The Douglas County Board of Commissioners has officially proclaimed April 2025 as National County Government Month, joining thousands of counties nationwide to recognize the essential role counties play in building healthy, safe, and thriving communities.

Each year since 1991, the National Association of Counties (NACo) has encouraged local governments to spotlight the critical services counties provide to more than 330 million Americans. From public safety to mental health services, counties are on the front lines of government, delivering programs that impact nearly every aspect of daily life.

Douglas County invests more than $300 million annually in services that directly impact community well-being, including law enforcement, corrections, emergency services, community mental health programs, and general assistance.

County officials say this month is an opportunity to celebrate the impact of county government and invite residents, schools, and businesses to learn more about the many ways Douglas County serves its community.

The proclamation highlights the county’s dedication to implementing local, state, and federal programs in a cost-effective and responsible manner, while continuing to evolve and respond to the needs of all residents.

Help Us Highlight Your Department!
As part of our monthlong recognition campaign, Douglas County is spotlighting the incredible work of our employees on social media. We’ll be sharing unique and fun facts about each department—and we want to feature yours!

To participate, please encourage your department director to complete this form: https://forms.gle/NxL31Go5PiRGFERr9

Exciting Employee Perk: Discounted Tickets to Adventureland Resort!

We’re thrilled to announce a special partnership between Douglas County and Adventureland Resort in Des Moines, Iowa! As a Douglas County employee, you can save up to $30 on any day admission tickets all season long.

Exclusive Offer: Individual day admission tickets for just $37.99!

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure, including the all-new Hyperlight, an immersive water slide experience featuring vivid laser lights and dynamic sound. Whether you’re seeking thrilling rides, family fun, or a relaxing getaway, Adventureland has something for everyone.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity! Grab your discounted tickets and make the most of the summer season.

Ensuring Safety, One Inspection at a Time: 

Meet Sam Scarpello

Sam Scarpello’s journey into electrical work started at age 23 when he became an electrical apprentice after initially trying college. He later became a licensed electrical contractor and eventually saw a job posting for an electrical inspector in the Omaha World-Herald. “I applied and never looked back—one of the best decisions I ever made,” he says. A decision that ultimately led him to his current role as the chief electrical inspector for Douglas County Environmental Services. His job is crucial in ensuring that electrical work meets the highest standards of safety and compliance. From processing and issuing building permits to inspecting electrical installations, his work directly impacts the safety and infrastructure of rural Douglas County, including the communities of Bennington, Waterloo and Valley.

A typical day for Sam is a blend of administrative work and hands-on inspections. He reviews online applications submitted by citizens and contractors, verifies information and fees, and performs plan reviews. Scheduling inspections, answering phone calls and emails, and driving to various sites to conduct inspections based on the most current National Electrical Code are all part of his daily routine.

One of the biggest challenges Sam faces in his job is staying up to date with the latest advancements in electrical technology. Additionally, he ensures that only licensed electricians perform work by conducting license checks at job sites. “Electrical codes are revised every three years to keep up with technology and life safety,” Sam explains, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning in his field.

For Sam, the most rewarding part of his job is the people he works with. Over the years, he has built strong relationships, including a memorable partnership with Mark Ekberg, chief building inspector for Douglas County. These connections make the challenges of the job worthwhile.

The electrical inspection industry has evolved significantly, particularly with the rise of alternative energy and smart wireless technology. “These advancements can be challenging when trying to meet the minimum electrical code standard,” Sam notes. One such advancement he finds particularly exciting is the addition of arc-fault circuit breaker protection, which helps prevent dangerous arcing faults in wiring.

A common misconception about electrical inspections is that not everyone realizes all electrical installations must adhere to the National Electrical Code and be performed by licensed electricians. Homeowners and businesses should always verify that those performing electrical work are state-licensed and insured.

For those considering a career as an electrical inspector, Sam offers this advice: “Feeling comfortable performing electrical inspections takes three to five years. Always try to be consistent in your inspections.” When conducting an inspection, he looks at various factors, including the correct wire gauge, outlet box fill, cable protection and required lighting.

Outside of work, Sam enjoys antiquing with his wife, fishing with his sons and keeping a small garden. He also has a passion for refinishing wood furniture and reading about local history. While he describes himself as an open book, his coworkers might be surprised to learn just how much he enjoys uncovering historical tidbits about the region.

Sam Scarpello’s dedication to electrical safety ensures that homes and businesses in Douglas County operate with secure and compliant electrical systems. His expertise, consistency and passion for his work make him an invaluable asset to the community.

National Walk at Lunch Day is April 30th!

• Sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska and YMCA's across the state.

• Douglas County has registered as a team for the event. 

• Add movement to your day while supporting your community!

• If 10,000 people take the National Walk at Lunch Day pledge, BCBSNE will donate:

  •  $5,000 to Special Olympics Nebraska

  • $1,000 to a participating schools Physical Education Department

  • $1,000 to a participating nonprofit

Retirement Committee Vacancy

• The Retirement Committee has a non-management vacancy. 

• Committee meetings are held on the last Thursday of each month at 9am in the Civic Center. 

• To be eligible, you must have a minimum of 5 years of employment with membership in the Pension Plan and be in good standing as an employee.

• Submit a notice of interest to colleen.fredrickson@douglascounty-ne.gov that includes:

  • Current Job Title and Department.

  • Brief statement of why you wish to be a member of the retirement committee and how you would best contribute. 

• Notice of interest must be submitted by Friday, April 11th. 

• Please direct questions to the Committee Chair, Lori Pirsch, Director of Budget and Finance at 444-6825 or email at lori.pirsch@douglascounty-ne.gov. 

Student Loan Benefit - Savi

• What can Savi do for you?

  • Save you money on your monthly payments

  • Create a clear path to apply for student loan forgiveness programs

  • Provide answers to all of your student loan questions through educational webinars and customized support

  • Keep you updated on new programs and policy changes

• For more information or to sign up click here. 

Purchasing Power Platform

• Allows employees to make payments on large purchases through payroll deductions.

• Get more information and sign up here! 

Sword Thrive - Digital Physical Therapy

• Virtual Physical Therapy at no cost to you!

• Customized physical therapy sessions prepared by a Physical Therapist in the comfort of your home. 

• Sign up through the Sword Thrive website. 

Congratulations!

RETIREMENTS

• Karen Cole - Administrative Offices

• Kim Hawekotte - Administrative Offices

• Karen O'Toole - Clerk of the District Court

• Nicole Martin - 911 Communications

• Catherine Barone - Community Mental Health Center

• Arnold Beaton - Community Mental Health Center

• Susan Bielski - Community Mental Health Center

• Wade Stephens, Jr. - Corrections

• Vanessa Salakar - Health Department

• John Mischo - Public Properties

PROMOTIONS

• Chad Ladehoff - Corrections

• Brian Fincham - Corrections

• Michael Rock - Corrections

• Caleb Gardner - Corrections

• Matthew McGlynn - Corrections

• Nathan White - Corrections

• Tamu Harris - Health Center

• Naktangi Pierce - Assessor/Register of Deeds

• Kyle O'Neill - Sheriff

• Kory Gurzick - Sheriff

• Daniel Conway - Sheriff

• Jason Stehlik - Sheriff