From a cute drawing of a litter-conscious squirrel to an oil painting depicting a trashy intrusion on a scenic countryside, the community has offered its artistic talents to put some zing in a local campaign to wipe out litter.

The Southeast Missourian has received several suggestions from across the region in its effort to come up with a logo, slogan and mascot for the anti-litter effort.

Suggestions have been sent in various ways, from Post-It notes to e-mail.

One anonymous suggestion for a slogan was: "Litter is everyone's problem. You're the solution." Another, from 7-year-old Aaron Shofner of Jackson, said: "What I would do to help the earth is hang signs that say 'No smoking or littering.'"

Billy Leighton, 10, of Cape Girardeau, submitted a colored-pencil picture of squirrel he named Skippy who is picking up trash. "Don't be mean, keep Cape clean!" is his slogan suggestion.

Leighton, who is in fourth grade at Clippard Elementary, said he was inspired to draw the picture after seeing some other students throwing trash from the school bus.

"I think it makes the neighborhood look ugly," he said.

Jake Wells, grandson of late artist and university art department chairman of the same name, spent about 40 hours on an oil painting that shows a potato-chip bag detracting from a country scene of trees and wildlife. Wells, of Cape Girardeau, suggests "Do your part, don't let litter start," as a slogan.

"The concept was man's presence in nature," said Wells, 23, a photographer for Southeast Missouri State University's Web page. "I see trash everywhere, so my conceptual painting was meant to inspire people not to litter."

The anti-litter campaign began in March when the newspaper began to get quite a few complaints about trash accumulating in the area. Then a task force made up of officials from Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Scott City and the Missouri Department of Transportation formed to address issues surrounding litter.

Tracey Glenn, public information officer for the city of Cape Girardeau, is also involved in the anti-litter committee. She said people should remember that it's a regional effort and that suggestions shouldn't be specific to one town or community.

"We want our entire region to look its best," she said.

The campaign is open to the public. Suggestions will be printed in the newspaper, and readers can vote on the on the final versions.

smoyers@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 137