PHOTO CONTEST UNDER WAY FOR MISSOURI STATE MANUAL

The 1997-98 edition of Missouri's official state manual will include the winning entries in a photography contest being held this summer.

The theme is "Missourians at Work and Play -- In a Land of Beauty."

Entries must be postmarked by July 15.

Secretary of State Bekki Cook said the theme should give photographers an opportunity to submit a variety of photos showing Missourians at work and play, as well as scenic shots.

"We think providing photographs of Missourians and Missouri in 1997 will not only be enjoyable for current users of the manual, but it will also provide an important historical record for the future," she said.

The state manual or "Blue Book" provides information about state government.

The new edition, the state's 61st, is to be published this fall.

This is the sixth time a photo contest has been conducted for the Blue Book. Former secretary of state Roy Blunt organized the first contest in 1987. A similar contest was held in 1989. For the last three state manuals, a "Vanishing Missouri" contest was held seeking historical photographs from around the state.

The photo contest is open to all Missourians. There is no limit on the number of photos that can be submitted, but each must be accompanied by an entry blank.

Entry forms for the contest may be obtained by writing to the secretary of state's office or visiting its web site.

The address: Official Manual Photo Contest, Office of Secretary of State, P.O. Box 778, Jefferson City, Mo., 65102, or from the Secretary of State's web site. The address: mosl.sos.state.mo.us

A team of judges will select a grand-prize-winning photo.

The winning photographer will be awarded a special certificate, meet with Cook, and receive a personalized copy of the state manual. Other photographers who have photos used in the manual also will receive special certificates.