Sherlock Breaux in the Creaux's Nest

THANK YOU MR. PRESIDENT

As Joe Biden leaves office the U.S. economy is the envy of the world. Remember that when Biden came into office the U.S. economy was in such bad shape that a recession was widely forecast by Republicans and Democrats. Four years later, no recession ever gripped the American economy thanks to Biden. And the job market flourished under Biden Unemployment hit record lows. The recession never happened. And inflation is coming down. Biden ended America’s longest war, the war in Afghanistan.  Biden said in his 2021 speech announcing the withdrawal, “No amount of military force would ever deliver a stable, united, and secure Afghanistan, known in history as the ‘graveyard of empires.’” Also on the scorecard is Biden’s remarkable leadership in fighting Russian aggression against Ukraine without putting U.S. troops in danger. Biden’s steadfast support for Ukraine also sent a clear message to China about U.S. commitments to defend Taiwan.  Biden also upheld America’s longstanding alliance with Israel at great political cost as Israel stirred global anger by exercising little restraint in going after the terrorist group Hamas. The scorecard shows big domestic wins for Biden. He beat back an attempted insurrection by Donald Trump after the 2020 election.  Biden steadily held to the principle of free and fair elections.  His decision to stay in the 2024 race until a disastrous debate performance was a big mistake born of ego and opened the door to Trump’s return.  The scrappy kid from Scranton made America a better place. Americans may find themselves longing for the Biden years. They may even ask him, or his capable vice president, to step back into the fray and save the nation once more. For now, we owe Joe Biden our gratitude. Thank you, Mr. President, for a job well done. History will show that Biden is the best one-term president in our history. His accomplishments will be years in the making and its outstanding results will benefit citizens far into the future. 

CONDOLENCES

Doris Mildred Wood

We were saddened to learn of the passing of Doris Wood, age 92, of Bridge City on January 6, 2025. She was a wonderful lady and loved by those who knew her. Please see obituary.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2015

The first college national championship game is now in the record book. In the end it wasn’t even close. The Ohio State Buckeyes, the underdog, whipped up on the Oregon Ducks 42-20. Never bet against coach Urban Meyer. Give him a couple of years and he’ll end up with the best high school talent in the country. One such player is running back Ezekiel Elliott who ran all over that big pasture, from one end to the other. His total effort was 246 yards and four touchdowns. The Buckeyes overcame four turnovers to give Urban Meyer his third national championship with two at Florida.*****Gone but not forgotten: A longtime special friend Inez Memphis Duplissey Hearn, 96, passed away Sunday, Jan. 11, 2015. We had known this wonderful lady for over 50 years. Over the last few years we visited about the times she and the late Fain Holbrook worked together at Orange Montgomery Ward, where she was the manager. Those two were a riot. Nez survived many hardships in life. She had that pioneer spirit; work hard, laugh a lot, love family and have faith in God. It is said that she would have you in the pea patch or picking mustard greens before sunup but not until she had fed you a pan of homemade biscuits, bacon and eggs. Nez often worked two jobs to make ends meet but always had enough to share with those in need. When she retired, she moved to her hometown of Lecompte, LA. to care for her mother. She started working with the Counsel for the Aging and was awarded by the governor for her excellent work. She would deliver meals throughout the country-side to senior citizens. Once she ran into a ditch, got a ride home, got another car and finished her route. I asked her what she was doing when she turned the car over, she was 81 at the time. She answered, “Delivering food to the old folks.” Nez had a strong belief in people looking after one another. If someone was sick or needed help, Nez was the first to offer a helping hand. People around Bridge City who came up in the 60’s and 70’s remember her great cooking, her nieces, the Young girls, and her beautiful granddaughter Theresa Hearn, who happened to be home from Nashville when her grandmother passed away Sunday. Inez had a great family. Her children Janice Overman, a real sweetheart, Ray and Harold and their families and sister Joy are a treat to know. We’ve lost a wonderful lady who spread joy and love. Service were held Wednesday, Jan. 14, at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City. That was 10 years ago. Dow Anderson reminded me that she was like a mother to him and other youngsters his age in the area. *****We were also sorry to learn about the death of Jessie Lea Young Sartin, 96, who passed away on the same day, Jan. 11, at the same age as Inez Hearn. They were longtime Bridge City residents. Services for Mrs. Sartin will be Thursday, Jan. 15, at the United Pentecostal Church in Bridge City.*****Judge Carl Thibodaux will be honored Thursday evening, starting at 5:30p.m., at the Expo Center. Under Thibodeaux’s 20 year leadership the county made great strides. Several new buildings have been built. He was a good leader.*****Congratulations to Dr. Mark Messer, named “Citizen of the Year” by the Bridge City Chamber and also to Bill Nickum Insurance named “Business of the Year.” Those two men are great citizens who have, over the last 50 years, contributed much to the betterment of Bridge City.***** On the national front, the GOP presidential field of hopefuls is headed to a full field. Some new, others previous also-rans. John Ellis Bush (Jeb) is running fast to get ahead of the pack. With former V.P. candidate Paul Ryan bowing out, it’s a sure sign his former running mate Willard M. Romney (Mitt) is marching towards a third try. He will have plenty of company there. Cruz, Paul, Huckabee, Perry and a dozen more are already calling Jeb a liberal.

22 Years Ago-2003

New York Giant kicker Matt Bryant is back in Orange County. Bryant has returned to help out his former coworkers at K&C Pawn in Orange where he is displaying commemorative footballs he earned during the 2002 season.*****Home invasion turns deadly for Orange County couple. Joan Ortiz Leleaux, 65, was found dead in a shed. Her husband Emerson Leleaux was found in the house still alive and was transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital. Sheriff’s Dept. Deputy Chief John Tarver said Mrs. Leleaux was apparently dragged from the garage to the shed. Walter Wade Rice, Jr., age 30, was arrested and was being held in Dequincy awaiting Orange County authorities.*****Steve Worster, former Bridge City and UT great, has been selected for induction into the Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame. Worster, number 30, led the Longhorns from 1968 through 1970. Worster was the star of the famous Texas win over Notre Dame in the 1970 Cotton Bowl. *****Orange County still has one player in the NFL playoffs. Jason Matthews and the Titans, beat the Steelers 31-31 in overtime to advance towards the Super Bowl.*****Coach Ronnie Anderson was inducted into the Texas High School coaches Baseball Hall of Fame.*****Former Bridge City coach Glenn Buffaloe, 80, passed away Jan. 9, in Palacios. He died from Alzheimer’s. Ironically his friend and fellow coach Joe Van Breeman died last month from the same thing.*****Two Orange boxers will be competing in the regional Silver Glove championship in Little Rock. Derrick Buford and Cody Richard are both Texas state champions. Silver Glove is for boys under the age of 15. *****Eric B. Ridley completes Marine boot camp. He is the son of Laura Ridley and grandson of Hal and Laverne Ridley. (Editor’s note: Hal and Laverne have since passed away.)

77 Years Ago-1948

 On Jan. 2, 1948, Chester Holts, 38-year-old, was named sheriff of Orange County. He was appointed to fill the unexpired term of the late sheriff Dick Stanfield. Holts had been a deputy for 18 months. He and his wife Iva have a 19-year-old son, Morgan, a 14-year-old daughter, Nova Dee and a 16-month-old baby girl, Wanda. Holts will be a candidate for the post. (Editor’s note: He was elected and went on to serve for 21 years, the longest tenure by an Orange County sheriff. He and his family

made their home in the jail. Chester, Iva, Morgan and Nova Dee are all deceased.*****District clerk is Tom M. Dodd, district judge is F.W. “Dub” Hustmyre, county attorney is Graham “Bubba” Bruce.*****Ward Stephenson forms law firm with his father K.W. The firm, Stephenson and Stephenson, is located in the Bancroft Building. Ward was recently admitted to the bar. He was a commander in the U.S. Navy. (Editor’s note: I just love the historical stuff. It’s hard for me to believe I wrote it and lived it all those years ago.

67 Years Ago-1958

 Louis Dugas Jr. seeks a third term as state representative. He was first elected in 1954. Dugas served as assistant to Sen. Jep Fuller while attending the University of Texas. *****A political fight is brewing in the county judge’s race. Judge Sid Caillavet, Charlie Grooms and former County Clerk and Orange Mayor Joe Runnels, Jr. *****Tommy Gunn, 10 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald A. Gunn, outdid dad and granddad on deer hunt. He bagged a seven-pointer. Nothing for them.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

Looks like people stayed inside by their fireplaces this past weekend to stay out of the cold and to rest up from the holidays. Or maybe they were mourning the Longhorns loss in the Cotton Bowl. They may need to go back into hibernation by this coming Sunday as another hard freeze is in the forecast for Sunday night. But get rested. Mardi Gras season with parades and balls is gearing up and then come all the spring activities.*****The Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce honored Tad McKee as Citizen of the Year in the annual banquet held at the OC Expo Center. Jessica Hill handed off her gavel to Stacy Brister, who is becoming the chairman of the board for the chamber. The new executive board members are Zach Johnson, Wendy Elmore, Meggan Layne, Shaun McAlpin, Wade Smith, and Ashla Taylor, who was named Ambassador of the Year.*****The Bridge City Chamber is getting ready for its annual banquet set for Monday, January 27, at the Bridge City Community Center. Individual tickets are $35 and some are still available.*****Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is March 4 this year. Orange will have its Krewe Mardi Gras Ball on February 8 and the local parade will be on Saturday, February 22. The Orange parade is known for its floats throwing out lots of beads and other trinkets.*****What most of you may not know: Our friend Sharon Bearden had to return to the hospital where doctors had to redo his hip surgery. That was over a week ago. For the next several weeks an antibiotic will be injected directly into his hip area. He is tired of it and is trying to devise a way that he can work from his hospital bed. Late news: Bearden just called and he is being transferred back to The Meadows for rehab Wednesday morning.****A couple of weeks ago I heard some citizens wanted David Bailey to run for the Orange city council seat that he previously held. Some say “David is a good watch dog on the council.” By the way, I don’t believe Mayor Larry Spears is eligible to run again for the mayoral office *****Can Trump rename the Gulf of Mexico? It remains unclear. It would be a complex process which other countries wouldn’t have to go along with. Meanwhile, Gov. Greg Abbott is suggesting, “The Gulf of Texas.”***** Sunday was a cold, rainy day when I sat down to write. I had a small breakfast and late in the afternoon I thought maybe a pork chop sandwich would be good. That was when God guided two good Samaritans to our door. Braving the rain and cold Charlotte and Dow Anderson walked in with some of her famous soup, even including greens and topped with sliced avocados, her famous cornbread, two large, cooked sweet potatoes, fried chicken drumsticks and fresh, filleted catfish for later. I enjoyed Dow’s stores of being a young alligator hunter. He had an exclusive right to hunt on a large ranch and sold cured alligator hides. Some hides were sent to Fort Worth bootmakers to make famous Texas boots. Dow Gene still owns a pair. He and Charlotte killed enough alligators to pay off their home. That couple has a great life-story.*****Meanwhile, I’m waiting for the Jenkins boys to light up the fire and make their “Top Hog” sausage. Judge Chad is waiting for ice on the ground. That may never come.*****Happy 50th anniversary last Sunday, Jan. 11, to Penny and Gerald LeLeux. A perfect example of how opposites attract.*****I was glad to hear from Constable and Orangefield school board member Brad Frye. It’s always good to hear from your friends. It’s the only way to know if you still have any.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK

A few folks celebrating birthdays in the next few days. Jan. 13: Bill Pryor, Paige Prejean, Don Thompson, LaDonna Bell, Brennan Broussard, Carson Peet, Joy Hughes, Tyler Reves, Dee Culpepper.*****Jan. 16: Kaitlyn Potter, Jon Mott, Gary Dearing, Clayton Gearhart, Joel Meyers, Jerry Ashby, John Green III,Matthew Lee.*****Jan. 17: John Cash ‘Jack’ Smith, Loretta Stevens, Jeff Overman, Gail Meadows, Tanner Wilson.*****Jan. 18: Bonny Sarver, Dylan Huckebay, Misti Jagoe, Tara Thompson, James Crabtree.*****Jan. 19: Judge Hershel Stagner, Candace Clark, John Michael Foote, Michael Amsden,. (Remembering Ray Trahan, who died on this day 22 years ago in 2003. Today is also MLK Day.)*****Jan. 20: Brenna Manasco, Melissa Berry, Beth Fisher, Gloria Bertrand, Coach Steve Griffith, Beverly Delahoussaye.*****Jan. 21: Sarah Bonds, Millagro Foster, David Doucet.*****Let's give some birthday greetings also to Lyndia Permenter, Wendy Falgout Durham, Judy Mingle, Judge Rodney Townsend, Robert Vail, Elaine Reeh, Belinda Barron, Trystin Chapman, Alicia Young, Michael Moses, John Brown, Michael Eiden, Dyan Eatman Morris, Cindy Foreman, Greg Gravett, Skylar Mitchell, Kason Riggs, Susan Dorman, Donna Ratcliff Williams, Jim Brown, and Jamie Alexander.*****Special anniversary congratulations to Michael and Kitty Mazzola. They had their 53rd.***Also celebrating were Chris and Cindy Gunn.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

  Alcid Breaux is on his death bed him, and knows da end is near. His nurse Agness, wife Telma, daughter Joyce and two sons Boo Boo and Louis are wit him. Breaux axe for two witnesses and a camcorder so he can record his last wishes.

Wen ready Breaux begins to speak. “Boo Boo, I want you to take the Vermillion houses, my daughter Joyce, you take da apartments on Landry Street, Louis, me I want you to take the offices in da Gocheaux building, Telma, my dear wife, please take all da residential buildings on da banks of Bayou Tech,”

Nurse Agness and da witnesses were shocked, dey didn’t realize his extensive holdings. As Breaux slipped away, nurse Agness says, “Miss Telma, you husband must of been such a hard working man to have accumulated all dat property.”

Telma replied, her, “Property? Da ass him had a newspaper route.”

C’EST TOUT

SPECIAL COUNSEL REPORT RELEASED

The Justice Department released early Tuesday the first part of special counsel Jack Smith’s report on his investigation into President-elect Donald Trump’s alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The report details Trump’s alleged “criminal efforts to retain power,” including his “pressure on state officials,” his “fraudulent electors plan” and his “pressure on the Vice President.” It also said there was enough evidence to convict Trump. Smith who resigned last week, concluded in a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland that, in preparing the report, his team “stood up for the rule of law” and didn’t seek to influence the election. Trump, who had failed to block the report’s release, said he was “totally innocent” and called Smith “a lamebrain prosecutor who was unable to get his case tried before the Election. For that Trump should give thanks. No prison time and 34 other guilty charges sitting in the wings. The next four years won’t be a cake-walk for the poor and middle class. Our world will take a big step backwards starting January 21, 2025.****L.A. wildfires: At least 24 people have died and over two dozen are missing as wildfires continue to ravage Las Angles. The city is under the most severe red flag warning, as fierce winds are predicted to threaten firefighters’ progress. *****Gotta go. Thanks for your time. Please read us cover to cover, support our family of advertisers when you can. Also catch up-to-the-minute news on our website, therecordlive.com. Take care and God bless.