CHICAGO - Sears, Roebuck and Co. may keep open up to 25 percent of its independently owned catalog stores as retail outlets.

The owners of the 2,000 catalog stores - including 53 in Illinois - were told last week they would have to close shop by the end of the year since Sears was pulling out of the catalog business.

Many catalog store owners were angry with Sears' initial announcement last week that it would force all the stores to close.

The company announced Monday it may allow 200 to 500 of the independent owners to stock their stores with tools, electronics and appliances. A decision on which stores might be kept open would be made by March 15, said Sears spokesman Jerry Buldak.

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MARION, Ill. Marion Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. is preparing for increased production, packaging and marketing of the new "Crystal Pepsi."

The company plans to start hiring an undetermined number of employees this month to meet initial production needs of the new, clear, soft drink.

Crystal Pepsi, which includes a diet product, will be introduced by the franchise this month in a marketing campaign, and will be available on a limited basis in cans in vending machines through Feb. 15, said officials of the Marion plant. After March 1 the new drink will be available in all markets served by the Marion franchise and in all type of containers.

The franchise distributes Pepsi products to stores in parts of Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky and Tennessee.

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Lorberg Memorial Funeral Chapel of Cape Girardeau has joined in the campaign to help young people fight the war against drugs.

"We have posters and a video available for all schools," said Betty Kuss.

The posters, "Another Buried Treasure" and "Grounded at Age 16," feature pictures of caskets. The video says: "This is a war we can win. With students' support and guidance, a dream of a drug-free society can become a reality."

Kuss aid the posters and the video provide an effective and powerful message for all students.

Additional information concerning the posters and video is available by calling 335-3223.

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What does the election of Bill Clinton mean to American entrepreneurs?

"Small Business in the Clinton Years," a 190-page book edited by National Federation of Independent Business President and Chief Executive Officer Jack Faris, explores a number of questions concerning Clinton's approach to the economy, health care, labor issues, environmental concerns and other topics.

The book also includes the names and telephone numbers of everyone in Congress.