New tax credit causes confusion among some

Some area workers may have noticed a few more dollars in their latest paycheck and it's creating confusion for some.

The Making Work Pay Tax Credit that was part of the $787 billion stimulus legislation recently passed by Congress is reducing tax rates for single individuals earning less than $75,000 and joint filers earning less than $150,000, resulting in extra cash this year and in 2010. Single people will receive an additional $400 and married couples will see $800 in their paychecks spread over pay periods.

The federal government issued new tax withholding tables that enables employers to take less money out of their workers' paychecks. Married couples where both spouses work or single people with more than one job could owe additional money in taxes at the end of the year.

Michael Devine, spokesman for the Internal Revenue Service, said a person with multiple jobs or married couples who both work may want to submit a revised W-4 to ensure enough withholding is held to cover taxes for the filer's income. He suggested using the IRS Withholding Calculator at www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96196,00.html to find out the amount the person or couple needs to increase their withholding.

"This easy-to-use calculator can help you figure your federal income tax withholding so your employer can withhold the correct amount from your pay," Devine said. "This is particularly helpful if you've had too much or too little withheld in the past, your situation has changed, or you are starting a new job."

n Quizno's closes in Jackson: Last week was a bit disheartening for fans of two area restaurants. Jimmi's Restaurant and Bar at 2406 William St. in Cape Girardeau closed March 14, followed by Quizno's sandwich shop at 2003 E. Jackson Blvd. the following day.

"Any time a business goes out you hate to see them leave, especially if it's a restaurant," said Jackson Chamber of Commerce executive director Brian Gerau. "We will do our best to fill that spot."

n NAPA Auto Tire and Parts is remodeling showroom: If you've driven past 212 S. Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau lately you may have noticed a few changes happening at NAPA Auto Tire and Parts.

NAPA Auto Tire and Parts is remodeling its exterior and showroom. Among the features of the showroom will be a 1920s truck from Georgia, a mural detailing some of the company's history, a gas pump, a Coca-Cola display and a part of an 18-wheeler that will look like it is coming out of a wall. A fresh coat of paint and a few other changes to the exterior will draw attention to the store, company officials said Tuesday afternoon.

The new showroom is expected to open in April and separate grand openings are scheduled for NAPA's customers and the public in May. NAPA Auto Tire and Parts, which recently opened its 40th location, is also having a 100-day sale of its products.

n Nash Road industrial building sold to logistics company: A Cape Girardeau-based trucking and logistics company has acquired a former liquor distribution warehouse property at 4240 Nash Road. Morningstar Logistics bought the 36,500-square-foot former Moon Distributing building, according to Tom Kelsey, commercial broker with Lorimont Place Ltd., who handled the recent sale. Morningstar, a company owned by the Meystedt family who also operate Genesis Trucking Co., provides trucking, inventory and storage services, mostly to the manufacturing and industrial sector.

Kelsey said this is another example of how interest in buying or leasing commercial space in the area is still at decent levels even during the current recession.

n 30-and-older club opening in April: Henry Carter said he thinks with so many bars catering to students from Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau is lacking a venue for those 30 and older to hang out. By the beginning of April, Carter thinks that void will be filled with the opening of Alexander's of Cape.

"The 30 and up crowd don't have a place to relax in a stable and secure environment without worrying about the younger crowd being around," said Carter, who recently moved from Kansas City, Mo. "We studied the demographics and came to the conclusion people in that age group needed a place like that."

The bar and club, exclusively for people 30 and older, will play R&B, jazz and blues. Patrons will have the option of watching Alexander's big-screen TVs and playing dominos, checkers and pool. The hours will be 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Monday through Sunday at 433 S. Sprigg St.

Carter also hopes to eventually offer scholarships to school-aged children.

"Instead of taking back, we're wanting to give away," Carter said. "For the community to grow we need to educate our people. They are our future, and education is the key to their success."

n Former Thorngate employee starts consignment shop: Since Crystal Backfisch of Benton, Mo., lost her job at Thorngate, she has been searching for supplemental income. Backfisch thinks she's found the answer with the April 2 opening of As Good As New consignment shop at 1233 Old Cape Road in Jackson, 579-3186. Hours will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Backfisch told me the shop will sell clothing and household items.

"I have three kids at home and it's one of those things where every little bit helps," Backfisch said. "I've seen other consignment shops do well in this area especially during this economy. Though this will be a learning experience since I've never opened one before. So we felt this was the right time."

n Cape Electric Supply acquires Fisk utility company: Cape Electric Supply has acquired Delmo Electric, a utility supply company located in Fisk, Mo. Delmo becomes the 20th operating location for Cape Electric Supply, whose headquarters is in Cape Girardeau.

First opened in 1978, Delmo is a natural fit and extension for Cape Electric Supply's coverage to utility customers in a large part of its primary market area, said Bob Garrett, vice president of sales. With a staff of nine employees including president Bill Mosbey, Delmo specializes in providing electrical utility products for municipalities, electrical cooperatives and investor-owned utility companies.

Founded in 1953, Cape Electric Supply also purchased Electrical Sales Engineering based out of Bowling Green, Ky., in July.

n Jackson lands new thrift store: Safe Harbor Thrift Store plans to open April 4 at 3860 E. Jackson Blvd. in Jackson. Proceeds from the sale of items such as clothing, furniture, housewares, books, jewelry and collectibles will benefit the Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary in Jackson. Donations also will be accepted at the thrift store, which is run completely by volunteers. For more information, call 243-7387.

n Insurance agency moves: Millers First Insurance Agency has moved its Cape Girardeau office to the Crossroads Plaza at 97 North Kingshighway, Suite 9. The Millers agency provides insurance for personal automobiles, homeowners, renters and recreational vehicles. Representative Terry Gohn may be contacted at 335-0312.

n Chamber chief Mehner turns 50: Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce president and chief executive officer John Mehner turns 50 today. If you see him around town, send him your best wishes.

Southeast Missourian business reporter Brian Blackwell may be reached at 388-3628 or bblackwell@semissourian.com.