March is census month, where the US Census Bureau counts the number of people living in the United States to provide a basis for reapportioning congressional seats, redistricting, and distributing more than $675 billion in federal funds annually that support the State, County and vital services in our community. Indianola Community and Economic Development Director Charlie Dissell tells KNIA News there are several ways residents can participate in the census, including receiving a long form census sheet.

“There is always a long and a short form of the census. The shorter form is just that, it’s short and easy to fill out. The long form will go towards a random sampling of people with more questions to fill to answer such as health and income. If you are doing the short form it shouldn’t take more than a couple minutes to fill out, and will ask you how many people in your household and ages of people along with some other basic questions.”

For more information on the census, tune in to today’s Let’s Talk Indianola.