Interchange - August 2012 by WYDOT

Interchange a WYDOT publication

August 2012, Vol. 40, Issue 8

WHITETOPPING

Refreshing the road near Cokeville

WASHTO’s newest president Director Cox steps into role

Patrol’s 83rd Class

Seven newly commissioned troopers

Letters

Seeing clearly again thanks to WYDOT Dear Barry (Bowersox), Thank you so much for taking such good care of me and my glasses. They arrived safe and sound. The delay in my note was caused by my return home only yesterday, July 4. We truly appreciate your going the extra mile to help us and to return the glasses. I will keep the case you sent. It is a good one and will remind me that there are worthy and responsible people in the world. Please also extend my appreciation to Guy and his crew for their carefulness in cleaning the rest area (it was very well maintained), as well as caring enough to preserve an unclaimed pair of glasses.

I am grateful, Tim Miskimen

Rest areas worth seeing My wife and I recently took a trip from Cheyenne up to Billings with stays in between. I wanted to say that the Wyoming rest stops are fantastic! They are kept beautifully! Neat and clean with nice areas to stop and enjoy a lunch or just a break. We have noticed this in other areas of Wyoming also, such as Meridan. You are doing a great job on them and we appreciate it very much. Thank you and keep up the good work WYDOT!

Mark Dickehage

Kudos for WHP Sergeant This letter is to acknowledge Sgt. Duane Ellis and the contributions he has made not only to our program but also to the community of Cheyenne and the state of Wyoming as a whole. Sgt. Ellis has been a part of the Safe Kids Wyoming Leadership for the past five years, and in that time has gone above and beyond in helping to raise awareness of the devastating effects of not wearing seat belts, not properly restraining children in child restraints and impaired driving. He has been involved in many of the programs we offer to educate the

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Interchange public about injury prevention, such as the Count Down to Drive program, Safe Kids Day, community education booths, training employees of various agencies on traffic safety and many more. He has always been one of the first to step up and offer his help while heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on duty, but also as a volunteer for many of the events. Sgt. Ellis assists with the decision making as part of the Leadership Team with the efforts made by the 17 Safe Kids Coalitions and Partners around the state to better their programs and offer manpower whenever possible. He has traveled to various locations and made sacrifices to be there to better our communities. He is known across the state of Wyoming as an expert in his field, and has never not lived up to the reputation. We are very fortunate to have Sgt. Ellis as a member of the programs he is involved with, and feel that he should be recognized for those efforts.

Sincerely, Stephanie Heitsch Injury Prevention Coordinator Cheyenne Regional Medical Center

Interchange is published for employees of the Wyoming Department of Transportation by its Public Affairs Office and a number of field correspondents. Interchange invites submissions from all employees. Please send them to either your district correspondents or to: Carlie Van Winkle, Interchange editor, 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, WY, 82009-3340. The Public Affairs Office may also be contacted by phoning (307) 777-4165, faxing (307) 777-4289, or sending e-mail to carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov

Staff WYDOT Director: John F. Cox Public Affairs Manager: Doug McGee Editor/Art Director: Carlie Van Winkle Contributors: Cody Beers District 5 Bruce Burrows Public Affairs Ross Doman District 1 Jeff Goetz District 2 Stephanie Harsha District 3 Ronda Holwell District 4 Dave Kingham Public Affairs Sgt. Stephen Townsend Patrol Carlie Van Winkle Public Affairs Photography: Rick Carpenter Public Affairs

Also in this issue

Contents

Letters.....................................2 District briefs.........................4 Commentary.........................6

WYDOT by the Numbers......6

It’s Not Their First Rodeo....11 Moving Forward.................14 Extra Mile Awards..............15 Training at a Glance..........15

Noteworthy..........................16 District news.......................18 In the Community............ 20 Passings................................21 WTDEA................................. 22

7 A Benefit BBQ

Helping out fellow WYDOTer Amber Schlabs

8 Patrol’s 83rd Class

Seven newly commissioned troopers

10 WASHTO’s new president

Director Cox steps into new role

12 Whitetopping Be sure to check out the online version of Interchange at http://issuu.com/wydot.pao, or click on the link found on the employee’s internal Web site home page.

Refreshing the road near Cokeville On the cover: Whitetopping a section of US 30 between the Idaho state line and Cokeville. Photo: Bruce Burrows/WYDOT

August 2012

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District briefs without doing it safely, and that is our message to drivers,” Butler said. “Even though this law allows you to exceed the speed limit to pass, you still can’t do that unless you are doing so safely.” The law likely will require some officer discretion to enforce, particularly because it only applies when the vehicle being passed is driving at below the posted speed limit. “That’s where the challenge will be and that’s where officer discretion is going to come in,” Butler said. “Often times there is error in speedometers. So you may think that you’re traveling under the speed limit and you’re unaware that your speedometer may be off. That’s where we need to have that conversation roadside, about, if the vehicle you’re passing is going 65 mph, it doesn’t allow you to pass.” If the vehicle being passed is going under the speed limit, but the passing vehicle exceeds the limit by more than 10 mph, the passing driver can be cited for exceeding the posted limit. “The big factor here is safety,” Butler said. “Just because we have a law in place now that allows you to exceed the speed limit to pass a vehicle not traveling at the speed limit, does not mean that you just go out and do so without due regard for the safety of the roadway. It’s even more critical now that you really pay attention to what’s going on.”

A new law that allows drivers to exceed the speed limit by up to 10 mph to pass a vehicle traveling under the speed limit on some two-lane roads in Wyoming is now in effect. The law approved by the 2012 Legislature applies only on two-lane roads with a posted speed limit of 50 mph or higher. In addition, the only vehicles the law authorizes to exceed that speed limit are passenger cars, pickups and motorcycles, and only if they are not towing a trailer. Those vehicles can exceed the posted speed limit on the highway section by up to 10 mph, in order to get around the slower vehicle safely.

Photo: WYDOT

Drivers may exceed the speed limit by up to 10 mph to pass another vehicle traveling under the speed limit.

“As an example, on a two-lane highway with a posted speed limit of 65 mph, you are allowed to pass if the vehicle you are passing is going slower than the speed limit,” Wyoming Highway Patrol Col. John Butler said. “While passing that vehicle, you are allowed to exceed the posted speed limit only up to 10 mph, and then you are required to return to your lane of travel as soon as practicable.” The law is meant to address traffic congestion occurring at times on some two-lane highways in the state, and provide a mechanism to get around slowmoving vehicles safely. “The law does not allow you to do this

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Transportation commission awards $17 million in contracts Contracts totaling nearly $17.8 million for 11 highway projects around the state were awarded by the Wyoming Transportation Commission during its July teleconference meeting. Worland’s McGarvin-Moberly Construction won the largest of the contracts with a low bid of $5 million for a pavement overlay and chip seal to preserve the pavement on 19 miles of WYO 431 west of Worland. The contract carries a completion date of Sept. 30, 2013. McGarvin-Moberly also won a $2.9 million contract for a pavement overlay on nine miles of WYO 487 about nine

miles north of Medicine Bow, and a $1.2 million contract for a pavement overlay on 2.5 miles of US 20 about three miles south of Thermopolis. Both projects will include a chip seal next year and have a completion date of Sept. 30, 2013. Diamond Surface Inc. of Rogers, Minn., submitted the low bid of $2.3 million for grinding some concrete slabs and replacing others on a 26.5-mile section of I-80 between Cheyenne and Pine Bluffs.

Photo: WYDOT

New passing law for twolane roads now in effect

The installation of sign posts along WYO 220 in Natrona County.

The slabs are settling at different rates creating rough transitions from one slab to the next. Grinding will be used to smooth the joints between the slabs where possible, and in a few cases the slabs will have to be replaced. The contract completion date is Sept. 30, 2013. Evans Construction of Jackson submitted the low bid of $2.2 million for pavement overlays on sections of US 1689-191 totaling 3.6 miles in Teton County. The work is scheduled to be done by Sept. 1, 2013. Cheyenne’s Simon Contractors won a $2 million contract for a pavement overlay and bridge deck repair on nine miles of US 14-16 about 13 miles north of Gillette by Sept. 30, 2013. HK Contractors of Idaho Falls submitted the low bid of $1.8 million for a pavement overlay on a four miles of US 30 immediately west of Kemmerer to preserve the pavement on a highway section that carries heavy truck traffic. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2013. Other contracts awarded by the commission during the July meeting were: $142,000 to Habitat Construction of Rocky Ford, Colo., to build a concrete bicycle and pedestrian path along WYO 321 between the Chugwater Rest Area and Clay Avenue in Chugwater by Oct. 31;

A slide caused the roadway to washout on WYO 70. The current road condition was found by a snowmobiler in 2011.

in the state’s right of way within a municipality, and then only if the municipality has passed an ordinance allowing such placement. Therefore, it is recommended that people check local ordinances before installing hazardous signs. Wyoming Statute 24-10-104 states that outdoor (non-campaign) advertising must meet certain conditions for placement. One of those conditions refers to the placement of signs advertising the sale or lease of the property upon which they are located.

Permanent realignment begins on WYO 70

The one mile section of new roadway will cost $2.8 million. The contractor is High Country Construction out of Lander and the work is federally funded.

Repair work slated for Evanston Streets

Campaign signage forbidden in the state roadway rights of way WYDOT reminds event planners, real estate agents, and political candidates and their supporters that advertising placards are generally forbidden in the state roadway rights of way.

Signs can be found at nearly every intersection, but according to state statutes, campaign signs are generally forbidden, while real estate and advertising must meet certain criteria.

The signs pose a danger for motorists, both by restricting sight lines and creating potential collision hazards. With local elections on the horizon, WYDOT maintenance crews are removing an increasing number of signs from the right-of-way fence or from within the right of way itself. The signs are being picked up and taken to the area WYDOT maintenance office. The owner of the sign or signs has two weeks to claim them. If unclaimed, they are disposed of. Wyoming Statute 22-25-115 states that campaign advertising may only be placed

WYDOT will be conducting concrete repairs at various locations throughout Evanston into the summer. The project will total nine different locations, including the two major intersections of Bear River Drive and WYO 89, and 6th Street and Front Street. “Most of the locations will include single lane closures and will involve minimal delays,” Project Engineer Emiliano Martinez said. The project will begin near the Harrison Drive exit and will include curb and gutter work, as well as sidewalk replacements and ramps to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The project will then move on to US 89 North near the cemetery and continue throughout locations on Bear River Drive and Front Street. Traffic will be restricted to one lane, both north and south, so northbound traffic turning left onto Bear River Drive will find delays, so any available alternative routes are encouraged and recommended. The work is being done by American Contracting of Fort Collins, Colo. The project should wrap up by summer’s end on Sept. 30.

Photo: WYDOT

Work is under way to build a new, permanent roadway realignment to circumvent a slide that destroyed a section of WYO 70 between Baggs and Riverside in south-central Wyoming. The damage, which was discovered by a snowmobiler on May 30, 2011, is 600 feet long and located just west of the overlook at mile post 30. A temporary detour around the slide was completed in mid-July last year. It has served traffic through the area since then, except for the period last winter when the alpine roadway was closed for the season. The new roadway realignment will be constructed several hundred feet up the hill above the slide, as recommended by WYDOT geologists due to better ground stability. Final dirt grade and placement of crushed base is scheduled to be completed this year by Oct. 31. Traffic may be shifted onto the new road at that time, depending on the weather. The new road will be paved and completed next year during construction season. Until the new road realignment is ready for traffic, travelers will continue to be routed through the detour. It is a single-lane dirt road with a gravel surface that operates as one-way alternating traffic. Restrictions through the detour section are 30,000 pounds gross vehicle weight and under. A ten foot width maximum is being enforced and long loads are discouraged.

Photo: WYDOT

$116,000 to Mountain Valley Hydroseed of Grand Junction, Colo., for erosion control work along WYO 89 north of Evanston where the Bear River is eroding its banks toward the highway, by Oct. 31; $45,000 to Flare Construction of Coalville, Utah, for erosion control and fence replacement along WYO 414 about five miles southeast of Mountainview by Oct. 31; and $14,000 to ERI Engineering of Riverton for repairs to a box culvert on I-25 south of Kaycee by Oct. 31.

Continued on page 17 August 2012

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Commentary “What’s that got to do with the price of potatoes in Russia?” That was a favorite response of my dad’s throughout my childhood. Doug McGee As in: “Hey Dad, I was thinking maybe you could pay me for mowing the lawn.” “Oh? Why’s that?” “Well, Rowdy’s dad pays him five bucks to mow their lawn.” “What’s that got to do with the price of potatoes in Russia?” So, when a fellow WYDOT employee asks me why he can’t get a raise, but I can do all this seat-belt advertising during the University of Wyoming football games the first thing to come to mind is: What’s that got to do with the price of potatoes in Russia? I guess I can see why you’d ask such a question, but those two issues are totally unrelated. State employee pay is determined by the Legislature. Seat-belt ads during UW football games, or any other highway safety advertising, are paid for with federal grant funds. We can’t take federal highway safety advertising dollars and give them to WYDOT employees as compensation. And, in case you were wondering, those grant funds can’t be used on the roads either. The grant funds are for educating and informing the public on safety issues like impaired driving, occupant restraint (seat-belts) and distracted driving, and the state benefits greatly from the funds. When you see the message at War Memorial Stadium it’s because we purchased an advertising package from the university and those funds go to support the school. That can help keep other costs down for students and fans. What you may not see are the many other efforts we engage in around the state. For example, at Central High School here in Cheyenne we have lots of safety

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messaging around the school, but one of my favorites has been with the baking program. My daughter was in the baking class a few years back. She mentioned to me that the class was in need of new equipment to remain viable, but they didn’t have the money. I contacted her teacher to see how I could help as a parent. As we talked about the class, I learned that the baked goods produced by the class are sold to the student body. They sell about a thousand items a month. I saw a great opportunity. We used a safety grant to buy an advertising package from Central in which each one of those thousand baked goods went out with a seat belt message stuck on the wrapper. That’s a thousand safety messages right in the kids’ hands every month. You just can’t beat that kind of exposure. And the baking program got the funds they needed to buy equipment to keep the program going. How can you not love it? Federal highway safety funds save a baking program in a Wyoming high school. With the assistance of the district public involvement specialists, we’re putting grant funds to work at UW, the community colleges, the high schools, junior highs and elementary schools. Kids all over our state are exposed to important safety messages and your schools receive funding to help with needs in your communities. That’s an easy win-win situation. We don’t stop at the schools either. We’ve got highway safety banners on soccer, baseball and lacrosse fields; at swimming pools, basketball courts and rodeo arenas. We even have banners up at a bike polo tournament and roller derby matches. When we buy that kind of advertising two things happen to help the state. First, important safety messages are presented to our target audiences. Hopefully those

messages will help our residents make wise decisions about buckling up, focusing on driving and using a designated driver. Secondly, at a time when funding for some extracurricular programs is scarce, we’re able to put federal dollars to work for you and your kids. Maybe that means you don’t have to sell cookies or chocolates to raise money for the team this year. Maybe a valuable program that would have gone under gets another summer in the sun. Again, these funds can’t be put on our roads and they can’t go towards your paycheck, so why not put them to work for Wyoming residents in a productive way that may help save lives? I still don’t know what a potato costs in downtown Minsk, but I know enough to take advantage of a good deal when it comes my way and highway safety advertising is a good deal for all of us. Thanks for reading, Doug McGee Public Affairs Officer

Total number of employees:

as of

June 29, 2012

2,058

One month ago

2,056

One year ago

2,061

The barbecue became the fund raiser of choice and the two women ran with it. Volunteers were needed and soon. Some volunteers had to be turned away due to the numbers who had signed up. It seemed that everyone wanted to help out. Food was ordered and prepared, the grill was lit, the line formed — success! In two short hours, the barbecue fed hamburgers, hot dogs, macaroni salad, chips, cookies and drinks you work for an organization like WYDOT, to 333 people and raised nearly $5,000. WYDOT showed up it’s like becoming part of a large family. We in great numbers, as well as friends and families of employees. care for our own. We want to make sure that we all succeed — in “What a great turnout,” said Jerry Schlabs, brother-in-law to Amgood times and in bad. We may have donated our sick time to a ber. “We sure appreciate everything that everybody is doing.” fellow worker, or we may have been that worker who needed the Green and Bosch are looking forward to the next fundraising donated sick time. It feels good to be part of event for “Team Amber.” When asked about a sequel to the wildly an organization that cares. popular barbecue, Bosch responded, “We have been discussing A case in point: Amber Schlabs, air service doing something down the road. Maybe a little bit different.” and marketing manager with Aeronautics, Before moving forward, the two women wish was critically injured earlier to extend their heartfelt thanks to all who volthis summer. Her medical unteered to help out behind the scenes, at the costs have soared due to event and a special thank you to all who came extended hospitalization. to show their support for Amber. A benefit barbecue for Amber Schlabs Schlabs’ injuries were a result of a June 9 Schlabs quickly took shape boating accident. She and her husband, James, at WYDOT Headquarters thanks to the quick were enjoying a day at Glendo Reservoir on thinking of Jennie Green of Geology and Heidi their WaveRunner. Both were on the watercraft Bosch of Construction. Green is a long-time heading back to their camp when they were friend of Schlabs, and in talking with Bosch, struck by a much larger boat. James suffered another of Schlab’s friends, knew they needed broken ribs, while Amber sustained severe into do something to help the Schlabs’ family out ternal injuries, including injuries to her spinal with the medical bills. “I had done a ton of funcord. Schlabs is currently at Craig Rehabilitadraising and could help get volunteers lined up,” tion Hospital in Denver where she is making says Bosch. The two brainstormed fundraising progress everyday. opportunities that would have the most impact. (Top images) A team effort went into For more information on Amber’s progress The annual Headquarters MS150 barbecue planning the benefit for Amber Schlabs. go to: www.caringbridge.org/visit/Ambertypically has a great turnout, and they decided a Volunteers set up tables, prepared food, similar event would be the best route to benefit manned food tables, sold “Team Amber” schlabs#, or to donate: Team Amber Special Needs Trust, c/o Lathrop &; Rutledge, P.C. P.O. shirts, bracelets, and raffle tickets. “Team Amber.” (Above) Michelle Ornelas-Nemeth, Box 4068 Cheyenne, WY 82003. They spoke with the Highway Café staff to Jennie Green and Jamie Spezzano - Carlie Van Winkle see if they would be on-board with the cause. sell “Team Amber” gear to help offset

When

medical costs.

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Patrol’s 8 Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers are a special breed. They are set apart from the rest because of their commitment to their profession. They are willing to serve the people of Wyoming with honesty and integrity. On June 28, the WHP graduated it’s 83rd class of recruits. The seven graduates were commissioned at the Supreme Court Building in Cheyenne after 13 weeks of Wyoming Highway Patrol Academy classes. These academy classes consist of constitutional law, traffic law, crash investigation, motor carrier enforcement and officer safety training just to name a few. Those recruits who were not previously law enforcement officers were required to take 13 weeks of additional training prior to attending the WHP Academy classes. The Wyoming Highway Patrol’s newest troopers follow. Trooper Landon Call, Pinedale, badge number 150, was born and raised in Wyoming, and graduated from Star Valley High School. He began his career in law enforcement with the Sublette County

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Sheriff ’s Office, where he was part of a K-9 unit. After seven years of service he followed his desire to join the Wyoming Highway Patrol. Landon has been happily married to Michele for seven years. They have a 6-year-old son and a 3-year-old daughter. Landon enjoys time with his family, camping, snowmobiling, fishing, four wheeling, and traveling. Landon is grateful and honored to be a Wyoming State Trooper. Trooper Randy Davis, Worland, badge number 224, is originally from Oklahoma, but has lived in several states, and has called Wyoming home for six years. Randy has been married to Regena for 19 years and they have a son, Zach, who is in the Army and a daughter, Schuylar, who will be attending Northwest College in Powell. Randy began his Law Enforcement career with the Lovell Police Department and served as the S.R.O. and D.A.R.E. officer, and was nominated and awarded the S.R.O. of

the Year for Wyoming in 2011. Randy is looking forward to this next step in his law enforcement career with the WHP and starting at his new post in Worland. In his spare time Randy works at his family’s hardware and lumber business in Lovell, and tries to stay involved with his community.

Trooper Andrew Frye, Rock Springs, badge number 105, is originally from Wisconsin. He got his college degree from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls. He moved to St. Paul, Minn. and worked at an internet service provider for the past few years prior to becoming a member of the Wyoming Highway Patrol. He and his wife, Elizabeth, are excited to leave the Twin Cities and move to Wyoming, where they’ve often vacationed, and make “Out West” their new home. Trooper Clint Haver, Casper, badge number 170, was born and raised in Southern California and moved to Wyo-

83rd Class ming in 2009. He has been married to his wife, Shana, for seven years and they have two daughters, ages 5 and 2. Clint graduated from LIFE Pacific College in San Dimas, Calif. with a degree in Biblical Studies. Before joining the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Clint served as a youth pastor and associate pastor for several churches. He enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as exercising and playing recreational sports.

Trooper Derek Parks, Kemmerer, badge number 222, is originally from Utah. Derek attended college at Utah Valley State College, where he received

a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in Aviation Science. After working as a flight instructor for a couple years he moved to South Dakota, where he worked as a charter pilot. He has been happily married to Sharri for seven years and they have two children. They are excited about making Wyoming their new home. Derek enjoys spending time with family, flying and the outdoors. Trooper Brian Sinner, Torrington, badge number 168, is originally from Yoder. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in kinesiology and health promotion from the University of Wyoming. Brian has been married to Kendra for seven years, and they have two daughters. He is excited to be living back in Goshen County after freezing in Laramie for most of the last 11 years. Brian enjoys resistance training, reading exercise science literature, and most of all spending time with his girls.

Trooper Roger Veach, Shoshoni, badge number 167, was raised in Lander, and graduated from Lander Valley High School in 1981. Roger joined the U.S. Air Force after graduating, to become an airframe repair specialist. He returned to Wyoming in 1986. Roger looks forward to joining the Wyoming Highway Patrol after serving nearly 16 years with the Fremont County Sheriff â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office, during his time with the Sheriff â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office Roger was a communications deputy, detention deputy, patrol deputy, DCI Task Force officer, Fremont County drug investigator, and then detective sergeant. Roger is happily married to Laura. They have three children, Tyson, Tara, and Brooke, and currently live near Riverton. Roger enjoys spending time with Laura, family and friends, hunting, fishing, camping, archery, shooting and just being outdoors.

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WASHTO’s New President Monitoring the implementation of the new federal transportation funding bill will be one of Director John Cox’s top priorities as the new president of the Western Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Cox was elected president of the 18-state organization during is annual meeting in Colorado Springs last month. He had served as vice president during the preceding year. Management Services Manager John Davis was elected WASHTO secretary. Their terms will run through the next annual meeting in July 2013. The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) funding bill approved by Congress and signed by President Obama in July essentially maintains federal highway funding at previous levels for the next 27 months, but the process of interpreting and implementing the new bill is expected to take about a year. “From my perspective, the priority there will be just to make sure that western states’ needs and priorities are in the conversation as the implementation moves forward,” Cox said. “There are some performance measures that are going to come as part of MAP-21 and we’ll be involved in that discussion. The smaller western bridge states all have some concerns about those.” The implementation of the new bill is of particular importance because it is expected to serve as the foundation for the next long-term federal transportation bill. “So that process will involve figuring out what in the bill makes sense and moving forward with it, and also trying to identify those things in MAP-21 that might be better changed in the following legislation,” Cox said. Another of his priorities will be the effort to choose a replacement for John Horsley, the executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, who is retiring next year after 14 years in the position. WASHTO is one of the four regional groups that make up AASHTO, and finding the right successor for Horsley is important because of the high level of service Horsley has provided. “He has done a really good job of being responsive to individual states, small and

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large, over the years in a very tough position,” Cox said. The 18 western states that make up WASHTO range from California, the nation’s most populous state with four of the nation’s 13 biggest cities, to Wyoming, the least populous state with no real urban areas. But Cox said there are some universal concerns shared by all the states: the long-term federal funding outlook, state transportation funding and relationships with local governments. “The federal funding picture is by no means settled,” Cox said. “MAP-21 is a Band-Aid to get us through the next little over two years. After that the Highway Trust Fund is again in trouble and there are really no answers right now on what the fix is going to look like. What Congress has been able to do is push out ahead the challenges that nobody had any answers for.” Levels of state transportation funding vary widely among the western states, but even the best funded still share the challenge of getting enough state funding to maintain and support their transportation systems, he said. The relationships between state transportation departments and local governments are expected to change under MAP-21. “Although we don’t know all the details yet in MAP-21, there were a large number of federal programs that were made considerably smaller in this current bill,” Cox said. “Among those are programs that were of direct benefit to some of the

local governments. That doesn’t mean they aren’t eligible anymore, but they aren’t specifically named, so this is going to ramp up the conversation between the local governments and the state DOTs in every state.” The paring down of the number of programs in MAP-21 compared to the preceding bill is intended to direct more funding to the core highway program. It probably will succeed in doing that, Cox said, but the need and demand for funding for local transportation priorities still exists. MAP-21 contains no earmarked funding for specific projects, a big change from the previous transportation funding bill passed in 2005 with thousands of earmarks. “I think the fact that there were no earmarks really paved the way for this short-term bill to be written, because each of the earmarks in the past bill took away from the core funding,” Cox said. “In the absence of a real clear long-term funding stream, they were able to get a two-year bill by really refining what their priorities were. Whether or not that will stand the test of time into the next transportation bill is anybody’s guess.” The work needed to implement the new funding bill is an example of a message WYDOT has been emphasizing for years. “Federal transportation funding is not a block grant that comes to the DOT,” Cox said. “It’s far more complicated. There definitely are constraints on how the money can be used.” – Dave Kingham

The distinctive gavel Director John Cox will use as WASHTO president originated with WYDOT Director Sleeter Dover in 2003, when he was serving as president of the 18-state association. Because there was no gavel for the president, Dover got a rock from the banks of the Snake River to use. His successor as president, Texas DOT Director Mike Behrens, had the rock cored into the standard gavel shape and added a wooden handle. Each successive director has added something new to the gavel, ranging from a carrying case to a granite sound block to strike with the gavel.

It’s Not Their First Rodeo

Photos: Stephanie Harsha/WYDOT

More than 1,500 competitors from 43 states and three different countries. Two performances a day in front of packed arenas. One full week of elite rodeo competition. Could it be an ideal opportunity for an extreme activist to hurt someone, or the perfect occasion for a terrorist to disrupt the world’s largest rodeo with a possible explosion? Not on Trooper Joey Scimone and Lilli’s watch. Scimone and Lilli are part of the Wyoming Highway Patrol’s Explosive Detection K-9 Unit that patrolled the National High School Finals Rodeo in Rock Springs. Lilli has been trained to sniff out explosives and alert Scimone of their location. The Sweetwater County Emergency Task Force formed for the National High School Finals Rodeo event was not willing to take any chances with the safety of the rodeo contestants, volunteers and spectators. So they called in some back up. The task force, made up of local agencies and led by the Sweetwater County Sheriff ’s Office, requested the local bomb squad (made up of officers from both Green River and Rock Springs police departments), Scimone and Lilli to be on patrol at the rodeo event. “We want to do our best to keep the people attending this event safe,” Scimone

Trooper Joey Scimone and Lilli sweeping the rodeo grandstands for any suspicious explosive devices.

said. Scimone and Lilli have swept the grandstands of the rodeo arena and poked around both high-volume areas and more remote locations. No place escaped Lilli’s nose. Scimone said that, although there is much work for him and Lilli to do, he has loved working with Sweetwater County and the local police departments. “This is the best place to come out and work. The other agencies have been great,” Scimone said. He has been a part of the force for eight years, and has been with Lilli since 2007, when the Wyoming Highway Patrol added the unit to their task force. Scimone and Lilli have formed a bond based on respect and work ethic that permeates the job they do. “There has to be a respect that is established with the dog for the unit to work. When we go to work, she knows it’s time to do her job,” Scimone said. Haven’t heard of any explosions or bomb detonations lately? Trooper Scimone says that is because the K-9 Units are doing their jobs right. “Just being visible is a major deterrent to most would-be criminals,” Scimone said. “Much of our job is preventative. The fact that we are prepared thwarts many possible threats.” Explosive detection K-9s like Lilli are trained to find explosive devices when there is no inclination of their location. The dogs also have the capability to locate explosives in buildings, cars or other obstacles. Lilli and other explosive detection K-9s also have a “sniffer vocabulary” of up to 12 different odors. Scimone and Lilli are both nationally recognized and certified by the federal government. Lilli received her training at the Vom Kaiserhofe Training Center and she and Scimone are certified by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives National Response Team. Lilli and Scimone are just one K-9 unit of five that are stationed Wyoming in different agencies. The canines can be deployed anywhere in the state, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, via request. Requests can be made by calling (307) 777-4900 or by calling Highway Patrol Dispatch and asking for the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security duty officer. – Stephanie Harsha

August 2012

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WHITETOPPING

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August 2012

ille. The event included presentations on the design of the US 30 project and details about the concrete overlay process, as well as an opportunity to view the initial phases of actual whitetopping work. WYDOT co-sponsored the open house and tour in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, as well as concrete industry interest groups. – Bruce Burrows

IDA.

Bridger Teton Nat’l. Forest

189

‘Whitetopping’ project area (mileposts 1-10)

Cokeville WYO.

50 percent of the total vehicle count at times. One consequence is the tendency for the asphaltic pavement to develop an undue amount of rutting. Another problem has been pavement “stripping,” whereby the asphalt begins to ravel and form ruts prematurely mainly because of characteristics of the locally available aggregate used in the bituminous mix. Placing the new concrete pavement will resolve the rutting and pavement stripping problem. “It’s possible that if we just put the standard two-inch asphalt overlay on this section of US 30, we might see rutting starting again in as little as two or three years,” said Bob Rothwell, assistant state materials engineer for WYDOT. “With whitetopping, we’ve increased the up-front cost compared to an asphalt overlay, but those costs are substantially less than if we had rebuilt the road as new construction with a thicker concrete section on an aggregate base. But over time, we hope to recoup these initial costs by reducing future maintenance costs and reaping the benefit of a longer service life for the roadway.” The project was the subject of a open house and tour for engineers, technicians, concrete industry representatives and other stakeholders on July 19. Attendees, who represented at least 12 other state DOTs, assembled in Kemmerer and traveled by bus to the project north of Cokev-

U TA H

A nine-mile section of US 30 in far western Wyoming is being renewed this summer by “whitetopping,” a process of refreshing a road surface by using concrete to overlay an existing asphalt pavement. The project area is located between Cokeville and the Idaho state line in Lincoln County. Although whitetopping has been undertaken in other states, the current project represents the first time the process is being used on a section of rural, noninterstate highway in Wyoming. The work consists of milling the asphalt surface down by 3.5 inches, sealing any cracks visible in the remaining asphalt, then placing the concrete overlay. The entire 40-foot width of the road, encompassing travel lanes and shoulders, are receiving the overlay. The initial 2.25-mile strip of concrete was placed last month, and the project should be substantially complete before the end of September. The concrete pavement, at six inches in depth, is thinner than a more traditional concrete pavement, which more typically is 11 to 12 inches deep for routes with high truck volumes. For the thinner concrete, the spacing of joints cut into the concrete to control cracking is reduced; in this case every six feet (transverse and longitudinal) in the driving lanes and a four-by-six foot pattern on the shoulders. This type of whitetopping is considered to be a “bonded overlay.” After milling, the remaining layer of asphalt has a rough surface which promotes better adhesion to the new, overlying concrete slab. The new composite asphalt-concrete section forms a homogenous pavement that has the necessary structural capacity to handle the anticipated traffic load. US 30 connects southeastern Idaho to Interstate 80 at Granger Junction via Kemmerer, and carries a relatively large amount of heavy truck traffic – exceeding

Kemmerer

Granger Jct.

189

Evanston

The whitetopping project on US 30 hosted an open house and tour for engineers, technicians, concrete industry representatives and other stakeholders on July 19.

(left) Joe Schwartz, Concrete Works of Colorado, and John Eddins, district engineer WYDOT.

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Leadership

Integrity

focused

Honor

Professionalism

confidence Excellence TraditionRespect committment

Lt. Col. John Butler of Cheyenne was formally installed as administrator and commanding officer of the Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) during a pinning ceremony conducted June 22 at WYDOT Headquarters. Butler, a 27-year Highway Patrol veteran, now holds the rank of colonel, and is only the 12th person to head the Patrol since its formation in 1933.

“When he works with others he wins their respect and confidence and he is certainly one of our own. The future of WHP leadership and those who serve alongside him is in good hands,” said Director John Cox at Butler’s pinning ceremony. “John’s leadership has been of proven quality, and he brings a focused, progressive mind-set to his new assignment. He steps into his service as the Patrol’s commanding officer with my unreserved support and confidence,” WYDOT Director John Cox said in announcing Butler’s promotion. Butler replaced Col. Jess Oyler, who retired at end of 2011. Butler had served

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August 2012

as interim Patrol administrator since Oyler’s retirement. “I am extremely humbled and proud to be appointed the next commanding officer of the Wyoming Highway Patrol, which has a long-standing tradition of professionalism, and I will continue to demand this of myself and each member,” Butler said. He added that the Patrol will remain committed to highway safety, using education and enforcement to accomplish that goal, and continue its effort to interdict drug trafficking and other criminal activity which occurs on or along the state’s highways. “Our partnerships with other law enforcement agencies and safety-minded groups will provide the additional resources necessary for continued success,” he said. Butler, who was born in Douglas, is a 1978 graduate of Sheridan High School, and he subsequently attended the University of Wyoming. He joined the Highway Patrol as a recruit patrolman in 1985 and was initially posted in Lander. In 1998, he was promoted to supervise Division A based in Cheyenne. In 2003, Butler was promoted again, to captain, assuming duties

as commander of WHP District 1, which encompasses Albany, Laramie and Carbon counties. In 2003, he was elevated to major, and placed in charge of field operations for the entire Newly commissioned Trooper John Butler, state. He had December 1985. held the rank of lieutenant colonel and has been second-in-command of the Patrol since July 2010. Butler’s appointment was preceded by an applicant screening and interview process, in which Cox and other members of the WYDOT executive staff were assisted by Sheila Foertsch, executive director of the Wyoming Trucking Association, and Cactus Covello, a member (and former chair) of the Wyoming Transportation Commission. The process also included in-depth consultations with Gov. Matt Mead and his staff. – Bruce Burrows

Photo: WYDOT Archive

Moving Forward

Extra Mile

AWARDS Congratulations to our June recipients! WYDOT salutes the following Director’s Extra Mile Award recipients. The award is presented to individuals who have traveled the “extra mile” in service to WYDOT. Mark McCracken

WHP promotes Ratliff Shannon Ratliff of Cheyenne was recently promoted to lieutenant colonel and has assumed duties as second-in-command of the Wyoming Highway Patrol. Ratliff, a 21-year Patrol veteran, was named as the new operations commander in July. He replaced Col. John Butler, who recently was promoted to patrol administrator. “I am confident Shannon brings with him the leadership and commitment necessary to ensure continued success for the Highway Patrol and its members,” Col. Butler said. Ratliff ’s promotion was effective Aug. 1, and an official pinning ceremony is scheduled for later in the month. He joined the Patrol as a recruit patrolman in 1991 and was initially posted with Division J based in Laramie. Ratliff transferred to Motor Carrier in 1999 and two years later, moved to Cheyenne. He was promoted to Division A supervisor in Cheyenne in 2003, and five years later, was elevated to the rank of captain in charge of the Motor Carrier Section at headquarters. He had held the rank of major, with duties as field commander, since 2010. Ratliff, who was born in Muskegon, Mich., has been a Wyoming resident since 1976. He is a graduate of Lander Valley High School, and he has earned an associate degree in law enforcement from Casper College and studied administration of justice at the University of Wyoming.

Zach Gutierrez Ryan Shields Jody Brewer For more information about the Extra Mile Award or to nominate someone, contact Janet Farrar at janet.farrar@wyo.gov or Mel Anderson at mel.anderson@wyo.gov.

Training ata Glance Here are upcoming training opportunities from WYDOT University and the Transportation Learning Network (TLN)

Date Class

Location

Aug 6-10

New Employee Orientation (NEO)

Aug 6

The Fun of Thinking and Acting Like a Leader

Cheyenne

Change for Good! Breaking a Bad Habit

Cheyenne

Aug 7

Dou ble Header

Aug 14 Aug 15

Cheyenne

Dealing with Difficult People Problem Solving and Decision Making

TLN TLN

Coming Up in September: Sept 4 Sept 5

Dou ble Header

Successful Time Management

Cheyenne

Laughing Your Way Through Stress

Cheyenne

To register, or to find out more details, call the Training Program and talk to David Talley (777-4792), Jim Boyd (777-4791) or Rhonda DeLeeuw (777-4790). When you call, ask about the videos, books and audiotapes available from the Training Resource Library.

August 2012

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Noteworthy

AASHTO recognizes Laird

tion engineering to his position as voting member of SCOD. He and the rest of the subcommittee make decisions and vote in the interest of the general public and the transportation engineering profession, by weighing the effects that a particular issue will have on the safety of the traveling public, the efficiency of traffic operations, bicyclists and pedestrians and on potential environmental and social effects,” according to narrative which accompanied the award. Laird has served on the AASHTO Region 4 Subcommittee for more than 10 years and has been a voting member for the past two years. Laird also serves on the AASHTO SCOD Technical Committee for Non-motorized Transportation.

Photo: Rick Carpenter/WYDOT

Tony Laird, WYDOT’s highway development engineer at headquarters, was recently recognized by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) for his contributions to it’s Subcommittee on Design (SCOD). Laird, received the SCOD’s National Award, which recognizes outstanding service and an exceptional contribution to the subcommittee through qualifying achievements based on AASHTO-related work. “Tony has provided both WYDOT and AASHTO SCOD with years of outstanding service and achievements in the field of highway and transportation design and is most deserving of this award,” Assistant Chief Engineer for Engineering and Planning Gregg Fredrick said.

Laird, a native of Iowa, first worked for WYDOT in 1982 as a summer hire in Laramie while still a student at the University of Wyoming. The next year, after completing his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from UW, he rejoined the agency on a permanent basis as an engineer in Rock Springs. Laird subsequently moved to Cheyenne, where he has held a variety of positions, including squad leader in both Project Development and Traffic Design, resident engineer, construction staff engineer, engineering services engineer and project development engineer. He was promoted to his current position in 2010. “Laird lends his experience and expertise in numerous areas of transporta-

Tony Laird receives his award from Gregg Fredrick, assistant chief engineer (left), and the Project Development team gathered for the presentation.

Bonds promoted within Materials Program Vicki Bonds of the Materials Program at headquarters was promoted in midJune to assistant state materials engineer, filling the vacancy which resulted when Tim Babbitt retired this spring. Bonds, a native of Glasgow, Mont., is a graduate of Sheridan High School. She has been with WYDOT since the beginning of 1991, shortly after Vicki Bonds

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August 2012

completing her Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the University of Wyoming. Bonds now manages pavement design and materials specifications for the west half of the state which includes Field Districts 3 and 5, as well as Albany and Carbon counties. Meanwhile, Bob Rothwell, who previously was responsible for the west half of the state, now manages pavement design and materials for the east half of the state which includes Field Districts 2 and 4, and Laramie County. Rothwell is also responsible for pavement management.

Buzzed Driving IS Drunk Driving Always use a designated driver. HIGHWAY SAFETY PROGRAM

OMING WY HWAY PATRO HIG

Bitter Creek Rest Area will open after repairs

Director sets new record Director John Cox set a new Rocky Mountain Senior Games record in winning the 10-kilometer cycling time trial in the 55-59 age group in June. He also won a bronze medal in the 20-kilometer road race at the games in Greeley, Colo. Cox said he was happy with his record time of 13 minutes and 25 seconds for the 6.2-mile time trial. “It’s always nice to go into somebody else’s state and break a record,” he said, but the time is not particularly fast due to the nature of the racecourse. The performance qualifies him to compete in the National Senior Games next year in Cleveland, but he’s uncertain if he’ll be able to go. He has qualified for three previous national games and one year had the fastest qualifying time, but his schedule has not allowed him to compete. He does plan to race in the four cycling events at the Wyoming Senior Olympics Aug. 10-11 in Cheyenne. In addition to the excitement of competition, Cox said he gets great fitness benefits from cycling. “As somebody who was a distance runner for many years, I found that, when you get to a certain age, the cumulative miles that you’ve built up start to wear you down and you end up having knee and back problems,” he said. “Cycling doesn’t do that to you. It’s a strong fitness and muscle builder for your lower body and core, and really good for cardiovascular fitness.” Perhaps more importantly, it’s fun. “You can cover a lot of ground fast,” Cox said. “So for me, it’s a good addiction to have.”

WYDOT has awarded Electrical Connections, of Rock Springs, a contract to conduct various electrical repairs and replacements to the motors and pumps at the Bitter Creek Rest Area east of Rock Springs. The westbound rest area has been closed since December 2011, due to electrical issues. Numerous attempts were made to keep the rest area open, but soon the sanitation and plumbing could no longer sustain use and the rest area was closed. The eastbound rest area has remained open sporadically, but only when WYDOT maintenance crews were able to patch and repair electrical problems. The eastbound rest area is also in need of repair and will be seeing some work as well. “This is some much needed work. In the past, we have done our best to repair the situation. But, all we have been able to do is slap a Band-Aid on it,” WYDOT Building Supervisor Tyler Wille said. The work began on July 17, and will last approximately 45 days. The rest area should open again by the end of August.

Meadowlark Lake boat ramp closes to allow for wetland construction The boat ramp at the northwest corner of Meadowlark Lake is closed to allow work crews to begin developing a oneacre wetland complex between Ten Sleep and Buffalo. Construction of the wetland is part of the current $8.2 million highway improvement project on U.S. 16 east of Ten Sleep in Washakie County. “Closure of the boat ramp will allow crews to work safely on mitigation of wetland impacts on the current County Line West project,” said Dan McAfee, Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer in Worland. “During this time, anglers and other people will

be forced to access the lake in other ways. We apologize for the inconvenience.” Project work on the remainder of the County Line West project is progressing with dirt work under way, McAfee said. “Motorists should expect traffic delays of up to 15 minutes on U.S. 16 between the Washakie-Johnson county line and

Photo: WYDOT

Continued from page 5

The Meadowlark Lake boat ramp is scheduled to close to allow work crews to begin developing a one-acre wetland complex between Ten Sleep and Buffalo.

Ten Sleep Creek. Vehicles are being led through the work zone with the use of pilot vehicles,” he said. Project work is scheduled on 2.3 miles of U.S. 16 between mileposts 44.04 (the Johnson-Washakie county line) and milepost 41.74 between Ten Sleep and Buffalo. By contract, the contractor is required to provide unrestricted two-way traffic on U.S. 16 during Labor Day weekend (4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 31, to 7 a.m. on the following Tuesday, Sept. 4). Oftedal Construction Inc., of Casper, is the prime contractor on the County Line West project. The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the $8.21 million bid to Oftedal last December. The contract with Oftedal carries a partial completion date of Oct. 31, 2012, for all work except the chip seal and reclamation. The project carries a final completion date of June 30, 2013. The County Line West highway improvements are described as grading, draining, placing crushed gravel base, asphalt pavement surfacing, chip sealing the new asphalt, wetland construction, constructing a retaining wall, removal and replacement of box culverts, signing, guardrail installation, fencing and other work on 2.3 miles of U.S. 16 beginning at milepost 44.04.

August 2012

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District news

District 2

Welcome

Headquarters

Welcome

Cradle Call

Elois Belving, IT Development; Diana Gorman, Patrol; Troy Grandpre, Highway Development-Project Development; Matthew Groth, Public Affairs; and Trenton Rawlinson, ITS/GIS.

The Public Affairs Office new addition, Matt Groth and wife, Christina, have a new addition of their own. They welcomed Zoe Kathryn Groth to their family on June 14. Zoe (6 pounds, 11 ounces) joins proud big sister Anna in the Groth household.

Harry Evanoff, Right of Way-Property Management – 35 years; Gregory Goodman, Materials-Bituminous – 30 years; Debbie Smith, Highway Development-Photogrammetry/Survey – 30 years; Basil Brookhouser, Materials-Surfacing – 10 years; Clifford Neal, Materials-Bituminous – 10 years; Kirsten Rigg, Internal Review – 10 years; Troy Berg, Telecom-WYOLINK – 5 years; Beth Hilleman, Fuel Tax-Uniformity – 5 years; Melissa Moeller, Patrol Dispatch – 5 years.

Service Awards

Pat Busskohl

Patrick Busskohl, Midwest Maintenance – 40 years; Debra Shuler, Douglas/Wheatland Driver Services – 20 years; Gary Kahler, Wheatland Maintenance – 15 years;

Photo: Matt Groth

Service Awards

Gregory Summers, Traffic-Signing; and Gregory McLeod, Torrington Maintenance.

Little Zoe taking a swing at big sister Anna.

Condolences We extend our heartfelt condolences to Pat Reibe from Facilities Management on the recent passing of his wife Cheri.

Retirements Richard Bolin Jr., Patrol Dispatch; and Charles Carruthers, Patrol-Capitol Service Protection.

Doug Hughes

Gary Kahler

Thomas Eby, Midwest Maintenance – 5 years; Douglas Hughes, Torrington Mechanics – 5 years.

Retirements Steven Hinton, Casper Mechanics.

Welcome

Congratulations

Mervin Breazeale Jr., Cheyenne Mechanics; Rami Ksaibati, Highway Development-Project Development-Laramie Design Squad; and Andrew Valdez, Highway Development-Project Development-Laramie Design Squad.

Congratulations to Jeffrey Heier, Rawlins Maintenance, on obtaining his water and wastewater operator licenses.

Steve Hinton and his wife, Dixie, with the cake presented to him at his retirement party June 29. Hinton retired after 30 years of service as mechanics supervisor in Casper.

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August 2012

T KI

C LI K

R N’T IS

Duard Dilday transferred from Cheyenne Mechanics to Maintenance, Joe Barnes transferred from Cheyenne Maintenance to Mechanics and Mike Cruickshank transferred to Rawlins Maintenance from District 2.

Ramon Sandoval, Arlington Maintenance – 10 years.

Transfers

Service Awards

Photo: Jeff Goetz/WYDOT

District 1

IT O TI C R

District 3

District 5

District 4

Welcome Mandy Larson, Jackson Construction.

Service Awards Edward Sabourin, Pinedale Patrol Field – 25 years; Donna Morss, Pinedale Construction – 20 years;

Welcome

Brian Detavernier, Sheridan Port of Entry; Nickolas Gliem, Reno Junction Maintenance; John Leahy, Newcastle Construction; Robert Leopold, Sheridan Port of Entry; and Will Raley, Sheridan Maintenance.

Wade Elliott, Riverton Construction; John Farr, Lander Maintenance; and Joseph Klein, Cody Maintenance.

Service Awards Davi Duran, Riverton Construction – 30 years; Mathew Sanders, Lander Maintenance – 30 years;

Service Awards Jerry Buckley, Sheridan Construction – 20 years; Mark Townsend, Sheridan Mechanics – 15 years.

Donna Morss

Frances Reed, Rock Springs Maintenance – 20 years;

Davi Duran

Claudia Frederick, Basin Construction – 25 years; Corliss Allison, District 5 Administration – 5 years.

Dighton Brazee

Matt Sanders

Mark Townsend

Retirements Reed Bard, Gillette Construction; Robert Inman, Sheridan Construction; Jacob Scherr, Gillette Maintenance; and Terry Wiechert, Sundance Maintenance.

Cradle Call Jake and Lyndsey Christian, South Pass Maintenance, welcomed a baby girl into the world. Anna Nolene Christian was born on June 8 at 9:30 p.m. weighing in at 6 pounds, 5 ounces.

Mary Toone Photo: WYDOT

Retirements Albert Worley, Rock Springs Maintenance.

Photo: WYDOT

ading! Re

District Engineer John Eddins congratulating Albert Worley on his retirement. Worley retires with 33 years at WYDOT.

le Afte c cy

Photo: Stephanie Harsha/WYDOT

Bob Inman’s retirement smile is only going to get bigger as the days go by. Inman retires from Sheridan Construction with 32 years.

Baby Anna hiding out in camouflage, practicing for bow-hunting season.

Photo: Jake Christian

George Ozga, Jr., Jackson Mechanics – 10 years; Michael Jerup, Jackson Maintenance – 5 years; Daniel Taylor, Evanston Mechanics – 5 years.

Jerry Buckley

ease Re l P

Frances Reed

Dighton Brazee, Kemmerer Maintenance – 15 years; Mary Toone, Rock Springs Construction – 15 years;

Jake Scherr at his retirement party June 29 in Gillette. Jake retired with 33 years at WYDOT. A highlight of his career was when he rushed out into traffic to rescue a toddler.

August 2012

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In the Community

Photo: WYDOT

Summer comes hand-in-hand with the Annual HollyFrontier Superday in Cheyenne–the 30th annual to be exact. The event, held on June 23, boasted 5K and 10K runs, the 19th annual Tour de Prairie road biking adventure, and other events and exhibits to entertain all ages. WYDOT employees from many departments participated. John Cox, John Mahoney and Christina Spindler took part in the road biking adventure. “We left Lion’s Park at 6:30

Christina Spindler of Traffic, Director John Cox and John Mahoney of Aeronautics rode their way to personal glory on Superday Saturday.

a.m. heading for Happy Jack, and the summit rest area. It’s a tough ride up to the summit,” Spindler said. “The day of biking included a high speed chase. We don’t want to ruin the suspense with who was in the lead. You’ll have to ask us directly, and even then we might lie.” Spindler from Traffic, and Mahoney of Aeronautics, rode a 30-mile circuit while Cox rode the 62-mile “metric century” course. “We always have a great Superday, Tour de Prairie ride,” Mahoney said. “Riding 35-50 miles with a couple hundred different people, early on a summer morning is a great experience. Plus, Christina is a good talker and I am a good listener, so that always works.” Since the Tour de Prairie is divided into different course segments, participants can ride as far (or not so far) as they are willing to go in a day. “The real finish time we were aiming for at Superday was to hit the Bunkhouse when it opened for some cold beverages, but we rode way too fast and they were still closed,” Spindler said. “John [Mahoney] and I rode the

shorter route at Superday because it allows us to get back in time to take our families to the activities at Lions Park.” Foot race participants included Doug McGee, Jackson Engels and Gregg Fredrick. Much training and preparation goes into a morning like this. The Superday foot race courses are centered at Lion’s Park. “It was a great day for a run and, as always, I saw lots of WYDOT co-workers at the race,” said McGee. McGee was quite happy with his 5K finish time of 23:14, while Engels and Fredrick had great 10K runs with finish times of 46:11 and 50:38, respectively.

Photo: WYDOT

What a ‘Superday’ to be outdoors

Superday foot race participants, Doug McGee of Public Affairs, Assistant Attorney General Jackson Engels, and Assistant Chief Engineer Gregg Fredrick.

Laramie kids have a ‘bucket’ of fun at WYDOT shop

Photo: Ross Doman/WYDOT

The WYDOT maintenance crew and Highway Patrol in Laramie hosted about 50 children on a tour of the facilities on

The annual event had a great turnout on a bright July day. The big maintenance trucks and tractors and Highway Patrol vehicles captured the attention of the young crowd. The Convincer played an important part in showing the importance of seat belt use by taking their teacher for a ‘ride.’

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August 2012

July 18. The kids and teachers from the Developmental Preschool and Daycare in town, were treated to a shop and equipment tour by District 1 Equipment Supervisor Gary Curry and heavy mechanic, Will Vegors, who helped organize the visit. Will’s wife, Jennifer, who teaches the children and their children Gabe and Kloie also attended. One highlight of the morning was Trooper Dave Wagner convincing teacher Danielle Kurtti of the importance of seat belts. Troopers Robert King and Chris Carrol graciously helped out on the annual event in the Gem City.

Don’t wait...

September issue submission deadline:

August 17, 2012. send to: carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov

Passings

W. N. “Neil” McMurry

Photo: Dave Kingham/WYDOT

W. N. “Neil” McMurry, well-known Wyoming road builder, entrepreneur and philanthropist, died July 19 in Casper. He was 88. McMurry was born in Colorado, but resided nearly his entire life in Casper. After graduating from Natrona County High School in 1941, he served with the U.S. Army’s 385th bomb group during World War II. He went on to survive 29 missions over Europe (including two on D-Day) as a tail gunner, waist gunner and ball turret gunner on B-17 Flying Fortresses. After the war ended, McMurry returned to Wyoming and soon began his career in the construction business. In 1948, he joined forces with Vern Rissler to establish Rissler & McMurry Co., which went on to become the largest highway contracting firm in the state. The firm continues on today as McMurry Ready Mix. The growth of Rissler & McMurry coincided with the height of the interstate highway construction, beginning in the late 1950s and continuing into early 1970s. A retrospective published in 2006 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Interstate highway system, stated “Neil McMurry has been synonymous with highway construction in Wyoming for more than six decades ... (as a partner in Rissler & McMurry) ... he moved more dirt, constructed more bridges and paved more miles of road than any other Wyoming contractor.” His contributions to Wyoming’s highway system also brought accolades from the American Road and Transporta-

Neil McMurry, center, with former Governor Freudenthal (left), officially opens the new High Plains Interchange south of Cheyenne with a ribbon cutting, September 2010.

tion Builders Association, which in 2004 named McMurry as one of America’s “Top 100 Private Sector Transportation Design and Construction Professionals of the 20th Century.” “I would be willing to venture that you couldn’t travel on a highway in Wyoming that at least part of it wasn’t built by Rissler & McMurry, at least initially,” historian Ann Chambers Noble was quoted in Casper Star-Tribune. Noble is the author of McMurry’s biography, “Hurry McMurry,” published in 2010. “His biggest legacy is how he practiced business,” Noble added. “He was a highly ethical man. It was known that Neil McMurry’s handshake was better than any written contract.” “Neil McMurry was a gentleman and it was a privilege to work with him in his association with WYDOT. I am one among the many men and women who see him as a role model for integrity, grit and hard work, both in the private sector and in the department of transportation,” WYDOT Director John Cox said. McMurry later expanded his business interests into oil and gas drilling and along with son Mick and another partner, was instrumental in developing the Jonah Field, a major natural gas producer in the Pinedale area. Other business ventures included the McMurry Business Park in east Casper and the Swan Ranch Business Park south of Cheyenne. He was also a partner in the historic Warren Ranch in southeast Wyoming. McMurry donated millions of dollars to a range of philanthropic causes, with a focus on helping “Wyoming citizens struggling with life,” according to his obituary. Beneficiaries include Casper

College’s Early Childhood Learning Center as well as a program that assists single parents with child care, tuition and other costs so they can attend classes. “Neil McMurry has absolutely changed many, many lives through his support of the college,” Casper College Foundation Executive Director Paulann Doane told the Star-Tribune. Other benevolent non-profit organizations in Casper assisted by McMurry are the Boys & Girls Club of Central Wyoming; the Seton House, which provides transitional housing and support services to homeless single parents and their children; the 12-24 Club, which hosts “12-step” recovery programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, and the Child Development Center of Natrona County, which provides development screening and early interventional services for preschool-age children. He also played a key role in developing the Wyoming Contractors Association’s McMurry Training Center, which provides training and job placement services for construction and industrial trades. “He never golfed. He never fished,” biographer Noble said. “What he did was work ... he was bored with what we typically think of as retirement.” A memorial service for McMurry was conducted July 27 at the Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery just northeast of Casper.

“Neil ... came in with a lot of equipment and he was on the job all the time … We literally worked seven days a week, and sometimes 12 hours a day just to keep up. I didn’t see much of my wife and kids that summer. Neither did the other guys …” – Retired WYDOT Director Don Diller, in a reminiscence taken from Neil McMurry’s 2010 biography, “Hurry McMurry”. The year was 1962, and Diller was a resident engineer supervising construction of a section of I-80 just west of Cheyenne. At $3 million, the project was the largest–to that point– ever undertaken by WYDOT’s predecessor agency, the Wyoming Highway Department. August 2012

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Passings

Beverly R. Walker

WTDEA Store

Beverly R. Walker, of WYDOT Driver Services in Cheyenne, died July 7 of a sudden illness. She was 38. Walker had been with WYDOT since 1995, starting out in Driver Beverly Walker Services in records documentation and later working on the Help Desk and in records review. She was promoted to supervisor of Hearings/Records Review in 2005. Walker was a native of Laramie and a graduate of Cheyenne Central High School, and she attended travel agent school prior to joining WYDOT.

Her spare-time pursuits including shooting pool, and she was a champion player, participating in tournaments in Wyoming and Colorado, as well as the International Pool Tournaments in Las Vegas. Funeral services were conducted July 13 in Cheyenne. Donations in her memory should be directed in her name to Cheyenne-Laramie County Employees Federal Credit Union, with proceeds being directed to a charity of her family’s choosing.

and will be missed by all,” says Thomas Giordano, friend and co-worker at the Cheyenne I-80 Port of Entry. Prior to coming to WYDOT, he worked with a printing company in Henderson, Colo. Rickles was born in Burlington, Iowa in Harlen Rickles 1937. Rickles was a member of his church’s choir and enjoyed country music. He also was a member of the Civil Air Patrol in Burlington. Services were held at Cheyenne Memorial Chapel on July 27.

Harlen L. Rickles Harlen L. Rickles, of Cheyenne I-80 Port of Entry, died July 16. He was 75. Rickles had worked with WYDOT Port of Entry for the past 17 years at the I-80 office. “Harlen was a well respected officer and mentor. His wisdom and his humor was unmatched by anyone. Harlen was an easy person to be friends with

Cash Calendar

An 18 Month Calendar (7/2012 - 12/2013) is selling for $15. Daily chances to win starting January 2013. Contact your representative for information.

Gloves

Pigskin leather work gloves. $5.25 for members, $6.25 for non-members. Call Tina Thomas at 777-4486.

July 2013 Sunday

Weekdays $10.00 Drawings

Monday

Tuesday

1 7

Sunday

Monday

August 2012

1 5 12

6 13

7 14

8 15

2 9 16

3 10

18 25

16 23 30

1 7 14 21 28

Tuesday

October 2012

4 11

17 24 31

8 15

2 9 16

3 10 17

4 11

Wednesday

5 12

Sunday

1 Thursday

Friday

Labor Day

17 24

18 25

19 26

Tuesday

Saturday

Monday

Tuesday

January 2013 T W T

10 17 24

3 10

14 15 16 Saturday

Wednesday

19 26

3 10

4 11

1 5

16 19

17 20

18 25

24 27

Christmas Day

August 2013

3 10

19 26

20 27

21 28

13 20 27

14 21 28

15 22 29

16 23 30

17 24 31

August 2013 Sunday

Monday

July 2013

8 15

2 9 16

3 10

1 8 15

2 9

T 3

W 4

6 13

7 14

8 15

4 11

1 5 12

Weekends $20.00 Drawings

Thursday

7 14

22 29

Wednesday

Weekdays $10.00 Drawings

Tuesday

September 2013

6 13

21 28

6 13

7 14

8 15

2 9

S 3 10

Holidays $50.00 Drawings

Friday

November 2012

1 5 12

17 24

Saturday

4 11

September 2012

Friday

18 25

Thursday

17 24

9 16 23 30

1310

8 15 22

June 2013

Friday

12 9

23 26

Thursday

12 13 14 Friday 19

18 25

Day

29 Wednesday

Saturday

18 25

Monday

October 2012

September 2012

Sunday

November 2012

M T W Holidays T F S $50.00 Drawings 1 2 3

Independence

Thursday

December 2012

Weekends $20.00 Drawings

Wednesday

Saturday

Cookbook

The Roadkill Cookbook is selling for $10. Call Barbara Thomasee at 777-4494.

Hats

WTDEA State Board is selling hats. The hats are $18. Contact your WTDEA representative for more information.

If you would like your WTDEA event to be placed in Interchange, please contact Tina Thomas, tina.thomas@wyo.gov or Tony Niswender, anthony.niswender@wyo.gov

Interchange

August 2012

Be sure to check out our internet classified site at:

http://wtdeaclassified.com

14-month CD

1.25

% APY*

for deposits $10,000 and up Must open account by August 15, 2012.

CALL, GO ONLINE OR COME BY OUR CHEYENNE OR CASPER LOCATIONS FOR FULL DETAILS All WYDOT employees and their families can belong.

WyHy.org 307.638.4200 Cheyenne • 307.234.2373 Casper • 800.442.2392 * APY=Annual Percentage Yield. CD=Certificate of Deposit. Rate of 1.25% based on use of SmartPoints redemption for .25%, otherwise rate will be 1.00% APY. When CD reaches maturity, CD will automatically rollover into a 14 month CD at an annual percentage yield to be determined at the time of rollover. Membership required. Federally insured by NCUA. August 2012

Interchange

Wyoming Department of Transportation 5300 Bishop Blvd. Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009-3340 Address Service Requested

Pre-sorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid Cheyenne, WY 82009 Permit No. 24