. Rudy has much in common with Cohen. History might repeat itself. There’s a book out call “Everything Trump Touches Dies.” Many bodies are left in Trump’s wake.

15 Years Ago-2009

Lamar State College-Orange celebrates its 40th anniversary Wednesday. A reception honoring first president, Dr. Joe Ben Welch, who played a large part in getting the school off to a good start. Also being honored is former Sen. Carl Parker, one of our local guys, who always looked after the home folks. Parker is one of the smartest people I’ve known. If not for Sen. Parker’s efforts setting up Lamar-Orange and Lamar-Port Arthur as state schools both would have community college status. This would mean the schools would be supported by a taxing district paid for by local citizens and would just be a shadow of itself. Parker’s bill attached the school to the Texas State System along with Texas, TCU, A&M and others. Local taxpayers have been saved millions of dollars. *****Former State Rep. Ron Lewis is also being honored. He is primarily responsible for the establishment of the Lamar library bearing his name. His friendship with Gov. Perry that goes back to when they were freshmen representatives was a major factor in Ron getting the library funded by the state.*****Carlton “Corky” Harmon is another honoree. “Corky” and the committee he has served on many years, the Lamar Foundation, are responsible for almost every acquisition of property the university now owns. The expansion of Lamar would have been impossible without the great work of that foundation. Harmon has been a member of the Foundation since its inception. The recognition of these men is well deserved. Lamar is a great asset to the greater Orange area. Through good leadership it continues to grow. (Editor’s note: Today LSCO has a great leader in Dr. Tom Johnson.)*****On Sept. 22, there was a tragic auto accident in which three women lost their lives and a three-year-old precious little girl hangs on to be the only survivor. We feel for the families of all those who lost their lives in that crash on FM 1442. One of those people was beautiful Kathy Viator, the only child of Beverly Mire and Wilson Roberts and beloved wife of Blain Viator. We had known Kathy since her dad, longtime peace officer, was Bridge City’s first police chief. Kathy was one of the prettiest teenagers around. On Nov. 15, she would have been 48. Kathy raised a family of four children. (Editor’s note: Since then Kathy’s dad, Wilson Roberts, has passed away.)

45 Years Ago-1979

Orange’s recording artist Jim Taylor’s newest record, “The Old Man and the Organ,” has been released. The flip side is “One Too Many Times.” His last release made it into the top 100.*****The Opportunity Valley News’ sister paper, Community Post, published its first issue this week in Port Arthur. The response to the new 32-page paper has been great and has proved to be a good outlet for local advertisers. (Editor’s note: The paper did have tremendous success and it and the OVN in Orange were sold nine months later to Cox Enterprises by the Dunn family.)

50 Years Ago-1974

Orange County tax assessor collector Louvenia Hyrhorchuk and her crew were awarded the top rating by the state of Texas. *****Carl Thibodeaux put a wreath on Doug Harrington’s Pharmacy front door. The oldest, ugliest wreath with a sign that read “Big Red is Dead.” The next day it reappeared at Carl’s West Orange Pharmacy after Bridge City defeated the West Orange Chiefs 7-0. The only score was a 43-yard run by Charlie Hillebrant. Richard Slydon is Bridge City quarterback. Andre Robinson was the top ground gainer for the Chiefs. Randy Feverjean was the top defender for the Cards.***** In the Texas House, Rep. Carl Parker is running for speaker against Bill Clayton, who appears to have the speakership locked up after switching some of Parker’s commitments. (Editor’s note: Sen. Carl Parker passed away March 22, 2024 at age 89.)

A FEW HAPPENINGS

Nineteen years have now passed since Hurricane Rita blew destructive winds through Orange County and changed lives. Seems like our lives have become a series of destructive tropical storms and hurricanes ever since. Rita's winds blew so many trees down that it was simply hard to comprehend. Brown Claybar, who was mayor of Orange at the time, said the city 'was like Christmas morning. There was a tree in every living room.'  And those trees had crashed through roofs and then had rain blow in. Since then, we've had Ike that sent a storm surge and Harvey with 60 inches of rain to flood most everything. And other destructive storms like Humberto, Laura, and Delta. Southeast Texas is breathing a sigh of relief for the weekend as it looks like the next Gulf of Mexico storm is heading toward Florida.*****Former Dallas Cowboy Kevin Smith was back at his alma mater, West Orange-Stark High School, this past Friday as he was one of four of the inaugural inductees into the Mustang Hall of Honor. Others were Travesa Gant-King, Bonnie Perry, and Earl Thomas III. Earl did not attend, but family represented him.*****Congratulations to Rose Lori Thayer, a longtime reporter for the Stars and Stripes publication. The WO-S and University of Texas grad won a top journalism award for her coverage of the military.*****West Orange City Councilor Meritta Kennedy and husband Danny are now great-grandparents with the birth of Wyatt Dean Picket.*****Steve and Gail Maddox are continuing their European travels with scenic tours of Norway.*****Bonnie Bufford took in sights and food in New Orleans.***** We hope J-ro Briggs is feeling better.*****Jo Harris is happy to report that the upcoming Special Angels Rodeo fundraiser dinner on September 28 is sold out.*****Meri Elen Jacobs, retired WO-S journalism teacher who has written a book about navigating the prison system will have a book signing the Saturday, September 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Restored Furniture and More, 2303 16th Street in Orange.*****This week in 1934, on September 24, Babe Ruth said farewell to baseball at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees faced the Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox won 5-0. In his career Babe had played for both teams.***** Coach Bum Phillips, was born in Orange at home on John St. 101 years ago, on August 29, 1923. May we never forget what he contributed to sports.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS

Celebrating on Sept. 25 is Donna Ford, Ola Kindle, Joellen Grooms, Phyllis Tarter, Scott Stout, Cameron Pitts, James Scott, Jeffery Armand, Kailey Childress. Joining them are actors Michael Douglas,  and Mike’s wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones,  also Donald Glover.*****Sept. 26: Former B.C. Police Chief, one of Annie’s boys, Joey Hargrave celebrates. Also Kyra Day, Lynn Gremillion, Mary Gremillion, Theresa Blanchard,  Vicki Jeter, Byron Buchanan, C.G. Birdwell, Deven Young all have birthdays on this day. Also celebrating are tennis player Serena Williams.*****Sept. 27: Hayley Dardeau, Gaynell Murrell, Jack Short, Michael Coffey, Staria Lee, Jeff Batchelor, Ray Dahi, Scott Harris, have birthdays today. Joining them are rapper Lil Wayne, actress Gwyneth Paltrow, and rock singer Meatloaf. *****Sept. 28: Special Birthday to Roy’s sister Fay Boudoin, former editor Darryl Brinson and longtime friend Butch Thurman. Carl and Mika’s little boy, Tyler Thibodeaux, turns 30 today. Also Peggy Derouen, Brigitte Howard, Sherry Mulhollan and Mat Taylor have birthdays on this day. They are joined by actors Naomi Watts, and Michael Ronda.*****On Sept. 29: Aaron Milligan and Priscilla Burns celebrate. Celebrities having birthdays on this day are basketball player Kevin Durant, comedian Andrew Dice Clay.*****Sept. 30: Special day for Willow Grace Ballou, Mark Dunn’s granddaughter and the Dunn’s great-granddaughter, turns 10 years old today, she’s quite a dancer. Also our friend Richard Albair, Peggy’s other half and a great guy, celebrates. For years they have been fighting the Cow Bayou Bridge. Brandon Taylor, Denna Elizondo, and Martha Hankins celebrate today. Joining them are actors Fran Drescher,  Levi Miller. *****Oct. 1: Celebrating today it Julie Lund. Brenda and Bubba’s daughter. Julie is a great kid, a good student who may someday be a doctor or vet. Celebrating also Aaron Iles, Jamie Freeman, Kim Cooper, Brandon Gerald and Kenton James.  Also celebrating are Julie Andrews, and former U.S. president Jimmy Carter, who will turn 99 years old today.***** Birthday greetings go out also to Theresa Beauchamp, Eric Mitchell, Diane LeBlanc, Timmy Campbell, Jimmy Prewitt, Denisha LaFleur, Katie Kranz, Carrie  Elizabeth Wilson, Brodrick Harrell, Leslie Sparks, Max MacKenzie Adams, Jackson Kovatch, Marlee Bird, Diztorsha Lavan, Stewart Duckworth, Jay Hall, Jenn Pool, Kelli Patin, and Sheri Bethard.***** Happy anniversary to Louis and Carole Nance for reaching 62 years of marriage. Congratulations.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Agnes Boudreaux is da church gossip her. She appointed herself monitor of da church’s morals and kept sticking her nose in everybody’s business. Several members of Rev. Gaspards church didn’t approve of Agnes’ behavior but fearing her wicked tongue dey said notin dem.

Agnes made a mistake however. She accused Joe Comeaux, a new member of da church, of being an alcoholic drunk him after she saw his old pickup truck parked in front of Tee-Boy’s Bar for several hours. Agnes told Comeaux and utta members, “Dat it’s easy to see dat everyone would know wat Comeaux was doing him dere so long.

Joe, a man of few words him, stared at Agnes for a moment, said nuttin, just turned and walked off. Later dat night Comeaux quietly parked his old pickup in front of Agnes’ house den he walked home. He left da old truck dere all night. (You gotta love dat Comeaux.)

C’EST TOUT

SHOHEL OHTANI AT IT AGAIN

The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar hit his 52nd home run and stole his 52nd base on Friday night, breaking the major league record for going deep and stealing in the same game. It’s the 14th time Ohtani has achieved the feat. Ohtani’s heroics occurred a night after becoming the first player in major league history with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a season. His 52nd homer came off a 3-2 pitch from Kyle Freeland. In Miami on Thursday, Ohtani had the first three-homer game of his career, all coming after the sixth inning, his first six-hit game and a franchise and career-record 10 RBIs. No one in MLB history has done that before. “People just like to watch greatness, and he’s going to go down as one of the greats of all time.” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts marveled at Ohtani’s achievements. “It seems there are no limits for him. He’s probably looking at 60-60,” Roberts said.\.*****I’ve gotta shut down. Shop our Family of Advertisers and tell them we sent you. Thanks for your time. Take care and God bless.