The CRA (Cottondale) Angels refused to let the sweltering summer heat dampen their determination Friday, battling until the final out before falling just short in a 5-4 heartbreaker to Franklin County in the opening round of the Dixie Youth Angels State Tournament.

The Cottondale City Commission officially appointed Andrew Roedel as the city's new police chief Monday night, placing a veteran law enforcement officer with more than 26 years of experience at the helm of the department.

The Cottondale Ozone All-Stars punched their ticket to the state tournament in Frostproof after a dominant run through district play, finishing the tournament undefeated with two wins and a tie.

The Jackson County AAA All-Star District Championship featured a pair of high-scoring battles between county rivals Graceville and Cottondale, with Graceville ultimately capturing the title by sweeping the best-of-three series in two games.

Jackson County’s Darlings softball teams were busy on the diamond last week, with Sneads Little Volts picking up a win while BombSquad of Marianna and Graceville Darlings battled through high-scoring contests.

A big offensive night across Jackson County AAA baseball featured several high-scoring games Tuesday evening, with teams piling up runs, stolen bases and timely extra-base hits in a full slate of action.

It was about as complete a performance as a team can deliver.

With a  break in the action over 2026 spring break, four Jackson County varsity softball teams were ready to hit the diamond last week.

Marianna and Cottondale split a tight intra-county series, with the Bulldogs needing extra innings to secure a 5-4 road win after cruising 14-1 in the first meeting.

It was a tale of two very different games last week when the Cottondale Middle School baseball teams hosted Bonifay.

The Cottondale Hornets’ basketball season came to a close last week, wrapping up what was an impressive 19-5 campaign.

America’s pastime is back on the diamond in Jackson County, and the Cottondale Hornets Middle School baseball program officially opened its 2026 season last week with a three-game stretch that offered plenty of learning moments, flashes of promise, and valuable early-season experience.

The Cottondale Hornets opened their week on a big stage, earning a 51–46 win over the Holmes County Blue Devils.

Friday afternoon, a loaded log truck was passing through Cottondale on Highway 90 when the driver realized his logs were on fire.

The Cottondale Hornets traveled to Graceville Friday night to face their long-time county rivals. Graceville was back on the field this season after a two-year absence, while Cottondale entered the matchup with a 6–3 record and hopes of finishing strong. The Hornets didn’t disappoint, rolling to a 56–14 win.

The Cottondale Hornets hosted the Marianna K-8 Bullpups last week and faced tough competition in both games.