Full Text
T h e R o u n d a b o u t Professionalism Respect Integrity Dedication Excellence Our Annual Employee and Retiree Service Recognition Program will be held on August 28 , 2024, at 3 p.m. We will be recognizing employe es that have met milestone anniversaries in the p ast ye ar, retire es, and for mer milit ary employ ees. Je nnie Montgom ery, Cha nn el 6 News An chor, will return as our emcee this year. The lo cation will remain at the Performing Arts Center. We are excited to recognize our hard working employees, and we hope to see you there! Years of Service Recognition Employees that achieved milestone work anniversaries this past year (5 years, 10 years, 1 5 years , etc. ) wil l receiv e a n invitatio n fro m HR through the mail. You will receive your service pin from your Division Director at some point before or right after the program. During the actual program, your name will be announced by Jennie Montgomery, and your picture will be displayed on a large screen with your name and current department. You do not have to get on stage to be recognized. All you have to do is raise your hand or stand if you want. We will keep this as stress free as possible so that you can enjoy the program. Military Service Recognition Part of our Employee Service Recognition Program involves honoring employees that have served in the military or currently serve (Reserves). If you qualify for this honor, and you were not recognized at one of our previous Recognition Programs, please complete this information by July 26, 2024, so that we can include you this year. Survey Link: Part of our Employee Service Recognition Program involves honoring employees that have served in the military or currently serve (Reserves). If you qualify for this honor, and you were not recognized at one of our previous Recognition Programs, please complete this information by July 26, 2024, so that we can include you this year. Survey Link: [EMAIL REDACTED] once you get your invitation. The deadline for is August 9. There will be a reception immediately following in the lobby with heavy hors d'oeuvres, so getting an accurate count of attendees is very important. ---PAGE BREAK--- (Continued on next page) Letter from our District Attorney ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- AUGUST ANNIVERSARIES HAPPY Anniversary 46 Years Donna Clay Water Utility 40 Years Terry Drummond Fleet Services 35 Years Burke Dorn Sheriff’s Office 34 Years Willie Smith Water Utility 33 Years Tim Rupert Fire Rescue 33 Years Tim Burnley Sheriff’s Office 33 Years Bertha Gause Water Utility 32 Years Butch Askew Detention Center 32 Years Ken Summers Sheriff’s Office 32 Years James Bush Water Utility 30 Years Hazel Bussey Detention Center 30 Years Kevin Fort Plan Review 30 Years Keith Cox Coroner 29 Years Vickie Mogilefsky Visitors Center 28 Years Phil McCorkle Roads & Bridges 28 Years Renee Peloquin Commissioners Office 26 Years Paul Casey Fire Rescue 26 Years Connie Tuli Sheriff’s Office 25 Years Buddy Wimmer Sheriff’s Office 25 Years Katrina Berzett Information Technology ---PAGE BREAK--- AUGUST ANNIVERSARIES HAPPY Anniversary 23 Years Lynn Johnson, Water Utility Martha Partridge, Tax Commissioner’s Office 22 Years Dennis Anderson, Stormwater Utility Jerry Leonard, Sheriff’s Office 21 Years Jennifer Willis, Clerk of Court Natalie Gibson, Library 20 Years James Graham, Sheriff’s Office 19 Years George Eastman, Environmental Services 18 Years Carey Simmons, Detention Center Amber Thomas, Clerk of Court Jerry Channell, Water Utility Christopher Harrison, Traffic Engineering 17 Years Stephanie Pilcher, 311 Customer Service Jennifer Prince, Juvenile Court Cindy Chastain, Detention Center Christopher Lane, Sheriff’s Office 16 Years Evan Kell, Water Utility Alex Andrews, Sheriff’s Office 15 Years Candy Goff, Procurement Benjamin Fowler, Sheriff's Office Julie Milford, 911 Dispatch Adam Searcy, Tax Assessors Office 14 Years Anthony Gilbert, Detention Center 13 Years Cara Harden, Finance 12 Years Grant Mixon, Tax Assessors Office Regina Flemming, Sheriff’s Office 11 Years Jamarius Tate, Fire Rescue Wesley Gower, Water Utility Kyle McCellan, Fire Rescue Edward Jones, Detention Center Joseph Marrone, Fire Rescue Ronald Bagwell, Water Utility Richard Brassell, Magistrate Court Jeremy Anderson, Sheriff’s Office Kayley Nichols, Water Utility Connor Whittle, Water Utility 10 Years David Steedley, Engineering Services Katie Beth Jennings, Stormwater Compliance Rodney Quesenberry, Magistrate Court Ronnie Kitchens, Parks & Recreation 9 Years Michael Glasscock, Water Utility Laya Claybrook, Permitting Timothy Morelli, Public Transit Amy Sorrow, Water Utility Millie Lehr, Tax Assessors Office Leland Carruth, Roads & Bridges Jalen Burns, Roads & Bridges ---PAGE BREAK--- AUGUST ANNIVERSARIES HAPPY Anniversary CONTINUED 8 Years Andralyn Graham, Engineering Services Gregory Flanigan, Fire Rescue Kevin Glasscock, Water Utility 7 Years Carmella Rivera, Detention Center Sharon Taylor, Sheriff’s Office Haleigh Cook, Fire Rescue Jan Sward, Procurement Rene Brown, Detention Center Jon Robinson, Facility Maintenance Jesse Reynolds, Stormwater Maintenance Joshua Brown, Roads & Bridges 6 Years Kimberly Bryan, Sheriff’s Office Nathan Barton, Fleet Services 4 Years David Akins, Facility Maintenance Colton Tribble, Roads & Bridges Stephanie Laws, Tax Commissioner’s Office David Hawkes, Fire Rescue Jeffrey Thornton, Fire Rescue Silas Lovett, Detention Center Kayla Herron, 911 Dispatch Martavious Martin, Roads & Bridges Jared Mason, Sheriff’s Office Madeline Corbin, Sheriff’s Office Shannon Stoddard, Board of Elections 5 Years Kevin Boyer, Parks & Recreation Kristyna Smith, 911 Dispatch Daniel Hyman, Water Utility Dorretha Mitchell, Detention Center Judge Charles Evans, Juvenile Court Christopher Cooke, Water Utility Curtis Durden, Information Technology Jarvis Hardy, Roads & Bridges Kristen Colon, Tax Assessors Office ---PAGE BREAK--- AUGUST ANNIVERSARIES HAPPY Anniversary CONTINUED 3 Years Judge J. Grady Blanchard, Superior Court Chief Judge Sheryl Jolly, Superior Court Pamela Royal, Savannah Rapids Pavilion Christian McAlister, Fire Rescue Robert Boggs, Performing Arts Center Amber Brantley, District Attorney’s Office Wilkinson, GIS James Webb, Parks & Recreation Kathy Rogers, District Attorney’s Office Brandon Reeves, Sheriff’s Office Olivia Chalmers, Performing Arts Center Zachary Raines, Fleet Services Sariah Payne, Detention Center Zachary Allen, Property Acquisition Miranda Lane, Detention Center Donald Tuten, Detention Center Joseph Epperly, Fire Rescue Elliott Stephens, Fire Rescue Landyn Biggs, Fire Rescue Michele Dillard, Performing Arts Center William Wright, Roads & Bridges Ann Malay, Performing Arts Center Ashley Muller, District Attorney’s Office Pamela Goble, Probate Court Dustin Hadden, Parks & Recreation Courtney Baldridge, Water Utility Moriah Sims, 911 Dispatch Roy Herren, Water Utility Michelle Wright, Superior Court Rachel Gifford, Tax Commissioner’s Office Lexis Broadwater, Tax Commissioner’s Office Andrew Porter, Water Utility Aaron Andrews Fleet Services McKenzie Hitt, Water Utility 2 Years Lindsay Foster, Sheriff’s Office Stephen Peacock, Facility Maintenance Dylan Douglas, Planning Troy Davis, Fire Rescue Rhoda Kimble-Wheeler, Superior Court Katie Cason, Performing Arts Center Kendra Bell, Detention Center Anita Jenkins, Detention Center Alec Chavez, Fleet Services Darryl Adams, Sheriff’s Office James Gaston, Detention Center Hunter Martenn, Environmental Services 1 Year Tiffany Wardy, Juvenile Court Stephen Holloway, Water Utility Viktoria Wannamaker, Community Services Jared Thigpen, Roads & Bridges Robert Couch, Facility Maintenance David Aycox, Fire Rescue Travis Burns, Traffic Engineering Devin Robinson, Library Travis Knight, Stormwater Maintenance Chase Sakers, Detention Center Brenda Brantley, Parks & Recreation Charles Abbitt, Detention Center Samuel Villarreal, Parks & Recreation Linda Peplau, EDA Brandon Landers, Broadband Utility Timothy McNair, Roads & Bridges Jarod Wilson, Roads & Bridges Martha Shorte, Sheriff’s Office Latarcia Steinlage, Sheriff’s Office ---PAGE BREAK--- AUGUST BIRTHDAYS 1st Christopher Ganther, Fire Rescue 2nd Soleta Bartles, Tax Assessors Office Michele Dillard, Performing Arts Center Madlen Chavous, Sheriff’s Office Aaron Price, Sheriff’s Office 3rd Rodney Quesenberry, Magistrate Court Vera Anderson, Sheriff’s Office Jennifer Prince, Juvenile Court Ryan Whittle, Sheriff’s Office Kaitlin Bowling, Stormwater Utility Kiernan Short, Library Camron Nielsen, Facility Maintenance 4th Chief Judge Sheryl Jolly, Superior Court Heidi Curlee, Tax Commissioner’s Office Evan Davis, Fire Rescue Tavonne Gadson, Roads & Bridges Clayton Lariscy, Fire Rescue Matthew Kitchens, Detention Center Dalton Giles, Detention Center Connor Bruce, Fire Rescue 5th Darlene Lui, Tax Assessors Office Jason Water, Sheriff’s Office Nicholas Collar, Water Utility 6th Craig Murphy, Sheriff’s Office Michael Blanchard, Information Technology Ryan Barry, Detention Center Sara Masciola, Library Tabitha Grogan, 911 Dispatch 7th Danielle Colton-Couch, Human Resources Anthony Davis, Water Utility Brandon Cooper, Detention Center Noah Bowers, Library 8th Edie Casteel, Water Utility Edison Moseley, Sheriff’s Office Chris Nattinger, Parks & Recreation Emily Glisson, Stormwater Utility 9th Shelley Usry, Tax Commissioner’s Office Andre Clementi, Sheriff’s Office Cassidy Harris, County Administration Madeline Corbin, Sheriff’s Office Mary Kate O’Steen, Water Utility 10th Reanna Tovar, Library Clarissa Hogan, Facility Maintenance Chase Abbott, Fire Rescue Brandon Cahrier, Information Technology 11th Jennifer Willis, Clerk of Court Stephen Peacock, Facility Maintenance Aubrey Burke, Detention Center 12th Josefina Gaspard, 911 Dispatch Kimberly Powell, Clerk of Court Curtis Oglesby, Roads & Bridges Brian Newman, Water Utility John Smith, GIS Kayla Herron, 911 Dispatch Nicholas Williams, Fire Rescue ---PAGE BREAK--- AUGUST BIRTHDAYS 13th Phoebe Atkins, Information Technology Emily Leggett, Recycling 14th Leland Carruth, Roads & Bridges 15th Patti Pursley, Probate Court Dennis Anderson, Stormwater Utility Rhusha Mack, Fire Rescue Christie Cheek, Recycling Brandie Cramer, Sheriff’s Office Chris Tomlinson, Information Technology Justin Hughes, Water Utility 17th Mary Skidmore, Probate Court Robert Yahn, Fire Rescue James Graham, Sheriff’s Office Melissa Sidener, Stormwater Maintenance Bennie Slappy, Water Utility David Bullard, Fire Rescue Brandon Walker, Detention Center Jarred Viehl, Water Utility 18th Ken Cooter, Building Standards Maria Jessie, Water Utility Malissa Bonsack, Parks & Recreation Tonny Williams, Traffic Engineering Jonathan Santa Maria, Sheriff’s Office 19th Christopher Williams, Water Utility Benjamin Jackson, Tax Assessors Office Annaelise Wilson, Performing Arts Center Ashar Evans, Water Utility 20th Rory Hanson, Fire Rescue Kirsten Wright, Facility Maintenance Dale McClung, Library Devin Gray, Fire Rescue 21st Brenda Brantley, Parks & Recreation Audrey Williamson, Sheriff’s Office Steven Harris, Facility Maintenance Polly Champion, Clerk of Court 22nd Carmella Rivera, Detention Center Kevin Goeddel, Water Utility Timothy Gantt, Fire Rescue Damion Rich, Detention Center 23rd Nayna Mistry, Planning Ken Summers, Sheriff’s Office Elizabeth Edwards, Probate Court Christi DeLoach, Parks & Recreation George Whetstone, Water Utility Brandon Martin, Parks & Recreation Devin Robinson, Library 24th Jennifer Neal, Risk Management Brooke Anger, Magistrate Court Cheney Eldridge, EDA Steven Scott, Water Utility 25th David McCarty, Fleet Services David Nesbitt, Fire Rescue Glenda Simons, Probate Court Matthew Strickland, Fire Rescue Brandi Bell, Procurement Conrad Beaulieu, Fire Rescue CONTINUED ---PAGE BREAK--- In 2022, we began our new employee referral incentive where current employees could earn a day of PTO for referring a new hire. Once the new hire completes one year of service, our current employees are credited with the PTO. AUGUST BIRTHDAYS 26th Rita Shelton, Information Technology 27th Julianne Hartman, GIS Brett Carani, District Attorney’s Office Melissa Coston, Superior Court Tammy Walden, 911 Dispatch Will Butler, Planning 28th Silas Lovett, Detention Center Robert Benedetto, Building Standards Larry Hobbs, GIS Nicholas Pravato, Water Utility 29th Melissa Kitchens, Tax Assessors Office Randall Bao, Sheriff’s Office Mitchell Roberson, Fire Rescue Jonathon Combs, Sheriff’s Office 30th Richard Haygood, Water Utility Russell Fralick, Water Utility Brenden Alvarez, Fire Rescue Congratulations to the following employees who have earned a day of PTO as of 7/18/24: Trent Bowling - Building Standards Kerston Bell - IT Thomas Hancock - Roads & Bridges CONTINUED ---PAGE BREAK--- Name: Chandler Hawes College: University of Georgia Year of Study: Graduate Student Major: Urban Planning & Design County Department: GIS What I hope to learn: I hope to gain hands-on experience with GIS technologie s and their application in urban plannin g, in addition to learning about the integration of GIS with other planning tools and software. What has surprised you the most? One thing that has surprised me the most is the level of collaboration an d communication required across vario us departments. I did not realize how interconnected different departments are and how important GIS data is in facilitating these connections. What are you learning that can be used for your career goals? I am learning a great deal about GIS software in addition to data collection and analysis. I am also learning about real-world applications of GIS i n urban development, land use planning, and community projects. The se experiences will be invaluable as I pursue my master's degree and eventually a career in the planning field. What advice do you have for future interns: My advice to future county interns would be to make the most of the many resources available to you which will help you grow both academically and professionally. After graduation, would you consider working for the county government? Yes...working at the county level offers the opportunity to be direct ly involved in projects that improve people's quality of life. Columbia Cou nty is one the best counties in Georgia to live in, and my internship has demonstrated that it is also one of the best counties to work in. College Intern Spotlight UGAUGAUGAUGAUGAUGAUGAUGAUGAUGAUGAUGA ---PAGE BREAK--- Name: Abbie Dixon College: Georgia College and State University Year of Study: Senior Major: Construction Marketing County Department: Administration What I hope to learn: I hope to gain hands-on experience in public relations, enhance m y communication skills, and learn how to effectively manage and promote the pub lic image of Columbia County. As a marke ting major, I am eager to understand how PR strategies and campaigns align with overall marketing goals. I hope this internship will help me apply my academic knowledge to real-world situations and preparing for a successful career in marketing and public relations. What has surprised you the most? I was surprised how approachable the County Administrative office is. They maintain a high level of professionalism while having a fun and enjoyable work environment. What are you learning that will be useful in your career? I am learning several valuable skills that will be crucial for my future career goals. These include effective communication and media relations. I'm also gaining practical experience in social media management and event coordination. Understanding how to navigate and influence public perception and brand image will greatly enhance my ability to succeed in the marketing field. What advice would you give to future county interns? My advice to future county interns would be to take every opportunity to learn and engage. Seek out new experiences and don't hesitate to ask questions. After college graduation, would you consider working for the county government? After college graduation, would you consider working for the county government? I would definitely consider working for the county government after gradu ation. The supportive and collaborative environment I've experienced during my internship has made a career with the county very appealing. Additionally, seeing many employees who have been here for over 40 years speaks volumes about the positive work culture and long-term opportunities, making it an even more attractive option. College Intern Spotlight ---PAGE BREAK--- College Intern Spotlight Name: Nate Henry College: Harvard Law School Year of Study: Graduate Student Major: Juris Doctorate County Department: DA’s Office What I hope to learn: Exposure to prosecutorial work. What has surprised you the most? The range of casework that the DA’s Office deals with. What are you learning that can be used for your career goals? Professional networking, preparation to take cases to trial or plea. What advice do you have for future interns: Enjoy, ask questions, be friendly, learn to listen. After graduation, would you consider working for the county government? YesYes Name: Wilkes Riggins College: Mars Hill University Year of Study: Senior Major: Business County Department: Performing Arts Center What I hope to learn: Work experience in all environments and fields. What has surprised you the most? How welcoming everyone is. What are you learning that can be used for your career goals? What are you learning that can be used for your career goals? success of a business at the PAC. What advice do you have for future interns: Work hard and do as many different tasks as you can. ---PAGE BREAK--- Parking Update We want to thank everyone for their cooperation with the new parking plan on the Evans Campus. With a large number of employees moving to their new spaces before July 1, the change was much smoother than anticipated. Remember to call or email HR when someone is parked in your spot and give us their tag number. This helps us track where the problems are happening. As of 7/16/24, we’ve had 9 calls and 6 of those involved employees returning from lunch and finding a citizen in their spot. Each of our employees handled it perfectly, and we appreciate it. Several departments have vacant spaces due to vacant positions. If your department has vacant spaces, you can use them in lieu of visitor spaces when someone is parked in your assigned spot. Ask your manager if there are any vacant spaces that can be used this way until that vacant position is hired. If you update your vehicle tag during the year, please let HR know of your new car tag. We keep a current list of employee parking spaces and the tag numbers assigned to tho se spaces. The contractor has been selected for the new Building A project, so we will update you on any traffic pattern changes that need to be made. Call HR if you have any questions, and keep up the GREAT work! ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- National Safety Council Defensive Driving (8 Hours) at the EOC 8:30am-5pm **Participants will receive a ResQme Car Escape Tool as part of our Safety Grant from while supplies last** Wednesday, August 7, 2024 National Safety Council Defensive Driving (4 Hours) at the EOC 8:30am-12:30pm **Participants will receive a ResQme Car Escape Tool as part of our Safety Grant from while supplies last** Thursday, July 25, 2024 *CLASS IS FULL* Thursday, September 26, 2024 *LIMITED AVAILABLE SPOTS* Hands-On Defensive Driving (8 Hours) at the CCSO Track 8:30am-5pm Friday, September 13, 2024 *CLASS IS FULL* Red Cross CPR/AED & First Aid (8 Hours) at the EOC 8:30-5pm **Participants will receive a First Aid Kit as part of our Safety Grant from while supplies last** Thursday, August 29, 2024 *CLASS IS FULL* Please note that Risk Management classes have been filling up fast this past year. Our classes are subject to the availability of our trainers based on their schedules. The classes are also limited to the amount of space we have for attendees. If there is a class on the schedule you would like to attend, please do not wait to register. If you register for a class and at any point in time realize you will not be able to attend, please inform Risk Management to open the spot for other employees. To register contact [EMAIL REDACTED] Or call Jennifer or Darlene at [PHONE REDACTED] for information ---PAGE BREAK--- Train WithSwain Information Security Classes If you clicked on a test phishing email, you are required to attend one of the meetings listed below. But anyone is welcome to attend! Wed. 7/31/24 @ 9 am Mon. 9/30/24 @ 2 pm Evans Government Center Auditorium, Building A, 630 Ronald Reagan Dr. To sign up for one of these classes, please contact Swain at (706) 312-7302 or via email at [EMAIL REDACTED]@columbiacountyga.gov ---PAGE BREAK--- Wednesday, July 17 at 1:00 PM EST The RMD landscape has gone through many changes over the past couple of years. With SECURE 2.0, we’re faced with even more. Here we look at those changes and how you can help prepare yourself for the inevitable day when you need to begin your RMD. Retirement Income Planning: Tips to Help Make Your Money Last Wednesday, July 24 at 1:00 PM EST Understanding how much income you’ll need to support the retirement you want, and positioning your assets to provide that income, is important. While there’s no one-size-fits-all plan, there are steps you can take to maximize the possibility of a financially secure retirement. Market Update Workshop Wednesday, July 31 at 1:00 PM EST Join MissionSquare Retirement for an update on the financial markets including popular topics such as: economic overview, inflation/raising interest rates, and much more! Register Now