In honor of the county’s 200th birthday, Independence County Judge Robert Griffin is asking for ideas and designs to be submitted for a county flag and a county seal.
“I spoke to Justice Keith Harmon this morning about a need both of us had wondered about,” Griffin said in a statement today. “It is something we need to address. Since COVID-19 has changed our 200th birthday celebration plans, we do have a need for a county flag and, separately, a county seal. In checking with our historians, all are unaware of either a flag or seal existing. I would ask all interested persons to submit ideas and a design for both of these. The winning submission will be determined by the quorum court.
The judge said those wishing to “…become a part of the history of Independence County” can make submissions until Aug. 1. He added he’d like the winning entry to be determined in time to display on Oct. 20, the county’s 200th birthday.
“Both of these are separate, and anyone can submit their ideas for either or both,” Griffin said. “Our history needs to be represented. We are a county that has agriculture of various types: row crops; livestock and poultry; forestry, greenhouses; orchards; and perhaps others. We have varieties of industry, processing, institutions, and businesses. We have hiking, outdoor activities, rock climbing, hunting, trapping, fishing, and an abundance of diverse wildlife. We have two rivers, the White and Black, that play into our history and day to day life. The White River transverses our county from west to east.”
Griffin said he hopes to see healthy participation from county residents.
“Especially, I hope students will want to be an important part of our next 200 years with the chance of becoming the Independence County ‘Betsy Ross.’ I hope that the honor of becoming part of the beginning of Independence County’s next 200-year history as the creator of a flag and a seal is a great incentive.”
For more information or to submit your creation, contact the Independence County Judge’s Office, 192 E. Main St., Batesville, AR 72501. The office number is (870) 793-8800.
“I can’t wait to see your visions of our history and future,” the judge said.
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