Naomi M. Wilkerson – Benton

February 12, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Naomi M. Wilkerson, 87, of Benton, passed away Feb. 10, 2015 at her home.

She was born in Benton, IL on July 30, 1927, the daughter of Everett and Allie (Midyette) Dawson.

She married Ezra Wilkerson on Oct. 28, 1944, and he preceded her in death on March 29, 1999.

Mrs. Wilkerson first worked at General Electric, then Sangamo Electric and also at several sewing factories. She enjoyed cleaning houses for people until she was 80 years old.

Mrs. Wilkerson was a member of the Christopher Church of Christ.

She is survived by one daughter, Linda Roberson, of Benton, and one son, Mike and Teri Wilkerson, of Benton; five grandchildren, Luke Roberson and fiancee Samantha, of Sunray, TX, Courtney Roberson, Morton, MS, Corey Wilkerson, of Benton, Drake Lebrun, of Benton, Jacob Wilkerson, of Benton; sister Ruth Whitlow, of Kankakee and brother Glenn Dawson, of Thompsonville.

Mrs. Wilkerson was preceded in death by her parents, husband, by a son-in-law Mike Roberson and by five brothers, Gale, Glenn, Seldon, Evan and Ivan Dawson.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with George Marshall officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be after 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Filed Under: Obituaries

H & R Block: What parents need to know about filing taxes

February 12, 2015 By Leave a Comment

What Parents Need to Know for Filing Their Taxes

The IRS calls your little bundle of joy a dependent, and with good reason. Even before that baby arrives, you should be aware of how Uncle Sam will be her uncle as well. There will be some nice tax benefits in the years to come. Before that can happen, your new baby will need to have a Social Security number assigned. The good news is that most hospitals have the paperwork all ready for you, and a few days after you bring baby home, their social security card will arrive. Don’t worry, you’re not already planning for their retirement; you need this number to enter on your tax return, to claim your new dependent.

block adThe child tax credit is worth up to $1,000 for each qualifying child. This credit can be both a nonrefundable and a refundable credit. The refundable portion of the child tax credit is called the additional child tax credit

To qualify for the child tax credit, both of these must apply:

  • The qualifying child must be under age 17 at the end of the year.
  • The qualifying child must be one of these:
    • U.S. citizen
    • U.S. national
    • U.S. resident

Divorced and separated parents

The parent who claims the child as a dependent is eligible to claim the child tax credit. This is true even if the parent’s filing status is married filing separately.

Income phase-out

As your modified adjusted gross income (AGI) increases, the child tax credit begins to phase out. The credit is reduced $50 for every $1,000 — or portion of $1,000 — that your modified AGI is more than:

  • $75,000 if filing as single, head of household, or qualifying widow(er)
  • $110,000 if married filing jointly
  • $55,000 if married filing separately

For the purpose of this credit, your modified AGI is your AGI plus foreign earned income, if any.

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.

Interaction with other credits

You can’t carry forward any portion of the child tax credit to future years. You need to claim the nonrefundable credits in a certain order to get the most benefit. You might need to calculate other credits first to properly apply the child tax credit.

Additional child tax credit

If your child tax credit is limited, you might be able to claim the additional child tax credit. To qualify for the additional child tax credit, one of these must apply:

  • Your earned income must be more than $3,000 for 2013.
  • You must have three or more qualifying children.

If you have at least one qualifying child, you can claim a credit of up to 15% of the amount your earned income is more than $3,000. If you have three or more qualifying children, you can either:

  • Claim a refundable credit if the net Social Security and Medicare tax you paid is more than your Earned Income Credit (EIC), if any
  • Use the 15% method described earlier

In all cases, the credit is:

  • Limited to $1,000 per qualifying child
  • Reduced by the nonrefundable portion of the child tax credit
Filed Under: Featured

Elwanda Dalton Lockin – Benton

February 12, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Elwanda Dalton Lockin, 88, of Benton, passed away Thursday morning Feb. 12, 2015 in Benton.

wanda 1She was born in Paducah, KY on April 4, 1926, the daughter of Edward Carl and Rose Helen (Ryan) Dalton.

She married George William “Bill” Lockin on August 21, 1949.

Mrs. Lockin was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Benton. Mrs. Lockin was a operating room nurse at Miner’s Hospital in Christopher and then later was office nurse for Dr. J.P. Durham.

Mrs. Lockin is survived by her husband, George William “Bill” Lockin, of Benton; three children, David Lockin and wife Jennie, of Lilburn, GA, Karen Bachus, of Marietta, GA and Jane Hutson and husband John, of Brentwood, TN.

Also surviving are six grandchildren, Matthew Lockin, of Phoenix, AZ, Jonathan Lockin, of Statesboro, GA, Avery Bachus, of Marietta, GA, Meredith Dixon, of Marietta, GA, Madelyn Hutson, Brentwood, TN and Kathryn Hutson, Brentwood, TN; three great-grandchildren, Savannah, Scarlett and Ozzy.

Mrs. Lockin was preceded in death by her parents, by a brother, Robert Dalton and by three sisters, Geneva, Glenn and Ruth.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, February 16 at First United Methodist Church in Benton, with Pastor Shane Smith and Jim Muir officiating. Burial will be in Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton and after 11 a.m. on Monday until the funeral hour at the church.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Our Universities: In Loco Parentis

February 10, 2015 By Leave a Comment

 

By Walter V. Wendler

In loco parentis, “in the place of a parent,” suggests that an organization or institution should or can act toward the benefit of a child in the absence of his/her mother or father. This ancient contract was embedded in English common law and a standard expectation of parents towards schools; and schools willingly accepted the burden of absentee parenthood, at the primary, secondary, and even university levels as an integral part of the educational process.

Walter V. Wendler

Walter V. Wendler

Since late in the 1940’s the inviolability of the concept has been chipped away at by civil libertarians to provide constitutional protection and liberty to students at every step of the educational ladder. In the 1960’s, a number of “adult citizen” freedoms, speech and assembly for example, were placed on universities through acts of the courts and legislatures at the state and national level, that limited in loco parentis, almost killing it. But, the concept still breathes.

Student-as-child and student-as-citizen create conflicting forces that are nearly impossible to navigate. Here are five perspectives.

One: A university rarely encourages structure on behavior from a moral perspective, which would be seen as restrictive and illiberal, yet expects faculty members to report all discussions of possible sexual crimes to authorities through covenant. Current law, The Cleary Act, disallows, for better or worse, a faculty member’s respect for a student’s wishes for a confidential consultation. Is the student a child or an adult? Is the faculty member a parent, teacher, confidant, or law enforcement officer? What is a school? Sexual crimes occur to be sure, but the same acts in a non-student environment under different conditions or circumstances are not equal.  Does this inconsistency create confusion?

Two: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) require institutions to treat students as adults; talking to a parent about a student’s academic performance is illegal without written permission, even when the parent is footing the bill. The same concept governs if binge drinking is suspected. However, The Cleary Act mandates that if a faculty member talks to a student about a reportedly non-consensual sex it must be disclosed to authorities, but whether it can legally be shared with a parent is unclear. Rape, whether fueled by a night of drinking, or a pathological indifference to anyone’s interest other than a perpetrators demand for immediate self-gratification, is a felony: Rape is rape, on- or off-campus. Yet, in the face of convoluted logic, universities are accepting responsibility to act as parents and police, moral and legal roles respectively, in fear of losing federal funding in accordance with The Cleary Act. It seems you can have it both ways. Does this baffle you as much as me?

Three: Intervention in personal decision making cannot be institutionalized. And for the stalwart few who insist on trying to communicate the positive benefits of personal moral perspectives that don’t excuse criminal irresponsibility by adults — silence is a condoning force — be prepared for a barrage of criticism. You will be branded a Neanderthal. Brow beating a particular perspective into students is foolishness, but sharing experiences through moral perspective can be educational. We all have one, and it should be shared as a cogent aspect of the teaching/learning process.  Is this mysterious?

Four: Universities are not special places where rule of law is suspended and students are treated extra legally, or like children through the tradition of in loco parentis.   In the case of Dixon v. Alabama a clear and appropriate argument was made that students should be afforded the same access to due process as any adult citizen. Does this translate to a faculty member being required to report a case of sexual misconduct? Why is a citizen on the street not required by law to do the same? What makes the relationship between the faculty and the student special and limited to some areas of life, and off limits or subject to required state intervention in others? Is this a solvable puzzle?

Five:   Students are adults and should be afforded the same rights, responsibilities and privileges thereto appertaining. Not quite. When a fraternity or sorority breaks campus rules, usually they break civil laws too, yet are seldom prosecuted as criminals, except in the most egregious cases, but rather expelled or suspended from school. The protection of students as special status citizens works to break down personal responsibility for actions and undermines the purpose of the university. If in loco parentis is seen as detrimental to the rights of students, it should be eliminated in whole and if that be the case, the need for student discipline hearings and equally extra-legal exercises would vanish.

Faculty and staff are not cops and courts. Students should enter the criminal justice system for violations of law. Or be law abiding citizens and enjoy the benefits of freedom, like studying.   Can you have it both ways?

Have we allowed in loco parentis to become just plain loco?

Filed Under: Columns, Opinion

Franklin County Farm Bureau News – FARM BILL, SECTION 179 & WOTUS

February 10, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Gay Bowlin, Manager

Doug Yoder was in the office on Tuesday giving a Farm Bill update. There is not much time left to make your decision on what you will be doing with your farm ground. February 28 is the deadline to make your decisions and all paperwork must be competed and signed by all parties.

Gay Bowlin

Gay Bowlin

I cannot even begin to explain any of this in a short article so the best thing to do if you have not done this or if you have questions is to call the FSA office at 438-4021 ext. 2. You can go to www.ilfb.org/farmbill for more information.

So far this month, corn prices are averaging $4.13 vs. last year’s $4.62.  Soybean prices this month are currently averaging $9.58 vs. last year’s $11.36. We still have the remainder of February to go. I know that some of you out there reading this think that farming is a “money making” machine. These falling prices show that farmers are not making the amount of money now that they did last. If you take into consideration that the cost of literally everything is going up including the cost of fuel and seed and machinery then farmers are making much less per acre.

U.S. House Republican leadership put H.R. 636 on the schedule for today (Friday February 13th).  The bill makes the Section 179 small business expensing option permanent at $500,000, indexed to inflation.  IFB is also supporting permanent deductions for charitable contributions of food and for donations of conservation easements.

The Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act of 2015 (H.R. 594) now has 143 cosponsors, including six Illinois republicans — Reps. Bost, Kinzinger, Schock, Shimkus, Rodney Davis, and Hultgren.  We expect to hear in the coming days about a bill that will be introduced in the Senate.  Several Illinois environmental groups are using Twitter and other social media to encourage our elected officials to stay off any anti-WOTUS bill that is introduced in the Senate.

For those of you who are using TWITTE we will need your assistance in the coming days to remind Sen. Kirk of his strong past statements against EPA over-regulation and encourage him to sign on to the #ditchtherule effort.   We will also continue to focus on Sen. Durbin and all members of the Illinois delegation.

The Franklin County Farm Bureau has many businesses giving discounts and/or support to our members. Here are just a few:

Benton Dairy Queen – 1218 N Main St, Benton, IL (618) 439-3378

  • $1.00 off round of mini-golf or $1.00 off a Royal Treat (not valid with other offers)

The Wild Trillium – 807 Public Square, Benton, IL (618) 435-3744

  • Local Artisans – unique gifts – follow us on Facebook for special “party” information

Extreme Auto Care & Service – 210 W Main St, Benton, IL (618) 438-0024

  • Free detail with service work of $300 or more – 10% senior discount (55 and over)

West Frankfort Bowl – 108 E Poplar St, West Frankfort, IL (618) 937-9096

  • Free drink with purchase of meal or free shoe rental with paid bowling

Rhino Linings of Southern Illinois – 1201 W. Webster, Benton, IL (618) 438-6144

  • 10% off Rhino and Accessories (not valid with other offers)

For more information on joining the Franklin County Farm Bureau please call our office at 435-3616. There are many more discounts available to anyone who has been a member in good standing for at least 30 days. So don’t wait – call or come by and join now. The savings are amazing and it is a great organization.

Remember we are farmers working together. If we can help let us know.

Filed Under: Columns, Opinion

Obituary – Kathryn Ada Lewis – Marion, IN (formerly of Sesser)

February 10, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Kathryn Ada Lewis, 87, of Marion, IN, passed away February 7, 2015

Kathryn, formerly of Sesser, IL was a true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.

She faithfully served her family as a wife, loving mother, grandmother and sister. Kathryn graduated from Sesser High School where she met her husband Leslie. L. Lewis who she followed in passing. She was also proceeded in death by her daughter, Sheryl Ann. She will be sadly missed by her loved ones: Dennis Lewis, son, June (Robert) Everling, daughter, Leslie Kay Lewis, granddaughter, Katie Everling, granddaughter, Cody Everling, grandson, Alexis Antrim, great granddaughter.

 

Kathryn was an accomplished seamstress, compassionate pianist, and charter member of Sunnycrest Baptist Church. Kathryn and her husband were local business owners for over 30 years in Marion (Marion Plywood and D & L Health Foods). She gave back to her community by helping with the Marion Easter pageant for many years.  She enjoyed rummaging, playing cards, crafts, cooking and traveling. Kathryn cherished her family and the time spent with each of one of them.

In Honor of her life, the family will be hosting a “Home Going Celebration” on February 11, 2015 at  Horse Prairie Church in Sesser, IL. Visitation starting at 12 p.m. and the funeral service at 1 p.m.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home of Sesser, IL.

Special Thank You to her caregivers, Family Care Hospice, Needham Storey Funeral Home and Chaplain Don Miller.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Obituary – Elizabeth “Betty” Dees – Coello

February 10, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Elizabeth “Betty” Dees, 79, of Coello, IL, passed away Feb. 7, 2015 at Herrin Hospital.

She was born Jan. 9, 1936 in Dowell, IL, the daughter of Dorris Hickman and Helen (Probst) Hickman.

She was a secretary at Christopher High School and a member of Coello Baptist Church.

Betty was married to Donald Dees and he survives in Coello.

She is survived by two sons, John and Kimmy Dees, of Coello and Bryan Dees, of Coello; grandchildren Daniel Dees and Derek Dees and step granddaughter Michele Dees; a brother James Hickman, of Alabama.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Betty’s wishes were to be cremated with no services.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, IL is in charge of arrangements.

For more information visit gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Obituary – Rose Marie Patten – Benton

February 10, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Rose Marie Patten, 86, of Benton, passed away Monday evening Feb. 9, 2015 at the Stone Bridge Living Center, in Benton.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Kurt Sanders officiating. Burial will be in Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington. Visitation will be after 11 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

For those who wish, memorial contributions can be made in Mrs. Patten’s memory to First Christian Church, in Benton.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Robert J. Kirkpatrick – Sesser

February 9, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Robert J. Kirkpatrick passed away February 7 due to heart complications at Barnes Hospital with his family at his side.

Robert Kirkpatrick PictureHe was born January 15, 1927 in Sesser, IL where he attended schools. He was the son of William Virgil Kirkpatrick and Freda Atchison, and was raised by his grandparents, Harve and Maggie Atchison.

Bob married Lucille Underwood on July 27, 1950 and they have celebrated 64 years of marriage. Bob served as an Army Staff Sargent at end of WWII assigned to General MacArthur’s Headquarters in Manila and Japan. His 10 year career as a Railway Postal Clerk ended after a rail car accident. He enrolled in college and completed his BS in Accounting and Business from Southern Illinois University in three years. Bob became a Senior Bank Examiner with the FDIC, and eventually became President and Chairman of the Board, Bank of Sesser.

In the mid-60s he survived a near-fatal car accident which did not slow down his service to the community. Bob completed 30 years on school boards including Rend Lake College. He and Lucille were dedicated members of Sesser United Methodist Church. Bob served as Lay Leader and Finance Chair as well as Chair of Conference Finance & Administration. Having moved to Mt. Vernon, they became members of the First United Methodist Church there. Recognized for his continuous contributions, Robert received the Liberty Bell Award, Outstanding Chamber Member, and 2007 Distinguished Alumni Award for Sesser-Valier Schools.

Wearing many hats, he was Sesser Masonic Lodge Secretary for 35 years, honored as a 33rd degree Mason, and had active leadership roles over 50 years in the Ainad Shrine and Illinois Scottish Rite. Bob was a lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion.

Bob and Lucille loved to travel, visiting the vast majority of the U.S. and many parts of the world. In past years Bob spent time with WWII veterans and participated in an Honor Flight to DC.

He is survived by sons and wives Keith and Becky Kirkpatrick of Valparaiso, IN; and Rick Kirkpatrick & Jayne Sanders of Denver, CO; and daughter and husband, Kathy and Al Johnston of Galva, IL. There are six grandchildren (with spouses): Colin Kirkpatrick & Logan Wince, Burbank, CA; Jamie & Angela Kirkpatrick, Mackinaw, IL; Meghan Kirkpatrick, Chicago; Tyler & Beth Johnston, Galva, IL; Karly Johnston, Kewanee, IL; Troy Kirkpatrick, Carbondale, IL; great-grandchildren under two: Camden Johnston and Finch Kirkpatrick. He is survived by sisters Phyllis Corona, Helen Galloway, Virginia Brachear; and large numbers of close relatives including Wilbur & Winnie Van Horn and Aunt, Sadie Lewis. He is preceded in death by siblings Michael O’Sullivan, Terry O’Sullivan, and Susan Callihan.

Robert Kirkpatrick loved and was deeply dedicated to God, his family, his community, and his country.

Visitation will be on Friday, Feb. 13 from 5-to-8 p.m. at Brayfield Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser and on Saturday, Feb. 14, 10:00-1:00 p.m. at Mt. Vernon First United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be at 1:00 with burial to follow at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser. Memorial gifts may be made to Shriners Hospital St. Louis, Sesser United Methodist Church, or Mt. Vernon First United Methodist Church.

Filed Under: Obituaries

If you have tax questions – Benton’s H & R Block has the answers

February 8, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Staff Report

Regardless if you have a question or if you’re ready to file your taxes Benton’s H & R Block is your one-stop location for all your tax preparation needs. H & R Block can provide you guidance in making the decisions that go along with annual tax preparation.

Laurie Smith is one of the longtime employees at the Benton H & R Block. I In all H & R Block employees have more than 140 years experience in tax preparation.

Laurie Smith is one of the longtime employees at the Benton H & R Block. In all H & R Block employees have more than 140 years experience in tax preparation.

Some commonly asked and important questions are:

Should I itemize or use the standard deduction?

It depends. Choose the method that results in the largest deduction for you.

The value of your itemized deductions might be more than the amount you’ll receive as a standard deduction. If so, you should probably itemize. If you’re subject to Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), you might want to itemize even if the standard deduction is more.

Otherwise, it’s usually better to claim the standard deduction. Don’t forget to take the state’s tax results into consideration when making your choice.

block adWhich homeowner deductions are available this year?

Some deductions available for homeowners include:

  • Mortgage interest deduction
  • Real property tax deduction
  • Mortgage insurance deduction

Each deduction requires you to pass certain tests. Review each deduction to ensure you qualify for it.

You might make improvements to your home to increase energy efficiency. If so, you might qualify for an additional credit.

If I claim the standard deduction, should I also report my itemized expenses and donations?

Yes. You should tell us your itemized deductions, including donations to charitable organizations. This helps determine if the standard deduction is the most beneficial to you.

You should also keep a record of your itemized deductions. You can carry over deductions to future years if your adjusted gross income (AGI) isn’t high enough use the whole amount this year.

Which items qualify as other itemized deductions?

Other itemized deductions that you can claim include:

  • Gambling losses, but only to the extent of gambling winnings reported on Form 1040
  • Casualty and theft losses of income-producing property from Form 4684 or Form 4797
  • Loss from other activities from Schedule K-1 (Form 1065-B)
  • Federal estate tax on income in respect of a decedent
  • Amortizable bond premium on bonds acquired before Oct. 23, 1986
  • Deduction for repayment of amounts under a claim of right if over $3,000
  • Certain unrecovered investment in a pension
  • Impairment-related work expenses of disabled person

How does depreciation affect itemizing deductions?

h & r 1 - 2-09Depreciation shouldn’t affect your itemized deductions if you’re either of these:

  • Sole proprietor
  • Farmer

This applies whether you itemize on Schedule A or claim the standard deduction.

If you’re a sole proprietor, report your depreciation deduction as a trade or business expense. Report it on your Schedule C.

If you’re a farmer, use Schedule F.

You’ll claim depreciation as an itemized deduction if both of these apply:

  • You’re an employee.
  • You’re claiming depreciation as an unreimbursed employee business expense.

You’ll use Schedule A to itemize. Your depreciation deduction is subject to the 2% of adjusted gross income (AGI) limit. So, use depreciation when deciding whether to itemize or claim the standard deduction.

Benton’s H & R Block, located at 101 West Main St., is ready to help you with your taxes regardless if you have questions or if you’re ready to file. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Call the office at 618-439-4641.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Featured, Uncategorized
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