.m. on the Downtown Square during the Cotton Pickin' Chili Cookoff. Volunteers will be selling the 28-page, full color calendar for $10 throughout the day at a booth in the parking lot of the Jackson County Courthouse in Altus.

The calendar pays tribute to the men and women who serve their community and nation in various public service jobs. It features environmental portraits of Altus firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel and Altus Air Force Base members. Each month of the year features a different "Hometown Hero" and includes a safety tip or a patriotic message.

Various Altus landmarks were the settings for the series of pictures by photographer Heather Gray.

Proceeds of the calendar sales will go to help fund the Southwest Side Project, the City of Altus program aimed at helping develop young people into future leaders.

The Southwest Side Project was formed in 1999 by the Altus Police Department to cultivate strong relationships between juveniles, their families and the community.

The program, which aims to instill strong character and good moral values in young people, operates on federal grant money and community donations.

The calendar was produced by the Altus Times in conjunction with the City of Altus and several corporate sponsors, including Vernon Dr. Pepper, Wilmes Chevrolet, Wilmes Automall, Shanda's Shots, Smiths Firestone, H&H Furniture, Darby's, First State Bank, First National Bank, Putnam Toyota, Rogers Electronics, Red River Federal Credit Union and Great American Carwash.

"This is a very worthwhile effort. The Southwest Side Project helps many children throughout the city with its after school activities and mentoring program. It's been very effective," said Altus Mayor T.L. Gramling.

The cover of the 2004 Hometown Heroes calendar features Altus Fire Chief Kenny Ward and firefighter Jimmy Rogers, members of the Combat Challenge team.

Featured inside are Air Force Maj. Michelle Titord, firefighter Benny Barnes, police officer Gail Wilhite, aircraft maintenance crew chief Stephan Johnson, bike patrol officer Nathan Rapp, paramedic Bobby Rice, Air Force 1st Lt. James Goetz, detective JoAnn Patterson, police officer Mary Zepada, police officer Shirlene Meadows, firefighter Greg Nettleton, EMT Sam Starr and Air Force SSgt. Chris Ochoa.

The calendar was designed by Altus Times graphics director Frances Fojut.

"We encourage people to purchase the calendar to help the Southwest Side Project and to honor the public servants who are featured in it," said Altus Times publisher Jerry Pittman. "It is a beautiful calendar that will make a good Christmas gift for family and friends. There's a limited supply, so people will want to get one early."