Local census jobs available

— In preparation for the 2010 Census, the United States Census Bureau is hiring local workers and will be testing applicants in Decatur and Gentry this week.

The agency conducts a census of the population every 10 years to help determine how federal funds are spent on things like roads, parks and other public services as well as determining representation in government.

The Census Bureau is looking for temporary workers to fill positions as census takers, crew leaders, crew leader assistants and recruiting assistants.

The agency prefers to use local people to conduct the census in their home area, according to recruiting assistant Cheri White-Drain. Census workers usually work in their own neighborhoods or communities personally interviewing respondents. Assignments can last several weeks.

Census takers work between 20 and 40 hours a week, often during times when people are home, such as evenings or weekends. In most cases a valid driver’s license and the use of a vehicle are required.

Crew leaders train, supervise and review the work of census takers on their team, and recruiting assistants serve as local representatives who get the word out about census jobs in the communities.

Applicants are required to take an employment test consisting of 28 multiple-choice questions designed to measure the skills and abilities required to perform a variety of census jobs.

Applicants must be at least 18 and are asked to bring two forms of identification.

Testing will be held at 2 p.m., Dec. 2, in the Decatur City Hall and at 9:30 a.m., Dec. 5, in the Gentry Public Library.

More information is available by calling 866-861-2010 or locally at 479-717-5310. Information and practice tests are also available online at www. 2010censusjobs.com.

Local Kids’ Club getting underwayFrom Staff Reports

The Gentry Church of God (Holiness) is starting a Kids Club. This will be a special time of games, fun, crafts and learning for children ages 5 through 12. The first club meeting willbe held Dec. 3. Club meetings will be held each Thursday evening from 6 to 7:30 p.m. (except Christmas Eve). Club meetings will be led by Jeannie Merkley. For more information, please contact Pastor Dan at 787-5787.

News, Pages 10 on 12/02/2009