MONEY AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL CENSUS WORKERS, BUT LITTLE INTEREST SHOWN

The federal agency responsible for an accurate population count is looking for enumerators and crew leaders to work in this area between four and six weeks. Enumerators -- people who will make contact with residents in gathering census information -- will be paid $10 an hour while crew leaders -- those who oversee the work of the enumerators -- will be paid $11.50 an hour, according to David L. Hay, recruiting assistant of the U.S. Census Bureau's Cape Girardeau office.

Testing currently is being done for those interested in the jobs. A 28-question multiple-choice test is given on Mondays at Keller Library. The 1-hour sessions (30 minutes for the actual test and 30 minutes to fill out an application) are held at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., Hay said.

Unfortunately, there has been little interest shown by area residents, he said, noting that Monday morning's testing session attracted no one. However, he said a lack of participants was understandable because of the stormy weather.

But Hay is hoping that increasing the awareness of the program -- and the money that will be paid to the workers -- will generate more interest among the public.

Enumerators and crew leaders will begin working the end of March or the beginning of April. The program will last between four and six weeks, he said.

Those interested in taking the test should bring two forms of identification with them, including one form of a picture ID, such as a driver's license. A Social Security will serve as a second form of ID, he said.

No appointment is necessary to take the test, he said.