Hello Kenton County team members!
We're excited to bring you another edition of the Kenton County Chronicles, our new internal newsletter. In this month's newsletter, we're diving into:
- using the St. Elizabeth Employee Assistance Program;
- the return of a familiar face to the Kenton County Police Department; and
- our recent employee successes.
Embracing support: How to use the Employee Assistance Program
Have you hit a New Year’s slump? Winter weather got you feeling down? Regardless of what is causing you troubles, whether at work or at home, we want to help.
Kenton County participates in St. Elizabeth Healthcare’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This program gives you access to a trained team of St. Elizabeth professionals who are ready to step in as needed.
Explain to me what the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is exactly.
The EAP offers short-term, outpatient counseling for any team member or anyone residing within the same home as one of our Kenton County team members. Common issues addressed through this program include: depression, anxiety, stress, relationship, parenting/family problems, grief and addiction.
Does the Employee Assistance Program cost money?
No. This program is completely free and separate from our County insurance benefits. There are no insurance forms, co-pays or deductibles. It is purely a resource for our team members to use in their time of need.
Will my boss know I’ve reached out for help?
No. Your EAP records are confidential, as well as separate from all medical records. To further protect confidentiality, the program office is located off-site at St. Elizabeth Business Health, located at 4123 Olympic Blvd. Suite 151 in Erlanger, Kentucky.
Do I need a referral to reach out?
No. Referrals are not necessary. You simply need to call (859) 301-2570 to get started.
When are they available?
St. Elizabeth EAP offers a wide variety of service hours, with appointments Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
A clinician is also available 24/7 for emergencies. If you have an emergency after normal business hours the answering service will page the clinician on call, and the clinician will contact you within 10-15 minutes.
Learn more about the program here.
Employee perks
This year, we have a two new discounts available to you as a Kenton County team member.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Kenton County team members can now receive a discount on their admission costs at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens using code KENTON at checkout. Check out the flyer here.
altafiber
Kenton County is now participating in altafiber's Corporate Partners program, unlocking discounts on some of the company's most popular options. You can learn more here.
Meet our January employee spotlight
When the new Kenton County Detention Center building opened in 2010, Lt. Jimmy Browning was one of the first employees to walk in. Since day one, Browning has ensured the building is fully operational 24/7/365.
Get to know Browning here.
Team triumphs: Recent successes from Team Kenton County
KCPD swears in four new recruits
The Kenton County Police Department sworn in four new recruits in January, who are now underway on the months-long journey of police training.
Public Works team wraps holiday-centric programs
We want to give a special shoutout to our team at Kenton County Public Works for the successful completion of their holiday-centric programming. In January, the Public Works team partnered with 11 of our cities to offer Christmas tree mulching, and the Solid Waste division brought back its annual holiday lights recycling program.
Team Kenton County navigates first snow emergency
Speaking of Public Works, thank you to the members of our snow removal team, who recently tackled Kenton County's first true snow of the winter season. They, along with our Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, navigated the County's first snow emergency with ease, keeping our residents safe and County moving.
Detention Center celebrates latest academy
Congratulations to the newest graduates of the Kenton County Detention Center's 58th academy. This 3-week-long program offers deputies an in-depth training opportunity. They cover a wide variety of topics, from offering first aid and CPR to performing searches and firearm training.
Congratulations Rick Buster!
Rick Buster, public services supervisor for Kenton County Public Works, recently was named a Kentucky Colonel for his dedication and service within the industry.
The commission of Kentucky Colonel is the highest title of honor bestowed by the Governor of Kentucky. It is recognition of an individual’s noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to our community, state and nation.
Team member milestones
The Kenton County team grew in January, with the Fiscal Court approving four hires. The Kenton County Detention Center also celebrated the six-month milestone for five team members.
New hires included:
- Darrick Edgerton, public services technician, Kenton County Public Works
- Sean King, public services technician, Kenton County Public Works
- Britni Graves, shelter technician, Kenton County Animal Services
And the team at the Kenton County Emergency Communications Center celebrated the return of Donna Richter, who rejoined us this month after her retirement last year.
KCDC's team members celebrating their milestones include:
- Lacy Bradford, booking clerk
- Hailey Moore, booking officer
- Chase Vossmeyer, deputy
- Corey Sheets, deputy
- Jammie Mullins, deputy
What's Happening: Fiscal Court
At the first meeting of the Fiscal Court this January, our commissioners approved plans to go out to bid for a Farmers Market site at the Historic Independence Courthouse.
During this meeting, Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann also officially swore in Jim Gilpin as the Kenton County Police Department's assistant chief, marking Gilpin's formal return to the force he retired from in 2019.
And at its Jan. 23 meeting, the Fiscal Court approved the promotion of Tom Hurtt to fleet services supervisor for Kenton County Public Works. Congratulations Tom on your well-earned promotion!
Also in January, Judge Knochelmann gave his annual State of the County address at the Covington Business Council's monthly luncheon. He used this address to touch on a number of topics, including the County's partnership with Blue North and the Northern Kentucky Port Authority to create a regional entrepreneurship hub called SparkHaus in Covington. To learn more about the project, click here.
"Day in the Life" series launch
In January, we launched a new social series called "Day in the Life," which will dive into the daily operations of our Kenton County departments. The first episode examines the work done at the Kenton County Emergency Communications Center. A big thank you to Sarah Halpin and Ian Byrne for your participation in the video. You can check it out on the Kenton County Facebook page here.
Next up: Technology Services!