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It happens every year about this time. You check your mailbox, and there they are, among the Valpak coupons, grocery ads, and various bills … tax documents. Tax season is coming. Are you ready?
Changes in tax laws have made it more challenging to claim donations to qualified charities through itemized deductions on your tax return. But there are still ways to make charitable gifts work for the causes you believe in while also saving on taxes. It has become much more challenging to itemize your taxes with the standard tax deduction for individuals, currently at $14,600 and $29,200 for married couples. If you fall short of the standard deduction, you can utilize your charitable giving to give you the boost you need to qualify by using a charitable bunching strategy. A charitable bunching strategy involves utilizing a Donor Advised Fund to group or “bunch“ your contributions that you would make over several years in one tax year. For instance, you could group all your charitable donations together every third year and contribute to (or establish) a donor advised fund with an amount equal to the total needed for three years of giving. In the year you contribute to your donor advised fund, you can itemize your deductions when filing your tax return and receive a sizable deduction. In the following two years, you can continue to support your favorite charities by making donations in the form of grants from your donor advised fund and claim the standard deduction on your tax returns. This method allows you to maximize the tax benefit of your charitable contributions. Additionally, with a donor advised fund, your donations are invested and grow tax-free, ultimately giving you the ability to donate more to charity over time. And if, instead of using cash, you utilize appreciated stock to make a donation into your donor advised fund, you can also avoid paying the capital gains tax on the appreciated stock. So, while tax laws may have made it harder to claim donations to qualified charities on your taxes when itemizing, a bunching strategy can help you exceed the standard deduction amount and maximize the tax benefits of your charitable contributions. At Truman Heartland Community Foundation, we are committed to helping you achieve your charitable goals while making the process of giving simple and stress-free. Reach out to our VP of Advancement, Cole Eason, at 816-912-4182 or eason@thcf.org, or talk to your financial advisor to explore how a bunching strategy can work for you. FAQ: What to know about Missouri’s Democratic presidential primaryby Meg Cunningham, The Beacon Missouri Democrats wanting to weigh in on the party’s nominee for president can either go to the polls this spring or mail in their ballots. A 2022 law eliminated Missouri’s state-run presidential primaries, leaving the parties to sort out their own ways to weigh in on the contests. Democrats decided on a presidential primary and gave voters the option to cast their ballots in person or through the mail. That in-person voting is set for Saturday, March 23. Republicans will host caucuses across the state on March 2, also a Saturday. Voting for other statewide primaries happens Aug. 6. The Beacon compiled a list of what you need to know to participate in the Democratic presidential primary. When is the Missouri Democratic presidential primary? What is the deadline to register to vote to participate? What is the deadline to request a ballot? What is the deadline to return my ballot? Where can I cast my ballot in person? What do I need to cast my ballot? When is the Missouri Democratic presidential primary?Missourians who are registered Democrats or unaffiliated voters can cast their ballots in person on March 23 from 8 a.m. to noon. You can either vote in person at a polling place in your county or request a mail-in ballot and vote from home. When is the deadline to register to vote to participate in the Missouri Democratic presidential primary?The voter registration deadline is Feb. 21. Missourians cancheck whether their voter registration is up to date at the secretary of state’s website. Or they can use the form on the secretary of state’s website to register online from a computer, smartphone or tablet. How do I request a mail-in ballot?Registered Democrats and unaffiliated voters in Missouri can ask for a ballot through this link or by calling 855-433-8683. What is the deadline to request a ballot?The deadline to request a ballot is March 12. Ballots will start getting sent to voters on Feb. 17. What is the deadline to return my ballot?Ballots must be back in the hands of party officials by 10 a.m. on March 23. Where can I vote in-person?The Missouri Democratic Party has not yet released locations for in-person voting. What do I need to bring to vote in person in the Missouri Democratic presidential primary?Voters need to bring a government-issued photo ID to vote in person. Who will be on the ballot?Joseph R. Biden Jr. Dean Phillips Stephen P. Lyons Armando Perez-Serrato Marianne Williamson Jason Michael Palmer Write-in candidates are not allowed, per party rules. This article first appeared on The Beacon and is republished here under a Creative Commons license. The following information is derived from Grain Valley Police Department daily calls service log for the week of February 12-20, 2024.
February 12, 2024 PHQ Motor vehicle accident report PHQ Citizen contact 200 Blk Kim Ct Animal control February 13, 2024 200 Blk Sni-A Barr Citizen contact PHQ Citizen contact 100 Blk Eagles Animal control 400 Blk Cross Creek Suspicious activity 1000 Blk Deer Creek Agency assist 1000 Blk NW Highview Wellbeing check EB 70/MM24 Area Check PHQ Citizen contact PHQ Agency contact February 14, 2024 1600 Blk NW Jaclyn Dr Citizen contact PHQ Citizen contact 1600 Blk NW Hilltop Alarm 1200 Blk NW Ashley Dr Wellbeing check 1200 Blk NW Phelps Ct Wellbeing check 200 Blk Main St Dealer license February 15, 2024 1200 Blk Phelps Dr Agency assist Pamela/Highview Area check 200 Blk NW Jefferson Abandoned auto 40 Hwy/Sni-A-Barr Wellbeing check 1000 Blk NW Ashley Dr Parking complaint 900 Blk NW Scenic Dr Citizen Contact February 16, 2024 NW Valley Woods Cr Suspicious Auto 1000 Blk NW Scenic Animal at large 1000 Blk Eagle Ridge Dr Animal abuse 200 Concord 911 Hang up 900 Blk Eagle Ridge Animal at large Montana Ridge/Dakota Star Open Garage door 1000 Scenic Dr Animal at large PHQ Citizen Contact BSPD Agency Assist 600 Blk NW Jefferson Alarm PHQ Citizen Contact Main St Motor Vehicle Accident Broadway/Jackie Citizen Contact PHQ Citizen Contact Lakeview/Indian Creek Suspicious Auto PHQ Citizen Contact 1000 Blk Phelps Ct Agency Assist Main St Alarm 600 Blk NW Jefferson Alarm February 17, 2024 PHQ Citizen Contact PHQ Stolen Auto 100 Blk South Main Area Check Main St/Mo-40 Hwy Motor Vehicle Accident 600 SW Minter Dr Past Disturbance Persimmon/Rosewood Area Check 600 Blk SW Minter Rd Verbal Disturbance 1000 Blk SW Eagles Citizen Contact February 18, 2024 1000 Blk Ashley Drive Stolen Auto 1000 Blk NW Mary Ct Disturbance 200 NW Gregg Verbal Disturbance/Property Damage PHQ Citizen Contact Rosewood Disturbance 1000 Blk NW Ashley Dr Past Disturbance Sni-a-bar Area Check 800 Blk Valley Woods Dr Suspicious activity 200 Blk Valley Citizen Contact PHQ Citizen Contact 900 Blk Stone Booke Dr Property damage February 19, 2024 PHQ Citizen contact 300 Blk SW Eagles Pkwy Property damage PHQ Citizen contact 1200 Blk NW Eagle Ridge Blvd Illegal dumping 1300 Blk Pecan Dr Gunshots in area 1600 Blk NW Hilltop Citizen contact February 20, 2024 35000 E Old 40 Hwy Verbal disturbance 500 Blk Yennie Fraud report 100 Blk Cross Creek Animal control PHQ Citizen contact 600 Blk SW Tisha Parking complaint PHQ Citizen contact 1000 Blk Stoney Point Dr Missing juvenile 3300 Blk S Outer Belt Rd Security check 500 Blk Walnut St Verbal disturbance Front St Animal control 1100 Blk Golfview De Verbal disturbance Additional calls for service: Suicidal Subject : 6 Domestic Violence : 1 Jackson County Public Works Environmental Health Division inspects all restaurants, grocery stores, schools, mobile food and temporary food establishments in the City of Grain Valley. The following violations were reported in the last 7 days:
El Maguey Mexican Restaurant 102 Buckner Tarsney Road Warewashing machine not reading proper sanitizer. Repeat. Re-inspection required. Scheduled 2/16/24. Three compartment sink will be utilized for wash, rinse and sanitized until repairs are made. Porky's Blazin BBQ 9512 S Buckner Tarsney Rd Observed sanitizer at three compartment sink too weak. (below 200ppm). Corrected on site. (tablets added) Culver's of Grain Valley 1180 S Buckner Tarsney Rd Observed clean utensils stored in a dirty storage drawer. Corrected on site. (drawer cleaned, utensils rewashed) Warewashing machine was not reading correct sanitizer. Corrected on site. (sanitizer refilled) by Michael Smith Grain Valley senior Jace Worthington had one last chance to qualify for the state tournament. Worthington had never competed in the state tournament before going into Saturday’s Class 4 District 4 Tournament at Fort Osage High School. His brother, Jaden Worthington, qualified for the state tournament in 2019 and 2018 and Jace wanted to qualify for the state tournament before he graduated. He had his chance when he took on North Kansas City junior Justin Patek in the consolation semifinals of the 175-pound bracket. It was the bubble match and the winner would qualify for the state tournament while the season would end for the loser. Worthington grinded out a 4-1 win against Patek, punching his ticket to Columbia as he was one of six Eagles to qualify for the Missouri State High School Wrestling Championships beginning Friday at Mizzou Arena. Worthington ended up taking fourth after he was pinned by Rockhurst junior Anthony Totta in the third-place bout. “It’s pretty awesome, especially after seeing my brother setting a pretty high standard,” Jace said. “I am just happy I am able to somewhat follow that up.” Jace said he often looks over at Jaden, who coaches him from the stands at times. “When I am in a sticky situation, he motions to what I should do,” Jace said. Freshman Sjoeren Aumua (144) has had a breakout 2023-24 campaign and he will compete at state for the first time next weekend. He cruised to a 13-1 major decision over Park Hill South’s Connor Jackson in the bubble match before falling 7-3 to Liberty North senior Dru Thomas in the third-place match. “I am happy I get to go to state with the team and to be able to actually compete,” Aumua said. “I need the experience to go to state as a freshman.” He admitted to having some nerves going into district but was able to overcome them. “I feel like I was scared going into the matches,” Aumua said. “I just need a little more confidence in myself. I just need to get better at the end of the day. I felt like I was pretty good but there is plenty of room to improve.” Junior Colston Parks (113) will get to join his brother Gavin at state for the first time as he took fourth on Saturday. He pinned Northtown freshman Noah Perez in 40 seconds in the bubble match to keep his season alive. He fell in the third-place match to Liberty sophomore Cade Dunn by fall. “I am pretty excited,” Parks said. “I am glad I have made it. I came a long way. I can’t wait to see where I go at state.” Senior Gavin Parks (126) will be making his third trip to state as he took fourth at districts. Sophomore Zac Bleess (120) is going to go back to state for the seasons time. He made it to the finals before falling to two-time state champion Hunter Taylor of Liberty 15-4 and senior Justin Deweese will make his third appearance at the state tournament after finishing as the runner up in 165-pound weight division as he fell to Ruskin sophomore Logan Taylor 7-1 in the championship match. From left, Grain Valley wrestlers Sjoeren Aumua, Gavin Parks, Zac Bleess, Justin Deweese, Colston Parks and Jace Worthington all qualified for the Class 4 Missouri State High School Wrestling Championships by finishing in the top 4 of the district tournament Saturday at Fort Osage High School. Photo credit: Michael Smith
For those interested in learning more about the upcoming levy ballot measure in Grain Valley, Grain Valley Schools will host two Community Presentations next week:
Grain Valley South Middle School - Tuesday, February 20th at 6:00pm Grain Valley North Middle School - Wednesday, February 21st at 6:00pm The district is also offering a member of the superintendent's team to serve as a guest speaker on the levy ballot measure to neighborhood or community organizations. To request a guest speaker, complete the following form: Levy Ballot Measure (google.com) by Cole Arndorfer
The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen met on Monday, February 12, for their first meeting in February. The meeting included a proclamation, three new resolutions, and the first reading of one ordinance. To start the meeting, Mayor Mike Todd read a proclamation declaring February 11-17 National FBLA Week in the City of Grain Valley to honor the Grain Valley High School’s Future Business Leaders of America program. Following the proclamation, the board moved into resolutions. The board approved the first resolution, adopting the updated social media policy. This is the first update to the social media policy since 2018. The main changes include when the city can remove social media comments, such as those posted by bots or that include profanity. The board approved the second resolution, allowing the purchase of eight security cameras to be placed in Monkey Mountain Park. City Administrator Ken Murphy said that these cameras will be a major improvement compared to the troublesome nature of the old cameras currently in the park. The board also approved the last resolution, allowing the city to enter into a contract with the company Flock to install automatic license plate readers within the city. After resolutions, the board heard the first reading of one ordinance. The bill would amend the city code surrounding meeting procedures. These amendments would include changing the regular meeting time for Board of Aldermen meetings from 7 pm to 6:30 pm, and adding language to allow for virtual meetings, should one be necessary. Concerns around this bill were brought up by Jan Brill in the public comment section of the meeting. Brill stated that moving the meeting time up may give off the impression that the board is trying to hide something and does not want the public to be involved in its meetings. The first reading was passed by the board and will be brought back for its second read at the next meeting. In the mayor’s report, Todd noted his meeting with downtown businesses about plans for First Friday’s this summer. Todd said that they are going to be getting information put together to present to the board in the near future. Following the mayor’s report, the board adjourned into executive session. The next board meeting for the month of February will be held at 7:00pm on Monday, February 26th at City Hall. Grain Valley Parks and Recreation is hosting a Mad Science Spring Break program March 18-21 from 10:00am - 12:00pm at the Grain Valley Community Center. During this 4 day course for students in Kindergarten - 6th grade, students will participate in a wide range of safe and engaging hands-on activities led by an instructor with a flair for science. The cost for the program is $120 per participant.
Daily sessions will cover content from 8 different topics: Harnessing Heat, Lights Color Action, Magnetic Magic (ICW& ASP), Mission Nutrition, Optical Illusions, Sonic Sounds, Tantalizing Taste and Watts-Up. See program flyer for content details: 2024 Spring Break Science (cityofgrainvalley.org) To register, visit Youth Programs - City of Grain Valley, Missouri. After months of community debate and speculation, the Kansas City Royals announced plans Tuesday to relocate to the Crossroads district in downtown Kansas City. Jackson County voters will decide in April whether to extend the current 3/8 cent tax that supports Kauffman and Arrowhead Stadiums for the next 40 years. “We are thrilled to announce our plans to contribute community dynamics, an incredible stadium experience, and long-term growth to The Crossroads – a neighborhood ballpark home for the Royals that will stand strong for the next 50 years here in Jackson County," Royals Chairman and CEO John Sherman said. “And we’re excited to build that new home without costing taxpayers a penny more.” In a release following the announcement, Jackson County Executive Frank White welcomed the announcement of a site location. "For months, we've stressed the importance of selecting a site to move forward effectively with negotiations and to provide a clear basis for the proposal before it goes to the voters,” White said. “I am pleased that the Royals have taken this significant step. It is a decision that marks progress in our journey towards a resolution that will shape the future of our county." In the release, White underscored the urgency of engaging in an open, transparent and thoroughly honest discussion about the proposal, especially given its imminent placement on the April ballot. "The time for broad overviews has passed,” White said. “As this issue heads to the ballot, it is crucial for all parties involved to commit to a dialogue that leaves no question unanswered, and no detail obscured. This is a monumental decision for Jackson County, involving an investment of over $2 billion by our taxpayers. They deserve to understand every aspect of what this entails." For more information on the proposed stadium and site plan, visit Kansas City Royals Stadium (kcballparkdistrict.com) The Kansas City Royals released renderings of a proposed stadium to be located in the Crossroads district of downtown Kansas City. Voters will decide in April whether to extend the current 3/8 tax to support the relocation. Photo credit: Kansas City Royals
On Thursday, February 22nd at 7:00pm, Congressmen Mark Alford and Emanuel Cleaver will be hosting a fentanyl forum at Center High School in Kansas City, Missouri. The event is designed as a collaborative space to delve into the seriousness of the fentanyl crisis in our community and strive for collective solutions.
Forum participants include:
Center High School is located at 8715 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131. To RSVP, please contact Austin Higginbotham at 770-519-7894. |
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