By Rupert Howell

Local merchants and yard sale shoppers alike should have a nice weekend to take advantage of a small economic upswing if the State Tax Commission’s latest figures are a true indicator of a better economy and the weather man’s predictions hold true.

The most recent figures indicate February sales tax collections were up five percent in Batesville over last February’s collections, an increase not seen in many months.

Further positive indicators include the city’s Economic Development Tax, a three percent tax of restaurants and motels, which was up an unexplainable 21 percent for the month of March.

Many Yard Sale Mania participants, a promotion sponsored by The Panolian for readers advertising yard sales, took advantage of a “rain check” and postponed their sales until this weekend and several local businesses are marketing their wares for “Mother’s Day” sales.

Some of those marketing  Mother’s Day  and graduation gift specials in these pages are the Tan Shop, John’s Jewelry, Bobbie Decor, Kay’s, Southern Creation, Candle Shoppe, and Verri Vine.

Flint’s Hardware is celebrating 121 years as Batesville oldest store with a sale on the Batesville Square with their neighbor, Dale Copeland Jewelers, piggybacking on their neighbor’s anniversary while marketing their Mother’s Day and graduation gifts.