Create a new variable based on flag indicator

[westbestern]

I have towns in a dataset flagged with "*" or nothing (" ")

I want to create a new variable called location where "*"= "north" and " "= "south"

When I do this code, it codes " " to "south" but not "*" to "north" 

data class4.water;
if flag="*" then location="north";
else if flag="" then location="south";
run; 

Why is that happening? What can I do in my code to fix it? 

[Astounding · Accepted solution]

This step works as it should.  There is no SET statement, so no data is being brought in.  I hope you have a way of re-creating CLASS4.WATER, because running this program just wiped it out, replacing it with a single observation and no data other than what you are observing.

[tarheel13]

need to post data so we can help.