Sherlock Breaux in the Creaux's Nest

TRUMP’S VERY FIRST DAY BACK

On his first full day back in the White House, President Trump vowed to do what no president had ever done before. “We’re going to do things that people will be shocked at,” he declared. Of all the thousands of words that Trump uttered during his fact-challenged, talkathon-style opening days as the nation’s 47th president, those may have been the truest. Not so much because of the ideological swings that come with a party change in the White House, but because of the norm-shattering, democracy-testing assertions of personal power that defy the courts, the Congress and the ethical lines that constrained past presidents. Trump freed even the most violent of the rioters who assaulted the Capitol in his name four years ago. Over questions of loyalty, he stripped former advisers facing credible death threats of their security details. Disregarding a law passed with bipartisan support and upheld by the Supreme Court, he allowed the Chinese-owned app TikTok to operate despite national security concerns. Not satisfied just to eliminate diversity initiatives, like the Gestapo, he ordered government workers to snitch on anyone suspected of not going along. He fired at least a dozen inspectors general who monitored departments for corruption and abuse, ignoring the law that requires him to give Congress 30 days’ notice and provide specific reasons. He also decided to rewrite the 14th Amendment to declare that it does not guarantee automatic citizenship to children born in the United States. And unlike any president in modern times, Trump has tried to redraw the map of the world. He unilaterally declared that the Gulf of Mexico was now the Gulf of America. And he held out the possible use of force to take over Greenland and seize the Panama Canal. Rules his predecessors largely followed were meant to be bent, bypassed or broken. The 22nd Amendment bars him from running in four years. Don’t bet he will leave when his time is up.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

10 Years Ago-2015

Look for a great Super Bowl. For over a week now the talk hasn’t been about what promises to be a great Super Bowl game between the Patriots and Seahawks, instead thousands of stories have been about Tom Brady’s deflated balls. One person is believed to now be involved. It really doesn’t matter, Brady still had to throw and someone had to catch the ball. The score was 17-7 at the half with deflated balls and with pumped up balls Brady ran the score up to 47-7. This game won’t be a blowout. I’m pulling for Earl Thomas and the Seahawks, who will have to play a great game.*****Follow the money. One of the most poisonous Tea Party congressmen in the country, Steve King, hosted a GOP candidates Christian Right Forum in Iowa. A parade of would-be candidates for president showed up. Christi, Cruz, Perry, Walker, Huckabee, Carson, Santorum, who won Iowa two years ago, even Donald Trump and Sarah Palin showed up as advisers to the candidates. Palin rambled and no one figured out what her message was. Romney, Bush, Paul and Rubio stayed away. Most candidates don’t have a chance but are in it for the money. Santorum has made a living running for president. Old man Ron Paul retired wealthy on campaign funds he was able to keep after running. Perry had enough left from his “oops” campaign to be able to pay his lawyers now. Some are wondering why Mike Huckabee is giving up a $2 million a year gig to run. Simple, follow the money. Six million for his book, “God, Guns, Grits and Gravy.” If he raises $50 million for a campaign and spends only $40 million, he pockets $10 million. Running for president is the only political office in the nation that a candidate gets to keep political contribution for their own use. That’s why so many run.***** We were sorry to learn about the death of Glenda Kinder, 63, who passed away Jan. 23. She was the owner of Glenda‘s Bake-A-Cake, on Western Ave., for over 35 years.*** We also lost Rodney LeJeune, 79, a resident of Nederland. He was a native of Church Point, LA. The Cajun musician was well known and always thrived to promote the Cajun culture.*****The tidal wave of snow that spread through the northeast Monday and Tuesday found some Orange County natives in the worse of the storm. Even though the blizzard wasn’t as bad as predicted, it was bad enough. In Hudson MA., where Mark Dunn’s daughter Jenna and her family live, she reported they had plenty wood for heat and husband Robby was out plowing snow, his line of work. Robby calls snow “white gold.” They received over 30-inches. The other bad spot was in Long Island, New York, where Jenna’s cousin and Karen’s son, Sean Gros, is stationed with the Coast Guard. He was on 48-hour duty at the CG station. A Gulf Coast boy from Bridge City finally saw his first snow, a 29-inch freezing blizzard. He’ll take the South. (Editor’s note: Sean, who is now a physical therapist witnessed last week’s Orange County and East Texas snow.***** “Mr. Cub,” Ernie Banks, Chicago’s great shortstop from 1953 to 1972, died at age 83. Folks my age were lucky enough to be able to follow him through his entire career. He was the Cubs first black player and one of the best to ever play the position. He was top notch on and off the field.

26 Years Ago-1999

The 580-foot ship Cannes, seized last week with five tons of cocaine in Houston by the U.S. Coast Guard, is being stored at Orange’s CBH Services. The cocaine, valued at $375 million, is the largest cocaine bust in Texas. U.S. officials arrived in Orange to continue the investigation.*****The Bridge City Business and Professional Women’s club names Beverly Vincent “Woman of the year.” Beverly and husband Gale have three daughters, Melissa, Connie and Amber. Beverly is very active with CASA and PTA and other major civic projects.*****Architect Mark Magnuson tells commissioners court that renovations to the exterior of the court house is estimated to cost $537,950 and would take six months to complete. Judge Carl Thibodeaux said the money for the project has been budgeted for this year. *****Denver wins Super Bowl 34-19 over Atlanta. The Falcons had five turnovers including three interceptions. The Denver offensive line was awesome. No one laid a hand on Elway.*****Blind radio personality on KOGT Terry Lyons celebrates 20 years with the station. Station manager Bill Forte hired him to do telephone ad sales but because one D-Jay was fired and another quit, Terry was forced to go on the air. The rest is history. He never sold the first commercial. He does the morning show plus is host of Trading Post on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. (Editor’s note: Since then Terry has passed away.)*****The following Bridge City football players sign college letters of intent. All-Staters Jared Williams and Jeremy Stolfa, kicker Raun Bryant, Dathan Juneau, Eric Bramblett, Bryan Wiggins, Daniel Kibodeaux, Jeremy Buckley, Dustin Denhan, quarterback Brad Miller, Charles Higginbotham and Shane Peveto. They all played for Coach Les Johnson, Darrell Brock, defensive coordinator and Rick Colson, offensive coordinator.*****The coach at Orangefield said he will have three players sign this week.*****Pole vaulting champion Eric Eshbach will celebrate a birthday February 4.*****Butch Campbell served up great gumbo at the Orange County Day in Austin.

46 Years Ago-1979

Runnels Tire Company holds open house at their Simmons Street location. Joe Burke eats only the icing on the cake. He’s on a diet. ***** A new 1974 Step Side C10 pickup at Harmon Chevrolet will set you back $2691, with monthly notes as low as $46.*****Dick Bivens, at Texas Avenue Grocery, has a 10 ounce jar of oysters for 99 cents; beef hindquarters 99 cents lb.; Miracle Whip, 69 cents; Texas Pride beer, 6 pack, 12 oz. cans, 89 cents; Borden’s 1/2 gallon buttermilk 77 cents; Del Monte catsup, 29 cents; lettuce, 25 cents a head; baking hens 59 cents lb; lean hamburger meat, $1.09 pound; soup bones 9 cents pound. Those were the days.***** Gene Rutledge is the new postmaster at Corrigan. He and wife will be missed by friends in Bridge City. (Editor’s note: Today, 46 years later their son David is mayor of Bridge City.)*****The local daily newspaper is putting trash out on District Attorney Sharon Bearden. That’s no surprise. *****The Witnesses, a musical outreach group from First Baptist Church, have recorded an album. Some singers are Keith Branson, Doug Massey, James Decker, Ruthie Harris, Sheree Davis, Ann Sanders, Sheri Kiser. Director is Mrs. Bennie Ross Talmadge.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

It’s school board filing time in Bridge City. The grand dame of school board members in Texas is board president Rebecca Hall Rutledge. “Bear” is married to D. “Bagpipe” Rutledge, mayor of the city between the bridges. She is running for re-election. Rebecca has school board knowledge and has attended many state school board seminars. Also running for B.C.I.S.D. is Thad Hill, a guy I’ve liked since he won his first race. I didn’t give him a chance to beat fire chief Jerry Pesson for city council and he surprised all the old pros.***Also seeking re-election is Jerry McInnis. He just keeps moving on.*****At L.C.M., the other Roy Dunn, “Derry” resigned his seat due to health problems. Derry will always do to ride the range with. We pray for improved health.*****Two former school teachers, Windee and Chad Jenkins, missed a chance with last week’s cold to make their famous “Top Hog Sausage.” The boys were out of pocket to help and Windee told Chad to count her out, too cold and too much work involved.***** A few folks I’ve known a long time and think highly of celebrating birthdays in the next few days. Devra Cormier, Bobby’s first and only wife, a wonderful lady we have known since they were both youngsters. Ms. Devra celebrates her birthday on Jan. 29.***Another great lady Rosalie Clark, Pat’s better half, celebrates Jan. 30.***The next guy is the best high school pitcher to come out of Orange County. When the Washington Nationals played their very first home game, John Patterson was the starting pitcher. His dad Doug, also former pro pitcher brought me John’s cap from that game. He also celebrates on Jan. 30.***Feb. 2, is Ground Hog Day, but also one of Coach “Bear” Bryant’s boys, Don Kachtik, the old Aggie’s birthday.***Attorney Noland Leblanc, Jr. celebrates his birthday Feb. 3, which is a Monday. He’ll have to start celebrating in Louisiana on Friday.***Eric Eshbach, a high school, college and national champion pole vaulter and was one of his grandmother Dot’s favorite guys. I watched him in Austin, a kid from Orangefield, win state and set a new record. Happy Birthday Eric on Feb. 4.***I’m proud to have known them.*****One of Roy and Ms. Phyl’s great grandsons, Leland Clay Gros, celebrated his 16th birthday on Jan. 28, with family, at MeMe and Papa’s place.*****We haven’t heard from a lot of our friends lately. I guess we lost our court house connection.***** Thanks for the comment on the web on our story about Beverly Perry moving to Georgia in last week’s paper. The reader said “A true lady! Someone who had made a wonderful contribution to the community. Bridge City and its residents will miss you!” We couldn’t agree more.*****County Commissioner Johnny Trahan checked in to the hospital in Houston for a Hip Revision surgery. He has been given the all clear after dealing the other hip replacement and infection for 4 months.*****Attorney Sharon Bearden is on a 31 day medicine and rehab program at The Meadows. He hopes to be able to leave within 10 days.***** LeAnn Rimes made a big impression on the crowd at the Lutcher Theater Saturday night, but perhaps her biggest impression was made on Madison Alaniz, a local hair stylist. Madison was chosen to help with the Grammy-winning singer’s hair for the concert. When she got a text a couple of days before the concert asking her to do the star’s hair, she thought the message was a scam. Janois Grizzaffi is getting to be a regular at the theater and her trip for LeAnn Rimes was part of a birthday celebration. Terri Hoyland, who can belt out some songs herself, took her mom, Karen Colburn. Also in the crowd were Shannan Harris, Callie Summerling, Sheigh Rhodes, Sherry and Rick Sturdivant, Eric Ellison and Tricia Gillis.*****Former West Orange city councilor Annette Bonnin will be retiring from her career this week after spending 48 years in the banking business.*****Brandi Griggs marked her 15th year working at Exxon Mobile refinery.*****Patricia Kemp has a new great-grandson, Wesson Walker Kemp. He’s her fourth great-grand.*****Lady Whistlebreaux is hoping Jean Parker has recovered from her disappointment. We’ve heard her onion didn’t bloom in her attempt to fry up a blooming onion.*****And Bridge City is already planning for community events this year. The Farmers Market will be opening on March 22 and save the dates off June 27-28 for another Red, White & You Festival including another drone show.

BREAUX BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK

Birthdays celebrated this week. Jan. 29: Devra Cormier, Wyman Ogden, Paula Perkins,Caitlyn Eubanks, Rachel Beaulieu, Ricky Miller, Traci Anderson*****Jan 30: Rosalie Clark, John Paterson, Lindsey Garrett, Shirley Whitley, Jeanie Kreger, Rad Blanchard. *****Jan. 31: Dr. Jimmy Jones, who turns 85. He also started his medical practice 60 years ago, Scott Free, Lily Fields, C.B. Burns, Marty Delano, Eric Mangham, Regina Gaspard, Steven Kimbell, Telisha Kuykendall, Lucas Adams.*****Feb. 1: Lucas’ twin brother Mason Adams, Kimberly Bernard, Gera Benoit, Quade Clark, Wayne Sullivan, Virginia Williams, Brittany Leonard, Garrett Kerger, Jake Williams, Lisa Monceaux. *****Feb. 2: Don Kachtik, Vance Thomas, Kelly McBride, Fred Dohmann, Daric Rogers. *****Feb. 3: Nolan LeBlanc, Melissa Haley Alssa Allensworth. *****Feb. 4: Eric Eshbach, Lisa Ludwig, Mike Boyd, Chelbi Sanford, Becca Mathews Peveto, Lydia Wilson, Brad Freeman, John LeBlanc Lindsey Hollingsworth, Mel Moreau, Rheese Rhodes, Jack Jones.***** Birthday greetings go out also to Jane Bonin Jeanis, who has turned 92, and Susan Tiger had cupcakes for her 87th. Others celebrating include Keith Lindsey, Caroline Claybar, Haley Anders, Grace Burch, Kaylyn Roberts, Kathy LeBlanc, Clayton Geis, Kerri Droddy, Kelli Stephenson Pachar, Pete Hardey, Stephen Shaw, Taylor Thibodeaux, Seth Dronnett, Chrissy Karl, Krewe Bearden, Jeff Hancock, Gabrielle Harden, Sarah Broussard Simon, and Cameron Sigler Henderson.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

Joe Meaux brought his pet monkey to Tee-Boy’s Bar. Dat monkey him, jump on everyting and grabs olives, slices of lime and whatever and eats dem. Joe, he order a drink but dat monkey him, jump on da pool table, grabs one of dem balls and sticks it in his mouth.

Everyone in da bar is amazed dem when dat damn monkey swallow dat pool ball whole.

Tee-Boy, he screamed at Joe, “You monkey jus ate my cue ball, he swallow it whole him.”

Joe witout looking up from his drink say, “Dat don’t surprise me, he eats everyting in sight. I’ll pay for the cue ball and utta stuff me,” den Joe left with his monkey.

A few weeks later, Joe and his monkey returned. Dat monkey find da cherries, grabs one, puts it near his rear end and den eats it. He does the same wit da peanuts.

Tee-Boy him is disgusted, he said to Joe, “Did you see what you monkey did, he put a cherry and a peanut to his butt den he eat it.”

Joe answer, “Well, he still eats everyting in sight but since he pass dat cue ball he measures everyting first.”

DALLAS HIRES NEW HEAD COACH

Mike McCarthy brought Brian Schottenheimer into the Cowboys organization. Now he’s staying behind to take his place. The club announced Friday evening that Schottenheimer, the team’s offensive coordinator the last two seasons, has agreed to a contract to become the Cowboys head coach. In what can only be called an unexpected turn, the long-time head coach, becomes the 10th man to hold that title in the franchise’s rich history. The deal is for four years. A familiar face could be poised to join Schottenheimer’s staff. There’s a chance Jason Witten, the perennial Pro Bowl tight end, who spent 16 of his 17 NFL seasons with the Cowboys, will join Schottenheimer as the team attempts to rebound from a 7-10 season undercut by injuries. Jones and McCarthy met for four consecutive days after the Cowboy season came to an end. Despite the split, both men found strong common ground on one point, a person with knowledge of the discussions said it was essential that the offensive scheme remain in place for Prescott, the 31-years-old quarterback, who will be returning from major injury. Saying that football is in Schottenheimer’s blood is not hyperbole. He’s the son of the revered Marty Schottenheimer, who spent 21 years of his life as a head coach in the NFL, most notable with Cleveland and Kansas City. The younger Schottenheimer has spent 25 of his 28 years of coaching in the NFL. As a player, Schottenheimer earned three letters as a quarterback at the University of Florida, where he played under Steve Spurrier and backed up Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel during the Gators National Championship season in 1996.*****Thanks for your time, mine is up. Take care and God bless.