Energy is topic of NMCOG workshop
TRAVERSE CITY -- A workshop on "How Do We Plan for Our Renewable Energy Future" will be held Oct. 30 at the Hagerty Center at Northwestern Michigan College's Great Lakes Campus.
The program is hosted by the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments and will include speakers addressing solar, wind, biomass and hydro-energy opportunities in the region. The program costs $30 to attend which includes lunch. Registration is required and available through Denise Culman at (231) 929-5043.
Grants available for scrap tire use
TRAVERSE CITY -- State grants are available to find new markets and uses for scrap tires in Michigan.
A Scrap Tire Market Development grant program through the state Department of Environmental Quality will offer grants up to 50 percent of the cost to purchase scrap tires to support development of increased markets for scrap tires.
Grants are also available to pay up to half the cost of equipment or research and development for increased scrap tire use.
"These funds will encourage innovation and support the creation of products made from scrap tires here in Michigan," DEQ Director Steve Chester said.
Letters of interest must be received or postmarked by Oct. 17.
Information packets are available from the Scrap Tire Regulatory Program, Waste and Hazardous Materials Division, DEQ, P.O. Box 30241 Lansing, MI, 48909-7741.
They are also available by calling (517) 241-2924 or can be downloaded from the DEQ's Web site at www.michigan.gov/deq
Business exhibits on display in Gaylord
GAYLORD -- The 2008 Business Showcase sponsored by the Gaylord/Otsego Chamber of Commerce will be held Oct. 15 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Treetops Resort Convention Center.
The event will feature more than 60 exhibits from local businesses including resorts and lodges, insurance companies, financial institutions, technology companies and more. The event will also coincide with the chamber's monthly Business After Hours, and both events are free and open to the public.
The Downtown Merchants Association in Gaylord will also hold its annual "Moonlight Madness" event from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. featuring prize drawings and other promotions from local merchants.
Taxpayers eligible for stimulus checks
TRAVERSE CITY -- Representatives of the Internal Revenue Service said there are still hundreds of residents in the Grand Traverse area eligible for economic stimulus rebates who need to file a 2007 tax return to qualify.
The deadline for filing a 2007 income tax return and receiving a stimulus payment is Oct. 15 for taxpayers who filed an extension, or non-traditional filers including Social Security and Veterans Affairs recipients who typically don't file a return.
The IRS estimates there are almost 900 residents in Grand Traverse County who are eligible for economic stimulus payments up to $1,200 who have not filed a 2007 tax return.
"If you want the payment this year, you should file by Oct. 15," said IRS spokesman Luis Garcia. "If you know of a friend, neighbor or family members who may be in that situation, please give them a hand if they need it."
