New Murray State Athletics News Web Site

In my quest to provide more information and stories about Western Kentucky I'm pleased to report that Murray resident David Ramey is writing again about Murray State Athletics. Ramey is writing for Examiner.com with a column/blog exclusively on MSU Athletics.





David backgrounds includes having served as the Sports Information Director at MSU, a former Sports Editor for the Murray Ledger and Times, and also a reporter at The Shelbyville News. I met David a couple of years ago after he commented on the Rooster or as he refers to it as the Underground Chicken. I'm still laughing. Ramey served at the Chairman of the Calloway County Democrat Party from 2004-08.


David is a Iroquois High School and Murray State graduate. David resides in Murray with his wife and children and is the Allstate Agent. I have enjoyed reading his articles to date and I think you will also. I have provided a permanent link on this site for those who wish to keep up with MSU sports happenings. David can be reached at:



racerexaminer@gmail.com

Anna Garrott- A West Kentucky Connection

Country Music singer Anna Garrott grew up in Troy, Alabama but she is not far removed from her family's roots in Western Kentucky. M.C. Garrott, Anna's Grandfather, served many years in public relations at Murray State University. Anna's Father, Dr. Steve Garrott is a native of Mayfield and earned his Master's Degree at Murray State. Dr. Garrott presently serves as a Professor of Marketing at Troy University in Alabama.

Anna was discovered a few years ago by Rick Holt of Bluesteel Records and that began her career. "What A Way To Go" is Anna's new single which is starting to attract some attention from the country music industry.

Check out Anna & her music at:

www.annagarrott.com
www.bluesteelrecords.com

Backporch State of Mind

This past weekend a friend 0f mine, Steve Hamrick, shared with me a new album which a mutual friend of ours had help record. The album is entitled "Backporch State of Mind". I knew our friend Ronnie Jackson could sing and play guitar but I was a little surprised about him being involved with an album. The music was good but the story behind the album was even better, so I called Ronnie to get the whole story.

The story goes that for years David Celaya of Mayfield would gather his friends and family on the back porch to share their musical talents. Good friends, good drink, good music. A 1972 Mayfield graduate, David Celaya was a known photographer in the area. Having worked for the Mayfield Messenger, the Murray Ledger & Times as well as a couple of photography studios. David had also served on the Mayfield City Council and founded the Mayfield-Graves County Animal Shelter.

David Celaya passed away at the age of 53 on July 5, 2007. Leaving behind not just a wife and two daughters but a music venue and lot's memories for his friends and family. A backporch- a place gather, to play, to fellowship and now also a place to remember.

"I would have quit playing guitar a long time ago if it had not been for David providing me a venue to play," said Jackson. I asked Ronnie how the album came about and he explained that they wanted to do something to honor David's memory and so the idea came about to produce an album to raise money for two art scholarships in David's name. The hope is to raise enough money to provide two $500 scholarships for a student at both Mayfield HS and Graves County HS.

As the process evolved Jackson said that a member of the group had Polycystic Disease. David Passmore of Bentonville, Arkansas and a native of Union City, TN was able to receive a kidney transplant just a few short weeks ago.

So with the passing of David Celaya and another member of the group fighting Polycystic Disease they had plenty of incentives to try to produce and distribute an album. "Everything that went into producing this album was donated", said Jackson.

Steve Holshouser who owns McIntosh Road Studio in Boaz, Ky. produced the album. Jackson stated that Holshouser was even able to retain the assistance of Grammy Award winning producer David R. Lehman. When Lehman heard the story and that David Celaya had played harmonica that was enough for Lehman who also plays harmonica.

Everyone who sat and continues to sit on that back porch helped in some manner to produce this album. There are 12 songs from the cover song "Backporch State of Mind" by Rachel Holshouser & Leandra Celaya to songs like "California Dreamin'." I have to admit that I really liked the Songs Ronnie Jackson did which include singing Dylan's "Wagon Wheel".

Other than Ronnie Jackson I don't know any of these folks but I liked the music and their cause. I guess having a father and grandfather who were professional photographers and a Grandfather who was a city councilman I can relate a little bit.

The proceeds all go to help two worthy causes, The David Celaya Art Scholarship & The Polycystic Disease Foundation. If you would like to know more or purchase the album I have attempted to provide some links and information. Many of the songs and live recordings are on U-tube. The album was just released about a week ago.

http://www.backporchparty.com/

Better Together, Inc.

101 Arbor Crest Dr.

Mayfield, KY 42066

West Kentucky Political Update

Well, there has not been much to say that everyone else has not already brought you. I do plan to bring everyone up to date on a few happenings in Western Kentucky. I will bring some thoughts regarding the Senate race on all sides. No one is very interested in the Senate race right now and they are especially not interested in hearing from the Democrats. I have some thoughts about how local folks are lining up. I have a number of interviews and profiles just about ready for print.

Some thoughts on Madisonville Mayor Will Cox choosing to seek re-election as opposed to running for Eddie Ballard' seat. Teams making a run for a State Championship in Football. It also seems that the Governor is putting a Liberal Team together to sell education as a way to get expanded gaming in Kentucky. I will argue for more cuts and eliminating the Kentucky Income Tax as opposed to spending any money.

Also some of the latest gossip in the KACo mess. I think things are being brought to light that will hurt many local officials in Western Kentucky next year.

Today I'm blogging from Kokomo, Indiana. Heading Saturday for South Bend to watch Notre Dame play Boston College. Time to visit Ben the Steer and Walmart.

Wet Forces Win in Trigg County

WKDZ is reporting that the Wet/Dry Election has been won by the Wet forces. Of the 10, 339 registered voters 5,294 showed up to vote. The results: 2,665 for & 2,629 against. Most people think that since Trigg County has the 3rd highest unemployment rate in Kentucky at over 16% this played a large factor in the results. Trigg County is home to Lake Barkley State Resort Park and has a large tourism base whereas it borders Lake Barkley. I thought it would be close but I was not sure how the chips would fall. I will be honest and must admit that I was not sure that this would be a good thing for them. I don't know. I do know you can't stop progress and one can only help shape it so it does some good. Legal Liquor in Trigg County-who would of thunk it!!

Safety Grants Awarded to West Kentucky by KOHS

Chuck Geveden, Director of the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety, is pictured above presenting two grant checks to Rep. John Tilley along with representatives of the Trigg County Sheriff's Dept. & Cadiz Police Dept.

The two agencies received a total of $16,200 to help curb impaired driving, speeding and other dangerous driving practices. The grant is to be used also to help educate the public regarding child safety seats and seat belt usage.

Over $124,000 in checks were presented to West Kentucky communities to help improve safety in the region. The federally funded grants from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are administered by the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety.

Geveden's press release stated that 17 more lives have been lost so far in 2009 on Kentucky highways, compared to the same time period in 2008. There were 826 fatalities on Kentucky roadways in 2008, including 649 people in motor vehicles. Of those, 70% were not buckled up and over 20% involved alcohol.

This brings to mind the issue of the large number of deaths on Kentucky waterways. I believe I am correct in stating that we have already set a record for deaths on our waterways. Rep. Tilley and I discussed the need to also address this issue.

Those receiving grants yesterday were:

Ballard Co. Sherriff Dept. $9000

Princeton Police Dept. $9,650

McCracken Co. Sheriff Dept. $10,000

Marshall Co. Health Dept. $10,250

Eddyville Police Dept. $12,192

Graves Co. Sheriff Dept. $12,390

Benton Police Dept. $15,800

Marshall Co. Sheriff Dept. $20,000

Paducah Police Dept. $25,000

Oak Grove Police Dept. $18,250

For more information visit KOHS at http://highwaysafety.ky.gov/.

*Picture provided courtesy of Ryan Watts, KOHS

Dave Stengel Will Cost Jefferson Co. Millions

In a correct and just decision a Louisville-Jefferson County Jury found former Pleasure Ridge Park football coach Jason Stinson not guilty of charges. Stinson had been charged with reckless homicide and wanton endangerment involving the on the field death of Max Gilpin.

A case where everyone jumped to conclusions- Jefferson County School System, the Commonwealth Attorney's Office and the Media led to an unfounded witch hunt, of the likes that no one has seen before. It took the Louisville Courier Journal weeks if not months to start providing the facts instead of capitalizing on the tragedy it self. We don't expect much more from such a rag as the CJ. At least I am thankful they were smart enough to point & shoot a camera so the public could watch much of the trial.

Unfortunately this case is not over and for the family of Max Gilpin they like Coach Stinson have been put through hell all for some headlines. So whats left to be done? Coach Stinson will sue and rightfully so for the malicious prosecution of this case. He should hold the Jefferson County School System and the KHSAA accountable for if nothing else their cowardice. I'm betting that Stengel and their insurer will settle out of court for millions. I hope KACO does not insure them they don't need another hit right now. You can bet that the insurer who ever they may be will demand a confidential agreement to settle so the tax payers will never get to know.

I heard and I am proud that football coaches around Kentucky and the South raised $70,000 for Coach Stinson's defense. I bet they are motivated now to raise twice that to help someone run against Dave Stengel. Did anyone else find it surprising that Stengel dumped this case off on a couple of assistants? Well, that's normal for most elected prosecutors-they take the credit when its all good and send in the assistants when its time to get eaten by the lions.

I have a campaign slogan for Stengel- "Politics before Justice". I bet Stengel throws a few back tonight. At the Commonwealth Attorney's website it boldly proclaims:

"Aggressive, competent & ethical prosecution of criminal cases.."

Well Dave- 1 out of 3 ain't real good in my book. You now might consider the importance of stamina and getting in shape because I bet if your going to stay in politics your going to really need to prepare for your next race. Thanks Dave for ruining people's lives and costing the taxpayers millions.

Sorry Dave we don't give helmet stickers out for performances like yours which may lead you to consider-as coaches like to say-"Taking it to the house".