|
|
Hello!
We're rapidly approaching the end of the year and hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season. Please save the date for January 8 for our first-ever all-staff UG Convocation! Check out this and other updates below.
|
|
The following individuals joined the Unified Government family this past October - welcome! We'll catch up on November and December new hires next month. |
|
- Sharon Al-Uqdah
- Michelle Anderson
- Stacey Baker
- Donna Bennett
- Jonathan Biggs
- Stuart Bitterman
- Tara Blake
- Grace Boswell
- Tara Brown
- Verlee Brown
- Martha Bruffey
- Brandy Cann
- Wanda Clemons
- Clara Colvin-Smith
- Marisa Crawford-Gray
- Mary Ellen Day
- Kelcie DeClue
- Atilano Dominquez
- Dustin Dye
- Janell Dyson
- Patricia Ellison
- Natalie Fiorella
- Calara Fuller
- Patricia Gallagher
- Ramona Galvan
- Melissa Gard
- Veronica Gisler
- Kelly Griffin
- Anthony Guzan
- Schala Hamilton
- Pat Harris
- Maureen Hernandez
- Theresa Hernandez
- Elizabeth Hicks
- Jennifer Hill
- Chris Hoffman
- Alicia Houston
- Alicia James
- Cathy Johnson
- Kristina Johnston
|
- Michael Kauzlarich
- Michael Kilderry
- Paula King
- Robert King
- Brenda Lanham
- Dennis Laughlin
- Antonia Lee
- Linda Marshall
- Jonita Mims
- Ruby Montoya
- Randall Moore
- Monica Murray
- Melissa Nead
- Vickie Nelson
- Ursula Nicholas
- Anna O'Brien
- Casey Perez
- Jeanene Peterson
- Robert Porras
- Clifford Potter
- Bobby Richards
- Christina Roberts
- Bonnie Ruzich
- Marisela Salazar
- Rachel Salazar
- Richard Sheahan
- Erica Simon
- Dorothy Smith
- Brenda Stallings
- Pamela Sublett
- John Tanner
- Michael Vazquez
- Marlsa Walker
- Sharon Warren
- Madison White
- Lucian Williams
- Mary Williams
- Shelia Winn
- Emilia Winterhalter
- Marilyn Zieg
|
|
Maiyee Lor hired as Deputy Clerk
Please help us welcome Maiyee Lor to the UG Office of the Clerk as our new Deputy Clerk! Joining us from the City of Pomona, KS, Lor brings years of public sector experience to our team. Learn more about Lor here and please be sure to extend an UG-welcome!
Minah Chapell Named Executive Director for the Livable Neighborhoods Task Force
We are thrilled to announce that Minah Chapell has been promoted to the position of Program Coordinator for the Livable Neighborhoods office/ Executive Director for the Livable Neighborhoods Task Force, effective immediately. This promotion recognizes her performance and dedication to the Livable Neighborhoods office in her previous role as Professional Program Assistant/Neighborhood Liaison. Congratulations, Minah!
Conrad Vega Joins Environmental Services as Safety Officer
The Kansas City, Kansas Environmental Services (KCKES) team is excited to announce that Conrad Vega has joined our team as our new Safety Officer! The Safety Officer position is critical to our mission, ensuring that safety protocols are not only upheld but continuously improved. By promoting a culture of safety, the Safety Officer plays a key role in safeguarding our team members, protecting public health, and maintaining regulatory compliance.
Conrad’s strong work ethic, commitment to growth, professionalism, and readiness to tackle new challenges make him a valuable addition to our Utility. His leadership, drive, and mechanical expertise will be essential in his role as Safety Officer. A proud Wyandotte County native and Harmon High School graduate, Conrad has an impressive background serving our country in both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army. Following his military career, Conrad gained extensive experience in transportation and fleet management. He holds a CDL Class B endorsement, certifications in Hazardous Waste Material Handling, DOT safety, and Stormwater Compliance, and is completing his associate’s degree at Kansas City, KS Community College. Welcome!
|
 Please join Sheriff Soptic in honoring Sergeant Smallwood and Deputy Trask in their retirement! Join us at Memorial Hall on December 19 at 3PM to celebrate their service!
UG Honors Community Volunteers at Appreciation Breakfast
On Friday, December 6, 2024, the UG hosted a volunteer appreciation celebration in the lobby of the Municipal Building, to honor the dedication of hundreds of community volunteers that serve throughout many UG departments and agencies. The ceremony honored the commitment of volunteers that serve within the UG from 3 months to over 25 years. This group of volunteers come from many different backgrounds, but all have the same common goal in mind, which is helping enhance the lives of the people of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas.
Are there volunteers working in your department?
Please reach out to Clinton Carter in Human Resources at cdcarter@wycokck.org.
|
 On November 15, the Kansas City Metro Area Chiefs and Sheriffs Association held its 53rd Annual Valor Award Ceremony. Congratulations for the four KCKPD officers honored! Gold Award Officer Garner (not pictured) for apprehending a suspect armed with a handgun assaulting a lady. Gold Award Officer Chambers for apprehending a suspect armed with a rifle threatening to shoot fellow officers and citizens. Silver Award Sergeant Donato for saving an infant abducted during a stolen auto vehicle pursuit. Bronze Award Officer Manriquez for giving lifesaving aid to a shooting victim and apprehending the suspect.
 Please join Sheriff Soptic in honoring Deputy Baird for being promoted to Detective and Deputy Walton for being promoted to Sergeant. Congratulations! Join us on January 6 at 4PM in the Sheriff's Office Training Room to celebrate.
|
|
A UG Tradition in the Making: 2025 Convocation |
|
2025 UG Convocation
Join us for an all-staff gathering to kick-off 2025 on the right foot! We will be gathering on Wednesday, January 8 from 8AM-10AM at Memorial Hall. Stay tuned for more announcements but be sure to mark your calendar. See you there!
 Save the date for Wednesday, January 8! Join your colleagues across the Unified Government as we kick-off 2025. Reconnect with people between 8AM-8:30AM with the festivities starting at 8:30AM. See you then!
|
|
Beatrice Lee Community Center Temporarily Closed for Upgrades
Beatrice Lee Community Center will be temporarily closed from December 14 through January 3 for essential HVAC repairs and window replacements made possible through ARPA funding. These improvements are a part of the Parks and Recreations Departments commitment to maintaining facilities and enhancing the quality of life for our residents. Learn more.
|
 |
|
Tax Rebate Program Begins January 2
After a stellar year, the UG Clerk's Office is excited to announce that the 2024 Tax Rebate Program opens for applications on January 2. This program provides seniors, veterans, and persons living with disabilities tax rebates for utilities and property taxes. Learn more at http://www.wycokck.org/taxrebates
|
UG 2025 Events
We are creating a 2025 Calendar of Events for all activities across the Unified Government to be shared internally and with our community. This calendar will help us coordinate activities, avoid double-booking, and make it easier for the community to participate in the great activities you host throughout the year. Make sure your event is included by emailing us at communications@wycokck.org.
2025 Holiday Schedule
The UG Office of the Clerk has published the 2025 Holiday Schedule:
- New Year's Day: Wednesday, January 1
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, January 20
- Presidents Day: Monday, February 17
- Spring Holiday: Friday, April 18
- Memorial Day: Monday, May 26
- Juneteenth: Thursday, June 19
- Independence Day: Friday, July 4
- Labor Day: Monday, September 1
- Veterans Day: Tuesday, November 11
- Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 27 - Friday, November 28
- Christmas: Thursday, December 25
|
 |
Thank you to everyone who came out for the Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting Festival, particularly to all of the staff that made this event happen! Click the image to watch a short recap of this excellent annual event.
|
|
Tips & Tricks
It's that time of year when we wrap up 2024 and plan for 2025. If you have a particular role in your department in Workday, you probably received a copy of the year-end checklist. Below please find the general reminders for ALL staff in Workday.
 Workday End-of-Year Checklist
- Ensure your personal information is correct, such as your home address, and submit any changes if needed.
- Check your Absence balances and Vacation carry-over.
- All 2024 requests for expense reimbursement (including mileage) are due by 01/03/2025.
- If you have a UG Visa, all 2024 P-Card transactions need to be verified in Workday no later than 01/06/2025.
Reminders
- Your 2024 W2s will be located in Workday once completed; prior year W2s are on the ESS website.
- Complete the Create Expense Report task to request reimbursement for out-of-pocket work-related expenses.
|
|
Malware Foundations: Avoiding Malicious Software |
|
Malware, short for malicious software, comes in many forms. Some variants steal data or corrupt systems, while others cause physical damage to machines or factories. In all cases, malware can cause great harm. Avoid malicious infections with the following tips and tricks:
- Learn to identify phishing.
- Beware of USB flash drives.
- Stay updated.
- Routinely audit software.
- Utilize anti-malware tools.
At work, always follow your organization's policies, and report security incidents immediately. Read for more!
|
|
|
|
|
|