NEWS

THACKER

Rusk Eagle baseball/

softball camp slated

The Rusk Eagle baseball/softball camp has been scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon, June 4-8 at Rusk High School. Emphasis will be placed on hitting, throwing and running.

Radar guns will be used to assess throwing speed and campers will be able to see themselves on video to make any corrections needed to become a better player. Participants will pay $65, with each additional child assessed $60.

For more information, call George Banda at (903) 422-5922.

Former Alto pitcher

continues her

'winning ways'

Former Lady Jacket softball pitcher Ryan Thacker continues to enjoy success on the collegiate level as she has been selected as the Mid Continent Conference Pitcher of the Week for the second time during her freshman season with Centenary College of Bossier City, La.

Thacker pitched a perfect 2-0 record in the week of April 30 with an ERA of .84. She pitched a victory over the University of Louisiana-Monroe, allowing only two hits and striking out two. Thacker earned a save against Valparaiso (Ind.) University by pitching the last out to give the Centenary College Ladies a 6-5 victory over the Crusaders.

Earlier in the season, Thacker earned Pitcher of the Week accolades for pitching a 2-0 record at the Georgia Tech Buzz Classic tournament during the week of March 5. Centenary's only loss of the tournament was to #21 Georgia Tech.

Thacker is a 2006 graduate of Alto High School and led the Lady Jackets to the regional quarterfinals in 2006.

James reunion held May 6

The descendants of John Robert and Maggie Sellers James met Sunday, May 6 at the home of Les and Joane Hunter in Brunswick Crossing near Alto.

Willie B. James, son of Walter and Carrie James, is the only surviving grandchild of Mr. and Mrs. James. Joane Hunter presided over the business meeting. Attendees told stories for the memory book and recipes for the cookbook.

Present from out of town were: Maxine James of Rusk; Frankie James Hunter of Lufkin; J.L. and Ouida James Pyle of Bellaire; G.T. and Sharon Jones of Richmond; Anthony and Debbie James Urbanek, Kerrie Urbanek and Amaya Urbanek of Hitchcock; Johnny James of Longview.

Those present from Alto were Chris, Natilee, Bridgett and Cade James; Terry and Floyce Lindsey Moore; William D. James; Tommy and Ginny Landrum Spurgers; Ted, Betty and Jared Moore and Les and Joane Clevenger Hunter.

TSR hosts annual Armed

Forces Day in Palestine

The Texas State Railroad will host "Armed Forces Day" May 18-20 on the grounds of the Palestine Depot. May 18 is set aside as "Education Day" to allow area schools to make field trips to the depot so students can visit the railroad and learn about America's military history by way of exhibits and interaction with living history impressionists and veterans.

This event is free and offers an opportunity to honor veterans.

This year's event is entitled "In the Shadow of the Blade" based on the award winning military documentary of the same name. The documentary follows the healing journey of a Vietnam War helicopter and as one veteran stated it is "the most important thing to happen for Vietnam veterans since the dedication of the Wall." A special ceremony will precede the showing of the film.

Vietnam veterans are encouraged to attend this year's event as the Texas State Railroad celebrates Armed Forces Day. Additional information is available at (903) 683-2561 or (800) 442-8951.

Jacksonville Tomato

Festival is June 9

The 23rd annual Jacksonville Tomato Fest will take place in downtown Jacksonville on Saturday, June 9. Events include the tomato peeling contest, Tomato Town, the Couch Tomato "No Sweat" Olympics, antique car shows, the Kiwanis live auction, a gospel concert, salsa contest, Rock Climbing wall, and many others. The 2nd annual Chili's Street Dance will start at 6 p.m.For more information, contact the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce at (800) 376-2217 or (903) 586-2217.