Free Republic

When Stephanie Litchauer heard the news about potential massive layoffs at military contractor BAE Systems Wednesday she was at first floored. Then she felt deeply worried about the future of her business and all of Sealy. "It's a brutal blow, it's as simple as that," said Litchauer, the owner of Creekmore's Sports Bar, a favorite local haunt for employees of the military contractor. "For a community that's so small, having all those employees that go to the bars and restaurants disappear will be devastating." BAE has for almost two decades been the largest employer in Sealy, population 5,200. But Wednesday...

Note: The following text is a quote: Three Convicted in International Truck Theft Conspiracy Sentenced to Prison HOUSTON—Three men who conspired to steal and transport millions of dollars of truck tractors, trailers and other heavy equipment to Central America have been sentenced to prison, United States Attorney Tim Johnson announced today. Rito Jasso-Zorilla, 32, Victor Antonio Garcia, 27, and Orlando Gonzalez Huerta, 29, all citizens of Mexico, were sentenced by United States District Judge David Hittner this morning for their respective roles in assisting Yuri David Melendez, 42, of Houston, with the far-reaching scheme. Beginning in 2001, Melendez received requests...

Minutes south of Interstate 10 and Sealy, the pastures along FM 1458 are their own silent world in the morning. Mists lift to reveal black cattle, brown and spotted horses, snow-white egrets underfoot in lush green grass. Then a concrete mixer comes churning down the blacktop. Just up the road is a small subdivision. More are sure to come as city dwellers, including weekenders and retirees, move out in search of a quieter, simpler life — and relief from city traffic. Although the gradual influx may bring greater changes in the long run, what disturbs residents most is the planned...