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Show Volume XVIII Issue XX The Ogden Valley news Page January 15, 2011 Guest Commentary Ogden River Cleanup Continues: Thousands of tons ofDuring debris removed The Ogden River, which the restoration project, Ogden has an has suffered over a hundred years of poor management practices, is undergoing a major overhaul in the most degraded section of the river. Since cleanup efforts began, over 2,400 tons of concrete and scrap metal have been removed. In addition, in excess of 2,000 tires have been dragged out of the river, as well as over 3,800 cubic yards of litter! This total includes cars, car bodies, motors, toasters, roofing material, bricks, and almost anything else one can imagine. This 1.1-mile stretch along the river, from the Kiesel Avenue footbridge to the Union Pacific right-of-way, is currently in the process of receiving a complete face lift. The Ogden revitalization plan also includes the acquisition and demolition of many rundown properties, as well as the purchase and donation of properties and conservation easements along the river. opportunity to repair the excesses and abuse of the past. When it is complete, over 11,000 feet of riverbank and 10 acres of additional flood plain will be added to this section of the River Parkway. In addition, 30,000 native plants will be planted, benefitting residents and visitors to the community. The plantings will stabilize the riverbank and provide needed river habitat for local birds and animals. Mayor Godfrey says, “You can’t believe the difference this intensive restoration and renewal plan is making in our community. Everyone needs to come down and see the difference.” The first reach or section of the river project has been completed and is open—from the Kiesel area footbridge down to Lincoln Avenue. Ogden City wants to thank its many partners involved in the project at all levels of government; without their support, the restoration project would not have happened. Ogden City Peterson Named New UDOT Region One Director The Utah Department exceptional reputation for his management of Transportation (UDOT) and leadership skills. announces A native of Lehi and an that Kris Peavid outdoorsman, Peterson and terson has been named the new his wife Jaynalee are the parents Director of Region One. Peterson of four children. replaces Jason Davis, who has been “I am excited for this new chalnamed director of UDOT’s Region lenge, and look forward to buildTwo, consisting of Salt Lake, ing on the successes of my preSummit and Tooele Counties. decessors here in Region One,” A graduate of Brigham Young Peterson said. University, Peterson is a licensed UDOT Region One covers professional engineer. He has all of northern Utah, comprising most recently served as UDOT’s an area that includes Box Elder, statewide Construction and MateCache, Davis, Morgan, Rich, and Kris Peterson rials Engineer, where he earned an Weber Counties. Celebrate the New Year in Utah with Ten Free Flowering Trees from the Arbor Day Foundation Residents of Utah can ring in the New Year by receiving ten free flowering trees by joining the Arbor Day Foundation any time during January 2011. By becoming a member of the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation, you will receive two white flowering dogwoods, two flowering crabapples, two Washington hawthorns, two American redbuds, and two golden rain trees. “These beautiful trees will give your home in Utah lovely flowers with pink, yellow, and white colors,” said John Rosenow, chief executive and founder of the Arbor Day Foundation. “These trees are perfect for large and small spaces, and will provide food and habitat for songbirds.” The free trees are part of the nonprofit Foundation’s Trees for America campaign. The trees will be shipped postpaid at the right time for planting, between February 1 and May 31, with enclosed planting instructions. The 6- to 12-inch tall trees are guaranteed to grow or they will be replaced free of charge. Arbor Day Foundation members also receive a subscription to the Foundation’s bimonthly publication, Arbor Day, and The Tree Book, which includes information about tree planting and care. To become a member of the Foundation and to receive your free trees, send a $10 contribution by January 31, 2011 to: TEN FREE FLOWERING TREES ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION 100 ARBOR AVENUE NEBRASKA CITY NE 68410 Utah residents can also join online at <www. arborday.org/january> Retirement Contribution Limits Largely Unchanged tion to Roth IRAs gradually phases out: By Jason Alderman You’ll probably hate me for bringing this up, but it’s time to begin planning for your 2011 taxes—or at least, about the tax implications of your retirement account contributions. For the second year in a row, one widely used inflation measurement, the Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers (CPI-U), remained flat for the quarter ending September 30, 2010, compared to the same period a year earlier. That’s important because the IRS uses this measurement to determine whether dozens of taxrelated numbers will stay the same or increase from year to year. Bottom line: In 2011, most contribution levels remain unchanged. Here’s an overview of common retirement savings plans: Defined contribution plans. The maximum annual contribution to 401(k), 403(b), 457(b) and federal Thrift Savings plans remains unchanged at $16,500 (plus an additional $5,500 if you’re at least 50). Other factors to remember: • Your plan may limit the percentage of pay you can contribute so, depending on your salary, your maximum contribution may actually be less. • Company-matching contributions don’t count toward your maximum contribution. • With pretax contributions, your account grows tax-free until withdrawn, at which point withdrawals are taxed at the rate then in effect. • With after-tax contributions, you pay income tax on the money now, but your contributions and their earnings will not be taxed at retirement. Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) The maximum annual contribution to IRAs remains unchanged at $5,000 (plus another $1,000 if 50 or older). Contributions to a regular IRA are not impacted by your income, but if your modified adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeds certain limits, the maximum contribu- HUNTSVILLE NEWS cont. from page 1 The Town of Huntsville, Utah Now on Facebook Be sure to visit our new Facebook page for “The Town of Huntsville Utah.” While there, click “Like” to receive up to the minute news from Huntsville. If you are not on Facebook, have your kids “Like” us to stay informed. Town Winter Party Being Planned Plans are under way for the Huntsville Town Winter Party at the ice rink. It will be held on one of the first Saturday evenings in February. Hot Chocolate, treats, and ice skates will be provided to residents at no charge, but Ramona Clapperton and Willie Richardson will not be allowed to wear ice skates. Spiked boots and helmets will be provided to these fine, accident-prone ladies! • For singles/heads of households the phase-out range is $107,000 to $122,000 in AGI (up from $105,000 to $120,000 in 2010). • For married couples filing jointly, it’s $169,000 to $179,000 (up from $167,000 to $177,000). A few rules on deducting IRA contributions on your tax return: • If you’re single, a head of household or married and neither spouse is covered by an employer-provided retirement plan, you can deduct the full IRA contribution, regardless of income. • If you are covered by an employer plan and are single/head of household, the tax deduction phases out for AGI between $56,000 and $66,000 (unchanged from 2010); if married and filing jointly, it’s $90,000 to $110,000 (up from $89,000 to $109,000 in 2010). • If you’re married and aren’t covered by an employer plan but your spouse is, the IRA deduction is phased out if your combined AGI is between $160,000 (s/b $169,000) and $179,000 (up from $167,000 to $177,000). • For more details, read IRS Publication 590 at <www.irs.gov> A final note: As an incentive for low- and moderate-income workers to save for retirement through an IRA or company-sponsored plan, many are eligible for a savers credit of up to $1,000 ($2,000 if filing jointly). This credit lowers your tax bill, dollar for dollar, in addition to any other tax deduction you already receive for your contribution. Qualifying income ceiling limits for the Retirement Savers’ Tax Credit increased in 2011 to $55,600 for joint filers, $42,375 for heads of household, and $28,250 for singles or married persons filing separately. Consult IRS Form 8880 for more information. Note: Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter visit <www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney> More details will be provided on the Huntsville web site, via the town email list and via our new Facebook page, so stay tuned. Huntsville Has New Full-color Copy Machine Available for Use The town of Huntsville recently replaced their aging copy machine with a full color copy machine. To assist with the expense, the machine will be available for residents who need color or black and white copies. The prices will be competitive with copy centers in Ogden and will be available when Gail or Ramona are at the Town Hall—typically weekday mornings, but call before you make a special trip. The Town Hall number is 801-745-3420. For more information, visit <www. huntsvilletown.com> |