The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4876 Ladies Auxiliary is sponsoring its annual Young American Creative Patriotic Art Award Contest. The information is being sent to the art department at the schools, but we would like to offer this to any home school student. This program encourages students to use their artistic talents to express their Patriotism. If anyone is interested please contact Connie Labrecque at 1-866-353-0773, leave a message if no answer.

There will be no Rotary program Dec. 28.

Southwest Oklahoma Community Action Group Inc. programs: Southwest Transit, Head Start, Southwest Enterprises, RSVP, Senior Nutrition and Central Office will be closed Friday, Dec. 31, in observance of New Year's Day.

Deadline is nearing for paying the first half of 2004 Property and personal taxes.The last day to pay without penalty is Friday, Dec. 31. Because the Jackson County Courthouse will be closed that Friday, payments will be accepted with postmark or in person Monday, Jan. 3. The courthouse hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The East Jackson Target Area is without a representative on the Southwest Oklahoma Community Action Board of Directors. An election to fill the vacancy will be held at the Altus Meal Site at 905 N. Willard in Altus at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 6, 2005. Any interested person may be elected to serve in this capacity as long as they reside in the East Jackson target area, which includes Altus, Blair and Headrick.