Happy New Year, Kenton County team!
Welcome to the first edition of the KC Chronicles for 2025. Here’s what you’ll find today:
- Steps to qualify and apply for FMLA;
- Highlights of December’s achievements, from lifesaving heroics to spreading holiday cheer; and
- Introductions to our newest team members.
Family and Medical Leave Act: Benefits, eligibility and application process
Life brings us both big milestones and unexpected challenges. Often, these moments that matter most need your full attention.
Any absence requiring 3+ more days and continuous treatment qualifies for FMLA. FMLA provides job protection and benefits coverage while you address these qualifying events:
New child
- Birth, adoption or foster care
Family care
- Spouse, child or parent
- Chronic conditions or pregnancy
Medical leave
- Your own serious condition
- 3+ days incapacity with continuing treatment
Eligibility requirements
- 12 months of employment
- 1,250 hours worked in the past year
- Medical certification from your provider
Time Allowance
- Up to 12 weeks in a 12-month period
- Continuous leave for all qualifying events
- Intermittent leave available for medical conditions
How to apply for FMLA
Important: When possible, notify CDB at least 30 days prior to planned FMLA absences.
- Contact Custom Design Benefits FMLA Administration. Refer to FMLA requests document.
- Provide required information.
- Coordinate with your supervisor.
- CDB will process your documentation and coordinate with Human Resources, who keeps department managers updated on the status of approved or denied FMLA cases.
Refer to policy manual for more information.
Workplace policy on medical cannabis: Key points to remember
As many of you may be aware, medical cannabis is legal in Kentucky as of Jan. 1, 2025.
While this is an important development, we want to remind all employees that our workplace policies remain unchanged.
Our policy prohibits working while under the influence of any substance (i.e. drugs & alcohol), including cannabis. This includes both recreational and medical use. The safety and well-being of our employees remains a top priority, and maintaining a drug-free workplace is a critical part of this commitment.
Key points to remember:
- Being under the influence of cannabis or any intoxicating substance while performing job duties is strictly prohibited, regardless of its legal status.
- Violations of this policy can result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
- Types of testing are pre-employment, random, post serious accident and reasonable suspicion.
We encourage anyone with questions or concerns about this policy to reach out to Human Resources.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we continue to prioritize a safe and professional work environment for all.
You can access the policy manual via the Employee Portal.
Employee Spotlight: Ron Becker, Homeland Security & Emergency Management
Ron Becker, deputy director for Kenton County’s Homeland Security & Emergency Management team, has more than 40 years of experience in fire service and emergency planning.
Since joining in 2018, he’s been a key part of the County’s preparedness efforts, working with schools, agencies and first responders on emergency plans and providing CPR training to employees.
Outside of work, Ron enjoys golfing, beach trips with his wife Tammy and time with their two grown children and new grandchild.
Team accomplishments: Recent celebrations from Kenton County
Crash victims thank officers who helped save them
Sgt. Duncan, Officer Whitford, Officer Bryson, and Officer Deacon with the two individuals they helped save.
Last month, the Fiscal Court recognized five Kenton County Police Department officers with the Lifesaving Award—one of the department’s highest honors.
In June, Officers Jacob Brown, Jason Deacon, Travis Bryson, Michael Whitford and Sergeant Charles Duncan responded to a serious motorcycle accident where two individuals were critically injured. Using their training as certified EMTs, they stabilized the patients until paramedics arrived. Thanks to their quick actions, both individuals were able to recover.
The ceremony was made even more meaningful when the individuals and their families attended to personally thank the officers.
Kenton County Animal Services finds homes for 78 pets
Kenton County Animal Services partnered with the BISSELL Pet Foundation for a holiday adoption drive in December, and the results were incredible! Seventy-eight animals found their furever homes.
Congratulations to the KCAS team for making this event such a success. From preparing animals and handling medical care to managing logistics and matching pets with families, their hard work made it all possible.
Kenton County team members help Santa deliver holiday magic
Did you know Rhonda Ritzi, recreation programs coordinator, doubles as Santa's favorite elf during the weeks leading up to Christmas?
Through our Letters to Santa, Letters from Santa program, Rhonda teamed up with Santa's helpers—including the staff from Parks & Recreation and Public Works—to send a record-breaking 1,820 letters this year. 🎅
Thanks to everyone who helped spread holiday cheer in Kenton County!
Cops and Kids: KCECC team members help make holidays brighter
Cops and Kids event with three KCECC team members: Christina Bentley, Julie White and Hope Tuke.
Three KCECC team members—Julie White, Crissy Bentley and Hope Tuke—participated in Independence Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge #20’s 2024 Cops and Kids shopping event.
Cops and Kids is a heartwarming tradition where law enforcement officers and dispatchers pair up with children in need for a special holiday shopping trip. 🎁
Julie, Crissy and Hope helped kids pick out gifts for themselves, bringing extra joy to their holiday season.
KCDC celebrates two major life events
Kenton County Detention Center deputies Ashley Music and Chris Sweeney welcomed a sweet baby boy on Dec. 22nd.
Dr. Dennis Biddle, psychologist for KCDC, married his bride on Dec. 28, with Chaplain Stuart Warren officiating the ceremony.
Team Member Milestones
The Fiscal Court approved three new hires in December:
- Jeff Arnold, public services crew leader, Public Works
- Michael Bloemer, deputy director, Homeland Security & Emergency Management
- Carl Day, seasonal public services technician, Public Works
The Kenton County Detention Center celebrated the 6-month milestone for two team members:
- William Edwards, deputy
- Devan Fabre, home incarceration officer
Fiscal Court 2024 wrap-up
As we close the chapter on an incredible year, we want to take a moment to celebrate our big milestones from this year.
The year's highlights include breaking ground on SparkHaus, securing funds to relocate NKU's Chase College of Law and UK's College of Medicine Northern Kentucky campus to Covington, advancing plans for a new park and cutting property taxes to their lowest rate since 1983.
As we step into 2025, we’re reminded that the best is yet to come. We're looking forward to another great year of serving the residents of Kenton County.