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For the second year, the Kentucky Department of Revenue (DOR) is collaborating with the Internal Revenue Service, other state tax agencies, and the tax industry in bringing awareness to National Tax Security Awareness Week to encourage both individual and business taxpayers to take additional steps to protect their tax data and identities in advance of the 2018 filing season.
Starting Monday, Nov. 27, National Tax Security Awareness Week will focus daily on one issue that poses a threat to individuals and businesses and offer steps they may take to better protect themselves from cybercriminals.
Federal and state agencies, partners in the Security Summit, have enacted a series of defenses in recent years that have made significant inroads into tax-related identity theft. While Summit partners continue to improve defenses, they also recognize that they need help from taxpayers, tax preparers and businesses to continue progress against identity theft.
“We feel this awareness campaign is extremely important and hope all Kentucky taxpayers will follow the suggested security measures to ensure their important documents remain protected from potential fraudsters,” said Daniel Bork, Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Revenue.
Summit partners and other consumer, business and community groups will be hosting a series of events across the country to raise awareness during National Tax Security Awareness Week. This is especially timely as the holiday season brings out not only online shoppers but online thieves seeking to trick people into disclosing sensitive information that could be used to help file fraudulent tax returns.
The week also comes amid continuing disclosures that more than 145 million Americans have had their names, addresses and Social Security numbers stolen from a variety of places. No one yet knows how cybercriminals will use this data or try to monetize it.
The IRS and states have put many new defenses in place to help protect taxpayers from identity theft. The new IRS protections have worked well with some key indicators of identity theft on tax returns having dropped by nearly two-thirds since 2015.
These protections are especially helpful if criminals only have names, addresses and SSNs – which was the information stolen in recent incidents. However, there are continuing concerns that cybercriminals will try to build on this basic information by trying to obtain more specific financial details from taxpayers and tax professionals to help them file fraudulent tax returns.
During the upcoming 2018 filing season, the IRS urges tax professionals, businesses and others to join with the Security Summit partners in sharing the security information through organizations, customers and partners.
During National Tax Security Awareness Week, people will learn about the basic steps necessary to protect themselves and their tax data online, such as using security software, strong passwords and data encryption. They will learn what steps they should take if they are a data breach victim, such as placing a freeze on their credit accounts and the signs of tax-related identity theft.
They will learn how cybercriminals use phishing emails to bait them into disclosing information. Employers will be warned about the dangerous W-2 Scam that has made identity theft victims of thousands of employees. Finally, Summit partners will remind small businesses that they too are subject to identity theft and should take steps to protect themselves.
There are three key steps Summit partners urge people to take to protect their tax and financial information:
Learn to recognize and avoid phishing emails, threatening phone calls and texts from thieves posing as legitimate organizations such as your bank, credit card company and government organizations, including the IRS. Do not click on links or download attachments from unknown or suspicious emails.
Always use security software with firewall and anti-virus protections. Make sure the security software is always turned on and can automatically update. Encrypt sensitive files such as tax records you store on your computer. Use strong passwords.
Protect your personal data. Use strong unique passwords for each online account. Don’t routinely carry your Social Security card, and make sure your tax records are secure. Treat your personal information like you do your cash; don’t leave it lying around.
The IRS, state tax agencies and the tax industry came together in 2015 to join forces in their fight against tax-related identity theft. Learn more about their efforts and their progress at Security Summit on IRS.gov.
Increasing public awareness about people’s role in protecting their own data is a critical part of the Security Summit efforts. Partners launched the “Taxes. Security. Together” awareness campaign in the fall of 2015.
The partners followed up with “Protect Your Clients; Protect Yourself” campaign aimed at tax professionals. Partners also held a 10-week “Don’t Take the Bait” awareness effort, warning tax professionals of the most common data breach scams targeting their offices and taxpayer data.
Frying a turkey can be a fun and tasty alternative to the traditional baked dishes of the holidays. As many start to plan menus, the Department for Public Health (DPH), within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), wants to remind Kentuckians that fryers – multi-use kettles used for deep frying foods – also can be dangerous when not handled with care. The safety promotion is part of DPH’s ongoing 52 Weeks of Public Health Campaign.
Since 2002, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has tracked more than 168 turkey-fryer related fire, burn, explosion or CO poisoning incidents, including 672 injuries and $8 million in property damage. Hazard scenarios have varied from house fires, ignition of oil used in the fryers themselves, and burn-causing oil splashes.
“Turkey fryers have steadily grown in popularity over the past two decades, but they pose some risk if not used properly,” said Dr. Jeffrey Howard, acting commissioner for DPH. “By following a few guidelines and using precaution, adverse circumstances can be avoided. We want all Kentuckians to have a happy and safe holiday season and we ask that everyone follow some simple safety guidelines when cooking – or frying – your holiday food.”
According to the CPSC, the majority of reported turkey fryer incidents occurred while the oil was being heated, prior to adding turkey. For this reason, it is very important that consumers monitor the temperature of oil closely. If any smoke at all is noticed coming from heating a pot of oil, the burner should be turned off immediately because the oil is overheated.
Consumers who choose to fry turkeys always should remember to keep the fryer in full view while the burner is on and to place the fryer in open area away from walls, fences or other structures. Fryers should be stored outside and never used under a garage, breezeway, carport or any other structure that can catch fire.
To avoid burns, food should be raised and lowered slowly and bare skin should be covered. It’s also important to check the oil temperature frequently. If the oil should begin to smoke, the gas supply should be turned off immediately.
If a fire occurs, immediately call 911. Do not attempt to extinguish fire with water.
Here’s a look at the best way to avoid accidents or injuries from turkey fryers this holiday season:
- Make sure there is at least two feet of space between the propane tank and fryer burner.
- Place the gas tank and fryer so that wind blows heat of the fryer away from tank.
- Center the pot over the burner on the cooker.
- Completely thaw (USDA says 24 hours for every four to five pounds) and dry turkey before cooking. Partially frozen and/or wet turkeys can produce excessive hot oil splatter when added to the oil.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the proper amount of oil to add. If those are not available:
- Place turkey in pot.
- Fill with water until the turkey is covered by about one-half inch of water.
- Remove and dry turkey.
- Mark the water level. Dump water, dry the pot, and fill with oil to the marked level.
Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Acting Superintendent Marty Pollio and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer cut the ribbon today on a new JCPS satellite office that will better serve students and families in west Louisville communities.
“Creating an office that would provide equitable access to district services and resources for our families in west Louisville was a top priority for me when I became acting superintendent,” Dr. Pollio said. “By taking our services directly to the community, as this new office will do, we can engage with families and promote family involvement in a much greater way.”
The new office, located inside the California Community Center on West Saint Catherine Street, officially opens on January 4, 2018. The office will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The community center is operated by the city of Louisville, which is allowing JCPS to use the space free of charge.
“This is another example of JCPS bringing services directly to its customers – students and their parents – in the neighborhoods where they live,” said Mayor Fischer. “The city is honored to partner with JCPS by offering space in one of our community centers.”
JCPS will provide services to families at the new office through a variety of departments:
- Diversity, Equity, and Poverty Programs—Staff will be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays to connect parents with resources that strengthen educational access and student achievement, which will include out-of-school-time learning opportunities, volunteer recruitment, Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) groups, homeless education, and foster care services. The department will also facilitate meetings with families, community stakeholders, and organizations at the satellite office with the purpose of improving student learning.
- Exceptional Child Education (ECE)—Staff will be available on Thursdays to focus on the individual needs of students who are eligible for special education and related services according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The department will help with assessments that determine special education eligibility. ECE staff will schedule student Admissions and Release Committee (ARC) meetings at the satellite office to review progress and develop a new Individual Education Program (IEP). The ECE Service Delivery staff includes one placement specialist as well as a parent liaison assigned on a rotating schedule.
- Student Assignment—Staff will be at the satellite office each Thursday to assist families with applications for students who are entering kindergarten or who have a change of address. They will also help families who wish to submit a student transfer request or learn more about optional and magnet programs in the district.
- Student Relations—Staff will be available on Tuesdays to meet with students and families on Tuesdays who are recommended for choice and alternative school placement. They will work with the case manager, school staff, parents, and students to make appropriate decisions regarding student placement in choice and alternative behavior support schools.
- Title I—Parents will find information provided by the Title I Office on topics that include getting involved at their child’s school and how to find counselling, tutoring or other related services. Parents will also be able to learn more about the topics presented at the monthly Parent Advisory Council meetings. Title 1 will hold some parent meetings at the site.
“Being able to build a bridge from school to home is integral when talking about the success of our students,” Jefferson County Board of Education (JCBE) Member Diane Porter said. “I appreciate Dr. Pollio and all of the JCPS staff for making this investment of time and resources in west Louisville—our students and their families are worth it.”
Students at the Binet School, 3410 Bon Air Avenue, have been studying the novel Nim’s Island by Wendy Orr and will host an Exposition Day at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 17, to showcase their learning experiences.
There will be student demonstrations of work (they have been doing character studies, water sampling and much more) and they will host visitors from Goldsmith Elementary School, as well as other community members and groups.
The projects are great examples of the Deeper Learning initiative that is at the forefront of the district’s strategic plan. The framework was adopted by the Jefferson County Board of Education in June 2016 as a way to encourage students to be more independent and take a more active role in their learning process.
Binet School serves students who have a combination of disabilities that can result in significant learning, developmental, or behavioral problems. Teachers and staff provide successful learning experiences through a highly structured and supportive environment.
Photo: JCPS
Jefferson County Public Schools Acting Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio announced Tuesday that Matthew “Matt” Anderson will be the new acting principal at Jeffersontown High School.
Anderson was introduced to the staff this afternoon and will begin running day-to-day operations of the school immediately. Assistant Superintendent Michelle Dillard will be continue to assist with the transition.
“It is my responsibility to create a safe and relevant learning environment for all of our students and staff,” Anderson said. “This begins with establishing a positive climate and culture where all students and teachers feel valued and supported. Our students deserve to feel challenged through an engaging curriculum and learning experiences that will prepare them for life after Jeffersontown High.”
Anderson added that “while many great people and programs already exist at Jeffersontown High, I will work to ensure our school is a place where students want to learn, teachers want to teach, and the community is proud to support.”
Anderson currently serves as the director of student relations for JCPS. He previously served as an assistant principal at Moore Traditional School and as a teacher and goal clarity coach at Waggener High School.
He will serve as acting principal until Jeffersontown High’s School-Based Decision Making (SBDM) Council names a permanent principal, which is expected to take place early next year.
Photo: Kevin Kelly/Kentucky Department of Fish And Wildlife
The Salato Wildlife Education Center in Frankfort will close for the winter at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22.
Seasonal closures allow the center’s staff to conduct needed maintenance to exhibits and facilities, which ensure a quality experience for the center’s 50,000 yearly visitors. Staff members also use the time to train the wildlife used in the center’s educational programs.
The center offers a number of wildlife and conservation programs, many of which employ the use of live animals including snakes, turtles, raptors, and mammals.
“Our staff is going to focus on training our two newest program animals during the winter closure,” said Salato manager Brent McCarty. “We’re excited to have two new animals that will help us make connections with our visitors. Our goal is to unveil these animals to the public in the spring of 2018.”
Fans of the center can view see what’s going on behind the scenes during the winter closure on the Salato Facebook page or on the Salato Twitter page. The Salato Wildlife Education Center reopens for the season March 1, 2018.
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources operates the Salato Center to educate and inform the public about wildlife and conservation. The center is located off U.S. 60 in Frankfort, approximately 1½ miles west of the U.S. 127 intersection. A bronze deer statue marks the entrance of the main Kentucky Fish and Wildlife campus.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Salato is closed on Sunday, Monday and state holidays.
Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for youth 5 to 18. Children under 5 are admitted free. The center also offers annual memberships for individuals and families.
Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) high school girls will learn about empowerment and positive choices during the 2017 Youth Services Centers Women of Worth: I Am Resilient Conference, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 10, in Hartford Hall at the Jefferson Community & Technical College (JCTC) Downtown Campus (649 S. 1st Street).
Approximately 300 students from a variety of JCPS high schools will enjoy sessions about goal setting, college readiness, healthy relationships and resilience. Sadiqa Reynolds, CEO and President of the Louisville Urban League, will serve as the keynote speaker.
The conference mission is to empower and motivate young women to make positive choices that will strengthen their life skills, help them overcome barriers and guide them in achieving academic success. The conference is sponsored by several JCPS Youth Services Centers, Norton Children’s Hospital and JCTC.
