Beginning October 6, Cotton Hall will once again open its doors for the premier of the latest Swamp Gravy production, “Nuthin’ But A Will.” This year the audience can look forward to an evening of storytelling and songs that are on fire! “Nuthin’ But A Will” features stories collected from among others, the volunteer fire department, and many were told by, told about, and told to honor local unseen heroes. “Nuthin’ But A Will” features stories that involve fires of all kinds, even invisible fire, like need, want, acceptance, and “making do.”
Now in its 13th year, Swamp Gravy has received critical and national acclaim for creating a new genre of theatre–Community Performance. Each year, stories are collected from the residents of Miller County and the surrounding area. These stories are continuously collected, and adapted to script form for the stage, this year by Jules Corriere. Through the stories and events from local history, this play continues to explore universal themes such as family, community, love, and death. Audiences, young and old, love the show’s “down home” Southern brand of humour while critics have praised the show for not shying away from darker themes, such as racism and domestic violence.
Swamp Gravy has also become famous for its music–a unique blend of traditional favorites and original new songs, especially written for each show by various and local artists. The new musical score features uniquely Southern musical influences, such as gospel, blue grass, folk, country, blues and jazz.
The show’s cast of over 70 people is made up of volunteers from the local communities, acting under the direction of experts who have been brought in from all over the United States. This season, Swamp Gravy welcomes back its original director, Richard Geer along with his talented team of professionals. These include co-director and writer Jules Corriere, scenic designer, Joe Varga, lighting designer, Brackley Frayer, and choreographer, Kevin lega Jeff. Since Swamp Gravy features stories from local history, often the volunteer cast members end up portraying friends, relatives, and other characters from their pasts.
In recent years, Swamp Gravy has been presented for the Vice President at Washington, D.C. Kennedy’s Center and at the Olympic Games in Atlanta. The show has been featured in such national publications as “USA Today,” “Southern Living,” “Drama Review,” and “American Theatre.”
Swamp Gravy: Nuthin’ But A Will fall schedule in Cotton Hall is October 6-9, 13-16, 20-23, 27-30. The show times are Thursday–Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday 3:00 PM. Please call 229-758-5450 for more information and ticket prices.

Monday morning, a good friend of mine as well as my main doctor for the past 40-50-60 years came into the office with a paper in his hand.
"I'm doing something that makes this the saddest day of my life;, I'm giving up the practice of medicine," stated Dr. H. J. Merritt.
The following was in his ad to close his office:
“As of October 1, 2005, the private medical practice of Dr. H. J. Merritt, M.D., at 501 N. First Street, is permanently closed.
I wish to extend to all my patients and friends good health and good luck. It is with deepest appreciation that I express my thanks for your confidence and trust in me throughout my 58 years of practice here in Miller County.”
Knowing this man for the past 60 odd years, I decided to put this on the front page and include his notice in an article.
Those who know him best, know that if you hear something squeaking when he walks it’s Doc. He has said to be a little tight with his funds. I didn't have the heart to tell him an ad will cost to close his practice, so I thought I would tell all of you that this good doctor of medicine will not be available to cure us anymore.
Like many doctors who quit before their usefulness was up, the tremendous cost of malpractice insurance is the culprit. Doc charged $25.00 per visit to his office. With the premium for his insurance, and the cost per visit, he would have to practice until he was 100 to pay a year's premium.
Doc is older than I am, which means he is sho'nuff old. Being that as it may, his knowledge of medicine and caring for his patients at anytime will be a great loss, especially to us who trust him so.
I hope that this man can enjoy his time left here. Like me, he has waited too late for many of the things we used to love to do, but I've found there are other things that can bring us pleasure in life.
Maybe I can teach him how to use his computer. That will take up some of his spare time.
With a shirt like that, I would head for Hawaii.

Rarely does one get to celebrate a 97th birthday, but that’s exactly what Bert Priest did on Monday, October 3. He celebrated the day by attending the luncheon at the Miller County Senior Center, where 40 or more friends helped him enjoy the occasion.
Only recently did Bert begin using a cane when walking. He has always been very erect and rarely solicits help from others. Throughout his life, he has exhibited qualities of friendliness, kindness and generosity.
Although during these latter years, he hasn’t been able to attend his church regularly, he is a devout Baptist and is interested in all his church does and all the activities.
Although his sight has failed him in the past few years after being editor and publisher of the Miller County Liberal for most of his adult life before retirement, he maintains a keen interest in sports. He especially has an interest in the Atlanta Braves. You can ask him on any game day, and he’ll be able to tell you the score and who made the score and the inning it happened in.
This noble man still lives alone and does most of what it takes to keep his home ready to receive guests. He enjoys friends dropping by if they don’t come during a Braves’ baseball game.
Bert is a glowing example of what one defines as a true southern gentleman. He doesn’t get around as fast as he used to, but he is still moving well for a boy his age.
You can bet if there is a senior dance, he will be on the dance floor with Wattie for most of the slow dances.
His mind is still as sharp as ever, and although he is ready to go, there might be a few more dances left in this body that some think is aging. He blew out the 97 candles first try.

Former Miller County Sheriff C.C. “Shorty” Phillips, 79, died Sunday, October 1, at his home.
One of his son’s said, “He just went to sleep and woke up with the Lord.”
“He was one of the best sheriff’s this county has ever had. He loved his family, his friends and his people. He was a fair man if you would let him be, but he could be just as stern as you needed him to be,” one close friend stated.
He was a farmer, in the U. S. Navy, farm some more and became a policeman in Barwick in 1953. He moved back to Colquitt to become a police officer until he became chief deputy sheriff in 1973, and was elected as Miller County Sheriff in 1980.
He served as Miller County Sheriff until 1996 when he retired.
“Shorty,” as he was affectionaly called, loved to maintain a large garden, which he gave away the produce to his neighbors and friends. He had a small catfish pond in the back of his property where he enjoyed fishing and feeding the fish.
His son, Rodney, was telling that he and his father had planted some mustard seed. He said his father told him, “That mustard will be up Wednesday.” It was!
He loved to tend and water his garden and work in the yards, even with his failing health.
One friend stated, “Like all of us, he was not a perfect man, but he was a faithful husband, a good father and grandfather, dependable to his word and a friend to those who would allow his friendship.”

The Miller County Pirates played a hard game Friday night over in Pelham. The entire team put their heart and soul into it. Pirate Captains for the game were Colter Harrell and Brandon Bush. As the game got underway, the opening kick-off belonged to the Pirates with Terrell Daniels receiving the pigskin. The Pirates picked up four first downs with Daniels and Brian Thompson. Terrell Daniels carried the pigskin in from the four yard-line for the touchdown, and Quentin Doulgas’ point attempt was successful to put the Pirates on the scoreboard, 7-0.
The Black Death Defense led by Colter Harrell, Marc Tabb, Gabriel Broxton, Quentin Douglas, Cameron Randall, and Jeryn Collier made a major upset against the Hornets, causing them to kick the pigskin away. Markeith Williams received the return and picked up about 30 yards before being brought down by several Hornets. First and 10, Grant fumbled, second and 10, Grant handed off to Thompson, and he tip-toed through the Hornets’ nest to score a 52 yard touchdown. Again Quentin Douglas’ point attempt was on, and Pirates led 14-0.
A lot of penalties were costly for both teams as this game went into the second quarter. Several times Pelham’s quarterback tried to fake out the Black Death Defense by pulling them offsides, but it did not work, so they attempted a field goal, but was unsuccessful.
On the Hornets’ next possession, Brandon Bush intercepted a pass in the end zone, spotting the pigskin at the Pirates’ 20. Thompson and Daniels ran hard with the ball, picking up yardage and upsetting the Hornets. Flags were thrown against a Hornet for unsportsmanlike conduct, and then the defensive side was penalized for repeating the same behavior. This gave the Pirates good field position as Thompson ran over several Hornets picking up yardage. First and 10 for the Pirates, Grant’s pass was intercepted by Pelham’s # 38 Norman. The Hornets picked up three first downs, but again they were short with Miller County’s Brandon Bush intercepting a pass for the Pirates as the second quarter came to an end.
During half-time both bands performed superbly. Mr. Spence Salter and the Pirate Pride Marching Band are working diligently, and it shows every Friday night on the football field. Michael Rentz is the drum major, and he keeps the band pumped with energetic manners. Hats off to all of you band members for your hard work and dedication.
The third quarter got underway with the Pirates kicking to the Hornets. MC’s Jeryn Collier stopped the Hornet ball carrier in his tracks. Again the Black Death came on strong ( Broxton, Harrell, Bush, Randall, and Douglas) causing a turnover on downs. Both teams swapped the pigskin a couple times, and a couple of fumbles from both sides were made as the third quarter came to an end.
In the fourth quarter, the Pirates got down to business as they proceeded to move the pigskin down field. Again Daniels and Thompson rotated with Pirate quarterback Bobby Poff. Poff did a super job as quarterback for the Pirates.
Again the MC’S Black Death Defense caused a major upset against the Hornets resulting in a Hornets’ fumble, and Brian Thompson was there for the recovery and the touchdown. Douglas was on target with P.A.T. which made him 3 for 3. The final score was 21-0 in the Pirates’ favor. Congratulations on your win, Pirates!
This Friday night will tell the tale!!! The Miller County Pirates will be hosting our neighbors from the south --the Seminole County Indians. Game time will probably be at 7:30. This will be the “GAME” that you do not want to miss, so everyone is encouraged to come out and show your Pirate Spirit.
SKULL & CROSSBONES!

Week of October 2, 2005