AREA TOWNS COMPETE FOR BETTERMENT AWARD

Seven area communities hope to be recognized for Missouri Community Betterment awards next month at Columbia.

Representatives from Scott City, East Prairie, Dexter, Malden, Perryville, Poplar Bluff and Sikeston will attend the 36th annual community betterment conference Oct. 17 through 19.

This week, judges will visit cities and neighborhoods entered in the betterment competition.

Judging will be based on the following criteria:

-- Community Development Environment. Emphasis will be placed upon the community betterment organization, community involvement, communication, coordination-cooperation, leadership, leadership development, community attitudes and recognition.

-- Community Development Process. Judges will evaluate the critical elements of the community development process, which include assessment, goal-setting, planning and implementation.

-- Accomplishments. Judges will look at the communities' achievements, the magnitude of the project, its impact on the community and the community's involvement.