Hero Spotlight

Nicki Martin, a dedicated Douglas County 911 dispatcher, was recently recognized as the "Hero Spotlight" in the Bennington Herald. Nicki has been the calm voice during emergencies, providing critical support when it matters most. Her remarkable contributions are being celebrated as she prepares to retire in the spring. 

Nicki reflected on the recognition, saying, “It’s quite humbling to learn that I’ve been recognized as a hero in my community. I’m honored.”

Her unwavering dedication to the community has defined her career. Serving all of Douglas County and surrounding areas, Nicki has been a vital link between those in distress and the emergency responders who save lives. Douglas County 911 dispatchers like Nicki are often the unsung heroes, being the first point of contact during moments of crisis.

Nicki celebrated 25 years as a Douglas County 911 emergency dispatcher in August. Her legacy of service will continue to inspire others and remind us all of the essential role dispatchers play in keeping our community safe.

Congratulations, Nicki, on a well-deserved honor and a distinguished career!

Douglas County Peer Support Specialist Recognized for Recovery Milestone

Michaelle L. Vega-Hernandez, a Peer Support Specialist at the Douglas County Community Mental Health Center since July 2016, was recently honored by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) as a recipient of the prestigious "Recovery Milestone" award.

In her role, Michaelle draws from her personal experiences to provide invaluable support to individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. She offers guidance, inspiration, and hope through one-on-one interactions and group facilitation, walking alongside others as they navigate their recovery journeys.

The award is part of DHHS’s annual celebration of National Recovery Month, observed every September. This initiative raises awareness about the significance of recovery while honoring the exceptional progress of individuals in their recovery journeys and recognizing the dedicated professionals who support them across the state.

Michaelle received her award during a ceremony at the State Capitol on September 29.

Please join us in congratulating Michaelle on this remarkable achievement and her continued dedication to supporting recovery in our community.

Did you know Douglas County has nearly 200 employees who have worked for Douglas County for more than 20 years?

Tom Riley, Douglas County Public Defender, is one of them.

On September 16, 1975, fresh out of Creighton University School of Law, Tom Riley began his legal career with the Douglas County Public Defender's Office. Over the past 49 years, he has dedicated most of his professional life to serving as the elected public defender. Tom leads a dedicated team of over 50 attorneys, supported by numerous staff members, legal assistants, law clerks, and investigators. His office manages around 10,000 misdemeanors and 4,000 felonies each year. Tom and his staff also advocate for clients in juvenile court, child support cases, and Board of Mental Health proceedings.

"What I like most about my job is that the entire team is committed to juvenile justice reform. It isn't easy with all of the chatter surrounding juvenile justice reform, but that makes me more committed to creating a successful program. I enjoy my colleagues and the environment, which makes the work even more rewarding."

- Steve Jackson

“What I love most about my job is solving problems, whether they involve staff and their equipment, the public and what department they need, or helping people understand the Board of Equalization process.”

- Kim Bollow

"Working in the Civil Division of the Douglas County Attorney's Office has been and continues to be a tremendously fulfilling experience. By far, the most satisfying part of our team's work, at least from my perspective, is helping our clients achieve their needs in furtherance of Douglas County's overarching goal of maintaining robust and effective governance. 

With the county's many moving parts, our office is required to possess a broad understanding of virtually all county operations to advise our various clients effectively. Our team diligently works together to understand the nuances of each client's needs and keeps acutely attuned to the ever-changing legal landscape to serve our clients and Douglas County best." 

- Landon Friesen

"People often ask me why I would ever want to work at a jail. I come to work every day with the goal of having a positive interaction with each person I encounter.

My hope is that I can be a positive role model and show people kindness even in tough situations. Many people here are facing the lowest points in their lives, and I want them to know they will get through it.  Everyone makes mistakes at some point in their lives, and being incarcerated does not always mean that they can not turn things around. I take pride in my job, and if I can help even one person leave this place, knowing that there are officers who care and have shown them kindness and respect, I am happy."

- Leana Lundvall

"I love connecting with people from all walks of life while serving Douglas County. It’s all about practicing empathy with both staff and customers." 

- George Watterson 

"Thank you for the newsletter.  It does make me feel more connected!"
- Mark D. Jenkins, Senior Commercial Real Estate Appraiser Manager
Douglas County Assessor/Register of Deeds

"The newsletter looks awesome."

-Theresia Urich, Deputy County Attorney

Douglas County Attorney's Office - Civil Division

"This newsletter is great!"

-Whitney Shipley, Director

Douglas County Emergency Management Agency

"Whoa!!! That is an incredibly sharp-looking newsletter."
-Landon Friesen, Deputy County Attorney
Douglas County Attorney's Office

"Wow, the newsletter looks awesome."
-Dan Esch, Douglas County Clerk/Comptroller
Douglas County Clerk/Comptroller Office

"Great newsletter!"
-Mike Schonlau, GIS Administrator
Douglas County GIS

"Very impressive newsletter! I look forward to virtually opening it up each month."
- Tim O'Malley, Correctional Officer
Douglas County Department of Corrections 

"Really love this newsletter!

-Lisa A. Andersen, CARES/ARPA Project Manager

Douglas County Administration

Flu Immunization Clinics: Schedule your appointment here. 

• Wednesday, October 16th

  • 8am - 10am - Civic Center, Conf Room 702

  • 12 - 2pm - Goodwill Building, Conf Room near Security

• Wednesday, October 23rd

  • 11am - 1pm - Fitzgerald Building, Walnut/Pine Conf Room

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. 

Purchasing Power Platform

• 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!

Congratulations!

RETIREMENTS

• Kevin Manak - Sheriff

• Russell Wilwerding - Maintenance

• John Skanes, Sr. - Corrections

• Forest Dooley - Corrections

• Kevin Samuels - Youth Center

• Dominick Zappia - Community Mental Health Center

PROMOTIONS

• Jacob Pahls - Maintenance

• Michael Paxton - Corrections

• Bryan Hall - Corrections

• Dawn Josoff Jacobsen - Corrections

• Jacob Epperson - Corrections

• Marc Flothe - Corrections

• Jocelyn Rock - Corrections

• Robert Bates - Public Properties

• Melissa Wheeler - Sheriff

• Jesse Ronk - Sheriff

• Bruce Cornwell - Sheriff

• Thomas Flynn - Sheriff

• Peter Giglia - Sheriff

• Nouadiba Ouoba - Health Center