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Vol. 51 No. 40 Week of Wednesday, January 4, 2012

The Penny Record of Bridge City and Orangefield • Founded 1960

Texas considers new sexting bill Orange riverfront development moves ahead Staff Report

For The Record

After nearly a decade of planning, dissuasions and two hurricanes, the downtown riverfront development project is a go for the city of Orange.

The Orange City Council conducted a special call joint meeting Tuesday night with the Orange Economic Development Corporation to approve a base bid and also alternate bids on the riverfront boardwalk and pavilion. SpawGlass of Houston was the low bidder with a base bid of $5,087,000.

The OEDC Board of Directors were unanimous in their approval vote while the Orange City Council’s vote tally was 5-2 with Councilmen Jeff Holland and Cullin Smith voting no.

Smith said he didn’t agree with SpawGlass’ request for a $500,000 contingency fund.

Allco Construction of Beaumont had a base bid of $5,403,900, Daniels Building and Construction, Inc. of Beaumont came in at $5,999,000 and SeTEX Construction of Beaumont had a base bid of $6,200,000.

The alternate bids approved — Alternate #1- the pavilion structure, Alternate #2- additional beds and irrigation, and Alternate #15- pavilion theatrical lighting were as followed: • Allco- Alternate #1 of $816,000, Alternate #2 of $288,000, and Alternate #15 of $26,000 for a total projected construction cost (including the base bid) of $6,533,900 • Daniels- Alternate #1 of $691,500, Alternate #2 of $285,500, and Alternate #15 of $27,000 for a total projected construction cost (including the base bid) of $7,003,000 • SeTEX- Alternate #1 of $900,000, Alternate #2 of $260,000, and Alternate #15 of $30,000 for a total projected construction cost (including the base bid) of $7,390,000 • SpawGlass- Alternate ORANGE RIVER SEE PAGE 3A

Inside The Record • SHERLOCK BREAUX Page..................... 4A • Obituaries Page......................7A •Dicky Colburn Fishing..................1B •Outdoors Weekly Chuck Uzzle..........2B • CHURCH NEWS Page......................7B • CLASSIFIED ADS Page......................8B

Penny LeLeux For The Record

Child pornography laws are aimed at protecting children; by criminalizing the possession and distribution of child pornography, lawmakers aim

to eliminate the harm to children when such materials are created. The penalties are steep - under Texas laws, possessing images of those under the age of 18 engaging in sexual conduct is a felony. Federal convictions result in long sen-

tences. A child pornography conviction in any court will result in lifetime sex offender registration.

However, the phenomenon of teen ‘sexting’ has put legislators in a difficult position.

The practice of ‘sexting’ -teens

creating and sending sexually explicit text messages to one another - is on the rise. A 2008 study by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy stated that 22 percent of teenage girls have electronically sent or

BCHS theater group waiting for curtain call

posted nude or semi-nude images of themselves.

Though such acts are forbidden under existing child pornography laws, these acts often are not prosecuted even when they are discovered.

Prosecutors are hesitant to press charges for these acts, given the severe penalties of conviction for these felonies including mandatory registration as a sex offender, potentially for life.

To address this situation, Texas lawmakers have proposed new legislation that would crack down on sexting with offenses and penalties that are less severe.

Under Texas Senate Bill 407, those under the age of 18 who are convicted of sending sexually explicit images of themSEXTING SEE PAGE 2A

New Year brings 21 new laws to Texans

Penny LeLeux For The Record

ly as they are today. In spite of the fact that there was not enough paper trail to place Peters in the Hall of Fame, there is no one more deserving than him to be there.

In July 2010, Ray Cotton honored Peters and Dickie Richards by recognizing their

Jan. 1 didn’t only ring in the new year, but it also was they day 21 new laws for the State of Texas went into effect.

One of the most important changes effects veterans that are 100 percent disabled due to combat or other service-related injuries. Texas law already exempts these veterans from paying property taxes on their homes, but as of Jan. 1, spouses will also be exempt from property taxes after the veteran dies. This will help widows and widowers living on fixed incomes trying to keep their homes.

Texas currently has approximately 300,000 disabled veterans, nearly 25,000 of them are designated 100 percent service-related disabled and nearly 16,600 are between the ages of 55 and 75.

This change will come at a hefty cost. According to a Senate analysis, the exemption is

THE RECORD YEAR PAGE 2A

NEW LAWS IN TEXAS PAGE 2A

Bridge City High School Theater Department is proud to announce the cast and crew for this year’s one act play. The Secret Affair of Mildred Wild, by Paul Zindel. The cast is comprised of: Mildred - Otter Miller, Helen - Jessica Bean, Bertha - Karli Pittman, Miss Manly - Chelsea Phillips, Sister Cecilia - Danny Noonan, Evelyn - Madelun Leblanc, Roy - Eric Mummey, Carrol - Cody Banken, TV Announcer - Adrian Morgan, Man/Constuction Worker - Devon Anders, Rex Bulby - Tyler Rector, Assistant Director - Blake Martin, Lights - Johnny Koopman, Sound Anna Cormier, Costumes/Props - Brittany Meeks, Makeup - Ravin Brackin, Alternates: Emily Roberts, Claudia Williams, Bethany Anderson, and Zach Ayers.

RECORD PHOTO: Debbie Gregg

Rodeo legend Jim Peters dies at 77 Southeast Texas region and he was not well known in the West Texas rodeo area. Another complication was that during the years when he was active record keeping was “hit or miss.”

Even though he worked and competed in several hundred rodeos, the books were not kept and recorded as accurate-

Mike Louviere For The Record

Jim Peters, a rodeo legend with hundreds of cowboy and rodeo fans in Southeast Texas, passed away on Christmas Day. Peters was 77 years old and his obituary modestly said he was a rancher. He was much more than that.

Peters was born in Jenks, Okla. and worked any type of ranch work anyone would hire him to do. He first competed in a rodeo at the age of 15 and continued in rodeo until he was 53. However, he rode his last bull at the ripe old age of 75. The occasion for that was a rodeo produced by the Cowboy Church of Jasper, Peters’ church.

“I rode for a little over seven seconds, until I lost my grip and bucked off,” Peters said. “I was sore for a few days, but it was worth it.”

Records in the PRCA office show that he competed from 1949 until about 1961 on either a permit or as a cardholder. Overlapping in those years were the rodeos he competed in and rodeos he worked as a clown. Peters is best known and most remembered for his years as a clown and bull rider protector. In Peters day fighting bulls the clown/bullfighter only wore baggy jeans and a shirt. There were no pads like the bullfighters of today wear.

He is also remembered for working with his long time

Student artists prepare portfolios for exhibition Jim Peters

traveling companion, a small mule named Sidekick. Sidekick was highly trained by Peters and also possessed a large vocabulary. Among Sidekick’s best tricks was the ability to kick a volleyball over rodeo bleachers. After Sidekick died, Peters had his head mounted and hung on the wall at his Kirbyville home. Regretfully, Sidekick was destroyed in a fire that destroyed Peters’ home.

“Jim Peters was the best man I ever worked a rodeo with. He was very fast and agile and always did his best to protect a cowboy. I am proud to have had Jim as my friend,” longtime rodeo announcer Coleman Peveto said.

Peters was nominated to become a member of the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2010. He was not selected, probably because the majority of his career had been in the

Jacki O’Dell, an art student a Bridge City High School, is getting her artwork ready for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo school art contest.

RECORD PHOTO

• Award Winning Hometown News

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• The Record • Week of Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Santorum, Romney in a virtual tie; Paul third

Reported by the Tribune Washington Bureau

by Paul West

Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum were in a tight, backand-forth, race in the Iowa caucuses Tuesday night, based on late returns in the opening vote of the 2012 Republican presidential campaign.

Rick Santorum

The results were a clear setback for a pair of candidates once expected to contend for the nomination - Rick Perry and Newt Gingrich. Michele Bachmann, who won a highprofile Iowa straw poll last August, was a distant sixth and faces elimination from the race.

Romney, the runner-up in Iowa during his first presidential try four years ago, was splitting with Santorum the votes of those who identified themselves as Republicans in a survey of hundreds of caucusgoers as they entered voting sites across the state.

Texas Rep. Ron Paul finished a strong third and was benefiting from strong support from independents and those under 30, many of them first-time caucus-goers. Santorum drew support from social conservatives, who cast about three in five votes, virtually the same share as in 2008, when Mike Huckabee, an evangelical Christian favorite, was the Iowa winner.

This time, however, religious conservatives splintered.

Their inability to coalesce behind a single contender made it possible for Romney to contend for a victory with roughly the same share of the vote he got in 2008.

Paul, meantime, roughly doubled his share of the vote from last time. The iconoclastic congressman from the Houston area, who has been running off and on for president for a quarter-century, was never far from the lead in Iowa.

Despite what could well be the best night of his political

career, the 76-year-old candidate remains a distinct longshot for the GOP nomination.

Paul’s isolationism and call for the return of U.S. military forces from overseas deployments has clear appeal to moderates and younger voters.

But his dismissal of a threat from Iran’s nuclear program poses a potentially insurmountable hurdle for many, if not most, Republican primary voters, who favor a strong U.S. defense posture.

Self-described Independents - deprived of a contest on the Democratic side - turned out in significantly higher numbers than in 2008. They made up about one-fourth of the vote, according to network entrance polling, compared with 13 percent four years ago.

Nearly half of the independents supported Paul. The popularity of his libertarian views among younger voters - he speaks favorably of legalizing drugs - was reflected in the support of nearly half of voters aged 17-29, who made up 15 percent of the caucus electorate, up from 11 percent in 2008.

For Santorum, a long-shot who rode a late surge of support after Perry and Gingrich fell from favor among conservative voters, the top-tier finish was a vindication of his

Mitt Romney

old-school approach to the first campaign of the Twitter age. Making a virtue out of his financially pinched candidacy, Santorum followed the classic Iowa playbook - spending months visiting all 99 counties.

The former Pennsylvania senator held more than 370 town hall-style question-andanswer sessions with voters, from the one that attracted a single voter to a number that drew hundreds of supporters in the closing days of the campaign. Helped by his antiabortion views, he gained endorsements from several prominent social conservatives, including Bob Vander Plaats, a former GOP gubernatorial candidate as well as a prominent pastor

The Record News The Record Newspapers- The County Record and the Penny Record- are published on Wednesday of each week and distributed free throughout greater Orange County, Texas. The publications feature community news, local sports, commentary and much more. Readers may also read each issue of our papers from our web site TheRecordLive.Com. • News Editor..........................................................Nicole Gibbs • Advertising Director........................................Andrea Whitney • Production Manager..............................................Russel Bell • General Manager.....................................................Mark Dunn • Distribution Manager..................................................Bill Pope • Staff Writers and Photographers... Mark Dunn, Penny Leleux, Larry Trimm, Nicole Gibbs, Joey Encalade, Cody Hogden, Teri Newell, Angela Delk and Darla Daigle.

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and a talk-show host in western Iowa, the most conservative part of the state.

Iowa’s role, historically, has been to winnow the field. Tim Pawlenty, the former governor of neighboring Minnesota, abandoned his presidential chase after a poor finish in the Ames Straw Poll last August.

Bachmann, who won the 2007, became the first straw poll victor to finish lower than second in the caucuses, and the Minnesota congresswoman, out of money and short on hope, may find it difficult to continue.

Gingrich on Tuesday blamed

Ron Paul

a deluge of ads from a so-called “super PAC” run by associates of Mitt Romney for his expected poor showing. Asked twice in a CBS interview if he’d call Romney a “liar” for refusing to disavow the group’s ads, Gingrich agreed.

“This is a man whose staff created the PAC, his millionaire friends fund the PAC, he pretends he has nothing to do with the PAC. It’s baloney,” Gingrich said. “He’s not telling the American people the truth.”

Whether Iowa will propel a winner to the nomination, as it has sometimes done in the past, hung on the counting of the final batches of returns from the 1,774 caucus sites.

Romney, strongly favored in next week’s New Hampshire primary, had played a coy game with Iowa voters, waiting until the last six weeks to begin an all-out push. He made fewer trips to the state than his main rivals, counting on a stealth effort by his campaign to maintain the support that brought him a secondplace finish in Iowa in 2008.

If Romney were to score back-to-back wins in the first two contests - something no non-incumbent Republican presidential candidate has ever accomplished - he’d become a heavy favorite to gain the nomination.

But as returns continued to trickle in, the optimism of Romney’s campaign advisers, who had raised expectations for a victory after public polls showed the former Massachusetts governor in the lead, was being severely tested. One internal network projection of the final result estimated that slightly more than one percent would separate the first- and third-place finishers.

Unlike some other contests, however, elections very seldom end in ties. And as politicians like to say, a win is a win, no matter how slim.

(Michael A. Memoli of the Tribune Washington Bureau contributed to this report from Manchester, N.H.)

CASA volunteer training class to begin Jan. 9 “Advocates for Children, Inc. will have a CASA volunteer training class beginning Jan. 9 and concluding Jan. 13, Monday through Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. each evening. Call the CASA office if you are interested in attending at 1-877-586-6548 (toll free). An application and background checks must be done first. For more information, go to the website: www. advocates-4-children-inc.org.

The Record • Week of Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Rodeo legend dies contributions to rodeo at the summer rodeo at the Texas Longhorn Arena. The two old time cowboys were each given one of the Longhorn’s custom buckles.

As Peters was given his buckle, tears formed in his eyes. The old cowboy was touched to be remembered and honored in such a manner.

He was more used to giving than being given to.

Peters knew the award was coming. He and his wife Connie had come prepared. They brought a decorated cake to share with their friends that attended, and Peters did something else he was noted for; he brought a big bag of candy to pass out to the kids in the crowd. In his days as a clown he always brought a big bag of candy and during the events he was not needed in the arena for, like roping, he would go into the stands and pass out the candy.

“When Jim had Sidekick, that mule would try

From Page 1

to follow Jim into the stands,” Connie Peters said.

“If you could count friends in money, Jim Peters would be a millionaire,” Peveto said.

Meeting and talking with Peters, it was evident that you had met a modest man and a man that would be a generous, loyal friend. He is remembered by his friends at the Cowboy church as being a man that would do anything he could do to help any of the youngsters wanting to go into rodeo. He had a wealth of information and would spend any amount of time to share information and tell stories to anyone at anytime.

Nearly every town in Southeast Texas had an arena or, as in Orange, two arenas, in the 1950s.

The majority of those arenas are gone now and the cowboys who competed in them and worked in them are passing away. Things that will never pass away are the memories of the cowboys like Jim Peters.

New Year new laws estimated to cost state and local governments about $25 million in property taxes by 2016.

Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, one of the authors of the law, called that an insignificant budget impact when compared with the sacrifices made by the veterans and their families.

“When they came back from war 100 percent disabled, that’s a very special class of soldiers,” Patrick said. “We’re not talking about people living in million-dollar houses. For the most part, we’re talking about people trying to get by on military benefits.”

The homestead exemption applies to the veteran’s primary residence and expires if the surviving spouse remarries.

The exemption moves with the surviving spouse to a new home if the home would be an equal or lesser dollar value compared with the old one.

The new restrictions on homeowner associations require them to give homeowners three to 18 months to pay off late dues or fines.

Homeowners also will be allowed to contact their association directly about their late payments, even if the association has retained an attorney or collection agent.

The law also allows homeowners to prevent their association from using foreclosure if the ban is approved by two-thirds of its members.

Another provision requiring associations to get a court order before foreclosing took effect Sept. 1.

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Another change concerns protective orders, which use to be limited to only two years but can now be issues up to a lifetime.

Pets and other companion animals can now be included in protective orders. The law will protect victims from having the restrained person take or harm their pets or even threaten to harm a pet.

Protective orders will also be available to dating partners who have not been intimate together, i.e. new boyfriend, girlfriend or spouse.

Stalking victims will also have access to protective orders in Texas. Victims used to have to prove they had been subjected to domestic violence or sexual assault in order to gain a protective order. Now, the victim will only need to prove they are a victim of an actual stalking.

Another change due to take place could require Texas voters to show a valid, government issued photo ID as well as their voter registration card to cast their vote. The voter must display their Texas driver’s license, a U.S. military ID card, a Texas concealed handgun license, a Texas election ID, a U.S. passport or U.S. citizenship certificate in order to vote. If the voter does not have a valid photo ID, they can cast a provisional vote, but will be required to bring back an ID in order for their vote to be counted.

This law remains on hold while it is under review by the Justice Department to ensure it would not violate minority voting rights under the Voting Rights Act.

Orange riverfront development

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From Page 1

#1 of $822,000, Alternate #2 of $252,000, and Alternate #15 of $17,000 for a total construction cost (including the base bid) of $6,178,000 Landscape architect Jeffrey Carbo reported during his presentation the new proposed schedule would work out as follows: A letter will be sent to the state attorney general on January 6. There will be a state attorney general review of the project at the end of 45 days on Feb. 20 and a complete contract negotiations and contract awarded in late February.

On the construction side of things, a tentative permit acquisition form the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is expected in late February

and then construction can begin.

The base bid portion and the selected alternates portion of the project completion date is targeted for September 2012.

Mayor Brown Claybar thanked the council, city staff and Carbo, the Stark Foundation, the bidders and contractors, and others for their support and perseverance, particularly after setbacks. He added he was thankful to receive hurricane recovery funding to help with the project.

“This is a very exciting time to be here in Orange, Texas. This project will help differentiate this community,” he said.

New sexting bill selves or others under the age of 18 could face misdemeanor charges rather than felony charges. This effort to mitigate the harsh effects of law on those they were intended to protect may have unintended consequences. Will this give adults trafficking in child pornography the opportunity to use children as ‘mules’, to send these illicit images?

If both laws are on the books, could one prosecutor choose this sexting bill to prosecute and another use the older child pornography laws in her cases? In addition to these potential issues of the misuse of prosecutorial discretion, would other states recognize Texas’ decision

From Page 1

not to require sex offender registration, or would they require such registration if the convicted person transfers to their states? This is a significant issue in other areas regarding sex offender registration law.

Regardless of what happens with this bill, it is important to understand that teenage sexting may have serious consequences.

If your child faces criminal prosecution for sexting, speak with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney to discuss the options and the most effective way to mitigate any consequences.

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• The Record • Week of Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Orange group. Over the years we got to do many things together and there was a period when he visited us every Sunday morning at the Creaux’s Nest, our old Bridge City location. He was a good man. W.T. Oliver always called Curtis, because of his Indian heritage, “Kemosabe” which means faithful friend. He was always available for any community project W.T. had going. Another of our good ones has fallen. May he rest in peace.

GOOD NEWS FOR THE NEW YEAR The job market ended the year better than it began. Unemployment benefits have dropped and are at the lowest level in three years. Factory output is rising. Business owners say they’re more optimistic and consumer confidence has jumped to its highest level since April. The housing market is looking slightly better. Most analysts forecast a stronger economy and job growth in 2012. Analysts now say another recession is unlikely.

This year should be better for hiring. Thirty-six economists say they expect an average of about 175,000 new jobs per month in 2012. Local sale tax receipts to the city and county governments were up from last report and are expected to be up 10 percent to 15 percent over last year. All in all, we have reason to be optimistic but we must be patient. The deep-rooted economic problems occured over a period of years and will take time to dig out but we’re on the right track according to the latest economic reports.

From the Creaux’s Nest WORTH STAYING UP FOR I stayed up too late but it was worth t. I watched the wildly entertaining Fiesta Bowl. Stanford beat themselves in a 41-38 loss to Oklahoma State. Stanford’s Andrew Luck is everything he’s billed as. It’s easy to see why he would be the number one pick in the NFL draft. It just doesn’t seem fair if he goes to the Colts and has to sit out a few years behind Payton Manning. He’s ready for the big time on day one. The Colts can get a bunch for him. Listen up Jerry Jones, give ‘um Romo and throw in coaches Jasen Garretts, Brother Ryan and a few million. Quarterback Brandon Weeden was impressive for OSU. He threw for 399 yards and three touchdowns. OSU won on a field goal and two missed field goals by Stanford. The big game left is LSU vs. Alabama in the national championship Jan. 9. If LSU gets beat, Oklahoma State can stake a claim at being number one. We’re having a party to pull LS&U through Sha and when the Texans fall, we’ll pull for the Saints to go all the way. *****Like most everyone else, this holiday season put me way behind. It was nice being lazy for a few days but it’s playing double time trying to catch up. I’ve laid around and watched plenty of football and the political GOP circus in Iowa. Results are after my deadline but I’ll bet no one is head and shoulders above the other. That Iowa deal is the country’s best chamber of commerce gimmick. It’s only a show to prove who is the least popular. Candidates and news outlets however, pour a billion dollars in that poor state.*****I’m short on news but here I go with what I’ve got. Hopefully, a little something for everyone. Come along, I promise it won’t do you no harm.

IOWA OVER – TRAIN RUSHES TO NEW HAMPSHIRE The curtain has shut on the Iowa caucus for another four years. Many millions of dollars have been left in the state over the last few months. Biggest spenders were Mitt Romney and Rick Perry, who left $4 million in the state. Meanwhile, the state of Texas has spent over $900,000 for Perry security and such. Of all the candidates, Perry is the only one who will still have a job when he leaves the race. He’s collecting $7,600 a month retirement, his salary as governor and is furnished a $10,000 a month mansion and all the perks. He’s really not gambling anything; he has nothing to lose. He and Romney had the two largest organizations in Iowa. New Hampshire will be bombarded next on Jan. 10. Only five percent of the voters participated in the Iowa caucus Tuesday. Iowa voted for President Obama in the last presidential election and he figures to carry the state again in November. Romney is the big favorite in New Hampshire. Perry’s next stand will be in South Carolina. If he doesn’t place at least third he should pack up and come home. Some bitter feelings have come out of Iowa between Romney and Newt. A Romney super pack spent millions bashing Newt and he has vowed to retaliate, even if he has to spend his $9 million to see that Mitt never becomes president. Rick Santorum has picked up the self described Evangelicals but like Mike Huckabee that won’t get him the nomination, plus he can’t raise the money to go all the way. Ron Paul can hang around a longtime but will never be nominated. He could remain a thorn for the GOP as an Independent candidate. Soon Michelle Bachmann will have to fold her tent. In the end, I still believe Romney will be the nominee but like Sen. John McCain, he will be a weak candidate, even with Gov. Joe Christi on the ticket. If an Independent runs, he has no chance. President Obama won’t do as good this time around but he won’t need to. It’s all about the Electoral College. Texas won’t play a part in picking the GOP nominee; they set their own traps with the redistricting gerrymandering and won’t participate in the March Super Tuesday. By April, it will all be over but the shouting. I look for a very low voter turnout in the Texas primaries. President Obama doesn’t have an opponent and the race is over for the GOP. It will be up to the U.S. senatorial candidates replacing Kay Bailey to pull the wagon. Not much interest there. *****On the local scene, there will be two Republican contested races for the first time ever. Their biggest job will be trying to get voters to the polls in a low turnout. They will have to create excitement and that costs money.*****Locally, Orange County is still very much Democratic. The presidential election, in November, will be a horse race but neither Romney or Obama will set the woods on fire. A fair turnout, not a record turnout is expected. I believe between Obama and Romney, it will be mostly a trade off in southern states.*****Final thought, people in Iowa scrambled to take pictures with the candidates and waited in line to get their autograph and like McCain, Huckabee and all those before, next year those people won’t walk across the street to shake their hands.

CONDOLENCES—CURTIS LEE It’s not often things slip by me but maybe because of the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season I did not hear of the death of Curtis Lee, a friend of 50 years, who died the day after Christmas, Dec. 26. Services were held Thursday, Dec. 29, handled by Grammier-Oberle funeral Home in Port Arthur. Curtis worked for them a long time and I guess that had something to do with not being aware of his death. If it had been a local funeral home I would have known. They send us up to the hour death notices.

Curtis was one of the hardest working guys I’ve ever known. He was a pioneer in Bridge City having opened the Dip-O Drive Inn Restaurant back in the early 70s and was longtime owner of Curtis Lee Texaco station and other businesses. He was very involved with the Eagles organization and was a charter member of the Bridge City club. In later years he was very active in the

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME 10 Years Ago-2002 Boy hasn’t the last 10 years flown by. The lid has shut on a year that will be remembered throughout the ages. Kids old enough will remember where they were on 9-11, 2001. Terrorists, led by Bin Laden, commandeered four commercial airplanes and brought havoc on our country. They also awakened the pride, patriotism and strength of America. (Editor’s note: Bin Laden was killed in 2011 on orders given by President Barack Obama.

Most of the leaders of the terrorist group have since been killed.)*****Kim and Jason Mathews have a new baby girl, Baylee Noel, born Dec. 15. She shares a birthday with her beautiful grandmother Debbie Judice Roy. Jason is with the Tennessee Titans football team. (Editor’s note: Baylee is 10 years old today.

Jason has retired and I’m not sure where he and Kim are living and what he’s doing.)*****Brian “Red” LaSalle, 44, was found dead at his home Dec. 24 by his brother, Burl. Services were held Dec. 26 in Woodville. *****Roy and Ms. Phyl celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary Dec. 31. *****Sue Bearden, C.J. Huckaby and Owen Burton are running for County Commissioner, Pct. 2. *****The Justice of the Peace, Pct. 2 race is crowded with Roy Derry Dunn, Ralph D. Cooper and Ed Barton. Cimmeron Campbell is a Republican incumbent J.P.*****Judge Carl Thibodeaux is challenged by former judge Pete Runnels. *****Former Dallas Cowboy Harvey Martin died at age 51. *****Coach Bud Tomlin, 89, coach at Thomas Jefferson and Bishop Byrne, also died. *****Celebrities who died in 2001 were Jack Lemmon, Carroll O’Conner, Anthony Quinn, John Lee Hooker, Foster Brooks, Troy Donahue, Imogene Coca, Dale Evans, George Harrison, Chet Atkins, Les Brown, Perry Como, Johnny Russell, Morton Downey Jr. and Cajun, Justin Wilson, just to mention a few. *****Orange County Commissioner John Dubose proposes courthouse security solutions that will cut cost from $350,000 to $100,000. He developed the plan after meeting with the district judges, Sheriff White and County Judge Thibodeaux. *****Attorney Alan Sanders is appointed chairman of “POST” Partnership of Southeast Texas. *****Orange city council seeks new city manager. Manager Chuck Pinto leaves Jan. 16, Police Chief Sam Kittrell will serve as interim manager over the next few months.

35 Years Ago-1977 Cecil Wingate, member of a large pioneer family and father of 18 children, died Saturday, Dec. 30. *****Richard Corder celebrates a birthday Jan. 4. *****Barbara Gillis returns to her old job as court reporter in the county court at law. The past four years she has been a court reporter in Jefferson County. (Editor’s note: About 20 years ago, Barbara went to Las Vegas and never came back.)*****Phyllis and Roy Dunn celebrated their 22nd anniversary with a big New Year‘s Eve party at their home. Ann Lieby, who attended with Tim, said the guest attending was a list of “Who’s Who” in Orange County. Also attending was Sen. Carl Parker and friends from Jefferson County. *****Barbara Mandrell and the Do-Rites will play for a dance at the VFW Hall on Jan. 11. (Editor’s note: That was before she was a star.

She later came back to the Lutcher Theater as a star.)

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK Devin Force, Lillian Wray, Mary Williams, Nancy Lapeyrolerie, Marilou Pachar Gunn, Catherine Young, Deborah Schlicher, Malinda Vail, Patsy Dowder, Clint Reves, Louise Dubose, Jeff Peveto, Sherry Morgan, Marvin Ziller, Skipper Free, Max Geldard, Micah McFarlane, Betty Jagen, Carl Floyd, Jo Green, Libby Campbell, Michael Collins, Ted Arnold, Teresa Collins, Mike Comeaux, Joey Halliburton, Nadine Whitsett, Philipp Hunt, Sandra Cole, Sean Brinson, Harold Williams, Chad Meadows, Ken Steppe, Pat Gunstream, Ralph Buker, Susan Kelly, Evelyn Duncan, Frank Skeeler, Sandy Uzzle, Collin Gros, Scott Gerrald and Emily Breaux.

A FEW HAPPENINGS Homeboy, free safety Early Thomas, with the Seattle Seahawks, was named to start in the Pro Bowl. Thomas, a West Orange-Stark grad and University of Texas star, is the only Seahawk named. He is completing only his second year in the pros.

This Orange County star is always quick to praise and give recognition to his hometown, Orange, Texas, the place that raised him.*****Matt Bryant, another Orange Countian and Bridge City native, is headed to the playoffs with the Atlanta Falcons.

The place kicker has one of the best field goal averages in the pros. I’m surprised he wasn’t invited to the Pro Bowl. Both of these young men make us proud.*****Up and running is West Orange Mayor Roy McDonald after having gall bladder surgery last Friday. He’s not exactly running but he’s home, healing well and will be running soon. You can book it. He’s a nice guy and serves his town well. We wish him the best.*****”Wait until next year,” should be the Dallas Cowboy’s slogan. The last few years they stole it from the Aggies. We kept waiting but got the same old thing. I’m afraid it will continue until changes are made. Unfortunately, the problems start with the ownership and you can’t do anything about Jerry. The Cowboys have never won a playoff game under Romo. Coach Jason has the best talent in the league that just can’t seem to jell.*****Attendance was down last week at the Wednesday Lunch Bunch. The holidays found a lot of folks gone. Those in attendance at Novrozsky’s were Judge Janice Menard, Judge David Peck, Constable Chris Humble, city administrator at Pinehurst judge Joe Parkhurst, Sheriff Keith Merritt and Marlene, King Dunn, postmaster retired, Roy Dunn, no kin, Judge Claude Wimberly and Chief Jerry Wimberly and also breaking bread with the Bunch was Mandy Rogers, assistant district attorney. Judge Derry Dunn, King’s son, was in Georgia visiting his daughter. This week the Bunch will

dine at Roberts and attendance should pick up. Everyone is welcome. *****Special folks celebrating their special day. Our longtime friend, a beautiful, kind lady, Vivian Holbrooks, widow of the late Fain, celebrates Jan. 5. ***Another beautiful lady we’ve known for 50 years, Marilou Gunn, widow of the late Donald Gunn, marks her special day Jan. 5. ***One of our great friends, Skipper Free, born at Shangri La 78 years ago, celebrates Jan. 6.

She’s a special and different kind of character. Where Skipper is, you’ll find that’s where the action is. ***Joan Trevino turns 80 on Jan. 6. Like Skipper she was born on the day of Epiphany, which is celebrated in Canada. Joan’s dad was Ellis Carter, a well-known businessman who owned three ABC grocery stores in the area. One is now the Danny’s store in West Orange.***A young man we’ve known since Little league, Bridge City High and Lamar football stardom, Lanston Fall, celebrates his big “55” Jan. 8. ***Sean Brinson, Darryl and Greta’s boy celebrate on Jan. 8.***One of our favorite young guys, Collin Slade Gros, “Billy Jack” to some of us, turns 17 years old on Jan. 10. It seems just the other day old “Lefty” was three-year-old “Blue Eyed Bill.” Happy birthday and best wishes to all. ***Happy 26th anniversary to Margie and Harry Stephens. They married in Vegas at midnight so they celebrate on the 10th and also 11th. Best wishes for good health and happiness. *****CREAUX’S TIP OF THE WEEK: Here’s a neat way to be organized. Use empty toilet paper rolls to store appliance cords. You never have to guess which cord goes with what. It keeps them neat, stores easily and you can write on the roll what appliance it belongs to. *****CAJUN DEFINITION: Pain Perdu (pan-pear-doo) or lost bread. A breakfast treat made by soaking bread going stale in an egg batter, then frying and topping with cane syrup or powdered or regular sugar. A very popular meal for Cajun families during years past. I still enjoy it. I like using the heel of the bread. I also put a little vanilla in the egg mix.*****Elly May Clampett, actress Donna Douglas, has settled a lawsuit with Mattel Toy makers and CBS over a Barbie doll that uses the character’s name and likeness. You might remember Elly May back in the 1960’s and 70’s. She was a shapely tomboy who loved critters. The Clampetts moved to Beverly Hills after striking oil in Arkansas. It was a favorite weekly show of mine. The writer had a great imagination.*****Wynonna Judd to marry for the third time.

Cactus Moser, drummer with Highway 101, popped the question on Christmas Eve. They have been dating since 2009. She has two teenage children.*****Michael Jordan is engaged to longtime girlfriend Yvette Prieto, a Cuban-American model.

He and Juanita Vanoy have three children. They divorced in 2006.*****It probably won’t ever happen but, scientists and economists propose a new permanent calendar. Each 12-month period will be the same year to year so holidays always fall on the same day of the week. Christmas would always fall on Sunday; Halloween would become Oct. 30 and always fall on Monday.

The Hanke-Henry permanent calendar was proposed in December. New Year’s Day would always be on the same day.*****United States industry closes year on high growth and promised an even better year in 2012. Just two years ago Detroit automakers, Chrysler and General Motors filed for bankruptcy protection. A government bailout saved the carmakers and a domino effect that could have put the country in a depression. G.M. and Chrysler have repaid the bailout. *****A year ago on local radio, Con. Kevin Brady was spinning that the Obama oil policies would cost the loss of over 100,000 jobs, many thousand in our congressional district, and also increase our dependency on foreign oil. Monday, the Texas state network reported that production is up from last year. Other sources report the highest production of gas and oil ever. Oil companies are short of hands and are advertising for oil worker employees. The future looks bright for domestic oil and gas.*****The Texas and national unemployment are now tied and slowly coming down.

CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS Patty Loveless will be 55 on Jan. 4; Michael Stipe, 52 and Deana Carter, 46.***Robert Duvall will be 81 on Jan. 5; Diane Keaton, 66; Bradley Cooper, 37 and January Jones, 34.***Katie Couric will be 55 on Jan. 7; Nicolas Cage, 48; David Caruso, 56 and Kenny Loggins, 64.***R Kelly will be 45 on Jan. 8; David Bowie, 65 and Sean Paul, 39.***Judith Krantz will be 75 on Jan. 9; Joan Baez, 71; Catherine, duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton) will be 30 and Howie Long, 52.***Frank Sinatra Jr. will be 68 on Jan. 10; Rod Stewart, 67; George Foreman, 63 and Pat Benatar, 59.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK When Agness Comeaux, a blond Cajun girl, boarded a small two-seater Cessna airoplane at da Esterwood grass airstrip. After taking off and approaching Lafayette, da pilot him, dies. Agness her, not knowing how to fly a plane grab da radio and say, “Mayday, Mayday, dis is Agness from Rayne, my pilot Sostan Thibodeaux done died him, help, help.”

Da air controllet answers back, “Don’t worry madam, me, I’ll talk you down. Jus do as I say.”

Angess answer, “Okay.”

Da controller say, “First I need for you to give me your height and position.”

Very nervous, Agness answer, “Me, I’m five foot two and I’m sitting in da right front seat.”

Ground control came back and say, “Lordy, Ms. Agness, repeat after me, Our Father which art in Heaven--” C’EST TOUT This is special to Donna Scales, Christy Khoury and Shirley Zimmerman. They don’t seem to know how old age works.

Some day, hopefully, they will learn what it’s like to live life one day at a time. To answer your questions, even though I’m young at heart, I’m slightly older in other places. Not young, not dead, somewhere in between. It’s true I can’t get started until I’ve had a piping hot pot of coffee in the morning. Oh yes, I’ve tried other enemas. You’re darn right I believe in having sex on the first date. At my age there may not be a second. I don’t buy green bananas either. Yes, you can say I’m retired. I was tired yesterday and the day before and I’m tired again today. Now all of that is not just great but it beats the alternative, so cut me some slack.*****Here’s hoping that so far your new year is going great.

Please shop our family of advertisers and read us cover to cover. Check us out on the web, also, therecordlive.com. My time is up, thanks for yours. Take care and God bless.

The Record • Week of Wednesday, January 4, 2012

LegaLs For The record Marriage Licenses issued by the office of Karen Jo Vance, Orange County Clerk for the week Dec. 27-30:

Kerry D. Moak and Sheila Mae A. Anana Jonathan R. Coleman and Jessica L. Waldrep Nickolas T. Green and Erin N. Shepherd Michael R. Yoder and Margaret M. Yoder Sylvester Plumbar Jr. and Sheila M. Bryant James P. Byers and Araina M. McKinley Allen M. Jordan and Shanna B. Dodson Elmore A. Free Jr. and Janice L. Owens Concluded divorces issued by the office of Vickie Edgerly, Orange County District Clerk for the week Dec. 10-23: Arnold Santibanez and Teisha Santibanez Danny Gene Hill and Carly Jo Lange-Hill Barbara J. Headrick and Henry Douglas Headrick Curtis G. Jackson Jr. and Gwendolyn Ann Jackson Angelica Maria Caldera and Francisco Esquivel Caldera Christi Layne Gordon and David Andrew Gordon Rachel A Boyett and Eric Boyett Judy Elizabeth Holder and Tracy Lee Waltrip Staci Cucancic and Clint Cucancic Ronnie C. Shugart and Sandy R. Shugart Holly Lynn Enriguez and Robert Thomas Enriguez Charles Joseph Roy and Felicia Monique Roy Justin Kyle Boynton and Elise Marie Boynton Jessica Christina Wright and Robert Lee Wright Jr. Lindsey Bass Milligan and Michale Wayne Milligan Bradley Roy Guillot and Misty Carol Guillot

Murder charges still pending in Orangefield Nearly a year after an Orangefield teacher was shot and killed in her home, criminal charges are still pending against the juvenile accused of shooting her.

Stacy Lisenby was shot Feb. 20, 2011, and died the following day in a Beaumont hospital.

The 14-year-old boy accused of shooting Lisenby remains in the custody of his father. The boy and his family moved to north Texas in late April of 2011. The suspect was ordered to wear an electronic ankle monitor and report to the Orange County Juvenile Probation Dept. daily via closed-circuit camera.

It was reported that Lisenby was related to the suspect.

Vidor PD may pursue charges in football player’s death Vidor police are still undecided on whether they will file charges against persons who provided an 18-year-old Vidor High School football player with alcohol on the night of his death.

Matt Thomas, who was a defensive back for the Pirates football team, was found dead on the Kansas City Southern railroad tracks in the early morning hours of Oct. 16. He had been struck by a train, and was found face down on the tracks.

Toxicology reports showed that Thomas had a blood alcohol level of 0.069 at the time of his death.

Police ruled out foul play and suicide in November and ruled Thomas’ death accidental.

The Great Snowball Battle for Chapman’s Lake Kent Conwell

Lighter Side of Life For The Record

Happy New Year!

Here we are once again, staring at the one-time-a-year opportunity for another “do over” or to use a golfers” favorite word, a “mulligan.”

Even way back in Mesopotamia two thousand years ago, folks like you and me celebrated the chance to make amends for past behavior with new resolutions (their new year wasn’t our new year, but that’s another story).

Down through the centuries, many life-altering events have occurred on January one. In 1660, Samuel Pepys made his first entry in his famed diary. Another was that in 1897, Brooklyn merged with New York to form the city, New York, and the next year, the Lightship replaced the Whistling Buoy on San Francisco Bay. Earth-shaking events all, however, they all pale in comparison to that the momentous event that took place on the outskirts of Wheeler, Texas on Jan. 1, 1944.

The Great Snowball Battle for Chapman’s Lake!

There had been several heavy snowfalls that year and ongoing snowball battles were common around our small town. Sneak attacks raged across the courthouse square, on the sidewalks, around the corners of the five and dime.

East of town, Chapman’s Dairy overlooked a ten-acre lake. To us boys, however, it was the Pacific Ocean. The pasture rose gently from the water’s shores to the milking barn about a quarter of a mile distant–a perfect sled run.

Now, Mister Chapman never minded us wild-haired boys traipsing across this pastures as long as we didn’t disturb his milk cows. We always gave the herd a wide birth, one of the no small reasons being there were three or four bovines with short tempers. One was especially temperamental. For some reason, her horns had grown down instead of up, and had to be cut to stay out of her eyes.

We called her “Crosseye” as well as a few other names when she chased us.

When the snowfall was extra heavy, the cows seldom strayed down to the pastures. Cows don’t paw at snow to remove it from forage like a horse. They push the snow aside with their noses, and if the snow is extra heavy or icy, their noses become tender and the dumbbells just stand there and starve.

Consequently, ranchers and farmers put out feed around the barn in covered troughs if possible.

That meant we usually had the whole snow-covered pasture to ourselves.

That year after Christmas, Jerry, Tony, Donald, and I were building a snow house when several older kids from the other side of town (six blocks away) showed up to challenge us to a snowball fight at Chapman’s Lake where they had built a fort.

We readily accepted the challenge and agreed to the winnertake-all-prize, next Saturday’s popcorn money, a whole nickel.

All we had to do was take their flag down from the fort.

Nothing to it. Or so we thought.

When we arrived, we spotted a red flag waving over the small fort. One of the kids had cut it from his Pa’s discarded longjohns.

They said it meant “no quarter’. That made no sense to me, but a flag was flag.

Leaving our sleds at the top of the hill, the four of us attacked the fort, but were quickly beaten back. Our leader, Jerry, decided we would attack with our tanks, meaning sleds.

We’d fly past the fort, loose a few snowballs, regroup for another pass. His plan sounded good in theory, but we soon discovered it was full of holes. Sitting on a whizzing sled and throwing snowballs called for a delicate balance none of us had mastered.

I fell off more than I rode; Tony crashed into the fort; Donald caromed off one side of the fort into the lake. Jerry was the only one who managed to ride and throw at the same time.

The battle surged back and forth. Each surge took us closer to the flag. Snowballs zipped through air. I guess all the whooping and hollering reached the herd of milk cows.

That’s the only explanation I have for the garbled bellow that rolled down the hill, jerking all of us around. Our eyes bugged out like stepped-on toad frogs when we spotted Crosseye shaking her head back and forth and charging down the hill in a bovine’s stumbling lope.

Pelting her with snowballs, wee took refuge behind what was left of the fort, but she didn’t hesitate. She went over the top, scattering us and taking down the flag.

When the last piece of snow had settled to the ground, Crosseye stood there in triumph, glaring at eight kids sprinting across the pasture in every direction like frightened prairie hens.

They claimed they won because we didn’t get their flag. We claimed Crosseye was our secret agent and since she took down the flag, we won.

They wouldn’t buy that. In the end, we decided upon another battle at another time, but it never came about.

Crosseye?

Well, we moved to Fort Worth five years later. She was still in the herd and still as ornery as ever. rconwell@gt.rr.com www.goodreads.com/author/show/13557.Kent_Conwell www.amazon.com/-/e/B001JPCK26 www.kentconwell.blogspot.com

409-738-2070

Two arrested for possession of weapon On Thursday, Dec. 29, at 10:43 p.m., Officer Joshua Dempsey, with the Orange Police Dept., was on patrol in the parking lot of Kwick Stop, located in the 1500 block of 16th St. While on patrol, Dempsey observed a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu parked in the handicap space in front of the store. Dempsey exited his patrol car and made contact with the driver, who was identified as Eric McNeil, 21, of Orange.

Also in the vehicle were four other males who were identified as Walter Harmon, 20, Raphiel Harmon, 22, Ellis Deon, 28, and David Armstrong, 28, all of Orange.

Officer Dempsey asked all the men to exit the vehicle and he checked all of them for any outstanding warrants through dispatch.

A check through dispatch revealed that David Armstrong was wanted out of Orange Municipal Court for warrants on no driver’s license, (bond $500, fine $271). He was also wanted out of Justice of the Peace, Pct. 1 for no driver’s license, (no bond, fine, $356.20), and for a capias pro fine, and no insurance (no bond, fine $546).

Eric McNeil was issued three citations for no driver’s license, no insurance and parking in a handicap space.

Ellis Deon, Walter Harmon and Raphiel Harmon were told that they were able to retrieve their personal belongings from the vehicle.

Deon took a Walmart bag from the vehicle, turned his back to Officer Busby, who was on hand to assist, and began to go through the bag. Officer Busby instructed Deon to turn around so he could check the contents of the bag.

Busby took Deon by the arm, but Deon pulled away. Officer Busby then turned Deon around, took the plastic bag and looked inside. He found a Kel-Tec PF-9 9 mm Luger handgun.

Deon was restrained after officer Busby secured the weapon.

Deon claimed the weapon was his and that he had found it in a ditch.

When Officer Dempsey retrieved the weapon from Officer Busby, it was unloaded and without a magazine inserted. Upon inspection of the weapon, it was found that the serial number had been removed and/or obliterated from the firearm.

A marijuana grinder was also found in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

After confirmation of warrants, Armstrong and Deon were both placed into custody and transported to the Orange County Jail, where they were released to jail staff.

Deon was charged with possession of a weapon on the licensed premises where alcohol is served. He is also charged with tampering with identification numbers.

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Vidor man killed in hit and run accident Officers with the Vidor Police Dept. found a man’s body on the side of FM 1132 in Vidor, at about 3 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 30.

It appeared that the man had been involved in an auto-pedestrian accident.

The man, who was identified as 33-year-old Jeremiah Freeman, was struck sometime near the intersection of Evangeline Dr. and Flora St. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace Rodney Price, who also ordered an autopsy.

Details were not being released due to the investigation into the accident.

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• The Record • Week of Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Community Bulletin Board 2012 Southeast Texas Livestock Extravaganza The 2012 Southeast Texas Livestock Extravaganza will be held on Jan. 7-8 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Winnie Stowell Park in Winnie, Texas. The Livestock Extravaganza is open to all 4-H and FFA Members. Clinic discussions will cover selection, feeding, weight management, culling and livestock judging. Buckles given for high point individuals, along with door prizes. Cost is $15 per person with lunch being provided by Samson. Please RSVP by Jan. 3. For questions and additional information contact the Extension Office at 409-882-7010. Sponsored by Texas AgriLife Extension Service Jefferson, Hardin, Liberty, Orange and Chamber Counties.

OC Retired Seniors to meet Jan. 9 The Orange County Retired Seniors will meet at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 9 at The Salvation Army Bldg. on MLK and Strickland. Bring a covered dish for the noon meal. Also, please bring Bingo prizes and soaps for OCS. We will be collecting our yearly dues at this meeting. If you want your name included in our member roster be sure to pay at this meeting. Also, The Nominating Committee will give their report at this meeting. All seniors are invited to attend. For more information, call 409-8836161.

CASA volunteer training class to begin Jan. 9 “Advocates for Children, Inc. will have a CASA volunteer training class beginning Jan. 9 and concluding Jan. 13, Monday through Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. each evening. Call the CASA office if you are interested in attending at 1-877-5866548 (toll free). An application and background checks must be done first. For more information, go to the website: www.advocates-4-children-inc.org.

AARP income tax assistance program offered The AARP Tax Filing Assistance Program will begin Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 12:15 p.m. in the Orange Public Library. Trained volunteers will be available from 12:15 to 4 p.m. every Wednesday and Friday through April 13th.

Anyone seeking assistance should bring the following: all W-2 and 1099 forms, including Social Security benefits and statements; records of Capital gains and losses; receipts of medical expenses, taxes paid, interest paid, contributions, casualty and theft losses, job expenses, sales tax receipts for major purchases and Social Security cards for dependents; a copy of your 2010 tax return, which will be very helpful for the volunteers assisting in the preparations of the 2011 return.

Electronic filing will be available. No tax returns will be started after 4 p.m.

OC Retired Teachers to meet Jan. 9 The Orange County Retired Teachers will meet on Jan. 9, at 11 a.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 401 37th St. in Orange.

The guest speaker will be Tommy White, Attorney-at-law, who will talk on Estate Planning, Wills and Living Wills.

The meeting will include a light lunch. January hostesses are: Evera Enard, Doris Allen, Kay Kline, JoAnn Price, Brenda Robicheaux, Marilyn Sanford, Irelia Rhodes, Marion McIntire, Evelyn Sechler.

WE SELLare reminded to bring their 2011 Volunteer Hours Members toPARTS turn in, FOR as well as donations of children’s books (they are due this month) and pull tabs for the Ronald McDonald House.

ALL MAJOR

ies) at the elementary level without prior instruction. The student must score at least 90 on each of the five four tests to be considered eligible for grade level acceleration. Students in grades sixth through 12 will be permitted to take an examination to earn credit for an academic course for which they have had no prior instruction. Students must score at least 90 on the test to receive course credit. Additional information and registration forms can be obtained by contacting Gina Mannino at: gina.mannino@bridgecityisd.net.

Red Hot Flashers to meet Jan. 19

The Red Hot Flashers of Orange County will meet Jan. 19, at 11:30 a.m. at the New York Pizza in Vidor, Texas, for their regular meeting. The birthday lady is: Lady Cha Cha, Marcie Baca.

We will be celebrating the new year. All ladies are welcome. For information, please call 409-886-1609.

Meet and Greet the Master Gardeners on Jan. 21 The Orange County Master Gardener’s will have a meet and greet at their new greenhouse facility on FM 1442 at Jewel Cormier Park on Saturday, Jan. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon. The community is invited to visit with the Master Gardeners, see their new greenhouses and learn what a Master Gardener is. If plants, gardening and horticulture fascinate you, we would love for you to come check us out. We are located in Orangefield between St. Helen Catholic Church and the railroad tracks south off IH10 Exit 869 and north off FM 105 from Bridge City.

Chuck Young Alumni Classic scheduled for Feb. 11 The Bridge City Baseball Program will host the Chuck Young Alumni Classic along with an Alumni Homerun Derby on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012 at Cardinal Field. The Home Run Derby will begin at 10:30 a.m. and will cost $20 to enter. The game will be held a noon. Game shirts will cost $10. Any former Cardinal baseball players interested in participating in either event please contact Chris Moore at chris.moore813@gmail.com All former Bridge City Baseball coaches are welcome to come out and see their former players. For more information visit the BC baseball website at http://bridgecitycardinalbaseball.webs.com/

American Legion to host pool tournament The American Legion Lloyd Grubbs Post 49, located at 108 Green Ave. in Orange, will be hosting a pool tournament every Friday from 7 p.m. to midnight. There is a ten player maximum.

The community is encouraged to join in the fun and free food to help support the Veterans. For more information, call 409-3304847.

Orange Community Band to meet every Thursday The Orange Community Band rehearses every Thursday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the National Guard Armory, located at 4103 Meeks Drive in Orange. They are in need of players for the following sections; flute, clarinet, saxophone, French horn, and percussion, but ALL are welcome! The band performs Christmas, Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veteran’s Day concerts. At least one traditional band concert is performed annually. Please visit us on Facebook at Orange Community Band.

BCCC now accepting nominations

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OC Master Gardeners to meet Jan. 12

Rape and Suicide Crisis Center to offer support group meetings

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The monthly meeting of the Orange County Master Gardeners will be held on Thursda, Jan. 12 at the Salvation Army building on the corner of MLK and Strickland in Orange. There will be a pot luck supper at 6 p.m. and the business meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. At the end of the meeting door prizes will be drawn.

Any one interested in gardening is welcome to attend.

BCISD to administer Credit by Examination

Bridge City ISD, in accordance with Chapter 74.24 TAC, will administer the Texas Tech University Credit by Examination Tests. Testing dates will be June 5, 6 and 7, 2012. Students in grades first through fifth will be allowed to take each of the five tests (Math, Science, Language Arts, Reading, and Social Stud-

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Bridge City Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for Business of the Year and Citizen of the Year. Please submit all nominations in writing to Bridge City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, 150 W. Roundbunch Rd, Bridge City, Tx. 77611. Deadline to submit nominations will be Feb. 8, 2012.

The Rape and Suicide Crisis Center of Southeast Texas will be hosting a support group for female survivors of sexual assault the first and third Wednesday of every month, starting at 5:30 p.m. Meetings will be held at the Foundation of Southeast Texas building, located at 700 North St. in downtown Beaumont.

To RSVP or for further information, please contact the Crisis Center at 409-832-6530.

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Entergy Texas on winter Staff Report

For The Record

Winter blew into Southeast Texas with its typically chilly introduction, leaving many electric utility customers challenged with both staying warm and managing the costs that go with it.

Entergy Texas, Inc. wants to remind customers they have the power to save money and stay comfortable by following a few simple steps to help keep winter’s cold outside where it belongs while also helping keep energy costs more manageable.

“Heating a home can account for as much as half of the monthly energy bills, said Vernon Pierce, customer service director, Entergy Texas. “Cold air can be an expensive, unwanted visitor, finding its way through many openings that often go unnoticed, such as wall seams, attic doors and electrical outlets.

Small spaces can add up to big energy losses.”

Although there are many steps homeowners can take to protect themselves against cold weather, here are the top five energy savers.

Adjust the thermostat. During winter months, set the thermostat to 68 degrees. Every degree higher can add 3 percent to your energy bill.

Conserve hot water. Wrap your electric water heater with a water heater blanket and set the thermostat to 120 degrees or medium. Insulate pipes running to and from the heater and check for leaky faucets.

Replace air and furnace filters every 30 days. Air conditioning and heating remain the top energy costs for a home, so keeping them in good condition makes sense.

Use energy-efficient bulbs when replacing light bulbs. Entergy recommends ENERGY STAR-qualified compact fluorescent bulbs that use 70 percent less energy and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

Properly air seal and insulate your attic and any location where there may be a path from the inside of your home to the outside. That includes places you may not automatically think of such as attic hatchways, electrical outlets and switches.

Customers can find answers to a variety of energy-related topics including what influences energy costs in their homes at www.entergytexas.com/savemoney. Entergy also encourages customers to consider one of the many billing options the company already has in place that can simplify managing and paying monthly energy bills. Level Billing protects against spikes in electricity bills even when usage is higher than normal. Picka-Date allows customers to choose a due date that is most convenient for them.

Entergy Texas delivers electricity to more than 400,000 customers in 27 counties. It is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation.

Entergy is an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations.

Entergy owns and operates power plants with approximately 30,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity, and it is the second-largest nuclear generator in the United States. Entergy delivers electricity to 2.7 million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.

The Record • Week of Wednesday, January 4, 2012

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Deaths and Memorials Death Announcements:

David Lee Forsmo Orange David Lee Forsmo, 82, of Orange passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 3, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont. Funeral arrangements are pending at Dorman Funeral Home.

To Be held:

Olevia June Hubert Mauriceville

ter, Virginia D. Bilbo.

She is survived by her son, John W. Guidry Sr.; daughter, Joyce M. Wheatley; eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren all of Orange.

The family requests for those that desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Gus Harris, Chipper Nance, Floyd Thornal, Bill Blackwell, Carl Chesson and Dennis Wheatley served as pallbearers.

Jeremiah Stone Freeman Vidor

Olevia June Hubert, 60, of Mauriceville, passed away Sunday, Jan. 1, at Baptist Hospital in Beaumont.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial gathering on Saturday, Jan. 7, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The gathering will be held at the Hubert’s home located at 5799 Broussard Circle in Mauriceville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a cardiovascular charity of the donor’s choosing.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Jeremiah Freeman, 33, of Vidor died Friday, Dec. 30, 2011 in Vidor. He is a lifelong resident of Vidor. Jeremiah was a hot shot driver for 13 years.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Jan. 3 at Memorial Funeral Home of Vidor, with burial that followed at Restlawn Memorial Park in Vidor.

Jeremiah is survived by his father Ben Ed Freeman of Vidor, brother Benjamin Freeman of Buna, and grandmother Eva Gallier of Vidor.

Held:

L.M. “Mac” Rogers Orange

Mary Ethel Guidry Orange Mary Ethel Guidry, 82, of Orange passed away Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011 at Memorial Hermann Baptist Hospital in Beaumont.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Jan. 3, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange with the Rev. Barry Bradley of First Baptist Church in Orange, officiating. Interment followed at Parrish Family Cemetery.

Mrs. Guidry was born in Orange to Nathan and Ethel (Heard) Berwick on January 25, 1929. She was a proofreader for the Orange Leader and the Beaumont Enterprise and was a member of the Orange County Sheriff’s Posse.

Mrs. Guidry is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leo Guidry Jr.; sons, Dan Edward Guidry, Nathan Paul Guidry and Joseph Leo Guidry and sis-

Lee McDonald “Mac” Rogers, Sr., 82, of Orange, died T hur sday, Dec. 29, 2011, at Renaissance Hospital in Groves.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Jan. 3, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange, with the Rev. Barry Bradley, pastor of First Baptist Church in Orange, officiating.

Additional services in North Carolina will begin with family receiving friends beginning at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 5, at Brooks & White Funeral Home in Roxboro, N.C. A graveside service will follow at 11 a.m. Thursday, at Burchwood Cemetery in Roxboro.

Born on a farm near Roxboro, N.C. on Jan. 24, 1929, Mac was the son of Roy and Carrie (Crumpton) Rogers. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1951 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and from Augusta Law School in Augusta, Ga., with

a bachelor of laws degree. He was employed by DuPont for 39 years, and he worked at Sabine River Works in Orange from 1964 until his retirement in 1992.

Mac served in the US Army from 1952 to 1954, and on Dec. 12, 1954, he married Dorothy (Dot) Mullins in Jackson, Tenn.

He was very active in the community, serving as treasurer of Troop 23 Boy Scouts of America for many years. He served on the Board of Directors of the Orange YMCA and was a volunteer tax return preparer for AARP. Mac was active in the Data Processing Management Association, and was a member of First Baptist Church of Orange, Texas for over 40 years. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, and playing bridge as a Gold Life Master.

Mac loved his family and enjoyed being with his friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Carrie Rogers; wife, Dorothy (Dot) Mullins Rogers; grandson, Brandon Brigman; brothers, Bernice, Leon, Earl, and Jack Rogers; and sister, Doris Rogers.

Mac is survived by his sons, Lee and wife Liz of Roswell, N.M., Ray and wife Mandy of Orange; step-daughter, Marilyn Brigman and husband Gayle of Richmond, Va.; grandchildren, Emily Cometti and husband Brandon, Lee McDonald “Mac” Rogers III, Anna Rogers, Sheridan Rogers, Karly Raye Rogers; and brother, Arnold Rogers of Yanceyville, N.C. Those wishing to make memorial contributions may make them to First Baptist Church Building Fund, 602 Green Ave., Orange, TX 77630.

Judith Ann Moore Mauriceville Judith “Mama Judi” Ann Moore, 70, of Mauriceville passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011.

A Memorial Service was held Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011 at Dorman Funeral Home.

She was a native of El Dorado, Ark., born to parents Louise (Scroggins) and Stewart Moore.

She had lived in the Orange area for the last ten years after moving from Linden, Texas. She was a member of Cowboy Church and enjoyed the outdoors, working in her garden and taking care

of her animals. Judith was a loving mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend who will be missed dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Moore.

She is survived by her life partner, Mark Stelly of Mauriceville; daughters, Stacy Viator and husband, Garret, of Mauriceville, Shauntel Elmer and husband, Chris, of Maurice, La.; sons, Darrell Marks and wife, Lisa, of Mauriceville, Steve Marks and wife, Mary, of Dayton; brother, Bill Moore of Shreveport, La.; 13 grandchildren and seven greatgrandchildren.

Dallas Cowboys football.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Kate Jackson; four sisters, three brothers, one sister-in-law, three brothers-in-law, and stepdaughter, Kimberly Burton.

Nicky is survived by his wife of 21 years, Tammy Jackson of Orange; son, Bruce A. Jackson; daughters, Kelly L. Cormier and Christi L. Jackson; five grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; one step-great-grandchild; sister, Billie Grindol and husband Bud; sisters-in-law, Jane Jackson and Wanda Jackson; and brother-in-law, James Parkhurst.

Leah Faye Lyon Buna

James Clifton Harris Vidor

Leah Faye Lyon, 77, of Buna, formerly of Orange, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011.

A funeral service was held on Monday, Jan. 2, 2012 at Dorman Funeral Home, Gage Coldwater officiating. Burial followed at Evergreen Cemetery in Orange.

She was a native of San Augustine, Texas born on Dec. 29, 1934.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hattie Mae (Woods) and Vaughn Booker Newberry, husband, Ralph Lyon, sons, Robert and Royce Lyon.

She is survived by her son, Rex Lyon of Buna; sister, Jackie Duggins and husband, David, of San Marcus, Texas; brother, James E. Newberry and wife, Jean, of Huntsville, Texas and a large extended family.

James C. Harris, 73, of Vidor died Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011, at Houston Hospice in Houston.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011 at Memorial Funeral Home of Vidor, with burial that followed at Restlawn Memorial Park in Vidor.

Born on May 14, 1938 and a native of Union, Miss., he was a longtime resident of Vidor. James was in Coating Application and waterproofing. He served his country in the US Navy.

James was preceded in death by his sons Ricky and David Harris; brother Charles Ray Harris; and sister Dixie Jo Pilgrim.

He is survived by his son Mark James Harris and his wife Michelle of Vidor; brother Bobby Frank Harris of Mauriceville; sister Mary Charlette Woodard of Vidor; and grandchildren Benjiman Cliff Harris, Jacob Frank Harris and Tyler David Harris.

Alan “Nicky” Jackson Orange Alan “Nicky” Jackson, 67, of Orange, died T hur sday, Dec. 29, 2011 at his home.

Funeral services were held Sunday, Jan. 1, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Born in Angelina County, Texas on Feb. 13, 1944, Nicky was the son of Charlie Francis and Kate (Goodson) Jackson. He served in the US Air Force and was a member of Boilermakers Local 587 and Cove Baptist Church. He loved fishing and

Danny “Dano” Swarers West Orange Danny “Dano” Swarers, 61, of West Orange, died Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011 at Baptist Hospital in Beaumont.

Graveside services were held Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011, at Niblett’s Bluff Cemetery in Vinton, La. Officiating was the Rev. Joel Warren of McDonald Memorial Baptist Church.

Born in Vivian, La., on Oct.

26, 1950, Danny was the son of Alvin Forest and Mary Katherine Swarers. He was a US Army veteran who served in Vietnam, and he was a pipefitter.

Preceded in death by his parents, Danny is survived by his wife, Vita Swarers of West Orange; and sons, Bryan Daigle and wife, Valma, of Mauriceville, Brandon Swarers and wife, Melinda, of Bridge City; and Kevin Swarers of Lumberton and Jenny Swarers of Little Cypress.

Danny was a fun loving Paw Paw of seven grandchildren: Taylor, Kaleb, Kamri, Danny, Hayley, William, and Alice.

He is also survived by his brothers, Tommy Swarers and Gary Swarers, both of Washington, and his sisters, Penny McLamara of Mauriceville and Leesa Gearen of Mauriceville.

Paul Adams, Mike Adams, Harold Adams, Eric Adams, Melvin Navarre, Dennis Guillory, Brock Janise and Steve Smith served as pallbearers.

Archie Craig Courmier Vidor Archie Craig Courmier, 62, of Vidor, died Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011 at Baptist Hospital in Beaumont.

Visitation was held Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011 Claybar Funeral Home in Orange with graveside services immediately following at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens near Bridge City. Officiating were the Rev. Lynn Ashcraft and the Rev. Scott McIntosh.

Born in Orange on Aug. 20, 1949, Archie was the son of Urner Dale and Lola Mae (Sanders) Courmier. He graduated from West Orange High School in 1967.

Preceded in death by his parents, Archie is survived by his brothers, Tommy Dale Courmier and wife, Sharlet, of Vinton, La., and Alan Boyd Courmier and wife, Marlene, of Orange; sister, Donna Gay Bates of Bryan; aunts, Margaret Cooley and Doloris Sanders, both of DeQuincy, La.; uncle, Ferold Arend of Bentonville, Ark.; aunt, Jean Courmier of Vinton, La. and nephews, Cody Courmier and wife, Ashley, Matthew Courmier, and Chuck Courmier and wife Jana.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to North Orange Baptist Church, 4775 N. 16th St., Orange, Texas 77630, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month: Allsup urges women to get screened and vaccinated in 2012 Staff Report

For The Record

Nearly 13,000 American women were diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2011, and more than 4,000 died from an advanced form of the disease, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Allsup, a nationwide provider of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) representation, works with hundreds of cancer patients each year, and is raising awareness of the need for screening and preventive care during Cervical Health Awareness Month in January.

Regular Pap tests, which detect significant abnormal cell changes that may arise before cancer develops, reduce deaths from cervical cancer. Women who have never been screened or who have not been screened in the past five years face a greater risk of developing invasive cervical cancer. Most medical experts agree women age 21 (or younger, if they are sexually active) to about 70 should be screened every two to three years. Women should seek expert medical advice about when they should begin screening, how often they should be screened, and when they can discontinue cervical screenings, especially if they are at higher than average risk due to factors such as HIV infection.

Despite the effectiveness of Pap tests in preventing deaths, the most recent NCI statistics (2005) indicate that more than 20 percent of women aged 18 and older had not had a Pap test within the past three years.

According to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition, while routine administration of Pap tests is the best method to de-

tect cervical cancer at an early stage, vaccines have the potential to protect women from the disease by targeting cancer-causing types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV, a virus transmitted through sexual contact, is the single known cause of cervical cancer.

Cervical Cancer and Social Security Disability Insurance Some women may be unable to work due to progression of their cervical cancer or because of continuous cancer treatment.

If their time away from work is expected to last 12 months or more, they may be eligible for SSDI. SSDI is funded by FICA taxes and provides benefits to Americans unable to work due to a severe, long-term disability. These benefits include: Regular monthly income. SSDI is a regular monthly payment and often provides annual cost-of-living increases.

Medical benefits. Regardless of your age, 24 months after your date of entitlement to SSDI benefits, you are eligible for Medicare, including Part A (hospital benefits) and Part B (medical benefits). A variety of Medicare Advantage plans are also available. Medicare recipients are covered for cervical, vaginal and breast cancer screenings once every 24 months, or once every 12 months for women at high risk, and for women of child-bearing age who have had an exam that indicated cancer or other abnormalities in the past three years. There is no co-pay for Pap test specimen collection, or pelvic and breast exams if the doctor accepts assignment.

Prescription drug coverage. Once you are entitled to Medicare, you are also eligible for Medicare Part D, the prescription drug plan.

COBRA extension. If you receive SSDI benefits, the length

DSHS takes preventative measures against rabies with aerial vaccine drop Staff Report

For The Record

The Texas Department of State Health Services this week begins its annual airdrop of rabies vaccine baits over portions of southern and western Texas in the continuing effort to protect people and livestock from rabies. Planes will take off from airports in Zapata and Alpine around dawn Wednesday, Jan. 4 and from Del Rio on Thursday, Jan. 12. They will drop about 1.8 million doses of rabies vaccine over the next month as part of the DSHS Oral Rabies Vaccination Program.

“This approach has been a huge success,” said veterinarian Ernest Oertli, the vaccination program’s director. “We haven’t seen a single human case of rabies in the areas covered by the program since it started in 1995, and the number of animal cases has dropped dramatically.”

Animal cases of the canine strain of rabies in southern Texas fell from 122 in 1994 to zero in 2000. There have since been single cases in 2001 and 2004. The fox strain, prevalent in western Texas, dropped from 244 animal cases in 1995, the year before the project expanded to that area, to zero in 2010 and 2011.

“We have effectively eliminated these two strains of rabies

from Texas,” said Oertli. “Now our goal is prevent them from being reintroduced as animals move in and out of the state.”

The vaccine dose is enclosed in a small packet dipped in fish oil and coated with fish meal crumbles. The baits don’t pose any risk to humans, but people should avoid handling them since human contact makes it less likely a wild animal will eat the baits.

Rabies is a deadly virus spread through the saliva of infected animals, usually by a bite.

of your COBRA benefits could be extended an additional 11 months.

Long-term disability (LTD) benefits. If you have private longterm disability insurance, your provider will often require you to seek SSDI. Complying with this requirement could help protect your ability to receive LTD income.

Protected retirement benefits. When you reach retirement age, SSDI ends and you transition to Social Security retirement benefits. Social Security disability entitlement freezes Social Security earnings records during your period of disability. Because the years in which you collect SSDI benefits are not counted when computing future benefits, your Social Security retirement benefits may be higher than if your earnings were averaged over a greater number of years.

Dependent benefits. If you receive SSDI benefits and you have a dependent under age 18, he or she may also be eligible for benefits.

Return-to-work incentives. Social Security will provide you opportunities to return to work while still paying you disability benefits.

Physical and financial health often go hand in hand. Take preventive measures to protect your health, and know your options if health concerns make it impossible to continue working. For more information on Cervical Health Awareness Month, visit the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC). You can also find free and low cost Pap tests near you. For more information on SSDI and Medicare, visit http://www.allsup.com/. If you think you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits, contact Allsup’s Disability Evaluation Center at (800) 678-3276.

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• The Record • Week of Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Orange

County

Cooking

Country Shrimp Etouffee

by the time I got the computer to come on, I had forgotten just what I planned to give you.

Now that we have Any type of fish is good, eaten all of the turhowever; you’d have to key and dressing we add some kind of sauce, can hold, it is time to then rice, then up go think of eating someVon Broussard the calories. thing nonfat. What I forgot about good is that? candied sweet potatoes. Five poI first thought of vegetables tatoes sliced, 1 stick of butter or and that is good; then maybe oleo and 2 cups of sugar; cook fish or shrimp or crawfish. on low until potatoes are tender.

That sounds good. However, Country Cookin’

by Von Broussard

Cooking with Katherine: Fried Eggplant with Crawfish Sauce Katherine Aras For The Record

I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday. Guess it is back to the real world now. Working all day and then trying to find something wonderful to eat once you get home. I know that everyone cannot cook all the recipes that I am showing you all the time, but hopefully you are cutting some out and saving them for a special occasion.

I like the easy recipes too of course, and next week I promise I will give you something easy to fix. I say that because I do not like to have to batter food and then frying it, oh no

Shrimp Etouffee: • 1 pound peeled shrimp • 1 stick margarine • 4 heaping tablespoons all purpose flour • 1 chopped onion • 1 stalk chopped celery • 1 chopped green bell pepper • 2 gloves garlic minced • 1 tablespoon paprika • 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley and onion tops • 2 cups water • salt and pepper to taste or favorite seasoning.

Melt margarine in a heavy aluminum frying pan. Do not use an iron pot. Season shrimp (or crawfish). Add one tablespoon paprika. Simmer two to three minutes, remove and set aside. Add chopped onion, bell pepper and garlic to skillet and

I don’t have the time or desire. But this is eggplant is my favorite and crawfish, okay well sometimes you have to sacrifice just because it is so worth it.

Meanwhile I just came back from Louisiana and bought the most amazing cookbook at CVS Pharmacy. It is called, “Louisiana’s Best.” OMG it is so wonderful! The recipe I am talking about is Fried Eggplant with Crawfish Monica Sauce. It originates from the Oak Alley Plantation. This dish will be featured at my next Cooking Class to be held on Jan. 16 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Please call for details. Happy Eating!

Crawfish Monica Sauce

simmer about 10 minutes. Return shrimp to pot, add two cups water, stir, and cook slowly for about 40 minutes. Add water as needed. Serve over rice and top with chipped onion tops and parsley. This is also good with lobster.

Not to the new younger generation of cooks. Oleo is margarine and all purpose flour is your every day flour. Also you can use margarine or oleo in place of butter. I had a request for the information. Sorry, we tend to forget some might not know these things.

Hope your new year is great.

Make a New Year’s resolution to send me your favorite recipe. My fax is my phone number– 735-4233.

Easy and everything is Gooder’n Syrup. Von

Don’t forget the food this coming Mardi Gras 409-738-2070

Staff Report

For The Record

Mardi Gras is a celebration many people look forward to.

A carnival in which revelers are known for losing their inhibitions, Mardi Gras has many traditions beyond just enjoying a beverage or two.

Cuisine is equally as important to any worthwhile Mardi Gras party. This year, wow your guests on Fat Tuesday with the following recipe for “Short Rib Jambalaya,” from Eula Mae Dore’s “Eula Mae’s Cajun Kitchen” (Harvard Common Press).

Short Rib Jambalaya Makes 8 to 10 servings 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 2 pounds pork short ribs, cut into 2-inch pieces 3 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon Accent seasoning 2 teaspoons Tabasco brand pepper sauce 11/2 cups chopped yellow onions 1/2 cup chopped celery 3 garlic cloves, peeled 1 cup seeded and chopped bell peppers (green, red and yellow mixed or just green) 3/4 cup canned seeded and chopped tomatoes 4 cups water 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions (green and white parts) 3 cups raw long-grain white rice Oil a large, heavy pot or Dutch oven with the vegetable oil and place over mediumhigh heat. Season the ribs with 2 teaspoons of the salt, 1/4 teaspoon of the black pepper, the Accent, and 1 tea-

4 tablespoons butter 2/3 cup minced onions 1 cup Ro-Tel tomatoes 2 tablespoons minced garlic 1 pound crawfish 1 quart heavy cream 4 oz. freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1 cup green onions, divided Creole Seasoning to taste Melt butter in medium saucepan. Add onions, tomatoes, and garlic. Cook until onions are tender. Add crawfish and cook until heated through. Add heavy cream and bring to a boil. Add Parmesan cheese and half of the green onions. Season to taste.

Bring back to a boil and simmer until sauce thickens.

Fried Eggplant ¼ cup vegetable oil

2 cups flour, divided 1 cup water Creole seasoning to taste 2 eggplants, cut in ½ inch thick slices 2 cups Italian bread crumbs Creole seasoning to taste Heat oil in a frying pan. Mix 1 cup flour with water and season. Mix well until lumps are dissolved. Season eggplant. Toss eggplant in remaining flour, then into flour/water mixture, then into bread crumbs. Panfry until golden brown. Place on paper towels to drain.

Layer eggplants with Crawfish Monica Sauce and garnish with remaining green onions.

Makes 8 servings.

Katherine Aras Look Who’s Cooking Now (409)670-3144

Lowering cholesterol Amanda Hill Special To The Record Healthy eating and improving health habits top the list of New Year’s resolutions for many Texans each year. If eating a heart healthy diet tops your list for 2012, a new study

by Pennsylvania State University may give you some pretty tasty motivation.

The recent study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that eating lean beef—including top sirloin, tenderloin and 95 percent lean ground beef— every day could improve LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) levels by 10 percent.

Researchers followed 36 men and women, ages 3065, who had moderately high cholesterol levels. The participants were divided into four diets: * Healthy American Diet (HAD)—Control diet with refined grains, full-fat dairy products, oil and butter to reflect a “typical” American diet. This diet included 0.7 ounces of lean beef per day. * Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)— The “gold standard” heart healthy diet, consisting mostly of vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy and limited red meat (1 ounce of lean beef per day). * Beef in an Optimal Lean

Diet (BOLD)—Similar to the DASH diet but included 4 ounces of lean beef as the primary daily protein source. * Beef in an Optimal Lean Diet Plus (BOLD-PLUS)— Similar to the BOLD diet but increased the protein and lean beef daily intake to 5.4 ounces.

At first glance, you might think the DASH diet—with its focus on vegetables, nuts and beans—would provide the best heart healthy results. Actually, the BOLD and BOLD-PLUS diets, which included servings of protein-rich lean beef, proved to pack more protein, lower carbohydrates and provide about the same amount of fat as the diets with minimal lean beef.

A three ounce serving of lean beef is only 180 calories and provides 25 grams of protein.

Combine that with the heart healthy effect of lower cholesterol, and there’s proof that healthy eating can taste great.

If you’re resolving to improve your health and lower cholesterol in 2012, check out www.BeefNutrition.org for heart healthy recipes and more nutritional information on lean beef. You might also take a look at The Healthy Beef Cookbook by the American Dietetic Association and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association for more great recipes.

spoon of the Tabasco. When the oil is hot, add the ribs and cover the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally and scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan, until the meat is evenly browned, about 45 minutes.

Transfer the ribs to a platter and drain off all but 3 tablespoons of the fat in the pot.

Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally and scraping the browned bits off the bottom of the pot, until they are soft and slightly golden, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the celery and garlic and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the bell peppers and cook,

stirring a few times, for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes and return the ribs to the pot.

Cover and cook over mediumlow heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the water, cover and simmer for 30 minutes longer.

Add the parsley, green onions and rice. With a spoon, stir to submerge the rice in the liquid. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and 1 teaspoon Tabasco. Stir to mix, cover and cook until all the liquid is absorbed, about 30 minutes.

Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for about 5 minutes before serving.

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The Record • Week of Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Foundation praises federal court stay of EPA air pollution rule rule, as well as the scientific errors and exaggerated claims of environmental benefits. Mrs. White has presented to organizations across the country about the dangers of the rule.

Staff Report

For The Record

The Texas Public Policy Foundation praised last Friday’s ruling by the Washington, D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, which enjoined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from implementing its Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) until the D.C. Circuit has completed its review of the legal challenges against the rule. The highly controversial rule had been slated to take effect yesterday. ”The Cross-State Air Pollution Rule is riddled with procedural and substantial errors and is without environmental justification,” said TPPF’s Kathleen Hartnett White. The EPA is fabricating benefits to human health to force an energy policy that suppresses coal regardless of economic consequences. We are relieved that the D.C. Circuit has intervened at the last minute to make the save.”

The rule, issued by the EPA in July 2011, would place severe restrictions on sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from power plants in 27 states, emissions which have already been reduced by more than 50 percent over the last 20 years. The new rule mandates further reductions of 20 percent to 46 percent within the next two years. Texas has sued to block the implementation of the rule in one of more than three dozen lawsuits. ”CSAPR would harm electric reliability in many parts of the country, with no state more at risk than Texas,” White said. Because of the unprecedented short lead time for power generators to meet these aggressive limits, they would have been left with no realistic alternative but to shut down older power plants.

Texas grid operator ERCOT concluded that if Texas had another hot summer in 2012 such as we had in 2011, rolling blackouts and power outages would be likely.”

“Texas utilities have already announced more than 1,000 job losses and the closure of multiple coal mines and power plants if CSAPR had come into effect on Jan. 1,” White continued. ”EPA’s purpose in including Texas is to reduce particulate-matter pollution in one county in Illinois by imposing stringent limits on emissions from Texas power plants. However, the area in Illinois and the state of Texas both officially satisfy the federal air-quality standard in question.””

The Texas Public Policy Foundation has been especially active in raising public awareness on CSAPR and other regulations among EPA’s unprecedented barrage of new rules. In May, the Foundation discussed CSAPR in its legislative briefing on “The Approaching EPA Avalanche.” Since the rule was announced, Kathleen Hartnett White has published commentaries in The Dallas Morning News, National Review Online, The Daily Caller and many Texas newspapers that highlighted the costs of the

“In its proposal, the EPA requested comments on Texas but did not include Texas in the rule nor provide any information about specific Texas requirements,” White said. ”By pulling Texas in at the last hour, the EPA flouted the constitutional due process guaranteed in the Administrative Procedures Act for all rulemaking.”

RecoRd

9A

Announcements Happy Birthday!

Among many errors, EPA’s projected emissions impacts from Texas rely on 2005 data, which assume the continued existence of 19,000 tons of nitrogen oxide emissions that Texas has eliminated through subsequent state regulation.

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals’ issuance of an administrative stay is a rare occurrence in cases involving EPA’s regulatory authority under the Clean Air Act and a potentially significant one. A stay requires the plaintiffs to demonstrate both imminent and irreversible harm, as well as a likelihood of prevailing on the merits of their complaint. Besides issuing the stay, the D.C. Circuit ordered the parties to prepare a briefing schedule for the Circuit to begin its review in April.

Kathleen Hartnett White is director of the Armstrong Center for Energy and Environment at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. She was commissioner and chairman of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality from 2001 to 2007.

The Texas Public Policy Foundation is a non-profit, free-market research institute based in Austin.

AARP income tax assistance program offered The AARP Tax Filing Assistance Program will begin Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 12:15 p.m. in the Orange Public Library. Trained volunteers will be available from 12:15 to 4 p.m. every Wednesday and Friday through April 13th.

Anyone seeking assistance should bring the following: all W-2 and 1099 forms, including Social Security benefits and statements; records of Capital gains and losses; receipts of medical expenses, taxes paid, interest paid, contributions, casualty and theft losses, job expenses, sales tax receipts for major purchases and Social Security cards for dependents; a copy of your 2010 tax return, which will be very helpful for the volunteers assisting in the preparations of the 2011 return.

Electronic filing will be available. No tax returns will be started after 4 p.m.

Can Chiropractic Help Me? If you are experiencing any of these conditions or symptoms, the answer to your question may be “YES” Headaches Loss of sleep Neck pain Tension Whiplay Scoliosis

Painful Joints Stiffness in Lower Back Pain in Lower Back Numbness in Arms and Hands Numbness or Pain in legs Pain Between Shoulder Blades

“What’s the best way to find out whether or not a doctor of chiropractic can help my problem?”

We believe the answer can be found in a complete chiropractic consultation and examination, including x-rays.

And to help you find out for sure, we will do a chiropractic consultation and examination, including x-rays (procedures that normally cost $178 or more) for only $25.00.

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Collin Slade Gros Happy 17th Birthday, Jan. 10th.

We love you Mom, Poppa, MiMi and the gang

A Remarkable Season Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison Special To The Record

There is a great tradition and folklore surrounding Texas and the game of football. The sport has spurred movies, books, and tales told throughout generations. This year’s college football campaign provided recognition for a remarkable young man, a homegrown Texan who provides inspiration to us all: Robert Griffin III, the quarterback for the Baylor University Bears.

Earlier this month, Mr. Griffin – or RG3. as he is known to Baylor fans -- was named the 2011 Heisman Trophy winner.

This was Baylor’s first-ever Heisman winner. In large part because of RG3’s unparalleled accomplishments on the football field, Baylor finished this football season ranked Number 15 nationally with a 9-3 record, including impressive victories over nationally ranked TCU, Oklahoma, and Texas.

While Baylor and Big 12 fans have witnessed Griffin’s football prowess, many more American sports fans will have the opportunity to watch him lead the ranked Bears in the Valero Alamo Bowl on December 29, 2011.

But it is not only his football talent that makes Robert such a remarkable young man; he is the model student-athlete.

An honor-roll student at Baylor, he graduated with a degree in Political Science in only three years—with a 3.67 GPA! While he was leading the Bears on the gridiron this year, he was also studying for his Master’s Degree in Communications. And he has indicated that he would like to attend law school, as well.

Robert’s career at Baylor balances academics and athletics, and should serve as a role model for other aspiring young athletes.

The discipline to succeed was instilled in him at a very early age by his parents, Robert Jr. and Jacqueline Griffin, both Army Non-Commissioned Officers, who laid the groundwork for his strong work ethic and sense of duty. A graduate of Copperas Cove High School just outside Ft. Hood, Robert was a top student and a three-sport star athlete -- he still owns the Texas High School records for the 110-meter and 300-meter hurdles.

During his Baylor football career, Robert set 52 school records in passing, rushing, and total offense. He has thrown for an incredible 10,070 yards and 77 touchdowns, while rushing for 2,220 yards and 32 touchdowns. During his extraordinary 2011 Heisman season, Robert passed for almost 4,000 yards and 36 touchdowns, while rushing for 655 yards and seven touchdowns.

It’s no surprise that he also earned the 2011 Davey O’Brien Award, presented annually to the best NCAA quarterback.

On Saturday, December 10, 2011, Robert Griffin III was overwhelmingly recognized as the best college football player of the year. His Heisman acceptance speech in New York was as gracious as it was eloquent.

Congratulations to Robert Griffin III for an incredible season that enters the history books; to his family, who provided the foundation for his abilities and accomplishments; to his teammates; and to the entire Baylor Nation.

Kay Bailey Hutchison is the senior U.S. Senator from Texas.

EPA requests proposals for Urban Waters Small Grants The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency expects to award between $1.8 to $3.8 million in funding for projects across the country to help restore urban waters by improving water quality and supporting community revitalization. The funding is part of EPA’s Urban Waters program, which supports communities in their efforts to access, improve, and benefit from their urban waters and the surrounding land. Healthy and accessible urban waters can help grow local businesses and enhance educational, recreational and employment opportunities in nearby communities.

The goal of the Urban Waters Small Grants program is to fund research, studies, training, and demonstration projects that will advance the restoration of urban waters by improving water quality through activities that also support community revitalization and other local priorities such as public health, social and economic opportunities, general livability and environmental justice for residents. Examples of projects eligible for funding include: • Education and training for water quality improvement or green infrastructure jobs • Public education about ways to reduce water pollution • Local water quality monitoring programs • Engaging diverse stakeholders to develop local watershed plans • Innovative projects that promote local water quality and community revitalization goals For more information about Urban Waters Small Grants, please log on to http://www.epa.gov/urbanwaters/funding/.

For more information on EPA’s Urban Waters program, please log on to http://www.epa.gov/urbanwaters/.

10A

• The Record • Week of Wednesday, January 4, 2012

THE RECORD

SPORTS

Texans host Cincy; Giants end Cowboys’ season

AND OUTDOORS

Safety first for winter wades COLBURN-FISHING CAPT. DICKIE COLBURN

KAZ’S KORNER JOE KAZMAR

FOR THE RECORD

We were drifting a shallow flat last week and catching both trout and redfish at a surprisingly steady pace when my client asked, “When do you start wade fishing?” January through March are my favorite months, but in truth I leave the confines of a comfortable boat only because wading is the most effective approach to catching the largest trout.

The reason we weren’t wading at the time was that I have to know the trout are frequenting a shallow flat in decent numbers before I am willing to limit my ability to cover a lot of water. The fish also have to be holding in water that is no deeper than the top of my waders and they are just now starting to consistently hunt their next meal in water less than waist deep.

Pre-dawn wades in shorts and wading boots in the spring and late summer are far more comfortable, but wading in water cold enough to quickly turn a minor mishap into a disaster requires more than grabbing a rod and reel and climbing over the side of the boat. Prior to ever making that first cast, safety should be your number one concern.

Securely anchoring a perfectly dry boat that you are about to leave sounds like a no-brainer, but more than one anchor and even a few power poles will work their way free again this year. Watching your boat drift away, more especially if it is drifting toward the open lake, can be a tad stressful. I have experienced that twice and it will not happen again!

At least as far as I am concerned, the second most important thing when wading during the winter is to never fish alone. ProvidCOLBURN PAGE 4B

COINS

B

‘THE RECORD’ HOMETOWN HIGHLIGHTS

FOR THE RECORD

The Record columnist Dickie Colburn wears his Toad Skinz to take the bite out of raw winter days.

Kaz’s Fearless Football Forecast H ORANGE BOWL 7:30 p.m. Today (Wed.) at Miami, FL. (ESPN)—Clemson (10-3) over West Virginia (9-3).

H COTTON BOWL 7 p.m. Fri. at Arlington, TX. (FOX)—Arkansas (10-2) over Kansas State (10-2).

H

BBVA COMPASS BOWL 11 a.m. Sat. at Birmingham, AL. (ESPN)—Pittsburgh (6-6) over SMU (7-5).

H GODADDY.com BOWL 8 p.m. Sun. at Mobile, AL. (ESPN)—Arkansas State (10-2) over Northern Illinois (10-3).

H BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE GAME 7:30 p.m. Mon. at New Orleans. LA.

Any coins made before 1965: dollars, half dollars, quarters, dimes, half dimes, nickels, half cents, 1, 2 & 3 cent pieces, tokens, and all others.

(ESPN)—Alabama (11-1) over LSU (13-0).

H FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SUBDIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP GAME— Sam Houston State (13-0) over North Dakota State (11-2).

H NFL WILD CARD PLAYOFFS—(AFC)— Houston Texans (10-6) over Cincinnati Bengals (9-7) 3:30 p.m. Sat. at Reliant Stadium in Houston; Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) over Denver Broncos (8-8) 3:30 p.m. Sun. at Denver. New England Patriots (13-3) and Baltimore Ravens (13-3) have byes. NFC— New Orleans Saints (13-3) over Detroit Lions (10-6) 7 p.m. Sat. at New Orleans; New York Giants (9-7) over Atlanta Falcons (106) Noon Sun. at East Rutherford, N. J. Green Bay Packers (15-1) and San Francisco 49ers (13-3) have byes.

SILVER Tea sets, goblets, flatware, jewelry and anything marked Sterling.

The 2011 National Football League season ended Sunday with both Lone Star State franchises feeling disappointed about the final game of the regular season.

The Houston Texans lost a 2322 squeaker to the Tennessee Titans at Reliant Stadium before 71,512 fans while the Dallas Cowboys were overpowered 31-14 by the New York Giants in a winnertake all contest.

Needless to say neither the Texans nor the Cowboys fans were very happy with Sunday’s results. Twin wins would have sent both of the franchises to the NFL Playoffs which begin Saturday.

However, the Cowboys’ loss to the Giants was much more devastating than Houston’s, although it was the third straight setback the Texans suffered in as many games. Dallas had many chances to win the NFC East Division prior to Sunday and just frittered them away.

The Cowboys played the Giants Dec. 11 at home and blew a 12-point fourth quarter lead and ended up losing 37-34. A win at Philadelphia on Christmas Eve also would have locked up the division title for the Cowboys, but they were upended 20-7 in that contest.

KAZ PAGE 3B

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2B

• The Record • Week of Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Ducks hunters flock to the coast for non-stop action

Ducks, geese and sand hill cranes await those who make a trip to the Texas coast before waterfowl season comes to an end.

CAPT. CHUCK UZZLE FOR THE RECORD

With time running out on the clock for duck hunters many have resorted to taking their game on the road.

Putting miles on your gear is nothing new to waterfowlers as they constantly scout by boat or truck on almost a daily basis. Well instead of scouting locally many will take advantage of the unbelievable hunting opportunities that Texas coast offers up. When you start talking coastal duck hunting places like Rockport, Port O and the Laguna Madre automatically come to mind.

These areas are well known for producing some of the best waterfowl hunting in the state.

It’s time to add another name to that list and it’s Matagorda.

This under publicized jewel of the Texas coast offers up everything the higher profile areas do and more, plus it’s closer to our part of the world which means less travel time. The opportunity to hunt

ducks, geese, and sand hill cranes in the morning while catching trout in the afternoon is a fantastic way to spend a couple of days.

Last week I made the trek down to Matagorda with my son, Hunter and his two best hunting buddies, Chance and Jonah Lemoine of Bridge City.

This was our annual “Road Trip” that we look forward to every season and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Our home for four days was Sunrise Lodge on Matagorda Bay which is run by my good friend Bink Grimes. Nestled in between East and West Matagorda bays on the Colorado River the Sunrise Lodge offers up exceptional access to all the best areas for both hunting and fishing.

The accommodations are first rate and the food is top notch as well. It was a perfect place to stay since, it afforded us the flexibility to both hunt

and fish without having to do whole lot of traveling.

During our stay at Matagorda we hunted both East and West Matagorda bays. On days when the fog would make hunting tough we would fish early and then make afternoon hunts or vice versa when the weather cooperated.

The amounts of ducks in both bays were impressive to say the least, the flocks of redheads and pintails were just mind boggling. Unlike other trips to the coast where you just shot your two redheads and prayed that a different species of duck would show up we were treated to an amazing variety of both divers and puddle ducks. We shot six different species of birds which made for some great hunts.

The redheads were certainly the stars of the show as they number in the thousands and are all over both bays. These fast flying ducks readily de-

coy and will put on a show as they come by in large groups.

Knowing that the redheads were going be a constant it makes it easy to pass on marginal shots in favor of a higher percentage opportunity at the gorgeous drakes.

Being able to pass up birds and not feel pressure makes the hunting experience ten times more enjoyable as you can watch and take in the whole experience, a fantastic hunt that every waterfowl hunter should make at least once.

We took a break one day from the bay and went up to Wharton with Bink for a sand hill crane hunt. Grimes also runs waterfowl hunts for Bill Sherrill and this was an opportunity that none of us were willing to pass up. A big sesame field had been holding large numbers of cranes and geese during the week and planned to take advantage that fact.

Our group was rewarded with some terrific decoying action as these huge birds just came in one wave after another. It didn’t take us long to limit out and put some geese down as well. It was just another opportunity to hunt a different bird in a different set of conditions. It’s awful tough to ask for more than that.

Now the hunting was excellent every day during our trip and the fishing wasn’t far behind either. We caught plenty of solid speckled trout up seven pounds and a few redfish drifting some scattered patches of shell. The water was incredibly clear and the fish were plenty aggressive.

We threw soft plastics in dark colors on 1/8th ounce jig heads and just wore the fish out. On one particular afternoon we kept several fish, cleaned them at the lodge, and brought them to a little grill called Snapper’s where they cooked them up for us. It’s really tough to beat fresh fish after a great day of hunting and fishing.

Now if you are looking for a change of pace or an opportunity to hunt a different way in a new location I would highly recommend making a road trip somewhere down the Texas coast. The numbers of ducks and geese will amaze you. The trip is affordable and well worth any time and effort you may spend. Take my advice and try a road trip because you won’t be disappointed.

For more information on hunting or fishing Matagorda you can contact Bink Grimes @ 979-241-1705 or www. matagordasunriselodge.com

Rodman bouncing back into basketball “We stepped aside when the NBA returned,” said a Rick’s spokesman, who added, “We love Dennis . . . His regular table at Rick’s Cabaret is avail-

REPORTED ON FOX SPORTS STAFF REPORT

Dennis Rodman is bouncing back into basketball, this time as a coach for a topless women’s team he is launching for Headquarters Gentlemen’s Club, the New York mammary mecca.

The NBA bad boy dreamed up the team after hearing that rival strip joint Rick’s Cabaret launched a league with former Atlanta Hawk Spud Webb, who runs the Texas Legends, an NBA Development League team.

Rodman even is challenging Rick’s Cabaret’s topless team to a charity game.

“I don’t know too many men that don’t like a good-looking woman running up and down around the court,” Rodman said.

Rodman, who said he has been a Headquarters customer for more than 30 years, is currently scouting for talent. He will be holding auditions soon at the jiggle joint for girls over 5’10” (1.78 meters) to join the team.

“You don’t have to have too

Dennis Rodman is bouncing back into basketball, this time as a coach for a topless women’s team.

much experience, just know how to throw the ball into the hole,” was his advice to hopefuls.

Rodman launched his team effort after Rick’s Cabaret announced in November that it formed Rick’s Basketball Association to cheer up forlorn NBA fans during the lockout.

Teams popped up in several cities, but the league was disbanded when the lockout ended, and Webb is now back at his regular job.

able. We wish Dennis well in coaching another team, but if the RBA was still in existence, we would have made Dennis our commissioner.”

Tell Your Out-of-Town Friends and Family The Digital Edition Of This Newspaper Is Free At TheRecordLive.Com

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Kaz: NFL Playoffs It all came down to Sunday’s game at the Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N. J. which had been switched from an afternoon game to a 7:30 p.m. kickoff on national television.

Before the Cowboys knew what had hit them, they were on the short end of a 21-0 score just before halftime. The Giants dominated the first half by rolling up 277 total yards to Dallas’ 96 and 15 first downs to the Cowboys’ six. Both Dallas head coach Jason Garrett and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan blamed the players lack of effort for the first-half results.

“It comes down to execution,” Garrett told the Houston Chronicle referring to his team’s play in the first half. “They (Giants) did a good job on offense moving the ball, both running and throwing it. Our biggest issue on offense early on was the negative plays. They got us out of rhythm and into some bad down-anddistance situations.”

The Cowboys scored both touchdowns in the second half and got as close as 21-14 with 10:15 left in the game before the defense failed to stop two drives that resulted in 10 Giants points and earned New York the NFC East championship and the right to host the Atlanta Falcons at noon Sunday in the Wild Card Round of the NFL playoffs.

If Dallas owner Jerry Jones decides to fire either Garrett or Ryan he certainly has my blessing.

Although the Houston Texans have lost their final three games, it didn’t jeopardize their playoff status. Of course three wins would have given them a first-round bye, but the three losses merely puts them into the playoffs on a negative note.

But Sunday’s 23-22 loss to the Titans probably could have been avoided if the game meant something. But it didn’t and Head Coach Gary Kubiak wisely rested prize running back Arian Foster to avoid an unnecessary injury, defensive specialist Johnathan Joseph and tight end Owen Daniels.

Starting third-string quarterback T. J. Yates drove the team flawlessly downfield 90 yards in 13 plays for a touchdown on the Texans’ first possession, but suffered a separated left (non-throwing) shoulder and was wisely taken out of the game and replaced by veteran Jake Delhomme.

On his only series Yates was 4-of-4 for 47 yards in staking the Texans to a 7-0 lead. According to Monday’s Chronicle “what Yates accomplished in his only series may have been more impressive than

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From Page 1B

vored over the Falcons by 3 ½ points. The second game features Pittsburgh (12-4) at Denver (8-8) at 3:30 p.m. with the Steelers favored by 7 ½ points. The Atlanta-New York game was be viewed on FOX while the Atlanta-Pittsburgh contest will be shown on CBS. The two AFC teams earning firstround byes are the New England Patriots (13-3) and the Baltimore Ravens (12-4) while the Green Bay Packers (15-1) and the San Francisco 49ers (13-3) have byes for the NFC. KWICKIES…It looks like my alma mater, McNeese State, will be part of history being made this fall. The Texas Aggies open their 2012 season as a new member of the Southeastern Conference against the McNeese Cowboys on Sept. 1 at Kyle Field. The Aggies still are looking for two other non-conference opponents for next season—preferably a couple of weak sisters—so they will have a better chance to have a .500 season in 2012.

And speaking of the SEC, this year’s national champion will be the sixth straight to come from that elite conference when undefeated LSU meets Alabama in a rematch of their regular-season match-up that was won by the Tigers 9-6. I look for a bit more scoring in Monday night’s game and wouldn’t be surprised if the Crimson Tide comes out on top of this one like 2016.

In bowl action through Monday, Texas schools have won all five bowl games, so far. TCU beat Louisiana Tech 31-24 in the Poinsettia Bowl, the Texas Longhorns downed California 21-10 in the Holiday Bowl, Baylor outlasted Washington 67-56 in the Alamo Bowl, the Texas Aggies hung on for a 33-22 win over Northwestern in the Meineke Bowl and Houston steamrolled Penn State 30-14 in the Ticket City Bowl Monday.

JUST BETWEEN US…After being the first Seattle Seahawks’ player since 2008 to be named to the starting All-Pro team, Orange native Earl Thomas fielded questions at the Seahawks’ press conference last week. Earl said he was pleased that he was chosen by his peers and the fans but he credited his teammates for doing their jobs so well that enabled him to play his free safety position at that high level. He thought that his lower number of interceptions (2) from his rookie year (5) might hurt his chances of making the elite team, but Head Coach Pete Carroll said his overall defensive team play improved immensely over last season.

anything he’s done to that point.”

As the game progressed, Kubiak sat down more of his regulars and the team continued to play Tennessee on equal terms.

With the Titans leading 23-16 late in the game, Delhomme drove the team downfield and hit little-used Bryant Johnson on a five-yard pass to narrow the margin to 23-22 with 14 seconds left in the game.

Realizing that kicking the extra point would probably put the game into sudden-death overtime, Kubiak decided to go for the two-point conversion and the win, but a bad snap messed up the play and the Texans’ chance for the victory in regulation.

“You would never go for two in any other situation,” Kubiak explained after the game, “but where we were physically today. I had to get them to next week.”

Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, who missed the Carolina and Indianapolis losses while recovering from surgery, worked from the press box Sunday. “It was good for the staff and everybody to have Wade back,” Kubiak said.

The Texans found out at the end of the game that they would be playing the Cincinnati Bengals Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in Reliant Stadium in the first playoff game in the franchise’s history.

This would be sort of a re-match of the Dec. 11 game in Cincinnati when Yates drove the Texans to a last-second touchdown for a 20-19 victory that secured the AFC South Division title for Houston.

Kubiak told the team after the game, “Guys, whatever disappointment you have, I’ve got it. It’s mine. You should not be disappointed. We wanted to win the game, but we played a lot of people.

“Now we’ve got a big game for this city and our team, and they deserve to be as healthy as they can be going into a game that’s huge for everybody. They (Bengals) are a lot like us. They’ve been playing a young quarterback (Andy Dalton). They run the ball well, and they play good defense. I think it’s going to be a heck of a battle,” Kubiak concluded.

The early line out of Las Vegas has the Texans (10-6) favored by three points over Cincinnati (9-7). The later game Saturday pits Detroit (10-6) at New Orleans (13-3) at 7 p.m. with the Saints favored by 10 points. Both games will be televised on NBC (Channel 11 on Time Warner Cable).

On Sunday at noon Atlanta (10-6) visits the New York Giants (9-7), who are fa-

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• The Record • Week of Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Native prairie seed harvested for San Jacinto Battleground once grew across the battleground. In addition, the site’s existing prairie was too small and patchy for a successful harvest.

Fortunately, League City’s Benoit Prairie Park holds 44 acres of one of the highest quality remnant prairies left on the Gulf Coast. Likewise, U of H’s Galveston County coastal property contains roughly 100 acres of prairie grasses. TPWD worked out an agreement that allows Junction’s Native American Seed Company to harvest native grass and wildflower seed from their prairies to use to reseed 110 acres of the San Jacinto Battleground late this winter or early next spring.

The work is being accomplished with the same type of combines most farmers use, but the machines have been modified to harvest the especially diverse and fluffy native plant seeds. The combine work is similar to mowing the prairie; a practice now done annually at the prairie parks, except that the cut portion of the plants is retained and the attached seed is collected. This material is then brought back to Native American Seed’s facility where it is

cleaned and tested for viability.

The diverse species harvested so far include such beautiful plants as blue mist flower, purple gay feather, switchgrass, little bluestem, Indian grass and Texas coneflower. More than a hundred different types of seed will be collected in all and planted into the restored battleground by Native American Seed once the ground becomes dry enough this winter or early spring.

This project emphasizes the importance of the conservation work League City and Harris County have been doing to retain portions of Texas’ native landscape. Native American Seed specializes in conducting large-scale conservancy seed harvests on Texas’ last great prairie remnants. This seed is not available elsewhere and the San Jacinto Battleground restoration would not be possible without it. These preserved coastal tall-grass prairie parks not only provide beautiful and historic landscapes, but also provide a home for such prairie-dependent wildlife as marsh hawks and meadow larks.

Colburn: Fishing Local prairie seeds are being harvested for the San Jacinto Battleground.

STAFF REPORT FOR THE RECORD

LA PORTE -- The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will soon be restoring 110 acres of tall-grass prairie at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site with the help of League City’s Parks Department, University of Houston’s Coastal Center, the Native American Seed Company, Shell Refining and the San Jacinto Battlegrounds Conservancy.

While much of the park retains the same tall grasses that helped hide the Texian army as it

approached Mexican Gen. Santa Anna’s encampment during the Texas Revolution, portions of the historic battleground have become overgrown with a canopy of alien Chinese tallow trees. A large area of the battleground has been cleared of this invasive tree imported from Asia and is now ready to be seeded with native grasses and wildflowers.

Since very few areas of Texas today retain native prairie consisting of a landscape rich in plant diversity because of loss of habitat caused by farming, overgrazing and development.

TPWD had been having a difficult time finding the coastal region type of prairie plants that

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ed you were wise enough to pack at least one change of dry clothes, you can trip and completely fill your waders with little consequence other than a higher pitched voice if you have a friend or friends to help you get back to the boat. Should you be alone and hypothermia sets in before you can reach the boat, however, you are in a world of trouble.

Regardless of how much money I have invested in a quality pair of waders, I never leave the dock without an extra pair. I am obligated to include extra everything when hosting clients, but do not think for one minute that the best of waders can’t develop a leak between trips. I have never owned a pair of waders that a jagged tow head or submerged piece of dead wood cannot penetrate.

I carry the thicker neoprene waders for really cold days, but I prefer to dress in layers and wear the thinner breathables whenever possible. They are much easier to get on and off and afford you far more freedom of movement.

I think I have fished every brand available, with the exception of Simms, and I have been very pleased with the durability of my Gulf Coast breathables. At less than a hundred bucks a pair they have exceeded all expectations thus far. Simms are considerably more expensive, but also a solid investment if you are buying them for yourself. In my case, I never know who will be borrowing a pair of my waders on any given day.

The clothing you wear beneath your waders and waterproof wading jacket is no less important. More is not necessarily better as you do not want to restrict circulation. Thinner mate-

From Page 1B

rials like those found in Under Armour’s Cold Gear tops and bottoms are exceptionally warm and leave more room for a fleece jacket or even a wool sweater depending on how cold is too cold!

Should you opt to stay in the boat and drift fish for your next trophy trout, waterproof nonslip footwear and a quality rain suit are must have items. There is no substitute for rain wear that not only keeps you dry, but adequately deflects a howling wind as well.

I have fallen in love with my Frogg Togg Toad Skinz and I have only worn them in a hard rain one time thanks to the never ending drought.

While it is important to note that they kept me extremely dry, they have done an even better job of keeping me warm.

I have left the dock wearing mine almost every morning for the past month to ward off the bite of that first frosty boat ride. These new suits were designed with the fisherman in mind as they not only fit well over bulkier clothing, but also include easily accessed Velcro fastened waterproof pockets on both the jacket and the pants.

The material is thicker than that found in the popular light weight Classic suit, but is still incredibly light to be so warm. I knew when Gene Locke and Bob Crew gave their new Toad Skinz suits a “thumbs up” that they had survived the ultimate battery of tests.

Locke’s final assessment was short but on the money when he informed three other fishermen that were already wearing Toad Skinz, “These things are the real deal”!

The Record • Week of Wednesday, January 4, 2012

5B

A Healthy New Year’s resolution Texas has record year for conservation Staff Report

For The Record

As the New Year begins, and healthy resolutions are made, the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) is encouraging Americans to clean out their medicine cabinets. Pharmacists recommend patients clean out their medicine cabinets once a year to dispose of all the unused and expired medications that accumulated over the previous year. This once a year tradition will help keep everyone safe and healthy.

Unused medications have the potential to be abused and misused and expired medications can lose their potency thus reducing or providing no value to the condition being treated.

“Over the course of a year, we can accumulate many medications to treat colds, headaches and infections, as well as more serious conditions,” stated Thomas Menighan, CEO and Executive Vice President, APhA. “These medications play an important role in helping patients obtain better health and wellness, but if we do not store and dispose of them properly, they can become a hazard. When they fall into the wrong hands, these medications have the potential to be abused, and if improperly disposed of, they can harm wildlife, pets and other people. Make sure to talk to your pharmacist about the best storage of medications in your household, the length of time a medication should be kept and the efficacy of that medication past its expiration date.””

Prescription drug abuse is the Nation’s fastest-growing drug problem. While there has been a marked decrease in the use of some illegal drugs like cocaine, data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), show that nearly one-third of people aged 12 and over, who used drugs for the first time in 2009, began by using a prescription drugs non-medically. The National Institute on Drug Abuse tells us that every day in the US, an aver-

age of 2,000 teenagers use prescription medi- Staff Report cation for the first time without a physician’s For The Record guidance. The same NSDUH survey found that While 2011 will most likely be remembered over 70% of people who abused prescription by Texans for the drought and wildfires that pain relievers got them from friends or rela- ravaged the landscape, it was also a record year tives. for efforts to conserve land and water resources Tips for Storing and Cleaning Out Your in the state.

Medicine Cabinet or Other Medication Storage The USDA Natural Resources ConservaAreas: tion Service (NRCS) provided a record level · Medications should be stored in a secured of technical and financial assistance to Texas area: up, away and out of sight of children and landowners during the year to help them imteenagers - that has low humidity, a stable tem- plement conservation practices on nearly 6,000 perature and adequate lighting. square miles of agricultural land. · Check the date on everything in your medi“In 2011, we helped Texas land managers use cine cabinet and dispose of anything that has a variety of stewardship programs, easements passed the expiration date. and technical and financial assistance which · Dispose of anything you have not used in made it an especially successful year for conthe past 12 months or that you no longer need. servation,” says NRCS Texas State ConservaDo not share medications with others. tionist Salvador Salinas. · Dispose of medicines that are no longer in The NRCS worked with thousands of Texas their original container, have changed color or farmers and ranchers investing $121.4 million odor, or that can no longer be identified. in conservation programs authorized by the · Do not flush unused or expired medications federal Farm Bill to help protect water, soil and and do not pour them down a sink or drain. air resources, wildlife, forests and rangelands They should be disposed of properly in the throughout the state. These program dollars household trash or through your community’s were distributed in counties across the entire medication disposal program, when available. state to help producers offset the cost of impleTalk to your pharmacist or visit www.smarxt- menting the conservation practices, with prodisposal.net for tips on how to properly dispose ducers paying approximately 50 percent of the of your medications. costs out of their own pockets, doubling the About the American Pharmacists Association investment in our environment.

The American Pharmacists Association, In 2011, Texas producers implemented founded in 1852 as the American Pharmaceu- conservation practices on 3.8 million acres tical Association, is a 501 (c)(6) organization, through 7,052 Farm Bill program contracts. representing more than 62,000 practicing This compares to 2.9 million acres and 6,742 pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, stu- contracts in 2010. The funding was distributed dent pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and through the Environmental Quality Incentives others interested in advancing the profession. Program (EQIP), Wildlife Habitat Incentives APhA, dedicated to helping all pharmacists im- Program (WHIP), Conservation Stewardship prove medication use and advance patient care, Program (CSP), the Agricultural Water Enis the first-established and largest association hancement Program (AWEP) and NRCS’ easeof pharmacists in the United States. ment programs.

Science and technology are critical to good conservation, and NRCS is staffed with technical experts from many disciplines to help landowners conserve natural resources in sustainable ways. While some landowners are interested in our Farm Bill programs, many more for second; $50 for third.

Additional support for the contest is pro- are seeking our expertise. With offices located vided by Strike King Lures, the William E. Ar- in nearly every county in the state, over 100,000 mentrout Foundation and Friends of the Texas farmers and ranchers sought our technical assistance to help them with their conservation Freshwater Fisheries Center.

One outstanding piece of artwork each year planning needs on their land in 2011. The conis selected for the Art of Conservation Award, servation plans provide a road map to help land and a commemorative stamp featuring the art- managers realize their landscape goals for betwork is produced for sale. Proceeds from sales ter production and environmental quality.

In 2011, conservation plans were written on of the stamp are used to fund conservation 9.9 million acres in Texas to improve water projects.

Educators who wish to have their students and soil quality, increase irrigation efficiency, enter the contest can download the free “State- enhance wildlife habitat, develop agriculture Fish Art Contest Lesson Plan” at www.state- waste management plans and to create, protect fishart.com. The interdisciplinary curriculum or restore wetlands.

Texas NRCS conservation programs are includes lessons and activities, a species identibeneficial beyond their impact on the environfication section profiling each state fish, a glosment.

Conservation programs impact local sary and student worksheets. economies with changes in production, recreLocated in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota,

ation, jobs, taxes and spending. Based on economic studies, NRCS conservation programs maintained or created thousands of jobs within the state in 2011. In Texas, it is estimated that each dollar of NRCS and private matching expenditures on NRCS conservation programs generates an additional $2.54 in sales of goods and services.

“Texans can be proud of the huge impacts made in natural resource conservation in the Lone Star State over the past year,” says Salinas.

“The voluntary actions of Texas landowners to help protect and improve our natural resources lead to environmental and economic benefits that can be reaped by all the citizens of Texas.”

More than $85 million was obligated for EQIP, a voluntary conservation program, which awards financial assistance to projects that provide significant environmental benefit to Texas’ working lands. EQIP is a broad program that can provide conservation assistance for soil, water quality and quantity, air quality, forest health, wildlife habitat and energy.

More than $5.3 million was obligated for AWEP, a sub-program under EQIP, for farmers and ranchers to implement agricultural water enhancement activities for the purposes of conserving surface and ground water and improving water quality. Additionally, $9.9 million was allocated for WHIP to improve Texas’s critical wildlife habitats. In 2011, $15.7 million in CSP funds was used to encourage farmers and ranchers to further enhance their level of conservation.

Approximately $21 million was obligated for NRCS’ easement programs, including $13.7 million for the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), $2.9 million for the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP), $4.3 million for the Grassland Reserve Program (GRP).

Since 1935, NRCS has provided conservation-related products and services that enable people to be good stewards of the Nation’s soil, water, and related natural resources on non-Federal lands. The historic partnership between local, state, and federal agencies in Texas is a key factor in achieving conservation success. NRCS works with soil and water conservation districts and others to help private land managers take a comprehensive approach to conserve, maintain, or improve natural resources.

Texas State-Fish Art Contest to begin, deadline March 31 Staff Report

For The Record

Student artists across Texas in grades K-12 take notice: It’s time to start preparing your entries for the 2012 Wildlife Forever State-Fish Art Contest.

The contest is open to all students in public, private or home schools. Entry deadline is March 31 each year.

Major changes in the contest for 2012 include: change in the permissible size of artwork to include works 8.5 inches by 11 inches or 9 inches by 12 inches; creation of a K—3 grade level division for artwork only; addition of a national prize for best essays in grade level divisions 4—6, 7—9 and 10—12; and a new category with one national winner for best artwork and essay about an invasive species.

Contest rules, guidelines, entry information and details about the contest changes can be found at www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishart.

Support for the Texas division of the contest is provided by the Toyota Texas Bass Classic, which makes it possible for the top three Texas entries in each grade level to win cash prizes.

First place in grades 10—12 wins $1,000; second place $750; third place $500. Prizes in the 4—6 and 7—9 grade levels are $100 for first; $75

Wildlife Forever is a non-profit multi-species conservation organization dedicated to conserving America’s wildlife heritage. Working at the grassroots level, Wildlife Forever has funded conservation projects in all 50 states, committing millions of dollars to “on-the-ground” efforts. Wildlife Forever supports habitat restoration and enhancement, land acquisition, research and management of fish and wildlife populations.

For The Record

Expert fly-fishers and those wanting to learn the sport will gather at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) in Athens March 10 for a day of teaching, learning and fishing.

Instruction in all aspects of fly-fishing from fly-tying to casting to equipment selection to choosing a destination will be provided by ex-

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• The Record • Week of Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Stark Museum, Shangri La Receive 2011 School Board Members honored of financial uncertainty, they are willing to step Excellence Award for EcoRangers Program Staff Report forward to meet the critical challenges facing For The Record

January 2012 is School Board Recognition Month, a time when districts across the state show their appreciation for the pivotal role elected boards of education play in their local schools and communities.

More than 7,200 locally elected school board members serve—without pay—in the 1,034 school districts located throughout the state.

“The people who make up these boards volunteer their time because they care about their communities and their schools. Each year, the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) designates January as School Board Recognition Month to emphasize the importance of the service these dedicated men and women provide to the schools and students of Texas,” said James B. Crow, TASB executive director.

“These community servants focus on ensuring the success of their local school district and serve as strong advocates for our kids. In a time

Train artwork from one of the EcoRangers

Staff Report

For The Record

The Stark Museum of Art and Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center are the joint recipient of the 2011 Award for Excellence in Programming from the Mountain-Plains Museum Association Education Committee.

The Association recognized the Stark Museum and Shangri La for their collaborative Art and Nature EcoRangers Camps.

The award “recognizes exemplary creativity and innovation in museum educational programming in the region.”

The Stark Museum and Shangri La work together to offer camps that connect art and natural science for children entering grades 4-8. Educators Amelia Wiggins and Ellen Dacy planned and implemented the award-winning camps with support from the entire Stark Museum of Art staff and Shangri La staff. The camps “Colors to Dye For” and “Flocks of Feathered Friends” provided interdisciplinary experiences in a shared setting of art museum and nature center.

The Mountain Plains Museum Association is a 10-state regional museum association. It provides services to museums in Colorado, Kan-

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sas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming.

Ellen Dacy, Environment Educator at Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, commented on the history and growth of the program, “Shangri La has had a successful history of EcoRanger camps for over a decade, and our collaboration with the Stark Museum of Art has allowed us a fascinating new dimension to the programs we now offer. It is very rewarding being part of the process of teaching our campers to connect science and nature to art and in turn find art in nature.”

From the Stark Museum, Amelia Wiggins, Educator, Public Programs, added, “We are proud of our collaboration with Shangri La, which has resulted in a series of inspiring summer camps that give local children the opportunity to create art and explore the nat-

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ural world. The Stark Museum of Art’s camp offerings are part of a larger effort to connect with local families. Over the past three years, the museum has introduced quarterly Family Days, youth art classes, a Family Guide, and Education Areas within the galleries to create a family-friendly learning environment that serves visitors of all ages.”

Having received the regional award, the Stark Museum and Shangri La will now be nominated for the American Association of Museum’s National Education Committee Award for Excellence in Programming in 2012.

The Stark Museum of Art and Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center are expanding their awardwinning collaboration by de-

our public schools, working to balance the district budget while still providing excellent educational experiences for each child,” Crow said.

“We hope every community will express appreciation to our local board members for their dedicated commitment and offer support to the school board as it tackles the important task of governing. Local trustees work closely with parents and educators to develop sound education policies in their district and set high standards for student success. We applaud them for shouldering enormous responsibilities and making the time to care about the future of Texas schoolchildren,” he said.

TASB is a nonprofit association established in 1949 to serve local Texas school districts.

School board members are the largest group of publicly elected officials in the state. The districts they represent serve approximately 4.9 million public school students.

veloping new Art and Nature EcoRanger Camps for students grades 3-9. “Baskets, Bowls and Botany,” “The Art of Animals,” and “Plants in Perspective” will be offered in summer 2012. Information and applications for the new camps will be posted on the websites of both the Stark Museum of Art and Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center in April 2012.

The regional award was presented at the awards ceremony at the conference of the Mountain Plains Museum Association, Oct. 20 in Helena, Mont.

Elena Ivanova, Chief Educator, Stark Museum, accepted the award on behalf of the Museum and Shangri La. Dr. Ivanova gave a presentation at the conference, “How Cool Is Your Museum? Meeting the Change

of Generation Z.” Located at 712 Green Avenue in Orange, Texas, the Stark Museum of Art is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Admission is free for all ages.

Group tours are available by appointment. For more information call 409-886-ARTS (2787) or visit www.starkmuseum.org. The Museum will close early, at 2 p.m., on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, Dec. 31.

Located at 2111 West Park Avenue in Orange, Texas, Shangri La is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information call 409-670-9113 or visit www.shangrilagardens. org. Shangri La will close early, at 2 p.m., on New Year’s Eve, Saturday, Dec. 31.

EPA requests proposals for Urban Waters Small Grants Staff Report

For The Record

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency expects to award between $1.8 to $3.8 million in funding for projects across the country to help restore urban waters by improving water quality and supporting community revitalization. The funding is part of EPA’s Urban Waters program, which supports communities in their efforts to access, improve, and benefit from their urban waters and the surrounding land.

Healthy and accessible urban waters can help grow local businesses and enhance educational, recreational and employment opportunities in nearby communities.

The goal of the Urban Waters Small Grants program is to fund research, studies, training, and demonstration projects that will advance the restoration of urban waters by improving water quality through activities that also sup-

port community revitalization and other local priorities such as public health, social and economic opportunities, general livability and environmental justice for residents. Examples of projects eligible for funding include: • Education and training for water quality improvement or green infrastructure jobs • Public education about ways to reduce water pollution • Local water quality monitoring programs • Engaging diverse stakeholders to develop local watershed plans • Innovative projects that promote local water quality and community revitalization goals For more information about Urban Waters Small Grants, please log on to http://www.epa. gov/urbanwaters/funding/.

For more information on EPA’s Urban Waters program, please log on to http://www.epa.gov/ urbanwaters/.

81 graduate with honors Dec. 17 at Lamar University Staff Report

For The Record

A total of 81 Lamar University students graduated with honors during winter commencement ceremonies Dec. 17 in the Montagne Center.

Thirty-two graduated summa cum laude (with highest honors), with grade-point averages ranging from 3.8 to 4.0, listed below are Orange County residents: Mauriceville: Jonathan Miller.

Orange: Aubry Ellis, Regina Toohey, Robert Weatherholt, Katherine White.

Orangefield: Hannah Richard.

Among the summa cum laude graduates are Plummer Award recipients Ernesto Alvarez, Marianne Cowl, Ryan Grandusky, Jami Sanders and Katherine White, who attained perfect 4.0 GPAs to rank tops in their class.

Twenty-six students graduated magna cum laude (with high honors), with GPAs of 3.65 to 3.79, listed below are Orange County residents: Bridge City: Lauren Boyd.

Orange: Renee Morris, Brittany Newman.

Twenty-three students graduated cum laude (with honors), with GPAs of 3.5 to 3.64, listed below are Orange County residents: Mauriceville: Amber Dimas.

Orange: Anne Morris, Amarienne Williams.

The Record • Week of Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Bill Cosby brings his comedic touch to the Bible Adelle M. Banks Special To The Record (RNS) Like many Americans, Bill Cosby owns multiple Bibles—eight, in fact.

And, like many Americans, he doesn’t read any of them regularly.

But for a half-century or more, Cosby’s been looking for funny nuggets from the Bible, particularly the book of Genesis.

He’s had audiences roaring, imagining poor Noah struggling to build his ark with pairs of animals and cubits of wood.

“Am I on ‘Candid Camera’?” Cosby’s Noah asked.

At 74, the iconic comedian has tackled the Bible again. In his new book, “I Didn’t Ask to Be Born (But I’m Glad I Was),” Cosby devotes a lengthy chapter to what he calls “The Missing Pages” of the story of Adam and Eve. “Why did God need a rib to make a woman?” he wonders.

And, he says, he can’t figure out how the couple managed to use leaves to cover themselves once they realized they were naked in the Garden of Eden.

“There have to be some missing pages, because the writers don’t say anything about where Eve got the needle and thread to sew the leaves together,” Cosby writes.

The star of “I Spy” and “The Cosby Show” and creator of “Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids” will see his 1964 comedy album, ” I Started Out As A Child,” entered into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2012.

Though he takes two comic looks at the Bible, he doesn’t think it’s generally a funny book.

“I don’t see much comedy in the Bible, where people are writing about funny people,” he said in a phone interview. “It’s not there. This is not Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner.”

But Cosby, who grew up in a Philadelphia housing project named for AME Church founder Bishop Richard Allen, appreciates the Bible’s lessons on a range of human behavior.

Take the story of Naaman, an army commander from the book of 2 Kings, who didn’t want to follow God’s detailed instructions for being cured of leprosy.

“I know and I’ve met people like that, who you send them to do something and it’s for their benefit and they come back and they didn’t do what you told them to do because they were impatient or whatever,” Cosby said.

“That, to me, is a human behavior that I find hilarious.”

He compared it to people who stop taking prescribed medicine when their symptoms go away rather than following doctor’s orders. But biblical teachings are “better—I’m serious—than most psychologists or psychiatrists will give you,” he said. “You read it and you can see yourself.”

For his part, Cosby identifies with both the Methodist and Baptist branches of his family tree, and writes that he believes in and fears God. But, when it comes to living out his faith, he calls himself more of an “absentee voter.”

“There are times when I will regard and think consciously about it,” he said, “and then there are times when I move without it.”

Though he has focused his attention most recently on characters from the Bible, Cosby also doesn’t hesitate to critique and support modern-day Christians.

Bill Cosby For instance, he continues to challenge black churches that he says could do more to combat drugs and crime in urban neighborhoods. It’s quite clear, he said, “if you visit these neighborhoods and look, the thing that stands out with the black Muslims is no drugs, no alcohol.”

On the other hand, football player Tim Tebow’s openness about his Christianity on the gridiron is just fine with Cosby. “I have no problem with his outspokenness about his faith,” Cosby said. “Let him speak about it.”

But he has little patience for people like the man he recently met on the streets of Syracuse, N.Y., who offered Cosby a miniature Bible and repeatedly asked him “Do you know that Christ loves you?” after the comedian had already assured him he did.

“It seems that you are more interested in conquering someone, and if you would read more about Jesus as he walked and talked and what he represented, you’ll find that he is not what you are,” Cosby told the man. “That’s, as far as I’m concerned, not a model for the way Christ behaved.”

He politely declined that man’s Bible.

Then again, he had eight already.

Largest MLK Jr. march in U.S. celebrates 25th anniversary Staff Report

For The Record

More than 200,000 attendees are expected to participate in the 25th Anniversary City of San Antonio Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative March – the nation’s largest MLK Jr. march – on Monday, Jan. 16, 2012 at 10 a.m. in San Antonio, Texas. A testament to Martin Luther King, Jr.’s impact on all Americans, the local march will be accompanied by various events beginning Saturday, Jan. 14 and running through Tuesday, Jan. 17.

Among the highlights of the four-day commemoration, Martin Luther King III – the eldest son of Dr. King and Coretta Scott King – will deliver a keynote address at this historic celebration.

Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of human rights activist Malik AlShabazz (widely known as Malcolm X) and Betty Shabazz, will speak at Trinity University’s Guest Lecture Series on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012 at 7 p.m. at the University’s Laurie Auditorium.

“The 25th anniversary of the City of San Antonio’s Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration is a major milestone for our community and a testament to San Antonio’s rich cultural and historical legacy. To have Martin Luther King III and Ilyasah Shabazz celebrate this momentous anniversary by attending our city’s celebration speaks to how important this commemoration of Dr. King’s influence is – not just locally, but to the entire country,” said San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro.

Starting in 1987 the City of San Antonio has celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. King with an annual march that now attracts more than 100,000 marchers each year. San Antonio’s 25th Anniversary March honors the legacy of Dr. King with the theme “Journey Beyond the March…Live Beyond the Dream…”

The late Rev. Dr. Raymond “R.A.” Callies, Sr., a San Antonio teacher, pastor and founder of the San Antonio MLK, Jr. March, began leading processions in San Antonio honoring Dr. King’s legacy soon after Dr. King’s death on April 4, 1968.

The “Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial City-County Commission,” now referred to as the “San Antonio Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission” or “MLK Commission,” was established on April 3, 1986, by official act of the San Antonio City Council through City Resolution No. 86-15-19 under the leadership of then-Mayor Henry Cisneros. The MLK Commission is a volunteer organization. On Jan. 19, 1987, chaired by Aaronetta Pierce, the Commission and the City of San Antonio held its first official Martin Luther King, Jr. March.

The march is 2.75 miles and starts at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy, travels up Martin Luther King Drive, and ends at Pittman Sullivan Park, all on San Antonio’s historic East Side. At the conclusion of the march and as the commemorative program begins, non-profit organization booths will provide food and refreshments to the attendees to help raise funds for their own organizations. In addition, the event will also include a job fair and health screening programs administered at several booths.

For more information visit www.visitsanantonio.com.

7B

8B • The Record • Week of Wednesday, January 4, 2012

THE RECORD

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FURNITURE LARGE OAK DINING ROOM TABLE w/6 chairs - $350; Little Tykes Hummer, need battery - $95; Metal Tonka trucks - $10 to $15 a piece; Beautiful Ashley entertainment center - $950; Burgundy wing back chair - $45; Broyhill Floral couch & love seat $125; Beautiful Broyhill king bedroom suite (includes king bed, headboard, footboard, two large marble top night stands and armoire) - $2500; King mattress and box springs (firm) - $195; 2008 Kirby vacuum w/all attachments - $595 o.b.o; and 1977 Kawai piano - $995 o.b.o. Call Patty at 409-988-4842.

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HARRY’S

Since 1963

APPLIANCE & SERVICE INC Big Selection of Reconditioned Appliances All Used Appliances Sold with Warranty • FREEZERS • DISHWASHERS • REFRIGERATORS • WASHERS/DRYERS AIR CONDITIONERS • RANGES

We Sell Parts For All major Brands ~ We Service What We Sell

886-4111

302

FINANCING AVAILABLE

302302

302 N. 10TH. Street

302

TERRELL’S 302302

738-5001

302

Insured & Bonded

• Tree Removal • Tree Trimming • Haul Offs • Stump Grinding

GET A GOOD DEAL HERE! Card Ads Only $25 Per Week

(Save $4 weekly over a 2x2, 4 week minimum)

Bring your info to 333 W. Roundbunch Rd., BC, or 320 Henrietta, Orange

THEME: Winter Fun ACROSS

See next week’s issue for solution APARTMENTS VERY NICE AND CLEAN small apt., 1/1, suitable for 1 or 2 people, all ceramic tile floors, CA/H, all tile bath w/ tub and shower, nice vanity, kit. & dining area, all S.S. appliances, self cleaning oven, dish washer, No pets, concrete parking, yard work taken care of, $525 monthly + $elc. & water, $300 dep., call for an appointment to se @ (409) 735-6277 or 6261968. (ss) THE VILLAGE AND SOUTHERN OAKS IN BRIDGE CITY ARE RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR with 2 Weeks Free Rent! 1bdrm/2bath apts. We pay water / sewer and trash on most apartments, great locations in the heart of wonderful Bridge City, please stop by our office at 245 Tenny St., BC, or call us at

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that original Letters of Testamentary for the Estate of HOWARD ELGIN, JR., Deceased, were issued on November 15, 2011, in Cause No. P15988, pending in the County Court, Orange County, Texas, to: Alice Rhodes.

All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. c/o Alice Rhodes 1809 Wildwood Orange, Texas 77630

DATED the 28th day of December, 2011

Michael C. Abbott Michale C. Abbott

Attorney for Alice Rhodes State Bar No.: 00785646 701 W Park Ave Orange, Texas 77630 Telephone: (409) 882-9767 Facsimile: (409) 886-3255

(409) 735-7696 ~ 504-9952 ~ 474-9731.

COMMERCIAL BC ON TEXAS AVE., small or large office spaces, CA/H, carpet, on Texas Ave., great location, price range of $300 to $600 monthly, available 1st part of Jan., call (409) 7356277 or 626-1968 for details. (ss) APPROXIMATELY 2160 SQ. FT. warehouse plus 5 offices, Highway 62 Frontage, 1.7 miles South of IH-10, $950.00 per month, Call 735-6970.

YEAR END CLEARANCE SALE! Scratch N Dents, Repos, and Premium Portable Bldgs. Call 409-835-7341 or visit - www.morganusa.com/ beaumont HOME RENTALS 1/1 IN MAURICEVILLE, Log Cabin, in the woods, $550 monthly, Call for an appointment to see @ (409) 7352030. (M&R) BRIDGE CITY BRICK 3/2, fenced back yard, $1,000 monthly + dep., (409) 7352030. (M&R) 2/1/1 IN ORANGE, No hud or Pets, $575 monthly + $575 dep., (409) 313-4651. (12/4)

QUIET COUNTRY LIVING! 3/2/3CP, Ofisd, 1 1/2 story home on 2.24 acres, all appliances (including Washer & Dryer), some furniture, CA/H, 30’ x 30’ shop, On Hwy 1442 N. of IH-10 Reduced to $189,500.

409•745•3868 or Cell 767•0361

1. Found on a necklace 6. Cul de ___ 9. Loads 13. Furry coats 14. Make a mistake 15. *Snow impression 16. Nets basketball coach 17. Major record label 18. Bogart’s “Key _____” 19. *Dripped shape 21. *Like cleanest snow?

23. Sigma ___ Epsilon 24. Never wave the white one?

25. Bayerische Motoren Werke 28. Somebody ____ 30. *It means more winter?

35. Paper unit 37. One of many on a list 39. Pro teams do this all the time 40. Therefore 41. *”The Bear Who _____ Through Christmas” 43. Algonquian people 44. Sour in taste 46. Dunking treat 47. Retained 48. Often done for ransom 50. “Eternal life” character 52. “___ & the Family Stone” 53. It’s projected in frames 55. Long time 57. *Popular sculpture

2/1 CH/A, LAUNDRY ROOM, $600/month + $600 deposit.

409-670-0609.

3/1 CAH, OFISD, kitchen, living, dining room. $645 rent, $575 deposit. No HUD, no indoor pets. 409-745-3535.

430 HOLLY ST., BC, lots 28 - 29 - 25’ of 27 a n d 15’ of 30, $30,000, water and sewer tap paid; 450 Holly, 1 bedrm. house, zone B, buy ALL for $50,000, No Owner Finance, (409)735-5041.

AUTOMOBILES

61. Result of audience demand 64. Hades river with magic water 65. Cause annoyance in or disturb 67. Native of American Great Plains 69. Worry 70. Female reproductive cell, pl.

71. Ruhr’s industrial center 72. Between stop and roll 73. Type of sweet potato 74. Used in fermenting

age, real workhorse, $3,000 OBO, ask for Ruth @ (409) 735-7353 ‘82 DODGE PU., brown, 93k miles, nice camper on it, extra nice, no rust, asking $3,000, (409) 886-2978.

2 BEDRMS. WITH 2 FULL BATHS, Mobile Home, CA/H, located in Shady Estates, BC, $650 monthly + dep., references req., (409) 474-1518.

‘T R U C K S & VA N S

‘90 FORD F-150, straight 6, 5 spd. manual trans., good cond., $1,600; ‘98 Dodge Dakota, v-8, 5 speed man. trans., good cond., A/C, needs power steering pump, $1,200, (409) 221-0798 or 735-9729.

‘88 CHEVROLET P.U., runs good, $1,200, 543-8089 or 886-7329.

‘97 FORD F-150, excellent cond., Ext. cab, V-6 A/C, $6,000, (409) 499-2128.

‘'85 CHEVY C-10, V-8, LWB,

CUSTOM RIMS, 15”, off ‘86 Camero, $300, (409) 8834992 or 221-4610.

BRIDGE CITY AREA 2/1, nice and clean, all electric, stove & refrig., blinds, air & heat, garbage paid, $425 monthly + dep., (409) 7355230. (1/11) HOME SALES 4/2/2 IN LCMISD, 1717 Greenbriar ave., screened in patio, corner lot, $95,000, (409) 883-8389.

BY OWNER, 4/2 IN BC, on 2 lots, below market, all new inside, 255 Turner Lane, #105,000, (409) 735-7163.

(1/7/12) LAND & LOTS OVER AN ACRE, VICTORY Gardens, nice quiet neighborhood, water and electric ready, cement dr., perfect homesite, $28,000 OBO, Call Mike @ (409) 735-7680.

A/C, C. player, auto trans., PS/B, good motor, no oil leak-

‘08 DODGE DAKOTA, 4 dr., V-6, very clean, low miles, $17,500 OBO, call Ray @ (409) 745-4059.

GARAGE SALES SAT., 3574 WHISPER LANE, BC/ ORG. Hwy 62 next to Winfree Baptist Church, 5

family sale, 8 till noon. Baby furniture, home furniture, newborn to 24 M clothes, boys and girl’s clothes 2T - 14 (name brand), misc.

719 Front St. Orange TX 77630

“Before you write out the check, let us check out the title” Our staff has more than 250 years of combined experience. Let the professionals help you with your next real estate transaction

I BUY JUNK CARS www.sabinetitle.com 670-6224 1-800-273-5031 • 409-883-8495 CARPET RESTRETCHING

670-6224

57. *Pulled ride 58. Not far 59. Von Bismarck or Hahn, e.g.

60. Wallop 61. Ophthamologist’s checkup, e.g.

62. Civil Rights icon 63. Female sheep, pl.

66. Actress Longoria 68. The little one “stopped to tie his shoe”

Solution from last week’s puzzle

1. Accounting degree 2. ____ Strauss 3. Actor recently kicked off airplane 4. Used for landing 5. Psychologist’s domain 6. Withered 7. Part of a circle 8. Front _____ in swimming 9. Annoying biter 10. Mike Myers animated character 11. What panhandler does 12. Vegas bandit 15. Ablaze 20. Jaunty rhythms 22. Possesses 24. F in FBI 25. *No school 26. Sarkozy’s thank you 27. Engaged, as in war 29. Unaccompanied 31. St. Louis monument

‘68 FORD MUSTANG. GT Fastback, Automatic, runs and drives well, Price $6950, for details mail me at stephbo2@msn.com / 512-782-4586.

‘06, 2/2 & 3/1 IN OFISD, 1 block from schools, Large lot, W./D hookups, No Pets, $475 & $550 monthly + dep., (409) 720-8699 or 735-6701. (1/18)

32. Challenges 33. Nancy _____ of “Entertainment Tonight” 34. Like untended garden 36. Between dawn and noon 38. Welcoming sign 42. _____ of appreciation 45. Male mixologists 49. Princess tester?

51. *It features six on six 54. Diplomat on a mission 56. It can be loud or white

DOWN

MOBILE HOME RENTALS NICE 3/2 (full baths) IN BC, laundry room, stove & refirg., CA/H, $695 monthly + dep., (409) 474-2252.

BC AREA , as little as $30 daily for rooms, M.H.’s by day or week, starting at $30 a day or weekly, 735-8801 or 7347771. (cctfn)

‘98 FORD TAURUS: motor, 3.0 V-6, asking $350 OBO; Whole car, $500, for more info call (409) 221-9996.

The Record • Week of Wednesday, January 4, 2012 • 9B

SHINE Allow your light to shine unto the lives of our patients and their families by becoming a Hospice Volunteer! To inquire about our "Shiners" Youth

Volunteer program (ages 12-17), or our Adult Volunteer Program. Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 832-4582. Hospice of Texas, 2900 North Street suite 100, Beaumont, Texas 77702.

Shop The Record Classifieds!

NOTICE OF ELECTRICAL APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITY Individuals able to document a minimum 4,000 hours of job experience in the electrical construction trade will qualify for an interview with the Beaumont Electrical JATC. Individuals with no experience or less than 4,000 hours experience will also qualify for interview provided they show proof of passing one year of Algebra I. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age & submit the following documentation: • Valid Driver’s License • Social Security Card • Certified Copy of Birth Certificate • Official High School Transcript • Copy of Diploma or GED Certificate Each eligible applicant may be required to take the NJATC aptitude test. Applicants selected from the pool will be required to take a substance abuse test.

The Committee will accept applications for apprenticeship per the following schedule: January 2, 2012 - January 20, 2012 8:30 am - 11:00 am & 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm Monday, January 9, 2012 - 8:30 am -7:00 pm Monday, January 16, 2010 - 8:30 am-7:00 pm *Application must be completed on site* Electrical Training Center 707 Helena Avenue, Nederland, Texas Equal Opportunity supported without regard to race, color, nationality or sex.

10B

• The Record • Week of Wednesday, January 4, 2012

‘Fiddler on the Roof’ kicks up its heels at the Lutcher Theater DSHS issues fish consumption Staff Report

For The Record

‘Fiddler on the Roof’ will kick up its heels at the Lutcher Theater for two performances, Thursday, Jan. 12 and Friday, Jan. 13, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $35-$65 and are available at www.lutcher.org or by calling the Lutcher box office at 409886-5535.

“Without our traditions, our lives would be as shaky as...as a ‘Fiddler on the Roof’,” announces Tevye, a humble milkman from the Russian village of Anatevka. And so begins a tale of love and laughter, devotion and defiance...and changing traditions.

‘Fiddler on the Roof’, the Tony Award® winning musical that has captured the hearts of people all over the world with its universal appeal, embarks on its North American Tour. In what is a huge theatrical feat, audiences will have a once in a lifetime opportunity to see Jerome Robbins’ original Broadway direction and choreography, starring veteran actor John Preece.

Vidor tax office closed Jan. 9 for computer equipment upgrade Staff Report

For The Record

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) is upgrading its computer equipment in the Vidor tax office to help speed motor vehicle transactions.

“We’re pleased about receiving this new equipment to better serve our customers,” said Lynda Gunstream, the Orange County tax assessor-collector. “Of course anyone who has gone through a computer switch at their work place knows you have to take out the old to install the new and that means we are anticipating some down time when we will not be able to process motor vehicle transactions.”

TxDMV plans to install the Vidor office new equipment on Jan. 9, 2012. This is the first equipment upgrade to county tax offices statewide since 2005.

To help the TxDMV with its installation, the Vidor office will be closed from 1 to 5 p.m. on Jan. 9. The Orange office, located in the Administration building at 123 S 6th Street, Orange, will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. for all tax office business.

“I want to urge our customers to please come in before the installation begins to conduct any urgent business they may have,” Lynda Gunstream said. “Orange County and the TxDMV do not want anyone to face late penalties because of the system upgrade.

Online registration renewal will continue to be available. To renew on the internet go to www.TxDMV.gov and click “Online Registration Renewal” on the home page.

Lynda Gunstream suggests customers call 409-769-0064 or 409-882-7971 on Tuesday, Jan. 10, to ensure the installation process went smoothly the day before. “We are not anticipating any problems, but you may want to check that the registration and titling computer system is operating properly before driving to our office,” she added.

Tevye’s wrestling with the new customs of a younger generation is punctuated by an unforgettable score that weaves the haunting strains of “Sunrise, Sunset” and the rousing “If I Were A Rich Man” with the exuberant “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” and triumphant “Tradition.” When his daughters choose suitors who defy his idea of a proper match, Tevye comes to realize, through a series of incidents that are at once comic and bittersweet, that his children will begin traditions of their own. At the story’s close, the villagers of Anatevka are forced to leave their homes and even the sturdy mores that have guided everyday life begin to crumble. Paradoxically, it is the enforced loss of the rigid traditions and home life that Tevye has tried so tenaciously to preserve that leads the family to reconcile and draw closer still.

A perennial hit since it first opened in 1964, ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ has enjoyed critical acclaim for bringing to the stage a poignant story about the enduring bonds of the family. Now, the National Touring production of this timeless musical brings the wit and wisdom of Tevye and his family to audiences throughout North America.

Mr. Preece has performed in ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ over 3,400 times, more than 1,700 of which were in the role of Tevye the milkman. This production marks Mr. Preece’s 10th national tour of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’. Lutcher patrons enjoyed Mr. Preece’s performance of Tevye in the 2004-2005 tour of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’.

Choosing the right summer camp Staff Report

For The Record

It can be difficult to envision warm summer days when the wind is blowing and the snow is falling. However, the winter months are a great time to explore summer camp options. In fact, many camps have strict enrollment timelines that require decisions to be made prior to spring.

Attending summer camp has been a tradition in the United States for more than 150 years. Statistics indicate that around 30 million American kids attend summer camp each year. There are many benefits to summer camp. Camp enables children to stay engaged during the summer when there may be limited interaction with school friends. It also gives parents both a safe and viable daycare solution during the summer.

Summer camp pulls together children from different neighborhoods, social classes and backgrounds, which can make it a good place to meet new people -- some of whom may become lifelong friends. Camps also provide a variety of activities that can challenge children to try new things that go beyond their comfort zones.

Some children are very receptive to the idea of attending summer camp. Others need a little coaxing. But summer camp should never be forced on a child who does not want to go. In such instances, consider local daytime programs that may fill the void instead of programs that require being away from home.

Once the decision for summer camp is made, there are some questions to answer.

What are your finances like? Do you have a budget for summer camp?

advisory for Sabine Lake Staff Report

For The Record

The Texas Department of State Health Services has issued an advisory limiting the consumption of gafftopsail catfish from Texas waters of Sabine Lake in Jefferson and Orange counties.

DSHS advises adults eat no more than three eight-ounce portions of gafftopsail catfish per month from the affected waters.

Additionally, children under 12, women who are or may become pregnant and nursing mothers should consume no more than one four-ounce portion per month.

The advisory also covers contiguous Texas waters, including Sabine Pass and portions of the Sabine and Neches rivers.

Laboratory testing showed levels of polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, that exceed DSHS standards in samples of gafftopsail catfish collected from the lake. DSHS tested tissue samples from eight species of fish as part of its evaluation. DSHS did not find elevated levels of contaminants in samples of alligator gar, black and red drum, sand trout, southern flounder, spotted seatrout or striped bass.

PCBs are industrial chemicals once used as coolants and lubricants in electrical equipment and for other industrial purposes. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned PCBs in 1979, but equipment containing PCBs did not have to be replaced. PCBs break down very slowly in the environment and can accumulate in animals such as fish. Long-term consumption of PCBs may cause cancer as well as reproductive, immune system, developmental and liver problems in humans.

Elevated levels of PCBs in fish do not pose a health risk for people participating in recreational activities on Sabine Lake.

What size camp do you desire?

Should the camp be co-ed or single sex?

How far do you want your child to travel for summer camp?

What are the options in your area?

Are there any camps that have been recommended by friends or family members?

What kinds of activities do your children enjoy?

These types of questions will help you narrow down your options. Then you can visit and interview camps to find one that is the best fit. When visiting camps, go armed with a checklist of questions. Some of these can include: What is the philosophy of the camp?

Can you explain a typical day?

What are the types of activities and facilities offered?

What is the camper-to-counselor ratio?

What is the camp’s drug/alcohol policy?

Does the camp have insurance and security personnel?

What percentage of staff return each year? How are staff selected and trained?

What kind of health care is provided?

Can you tell me about the policy on phone calls and family visits?

What do you do in the event of emergencies?

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