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By Washington County Community Foundation

On May 1, 2024, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reminded taxpayers that soon it will be prime season for natural disasters. The National Wildfire Awareness Month is May and National Hurricane Preparedness Week starts May 5, 2024.

All individuals should use this time before the natural disaster season to protect your important tax and financial information. While major disasters normally occur during the summer months, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has already issued 25 Federal disaster declarations for winter storms, flooding, tornadoes, wildfires and landslides in 2024.

There are several helpful tips to protect your personal financial and tax information. Additional information is also available on IRS.gov or FEMA.gov.

1. Protect Important Documents — Your original documents may include tax returns, Social Security cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates and deeds to real property. These should be secured in a waterproof and fireproof container in a safe location. You also may want to make copies of important documents and protect them in a safe deposit box or send them to a trusted person in a different secure location.
2. Record of Valuables — With the ease of taking pictures or videos with the camera on your cell phone, you should have a record of your high-value items. These photos or videos will be important if you lose the items in a natural disaster. Your insurance company may be willing to pay a substantial value if you have a good record. Some insurance policies require items with high values to be specifically named in the policy prior to an incident. The IRS also offers Publication 584, Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook, which can be very helpful to you if you have a loss due to a natural disaster.
3. Rebuild Your Records — After any disaster, you may have a challenge in reconstructing or rebuilding your records. These records could be essential for receiving a federal grant or an insurance company payment. If you can accurately estimate your loss through records, the insurance adjuster will be able to justify the payments. The IRS has a Reconstructing Records webpage on IRS.gov that may be helpful.
4. Employer Fiduciary Bond — If you are an employer, you may have a problem with a payroll service provider. Your payroll service provider is obligated to make timely federal tax payments. There should be a fiduciary bond that protects you as an employer if your payroll service provider is in a natural disaster and defaults.
5. IRS Tax Relief — If FEMA declares a federal disaster zone, the IRS frequently postpones tax filing and payment deadlines for individuals and businesses located in that geographic area. If you are within the disaster area, you will not need to contact the IRS. The IRS automatically identifies taxpayers with a business or personal address in the covered disaster area. If you reside outside the covered disaster area but have been impacted by the disaster, you may call 866-562-5227 to determine whether you qualify for relief.

Editor's Note: The summer months are a prime time for hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires. This IRS guide is helpful to make sure you are prepared for a disaster. Many natural disasters occur without warning, so your preparations now may be essential for receiving a prompt government grant or insurance payment.

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The Washington County Sheriff's Department and Sheriff Brent A. Miller would like to recognize the law enforcement officers who serve our community.  Their dedication to a thankless job is admirable.  Thank you to the following members of the Washington County Sheriff's Department:

Sheriff Brent Miller
Chief Deputy Brad Shepherd
Captain Joe Keltner
Detective Brad Naugle
Lt. Wayne Blevins
Sgt. Lucas Gray
Sgt. Matt Hein
Dep. Tory Hildreth
Dep. Seth Goode
Dep. Max Mitchell
Dep. Hailee Lopotosky
Dep. Paul Reyling
Dep. Devin Hopkins

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On Wednesday, May 22, 12 noon, the Washington County Chamber Of Commerce will have a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of the construction on the Salem Public Square and the launching of free Wi-Fi on the square.

Bush announced the following:

Firstly, we are thrilled to reveal the much-awaited completion of the construction around the square, which has transformed it into a more pedestrian-friendly and aesthetically charming space, providing an enjoyable environment for everyone! 

Secondly, we are delighted to launch free public Wi-Fi on the square, which is the outcome of a collaborative effort by an outstanding team, including the Regional Opportunities Initiative (ROI), the Washington County Community Foundation, Jackson County REMC, and the esteemed County Commissioners. Their dedication and collective spirit have made it possible to bring connectivity to your fingertips.

Today is a day of immense pride for us all. The town square is now not only a comfortable place to stroll and shop, but also a hub of connectivity. This development is a significant stride forward for our community, and we are excited to observe its impact. We invite you to join us in commemorating these exceptional accomplishments as we officially cut the ribbon.

Here's a glimpse into the exciting advantages our new free Wi-Fi on the square brings:

• Convenience for All: Stay connected with loved ones, check emails, or browse the web – all for free! This Wi-Fi access point caters to residents and visitors alike.
• Enhanced Shopping Experience: Imagine browsing online reviews or previewing restaurant menus while you shop at local stores. Free Wi-Fi empowers informed purchases and can lead to increased customer satisfaction.
• A Boost for Local Businesses: Social media-savvy businesses can leverage Wi-Fi to attract customers and showcase their offerings online. This can lead to increased foot traffic and potential sales.
• A Hub for Community Events: Organizers of events like Friday Night on the Square, car shows, or live music events can utilize the Wi-Fi to promote their events and enhance the overall experience for attendees.
• Educational Opportunities: Students and curious minds can access a wealth of information right on the square, fostering lifelong learning and promoting a vibrant intellectual atmosphere.
• Increased Tourist Appeal: Free Wi-Fi is a major perk for modern travelers. It allows them to stay connected, share their experiences, and find information about local attractions, potentially leading to longer stays and increased spending.

The free Wi-Fi on the square is more than just connectivity; it's a catalyst for growth, convenience, and a more vibrant community spirit!

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The Washington County Farmers’ Market will open with local goods raised and produced within Washington and adjacent counties on Saturday, May 11.  The market will continue on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m – 12 p.m. at the Washington County Justice Center parking lot at 801 Jackson St. in Salem through October.  When produce is more plentiful later in the growing season, the market will also open on Tuesday evenings 4-6 p.m.