Thanks for all of the suggestions of dealing with my squirrels. I had to laugh with some of the emails that included pictures, drawings, and a solution of something bigger than a red ryder. I don’t want to go that far. But watching them spin themselves silly could be entertaining…and pricey!
–
Heckuva storm we had Wednesday night in Orange County. A big light show with some heavy wind, rain, and hail. Almost 6000 were without power, mostly in Bridge City. As of midnight 1700 were still without power. Most of those were on Hwy. 87 between Cow Bayou and Chemical Row.
Had a couple of lightning shots I was going to share but not surprisingly my friend Lisa Anderson in Bridge City had some that were much better so I’ll show you one of hers.
–
Summer vacations are coming to an end as school starts soon. So much goes into preparing for a vacation, but sometimes as they say, sh– happens. Just ask Debbie Meaux. The one thing no one has ever prepared for on vacation was a tsunami! But that was the case for the Robison’s and the Padgett’s from Orange. Fortunately all got to higher ground and were safe. Safe travels home.
–
As I mentioned last week, it seems like every time we announce a new business or venture, we lose another. I confirmed last night that the CVS Pharmacy in Bridge City will be closing in September.
CVS announced in May it was closing 270 stores in 2025 but at that time BC wasn’t on the list they released. Makes me wonder about Orange having two locations but hopefully they’ll both be around. Setting one on fire for theft would make an easy cull for the powers that be. By the way Orange Police say nothing new to report on that crime. Hopefully something soon.
And now let’s spin it. During several conversations last week there was a question of whether or not anyone is staying in our hotels. My reply was “yes” but after researching it I should’ve said “YES!” Folks I went to the 13 hotels in Orange near the Interstate last week and every one of them, even the ones you and I wouldn’t stay at, and they were 85% full or better. I took pics of them all and share this one with you. Haven’t seen that since Louisiana had to evacuate for a hurricane. Besides the sales tax there’s another tax used to promote our events and services here so it’s all good.
–
Pittsburgh relief pitcher Chase Shugart is on the 23rd day of his 15 day injured list. His Uncle Ronnie says the term “15 day” doesn’t mean anything for pitchers. Apparently not. The good news is Chase will throw live BP this weekend in Florida and if that goes well he’ll have a rehab assignment in the minors before returning to the show. They’re in last place so no rush for the 28 year old. The money is still the same.
–
Football practice “officially” starts next week. Games begin August 29 and you can see area schedules here. College football is around the corner too and wow, my day is set on Aug. 30. It starts with #4 Texas at #1 Ohio St., followed by #17 Alabama vs Florida St and then LSU at #14 Clemson. Then Sunday night it’s #2 Notre Dame vs #18 Miami.
–
Bassmaster released its Top 100 lakes, with Ivie and Fork ranking two and three behind Clear Lake in California. Texas took nine of the Top 25 spots in the Central Division of North America. BASS also released its 2026 schedule and there won’t be any trips to Texas. Among the nine tournaments there will be two in Alabama, two in South Carolina and two in New York. The Classic is in Knoxville on the Tennessee River.
–
Some notable losses this week. Bob Walker passed away and his funeral is Friday. I didn’t get to know Bob until later in life but I remember after each time we visited, I felt like I came away with some type of life lesson. Legendary local coach Al Barbe lost his wife, Arlie Noreta Barbre, after 61 years of marriage. I’ve said it before, more often than not behind every successful coach is a spouse that understands what it takes to make it work. The same could be said for good athletic secretaries. Cil Dixon retired from Bridge City having served five athletic directors, starting with Cris Stump. That deserves more than a piece of cake. And I hope to have Coach Barbe on my podcast some day. Help me make that happen Briggs.
–
I’ll be emceeing the OCARC Fishing Tournament weigh-in on Saturday afternoon at 5pm. Hope to see many of you out there. There’s not a weigh-in like it so bring your friends, grandkids and some lawn chairs and enjoy it all under the big top at the Orange Pavilion. Click the link if you want to fish or learn more.
–
The Juice wants to send out special HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes for Juanita Estell Rodrick Peveto, aka Ms. Nita. On Monday, August 4, Ms. Nita turns 100!
Have a great rest of the week!
“Always borrow money from a pessimist. They don’t expect it back.”
-Gary Stelly-
gstelly66@gmail.com
Volume 1 No. 26
The Juice is a weekly column where Gary Stelly discusses things that happened the past week and mixes it with 40 years of being involved in the Orange County community. (If we think of a better way to explain it we’ll change it) You can also check out his podcast by clicking on the Behind the Mic banner on the KOGT.com front page.
Social Media