Greetings from the Mayor's Office | |
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In preparing my newsletter for August, I would like to deviate from my normal writing and share some thoughts and ask of our community. The thoughts and asks are not around development, budgets, or city events. Instead, the thoughts revolve around a concept known as “service above oneself.” I recognize that some may disagree with me and think my thoughts and asks are unnecessary. Yet, I have a moral obligation as a leader to at least put forth the effort.
As has been shared in previous newsletters, based on several factors and possibilities, we thought the upcoming election season would be more contentious and divisive than normal. Little did we know the events of the past few weeks, the least of which was an assassination attempt on our former president as he campaigns for that office again. No matter the political party, no matter personal feelings or beliefs around a person or cause, the actions were and are without words. Life is priceless and should be respected and treated as such. For anyone who reads, listens, or watches what is currently going on in our country, those contentious and divided times are clearly upon us. For those wondering, could things get worse? That is a possibility, yet we can do something about it in our community.
"Service above oneself" at its core is a concept that emphasizes selflessness and prioritizing the welfare and needs of others above one's interests. A concept that, in times of divided and contentious interactions, can be difficult. However, we witness so many examples of “service above oneself” in our City that I know we, as a community, have internalized the importance of others' needs before our own. This does not mean we cannot have opinions or beliefs that are different from others, Instead, my ask of our residents and businesses is to be even more vigilant these coming months to “service above oneself” in listening more than we speak, understanding more than we usually do, and more importantly respecting others as people - regardless of the situation.
For those who know me, I have been a lifelong fan of President Lincoln for several reasons. I even have a bronze bust in the mayor’s office that was generously gifted by a veteran in our community whose father made it. The value of that bust to me is priceless for the story behind it, as well as what Lincoln meant to us in the most tumultuous times since our country was founded. Throughout the Civil War, Lincoln demonstrated a commitment to preserving the Union, often at great personal and political cost. His steadfast leadership and determination to keep the United States united under extremely challenging and divisive circumstances exemplify putting the country's needs above his own. A couple of months ago, I was in the Gettysburg area and was able to walk the battlefields. While doing that, I was reminded of when our country has seen worse than we are now and what can happen when our leaders and our communities decide “service above oneself” is a priority. Let us take a lesson from history, and we will get through these times stronger together.
Thank you for choosing to call Walker home.
Mayor Gary Carey, J
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Public Works & Engineering Updates | |
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Fruitridge Bridge
In 2025, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) plans to rebuild and widen Fruit Ridge Avenue from 3 Mile Road to Northridge Drive. The project to replace and redesign the Fruit Ridge Avenue bridge over I-96 in Walker will include adding a nonmotorized path along Fruit Ridge Avenue and on the north side of 3 Mile Road between Kinney Avenue and Fruit Ridge Avenue. The Michigan Legislature approved a $25 million grant (Senate Bill 7) to help fund this critical infrastructure improvement project in West Michigan. Work is projected to begin in February 2025 and last through the fall. Below are the renderings of the new design, courtesy of MDOT.
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Walker Ave North
Another Walker area intersection is getting an upgrade with the help of the Kent County Road Commission. Walker Ave North includes widening Walker Ave to three lanes and meeting up with the Kent County Road Commission (KCRC) intersection realignment at 4 Mile Rd. We intend for these projects to be completed within the 2024 construction season and ready for bypass traffic related to Fruit Ridge in 2025. It will be an aggressive timeline as work begins later this summer and wraps up in November.
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Bristol Bridge
The Bristol Bridge is taking shape! Earlier this week, crews trucked in large precast concrete bridge sections that form the arches under the railroad. The bridge height will increase from 10’ to 14.5’, following state design guidelines. The new design also includes a sidewalk on the east side of the road. The project is coming along as work is anticipated into late August.
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West Michigan Trails
Your feedback is needed to help shape the future of West Michigan Trails! West Michigan Trails announced its Regional Trails Master Plan for West Michigan for non-motorized pathways connecting communities and destinations. Your feedback is essential! Help shape the 18-county trail system by taking the survey.
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Income Tax Department Updates | |
We appreciate your feedback. Our new team is working diligently to get your refunds to you as quickly as possible. We thank you for your patience as we process returns. If you have not received your refund by June 15, 2024, please contact us at (616) 791-6880 for our assistance. | |
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Due dates
Third quarter estimated payments for calendar year 2024 are due September 30, 2024. Forms are available on our website.
Where’s my refund?
Refunds for 2023 timely filed returns are still being processed and will be completed soon. We appreciate your patience. If you received a letter requesting more information, please respond as soon as possible. If we do not receive the required information, deductions and credits will be disallowed resulting in a lower refund or an assessment. You can provide missing information several ways:
- Mail to Walker Income Tax Department, PO Box 153, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-0153
- Email us at incometax@walker.city
- Fax at 616-791-6808
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Secure the upload site using the link here.
TurboTax does not e-file with any Michigan city except Detroit. If you used TurboTax to prepare your Walker return, you must mail a full copy, including required attachments to Walker Income Tax Department, PO Box 153, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-0153. See the TurboTax instructions for more information.
If you were expecting a refund, but have received a proposed assessment, please provide the missing information within 30 days for possible adjustments. If you are not sure if you need to file Walker Income Tax returns, the most common questions are answered on our website. Many returns we received were missing required attachments. This caused a delay in processing. Thank you for your patience. You can also call us at 616-791-6880.
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E-Filed Returns
Did you e-file your 2023 return and it showed that you had a balance due? You may have received an assessment from the Income Tax Department or have a voucher from your tax preparer that shows the amount you owe. All tax due must be postmarked or paid online by April 30, 2024 to avoid penalty and interest. Call us at (616) 791-6866 if you have any questions.
Paper Returns
We are in the process of developing software to machine-read Walker returns for more efficient processing. If you are mailing your return, it would help greatly if you would:
- Mail your return flat
- Use one paper clip to attach the return and W-2s together (NO STAPLES)
- Send the original, not a poor copy
- Do not print on both sides of the paper
Missing Information
Did you receive a letter that your tax return was missing a required attachment? You can provide missing information in several ways:
- Mail to Walker Income Tax Department, PO Box 153, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-0153
- Email to incometax@walker.city
- Fax at (616) 791-6808
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Election Day: Tuesday, August 6:
- All polling locations will be open from 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Early Voting: July 27 – August 4 from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm in the Walker Commission Chambers.
State General Election
- Election Day: Tuesday, November 5, from 7:00 am – 8:00 pm. More information to come.
Those who wish to vote absentee can request an absentee ballot for the upcoming elections.
Absentee ballots were mailed out the week of June 24 for those who had requested one. Ballots are available 40 days before any election in-person during regular business hours at the Clerk's Office or by filling out an application for an absentee ballot.
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Did You Know?
By going to MI.gov/vote you can:
• Request an absentee ballot and vote from home
• Update your address
• Register to vote
• Verify you are registered to vote
• Find your polling location
• Track the status of your ballot
• See what will be on your ballot
Other Elections in 2024
Tuesday, November 5:
Presidential/Federal/State General Election
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Whether you’re taking a trip to the beach or dipping in the community or backyard pool, these swimming safety tips can help you have fun in the sun.
Top Tips for Swimming Safety
1. Keep young children and weak swimmers within arm’s reach of an adult.
2. When there are several adults present, choose one to be responsible for watching children in or near the water for a certain time, such as 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, select another adult to be the Water Watcher.
3. Teach children how to swim. Consider their age, development and how often they are around water.
4. Make sure kids learn these five water survival skills.
- Step or jump into water over their head and return to the surface.
- Turn around in the water and orient to safety.
- Float or tread water.
- Combine breathing with forward movement in the water.
- Exit the water.
5. Teach children that swimming in open water is different from swimming in a pool.
6. Learn CPR and basic water rescue skills.
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Police Department Updates | |
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Walker's National Night Out at FZ:
Tuesday, August 6th from 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Feyen Zylstra 2396 Hillside Dr. NW
National Night Out is an annual community-building event that promotes police-neighborhood partnerships and camaraderie to make our City a safer, better place to live. This event is a collaborative initiative involving numerous local businesses and nonprofits who have come together to celebrate the Walker community.
Join us at FZ for free prizes, face paint, bounce houses, balloon twisting, hot dogs, ice cream, and more!
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Fake Money
For businesses that handle cash, we have seen a couple of counterfeit bills passed in our area. This is a problem that comes & goes occasionally, so we ask those who receive money to be on the lookout for fakes. The most commonly passed fake bills are “prop money.” These are bills that can be bought online & are often used in movies/videos for scenes where ridiculous amounts of cash are shown. They look real but will have FOR MOTION PICTURE USE ONLY (or similar) printed on the bill. If you take payment for a cheap item via a large bill, especially at a busy time, pay close attention to this type of fake. The scammer is hoping you are too busy to notice it, handing over actual cash as change. They are then long gone before you realize you took in counterfeit cash. This trick is also used during garage/yard sale purchases.
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Community Care Initiative
Don’t forget that we are still accepting donations to our Community Care Initiative. We need VISA-style gift cards, which we keep in the department to be used to assist those who may benefit, as identified by officers during calls for service. These cards help fill the gaps when traditional community resources are not available. You can drop the cards off at our Records Window during normal business hours. Walker residents have been very supportive of this initiative in the past, and we hope we can count on you again to replenish our stock!
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Walker Ice and Fitness Updates | |
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Summer Hours
Monday - Friday: 5 am - 9 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 7 am - 5 pm
CLOSED: LABOR DAY
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Try Us FREE for 7 Days!
Are you interested in a gym membership? You can try out our facility FREE for 7 days. Anyone 18 years and older, an area resident, and a first-time visitor to our facility is welcome to do this! You will have access to all our amenities during this week. That means the indoor track, cardio equipment, extensive free weights, and more are yours to try FREE! Call (616) 735-6286 or click here for more info.
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Cross Ice is a city-run program that serves as the next step for anyone interested in continuing to learn the basics of hockey after Learn to Play. If you need help with this, please reach out to Mike Fountain at mfountain@walkericeandfitness.com
Cross Ice Season:
o October 11, 2024 - March 14, 2025
o Fridays: 5-5:50 pm
o Sundays: 12-1:50 am
Cost Information: $445 (can be paid in installments)
To register: visit us online at: www.walker.city/register
For registration questions, please contact Gillian at ghendershot@walkericeandfitness.com
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It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our dear friend and coworker, Paul Segard. Paul was known for his boundless kindness and friendship and touched the lives of everyone in our building, and beyond. His warm smile and courageous spirit were a constant source of positivity and inspiration. While we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the incredible person he was and his lasting impact on us all. He will continue to inspire us every day. Paul, you’ve earned a new set of wings. | |
Parks and Recreation Department | |
Thank you for helping us celebrate Parks and Recreation Month! We took the opportunity to work with our DPW Parks Team to do some sprucing up in two of our parks. Alpine Estates got a fresh coat of paint on the pavilion and City Central got a major overhaul of the scorekeepers benches. We hope you enjoy the new look as much as we do! | |
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Our new soccer fields are coming along nicely. Work has been completed and now we wait for the grass to continue to grow and get to a sustainably healthy stage.
We would greatly appreciate it if you could refrain from any type of activity at this location during this time. Thank you!
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Kent District Library - Walker Branch | |
Summer Wonder is in its final stretch! Be sure to turn your reading challenge in by August 9 to get your prize. A selection of our programs is highlighted below. Visit KDL’s Events page for more information or check out our Facebook page. | |
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KDL and Kent County Parks invite you to go on an outdoor scavenger hunt! Use the clues in the form below to find Curi, our Summer Wonder mascot, in park sites throughout the county. To get started, visit kdl.org/findcuri. Each time someone finds Curi and answers the coordinating question, they will be entered to win an outdoor fun basket!
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