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Single Copy Cost 50¢ Volume 148 No. 36
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Wednesday, May 4, 2016
How far does the dough go? Study ranks counties by where Social Security goes the furthest By Dave Cook
news@putnamcountyrecord.com
PCR photo/Dave Cook
Ruth Hayward gets active recently at the Putnam County Community Center in Standard.
STANDARD — It’s not easy to make ends meet, especially if you’re one of the many relying solely on Social Security payments. Rather than enjoying their retirement years in comfort, people can easily find themselves in an ongoing financial struggle. To find where Social Security goes the furthest, New York financial firm SmartAsset has conducted its second annual study and released the rankings of the nation’s counties. SmartAsset’s Steve Sabato said, “First we looked at the average Social Security income for each county. Then we calculated the taxes based on the state specific tax rules. We subtracted the taxes from that average Social Security income to determine the net income. “Next, we calculated how far that would go in every county to cover basic necessities. We subtracted the county-level cost of typical liv-
ing expenses from each county’s net Social Security income. Finally, we indexed the results to 100, with 100 showing where Social Security would cover the most needs. Higher scores reflect a better environment for living primarily or exclusively of benefits.” Putnam County was ranked first in the state for the second year and received an index score of 87.82. The county was ranked 67th nationally. Annual cost of living expenses for a Social Security recipient in Putnam County was determined to be $17,283 and the typical, untaxed Social Security benefit amount was $19,176. Bureau County, by comparison, was ranked eighth in the state, up from 12th last year. The county ranked 234th nationally and was given an index rating of 83.16. Annual cost of living expenses for a Social Security recipient in Bureau County was determined to be $16,849 and the typical, untaxed Social Security
benefit amount was $18,027. LaSalle County was ranked 39th in the state, up from 51st last year and 672nd nationally. Annual cost of living expenses for a Social Security recipient in LaSalle County was determined to be $17,569 and the typical, untaxed Social Security benefit amount was $17,861. The Putnam County Record recently visited the Putnam County Community Center (PCCC) to discuss these findings and to talk about the realities of surviving off of Social Security income. Sherry Boedigheimer, information and assistance representative of the PCCC said, “I do not believe this study is accurate. The seniors who live off Social Security alone are not doing well. They have trouble paying for their Medicare D premium, prescriptions and insurance supplement. They also have utilities; other insurance coverage; taxes; groceries
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Is 4-H for you? Volunteers needed, no previous connection necessary By Dave Cook
news@putnamcountyrecord.com
Some of the most valuable opportunities in education exist outside of the classroom. Relationships with family, teachers, mentors, coaches and volunteers offer guidance and support and are important elements of a child’s development. Four-H provides meaningful lessons for more than 200,000 students across Illinois, and the more than 14,000 volunteers involved also benefit from their involvement. The University of Illinois Extension Office of Bureau-LaSalle-Marshall and Putnam Counties are seeking more adults from these areas to join 4-H and share their knowledge
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The importance of faith and humor Putnam County resident authors book detailing personal struggles By Dave Cook
news@putnamcountyrecord.com
MAGNOLIA — The Magnolia Library will be the first location in Putnam County to host local author Gregg Carr from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 5. Carr has recently written and self-published a 128-page book, “Faith and Humor: God’s Healing Gifts,” which chronicles his personal battles with alcoholism and cancer and how he found the strength to face the challenges of both.
Author Page 3A Vol. 148 No. 36 Two Sections - 32 Pages
© The Putnam County Record
PCR photo/Dave Cook
Court is in session Seniors from Putnam County High School participated in the annual Law Day event held Friday, April 29, at the Putnam County Courthouse in Hennepin. During the event, the senior class held a mock trial, with Lucas Lenkaitis of Hennepin serving as judge. A record 28 students were registered to vote that day in the county clerk’s office.