Agent Orange Bulletin

"In a victory for VA Secretary Shinseki, President Obama and veterans’ advocates, and Agent Orange victims, the new Agent Orange Illnesses’ Final Rules were published today in the Federal Registry...

"America can afford war, but not paying for its victims." - Veterans Today, Michael A. Leon

http://www.veteranstoday.com/2010/08/31/sen-james-webb-and-congress-have-sixty-days-to-stiff-veterans-on-agent-orange-presumtives/

Rules are now posted. Congress has 60 days to review them. Payments could start as early as November 1.

Link to the rules:

http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-21556.htm

William A. Ricks

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The Agent Orange War

What is one veteran worth? 
Too much to afford?

"Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., a Vietnam veteran, chairman of the Senate armed services subcommittee on personnel and a member of the Senate veterans’ affairs committee, has questioned whether it is possible to know if Vietnam veterans with this form of heart disease have an Agent Orange-related condition or have other risk factors." - Army Times & Marine Corps Times Rick Maze

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2010/08/military-agent-orange-benefits-083010w/

“There will be articles out there written by writers -- we’re working with a writer right now who’s very negative about this -- very negative about the fact it’s going to cost so much money,” Walcoff told attendees at the American Legion National Convention. “Very negative about the fact that anybody who was in country in Vietnam qualifies for this. That’s the kind of thinking that’s out there." - The Washington Post Ed O'Keefe

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/federal-eye/2010/08/va_announces_changes_for_agent.html

"The convergence of cost pressures now is striking as captured by events on Tuesday this week.

"That morning, the VA expects the Federal Register to publish the new Agent Orange rules to implement the latest expansion of benefits, including heart disease coverage. And that evening, President Barack Obama will speak to the nation on the U.S. transition between Iraq and Afghanistan, two fresh post-Vietnam wars with their own legacies of new disability claims." - POLITICO David Rogers

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0810/41571.html

Dr. Victoria Anne Cassano, director of radiation and physical exposures at the Veterans Health Administration, part of the VA, pointed to the wording of the 1991 federal law on Agent Orange that said officials should find a positive link to diseases "if the credible evidence for the association is equal to or outweighs the credible evidence against the association." - Yahoo!NEWS Mike Baker

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100830/ap_on_he_me/us_vietnam_agent_orange_claims

'Speaking at the organization’s 92^nd National Convention in Milwaukee, Michael Walcoff said the new regulations – which simplify for veterans the process of qualifying for disability payments from VA – still will take awhile to go into effect.' - Enhanced Online News

http://eon.businesswire.com/news/eon/20100828005014/en

"- If a to-be-named, new head of the VBA is a hard-core veteran’s advocate, it will go a long way toward proving that  President Obama and VA Sec Shinseki are serious about reversing the culture of the VA and VBA that has driven veterans to madness in the worst case, and endless frustration in the normal course of bureaucratic works -" - Veterans Today Michael A. Leon

http://www.veteranstoday.com/2010/08/29/american-legion-and-va-crats-meet-amid-reports-of-coming-va-housecleaning/comment-page-1/#comment-103910

William A. Ricks

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Do Mutations Deserve Compensation?

It has been only five years, but it seems more like ten, fighting the Department of Veterans Affairs for service connected compensation.

Back in 2007 I had just seen the "Incredible Hulk" movie and sympathized with the fictional character. He was a mutation and so was I.

I wrote:  "I'm in my third year trying to get at least a 10 percent disability from VA. I have little hope of receiving it, although I'm due it. Unless more genetic diseases are considered presumptive for Agent Orange exposure or exposure to Ionizing Radiation I will never receive justice from the VA.

"If genetic research continues and especially if it increases, I may one day get the VA disability that I've been fighting for. 

"Mutations can be caused by the environment - chemicals such as Agent Orange or ionizing radiation. I was exposed to both while I was in the Army.

"In the past few years scientists and doctors have made strides on the human genome, but our government has provided only limited funding. The answers on my particular genetic diseases will be available in time, but not likely during MY time."

I had spent many hours with the internet, reading medical and scientific articles, confirming my belief that severe environmental exposures in the Army had destroyed my genetic make-up,  as certain  as if I had been shot with a bullet.

In 2010, science has advanced, firmer hands are steering the VA, and hundreds of thousands of Vietnam Veterans are waiting for their due. The only object in the way of justice is the U. S. Congress, led by one Senator, Jim Webb, himself a Vietnam Veteran.

Although the VA had worked it out a year ago, it was March 2010 before I heard the news of the new conclusions about Agent Orange. In July, Senator Webb announced his opposition. You've been reading the linked articles on this blog.  You've seen the "Gravy Train" article, the first I've received questioning the genetic science, decrying the expense, and even questioned the patriotism of the Vietnam Veteran willing to accept compensation.

Overnight, a deluge of articles opposing the Veterans compensation hit my email box. It was strategically timed.  Nothing new has been added. The media has had the information ever since July to digest every fact.  

Fort Sumter has been attacked and the war is on.

William A. Ricks

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Agent Orange Is a Gravy Train?

"Slow down the Agent Orange gravy train," says Fredericksbug.com. The unsigned opinion piece was published today, August 29, 2010.

Acknowledging the wounds and illnesses of Vietnam Veterans plus the unheroic welcomes home, the writer also commented: "But no upright Vietnam vet expects to profit from another injustice--the governmental "miracle" of turning Agent Orange into bottomless casks of milk and honey for aging survivors of the Indochina war."

Quoting Sen. Jim Webb of Virginia, the leading opponent of Vietnam Veterans seeking compensation for three new presumptive Agent Orange diseases, the writer said "By 2009 more than 263,000 Vietnam veterans were receiving disability compensation related to Type 2 diabetes--nearly 10 percent of everyone who went to Vietnam."

In 1991 Congress approved the National Academy of Sciences to identify diseases showing a positive association with Agent Orange exposure, according to the article. Webb is questioning the findings of the NAS and challenging the Department of Veterans Affairs in its decision. HR4899, which includes funding for the new Agent Orange diseases, has already been approved by Congress, but Webb will still have his hearing on September 23 .

Referring to the $13 billion for Vietnam Veterans (about a tenth of the entire cost of the bill) the  article suggested that Vietnam Veterans would destroy our country by accepting VA disability payments for Agent Orange: "Vietnam veterans, who served faithfully in a good cause, deserve the nation's honor; they will deserve it even more if they refuse to be used to speed the nation's ruin."

I've searched and read several dozen internet articles about this latest Agent Orange story, but this one is the first to suggest that the country can't afford to compensate Vietnam Veterans and to cast doubt on the science behind the recent decisions.

Read the whole article:

http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2010/082010/08292010/571765/index_html?

William A. Ricks

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1985 Before the Fire

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August 28, 1985

If I had it to do over, I would have made more pictures of the ordinary - the everyday scenes we pass every day without noticing. Nothing all that newsworthy in another accident at the GA29/GA46 intersection. If I had a nickel for every time there was a wreck there I would be a rich man. (Wonder why DOT has never done anything to make the intersection safer.) The more historically important part of the picture is the background. If the arsonist had given me a heads-up, I would have done extensive pictures of the old Guano plant before he burned it up a few days after the wreck photo was made. (DOT should also notice the 35 sign. The speed limit in the middle of town was lower. In 2010 traffic blasts through with little concern for safety.)

Others that week: Frank Malloy at Sweat's speaking to the Lions Club, and a whole bunch of pictures of the Montgomery team and cheerleaders.

William A. Ricks

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1980 Football Offense

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August 27, 1980

Seems like I had a wide-angle lens for this picture day. The old football field (Jean Gillis Park) facing Mr. Will Peterson's house, home bleachers, endangered woodpecker holes in the poles.

Others that week: About 10 rolls of individual shots of football players, as we were getting ready for the second annual football supplement. Also team shot, groups, coaches; Bill Sweat's rattlesnake, Holiday Beach, Bobby Cammack and Sportsmen, Tarrytown Post Office, Jmon Warnock with Tarrytown water pump, Mylinda and Chad Kight, Mulberry Bush models, Herbert and friends visiting the polls.

William A. Ricks

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1975 THS Cheerleaders

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August 27, 1975

The THS Cheerleaders posed for their free group photo. (The paid photographers from Dublin and Vidalia were able to supplement the school system, or was it the other way around. Cozy arrangement anyway.  Now you get free downloads from my blog and public Picasa site. Sorry I can't afford to buy your ink and paper. I had a good time, and that's what counts.)

Others that week: Football, cheerleaders, majorettes, little guys football team, Connie Bowers, 29/46 accident, house and barn storm damage. Eugene Beasley, SPC.

William A. Ricks

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YOU ARE THERE - August 28, 1985

Another accident at GA 29/GA 46 intersection.

Central Fence was low bidder, at $6,788, for ball park fence. Council Members: Reggie Evans, Bobby Joe Moxley, Curtis Thigpen, Greg Higgs, Donnie Cammack.

Windsor wrote about recipes, also differences in men and women.

Ricks wrote about hay fever.

Mr. and Mrs. Andy Thompson of Cordele visited Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Thompson.

The Soperton Flower Shop relocated to The Sammons House.

Russell Lee Burden visited Mr. and Mrs. T. C. Little and other relatives and friends.

Owen Thomason, Vo-Ag teacher, wrote about kudzu control.

William A. Ricks

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YOU ARE THERE - August 27, 1980

Herman Talmadge defeated Zell Miller for U. S. Senate. Charlene Peterson defeated Gerald Hooks for BOE.

Tarrytown water was radioactive.

Chad and Mylinda Kight rode in quarter horse competition.

Windsor offered a selection of jokes.

Ricks wrote about soft drinks, including the Un-Cola.

From 1930: Vocational-Agriculture was instituted at Soperton High School with a visit by Dr. O. C. Aderhold. The first Vo-Ag supervisor was Rufus D. Pulliam.

SPC employees enjoyed a Saturday at Holiday Beach. I did movies, but I've been forbidden to ever show them. Before camcorders.

Native son Jim Holland became a vice president with NBC television.

Bobby Cammack showed the Sportsman's Club how to save money by reloading rifle shells.

It wasn't too late for rattlesnakes. Bill Sweat killed one at Smutt, Ga.

William A. Ricks

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YOU ARE THERE - August 27, 1975

Wind took off tine roofs of a home and barn one mile north of Soperton on Crooked Run.

A FHA grant of $60,000 was awarded to the development authority to construct a sewage system at the industrial park. It cost more money to maintain, and was hardly ever used.

A city resolution to pave Grasshopper Lane raised questions.

Windsor wrote about mistakes students make. Example: What was the cause of the Industrial Revolution? People stopped reproducing by hand and started reproducing by machinery.

Ricks wrote about wasteful federal spending, including horse race tracks at Hawkinsville and the grant for our industrial park's sewage system. 

New teachers included Howard Cochran and Phil Gay.

Missionary Connie Bowers and family were special guests at First Baptist Church. (Gene Bowers' brother.)

Traffic had diminished in town due to the opening of a stretch of I-16, but accidents continued at the GA 29/GA 46 intersection.

William A. Ricks

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Shinseki Supports Agent Orange Claims

At the national convention of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Tuesday, VA Secretary Eric Shinseki said that he is happy to explain the rationale of adding three new diseases to the Agent Orange presumptive list.

Veterans Today reports:

http://www.veteranstoday.com/2010/08/26/shinseki-to-defend-new-agent-orange-rules/

Vietnam Veteran Shinseki was appointed by President Obama and confirmed on January 20, 2009. He is leading the VA in fulfilling Obama's Campaign Promise #114, part of which is to reduce the claims backlog that kept increasing during the past several years. Additional claims workers have been employed to work on the 400,000 case backlog.

On a personal note, my VA claim is older than five years, so I know and feel the pain of having been neglected for so long.

When Shinseki was appointed  by the President, the action was praised by  veterans groups. John Rowan, president of the Vietnam Veterans of America, said in a statement, "His selection certainly lives up to Mr. Obama's promise to bring change and hope to Washington. VA bureaucrats, for whom 'change' is a dirty word, will learn that there really is a new game in town. Veterans of all political persuasions should take heart and applaud this choice."

Until this year the VA had acted as adversary on veterans claim, but as of April, 2010, the VA has become  the veteran's advocate.

Sources:
Read more: http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7013321701#ixzz0xk2nrlww

http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123198485 4-6-2010

Shinseki: Vietnam Veteran, Boy Scout, and more:
http://politics.usnews.com/news/obama/articles/2008/12/18/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-gen-eric-shinseki.html

William A. Ricks

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Hicks Looking to November

Darryl Hicks's election in the Democratic Primary has been certified by the Georgia Secretary of State. No further news on the alleged irregularities in Brooks County in which a historical number of absentee ballots flip-flopped local races and Hicks's race with Terry Coleman of Eastman. (Look for the Brooks County story embedded in the following:

http://www.examiner.com/political-buzz-in-macon/rural-progressive-darryl-hicks-grassroots-campaign-was-instrumental-primary-win-over-coleman

William A. Ricks

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VP Joe Biden Addresses VFW

Vice President Joe Biden addressed the 111th convention of  Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Monday. 

Article and video:

http://www.fox59.com/news/wxin-biden-vfw-speech-082310,0,5915346.story

William A. Ricks

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What Obama Said

Funny how direct quotes can be masked, distorted and blown all out of proportion by TV and Net.


For example, President Obama said in an address:

Muslims “have the same right to practice their religion as everyone else in this country. That includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in Lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances. This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakable.” –  August 13, 2010

The next day, he was questioned by a reporter and answered:

"I was not commenting and I will not comment on the wisdom of making a decision to put a mosque there." – August 14, 2010

Some people don't seem to get it yet, that Obama is an expert on Constitutional Law, and his comment was about religious freedom recognized in the "Bill of Rights" which is a part of our Constitution. Some people may not like it, but religious rights apply to everybody and everybody's belief.  If a Baptist shoots somebody, the person is tried for the offense, not for being a Baptist.

I believe the President has, not only a right, but an obligation to comment on the Constitution.

Some people say that they wish Obama would keep his mouth shut. Then when he refrains from comment, they expect him to comment further for his not commenting.

William A. Ricks

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1985 Ellington Begins Law Practice

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August 21, 1985

John J. Ellington was admitted to the practice of law in the Treutlen County Courtroom with Clerk of Court Curtis (Buddy) Rogers and Judge William Malcolm Towson officiating.

Others that week: New teachers, fun at Rock Eagle, tree fallen on new awning at TPS, football practice, band practice, Downtown Development Authority, nursing home, Grant McLeod, SPC.

William A. Ricks

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1980 Boosters Club Officers

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August 20, 1980

Clayton Stephens once confided in me that he would like to live a long time to be able to know changes and generations. I'm sorry that his life was cut way too short. I'm beginning to understand a bit of what Clayton had in mind. Today I look at Facebook and see the children and grandchildren of my contemporaries. I admire the children of these five people pictured, and I look back at the dedication and hard work, and I'm sure many worries, that the parents endured to bring us today's world.

These are the Boosters Club Officers, and I say "Good job" to them and their spouses: The late Billy Foskey, Joel Hutcheson, Katherine McLendon, Tommie Rotton, and Wade Clark.

Others that week: Trinidad citizens visited the Herbert Hall family, Kight Anniversary, H. H. Glisson, Jack Sweat, Patsy Poole, Wayne Sumner, Michelle McLendon, tennis court construction, Gene Dawson's rattlesnake, Adel Englebert's big catfish, new teachers, football practice, and SPC.

William A. Ricks

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1975 The Henrys Paint the Courthouse

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August 20, 1975

Doc Henry directed the Henry family in painting the inside of the Courthouse. The Henry's have historically been the best painters in the area.

Others that week: Tarrytown's new fire knocker, construction of tennis courts at the rec center, FBC children's choir, a map, football practice, and shots at Suburban Printing.

William A. Ricks

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Drumroll: My 700th blog post

An average of a post every-other day since I started in late 2006.

YOU ARE THERE - August 21, 1985

R. W. Curtis was replaced by Joe Moore as TES Principal. What a let down!

$63,000 was the estimated cost to remove the asbestos from the school buildings. Twenty-five years later, and some people still haven't heard the news.

Windsor wrote about the 50th anniversary of Social Security. One of the chief architects of the program, Marion Folsom was from Windsor's hometown of McRae.

Ricks rehashed a 1975 column about Red Ricks and his grocery store.

The Downtown Development Authority assisted Charles Johnson in the construction of a car wash on West Louisiana Avenue, across from the State Farm Insurance office.

WMAZ's Frank Malloy spoke to the Lions Club at the invitation of John Koon.

Georgia Bulldog plastic cups were on sale, with a purchase of a 32-ounce Coke at the Soperton Tastee Freez. Anybody got one of those now? Could be worth something.

William A. Ricks

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YOU ARE THERE - August 20, 1980

James Kight celebrated his 10th birthday with a party at the Church of Latter Day Rain.

Rev. and Mrs. J. A. Kight celebrated their 66th anniversary.

Jackie Cammack was honored with a Sweet Sixteen Party.

Windsor continued with Charles Ricks's tales of old Soperton.

Ricks compared the camera industry with the auto industry, both of which were going Japanese.

Slow Pokin' wrote about Carter's win and the Kennedys still sulking. Ted's only chance of becoming President was to hold Carter to one term, which he did, but the people chose Reagan ahead of the ultra-liberal Kennedy.

Work began on the tennis courts at the recreation center.

Daisy Sammons submitted 1935 pictures at Cross Roads School.

Truckload of pigs parked downtown, squealing loudly at 2:30 a.m., and I remember it well. Oh, the joys of living downtown!

William A. Ricks

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YOU ARE THERE - August 20, 1975

Having lived next to the funeral home from age 10 until the present, we knew Mr. Willie Sammons quite well. My siblings and I always wondered who would be around to bury Mr. Willie when and if he died. But death comes to all, including Mr. Sammons. He died August 16, 1975, at the age of 82.

The county hospital was in a crisis, and I had to interview parties on both sides of the controversy, and I hated it. Some people wished I hadn't done it, while others were overjoyed. (We didn't have Topix back then - LOL).

Mr. Windsor wrote about "Jaws" which was opening at the Brice Cinema.

Ricks wrote about the opening of school - Activity increasing, THS and TES football, Mrs. Johnson's cheerleaders, Boosters Club and the proposal to raise graduation requires from 18 to 21 units.

The Willis Reunion was enjoyed.

Ray Shirley, GFC director, presented a "fire knocker" to the City of Tarrytown, the first such presentation in the McRae District.

Remember the bird's nest photo? It was a family of mocking birds in a plum bush.

Doc Henry supervised the other Henrys in painting the interior of the Courthouse.

A Labor Day pond draining was planned for Wildwood Lake - first time ever, 300 acres.

William A. Ricks

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I Wish I Could Be at Millen Wednesday

I have other essential fish to fry, but I'd love to be at Millen tomorrow for one of the greatest announcements in history. In my mind, more important than any new industry, and my old Alma Mater is right in the middle of it:

University To Announce Camp Lawton Historical Discovery August 18 Via Live Webcast

Georgia Southern University, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will announce the discovery of what experts are calling the most significant Civil War find in decades. The announcement will be made Wednesday, August 18 at 10 a.m. at Magnolia Springs State Park in Millen. The announcement will also be carried live on www.georgiasouthern.edu.

The find centers around Camp Lawton, the largest prison camp of the Civil War. The camp was built in 1864 to relieve overcrowding at the notorious Andersonville prison.

I wish I could be near a computer.

William A. Ricks

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Our County's Other Railroad

Are you among those of our community who knew that a railroad from Adrian to Rockledge went through the western side of our county? The route went through Rixville (north of Blackville) and Orianna. Mr. Lowery once showed me evidence of where the railroad went through his property.

If you are a local historian at all, you will want to save a copy of Scott Thompson's latest blog post:

http://dublinlaurenscountygeorgia.blogspot.com/2010/08/wadley-and-mt-vernon.html

William A. Ricks

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Friendly Face Gets Me Every Time

I check everyday on the latest news of the move to compensate Vietnam Veterans for their ischemic heart disease related to Agent Orange.

Usually I find the same old tired news releases, but when I opened the site to Lisa Nelson's blog I  stopped short to admire the friendly face and turned to her purpose, which is helping people with heart problems to adjust their diets and lifestyles. I thought of my friend Buddy Byrd with his recent heart attack and the adjustments he is facing.

I started my adjusting over 15 years ago after a heart attack. People eat too much salt, sugar, fats, and calories. Moderate exercise helps to keep the good cholesterol at a proper level.

At first glance,  Mrs. Nelson's services look helpful. Most of them are free, but she offers some books at reasonable prices.

This is her blog post about the Agent Orange thingy:
http://www.lisanelsonrd.com/blog/veteran-coverage-for-agent-orange-exposure-with-link-to-heart-disease

This link should take you to her home page:
http://www.lisanelsonrd.com/blog/

The Agent Orange article by Tom Philpott seems to be the most comprehensive and most repeated:

http://www.timesrecord.com/articles/2010/08/06/features/doc4c5c5a95953b6170984995.txt

William A. Ricks

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1985 James Amoco Team State Champs

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August 14, 1985

Our favorite cheerleader was on hand to greet the James Amoco men's softball team as they arrived at the Railroad Avenue parking lot as hometown heroes with a big trophy, winning the Class C Championship. Historic trivia: the photo location is near the fountain in 2010. The depot was on the exact site until its relocation in 1941.

Others that week: Lions Club visited hospital in Vidalia, Tamika and Derrick Powell, THS football team, Bruce McLendon, Lee Rowland, Maude McNeely, Mary Holton, and George Robinson with a healing squash.

William A. Ricks

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YOU ARE THERE - August 14, 1985

The James Amoco team won the state softball championship.

School dates for students: August 26 - May 30. Less than two weeks for Christmas.

Local History: Soperton was granted a new City Charter on August 17, 1920.

Danny Dukes was promoted at C&S Bank in Macon.

September weddings announced: Felicia Willis to Tommy Dykes; Debra Coleman to Ben O'Connor.

Grant Gillis McLeod was "Best Camper" at Baptist Summer Camp at Laura S. Walker State Park.

Windsor wrote about rattlesnakes.

Ricks wrote about his early childhood reading habit.

William A. Ricks

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1980 Treutlen's First Armadillo

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August 13, 1980

There may have been other armadillos, but this one is the first one recorded (photographed) and documented. That's what makes it history. Thanks to Marty Hooks and Andy Hooks and others like them who took the trouble to share important things with the whole community. I believe that God honors such caring attitudes.

Others that week: Ossie Jackson's grandchildren playing under a sprinkler in the Jackson front yard (the old house was relocated to Darvin Shepherd's place), cheerleaders, Jackie Ellington, R. H. Warnock, softball teams, Lewis Moxley's retirement, a meeting at Sweat's, Wendell Foskey, games in the park, Smokey the Bear.

William A. Ricks

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YOU ARE THERE - August 13, 1980

First picture of a local armadillo was published on the front page.

Lewis Moxley was honored on his retirement as Chief of Police.

Community Service Center sponsored a field day in Iva Park for children 8-13.

Windsor printed Charles Ricks's recollections of local characters.

Ricks wrote about traveling with R. H. Warnock to all the polling places in the county.

"Teen Scene" author Cynthia Hall began her senior year at THS.

William A. Ricks

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1975 Women's Softball Coaches

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August 13, 1975

Left to right: Gerald Hooks, Larry Joe Newsome, and Truman Hester received thanks from the Women's Softball League for their coaching. Did the quantity of "Red Man" reflect ability or love of the product?

Others that week: Beth Ellington with swimming ribbons, Youmans & Brown team, Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Webb's 50th anniversary, Mr. and Mrs. L. E. Odom's 50th anniversary, Jane Asbell with a big voting machine.

William A. Ricks

http://billricksofsoperton.blogspot.com 

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YOU ARE THERE - August 13, 1975

The Police Department issued its monthly reports of drunkenness, fighting, reckless driving, and more. (It went on for several months until they caught the wrong person DUI and abruptly dropped the front-page feature.)

Beth Ellington won several swimming awards at Statesboro.

In a letter, George Fowler praised local citizens for supporting the Hebron Colony Fund of Boone, NC.  Whether or not it cured anyone of alcoholism, the program certainly provided some relief.

Windsor's column contained back-to-school jokes.

Ricks rehashed an article against deficit spending. It was called a Herman Talmadge plan, but at the same time the Senator was fighting for every federal dime available for "defense spending" mostly to benefit Georgia. Herman's Dad would say, "Yes, I stole the money. But I stole it for you!" Deficit spending is still in the news in 2010.

William A. Ricks

http://billricksofsoperton.blogspot.com 

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My First Rattlesnake

I was a young 54 years old the last time I can recall making a standard, hold-im-up-and-shoot-im, rattlesnake picture. After 12 years my mind has deteriorated to the point I can't recall the first name of the snake dispatcher, who made it a good snake. Coach Mills (left) was just along for the ride. Mr. Miller gets the award for bringing back good old days to a tired, retired snapshooter.

For old time sake, the picture is black and white. Go to TREUTLEN E-NEWS to see it in color.

William A. Ricks

http://billricksofsoperton.blogspot.com 

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Soperton in Canada?

We had been thinking that there was only one Soperton, the center of the universe where we live.

There is a residential community, or old town, in Minnesota named Soperton, but it's not incorporated.

I was surprised to learn that there is a Soperton in Canada that has a Pine Hill Cemetery. (They have pines up there, too?)

It's almost due north of Rochester, NY, but you'd have to swim across the lake and walk some distance to get there.  Google Maps depicts it in the middle of a forest.  Click the link:

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=2309442

William A. Ricks

http://billricksofsoperton.blogspot.com 

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