Jefferson County Alabama: Podcast for the People

The holidays are the hottest time for scammers to strike. Joining us on this podcast are Public Information Officer Henry Irby from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Dept. and Jefferson County's Information Technology Security Officer Cedric Norfleet. They discuss how to spot both online and phone scams, what you should never do (hint: don't give your credit card information over the phone), and what to do if you believe you have been scammed. The Sheriff's Dept says reports can be made by calling 205-325-1450 or emailing info@jeffcosheriffal.com or tips@jeffcosheriffal.com to get the report process started. A deputy can be dispatched to the citizen's location, or the citizen can go to a local substation. Please share this information with the more senior people in your life. Senior citizens are often the targets of scammers. Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

Business owners need the following information to renew online: !) Account number 2) Tax ID number and 3) gross revenue amount from previous year. Be sure to also have a basic email, phone number and password to get set up in the system.Log on to srt.jccal.org to get started today! Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

Interview with Barry Stephenson, Chair of the Jefferson County Board of Registrars, about how to check to make sure you are ready to vote on election day. Also, absentee voting started this week and will be open until the end of October. Important links to remember:* To check your voter registration visit: AlabamaVotes.gov* If you have questions you can call the Board of Registrars office at 205-325-5550* You can also visit JCCAL.org and click on the "Voter Information" boxWe look forward to seeing you at the polls!Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

Janice Williams, Coordinator of Senior Citizens Services stopped by to give us details on Jefferson County's Wellness Senior Resource Expo happening this Friday September 13th from 9am to 1pm. Tune in to learn all the ways you can participate or gain valuable information and resources for your families and friends, as well as enjoy a fun time of activities! Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

Air quality is vital for thriving ecosystems, especially as we transition to new seasons throughout the year. There are also measures that people with certain health sensitivities should be mindful of when we receive new air quality alerts.We sat down with Matt Lacke, Meteorologist  with Jefferson County Department of Health Air and Radiation Protection Division to gain a full understanding of the importance of the air quality alerts, how can take preventative steps against air pollution, plus valuable tips on environmental awareness and safety for our families. Tune in and share your thoughts! Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

The Jefferson County Commission has expanded its support for the Osprey Initiative to $125,000 a year for three years, to support the instillation and maintenance of 5 Litter Gitters across Jefferson County to help reduce the amount of litter. Listen to Hana Berres, Education Coordinator with the Jefferson County Stormwater Program and Mitch Lowe with the Osprey Initiative talk about how the Litter Gitter’s work to keep the County Clean.Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

Do you have turf envy? Jefferson County Stormwater Education Training Coordinator and Master Gardener Hana Berres tells you the first step to having a beautiful lawn in Jefferson County, AL (hint: it isn't triple 13) and Margaret Tanner, deputy director of Environmental Services, explains why over fertilization is bad for the environment and the sewer system -- costing us millions. Important links:Alabama Cooperative Extension System - Lawn and Garden articles Soil Testing - Alabama Cooperative Extension ServiceMaster Gardner Hotline - 1-877-ALA-GROW (252-4769)Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

Jefferson County 2024 Household Hazardous Waste Day Spring Collection event is back by popular demand this Saturday April 13th from 8am to 11:30am at THREE locations:First Baptist Church Gardendale - South, 940 Main Street, Gardendale, AL 35071Classic Car Motoring, 3900 Grants Mill Road, Irondale, AL 35210City of Bessemer Public Works Laydown Yard, 1205 15th Avenue North, Bessemer, AL 35020Hana Berres, with the Stormwater Department stopped by briefly to share with us the importance of the communities participation and how the disposing of hazardous wastes properly affects our safety. For more details including the list of items that will be accepted and additional information log on to jccal.org or check our upcoming events on our Facebook page for the flyer.Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

In today's episode of Jefferson County's Podcast for the People, meet Jeff Traywick, Economic Development Advisor for Jefferson County as he breaks down the State of Economic Development for Jefferson County, how Jefferson County has resurfaced since the COVID-19 pandemic and details of the 5 year Economic Development plan that is currently in the works for Jefferson County! Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

Margaret Tanner, Deputy Director in Jefferson County's Environmental Services Department stopped by Jefferson County's Podcast for the People to give valuable information, insight on career advancement and specific details on the Water Reclamation Facility Operator Apprenticeship position where applications are currently being accepted.Learn all about how securing a job as a Water Reclamation Facility Operator Apprentice can set the path for a rewarding career in Environmental Services including gaining the knowledge and skills that will help scale competitive pay in any similar field across the nation.Minimum Qualifications are High School Diploma and Driver's License. Also, current High School Seniors with an interest in biology, chemistry and math are also encouraged to prepare now and apply as the position will not begin until the latter part of May 2024. Log on to www.jobsquest.org or call 205-325-5249.Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

With primary elections just around the corner, now is the time to make sure you are voter ready. In this episode we talk to Chairman of the Jefferson County Board of Registrars about what people need to know and where they can check their information. Pro Tip: visit Alabama Votes or our website jccal.org for helpful links. Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

In this episode of Jefferson County's Podcast for the People, Jefferson County's Information Technology Security Officer, Cedric Norfleet, Jr. discusses crucial tips on how to prevent against the phishing which is a fraudulent practice used by sending emails or other messages from scammers pretending to be reputable companies such as retailers (Amazon, Target, etc.)  in order to make individuals reveal personal information such as passwords and credit card numbers.Top Three Preventative Tips against the Dangers of Phishing1. Do NOT click on any suspicious links - Phishing emails usually come with double letters and misspelled words. If you are unsure about an email, go to companies website and verify. It does NOT hurt to leave a link unopened. 2. Do NOT disclose sensitive information - Most times phishing emails will tell you that the message is URGENT and could result in outcome beyond your control. 3. Verify the legitimacy of emails and calls - Be aware of these tactics used in an attempt to steal information from you including your consent through AI generated voice measures (vishing). If you receive an email or phone call requesting sensitive information or immediate action, independently verify the request through official channels before responding.Be sure to report all phishing emails as spam and to your computer's spyware.We appreciate our Jefferson County's IT Team actively working to help enhance our security measures and providing awareness  of these threats especially among our elderly community, who can often be a target long after the holiday season.Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

Land Development in Jefferson County can be a long grueling process sometimes filled with disappointment when you are unaware of pre-existing challenges that could prevent projects from being approved before the Jefferson County Commission. Jefferson County Zoning Administrator Michael Morrison joins us in this episode to provide insight and tips that land developers, or those who have projects in mind, should be aware of that will same them time and resources on the front end when faced with zoning regulations.For more information contact Jefferson County Department of Development Servicesat 205-325-5321 or email contact_zoning@jccal.orgHave an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

In this episode of Jefferson County's Podcast for the People, we take a look at how the Human Resources Department is impacting the workforce by adding value to all employees who come on board with Jefferson County. Chief Human Resources Officer Melody Banks tells us about her role as she leads with a dedicated team, she also  gives us an up close look at what potential employees can expect when they apply for positions posted weekly on our social media platforms as well as how they can prepare for opportunities that open. We also learn how the HR Department is reshaping their team to increase retention within the County structure and much more! For all job openings and postings be sure to log on to www.jobsquest.org or contact 205.325.5249. Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

Thanksgiving in the South usually means frying something, whether its a turkey, chicken or whatever.  Dana Gray from our Environmental Services Department wants you to know there is a better way to dispose of your household cooking grease. There are 21 locations in the county where you can go pick up a free plastic container, fill it up, return it, and get another one. Our partner, Birmingham Hyde and Tallow, recycles that grease and turns it into animal feed, biofuels, and cleaning products. Doing this keeps your pipes at home from clogging up and our sewer lines from overflowing. So stop by a location today and pick up a container ahead of Thanksgiving and the holidays!Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

Jefferson County is getting ready to have its annual event for its veteran employees on November 9th. We talked with one of our long-time service members and Jefferson County Director of Finance, Malinda Parker, about her service and recent retirement. The emotions she experienced  when retiring from military service caught her by surprise. We also have guests, Mercy Obare our HR Division Manager and Karen McGlond, Benefits Advisor, who talk about what it can be like to retire from service at the County, and Valerie Nealy in our recruiting office talks about the County's Veteran event. There is a lot to unpack in this episode -- especially for our employees. Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND the Household Hazardous Waste Event will take place on Saturday October 21, 2023 from 8am - 11:30am at two locations: Camp Bessemer, 3295 King Street, 35023 and Camp Ketona, 121 County Shop Road, 35217. Learn all about what you can bring out to properly dispose of and help save our environment! For more information call 205-325-8741.**********************************************************************************************2024 Household Hazardous Waste Event Schedule January 27, 2024 – Electronic and paper shredding 9am-11:30am Birmingham Zoo,  2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223April 13, 2024 – HHW 8am – 11:30am HHW spring event; three locations First Baptist Church Gardendale-South Location-940 Main Street, Gardendale, 35071  Classic Car Motoring-3900 Grants Mill Road, Irondale, 35210 City of Bessemer Public Works Laydown Yard-1205 15th Avenue North, Bessemer, 35020  May 11, 2024 - Electronic and paper shredding 9am-11:30am Jefferson County Center Point Satellite Courthouse 2651 Center Point Parkway, 35215  June 8, 2024 - Electronic and paper shredding 9am-11:30am Jefferson County Valley Water Reclamation Facility 3295 Clear Water Drive 35023 October 19, 2024 - HHW 8am – 11:30am HHW event; two locations  Camp Bessemer, 3295 King Street, 35023 Camp Ketona, 121 County Shop Road, 35217  Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

Dr. Frederick Hamilton, Jefferson County Director of Community Services, walks us through the process of the Community Development Block Grant and the eligibility requirements according to federal regulations.How do you apply for the county’s CDBG funds. To apply for the county’s CDBG funds you can attend one of the Department’s Open Season meetings. The meetings schedule is presented below: October 10, 20236:00 p.m. November 2, 20236:00 p.m. December 5, 202310:00 a.m. Note:  You must pre-register to attend the meeting with the Department of Community Services no later than 12:00 noon by emailing ShaDel Nix Willaims at nixs@jccal.org or by calling 205-325-5761 Ext. 1926.    Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

In this episode we talk with Melissa Sizemore with the Jefferson County EMA about what you need to be prepared for severe weather (hint: we are about to enter another busy season). She emphasizes it doesn't have to cost much. There are also many resources on the EMA website like signing up for Everbridge alert notices and getting a map to local shelters when a severe weather outbreak happens. Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org

Scott Moore, Director of the Department of Revenue gives us an update on the changes with how we receive tag renewal notices starting in July 2023. Learn all about those changes and the best measures to ensure your tags are renewed on time.Have an idea for a County podcast? Contact the Director of Public Information, Helen Hays at haysh@jccal.org