Mixed martial arts training

Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Jeremy Christensen (left) hits a body bag held by Marshall Mooney during practice at Scott Argo's private training studio in Vidor on Thursday, May 8, 2008.


Jeremy Christensen (left) looks for an opening in Marshall Mooney's defense during a practice spar. The Vidor residents are training to compete in mixed martial arts matches.


Jeremy Christensen throws Marshall Mooney during mixed martial arts practice in Vidor.

Choreplay

Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Clint Brasher (left) trims the fingernails of his son Adam, 3, (right) in the family's home in Orange County north of Vidor on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008. Women report they are attracted to men who help around the house in non-traditional roles such as childcare.


Clint Brasher (right) tosses a baseball to his sons Adam, 3, (left) and Derek, 6, (center) in the family's yard in Orange County. The help given by husbands allows women time to relax and unwind.


Jon Healy (center) takes a Sunday morning walk with his family in Orange County north of Vidor on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008. Family members include (from left to right) Jessica, 10; Garrett, 7; Branson, 2, and his wife Priscilla. For many women, this extra time provided through so-called "choreplay" equates to a romantic prologue.

Please read, "Choreplay: Want to turn on your woman?" by Helena Oliviero / Cox News Service.

Biker benefit

Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Peggy Britton cries while talking about her ordeal at a friend's home in Vidor on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008. Britton was seriously injured while her boyfriend died in a motorcycle wreck on I-10 in Vidor on Sept. 21, 2007.

A benefit to help Britton, who can no longer work due to the injuries she suffered, will be held at the Bayou Club in Orange on Saturday.

Please read, "Woman who survived motorcycle wreck struggles..." by Mike D. Smith.

Bus wreck victim

Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Emergency workers evacuate an injured person after a minivan ran into the back of a Vidor ISD bus on Main Street in Vidor on Thursday, Dec. 20, 2007.

Moore music

Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

John "Bubba" Moore and his musical family including his grandson Kevinlynn Moore, father Shirley Moore and son David Adam Moore pose for a portrait at the family homestead in Vidor on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2007. All four generations of the Moore family have musical abilities. "Bubba" Moore has a platinum-selling record with Tracy Byrd while David Adam Moore performs in New York operas.


David Adam Moore poses for a portrait at the family homestead in Vidor. While coming from a family of Country and Western icons, David Adam Moore has become a world-class operatic singer in New York.

Please read, "Vidor family's generational repertoire..." by Jane McBride, and hear samples of each generation's music.

Atackata Tribe representative

Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Janice Shuff of the Atackata Tribe prepares before the Honoring Our Heros program and continuation of Vidor's Centennial celebration at the First Pentecostal Church in Vidor on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007.

A hero's next battle

Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Sam Maida, Jr. and his son Wes Maida watch as Wes' son Braden, 1, plays at Sam's home in Vidor on Friday, Sept. 28, 2007. Wes Maida recently returned from serving in the Marines in Afghanistan.


Wes Maida (left) and his father Sam Maida, Jr. discuss Sam's recent diagnosis of kidney cancer at Sam's home in Vidor. Sam is a locally well-known umpire and referee of sporting events from youth leagues to high school.


Sam Maida, Jr. sheds a tear while talking about the support he's gotten from the community after his recent diagnosis of kidney cancer at his home in Vidor.



Sam Maida, Jr. (left) discusses his recent diagnosis of kidney cancer as his son Wes Maida (right) listens and considers at Sam's home in Vidor.

Please read, "Marine at father's side..." by Mike D. Smith.

Special Olympics

Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Jimmie Lea Simmons (right) organizes participants before the Golden Triangle 2007 Local Aquatics and Bocce Special Olympics competition at Conn Pool in Vidor on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2007.


Charles Crumb competes during the Golden Triangle 2007 Local Aquatics and Bocce Special Olympics competition at Conn Pool in Vidor.

Patriot Guard Riders' welcome

Music & photos by Mark M. Hancock / photos © The Beaumont Enterprise

The Patriot Guard Riders started as a counter-protest group for the families of fallen military personnel from Iraq and Afghanistan. The grassroots organization has quickly evolved into one that supports and honors all military personnel and veterans.

Now, local riders provide honor escorts for any fallen veterans and try to welcome home all active military personnel. At the Welcome Home celebrations, they also welcome home all Vietnam-era veterans, who didn't get a proper welcome and thanks for their service.

Spc. Kamisha Jane Block

photos & music by Mark M. Hancock / photos © The Beaumont Enterprise

U.S. Army Spc. Kamisha Jane Block, 20, of Vidor died on August 16, 2007 while serving as a military police officer in an area north of Baghdad, Iraq. She is the first female soldier from Southeast Texas to die in the line of duty.

Please read "...Tears still flow at funeral" by Mike D. Smith and see the Guest Book.

Cops N Kids Picnic

Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Kassidy Duplant, 5, of Groves tours a U.S. Coast Guard boat during the 13th annual Cops N Kids Picnic at Claiborne West Park in Vidor on Friday, July 20, 2007. The event was sponsored by the Orange County Sheriff's Office.


Julian Jinks, 5, of Groves looks through a sniper's scope at a S.W.A.T. station during the 13th annual Cops N Kids Picnic at Claiborne West Park in Vidor.


Officer Jeremiah Gunter (left) and Sgt. Thomas Ray (right) answer children's questions at the Orange County Area S.W.A.T. station during the 13th annual Cops N Kids Picnic at Claiborne West Park.


Orange County Sheriff's Department chaplain Mike Eaves slices watermelon during the 13th annual Cops N Kids Picnic at Claiborne West Park.

Healthy shopping

Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Billie and Robert Brown pass formerly favored foods to shop for healthy food at Woods Supermarket in Vidor on Saturday, June 9, 2007. Robert Brown had a heart attack earlier this year.


Billie and Robert Brown balance sodium and fat content of products at Woods Supermarket in Vidor.


Billie and Robert Brown shop for healthy food at Woods Supermarket. After instruction and a shopping tour with a nutritionist, he is making healthier choices. After learning how to shop from a dietician, Robert Brown has shed 30 pounds while eating more nutricious food.


Please read "Dieticians help people understand nutrition..." by Jane McBride.

Racism and Vidor

Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Watson Franks' television went blank during the Vidor segment of CNN's Paula Zahn Now special on racism at his home in Vidor Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2006. Homes in Beaumont and Vidor were unable to get the CNN channel while the Vidor segment was aired. Immediately after the segment, the show resumed.


Watson Franks uses a remote control on his television after it went blank during the Vidor segment of CNN's Paula Zahn Now special on racism at his home in Vidor.



Ray Schultz of Dallas prepares a CNN satellite truck near sundown at Time Warner cable company in Nederland on Wednesday, December 13, 2006. A CNN story about racism in Vidor was interrupted on Tuesday at local Time Warner stations.


A CNN satellite truck is prepared for a live interview of Vidor's mayor by CNN's Paula Zahn at Time Warner cable company in Nederland. Vidor was previously known as a "sunset town." In the Old South, a sunset town was one where minorities were not welcome and often harassed or worse after sunset.


CNN reporter Keith Oppenheim talks with Paula Zahn via satellite at Time Warner cable company in Nederland. Oppenheim filed the original story about racism and Vidor. The Vidor-related segment of the CNN story about racism was interrupted on Tuesday at local Time Warner stations. Time Warner claims it was a technical glitch caused by a technician's human error.


Vidor Mayor Joe Hopkins (left) talks with CNN's Paula Zahn via satellite at Time Warner cable company.


Vidor Mayor Joe Hopkins talks with CNN's Paula Zahn via satellite at Time Warner cable company in Nederland. After initially accepting to host a CNN town hall meeting about racism in Vidor, he canceled the agreement and cited "security" as the reason.

I waited to post this story because it kept getting more interesting. I was scheduled to cover the CNN town hall meeting in Beaumont on Tuesday, but I ended up at a basketball game while Jennifer covered the meeting (I'm still not quite sure how this happened).

I've already said racism is a problem in Southeast Texas. CNN decided to give it some national attention. This caused some grumblings. However, when the Vidor segment of the Paula Zahn Now special on racism was about to air, homes in Vidor and Beaumont only saw dead air on CNN. (See the video)

It also took what could have been an embarrassing moment for Vidor and propelled it into a national incident. After speaking with Vidor's mayor, Paula Zahn's production wanted to host a town hall meeting about racism in Vidor.

First, the mayor said OK. Then, he changed his mind and canceled the meeting citing "security" as the reason.

Beaumont Mayor Guy Goodson helped move the meeting to Beaumont to examine this important issue.

Before the meeting, Zahn went to Vidor to interview Mayor Joe Hopkins. There was no security problem in Vidor while she visited. She then came to Beaumont and conducted the town hall meeting with all the panelists without a security incident.

Please read "When We Lost The CNN Signal" on Fayrouz's blog to understand this strange story.

Please also read "CNN racism forum raises issues for some" by Dee Dixon as well as the related links.
 

Central runs over Vidor

Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Central's Morris Thomas breaks through Vidor's defense during a high school football game at Vidor High School on Friday, Oct. 20, 2006.
 

Vidor FD post-Rita

Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise
Firefighter/EMT Jared Sampson (left) and Capt. Franklin Walters (right) clean bugs off an ambulance at the Vidor Fire Department area in Vidor on Wednesday, September 13. A tree crushed the Vidor Fire Station during Hurricane Rita. Emergency personnel are now stationed in a mobile home on the property.
 

Duct tape clothier

Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Some items James Schiesler, 11, has made from duct tape include a wallet, a Play Station 2 holder, slippers, a pilgrim's hat and a medieval helmet at his home in Vidor on Tuesday, April 11, 2006.


James Schiesler, 11, poses for a portrait with some of his duct tape creations at his home in Vidor.


Some of James Schiesler's, 11, duct tape creations are displayed at his home in Vidor on Tuesday. Items he's made include a wallet, a Play Station II holder, slippers, a pilgrim's hat and a mideval helmet.

Concrete canoe races

Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

"Rita," Lamar University 's civil engineering team's concrete canoe, awaits competition before races at Boomtown USA in Vidor on Saturday, April 22, 2006. The team named their canoe Rita because of the influence Hurricane Rita had on their studies and the project.


Lamar University Civil Engineering junior Daniel Gossett and adjunct professor Hani Tohme inspect "Rita," the team's concrete canoe, before races at Boomtown USA. The event was sponsored by the Texas/Mexico Regional American Society of Civil Engineers and hosted by Lamar University.


Lamar University's Erin Watson (left) and Stacy Marhofer (right) paddle to 2nd place in their heat during the concrete canoe races at Boomtown USA. The winning team advances to national competition.


Noe Gallegos of the Autonomus National Univeristy of Mexico (UNAM in Spanish) takes a break from blowing through a shell during the concrete canoe races at Boomtown USA.


Texas Tech's Amanda Felderhoff (right) continues paddling as her team's concrete canoe rams the canoe of UNAM's Kati Cruz Ruiz (left) and Nohemi Monroy Ceja (center) during the cement canoe races at Boomtown USA.


UNAM teammates cheer as Kati Cruz Ruiz (left) and Nohemi Monroy Ceja (center) paddle their concrete canoe to a heat victory during the cement canoe races at Boomtown USA.
 

Reconstruction's benefit

Photos by © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News

Supply trucks wait to unload construction materials at Orange County Building Material Inc. in Vidor, Texas on Friday, Jan. 13, 2006. Several months after Hurricane Rita hit Southeast Texas, reconstruction continues to be strong.


Orange County Building Material Inc. employees prepare job orders in the lumber yard in Vidor.


Delivery driver Charles Guillory shouts directions at Orange County Building Material Inc. in Vidor.


Professional driver/safety coordinator Rudy Oballe (left) and forklift operator Robert Lowe (right) wait on a truck to fuel near the destroyed remains of a former storage shelter at Orange County Building Material Inc. in Vidor.


Forklift operator Marty Sullivan drives a load of supplies to a waiting truck at Orange County Building Material Inc. in Vidor.
 

FEMA Christmas

Brittany Smith, 15, said Christmas is about family. The rest of the Smith family seconded her insight. The family lost their home and personal items, but they have each other and a FEMA-provided trailer. With a tiny artificial tree and carefully wrapped packages, they are prepared to begin anew and rebuild what Hurricane Rita tried to take away. Through it all, they still have family.


The Smith family watches Jake Dale Smith, 7, (a mixed breed dog, bottom) speak for treats in their FEMA-provided trailer on their property in Vidor on Saturday, Dec. 24, 2005. From left to right are Martin Smith; Lauren Smith, 17; Brittany Smith, 15; Ashlyn Tucker, 10, and Becky Smith.


The Smith family is prepared to celebrate Christmas in their FEMA-provided trailer on their property in Vidor. Their home was destroyed by trees and water during Hurricane Rita. From left to right are Becky Smith; Ashlyn Tucker, 10; Colton Yount, 15; Lauren Smith, 17; Martin Smith and Brittany Smith, 15.


Becky Smith (left) and Martin Smith (right) discuss last-minute shopping for Christmas in their FEMA-provided trailer on their property in Vidor.