January 2018 City of Walker Newsletter

City of Walker Newsletter | January 2018

Walker Fire Department

Fire Safety Tips

Fire Safety During Winter Storms

Fire Safety during winter storms can happen almost anywhere. They can cause us problems. Know what to do before, during and after a storm. This will help keep you and your family safe from a winter fire.

Test all smoke alarms. Do this at least once a month. This way you will know they are working. Install carbon monoxide alarms in your home. Test the alarms.
Plan two ways out of the home in case of an emergency. Clear driveway and front walk of ice and snow. This will provide easy access to your home.
Make sure your house number can be seen from the street. If you need help, firefighters will be able to find you.
Be ready in case the power goes out. Have flashlights on hand. Also have battery-powered lighting and fresh batteries. Never use candles.
Stay aware of winter weather. Listen to the television or radio for updates. Watch for bulletins online.
Check on neighbors. Check on others who may need help.
Generators should be used outdoors. Keep them away from windows and doors. Do not run a generator inside your garage, even if the door is open.
Stay away from downed wires. Report any downed wires to authorities.
Be ready if the heat stops working. Use extra layers of clothes and blankets to stay warm. If you use an emergency heat source, keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away.
Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room or when you go to bed.
Important reminder: There are more home fires in winter than in any other season. Half of all home heating fires happen in December, January and February. As you stay cozy and warm this winter season, be fire smart! Nearly half of all space heater fires involve electric space heaters.

Fire Hydrant Alert

Winter is here and we are now faced with the chore of snow removal from driveways and sidewalks. However, many people do not realize that keeping our fire hydrants clear of snow is equally important. In the event of a fire emergency having access to the fire hydrants for a water supply is critical in order to successfully combat a fire situation where time is of the essence. Therefore, the Walker Fire Department is asking for help in keeping the snow cleared away from the fire hydrant in front of (or near) your home or business. The best way to do this is by clearing the snow from the street to the hydrant in a three feet circle around the hydrant since this allows the fire hose to connect toward the fire truck faster.

The Walker Fire Department would like to thank the many residents and business owners that have taken time to help in the past and to those who may assist us this winter in keeping our hydrants clear of snow.

Income Tax

Important Updates

Do you need help?

Walker Income Tax returns for calendar year 2017 and first quarter estimated payments for 2018

are due April 30, 2018. Forms are available on our website at: http://www.ci.walker.mi.us/income_tax_forms.php

The most common questions are answered on our website at: http://www.ci.walker.mi.us/government/departments/income_tax/income_tax_faqs.php

Required Attachments

All resident returns must have the following attachments:

All form W-2s
Page 1 of Federal Form 1040

Filers taking a credit for tax paid to another city:

Copy of page one of the other city(ies) return

If applicable:

Federal Form 2106
Federal Form 3903
Federal Schedule C
Federal Schedule D, Forms 8949, 4797, 6252
Federal Schedule E, including Federal Schedule K-1 for all S corporations shown on Schedule E, if any
Copies of all forms 1099-R for taxpayers under age 65

If you have any questions, call 616-791-6880.

ZIP Codes

Many of the returns we are receiving from paid preparers and tax preparation software have incorrect ZIP codes in the taxpayer name and address information that were carried over from a prior year. The Post Office will not deliver your refund check to you if your ZIP code is wrong. Please check your ZIP code before mailing your Walker return. If you have any questions about your correct ZIP code, go to https://www.usps.com/ and click "Look Up a ZIP Code" in the Quick Tools menu.

Clerk's Office

Updates

Business License Reminder

Business License Renewal Applications have been sent out. Applications were due December 1, 2017. Your 2017 license expired on December 31, 2017. All businesses in the City of Walker are required to have a license, including home occupations. If you have not filed for a license, click here to visit our website for the application . A $50 late fee has been added for any applications not yet received. Please call 616-791-6878 with any questions.

City Hall Drop Box:

Any documents you need to turn into the Clerk's office may be dropped off in the City Hall drop box outside City Hall. (i.e. Absentee ballot applications, signed and sealed absentee ballots and license applications and payments)

Passports Hours

You can apply for a passport in the Clerk's Office. No appointments are necessary during Passport Office Hours which are Monday - Thursday from 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Visit our website for details on passport requirements. Turn around time for passports is currently 4-6 weeks.

Walker Ice & Fitness Center

Events and Updates

Our NEW Website is up and running. Check it out at Walkericeandfitness.com for information on classes, memberships, room rentals and more!

If you missed our Quarterly e-Newsletter, you can read it here!

Walker Police Department

Community Resources

January 20, 2018 | 8am-3pm

Walker Police Department, in conjunction with the West Michigan Church Security Network, is hosting a FREE one day seminar highlighting ways to stay safe in your place of worship.

This seminar is open to anyone, but especially those involved with maintaining security at their churches.

Topics for the day will include:

Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events
Legal Aspects for Concealed Carry
Creating/Maintaining a Security Team
Situational Awareness
Crime Prevention Thru Environmental Design

If you are interested in attending, you must RSVP to Officer Mitch Harkema, Walker Police Department at [email protected] or 616-791-6218 by January 15, 2018.

What's Happening at Walker Firehouse Café /Senior Neighbors

January 2018

Location:

4101 Lake Michigan Dr.

Fire Station #2 (Upper Level Community Room)

H ours:

Our Center is open Monday, Wednesday & Friday

9:00am to 2:00pm; Lunch served at 12:00pm

All are Welcome!

Over 60: $2.75 Donation for Lunch, Under 60: $3.50 per person

Upcoming Events:

Wednesday January 10th 9:30 Blood Pressure with Cheryl,

11:00 Speaker "Depression & Anxiety"

Friday January 12th 10:00 "Exercise for Body & Soul"

Monday January 15th 9:30 Bingo, 10:30 Book Club w/Michelle KDL

Wednesday January 17th 10:30 to 12:00 Speaker Officer Mitch Harkema from Walker PD

Friday January 19th 10:00 "Exercise for Body & Soul"

Monday January 22nd 9:30 Bingo, 11:00 Cards & Games

Wednesday January 24th 11:00 Music with Tom Patton

Friday January 26th 10:00 "Exercise for Body & Soul"

Monday January 29th 9:30 Bingo, 11:00 Craft with Sherri

Wednesday January 31st 11:00 Music with Bing Higbee

As always Lunch is Served at 12:00pm

Cards & Games also available to enjoy