Sherlock Breaux in the Creaux's Nest

CAN PHELAN SURVIVE AS SPEAKER

The race for speaker of the Texas House has narrowed, pitting Beaumont Republican Dade Phelan, who has held the gavel since 2021, against Rep. David Cook, R-Mansfield, who has emerged as the challenger designated by a group disillusioned with House leadership. Phelan says he has the votes to be reelected to a third term as speaker. The speaker race typically takes off in the fall, but the quest to replace Phelan by his critics got started before the last legislative session even ended. Critics blamed Phelan for the House’s impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton and for the deadlock between the House and Senate on property taxes, the border and education. That included the House’s ultimate failure to pass Gov. Greg Abbott’s school vouchers measure in November. Paxton, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and former President Donald Trump endorsed Phelan’s primary opponent in an attempt to oust the speaker, buoyed by millions of dollars spent by organizations from outside his district and outside the state. Between the flanked attacks from Abbott’s and Paxton’s respective camps, nine Republicans lost their primaries, and Phelan and seven others were forced into primary runoffs. Although Phelan survived his primary runoff at the end of May, six of the seven others lost theirs. Phelan’s camp says they’re confident he has the votes. “The path to the speakership is a matter of simple math,” Phelan’s spokeswoman Cait Wittman, said to the Tribune. Speaker Phelan has the clear majority votes needed to be the speaker today and will have the clear majority support needed to become speaker again come January.” Phelan has the support of an inner circle of loyal GOP lieutenants, and he would likely have the support of most, but not all, of the 60-plus Democrats. Phelan has been the only Republican speaker candidate this cycle who would continue the longstanding practice of appointing Democrats to committee chairmanships as part of a bipartisan leadership team. The combination of a minority of Republicans plus Democrats would likely get Phelan to 76 votes. Texas law calls on the secretary of state to preside until the election of the House speaker. However, if the secretary of state is absent, the attorney general would preside, which could leave Paxton, Phelan’s No. 1 political rival, with the gavel as Phelan fights on the floor to retain his speakership.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago 2014

County Judge Carl Thibodeaux’s retirement reception was a very special event held Dec. 19, at the Orange County Convention and Expo Center. The retirement reception honored Judge Thibodeaux for 20 years of service. Many improvements have been made throughout the county under his leadership as our longest serving county judge. *****After traveling 10 years a comet probe named Philae landed on a four-billion-year-old comet traveling through space at 87,000 miles an hour. Spacecraft Rosetta orbited then dropped Philae off from three miles away from the comet. That really boggles my mind. I came from an era when we brought sugarcane to the mill in a wagon drawn by a pair of mules.***** I understand Kenny Dupuis will be parade marshal for the Bridge City Christmas Light Parade on Dec. 6. That’s a good thing and well deserved. I would make only one adjustment. Kee-Kee should have Ray Leleux ride with him. It would be like Charlie McCarthy with his Mortimer Snerd. The crowd would get three clowns for one. (Editor’s note: Ray and KeeKee are now gone.)

26 Years Ago-1998

 Michael Cory St. Clergy, 18, was arraigned on first degree murder and robbery charges. He is charged with the murder of Ernest Alan Ford, in Pinehurst and a gunpoint robbery of a convenience store in Orange. Police Chief Dan Robertson said, “The boy seemed to show no remorse for his actions.” Pinehurst policeman Lt. Ronnie Barrett and D.A. investigator K.C. Breshers said St. Clergy has confessed to both crimes. Dist. Attorney John Kimbrough said, “There is no doubt we have the right person.” Ford was found shot inside a white Lincoln at Sussex Manor apartments.*****I have a hard time believing some of the following events occurred that long ago. On Sunday, Nov. 15, banker Fred Charles Gregory, 64, died at his residence. Service was held Tuesday, Nov. 17. Fred was a United States Army veteran, former Bridge City Bank president and chairman of the board of Amtex Bancshares. Survivors include his wife June, daughter Sharon and son Darin. He is also survived by his mother Pauline and sisters Barbara Broussard and Vicki McKinzie. *****Dr. David Jones, of Bridge City, has come home to practice Physiatry, the non-surgical treatment of musculoskeletal injuries with rehabilitation and medication. Physiatry allows David to practice sports medicine. While a student at Bridge City High David participated in football, basketball, baseball and track. As Coach Andy Griffin’s quarterback and defensive back, he earned the title “Orange County Athlete of the Year.” He attended Lamar on a full ride, athletic scholarship. *****The Bobcats, of Coach Randy Theriot, will take on Crockett in Conroe. Daville gained 1660 yards and 19 TD’s in regular season. *****The West Orange-Stark Mustangs walked through District 20 4-A undefeated, with 10 straight victories. The Mustangs are number two in the state and were, in the second week of the playoffs, being compared to the 1987 state championship team. The results shocked fans around the state. WO-S lost to Silsbee 21-20 on a missed field goal in a game played at T.J. Yellow Jacket stadium, in Port Arthur. Just like that, in the upset of the decade, the playoffs were over for Coach Hooks’ Mustangs.*****Chris Farkas, the Record Newspapers “Jack-of-All Trades” leaves for a new job in Florida. He was a special part of a great team at The Record, made up of Pattie Hanks, editor, Vickie Parfait, writer, Karen Gros, head of sales, Mark Dunn, layout specialist and photographer and Roy, who keeps all the parts working for Orange County’s most popular publication.

46 Years Ago-1978

 Attorney Sharon Bearden, on his first deer hunting trip of the season, killed an eight-point buck. He hung him overnight while he dreamed of that fine kill. He got up early to marvel at his deer and all hell broke loose when hanging where his deer should have been he found a jackrabbit. He threatened to kill everyone in camp before they finally produced his deer. *****Betty Harmon has been added to the board of directors of County National Bank.*****Joe Burke will celebrate another birthday on Nov. 22.

51 Years Ago-1973

For more than a year, President John F. Kennedy sought the trip to Texas that ended tragically the afternoon of Nov. 22, 1963. The national pain and trauma that followed his assassination 10 years ago produced the Kennedy legend.*****While Richard Corder and Joe Kazmar were broadcasting the West Orange- Crosby game in Baytown last Saturday, Carl Thibodeaux hand delivered a mess of boudain to the press box. BBRC flew into the Cajun vittles; Yankee Kazmar was a little suspect but tried it anyway and got hooked. *****Millie and Cathy, the Harper girls, drive in from Mauriceville every morning. They are still asleep when they show up at the Jack Tar at 5 a.m. to serve breakfast. Their old truck just drives itself in. *****East Zone 10-AAA All-District team is named. The coaches’ pick is loaded with talent. On offense QB Ray Pousson of West Orange, RB, Lanston Fall, BC; Roy Williams, WO; Lorrance Wills, WO; Donald Solco, SFA; E’s Randle Teate, WO; James Hadnot, Jasper; T Robert Moody, LCM; Victor Enard, WO; C Duane Callahan, WO; G’s Clint Belk, BC; Mark Champagne, SFA. The Offensive Player of the Year is Ray Pousson.*****All District defense, E James Long, WO; Paul Bingham, WO; T Mike McDonald, WO; Kenny Brown, BC; NG Randy Fults, BC; LB Mark Dunn, BC; Larry Spears, WO; Charles Hillebrandt, BC; HB Gary Dean, Silsbee; HB Kenneth Stephenson, WO-S; Dale McCall, LCM; S Bo Worrell, BC. The Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year is Larry Spears. Glenn Green of West Orange is Coach of the Year.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

Sue and Tommy Simar, along with Sue’s niece Sharon, visiting from Pennsylvania and driven by Bud, stopped by Tuesday. They brought some frozen figs that we plan to make fig tarts with. It was a pleasure meeting Sharon. She attended the debate and we think a lot alike. She’s pretty and interesting. They just didn’t stay long enough.*****The Bridge City Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for Business and Citizen of the Year. Nominations can be made online, by mail or dropped off at the chamber office. There is a slot in the door. Put the letters in a sealed envelope to the attention of the nominating committee.*****The Salvation Army Angel Trees are now available in local businesses until Dec. 12. More than 400 children and senior citizens are registered this year. Adopt an angel if you are able and help provide love beyond Christmas morning.*****Country Music Awards are Wednesday night, Nov. 20. The best of all award shows but not as good as it was several years ago. This week we are running a two part Life’s Highway column, written by Roy, about country music and the Grand Ole Opry.*****Wanda and Coach Les Johnson visited Phyl and Roy over the weekend. Les brought some fresh picked pecans which he said slept in the tree the night before. Coach Johnson, a former Bridge City High School coach is 89 and will turn 90 in Oct. They have been married 69 years. Wanda is still very pretty, Les looks the same, but he’s a great guy.*****Only West Orange-Stark survived the first week of playoffs, defeating Sweeny 41-14. LCM lost to Lindale, 49-21; Bridge City lost to Pine Tree, 35-28 and in a hard-fought battle, Orangefield lost 49-42 to Fairfield. LCM District Police Chief Mike Hennigan did his best to keep the spirits high for Bear fans. He was seen holding a homemade ‘Cheer or You’ll Go To Jail’ sign along the sidelines..***** Texas Workforce Commission just released unemployment statistics. Orange County dropped from 5.4% in September to 5.3% in October. Any drop is good. It was 4.6% in October of last year. We are consistently half a percent below the figures for all of Southeast Texas.*****Sharon Bearden has no problem talking about his grandkids. Granddaughter Hallie Bearden went to Chicago and came out with first place in the World Powerlifting Championships. A few weeks ago, she was crowned homecoming queen at Bridge City High. Plus her brother, Hutch Bearden, was named to the 4A District 10 All-District football team for his work as quarterback for the BC Cardinals. Jim Sharon Bearden is their dad.*****And speaking of lawyers with football star sons, Doug Manning’s son Mason, running back for Orangefield, was named All-District plus the MVP for the district.*****Phillip and Pat Caillavet, along with Paula and Randy Ragsdale, made sure to take their sweaters with them on their cruise to the Bahamas. It wasn’t just any cruise, it was the Hallmark Christmas Movie Cruise. All things Christmas on the trip, plus meeting the stars of the popular holiday TV movies and having an ugly sweater night. Lady Whistlebreaux thinks Jody Chesson may be jealous. He’s probably sulking by watching the classic animated Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer over and over. Dayle Gunn and daughter Lacey Gunn Hale took off to College Station to visit Vinny Hale and the Texas A&M Songfest.*****Another grandmother, Vivian McMillan, got to see her grandson Adam Conrad at work at the Lutcher Theater while taking in the Cirque Dreams Holidaze. The theater company spent the week in Orange perfecting everything before setting out for a tour of more than 60 cities. The theater companies are learning the advantages of starting in Orange. They bring in a lot of performers and behind-the-scenes workers to stay here.*****Della Gallien got her dream trip to see the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T  thanks to sons Richard Bonnin and Don Bonnin.*****Eighteen years ago I bought my hearing aids from Brown Hearing Center. Because of good service from Eddie and his staff my hearing aids serve me as well today as the day I bought them. If you’re having hearing problems I strongly recommend Brown’s, right here at home. One pair of quality aids is all you ever need.*****I was feeling forgotten when I got a call from County Judge John Gothia. We are fortunate to be served by our present Commissioners Court. I understand Commissioner Johnny Trahan is feeling well enough to attend this week’s meeting.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS

Roy and Phyl’s middle child, Allen Clay Dunn, marks a birthday on Nov. 20. The family celebrated with a fish fry Sunday evening. Also grandson Sean Cade Gros, Karen’s middle sons, celebrated a belated birthday Nov. 12. He brought Jessica Windel, his special girl. Brothers Garrett and Collin brought their favorite ladies, Nika Lagana and Morgan Shaw. This day is also the birthday of Carey Green, former Bridge City resident, now living in Sherman, TX. ***Other special friends celebrating on Nov. 20 are Edgar Eschbach and Lon Hubbard.*****On Nov. 22, Butch Campbell, Jason Leleaux, Cecil Broom, and a great guy Judge Rodney Price celebrate.*****My buddy, now retired, Jackie Roberts celebrates on Nov. 23. Also Rodney Petty, Scott Mackey.*****Nov. 24 finds Kim Hubbard, Debbie Hughes, Candance Todora and Jeff Hollis celebrating.*****On Nov. 25, Sherry Hickman, Vivienne Mathews, Amber Permar, Sherry Hommel celebrate.*****Eric Andrus marks a birthday on Nov. 26 along with Judge Courtney Arkeen and Taryn Hubbard, Dana Bryant Jessica Harkness and a very happy birthday to a longtime friend County Attorney John Kimbrough. John has done to ride the range with all these many years. They are building a new home in the Hill Country near where Judge Dennis Powell landed.*****Birthday greetings go out also to Judy Tuter, Brandy Bonnin, former Pinehurst police chief Fred Hanauer, Helen Mazier, Monica McCoy, Michael Mazzola, Gene Sopa, Suzanne Magee, Melanie Musemeche Claybar, John Goss, Ray Lavan, Jaycelyn Duval, Vicki Bingham, Cathy Bryan, Tom Westover, Vicci Waguespack, Diana Seal Perry, Amber Wagstaff, and Kade Parkhurst.***** Clint and Phyllis Fegia celebrated their 32nd anniversary.***Others with anniversaries this past week included David and Amy Worsham, along with Scott and Alayna Magnuson.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

  Otto Comeaux showed up at T-Boys Bar and Grill sporting two black eyes him. “Mais, wat da hell happen to you, hanh? Tee- Neg Dartez axe.

“Well, it’s like dis, Camilla has been trying to get me to go to mass wit her so me, I dress for church and go wit her. Boy, Tee-Neg, dat’s a dangerous place yeah. I was sitting in da pew me, and dere was dis fat lady wat was sitting in front of us. Wen she got up from kneelin’ down, her dress, it was caught in da crack of her butt. You know, like da cow eating da cabbage. Well, I figure I help da lady out so I pulled it out of her crack. Boy, dat lady turn around and pop me right in da eye.”

Tee-Neg say, Keyaw! Tell me how you got dat utta black eye hanh?“

Comeaux say, well me, I figure dat lady don’t want it out her, so wen we all stand up again I reach over da bench and shove it back in like it was.”

C’EST TOUT

DISMAY INSIDE DOJ AFTER TRUMP TAPS GAETZ

According to the Associated Press, Donald Trump’s choice of Matt Gaetz to be attorney general has many Justice Department employees reeling, worried not only about their own jobs but the future of the agency that the Trump loyalist has railed against. The president-elect’s pick of the Florida Republican sent a shock throughout the Cabinet department, considering Gaetz’s lack of experience in law enforcement and the fact that he was once the subject of a federal sex trafficking investigation. It is unclear whether Gaetz has enough Republican support in the Senate to be confirmed. Trump has broached the possibility of bypassing the traditional confirmation process by pushing through his nominees while the Senate is in recess. Gaetz faces continued scrutiny over a federal trafficking investigation. House Speaker Mike Johnson said Friday that he will “strongly request” that the House committee not release the results of its investigation, rebuffing senators who are demanding access now that Gaetz is Trump’s pick for attorney general. The department runs on career employees, people who are apolitical in work, and politics aside, if all of these people are so dismayed at the selection of the attorney general that they leave, who will carry out the functions of the department. The prospect that the department could be led by “somebody who is highly compromised” and also may have a “personal vendetta” against it.*****I’ve got to shut down, times up. Read us cover to cover; check us out on our web 24-7 at therecordlive.com. Please shop our family of advertisers. Take care and God bless.