Douglas County's 2024-25 Visitor Improvement Fund Grant application is available: download here
Applications are due April 26, 2024 at 4:00 pm.
To apply, please download, complete, and save the application and submit it via the following online form: 2024-2025 VIF Grant Application
Routine monthly siren testing will occur on the first Wednesday of each month at 11 a.m. throughout the severe weather season. The first routine monthly siren test for the 2024 season will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.
Each monthly siren test will consist of a single sounding. Routine monthly testing of the Outdoor Warning Siren System will also occur at
11 a.m. on April 3, May 1, June 5, July 3, August 7, September 4 and October 2, 2024.
Testing of sirens is on a weather-permitting basis and will not be performed if threatening weather exists. It should be noted that testing and sounding of individual sirens will be conducted to prepare for the upcoming severe weather season. Sirens may also be heard periodically throughout the spring and summer on an as-needed basis as part of general maintenance activities.
Rondy Woodard, a longtime employee of Douglas County, was recently named Superintendent of the Douglas County Youth Center.
Woodard, who has dedicated over 33 years to helping youth in Douglas County, served as the interim Superintendent of the Youth Center since November 2023.
“Rondy's exceptional leadership, knowledge of juvenile detention, and his commitment to the youth who the county serves made him the best candidate for this role,” said Patrick Bloomingdale, Douglas County Chief Administrative Officer.
Woodard was only 22 when he started working at the Youth Center as a temporary employee. It wasn’t long before he became a full-time youth detention specialist.
His ability to empathize with youth and understand their challenges and struggles helped him earn promotions to youth detention supervisor, deputy detention manager, and detention manager throughout his career.
“It has always been about the kids. That’s why I have stayed here so long,” Woodard said. “There’s no better feeling than seeing these kids when they grow up and they remember the positive messages I told them when they were at the Youth Center.”
Woodard said he reminds youth daily of two things: “It’s always one decision at a time, and don’t let your short-term emotions have long-term consequences.”
On Jan. 26, 2024, Douglas County and the City of Omaha recognized employees with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Aspire to Inspire awards. One community member was also honored at the event.
For several years, these awards have been presented to employees and community members who emulated Dr. King’s vision of diversity, inclusivity, and equality. A committee of County and City representatives reviewed nominations and selected the following award recipients:
Douglas County’s recipient is Marisa Hattab, Douglas County Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. Her nominator said, “Marisa has made many employees of Douglas County feel like they have a voice. She listens to employees feeling stuck or stagnant and gives them valuable tools to find ways to change it. She echoes Dr. King’s sentiments.”
The City of Omaha’s recipient is Bridget Hadley, Economic Development Manager for the City Planning Department. Her nominator said, “I have only known Bridget for a few years, but in that time, she has been someone I find I can consistently look up to as an example of how to put one’s principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, unity, and diligence into their professional life. Bridget is super smart, patient, accepting of others, and passionate about her job and how it plays a role in creating a brighter future for Omaha and its diverse communities.”
The Community recipient is Itzel Lopez, CEO and Co-Founder of the Latino Economic Development Council. Her nominator said, “Itzel Lopez's journey is nothing short of inspirational, marked by her unwavering dedication to community service and economic development. She has played a pivotal role in fostering opportunities for the Latino community. Her success is not just personal; it's a testament to the transformative power of dedicated volunteerism and community engagement.”
If you receive a phone call from someone reporting to be with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office demanding money because you failed to appear for a jury trial, immediately hang up the phone.
“This is a scam designed to frighten people into paying money to avoid penalties,” said Crystal Rhoades, Douglas County Clerk of the District Court. “We are not doing any enforcement actions.”
Unfortunately, telephone scams are common, so you need to be aware of these scams and avoid providing any personal or financial information over the phone unless you initiate the call or trust the other party.
If you receive a scam phone call, please report it to authorities. The Douglas County non-emergency number is 402-444-5802.