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Monthly e-Newsletter|December 2018 Edition
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Greetings:
It is hard to believe that it is nearly Christmas. This year the city started the holiday season with our annual Winter Fest celebration – a great event for young and old. It was nice to see many of you attend. In case you missed it, we had free ice skating, crafts for kids, reindeer, Santa Claus and of course the tree lighting.
I would encourage all drivers to be cautious this year and to maintain a safe distance between the snow plow equipment on the roads. The city snow removal team does a great job keeping our roads safe and clear of ice and snow. Please be careful when driving near these large trucks.
As we reflect on the past year and anticipate Christmas I wish you and your family the best wishes for a prosperous 2019 and a wonderful Holiday season.
Mark E. Huizenga
Mayor
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December 11:
Neighborhood Watch Meeting at 6:30 pm,
Walker Fire Station #3
December 24 & 25:
City Hall Offices Closed for Christmas
December 31 & January 1:
City Hall Offices Closed for the New Year
FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR EVENT DETAILS AND UPDATES!
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Passports make great Christmas Gifts!
Walker City Clerk's Office is a one-stop shop for Passports. From looking over and assembling your application to taking your picture, we do it all! Standard passport processing time is currently 5-6 weeks.
Find information on Passport Processing and our Passport Office Hours by clicking the green button below:
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Income Tax Department:
Updates
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New for 2018—E-file your Walker Income Tax
Return
We are excited to announce that we will be accepting 2018 Walker resident and non-resident returns by e-file. If you use a paid tax preparer that e-files your federal and state return, they will be able to e-file your Walker return this year. If you use TaxAct software/online tax program to prepare your own federal and state returns, you will be able to e-file your Walker return this year. Click
here
to visit the TaxAct site for more information. Please note that other software/online tax programs used for self-prepared returns (TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxSlayer) do not participate with Michigan local e-filing.
Due dates
Quarterly Estimated Payments by EFT
As we finish up the processing of 2017 returns received with payments, we have found several returns with 2018 quarterly estimated vouchers stapled into the center of the 2017 return. Quarterly estimated vouchers must be separate from the annual return if you mail them in the same envelope. If you mailed 2018 quarterly vouchers with EFT requests, please check your bank account to make sure that the payment has been deducted. Contact us at (616) 791-6808 if you have any questions.
Forgotten Returns
If you have past years of Walker returns that you have forgotten to file, contact the tax department immediately at (616) 791-6880. If you file prior year returns and pay the tax and interest due, you may request a waiver of penalty. If the tax department contacts you first regarding unfiled returns, you will not be eligible for a waiver of penalty. We are continuing the process of electronically matching State of Michigan returns filed from a Walker resident address with Walker returns filed. If you have forgotten to file Walker returns from prior years, now is the time to get that cleared up before the letters go out from this matching program.
Have questions?
You can also call us at (616) 791-6880.
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Walker Fire Department:
Be Fire Safe for the Holidays
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Each year fires associated with the holiday season injure 1,200 individuals and cause over $25 million in property damage.
We have some simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday. By following these precautionary tips, you can greatly reduce your chances of becoming a holiday fire casualty.
Preventing Holiday Tree Fires
Special fire safety precautions need to be taken when keeping a live tree in your house. A burning tree can rapidly fill a room with fire and deadly gases.
Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Bouncing the tree trunk on the ground can identify old trees. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.
Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to one of the recycling drop off locations provided by the Walker Department of Public Works.
Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect the strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into an outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires—they should not be warm to the touch.
Do not leave holiday lights on unattended.
All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.
Never put wrapping paper in a fireplace.
It can throw off dangerous sparks and produce a chemical buildup in the home that could cause an explosion.
If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.
If you use lit candles
, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning.
Never put lit candles on a tree.
Do not go near a holiday tree with an open flame—candles, lighters or matches. Flameless candles have become very popular. If you are a candle lover, you should consider this alternative.
Finally, as in every season, have working smoke detectors installed on every level of your home. Test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help, and remember to practice your escape plan.
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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.
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Walker Police Department:
Department News
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Walker Police Department dedicates one detective to the Kent Area Narcotics Enforcement Team. Many things are done “behind the scenes” to keep drugs and other illegal activity out of Walker. Through this involvement, the KANET Team, while assisted by the Walker Special Response Team, conducted a search warrant on a home in Walker, suspected of being a drug house. The team recovered various amounts of several different types of drugs, as well as drug packaging materials and paraphernalia, and several thousand dollars’ worth of drug money. Well done team!
Regarding the recent larcenies from vehicles, road patrol officers were able to catch two thieves in the act of breaking into cars. The suspects were not local and suspected of breaking into at least 11 cars in Walker’s north district. They were arrested and charged with the break ins.
Please join us for our Holiday Potluck and Neighborhood Watch Meeting. The location is the upper community room of Fire Station #3, on Tuesday, December 11, at 6:30 PM. The agenda will include a “year in review” from Walker’s Police and Fire Chiefs, as well as the Mayor.
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Through various community partnerships, we were able to raise nearly $1,000 for needy families in Walker. The department partnered with Sobie Meats, Pizza Hut, and Freddy’s, to support selected families with meals and other essential items. Gift packages were delivered to the families on December 6.
As we begin to receive more consistent snowfall, remember to TAKE IT SLOW ON ICE AND SNOW when driving. Leave yourself extra time to get from Point A to Point B and leave extra space between yourself and other cars.
This is also the season of scams, so be wary of anything that sounds too good to be true. Never open or respond to emails you are not sure of, and never give out personal information unless you are sure it is going to a trusted source. We will be highlighting several seasonal scams through Christmas on our Facebook page.
As always, keep up on all things related to the Police Department by following us on Facebook at “City of Walker Police Department,” or check out the monthly reports that are posted on the city website.
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Accessing Office:
Personal Property Statement Changes for 2019
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Attention business owners in the City of Walker and all throughout the State of Michigan. As you may already know, there have been many changes in the Michigan tax laws over the last few years, specifically when it comes to personal property. There was a time when every business owner had to file a personal property statement (Form 632) with their local Assessor’s Office every February 20
th
. While some still need to file the personal property statement, there are now two other forms that a business owner may need to file instead of the normal personal property statement – there is the Small Business Tax Exemption Claim (Form 5076) and there is also an Eligible Manufacturing Personal Property Tax Exemption Claim (Form 5278). All businesses are supposed to file
ONLY ONE
of these forms. How do you decide which form is the correct on for you? Very good question – I hope that you will find the following helpful in that decision:
- Small Business Tax Exemption Claim (Form 5076) – if all your personal property used for your business (owned, leased or in your possession) has a True Cash Value of less than $80,000, then you qualify for this exemption. Since this exemption started a few years ago, the business owner would have to file this form every year, but for 2019 you need to just file this form one more time by February 20, 2019 – and this exemption will remain in place permanently. If the True Cash Value of a business should grow to exceed that $80,000 threshold, then business would have to file a regular personal property statement (Form 632) that following February.
- Eligible Manufacturing Personal Property Tax Exemption Claim (Form 5278) – this is specifically for a manufacturing business – do not file this form is you are not a manufacturer. This is just a general rule, you should read more instructions and information on the form if you believe that you qualify. This form is also due by February 20, 2019.
- 2019 Personal Property Statement (Form 632) – if you do not qualify for the Small Business Exemptions or the Eligible Manufacturing Exemption, then you need to file the 2019 Personal Property Statement by February 20, 2019.
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Kent District Library: Walker Branch
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Are you looking for lots of fun things to do over the Winter Holiday break from school? Kent District Library will be hosting lots of fun events over the break. With a few new programs you have not seen before!
This shiny library on wheels is just waiting for a visit from you! It will be at the Walker Branch on Saturday December 29
th
and open to the public from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm.
What are the bookmobile hours?
The bookmobile schedule typically runs Mondays through Thursdays, plus Saturdays. Fridays are reserved for maintenance and special events. Please see our
events listings
for a complete bookmobile schedule.
Let it Snow:
KDL’s winter reading program for adults returns with a collectable mug reward! Adults who read six books between January 2 and March 31 will receive a Let it Snow ceramic mug. Complete an additional four books to become eligible for iPad and Costco membership drawings.
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Special Events at the Walker Branch
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KDL Lab Experience: Cubelets, Robots in Disguise
Thursday, December 27
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
No heavy lifting required for these robots. Cubelets are robot blocks that connect together to create quirky little robots. Cubletes are robot blocks that connect together to create quirky little robots. Come and explore these bots to see what cool tricks and moves you can make the bots do by combining different cubes.
KDL Lab Experience: Dream It, Build it
Friday, December 28
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Develop fine and gross motor skills, patterning, shape recognition while building fun, cool buildings, such as towers, play houses, large structures and more! We will be using Straw builders and Legos.
Countdown to Happy Noon Year!
Monday, December 31
11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
We're giving kids an exciting way to ring in 2019 with a countdown, noisemakers, crafts and fun -- at an hour that won't keep them up way past their bedtimes.
KDL Lab Experience: Art Party
Wednesday, January 2
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Everyone knows there ain't no party like an Art Party, 'cause an Art Party don't stop! Come explore and let your creative side run wild! Try a variety of art styles and create your next masterpiece to take home and display proudly.
KDL Lab Experience: At The National Science Institute
Wednesday, January 2 & Thursday January 3
6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Participants must be accompanied by an adult. For grades 3-6. The National Science Institute hosts two nights of projects in their incredible maker space where you can experience next level, hands-on projects. At 902 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids.
January 2: Lights and Lasers
January 3: Take Apart (and Put Back Together) Computers
KDL Lab Experience: Marble Runs!
Thursday, January 3
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Build a Marble Run track that twists, turns, races and spins marbles at incredible speeds! Use your imagination to create unique runs and test the laws of physics.
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Regular Events at the Walker Branch
Toddler Time
Mondays, January 7 – February 25
9:45 AM to 10:15 AM & 10:45 AM to 11:15 AM
Nurture your toddler's love of books through music, movement and stories while helping to develop their language, motor and social skills. For children ages 3 and younger with an adult.
Baby Playgroup
Thursdays, January 10 – February 28
9:30 am to 10:15 AM
Get to know other families and help your baby develop listening skills while you gather and play. We provide the space and variety of sensory and play activities. Each play group also includes 15 minutes of stories, rhymes and songs. For babies from birth to 18 months with a caregiver, older sibling welcome.
Family Storytime
Mondays, January 7 – February 25
6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Thursdays, January 10 – February 28
10:30 AM 50 11:30 AM
Read and sing together. Enjoy stories, music, movement and rhymes that develop early literacy skills.
Rhyme Time Music and Movement
Fridays, January 11 – February 22
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Move and groove together with action rhymes, songs, games and hands-on musical activities that will help children develop motor, listening and literacy skills.
Events for Adults
CreativiTea
Thursday, January 10
6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Unwind from the holidays and indulge in an artsy adventure. Sip a warm beverage and munch on a snack while you create your own masterpiece.
Adult Book Discussion
10:00 am to 11:00 am
Join us for an informal and lively discussion.
KDaLe Tour: DeHop's Brewing Company and Café
Tuesday, January 15
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
KDaLe Book Club: Osgood Brewing
Thursday, January 17
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Combine your love of books and brews at the KDaLe Book Club. Enjoy a drink from Osgood Brewing while we talk about what we've been reading. Expert book recommendations from KDL librarians included. The book club will be held
at Osgood Brewing, 4051 Chicago Dr. SW in Grandville. For adults 21 and older
.
Meet the Author! Marty Thompson Arnold
Tuesday, January 22
6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Meet-and-greet the West Michigan author of
Raised in Captivity
as she shares insights on her work and answers your questions. Book sale and signing following her discussion.
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Christmas Open Skating Schedule
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Celebrate this holiday season with one of our Christmas open skates.
The cost is $4 for adults and $3 for students (18 and under) and seniors (55 and over). Skating admission is always free for gym members. Skate rental is just $3 per person. If the whole family is skating, our skating family package is the perfect choice – and it makes a great gift too!
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We offer a huge range of ice skates for rental. Our figure skates start at a child’s size 7 and hockey skates start at size 8. Our skates run to adult size 13 in both hockey and figure skates.
For your child’s safety, we recommend wearing a helmet. Bring a bike helmet from home – they work great on ice too! We don’t offer helmets for rent – but we do have a wide selection available for sale in the Pro-Shop.
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Give the Gift of Fitness
If you’re looking for the perfect gift this holiday season, consider one of our great options available at the Walker Ice and Fitness Center. We are currently running specials on personal training, tanning, memberships, and, of course, our gift cards (good for use anywhere in the facility).
Tanning Packages
Beat the cold and the snow with our personal tanning package. For just $20, you’ll get 5 tanning sessions, tanning lotion and a pair of goggles. Our facility uses hex tanning booths, you don’t have to be a member to use our booths and no appointments are necessary. You must be 18 or older to use our tanning facilities and please tan responsibly.
Personal Training Packages
One of our most popular sales is running right now! Buy five personal training sessions and get a sixth FREE! That’s a $25 saving. Personal training is a fantastic way to help achieve your fitness goals. Our certified personal trainers work with you to devise a training program that’s realistic, yet challenging. Personal training will: improve your overall fitness level; help you address personal health and fitness concerns; teach you the proper techniques and form to reduce the risk of injury; and teach you how to maximize your time in the gym. This package is also available as a gift certificate
Gym Membership Gift Certificate
It’s the perfect time of the year to give the gift of health with our gym membership gift certificates. Stop by the Front Desk to purchase.
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Learn to Skate
is available to boys and girls of all ages. It provides a fun way to learn the fundamentals of ice skating. Skaters are divided among our instructors based on experience, so the program is great for beginners and more advanced skaters.
Learn to Play Hockey
is a great way for boys and girls to start and develop their hockey playing skills – you do need basic skating skills for Learn to Play Hockey as well as full equipment.
For all of your child’s equipment needs, check out our new, fully restocked inventory in our WIFC Pro Shop. We have a great selection of high-end equipment as well as skates, sticks and equipment particularly geared towards a younger, beginner skater.
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Are you looking for an Adult Kickball league? Want more opportunities for kid's sports camps in Walker? Interested in learning how to play Pickleball?
Help us out by taking our quick 5 minute community survey!
Find the survey online here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6DNDXYB
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Walker Recreation Annual Senior Citizen's Bowling Tournament
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WHERE: LINCOLN LANES
3485 LAKE MICHIGAN DR. NW
WALKER, MICHIGAN 49534
DATES: THURSDAY, JANUARY 17 AND FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019
ENTRY FEE: $17.00 - BOWL 3 GAMES
Handicap: 90% of difference between most recent averages and 200
6 divisions for both men and woman
55 to 64 yrs
65 to 69 yrs
70 to 74 yrs
75 to 79 yrs
80 to 84 yrs
85 yrs. & over
Squads: Thursday at 1:00 PM or Friday at 1:00 PM
MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW!!!! GET A GROUP TOGETHER AND HAVE A FUN DAY OF BOWLING!!!
MEN'S AND WOMEN'S TROPHIES WILL BE AWARDED FOR ACTUAL AND HANDICAP SCORES IN EACH AGE DIVISION.
BOWLERS MAY WIN IN ONLY ONE CATEGORY.
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED, DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS
MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2019.
ATTENTION NON - LEAGUE BOWLERS!
IF YOU ARE NOT PRESENTLY BOWLING OR HAVE NEVER BEEN AFFILIATED WITH A LEAGUE –
YOU MAY ENTER AND BE ELIGIBLE TO COMPETE FOR PRIZES IN THE ACTUAL SCORE CATEGORY.
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A big thank you to everyone that participated in our Veterans collection. The Recreation Department along with your help delivered a full truck load of donations to The Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. Thank you for helping us give back!
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Walker Chamber of Commerce Upcoming Events
Quarterly Meetings
are held at:
Walker City Hall
4243 Remembrance Rd.
Walker, MI 49534
Held quarterly the second Tuesday of the month
If your business would like to host an Walker After Work Event, please let us know!
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Created by the Walker Youth Commission and adopted by the City Commissioners, this exciting video highlights the main attractions of the City of Walker, from Millennium Park to beautiful neighborhoods. This video was presented to the Walker community and soon-to-be citizens on how Walker is such a great place to live, work, and grow.
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