Dixie Lindstedt, Escanaba, shops Pioneer TV and Appliances in Escanaba for a new refrigerator last week. Lindstedt, who owns Jose Taco in Escanaba, said she might spend her economic stimulus check on a new refrigerator for her business or go on a mini-vacation. (Daily Press photo by Audrey LaFave)

ESCANABA — Some local residents plan on spending their economic stimulus checks from the federal government on new items they would otherwise not have purchased. Others anxiously await their arrival so they can pay their bills this month.

Terry Derouin, owner of Pioneer TV and Appliances in Escanaba, said many people are using the money to buy new TVs.

“A lot of people are upgrading anyway, with the new (mandatory) change over (to digital) in February 2009,” said Derouin. “A lot of people are using (the rebate checks) because that helps them get the new change over TV.”

“We have already seen people coming in and lots of them are buying our six months same as cash deal thinking that their check is already on the way,” said Derouin. “That’s been the big push — upgrading electronics.”

Dixie Lindstedt, Escanaba, is the owner of Jose Taco in Escanaba.