Today's Feature

Burning Deadline Extended.

Carthage Fire Chief John Cooper recently announced that the Missouri Department of Natural Resources has extended the deadline allowing citizens to burn storm debris. The deadline for burning had previously been set for February 15th which was also the cutoff date for free drop offs at the City landfill. Cooper said that DNR was willing to give citizens more time to dispose of storm related debris.

March 15th is the new ending date for citizens to burn without needing to obtain a permit through the Fire Department. Citizens are still encouraged to call the Fire Department prior to burning.

Helpful Tax Filing Tips.
News release from the Department of Revenue

Tax Season is well underway and the Missouri Department of Revenue (Department is offering some helpful filing tips for all Missouri taxpayers to avoid delays in processing their tax return.

"The Department of Revenue continually looks for ways to make the Department more efficient and responsive to Missouri taxpayers," said Omar Davis, Director of Revenue. "This information will help in many avoidable delays in the processing of Missourians hard earned refunds."

Some items for citizens to be aware of would include;

Make sure the return is signed and if you are filing a combined return, make sure both spouses have signed the return.

Attach all necessary documentation. Examples; W-2 forms, 1099-R forms, MO-CR form along with a copy of the other state’s return, the MO-A if there are additions or subtractions to income, you are itemizing your deductions or you are claiming a pension/social security/social security disability exemption.

Check the correct filing status box for your filing situation.

Enter the number of dependents you are entitled to claim in the dependent box, but do not include yourself or your spouse.

Total the W-2 forms and enter on the Missouri tax withheld line, do not include any city earnings tax or other states withholding.

If you are claiming estimated tax payments, include any transfer of estimated tax from the previous year.

Attach the MO-TC form if you are claiming any miscellaneous tax credits.

Check the 62 through 64, over 65, and or disabled boxes on the front of the return if they apply.

Do not include in your federal tax deduction your federal earned income credit or self-employment tax.

Enter the correct standard deduction for your filing status.

Additionally, the Department has seven Tax Assistance Centers throughout the state to assist Missouri taxpayers in answering tax questions and completing tax returns. Customers may also call (573) 751-3505 for personal tax questions, (573) 751-2836 for business tax questions, or may e-mail specific tax questions to income@dor.mo.gov (income tax) corporation@dor.mo.gov (corporation tax), and businessregistration@dor.mo.gov (business tax.)

The Department’s web site at www.dor.mo.gov contains answers to hundreds of frequently asked tax questions.

Mornin’

I’m still a little amazed that they actually have a "Mr. Tea" on the market. The idea no doubt came from the skit on "Saturday Night Live" several years ago. A satire on the inability of some to boil water and put in a tea bag.

I’m not meanin’ to embarrass anyone who has purchased such a contraption, I just think its pushin’ the time savin’ devices a bit.

There is admittedly some comfort knowin’ that the tea would more or less take care of its self, no need to watch or test to see if it’s strength is just right.

I suppose the main question I would have is why not just use the "Mr. Coffee" and put in tea instead? Like I said, I’m just a little amazed that there is a market, but this is the country that spent a fortune buyin’ packaged rocks.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

Here's A Tip
By JoAnn Derson

"If you use steel wool pads, you might make them last longer if you cut them in half. You get twice as much use from a box of pads, and it actually sharpens your scissors at the same time. I also split kitchen sponges in half or even thirds (I like to replace them often), along with those handy wipes that you can find for the kitchen AND paper towels. I get more use per box this way, and I don’t feel like I am overusing or wasting them." -- A.A. in Florida

Never burn a candle in a room you’re not in. It’s just not safe. Extinguish all candles before leaving a room or going to sleep. There are an estimated 18,000 candle fires every year. Don’t be a statistic.

"If you think you are being followed, have 911 ready to send on your cell phone just in case you’re attacked." -- K.P. in New York

Are your eggs fresh? Here’s an easy way to tell: Immerse the egg in question in a glass of cool, salt water. Floaters likely are not fresh; sinkers are good to go. Also, did you know that super-fresh eggs are not recommended if you’re looking to make hard-boiled eggs? They don’t peel well. Save yourself some aggravation and let the eggs sit a week or so before boiling, especially if you are making devilled eggs.

Here’s a tip for removing antiperspirant stains that I haven’t heard yet -- aspirin! O.R. from Missouri added this tip: "Take a couple of aspirin tablets, the non-coated kind, and crush them up. Mix with enough hot water to make a paste, and rub it right into the deodorant stain. Let it sit a couple of hours, then wash as usual."