Countyrecord issue121615

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Go Mustangs! Win State! H

Published for Orange Countians by Orange Countians

H

County Record

TheRecordLive.com

Vol. 57 No. 33

The Community Newspaper of Orange, Texas

Nativity scene highlights court meeting Tommy Mann Jr. For The Record

After hours of specially called meetings and the review of numerous applications, Orange County has a new human resources director. Orange County Commissioners met Tuesday afternoon in a regular session to discuss a variety of topics. One of the leading items on the agenda was the possible hiring of a new human resources director for the county. The previous human resources director, Minnie Hightower, resigned from her position earlier this fall and left to take a position “in the private sector,” according to Orange County Judge Brint Carlton. “We received 10 applications for this position,” Cartlton said. “And we reviewed all of them extensively, and, after discussing several of the candidates, we believe Lori Ardoin is best suited for the position.” Ardoin currently works in the Orange County Sheriff’s Office as a human resources

Week of Wednesday, December 16, 2015

EVERYBODY LOVES THE MUSTANGS

specialist and will take over as director of Human Resources for Orange County very soon. “I’m really looking forCarlton ward to this opportunity,” Ardoin said after the announcement. “I’m excited to get started and I look forward to doing this for the next several years. I just can’t thank Sheriff (Keith) Merritt enough, or my husband, Joel (Ardoin), for supporting me.” In other news, commissioners discussed whether or not to continue funding the Orange County Economic Development Corporation from Jan. 1, 2016 through the end of the fiscal year, which is Sept. 30, 2016. According to Judge Carlton, the executive committee could hire a new executive director of the Orange County EDC as early as Wednesday, Dec. 16,

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The Nativity scene in front of the Orange County Courthouse could soon be under scrutiny, as a member from the Orange County Atheists group stated he would file a request soon to have his group’s banner placed nearby. The representative of the group stated he does not wish to have the county remove the Nativity scene, nor was the group’s intention to have the City of Orange move its Nativity scene earlier this week, but it only wanted an equal opportunity for placement of hits holiday banner. RECORD PHOTO: Tommy Mann Jr.

After beating Cuero 41-28, center Ryan Ragsdale celebrates by taking pictures with family and friends. His smallest but biggest fan, Raelynn Jacobs, cheered the entire time and couldn’t wait to see him after the game. Ragsdale, whose father is Coach Randy Ragsdale, is a part of the junior class who has played together since Little Mustangs. RECORD PHOTO: Meri Elen Jacobs

Season of giving is all year for local soup kitchen Debby Schamber For The Record

Christmas is known as the season of giving, but one local soup kitchen is the recipient of gifts throughout the year. Sometimes the gifts may be of someone’s time, food items among other things. But, each is still valuable nonetheless. “The Christmas season celebrates the life of our Savior and the principles He taught and the sacrifice which is our heritage,” said Glenda Lucia, of the soup kitchen at St. Mary’s Church. “We are so blessed and we should want to pay it forward.” The soup kitchen at St. Mary’s began about 40 years ago by Rosalie Lakin. For the last nine years, Johnny and

Glenda Lucia have devoted their time and efforts. They do things such as the grocery shopping and planning the meals. About an average of 125 people line up outside the doors on Wednesday ready for the hot meal. On other days they go to other area churches. For some this is the only meal they will have that day. The Lucias don’t see this as a chore, but the opportunity to help someone. Not only do they serve deli-

cious food prepared with love, but the people who go there are greeted with a smile and made to feel welcome. “We are one of the few soup kitchens who through the ministry counsel people less fortunate,” Glenda Lucia said. “Part of the giving spirit is giving without judging them.” But, they could not do it without volunteers and donations. The wonderful volunteers come from all of the area churches and businesses. Some

Betty Harmon and Cecil Broom of the Mardi Gras Krewe da Bayou gives a check to Johnny and Glenda Lucia of the St. Mary Soup Kitchen. The Mardi Gras Krewe da Bayou gives an annual donation so needed items can be purchased. This year they also gave a donation to the Rainbow Room. Also pictured is Alysa Camp, Doyle Perkins, Angie Vincent, Pat McCall, Gary Hale and Mary Lou Lanning. RECORD PHOTO: Debby Schamber

volunteers are retired while others volunteer their time outside of their job. First Financial Bank has been a dedicated contributor for a while. They initially started a project six years ago to collect canned goods and help serve the food. But over the years, it has changed. Now every Wednesday they bring all kinds baked goods such as cookies and cakes to be served. The delectable desserts are a welcome treat. Also there to help are the students from St. Mary’s School. Students from the Honor Society and Student Council go to the soup kitchen and give up their own lunch time to help others. Other St.

SOUP KITCHEN

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