Volunteers needed for tax assistance

If you're good with numbers and and know how to compute taxes, you could serve a beneficial role during the coming tax season. Volunteers are needed in the McCook area to assist low income and elderly citizens with their income tax returns.

Lee Petsch, who has served as a tax assistance volunteer for more than 20 years, said there is an increasing need for volunteers because of the difficulty of wading through the tax reporting requirements.

If you are interested in helping, you are asked to call Petsch at 345-6071. Although the tax season is three months away, Petsch said volunteers are needed now so training sessions can be arranged.

The tax assistance program is sponsored by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). During tax season, Petsch conducts weekly sessions at the McCook Public Library for taxpayers needing help with their returns.

Tax volunteers also meet with taxpayers at the Heritage Senior Center and other locations by request.

Remember: If you are willing to volunteer your time as a tax preparer, give Lee Petsch a call at 345-6071. "It's a very needed service," he said. "Your help would be greatly appreciated."

Have You Moved?

If you've moved since the last election, you will need to re-register to vote in the upcoming general election. That reminder comes from Pauletta Gerver, the Red Willow County Clerk.

"If you have moved, your name will not appear on the Precinct Election Register and you will be delayed at the polls," she said.

Oct. 15 is the deadline for mailed-in voter registrations and Oct. 22 is the deadline for registering in person to vote. The clerk cautions those who have moved: "Don't wait until the last minute" to re-register.

Long-time registered voters -- who have not moved -- do not need to be concerned. Their registration remains in effect.

Outstanding Concert

McCook's Community Concert season is off to a great start thanks to the versatile talent of the Barbary Coast Dixieland Band. A full house gathered at the Fox Theater Monday night for the first performance of the 2003-04 concert season. The crowd thoroughly enjoyed the show, which included old favorites as well as Dixieland music. Three shows remain in this season's series, which is a special treat for a town this size in the middle of America.