Survivors, secret phrases and info on legendary records

OK, this is a little weird.

They say in the magazine industry, it is pretty common to be working on things that will be printed three to six months in the future. Normally, I write this column the day before it is published. But because of the necessities of the holiday printing schedule, I’m typing away on this the Friday before you receive it. So, please excuse me if it’s more dated that usual by the time you read it.

• A note to our readers. Those of you who subscribe to the News Journal will be receiving it Saturday, Dec. 22 or Monday, Dec. 23. If you get it at the newsstand, you will get it Wednesday, Dec. 26, just like normal.

• I want to congratulate Williamsburg’s Nick Wilson for outlasting all competitors on the most recent season of the TV show Survivor. He won the $1 million prize. That’s amazing!

For those who don’t know, Wilson is a public defender and will joining a new tribe, so to speak, when he becomes an assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney after the first of the year.

• I find it kind of wild that we have TWO former Survivor contestants in our county. First Baptist Church of Corbin pastor Austin Carty was on Survivor Panama: Island Exile in 2006.

• It’s one thing to win Survivor, but winning the News Journal’s annual Secret Phrase Game contest … that takes real talent and perseverance. Congratulations to 22-year-old Corey Taylor, of Corbin. He was the first caller to get the phrase right when the contest concluded Thursday and was the winner of the $500 cash prize. Merry Christmas, Corey! We hope our contest made your holiday just a little brighter.

• OK, just one more contest winner I must recognize. Corbin Schools Superintendent David Cox was the winner of the ultra-competitive News Journal Fantasy Football League. He edged out Jimmy Hendrickson III, also a past champion, in the finals. In addition to the fame, notoriety and bragging rights that go along with this prestigious accomplishment, Cox will receive a rich prize package: a pair of News Journal leg warmers, a $100 gift certificate to Walmart (used), and an overnight all-expense paid vacation to Barbourville.

• Speaking of Jimmy Hendrickson III. Well, a few weeks ago I mentioned this outlandish, but I’ve determined TRUE, local legend that he caught every catchable pass thrown his way as a tight end for the CHS varsity football team back in the day. To add to his sticky-handed mystique, I believe he still holds the school record for touchdown passes caught in a single half of football (4).

• Good luck to all the new elected officials who will take office in 2019. I wish you all the best and hope you bring prosperity and success to our counties and cities. A lot is riding on your shoulders, but it is also a great opportunity. Make the most of it.

• It seems that Die Hard is a trendy choice for “best Christmas movie” here lately. I can sort of see that. Some of my own personal offbeat favorites: Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and Home Alone.

• New Year’s resolution: Solve the Perplexus. If you don’t know what it is, look it up. I’ve tried a million times and get SO close. Happy New Year!