The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;

LINDSEY MICHELLE BLACK, 28, Ogden, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Bond $2,000

ANDREW DOUGLAS MCCREADY, 40, Manhattan, Battery; Physical contact in rude, insulting, angry manner; Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation, or disruption; Remains confined to the Riley County Jail

TAYLOR BROOKE MCATEE, 25, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750

ROBERT JOSEPH ROBLES, 48, Manhattan, Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Bond $2,000

ELIZABETH BROOKE LEIPPLY, 20, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $330

JAKEEM JUDE LAGUERRE, 21, Junction City, Failure to apear; Bond $500

TEVIN MICHAEL ANTHONY, 32, Manhattan, Theft of property or services; Value less than $1,500; Shoplifting; Bond $750

SKYLOR JOSEPH WILSON, 16, Ogden,&nbsp;Aggravated indecent liberties w/ child; Offender &lt;18 cause child &lt;14 to fondle x4; Aggravated criminal sodomy; Unknown circumstance x2; Indecent solicitation of a child; Unknown circumstance x2; Lewd and lascivious; Exposing sex organs to another &lt;16 x2; Criminal threat; Unknown circumstance; Bond $75,000

DANASIA EBONY QUIROGA MACOUZET, 20, Fort Riley, Driving while suspended; 1st conviction; Bond $500

VERLIN LANCE EATON, 51, St. Joseph, MO, Theft of property or services; Value less than $1,500; Shoplifting; Bond $750

CARWYNNE CANTERO, 45, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $2,000; Bond $2,000

ANASTASIA DAWN KENYON, 24, Junction City, Failure to appear; Bond $10,000

EMILY E HERRING, 15, Ogden, Distribute or possess w/intent to distribute marijuana w/in 1000' of school &lt;25 grams; Processed through North Central Kansas Juvenile Intake

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;LINDSEY MICHELLE BLACK, 28, Ogden, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Bond $2,000ANDREW DOUGLAS MCCREADY, 40, Manhattan, Battery; Physical contact in rude, insulting, angry manner; Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation, or disruption; Remains confined to the Riley County JailTAYLOR BROOKE MCATEE, 25, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750ROBERT JOSEPH ROBLES, 48, Manhattan, Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Bond $2,000ELIZABETH BROOKE LEIPPLY, 20, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $330JAKEEM JUDE LAGUERRE, 21, Junction City, Failure to apear; Bond $500TEVIN MICHAEL ANTHONY, 32, Manhattan, Theft of property or services; Value less than $1,500; Shoplifting; Bond $750SKYLOR JOSEPH WILSON, 16, Ogden,&nbsp;Aggravated indecent liberties w/ child; Offender &lt;18 cause child &lt;14 to fondle x4; Aggravated criminal sodomy; Unknown circumstance x2; Indecent solicitation of a child; Unknown circumstance x2; Lewd and lascivious; Exposing sex organs to another &lt;16 x2; Criminal threat; Unknown circumstance; Bond $75,000DANASIA EBONY QUIROGA MACOUZET, 20, Fort Riley, Driving while suspended; 1st conviction; Bond $500VERLIN LANCE EATON, 51, St. Joseph, MO, Theft of property or services; Value less than $1,500; Shoplifting; Bond $750CARWYNNE CANTERO, 45, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $2,000; Bond $2,000ANASTASIA DAWN KENYON, 24, Junction City, Failure to appear; Bond $10,000EMILY E HERRING, 15, Ogden, Distribute or possess w/intent to distribute marijuana w/in 1000' of school &lt;25 grams; Processed through North Central Kansas Juvenile Intake

Riley County Arrest Report Feb. 24

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann told Hutch Post this week that a long-term Farm Bill is not close to being done.

"We've got quite a ways to go," Mann said. "We know it currently expires Sept. 30. We know that food and nutrition programs and crop insurance is mandatory spending, so that will stay in place no matter what. We also know that there's a strong desire, certainly on my part and folks on the Ag committee to get this Farm Bill done, locked an in play, so we can move forward."

The vast majority of the Farm Bill is nutrition programs, though and urban congress members may not care one way or the other when it gets done as long as those programs are funded.&nbsp;

"Farm Bills need to be long enough to provide some certainty, but short enough that they can be looked at and adjust and change with the times. A five year Farm Bill is an appropriate length. It's time for a five year Farm Bill to give our producers some certainty."

Work in the House is actually a little bit ahead of the Senate when it comes to the Farm Bill, but once both sides have their position, they will have to come to an agreement on the legislation, so it's likely that it will at least push the September deadline, if not need an additional extension.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637681449641.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas First District Congressman Tracey Mann told Hutch Post this week that a long-term Farm Bill is not close to being done."We've got quite a ways to go," Mann said. "We know it currently expires Sept. 30. We know that food and nutrition programs and crop insurance is mandatory spending, so that will stay in place no matter what. We also know that there's a strong desire, certainly on my part and folks on the Ag committee to get this Farm Bill done, locked an in play, so we can move forward."The vast majority of the Farm Bill is nutrition programs, though and urban congress members may not care one way or the other when it gets done as long as those programs are funded.&nbsp;"Farm Bills need to be long enough to provide some certainty, but short enough that they can be looked at and adjust and change with the times. A five year Farm Bill is an appropriate length. It's time for a five year Farm Bill to give our producers some certainty."Work in the House is actually a little bit ahead of the Senate when it comes to the Farm Bill, but once both sides have their position, they will have to come to an agreement on the legislation, so it's likely that it will at least push the September deadline, if not need an additional extension.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Mann says farm bill still far off

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA —&nbsp;Joe Cheray is well aware that clergy members aren’t required to report child abuse.

She remembers going to her priest as a child, asking for his help when she was being sexually abused.&nbsp;Cheray said he did nothing.

“Had I known back then clergy were not mandated reporters of abuse, I would’ve just went to law enforcement and the Department for Children and Families. I wouldn’t have even said anything to my church at all,” Cheray said.

Cheray, who advocates with other survivors of child sex abuse every week in the entrance of the Statehouse, is asking that ministers and clergy be required to report cases like hers.

Earlier this month, Rep. Tobias Schlingensiepen, a Topeka Democrat and senior pastor at First Congregational Church, introduced&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2300/">House Bill 2300</a>,&nbsp;which would add ordained ministers of religion to the mandated reporters list, with an exception for penitential communication, such as confession.

“People wonder why that isn’t the case already, and frankly, as a pastor, I do too,” Schlingensiepen said.

The bill was assigned to the Judiciary Committee, and no hearing has been scheduled.

DCF estimated implementation of the bill would result in increased reporting to the Kansas Protection Report Center, which oversees abuse reports. The change could result in an increase of $74,569 in expenditures from the State General Fund for an additional staff position to deal with the workload.

Four previous attempts to get clergy added to the list of mandated reporters failed in 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023. Sen. Tom Holland, a Baldwin City Democrat,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/01/26/kansas-democrat-introduces-senate-bill-making-clergy-mandatory-reporters-of-suspected-abuse/">led the charge</a>&nbsp;during the last legislative session following the release of a four-year investigation of Catholic clergy abuse by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The KBI report found at least 188 church members suspected of committing offenses ranging from indecent liberties with a child to rape.

Schlingensiepen said he didn’t have a lot of optimism that the bill would be implemented this session, because of lawmaker preoccupation with other issues, such as the flat tax. A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/20/kansas-house-republicans-fail-to-override-governors-veto-on-massive-tax-reform-bill/">Republican-led effort to override</a>&nbsp;Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto and pass a universal 5.25 percent income tax rate failed earlier this week.

“I feel like they don’t have any appetite to put more on their plates, but that said, I think hopefully it’ll be back again next session, and we’ll try this again, this time with multiple sponsors on both sides of the aisle,” Schlingensiepen said. “We already have very broad support.”

For now, Cheray will keep advocating for broader protections for survivors of sexual assault.

“I do this for the kid in me that didn’t know,” Cheray said. “And I do this for all of the other survivors and victims now and in the future so that there is one more protection point for them to hopefully get some help."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708705095823.jpeg" alt="Joe Cheray campaigns for House Bill 2300 at the entrance of the Statehouse in Topeka. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Joe Cheray campaigns for House Bill 2300 at the entrance of the Statehouse in Topeka. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA —&nbsp;Joe Cheray is well aware that clergy members aren’t required to report child abuse.She remembers going to her priest as a child, asking for his help when she was being sexually abused.&nbsp;Cheray said he did nothing.“Had I known back then clergy were not mandated reporters of abuse, I would’ve just went to law enforcement and the Department for Children and Families. I wouldn’t have even said anything to my church at all,” Cheray said.Cheray, who advocates with other survivors of child sex abuse every week in the entrance of the Statehouse, is asking that ministers and clergy be required to report cases like hers.Earlier this month, Rep. Tobias Schlingensiepen, a Topeka Democrat and senior pastor at First Congregational Church, introduced&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2300/">House Bill 2300</a>,&nbsp;which would add ordained ministers of religion to the mandated reporters list, with an exception for penitential communication, such as confession.“People wonder why that isn’t the case already, and frankly, as a pastor, I do too,” Schlingensiepen said.The bill was assigned to the Judiciary Committee, and no hearing has been scheduled.DCF estimated implementation of the bill would result in increased reporting to the Kansas Protection Report Center, which oversees abuse reports. The change could result in an increase of $74,569 in expenditures from the State General Fund for an additional staff position to deal with the workload.Four previous attempts to get clergy added to the list of mandated reporters failed in 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023. Sen. Tom Holland, a Baldwin City Democrat,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/01/26/kansas-democrat-introduces-senate-bill-making-clergy-mandatory-reporters-of-suspected-abuse/">led the charge</a>&nbsp;during the last legislative session following the release of a four-year investigation of Catholic clergy abuse by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The KBI report found at least 188 church members suspected of committing offenses ranging from indecent liberties with a child to rape.Schlingensiepen said he didn’t have a lot of optimism that the bill would be implemented this session, because of lawmaker preoccupation with other issues, such as the flat tax. A&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/02/20/kansas-house-republicans-fail-to-override-governors-veto-on-massive-tax-reform-bill/">Republican-led effort to override</a>&nbsp;Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto and pass a universal 5.25 percent income tax rate failed earlier this week.“I feel like they don’t have any appetite to put more on their plates, but that said, I think hopefully it’ll be back again next session, and we’ll try this again, this time with multiple sponsors on both sides of the aisle,” Schlingensiepen said. “We already have very broad support.”For now, Cheray will keep advocating for broader protections for survivors of sexual assault.“I do this for the kid in me that didn’t know,” Cheray said. “And I do this for all of the other survivors and victims now and in the future so that there is one more protection point for them to hopefully get some help."

Survivor of child sex abuse urges Kansas lawmakers to mandate clergy reporting

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an accidental shooting in Manhattan.

Just after 3:30p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for unlawful discharge of a firearm and possession of stolen property report in the 100 block of Bluemont Avenue in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 20-year-old man was reported as both the victim and offender. He accidentally shot himself.&nbsp; EMS transported him Via Christi for treatment of his injuries.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest and released no additional details early Friday.

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an accidental shooting in Manhattan.Just after 3:30p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for unlawful discharge of a firearm and possession of stolen property report in the 100 block of Bluemont Avenue in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 20-year-old man was reported as both the victim and offender. He accidentally shot himself.&nbsp; EMS transported him Via Christi for treatment of his injuries.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest and released no additional details early Friday.

RCPD: Man with stolen property accidentally shot himself

ARTHUR JOSEPH MICKEY JR, 35, Manhattan, Probation Violation x2; Bond $5,000

JONATHAN LEWIS LEMUEL VALENTINE, 43, Manhattan, Failure to appear x2; Bond $1,000

CARLOS STEVEN RODRIGUEZ, 24, Manhattan, Uniform extradition act; Arrest prior to requisition; Remains confined to Riley County Jail.

GEORGE ANTWON MASOLI, 29, Manhattan, Failure to comply w/diversion; Bond $750

NEILSON EUGENE DORSEY, 37, Manhattan, Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; Bond $1,500

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;ARTHUR JOSEPH MICKEY JR, 35, Manhattan, Probation Violation x2; Bond $5,000JONATHAN LEWIS LEMUEL VALENTINE, 43, Manhattan, Failure to appear x2; Bond $1,000CARLOS STEVEN RODRIGUEZ, 24, Manhattan, Uniform extradition act; Arrest prior to requisition; Remains confined to Riley County Jail.GEORGE ANTWON MASOLI, 29, Manhattan, Failure to comply w/diversion; Bond $750NEILSON EUGENE DORSEY, 37, Manhattan, Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; Bond $1,500

Riley County Arrest Report Feb. 23

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

MANHATTAN - On Wednesday afternoon, WTC announced they will be investing $50 million dollars into expanding their fiber network to all residents within Manhattan city limits in the next 36 months.

WTC which provides Fiber-to-the-Premise(FTTP) technology will expand it's fiber to all residents and households in Manhattan after spending the last several years connecting to many of the businesses.

“Fiber connectivity for a community changes everything” stated Jeff Wick, CEO of WTC. “Fiber broadband is not just about faster Internet speeds, it builds a foundation of innovation, community development and economic growth,” he added.

This expansion will continue to improve educational opportunities, enable remote work environments and advance access to healthcare services and continue to grow economic development in Manhattan.

“Investing in fiber isn’t just a technological upgrade but a strategic investment in the economic well-being and overall development of our community,” stated Jason Smith, President and CEO of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. “The positive ripple effects of such an initiative will contribute to a more inclusive, connected, and economically vibrant society.”

For more information on the project and to see when WTC will be available in your neighborhood, visit <a href="https://wtcks.com/residential/pages/397/manhattan">WTCKS.com/MHK</a>.

WTC is headquartered in Wamego (KS) and provides a full line of Voice, Internet, and Video services to residential, governmental, educational, and commercial clients. For more information about WTC, please visit www.wtcks.com or call 785-456-1000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708640450794.jpeg" alt="WTC MHK expansion map" />
 <figcaption>WTC MHK expansion map</figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostMANHATTAN - On Wednesday afternoon, WTC announced they will be investing $50 million dollars into expanding their fiber network to all residents within Manhattan city limits in the next 36 months.WTC which provides Fiber-to-the-Premise(FTTP) technology will expand it's fiber to all residents and households in Manhattan after spending the last several years connecting to many of the businesses.<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/GucLc2CD-60zMcgvZ.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Wtc $50m" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>“Fiber connectivity for a community changes everything” stated Jeff Wick, CEO of WTC. “Fiber broadband is not just about faster Internet speeds, it builds a foundation of innovation, community development and economic growth,” he added.This expansion will continue to improve educational opportunities, enable remote work environments and advance access to healthcare services and continue to grow economic development in Manhattan.“Investing in fiber isn’t just a technological upgrade but a strategic investment in the economic well-being and overall development of our community,” stated Jason Smith, President and CEO of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. “The positive ripple effects of such an initiative will contribute to a more inclusive, connected, and economically vibrant society.”For more information on the project and to see when WTC will be available in your neighborhood, visit <a href="https://wtcks.com/residential/pages/397/manhattan">WTCKS.com/MHK</a>.WTC is headquartered in Wamego (KS) and provides a full line of Voice, Internet, and Video services to residential, governmental, educational, and commercial clients. For more information about WTC, please visit www.wtcks.com or call 785-456-1000.

WTC investing $50M to expand fiber network to all MHK residents by 2027

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Kansas woman has been charged through criminal complaint for a shooting death that took place on the federal military installation, Fort Riley.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Wichita issued a news release that said acccording to court documents, Margaret E. Shafe, 30, of Fort Riley is charged with murder in the second degree for shooting and killing Greg Shafe on February 19, 2024, while on Fort Riley, according to the United State's Attorney.

The defendant made her initial court appearance Thursday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Rachel E. Schwartz of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. If convicted, she faces a maximum possible penalty of life in prison.

The Department of Army Criminal Investigation Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen A. Hunting and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Graham are prosecuting the case.

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Kansas woman has been charged through criminal complaint for a shooting death that took place on the federal military installation, Fort Riley.The U.S. Attorney's Office in Wichita issued a news release that said acccording to court documents, Margaret E. Shafe, 30, of Fort Riley is charged with murder in the second degree for shooting and killing Greg Shafe on February 19, 2024, while on Fort Riley, according to the United State's Attorney.The defendant made her initial court appearance Thursday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Rachel E. Schwartz of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. If convicted, she faces a maximum possible penalty of life in prison.The Department of Army Criminal Investigation Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are investigating the case.Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen A. Hunting and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Graham are prosecuting the case.

Woman accused of man's murder at Fort Riley

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly drive-by shooting and have arrested a Junction City man identified as 38-year-old <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=284446">Dennis Leroy Alcox,</a> according to the Sedgwick County booking report.

Just before 2a.m. Thursday, police responded to a shooting in the 8100 block of E Harry in Wichita, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.

First responders located 26-year old Audreanna Hidalgo of Wichita with a gunshot wound.&nbsp; She was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Officers with the Patrol East Community Response Team and Homicide Investigators immediately began investigating this case to understand what occurred. Throughout that investigation, police have come to believe that this was a case of Intimate Partner Violence.

Our investigators were able to quickly identify a suspect. Police arrested&nbsp; Alcox in Junction City, according to Moses.

Alcox was booked<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=284446"> into the Sedgwick County jail </a>just before 5p.m. Thursday, according to jail records. He is being held on requested charges of first degree murder, criminal possession of a weapon and contempt of court, according to online jail records.

Alcox was on pre-trial supervision on a charge of Aggravated Battery. There is no documented history between this suspect and victim through the Wichita Police Department, according to Moses.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

This is the eighth criminal homicide in Wichita in 2024.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly drive-by shooting and have made an arrest.

Our investigators were able to quickly identify a suspect. Police arrested a 38-year-old Junction City man in Junction City, according to Moses.

Wichita Police are currently working with investigators in Junction City to transport the suspect to Wichita and execute search warrants in their jurisdiction.

&nbsp;The suspect, whose name has not been released, was on pre-trial supervision on a charge of Aggravated Battery. There is no documented history between this suspect and victim through the Wichita Police Department, according to Moses.&nbsp;&nbsp; This is the eighth criminal homicide in Wichita in 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708700312678.png" alt="Alcox-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Alcox-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly drive-by shooting and have arrested a Junction City man identified as 38-year-old <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=284446">Dennis Leroy Alcox,</a> according to the Sedgwick County booking report.Just before 2a.m. Thursday, police responded to a shooting in the 8100 block of E Harry in Wichita, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708624650162.png" alt="Police at the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>First responders located 26-year old Audreanna Hidalgo of Wichita with a gunshot wound.&nbsp; She was pronounced deceased at the scene.Officers with the Patrol East Community Response Team and Homicide Investigators immediately began investigating this case to understand what occurred. Throughout that investigation, police have come to believe that this was a case of Intimate Partner Violence.Our investigators were able to quickly identify a suspect. Police arrested&nbsp; Alcox in Junction City, according to Moses.Alcox was booked<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=284446"> into the Sedgwick County jail </a>just before 5p.m. Thursday, according to jail records. He is being held on requested charges of first degree murder, criminal possession of a weapon and contempt of court, according to online jail records.Alcox was on pre-trial supervision on a charge of Aggravated Battery. There is no documented history between this suspect and victim through the Wichita Police Department, according to Moses.&nbsp;&nbsp; This is the eighth criminal homicide in Wichita in 2024.--------------------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly drive-by shooting and have made an arrest.Just before 2a.m. Thursday, police responded to a shooting in the 8100 block of E Harry in Wichita, according to Police Lt. Aaron Moses.First responders located 26-year old Audreanna Hidalgo of Wichita with a gunshot wound.&nbsp; She was pronounced deceased at the scene.Officers with the Patrol East Community Response Team and Homicide Investigators immediately began investigating this case to understand what occurred. Throughout that investigation, police have come to believe that this was a case of Intimate Partner Violence.Our investigators were able to quickly identify a suspect. Police arrested a 38-year-old Junction City man in Junction City, according to Moses.Wichita Police are currently working with investigators in Junction City to transport the suspect to Wichita and execute search warrants in their jurisdiction.&nbsp;The suspect, whose name has not been released, was on pre-trial supervision on a charge of Aggravated Battery. There is no documented history between this suspect and victim through the Wichita Police Department, according to Moses.&nbsp;&nbsp; This is the eighth criminal homicide in Wichita in 2024.

Junction City man accused in shooting death of his girlfriend

CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL TROY, 35, Leonardville, Probation Violation; Bond $50,000

KAYLA ANN BOYLAN, 35, Manhattan, Fail to comply w/diversion; Bond $750

STEPHEN GEORGE FOX, 38, Failure to appear x2; Bond $3,500

CAYETANTO MARSH, 64, Manhattan, Violate offender registration act; 3 or more convictions; person x5; Bond $75,000

FELICITO RODRIGUEZ GARCIA, 32, Lehigh Acres, FL, Uniform Criminal Extradition Act; Arrest prior to requisition; Remains confined to Riley County Jail

FRANCIS ADOMAKO FRIMPONG, 25, Manhattan, Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance; Bond $1,000

ERIK WAYNE GENTRY, 32, Manhattan, Parole Violation; Bond $750

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL TROY, 35, Leonardville, Probation Violation; Bond $50,000KAYLA ANN BOYLAN, 35, Manhattan, Fail to comply w/diversion; Bond $750STEPHEN GEORGE FOX, 38, Failure to appear x2; Bond $3,500CAYETANTO MARSH, 64, Manhattan, Violate offender registration act; 3 or more convictions; person x5; Bond $75,000FELICITO RODRIGUEZ GARCIA, 32, Lehigh Acres, FL, Uniform Criminal Extradition Act; Arrest prior to requisition; Remains confined to Riley County JailFRANCIS ADOMAKO FRIMPONG, 25, Manhattan, Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance; Bond $1,000ERIK WAYNE GENTRY, 32, Manhattan, Parole Violation; Bond $750

Riley County Arrest Report Feb. 22

WASHINGTON — During the busiest time of the tax filing season, the Internal Revenue Service kicked off its 2024 Tax Time Guide series to help remind taxpayers of key items they’ll need to file a 2023 tax return.

As part of its four-part, weekly&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvbmV3c3Jvb20vdGF4LXRpbWUtZ3VpZGUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMjIxLjkwNTcwNTUxIn0.b1LDYgGvuX8lcwmLX2xdqqlap7rkO9SCdeWZvTLpkiY/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">Tax Time Guide</a>&nbsp;series, the IRS continues to provide new and updated resources to help taxpayers file an accurate tax return. Taxpayers can count on&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDIyMS45MDU3MDU1MSJ9.KFzQKy1EgSo9H5i12cSSA006_ojDQ_aa6lrL7EhjYQk/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">IRS.gov</a>&nbsp;for updated&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaGVscC90YXgtbGF3LXF1ZXN0aW9ucyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAyMjEuOTA1NzA1NTEifQ.vBeKcHCvWbKqmcvRjbH9EcEB9c1bEwgx2_868pnuQrA/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">resources</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaGVscC90b29scyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAyMjEuOTA1NzA1NTEifQ.p1ToYwuK4zLtpBdjkOmj19BBCZ3rox2JTNcSLLgK9cE/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">tools</a>&nbsp;along with a&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaGVscC9sZXQtdXMtaGVscC15b3UiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMjIxLjkwNTcwNTUxIn0._FojOXVu9VaViwIi2pIS8TuXe-ydJFFnqMoMIXHSfIc/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">special free help</a>&nbsp;page available around the clock. Taxpayers are also encouraged to read&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZm9ybXMtcHVicy9hYm91dC1wdWJsaWNhdGlvbi0xNyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAyMjEuOTA1NzA1NTEifQ.UDO9JpNiTB8IBAcXD3wXkiUIiyz2yBw9BpEevNcnbTs/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (For Individuals)</a>&nbsp;for additional guidance.

Essentials to filing an accurate tax returnThe deadline this tax season for filing&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZm9ybXMtcHVicy9hYm91dC1mb3JtLTEwNDAiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMjIxLjkwNTcwNTUxIn0.T4TWt2LRHEEtjUGvJt32n6w5q6MI3CUlQ90IviMFhmQ/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return</a>, or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZm9ybXMtcHVicy9hYm91dC1mb3JtLTEwNDAtc3IiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMjIxLjkwNTcwNTUxIn0.79x6rK2O3e-w3qMUl0ZN9HE_S47gf5abI1osefTfovA/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">1040-SR, U.S. Tax Return for Seniors</a>, is April 15, 2024. However, those who live in Maine or Massachusetts will have until April 17, 2024, to file due to official holidays observed in those states.

Taxpayers are advised to wait until they receive all their proper&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaW5kaXZpZHVhbHMvc3RlcHMtdG8tdGFrZS1ub3ctdG8tZ2V0LWEtanVtcC1vbi1uZXh0LXllYXJzLXRheGVzI2NvbGxhcHNlQ29sbGFwc2libGUxNjc1OTQ2MTg0OTI5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDIyMS45MDU3MDU1MSJ9.YUWAYpgf9J2QDlcKEgHDX6OyVpW9JtNKp2jYNht-4-g/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">tax documents</a>&nbsp;before filing their tax returns. Filing without all the necessary documents could lead to mistakes and potential delays.

It’s important for taxpayers to carefully review their documents for any inaccuracies or missing information. If any issues are found, taxpayers should&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvdGF4dG9waWNzL3RjMTU0IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDIyMS45MDU3MDU1MSJ9.WRWGkk_z4bMyXSnwwTwt_NIJTzjlcfvV9qVxX8iYAvY/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">contact the payer</a>&nbsp;immediately to request a correction or confirm that the payer has their current mailing or email address on file.

Creating an IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvcGF5bWVudHMveW91ci1vbmxpbmUtYWNjb3VudCIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAyMjEuOTA1NzA1NTEifQ.PetYUZcQxDRxVud0-96P9RvmaYfouaIyKVdt_G7KvdY/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">Online Account</a>&nbsp;can provide taxpayers with secure access to information about their federal tax account, including payment history, tax records and other important information.

Having organized tax records can make the process of preparing a complete and accurate tax return easier and may also help taxpayers identify any overlooked&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvY3JlZGl0cyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAyMjEuOTA1NzA1NTEifQ.5zioWr88MFYSYy6XBogFVjOgvmaJqEePCnVIisKz8fA/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">deductions or credits</a>.

Taxpayers who have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaW5kaXZpZHVhbHMvaW5kaXZpZHVhbC10YXhwYXllci1pZGVudGlmaWNhdGlvbi1udW1iZXIiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMjIxLjkwNTcwNTUxIn0.eaCLwkgaL0HvvneU_Or0G47GVWp66dMVirzfpqE9NbY/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">ITIN</a>&nbsp;may need to renew it if it has expired and is required for a U.S. federal tax return. If an expiring or expired ITIN is not renewed, the IRS can still accept the tax return, but it may result in processing delays or delays in credits owed.

Changes to credits and deductions for tax year 2023Standard deduction amount increased.&nbsp;For 2023, the standard deduction amount has been increased for all filers. The amounts are:

— Single or married filing separately — $13,850.

— Married filing jointly or qualifying surviving spouse — $27,700.

Additional child tax credit amount increased.&nbsp;The maximum additional child tax credit amount has increased to $1,600 for each qualifying child.

Child tax credit enhancements.&nbsp;Many changes to the Child tax credit (CTC) that had been implemented by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 have expired.

However, the IRS continues to closely monitor legislation being considered by Congress affecting the Child Tax Credit. The IRS reminds taxpayers eligible for the Child Tax Credit that they should not wait to file their 2023 tax return this filing season. If Congress changes the CTC guidelines, the IRS will automatically make adjustments for those who have already filed so no additional action will be needed by those eligible taxpayers.

Under current law, for tax year 2023, the following currently apply:

— The enhanced credit allowed for qualifying children under age 6 and children under age 18 has expired. For 2023, the initial amount of the CTC is $2,000 for each qualifying child. The credit amount begins to phase out where AGI income exceeds $200,000 ($400,000 in the case of a joint return). The amount of the CTC that can be claimed as a refundable credit is limited as it was in 2020 except that the maximum ACTC amount for each qualifying child increased to $1,500.

— The increased age allowance for a qualifying child has expired. A child must be under age 17 at the end of 2023 to be a qualifying child.

Changes to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).&nbsp;The enhancements for taxpayers without a qualifying child implemented by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 will not apply for tax year 2023. To claim the EITC without a qualifying child in 2023, taxpayers must be at least age 25 but under age 65 at the end of 2023. If a taxpayer is married filing a joint return, one spouse must be at least age 25 but under age 65 at the end of 2023.

Taxpayers may find more information on Child tax credits in the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZm9ybXMtcHVicy9hYm91dC1zY2hlZHVsZS04ODEyLWZvcm0tMTA0MCIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAyMjEuOTA1NzA1NTEifQ.8UWCwWxaxApQscWJMXNd-J3vumiYZ1thloEM_KZ9rEU/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">Instructions for Schedule 8812 (Form 1040)</a>.

New Clean Vehicle Credit.&nbsp;The credit for new qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles has changed. This credit is now known as the Clean Vehicle Credit. The maximum amount of the credit and some of the requirements to claim the credit have changed. The credit is reported on&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZm9ybXMtcHVicy9hYm91dC1mb3JtLTg5MzYiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMjIxLjkwNTcwNTUxIn0.FbjqwLhmhQjaDI9MuhGmynDP_9iYfOsPnWZPSA_xnPY/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">Form 8936, Qualified Plug-In Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Credit</a>, and on Form 1040, Schedule 3.

More information on these and other credit and deduction changes for tax year 2023 may be found in the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZm9ybXMtcHVicy9hYm91dC1wdWJsaWNhdGlvbi0xNyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAyMjEuOTA1NzA1NTEifQ.tDUht4N4eVo7l9Xn_2nyyDJi-MyA0HzJ_g4Df6bF6KI/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (For Individuals)</a>, taxpayer guide.

1099-K reporting requirements have not changed for tax year 2023Following feedback from taxpayers, tax professionals and payment processors, and to reduce taxpayer confusion, the IRS recently released&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvbmV3c3Jvb20vaXJzLWFubm91bmNlcy1kZWxheS1pbi1mb3JtLTEwOTktay1yZXBvcnRpbmctdGhyZXNob2xkLWZvci10aGlyZC1wYXJ0eS1wbGF0Zm9ybS1wYXltZW50cy1pbi0yMDIzLXBsYW5zLWZvci1hLXRocmVzaG9sZC1vZi01MDAwLWZvci0yMDI0LXRvLXBoYXNlLWluLWltcGxlbWVudGF0aW9uIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDIyMS45MDU3MDU1MSJ9.34fC7PrGRgb39H94ewkjvQSApkBWJVdIOC5BxmlFUqc/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">Notice 2023-74</a>&nbsp;announcing a delay of the new $600 reporting threshold for tax year 2023 on&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZm9ybXMtcHVicy9hYm91dC1mb3JtLTEwOTktayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAyMjEuOTA1NzA1NTEifQ.fPKRVg3MyYSPki0D-wrhBCNjUTEAydrCIZfn1HaK9FM/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">Form 1099-K, Payment Card and Third-Party Network Transactions</a>. The previous reporting thresholds will remain in place for 2023.

The IRS has published a&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvbmV3c3Jvb20vaXJzLWFubm91bmNlcy0yMDIzLWZvcm0tMTA5OS1rLXJlcG9ydGluZy10aHJlc2hvbGQtZGVsYXktZm9yLXRoaXJkLXBhcnR5LXBsYXRmb3JtLXBheW1lbnRzLXBsYW5zLWZvci1hLTUwMDAtdGhyZXNob2xkLWluLTIwMjQtdG8tcGhhc2UtaW4taW1wbGVtZW50YXRpb24iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMjIxLjkwNTcwNTUxIn0.M1AkMWhz6dvsa6wXbxUGt61UxdPozd3GiyFnzl-xsOQ/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">Fact Sheet</a>&nbsp;with further information to assist taxpayers concerning changes to 1099-K reporting requirements for tax year 2023.

Form 1099-K reporting requirementsTaxpayers who take direct payment by credit, debit or gift cards for selling goods or providing services by customers or clients should get a Form 1099-K from their payment processor or payment settlement entity no matter how many payments they got or how much they were for.

If they used a payment app or online marketplace and received over $20,000 from over 200 transactions, the payment app or online marketplace is required to send a Form 1099-K. However, they can send a Form 1099-K with lower amounts. Whether or not the taxpayer receives a Form 1099-K, they must still report any income on their tax return.

What’s taxable?&nbsp;It’s the profit from these activities that’s taxable income. The Form 1099-K shows the gross or total amount of payments received. Taxpayers can use it and other records to figure out the actual taxes they owe on any profits. Remember that all income, no matter the amount, is taxable unless the tax law says it isn’t – even if taxpayers don’t get a Form 1099-K.

What’s not taxable?&nbsp;Taxpayers shouldn’t receive a Form 1099-K for personal payments, including money received as a gift and for repayment of shared expenses. That money isn’t taxable. To prevent getting an inaccurate Form 1099-K, note those payments as “personal,” if possible.

Good recordkeeping is key.&nbsp;Be sure to keep good records because it helps when it’s time to file a tax return. It’s a good idea to keep business and personal transactions separate to make it easier to figure out what a taxpayer owes.

For details on what to do if a taxpayer gets a Form 1099-K in error or the information on their form is incorrect, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvYnVzaW5lc3Nlcy91bmRlcnN0YW5kaW5nLXlvdXItZm9ybS0xMDk5LWsiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMjIxLjkwNTcwNTUxIn0.3uAPKV3BB40sZW1CYG8E8UzqTTHmDGTNjap9_fxlS8k/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">irs.gov/1099K</a>&nbsp;or find frequently asked questions at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvbmV3c3Jvb20vZm9ybS0xMDk5LWstZmFxcyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAyMjEuOTA1NzA1NTEifQ.rwI1eV_0dw7lpSdnHdLe1Fz3s0WSgwcKP5YpTCaR3PY/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">Form 1099-K FAQs</a>.

Direct File pilot program provides a new option this year for someThe IRS launched the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvYWJvdXQtaXJzL3N0cmF0ZWdpYy1wbGFuL2RpcmVjdC1maWxlIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDIyMS45MDU3MDU1MSJ9.hoOBd1Wdgf8615iSfPgJ-gJNLUCn7tFaJeqWh3ipBzU/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">Direct File pilot program</a>&nbsp;during the 2024 tax season. The pilot will give eligible taxpayers an option to prepare and electronically file their 2023 tax returns, for free, directly with the IRS.

The Direct File pilot program will be offered to eligible taxpayers in 12 pilot states who have relatively simple tax returns reporting only certain types of income and claiming limited credits and deductions. The 12 states currently participating in the Direct File pilot program are Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington state and Wyoming. Taxpayers can check their eligibility at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNDgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZGlyZWN0ZmlsZS5pcnMuZ292LyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAyMjEuOTA1NzA1NTEifQ.Av7upADxQtkw2-kiyC6_Avzl2UlJtrwt32R5z_kA4yc/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">directfile.irs.gov</a>.

The Direct File pilot is currently in the internal testing phase and will be more widely available in mid-March. Taxpayers can get the latest news about the pilot at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNDksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvYWJvdXQtaXJzL3N0cmF0ZWdpYy1wbGFuL2RpcmVjdC1maWxlLXBpbG90LW5ld3MiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMjIxLjkwNTcwNTUxIn0.AIAUmujz-fbi580aFRwbvyqYux3FTyvETMBg_v8Hc1g/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">Direct File pilot news</a>&nbsp;and sign up to be notified when Direct File is open to new users.

Finally, for comprehensive information on all these and other changes for tax year 2023, taxpayers and tax professionals are encouraged to read the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNTAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZm9ybXMtcHVicy9hYm91dC1wdWJsaWNhdGlvbi0xNyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAyMjEuOTA1NzA1NTEifQ.byxcRjUwJdJo0SPp3WVFJDhDi3adhjJCpNp3Hhfx9Fw/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (For Individuals)</a>, taxpayer guide, as well as visit other topics of taxpayer interest on&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNTEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDIyMS45MDU3MDU1MSJ9.v0n7hkxgGFDDdDCiLB4HeiYb358dwK42j5b1doV89GQ/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">IRS.gov</a>.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869881583.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Internal Revenue ServiceWASHINGTON — During the busiest time of the tax filing season, the Internal Revenue Service kicked off its 2024 Tax Time Guide series to help remind taxpayers of key items they’ll need to file a 2023 tax return.As part of its four-part, weekly&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvbmV3c3Jvb20vdGF4LXRpbWUtZ3VpZGUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMjIxLjkwNTcwNTUxIn0.b1LDYgGvuX8lcwmLX2xdqqlap7rkO9SCdeWZvTLpkiY/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">Tax Time Guide</a>&nbsp;series, the IRS continues to provide new and updated resources to help taxpayers file an accurate tax return. Taxpayers can count on&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDIyMS45MDU3MDU1MSJ9.KFzQKy1EgSo9H5i12cSSA006_ojDQ_aa6lrL7EhjYQk/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">IRS.gov</a>&nbsp;for updated&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaGVscC90YXgtbGF3LXF1ZXN0aW9ucyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAyMjEuOTA1NzA1NTEifQ.vBeKcHCvWbKqmcvRjbH9EcEB9c1bEwgx2_868pnuQrA/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">resources</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaGVscC90b29scyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAyMjEuOTA1NzA1NTEifQ.p1ToYwuK4zLtpBdjkOmj19BBCZ3rox2JTNcSLLgK9cE/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">tools</a>&nbsp;along with a&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaGVscC9sZXQtdXMtaGVscC15b3UiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMjIxLjkwNTcwNTUxIn0._FojOXVu9VaViwIi2pIS8TuXe-ydJFFnqMoMIXHSfIc/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">special free help</a>&nbsp;page available around the clock. Taxpayers are also encouraged to read&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZm9ybXMtcHVicy9hYm91dC1wdWJsaWNhdGlvbi0xNyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAyMjEuOTA1NzA1NTEifQ.UDO9JpNiTB8IBAcXD3wXkiUIiyz2yBw9BpEevNcnbTs/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (For Individuals)</a>&nbsp;for additional guidance.Essentials to filing an accurate tax returnThe deadline this tax season for filing&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZm9ybXMtcHVicy9hYm91dC1mb3JtLTEwNDAiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMjIxLjkwNTcwNTUxIn0.T4TWt2LRHEEtjUGvJt32n6w5q6MI3CUlQ90IviMFhmQ/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return</a>, or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZm9ybXMtcHVicy9hYm91dC1mb3JtLTEwNDAtc3IiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMjIxLjkwNTcwNTUxIn0.79x6rK2O3e-w3qMUl0ZN9HE_S47gf5abI1osefTfovA/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">1040-SR, U.S. Tax Return for Seniors</a>, is April 15, 2024. However, those who live in Maine or Massachusetts will have until April 17, 2024, to file due to official holidays observed in those states.Taxpayers are advised to wait until they receive all their proper&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaW5kaXZpZHVhbHMvc3RlcHMtdG8tdGFrZS1ub3ctdG8tZ2V0LWEtanVtcC1vbi1uZXh0LXllYXJzLXRheGVzI2NvbGxhcHNlQ29sbGFwc2libGUxNjc1OTQ2MTg0OTI5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDIyMS45MDU3MDU1MSJ9.YUWAYpgf9J2QDlcKEgHDX6OyVpW9JtNKp2jYNht-4-g/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">tax documents</a>&nbsp;before filing their tax returns. Filing without all the necessary documents could lead to mistakes and potential delays.It’s important for taxpayers to carefully review their documents for any inaccuracies or missing information. If any issues are found, taxpayers should&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvdGF4dG9waWNzL3RjMTU0IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDIyMS45MDU3MDU1MSJ9.WRWGkk_z4bMyXSnwwTwt_NIJTzjlcfvV9qVxX8iYAvY/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">contact the payer</a>&nbsp;immediately to request a correction or confirm that the payer has their current mailing or email address on file.Creating an IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvcGF5bWVudHMveW91ci1vbmxpbmUtYWNjb3VudCIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAyMjEuOTA1NzA1NTEifQ.PetYUZcQxDRxVud0-96P9RvmaYfouaIyKVdt_G7KvdY/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">Online Account</a>&nbsp;can provide taxpayers with secure access to information about their federal tax account, including payment history, tax records and other important information.Having organized tax records can make the process of preparing a complete and accurate tax return easier and may also help taxpayers identify any overlooked&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvY3JlZGl0cyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAyMjEuOTA1NzA1NTEifQ.5zioWr88MFYSYy6XBogFVjOgvmaJqEePCnVIisKz8fA/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">deductions or credits</a>.Taxpayers who have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number or&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvaW5kaXZpZHVhbHMvaW5kaXZpZHVhbC10YXhwYXllci1pZGVudGlmaWNhdGlvbi1udW1iZXIiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMjIxLjkwNTcwNTUxIn0.eaCLwkgaL0HvvneU_Or0G47GVWp66dMVirzfpqE9NbY/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">ITIN</a>&nbsp;may need to renew it if it has expired and is required for a U.S. federal tax return. If an expiring or expired ITIN is not renewed, the IRS can still accept the tax return, but it may result in processing delays or delays in credits owed.Changes to credits and deductions for tax year 2023Standard deduction amount increased.&nbsp;For 2023, the standard deduction amount has been increased for all filers. The amounts are:— Single or married filing separately — $13,850.— Head of household — $20,800.— Married filing jointly or qualifying surviving spouse — $27,700.Additional child tax credit amount increased.&nbsp;The maximum additional child tax credit amount has increased to $1,600 for each qualifying child.Child tax credit enhancements.&nbsp;Many changes to the Child tax credit (CTC) that had been implemented by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 have expired.However, the IRS continues to closely monitor legislation being considered by Congress affecting the Child Tax Credit. The IRS reminds taxpayers eligible for the Child Tax Credit that they should not wait to file their 2023 tax return this filing season. If Congress changes the CTC guidelines, the IRS will automatically make adjustments for those who have already filed so no additional action will be needed by those eligible taxpayers.Under current law, for tax year 2023, the following currently apply:— The enhanced credit allowed for qualifying children under age 6 and children under age 18 has expired. For 2023, the initial amount of the CTC is $2,000 for each qualifying child. The credit amount begins to phase out where AGI income exceeds $200,000 ($400,000 in the case of a joint return). The amount of the CTC that can be claimed as a refundable credit is limited as it was in 2020 except that the maximum ACTC amount for each qualifying child increased to $1,500.— The increased age allowance for a qualifying child has expired. A child must be under age 17 at the end of 2023 to be a qualifying child.Changes to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).&nbsp;The enhancements for taxpayers without a qualifying child implemented by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 will not apply for tax year 2023. To claim the EITC without a qualifying child in 2023, taxpayers must be at least age 25 but under age 65 at the end of 2023. If a taxpayer is married filing a joint return, one spouse must be at least age 25 but under age 65 at the end of 2023.Taxpayers may find more information on Child tax credits in the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMzksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZm9ybXMtcHVicy9hYm91dC1zY2hlZHVsZS04ODEyLWZvcm0tMTA0MCIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAyMjEuOTA1NzA1NTEifQ.8UWCwWxaxApQscWJMXNd-J3vumiYZ1thloEM_KZ9rEU/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">Instructions for Schedule 8812 (Form 1040)</a>.New Clean Vehicle Credit.&nbsp;The credit for new qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles has changed. This credit is now known as the Clean Vehicle Credit. The maximum amount of the credit and some of the requirements to claim the credit have changed. The credit is reported on&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZm9ybXMtcHVicy9hYm91dC1mb3JtLTg5MzYiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMjIxLjkwNTcwNTUxIn0.FbjqwLhmhQjaDI9MuhGmynDP_9iYfOsPnWZPSA_xnPY/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">Form 8936, Qualified Plug-In Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Credit</a>, and on Form 1040, Schedule 3.More information on these and other credit and deduction changes for tax year 2023 may be found in the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZm9ybXMtcHVicy9hYm91dC1wdWJsaWNhdGlvbi0xNyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAyMjEuOTA1NzA1NTEifQ.tDUht4N4eVo7l9Xn_2nyyDJi-MyA0HzJ_g4Df6bF6KI/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (For Individuals)</a>, taxpayer guide.1099-K reporting requirements have not changed for tax year 2023Following feedback from taxpayers, tax professionals and payment processors, and to reduce taxpayer confusion, the IRS recently released&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvbmV3c3Jvb20vaXJzLWFubm91bmNlcy1kZWxheS1pbi1mb3JtLTEwOTktay1yZXBvcnRpbmctdGhyZXNob2xkLWZvci10aGlyZC1wYXJ0eS1wbGF0Zm9ybS1wYXltZW50cy1pbi0yMDIzLXBsYW5zLWZvci1hLXRocmVzaG9sZC1vZi01MDAwLWZvci0yMDI0LXRvLXBoYXNlLWluLWltcGxlbWVudGF0aW9uIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDIyMS45MDU3MDU1MSJ9.34fC7PrGRgb39H94ewkjvQSApkBWJVdIOC5BxmlFUqc/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">Notice 2023-74</a>&nbsp;announcing a delay of the new $600 reporting threshold for tax year 2023 on&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZm9ybXMtcHVicy9hYm91dC1mb3JtLTEwOTktayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAyMjEuOTA1NzA1NTEifQ.fPKRVg3MyYSPki0D-wrhBCNjUTEAydrCIZfn1HaK9FM/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">Form 1099-K, Payment Card and Third-Party Network Transactions</a>. The previous reporting thresholds will remain in place for 2023.The IRS has published a&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvbmV3c3Jvb20vaXJzLWFubm91bmNlcy0yMDIzLWZvcm0tMTA5OS1rLXJlcG9ydGluZy10aHJlc2hvbGQtZGVsYXktZm9yLXRoaXJkLXBhcnR5LXBsYXRmb3JtLXBheW1lbnRzLXBsYW5zLWZvci1hLTUwMDAtdGhyZXNob2xkLWluLTIwMjQtdG8tcGhhc2UtaW4taW1wbGVtZW50YXRpb24iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMjIxLjkwNTcwNTUxIn0.M1AkMWhz6dvsa6wXbxUGt61UxdPozd3GiyFnzl-xsOQ/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">Fact Sheet</a>&nbsp;with further information to assist taxpayers concerning changes to 1099-K reporting requirements for tax year 2023.Form 1099-K reporting requirementsTaxpayers who take direct payment by credit, debit or gift cards for selling goods or providing services by customers or clients should get a Form 1099-K from their payment processor or payment settlement entity no matter how many payments they got or how much they were for.If they used a payment app or online marketplace and received over $20,000 from over 200 transactions, the payment app or online marketplace is required to send a Form 1099-K. However, they can send a Form 1099-K with lower amounts. Whether or not the taxpayer receives a Form 1099-K, they must still report any income on their tax return.What’s taxable?&nbsp;It’s the profit from these activities that’s taxable income. The Form 1099-K shows the gross or total amount of payments received. Taxpayers can use it and other records to figure out the actual taxes they owe on any profits. Remember that all income, no matter the amount, is taxable unless the tax law says it isn’t – even if taxpayers don’t get a Form 1099-K.What’s not taxable?&nbsp;Taxpayers shouldn’t receive a Form 1099-K for personal payments, including money received as a gift and for repayment of shared expenses. That money isn’t taxable. To prevent getting an inaccurate Form 1099-K, note those payments as “personal,” if possible.Good recordkeeping is key.&nbsp;Be sure to keep good records because it helps when it’s time to file a tax return. It’s a good idea to keep business and personal transactions separate to make it easier to figure out what a taxpayer owes.For details on what to do if a taxpayer gets a Form 1099-K in error or the information on their form is incorrect, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvYnVzaW5lc3Nlcy91bmRlcnN0YW5kaW5nLXlvdXItZm9ybS0xMDk5LWsiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMjIxLjkwNTcwNTUxIn0.3uAPKV3BB40sZW1CYG8E8UzqTTHmDGTNjap9_fxlS8k/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">irs.gov/1099K</a>&nbsp;or find frequently asked questions at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvbmV3c3Jvb20vZm9ybS0xMDk5LWstZmFxcyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAyMjEuOTA1NzA1NTEifQ.rwI1eV_0dw7lpSdnHdLe1Fz3s0WSgwcKP5YpTCaR3PY/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">Form 1099-K FAQs</a>.Direct File pilot program provides a new option this year for someThe IRS launched the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvYWJvdXQtaXJzL3N0cmF0ZWdpYy1wbGFuL2RpcmVjdC1maWxlIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDIyMS45MDU3MDU1MSJ9.hoOBd1Wdgf8615iSfPgJ-gJNLUCn7tFaJeqWh3ipBzU/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">Direct File pilot program</a>&nbsp;during the 2024 tax season. The pilot will give eligible taxpayers an option to prepare and electronically file their 2023 tax returns, for free, directly with the IRS.The Direct File pilot program will be offered to eligible taxpayers in 12 pilot states who have relatively simple tax returns reporting only certain types of income and claiming limited credits and deductions. The 12 states currently participating in the Direct File pilot program are Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington state and Wyoming. Taxpayers can check their eligibility at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNDgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZGlyZWN0ZmlsZS5pcnMuZ292LyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAyMjEuOTA1NzA1NTEifQ.Av7upADxQtkw2-kiyC6_Avzl2UlJtrwt32R5z_kA4yc/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">directfile.irs.gov</a>.The Direct File pilot is currently in the internal testing phase and will be more widely available in mid-March. Taxpayers can get the latest news about the pilot at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNDksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvYWJvdXQtaXJzL3N0cmF0ZWdpYy1wbGFuL2RpcmVjdC1maWxlLXBpbG90LW5ld3MiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMjIxLjkwNTcwNTUxIn0.AIAUmujz-fbi580aFRwbvyqYux3FTyvETMBg_v8Hc1g/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">Direct File pilot news</a>&nbsp;and sign up to be notified when Direct File is open to new users.Finally, for comprehensive information on all these and other changes for tax year 2023, taxpayers and tax professionals are encouraged to read the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNTAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZm9ybXMtcHVicy9hYm91dC1wdWJsaWNhdGlvbi0xNyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAyMjEuOTA1NzA1NTEifQ.byxcRjUwJdJo0SPp3WVFJDhDi3adhjJCpNp3Hhfx9Fw/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (For Individuals)</a>, taxpayer guide, as well as visit other topics of taxpayer interest on&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxNTEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDIyMS45MDU3MDU1MSJ9.v0n7hkxgGFDDdDCiLB4HeiYb358dwK42j5b1doV89GQ/s/1558083055/br/237464752169-l">IRS.gov</a>.

Tax Time Guide 2024: What to know before completing a tax return

MANHATTAN - On Monday, February 19th, crews contracted by the city of Manhattan closed a portion of Kimball Avenue near the intersection with Denison Avenue.

This closure is part of phase 13 of the North Campus Corridor project.

Phase 13 includes a complete overhaul of the intersection of Kimball Avenue and Denison Avenue, widening both streets to include multiple turn lanes.

"This is phase 13 of a 14 phase project, it's been going on since 2014. We obviously started at Denison and Marlatt, and then we've moved to College, and then now we're coming down Kimball. This is the last phase where the intersection is. This is also part of an obligation that we made to, Homeland Security. When NBAF came, we promised them that we would expand that intersection for the increased traffic at that facility." says Brian Johnson, City of Manhattan City Engineer.

"So there's...there's two things going on. One, the Kimball project is funded through a city university sales tax. And that's how that project is funded. Those dollars cannot be used for fixing potholes pipes. Pothole budget is through either sales tax, through the general, city or through gasoline tax. And both of those are used to, to, fix potholes throughout the city as they come, come up and then we're fixing the potholes." Johnson says.

"We have over 400 employees in the city. They're all doing different things. We're all doing these things at the same time. It's a complex organization, and I just hope people understand. Just because we announced one closure doesn't mean we just stopped all work in that area. We've got 25 street workers out there that are still constantly doing pothole patching. So, don't...don't take this closure as meaning that we just ceased operations. That's not the case. We have a lot of things going." says Andrew Lawson, City of Manhattan Public Information Officer.

For more information on active and upcoming projects with City of Manhattan Public Works, <a href="https://cityofmhk.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Shortlist/index.html?appid=2d62b22ee1a6433087a4d8ae209dc778">click here</a>.

To report potholes, use the ReportIt! app on your phone or <a href="https://cityofmhk.com/2347/Report-It">click here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708460711758.jpeg" alt="Kimball closed for Phase 13 of 'North Campus Corridor' project" />
 <figcaption>Kimball closed for Phase 13 of 'North Campus Corridor' project</figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostMANHATTAN - On Monday, February 19th, crews contracted by the city of Manhattan closed a portion of Kimball Avenue near the intersection with Denison Avenue.This closure is part of phase 13 of the North Campus Corridor project.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708467502515.jpeg" alt="Kimball at Denison Phase 13 improvements" />
 <figcaption>Kimball at Denison Phase 13 improvements</figcaption>
 </figure>Phase 13 includes a complete overhaul of the intersection of Kimball Avenue and Denison Avenue, widening both streets to include multiple turn lanes.<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/lgC3yeFW-60zMcgvZ.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Kimball Vs Potholes-brian Johnson" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>"This is phase 13 of a 14 phase project, it's been going on since 2014. We obviously started at Denison and Marlatt, and then we've moved to College, and then now we're coming down Kimball. This is the last phase where the intersection is. This is also part of an obligation that we made to, Homeland Security. When NBAF came, we promised them that we would expand that intersection for the increased traffic at that facility." says Brian Johnson, City of Manhattan City Engineer.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FCityofmanhattan%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02z7DNbkQEiwvu2dn9o4M6jhvgoyNdiwogpSK1LweisuepuoqLuuyWtBV4RCCzT9h1l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="538" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>"So there's...there's two things going on. One, the Kimball project is funded through a city university sales tax. And that's how that project is funded. Those dollars cannot be used for fixing potholes pipes. Pothole budget is through either sales tax, through the general, city or through gasoline tax. And both of those are used to, to, fix potholes throughout the city as they come, come up and then we're fixing the potholes." Johnson says.<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/XaTDFM3A-60zMcgvZ.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Kimball Vs Potholes - Andrew Lawson" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>"We have over 400 employees in the city. They're all doing different things. We're all doing these things at the same time. It's a complex organization, and I just hope people understand. Just because we announced one closure doesn't mean we just stopped all work in that area. We've got 25 street workers out there that are still constantly doing pothole patching. So, don't...don't take this closure as meaning that we just ceased operations. That's not the case. We have a lot of things going." says Andrew Lawson, City of Manhattan Public Information Officer.For more information on active and upcoming projects with City of Manhattan Public Works, <a href="https://cityofmhk.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Shortlist/index.html?appid=2d62b22ee1a6433087a4d8ae209dc778">click here</a>.To report potholes, use the ReportIt! app on your phone or <a href="https://cityofmhk.com/2347/Report-It">click here</a>.

Kimball Avenue Closure versus Pothole repairs around MHK

&nbsp; The Army has announced via social media that on Tuesday evening a 1st Infantry Division Soldier was shot in his home on Fort Riley. A subject was apprehended shortly after the incident. There was no threat to the greater Fort Riley community. 

Federal authorities are actively investigating.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; The Army has announced via social media that on Tuesday evening a 1st Infantry Division Soldier was shot in his home on Fort Riley. A subject was apprehended shortly after the incident. There was no threat to the greater Fort Riley community. Federal authorities are actively investigating.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

1st Infantry Division confirms a shooting on Fort Riley

REVELL CHANCE MCPHILLAMY, 22, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750

QUINTON WiLLIAM GWIN, 22, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Criminal damage in property; Without consent value &lt; $1000; Bond $4,000

KYLE BRIAN WARRINGTON JUSKIEWICZ, 31, Manhattan, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; Driving under the influence of drug or combination of drugs; 1st conv; Possession of marijuana; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of depressant; Bond $3,000

ANGEL DE JESUS GUZMAN, 21, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Vehicle liability insurance; Liability coverage required; Transporting an open container; Operate a MV w/o a valid license; Bond $1,000

ANGEL KAYE MORGAN, 39, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Probation Violation; Arrested and released on bond by Junction City Police Department on 2/20/2024

LARRY SCOTT CARGAL, 43, Manhattan, Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation, or disruption; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Bond $2,000

CONNER WAYNE BRUCE, 19, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $500

CHRISTINA COLLEEN HURLEY, 42, Manhattan, Failure to appear x4; Bond $2,000

JESUS MIGUEL ONTIVEROS RIVAS, 19, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $750

ANGELA LANETT WASHINGTON, 47, Junction City, Theft of property or services; Value less than $1,500; All Other Larceny; Criminal use of a financial card; W/o consent of owner less than $1,000; Arrested and released on bond by Geary County Sheriff's Office on 2/13/2024

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;REVELL CHANCE MCPHILLAMY, 22, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750QUINTON WiLLIAM GWIN, 22, Manhattan, Domestic battery; Knowing or reckless bodily harm to family/person in dating relationship; Criminal damage in property; Without consent value &lt; $1000; Bond $4,000KYLE BRIAN WARRINGTON JUSKIEWICZ, 31, Manhattan, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; Driving under the influence of drug or combination of drugs; 1st conv; Possession of marijuana; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Possession of depressant; Bond $3,000ANGEL DE JESUS GUZMAN, 21, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Vehicle liability insurance; Liability coverage required; Transporting an open container; Operate a MV w/o a valid license; Bond $1,000ANGEL KAYE MORGAN, 39, Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant; Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body; Probation Violation; Arrested and released on bond by Junction City Police Department on 2/20/2024LARRY SCOTT CARGAL, 43, Manhattan, Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation, or disruption; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value &lt;$1000; Bond $2,000CONNER WAYNE BRUCE, 19, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $500CHRISTINA COLLEEN HURLEY, 42, Manhattan, Failure to appear x4; Bond $2,000JESUS MIGUEL ONTIVEROS RIVAS, 19, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $750ANGELA LANETT WASHINGTON, 47, Junction City, Theft of property or services; Value less than $1,500; All Other Larceny; Criminal use of a financial card; W/o consent of owner less than $1,000; Arrested and released on bond by Geary County Sheriff's Office on 2/13/2024

Riley County Arrest Report Feb. 21

WABAUNSEE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident Tuesday in Wabaunsee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1998 Jeep Cherokee driven by Travis Wayne Wolverton, 31, Topeka, was westbound on Kansas 4 Highway just west of Gladden Rord.

The Jeep traveled off the south edge of the roadway, struck an embankment, vaulted and rolled.

EMS transported Wolverton to Stormont Vail. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP. The exact time of the accident is unknown.

WABAUNSEE COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident Tuesday in Wabaunsee County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1998 Jeep Cherokee driven by Travis Wayne Wolverton, 31, Topeka, was westbound on Kansas 4 Highway just west of Gladden Rord.The Jeep traveled off the south edge of the roadway, struck an embankment, vaulted and rolled.EMS transported Wolverton to Stormont Vail. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP. The exact time of the accident is unknown.

Kansas man hospitalized after violent jeep crash

<a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/b5568aad-be04-4333-a0c8-3ffce26a7fdd">TYLER RANDALL STAATZ</a>, 18, Manhattan, Rape; Sexual intercourse without consent and use of force; Aggravated indecent liberties w/child; intercourse with child 14 &lt; 16 YOA; Indecent liberties with child; 14 &lt; 16 YOA; Lewd fondling; Bond $75,000

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;<a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/b5568aad-be04-4333-a0c8-3ffce26a7fdd">TYLER RANDALL STAATZ</a>, 18, Manhattan, Rape; Sexual intercourse without consent and use of force; Aggravated indecent liberties w/child; intercourse with child 14 &lt; 16 YOA; Indecent liberties with child; 14 &lt; 16 YOA; Lewd fondling; Bond $75,000

Riley County Arrest Report Feb. 20

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged criminal damage to property.

Just after 1p.m. Monday, officers filed a report for criminal damage to property in the 6900 block of Tuttle Cove Road in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

The Corps of Engineers reported an unknown suspect damaged a John Deere gator. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $1,500. 

Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged criminal damage to property.Just after 1p.m. Monday, officers filed a report for criminal damage to property in the 6900 block of Tuttle Cove Road in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.The Corps of Engineers reported an unknown suspect damaged a John Deere gator. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $1,500. Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RCPD: Corps of Engineers UTV damaged

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Manhattan teen for alleged sex crimes.

Just before 10a.m. Monday,&nbsp; Tyler Staatz, 18, turned himself in connection with multiple incidents involving a 14-year-old female victim known to him, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.

The offenses are said to have occurred around September of 2023. Staatz was jailed on requested charges of rape, aggravated indecent liberties with a child; intercourse with a child 14 &lt; 16 years of age, and indecent liberties with a child 14 &lt; 16; lewd fondling.

Staatz was issued a total bond of $75,000 and is no longer in custody, according to the RCPD.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Manhattan teen for alleged sex crimes.Just before 10a.m. Monday,&nbsp; Tyler Staatz, 18, turned himself in connection with multiple incidents involving a 14-year-old female victim known to him, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.The offenses are said to have occurred around September of 2023. Staatz was jailed on requested charges of rape, aggravated indecent liberties with a child; intercourse with a child 14 &lt; 16 years of age, and indecent liberties with a child 14 &lt; 16; lewd fondling.Staatz was issued a total bond of $75,000 and is no longer in custody, according to the RCPD.

Manhattan teen  turns himself in for alleged sex crimes

WABAUNSEE COUNTY - Just before 6:00 am on Monday morning, a single vehicle crash claimed the life of a 51-year-old Alma man.

Jerry Anstey, of Alma was driving a 2006 Ford Focus, northbound on Kansas Highway 99(K-99) between I-70 and Wamego when his vehicle left the roadway to the right(east).

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol Crash Log, Anstey overcorrected and re-entered the roadway, turning counterclockwise; then crossing the centerline and exiting the roadway to the left(west) while headed south.

The vehicle then struck the rock embankment, in the west ditch, on the passenger side before the vehicle overturned onto the driver's side, ejecting Anstey from the vehicle.

Anstey was pronounced deceased at the scene and next of kin have been notified.

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostWABAUNSEE COUNTY - Just before 6:00 am on Monday morning, a single vehicle crash claimed the life of a 51-year-old Alma man.Jerry Anstey, of Alma was driving a 2006 Ford Focus, northbound on Kansas Highway 99(K-99) between I-70 and Wamego when his vehicle left the roadway to the right(east).According to the Kansas Highway Patrol Crash Log, Anstey overcorrected and re-entered the roadway, turning counterclockwise; then crossing the centerline and exiting the roadway to the left(west) while headed south.The vehicle then struck the rock embankment, in the west ditch, on the passenger side before the vehicle overturned onto the driver's side, ejecting Anstey from the vehicle.Anstey was pronounced deceased at the scene and next of kin have been notified.

Alma man dies in crash on K-99 Monday morning

DALE EUGENE ERKER, 65, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750

WILLIAM JOSEPH EICHEM, 43, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $6,000

AUSTIN KIRK&nbsp; SWAFFORD, 39, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution; Bond $14,000

RONNIE CARSON SUMMERSET JR, 25, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $1,000

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;DALE EUGENE ERKER, 65, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750WILLIAM JOSEPH EICHEM, 43, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $6,000AUSTIN KIRK&nbsp; SWAFFORD, 39, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution; Bond $14,000RONNIE CARSON SUMMERSET JR, 25, Manhattan, Failure to appear; Bond $1,000

Riley County Arrest Report Feb. 19

TREY DARNELL HOLLOWAY, 19, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750

TIFFANI RACHEL ARMSTRONG, 24, Topeka, Flee or attempt to elude; five or more moving violations; Flee or attempt to elude LEO by engaging in reckless driving; Reckless driving; Bond $5,000

PERCY CHARLES DAVIS, 30, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Bond $2,000

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.&nbsp;TREY DARNELL HOLLOWAY, 19, Manhattan, Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750TIFFANI RACHEL ARMSTRONG, 24, Topeka, Flee or attempt to elude; five or more moving violations; Flee or attempt to elude LEO by engaging in reckless driving; Reckless driving; Bond $5,000PERCY CHARLES DAVIS, 30, Manhattan, Probation Violation; Bond $2,000

Riley County Arrest Report Feb. 18

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — According to Dan Murray with NFIB Kansas, a nationwide survey of NFIB members continues to lag behind its historical average.

"Small business owners expectations for higher sales declined in January," Murray said. "They're still concerned about inflation, still having trouble filling job openings that they have, finding qualified applicants. Our Small Business Optimism in January decreased two points."

The level was at 89.9, marking the 25th consecutive month below the 50-year average of 98. Not having good help means small business owners are working at their business, not on their business.

"The small business owner has to get in there and not only run the books and do marketing and all that, but also run the [business] itself," Murray said.&nbsp; "Small business owners are doing what they normally do, which is roll up their sleeves and get to work."&nbsp; 

Although state-specific data is unavailable, Murray&nbsp;pointed to the&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTjrsjaseWsLt5hCrFv1x5gDQPYNKAP-2BKtsNrQSDWKWUpnCoEwn02zTOYT2TQsIcGkJh9L0c-2BaIqnuczYRj636o1XPIJX3XAFVcQEy0gYvwKeKU8Gtp-2FppU8NGn6fckkZz5W2uhGI1rEVfZGMu0x3-2FjatyuNWN543tHHCE6MDrwqxaje_WNeAFANdVbitjk7LWYjgmCGTl6KezMUVOMKAx15NbxtPvHRUjvESGTmd7OCjsgY30JFCU1CX5UC1q7EoHfy22HnoBP3CmwONonk-2FkFe12euzrf5NmyxFZLM9jBZvKrQCoF2WSYZV3hjVZGn4rg7tCOulHrSoJfjasPCqscJHseC-2BG7dAUSnQC8-2Bmsvpp4avY40WSbv-2FxAPCNJ0j4VqqnY-2BqZPjn1Li73vRSebsy0kpbeSBwDAGrUDd1C7L6OXQjuJknrD7VP6THtb8spgGIO4pSOu9B3b1GEMSlbtoyddCKyIRituo2bEEOOvpnLC1NWOGWrQSkB70xnIlkkseEvK1Kw8Pv3fYRCL-2BETuq4C85E-3D" target="_blank">Governor’s veto</a>&nbsp;of tax reform as one more reason small business owners remain pessimistic in the New Year.

"The net percent of owners who expect real sales to be higher declined 12 points from December," Murray said. "Their expectations for sales seem to be declining. Maybe that's due in part because the holidays are behind us. Not sure what can turn the tide on that."

The&nbsp;NFIB&nbsp;Research Center&nbsp;has collected Small Business Economic Trends data with quarterly surveys since the fourth quarter of 1973 and monthly surveys since 1986.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600954270300.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch Post&nbsp;HUTCHINSON, Kan. — According to Dan Murray with NFIB Kansas, a nationwide survey of NFIB members continues to lag behind its historical average."Small business owners expectations for higher sales declined in January," Murray said. "They're still concerned about inflation, still having trouble filling job openings that they have, finding qualified applicants. Our Small Business Optimism in January decreased two points."The level was at 89.9, marking the 25th consecutive month below the 50-year average of 98. Not having good help means small business owners are working at their business, not on their business."The small business owner has to get in there and not only run the books and do marketing and all that, but also run the [business] itself," Murray said.&nbsp; "Small business owners are doing what they normally do, which is roll up their sleeves and get to work."&nbsp; Although state-specific data is unavailable, Murray&nbsp;pointed to the&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTjrsjaseWsLt5hCrFv1x5gDQPYNKAP-2BKtsNrQSDWKWUpnCoEwn02zTOYT2TQsIcGkJh9L0c-2BaIqnuczYRj636o1XPIJX3XAFVcQEy0gYvwKeKU8Gtp-2FppU8NGn6fckkZz5W2uhGI1rEVfZGMu0x3-2FjatyuNWN543tHHCE6MDrwqxaje_WNeAFANdVbitjk7LWYjgmCGTl6KezMUVOMKAx15NbxtPvHRUjvESGTmd7OCjsgY30JFCU1CX5UC1q7EoHfy22HnoBP3CmwONonk-2FkFe12euzrf5NmyxFZLM9jBZvKrQCoF2WSYZV3hjVZGn4rg7tCOulHrSoJfjasPCqscJHseC-2BG7dAUSnQC8-2Bmsvpp4avY40WSbv-2FxAPCNJ0j4VqqnY-2BqZPjn1Li73vRSebsy0kpbeSBwDAGrUDd1C7L6OXQjuJknrD7VP6THtb8spgGIO4pSOu9B3b1GEMSlbtoyddCKyIRituo2bEEOOvpnLC1NWOGWrQSkB70xnIlkkseEvK1Kw8Pv3fYRCL-2BETuq4C85E-3D" target="_blank">Governor’s veto</a>&nbsp;of tax reform as one more reason small business owners remain pessimistic in the New Year."The net percent of owners who expect real sales to be higher declined 12 points from December," Murray said. "Their expectations for sales seem to be declining. Maybe that's due in part because the holidays are behind us. Not sure what can turn the tide on that."The&nbsp;NFIB&nbsp;Research Center&nbsp;has collected Small Business Economic Trends data with quarterly surveys since the fourth quarter of 1973 and monthly surveys since 1986.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile&nbsp;app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

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