Heard On The Street

10 CENTS ON THE DOLLAR. The state of Missouri in 1997 got a $10 million judgment against Direct American Marketers Inc. (DAMI) for violation of consumer protection laws. This was big, but not novel as 29 other states also have won judgments against the contest-and-sweepstakes marketer totaling $50 million. DAMI has sought bankruptcy protection from its creditors, including those 30 states with claims. The Los Angeles law firm of Weinstein, Eisen & Levine is representing the states together. In a release from the law firm, it said DAMI has offered to settle the states' claims for $5 million. DAMI continues to operate marketing programs around the country.

IT COULD BE WURST. Hermann is set to celebrate this year's Wurstfest March 28-29 in the mid-Missouri town on the banks of the Missouri River. A release from the Hermann Chamber of Commerce stakes claim to the "Sausage Capital of Missouri" title. Visitors will get to sample Leberwurst, Bratwurst, Blutwurst and Schwartenmagen at Stone Hill Winery, and entertainment from dance gurst groups to musical groups will be provided. Saturday features a statewide sausage-making contest in town and Sunday is kicked off with a "whole hog sausage breakfast." Perhaps most intriguing is the Wiener Dog Derby, set for Sunday, with races, fashion shows and a longest wiener dog contest. Call 800-932-8687 for more information.

HERE TO HELP. The Internal Revenue Service office in the Empire Bank Building at 3333 S. National Ave., Ste. 300, will be open 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays through tax day in mid-April. You can pick up forms and publications, get answers and assistance, verify an individual taxpayer identification number and, joy of joys, make payments. "Many people will find it more convenient to visit the local IRS office on a Saturday to get the help they need, rather than trying to fit it into their busy weekday schedules," said Charles O. Rossotti, commissioner of the IRS.

IN THE RUNNING. Roy Blunt and Roseann Bentley announced they will both seek reelection to their respective positions, Blunt as the U.S. representative for southwest Missouri's 7th District and Bentley as state senator for Springfield's 30th District. Bentley announced March 17 at a Tower Club fund raiser (Blunt introduced her) that brought in more than $25,000 in contributions. She said if reelected, she will concentrate on education, young people, lower taxes the "methamphetamine crisis and ensuring less government interference in the people's lives." Blunt, who was first elected to his current position in 1996, serves on the Agriculture, Transportation and Infrastructure, and International Relations committees in the House. Blunt and Bentley are both Republicans.

INSTEAD OF JUST A-WISHIN'. The World's Fishing Fair (not just Missouri's, or the nation's, but the world's) is happening in Springfield March 25-29. More than 150 manufacturers will display their wares in the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World showroom. In addition, attendees can take their pick of seminars from fishing pros Lefty Kreh, Jimmy Houston, Shaw Grigsby and others. And the weigh-in for the Tracker Legends Tournament will take place on the Outdoor World parking lot at 4 p.m. March 26 and 27. Proceeds from a March 27 silent auction will be donated to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

STATE DOUGH. Speaking of Bass Pro, Springfield leaders made a presentation March 17 to the Missouri Development Finance Board about the American National Fish and Wildlife Museum. Mayor Lee Gannaway, chamber President Jim Anderson and Drury President John Moore (also chairman of the board for the museum) talked about the project with the group that issues state tax credits. A release from the Missouri Department of Economic Development said a request of $9 million in tax credits has been expressed to the Missouri Development Finance Board. "We are in support of the project, and we are interested in working with you to help close the financing gap," said Joseph L. Driskill, director of DED and a member of the finance board.

SLICE OF NICE. The YMCA Partners Campaign is seeking donations to provide scholarships that would allow area young people and families opportunities to participate in YMCA programs. Young people and families who qualify are awarded assistance through the YMCA Partners program. For as little as a $45 donation, one young person will be able to participate in the Y's soccer program; $138 provides a child's one-year membership. For more information, call 862-7456.

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