Newsletter.pub (Read-Only) - Delaware County, Ohio

THE COUNTY CONNECTION
The Quarterly Publication by and for the Employees of Delaware County Fall / Winter 2006
Happy Holidays
It is hard to believe that another year has almost come and gone! During the busy holiday season
as we gather with family and friends for fellowship, scrumptious food and gift giving we celebrate
the magic of the season.
Through out the year, your diligent efforts as Delaware County employees do not go unnoticed.
During this holiday season, the Delaware County Elected Officials, Directors and Supervisors would like
to stop to give thanks for all the countless hours and hard work that Delaware County employees have
given through out the year. Your dedication to public service and Delaware County is appreciated
and valued.
Several employees have achieved public service milestones during 2006. Each employee listed
below will receive a certificate of appreciation and rocker attachment (for their Delaware County pin)
signifying their public service milestone in the coming weeks.
It is our goal to recognize everyone who achieves 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 years of public
service including those who have retired during 2006. Therefore, if an employee has not been recognized,
please email Dawn Huston at dhuston@co.delaware.oh.us. You may also reach Dawn by calling
(740) 833-2122. Thank you.
5 Years
Joe Amato, Code Compliance
Amanda Barbeau, Sheriff’s Office
Katherine Beeghley, Law Library
John Berger, E.M.S.
Melinda Bettac, Adult Court Svcs.
Stacy Blair, Juvenile Court
Dawn Borchers, Treasurer’s Office
William Brutchey, Sanitary Engineer’s
Eric Burgess, E.M.S.
David Buttler, Sheriff’s Office
Mary Cagnina, Juvenile Court
Patricia Church, Child Support
Jeffrey Cormier, E.M.S.
John Darrough, Sanitary Eng.
Bridgette DeCastro, Child Support
Anne Eyer-Stevens, E.M.S.
Gina Fasone, Human Resources
John Feightner, Sanitary Engineer’s
Michael Foreman, Engineer’s Office
Kevin George, E.M.S.
Carolee Gilkey, Adult Court Services
Adeana Gray, Child Support
James Griffith, E.M.S.
Janette Haag, Juvenile Court
Robert Haas, Facilities
Charles Hammond, Sanitary Engineer’s
Shane Herbert, Data Center
Scharlene Heston, Board of Elections
Brook Hike, Sheriff’s Office
Paul Howard, Auditor’s Office
Barbara Humphrey, Juvenile Court
Ryan Jasper, E.M.S.
Dereck Keller, Sheriff’s Office
Julie King, Job & Family Services
Erin Kline-Cook, Adult Court Services
Jerry Kochheiser, E.M.S.
Alan Lusk, Sanitary Engineer’s
Ulrike Martin, Juvenile Court
Nathan Meyer, Engineer’s Office
Gregory Miller, Code Compliance
Douglas Mohl, E.M.S.
Scott Murphy, E.M.S.
Jessica Murray, E.M.S.
Melanie Pickett, Clerk of Courts, Title
Samuel Pollock, Sanitary Engineer’s
Regina Prouty, Child Support
Rene Ray, Juvenile Court
Nenad Resanovic, E.M.S.
Douglas Riedel, Engineer’s Office
Scott Sanders, Regional Planning
Lianne Santellani-Sefcovic, Common Pleas
Gary Schlaegel, Map Room
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Brian Smith E.M.S.
Angela Steck, Job & Family Services
Frederick Strawser, Sheriff’s Office
Judith Stricker, Sheriff’s Office
Mark Taglione, Adult Court Services
Michael Taylor Sheriff’s Office
Keith Tussing, E.M.S.
Jennifer Walraven, Commissioners’ Office
Stefanie Woodruff-Burke, E.M.S.
Rusty Yates, Sheriff’s Office
10 Years
Anna Adkins, Facilities
Christopher Betts, Prosecutor’s Office
Patrick Brandt, Data Center
Brian Dilley, Engineer’s Office
John Dillon, Sheriff’s Office
Loretta Elkins, Sheriff’s Office
Robert Fish, E.M.S.
Larry Fisher, Emergency Services
Elmer Graham, Engineer’s Office
YEARS OF SERVICE CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Happy Holidays / Years of Services
2 Years of Service / Ohio Adopts Smoking Ban
3 Simple Steps Can Prevent Tax Scams
4 Be A Shrewd Healthcare Consumer
5 Healthcare Consumer / Exercise Fights Fatigue
6 Announcements

Daniel Hartman, Sheriff’s Office
Eldon Johnson, Engineer’s Office
Elizabeth Jones, Probate Court
Vickie Kerns, Job & Family Services
Seiji Kille, Auditor’s Office
Kevin Kramer, Engineer’s Office
Stephanie Matlack, Regional Planning
Ronald Mattix, Engineer’s Office
John Miller, Sanitary Engineer’s
Deborah Osborne, Juvenile Court
Samuel Porteous, County Garage
John Reeves, Job & Family Services
Joyce Rhodes, Child Support
Charles Roderick, E.M.S.
Laura Scholz, Juvenile Court
Heidi Thomas, Sheriff’s Office
Mary Tranchita, E.M.S.
Michele Treadway, 9-1-1 Center
Kevin Ullom, Sheriff’s Office
Sharon Upp, Auditor’s Office
James Ward, County Commissioner
Jason Watts, Sanitary Engineer’s Office
Shelly Wood, Board of Elections
15 Years
David Andrews, Juvenile Court
Brian Carter, Sheriff’s Office
Kathleen Coy, 9-1-1 Center
Robert Farmer, E.M.S.
Dawn Huston, Human Resources
Duane Matlack, Code Compliance
Randy Ormeroid, Land & Buildings
William Raeuchle, Engineer’s Office
Kenneth Rosenbaum, Sanitary Engineer’s
Christine Shaw, Records Center
John Tracy, 9-1-1 Center
20 Years
Timothy Boland, Economic Development
William Clevenger, Sanitary Engineer’s Office
Jerry Fryman, Engineer’s Office
Judge, Everett Krueger, Common Pleas
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Daniel Lemke, Code Compliance
James Miller, Sheriff’s Office
Sandee Pinnick, Child Support
Joel Presthus, Engineer’s Office
Dale Wilgus, County Treasurer
25 Years
Richard Felton, Alum Creek
Sylvia McElwain, Common Pleas
Retirees
Richard Burnett, Engineer’s Office
Patricia Coffee, Treasurer’s Office
Donna Eckman, Job & Family Services
David Hall, E.M.A.
Jerry Heston, Auditor’s Office
James Lahmon, Sheriff’s Office
Carol Liddle, Treasurer’s Office
Loren Pool, Sheriff’s Office
Richard Skatzes, Sheriff’s Office
OHIO ADOPTS NEW SMOKING BAN
Ohio voters passed Issue 5 on Nov. 7, 2006, creating Ohio’s indoor smoking ban under a new
chapter of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) effective Dec. 7, 2006. This new law requires “public
places” and “places of employment” to prohibit smoking as of that date. These business and
organizations must also post “No Smoking” signs that contain the telephone number 1-866-
559-OHIO (6446) for reporting violations; and remove ashtrays and other smoking receptacles.
Although Delaware County has been a smoke free workplace for several years the ban requires
additional changes by De- cember 7, 2006. Including: posting signs
at each building entrance and in each County owned vehicle that includes
the phone number for re- porting violations and moving smoking
receptacles away from building entrances, windows that open and any
ventilation systems.
This means that employees and the public may smoke in an outdoor area
that is physically separated and far enough away from an enclosed area
so as to prevent any smoke from entering a protected area through entrances,
windows, ventilation systems or any other means.
To implement and enforce this new law, the Director of Health will adopt rules focusing on enforcement
authority and procedures. While ORC Chapter 3794 is effective and enforceable
Dec. 7, 2006, the director of health then has six months, or until June 7, 2007, to adopt rules.

Simple Steps Can Prevent Tax Scams
As Private Debt Collection Begins
WASHINGTON -- As the Internal Revenue
Service begins its private debt collection initiative, the
tax agency reminds taxpayers there are several simple
steps that can provide protection against scam artists.
Scamsters try a variety of tricks to impersonate
the IRS in hopes of tricking taxpayers into divulging
personal or financial information or even conning
people out of cash. Scam artists try to impersonate the
IRS in person, by phone, by e-mail and over the Internet.
Currently, the IRS is beginning its private debt
collection effort, where a small segment of taxpayers
who owe back taxes will be contacted by private sector
debt collectors. There are several key elements of
this program that will alert taxpayers they are part of
this program and help other taxpayers from being
scammed by impersonators:
• Taxpayer notification. All taxpayers who will be
part of the private debt collection effort will know
they are in the program before they are contacted by a
private collection agency. If you haven’t previously
heard that you’re in the program, be wary of any bill
collectors saying they are working on behalf of the
IRS.
• IRS letter. All participants selected for the program
will get a letter from the IRS, telling them
they’ve been selected for the private debt collection
program. The name of the company will be included
in the letter.
• Collection agency letter. All participants will subsequently
receive a second letter, this one from the
collection agency, informing the taxpayer they will be
contacted soon regarding back taxes.
• Money collected. When paying a collection
agency on behalf of the IRS, remember that the check
will be made out to the U.S. Treasury – not to an individual
or firm. The collection agency will provide the
appropriate IRS coupon and mailing address for the
payment. The collection agencies will never ask for
cash or checks written to individuals.
• Contact the IRS. If in doubt, check IRS.gov or call
the IRS at 800-829-1040 for more information.
“Don’t be fooled by scam artists claiming to be from
the IRS,” said Kevin M. Brown, IRS Commissioner of
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the Small Business / Self-Employed Division. “People
selected for the private collection program will be notified
in advance from the IRS. There are clear processes
in place for this program, so don’t fall victim to
fraudsters who are constantly looking for new ways to
trick people.”
The IRS sees a variety of different scams on
different issues. One recent example involves a bogus
e-mail claiming to be from the IRS. In this “phishing”
scheme, the scam artist’s e-mail claims to be from the
IRS, tells recipients that they are due a federal tax refund,
and directs them to a Web site that appears to be
a genuine IRS site. The bogus sites contain forms or
interactive Web pages similar to IRS forms or Web
pages but which have been modified to request detailed
personal and financial information from the email
recipients.
In general, all taxpayers should keep in mind
the IRS never asks people for the PIN numbers, passwords
or similar secret access information for their
credit card, bank or other financial accounts. If in
doubt about someone claiming to be from the IRS or
working on behalf of the IRS, call the agency’s tollfree
help line at 800-829-1040.
The IRS has a variety of information about
scams available at IRS.gov. More information about
the private debt collection initiative is also available at
IRS.gov.
- IRS Newswire

PROTECT YOUR POCKETBOOK
POCKETBOOK:
POCKETBOOK
Be A Shrewd Healthcare Consumer
And Resolve to live a Healthier Lifestyle
This year, the County Employee Benefits Consortium of Ohio (CEBCO), the self-insured pool that Delaware
County joined to stabilize its healthcare costs issued a 6.3% increase in premium rates to Delaware County.
In comparison to national trends and past premium increases, this increase is viewed as acceptable.
Over the last three years that Delaware County has been a member of CEBCO, Delaware County has seen a decline
in the rate of inflation of our benefits, averaging 8.45% increases over the three-year period of 2004, 2005,
and 2006 in comparison to averaging 10.72% increases for the nine years prior to joining CEBCO. Better still,
the rate swings have stabilized. In past years Delaware County saw rates change ranging from a 6% decrease in
1998 to a 52.13% increase in 1999. CEBCO has provided a more stable environment helping to plan and budget
better.
Still, in comparison to the majority of other counties in CEBCO Delaware County is receiving a slightly higher
rate increase. In fact, eleven of the fourteen members in CEBCO received rate increases under 2%, while two
counties received increases of 12.5%. While it’s great to be at 6.3% in comparison to national averages and those
CEBCO covered counties that received 12.5%, the preference is to be one of those counties getting under 2%.
Why? Well, first, if the County gets an increase, employees with a payroll deduction contributing to Plan Option
1 get the same percentage increase. So, since Delaware County received a 6.3% increase from CEBCO for its
contribution level, employees continuing on Plan Option 1 will also get a 6.3% increase in their contribution
amount. Second, because every dollar that is spent on health insurance premiums is a dollar that cannot be spent
elsewhere, departmental budgets are also affected. This can mean that a copier, computer, vehicle, or even an
additional employee to reduce workloads or provide more service have to be delayed or cut from budgets to pay
the cost of healthcare.
Why is Delaware County at 6.3% and not less than 2%? Easy, Delaware County’s claims in comparison to premium,
called the loss ratio, is running higher than the pool’s average, 82.5% (Delaware County) in comparison to
75% (CEBCO). This means that Delaware County employees’ claims per covered person are running higher than
expected and in comparison to other counties. A closer look at the actual claims cost reveals that the big hit
comes from a higher use of urgent care and emergency facilities and a higher rate of office visits to doctors than
the average.
How do we become one of those counties getting a less than 2% increase? Simply put: prudence and wellbeing.
First, be a good judge of when you or your family members need to use the emergency room, urgent care, or the
doctor. This is not meant to wait until your on “death’s door,” but be cognitive of when going to the doctor is
necessary and when its not. Second, use the emergency room for emergencies and not as a family practice or
clinic. The emergency room is the most expensive healthcare provider to you and to the County, and who wants
to wait in line anyway, especially when you’re sick. Third, use the urgent care prudently also. Although it’s less
expensive to you and the County than the emergency room, it still costs more than the doctor’s office. The doctor’s
office, the urgent care, and the emergency room all have their purposes and are necessary, but use them for
their intended use. It may reduce your co-pay levels and the overall costs to the plan.
Finally, and most importantly, live a healthy lifestyle and prevent some of these doctor’s visits and claims in the
first place. Do the simple things. Wash your hands frequently after being out and before you eat and don’t touch
your face, specifically your mouth, nose, and eyes, after you’ve been in public. Carry and use anti-bacterial gels
when you can’t wash your hands. Hand washing is best, but the gels do a pretty good job. Use your own pen
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Continued from page 4
when signing or writing. Prevent the transfer of germs.
If you’re ill, let people know so they can do the things necessary to reduce their chances of catching what you
have. If you need to sneeze or cough, use the inside of your elbow to cover your face. Wash your hands before
meeting with people or using shared equipment (e.g. copiers, faxes, etc.).
Of course whether sick or healthy, eat the right foods and the right portions, exercise, and get your sleep. Take
off those extra pounds and increase your energy levels. If you drink alcohol, do it in moderation. Finally, if you
smoke, cut back or better yet, quit. You’ll feel better and your immune system will be at its best too.
Although life has no guarantees, doing these things provides you the best opportunity for a long and healthy life
and may help reduce some of your healthcare costs too.
Exercise Fights Fatigue,
Boosts Energy
Feeling tired? A walk may be better than a nap for
boosting energy and fighting fatigue.
New research suggests regular exercise can increase
energy levels even among people suffering from
chronic medical conditions associated with fatigue,
like cancer and heart disease.
It may seem counterintuitive, but researchers say expending
energy by engaging in regular exercise may
pay off with increased energy in the long run.
"A lot of times when people are fatigued, the last
thing they want to do is exercise," says researcher
Patrick O'Connor, PhD, in a news release. "But if
you're physically inactive and fatigued, being just a
bit more active will help," says O'Connor, codirector
of the University of Georgia exercise psychology
laboratory, in Athens, Ga.
"We live in a society where people are always looking
for the next sports drink, energy bar, or cup of
coffee that will give them the extra edge to get
through the day," says researcher Tim Puetz, PhD,
also of UGA. "But it may be that lacing up your tennis
shoes and getting out and doing some physical
activity every morning can provide that spark of energy
that people are looking for."
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Exercise Boosts Energy
Although many studies have shown that sedentary
people who start a regular exercise program experience
an increase in energy levels, researchers say
few studies have quantified those effects.
In this study, published in Psychological Bulletin, the
researchers analyzed 70 studies on exercise and fatigue
involving more than 6,800 people.
"More than 90% of the studies showed the same
thing: Sedentary people who completed a regular
exercise program reported improved fatigue compared
to groups that did not exercise," says O'Connor.
"It's a very consistent effect."
The results show that regular exercise increases energy
and reduces fatigue.
The average effect was greater than the improvement
from using stimulant medications, including ones
used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) and narcolepsy.
Researchers say nearly every group studied -- from
healthy adults, to cancer patients, and those with
chronic conditions including diabetes and heart disease
-- benefited from exercise.
By Jennifer Warren, WebMD Medical News

Achievements
& Awards
Pat Martin, Juvenile Court, recently
completed Basic and Domestic Mediation
Training and is now certified to
facilitate family relations mediations
with Juvenile Court. Great job Pat!
The Code Compliance/Sanitary Engineer’s
Office employees participating
in the departmental weight loss
competition have lost a combined total
of 110 pounds since July. The group
includes: Dave Diehl, Joe Scherler,
Gary Wilhelm, Duane Matlack, Wendy
Fox, Peggy Roberts and Alan Hankins
and was inspired to begin their own
weight loss competition following the
success of the Engineer’s Office
“Biggest Loser” competition earlier
this year. Way to go and keep up the
good work!!
Auditor’s Office
Candice Benson
Brandee Sanders
Michael Schuh
Dustyn Van Zant
Alexandria Wilder
Board of Elections
Luis Diaz
Common Pleas
Anna Franceschelli
Data Processing
Greg Sopczak
Delaware Area Transit
Ruth Mondron
Department of Job & Family Services
Heather Allen
Carolyn Kaszowski
Julie Showalter
E.M.S.
Chris Bell
Brad Belville
Paul Bender
Shawn Coontz
Aubrey Dudra
Laura Hatcher
Mitchell Madeker
Christopher Mize
Craig Poling
Promo-
Randy Banks, Maintenance Department,
was promoted from Custodian to E.M.S.
Buildings, Tower Sites & Grounds
Worker.
Marriages
Kristin Montgomery, Prosecutor’s Office,
and Tory Davis were married on August
11.
On August 19, Terry Donaugh, Sheriff’s
Office, was wed to Sheri.
Angela Wolf, Sheriff’s Office, and Michael
were wed on August 26.
Chris Burden, Sheriff’s Office, was wed
to wife, Nicole, on August 26.
Craig James, Engineer’s Office, and
Megan were married on September 1.
On October 14, Kimberly Armstrong,
Sheriff’s Office, and Shane were married.
New Employees
Mike Rickabaugh
Faith Ritzman
Jason Sutermaster
Jarrod Tupps
Jason Walton
Alexander Kocsis
Engineer’s Office
Eric Mackling
Ken Seege
Olentangy Environmental Control Cntr
Walter Tompson
Todd Ward
Prosecutor’s Office
Aric Hochstettler
Kelly Johnson
Michael Spiert
Regional Planning
Jae Teuk Chin
Soil & Water
Susan Kuba
Sheriff’s Office
Brandon Ford
Lorna Gibson
Glenn Lowery
Jacob Shipman
Stephanie Stephens
Wilson Tucker
Scott Wooten
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REMINDER: Please forward
news of any awards,
certifications, promotions,
marriages or births to Human
Resources, attention
Dawn Huston.
Births
Marianne Hemmeter, Prosecutor’s Office,
and husband, Joe, celebrated the
birth of son, Thomas, on June 23.
On August 2, Kevin Turner, Sheriff’s
Office, and wife, Brea, celebrated the
arrival of daughter, Miley.
Matthew Smith, CSEA, and wife, Jennifer,
welcomed son, Evan, on August 12.
Hironori Kobayashi, E.M.S., and wife,
Aiko, welcomed the arrival of son, Boston,
on September 20.
Hayden, son of Anne Stevens, E.M.S.,
and husband, Robert, was welcomed on
September 22.
On September 20, Shawn Wade, Sheriff’s
Office, and wife, Nichol, welcomed
the arrival of son, Wyatt.
Amanda Barbeau, Sheriff’s Office, and
husband, Kevin, celebrated the arrival of
son, Hudson, on September 22.
William Wever, Sheriff’s Office, and
wife, Jennifer, are the proud parents of
son, William, arriving on October 3.
Patricia Henson, Auditor’s Office/
BMV, and husband, John, welcomed
son, Bradley, on October 6.
Kaden, son, of Angela Rayburn, Dept. of
Job & Family Services, made his arrival
on October 12.
Scott Gano, E.M.S., and wife, Rachel,
celebrated the arrival of son, Anthony on
September 30.
On October 31, Leonard Wagner, Sanitary
Engineer’s Office, and wife, Erika,
welcomed daughter, Klara.
Valerie Hooper, Sheriff’s Office, and
husband, Kevin, welcomed son, Kevin,
on November 6.
Makenzie, daughter of Seth Detter, Probate/Juvenile
Court, and wife, Lori,
Records Center, was welcomed on December
12.