Sherlock Breaux in the Creaux's Nest

U.S. MAY NEVER HAVE A ‘MADAM PRESIDENT’

I would have liked to have a woman elected president but now I know it will never happen in my lifetime. There may never be a ‘Madam President’ in the United States. The Latino population will continue to grow and Latino men believe a woman’s place is in the kitchen. They will never support a woman CEO. As much as they loved Bill Clinton, they voted against Hillary. Kamala never had a chance. She got 10 million less votes than Biden. I was one that argued that Biden should stay in the race once he announced. While Harris ran a strong race and her election would have been historic as the first woman president, Democrats did themselves no favors. Despite mounting concerns about his age and acuity, Biden remained the Democratic presidential nominee until withdrawing from the race following a disastrous debate performance during the summer. The Democratic Party quickly consolidated around Harris, but it left her little time to campaign, and the party remained fractured, particular over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Our concerns about a second Trump presidency are myriad. They continue with his call for the mass deportation of immigrants, which has the potential to upend the economy and separate families. They extend to the potential harm of massive tariffs and the future of Ukraine. He will return to office twice impeached and a felon, having been convicted in a hush money case involving an affair with a porn star. Trump is a figure like no other in American politics, and many of those who served in his first administration have spoken out against him. Now Trump is considering executive order to purge generals. Where his leadership takes our nation during such an uncertain time remains to be seen but in the meantime there will be plenty of buyers remorse. Should Trump’s extreme rhetoric become reality, it will ultimately fall to voters to respond with vigilance in 2026 and 2028.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2014

 The temperatures are expected to dip and last for a few days. Hopefully Jack Frost will stay away but it’s time to pull out the jackets. Over the weekend Ms. Ginny was putting patches on “Neighbor” Cox’s longjohns. Cox first got the longjohns in 1944, WWII issue. For 70 years Ginny has mended patches on those longjohns. Today they look like Dolly Parton’s coat of many colors. She put the American flag on the back flap.****A Travis County grand jury indicted Rick Perry on two counts, abuse of official capacity and coercion of a public servant. Richard “Rick” Perry is accused of committing two felonies punishable by five to 99 years in prison. My bet is the Perry case will be swept under the rug. Perry was indicted fair and square. It would be laughable if it wasn’t a serious charge by a grand jury that spent many months on the case.*****We were sorry to hear about the death of Eula Mae “Granny Peanut” Leleux, 91, of Port Neches, who passed away Nov. 4. She is survived by four daughters and one son. Granny had eight grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren and 30 great-great-grandchildren. One grandchild, Pattie Hanks, was former editor for this publication. Her parents are Lucy and Rene ***** Earl Duhon, manager at Dupuis Tire and Service Center needs our help. Earl, one of those hardworking, conscientious guys recently was diagnosed with colon cancer. Earl is without insurance and will need help for blood work, MRI’s, and all that follows.

20 Years Ago-2004

Judge Pat Clark and Attorney Sharon Bearden are both playing with and bragging about new grand babies.*****There were nine girls involved in “Locks of Life.“ They all agreed to grow 10 inches of hair and donate it to a cancer child who had no hair. A dinner honoring them was held at Tequila’s in Bridge City. The girls are Brittany Allen, Emily Eaves, Miranda Fisette, Emily Ginn, Chelsa Palmer, Carissa Thomas, Alex Vandenheiden and Molly Wappler. The girls cared for their hair, kept it healthy and months later, with tears in their eyes, parted with their beautiful locks for a good cause.*****Secretary of State Colin Powell says he will not stay for a second term under George W. Bush. He opposed the invasion of Iraq and was embarrassed by his presentation to the U.N. It was expected that Bush would name Condoleezza Rice to succeed Powell. (Editor’s note: The U.S. went on to occupy Iraq.) *****The West Orange- Stark 2004 Mustangs will have good memories for years to come despite a 30-28 loss to Huffman. The Mustangs, in their first year in 24-3A, are district champions. They got there by beating Bridge City 27-21 in overtime. WO-S recovered a Bridge City fumble and scored the overtime touchdown. *****The Texas Aggies beat Texas Tech 32-25 in overtime. WO-S star Kenny Franks caught two great passes, one for 48 yards and one for a TD.*****Sean Cade Gros celebrates his 14th birthday.*****Ms. Phyl is in Hot Springs where her mom Amy is in grave condition.*****Ruth “Bear” and Richard Corder celebrates 41 years of marriage on Nov. 14.

 THE YEAR OF THE TIGER

1962 Tigers called “The Zing Along Gang.”

I wrote the following all those years ago and am getting to use it again in 2024. It’s a historic keeper. I’m proud to have written it and thankful to still be around to republish it.

62 Years Ago-1962

I’ve been following Orange County football for over 60 years and I don’t believe any team ever had more talent than Stark High did in 1962. Wallace High, the Black team under Coach Willie Ray Smith and player Ernie Ladd had great teams in the 1950’s; Bridge City and the Steve Worster gang went to the state playoffs in 1965 and won it in 1966. There was all the great championship teams at West Orange-Stark after integration but man to man, the 62’ Tigers were one of those rare times when the milk is almost all cream. They lost in the semi-final game 13-20 to Pharr San Juan Alamo, played in Victoria, without All American quarterback David Foster and wingback Dan Sears, two key spokes in the perfect wheel. They were a three TD favorite with Foster playing. The stars on the team included almost the entire team. Billy Wayne Fisette was something else, he scored the first TD in the last loss, catching a pass from Steve Korby, replacing Foster. The Tigers led 7-6 at the half. In the beginning of the second half Danny Potter returned the kickoff 94 yards for a 13-6 Tiger lead before last minute turn arounds blew the game. Frank Beauchamp was named the year’s best defensive player. Coach Ted Jefferies, a coach blessed with players like Charlie Owen, Curtis Hodge, Richard Copeland, R.C. Slocum, Dickie Colburn, Quincy Procell, Jack MacLelland and many more. Some of the kids in school at the time that I recall supporting their Tigers were freshmen David Claybar, Rex McCorquodale, Joey Robins, who became a star himself, M.B. Slocum and Jeep Colburn. Sophomores who stand out in my mind were Judy Spector, Randy “Skeeter” Stark, David Frenzel, Billy Barton, who passed on years ago and T-Ray Foreman. Juniors wondering around the campus were Dan Harris, Wanda Holts, who was raised in the county jail, J.B. Bearden, who became a baseball coach and died at a young age and Theresa Adams, who was chasing after Beauchamp and finally caught him. Seniors Tommy Harmon, recently retired from the Port of Orange, Benny Mazzola, Sammy Marion “Elvis” Owens, retired. Anthony Pendleton, first generation removed from England, Johnny Veatts, Tomas Barret, one of the famous Barret’s. I wonder who remembers Percy VonEye and his sister Belva Joyce or pretty Janet Roach, Clytie Rudeseal, Speed and John Lea, Richard Terry or beautiful Peggy Roberts? What about Jo Hanna Leister who was football sweetheart, Maac Hughes, who is still around in Bridge City. Here’s something you might not know, pretty Pauline Colburn was 8th grade class favorite. Dr. Pauline Hargrove, later superintendent of schools at Little Cypress-Mauriceville, Richard Ramira Travino became “Ricky” former mayor of Pinehurst. I bet everyone remembers coaches Ben Hart and John Certa. Not many will remember Coach Ralph Smith, who played for A&M and didn’t stay around long. Just a few folks around in the great Tiger year of 1962. I believe 13 players got major college scholarship offers. Of course we know that R.C. Slocum is the winningest coach in Texas A&M history.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

The Bridge City Chamber of Commerce announced Tuesday that A.J. Judice’s Family Legacy was named as this year’s Bridge City Christmas Parade Marshal. Scot C. Shaffer said that he asked many in the area who they think of when they hear ‘Bridge City Bayou’ and an overwhelming 75% said A.J. Judice. His legacy is certainly fitting for this year’s parade theme of “Christmas on the Bayou.” The entire Judice family will don his iconic white button down shirt and red beret. Michelle Judice said they were going to fill the pontoon boat, air boat and mud boat. Laissez les bons temps rouler! He was a great friend for many years. I have many Judice stories like he and his red scooter crossing the Rainbow Bridge during a storm and feeling no pain.***** Jim Sharon and Cassie Bearden took their two little ones on a road trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Traveling through scenic mountains in the fall can be peaceful and quiet. Be sure ask them about their serenity and whether they brought the llama back home with them.*****Matt LaPray was named Volunteer of the Month at Shangri La Botanical Gardens. He began volunteering earlier this year as a greeter and now his duties include doing outpost boat tours along Adams Bayou into the natural parts of Shangri La.*****Regina and Kristopher Marple, along with youngest Kody Paul, traveled to California to see the boot camp graduation ceremonies for their new Marine, Kolton Marple, a 2024 LC-M grad. Little bro Kody Paul is in elementary school and could hardly wait to see his brother.*****Kudos to Benitris Petterway  Edwards and Denise Sezer, along with the Gate City Guild No. 57 for taking lunch to the city of Orange’s employees at the planning and public works building.*****The annual fundraiser Cattle Baron’s Ball was held in Beaumont last weekend. OC peeps seen there included Lori and Joel Ardoin, Misty Segrest, Scott Hasty,  Dyan Eatman, Michelle Price, Christy Winn, Rick Bridgers, Al Granger, plus Matt and Brittany Chandler.*****Christi and Chris Kovatch have long known son Stryker can provide some interesting stories. Last week after his team won a youth football championship, Stryker was signing his declared nickname of ‘Big Sexy.’*****We pulled up to Dow Gene and Charlotte’s place last week and Anderson said, “This is your lucky day, today is okra picking day.” He sent us home with a large supply of LSU okra. We ate some, boiled some, and smothered some for gumbo this winter.*****Our buddy Penny Leleux’s husband Gerald, who helps us with distribution of our papers, had a heart scare last Thursday. After spending the night in the hospital they sent him home with a clear report. Thank God for that.***** Judge Roy Derry Dunn has been in Methodist Hospital in Houston going on three weeks. He is fighting a half dozen health problems, four very serious and too complicated and technical for me to try to explain. Hopefully in two or three weeks he will be well enough to move to rehab. The oldest of his doctor sons, Mark, flew down from Oregon and helped care for his dad for several days. Derry is very sick but still has that great positive attitude. Jane, his wife, ‘what a sweetheart’ is constantly by his side. Hang in there Judge and may God be by your side.*****Former County Commissioner Owen Burton, who was raised with King Dunn’s boys, is who tipped us off about Derry. Owen’s wife Nelda, apparently was Christmas deprived as a child. She likes Christmas any time of the year. Friday she came home from her teaching job at LCM and Owen had a new gift, an expensive Zero mower waiting for her. She couldn’t have been more excited if he had given her a new Cadillac.*****We got to visit with Judge Chad Jenkins last Friday. He and Windee were in for a busy weekend cooking, etc. for the Orange County Special Angels Rodeo at T-2 arena. He took time to listen to a few stories. I hope he’s recording them so he can pass them down.*****Tuesday Sue and Tommy Simar were looking forward to a visit from Sue’s niece who lives up north where Sue is from. They can’t travel any more so visiting folks back home for Sue is in the past. Sue’s son Bud cares for them. Sue’s niece will be visiting till Nov. 20. We hope she has a nice visit. On March 26, they will be married 36 years.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK

A few of our friends celebrating birthdays in the next few days. Nov. 13: Karla Holden, Kimberly Ray, Karen Schrieber, Carol Lopez, Tim Johnson, Cecilia Broussard, Daniel Chesson, Darla Murphy, Cody Edgerton, Katie Hoffpauir.***Whoopi Goldberg from ‘The View’ turns 68 today and Jimmy Kimmel will be 56.*****Nov. 14: Kristina Schisler, Lauren Peet, Traci Birmingham, Mary Dixon, Susie Riedel, Vicci Milligan, Anna Cappandona, Casey Smith.*****Nov. 15: Judie Wilson, Julian Oceguera, Cynthia Graham, Julie Smith, Stuart Bertles, Kelli Peery, Lindsey Franklin, Nikki Courtney, Travis Sheppard, Wade Barron, Wally Sieck, Chris Ford, Cora Betzen, Madison Miller.*****Nov: 16: Dr. Servet Satir, Mary Loyd, Thad Angelle, Clarissa Cortez, Amaris Brown, Allene Manuel, Rebecca Collins, Bryson McFarland, Chris Byers. RaeAnna Todora, Dyanna Sandlin.*****Nov. 17: Martha Foley, Laurie Kosh, Nancy Aycock, Barbara Musser, Katy Taylor.*****Nov. 18: Theresa Evans, Lyndsie Neie, Melanie Claybar, Bryan Garrett, Leroy Gomez, Mickey Smith, Tim Bayliss, Aimee Huckabay, James Cornell, Kevin LeCourtere, Jonathan Vogt, Justin McCullough, Stephanie Williams.*****Nov. 19: Kristina Denman, Meagan McGill, Linda Klein, Liz Harris, Shelly Ford, Trina Stringer Veronica Smith, Brandon Swarers, Murray Moreland.*****Birthday greetings go out also to renaissance man Father Sinclair Oubre at St. Francis Catholic Church, Patricia Kemp, Rose Bottley, Fruit City First Lady Trisha James Spears, Brian Wickham, Judy Toney, Brittany Willliams, Jackson Johnson, Ingria Jenkins, Wade Hanchey, Codie Smith Vasquez, Theresa Cronin, Bailee Burnett Maresh, Peg Shearer, Lauren Purgahn, Kristlynn Marie Jack, Susan King, Dustin Williams, and Alley Fontenot.*****Happy 49th anniversary Nov. 13, to Debbie and David Fusilier and wish you guys many more.*****Phillip and Pat Caillavet celebrated their 47th anniversary.***Others with anniversaries included Brian and Janet Wickham, and Nicholas and Claire Harvey.

FARMER’S MERCANTILE AN ORANGE COUNTY TREASURE

I was very impressed with Jo-Jo Harris’ presentation of her family business, Farmer’s Mercantile, on “Texas Country Reporter” in 2014 on a Sunday night. Bob Phillips did a good job featuring Orange County’s most unique retail outlet. I first visited Gus Harris’ mercantile in 1949. My dad and I, after getting haircuts at the Holland Hotel barber shop, where Joe Blanda was a barber, walked across the street to the store. Dad bought a small rope and bridle. There wasn’t anything unique about the place back then. Every town had mercantile stores, some several. That was before super stores and today’s big box stores. Today, Farmer’s Mercantile store is unique because it remains virtually as it was 100 years ago when the Harris family first opened it. Gus came on board after the war. I remember Mr. Turner, Helen Ratcliff and a bunch of other hands who helped maneuver folks around the store much like Jo-Jo and the employees do today. You can still find many of the old items but over the years, new and modern farm products have come on the market. When you walk into this Orange landmark, you are walking back in time, when life was simpler, slower and the customers took time to visit about farm crops, their gardens, or the cattle business. Every time I stop by the store I see someone I have not come across in quite a while. On a visit several years ago I ran into Ernie Willy and son Sam. For years we were next-door neighbors to the mercantile store, in the Opportunity Valley News building. This time of year Gus always kept peanuts roasting on the stove. Surely Jo-Jo is still roasting peanuts. I buy all my plants there, even though over the years, the size of my crop has gotten smaller and smaller. Farmer’s Mercantile is one of our treasures, like the Stark Museum, Lutcher Theater and Shangri La. So next time you have out of town guest take them for a trip into the past, when their grandmother was a little girl, and the mercantile store was like going to today’s super market. Hopefully, it will be around for many years until my grandchildren are old folks. (Editor’s note: I wanted to reprint the above as a historical piece. When I’m gone there won’t be anyone around who recalls Farmer’s Mercantile going back to the 1940’s.)*****I’d better shut this down. Shop our family of advertisers and read us cover to cover. Check us out 24-7 on our website therecordlive.com. Take care and God bless.