NOVEMBER 2024
NOVEMBER 2024
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Welcome to Douglas County Connection, a monthly newsletter for Douglas County employees. This newsletter aims to foster stronger connections within our organization by informing you about important updates, community events, and noteworthy achievements across our County departments. Have a story idea? Email newsletter@douglascounty-ne.gov.
DOUGLAS COUNTY NEWS
The latest news from Douglas County
Are you a certified accountant looking for an opportunity to serve the community? The Douglas County Audit Committee is looking for new members to assist in the oversight of important financial details involved in the running of Douglas County and all of its components. This is a volunteer position.
Our friends at the Douglas County Health Center recently hosted a Halloween Trick-or-Treat event for their employees and their families. The residents passed out candy, and some even wore costumes! Click above for more photos, and follow the Douglas County Health Center on Facebook here.
Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse recently welcomed Director Jen Easterly of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and her team to the Douglas County Election Commission. Kruse gave Easterly an inside look at how Douglas County ensures elections remain safe, secure, fair, and accurate.
ELECTION DAY 2024: YOUR VOICE, YOUR VOTE
ELECTION DAY 2024: YOUR VOICE, YOUR VOTE
Ensuring Every Voice is Heard: Douglas County’s Commitment to Voter Participation
Douglas County early voters brave stormy weather, wait in long lines to cast their vote
The Douglas County Election Commission is hard at work ensuring every voter has the opportunity to make their voice heard at the polls. With a dedicated team of 150 full-time and temporary staff members working tirelessly seven days a week, including nights, and weekends, the Election Commission is committed to supporting voter participation across Douglas County. And the recent rainy weather hasn't stopped early voters from waiting in long lines outside the Douglas County Election Commission office near 120th and West Center Road in Omaha.
"It's great to see so many people out here and the weather hasn't deterred our crowd one bit. So that tells me that democracy is alive and well in our country and people are really excited and willing to wait to have their voices heard," said Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse.
As we approach the election, Douglas County employees are also encouraged to make their voices count. Polling locations in Douglas County will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, which is Nov. 5.
To view your precinct specific polling place, political subdivisions, elected officials, candidates and a sample ballot, visit votedouglascounty.com.
DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT
DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT
Douglas County Treasurer's Office Celebrates National Customer Service Appreciation Week
Douglas County Treasurer's Office Celebrates National Customer Service Appreciation Week (Oct. 4-11)
The Douglas County Treasurer’s office had an out of this world celebration for National Customer Service Appreciation Week (NCSAW) October 4 through October 11, 2024. This annual event takes place during the first full week of October each year.
"NCSAW is a great way for us to acknowledge our staff for the outstanding service they provide. We sincerely believe in the value of customer service, and encourage our staff to provide exemplary service. Throughout the years, our senior staff has demonstrated fantastic teamwork with the planning and implementation of this national celebration," said John W. Ewing, Jr., Douglas County Treasurer.
The theme for the 2024 Customer Service Week celebration was ‘Above & Beyond!’ To start the week of festivities and to get into the spirit of the event, Ewing sported an astronaut suit and sent out a video to all the staff members. The video mentioned the plans for the week and his gratitude for the staff’s willingness to always go ‘Above & Beyond’ when assisting the residents of Douglas County. Staff members enjoyed several treats and surprises throughout the week; Star Crunch Cookies, space themed balloon bouquets, Moon Pies, Cosmic Brownies, Starburst, reusable utensil sets, a catered lunch and a pair of alien eyes and antennas!
"Our staff strives to effectively and efficiently assist every customer. In fact, we’ve received many commendations from customers throughout the years, praising employees for their professionalism, understanding, expertise, and willingness to assist," said Ewing.
Although National Customer Service Appreciation Week is only celebrated five days out of the year, Douglas County is deeply grateful, every day, for the marvelous customer service the Douglas County Treasurer's office provides to its customers.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
"In Their Own Words" is a section dedicated to highlighting the voices of Douglas County employees. If you’d like to contribute to the next edition, please submit your idea to newsletter@douglascounty-ne.gov.
In Their Own Words: Caleb Kuddes on Emergency Response
In Their Own Words: Caleb Kuddes on Emergency Response
Title: Supervisor of Emergency Response, Douglas County Health Department
Hometown: Austin, Minnesota
Favorite Hobby: Reading
Interesting Fact: I love to sing and am a chanter at my church
Behind the Scenes of a Rabies Response: How DCHD Tackles Public Health Threats
By Caleb Kuddes
In October 2023, if you’d driven by the Douglas County Health Department (DCHD) at 42nd and Pacific Streets, you’d never know that inside, responders were tackling a complex public health emergency. The conference room was packed for hours daily with veterinarians, epidemiologists, doctors, forestry biologists, and officials from various local, state, and federal agencies and non-governmental organizations.
Just as firefighters respond to fires and police to robberies, DCHD responds to threats to public health. Weeks earlier, a kitten had died in a central Omaha neighborhood from a strain of raccoon rabies not typically found in Nebraska. Raccoon rabies usually stays in the eastern and southern U.S., causing millions in damage. Unlike bats, the usual rabies carriers in Nebraska, raccoons live on the ground and come into contact with pets and people. Rabies is nearly always fatal, so if raccoon rabies had spread in Omaha, the consequences could have been catastrophic.
Though often out of public view, responses like this can be large and complex. DCHD’s emergency coordinators led hundreds of responders in tracing the kitten’s origins, testing animal carcasses, trapping, vaccinating, and releasing hundreds of raccoons, skunks, cats, and foxes, and distributing 18,000 doses of oral rabies vaccine over 62 square miles. After nearly a year of work, no new cases of raccoon rabies have appeared in Nebraska, and thousands of wild animals have been vaccinated. This effort saved millions of dollars and likely many pets and people.
When I talk about my work in public health preparedness, I sometimes call it “the boring side of extremely exciting work.” While protecting public health and fighting deadly diseases is fascinating, it often feels abstract. Public health preparedness involves countless unseen tasks: building partnerships, collecting data, creating public guidance, and attending many meetings. Much of it happens before emergencies ever arise. Still, it’s deeply rewarding to know that our work with our partners saves lives and preserves health for the hundreds of thousands we serve.
Whether it’s a rabid kitten, a novel virus, or climate change, DCHD is always here—often in the background but always working to keep Douglas County healthy and safe.
Winners of our free drink giveaway, courtesy of Scooter's Coffee
Soña James submitted a photo of her cat costume from a few years ago for the October contest. She said what she loves most about working for the County Attorney's Office is being part of a team. "Everyone in this office works hard, and we all do our best to serve the public."
Regina Franzluebbers enjoys dressing up for Halloween with her family, and this year, they chose a Beetlejuice theme. In the photo she submitted for the contest, she's pictured with her son, Teddy. Regina shared her appreciation for working at the Election Commission: "I love my co-workers, and I love knowing that the election busyness will eventually end."
Melissa Gross is a devoted sports fan, especially when it comes to Nebraska football and the Kansas City Chiefs. "I bleed red," she said. In this photo, she's with her boyfriend, Cal, at a Chiefs game. Working with the Douglas County Clerk of the District Court, she says her favorite parts of the job are "the people, the atmosphere, and the opportunities."
Amanda Blomenkamp submitted a photo for the contest from a Cleveland Guardians game against the Kansas City Royals this summer, saying, “Baseball is life for us. My mother-in-law is from Cleveland, so I married into it, and I love it.” As a fetal infant mortality case review team coordinator, Amanda finds fulfillment in providing bereavement support to families after a loss and building strong community relationships.
OPERATION GREEN LIGHT
OPERATION GREEN LIGHT
Shine a Light for Our Veterans: Join Operation Green Light
Douglas County employees, let's come together to honor and support our nation's veterans by participating in Operation Green Light. In partnership with the National Association of Counties, this initiative is designed to raise awareness about our veterans' sacrifices and the challenges they face after serving our country.
Operation Green Light encourages us to shine a green light at our homes during the week of November 4-11, 2024, as a simple yet powerful way to show gratitude to veterans in our community. Green is the color of hope and renewal, symbolizing our unwavering support for those who have bravely defended our freedoms.
Participating is easy. All you need to do is replace your porch light or other exterior light with a green light, shining a visible light to honor veterans' service and contributions. If you don’t have a green light, you can display green in a window or share messages of support on social media using the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.
This is a small act, but it sends a strong message of unity and appreciation to veterans living in Douglas County and beyond. Let’s illuminate our community and show veterans that we are with them every step of the way.
For more information on the Douglas County Veterans Service Office, visit https://veterans.douglascounty-ne.gov.
Learn more about Operation Green Light here: https://www.naco.org/program/operation-green-light-veterans
Let’s turn Douglas County green for our veterans!
HR NEWS
HR NEWS
The latest news and important information from Douglas County Human Resources
Open Enrollment 2025
Open Enrollment 2025
Deadline: November 7th, 11:59PM
Medical and dental premiums will remain the same amount for the 2025 plan year. - Thank you County Commissioners!
If you are changing your benefits, use the Benefit Guide to review your options.
All employees received an email with directions and a link to Aflac At Work to complete open enrollment.
To avoid any errors, make sure you electronically sign the enrollment form with your PIN (last 4 digits of your SSN and last 2 digits of your birth year) and print your confirmation.
Any elections/changes you make in Aflac At Work after November 7th will be removed.
Questions? Call Apex Enrolls: 1-877-203-3866 or Email: dcbenefitsteam@douglascounty-ne.gov
New 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.
Allows employees to make payments on large purchases through payroll deductions.
Get more information and sign up here!
Sword Thrive - New 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.
Asset Health - Wellness Platform/Portal
All medically enrolled employees (and medically enrolled spouses) are encouraged to take advantage of the tools and resources on the wellness portal (assethealth.com/douglascounty) and complete activities to receive points toward earning the Wellness Credit for 2025.
The deadline to complete the incentive requirements is Nov. 30th!
Welcome New Employees!
Welcome New Employees!
Clerk of the District Court
Nancy Kusek
Maddox Webb
Jake Seeman
Community Mental Health Center
Josie Osler
Briana Moroz
Izabella Beam
Reona Givens
Cynthia Watson
Corrections
Siera Thomas
Cristine Mejill
Kyle Ortiz
Ted Perez
Abigail Dickey
Piper Robichaux
Brittany Choate
Christopher Schumacher
Andy Kochera
Clayton Deloske Buck
Max Ratliff
Thomas Rutherford
Troy Roush
Kyle Spitznagle
Emma Altic
Douglas Freeman
Sandy Boyles
District Court
Amanda Scheel
Election Commission
Elaine Gibbs
Lynda Williams
Arlene Buttenschon
Kristin Harper
David Redmore
James Preiner
Nancy Svoboda
Lisa Klosner
John Krause
Health Center
Albert Spears
Moe Jackson-Spears
April Rykken
Vera Mahadi
Toni Snoddy
Gigi Chieng
Landry Tchami Axel
Agang Agoth
Masbal Hashi
Miski Hashi
Brooklyn Johnson
Jacqueline Reigle
Lae'Lani Poindexter
Health Department
Tammy Grossman
Nate Lopez-Lima
Maintenance
Josh Carlson
Public Defender
Paige Hartkoorn
Shaina Looker
Assessor/Register of Deeds
Danielle Rydberg
Sheriff
Miranda Smith
Michael Marcuzzo
Nathan Pigsley
Bret Hutchison
Andrea Wells
Dan Doggett
Charlie Moffitt
Youth Center
Cherice Dan
Rylee Walter
Evelyn Brown
Kevin Samuels
Congratulations!
Congratulations!
RETIREMENTS
Karen Bieterman - Corrections
Todd Connely - Communications
Susan Bass - Community Services
PROMOTIONS
Skylar Finch - Clerk of the District Court
Alexandra Bourland - Communications
Haley Lovely - Communications
Brian Bean - Community Mental Health Center
Heather Crews - Community Mental Health Center
Joe Ballard - Corrections
John Pojar - Corrections
Shinelle Pattavina - County Attorney
Yessenia Gonzalez Duarte - County Attorney
Culbert Ayuk Orock - Health Center
Eboni Lampkin - Health Center
Caleb Kuddes - Health Department
Kristen Queen - Assessor/Register of Deeds
Austin Glause - Sheriff
Jamie Myers - Sheriff
John Kuebler - Sheriff
Thaddeaus Recek - Youth Center
Steven Woodward - Youth Center
COMMUNITY EVENTS
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Free (or cheap) Family-Friendly Events in Douglas County This Month
FAMILY FUN
Art-Tastic Saturdays
Nov. 2 (Every first Saturday of the month)
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
FREE
Joslyn Art Museum
2200 Dodge St., Omaha
https://joslyn.org/events/art-tastic-saturdays
See the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
Nov. 13
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Gene Leahy Mall, Omaha
https://www.uscapitolchristmastree.com/event/whistlestop-tour-omaha-ne/
Benson First Friday
Nov. 8
6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
FREE
61st and Maple Streets, Omaha
https://www.bffomaha.org/
HOLIDAY LIGHTS
Tree of Lights Festival
Nov. 14
5 p.m.
FREE
American National Bank
90th & Dodge, Omaha
https://www.facebook.com/events/1066334318355571/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[]%7D
Season of Lights Kickoff
Nov. 17
At Dusk
FREE
Turner Park
3110 Farnam St., Omaha
https://midtowncrossing.com/event/season-of-lights-3/
Holiday Lights Ceremony
Nov. 30
6 p.m.
FREE
Gene Leahy Mall, Omaha
https://theriverfrontomaha.com/events/?eventid=6955
EVENTS
Visit The Joslyn Art Museum
Open daily Tuesday through Sunday
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
(closes at 8 p.m. on Wed & Thur)
FREE
2200 Dodge St., Omaha
https://joslyn.org/visit/calendar
Film Streams' Forever Young Series
Every Saturday & Sunday in November
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
$5
Film Streams, 4952 Dodge St., Omaha
https://filmstreams.org/series/forever-young-family-childrens-series
Veterans Shine On
Nov. 7
6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
FREE
Memorial Park
6005 Underwood Ave, Omaha
https://www.facebook.com/events/6005-underwood-ave-omaha-ne-68132-united-states/veterans-shine-on/808651854528211/
JOB POSTINGS
JOB POSTINGS
Recent job postings from Douglas County Human Resources
Do you know someone that is interested in joining Douglas County? Refer a friend! With 22 different departments serving our community, there is something for everyone! Check out our full list of open positions and submit applications on the Douglas County Careers page.
Dementia Program Director
Dementia Program Director
Compensation: $6,078.04 - $9,723.28
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in Health Care Administration, Nursing, Geriatrics, or Health Education required.*
Master’s degree preferred.
Three (3) years of residential care industry experience required.*
One (1) year of supervisory experience required.
*Equivalent combination of work experience and education may be substituted for requirements on a year-for-year basis.
Click here to view the full job description and submit your application
Public Health Nurse
Public Health Nurse
Compensation: $34.90 - $38.15/Hour
Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college in Nursing required.*
Registered Nurse (RN) with a current Nebraska license required upon hire and maintained in good standing throughout employment.
Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
Experience in public health, nurse case management, and communicable disease control preferred.
One (1) year of MSOffice, database, and graphics experience/training preferred.
*Equivalent combination of education and work experience may be substituted for requirements on a year-for-year basis.
Click here to view the full job description and submit your application
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
In case you missed our recent social media stories, here’s a look at what we are sharing with our online community.
Click on the photos below to read the full story!
Douglas County recently welcomed young leaders from 11 Southeast Asian countries. They learned about county government operations from County Board Chairman Roger Garcia.
Recent photos submitted by residents in western Douglas County offer a beautiful view of the Northern Lights also known as aurora borealis, which is caused by solar particles colliding with Earth's gas particles, such as oxygen and nitrogen.
We can support our friends, neighbors, and co-workers in Douglas County who are fighting this deadly disease by raising awareness, offering support, and encouraging early detection. Click above to learn more ways on how you can join the fight against breast cancer.
Meet Your Newsletter Team!
Employee Giveaway!
Win a FREE DRINK from Scooter's
November is the perfect season to celebrate gratitude! Want to enjoy a FREE coffee or a drink of your choice from Scooter's Coffee? Simply email us a photo of yourself along with a few words about what you’re thankful for to newsletter@douglascounty-ne.gov.
Winners will be randomly chosen from all submissions, so don’t miss your chance! Be sure to send in your entry by November 14 at 4 p.m. Central.
Special thanks to this month's giveaway sponsor:
Contact us:
Contact us:
Do you have a story idea for our newsletter or want to highlight an employee or colleague?
Email us at: newsletter@douglascounty-ne.gov
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