Tide Nation Mourns Death Of Superfan; NWS Update On Storm Damage

Roll out of bed and let's get this Saturday started Tuscaloosa!

In today's Daily, we're obviously in a state of mourning for the sudden loss of a 'Bama legend, but most importantly, a man who touched so many lives while doing little more than being himself and giving support to the school and town he loved. There are so many other important stories today, but it's important to note we've lost someone whose name is likely to be remembered alongside the likes of Bryant, Stabler and Thomas.

First, today's weather:

Still cold to start the day with areas of frost expected around Tuscaloosa before 9 a.m. The day will be sunny, though, with a high near 66 degrees and a low around 39.

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Patch Pick: Hannah Saad of the Crimson White snapped this shot of the leotards worn by the University of Alabama gymnastics team Friday during NCAA Regionals action. The leotards feature the date 4-27-11 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the devastating tornado that destroyed a wide swath of the city.

Here are the top 5 stories today in Tuscaloosa

1. The entire University of Alabama community and those beyond are mourning the sudden death of Luke Ratliff, known affectionately as Fluffopotamus to the Crimson Tide fanbase. The North Carolina native, UA student and avid Alabama basketball supporter died Friday night at the age of 23 due to complications from the coronavirus.

2. Birmingham Patch reported on Friday that eligibility to receive the coronavirus vaccine in Alabama will be extended to those 16 years old and up beginning on Monday.

3. SWJ Technology's new headquarters has officially open in Tuscaloosa with 7,000 square feet of space on a three-acre site near the Alberta School of Performing Arts and the Gateway digital library. The company moved its North American headquarters, the regional office for Alabama as well as equipment services, rapid prototyping and its metrology lab to new facility this week.

4. The National Weather Service forecast office in Birmingham on Friday confirmed 3 brief tornadoes hit counties is west central Alabama on Wednesday: An EF-0 in Hamilton (Marion County), an EF-1 in Nesmith (Winston County) and an EF-0 in Hayden (Blount County).

5. Jason Morton recently dug in to the ongoing controversy of DCH Health System opting to change from its current provider of hospitalist services — Pinnacle Physician Group. This is a deep-seated and fascinating story I've been plugged into, but nobody will put it under the microscope like Jason. (Tuscaloosa News)

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Today in Tuscaloosa

- The Tuscaloosa Farmers Market will be open from 7 a.m. until noon

- Common Senses! at CHOM, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

- Tuscaloosa Barnyard Easter egg hunt at Skyland Baptist Church, beginning at 2 p.m.

Tuscaloosa Patch Notebook

- Residents of the town of Brookwood are asked to be considerate over the next week or so as litter crews begin cleanup efforts in the area.

- Applications are currently being accepted for the Leadership Tuscaloosa 2021-22 class. Click here to apply.

- Nominations are open for the 2021 class in the Tuscaloosa County Civic Hall of Fame. The deadline for nominations is June 1. Click here to nominate "exceptional citizens who have made significant, long-term contributions to the overall quality of life in Tuscaloosa County."

- The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama's April Business After Hours will be held April 13 at Jalapeño's Mexican Grill from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.

- Holy Spirit Catholic School is asking for auction items or gift cards for its fundraising auction set for April 24. Email inquires to llmitchell@holyspirit-al.com.

Now you're in the loop to get this sunny Saturday started! But don't miss out during the rest of the day. Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for exclusive updates and content throughout the day.

If you see me out and about, be sure to say hello!

- Ryan

About me: I grew up in Tuscaloosa. I'm a graduate of the University of Alabama, an experienced journalist, editor and columnist and the founder of Tuscaloosa Patch. You can find me at baseball games, public meetings, events in the local arts community and wherever live music is played.