Sherlock Breaux in the Creaux's Nest

PHELAN BIG LOSS FOR ORANGE COUNTY

The Texas House Speaker is one of the most powerful legislative positions in the state. For a district like ours, it is a big loss to lose Dade Phelan. It really doesn’t matter if a state leader is Republican or Democrat, he always is in a position to bring good things to his district. Phelan, 49, has been one of the most powerful elected officials in Texas. Phelan started to lose his grip on the House last year when Attorney General Ken Paxton, months after being impeached on corruption charges in the lower chamber, survived his trial in the Senate. The acquittal was a major rebuke of Phelan, who supported the impeachment effort. Paxton and his far-right allies vowed payback against the speaker and any Republican who voted for impeachment. West Texas oil and gas billionaires and out-of-state school choice advocates spent millions of dollars to back his challenger David Covey. Phelan eked out only a 366 win in the runoff. The close race hurt Phelan’s support state wide and caused Orange County to take a big hit. We probably will never have a state leader in our district again.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2014

The Mustangs of West Orange-Stark have played almost flawlessly over the last couple of games. Coach Thompson and his coaches came up with just the right game plan and the youngsters executed it. The Mustangs meet Sinton in the semi-finals Friday at Rosenberg. If the Mustangs play like they have in the last two games it’s a good bet they will be playing for the state championship. Special thanks to Mari Elen Jacobs who has done a great job covering the Mustangs, both in writing and photos, throughout the season.***** A big New Year’s Eve shindig will be held at the V.F.W. in Orange, featuring G.G. Shinn, Jivin Gene and friends. It’s going to be one heck of a big party.***** We were sorry to hear about the death of Jim Austin, who was a former Orange Olds/Cadillac dealer for many years. He was a prince of a guy.*****Dec. 11, finds the “First Lady” of Starks Lucy Hanks celebrating another one. *****On Dec. 14, CPA Keri Michutka, Kandy Sartin, Danny Blacksher, Diane Bertrand and Hannah Carpenter all celebrate. This would also have been our late friend Doug Harrington’s birthday. Also Betty and Corky Harmon’s 58th wedding anniversary. *****On Dec. 15, the “First Lady” of Bridge City Shirley Roccaforte celebrates. Also having a birthday are Maac Hughes.*****Carlos Vasek, TCU’s biggest fan, is not happy that TCU was dropped out of the final four. To put salt in the wound, they dropped TCU to sixth place behind Baylor. (Editor’s note: I miss seeing Carlos, a great guy and banker. Hope he’s doing ok.)

20 Years Ago-2004

LSC-O to graduate 109 on Dec. 17. Troy Johnson, assistant district attorney, a native of Orange and graduate of West Orange- Stark, will be the guest speaker at commencement ceremonies. (Editor’s note: Today Johnson is County Court at Law Judge and will retire this month.)*****The Bridge City Rotary Club, formed in 1974, is preparing to celebrate its 30th anniversary. The club chartered with 25 members. Gerald Pesson was first president, Roy Dunn first recipient of the Paul Harris award. Charter members were Dr. David Olson, Bill Nickum, Roy Dunn, Dr. Joe Majors, Jerry Pesson, Doug Harrington, H.D. Pate, Butch Lusignan, Jimmy Hanson, Dr. Carlyle Dotson, Joe Fields, Louis Linder, Barry Weisman, Neil Bond, Hershel Mulligan, Bill Weisman, Tim Leiby, Don Castille, Paul Eason, Rev. Ed Robinson, Bubba Hubbard, Bobby Smitherman, Don Cole, Wilson Roberts and Gene Guillotte. (Editor’s note: I count 20 of those young members that have died since the club was charted 50 years ago. The Bridge City Rotary Club is still very active and meets each Thursday at noon.)*****BCISD is in search of a new superintendent. Sam Lucia, outgoing superintendent’s last day is Friday, Dec. 17. Asst. Joe Chenella has been named as the interim superintendent. Chenella says he does not want to move up to the position full time but is willing to serve as interim until someone is hired. Chenella said Bill Ortego has been hired by the school board as search consultant to find a new superintendent. Feb. 21, 2005 is the date set to fill the position.*****Kirk and Shirley Roccaforte were in a motorcycle accident which sent Shirley to the hospital. She underwent surgery on her hand and suffered a broken leg. Kirk was banged up and bruised but we understand he is alright. (Editor’s note: That was 20 years ago.) *****GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: Jack Douglas “Jackie” Harmon, 75, passed away Dec. 9, at Memorial Herman Hospital in Houston. He was born in Orange March 13, 1929, to a pioneer Orange family. Ovie and Rosalie Harmon were his parents. At age 16, Jackie started in the used car business and later owned Harmon Chrysler dealership. He and his brothers, Corky and Don, purchased the Chevrolet dealership in 1969. He served as president for 20 years. He was preceded in death by son Rocky Lynn Harmon. Survivors are his wife of 57 years Jerry Nell, siblings Carlton, Don and Tom, sisters Janie Holton and Cynthia Fisher, children Sherry, Tim and Michael Clay Harmon.***Robert Bucklin, 64, Bridge City councilman, died Dec. 13.***Nelry M. Prince, 80, of Orangefield died Dec. 8.***Olga Balodis, 100,of Orange died Dec. 7.***Heather Marie Lonidier Sizemore, 32, of Orange, died Dec. 7, in an auto accident.*****Mark Dunn writes feature story on Orangefield Oil pioneer Paul Cormier and the boom-town era celebrated in Cormier’s museum collection. The museum is scheduled to open in January. An oilfield jail house, turn of the century saloon and oilfield boarding house are just a start of what will be on display. Cormier, 85, has collected historic items of the 20th century oilfield establishments that will fill twin 60X180 buildings. (Editor’s note: The museum has been donated to the Orangefield School District since Mr. Paul’s passing Oct. 30, 2009.)

45 Years Ago-1979

Keeping the Cajun heritage alive and sharing it with newcomers to the area, W.T. “Boss Cajun” Oliver embarks on second Gros Boucherri. The Boucherri was a gathering of Cajun families in Louisiana to butcher and share their hogs. It’s a traditional winter event because, before the days of refrigeration, pork would spoil quickly. Cajuns never wasted anything edible. From pork they got cracklins and shortening. Besides cooking, the shortening was used to preserve pork meat in a jar by pouring it over the meat. As long as the air didn’t hit it, the meat would congeal and not spoil. Among the guests were new incoming Orange Chamber president Harmon Beauchamp and wife Mary, Lawrence and Ethel Foux, Bob Boudreaux, G.C. Fells, Ann Oliver was chief hostess. Other helpers and eaters were Ann Lieby, Bill and Martha Hughes, Roy and Phyllis Dunn and Carolyn and Frank Riddick. Out-of-towners were Jack Pevin and Bill Minert of Dallas, Bob Anderson, of Ohio and Van Grady from Mississippi. Two hundred and fifty guests attended Oliver’s hog killing and feast which was a big success. (Editor’s note: Only Roy remains of those named but I bet Mayor David Rutledge and “Bear” Ann’s daughter remembers.)***** Dedication of a historical marker and plaque for Claiborne West Park was held last Saturday at the soon-to-be-open park on Cow Bayou off of IH-10.*****Al Barbre is basketball coach at Bridge City. The leading scorer is David Ess. He also leads in rebounds. *****A few of the students on the Bridge City principle’s honor roll in the 12th grade: Billy Bryant, Louis Garriga, Darrell Gurney, Barbara Hryhorchuk, Shelly Pate and Paul Zoch; 10th grade, Georgia Fleming, Brenda Berry and Fred Zoch; 9th grade, Frank Angelle, Cheryl Pesson and Tammie Waddell. *****Tony Dorsett, of the Dallas Cowboys, became only the second NFL running back to rush for over 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons. The other was John Brockington, of Green Bay. Dorsett has lost only one fumble in over 200 carries.*****This week, Carl Thibodeaux and his crew will be moving the West Orange Pharmacy to a nice, new building next to the office of Dr. Jones.

AROUND ORANGE COUNTY

Someone called the paper looking for Coach Thompson’s book, “WOS Football - A Way of Life.” Coach’s wife Francis told us they are available for sale at Trendz in Orange and The Cottage in Mauriceville. It would make a great Christmas gift for the avid athlete supporter in your life. The rain stopped just in time Saturday for the Bridge City Christmas Parade. “It was perfect,” said Mandy Lyda of the Bridge City Chamber of Commerce. “I think the gloomy atmosphere was just right for the theme.” This year’s Christmas on the Bayou theme brought out about 40 entries, including airboats and boats of all sizes. She said the Bridge City football team’s float almost took out the phone lines with their huge Lochness Monster themed float. She doesn’t know how many toys were collected, but they had several boxes at the chamber that was collected from the reverse Santa held earlier. The Ministerial Alliance handled the collections the night of the parade.*****The Orange Community Players are scheduling Caroling and Cookies next week 5-8 p.m. Dec. 20-21. You can surprise somebody by scheduling the carolers to arrive with Christmas cheer. This “Pay what you can” service is to make the public aware that OCP is BACK and open for business. They hope to have a grand opening event scheduled sometime in January. The link to schedule your caroling session is http://www.bit.ly/ocpcarols. Only available to Orange County locations.*****Christmas in Orangefield is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 21. The parade will advance from Orangefield Oil Supply on 408 to Orangefield Junior High School. Vendors, food trucks and live entertainment will be at the Jr. High until 3 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Orangefield Fine Arts Booster Club.*****The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle collection is falling behind in this year’s goal of $100,000. Drop a donation in the bucket if you are able or volunteer to ring the bell if you aren’t. All the money stays in Orange County. Help them bring Christmas cheer to those that wouldn’t have any without it. They also clothe and feed people in need throughout the year.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

Rain, wind, and cold hampered a few holiday events last weekend, but a bit of bad weather didn't hurt the festive holiday spirit. Orange canceled the Gum Drop Shop in Stark Park because of the forecast rain on Saturday. But the Stark House and Stark Museum of Art continued their family events and the Kiwanis Christmas parade moved through downtown. Santa and Buddy the Elf met with kids as planned after the parade, but instead of being outdoors in the park, they moved inside to the museum.***Over in Bridge City, the Friday night tree lighting and reverse Santa drew a good crowd, even with the cold and promise of drizzling rain. The BC Chamber's Christmas parade moved on schedule Saturday night.*****Orange City Councilor Brad Childs and wife Terri hosted a big crowd Saturday night at their annual Christmas party at their estate and party barn. The crowd included Jody Chesson, Della Gallien, Gary and Allisha Bonneaux, Lucy and DJ Parker, Amy Prouse, Jennifer McConnell, Shari Rule, Mistie Layne, Chris Hicks, Dale Ezell Foreman, Rita Monson, and Michelle LaRose.*****Amy Prouse and Jody Chesson were busy again at the Heritage House Museum for Santa Paws and the lighted open house. Both are on the museum's board of directors. Other directors greeting people at the event included Allison Clary of the famous shipbuilding family, Leslie Williams, Kimberley Manning, and James Scales. Charlotte Alford is the Heritage House director overseeing everything.*****Emily McKee Mellon, president of the Orange Service League, greeted guests at the charity group's 68th Annual Toy Coffee to gather new toys and cash donations for the local Salvation Army. Emily also serves on the local Army's citizen board. Captains Dante and Tiffany Salgado, head of the Orange County Salvation Army, got the Texas Army Band to play at the festive gathering. The band played on the porch of the historic home of Robin and Bruce Hunt as guests arrived. The house, built in 1906, was once the home of the Mazzola family and lots of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren came to look at the new look for the old home. Betty Harmon made an outing to the coffee. Chairs for the event were Cheryl Sharpton-Stalnaker, Tricia Stroud, and  Rita Savage Ballard. The Service League also presented Rita Ballard's new charity Be Blessed with $10,500 to help the effort to help others.*****Sherry Hommel is traveling around Italy with jaunts to Rome and Tuscany.*****Kelli Patin has been touring Australia and New Zealand.*****The Stark High '67 Chicks gathered for a Christmas party. The grads included Patsy Kemp, Tanya Goldbeck, Becky Davis, Pauline Hargroe, Janice Allen, Deidra Coody, Barbara Bridges, and Sue Ellen Hammonds.*****We were saddened to learn Tuesday at the death of the great poet Nikki Giovanni. She visited Orange more than 30 years ago for a local Black history banquet.***** Rene Hanks Jr., known as the 'Mayor of Starks,' got a big surprise birthday party for his 90th birthday party. Nearly 150 people gathered at St. Maurice Catholic Church in Mauriceville as his daughter Patti Hanks and her family pulled off the big event without giving him a hint. They brought in some great area Cajun musicians including Roland Boudreaux, Jivin' Gene Bourgeois, Mike Powell, Aubrey Powell, and Dwight Hanks.  The birthday boy himself picked up an accordion to play classics like Jole Blan, Back Door, and Toot Toot as his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren danced. Others with recent birthdays include Chloe Clark, Orange City Secretary Patricia Anderson, Beverly Blalock, Steve Maddo, Vivian Flore, Morghan Simone Mitchell, Holly Dickson, Mica Craft, Colton Claybar, Cliff Kennedy, Father Joe Daleo, Melanie Huckabay Claybar, Dewetta Brack, Ronnie Mason, Judy McNamara, Phyllis Casey, Tammra Frederick, and Evita Kemmer.*****Former New York Yankee Andre Robertson and his bride, Lanier, celebrated their  40th wedding anniversary.***Dixie and Gay Richardson have made it 61 years.***Jason and Amber Toal marked their sixth anniversary.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS

A few folks celebrating birthdays in the next few days. Dec. 11: Jo Lynn Mott,

Kent Sarver, Kristine Cortez, Jim Sands, Cody Caples, Leslie Lyons, Cody Caples, Tara Fountain, Nathan Vogt, Rob Clark.*****Dec. 12: Lucy Hanks, Shelby Hebert, George Sehon, Zackery Anderson, Arielle Foster, Joel Fruge, Scott Derouen, Bonnie Albright, Daniel Bates.*****Dec. 13: Melissa Poydence,  Melinda Swares

Kristy Kidwell, Jenny Duncan.*****Dec. 14: Keri Michutka, Ronald Escamilla, Tim Fix,

Danny Blacksher, Danny Prosperie, Dorothy Jenkins, Hannah Carpenter.*****Dec. 15:

Donnie Stanton, Maac Hughes, Amanda Webb Jeff Harrington,

Kenneth Pittman Melanie Richter, Alex Harner,

Belinda Broom, Brent Burris, Craig Reynolds, Dale Armand.*****Dec. 16: Elizabeth Uzzle, Kitty Martin, Michelle Gephart, Carol Allen,

Natalie Nimitz.*****Dec. 17: Former Orange Mayor Brown Claybar, Beatrice Cortez, Jeremie Delano, Nathan Applebach, Martha Taylor.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Asa Comeaux’s boy Arnold was marrying Oris Boudreaux’s daughter Evalyn. On da day of da wedding Asa took his boy Arnold aside and tole him, “Wen you get back from you honeymoon, you got to lay down some rules. Let you wife know dat da man is da boss him, and he can do wat he wants to, and for her not to forget dat, you understand wat you Papa is telling you?”

Arnold, him, he answer, “Yes sir, I’ll do dat, me.”

Wen him and his wife got home from dere honeymoon at Holly Beach, Arnold say to his wife, “Look here, I got to lay down some rules rat now, me. I’ll be home wen I want, at wat time I want, and I don’t expect any hassle from you. Da man is da boss, him. Wen I get home I expect a good meal to be on da table, unless I tell you I won’t be home for supper. I’ll go hunting, fishing, boozing and card playing wen I want wit my good buddies and you better not give me a hard time bout it. Dose

are my rules. You have any comments, hanh?”

His new bride Evalyn look him rat in da eyes and say, “No, dats fine wit me Arnold, just understand dat dere will be sex here at seven o’clock every night, whether you here or not.”

C’EST TOUT

SWIFT PASSES BILLIONAIRE STATUS IN MUSIC INDUSTRY

Taylor Swift's "The Eras Tour" earned $2,077,618,725 in ticket sales. "The Tortured Poets Department" singer-songwriter first took the stage 21 months ago in Glendale, Arizona, on March 17, 2023. Swift took her final bow in Vancouver on Dec. 8. The over $2 billion total is double the amount of any other gross ticket sales of a concert tour. A total of 10,168,008 fans attended "The Eras Tour." Taylor Swift reportedly gave over $197 million in bonuses to her touring staff. During her final show, Swift told the crowd: "We have toured the entire world. It has been the most exciting, powerful, electrifying, intense, most challenging thing I've ever done in my entire life." Swift received 26.6 billion global streams throughout 2024, according to Spotify.*****Well, I’ve come to the end of another column. I give thanks to the Big Man for allowing me to still be able to do this and communicate with you after all these many years. I thank you for the time you spend with me each week. The sad part is so many of the good folks I wrote about through the years are now gone. But I’m proud of all the local history I was blessed to record, and still able to rerun some over 50 years later.*****Read us cover to cover and please, whenever possible, shop our family of advertisers who make it all possible. We’re locally owned and operated and strive to make our community better. Take care and God bless.