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The recent high jinks of the Beaumont Enterprise and the Silsbee Bee are shameful. Their slanderous articles about former DA Bugs Coe and their attempts to make a paragon out of recently elected DA David Sheffield is more at home in some third rate rag. Bugs was not allowed to defend his record and in truth his record should not have been discussed on a front page forum. It is very obvious the Enterprise and the Bee have some long term agenda as regards the Silsbee clan. To date Bug's response has NOT been published. I know from personal experience the Enterprise does not respect truth or hard work as my paltry pay for more than six years as a writer for the Hardin County News did not reflect the quality of work I contributed. I realize as a woman and a WHITE woman my worth is not often esteemed by a male dominated world. I did and do however believe my contributions to the community as a whole - although often overlooked - are still important and worth the effort even if many are grudging in their compensation. I have heard it a thousand times - "I just love how you write." What seems to pass over their heads is writing takes time and money. They seem to want something for nothing. Well excuse me but nothing does not pay the bills - least not around my house! But back to the Enterprise and the Bee - they need to apologize not only to Bugs but to their readers. They were wrong to publish such rot and they need to be man or woman enough to

Most of you have seen long time game show Wheel of Fortune. I have always considered the show light entertainment - suitable for family viewing. After Monday night's episode - I won't anymore. One of the contestants - a young man - introduced his fiance - also a young man. When the show was over - the two young men hugged and kissed. Host Pat Sajak walked off. Personally we should all contact our local CBS outlet, the media, SONY who owns Wheel of Fortune. Their address is 12400 Wilshire Blvd., West Los Angeles, CA 90025. Remember - all it takes for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing.

After last April's fire which destroyed the First Baptist Church - many were interested to learn about the church's history. I recently came across an original program of the church's dedication - dated January 30, 1955 at 2:30 PM. On the front cover is a photo of the church and on the inside a welcome from Rev. and Mrs. Dan Gardner and their three children, Frank, Dana and Jack. A photo of the old church - which was located near our current library is also shown as well as a history of the church. The building committee consisted of my dad Willie Bean, Willie Freeman and Frank Pitts. Furnishing and color committee was Mrs. Lester Jenkins, Mrs. A. H. Holt, Mrs. H. A. Crosby. Employment Committee was Milton Reeves, R. C. Williams and Ed Carrier. Legal Committee was T. M. Jordan and Willie Bean. Plans Committee: E. D. Kennedy, Elton Spivey and R. A. Williford, Jr. Purchasing Committee: Elton Spivey, H. A. Crosby and Virgil Jordan. Publicity Committee was Mrs. James McKim, Jr. and my Mom - Eloise Bean. Kitchen Committee: P. G. Ellis, David Sharp and Elton Spivey. Finance and Bond Selling Committee consisted of Nine Committees. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hawthorne, Mr.Fred Jordan, my Dad Willie Bean, Mr. and Mrs. Dave Roundtree, Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Harrell were but a few of the members who participated in the church's success. A photo of the members is shown on the opposite page. The Memorial page listed the donors and they were three windows in memory of Mrs. Fanny Hooks by Allums children, six windows in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Coe by the Coe family, pulpit Bible given by Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Holt in memory of Mrs. Henry Holt. The cry room was given in memory of Miss Ruth and Miss Coo Seale by their family. Pulpit furniture and organ in memory of Zula Hooks by children and grand-children. There were others also. A complete list is available if you would like to contact me. The dedication service began with Amazing Grace, a prayer followed, there was recognition of committees, volunteer labor and memorial gifts. Fred Hobbs presented special music. Rev. Dan Gardner introduced the speaker Dr. W. R. White. A prayer of dedication by Rev. Don Covington closed the service. It brought back memories for me to read the names - to many - just a name but to me - an image, a memory, a touch stone of a by-gone era.

"In you O Lord do I put my trust and confidently take refuge; let me never be put to shame or confusion!" Psalm 71:

In less than two months Prince William will marry commoner Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey. There is much talk about what gown she will wear, who will be invited, etc. It seems our President will not be included for one. Fetching Kate will no doubt be decked out befitting a future Queen. One thing she should not be wearing is a white dress as she and Prince William have been openly living together for years. No matter what the current moral climate dictates - sex is for marriage as created by God. It is not to be tossed about carelessly. Every society which has sought to thwart God's laws have paid a bitter price. They at long last realize the moral compass will point straight back to the Bible and its invaluable wisdom. They often do so at a great cost. I pray for this couple - that they too will come to know the Lord.

"Give honor to marriage and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultry."Hebrews 1

History is not always fair and that certainly seems to be the case of President Herbert Hoover. He has been painted as a dufus who lost to FDR but in reality he was not only a smart man but a great humanitarian. He was responsible for the rescue of one million Belgian refugees during WWI. During the horrific famine in Russian during the year 1921 he was in charge of the relief effort which has been credited with saving the lives of three million people. He also made certain much needed crops were planted to ensure no more famine. It must have saddened him to realize most did not remember his positive contribitions in history or as in my case never taught these facts in any history book. If President Hoover's family has a chance to read this I would like to say a big thank you and quickly add how sorry I am most have such short memories. Shame on us all for that.

"Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so God can heal you. When a believing person prays, great things happen. Elijah was a human being just like us. He prayed that it would not rain and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Then Elijah prayed again and the rain came down from the sky, and the land produced crops again." James 5: 16 - 18

Do you know what the signs of a stroke? Warning signs are: 1. Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body. 2. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding 3. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes 4. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordiation 5. Sudden severe headache with no known cause. ACT FAST: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is his speech slurred or strange? If you observe any of these signs call 911 ASAP!

Did you get a chance to watch the Royal Wedding? Nobody can outdo the Brits when it comes to putting on the dog. - but please those hats - some of them should have been at Picadilly Circus ratherf trhan Westminster Abbey. The couple prayed the Lord's Prayer and I hope that awesome prayer will become an intrigal part of their daily lives. From what I have seen the Lord does not hold a very high position with the Royal Family and that is a shame. Hopefully HE will because to neglect HIM has deadly eternal consequences.

"Preserve me O Lord for in You I put my trust." Psalm 16:1

For those of you who own land which has been passed down from generation to generation it might be a good idea to make certain the acres you are paying taxes on are accurate. I know of one family who has been paying taxes on a half dozen acres for more than 70 years - only to recently learn they have been paying for an acre which does not exist. Should get a 72 year refund if folks want to be fair. The only way to obtain an accurate reading of your land is to hire a high priced surveyor. It is such a pity some want to benefit from your need by showing their excessive greed and there are a number of occupations which fall into that unenviable category.

Patricia Morgan - mother of Dana Pitman and mother-in-law of Rev. Jeff Pitman recently passed away. She was always a fashion plate - beautifully dressed and a real testament to her strong Christian faith. She had battled cancer for a number of years and I know her pain is over but her friends and family will dearly miss this

classy lady. Prayers their way!

"There is a season for everything., and a season for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die," Ecckesuastes 3: 1,2

I have been visiting family in beautiful Ruidoso, New Mexico. I have heard from my local family how awesome the scenery is but until I saw it for myself - it is hard to imagine. Ruidoso is a few hours drive from El Paso but has a charm all its own. Majestic mountains surround the quaint town which has become a playground for the retirees or those who wish to get away from the fast paced city life. There are a number of hotels, inns, cottages, bed and breakfast as well as RV parks which provide easy access to ski resorts, hiking, camping. My cousin and I checked out several of the shops which are geared for tourists. She and I as well as her husband drove to Ski Apache which has yet to see this season's snow fall. The ski lifts are ready to go. Gorgeous aspen trees have shed their leaves but a few are still in full view. Coming from an area where fall follage is rarely impressive - is a reminder there are some spots in the USA which adheres to splendor and does so in style. A flight of less than two hours from Houston to El Paso will introduce you to some breathtaking sights. Of course for those who don't wish to fly - the long and tedious drive on I 10 is also a possibility. Either way you will not regret your stay in this glorious part of New Mexico.

"I have been young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or HIS seed begging for bread." Psalm 37:25

Read in the news the infamous Tonga Men's Club is going out of business. Gee - what a shame it was in business at all but after 40 years of disservice to the community it will be closing its doors. Supposely the two owners have passed away. One can only assume they did not die in church. One can hope they did repent and accept the Lord.

Happy Valley Church hosted a meeting which everyone should attend - atleast once. Sgt. Bill Davis, retired from the Beaumont Police Dept. spoke about the importancne of being safe, at home, when driving, when shopping,etc. He shared a number of good tips on home safety as well as safety when out and about. Brochures entitled Personal Safety: A Fact of Life, Taking Care of Children, Sex and the Law.Documenting every item in your home by make and serial # is a must as well as photographs. Storing on your computer's hard drive is also a great way to improve your chances of reclaiming items stolen should such happen. He also stressed the importance of pepper spray, learning to be aware of your surroundings when shopping, etc. I highly recommend should you have the opportunity to hear Sgt. Davis I would do so and take a friend or two with you. Ralph Martin of Broussards also spoke of the importance of planning your funeral, taking care of details which so many simply forget to do. He spoke of completing the Thoughtful Decisions Guide as well as contacting an attorney who is certified in elder law. One he recommended - Randy Drewett of Beaumont. Speaking of the law - did you know if you or your loved one goes to a nursing home and Medicaid pays for it - when death comes - the government has every right to garnish your estate to reclaim the funds? I learned at the meeting from Dee Hall who works at Texas Health and Human Services there is a Lady Bird law which will protect someone's home but she recommended contacting an attorney to learn all the details. Thanks to Happy Valley for a very informative evening.

"Your words have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:11

This is the speech I gave at my brother's memorial on July 7, 2012 at First Baptist Church in Kountze, TX. I have taken the liberty of changing a few words here and there.

Anyone here from the 1960 graduation class - please stand up."

What can I say about my brother? He was a patchwork quilt, an oxymoron, a person of many talents with a love of history, sports, music and travel and not always in that order.

My first memory of him. I had crossed highway 69 and was attempting to walk back. At that time we lived on Highway 69. I can remember my brother was raking leaves when he saw me. He immediately threw his rake down and yelled "Don't move. Stay where you are!" Even then Highway 69 was no place for a child. He raced across the highway and took my hand in his and together we crossed to the safety of our home. Another memory - he was mowing the yard but stopped to dance around the lawn mower when he heard Elvis on his radio. Another time - our mom was teaching him to drive in the area of Kountze where the SCAT building is. He would change gears and the car would shake. He would say WELL. My mom told him that didnt' help the transmission. His response - "It's ok buz it makes me sound like Elvis."
Such was the worldwide influence on an entire generation of Elvis. When I came of age my generation embrassed four young men. I learned my brother was eight days younger than Paul and excitedly told him. My brother's response was less than enthusiastic but his respect grew as he had to admit he shared a birth month with a musical genius, songwriter and performer who will be one of the opening acts at the London Olympics later this month. These old geezers just keep going. My brother was a crusader. Many of you know him as non confrontational but he wasn't always so passive. He had fire in his belly. When he was a photographer for the Pine Needle - he contacted Carver school - to take photos of their football team, band, cheerleaders. Noone else had and needless to say the school was thrilled - so much in fact they wore their uniforms to school. One funny story about him - when he was on the Lumberton school board there was a state meeting in Houston at the swanky Four Seasons Hotel in the Galleria area. The Valet attendant was parking a Bentley one minute, a Gold Rolls the next and what did he see on the horizon but a Tom Bean special which was an old pick up truck missing a tail gate and a clutch. My brother had replaced the clutch with a coat hanger. The Valet attendant took one look at the clutch and said he didnt know how to shift gears. My brother smiled and said "It's easy. Let me show you." I can still see the impish grin on his face when he told me this humorous story. My brother always cared -which is something our parents instilled in their children. He was a member of the Lumberton School Board and the Kountze City Council. He helped many a person - visited ailing friends. He would pick berries and bake a pie for a shut in. Often I would find a bowl full of milk on my breezeway for my pets to enjoy. The milk was still good but was going to be pitched. My brother retrieved the milk just in time. He tore down hurricane damaged homes and would bring a variety of items over to me. If I could not use them someone could. Beans were taught to recycle and not toss. My brother loved sports and attended many a Kountze basketball game. The last state championship Kountze won he along with Sam and Dennis attended. He loved the Longhorns and even more so as our cousin Tony Crosby was the barefoot kicker for the 1964 National Championship team. The co-inventor of Hook Um Horns is from Kountze - that being H. K. Pitts. I'm glad my brother lived to see the very welcomed end of the BCS . Now that is one funeral I would love to attend. The last time I saw my brother was on Tuesday - July 3rd. He was in ICU at MD Anderson in Houston - hooked up to machines. I held his hand and told him I was going to play Heartbreak Hotel and Hounddog for him. He squeezed my hand and moved his shoulder as if to say I'm ready. I stood beside him and prayed for a miracle - for God to let us keep my brother a bit longer. The news the next day broke my heart but it is hoped just as my brother helped me cross the highway all those years ago - my prayers and that of countless others - helped him to cross that final road to the safety of his home.

I am seeking to sell my lumber, mail boxes, breaker box, paint, etc. so if you have need just give me a call or email me.

I finally got to check out the food at Simply Country - located at Moss Hill on 146 and 105. Texas Monthly wrote about the restaurant several years ago. Everytime I would pass they would either be closed for the day or after Ike closed for lengthy repairs. They are open and the food is great. Their chicken fried steak is everything Texas Monthly said and that says alot as I am picky about my chicken fried steak. The decore is quaint - down home feeling. I recommend it.

I saw a flyer while at Simply Country for a new business - Pickers Paradise - located in Rye at 32896 146 N. Open Friday 9 - 5, Sat.9 -5 and Sunday 10 - 5. I passed the shop recently and it is a charming dark green building - just loaded with goodies. No need to reak to Houston for shopping as Southeast Texas has many such businesses.

"So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth. It shall not return to Me void but it shall accomplish what I please. It shall prosper in the things for which I sent it." Isaish 55: 11

The circus came to town on April 4th. The location was the Trade Days and those who attended seem to have a splendid time. There were clowns, jugglers, trapeze artists as well as two well behaved elephants. Entertainers included a number of scantily clad women who have more curves than Carter has pills. The circus which hosts a number of foreign entertainers is making the rounds in Texas. I know it must take a lot of work to erect the tent and keep everyone happy. The two shows were well supported by Kountze which comes as a pleasant surprise. Often Kountze does not support Kountze. If the big tent did not provide entertainment - an outisde petting zoo would. Of course there were hot dogs and cotton candy for sale as well as a number of goodies. Hopefully the circus will come back. It does not happen often.

The Kountze cheerleaders made world wide headlines last year as you all know. The fight will head to court in June. On April 13th Angel Gardens hosted a party to honor the 16 cheerleaders. Music, food, fellowship and former NFL start Devin Wynam was on hand to share his faith and honor the girls for their commitment. The day was nice and very pleasant. The only thing missing - the cheerleaders who did not seem to understand the important of participating. They should have been there. The Governor of Texas sent a proclamation via State Rep. James White as well as a specially created video for the cheerleaders. It was embarrassing - their behavior. I don't care what their excuse was for not attending. There is NO excuse for bad behavior and poor social skills. Just before the party ended two cheerleaders showed up. Had they not - I hate to say what might have been. However, more than one person stated they really felt the cheerleaders should have made an effort to attend and show their appreciation for the suport of the community and the state. The state could have looked the other way and the community could have acted the way the community usually does - indifferent. Come on girls - the world's spotlight is on you and it is time to step up to the plate - not time to back track and commit social blunders. It does not reflect well on you and it does not reflect well on the community. I know you are young and youth has many obstacles. Learn from this and you will find yourself a better person.

This Sunday is kids' day at Happy Valley Church. There will be a water slide and a covered dish lunch for everyone to enjoy. Come out and have a great time. Hope to see you there.

"Thou has been faithful over a few things. I will make thee ruler over many things." Matthew 25:23

A lot has happened in the community since I last updated. Some of it good and some not so good. I will focus on the good first. Jim Riley, formerly of Kountze and now living in the frozen tundra of North Dakota visited our area. He went to school here and has family who always look forward to his visit. The last time he stopped off in Kountze was during the drought in 2011 and that was a killer. Spring time much more pleasant. Jim attended a family reunion and stopped off for a meal at our new restaurant 59 Diner. Come back again Jim and don't make it so long the next time.

Our Hardin County Music Festival was held the first week-end in May and the weather cooperated - just as it did last year. Friday night was country favorite - John Conlee who sand such crowd pleasers as Rose Colored Glasses. His rendition of Amazing Grace was awesome. I loved it! The next night's headliner was Colt Ford who is a combination Country Rap artist. The kids loved it. Although not my favorite type of music - rap - his band was very good - super musicians. As usual too much drinking which always brings out the worst in people who don't need much of an excuse to act bad. Without the hard work of many - this event would not be a reality and that goes back to Diana Clark and her daughter Amanda who got the ball rolling back in 2007.

Robert Earl Roberts is in the hospital - battling an issue of health problems. Keep him in prayer.

Audrey Harmon - long time resident and sister of Pee Wee Hybarger passed away this morning. Many will remember her when she worked at Frostyland Hamburgers. Audrey had been in ill health for a while so her passing could be considered a blessed relief. I know her family will miss them so keep her in your prayers.

More than 50 years ago Layton Coats and his wife and daughter lived in Forest Acres. In fact he was the developer of the addition. His house - the big green one on Forest Drive and my parents' home - the only two for a long time. I learned Susan - or her stage name of Jianne Sherbeny - passed away recently. Apparently she was an exquisite dancer with a stellar reputation. After the Coats moved away I never saw her again but I have memories of visiting the Coats home, playing in the little house - which was a mini replica. Susan and I celebrated more than one tea party. Her birthday parties were always terrific. I have a figurine of Lady and the Tramp which was a party favor. When Dennis Weaver came to Kountze in 1958 he stayed at the Coats home Too bad once they left Hardin Co. they truly did leave. I understand Susan passed away from cancer. What a dreaded disease. I pray it will be erased from the human race very soon. Prayers for Susan's friends and family.

"Blessed are they who mourn for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4