Today's Feature

Blunt Urges Filing for Stimulus Check.

The IRS will send letters to eligible taxpayers this summer explaining the stimulus payment eligibility and how to claim it. The letter will include a sample tax form and an actual tax form that people can completed and mail to the IRS. The IRS will continue accepting tax forms through October 15th. To qualify, request a 1040A-3 packet from the IRS’s website at www.irs.gov, the Joplin field center at 402 South Main Street, or the Springfield office at 3333 South National Avenue and complete the required sections. Missouri residents should mail their paperwork to the Department of Treasury IRS Service Center in Kansas City, Missouri 64999-0099

Blunt said. "Many seniors and disabled veterans aren’t required to file taxes each April because of their annual income, but they still might qualify for a stimulus check from the federal government if they mail a simple form," Blunt said. "Congress knows that Americans are feeling the pain caused by mounting expenses of everyday life and need relief. That pain is felt the most by those on a fixed budget."

Missourians that have already filed their taxes will automatically be processed to determine if they are eligible for a stimulus benefit. But, those residents receiving Social Security, railroad pensions and veterans’ benefits as well as taxpayers who do not make enough to normally file a 2007 tax return still have time to qualify for their stimulus check. Anyone making at least $3,000 of qualifying income in 2007 is still eligible to benefit from the economic stimulus package.

The IRS will send letters to eligible taxpayers this summer explaining the stimulus payment eligibility and how to claim it. The letter will include a sample tax form and an actual tax form that people can completed and mail to the IRS. The IRS will continue accepting tax forms through October 15th. To qualify, request a 1040A-3 packet from the IRS’s website at www.irs.gov, the Joplin field center at 402 South Main Street, or the Springfield office at 3333 South National Avenue and complete the required sections. Missouri residents should mail their paperwork to the Department of Treasury IRS Service Center in Kansas City, Missouri 64999-0099

Chautauqua Continues.

Today’s Chautauqua events will begin at 2:00 p.m. in the Carthage Public Library, 6th & Garrison with a performance by Jeffery Smith portraying P.T. Barnum. This program will discuss not only the spectacles but also the ways Barnum shaped modern advertising and entertainment. Presentation intended for adults.

This evening at 7:00 p.m. Jeffery Smith will give a second performance as P. T. Barnum, in the Carthage High School Auditorium, 7th & Main, Carthage, Missouri at 7:00 p.m. Musical entertainment will be provided by Baled Green & Wired Tight, traditional and bluegrass band.

On Saturday at 2:00 p.m. Jeffery Smith will present "Humbugs" at the Powers Museum, 1617 West Oak Street.

Saturday’s events will continue at 7:00 p.m. in the Carthage High School Auditorium with Hank Fincken portraying Thomas Edison. Program entertainment is to be provided by the Heartland Band, the Carthage community band.

Now that ya got all the junk outa your garage, it’s time ta start the auction circuit. With all that extra room, you can start accumulatin’ those items that ya really need.

I’m guessin’ most of the excess stuff that gathers ‘round the home place comes from those bargain’ boxes they always put together at auctions. One good thing in a bushel basket for a buck. Along with it comes miscellaneous parts for someone’s lawn mower, microwave, and a sideview mirror off a ‘67 Honda (broken of course).

If ya get lucky someone will recognize another gem in your basket and buy it for fifty-cents. Just too good to pass up. They don’t want the basket, you still get to haul it home. Ya finally realize the basket is worth more than ever’thing in it.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’

artCentral

ART NOTES from Hyde House

by Sally Armstrong, Director of artCentral

The judge for our current Membership Exhibition here at artCentral was Jan Hyde of Springfield. Jan has had her gallery in the historic district of downtown Springfield, on Walnut Street, for over 20 years. She has been, for that time, in the business of selling art and representing artists. Jan told me that she was the first studio to begin the monthly First Friday Art Walks in Springfield which began with her gallery and few people. Now, with 26 galleries participating, the downtown draws thousands each month to the restaurants, clubs and galleries of the area, which translates into dollars for the businesses. She is contacted regularly by cities wanting to begin Art Walks, wanting information on how to begin one. Most recently, she counseled with persons from Joplin for this reason. Paducah, Kentucky revitalized their historic district, she told me, by advertising in artist publications all over the country. They showcased their blighted historic district of unoccupied buildings and historic homes, as cheap real estate to artists for living and studios. Artists came and filled the spaces, improving the area and bringing in restaurants and shops. It was a win-win for everyone! She is currently in the process of "simplifying her own business" by cutting back a bit, and beginning to paint more herself, which she very much prefers and enjoys. We thank Jan for giving her time to artCentral this week, and her winners chosen are as follows: First Award and $300.00 is presented to Joplin sculptor M. Justin Hale for his work "EDEN", carved from found-wood, a honey locust tree part of large size. This piece also took a first at SPIVA this year. Second Award and $200.00 is presented to Bill Perry III of Joplin for his photograph "THE WORKER". Bill currently has a large photography show at a new gallery in Westport in Kansas City, which opened this past week as well. Third Award and $100.00 is presented to Jasper artist Dan McWilliams for his large oil painting "LATE NIGHT AT THE ARLINGTON HOTEL". And finally, Beth Simmons, representing McCune-Brooks Regional Hospital chose the Underwriter’s Award, presenting it to Mary Lou Reed of Sarcoxie, for her acrylic painting "RED BARN". We congratulate these winners are proud that they represent all of the fine artists, both professional and amateur, that entered this show. Our thanks to all of you!