WE COULD SEE IT COMING

HIGH COURT MAY OVERTURN ROE

The U.S. Supreme Court has taken a preliminary vote to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that has for 49 years guaranteed women the right to abortion, according to a draft opinion. The opinion, published late Monday, was authored by Justice Samuel Alito. Politico reported that a person familiar with the deliberations has said four other conservative appointees, Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett, voted with Alito during a conference meeting in December, shortly after the case was argued. A draft opinion is not binding and any of the justices could change their vote before it's officially published, likely in the next two months. Under Alito's draft, the court would not only roll back the time frame in which a woman can access abortions, it would strip it entirely. States could still allow abortions, but more than two dozen including Texas would be set to immediately outlaw the procedure. Roe was decided in 1973 by an overwhelming 7-2 opinion, with five conservatives Rep[ublicans joining two Democratic appointees. Most of the country still supports a right to the procedure, according to polling, but it has been under relentless attack for years by social conservatives, including many in the Texas Legislature and Gov. Abbott. Texas currently prohibits abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy through an enforcement loophole passed last year and upheld by the Supreme Court in December. Already politicians were seizing on the report to raise money and energize their supporters on either side of the hot-button issue. It's impossible to know what efforts are taking place behind the scenes to influence any justice's vote. If Roberts is inclined to allow Roe to survive, he need only pick off one other conservative vote to deprive the court of a majority to overrule the landmark abortion case. Otherwise women's rights would go back 50 years, back to alleys and clothes hangers.

TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

15 Years Ago-2007

Inez Runnels, 83, a wonderful lady, served her time here and on Sunday, April 29, crossed over to the other side, where she will join her husband Joe, family, siblings and her Lord. She came to Orange as a young bride and saw much of Orange County's history made. A successful businesswoman, she served as first lady of Orange when husband Joe was mayor. She saw her son Pete become county judge. She also took pride in her two daughters, Barbara and Kay, as well as her grandchildren. She was a compassionate woman who saw good in everyone. She loved to travel and never missed an opportunity to do so. Mrs. Runnels established the first driving school in Texas and was longtime owner of Runnels Tire Co. This great lady will be missed by everyone who knew her.***** I always believed Don Breaux was stretching the truth a little when it comes to his orange crop. Last week, Don brought us some of the Orange County orange crop and they were exactly as he said; the juiciest, sweetest oranges we have ever eaten. I didn't heed his warning though and when I cut into one, it sent juice all over the place, ruined two pictures and some of my copy. (Editor's note: I believe Don lost that tree to a freeze.) *****A lot of Orangeites will remember Marty Conway who was so active in community service. Well, a bunch of years ago she and R.J. divorced, he flew the coop and she moved to Beaumont and remarried. Now Ms. Craig is running for Beaumont city council. If you don't like Marty, you wouldn't like anyone. Apparently, the Enterprise doesn't know her. They didn't endorse her. Didn't endorse our buddy, Esther Benoit, from Port Arthur, for mayor either. Shows you what they know. *****Congressman Nick Lampson, who is recovering from major heart surgery, is being mentioned as a possible challenger against U.S. Senator John Cornyn. His favorable and unfavorable is tied at 40 percent. Lampson is gutsy; he took on Tom DeLay and won in a strong Republican District 22. He faces an uphill battle for being re-elected however. He's the number one target for the GOP. He faces even longer odds against Cornyn, who already has $4 million in the bank. Nick is not that well known statewide and it would take $4 million just to buy name identity. *****The Wednesday Lunch Bunch will dine at Robert's, 12 noon. Last week Justices of the Peace Janice Menard and Derry Dunn each brought their staff. Judge Rodney Price came from Vidor. The only JP missing was Judge Joe Parkhurst, who was in the hospital having gall bladder surgery. *****St. Louis pitcher Josh Hancock, 29, killed in a single auto accident over the weekend.

45 Years Ago-1977

The Horseman Store, the area's largest western wear story is celebrating its anniversary with a big sale. *****Louis and Nancy Gay have moved to Palm Springs. *****Jim Dugas has taken over as sole owner of the Sports Den Barber Shop. His sidekick is barber, Bo Bland. *****Big plans are being made to celebrate Jack White's 40th birthday on May 5. *****Bart, Richard Corder's 9-year-old son, beat his dad in a nighttime fishing trip on Toledo Bend. Bart caught four big bass; dad only had three large enough to keep. *****Doug Harrington, Doug. Jr., Dow Gene Anderson and Dr. David Olson donated the ducks that W.T. Oliver and his Bridge City gumbo team used to make the wild duck and oyster gumbo. The gumbo won Best Overall at Gumbo Cook-Off. In a duel between Bridge City and Bridge City, Louisiana, Oliver and team bested the Louisiana folks with Oliver's famous chicken and sausage gumbo brew. Members are Ethel and Lawrence Faux, Ann Lieby, Barbara Gillis, C.R. Nash, Ann Oliver and Roy Dunn, who served as first assistant. *****Mr. and Mrs. P.P. Brown celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. *****Dow Gene and lovely Charlotte Anderson were honored with a house warming for their new home on Bower St. in Bridge City. Their "dream home."*****Congrats, to Bridge City High seniors who have received scholarships. They are Tim Fennel, Rotary Club; Jean Lapeyrolerie, Texas State Teachers Association; Denise Lormand, B&PW; Pam Spurlock and Sue Ellen Johnson, nursing scholarship from the Pilot Club. *****Flo Edgerly and Tim Lieby are in Austin as delegates from the Sabine Labor Council for Legislative Sessions. *****Lennart Carlson, of Alfredos, wins Best Professional Gumbo award for the second year in a row. *****Doug Childress and Uptown Country to play for a big dance Saturday at the VFW Hall. *****The famous Wayside Inn Dinner House specializes in shrimp, fried chicken, large steak, with homemade pies served on Sunday. The Inn is located at 420 E. Roundbunch Rd. in Bridge City. *****Welch Furniture Co. holds annual

May sale at 2509 MacArthur.

50 Years Ago-1972

The Liberal Wing of the Democratic Party in Orange County took some unexpected losses. They had supported Frank Hustmyre and urged Gov. Smith to appoint him to the post the day Judge Neff retired for the 128th District Court, one week before the primary election. The move backfired. The day after the election, Judge Hustmyre quit with a statement, "The voters of Orange County, by virtue of my decisive defeat at the polls, have evidenced a strong dissatisfaction with my appointment to the 128th District Court. I have written a formal letter of resignation to Gov. Smith. The unexpired term runs until Dec. 31. Graham Bruce said he would accept an appointment to fill the term, which he did. Hustmyre, despondent over the loss, ended up taking his own life. Att. Jim Dunaway is the only member of the law firm still living and still practicing law. (Personal note: I met Dunaway the very first day he joined the Hustmyre, Harris, Darman law firm.*****New comer Conservative Wayne Peveto, defeated Liberal State Representative Clyde Haynes, who ranked 17th out of 177 in seniority. Haynes was well liked statewide, carried his home area, the Vidor boxes, Peveto carried the rest of the county.*****The tax assessor race crowded with five candidates, Clark Gimple, Floyd Deroche, Grady Gallian, Juanita Jordan and Louvenia Hryhorchuk, who will face a runoff against Jordan.*****The sheriff's race had four candidates, Sheriff Allen "Buck" Peveto, John Toney, Verdis Wagner and Max Boatman, who will face Patillo in runoff. In a three way race for democratic chairman Dennis Wick was eliminated. Pete Runnels will face incumbent James Morris.*****Jim Sharon Bearden defeated Stephen Burg for county attorney. Gordon Dunn defeated Claude Broussard for county commissioner, Pct. 2. Asa Mansfield beat Bill Kleinschmidt to remain commissioner of Pct. 3. There are several runoff races. (Editor's note: We will cover them later.

A FEW HAPPENINGS

Tony and Nancy Dallas went to Portland, Oregon, on the weekend to see son Chad play minor league baseball. Chad was drafted last year by the Toronto Blue Jays. Daughter Leigh Ann Dallas, who works for the city of Orange, decided to surprise them and made a last-minute flight.***** While cleaning out the home of her parents, Don and Alice Cole, both gone now, Alice Hartsfield came across a very old wooden wheelchair, like the one FDR used. She contacted Constable Brad Frye, who is on the Orangefield school board and who owns the Paul Cormier Museum. Alice told Brad her family would like to donate the chair to the museum. Brad arranged for Jessie Freemont to pick up the gift. Jessie was excited and said it would be cleaned up and on display this week. If you haven't visited the museum, you will be pleasantly surprised. If you ever have out-of-town guest there are three great museums in the area, all different, entertaining and educational. The Gulf Coast Museum in Port Arthur, Stark Museum in Orange, plus "Mr. Paul" Museum, that he spent many years accumulating art for, has been donated to OFISD. If you have museum pieces to donate they would love to have them.***** Dayle Foreman and Margaret Toal from Orange County attended the induction ceremony for bestselling writer Mary Karr and singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell into the Southeast Texas Hall of Fame at the Museum of the Gulf Coast.  Guests watching the ceremony included Jo-El Sonnier, who drove with his wife to the event. He's already in the Hall of Fame. Dayle's book, "C'est La Vie"  was on sale in the museum's gift shop next to one of Karr's books. Karr grew up in Groves and is considered one of the country's greatest memoirists. Her books have been on the New York Times best sellers lists. Crowell grew up in Crosby and after reading Karr's "The Liar's Club," wrote a memoir about his childhood entitled "Chinaberry Sidewalks."  He invited Karr to write songs with him and she sometimes sings in his band. They performed Saturday night at a benefit gala in Port Arthur.*****Saturday's running of the 148th Kentucky Derby will be aired on NBC at 5:57 p.m. This year's field is considered among the more competitive. Twenty horses will start their 1-1/4 mile journey in the world's most famous horse race. The first leg of thoroughbred horse racing's Triple Crown. Trainer Bob Baffert, who won three of the last four Derby races won't be there. His last year's winner, Medina Spirit, win was overturned when the horse tested positive. The favorite is Epicenter, who won four of his last five races, including the Louisiana Derby. Crown Pride, a Japanese bred horse that will be ridden by Cajun jockey Chris Lemaire, is a good 20-1 long shot. I like Talba, 12-1, because of jockey Mike Smith and also Messier, 8-1, because of jockey John Velazquez. The last two horses are being trained by Baffert's fomer assistant Tim Yakteen. They finished first and second in the Santa Anita Derby. The weather will be a big factor. I'll wait to place my bet.*****A few folks we know celebrating birthdays and remembering others. May 4, Happy Birthday Laurie Miller, Julia Hoke and Jenna Dismukes.*****May 5: Today is Cinco DeMayo, a Mexican holiday celebrated in the United States. Celebrating birthdays today are Bridget Gunn Toohey, Brad Broussard, Matt Williams, Butch Myers, Lindsey Dardeau and Ricky Zirlott.*****May 6: Celebrating birthdays today are Debbie Gregg, Beverly Millsap, Brandon Bond, James Scales. Today would have been Essie Bellfield's birthday. Also our friend H.D. Pate died on this day in 2019.*****May 7: Happy Birthday to longtime friend Joe Chenella and also educator Gina Mannino, Andrea Beadle, Josh Sanders, Connie Angelle and Earl Thomas. Judge Grover Hallibruton died on this day in 2004.*****May 8: Happy Mother's Day to all moms. Happy Birthday to Patty Cook, Ginger Hogden, Debra Trundle who all celebrate today.*****May 9: Our longtime friend Ray Cotton turns 92 today. Happy Birthday also to Laura Ashworth, Justin Dupuis, Doug Havens, Lynn Scales and Dalton Gilliam.*****May 10: Celebrating today are Sharon Wooley, Katie Hubbard, Stacie Dayden and Gerald Taylor. NOTICE: If you or anyone you know is celebrating a birthday or anniversary let us know so we can let everyone else know. Call 409-735-5305 or email us at therecordlive.com.*****Orange County Health Inspector James Scales doesn't have to worry about a future toilet paper shortage. He got lots of rolls for his birthday, perhaps to help him get revenge for the people who recently "tee-peed" his yard. The toilet paper came as gifts for the surprise birthday party his mother, Donna Dorman Scales, threw for him on Saturday. The COVID pandemic two years ago made her cancel plans for his 40th birthday, so she gave a 40th, 41st, and 42nd party all together. Of course his nieces Stella and Indie attended. No word, yet, on whether Stella ate all of "Burlie's" cake. (We hear they are not spoiled by grandmother and uncle.)***** Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Committee on Aging invites all Senior Citizen's to join us for our 53rd Annual Senior Citizens Rally Day.  This year's theme is Kentucky Derby: Big Hats & Bow Ties, A Race for Better Health.  We encourage our Senior Citizens to dress up in Kentucky Derby Theme clothing, but it is not required.  Rally Day is free to all and will be held, Tuesday, May 10th and will start at 9 am and end at 1 pm at the OC Expo Center.  There will be entertainment by Britt Godwin, Health Vendors, door prizes, bingo, free lunch and fun for all Senior Citizens.  There will be a Chair Exercise Presentation by Instructor Anne Roberts with Body Workz/Silver Workz.   Please bring any old eye glasses you may have lying around and donate them to the Lions Eye Bank of Texas.  There will be recognition of Best Dressed in Theme, Traveled the Farthest, Oldest Veteran, and Newest Newlyweds.  For further information on our Senior Citizen Rally Day, call the AgriLife Extension Office at 409-882-7010.*****Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick endorsed Attorney General Ken Paxton in runoff against Land Commissioner George P. Bush. The two Republicans filed briefs urging the Texas Supreme Court to take up Paxton's challenge to the appellate court ruling. The whistle blower suit was brought by four of the former eight employees who accused Paxton of bribery and abuse of power for helping his friend Nate Paul. Paxton has been under indictment on charges of felony securities fraud for five years with out going to trial. Abbott and Patick's request would again delay Paxton going to trial. These three guys run our state. Good or bad it's time for Texas voters to take note.*****On the national front here are a few excerpts of former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper's forthcoming book, "A Sacred Oath: Memoirs of a Secretary of Defense During Extraordinary Times." Former President Donald Trump suggested shooting racial justice protesters when the demonstrations neared the White House, Mark Esper writes in a new memoir. "Can't you just shoot them? Just shoot them in the legs or something?" Trump asked the newly appointed Esper in an Oval Office meeting June 1, 2020, the Cabinet member wrote.*****Special thanks to Judge Chad and Windie Jenkins for providing me a special treat of their homemade, smoked pork sausage. I'm not sharing. Special thanks also to Windie for going through the trouble of getting it to me. That is really good stuff.*****Naomi and Wynonna Judd were among the most popular duos of the 1980's, scoring 14 number one hits during their nearly three decade career. On the eve of their induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Naomi, who had been battling mental illness, died at the age of 76 of apparent suicide. Naomi had a special knack for putting words into song. "Love Can Build a Bridge," "Mama He's Crazy," "Grandpa Tell Me About the Good Old Days," "Love is Alive." The single mom from Kentucky took her and her two girls a long way up the ladder of life. Daughters Ashley and Wynonna praised their mom after her long mental fights. "Don't You Think It's Time." Naomi apparently thought so.

CAJUN STORY OF THE WEEK

(Run in 2007)

Ray Leleux, from da barbershop, and Kee-Kee Dupuis, from da fillum-up station, decided dey needed some time off dem.  Dey plan and go to central Texas on a camping trip. After dark dey go to look around and came up on da Brazos River but dey had no idea on how to get across it on da utter side. Standing on da bank was two of them Texas Aggies who wanted to cross da river dem too. LuLu called over to da Aggies, "We want to cross to da utter side but don't know wat to do no, you got any idea?" Da Aggies dem talked it over and replied, "I'll shine my flashlight over da river and you can walk across da beam of light" LuLu looked at Kee-Kee and dey boat tink of dat some more. Finally LuLu called back to da Aggies, "I don' tink so, me and Kee-Kee, we not stupid us, you tink we gonna start walkin' across on dat beam of light and wen we get to do middle, you gonna turn da light off."

C'EST TOUT

May 8, 1846, 176 years ago

The Forgotten War That Shaped America

Few Americans and not many Texans are familiar with the Battle of Palo Alto. It's the first major engagement in one of the most significant wars in North American history. A few miles north of historical Brownsville, near the mouth of the Rio Grande river, Palo Alto is one of three battlefield sites in the area. Resaca de LaPalma and Fort Texas, changed to Fort Brown, in downtown Brownsville. Interesting wars to read about and how the United States in North America became the size it is today. Sunday is the 176th anniversary of the U.S.-Mexican War. The date will go unnoticed for the most part, even though the U.S. victory in the two-year struggle added more than half a million acres of land to the American West and Southwest. When the two nations signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo on Feb. 2, 1848, ending the war, the United States more than doubled in size, adding California, Nevada and Utah, most of Colorado, New Mexico and Arazona and parts of Oklahoma, Kansas and Wyoming. With the U.S. annexation of Texas finally settled, Mexico's loss included roughly half of its national territory. Despite its significance, the United States--Mexican War remains America's "forgotten war."*****Read us cover to cover. Thanks for your time, have a nice week. Take care and God please bless America.