🌱 Northport Citizen Of The Year + River District Park + UA Soccer Win

TGIF T-Town! It's almost game day and almost the weekend, so let's get you all caught up on everything you need to know before you get out the door.

In today's Daily, we have these stories and more ...

• Saban's unforgettable response to young fan
• Northport Citizen of the Year honorees
• River District Park opens in Tuscaloosa

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But first, today's weather: Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 86 | Low: 55. 🌞

🏡 Attention, real estate pros in Tuscaloosa! We're now offering an exclusive sponsorship opportunity for an agent interested in attracting local clients and standing apart from the competition. Click here to learn more.

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🗣 Patch Shout Out 🗣

Our Shout Out for this Friday morning goes to longtime coach Sonny Aaron, who was named Northport Citizen of the Year on Thursday, along with his late wife Donna Aaron — the first and only woman ever elected to the city's highest office. Click here to watch Sonny's touching acceptance speech. (Tuscaloosa Patch)

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🗞 Here are the top 5 stories today in Tuscaloosa 🗞

1. The Civic Center at Northport City Hall saw a big turnout Thursday for the 45th annual Northport Citizen of the Year Awards Banquet. Here's a closer look at the honorees for the different subcategories. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
2. Former University of Alabama first baseman Davis Heller, who played two seasons for the Tide before transferring to North Greenville University, died Wednesday at his off-campus apartment, NGU Athletics announced on Thursday. He was 22 years old. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
3. Tuscaloosa City Schools announced this week that it has received a $1 million federal safety grant that will be used to help plan strategies before a crisis happens. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
4. City of Tuscaloosa officials and the First Lady of Crimson Tide football Terry Saban were on hand Thursday for a ribbon cutting to commemorate the official opening of the new $7.5 million River District Park. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
5. Alabama Crimson Tide football great Ozzie Newsome has been selected to represent his alma mater as part of the Southeastern Conference Football Legends Class of 2022. (Tuscaloosa Patch)

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Patch deal of the day:

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🎥 Worth A Watch 🎥

Crimson Tide football coach Nick Saban's response was simple, but drew roars of laughter from those in attendance when asked by a young fan how Alabama would beat Texas A&M Thursday night during the broadcast of "Hey Coach!" Watch it here! (Tuscaloosa Patch)

🗓 Today In Tuscaloosa 🗓

• High school football pairings: Week 8 (Tuscaloosa Patch)
• October Art Soiree @ The Ora Mae Room (More)
• "A Tide Of Dreams" Book Signing @ Paul W. Bryant Museum (More)
• Audience Choice Comedy Showcase @ Black Warrior Brewing Co. (More)
• Pat Pat's Pumpkins @ The Townes of North River (More)
• U.S. Band @ Rhythm & Brews (More)
• Casey Thrasher @ Copper Top (More)

❤️ Our Media Partners ❤️

Tuscaloosa Patch is proud to be media partners with WVUA 23 News at the University of Alabama and Tuscaloosa Radio. Catch their great content and our headlines here and there on your cable provider, online and, for our radio partners, at the following stations: 92.1 The Possum, 102.1 WJRD, Rock 106.3, and 96.1 The Blessing.

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🏆 Winner of the Day 🏆

Our Winner of the Day for this Friday morning is the No. 4 Alabama soccer team, which remains undefeated in SEC play following a 4-1 win over No. 20 Ole Miss Thursday night. (Tuscaloosa Patch)

5️⃣ Other Stories I'm Reading Today

1. Tuscaloosa's One Place Is Offering Free Relationship Classes (Savannah Denton, WVUA 23 News)
2. UA student reactions to Delete Dixie Initiative (Raelee Sents, Crimson White)
3. Finebaum caller threatens Jimbo Fisher over $90 million buyout: 'A hitman cost a lot less' (Mark Heim, AL.com)
4. Know the foe: An opposing look at Alabama's matchup with Texas A&M (Max Wolborsky, Tide Illustrated)
5. Three incarcerated men die in one day in three ADOC facilities (John H. Glenn, Crimson White)

🙏 Obituaries 🙏

• Roy K. Creel, 75, of Moundville (Magnolia Chapel)
• Wendell Fields, 72, of Northport (Nelson Funeral Home)
• Edward Randall Cone, 67, of Fayette (Norwood-Wyatt Chapel)
• John Stephens, 71, of Tuscaloosa (Rainey Mortuary Service)
• William "Reggie" Simpson, 75, of Tuscaloosa (Sunset Funeral Home)

You're all caught up for today! I'll see you soon.

— RP

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Tuscaloosa Daily? Contact me at ryan.phillips@patch.com