Baseball backers pursue upgrades

Fields need improvements, aldermen hear

Hernando hit a home run with youth baseball and softball this year, and City Hall has the trophies to prove it was a championship season. But there’s work to do to improve the playing field, say athletics boosters.

At this week’s meeting of the mayor and Board of Aldermen, Scott Perkins, of the Friends of Hernando Baseball support group, introduced four top youth teams that won All Star Awards recognition.

Finishing as state champions were Hernando’s 7-Year- Old Boys baseball team and the city’s 13-Year-Old Boys baseball team; runners-up were the 10-and-Under Boys softball team and the 6-YearOld baseball team, said Perkins.

Parks and Recreation Dewayne Williams said about 2,500 people have participated in city-sponsored programs so far during the year.

“What we have is a great thing, and the future is bright,” Williams said.

“This is absolutely a celebration to have this many champions,” said Perkins, who coaches a team of 5-year-old boys. He praised the city’s athletic director, Daniel Carson, for his organizational help and “visibility” at crucial games.

However, said Perkins, the city’s ball fields need improvements, including grading and drainage, and as to staff, “Daniel can’t do it all. We need more personnel.”

Alderman Michael McLendon agreed on upgrades, and he added it will take “a team effort. It’s going to take parents, the community, working

Drive, near the new county jail. Bond company owner Josh Williams said he is hopeful for a January opening “if we’re lucky.” He said he had difficulties with the city and was unable to request variances on road and sidewalk issues he claimed would save him thousands of dollars.

In other action this week, the aldermen:

Approved a request from Jimmy Fischer to close streets on Oct. 5 for the Donna’s Run for a Remedy 5K on a previously approved path, the with us, and not seven people (on the board) voting on how to use city money.”

In other matters, aldermen approved preliminary and final plat approval on two properties: Schulz Xtruded Products’ pipe-finishing facility on 27.5 acres on the south of East Commerce Street, west of McCracken Road; and a new Al Williams Bail Bond location on .98 acre on the east side of Industrial Drive, south of Vaiden Longview Point Route. The fundraiser to benefit breast cancer patients is named for Fischer’s late wife.

For more race information or to register, go to racesonline.com, donnasrun.org or call Jimmy Fischer at 901- 412-9184 or e-mail jfyrfirst@aol.com.

OK’d various budget amendments for soon-to-end fiscal 2013, including purchase of new fire and police vehicles, “to ensure a clean audit for next year,” Johnson said.

Authorized the hiring of Rhonda Burns as a deputy court clerk.