Sherlock Breaux in the Creaux's Nest

60th US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN HISTORY BOOKS

President Joe Biden pulled out of the presidential race for re-election 108 days ago, leaving just over three months for the Vice-President to mount a campaign that might produce the first woman president. Breaking that glass ceiling was a long shot, making VP Kamala Harris the underdog. Many women, because of female issues, including abortion, had hoped to shatter the glass ceiling. Harris and vice-presidential candidate Tim Waltz ran a good, positive race, while Trump ran a dark, dictator-type race, based on changing our democracy and constitution. The mob he led against his own government at the United States Capitol was forgiven by many Republicans, who voted party over country. I fear a Trump victory will forever change the country and leave it with a danger to democracy that many had fought and died to preserve. Every rating outlet, including The Hill, rated Donald Trump as the worst president ever. I fear in the end, if Trump wins, his next term will be far worse than our Founding Fathers would ever have foreseen or imagined. It was to close to call when I turned in.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, IS VETERANS DAY

WE REMEMBER ALL OUR WWII VETS

Just a few years ago a good group of WWII veterans still attended the Lunch Bunch get-together. Once Roy talked Keith Wallace into buying lunch as a treat for the vets. It cost Keith over $300. Today he could get by for less than $30. Here is a list of those heroes 7-years-ago, 2017. J.B. Arrington, 92 years old; Althanase Benoit, 88 ; Charles Benoit, 93; Lennie J. Benoit, 94; Joseph Bergeron, 90; Tom Brooks, 93; Maurice Fournet, 94; Harry G. Fulton, 90; Eugene Goudeau, 93; Robert Jackson, 97; Roy McDaniel, 92; Levan Myers, 94; Burdette Oldbury, Sr. 90; John M. Pittman, 91; Robert Rothrock, 92; Paul A. Roy, Jr., 90; Stanley Simon, 95; Donald Slacum, 94; and Cedric Stout, 96. Seven years later there are only three left. God bless all our vets, yesterday and today.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2014

 The elections have come and gone for another cycle. In Texas, the state will be governed by Greg Abbott, who has been the Attorney General. He has a 20 year old political machine, started by George W. He had four times more millions than his opponent, Democratic Wendy Davis It was up hill for her all the way. Texas has no statewide elected Democrats.*****Locally, Orange County, for the first time in five cycles, will not have the leadership of Judge Carl Thibodeaux. He chose not to run for re-election and he was the face of the Democratic Party in the county. Democrats failed to put up a candidate, leaving the election of a new county judge to the Republican Primary. With no opposition in the general election, Britt Carlton was elected with 2,900 Republican votes. The county will miss Thibodaux’s leadership and accessibility. Locally, only two seats were contested in J.P. Pct. 1 and 3. The candidates did a lot of old time, grass roots campaigning, knocking on doors, especially in Pct. 3 and that really increased the turnout. Congrats to the winners, Judge David Peck who was returned to office and newcomer Joy Dubose-Simonton.*****I suspect Republicans will blow the opportunity to show that they can do good for the country. Republicans campaigned on the promise that they’re somehow going to repeal the Affordable Care Act, “Every word of it.” That was their applause line with conservative audiences. Many Republican governors, like in Texas, are resisting the Medicaid Expansion which is a political mistake that hurts many citizens, small hospitals and counties, like Orange, that could save taxpayers $2 million a year.***** We were sorry to hear about the death of our friend Earl Church, 85, who passed away Saturday, Nov. 1. He died at home of a heart attack. Earl was a Port Arthur native and a 1947 graduate of Thomas Jefferson. He had many life stories to tell and we enjoyed them all.****I saw a report last week that shoe rationing ended on Oct. 30, 1945. The report brought a smile. I recall during the war when we wore shoes made out of cardboard. When the sole got a hole in it, which it always did the first time you walked through moisture, we would slip a new piece of cardboard in the shoes until next time. Nov. 1945 brought back leather and tennis shoes and a lot of other rationed stuff.*****J.J. Watt’s $100 million contract makes him the highest paid defender in football but he’s only the 11th highest paid football player this season in terms of annual salary. The highest is Aaron Rodgers, $22 million; *****On Nov. 10, attorney Steve Carlton is a year older. This day also marks the 36th anniversary of Kirk and Shirley Roccaforte.*****Last week our friend Keith Wallace, his brother and dad, fed 400 deer hunters in West Texas. It was the day before “Opening Day.” Keith said they saw a lot of people from back home. *****Our District Attorney John Kimbrough has become somewhat of an expert in rightly predicting the winner in big time college football. (Editor’s note: John has done to ride the range with. Through all the years he has been good at his word. Hate to see him go.)***** We are fast approaching the day when our WWII Veterans have served their time here on earth. Most are coming on 100 years of age or have passed it. On a personal note, I honor my friends Millard “Neighbor” Cox, Cedric Stout and all the other great soldiers I have met and known. I miss them. Glad our friend J.B. Arrington is still with us and kicking high.

20 Years Ago-2004

 Kristi Hudson is crowned Miss Bridge City at the annual pageant hosted by Community Women in Action. Christine Lemaire was first runner up; Brittany Zenos, second; Megan Hale third. Cayla Angelle was named Miss Congeniality. *****Debbie Fusilier was named Employee of the Month by Bridge City Chamber. She was nominated by Mark Dunn. Debbie, an employee of the Record Newspapers, has been working for the Dunn publications for over 30 years. She started when she was 15 years old at the Opportunity Valley News. *****Bridge City High’s baseball switch hitter, Hunter Hays, signs with McNeese.*****GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: Nolton Louis Brown, 85, of Bridge City died Wednesday, Nov. 11. Nolton was a WWII vet. He is survived by wife Jessie Pepper Brown. A Down Life’s Highway column, written by Roy, tells of the interesting life these two, married 65 years, had lived. (Since then Ms. Jessie has passed away.)*****Dr. Thomas J. Hairston, 61, formally of Cove, died Nov. 12, at his home in Nacogdoches. Hairston started working with plastics in high school at Bridge City, where he and his three Cove friends, Joe Parkhurst, Roger Beathard and Tom Hoffpauir graduated. Dr. Hairston currently holds 40 patents, 10 in the USA and 30 in foreign countries. He designed and constructed 127 facilities in 27 countries around the world. He patented the pacemaker, blood oxygenator systems and hemo-dialysis systems in a housing. He remained in the medical field as the most famed Bridge City High grad. (Editor’s note: Bet you didn’t know this world famous doctor was a Bridge City grad. BCSD should do something to recognize this.)

50 Years Ago-1974

 Carl Thibodeaux is elated over the tremendous response to his first anniversary celebration at his West Orange Pharmacy.***** The newly formed B.C. Rotary Club holds charter banquet and installation of officers. One hundred fifty people attended. Jerry Pesson is to serve as first president. The B.C. club has 25 members and was sponsored by Orange Rotary. *****The 1974 All-East Zone Football team from District 10-AAA representing Orange County are: (Offense) Craig Couvillion, Stark; Randy Fults, B.C.; John Lee Stack and Rick Smith, LC-M’ Jerry Hilburn, Stark; Kelly Burch, LC-M; Reggie Kelly, Stark; Frank Tims, Stark; Lorrance Wills, W.O.; and Andre Robertson, W.O. (Defense) Randy Feverjean, B.C.: Victor Enards, W.O.; Doug Cash, Stark; Charlie Hillebrandt, B.C.; Andrew Martin, Stark; Chris Judge, W.O.; Gary Worster, B.C.; Dale McCall, LC-M; Steve Sims, Stark; and Eddie Lovelace, LC-M. Coach of the Year was Steve McCarty of South Park. Most Valuable Offense Player was Ken Maxson of South Park. Defensive Player was Doug Cash of Stark High School. *****The Rev. Bob Simmons, just before swinging into his sermon, was handed a note. He read it, “There’s a car in the parking lot that has its lights on.” It turned out to be the preacher’s car.***** Former Stark High and Lamar Standout Bruce Taylor has been named head baseball coach at Port Arthur’s Thomas Jefferson. *****DeAnn Albright is the 1974 Stark Homecoming Queen.*****Stark High used three field goals, 22, 21 and 34 yards, by Steve Sims, to upset Bridge City 16-8 last week. Two weeks ago Eddie Lovelace hit a 34 yard field goal to beat the Stark Tigers 17-14. West Orange’s Melvin Kyburz put a 48-yarder between the uprights to beat Charlton- Pollard 11-8 as time ran out. Field goals and good kickers have played a big role in this year’s win/loss column.*****Dick Bevins, at Texas Ave. Grocery, is selling five-pound pack of ground beef for $2.49, T-bone steaks, any thickness, for $1.29 a pound. (Editor’s note: Would you believe I wrote all of the above 50 years ago in a column called “Ear to the Ground” by the Office Hound, and have lived long enough to use it 50 years later.)

NO ONE WILL BEAT A TEXANA DEAL

If you are in the market for a new or preowned vehicle don’t buy until you check with Texana Toyota first. They want to move cars and trucks and will take a short profit on most stock during their introductory sale. Great folks to do business with. See Texana Toyota ad in this publication.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

I finally was able to get in touch with my friend Quincy Procell. I have known him coming on 60 years. Quincy turned 80 on Nov. 2. I’ve noticed in life a person’s occupation has much to do with their physical wellbeing later in life. Quincy lost the use of his knees carrying large motors. He was strong as a bull but his knees and hips have paid the price. He and his brother Kirby did great work building the Procell Championship Motors.*****No one *****On Nov. 2, Orange native O’Shaquie Foster avenged his contentious loss to Robson Conceicao to win back the WBC super-featherweight world championship.***** Looks as if the Stark Museum of Art is becoming the fun place to be. Date Night at the Museum this Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. The free event includes married people looking to get out and singles who want to see exhibits, visit, and listen to live music. David Justin and Haley Barnes will provide the music, and Free State Cellars Winery will have beverages. There will also be free nibbles and patrons can see the new juried art show from regional college students. Plus, Lady Whistle Breaux thinks the museum’s Reindeer Games will be a big hit of the holiday season. The museum is bringing in live reindeer for a December 14th family day event. It will all go with the museum’s Reindeer Trail special exhibit that will run November 20-December 21.*****Paula and Randy Ragsdale are about to have a trio of grandchildren running around. Son Ryan and his wife, Kennedie, are expecting a little girl, plus daughter Sarah and husband Jake Nash, are expecting their second child after little Janie Nash. We expect to see a wide variety of colors in sports jerseys at family get-togethers.*****Orange County 4-H Director Fallon White is expecting twins, one girl and one boy.*****Country singing legend Gene Watson performed at the Oaks Event Center in Vidor and Della Gallien was among the fans in the audience.*****Bridge City native singer-musician Britt Godwin took his big band for another dinner-concert with great jazz at the 7 Oaks Center in Jefferson County.*****Halloween is over, so what’s with the scary chupacabra-sized rabbits over in the Cypress Bayou subdivision in Little Cypress??*****The LA Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees in five games to win the 2024 World Series. Meanwhile the Houston Astros, who didn’t make it to the big show this year, has eight Astros joining the free agent category including Alex Bregman, third base; Justin Verlander, pitcher; Hector Neris, pitcher; Caleb Ferguson, pitcher; Ben Gamel, outfielder and Kendall Graveman, pitcher.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK

A few birthdays to be celebrated in the next few days. Nov. 6: Former boxer, ranked third in the world, Johnny Montagne celebrates today. Don’t see or hear much from him anymore. Also celebrating are Robert Rubel, Carrie Larson, Derek Grooms, Faye Harrington, Kathy Johnson, Kay Wingate, Robin Schaffer, Jackie Litton, Greg Broussard.*****Nov. 7: Claris Collins, James Bergeron, Barbara Lopez, Cheryl Swenson, and Chuckie Ganze. The late Cedric Stout, Pearl Harbor survivor, who passed away Jan. 17, 2024, would have been 103 today. On this day also Bridge City’s first police chief, Wilson Roberts, would have celebrated his 86th birthday. He passed away Aug. 11, 2022. He and V.J. would have been married 45 years on Nov. 8.*****Nov. 8: Celebrating today are Dee Moran, Bryana Hernandez, Debra Burch, Keith Longlois, Aaron Hommel. *****Nov. 9: Madalyn Carpenter, Sue Barnes, Eric Meadows, Linda Faulk, Keith Royal, Susan Veillon, Cjarlotte Wooton, Donna Bradley, L.C. Boureaux.*****Nov. 10: Attorney Steve Carlton, Rana Miller, Troy Crochet, Jeff Bland, Patricia Kemp, Karen Clopp, Trey Todora, George Roberts.*****Nov. 11: Greg LeBlanc, Michael Fisette, Bree Hanks, Michelle Brown, Ryan Pickering, Allison Ball, Edee Risher, Gerald DeLeon, Jeanelle Cochran. This is also the wedding anniversary of Brad and Carlis Roy. Happy Anniversary.*****Nov. 12: Sean Gros, Karen’s second son and Roy and Phyl’s middle grandson, celebrates today. Also Jeanne Blacksher, Kathy Reeves, Larry Gunter, Liz Briggs, Phillip Kimbrow, Sharon Sims, Cyndi Longlois, Steve Fisher, Carol Ware, Charmaine Faircloth, Crystal Jones, Pat Stanton and Danielle Graffagnino.***** Birthday greetings also go out to retired Orange newspaper reporter Bobbie Earle, who is now living near family in Houston and turned 96.***Queen Shirley Parker turned 90 with celebrations including lunch at Lucy’s Cafe, owned by her daughter, Lucy Parker Terry. Her son is Dr. Calvin Parker.***’Grammy’ Jeannie Ashcraft turned 8 and Carl Parks in Vidor turned 80.***Others having another trip around the sun include Josh Peveto, Charlotte Chaisson, Linda Hall Cloessner, D.D. Terry, Dallie Miller, Marilyn Prewitt, Pam Frederick Williams, Laurie Trotter Cook, Sherry Singleton Windham, Cathy Manshack, Dale Dardeau, Geralyn Blanda Vine, Nicole Meyne, Edith Davenport, Jerry Gray, Yolanda Young, Cristina Nguyen Johnson, Lisa Blowers, and Donna Bell.*****Happy anniversary to Judge Dennis and Connie Powell, who had No. 43, and  Josh and Sally Peveto marking 19 years.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

  Da Quibodeaux twins, Alvin and Calvin, are not too bright dem. At age 29, dey still live at home wit dere mama Agness.

Dey decide one day to go fishing so Agness can make a big catfish sauce picante. Dey rented a boat and motor, dem. Dey didn’t go far wen dey hit a stump in the Henderson Swamp and da motor fell off in bout 10 feets of water.

Calvin look at Alvin and say, “We gotta go down dere and get dat motor.”

Alvin tell Calvin, “You go down dere and get dat motor, I’ll trow you a rope to bring it up wit.”

Da water was clear. Alvin watch from da boat. He sees Calvin on da bottom pulling da starter rope.

Alvin say, “Look at dat stupid idiot, he outta know he can’t start da motor like dat.” So he lean over da side of da boat and shouts into da clear water, “Calvin, you stupid idiot, Choke it! Choke it!”

WIN OR LOSE MUSK HERE TO STAY

Why did Elon Musk put so much skin in Trump’s game? The New York Times estimates Musk’s reprogramming is worth $100 million to Trump’s campaign. Musk is betting Trump will also make most of the 20 federal investigations into his companies disappear. He likely expects a Trump administration to expand the nearly 100 contracts that Musk companies have with 17 federal agencies that generated $3 billion in revenue last year. Perhaps no living billionaire owes more of their fortune to government subsidies than Musk. Tesla would have gone bankrupt without a decade of federal tax incentives for buying EV’s. Cameron County gave SpaceX a 10-year property tax abatement in 2014, and Texas taxpayers kicked in $15.3 million for the $85 million launch facility in Boca Chica. Musk is worth more than $200 billion and Tesla faces competition from new EV models, he wants to end EV tax credits. Trump has promised to make him government efficiency czar, a cabinet-level position where Musk has pledged to cut $2 trillion in spending. Musk feels entitled to overhaul the government and tell us how to live. No matter who wins the White House, Musk will arguably remain the world’s most influential Texan. Musk uses America PAC to turn out voters for Trump’s Pennsylvania and Michigan, sometimes using brutal tactics. In the past week, Musk has promoted an American PAC ad calling Vice-President Harris the “C-word” and another showing Trump as a gladiator kicking Harris. Musk, a good friend of Russia’s Putin, in the long run spells trouble for this country. We can do without his type of citizenship.*****Check us out on the web at therecordlive.com 24 hours a day. Thanks for your time. Mine is up. Take care and God bless.