ELLISVILLE –A world-class facility for baseball and softball is now underway at Jones County Junior College thanks in part to the generosity of Community Bank. The ‘hometown’ partner recently presented JCJC officials with a $250,000 donation toward the construction of a new JCJC athletic facility.
The baseball and softball complex will be called Community Bank Park. Larry J. Sumrall Contractors, Inc. was awarded the bid for construction this fall. The project is scheduled to be completed by summer 2010.
Community Bank Park will be a true upgrade from the previous baseball and softball facilities on the JCJC campus. The playing fields have been updated and equipped with irrigation. A new lighting system is also in the works complete with scoreboards.
Seating for spectators has dramatically increased in the new facility. Softball will have enough capacity for 266 fans, and the seating capacity for baseball is approximately 520. Project plans call for press boxes for both playing fields. Each box will have sections designated for guests, scorekeepers, and the media.
Centered between both playing fields is a ticket and concession area that includes an enclosed batting facility. Project plans also include restroom facilities in the central entrance area.
The local leadership for Community Bank was recognized during JCJC’s homecoming football game for their involvement with the park project. CEO Bobby Knox joined Vice Chair Bo Bounds and Ellisville President Charlie Garretson and others to present the college with the $250,000 check.
“We see athletics as a part of the overall picture at the college. You want to have great facilities as a college to attract the best students. Athletics supports academics and vice versa,” said Charlie Garretson, president of Community Bank in Ellisville.
“Something wonderful happens when people can come together in the interest of a common passion. Having a facility where the community can bring their families and enjoy America’s favorite pastime is a great way to enhance quality of life. We are excited to be a part of this project with JCJC,” Garretson added.
The college has a long-standing relationship with Community Bank. JCJC President Dr. Jesse Smith believes in the bank’s commitment to community. “Our relationship with Community Bank goes back to the days when they were M&M; Bank. They endowed some of the first scholarships the college ever received. The leadership at Community Bank has always been heavily involved in all facets of the community,” said Smith.
“Their impressive commitment to community and their conservative banking practices have made them one of the most successful banks in the south. At JCJC, we are honored that they want to participate in the naming opportunity of this fine athletic facility,” Smith concluded.
Community Bank and JCJC officials have plans for a future groundbreaking ceremony for the park in 2010.
Business
Related Photos
-
Photo/JCJC Media & Public Relations (Marlo Dorsey)
Community Bank donates $250,000 toward new JCJC sports facility
- Business
-
-
Free informational workshop on elder law
Attorney Jim Wilson of The Wilson Elder Law Center will present a free informational workshop entitled “How to Legally and Effectively Protect Your Assets from Creditors and Predators, Nursing Homes and Lawsuits,” Friday, March 2, Cameron Center, 711 N 10th Ave, Laurel, 10 – 12 noon.
-
Slowly but Surely
How was your Super Bowl Weekend? Mallorie and I had a full schedule as we attended the “Krewe of Docs” hosted by Oncologics to benefit the American Cancer Society Saturday night. The event was held here in Downtown Laurel and everyone did a great job. The Cowboy Blues Band played the night away and fun was had by all. We got geared up again Sunday night for Super Bowl festivities. After our Saints fell short against the 49ers, I was less than excited about this year’s big game. I picked a favorite anyway and my allegiance fell on the shoulders of Eli and the Giants. It was a great game to watch as a football fan and as always the commercials were pretty great too.
-
Dollar General to be in North Laurel
-
Are people really retiring later?
True or false? You may have heard this claim before (or something like it): “Many Americans are being forced to retire later because their savings and investments took a hit in the Great Recession.”
-
Free Hattiesburg business expo
A Life-Empowerment and Business Expo will be held from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Woodall Advanced Technology Center on Hwy. 49 next to the Multi-Purpose Bldg., 906 Sullivan Dr., Hattiesburg.
-
Is now the time to refinance?
Mortgages are cheaper than ever. Economists and real estate analysts who predicted lower interest rates were not disappointed; the earliest numbers from 2012 have reached an all-time low, leading a number of homeowners to consider their options.
-
Williams promoted to Medical Director
Dr. Stacey Cheek Williams was recently promoted to Medical Director of Emergency Services at Highland Community Hospital located in Picayune.
-
Tractor Supply Company to locate in Laurel
Laurel will become the site of the Tractor Supply Company’s latest store.
-
Eyes on the U.S. Economy
What a great weekend! The weather was just right for getting outside and practicing your favorite hobby or just “piddlin” around. I even went over to Gardner Park and threw the pigskin with my buddies, Ben and Jasper. Mallorie’s folks made it over to Laurel Saturday afternoon and we fired up the grill. We dined on steaks, chops, red fish and all the fixin’s – thank you Mike!
-
RMD Precautions and Options
After you turn 70 1⁄2, the IRS requires you to withdraw some of the money in your retirement savings accounts each year. These withdrawals are officially called Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs).
- More Business Headlines
-
Free informational workshop on elder law
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate
US Airmen's Killer Sentenced to Life in Germany
Raw Video: Deadly Blasts in Syria
Romney Slams President Obama at CPAC
Gingrich: Pres. Obama 'waging War on Religion'
Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords
5 Killed in Wrong-way Crash on I-10 in La.
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
