Rhodes has new arrival at his home

The Pittsburgh Steeler fan base in Columbia County grew by one on St. Patrick's Day with the birth of Robert Gillebeau Rhodes.

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The 7-pound, 12-ounce baby boy is the son of my friend and colleague Austin Rhodes and his wife, Bobbie. Rhodes is the host of the Austin Rhodes Show on WGAC 580 AM.

I could not be happier for two people than I am for Austin and Bobbie. They went through a long, tough process waiting for the chance to welcome a new child to their family, and as expected they are on cloud nine with the birth of little "Beau."

Many of you have opinions on Rhodes. He is opinionated, sometimes brash, and is not afraid to tell people what is on his mind. While that may rub some people the wrong way, it is exactly what makes him an enormously successful talk show host. It is also what the listening public knows about Austin.

Let me tell you what I know about him. First, he is as honest as the day is long. Also, if he considers you a friend he will go to bat for you no matter the situation or circumstance. He loves his hometown as much as anyone I know. He has an incredible thirst for local politics and current events, and no one has more knowledge when it comes to the history of politics in the Augusta area.

Most importantly, he is a terrific father. His daughter, Christine, has grown up before our eyes, and it is likely those eyes are a bit misty every year when Austin spends her birthday sharing the story of her birth with his audience. Christine will graduate high school in a couple of months, so Austin will have one child in college and the other in diapers. That means little sleep and a little less money in the Rhodes' house for the next few years.

The newest addition to the Rhodes family will definitely know right from wrong, and not just that it's right to be a Steeler fan and wrong to root for the Cowboys.

Beau has a set of parents who will love him unconditionally and instill good values in him, too.

So while Austin catches a lot a grief from those who disagree with his radio opinions or have differing views on politics, trust me when I tell you that Beau could not have better dad.