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Hello!
May is as busy as ever - check out these updates for all of our UG team members. We have everything from cybersecurity and new hires to memorials and Memorial Hall! As always, if you would like to share updates to be included in future newsletters, please fill out this short form. In the meantime, keep reading for more and have a great rest of your week.
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The following individuals joined the Unified Government family in the past month - welcome! |
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- Jonathan Altamirano
- Max Avila-Franco
- Rochelle Barnett
- Alexander Beshears
- Lucas Bozett
- Joslyn Brewer
- Michael Buller
- Andrew Creek
- Ryan Creek
- Cale Cunconan
- Pedro De Santiago
- Dalia Enriquez
- Kiara Fink
- Noah Gately
- Lane Gates
- Alan Gordillo
- Skylar Gott
- Noel Guzman
- Jay Hanson
- Matthew Herbig
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- Kyun Jackson
- Lillian Jakes
- Sawyer Matz
- Anita McDaniel
- Jerry McKay
- Tyler Nevells
- Jeff Orji
- Gabriel Razo-Alatorre
- Andrew Riley
- Michael Ross
- Emilio Sanchez De La Roza
- Kaycee Scott
- Ryker Simpson
- Brooke Stewart
- Calvin Stry
- Mikayla Taylor
- Justin Ukena
- Hunter Vasquez
- Tyler Williams
- Brayden Zirkle
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Staff Notes
Troy Shaw named Interim Public Works Director
On Monday, County Administrator David Johnston announced the appointment of Troy Shaw to the role of Interim Public Works Director, effective immediately. Troy is a seasoned professional in the realm of Public Works and has served as the County Engineer for Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, KS for the past 7 years. With over 19 years of experience as a Licensed Public Works Professional, Troy has demonstrated solid leadership skills and a track record of managing complex projects for local municipalities. Congratulations, Troy! Keep reading for more.
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Rodney Lucas named Executive Assistant to the County Administrator
County Administrator David Johnston has hired an executive assistant, starting Monday, May 20. Please welcome Rodney Lucas back to Wyandotte County! Originally a Dotte, Rodney is returning to our community to work as the Executive Assistant to the County Administrator. Rodney brings years of public sector experience to the UG, including most recently serving as city manager for the City of Pahokee, Florida. Welcome!
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2024 KCKPD Memorial Service
 Last week, the KCKPD held their annual memorial service to honor the memory and dedication of officers killed in the line of duty. Officers, elected officials, UG staff, and community members attended the event in front of Memorial Hall. Please enjoy this brief video celebrating the memory of these brave men and women.
 Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office hosts Memorial Service
Last Friday, May 10, the Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office hosted their annual memorial service and barbeque lunch fundraiser to honor the men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our community. With funds raised for F.O.P. # 40 Memorial Fund, this was a celebration of the dedication of our public safety team as well as an important reminder of the risk they undertake every day. Be sure to check out the photos from the event and thank you to the Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office for their service.
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What's Your Fondest Memory of Memorial Hall? |
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PICTURED: Memorial Hall Groundbreaking Ceremony.
Celebrating 100 Years
Memorial Hall is turning 100 years old and we are launching a series of events and gatherings to celebrate the important role this building has played in our community. Stay tuned for the details later this month on what we have planned! In addition to serving as a memorial to soldiers and sailors, this building has been host to many events, including roller derby, wrestling, concerts, graduations, and so much more. We are excited to celebrate this important civic building as we invest in modernization and other upgrades to the facility.
Wanted: Your Memories
The Wyandotte County Historical Museum, formerly located at Memorial Hall, is collecting memorabilia from the community as part of a forthcoming exhibit on the building. If you have any type of memorabilia from Memorial Hall -- including but not limited to pictures, programs, concert tickets, posters, etc. -- that you might be willing to loan the museum, please contact them at 913-573-5002 before the end of next month. They will take good care of your items while on display and return them to you when complete.
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Did you know??
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 It's a nice time of year for a bike ride! Make sure your RideKC Bike app is updated with our membership code, open to all UG employees: UG9722. You can ride an e-bike from Rosedale to the Municipal Building to the Neighborhood Resource Center and every in-between (including across the river!).
UMB offers UG employees myPerks for signing up a new account
Human Resources sent out an offer from UMB bank to learn about their services and how to earn several $700 in bonuses for opening and maintaining an account with them. Join UMB representatives for an upcoming information session to learn more:
- TODAY, Thursday, May 16 from 10AM-11:30AM at the UG Human Resources Training Room (701 N. 7th Street, 6th Floor, Kansas City KS 66101)
- TOMORROW, Friday, May 17 from 1PM-2:30PM UG Annex Meeting Room (8200 State Avenue, Kansas City KS 66112)
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District 8 Residents invited to Town Hall with Commissioner Andrew Davis
Please join Commissioner Andrew Davis for an upcoming 8th District Townhall on Tuesday, May 21 from 6-8PM at Eisenhower Recreation Center. Hear important updates and share your feedback regarding Parks and Recreation. Learn about programs and services available to you and provide input back to the Unified Government. Dinner and activities for kids will be provided. RSVP today.
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month: Take the Moment
It's Mental Health Awareness Month and we encourage you to take a moment for yourself! Sign-up for a wellness workshop through the Marathon Health portal, tune-in to a meditation session with the Kansas City, Kansas Public Libraries, and explore all of the FREE resources available to you through our Employee Assistance Program.
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Tips & Tricks
We've heard a lot about the recent cybersecurity incidents in Jackson County and Wichita - it has had a huge impact on their operations. As our own DOTS team can contest, it will take time and money to recover. With our experience a few years ago with a cybersecurity incident, we are actively pursued new ways to make sure our systems and community data are protected. Check out the graphic guide below from our new software to help us report suspicious emails before any harm can be done.
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Security Awareness News
Our UG Cybersecurity Team has provided a useful guide to how data breaches happen, the price of stolen data, and how you can prevent such breaches. These are best practices not only for the office but for your personal data as well!
Remember: "When you handle confidential data, it's your job to ensure it won't end up on the dark web - or any layer of the web where it doesn't belong." Check out the guide!
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Report Suspicious Emails
Last Wednesday, the UG announced a new phishing email alert tool for non-KCKPD and KCKFD employees. Your participation in identifying suspicious emails can help us learn as an organization how to protect ourselves even better. Be sure to check out the email (link below) with more information.
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Our UG Mission
We strive to provide excellent public service as responsible stewards of our community’s trust.
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 Please be advised: The lower section of Lot 3 will be closed on May 17 for set-up of the Third Friday Art Walk. Additionally, 6th Street will be closed between Barnett and Orville Streets.
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 Play a round. It's for our parks. Get your four-person team together and register for the 13th Annual Wyandotte County Parks Foundation Golf Tournament this September!
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 TONIGHT, May 16, 6:30-8:30PM at Kensington Community Center | Movie Night - featuring The Princess and the Frog.
 Saturday, May 18, 11AM-1PM at Eisenhower Recreation Center | Kids to Park Day - celebrate the National Day of Outdoor Play with a fun day at Eisenhower. Games and activities great for kids 4+.
 Saturday, May 18, 8:30AM-1PM | Household Hazardous Waste Disposal - the popular event is back for the month of May! Click link for more details on this FREE service for all WyCo residents.
 Sunday, May 19, 2PM at Wyandotte County Historical Museum | Join us for the quarterly meeting of the WyCo Historical Society and stay for an inspiring story inspired by Saturnino Alvarado and his efforts to make public schools available to all children.
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 Wednesday, May 22, 5-7PM at West Wyandotte Library | kNOw LEAD KCK: Homeowners and renters are invited to a workshop on how to apply for the lead abatement program. Learn how to apply and bring FREE resources to your home.
 Thursday, May 23, 9AM-10:30AM at NRC or Online | Livable Neighborhoods Task Force convenes for its monthly meeting. Tune in or attend in person to learn more about community updates and services.
 Thursday, May 23, 11AM-2PM at George Meyn Community Center | Celebrate Older Americans Month with the Annual Sock Hop! Come dance the day away and find out about some great programs and services.
 Thursday, May 23, 4PM-6PM at East Patrol | Join the KCKPD for the East Patrol Open House and get to know your police department!
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 Thursday, May 23, 4-7PM at 849B N. 47th Street | Transit Operator Recruitment Fair - Discover a new career in public transportation! Check out the two-day recruitment effort by UG Transit.
 Monday, May 27 is Memorial Day and all UG offices are closed.
 Wednesday, May 29, 10AM-12PM at Kansas Department of Children and Families | Teen Baby Shower with tons of great resources for young mothers and expectant mothers. RSVP requested.
 Thursday, May 30 11AM-12PM at Wyandotte/Leavenworth Aging & Disabililty Resource Center | Protect Your Identity and Assets with this important information session.
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