Memo 1/15/07

Center offers free tax preparation

KARNAK, Ill. -- The Center for Economic Progress will offer free tax preparation Feb. 4 for low-income families and individuals. Families with incomes of less than $40,000 and individuals with incomes less than $15,000 qualify for the program. They should bring the following documents all W-2s and 1099s, Social Security cards or individual taxpayer identification numbers for all family members, a copy of 2005 tax return if available, bank account numbers and routing number if choosing to direct deposit the refund and a valid photo ID. Hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Shawnee Development Council Inc., 530 W. Washington St. in Karnak. Questions may be directed to Cheryl Vanderford, executive director of the Shawnee Development Council, at (618) 634-2201.

Course in marketing offered Thursday

A course titled "Marketing -- Think Before You Spend" will be presented at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Cape Girardeau County Extension office in Jackson. Attendees will learn how to identify marketing opportunities and cover the basics of marketing research, competition, customer service, pricing and promotions. Richard Proffer, a business development specialist for the Southeast Region Extension, will conduct the class. To register, call 243-3581.

Mexican restaurant opens in Cape

Muy Bueno, a new Mexican restaurant, has opened at 207 Independence St. in Cape Girardeau. The location is in the strip of stores that includes the Grecian Steakhouse. The restaurant is owned by Gracie and Ruben Quesada. She describes the food as "authentic Mexican. We make it like my grandmother did before me." Gracie Quesada said everything is made fresh, including the tortillas and tamales.

-- From staff reports