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‘Old Iron Revival’ tractor pull is THIS WEEKEND in Gays Mills
Swadley pulls at 2019 Old Iron Revival
RALPH SWADLEY of Readstown was off to a good pull on his Oliver 770 in the Antique 4100-pound Class, where he took first place at the Old Iron Revival Tractor Pull in Gays Mills in 2019.
CHARLEY PREUSSER
Published: Aug 6, 2020, 10:39 PM

GAYS MILLS - The antique tractor held in Gays Mills every spring was cancelled with rest of the activities that happen in the village as part of the Spring Festival every year.

With the ‘Safer at Home’ order in place as a method to combat the COVID pandemic, the village did the prudent thing and cancelled the event. It meant that there was no Little Britches Rodeo, no Gays Mills Folk Music Festival, no Ocooch Mountain Rescue Pancake Breakfast and no Old Iron Revival Antique Tractor Pull.

However, the order is no longer in place and the organizers of the pull decided to reschedule it for Saturday, August 8 in the usual spot on Railroad Street at Main Street. The pull takes place on the pavement of Railroad Street.

The Ninth Annual Old Iron Revival will start promptly at 11 a.m., according to Jim Wedeberg, one of the organizers of the pull. 

“Of course, social distancing rules will be practiced,” Wedeberg said. He also advised everyone to bring their own lawn chair.

And, like every year, there will be food for sale–brats, burgers and more.

This year’s announcer will be Rick Maker. This is a blacktop event with the Midwest Pulling Sled.

The pulling classes include:

• 3-mph Antique

• 4-mph Improved Antique

• 6-mph Super Antique

• 5-mph Farm

Don’t miss it!
Remembering Brooksie
Brooks Tiedeman (2001–2023)
Brooks Tiedeman
This image shows Brooks Tiedeman (right) the way he is remember, with fellow Bentonite's and lifelong friends, radiated by his unbridled enthusiasm. Baseball has a way of uniting people of all ages, and many in Southwest Wisconsin will treasure his memory.
Updated: Aug 7, 2024, 7:54 PM
Published: Aug 7, 2024, 7:55 PM

By Tommy Behrens

SHULLSBURG — If you roll into the town of Shullsburg on a Sunday during the summer there is a chance that you could have the opportunity to watch some Home Talent Baseball. 

Shullsburg-Benton is one of the 42 teams in the Home Talent League and the 2023 season was one of the Fevers’ best years (12-4) in their 11-year existence. One of the biggest factors for their success was the outstanding team defense that was played behind our defensive MVP Brooks Tiedeman. 

Assistant manager Tommy Behrens coached Tiedeman for three years in high school and then played alongside him on the Fever since 2019. 

“No offense to any of the other outfielders I have played with, but Brooksie was the best defensive talent I have ever been around,” Behrens said. “His ability to make extremely tough plays look routine left many of us at a loss for words. His speed was always there; however, his experience and knowledge of the game grew to a point where he was a huge weapon for us.” 

Additionally, during the 2023 season, Tiedeman had a perfect fielding percentage in 32 attempts with two outfield assists on top of it. Unfortunately, just over a month after Shullsburg-Benton’s final game of the 2023 season, Tiedeman passed away due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

“He was a fantastic ball player, and he was truly a better human who saw the good in everyone,” Behrens said. “He just began student teaching and was destined to be an incredible educator. This is always going to hurt.”

Cory Ritterbusch, the Fevers’ announcer and business manager, also sang the praises of Tiedeman.

“After high school, Brooks focused on playing for the Fever while commuting from Whitewater each Sunday and becoming a weekly starter,” Ritterbusch said. “He was known for his blazing speed, ability to bunt, and his exceptional range in center field. He was one of the most feared base stealers in the league. He had a zest for competition, and was bursting with character. Brooks played an important role in the Fevers’ recent success. Teammates will remember him as a fun-loving, good guy who was on his way to a full life.”

On Sunday, June 30, theFever officially retired Tiedeman’s jersey. A black sign in center field was unveiled during the ceremony. It includes a home white plate, two baseball bats behind it signifying an ‘X marks the spot,’ and the number 20 in the middle of it.

‘Be like Brooks’ is a phrase seen on t-shirts and bracelets around the Benton and Shullsburg communities. It’s a reminder to love and appreciate life that can be forgotten in the hustle and bustle of daily living.

“In typical Brooks fashion being as selfless as he always was, he continued his giving ways with the gift of life by donation to help others in need,” Behrens said. “When you drive down South Galena Street in Shullsburg, and happen to see the black sign with a number 20 in center field, use it as a reminder to love life just like Brooksie.”