In a statement issued from the Office of the District Attorney for the Second Judicial Circuit of Alabama, Assistant District Attorney Charlotte Tesmer announced on Thursday that District Attorney Van C. Gholston has announced his retirement, effective Mar. 6, 2001.

"Gholston was appointed District Attorney by Governor Fob James on Sept. 10, 1982 and has served the citizens of Butler, Crenshaw and Lowndes counties for over eighteen years," Tesmer said in the statement.

"First elected as District Attorney in 1986, Gholston was reelected in 1992 and 1998," she said.

Gov. Don Siegelman's office confirmed that Gholston had been approved for supernumerary status until such time as a replacement has been appointed.

"Mr. Gholston requested that the governor grant him supernumerary status, and it was granted, effective March 6, 2001," said Carrie Kurlander, the governor's press secretary. "Governor Siegelman needs to study several issues before he will appoint a replacement for Gholston, who is seeking to retire from office."

The Second Judicial Circuit encompasses the Counties of Butler, Lowndes and Crenshaw.