BICENTENNIAL COMMISSION TO BE NAMED

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- The city is seeking residents to appoint to a Cape Girardeau Bicentennial Commission.

The commission will begin the research and planning for the celebration of the 200-year anniversary of the city's founding, believed to be in 1793.

City Planner Kent Bratton said the Missouri Senate Calendar indicates Louis Lorimier was granted permission to establish a trading post here Jan. 4, 1793.

Bratton said one of the commission's first responsibilities will be to determine important dates relevant to the city's founding and early development.

The City Council Feb. 18 voted to establish the commission and is expected to appoint interested citizens to the board at its April 15 meeting.

Persons interested in serving on the commission should contact Julie Dale, deputy city clerk, at 334-1212. Information about the commission will be provided for applicants. For more information on the city's bicentennial activities, contact Bratton at 334-4466.