Sherlock Breaux in the Creaux's Nest

 STATE FUNERAL TO BE HELD FOR CARTER

James Earl Carter Jr., an American politician from Plains Georgia, served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981. He was a member of the Democratic Party and had previously served in the Georgia State Senate from 1963 to 1967 and as the 76th governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975.  A state funeral for former  President Jimmy Carter will be held on Jan. 9 in Washington, D.C, according to a presidential declaration by President Biden. Biden also said that day will be a National Day of Mourning for Carter, who died Sunday, Dec. 29, at the age of 100.  "I call on the American people to assemble on that day in their respective places of worship, there to pay homage to the memory of President James Earl Carter, Jr.," Biden said in a statement. "I invite the people of the world who share our grief to join us in this solemn observance." President Biden declared that all American flags be flown at half-staff for 30 days at all federal buildings, military posts and naval stations, as well as on all naval vessels. Most of the federal government will be closed on Jan. 9 in observance of the day of mourning, the president said in a proclamation.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2015

The year comes to an end on an economical high note. Economists are optimistic about continued growth in 2015. The American economy is positioned to soar. The stock market is at an all-time high, the annual deficit is down a trillion dollars, and joblessness is down. Over ten million, Americans who didn’t have health insurance before Obamacare now have it.*****Judge Janice Menard ends a 32 year career in the Justice of the Peace Pct. 3 office this week. She has been a good employee and a good judge. She is very knowledgeable, with more J.P. training than all other county justices. No one can find fault with the way she ran the court. Sometimes during a political campaign things are said that at other times would be slanderous and should be taken tongue in cheek. Judge Menard refused to change parties, “Hypercritical” she said, so she was caught up in the straight party GOP voting. However, she did something never done before; she received 24.5 percent cross over voting.*****Along with Judge Carl Thibodeaux, I’ll miss our buddy, Nelda’s other half, Owen Burton, on the court. We very seldom disagreed but it was fun when we did. Owen had to be talked into running for the last term so I bet he’s glad to be getting out of Dodge. His seat will be taken by a younger man, his nephew Barry Burton.*****Karen Jo, oh how I’ll miss that girl. For her 40 years in the County Clerk’s office she’s been my friend. I’ve often called on her for information and had it before I hung the phone up. Over the years, when my Happenings cupboard was bare, Karen Jo would get me out of a bind by being my court house source for local happenings. We had a mutual admiration, she’s good people and I wish her the very best retirement. She’s earned it. *****Carl Thibodeaux, what can I say about the Judge that I haven’t said before? I don’t believe that citizens fully realize the scope of what was accomplished under his 20 years as county judge. It seems like every year he had a new court to work with. He found a way to work, even with those who were extreme and self-serving. Being a Cajun, he was often headstrong but he was a leader during good times and bad storms. He wanted to run again but wouldn’t switch parties. He called it “Silly” in local politics. I don’t believe ever again anyone will serve 20 years in that office. We wish the new County Judge, Brint Carlton, nothing but the best. Happy sailing. Thanks to Tib for his service but don’t bet the farm that he will stay retired and inactive in county affairs. Janice, Karen Jo, Owen and Carl, all Democrats, served us well.***** Home for the holidays are Vicky Thompson, formerly of Bridge City, now a Dallas resident, was in town visiting with family for the holidays. Her sister and brother-in-law Kim and Tim McDonald, of Little Cypress, were excited to have her home. *****Port Director Gene Bouillon and family spent their Christmas holiday in the Cajun Country of Abbeville. His sister came from Houston and they all gathered at Shucks Seafood Restaurant for Christmas dinner. It don’t get no better than that. If you are ever in that area you must dine at Shucks. Their specialty is oysters but everything Cajun is special.*****Judge Derry Dunn, Pct. 3 Justice of the Peace, has been pinch hitting for J.P. David Peck while he has been hospitalized. We understand that he has been transferred to Hospice Rehab and is much improved but has a long way to go. *****Betty and Corky Harmon were the victims of an auto accident in Winnie over the weekend. A lady ran a stop sign and totaled their car. Their air bags didn’t go off but fortunately they were wearing their seat belts so they came out with only belt bruises.*****We had a phone visit with our buddy Ray Cotton. He’s been coasting lately. He sold most of the Cotton Corner Complex to his daughter Tina. I believe he kept the bingo hall. Ray will do to ride the range with. ***** On a sad note, we were sorry to hear that Brenda Sanders, a wonderful lady who worked in the deli at Danny’s had a massive heart attack last Friday and is in critical condition in a Beaumont Hospital. She is the daughter of Sue Simar. Meanwhile, Tommy is recovering from knee surgery and can’t be with Sue while she maintains vigilance at the hospital. The family is asking for your prayers during this very critical time while Brenda’s life hangs in the balance. ***** I hate that the Texans missed the playoffs. Collin Gros attended the Texan game and says J.J. Watt is something to watch in person. J.J. had three sacks, one in the end zone for two points and scored a touchdown.***** .***** Congratulations to the West Orange-Stark Mustangs for not only a great season but for bringing all the communities together for one reason, pulling for our home team. There was something special about the 2014 Mustangs. Maybe it had to do with how they overcame misfortunes when star players were lost to injury, maybe it was the charm of a JV quarterback, with the name of Jack Dallas, who took over after the loss of two starting quarterbacks that captured so many fans. The Mustangs had every opportunity to win the game against Gilmer. The 35-25 loss doesn’t reflect the excitement of the game. By the way, we are featuring The Records “All Orange County Team” this week. Most Valuable Player: Deionte Thompson, WO-S.***Offensive MVP: Colby Choate, Orangefield.***Defensive MVP: Octavis Crosson, WO-S.***Offensive Newcomer: Jack Dallas, WO-S,***Defensive Newcomer: Justin Brown, WO-S.***Coach of the year: Cornel Thompson, WO-S.***Offensive:: Quarterback: Matthew Kress- Orangefield.*** Runningbacks: Grant LaPoint-Teate, WO-S, Robert Green LC-M.***Recievers: Will Johnson, WO-S, Trey Baldwin, WO-S, Blaine Slaughter, Bridge City, Reese Bromley, LC-M.***Tight end: Mitchell Lee, LC-M, Nick Harvey, Orangefield.***Center: Brandon Bray, Orangefield.***Offensive linemen: Paul Hebert, WO-S, Jerrod Watkins, Orangefield, Ethan Reed, LC-M, Marvis Brown, LC-M.***Kicker: Matthew Rainey, Orangefield.***Kick Retuner: Trey Spencer, WO-S.***All-Orange County Defense: Mandel Turner-King, WO-S, Taylor Hulsey, LC-M, Jonathon Hebert, Orangefield, Paul Hebert, WO-S.***Inside linebackers: Steven Tims, WOS, Austin Moore, Orangefield.***Outside linebackers: Stephen Deslatte, Orangefield, Trey Baldwin, WO-S, Kalen Garrett, WO-S.***Defensive Backs: Dylan Gruber, LC-M, Trey Chandler, LC-M, Trey Spencer, WO-S, Malik Phillips, WO-S.***Safeties: Sean Langele, Orangefield, Zack Honeycutt, Bridge City.***Punter: Thomas Findley, Bridge City.

23 Years Ago-2002

The lid is now shut on 2001, a year that today’s 10-year olds will be telling their great grandchildren about. September 11, (9-11) is a date that will survive the ages in the minds of all Americans, like all of us who were youngsters Dec. 7, 1941, when Pearl Harbor was bombed. Now, we embark on a new year.*****Kim and Jason Matthews are new, proud parents of a baby girl Baylee Noel, born Dec. 18, 2001, sharing a birthday with grandmother Debbie Roy. Jason is with the Tenn. Titans football team.*****Former Dallas Cowboy Harvey Martin died last week at age 51.***Former Thomas Jefferson and Bishop Byrne coach Bud Tomlin died at age 89.*****Homeboy, Coach R.C. Slocum and A&M beat TCU 28-9 in bowl game. (Editor’s note: A&M let R.C. go. Go figure again.)*****Brian “Red” LaSalle, 44, was found dead at his home Dec. 24 by his brother Burl. *****Amber Dunn flying out of Boston Logan said the security was so tight she had to take off her shoes. This also happened on her flight from Houston to Austin. (Editor’s note: That became a regular practice at all airports.*****Ms. Phyl and Roy celebrated their 47th anniversary at the Creaux’s Nest. A.J. Judice and Don Berard brought a most unusual gift, a “Yule Log” with the inscription, “Y’ule use it or Y’ule keep it but don’t bring it back.”*****Orange attorney Alan Sanders was recently appointed chairman of Partnership of Southeast Texas, a Regional Economic Development firm (POST). He replaces Dr. Sam Monroe.

48 Years Ago-1977

 We lost a good, decent man, Cecil Wingate, an Orange native, father of 18 children, who worked hard as an accountant to maintain and provide for his family. *****Telephone information is no longer free. Operator assistant will cost 20 cents each. The Telephone Company promises not to go any higher. (Yeah! Right!)*****Bubba Hubbard was appointed to the parks board. The president is Sam Naifeh.*****Barbara Gillis returns to her old job as court reporter in the County Court of Law. The past four years she has been a court reporter in Jefferson County.*****Beth Dugas’ brother, Bill Tulley, died of a massive heart attack New Year’s Eve.*****Kebble Free has a house break-in that amounts to a big loss and he’s mad as hell about it.*****N.J. “Vic” Vicknair is on a crash diet. His New Year’s resolutions are also to quit smoking and drinking. What is there left to do Vic? *****Roy and Phyllis Dunn celebrated their 22 anniversary with a big New Year’s Eve party at their home. Ann Lieby, who attended with Tim, says the guest list was a who’s who of everyone in Orange County plus Gordon Baxter, Don Jacobs and Sen. Carl Parker and wives from Jefferson County.*****Also having a party were Harold and Patsy Fisette. A large group gathered there. David Skinner was the most amusing guy there. *****The Leo Stella’s spent the holidays in Vail Colorado. The Charlie Patten’s attended the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. *****New Bridge City Chamber directors are C.R. Nash, Chapman Bell and Bill Nickum. Bell says the new savings and loan building will be completed soon. *****Barbara Mandrell and the Do-Rites will play for the dance at the VFW Hall from 8 p.m. to midnight, Jan. 11. (Editor’s note: That was before she hit the big time.) She later came back a star at the Lutcher Theater. *****This past year saw the passing of Bruce Tuppen, a young man liked by everyone who knew him.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

Another New Year is rolling in on Wednesday as the holiday season ends for this year. But get ready. Spring-winter events are about to start coming quickly. The Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce annual banquet is set for January 6 at the County Expo Center. The Orange Mardi Gras Ball will be February 8 and the big Mardi Gras parade will be February 22. And don't forget that the Bassmasters Elite fishing tournament will be back May 15.*****Brandi Griggs and Justin Riesen took their blended family off to the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee for a white Christmas that included sledding and other snow sports. It must have been a sacrifice for Brandi, who is known for loving summer weather.*****Skipper Yeaman continued to treat wife Gina with gifts for the Twelve Days of Christmas. She gifted him, too, but gossip tells us she drank some of his beer gift.*****Annette Bonnin got a holiday road trip with her grown 'children,' Brandy Bonnin and Chris Bonnin.*****Congratulations to Grant Loupe of LC-M High band. He's been accepted, after auditions, to be in the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps for the group's international performances this summer.*****Condolences to West Orange City Councilor and historian Meritta Kennedy on the loss of her daughter, Dawn Norwood.*****A couple of weeks ago we received a letter from a lady named Sharon who was a former West Orange resident. We ran part of her letter about a story Mike Louviere had written several years ago about Orange. We were not sure where our friend and former feature writer lives. Mike sent us a letter, written in his unique style, that we are publishing in this issue. Mike has many friends here.*****Our buddy, Attorney Sharon Bearden spent Christmas at St. E’s and his 86th birthday, Dec. 27, at Meadows Nursing Rehab Center where he will spend a few weeks after hip surgery. ***Speaking of birthdays, Jim Sharon Bearden, Jr. will celebrate Jan. 3. Celebrating also on this day is former commissioner, old story teller, and our friend, Owen Burton. He and Nelda will do to ride the range with.***Special thanks to Mary Alice Hartsfield who looks out for old folks year around. She is truly and Angel who is spending a lifetime helping others while spreading the Word of God.***** Penny LeLeux is going to be hanging out on set in Houston over the weekend. She has a small part in a student film that is also a proof of concept for a series. Her character is a lady with secrets. She couldn’t divulge any more information than that due to a nondisclosure agreement.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK

Folks celebrating birthdays in the next few days. Jan. 1: Joanne Hill, Cynthia Hernandez, Glenda Wilburn.*****Jan.2: Courtney Anderson, Amber Cortez, Johnny Acevedo, Angela Abshire, Cody Johnson, David Villanoueva, Jason Sieck, June Gunstream, Kathy Mercer.*****Jan. 3: Jim Sharon Bearden, Owen Burton, Betty Johnson, Ann Burns, Alvin Wright, Barbara Dardeau.*****Jan. 4: Vergie Moreland, Devin Force, Angela Mazzola, Mary Williams, Nancy Lapeyrolerie.*****Jan. 5: Malinda Vail, Catherine Young, Lora Simpson, Deborah Schlicher, Patsy Dowden.*****Jan. 6: Clint Reves, DeeDee Viator, Louise Dubose, Sherry Morgan.*****Jan. 7: Michael Collins, Micah McFarlane, Chance Chatagnier, Carley Barclay, Kim Haynes, Betty Jagen, Carl Floyd, Ted Arnold, Teresa Collins.***Also celebrating birthdays are

Darlene Thompson, widow of the late Constable Jack Thompson, turned 92. ***Others with recent birthdays included Tricia Stroud, Bohn Dorman, Betty Garrison, Polly Gamblin, Aaron DuBois, Russell Bottley, Maggie Reynolds, Ashlyn Ellison, Robert Manning, Kim Dickerson,  Terry Conder, Luke Caillevet, Roger Perry, Debby Peveto Taylor, Bill Terry, Bridget Luna, and Stacey Nichols.*****Happy Anniversary to Roy and Phyllis Dunn who celebrate their 70th anniversary.***Also George and Nevella Toal had their 48th.*** Jason and Kaleana Burch had their 26th.*** Chris and Christi Kovatch have been married 24 years.***Others with anniversaries this past week included Jayson and Liz McKee, and Elvis and Melissa Rushing.

C’EST TOUT

UPTON AND STOUT LAST SURVIVORS OF UTAH GONE

Warren Upton, the oldest living survivor of the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the last remaining survivor of the USS Utah, has died at the age of 105. Upton died Wednesday, Dec. 25, at a hospital in Los Gatos, California. The Utah, a battleship, was moored at Pearl Harbor when Japanese planes began bombing the Hawaii naval base in the early hours of Dec. 7, 1941, in an attack that propelled the United States into World War II. By 2020, there were only three crew members of the Utah still alive, including himself. Bridge City’s Cedric Stout was one of those three. He died January 17, 2024 at age 102. Stout was one of the lucky crewmen who dodged Japanese machine gun fire by taking cover just minutes before the Utah was hit by multiple torpedo bombers, rolled over and sank. Stout was raised in Leonville, Louisiana, a farming community near Opelousas. His sharecropping family worked the fields by hand. Their home had no electricity and no indoor plumbing. "We stayed barefoot most of the time," he recalls. At 17, in the heart of the Depression, Stout left home to join the Civilian Conservation Corps, a public works program for unemployed, unmarried men. He spent time building parks in Oregon. He returned to Louisiana and enlisted in the Navy. On leave in 1944, Stout married Delma Courville of Sunset, Louisiana, and the couple had nine children, all of whom attended Bridge City schools. After Delma passed away in 1999. He married his second wife, Cherry, a Port Arthur native. He and Cherry attended the Wednesday Lunch Bunch, in Orange, and they enjoyed being part of the group. Members treated Cedric as their hero and Pearl Harbor survivor. There were an estimated 87,000 military personnel on Oahu on the day of the attack. After Upton’s death, there are only 15 still alive.*****Read us cover to cover and please shop our family of advertisers. Here’s wishing you a Happy, Healthy, New Year. Take care and God bless.