Kenton County team,
Happy Friday! Welcome to another edition of the Kenton County Chronicles.
This month, you will learn:
- how to save on your insurance premium;
- recent employee accomplishments; and
- recent hires and promotions.
Secure your wellness program incentive discount by completing these three activities by Dec. 13
Kenton County team members and their spouses covered under the Kenton County medical plan can complete a Health Risk Assessment (HRA) to discounted premiums under our plan.
What is the Health Risk Assessment?
The Kenton County Health Risk Assessment (HRA) is a voluntary wellness program that includes three steps:
- Biometric screening (blood draw);
- Follow-up appointment to review results; and
- An annual physical exam.
What's the benefit of doing the assessment?
Employees who choose to participate in the wellness program will receive an incentive of discounted medical premiums in 2025.
For plan year 2024, insurance premiums were 20% less in cost for wellness program participants.
What if I don't complete all three parts of the assessment?
All three portions of the assessment are required in order to receive any benefit.
To track your progress on completing each step, log into your My Premise Health account online or on the app and check under the Sonic Boom Wellness tab.
My children are on my insurance. Do they have to do it too?
No. Children are not required to participate. Only the Kenton County employee and covered spouse must complete the assessment to receive the benefit.
How do I schedule my appointment?
All Health Risk Assessment appointments can be scheduled directly through Premise Health. Like all Premise Health visits, there is no cost to employees or their spouses to complete the assessment. You can also choose whichever Premise Health location is most convenient for you.
Not sure how to schedule? Check out this article.
Don't wait! Schedule your HRA now and secure your premium discount for 2025.
Meet our May employee spotlight
Melissa Grandstaff, the solid waste coordinator for Kenton County Public Works, is celebrated for her vibrant energy and innovative approaches to waste management. Whether overseeing recycling programs or coordinating community clean-ups, she leads by example and always lends a helping hand.
Learn more about Melissa here.
Team accomplishments: Recent celebrations from Kenton County
Business Services navigates jump in annual returns
The Business Services team, part of the Office of the Treasurer, recently reported substantial growth in annual returns and tax revenue collections.
From January through April 2024, Business Services processed more than 7,000 returns, totaling roughly $6.8 million in occupational taxes. That's a 22% and 31% year-over-year increase, respectively.
Business Services provides and collects occupational licenses, taxes and fees for the County and 15 cities.
Pictured left to right: Lisa Harrison, Rachel Stegemoller, Adam Howard, Bryan Norton, Lisa Combs and Wendy Bridges
KCDC sergeant earns national certification
Sgt. Billie Jo Kiser of the Kenton County Detention Center received the national designation of certified jail officer from the American Jail Association.
This certification follows the successful conclusion of a rigid background application and an exam prepared by the American Jail Association and the Jail Manager Certification Commission.
Certification in jail operations demonstrates competency, professionalism and a high level of knowledge in the specialty, while recognizing continuing education and growth.
Congratulations on this outstanding accomplishment!
Pictured left to right: Jailor Marc Fields, Sgt. Billie Jo Kiser, Capt. Trey Smith and Chief Deputy Todd Rice
Animal control officers achieve euthanasia certification
Billy Ray, pictured left, and Ryan Galbraith, right, recently earned their euthanasia certification from the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners, following in the footsteps of Trish Spence, who obtained her certification earlier this year.
They finished an intensive 16-hour course covering pharmacology, proper administration and storage, federal and state laws, stress management and compassion fatigue. Their training ended with a comprehensive exam.
Well done, Billy and Ryan!
Kenton County Detention Center deputies complete EMT Training
Deputies Kristen Owens and Nathan Acreman finished their training and became state and nationally certified EMTs.
This certification required extensive training, challenging coursework, practical skills assessments and passing both state and national exams.
Having certified EMTs on staff at KCDC enhances our ability to respond quickly and effectively to medical emergencies within the facility. Their hard work is commendable, and we are proud to have them on our team.
Kenton County departments celebrate national appreciation weeks
May was a month full of appreciation and recognition for several Kenton County departments.
Here's how we celebrated their contributions:
National Correctional Officers Week: May 5-11
Highlights from this week included:
- Sgt. Billie Kiser advocated for correctional officers, describing them as the forgotten branch of law enforcement.
- Sgt. Slaughter designed the winning entry for a team flag and a mural to represent the work KCDC does for our community.
2023 team investments demonstrated career advancement opportunities for correctional officers.
Pictured left to right: Commissioner Joe Nienaber, Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann, Capt. Trey Smith, Sgt. Billie Kiser, Chief Deputy Todd Rice, Lt. Sam Harpold, Lt. Michael Kleier and Commissioner Beth Sewell
National Police Week: May 12-18
Highlights from the week included:
- Team members reflected on what Police Week means to them.
- Chief Spike Jonesjoined law enforcement peers from around the nation in Washington, D.C.
2023 call volume stats ranked KCPD as the 3rd busiest department in Kenton County.
Pictured left to right: Commissioner Joe Nienaber, Judge Executive Kris Knochelmann, Chief of Police Spike Jones, Assistant Chief of Police Jim Gilpin, Sgt. Capt. Chris Pittaluga, Commissioner Beth Sewell and Commissioner Jon Draud
National Public Works Appreciation Week: May 19-24
Highlights from the week included:
- Public Services covered more than 200 miles of snow and ice removal in 2023.
- Clients of the Fleet Services division shared a special message for our team members.
- Engineering Services plays a leading role in the County's approach to infrastructure and grant management.
Spencer Stork shared progress on major infrastructure projects for the county.
Pictured (left to right): Kenton County Engineer Spencer Stork, Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann, Adam Ryan, Commissioner Joe Nienaber, Rick Buster, Tyler Hill, Commissioner Beth Sewell, Melissa Grandstaff, Anna Miller and Commissioner Jon Draud
Cross-team Shoutout
This month, we're launching a new feature in the Chronicle dubbed "Cross-team Shoutout," where we'll share some interdepartmental praise. It serves as a good reminder that the Kenton County team is strongest when it's working together.
From issuing requests for proposals to ordering supplies, Holly Hill, Kenton County's purchasing manager, makes sure it all gets done. Ashley Hawks, director of the Kenton County Emergency Communications Center, said this of Holly:
"Holly helps me understand our policies and processes, ensuring we succeed in our endeavors. She makes sure we have everything we need and is wonderful to work with, always getting things right."
Do you want to shoutout a team member from another department? Email the communications team.
Team member milestones
The Fiscal Court approved five new hires in May.
New hires
- Chrissy Hatfield, shelter technician, Kenton County Animal Services
- Kimberly Hummel, licensed veterinary technician, Kenton County Animal Services
- Michael Workman, public services technician II, Parks & Recreation
- Scott Baxley, assistant treasurer, Office of the Treasurer
- Terrence Donahue, seasonal trustee/weekend maintenance laborer, Parks & Recreation
Promotions
- Jared Capps, named sergeant at the Kenton County Detention Center
What's Happening: Fiscal Court
In May, the Fiscal Court began the budget approval process, holding its first reading of the 2024-25 fiscal year budget. The $282 million budget focuses on continuing to provide top-tier services to Kenton County residents, while utilizing state dollars to invest in new economic and site development efforts.
The Court also approved a new contract with Altafiber to dramatically improve Internet speeds throughout our facilities. This improved connectivity means we’ll face less headaches when accomplishing our work.
Day in the Life: Kenton County Detention Center
In May, we showcased the Kenton County Detention Center as part of our focus on National Correctional Officers Week.
Watch the newest episode, featuring Sgt. Jared Testerman, by clicking the image above.
Thank you Sgt. Testerman and the entire KCDC team for your participation.
Next up: Kenton County Public Works