Dickie Colburn
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This Christmas Season
H H H H H Your Hometown Newspaper Since 1960 H H H H H
The Record TheRecordLive.com
Vol. 52 No. 37 Week of Wednesday, December 12, 2012
The Penny Record of Bridge City and Orangefield • Founded 1960
Superintendents prepare for legislative forum Staff Report
For The Record
Orange County school district superintendents have released details concerning an upcoming Legislative Forum, which will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 13, in the Orange City Council Room at the Orange Public Library, 200 Fifth Street in downtown Orange. All residents are encouraged to attend, whether they have school-age children,
Body of OC woman found by fishermen Debby Schamber For The Record
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utopsy results are pending for a Vidor woman who was found by a fisherman in the waters of Pleasure Island. The body of Amber Nicole Guillory, 26, was found approximately Guillory 11:30 a.m. on Friday about three feet from the bank off of North Levee Road. According to Port Arthur Police Chief, Raymond Clark, they are still waiting on the toxicology reports. The cause of her death has not been determined. Guillory was found wearing pajamas, a hoodie and jewelry. “There is no significant trauma to her body,” Clark said. “We believe she had been in the water no more than 24 hours.” Police are asking anyone with information on this case or the events leading up to when Guillory was found is asked to the Port Arthur Police Department at 409-983-8600.
• SHERLOCK BREAUX Page..................... 4A • Obituaries Page......................8A •Dicky Colburn Fishing..................1B •Outdoors Weekly Chuck Uzzle..........4B • CHURCH NEWS Page......................9A • CLASSIFIED ADS Page......................8B
or not. The topics that will be discussed affect all tax payers, no matter which school district receives their financial support. According to Dr. Pauline Hargrove, Little King Cy press-Mauriceville Superintendent, “Education is always at the top of the priority list when it comes to preserving our liberty and place of leadership in the world. Yet, the $5.4 billion cut to public education funding from the 82nd Legislative Session was one of the most brutal cuts we have ever experienced. With standards, testing, and accountability continuing to increase, we are expected to do far more with much less. Our way of life, based on our educational system, is at a significant crossroads. We, the people, must become informed and involved in order to remain the greatest country on earth.“ Each superintendent will cover a challenge that every district faces. Dr. Stephen Patterson of Orangefield ISD will address spending cuts and other financial obstacles, which are impacting the education of all Texas students. Accountability and Testing will be discussed by Dr. Jay Killgo, the new Vidor ISD Superintendent and longtime principal of Vidor High School. Dr. Pauline Hargrove will explain “Vouchers, School Choice, and the Taxpayers ORANGE COUNTY PAGE 2A
The home of Edgar and Paula Overmyer all lit up for Christmas in Bridge City.
RECORD PHOTO: Mark Dunn
Lookin’ a lot like Christmas Debby Schamber For The Record
A Bridge City couple does what they can at their house to make Christmas a bit merrier and a lot brighter. People passing by their residence at 160 Charles Avenue often stop to look at the many Christmas decorations. Along with the many twinkling lights, there are glittering geese, partying penguins and a spirit-filled snow family. The Peanuts character Snoopy sits prominently on a motorcycle and Santa Claus is truly everywhere. His likeness is seen riding in a train, hunting in a deer blind, sitting in a chair,
Edgar Overmyer adjust Santa Claus’ beard on a Christmas display at his house. RECORD PHOTO: Debby Schamber
climbing a ladder and coming out of a chimney. Edgar and Paula Overmyer have been working on their collection of Christmas decorations for more than seven years and have lived at their current residence for the past two years. Originally they began their collection inside with smaller items throughout the house. As the collection grew inside, the Overmyers decided to take it outside with the snow family being the first of the collection to greet people passing by their house. Edgar said his favorite is the inflated animals decorating a A LOT LIKE PAGE 3A
Small things make Christmas merry
Debby Schamber For The Record
“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together,” said Vincent Van Gogh, and for an Orange couple who has more than 250 pieces in their Christmas Village collection, this is truly a “great thing.” In preparation for the Christmas season, Pat and
Earl Geis began bringing boxes down from the attic around Halloween with a goal to be completely set up by Thanksgiving. But, before any of the pieces were placed, Earl made the frame. Under the frame is the piano or a couch and a nearby fireplace. “Why move it? Just cover it SMALL THINGS
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Dr. Howard C. Williams accepts proclaimation from the Orange County Commissioners Court proclaiming December 10th in his name. RECORD PHOTO: Penny Leleux
Dr. Howard Williams Day Penny Leleux
For The Record
“I will continue doing Orange County history until the day I am history,” said Dr. Howard C. Williams when he was honored by the Orange County Commissioners Court declaring Monday “Dr. How-
ard C. Williams Day.” Williams was honored for serving over 20 years as chairman of the Orange County Historical Commission. He is stepping down and retiring from his position. Commissioners named Williams as chairman emeritus. Commissioners also reap-
pointed members of the historical commission and added two new members: Bo Henley of Orangefield and Angela Johnson, who is currently an employee of the veterans’ service office as a case worker. The proclamation, read by HOWARD WILLIAMS PAGE 3A
Earl and Pat Geis have a large collection of Christmas decorations which include small houses, buildings and a carnival.
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