Anthony Jones of the U.S. Census Bureau's Charlotte Regional Office wants to clear up a growing misconception in regard to the census calendar.

In reference to "some inaccuracies in the media concerning the deadline for returning 2010 census questionnaires", Jones said that April 1 was not the final day to submit the information.

"April 1 is merely the reference point people should use when filling out their forms, i.e. how many people were living in your home on April 1, 2010," he said. "People have until mid-April to return their questionnaires. If they have not done so by that point they will be included in our Non Response Follow Up (NRFU) operation and a census taker will visit their home to collect their information. NRFU begins May 1 and continues through July 10."

Those with questions or who need assistance completing the forms may visit one of several

questionnaire assistance centers located throughout the county. The following is a list of area centers and their hours of operation:

* Laurel Hill Community Center, 14940 Church Street, Laurel Hill, 1-4 p.m. M-F (Note: Census forms are available at this site)

* Scotland County Library, 312 West Church Street, Laurinburg, 1-4 p.m. M-F

* Jackson Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Street, Laurinburg, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. M-F

* NAACP/Bright Hopewell Baptist Church, 100 N. Main Street, Laurinburg, M,W,F, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

* 507 West Covington Street, Laurinburg, 12 - 2:30 p.m. M-F

Although some county residents with post office box addresses have not yet received a form in the mail, according to Scotland County Census Liaison Ann Kurtzman, the problem will soon be rectified.

"Numerous calls are coming in from people who have post office box addresses and have not yet received their census forms," Kurtzman said. "If you live at a P.O. Box address, a census worker is scheduled to deliver a census form directly to your physical address sometime before April 12. If you have not yet received a census form by April 12, please call toll free 1-866-872-6868 to request one. Spanish speaking residents are asked to call toll free at 1-866-928-2010."

According to Kurtzman, Scotland County’s rate in the 2010 Census has "inched up overnight" from 51 percent to 52 percent, which remains on par with the national average and two percentage points behind the state's rate of participation.

Scotland County’s participation rate was 56 percent in 2000, compared to 66 percent statewide and 72 percent nationally.

For more information visit 2010.Census.gov.