National heritage area meeting

A town hall meeting will be held Thursday, (tonight) Sept. 18 at the Washington County Library at 6 p.m. Members of the Black Belt Heritage Area Task Force will give a presentation and hear public questions and comments on plans for establishing a national heritage area for 19 south and central Alabama counties including Washington County. For further information call Mike Breedlove at 251-246-9788 or 251-769- 4634.

CCERA holds first meeting

The Clarke County Education Retirees Association will hold its first meeting of the 2008-2009 year Thursday, (today) Sept. 18 at 11:45 a.m. at Jackson Steakhouse. Dues are $10 per year. All active, inactive and associate members are urged to attend.

Braswell retirement party

A reception will be held to honor Graham Braswell on his retirement from the Clarke County ARC Thursday, (today)Sept. 18 from 2 until 4 p.m. at the Kimball House located at 136 Mayton Drive in Jackson. Presentations will be made at 2:30 p.m. Please RSVP Donna Lee at 251-246-3000.

Butler Fest is Oct. 10-11

The Town of Butler is gearing up for its 5th Annual Butler Fest Friday, Oct. 10 and Saturday, Oct. 11 in downtown Butler along the Historic Courthouse Square. This year the First Annual Chili Cookoff and Cornbread Cookoff will be Saturday, Oct. 11 behind the West Alabama Bank. Both of these events will accept donations for the Choctaw County Girl and Boy Scouts. The Backyard Cookoff for bragging rights will be Friday night and the Little Porkers will be Saturday afternoon. Also on Saturday the 5th Annual Fun Run and 5K and the Bass Tournament, an Antique Car, Truck and Motorcycle Exhibit off of West Academy Street. The Town of Butler and Win 98 will sponsor street dances Friday and Saturday and the carnival will also be set up as early as Friday. For more information or directions call Steve Smith at Butler City Hall at 205-459-3795 or visit their website at choctawchamber@tds.net.