CAST YOUR BALLOTS FOR CITY FLAG

Citizens of Cape Girardeau don't have to wait three weeks to cast their vote in another city election. But this one isn't official. It is time to choose the design for a new city flag.

The entries -- five for the adult city flag and three for the children's flag -- are currently on display at the Cape Girardeau Public Library. Ballots are also available there.

Voting continues through March 28. People can vote from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Saturdays.

A city flag is certainly not an earth-shattering issue. But such a flag would help build city pride. The flags would be flown at various city locations. The children's flag would be displayed at local schools and other "kid-friendly" sites.

The idea originated in 1992 when a group of students suggested the city needed a flag. The contest was sponsored by the Vision 2000 and Class of 2000.

Go vote. It is a chance for people to have input on a fun project to build community pride.