Southwest Missouri News

usiness caters to transporting pets

When Fido needs groomed or doctored and his owner doesn't drive, it's a doggone problem, according to Marge Brown. She and her husband, Wes, opened Browns' Small Animal Transport to serve Joplin and a 100-mile radius surrounding it.

"A lot of elderly people, especially, can't get their pets in for grooming," said Marge Brown. "We felt there was a real need for this. We've combined our two loves, animals and traveling."

The business operates 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Animals must be in carriers or on leashes. The business specializes in transporting animals to and from veterinary appointments, grooming salons and kennels. For more information, call 206-2723.

International eatery opens on Main Street

"The best of the East and the West meets in my restaurant," says Nicasio Baguilat, who opened Nikki's Table at 2412 Main St. A native of the Philippines, Baguilat operated a restaurant, Calesa, there. The business was frequented by artist Sam Butcher, the sculptor of Precious Moments' figurines. In 1990, Baguilat moved to Carthage to work for Precious Moments. Baguilat's chef, Juanito Magat, also moved to the United States. Baguilat said the two decided to return to the restaurant business. They remodeled the former Butcher Block restaurant in preparation to opening Nikki's Table. Oriental, Spanish and French dishes are on the menu. Prices range from $6 to $20. Lunch is served 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. daily. Dinner is 5-9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. The restaurant is open until 10 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

IRS event seeks to solve taxpayer problems

The Internal Revenue Service will hold a Problem-Solving Day for Joplin-area taxpayers noon-6 p.m. June 23 at 302 S. Joplin St. People who need answers to tax questions and other problems with the federal agency will be able to meet face-to-face with IRS officials. Appointments can be made at 800-401-3073.

Hook Up Inc. names new VP of operations

Connie LeMaster has been promoted to vice president of operations information systems at Hook Up Inc. LeMaster has been employed in Hook Up's corporate information systems department since November 1995. She is a graduate of Missouri Southern State College with a degree in computer science.