Hey Answer Girl -

I've noticed that the downtown parking garage in Casper seems a little scary. Is there a really high crime rate in that garage?

- Concerned in Casper

I agree, the parking garage is creepy, especially late at night when no one is around.

But it turns out there's not a lot to worry about. The parking garage is, at least from a crime-rate standpoint, relatively safe.

Although police receive several calls from concerned parkers every year, the calls are not usually about major or life-threatening crimes.

Of 17 related calls in 2007, only a few incidents involved people or vehicles at all, and none were violent. One citizen assist call came through, two reported hit and run accidents, and one was for a refuse fire. (That probably means a smoker accidentally torched the trash with a cigarette butt.)

While this leaves little to fear for the general population, pedophobes - people with an extreme fear of children - should probably stay away from the parking structure. Four instances of graffiti, two sign thefts, and four "juvenile problems" (skateboarders and loiterers) in 2007 suggest rampant adolescence.

The most serious crimes in '07 were two stolen vehicles and one auto burglary, during which valuable items were taken from a car. That's not exactly a crime wave. Far more vehicle thefts and auto burglaries occur elsewhere in the city.

So, even though the garage feels scary, I feel better knowing the statistics. If possible, I'll continue to park the Answermobile on the street, but I won't be so nervous the next time I have to use the garage.

Hey Answer Girl -

When will I get my Stimulus Payment rebate check from the IRS?

-Overtaxed Patience

According to Cheryl VonRiesen, coordinator for the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program in Casper, the IRS will send Stimulus Payments automatically beginning in May.

If you're a single taxpayer, you should receive $600, and $1,200 goes to couples who file taxes jointly. Children will earn recipients an extra $300.

All you have to do to ensure you'll receive your payment is file a 2007 income tax return. Those who don't have any tax liability (low-income workers or people who receive Social Security or disability compensation) are eligible for a payment of $300 ($600 for joint returns) if they had at least $3,000 of qualifying income in 2007 and they file a 2007 tax return.

If the thought of free money excites you, promptly turn in your tax return forms. I'm buying a Nintendo Wii with my rebate check - my personal way of boosting the economy.

Ask Answer Girl

Answer Girl is designed to help you with any questions you may have about Casper, the universe, and everything else. No question is too�tough nor toilsome for Answer Girl. You can also submit questions for Answer Girl, either by emailing {M7megan.lee@trib.com or posting them at Answer Girl's blog at my.trib.com/MeganLeeReporter/blog3.

Free tax help

*Casper College, Thorson Business Building, Rm. 124/125, Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

*Casper Senior Center, 1831 E. Fourth St., Mondays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.