2000 Long Form Census Released.

The United States Census Bureau released 813 tables of social, economic and housing characteristics for Missouri from the 2000 Census on Aug. 27.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the data portrays the most accurate and complete census in the history of our country. Uses for the data are invaluable to decision-makers in everything from expanding and relocating businesses, to school administrators making decisions on where to put schools and plan for future enrollments.

"The detailed data contained in this report will serve as benchmarks for state and local planners for the first decade of the twenty-first century," said Tom Keohan, business and industry specialist, University of Missouri Outreach and Extension. "Because of this release, practitioners will have at their finger tips information for projecting future changes in our economy, especially in the financial markets and retail industry."

The summary data (commonly referred to as Summary File 3) is based on the responses to the 52-item census long-form questionnaire delivered to 19 million households.

Of the 813 files being released, 484 population tables cover subjects like marital status, grandparents as caregivers, language and ability to speak English, ancestry, place of birth, entry, migration, place of work, commuting to work, school enrollment, and educational attainment.

There are also 329 housing tables providing information on topics including number of rooms, household size and occupants per room, heating fuel and value of home.

Tables are available by state, county, county subdivision, place, census tract, congressional district, and ZIP Code. Fifty-one of the tables are repeated for nine major race or ethnic groups.

To access the new census information, visit any of these websites: http://www.census.gov, http://mcdc.missouri.edu or http://www.oseda.missouri.edu.

Went to a 60th wedding anniversary celebration recently. Seein’ as how it was my parents, I was thinkin’ that was a lotta years to be married, but then got ta figurin’ I’d been around for a good portion of ‘em.

A friend a mine came that I’d known for forty years. The church where folks gathered was built when I was five or so. Folks were talkin’ bout how long the buildin’ had served the community and what good shape it was in. Nobody mentioned that I looked as good as I did back when I first sat in the pews and squirmed through the service. I did really appreciate the padded pews they have now. Some things are better than they used ta be when they were new.

Just ta paraphrase my grandad, there’s no disgrace in gettin’ older, just inconvenience.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Carthage Printing Services

YOUR AMERICA

By Amy Anderson

September brings us a dearth of fall festivals honoring all kinds of foods and other agricultural products, as well as arts and crafts. If you are looking for something a little bit different, here are some places to start:

Handyman Mania in Denver: In a Habitat for Humanity contest, teams gather to build complete bathrooms in 8 hours or less. Held at Skyline Park in Denver, the "mania" also includes musical entertainment, food, arts and crafts, and games for the kids. Check it out on Sept. 21-22 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more info, contact www.handymanmania.com or call (303) 434-9511.

Mississippi Delta Blues and Heritage Festival in Greenville, Miss.: The tastes, smells and sounds of the Mississippi Delta come alive Sept. 19-21 in a weekend of celebration held in the cradle of Blues. Top names and top talent perform, and when there isn’t something fantastic to listen to, feel free to stuff your face with home-cooked red beans and rice and fried catfish — two Delta favorites. Held from noon to 10 p.m. in Festival Park. For more info, contact www.deltablues.org or call (888) 812-5837.

Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, Ky.: Whether you like yours on the rocks or in a glass neat, on Sept. 18-22 you’ll get your fill of the world’s best bourbons and world-class entertainment to boot. There are many events, and surprisingly, there is a lot for the kids to do — from historical tours and re-enactments to hands-on displays and supervised crafts. Don’t miss the barrel-rolling competition, in which contestants roll 500-pound barrels for speed and accuracy, or the Master Distiller’s Auction, where you might be able to snag a bottle of the good stuff. Held at locations in and surrounding Bardstown. For more info, contact www.kybourbonfestival.com or call (800) 638-4877.

International Horse Archery Festival in Fort Dodge, Iowa: Archers focus the forces of speed, strength and accuracy into an art. In Fort Dodge on Sept. 5-8, you’ll see this art in action. Masters come from around the world to showcase their talents both with a bow and arrow, and on horseback. There are demonstrations, as well as lectures and discussion groups. A kids’ day will be held on Sept. 7. For more info, contact www.horsearchery.org or call (515) 573-5996.