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Volume 116 • Issue 7
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Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Downtown Streetscape construction moving quickly Streetscape progreses with completion set for late summer by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info
There have been many questions about the state of affairs with Cherryville’s City Streetscape work in the Downtown area lately. Citizens look around and can see what has been done so far, and what is still being done. To that end, and thanks to a recent media release from Cherryville’s Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Program, spokesman Steve Panton and Chamber Director David Day, as well as Mayor H.L. Beam, III, City Manager Brian Dalton, and City Public Works Di-
rector Brandon Abernathy, all addressed those questions and concerns. The City staff personnel and officials noted they “… are pleased with the progress (of the ongoing) Downtown construction,” adding, “And they’re looking forward to being finished before late summer. City Manager Brian Dalton said in the release, he was pleased with how things were moving along. “Our contractors have been great,” said City Manager Dalton, who added, “We’ve had good weather and they’ve moved really fast. The first phases are already complete.” According to Mr. Dalton, Dominion Energy completed their gas line work in October, and the construction company, See STREETSCAPE, Page 2
In this image of Main Street’s improvements, the image on the left is what the City currently looks like, and the image on the right is an artistic rendering of what it will look like with the newly-completed sidewalks and brick work. (graphic image provided)
CHS; trainer Ira Fowler, receive NATA’s Safe Sports School Award Lady Ironmen pitcher Raegan Nowowiecki warms up her throwing arm last week at CHS’ softball field. (photos by MEP/The Eagle/CF Media)
Softball; baseball teams get in a little warm-up time
by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info
Cherryville High School Athletic Director Scott Harrill recently noted that CHS is the recipient of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association
Warm weather facilitates their breaking out the bats and gloves
CHS Athletic Trainer Ira Fowler demonstrates the correct way to tape an athlete’s injury to his or her ankle with help from Ironmen JV basketball player Rayshawn Sewell. (photo by MEP/The Eagle/CF Media) (NATA) Safe Sports School award for its Ironmen sports programs.
Harrill added, as per a media release he forwarded See AWARD, Page 4
Auxiliary President Puett’s project provides Robotic Pets to help veterans
by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info
Cherryville High’s diamond kings and queens took advantage of last week’s warm weather, dusting off their bats and gloves to get in a little warm-up time before their sports seasons start. Softball season 2022 sees the return of head coach A.J. Henley, and needless to say, he is very happy to be back. Said Coach Henley, “I am extremely excited to get back into the swing of things. This year is going to be a good year with returners and new girl.” Henley continued, “I think we will have a good group of girls this year. We have a lot of talent this year.”
Program recognizes high schools that prioritize keeping young athletes safe
by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info
Head softball coach A.J. Henley is back, and is very happy to be so, as he sits in the sun dropping softballs into the pitching machine for the ladies to dust off their bats and take a few warm-ups cuts at school’s batting cage. As for the new SPC 1A/2A conference lineup, Coach Henley said, “I am excited to play Burns, East Gaston, and Shelby. I think it will be good for us to have some new competition this year and get to play some new teams.” Helping Coach Henley this year as his assistant is Coach Jeff Williams, who is no stranger to CHS’ small ball teams. For baseball, head coach Scott Heavner too is very glad to be back on the field at
Fraley and is looking forward to a great season in the new conference. “We are looking forward to the official start of the season on Monday (Feb. 14). There is always a special excitement that happens right before you begin. We have a lot to do before we scrimmage on (Saturday) Feb. 19, so let’s hope for some good weather to start with,” he said. The baseball Ironmen return 11 players from last year, See SOFTBALL, Page 10
Jill Parker-Puett is the Unit 100 Ladies Auxiliary President and she wants everyone to know about a “pet” project of hers – getting Robotic Pets to America’s veterans who suffer from a host of maladies and diseases. Said Mrs. Puett, “The Robotic Companion Pets are already being used at the Asheville VA Medical Center. They absolutely are thrilled about this program and will contact some of our Units close to them to get money to purchase more of them. Patients who suffer from See PETS, Page 2
Shelby Post 82 American Legion Commander Jim Quinlan and Unit 100 Auxiliary President Jill Parker-Puett. (photo provided)
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