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WATER, WATER “EVERYWHERE”			Volume 2, Issue 2, February 2010
					Living as IF You Were Dead
Water. Most of the planet is covered with it. Our bodies are mostly composed of it. Too little of it is bad; so is too much. One day the crops are drying up, the next we’re getting our mail delivered by rowboat. And so we spend much of our time and treasure in the sometimes vain attempt to tame this most wild of beasts. While we cannot plan for every eventuality, we can reliably prepare for the most likely rainfall events. When the rain comes; how much is a topic best reserved for the local meteorologist. However, once the water is on the ground, we’ve entered the realm of the civil engineer. The meteorologist has to deal with models based on probability; the civil engineer can rely upon the laws of physics. Simply put, water flows downhill. Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi needed some help controlling their stormwater. Some large rainfall events in early-to-mid 2008 had compromised the existing erosion control measures and had begun to damage the parking areas, levees and drainage structures. WGK worked with the University to secure funding and complete a hydraulic design capable of handling a 25-year storm event. The improved drainage system included rehabilitation of levees, culverts and ditches. One of the most challenging areas included two ditches (one 1,400’ long and one 400’ long) in the center of the University near the football field. These areas needed to not only provide adequate drainage but also look good for all the fans that would be attending the games. While grouted rip-rap is the norm for lining ditches, it is not what one would classify as “aesthetically pleasing.” In order to provide a good-looking, functional drainage system, WGK refurbished the channels using articulated concrete blocks (ACB). ACB’s are interlocking, solid concrete blocks that, when placed together, provide a more uniform appearance while maintaining a similar performance to grouted rip-rap. The completed project provides excellent drainage, protects the surrounding areas from erosion and cleans up what had been an eyesore. While it is a certainty that “into each life some rain must fall”, for the home game fans at Alcorn State University, the rain need not dampen their spirits…or their hubcaps. Before: After: Article & pictures by: Brian Standley, WGK
			In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. - Romans 6:11 What are the things that arouse the strongest emotions in you? Perhaps it is a rude motorist who cuts you off in traffic. Perhaps it is the anger you feel when you are wrongfully accused. Perhaps it is frustration that results from not having enough money to meet perceived needs. When do emotions turn into sin? Whenever our peace is upset over events and circumstances in life, we have moved past emotions into sin. Sin says that circumstances of life now dictate anxiety, worry, fear, or anger. Consider the attributes of a dead man. He does not get angry when slandered. He does not worry about the future. He does not fear what can be done to him. Why? Because he is dead. Nothing can harm a dead man. Christ said we are to live as if we are dead - dead to the temptation of responding to stimuli in our life that are designed to stir up the sinful nature that resides in each of us. We do not have to respond to that nature; we can consider it dead. Christ said He is enough. When He is our all in all, nothing can move us. If we are moved, then Christ is not our all in all.  Sign up to receive the FREE Daily Devotional by clicking on the below link. TGIF Today God Is First Devotional - Subscribe
			Top Ten Ways to AVOID a TAX AUDIT 1. Be good at math. The IRS continually cites bad math as one of the top errors on tax returns. Making math mistakes on your tax return will get you noticed -- and not in a good way. While the IRS will generally just correct your mistake and send you a bill, too many math errors might indicate a level of carelessness that causes your return to be flagged. 2. Don't be too rich. Statistically, you're about six times more likely to be audited if you report over $1 million in income than if you report income of less than $200,000. You're about three times more likely to be audited if you report between $200,000 and $1,000,000 than if you report income of less than $200,000. Does the IRS have it out for the rich? Not necessarily. Those who make more money tend to take advantage of more itemized deductions. 3. Don't be too poor. While the upper class is generally the target of most audits, the other end of the spectrum isn't spared. When examining returns, the IRS is particularly interested in errors related to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a refundable credit that may only be claimed by lower income taxpayers. In 1999, the IRS reported $8.5 billion and $9.9 billion in over-payments related to the EITC. The error rate is about 30%, nearly three times higher than with other social programs. 4. Live within your means. Even if you're not too rich or too poor, make sure your tax return accurately reflects your economic reality. It doesn't make sense for you to report $30,000 in charitable donations on a $45,000 salary -- or home mortgage interest deductions of $10,000 for your $15,000 job. Think about the picture you're painting on your return: Does it make sense? 5. Don't lose money. I've already alluded to the fact that filing a Schedule C may increase your risk of audit. This is because, according to a recent Government Accountability Office report, the IRS estimates that as many of 70% of taxpayers who report net losses on a Schedule C have artificially inflated expenses to create losses. The IRS understands you will have years that are good and years that are not so good. But it likes to think you're in business to make a profit, even if you don't every single year. If, however, you're reporting losses on your Schedule C every year (especially for three or more years in a row), the IRS might question how you're managing to get by. Expect the agency to ask. 6. Remember that you're married (or not). Your marital status is determined as of December 31, 2009. It doesn't matter if you just got married (or divorced) on December 31 or if you've been married (or divorced) for the entire year. You may not file as single if you are still married -- even if you are living apart from your spouse. And you may not file as married filing jointly without the consent of your spouse. 7. Don't claim the wrong number of dependents and exemptions. You may claim a person as a dependent only if that person meets the legal definition of a dependent. Don't claim your cousin down the street just because you may send him or her a few dollars from time to time. If you're not sure who might qualify as a dependent, check out this prior post. Adding or removing dependents from year to year without explanation could cause you to land on the IRS' radar screen.. 8. Report all income. If you've ever used a software package to prepare your tax return, you should have noticed that the program constantly reminds you to enter the information on forms 1099, W-2, and the like exactly as it appears on the form. It's not just an annoying computer generated message -- there's a method to their madness. The IRS makes every effort to match nearly 100% of the forms submitted to them by employers and other organizations. Financial information reported by banks, brokerage houses, and other financial institutions are matched about 96% of the time. This makes your individual margin for error incredibly small. 9. Learn to type. It may sound silly, but handwriting your return may slow down processing and result in a mistake that attracts the attention of the IRS. If the IRS cannot read your return, the return may be rejected. The IRS encourages you to e-file for just this reason; it claims the error rate on e-filed returns is reduced to 1% as compared to nearly 20% on a paper return. This, in the IRS' own words, "means a decreased likelihood of hearing from the IRS." 10. Be normal. You may have noticed a trend with respect to these tips: The IRS doesn't like returns that are different. In fact, it likes norms so much that it has a computer program to make sure you fit them. The program is called the Discriminant Inventory Function System (DIF), and it assigns a numeric score to each individual tax return after it's been processed. If your score varies wildly from the norm, chances are, you'll be flagged. The bottom line: Be smart. But don't cheat yourself, either. Don't let a fear of being audited discourage you from reporting unusual losses or significant itemized deductions that you may be entitled to. Just be sure to keep good records to substantiate those items. It is true that your chances of being audited are increasing. As the numbers of audits go up, take steps to protect yourself. Don't be greedy, keep good records, and check (and double-check) your return. The fewer reasons you give the IRS to take a second look at your return, the better. For more information on ways to avoid a tax audit and on filing your taxes please Click Here.
CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
	Greg Butler, Mayor Morton Mississippi
Greg Butler moved to the City of Morton, Mississippi, in 1975. He is a graduate of Raleigh High School in Smith County, Jones County Junior College and the University of Southern Mississippi where he graduated with a degree in political science in 1975. He also attended and graduated from the West Coast School of Law with an Executive Juris Doctor’s Degree in their non-bar program. For 25 years he was employed with B.C. Rogers, Poultry, Inc. in various management positions. In 2001 he was elected as Mayor and is currently serving his third term. Mayor Butler is married to Rhonda Dukes, a native of Smith County, and together they have three children; Heather Davis, a Licensed CPA who also lives in Morton; Candi McDonnell, a Registered Nurse who lives in Flowood and Todd Butler, an Attorney that lives in Jackson. They have two grandchildren, Dylan and Brynlee Davis. He is a Member of Morton United Methodist Church and serves as President of the Men’s Club, Usher Chairperson and on the Nominations Committee. He is also a Member and the past president of the Morton Lions Club, a Member of the Morton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Chairman of the East Central Mississippi Mayors Association. Mayor Butler currently serves as the Executive Committee member and on the Board of Directors of the Mississippi Municipal League and serves on the Board of Directors of the Scott Regional Hospital and Mid-Mississippi Development District. He is a Recipient of Keep Mississippi Beautiful “Hall of Fame” Award in 2003. He enjoys reading, spending time with grandchildren and watching and attending sporting events. The City of Morton recently won the Community Economic Development Award for populations less than 5,000, sponsored by the Mississippi Economic Development Council.
SUPER BOWL SUNDAY - FEBRUARY 7th Kick-off time - 6:28 p.m. ET			February 14^th is Valentine’s Day
If something is happening in your town/city that you want to include in this section please send me an e-mail at srand@wgkengineers.com
Morton "Day in the Park" Saturday, May 1, 2010 Activities start at 8:00 a.m. Activities for the day include 5K Run/Walk, One-Mile Fun Run, Arts & Crafts, Carnival games for the children, ball games, political speaking, domino tournament, musical entertainment, drawings for door prizes. At 8:00 p.m. The Bellamy Brothers will be in concert. Admission - $2 Location at Farris Municipal Park Morton, MS For more information call (601)732-6252 or (601)732-8609		State Senate District 36 Town Hall Meeting Debate/Forum Monday February 8^th 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Copiah Lincoln Community College Rea Auditorium Wesson, Mississippi Candidates running in the special election for District 36 Senate seat will be present to answer your questions. For more information please contact the Wesson Chamber of Commerce at 601-643-5000		ACEC/MS Day at the Capitol Jackson, MS February 25, 2010 ACEC/MS Winter Meeting Jackson, MS February 25 & 26, 2010 ACEC/MS EEA Awards Dinner February 25, 2010 ACEC Alabama, Louisiana & Mississippi Tri-State Summer Meeting July 15 -17, 2010 Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, Florida www.acecms.org
Antique Car Show Saturday, February 27^th 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Downtown Wesson MS Blood Services will be downtown on Friday, February 26^th and will giving away a free ticket for a BBQ plate for Saturday for those that donate blood. Hammertime BBQ will be selling BBQ plates on Saturday. Registration for the car show is $10.00. For more information please call the Wesson Chamber at 601-643-5000.		Hearts of Gold Gala Saturday, February 6, 2010 Beginning at 7:00 p.m. The Junior Civic League of Clinton will hold the 10^th Annual Hearts of Gold Gala and Drawdown at the Capital Club in Jackson. The evening’s festivities will include heavy hors d’oeuvres, dancing to the sound of Mo Money, and a silent auction which will culminate with the dramatic drawdown for $2,000.00. Tickets are $40.00 each, $80.00 per couple and can be purchased through any Junior Civic League member. For more information please call 601-941-2287.		Wesson Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast February 22, 2010 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Thames Conference Center Co-Lin Campus Tickets are $8.00 Tickets can be purchased from: Copiah Bank Trustmark Bank Co-Lin President’s Office Wesson Ace Hardware Sponsored by: Trustmark Bank (Hazlehurst & Wesson) Wesson Ace Hardware
FRANKLIN COUNTY'S BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION Friday, March 5, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. - Festival Opening in Downtown Roxie Plans call for All American Gathering with Opening Ceremony featuring a full presentation of colors, band concert, children's choir presentation, political speaking, Open Mike for local entertainment, a talent show, children's games in park, hot dogs, cokes, balloons, popcorn, with a grand fireworks finale (all FREE).  Saturday, March 6, 2010 - Joint Festival Between Meadville and Bude There will be a Grand Parade at 10:00 a.m. starting at the high school, proceeding through downtown Meadville, around the Courthouse, to Bude.  Family groups, Churches, Civic Clubs, School Groups, Businesses, Antique Cars, Muscle Cars, Motorcycles, Tractors, Wagons, 4-H and other Horse Clubs, and any other groups are being invited to participate.  Send entries to FC Bicentennial  P.O. Box 400 Meadville, MS 39653. Meadville: There will be local scheduled entertainment (call Rhonda at 601-384-2359 for scheduling), including a concert by the Community Band.  Also planned are Courthouse tours, pet show, church tours, museum tour, Art Show, Quilt Display, Historical Artifacts Display, and organizational reunions in Meadville.  Also craftsmen (wood carvers, arrowhead makers, basket weavers, quilters, or others) are invited to set up and display their craft making skills. Food vendors will be set up around the downtown area. A native American Indian Artifacts exhibit will be in the Library from 10 until 2.  Sports team reunions will be held call Bart Jones at 601-384-7182. A two mile Fun Run begins at 8:00 a.m. and a street dance will conclude the evening activities beginning at 4:00 p.m. Bude: Activities in the Downtown area: There will be a flea market set up along Railroad Avenue, with a band concert and local scheduled entertainment on the platform of the railroad depot.  The entertainment acts will rotate between Meadville and Bude.  The Railroad Depot will house a historical display, focusing on Railroad History and its impact on the county.  Also planned activities are church tours, library tour, home tours, a city hall tour, and at the parking lot of the Health Department, a display of the various firefighting, rescue and emergency equipment in the county, new and old. There will be a full flea market with food vendors set up along railroad avenue.  There will be a Car Show: Antiques, Muscle and Motorcycles.  A mule pull, as part of our logging history is scheduled (call for the time). Concessions will be available for sale. Additional areas and activities:  Franklin County Memorial will have a health fair with health screenings.  The American Legion will sponsor a historic military display and reunion at the Legion Hut; a group will conduct cemetery tours at Midway Cemetery; and the National Forest Service will sponsor a display featuring the history of the development of the Homochitto National Forest in Franklin County Library.   A fishing tournament at Lake Okhissa will be held (call for details). Sunday, March 7, 2010:  Franklin County High School Auditorium: Countywide Church Service All of the county churches are being asked to combine morning services so that we can have a group service at the high school auditorium beginning at 10:30 with a performance by a choir composed of members from area churches.  Followed by Special Speaker Tom Lester, Eb, from Green Acres. The service will be followed by an old fashioned Dinner on the Grounds and the festival will conclude with an afternoon of gospel singing in the auditorium. All free - bring your favorite covered dish or dessert (tea is furnished). For more information please call Debbie Halford at 601-384-7261 or Jill Gilbert at 601-810-2532. Vendors: call Sandy Hester at 601-384-2305.
Newsletter creation by: Sandi Rand - Send comments and/or suggestions to srand@wgkengineers.com