News 2016

Having a plan to celebrate safely doesn’t require the luck of the Irish. Whether you host a St. Patrick’s Day Party or attend one, AAA wants everyone to get home safe and sound. That means having a Designated Driver, calling a cab or staying where you are celebrating.

“Impaired driving can ruin more than just a good celebration,” said Amy Stracke, Managing Director, Traffic Safety Advocacy for AAA – The Auto Club Group and Executive Director of the ACG Traffic Safety Foundation. “Please plan ahead to make sure you and your loved ones make it home safely.”

For those with no other option, Tow to Go will be there to provide a safe way home. Whether you are a AAA member or not, you can call for a Tow to Go ride anytime this Thursday, March 17th through 6 a.m. on Friday, March 18th. AAA will then safely transport you and your vehicle home or somewhere safe within 10 miles.

“The Tow to Go program is an effective way to promote the use of Designated Drivers and help prevent impaired driving,” said Katja Zastrow, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility for Anheuser-Busch. “We are proud to partner with AAA and their roadside assistance drivers to help keep our roads safe.”

Since its inception in 1998, Tow to Go has safely removed more than 24,000 impaired drivers from roads across the Southeast. The service is designed to be a safety net for motorists who did not plan ahead when drinking away from home. It is offered based on the availability of AAA drivers and tow trucks during times of high call volume. AAA’s Auto Club Group Traffic Safety Foundation provides the Tow to Go service because it helps keep all motorists safe from the dangers of impaired driving.

A Doolittle Road man was not too far from reaching his home destination before being pulled over and arrested recently for driving while under the influence.  According to Cannon County Sheriff’s Department Reports, last week the Woodbury Police Department was dispatched to a reckless driver described as a “champaign in color Ford F150” that was swerving all over the road on John Bragg Hwy coming into Woodbury.  While Sheriff’s Deputies were en route, dispatch advised the vehicle drove up on the sidewalk when passing West Adams Street.  Once into town on Main Street the vehicle turned onto Doolittle Road.  The traffic stop was conducted just behind the medical building on Doolittle Road.  Police made contact with the driver identified as Dustin Ferrell.  Ferrell stated that he lived just down the road and admitted that he had a little to drink but that he was almost home.  Police noted in the report that Ferrell had glossy bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and a strong odor of an intoxicant about his breath.  Ferrell was given field sobriety test which he could not complete.  He was arrested for driving under the influence and will be in Cannon County General Sessions Court to answer to the charge on May 3rd
 

The Garden Show and Party is a yard and garden show being held in Murfreesboro on March 18 and 19th.  It is just in time to greet spring and Easter. During both days, displays, art, vendor booths and speakers that enhance outdoor living and beautiful yards and gardens will be open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Friday night event is a family friendly party, with the country band, Dixiana. Dixiana puts on a great show for country and line dancers! 
 
The vendors are open for business throughout the event.  There is an art show, floral arrangers and visual artists will be showcasing their products and talents that assist in “living life beautifully.”
 
The schedule of speakers is outstanding,
Garden Show Classes are included with ticketed admission and limited to the first 40 people on a first come basis.
 
Simple Herbal Home Remedies
Friday, March 18 10:30 to noon
Aysha Harward ofTerra Nektar Farms, Readyville, will discuss the history of herbal remedies and using herbs known for flu prevention and then get into some remedies that are easy to make in the kitchen and really give relief for a variety of issues from a simple cough to the flu virus. She will demonstrate how to make a herbal tea with herbs that have been known to ease the nerves and provide anti viral protection. She will demonstrate how to make two syrups: herbal cough syrup and one known for known for its antiviral protection. Free samples will be available to attendees along with recipes for the items made in class. If time permits, a wonderful herb that probably grows in everyone’s back yard here in Tennessee which is known for its effect on bite and sting relief will be sampled and discussed.
 
Using Essential Oils to Maintain Health
Friday, March 18 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Beth Holder will discuss using essential oils derived from plants to maintain our health. Peppermint, lavender, and several other oils will be discussed.  Beth is a distributor for Young Living Essential Oils. She will have a booth at the show.
 
Square Foot Gardening
Friday, March 18 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Gardening expert Richard Lee will give an intensive presentation on planning and executing square foot gardening. This technique allows multiple crops in a small area. It promotes rotating crops several times throughout a season to receive the highest yield per foot.
 
Sustainable Gardening
Friday night, March 18 7:15 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Master Gardener Reggie Reeves will give a great introduction to organic based sustainable gardening. Approaching gardening as part of our ecosystem, Reggie will touch on basic principles including: improving soil health; water harvesting including the use of rain barrels; reusing garden, landscape, lawn and kitchen waste as a basis to composting; the use of raise beds; fertilization and pest control; and the choice of plants grown.
Sustainable Living:  Aquaponics and Using a Rocket Stove Mass Heater
Friday night, March 18 8:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Aquaponics is a system of aquaculture in which the waste produced by farmed fish or other aquatic animals supplies nutrients for plants grown hydroponically. The plants, in turn, purify the water.  Rocket Stoves Mass Heaters which retain heat  in a mass as a source of heat in outbuildings will also be introduced by Andrew Cleaves from MidTN Hydroponics and Gardening. He will present the hows and whys of a good system design that maintains healthy fish along with a healthy and accurate feeding program for high quality and productive grows.
Garden, Grow Food, Naturally
Saturday, March 19 at 10:30 a.m. to noon
Known for his knowledge of organics, Mark Murphy encourages everyone to garden, to grow food, and to do so in a natural style that supports healthy and enjoyable gardening. This talk focuses on philosophies and techniques ideal for home and hobby gardeners, including the core differences between conventional and organic gardening. The review discusses some of the influential people of the organic movement. Of particular interest to new gardeners or to those looking to simplify their approach, Mark will provide an overview of his minimalist organic style; abundant gardening with basic tools and minimal inputs or controls. This session will be a great resource for gardeners who want to build healthy soil, garden in a pleasant manner, and share great food with family and friends.
Great Gardens – Fantastic Plants
Saturday, March 19 at 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Award winning landscape architect, Todd Breyer from Nashville, is presenting the steps of designing and creating a garden design. This talk includes showcasing plants that are really wonderful and easy to grow, but lesser known. Some are specific cultivars of common plants, but most are things not seen as often, including some native plants. Todd is a native of TN. Before returning, he worked in San Francisco and studied at the University of Georgia and in Tuscany, Italy. He received several Blue Ribbons from 2016 Antique and Garden Show and is one of the organizers of the Lawn and Garden Show at the Fairgrounds, where his entry garden greets visitors every year. He is also an active member in several other groups including the Herb Society of Nashville and the Horticultural Association of Tennessee.
Milkweeds and How to Grow Them
Saturday, March 19 at 3 p.m.  –  4 p.m.
Attracting monarchs and other pollinators to your garden is part of the gardens’ success. Linell, from Monarch Meadow, will discuss how we can assist in the annual migration of monarchs. Tennessee is a stop on their migratory path during which a generation emerges and needs food sources. Monarch caterpillars only eat milkweed. This discussion will include an overview of the annual cycle, milkweed varieties, and optimal  growing conditions.
The Garden Party will be held at the Lane Agri-Park Community Center at 315 John R. Rice Blvd in Murfreesboro.  The location is easily accessible from Interstate 24, either exit 76 or 78A , take a right at the end of the ramp and follow the road to John Rice Blvd. From exit 76, it will be on the left. From 78A, John Rice Blvd is on the right. The Community Center building is the last building in the Agri-Park.
 
For the daytime events, tickets are $6. The Garden Party on Friday night is a $8 adult ticket. Children 13 and under will be admitted free with a paying adult ticket. There is an On Your Honor Seed Swap (bring some, take some).
 
The Garden Party is hosted by Dogbones Network.  Dogbones Network is a company that discovers treasures to live life beautifully.  Like a treasured bone discovered by a dog on a dig, the Dogbones Network has discovered the Garden Party. Be a part of this treasure hunt and come join the party!
 
Follow us on facebook : www.facebook.com/BoroGardenParty and website: www.BoroGardenParty.com . For further information on sponsorships, tables, fundraising or the juried art show, please contact the organizer, Eddie May by calling 615-715-0003 or by email: BoroGardenParty@gmail.com .

 The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development announced today applications for the Tourism Enhancement Grant are now available for counties or cities to enhance or create new tourism infrastructure to increase economic impact.
“Tourism development is economic development. In many of our communities, tourism is the most important driver in the economy,” TNECD Commissioner Randy Boyd said. “With this grant, communities will be able to invest in key assets, from docks to pavilions to signage.  We will work in partnership with the Department of Tourist Development to ensure that we help communities invest wisely and in ways that will get them the maximum return on this investment.” 
“During my listening tour, leaders across the state told us tourism is a top priority that drives their local economy, and communities need assistance expanding and enhancing these assets,” Assistant Commissioner of Rural Development Amy New said. “As Team Tennessee, we want to be that partner in assisting them. We are excited to partner with our stakeholders as we continue to build thriving communities throughout Tennessee.”
“Tourism development and economic development go hand in hand,” Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Kevin Triplett said. “As the partnership between our two departments continues to grow, we have an even greater appreciation for the support TNECD is providing through opportunities like this for tourism initiatives across the state.” 
The goal of the Tourism Enhancement Grant is for cities or counties to improve and create local tourism infrastructure assets, such as wayfinding signage, stages, boat ramps, scenic pull-offs and public restrooms to improve their tourism economic impact. This grant will be available for up to $50,000 with a match requirement based on economic status. The grant is also eligible for up to $20,000 for counties or cities who have a desire to develop a tourism asset plan.
All interested local governments must submit their completed applications by April 18, 2016. Applications and additional information regarding the grant can be found at tn.gov/TourismGrant.
– See more at: http://tn.gov/news/38283#sthash.h5rojBdc.dpuf
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development announced Monday applications for the Tourism Enhancement Grant are now available for counties or cities to enhance or create new tourism infrastructure to increase economic impact.

“Tourism development is economic development. In many of our communities, tourism is the most important driver in the economy,” TNECD Commissioner Randy Boyd said. “With this grant, communities will be able to invest in key assets, from docks to pavilions to signage.  We will work in partnership with the Department of Tourist Development to ensure that we help communities invest wisely and in ways that will get them the maximum return on this investment.”

“During my listening tour, leaders across the state told us tourism is a top priority that drives their local economy, and communities need assistance expanding and enhancing these assets,” Assistant Commissioner of Rural Development Amy New said. “As Team Tennessee, we want to be that partner in assisting them. We are excited to partner with our stakeholders as we continue to build thriving communities throughout Tennessee.”

“Tourism development and economic development go hand in hand,” Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Kevin Triplett said. “As the partnership between our two departments continues to grow, we have an even greater appreciation for the support TNECD is providing through opportunities like this for tourism initiatives across the state.”

The goal of the Tourism Enhancement Grant is for cities or counties to improve and create local tourism infrastructure assets, such as wayfinding signage, stages, boat ramps, scenic pull-offs and public restrooms to improve their tourism economic impact. This grant will be available for up to $50,000 with a match requirement based on economic status. The grant is also eligible for up to $20,000 for counties or cities who have a desire to develop a tourism asset plan.

All interested local governments must submit their completed applications by April 18, 2016. Applications and additional information regarding the grant can be found at tn.gov/TourismGrant.
 

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s mobile household hazardous waste collection service will be in Bedford and Montgomery Counties on March 19. Since the program’s inception in 1993, more than 322,000 households have properly disposed of more than 21 million pounds of material.
“Our household hazardous waste mobile collection service provides the people of Tennessee with a safe, environmentally friendly way to dispose of unwanted household chemicals and other potentially hazardous wastes at no cost,” said Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau. “This service travels across the state holding collection events in local communities, and we encourage all Tennesseans to take advantage of the opportunity to utilize it.”
On Saturday, March 19, any Tennessee resident may bring his or her household hazardous waste to the following locations. (Note that hours listed indicate the local time for events.)
Bedford County – Big Springs Parking Lot at 108 Lane Parkway in Shelbyville from 8 a.m. until noon. The local contact for this HHW collection event is Diane Forbes at (931) 684-4651.
HHW material is considered flammable, toxic, reactive and/or corrosive and should not be placed with regular garbage. Typical items to dispose of include cleaning fluids, pesticides, mercury thermometers and thermostats, fluorescent lamps, lithium and button batteries, aerosols, adhesives, medications, brake fluid, swimming pool chemicals and paint thinner.  Items not accepted include ammunition, explosives, alkaline batteries, paint, electronics, medical waste and any empty containers.
While household waste may be disposed for free, there is a cost for disposal of Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator Waste (i.e. wastes from non-household sources such as businesses, schools, farms, churches, etc.).  An appointment is also necessary.  Call (615) 643-3170 to request a price quote and schedule an appointment.
Many counties and municipalities meet the needs of local residents by providing collection of batteries, oil, paint, antifreeze and electronic scrap – or BOPAE as it is sometimes called.  When handled correctly, these BOPAE materials are minimally hazardous, but inappropriate for collection at household hazardous waste events.  Contact your local city or county solid waste department to find BOPAE collection sites in your area.
When transporting materials to the site, place containers in sturdy boxes lined with newspaper to prevent spills and cross-contamination in the trunk of a car or back of a truck. Be sure to keep materials away from children and pets.  Materials should be kept in the original containers whenever possible.  If not, place each waste in a separate plastic container with a secure lid and label its contents.  
For more information on the household hazardous waste mobile collection service, please call 1-800-287-9013 or visit  http://www.tn.gov/environment/topic/sw-mm-household-hazardous-waste-program.

Recently, 4th and 5th grade students in Cannon County participated in Tar Wars, a tobacco-free education program.  Tar Wars is owned and operated by the American Academy of Family Physicians and the program is implemented locally by Dr. Jeff and Paula Todd.  Two students from Cannon County were winners at the state level in the Tar Wars poster contest.  Sawyer Parton, son of Jason and Jennifer Parton, a fourth grade student at Eastside elementary, placed 4th overall.  Eli Nokes, son of Heath and Susan Nokes, a fourth grade student at Short Mountain Elementary School won Honorable Mention.  Congratulations to both of these students.  
 

The Cannon County Community is invited to attend the Cannon County Extension Office Celebration on the Square taking place this Friday from 3-5 in the afternoon.  There will be free food, photo booth, games and door prizes including a Advanced Master Beef Scholarship, partial 4-H camp scholarship, Tai Chi Scholarship and more.  The drawing for the door prizes will be every half hour.  For more information about the event, please contact the Cannon County UT-Extension Center at 563-2554
 

Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner John Schroer joined state and local officials Friday to celebrate the official completion the U.S. 70 (State Route 26) bridge over the Caney Fork and Sligo Road, known as the Sligo Bridge, in DeKalb County.

Friday’s ribbon cutting marked the end of a nearly three-year project, which began in May 2013 and included replacement of the original 1948 truss-style structure. The new concrete and steel bridge covers 0.8 miles and is nearly double the width of the old bridge at 45 feet wide. Work also included construction of three retaining walls.  The $38.9 million project was designed with a wider substructure for potential future expansion of the bridge, a feature that is not possible on a truss bridge.

“We are very pleased to be here today to celebrate the completion of this important project with our state and local partners and the citizens of DeKalb County,” said Commissioner Schroer. “This bridge is very important to the region, and it will also make this area much safer and will benefit all motorists and area residents.”

The new bridge is 101 feet over the water, and the bridge depth below the water is 167 feet. Over 11,000 cubic yards of concrete and two million pounds of steel reinforcement were used on the bridge.  A major milestone occurred in August 2015 when traffic was shifted onto the newly-constructed bridge. This allowed the contractor to begin demolition of the old truss bridge, a task that took over a month.

Massman Construction Co., Inc. of Kansas City, Missouri, was prime contractor for the project, and completed the work several months ahead of the original June 30, 2016, completion date.

Senator Mae Beavers (R-Mt. Juliet) and Representative Terry Lynn Weaver (R-Lancaster) represent DeKalb County in the Tennessee General Assembly.
 

Cannon County Lionette Softball Roster
00-Livia Walker        Senior        INF/P
1-Baily Knox        Sophomore    OF
2-Tori Jones        Junior        INF
4-Allie St. John        Sophomore    OF
5-Alyssa Whited    Junior        INF/OF
7-Raquel Novoa        Junior        INF/OF
9-Bailey Sims        Senior        OF
10-Shelby Earls        Sophomore    C
12-Laura Beth Nichols    Junior        INF/P
14-Taylor Parker    Freshman    OF/INF
15-Anna Brandon    Freshman    INF/P
16-Kallie McCrary    Junior        INF
18-Joie McCrary    Junior        OF/P
20-Shianne Ashford    Sophomore    1B
22-Kelsie Smith        Senior        2B
24-Ana Lawson        Sophomore    
25-Macie Walker    Freshman    
27-Casey Crowe        Freshman
34-Madelynne Bogle    Senior
47-Alyssa Willams    Freshman

Cannon County Lionette Softball Schedule
March 14    at Franklin County        7:00
March 15    at Central Magnet*        4:30
March 18-19    at Gordonsville            TBA
March 22    at Smith County*        4:30
March 24    Macon County*            5:00
March 29    at Upperman*            4:30
March 31    Dekalb County*            4:30
April 5        York* (DH)            4:00
April 7        at Livingston* (DH)        5:00
April 12        Central Magnet*        4:30
April 14        Smith County*            4:30
April 19        Upperman*             4:30
April 21        at Macon County*         5:00
April 26        at Dekalb County*        4:30
May 2        Franklin County            7:00
May 6-11    District Tournament at Upperman

One game shy of reaching the District 8-AA championship game and a automatic bid to the Region 4-AA tournament, the Cannon County Lionettes softball team are ready to hit the field once again.  The team has a new coaching staff, and will be anchored by four returning players that will have to produce offensively in order for the Lionettes to build on last year’s 14-8 record.  
Coach Brittany Cook makes her debut as the head coach for the Lionettes.  This is Coach Cook’s first ever coaching job.  She followed the game extensively in her high school days at Shelbyville High School taking care of the scorebooks for the Golden Eagles and Eaglettes baseball and softball program.  “I am learning and the girls have been great teaching me technical terms,” said Coach Cook. “I know the basics, the rules.  I can tell you who is going to be good at what position but I couldn’t teach them how to bat or throw if I had to.”  The Lionettes will be relying on assistant Coach Wade McMackins for batting and pitching skills help.  He has been working with the Lionettes since the opening of practice with timing, stance in the batters box, and most importantly helping the Lionettes with pitching skills as they will have to find someone to step in for Kristen Hale who was basically the Lionettes go to arm for four years
The infield is anchored by senior Livia Walker, the soccer standout will be playing first base and Walker is in the pitching rotation.  Walker could also see some time at third base in the infield.  Sophmore Shianne Ashford will back up Walker at first.  Ashford is new at first base at the high school level and has played well in the scrimmages so far this season.  Kelsie Smith will return to second base and junior Kallie McCrary.  Third base is still anybody’s position.  Junior LauraBeth Nichols has the inside track but Nichols is also in the pitching rotation, so the team could turn to freshman Anna Brandon for some help at third base.  The catcher is Shelby Earls.  The sophomore came on big last year after then senior Cheyenne Fann was lost for the season with a leg injury.  Earls was a key producer offensively for the Lionettes.  
The outfield has several candidates.  Bailey Sims returns and will be most likely the starting centerfielder on opening day.  She will be joined by Joie McCrary in right field and Allie St John in leftfield.  With McCrary being in the pitching rotation, look for Baily Knox to get a lot of playing time when McCrary is on the mound.  The Lionettes strength has always been defense.  The biggest question coming into the season is pitching.  Instead of having one ace pitcher like they relied on in years past, the Lionettes will look to four players to pitch in a game rotation.  Joie McCrary did see some limited action last season on the mound.  Laura Beth Nichols, and Livia Walker also has some pitching experience.  Freshman Anna Brandon is also in the rotation.  Coach Cook will rotate pitchers in each game and hopes to get at least three good innings out of each pitcher for the first half of the season as they gain game experience and build arm strength.  
The coaching position was not filled until late into the school year and as a result the schedule is kind of weak this year as far as non district games are concerned.  There’s only 17 games scheduled outside of a tournament in Gordonsville.  Franklin County Lady Rebels start the season March 14th.  Then it’s on to district play.  After the Gordonsville hosted tournament the Lionettes will play 13 straight district games before closing out the regular season May 2nd with Franklin County.  There is a possibility that more games could be added but with the season close to starting it’s hard to schedule additional games.  Boyd Christian may be added to the schedule as both coaches are looking at potential dates.
Dekalb County looks to be the front runner of District 8-AA.  The Lady Tigers are coming off a state tournament appearance from last season.  Macon County is also expected to have a good softball team.  The team from Lafayette finished second in the District  last year and got to the sectional round.  
Most of the teams in District 8-AA are young and many of them have first year coaches.  Look for Livingston to return to success and possibly Upperman as well.
The Lionettes have the ability to build on last year’s 14-8 record.  With a good stellar defense, the Lionettes pitching staff becomes the important piece to keeping opponents run opportunities to a minimum.  Offensively, Walker and Earls will be counted on to produce a majority of the runs with their bats this year.  Sims, Smith, St. John and Knox are a few of the Lionettes that bring speed to the basepaths and can provide a challenge to opponents trying to keep them contained from getting into scoring position.  The Lionettes should be among the teams fighting for the District 8-AA top spot and just maybe this year will be the year they make it back to the region tournament.
 

Cannon County High School Baseball Roster
1    Preston Campbell        OF     Junior
3    Jared Judkins            OF    Senior
4    Brandon Schwartz        IN/OF    Freshman
5    Sam Scheu            IN/P    Junior
6    Austin Martin            1B/P    Senior
7    Kailan McGill            IN/OF    Freshman
9    Matt Calamia            IN/OF    Freshman
10    Garrett Alexander        P    Freshman
11    Johnathon Powell        OF    Junior
12    Koby Brown            OF    Freshman
18    Charlie Parrish            IN/OF    Freshman
22    Anton Knox            C/OF    Junior
24    Tucker Francis            P/SS    Senior
25    Briar Jakes            C/OF    Senior
26    Baily Hale            IF    Senior
27    Jacob Raines            P/IF    Freshman
30    Ty St. John            OF     Freshman
34    Tristan Choate            1B    Senior
42    Chandler Todd            IN/OF    Junior

Team Schedule
March 14    at Sequatchie County        5:30
March 18    Boyd Christian            5:00
March 21    at Livingston Academy*    5:00
March 22    Livingston Academy*        5:00
March 24    Eagleville            6:30
March 26    at Fayetteville City        1:00 DH
March 28    Macon County*            5:00
March 29    at Macon County*        5:00
April 2        Mt. Juliet Christian        1:00 DH
April 4        at Central Magnet*        5:00
April 5        Central Magnet*        5:00
April 8-9    Clarkrange Classic        TBA
April 11        Upperman*            5:00
April 12        at Upperman*            5:00
April 14-17    at Grundy Mountain Valley    TBA
April 18        at Smith County*        4:00
April 19        Smith County*            5:00
April 23        at Eagleville            4:00
April 25        Dekalb County *        5:00
April 26        at Dekalb County*        5:00
May 2        York*                4:30
May 3        York*                4:30

New Cannon County Lions Baseball head coach Colin Jones has stepped into what should be one of the most successful seasons in recent baseball team history.  With 7 starters returning from last years squad, a pitching roster that includes 9 strong arms of which 4 are Seniors, the Lions are poised to compete for an opportunity to reach the region tournament if not beyond.  Head coach Colin Jones says the reason why he took the job “I saw good things coming back from last season’s 10-20 team.  The team finished strong last season even with injuries that they had suffered.  There’s a great freshman group coming up and quite frankly there’s just not been enough stability lately.  I’m a hometown wanting to stay a long time.”  
For those that follow Cannon County Lions Basketball, Jones has served as an assistant coach.  Just like the basketball program, Jones loaded up the assistant coaching spots with several coaches unlike in previous years.  Some of those coaches including head basketball coach and athletic director Matt Rigsby sat beside him on the bench in basketball.  In addition to coach Risgby, Jones brings assistant coach Jared Nave over from the gymnasium to the baseball diamond.  Jared Nave and another assistant coach Ryan Tenpenny virtually have had no baseball playing experience but the two former standout athletes at Cannon County have a great knowledge of the sport and will help in other areas as well.  “Coach Nave and Coach Tenpenny will overall help these guys in school activities, helping them think and look to the future, almost all the team will move on to college in some form and Ryan and Jared can help with that transition especially in the workforce sharing experiences etc.”  Coach Matt Rigsby is the pitching coach.   “There is a lot of pitching depth on this team and we wanted someone very knowledgeable to work solely with them and develop them” said Coach Jones, “and coach Rigsby was a great pitcher when he played high school baseball at Cannon County”  Coach Rigsby reunites with his battery mate assistant Coach Jonathan Bryson who was behind the plate in many of coach Rigsby’s pitching appearances in high school.  Bryson will be working with the catchers.  Lane Willis will serve as the team manager.  Emma Davenport will keep the stats book.  Even Kellerman and Akristia Sissom will also serve as managers for the team.
The Lions are loaded with talented athletes.  Seniors Austin Martin and Briar Jakes who just finished their final year together on the basketball floor will grab batting helmets and baseball gloves and be counted on to lead the baseball team.  Martin will man first base and is considered the number two pitcher on the roster.  Jakes will be behind home plate mainly responsible for catching duties.  One of the big strengths of the entire roster is that anyone can play multiple positions.  For instance in the catching position alone, where in the past it’s been one or two players at that position, there are at least 5 on the team that can be counted on for the catching duties.  Coach Jones says that Chandler Todd, Garrett Alexander, Anton Knox, and Jacob Raines could also see time at the catcher position.  First base is Austin Martin who has been a staple there ever since he was a freshman.  When Austin is on the mound pitching, look for Tristan Choate or Jacob Raines to be at first base.  Second base is a working committee once again plenty of infield depth on this team this year.  Tucker Francis and Sam Scheu will mostly see time at that position, the team will also count on freshmen Charlie Parrish and Kailan McGill  as well as Chandler Todd to help out as Scheu is also starting shortstop and Francis is a key member of the pitching staff.    Backing Scheu up at shortstop will also be Charlie Parrish.  Third baseman is Senior Baily Hale,  Junior Anton Knox will also play some games at third.  The outfield is stacked as well Jared Judkins will be the starting centerfielder.  Preston Campbell will primarily start in left field while right field is wide open but that could be very well freshman’s Matt Calamia’s territory as coach Jones says he has a great glove and great sense of tracking the ball.  Judkins is another important piece on the pitching staff which will open up opportunities for Garret Alexander and Ty St. John to spend some time in the outfield.
The pitching rotation will be headed up by Tucker Francis.  Francis is expected to be one of the top pitchers in District 8-AA.  He comes back fully healed from injuries he suffered last year.  Martin is listed as the number two guy in the pitching rotation followed by Sam Scheu and Jared Judkins.  Several freshmen including Jacob Raines who is considered the closer, along with Parrish, McGill, Calamia, and even junior Anton Knox will see some time on the pitching mound this season.  Coach Jones says that with the returning players, the team is expected to play great defense and if the bats can come alive offensively this should be a great year for Cannon County baseball.
The schedule is loaded with Saturday games as the coaching staff and players hope to fill the bleachers down at the Dixie Youth Fields with fans on a consistent basis.  Upperman and Central Magnet are considered to be the teams again to beat this year but a loaded Cannon County roster should be able to stay near the top of the district standings right with them.  Dekalb and Smith normally have very competitive teams, so this season might be more challenging to Upperman and Central to stay on top.  Cannon will also participate in two classic tournaments during the season, one being in Clarkrange and the other a return to the Grundy Mountain Valley Classic.