Kearns Named Chief

The Greenup County School District has hired a new School Resource Officer through Kentucky's Special Law Enforcement Officer Program.

Philip Kearns has been named Chief of Police for Greenup County Schools. Chief Kearns will be stationed at Greenup County High School, but will serve all seven schools in the district.  GCSD is the first district in northeastern Kentucky to initiate the SLEO program and add this additional layer of safety for our students, staff, parents, and all visitors.

Chief Kearns is a retired police officer with the city of Russell, and will be starting his 27th year in law enforcement. Prior to his retirement, Philip was a detective with the Russell Police Department for seven years.

“I’m honored to have been chosen to head this new position”, said Kearns. “I’m looking forward to working with students and staff in the Greenup County School District, and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for everyone”.  

Kearns is a lifelong resident of Greenup County. He has been married to his wife, Rhonda, for eighteen years, and resides in Wurtland. He will take up his new post on Tuesday, January 17, 2023.

Jones Named

 Travis Jones has been named the Greenup County High School Head Football Coach. He will take the reins from Zack Moore, who left the head coach position to continue his administrative career as vice principal at GCHS. Last season, the Musketeers advanced to the third round of postseason play for the first time in 15 years. Coach Jones was named the 2022 EKC Assistant Coach of the Year.  

A Geometry teacher at Greenup County High School, Coach Jones has been part of the Musketeer football program for six years. He has spent the past three years as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Prior to that he was the passing game coordinator, wide receivers coach and cornerbacks coach. Coach Jones has also served as the Head Boys and Girls Track Coach for the past 2 seasons. Prior coming to Greenup County, Coach Jones was an assistant coach for two seasons at his alma mater, Russell High School.  

“I look forward to building off the successes of last season and bringing consistency to the football program. The goal is to build the program from the bottom up”, said Coach Jones. “I’m excited to work with the JFL coaches, middle school coaches, and the high school coaches to instill a winning culture that builds successful young men!”  

Travis Jones is married to Mika Jones and has two daughters, Kynslee and Kilynn Jones.  

IRS sets Jan. 23

The Internal Revenue Service announced Monday, Jan. 23, 2023, as the beginning of the nation's 2023 tax season when the agency will begin accepting and processing 2022 tax year returns.

More than 168 million individual tax returns are expected to be filed, with the vast majority of those coming before the April 18 tax deadline. People have three extra days to file this year due to the calendar.

With the three previous tax seasons dramatically impacted by the pandemic, the IRS has taken additional steps for 2023 to improve service for taxpayers. As part of the August passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, the IRS has hired more than 5,000 new telephone assistors and added more in-person staff to help support taxpayers.

“This filing season is the first to benefit the IRS and our nation’s tax system from multi-year funding in the Inflation Reduction Act,” said Acting IRS Commissioner Doug O’Donnell.  “With these new additional resources, taxpayers and tax professionals will see improvements in many areas of the agency this year. We’ve trained thousands of new employees to answer phones and help people. While much work remains after several difficult years, we expect people to experience improvements this tax season. That’s just the start as we work to add new long-term transformation efforts that will make things even smoother in future years. We are very excited to begin to deliver what taxpayers want and our employees know we could do with this funding.”

These steps took place as the IRS worked for months to prepare for the 2023 tax season. The Jan. 23 start date for individual tax return filers allows the IRS time to perform annual updates and readiness work that are critical to ensuring IRS systems run smoothly. This is the date IRS systems officially begin accepting tax returns. Many software providers and tax professionals are already accepting tax returns; they will transmit those returns to the IRS when the agency begins accepting tax returns on Jan. 23.

The IRS urges people to have all the information they need before they file a tax return. Filing a complete and accurate tax return can avoid extensive processing and refund delays as well as avoid the possibility of needing to file an amended tax return.

In addition, the IRS encourages people to carefully review their tax situation to make sure they don’t overlook important tax credits they may be eligible for, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The IRS has set a special day on Jan. 27 to encourage people to make sure they understand the important benefits of the EITC, a credit that can help low- and moderate-income workers and families.

The IRS has a variety of free services available to help people. The IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs also offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. People can also get help from trusted tax professionals, commercially available tax software as well as IRS Free File, which provides free electronic filing of tax returns.

April 18 tax filing deadline in 2023

The filing deadline to submit 2022 tax returns or an extension to file and pay tax owed is Tuesday, April 18, 2023, for most taxpayers. By law, Washington, D.C., holidays impact tax deadlines for everyone in the same way as federal holidays. The due date is April 18, instead of April 15, because of the weekend and the District of Columbia’s Emancipation Day holiday, which falls on Monday, April 17.

Taxpayers requesting an extension will have until Monday, Oct. 16, 2023, to file.

Tips to help people with the 2023 tax season

The IRS recommends several things for people to keep in mind for a smooth filing experience this year:

Have the right information before filing. The IRS encourages individuals to have all the information they need before filing a complete and accurate return. Organize and gather 2022 tax records including Social Security numbers, Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers, Adoption Taxpayer Identification Numbers and this year's Identity Protection Personal Identification Numbers valid for calendar year 2023.

Filing an accurate tax return can help taxpayers avoid delays or later IRS notices. Sometimes this means waiting to make sure individuals have accounted for all their income and the related documents. This is especially important for people who may receive one of the various Forms 1099 from banks or other payers reporting unemployment compensation, dividends, pension, annuity or retirement plan distributions.

People should also remember that most income is taxable, including unemployment income, interest received or money earned from the gig economy or digital assets. Individuals should make sure they report the correct amount on their tax return to avoid processing delays.

Visit IRS.gov first for questions. The IRS reminds people to visit IRS.gov first for common questions and also to check on the status of their refunds. IRS.gov has much of the same information that IRS phone assistors have.

The IRS anticipates making significant improvements to phone service this year for taxpayers and tax professionals as more training for new phone assistors is completed in the weeks ahead. However, the IRS emphasizes it’s important to note that call volumes remain at historically high levels. The IRS urges people to visit IRS.gov for the information they need.

"Our phone volumes remain at very high levels," O’Donnell said. "For faster access to information, we urge people to start with IRS.gov. From there, taxpayers can quickly access the variety of free resources available to help taxpayers anytime, day or night.”

Speed refunds by filing electronically and choosing direct deposit. There are important steps people can take to help ensure their tax return and refund are processed without delays. The most important is to file electronically with direct deposit. This is still the fastest and easiest way to file and receive a refund. To avoid delays in processing, people should avoid filing paper returns wherever possible.

To speed refunds, the IRS urges people to file electronically with direct deposit information as soon as they have everything needed to file an accurate return. Individuals can use a bank account, prepaid debit card or mobile app to use direct deposit and will need to provide routing and account numbers with their return. Learn how to open an account at an FDIC-insured bank or through the National Credit Union Locator Tool.

IRS Free File available Jan. 13

 IRS Free File will open Jan. 13 when participating providers will accept completed returns and hold them until they can be filed electronically with the IRS. Many commercial tax preparation software companies and tax professionals will also be accepting and preparing tax returns before Jan. 23 to submit the returns when the IRS systems open.

The IRS's Free File program, available only at IRS.gov, allows taxpayers who made $73,000 or less in 2022 to file their taxes electronically for free using brand-name software provided by commercial tax filing companies. Free File Fillable forms, a part of this effort, is available to any income level and provides free electronic forms that people fill out and file themselves also at no cost.

Most refunds issued in less than 21 days; EITC refunds for many available starting Feb. 28

The IRS anticipates most taxpayers will receive their refund within 21 days of when they file electronically, if they choose direct deposit and there are no issues with their tax return. Taxpayers should check Where’s My Refund? on IRS.gov for their personalized refund status.

While the IRS will begin accepting returns Jan. 23, the IRS cannot issue a refund that includes the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) before mid-February. This is due to the 2015 PATH Act law passed by Congress, which provides this additional time to help the IRS stop fraudulent refunds from being issued.

Where’s My Refund? should show an updated status by Feb. 18 for most early EITC/ACTC filers. The IRS expects most EITC/ACTC related refunds to be available in taxpayer bank accounts or on debit cards by Feb. 28 if taxpayers chose direct deposit and there are no other issues with their tax return.

Awaiting processing of previous tax returns? People can still file 2022 returns

Currently, the IRS has processed all paper and electronic individual tax year 2021 returns received prior to November 2022 that didn’t require error-correction or further review. The IRS continues to work on remaining tax returns in these categories. This work will not impact tax refund timing for people filing in 2023, but the IRS continues to urge people to make sure they submit an error-free tax return this tax season to avoid delays. Check the IRS Operations page for the latest information about the status of tax returns received in 2022.

IRS.gov, IRS Online Account provide free help

Taxpayers can find online tools at IRS.gov that are easy-to-use and available anytime. Millions of people use them to help file and pay taxes, find information about their accounts, determine eligibility for tax credits and get answers to tax questions.

An IRS Online Account allows individuals to log in securely to access personal tax account information including balance, payments and tax records including adjusted gross income.

There are various types of tax return preparers, including enrolled agents, certified public accountants, attorneys and some who don't have a professional credential. Choosing a Tax Professional offers information to help people select one. The Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications can help taxpayers find local preparers who currently hold professional credentials recognized by the IRS or who hold an Annual Filing Season Program Record of Completion.

The Interactive Tax Assistant provides answers to many tax law questions. For example, it can help people determine if a type of income is taxable, or if they can deduct certain expenses. It also helps people find out if life event changes make them eligible for credits they didn't qualify for in the past and provides answers for general questions, such as determining filing status, if someone can claim dependents or if they have to file a tax return.

Where's My Refund? offers taxpayers the ability to check the status of their refund within 24 hours after the IRS accepts their e-filed tax return. The Where's My Refund? tool updates once every 24 hours, usually overnight.

MilTax is a free tax resource available for the military community, offered through the Department of Defense. It includes tax preparation and electronic filing software, personalized support from tax consultants and current information about filing taxes. It's designed to address the realities of military life – including deployments, combat and training pay, housing and rentals and multi-state filings. Eligible taxpayers can use MilTax to electronically file a federal tax return and up to three state returns for free.

Key filing season dates

There are several important dates taxpayers should keep in mind for this year's filing season:

Jan. 13: IRS Free File opens

Jan. 17: Due date for tax year 2022 fourth quarter estimated tax payment.

Jan. 23: IRS begins 2023 tax season and starts accepting and processing individual 2022 tax returns.

Jan. 27: Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day to raise awareness of valuable tax credits available to many people – including the option to use prior-year income to qualify.

April 18:  National due date to file a 2022 tax return or request an extension and pay tax owed due to the Emancipation Day holiday in Washington, D.C.

Oct. 16: Due date to file for those requesting an extension on their 2022 tax returns.

Low-cost blood

profile screenings

Many healthcare providers recommend patients undergo routine blood screening regularly. At King's Daughters, we're pleased to make access to these tests easy with our Low-Cost Blood Profile program.

We are proud to be your partner in helping you achieve better health by offering this blood screening for only $25. No physician order or appointment is needed. However, fasting is required. Results will be mailed to participants’ homes and available in MyChart in one to two days. Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted. Insurance cannot be billed.

The LCBP includes the most commonly ordered lab tests, including:

Complete Blood Count: Screens for and monitors conditions that affect the blood cells, including anemia, infection, inflammation, blood disorders and some types of cancer.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel: Provides information about the current status of the metabolism, including kidneys and liver; electrolyte and acid/base balance; blood glucose levels; and blood proteins.

Lipid Panel: Includes measures of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (bad); HDL cholesterol (good); and triglycerides.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone: Screens for and aids in the diagnosis of thyroid disorders, including both low and high function.

We also offer optional A1C testing for just $5. The A1C test provides information about the average levels of blood glucose over the past three months. The A1C is an important tool in the management of diabetes.

All screenings take place from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. The locations and dates for the screenings include:

King’s Daughters Center for Advanced Imaging

2225 Central Ave., Ashland, Ky.

Fridays, January 6 through June 30

King’s Daughters Bellefonte Centre

1000 Ashland Drive, Suite 302, Russell, Ky.

Thursdays, January 5 through June 29

King’s Daughters Drive-Thru Lab Credit Card Payments Only

2406 Carter Ave., Ashland, Ky.

Saturdays, through June 24

King's Daughters Portsmouth Drive-Thru Center Credit Card Payments Only

812 Spring Lane,, Portsmouth, Ohio

Thursdays, through June 29

King’s Daughters Family Care Center Grayson

100 Bellefonte Rd., Grayson, Ky.

January 13 • March 10 • May 12

King’s Daughters Family Care Center Ironton

912 Park Ave., Ironton, Ohio

January 26 • February 23 • March 23 • April 27 • May 25 • June 22

King’s Daughters Medical Specialties Prestonsburg

1279 Old Abbott Mtn. Road, Prestonsburg, Ky.

January 25 • March 29 • May 24

King’s Daughters Family Care Center Olive Hill

391 West Tom T. Hall Blvd., Olive Hill, Ky.

January 18 • March 15 • May 17

King’s Daughters Medical Specialties Jackson

14395 State Route 93, Jackson, Ohio

January 20 • March 17 • May 19

King’s Daughters Family Care Center Wheelersburg

8750 Ohio River Road, Wheelersburg, Ohio

January 13 • March 10 • May 12

For the most up-to-date testing schedule, visit the events calendar at KingsDaughtersHealth.com.

Women, Wine, Jewels

Ashland Community and Technical College’s Director of Resource Development Brooke Seasor, retired Paramount Arts Center Director Norma Meek and 25 other local sponsoring hostesses invite you to attend the fourth annual Women, Wine, Jewels and More fundraiser to support ACTC scholarships for women.

The women-only event will be from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Monday, January 23, 2023 at The Mill in downtown Ashland. The cost of attendance is $50 donation per person and includes hors d'oeuvres, live music and a silent auction for jewelry, purses and more.

This year guests will enjoy a live performance by Holly Forbes, top ten finalist on “The Voice” in 2021 and Catlettsburg, KY native.

Reservations are required and limited. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP by Jan. 13 to AS_Foundation@KCTCS.edu or call Norma Meek at 606-831-5707.

This year's sponsoring hostesses are Mayola Boykin, Holly Canfield, Amanda Clark, Brandy Clark, Terri Branham-Clark, Lori Cooksey, Cheri Daniel, Missy Fannin, Sheila Fraley, Courtney Kifer, Julie Klein, Ashley Layman, Jane Layman, Kim McCann, Willie Mccullough, Leslee Mcleod, Ann Perkins, April Perry, Samantha Prince, Brooke Elswick-Robinson, Louise Shytle, Kerry Tague, Mae Deane Torgrimson, Heather Van Deren and Robin Webb.

Numbers grow

Adams reminder

Of change date

Ky. Secretary of State Michael Adams announced that voter registration has continued to grow even following the November election.

For November, Kentucky saw 11,078 new voters register, for a net gain of 4,004. Meanwhile, 7,074 voters were removed – 5,517 deceased voters, 953 felony convicts, 498 who moved out of state, 81 who were adjudged mentally incompetent, and 25 who voluntarily de-registered. These totals include 580 registrations and 10 removals begun, but not effectuated, between October 12 and November 8, when by statute the voter rolls were closed.

“I am pleased to see voter registration increase even after the 2022 general election,” said Adams. “As we go into the new year, I hope this trend continues.”

Republican registrants account for 45.5 percent of the electorate with 1,633,890 voters. Republican registration increased by 4,526 voters, or 0.28 percent. Democratic registrants account for 44.6 percent of the electorate, with 1,603,358 voters. Democratic registration decreased by 3,860 voters, or 0.24 percent. Voters registered as Independent or with other affiliations account for 9.9 percent of the electorate, with 356,983 voters. “Other” registration increased by 3,338 voters, or 0.94 percent.

Secretary Adams reminds Kentuckians who wish to update their political party affiliation to do so by December 31, in order to be eligible to vote in the May 16, 2023 primary in the party of their choice. By law, a voter who is registered as a Democrat or Independent after December 31, 2022 will not be able to vote in May’s Republican primary, and a voter who is registered as a Republican or Independent after December 31, 2022 will not be able to vote in May’s Democratic primary. This rule does not apply to voters newly registered after the first of the year.

Event slated Jan. 23

Ashland Community and Technical College’s Director of Resource Development Brooke Seasor, retired Paramount Arts Center Director Norma Meek and 25 local sponsoring hostesses invite you to attend the fourth annual Women, Wine, Jewels and More fundraiser to support ACTC scholarships for women.

The women-only event will be from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Monday, January 23, 2023 at The Mill on Winchester Avenue in Ashland. The cost is $50 per person and includes hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction for jewelry, purses and more.

The ACTC Foundation has established a $35,000 “Community Women’s Endowment” with the proceeds since the inaugural Women, Wine, Jewels, and More event in 2019.

Five students have been awarded scholarships to date.

“Each year, we are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support of this event, which supports our female students in the form of scholarship opportunities. We appreciate all those who have contributed over the years, and we are looking forward to another successful event this year,” said Seasor.

This year’s hostesses include Mayola Boykin, Holly Canfield, Amanda Clark, Brandy Clark, Terri Branham-Clark, Lori Cooksey, Cheri Daniel, Missy Fannin, Sheila Fraley, Courtney Kifer, Julie Klein, Ashley Layman, Jane Layman, Kim McCann, Willie McCullough, Leslee McLeod, Ann Perkins, April Perry, Samantha Prince, Brooke Elswick-Robinson, Louise Shytle, Kerry Tague, Mae Deane Torgrimson, Heather VanDeren, and Robin Webb.

Those wanting to help support the event can contact one of the sponsoring hostesses for information on how to become a "Jewel of a Guy" or a "Gem of a Business" sponsor.

Reservations are required and limited. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP to AS_Foundation@KCTCS.edu or call Norma Meek at 606-831-5707.

Attention Veterans

Rickie Hammond, Veterans Benefits Field Representative will be at the Boyd County Senior Citizens Building in Catlettsburg, KY on Monday through Friday by appointment only.  Veterans and their dependents will receive assistance filing for Federal and State veteran’s benefits.  This service is provided free of charge by the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs.  To apply, veterans need to furnish copies of pertinent documentation to verify eligibility.  For an APPOINTMENT, please call 606-585-3833 to speak with your Veterans Benefits Field Representative.