CHAMBER READIES TO KICK OFF YARD OF THE MONTH IN APRIL

Planting flowers, mowing the grass and trimming the hedges could lead to "Yard of the Month" honors -- an annual competition sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce.

Yards are honored from April through October. The chamber is accepting nominations for lawns to be considered.

Each month two residential yards and one non-residential yard are selected by members of the chamber's beautification committee. Signs designating the award are displayed in the winning yards and certificates sent to winners.

The committee has designated seven areas of the city and will rotate the awards throughout the growing season among these seven areas. The first section to be honored is in Zone Three, which generally includes land north of Lexington to the city limits.

The committee hopes to generate friendly competition and provide incentives for people to enhance the appearance of their lawns and yards.

To nominate a yard, call the chamber office at (573) 335-3312.