Muhlenberg County Public Schools

The Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center (WHFRTC) started hosting a chili cookoff several years in an effort for full-time federal (Kentucky Army National Guard) and state (Department of Military Affairs) employees to gather and celebrate the holidays.  Over the years, it has involved into an event that everyone looks forward to participating.  According to Col. L. Allen Joiner, the event typically has around 15-30 entries of chili.  In recent years, a dessert competition has been added to the event.  All proceeds from the entry fees, lunch fees, and silent auction are donated to local charities for the purpose of purchasing holiday gifts for local children or are donated to a state or federal employee with an immediate need.  For the 2022 cookoff, the Muhlenberg County Make a Better Christmas program provided through the Family Resource and Youth Service Centers was chosen to receive the donation.  The proceeds totaled $1,356.00.  For more information about the WHFRTC, visit their website at whfrtc.ky.gov or follow their Facebook page at Wendell H. Ford Regional Training Center.