Williams Vikings hold homecoming parade


vikings-3WILLIAMS — The Williams Vikings held their annual Homecoming parade blocking off portions (all of) historic Route 66 this afternoon. The parade was a prelude to their bonfire tonight in preparation for their ignominious stomping of their rival from Mayer tomorrow at 7 p.m.

At least he didn’t take it in the head

mcllroy-1Golf spectators are used to taking one in the head. But they rarely take one where this fan took it.

According to the description of the YouTube video from the PGA tour:

In the second round of the 2014 TOUR Championship by Coca-Cola, Rory McIlroy’s tee shot goes left into the trees and somehow lands in the pocket of a spectator on the par-4 14th hole. McIlroy would go on to two-putt for par.

The fan was allowed to keep the ball. From the video it appears that was because no one wanted to retrieve it.

Navajo Code Talkers leader defends Redskins name

code-talkers-redskins(November 28, 2013)—A leader of the Navajo Code Talkers who appeared at a Washington Redskins home football game said Wednesday the team name is a symbol of loyalty and courage — not a slur as asserted by critics who want it changed.

Roy Hawthorne, 87, of Lupton, Ariz., was one of four Code Talkers honored for their service in World War II during the Monday night game against the San Francisco 49ers.

Hawthorne, vice president of the Navajo Code Talkers Association, said the group’s trip was paid for by the Redskins. The four men met briefly with team owner Dan Snyder but did not discuss the name, Hawthorne said. Still, he said he would endorse the name if asked, and the televised appearance in which three of the Indians wore Redskins jackets spoke for itself.

“We didn’t have that in mind but that is undoubtedly what we did do,” Hawthorne said when asked if he was intending to send a statement with the appearance. “My opinion is that’s a name that not only the team should keep, but that’s a name that’s American.”

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Read more at NFL.COM

New Jersey Taxes Could Eat Up All Of Peyton Manning’s Super Bowl Earnings

Peyton ManningPeyton Manning has the opportunity to pull a John Elway and ride off into the sunset as a Denver Bronco after winning his second ring, not that he wants to retire. His career will hinge upon an offseason exam on his surgically-repaired neck, according to ESPN ’s Chris Mortensen. Obviously, the most important implication of the exam will be Manning’s health. But whether his career continues will have an effect on how much tax New Jersey can collect from him for his appearance in the Super Bowl XLVIII.

Should the Broncos beat the Seahawks, Manning—and the rest of his teammates—will earn $92,000. The loser’s share in the Super Bowl is $46,000. So why does Manning’s future beyond February 2 matter to New Jersey? It would seem logical that the Garden State would apply its tax rates on the $92,000 or $46,000 Manning earns for his week in East Rutherford. Unfortunately, we are dealing with tax laws, not logic.

New Jersey, and every other state that imposes a jock tax, taxes players on their calendar-year income from each employer. If the Broncos defeat the Seahawks, Manning’s 2014 playing income to this point would be $157,000 derived from playoff bonuses. If the Broncos lose, his playing income would be $111,000.

If Manning is unable to continue playing, New Jersey would apply its tax rates to his income and multiply that amount by the ratio of 7/33 to determine his tax liability. The 7 in the numerator represents the week he spends in the state practicing and attending required NFL events. The 33 is the total number of duty days performed during the year—31 days in January plus two in February. If Manning is forced to retire, New Jersey will collect approximately $1,575 from him if the Broncos win and $982 if they lose.

Read more at Forbes

Summer little league right around the corner.

WILLIAMS—Spring signals the beginning of baseball season and training for summer little league.

Unfortunately, Coach Richard Aguilar will not be with us this season. Lee Payne has taken up his coaching job and wants to purchase new Astros uniforms for the team. The uniforms will include emblems in honor of the late Coach Aguilar. Mr Aguilar was an active participant in organizing the barbeque to welcome the annual Run For The Wall veterans.

Lee has received some donations for new uniforms and is working with the American Legion Cordova Post #13 to come up with the rest of the approximately $900 for the uniforms. To that end they are holding a raffle which features a Smokey the Bear baseball autographed by retired local pro Billy Hatcher.

While writing this article, other donations were made which include a Jillian Michaels training set. Jillian is the personal trainer who became known for the reality series The Biggest Loser. Johnny Hatcher donated a Diamondbacks hat autographed by Luis Gonzales with a certificate of authenticity.

Tickets are $5 each or 3 for $10. The drawing is scheduled for next Friday evening, the 29th of March, at the American Legion. Tickets may be obtained through the American Legion Post or by calling Lee Payne at 928-607-7918. If you are not interested in the prizes, a small donation would also be welcome to benefit the team and the Williams Little League.

Mr. Payne noted that any money collected in excess of the uniforms will go to the Williams Little League.