Salukis set for five-game tournament in Mexico

February 25, 2015 By Leave a Comment
SIU (2-5) at Triple Crown Puerto Vallarta College Callenge vs. Northern Colorado (3-4), BYU (9-6) and Nevada (3-12)
 Date Feb. 26-28, 2015
 Location Puerto Vallarta, Mexico — City Stadium
 SIU Games Thursday, Feb. 26: SIU vs. Northern Colorado // 4:30 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 27: SIU vs. BYU // 2 p.m. | SIU vs. Nevada // 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 28: SIU vs. BYU // 11 a.m. | SIU vs. Nevada // 1:30 p.m. | All times Central | Home team in italics
 Live Stats Dependant on internet availability. Follow @SIU_Softball on Twitter for links and in-game updates
 Weekend Previews Southern Illinois | Northern Colorado | BYU | Nevada | Triple Crown
 Statistics Southern Illinois | Northern Colorado | BYU | Nevada | MVC
 Social Media @SIU_Softball   |  @SIU_Softball   |  Saluki Softball 

 

FAST FIVE

  1. SIU has never played BYU or Nevada, and this is just the second meeting between Southern and Northern Colorado.
  2. In both of their wins, the Salukis have won the game in their last at bat. Shaye Harre hit a walk-off RBI single in a 4-3 win over UMBC on Feb. 6, and a Harre grand slam and Sydney Jones two-run home run in the top of the seventh against Morehead State allowed Southern to overcome a 6-2 deficit in the final at bat and win 8-6.
  3. Katie Bertelsen pitched her best game of the season against No. 5 Kentucky on Feb. 13. Bertelsen allowed just two earned runs in the 5-2 loss to the Wildcats.
  4. Two of SIU’s top four hitters are true freshman. Savannah Fisher is leading the team in hitting at .357, and Sydney Jones is fourth on the team at .286. Jones has started all seven games for SIU, and Fisher has played in all seven games and started five.
  5. Despite losing five starters, SIU returns four of its top five hitters from last year’s team. Jayna Spivey was the team’s top hitter in 2014 at .337, but Shaye Harre (.329), Kelsey Gonzalez (.328), Kalyn Harker (.313) and Merri Anne Patterson (.292) had the next four highest averages on the team.

FOR STARTERS

The Salukis head to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, for the Triple Crown Invitational to face Northern Colorado, BYU and Nevada. SIU has never played BYU or Nevada and has only played Northern Colorado once, a win. SIU faces Northern Colorado on Thursday, Feb. 26, before facing BYU and Nevado both on Friday and Saturday.

Southern Illinois…

  • is outscoring its opponents 7-0 in the seventh inning, with all seven runs coming in its two wins.
  • overcame a four-run seventh-inning deficit against Morehead State, scoring six runs in the seventh to win 8-6.
  • had only one home run in the first 39 innings of the years. SIU has three home runs in the last eight innings (2 in seventh vs. Morehead State, one in sixth vs. IUPUI).
  • Was picked fourth in the preseason MVC poll.

SCOUTING THE NORTHERN COLORADO BEARS
Northern Colorado has won three of its last five after an 0-2 start to the season. The Bears have played just twice since the season’s opening weekend, splitting a pair of games against Creighton last weekend. The pitching staff has held UNCO’s opponents to four or fewer runs five times, including a pair of shutouts.

SCOUTING THE BYU COUGARS
BYU is off to a 9-6 start to the season thanks to a potent offense. The Cougars are hitting .307 as a team, thanks to four hitters batting better than .390. Gordy Bravo (.469), Lacey Hofstedt (.419), McKenzie St. Clair (.414) and Coco Tauali’i (.394) are the only Cougars hitting better than .275, but their production (66 of team’s hits) has made up for BYU’s lack of power (on four home runs in 15 games).

Did you know?
True freshmen Sydney Jones and Savannah Fisher enter the tournament each on a five-game reached base streak, the longest figures on the team.

SCOUTING THE NEVADA WOLFPACK
Nevada has struggled to a 3-12 start and has lost six-straight games entering the tournament. Nevada was a 25-win team a year ago but has struggled against a challenging schedule early on. The Wolfpack went 0-5 last weekend but played at the Mary Nutter Classic, one of the most prestigious tournaments in the country that drew 25,000 fans over four days. Nevada has played No. 2 Oregon tough, losing 12-8, and beat No. 25 Cal State Fullerton 6-5 on Feb. 13.

CARDIAC KIDS
Southern Illinois has won both its games in dramatic fashion. Shaye Harre hit a walkoff RBI single to beat UMBC 4-3 on the season’s opening weekend. SIU trailed Morehead State 6-2 heading into the final frame before putting up six runs, including a grand slam by Harre and a two-run homer by Sydney Jones, to beat Morehead State 8-6. SIU is outscoring its opponents 7-0 in the seventh inning this season, with all seven runs coming in the two wins.

FRESHMEN CONTRIBUTING RIGHT AWAY
SIU has gotten big contibutions in the lineup from true freshmen Sydney Jones and Savannah Fisher. Both freshmen have reached base in five-straight games entering the weekend, and both are among the top four hitters through seven games. Fisher leads the team with a .357 average, and Jones is fourth at .286. The duo scored both of SIU’s runs in a 5-2 loss to No. 5 Kentucky, with Jones tripling in Fisher before scoring herself. Fisher ranks 13th in the MVC in batting average and seventh in slugging percentage (.714), and both Fisher and Jones lead the MVC in triples per game (0.14).

BERTELSEN SHINES AGAINST TOP COMPETITION
SIU senior pitcher Katie Bertelsen has pitched her best games against the best competition throughout her career. Late last season, Bertelsen faced eventual MVC champion Wichita State, which led the league in 10 offensive categories. Bertelsen shut down the Shockers in a 2-1, allowing WSU to go just 4-for-24 against her. Against No. 5 Kentucky, which is coming off a Women’s College World Series appearance, Bertelsen pitched her best game of 2015, allowing just two earned runs in a complete game in a 5-2 loss.

EVERYONE CONTRIBUTES
All 17 players on SIU’s roster played in its 8-6 win over Morehead State. All 14 position players have at least one start this year, and 16 of 17 players have started at least one game. The only player without a start is senior pitcher Alyssa Wunderlich, who has yet to give up an earned run in 2015. All 11 players with at least seven at-bats has recorded a hit.

Lineup Quick Notes
 00 Sydney Jones True freshman…5G hit streak…3H on opening weekend…Game-winning 2R HR vs. Morehead State…3B, RBI, R vs. #5 Kentucky
 1 Merri Anne Patterson 2015 MVC All-Tournament team…2-4, 2 RBIs w/ runners in scoring position…Hit .324 in 2014 final stretch as regular starter
 2 Brook Womack Started six of seven games…1-3, 2R vs. IUPUI…Singled in first official collegiate AB…Multi-hit games vs. MIA(OH) & ILS in 2014
 5 Lacey Newbold 92 career games & 15 career starts…7 stolen bases last year…10 career stolen bases…Scored 28 career runs
 6 Savannah Fisher True freshman…5G reached base streak…3–5, HR on opening weekend…Team-best .357 batting average
 7 Kelsey Gonzalez 2R HR in 6th vs. IUPUI to give SIU the lead…Improved BA by .118 from Fr. to So. yr (.210 to .328)…MVC POW (4/28/14)
 10 Caylee Cook 55 career games & 29 career starts…3 doubles and 2 HRs, both in 2014…2-4 in most recent game (vs. Morehead State)
 12 Kalyn Harker Second-team All-MVC in 2013…Two-time first-team MVC Scholar-Athlete….995 career fielding %…116 career starts…10 2B in 2014
 17 Kara Kimball Played in 144 career games…7 career stolen bases…58 career runs scored…1-for-6 in career…Started twice at 3B in 2015
 23 Jessica Heese True freshman…Two-time first-team All-State honoree in HS…Hit .648 as a senior…Top 10 in state in seven hitting categories as Sr
 24 Alyssa Wunderlich Two-time honorable mention MVC Scholar-Athlete…23 career Ws…4.24 career ERA…262.1 career innings…0 ER in 1.2 IP in 2015
 25 Shaye Harre Second-team All-MVC in 2014…Game-tying grand slam vs. Morehead St…Pitching W & walkoff RBI vs. UMBC…Hit .329 as a FR
 27 Katie Bertelsen Second-team All-MVC in 2014…32 career wins…32 career complete games, including 20 in 2014…CG, 2 ER vs. #5 Kentucky
 28 Taylor Harris 54 career games and 16 career starts…Went 3-for-4 with 3 RBIs against Texas A&M Corpus Christi in 2014….333 career OBP
 32 Jessa Thomas Started 4x at C in 2015..Caught 2 of 4 base stealers in 2015…1.000 FLD%…2-out double started three-run rally vs. UMBC
 33 Meredith Wilson 2-time 2nd-team All-MVC (2012, 13)…138 career starts…25 career doubles…Two 2-out RBIs vs. Ohio St…Career-best .455 OBP
 59 Savanna Dover True freshman…First career win came vs. Morehead State…5 Ks vs. Ohio State (2/7)…4 career HS no-hitters
Team Outscoring opponents 14-6 in 6th and 7th innings…Outscoring opponents 7-0 in the 7th…Out-hit by opposition every game.
 HC Kerri Blaylock Coached her 800th career game–all at SIU–on March 30 @ Missouri St. … Highest Win% among MVC 500-win coaches

HARRE’S WALKOFF ALSO GIVES HER PITCHING W
SIU super sophomore Shaye Harre showcased her two-way ability in Southern Illinois’ 4-3 win over UMBC on the opening day of the season. Harre pitched 5.2 innings, allowing only two earned runs, in relief to help SIU stay within striking distance. After the Salukis tied the game at three, Harre came up in the bottom of the seventh with a runner on second; and she hit a walkoff RBI single to complete her 3-for-4 day at the plate.

SIU COMES THROUGH WITH TWO OUTS
SIU is doing some of its best work at the plate with two outs. Though the team’s batting average is just .220 after seven games, the Salukis are hitting .311 with two outs, and 13 of the team’s 25 RBIs have come with two outs. Seven players have recorded at least one two-out RBI, led by Sydney Jones and Kelsey Gonzalez with three each.

Senior captain Meredith Wilson came to the plate more than anyone with two outs in the opening weekend of the season, and she came through. The two-time All-MVC senior went 3-for-6 with a pair of two-out RBIs–both coming against Ohio State. One of Wilson’s two-out RBIs was a double, the 25th of her career.

Filed Under: Sports

Norma J. Gilbert – Christopher

February 22, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Norma J. Gilbert, 84, of Christopher, a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away Feb. 21, 2015 at Countryside Manor, in Mt. Vernon, IL.

Norma was born Nov. 11, 1930 in Scheller, the daughter of Archie Hicks and Beulah (Ford) Hicks.

She was a homemaker and a member of Christopher Church of Christ. Norma was a great cook and liked to feed people.

Norma married Kenneth Gilbert and he preceded her in death on Feb. 20, 1980.

She is survived by her children, Kathie and Randy Furlow, Christopher, IL, Sharon and Ron Gilbert, of Danville, IN, Roger and Cathy Gilbert, of Dandridge, TN, Kendrea and Mickey Johnson, Mt. Vernon, IL; daughter-in-law Pat Gilbert, of Salem, IL; grandchildren Jason Gilbert, Chad Gilbert, Adam Gilbert, Zack Gilbert, Amelia Clark, Alicia Furlow, Bryan Furlow, Kristin Atchison, Gilbert Johnson, Yvette Johnson, Doug Rhea, Joe Rhea, Jonathan Rhea; great-grandchildren Ashley Gilbert, Natasha Gilbert, Ava Gilbert, Tyler Gilbert, Josh Gilbert, Julia Gilbert, Jaqueline Gilbert, Aubrey Clark, Gregory Clark, Kenny Clark, Sydney Atchison, Sawyer Atchison, Macie Furlow, Cheyanne Rhea, Savanna Rhea, Will Rhea, Madison Rhea and Lily Rhea.

Norma is also survived by two sisters, Janet and Bill Kesler, Christopher, IL and Karen Winget, of Scheller and one brother, Ronnie Hicks, of Scheller, IL; two sisters-in-law Marilyn Hicks, Tamaroa, IL and Betty Hicks, of Steelville, IL. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son Rodney Gilbert, three brothers Delmar Hicks, Jesse Frank Hicks and William Hicks.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 23, 2015 at Knob Prairie Cemetery, located north of Waltonville. Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher, is in charge of arrangements. For more information visit gilbertfuneralhomes.com

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Obituaries

Benton H & R Block – Tax considerations for recent grads

February 20, 2015 By Leave a Comment

By Robert Farrington – Guest Contributor

Congrats grad! You did it – finished school, hopefully found a great job, and are now living your dream. But now that you’re in the real world, it’s time to think about taxes. Yes, taxes. Once a year (at least), you’re going to have to go through all of your finances and file your tax return. It’s not a hard process, and there are a lot of tools to help, but you still have to do it.

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If you’re a recent grad, who went into the workforce instead of graduate school, here are some important considerations to think about when preparing your taxes for the first time.

Credits and Deductions For Your Education Costs

Since you’ve graduated, this is the last year you’ll be able to claim any education costs on your tax return. If your parents aren’t claiming you as a dependent, you may be eligible to receive a credit or deduction for any education costs incurred.

Typically, your school will send you a 1098-T, which will show how much you spent on your education last year. Depending on your income, you could receive the American Opportunity Tax Credit, the Lifetime Learning Credit, or the Tuition and Fees Deduction.

Co-owners (left to right) Terri Page and Pat Wilson, have more than 50 years combined experience to help you with your tax preparation needs.

Co-owners (left to right) Terri Page and Pat Wilson, have more than 50 years combined experience to help you with your tax preparation needs. Give them a call at 619-439-4641 or stop by the office 101 West Main, Benton, IL.

Student Loan Debt

In 2013, 69% of all college graduates left school with student loan debt. The average balance was $28,400 per borrower. However, you may be able to deduct any interest you pay on these loans.

Generally, you may deduct $2,500 or the amount of interest you actually paid, whichever is less. So if you paid $1,500 in interest that is what you’ll deduct. If you paid $4,000 in interest, you will only deduct $2,500. This deduction can help lower your taxes.

Health Insurance

As a recent grad, you also need to make sure you have a qualifying health insurance plan. In college, you may have been able to stay on your parents’ plan (or until you turn 26 years old).

billionsHowever, if you’re no longer on your parents’ plan, you need to have a qualifying health insurance plan or you could face a penalty, which could be hundreds of dollars depending on your income.

If you don’t think you can afford health insurance, see what plans you may be able to afford and if you qualify for a subsidy at healthcare.gov.

Start Saving For Your Future (and Saving on Taxes)

Finally, once you get a job, you should start saving for retirement and saving on taxes at the same time. Many employers offer 401k or 403b plans to their employees, which not only help you save for retirement, but also help you save on taxes each year since the contributions are made pre-tax and reduce your taxable income.

If your employer doesn’t offer one of these plans, there are other options, such as an IRA. The bottom line is that you should not only be saving for the future, but you should also look at taking advantage of tax-deferred accounts to allow your money to grow tax-free.

Filed Under: Featured

Nada Darlene (Gray) Thompson

February 19, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Nada Darlene (Gray) Thompson, 62 passed away on February 16, 2015 at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Oklahoma.

nadaNada was born on August 10, 1952 to Malcolm and Eunice (Winget) Gray. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers Charles Gray and Del Gray.

She is survived by two daughters Angela Perry and her husband David Perry of Nashville, TN, and Rachel Sisney and her husband Joshua Sisney of Mulkeytown. Nada also had four grandchildren Anthony, Makayla, Mallory and Simon.

Angie and Rachel would like to say thank you to their extended family, Pam Thompson and Melissa Nettles for being there and taking care of their mother during her time of need.

Funeral services will be on Sunday February 22, 2015 at 2 p.m. at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Sunday February 22, 2015 from noon until the time of the service at 2 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the family and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

Ronald Joiner – Benton

February 17, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Ronald Joiner, 74, passed away Monday, February 16, 2015 at his home in Benton, IL.  Shortly before his death, he took one last trip with his son around Rend Lake. Laughter filled his home as he reminisced with family and friends about the “good old days.” Most importantly, he said his last “I love yous” to those he cherished most.

ron joinerBorn January 20, 1941, to Brown and Memmeth Joiner, Ron was one of five children.  He was preceded in death by his brother, Paul Wayne (Brenda) Joiner, and sister, Cleona (Donald) Lance.  Inevitably, a fishing tournament and card game began upon his arrival to Heaven.  He will be greatly missed by sister, Carolyn (Dave) Pedigo, and brother, Donald (Paula) Joiner.

On July 11, 1959, he married Linda (Stritzel) Joiner. Together, they raised three children: June (Jim) Zinck, Richard Joiner, and Kevin (Regina) Joiner.  His children were fortunate to have a Dad who could fix most any car, who was never too old to ride a dirt bike, and an avid follower at each football game.  He went on to welcome four grandchildren:  Jamie and Joshua Zinck, and Ashley (Phillip) Lyell and Lindi (Andrew) Webber.  His grandchildren remember a Grandpa who made “looking for deer” an adventure, peanut butter a food group, and in his late 50’s, proved to be not too old to skateboard or roller skate.  Most recently, he was thrilled to have met and held his new great-grandson, Grayson Webber.

On January 19, 2003, he married Jo Ann (Hall) Joiner.  In this union, Ron was blessed in adding Jo Ann’s three sons to his family: Steve (Linda) Brown , Kevin (Laura) Brown, and Jeffrey (Lisa) Brown.  He was honored to be naturally welcomed as family, and became Grandpa to, Natalie, Kris, Dusten, Jessica, Kelsea, Jonathan, Brandtlee, Elissa and great grandchildren Katlyn, Jailyn and Lily Grace.

Ron was a proud member of the First Baptist Church of West City and a proud member of United Mine Workers of America, retiring as a coal miner from Old Ben Mine 21 in Sesser.

Due to health complications in recent years, Ron was undoubtedly thankful to have been in the care of incredible doctors and nurses. The family would like to recognize Dr. William Hayes, Dr. Chen, and Dr. Chong.  Ron loved his “girls at Davita”, and valued his visits with Bi-County Health nurses.  He could always count on Ike Crnokrak for a ride to any doctor or hospital in the Midwest and Brother Bert Mitchell for spiritual peace. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of West City.

Friends may celebrate a life well-lived on Saturday, February 21 , from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Brayfield- Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, IL.  Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Burial will follow at Hammond Cemetery with Brother Burt Mitchell officiating.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Gale Lee Lyell – Benton

February 17, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Gale Lee Lyell, 67, of Benton, IL passed away Feb. 16, 2015 at Good Samaritan Regional Health Care, in Mt. Vernon, IL.

She was born on Feb. 25, 1947 at Christopher, IL, the daughter of Ralph C. DuFour, Sr. and Alice (Kirkpatrick) DuFour, who both preceded her in death.

Gale was a homemaker.

She is survived by children, Starla Grizzell, Elkville and Ann Flowers, Christopher; grandchildren Michael Flowers, Dylan Grimes, Jordan Grizzell, Zachary Lyell and Tyler Lyell; sister Diane Webb, Sesser and brother Ralph DuFour, Zeigler.

She was preceded in death by her parents and by one brother, Timothy DuFour.

A memorial service will be held on Friday February 20, 2015 at 7 p.m. at Gilbert Funeral Home, Christopher, IL with burial in Zeigler Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 6 to 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations can be to the family to help with expenses. Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is in charge of arrangements. For more information visit gilbertfuneralhomes.com

 

Filed Under: Obituaries

Steve Camden – Benton

February 17, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Steve Camden, 57 passed away February 14, 2015 at his home.

image1Steve was born to Irvin and Dorothy (Buckner) Camden.

He is survived by his wife Debbie Camden of Benton and his mother of Benton. They had two children Lisa and Thad Logsdon of Sesser and Stephen Bryan and Mandy Camden of Sesser. Grandchildren Brian, Chelsea, Tori, Beau, Dalton, Dylan. Two brothers Barry and Thea Camden of Dahlgren and Kenny Camden of Benton. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his Father.

He was a member of the Stormrider’s and was known as Tin Man. He was also a member of the UMWA and was retired from CONSOL mine. He was a Veteran of the Army.

He loved riding his Harley and spending time with family and friends, he will be sadly missed by his family and friends and all that loved him. Especially his little buddy Rocky.

His wishes were to be cremated.

A memorial service will be on Thursday February 19, 2015 at 7:00 P.M. at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Nathan Dilliner officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday February 19, 2015 from 5:00 P.M. until the time of the service at 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the family and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Top 10 Tax Audit Triggers from Benton H & R Block

February 17, 2015 By Leave a Comment

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Top 10 Tax Audit Triggers

1. High Income

In this case, it’s simply a matter of “follow the money.” Assuming any individual is as honest as the next, the IRS is likely to have a higher payoff by auditing returns of higher income people. While the overall audit rate is just over 1% of returns filed, a tax return showing over $200,000 of income has nearly a 4% chance of getting audited.

2. High Charitable Deductions

The limit to what you can deduct in charitable contributions is fairly high, as cash deductions to qualifying charities can offset up to half your taxable income. To take charitable deductions, you must have documentation in hand before you file. Contributions of over $250 must be documented by a receipt with specific details spelled out (amount of the donation, value, even if zero, of any goods or services given in return) and in hand before the return is filed, whether it be the normal date or with extension. If you have your supporting documents, don’t fear being a philanthropist.

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 3. Certain Activities

A number of professions are looked at a bit more closely by the IRS, perhaps because they combine high income potential with an easy ability to accept cash. These include doctors, attorneys, auto dealers, cab & limo operators, and gas retail store owners. For all these professions, it’s a matter of keeping good records to show you’re not hiding income.

4. Failing to Report Income

If you are a W2 employee or receive income on 1099s as a contractor, the IRS gets notified of this income as well. When these documents arrive in the mail, there’s no excuse for misplacing them, as the IRS has this data as well. If your reported income adds up to less than what the IRS shows you earned, an audit may follow. You may not receive a 1099 if the amount earned is under $600, so your total earnings may be higher than the IRS sees. But that’s OK, you need to report it anyway.

5. Home Office Deduction

The IRS regulations require “that a home office must be used regularly and exclusively for business and the limit tied to the income derived from the particular business.” The current Form 8829 is a 43-line exercise of one’s math skills and patience. For many people, the lack of a separate exclusive area disqualifies their home office deduction.

6. Real Estate Rental Losses

If you are a real estate professional, you may use losses from your real estate to offset other income. The IRS offers a narrow definition of “professional” – it applies only if more than half of the personal services you performed in all trades or businesses during the tax year were performed in real property trades or businesses in which you materially participated, and if you performed more than 750 hours of services during the tax year in real property trades or businesses in which you materially participated. If you don’t qualify as a pro, your losses may only be limited to offset any income from the properties but no more. In this case the loss may be carried forward until used or until the property is sold to someone not related to you. Claiming a loss when you are not a pro is a red flag to the IRS.

7. Schedule C Losses

If you are starting a small business, you might have some losses along the way, and that’s understandable. Unfortunately, the IRS expects that you’ll be reporting a profit in three of five years. If not, the IRS may believe your business is actually a hobby you are trying to write off as a business.

8. Gambling Losses

If you have any winnings from gambling, whether it’s from betting at a horse track, hitting it big at the slots, or those scratch-off tickets at the local newsstand, Uncle Sam is your partner and that income must be reported. Just like a loss in the stock market can offset gains, if you carefully track your losses and keep your receipts, you can use those losses to offset your jackpot money, see Topic 419 from the IRS for more information. If you have no winnings, however, you can’t write off any losses. Claim a net gambling loss for the year, and it’s a potential audit for you.

9. Adoption Tax Credit

This credit is available when you adopt a child into your family, and it’s significant, up to $12,650 for those who qualified in 2012. My friend and fellow blogger Lynnette Khalfani-Cox uncovered a report to Congress showing that 69% of returns that claim this credit are audited. If you adopted a child last year or plan to this year, check out Form 8839 and be sure to have all required documentation on file. Don’t let the threat of an audit let you walk away from a nice tax refund.

10. Missing or Frivolous information

Signature(s), date, Social Security number(s), filing status.  These are items that, if missing, will result in the IRS sending the return back to you, and potentially resulting in an audit. There are times for levity, but there’s no place for humor on your tax return. Even if you’ve paid your tax bill in full, if the return itself doesn’t offer enough information or has writing on it that’s not needed, your return may be deemed ‘frivolous’ and can result in a $5,000 penalty.

Unfortunately, the exact numbers that might trip an audit are a secret the IRS keeps to itself. It’s safe to say that, while there’s nothing you can do to avoid being audited, good record keeping, honest income reporting, and reliable tax software like H&R Block’s will go a long way toward keeping the audit process as painless as possible.

If you’ve received an audit notice and want advice or help from others who have been in your shoes, join us in The H&R Block Community.

The Benton H & R Block, located at 101 West Main Street, is open for business and ready to help. The Benton H & R Block has tax preparers with more than 14o years experience in tax preparation. For all your tax needs or to book your appointment call Benton H & R Block at 618-439-4641.  Office hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Filed Under: Featured

Kristeen Renee Long – Christopher

February 15, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Kristeen Renee Long, 60, of Christopher, IL passed away Feb. 13, 2015.

She was born on Nov. 5, 1954 in Bethalto, IL, the daughter of Grover Fielder and Evelyn (Cruz) Fielder, who both preceded her in death.

She worked as a nurse at West Side Health Care, in West Frankfort.

Kristeen was married to James Furlow then to Mike Long and both preceded her in death.

She is survived by two children, Morgan Furlow, of Mt. Vernon and Garrett Furlow, of Mt. Vernon and by four grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother, Steve Fielder, of Bethalto.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. at Gilbert Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the family. Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is in charge of arrangements. For more information visit gilbertfuneralhomes.com

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Obituaries, Uncategorized

Randall J. Harp – Christopher

February 12, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Randall J. Harp, 60, of Christopher, passed away Feb. 10, 2015 at his mother’s home.

Randy was born June 19, 1950 in Christopher, Il, the son of Darrell Joel Harp and Wilma Jean (Hammonds) Ogilvie, of Christopher.

Randy was a carpenter.

He is survived by one brother, Mark and Rhonda Harp, of Pontoon Beach, IL and several uncles, aunts and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father.

The family held a private funeral service at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015.

Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher, was in charge of arrangements. Burial was in Mulkeytown Cemetery, Mulkeytown, IL.

For more information go to gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Filed Under: Obituaries
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