August 2017 Interchange by WYDOT

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District 2:

History as varied as its topography

Letters

District 2 employee makes Wyoming ‘wonderful’ for travelers To whom it may concern, Recently on a trip to the beautiful state of Wyoming, we encountered a problem. We had traveled to Ft. Laramie in the hopes of finding a grave marker that we had come across years ago. The grave marker was of a young mother who tragically lost her life while en route west along the Oregon Trail. We were skeptical of ever finding it again. We had gotten direction to the site from the helpful workers at Ft. Laramie, but were unable to find the location. We were just about to give up our search when, to our relief, we encountered one of your WYDOT workers along WYO 160. His name is Bruce Simmons. Mr. Simmons was able to help us reach the grave site! He knew exactly where it was. I was thrilled! I would have been so disappointed had we traveled so far and not found it. The young mother is of no relation to us, but came all the way from our state of Missouri and lived only seven miles from our current residence. Her name was Mary Elizabeth Homsley. A dear friend of mine, who works for the Warren County Historical Society, asked if I were able to find the marker to please bring information and photos back so they could be shared in Mrs. Homsley’s home county here in Missouri. Mr. Simmons made that possible. My husband and I found Mr. Simmons to be extremely helpful to a couple of strangers a long way from home. He absolutely made my trip to Wyoming wonderful. His kindness rivals the beauty of the Grand Canyon in my book. We hope this letter reaches him, or at least someone he works for who can thank him again for us.

Sincerely, Mary & Charles Carver Hawk Point, Mo.

P.S. I so hope that when the good citizens of Wyoming come to the “Show Me State” of Missouri, they can rest assured that our highway workers would be as helpful as Mr. Simmons.

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WYDOT employees have generous hearts

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To everyone at WYDOT, I would like to say thank you all so much for the donated sick leave. My family and I appreciate the generosity. It is truly a blessing and a privilege to be part of this organization.

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, Wyoming, 82009-3340. The Public Affairs Office may also be contacted by phoning (307) 777-4165 or sending email to carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov

Sincerely, Kadi Bradfield Douglas Construction

You got her number. Too bad you blew it.

Vol. 45, Issue 8

Staff WYDOT Director: William T. Panos

Public Affairs Manager: Doug McGee

Editor: Carlie Van Winkle

Contributors: Aimee Inama J.L. O’Brien Carlie Van Winkle Matt Murphy Jeff Goetz Stephanie Harsha Ronda Holwell Cody Beers Sgt. Kyle McKay

Public Affairs Public Affairs Public Affairs District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 Patrol

Photography: Rick Carpenter

Designate a sober driver for the win.

Public Affairs

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 website home page.

#soberdriverFTW A WYDOT PUBLICATION

Contents

Features 8 Casper construction updates 12 WYDOT, WHP prepared for eclipse Many months of planning coming to an end

13 District 2 spotlight History as varied as its topography

10 Driver license, registration fees July 1 increase ushers in higher fees statewide

Also in this issue

Letters.........................................................................................2 District briefs.............................................................................4 Training.....................................................................................17 HR Happenings......................................................................15 By the Numbers.......................................................................7 TechNotes................................................................................16 District news...........................................................................18 Passings................................................................................... 22 Extra Mile Awards................................................................. 20 WTDEA..................................................................................... 23 Break Time.............................................................................. 27 On the cover:

The red hills found on the South Big Horn/Red Wall Scenic Backway near Arminto. Photo: Rick Carpenter

Kindly recycle this publication after reading. August 2017

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Group to provide analysis of commercial air service, future needs CHEYENNE – A group of Wyoming leaders met in Casper June 20 to discuss the future of commercial air service and its importance in the state’s economy. The meeting was a brainstorming session to examine current and future needs in aviation and develop a task force to identify additional alternative funding sources for aviation in Wyoming. WYDOT Aeronautics Division administrator Amy Surdam said WYDOT is working on an analysis of what consistent, reliable, affordable air service in Wyoming would involve. This analysis will be available when the group meets again in late summer. Air service generates $1.4 billion in economic activity in the state annually and supports more than 12,000 jobs, according to the 2013 Economic Impact Study for Wyoming Airports prepared by ICF International, Kramer Aerotek and Jviation. “Wyoming’s airports and air service are a critical part of our state’s economic development strategy,” WYDOT Director Bill Panos said. “Our goal is to restore and expand rural air service in Wyoming.” The group discussed existing and future state and federal programs that fund air service. Currently the state receives funding from two federal programs including the Essential Air Service (EAS) program and the Small Community Air Service Development (SCASD) program. However, only two airports get EAS funding – Cody and Laramie. The EAS program may also be cut at the federal level. The SCASD program is a competitive, one-time funding grant program. Cheyenne, Riverton and Sheridan have recently received grant funding through the program that awards only 20 communities from 200-300 applications each year. “Air service is essential in the recruit-

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August 2017

ment and retention of business in Wyoming,” said Wyoming Business Council (WBC) CEO Shawn Reese. “Not having consistent, reliable air service throughout the state is one of the biggest issues when trying to recruit new business or expand existing business.” The 2013 study indicated 90 percent of businesses rely on commercial airline service, and many businesses factor in air service when determining where to locate. The study found that 38,000 nonaviation jobs in the state had improved efficiency through the use of air service. “Reliability and consistency are key and having a long-term vision is critical for the economic future of Wyoming,” said Jerimiah Rieman, director of Economic Diversification Strategy and Initiatives and coordinator of the Economically Needed Diversity Options for Wyoming (ENDOW) initiative. In addition to Surdam, Reese, Rieman and Wandler, the meeting was attended by Sheri Taylor, WYDOT Air Service Development manager; Kim Porter, WBC; Jay Lundell, Wyoming Air Operators Association president; Kari Cooper, JHAir executive director; State Sen. Michael Von Flatern, Air Transportation Liaison Committee; Cindy DeLancey, Wyoming Business Alliance; State Rep. Tom Walters, Air Transportation Liaison Committee; Nick Wangler, Forecast Inc.; Pete Illoway, WBC; Rick Kaysen, WAM executive director; Shawn Burke, WYDOT Air Service Development analyst; and Pete Obermueller, Wyoming County Commissioners Association executive director.

One lane of 15th Street bridge reopens LARAMIE – One lane of the 15th Street bridge over I-80 has reopened to traffic as of July 13. Traffic from both directions was allowed to cross the bridge one direction at a time using the southbound lane. Temporary stoplights were used to control traffic and overweight loads were not permitted.

Photo: Matt Murphy

District Briefs

The 15th Street bridge has been closed since May 21, when it was struck by a tractor trailer. The truck destroyed one of the columns that supports the bridge on the north side and damaged another. The northbound lane of the bridge will not reopen until after repairs have been made. WYDOT has been evaluating the bridge, including surveying the bridge for the design of the repair work. A contractor then had to be secured to set up traffic control on the bridge. Construction to repair the bridge isn’t expected until late fall following more investigation, design work, and the selection of a contractor. The repair work will entail reconstructing two of the bridge’s support columns plus any other damaged components. WYDOT will continue to update the public on the progress of the bridge work. Separately from this project, the city of Laramie plans to reconstruct 15th Street from Bill Nye Avenue to the ramp leading to the bridge.

The 15th Street bridge in Laramie has been reduced to one lane of traffic due to the damage caused by a crash on May 21 when a tractor trailer struck the support columns below.

WYDOT adjusts speeds through Pinedale ROCK SPRINGS – WYDOT has made some changes to the speed limits on US 191 north and south of Pinedale. Previously, the speed limits were set at 55 mph at milepost 96.22 to 98.88 (south of Fayette Pole Creek Road), then 40 mph to milepost 99.12 (south of Fremont Lake Road) and then 25 mph through town. Speeds picked up at milepost 99.90 (Lincoln Avenue) to 30

mph to milepost 100.41 and then 45 mph to milepost 101.25 (west of New Fork River). A speed study was performed to examine at what speed drivers are driving and whether the posted speed limits were safe. The study resulted in a few changes to the speed changes in this corridor: n Milepost 98 to 98.55 (Pole Creek Road) the posted speed is now 55 mph.

County and the Peru Hill county bridge was in need of replacement. Sweetwater County applied for funds from a WYDOT program called Bridge Replacement Off System funds, where counties can apply for financial and construction assistance to replace deficient bridges.

n Milepost 98.55 to 99.13 (Sublette

Avenue ) the posted speed is now 40 mph.

n Milepost 99.90 to 100.41 (north end of

town) the posted speed will remain 30 mph.

Photo: WYDOT

downtown) the posted speed will remain 25 mph. Road buckling on the eastbound onramp at Dewar Drive forced a detour around the damage while it was repaired.

n Milepost 100.41 to 101.24 (heading

County bridge closed for replacement

n Milepost 101.24 to 102.25 (east of the

ROCK SPRINGS – WYDOT closed the Peru Cutoff bridge over the railroad on County Road 4-37 near Green River Wrecking and Salvage Yard. The closure began the first week of July. Residents are able to access the area by driving on WYO 530 south of Green River and then on to County Road 4-37. The area will not be accessible from I-80. The old bridge will be removed and a new bridge will be constructed. The job will be completed this year. Time constraints have been put on the contractor to limit disruption to local residents. WYDOT is allowing the contractor to close the bridge for a 90-day window. The completion date is set for Oct. 31, although engineers expect most of the work to be completed before that time. “The closure is necessary because building the new bridge next to the old one would involve right of way land acquisition from the Bureau of Land Management and the Union Pacific Railroad,” said WYDOT Resident Engineer Clint Lockman. “Also, we would have to realign the road to access the new bridge. These reasons would cause costs to increase substantially, extend the project’s planning phases and finish date, as well as draw out construction.” WYDOT has been working with the Sweetwater County engineering office to identify deficient bridges in Sweetwater

north out of town) the posted speed is now 40 mph. landfill road) the posted speed is now 55 mph.

Speeds north of milepost 102.25 and south of milepost 98 will remain unchanged and as posted. WYDOT urges motorists to be aware of the new posted speeds, obey all traffic signs and speed regulations and take extra precautions at night, being careful not to out-drive your head lights, and scan the roadway from shoulder to shoulder to look for wildlife.

Road buckling forces short detour around area ROCK SPRINGS – In early July, residents notified WYDOT of buckling and failing concrete at exit 102 at the eastbound on-ramp off Dewar Drive. WYDOT crews responded immediately and cleared the debris and filled the gap with patch mix the same day. A damage repair job to replace the deteriorating section of concrete was completed the week of July 10. A detour to direct traffic around the area and allow for repairs on the concrete section was temporarily set up.

Photo: WYDOT

n Milepost 99.13 to 99.90 (through

The Sweetwater County Peru Cutoff bridge is on schedule for complete replacement by October this year.

Drive Sober, Get Pulled Over campaign nets 11 DWUI arrests RIVERTON – As part of the countywide, multi-agency Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement operation over the Independence Day holiday weekend, Fremont County law enforcement arrested eleven drunk drivers. During a longer than normal five-day operation, area law enforcement made 613 traffic stops, issued 177 speeding tickets, 130 other tickets and issued 298 warnings. No fatal crashes occurred during the operation. Fremont County law enforcement agencies have completed 10 multi-agency traffic safety operations since 2016, and another two are planned for the remainder of the 2017. The next operation will be during the national crackdown for impaired driving that runs from Aug. 16-Sept. 4. The purpose of the Fourth of July Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement operation was to educate drivers about the dangers of impaired driving and to back that up with dedicated DUI enforcement efforts. Fremont County law enforcement also looked to reinforce the importance of wearing seat belts and enforce the state’s zero-tolerance stance

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toward impaired driving. Agencies staffing the Fremont County operation included the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Lander Police Department, Fremont County Sheriff ’s office, Riverton Police Department, Shoshoni Police Department and the Wind River Police Department. Partners in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign include Injury Prevention Resources and WYDOT. Additional funding for the impaired driving and seat belt campaigns is made possible through a federal grant secured by the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety office. According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, there have been 70 fatalities on Wyoming roads as of July 12 as compared to 46 at the same time last year.

US 14 project addresses ski area landslide repair

summer of 2018,” said WYDOT Resident Engineer Michael Miller of Basin. “Minor traffic delays should be expected during working hours, and two-way traffic will be maintained after working hours are complete for the day.” Prime contractor is S&S Builders of Gillette. The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the bid to S&S Builders on May 18. Contract completion date is June 30, 2019.

GREYBULL – An $831,000 project to repair a landslide is underway about 33 miles east of Greybull in the Big Horn Mountains. The Ski Area Slide Repair project “consists of repairing a landslide with a deep patch,” according to WYDOT Resident Engineer Michael Miller of Basin. “About 800 feet of roadway will be disturbed during construction.” Prime contractor for the project is Wilson Brothers Construction of Cowley. The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the slide repair bid to Wilson Brothers on May 18. Contract completion date for this project is Aug. 31.

Photo: WYDOT

Briefs continued from page 5

Pavement rehab started on WYO 120 south of Cody

The Sage Creek highway and bridge improvement project will cost nearly $12 million.

CODY – A Worland contractor began an 11-mile pavement rehabilitation project south of Cody on July 6. Prime contractor on the $3.6 million project is McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co. of Worland. The project begins at milepost 62.98 on WYO 120, about 18 miles south of Cody, and extends 11.2 miles toward Cody. WYDOT Resident Engineer Todd Frost of Cody said the work includes an inch of asphalt pavement leveling, a two-inch asphalt overlay, a chip seal finish, and minor slope flattening along the shoulder of the highway between Cody and Meeteetse. The contract completion date is June 30, 2018. “The contractor began work on July 6 with the slope flattening work, and this work will continue into mid-August,” said Frost. “Work will be shut down between Aug. 19 and Aug. 23 for the solar eclipse.” Frost said McGarvin-Moberly will begin paving operations in September. “Paving should be completed by approximately Oct. 15,” Frost said. Chip sealing is scheduled in June 2018.

THERMOPOLIS – US 20/WYO 789 through Wind River Canyon was closed for two hours June 27, to help rockfall mitigation crews have adequate time to safely drop a large rock and other debris on and near the highway. “The rock we were trying to bring down has been more difficult than we anticipated,” said WYDOT Resident Engineer Kaia Tharp of Thermopolis. “The closures of the highway will allow the contractor time to safely bring down the big rock and clean up the rock and other debris that falls on the highway.” Further road closures of US 20/WYO 789 were for one hour each day at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. following the original closure on June 27. “The roadway will be reopened at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. each day to safely move traffic through the work zone,” said Tharp. “We have also scheduled a threehour closure of the highway, from 7-10 p.m. If the road needs to be cleared after 10 p.m., there will be a 20-minute delay with one-way traffic to accomplish the rock removal in a safe manner.” Prime contractor Wilson Brothers Construction of Cowley is the prime contractor on the $600,000-plus effort to clean up rockfall from April and May falling rock and mud slides inside Wind

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Photo: WYDOT

Rockfall mitigation prompts closures

Nearly 800 feet of highway will be disturbed during the landslide repair east of Greybull.

Multi-year project underway between Lovell, Cowley BASIN – An $11.7 million project between Lovell and Cowley is scheduled to begin the week of July 10 on US 310/ WYO 789. The Sage Creek highway and bridge improvement project consists of road widening, bridge widening over the Shoshone River, replacement of the Sage Creek and railroad bridges, asphalt paving, and other work. Early work scheduled on the project includes fencing, and clearing and grubbing of dirt and vegetation alongside the existing roadway. Work on bridges will continue until winter weather brings a shutdown for the winter. “The contractor, for the most part, will be working off the existing roadway through 2017 and traffic will remain on the existing road alignment until the

River Canyon between Shoshoni and Thermopolis. Tharp said the big rock is located at milepost 117.2 inside Wind River Canyon, roughly 16 miles south of Thermopolis, or about halfway between Shoshoni and Thermopolis. The road closures will be in effect from the south side of the Wind River Canyon tunnels – due to sight distance concerns – to north of the work zone. Digital message signs warning people of the closure will be in place on each end of Wind River Canyon.

Rockfall work on two highways near Cody CODY – A $2.2 million project to mitigate effects of falling rock involving two Wyoming highways is scheduled to begin in July on WYO 296 (Chief Joseph Scenic Highway) northwest of Cody and September on US 14-16-20 west of Cody. Prime contractor is Wilson Brothers Construction of Cowley. Motorists should expect traffic delays of up to 20 minutes, with traffic being controlled by flaggers and pilot vehicles at

Total number of employees: as of July 14, 2017

1,925

One month ago

1,923

One year ago

1,926

both work sites. WYDOT Resident Engineer Todd Frost of Cody said the focus of Chief Joseph Scenic Highway (WYO 296) improvements is in Paint Creek Canyon near the Northwest College Field Camp. “Work includes removal of existing damaged rockfall mesh, scaling loose rocks from the slopes and installation of new rockfall mesh in the same location,” Frost said. “Work was scheduled to begin about July 10, dependent upon favorable weather, and is scheduled to be completed prior to Aug. 31.” Frost said the contractor’s work west of the tunnels on US 14-16-20 is scheduled to start after Labor Day weekend (Sept. 4) and should be completed around Nov. 1, depending on favorable weather. “The purpose of this project at both locations is to address safety issues from falling rock and potential hazardous conditions,” Frost said. “Some of this work is being done to address concerns received by WYDOT from citizens who use the highways.” Wilson’s work includes grading, rockfall mitigation, milling asphalt, placing crushed gravel base, asphalt paving and other work on 1.31 miles of the two highways between Cody and Yellowstone National Park. The highway improvements west of Cody are located just west of the tunnels and adjacent to Buffalo Bill Reservoir on US 14-16-20. “The area is located immediately outside the west portal of the long tunnel and as you head west through the canyon area,” Frost said. Wilson’s scope of work west of Cody includes rock excavation for removal of overhanging rock, including blasting, scaling of loose rock, installation of rock bolts to stabilize slopes, and installation of rockfall mesh and a rockfall attenuator system at several locations. Contract completion date is May 31, 2018.

District-wide bridge rehab project underway

work on four bridges this year and 14 bridges next year in northwest Wyoming for prime contractor Reiman Corp. of Cheyenne. The work is scheduled in Big Horn, Fremont, Hot Springs and Park counties. Bridge work and traffic delays started the week of June 19 on the Kirby Creek bridge at milepost 1.90 on WYO 172. Following work on the Kirby Creek structure, bridge repairs are scheduled on the Meeteetse Creek Bridge on WYO 120 (milepost 54.26) north of Meeteetse. “There will be one-way traffic with traffic signals on these bridges until we have completed the work,” said WYDOT Resident Engineer Kaia Tharp of Thermopolis. Following work at Meeteetse Creek, the contractor is scheduled for work on Garland Canal bridge on WYO 295 (milepost 12.55) at the Bent Street intersection in Powell, and Sage Creek bridge south of Cowley on WYO 35 (milepost 0.72). “On these last bridges, the contractor has the option to close the road for 45 days, but is required by contract to give 14 days public notice to citizens prior to any closure,” Tharp said. Repairs and improvements include bridge deck repair, silica fume overlay, expansion joint replacement, and a few approach concrete slab replacements. The bridge rehab work will continue next summer with work on 14 bridges, including seven on the North Fork of the Shoshone River (US 14-16-20 west of Cody, one bridge on the South Fork of the Shoshone River (WYO 291), three bridges between Cody and the Montana State Line on WYO 120, the Greybull River Bridge in Greybull, and two bridges south of Dubois on US 26-287 southeast of Dubois. “We will be doing epoxy overlays on the bridge decks, including replacement of bridge expansion joints and some approach slab replacements,” Tharp said. Contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2018. n

THERMOPOLIS – A $2.95 million bridge rehabilitation project is underway with work beginning at Kirby Creek bridge on Black Mountain Road north of Thermopolis. Work on the Black Mountain Road (WYO 172) bridge is part of district-wide August 2017

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Photo: Jeff Goetz

Wyoming Boulevard at 12th Street

Casper area construction updates

I-25 overpass to Hat Six Road. The new surface is scheduled to be ready for traffic by the eclipse on Aug. 21. Hedquist Construction is finishing a rehabilitation job at the intersection of Wyoming Boulevard and 12th Street on Casper’s east side. The work includes the removal of the existing concrete surface, upgrading of utilities and water/sewer lines, and the repaving of the intersection in concrete. Work will be substantially completed and traffic will be back to normal in time for the eclipse. n

Photo: Jeff Goetz

Contractors are busy finishing road projects around Casper in time for the solar eclipse. Crews with Knife River have substantially completed milling and repaving of CY Avenue from Wyoming Boulevard to Robertson Road on Casper’s southwest side. In addition to a new driving surface, the contract added several left turn lanes along the route. The contractor is laying the wearing course – the final layer of pavement on the repaving of CY Avenue (WYO 229) from Wyoming Boulevard to Robertson Road in Casper. This project also added left turn lanes along the busy west side highway. Knife River is also currently working on a similar project on US 20-26-87 (Old Glenrock Highway) on the city’s east side. Work is underway to remove the old asphalt surface from the

The results of a day of pouring concrete on Wyoming Boulevard at 12th Street.

Photo: Jeff Goetz

CY Avenue project

Old Glenrock Highway milling project

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Wyoming Boulevard at Curtis Street

WYDOT, WHP prepared for solar eclipse in August

Photo: Rick Carpenter; graphic enhancement: Carlie Van Winkle

By Aimee Inama there’s a crash,” he said. After months of planning and preparation, the Wyoming WYDOT also will have mobile water tanks filled and ready to Department of Transportation and Wyoming Highway Patrol are assist with potential grass fires. ready for the Aug. 21 solar eclipse. With the high number of expected visitors, maintenance staff Throughout the past year, WYDOT and Patrol worked with will ensure WYDOT’s 37 rest areas are well maintained and different state, county and local entities to get prepared and ready ready. The rest areas will have extra supplies such as toilet paper for the increase in visitors to the state. and hand soap to accommodate the increase. WYDOT and Patrol met regularly with representatives from Another way WYDOT is helping with the anticipated increase the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security, the Wyoming Office in traffic is by temporarily halting some road construction projof Tourism, the Governor’s Office, emergency responders and ects in the path of totality and along some main highways that other groups as a way to coordinate efforts and prepare. people will use to access the eclipse path. The temporary work WYDOT officials appointed Nicole Alonzo, WYDOT’s liaison stoppage will take place between Aug. 19 through Aug. 23. for special projects and the department’s eclipse coordinator, and The Wyoming Highway Patrol will have troopers working 12seven others to an eclipse committee to review travel and other hour shifts to help keep motorists safe. Patrol officials also have transportation-related issues. been meeting with local law enforcement, the state Department “We’ve been working together within the department, with of Health, homeland security and others to prepare. Patrol and with entities all over the state to ensure the safety “We are cognizant of the fact that we will have a large number of the traveling public, our residents and visitors to our state,” of people coming into the state to experience this historic event,” Alonzo said. said Lt. Col. Shannon Ratliff. “We want to The efforts WYDOT, Patrol and the state ensure people enjoy their time in Wyoare doing will also welcome visitors to the ming. Patrol comes from the public safety state, where they can experience all that the side. Our mission is to ensure the public state has to offer. travels safely.” “This is about a celebration of WyoOne of the questions Patrol has ming,” said WYDOT Director Bill Panos. received the most from potential eclipse “We’re likely to have more people here in visitors is if they can park their vehicles on our state then we’ve had before. This event the side of the road. State statute prohibits will give us a chance to show what Wyovehicles from parking on the side of the ming is all about and to welcome visitors to road or in the space between the road and our great state.” the right-of-way fence. One of the first major partnerships of the Preparing for the Aug. 21 total solar eclipse has “We don’t want people to park on the taken months of planning by many agencies. eclipse preparations was the solar eclipse side of the interstates or roads because it map, created for the Wyoming Office of may cause a crash or a pedestrian may get Tourism by the WYDOT GIS/ITS team. hurt,” Ratliff said. “The grass might also be taller in those areas, The WYDOT GIS/ITS team, led by program manager Vince which may increase the chance of a wildfire.” Garcia, developed and programmed the interactive map, which The Public Affairs Office also designed the 2017 state highway showcases the path of totality, eclipse events, cities in the path, map with an eclipse theme. Carlie Van Winkle, PAO graphic deviewing locations, state park campgrounds, visitor information signer, designed the map to include eclipse information such as centers and other vital information. duration of the event, viewing tips and websites to visit for more “We’re pleased to have worked with tourism and developed a information. map that will help visitors to the state enjoy this once-in-a-life“Our state highway map is an excellent way for us to reach time event,” Garcia said. “We were able to partner with tourism tourists visiting our state,” said Doug McGee, Public Affairs and help get this informative map out to the public.” manager. “The state map is a very popular tool for tourism and Besides the eclipse map on tourism’s website, Garcia and his we’re pleased we were able to partner with the Wyoming Office team also added a new “eclipse forecasted road construction” of Tourism and produce this collector’s item map.” layer to the Wyoming travel information map on the wyoroad. WYDOT’s Aeronautics Division also is prepared for the info website. The layer shows impactful road construction projevent. Aeronautics Administrator Amy Surdam had her program ects that are expected to be active during the eclipse. reach out to each of the airports to see what they’re anticipating WYDOT’s Transportation Management Center also will be and what preparations they’ve made. using its overhead message signs to display incident-based mesAirport officials are keeping WYDOT informed of the latest sages for travelers. If the department needs to redirect traffic or developments, and indicated that they are ready with additional if there’s vital information about an event further down the road, staff, fuel, tie downs and other services for the potential influx of the overhead signs will display that information. travelers. Along with the overhead message signs, WYDOT will have “We are working together with our local airport partners to mobile messaging signs ready in case they’re needed. Kent Ketensure travelers have the best experience possible,” Surdam said. terling, state maintenance engineer, has been working with the “We are also excited to welcome visitors to our state for this district maintenance engineers to coordinate this effort. historic event.” n “The vehicle-mounted signs will be used for emergencies or if August 2017

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District 2: history as varied as its topography C By Jeff Goetz, District 2 Public Involvement Specialist

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Photo: Jeff Goetz

overing a large portion of eastern Wyoming, District 2 encompasses all or portions of nine counties, stretching from Kaycee in the north to Chugwater in the south and from Jeffrey City in the west to Torrington in the east. Like most of the state, the geography within District 2 is varied. Traveling westward from the Nebraska border, the farmland in the east gradually gives way to hills and mountains; crags and escarpments; buttes and plateaus. Within the district’s boundaries, Laramie Peak keeps watch over Platte County, towering above the plains at just over 10,000 feet. Farther north, Casper Mountain casts its 8,300 foot shadow over the largest city in the district. District 2 is a land shaped by water, wind and time and its people by determination and opportunity. Its history is as varied as its terrain. Pick a location within the district and chances are something significant once took place. With around 3,400 lane miles of highways, there’s plenty of room to explore the District’s scenic terrain and its rich history.

Left: A view from atop the canyon once used by cattle rustlers and outlaws as a hideout, located in the northern part of the district.

Photo: Jeff Goetz

Red Wall Country: The view entering Hole-in-the-Wall country is lined with beautiful red buttes.

and Devil’s Gate. The Bozeman Trail runs from Fort Laramie through Douglas and Casper northward to Kaycee and beyond. Hole-in-the-Wall There’s a vast stretch of land southwest of Kaycee, just beyond Barnum, that has looked virtually the same for the past 100 years. The Hole-in-the-Wall area is remote, dry and dusty, and it contains some of the most striking red buttes, deep canyons and beautiful rock formations in the state. It was a known hideout for outlaws and cattle rustlers during the Wild West days and witnessed the start of the Johnson County War. This large canyon area of northern Natrona and southern Johnson counties was an ideal location for outlaws to hide out and for livestock rustlers to rest their bounty. It’s remote. It offered safety and seclusion for those on the run thanks to narrow passages and limited accessibility. There were few places lawmen could surprise the outlaws. Butch Cassidy used it, so did the Sundance Kid and the rest of the loosely affiliated “Hole-in-theWall” gang. From 1889-93, a series of rangeland disputes led to what became known as the Johnson County War. The “war” was a prolonged battle between Wyoming’s powerful “cattle barons” and an increasing number of settlers and small cattle ranchers over grazing rights. At the time, Wyoming was a free-range territory allowing

Photo: Jeff Goetz

Immigrant Trails Native people have called Wyoming home for thousands of years but it wasn’t until 1812 that the first Europeans began moving through the area in numbers, paving the way for generations of travelers, explorers and settlers to follow suit. The mid-1800s was the era of the “Great Immigration” to the northwestern portion of the United States. To get to these new lands, migrants established trails marking the best routes to the new territories. Trails such as the Oregon, the Mormon, the California and the Bozeman, all tracked through the district. More than 500,000 people made their way along the trails; the number declined only when the Transcontinental Railroad was completed in 1869. The Oregon, Mormon and California trails followed similar routes into central Wyoming converging on refueling sites such as Fort Laramie, Fort Fetterman and Fort Caspar. At Fort Fetterman, the Bozeman trail turned northward, the other trails west. These forts were established primarily to provide protection for migrants as relations with the Native American tribes could be dubious. Forts also provided supplies and other needed services for the travelers. While most settlers felt their destiny and fortune lay beyond Wyoming, many stayed behind, seizing upon what Wyoming had to offer. Catering to the needs of migrants was one opportunity. The trails followed the meandering North Platte and Sweetwater rivers crossing at Fort Laramie, Fort Fetterman (Douglas), Casper and Sweetwater Station, before leav- Rock of the Glen: Though not as famous as Rock, emigrants along the Oregon ing the district near Independence Trail would have passed the Rock of the Glen in South Pass City. Glenrock first, carving their names into history. These river crossings were often dangerous and ferry crossings were established where the trails met water. Others who stayed traded goods and services with the settlers or fed their cattle. Fort Laramie thrived. By the 1840s, it was the only permanent trading post from Fort Kearny, Nebraska, to Fort Bridger in southwestern Wyoming. Douglas owes its existence to Fort Fetterman, serving as a supply hub for travelers and ranchers. Out of Fort Caspar, the city of Casper grew. As with other towns along the trails, Casper was a town before it was officially a town, serving as a supply hub and river crossing point. Other supply points, ferry crossings, junctions and rest areas dotted the trails. Many came and went throughout the district. When the Transcontinental Railroad opened for business, use of all of the trails diminished. Railroads expanded into Wyoming in the late 1880s and places like Bessemer ceased to exist, bypassed by the tracks. The Oregon, California and Mormon trails bisect District 2 from the Torrington area through Casper to Independence Rock

View from cave: It’s not hard to see why outlaws and cattle rustlers hid out in Hole-in-the-Wall country. Looking up from the hideout cave once used by Butch Cassidy among other outlaws.

August 2017

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anyone to graze cattle upon public land. However, the barons protected their herds and interests vigorously and essentially controlled the limited grazing land. As the number of settlers and small-scale ranchers moved into the territory, the amount of food and water available for all cattle diminished. Add a drought here and there and some harsh winters and the interests of all collided. Water and grazing were withheld from the smaller operations. The cattle barons aggressively pursued rustling; often allegations were as good as any evidence or conviction. The Wyoming Stock Growers Association made it difficult for anyone to register a new brand in the state. The smaller operators eventually banded together to push for the formation of the Northern Wyoming Farmers and Stock Growers Association to counteract the harassment and intimida-

Photo courtesy of the Blackmore Collection, Casper College Western History Center

Photo courtesy of the Buffalo Bulletin

TA Ranch Stable: The Regulators brought in by the big Wyoming cattle barons, were chased to this stable at the TA Ranch, located between Kaycee and Buffalo, by a posse of over 200 men after the Regulators killed Nate Champion at the KC Ranch.

tion of the large companies. Threatened, in 1892 the Wyoming Stock Growers Association hired a slew of gunmen, including alleged killers, to protect its interests. Known as Wolcott’s Regulators, the 50 or so men set out from Cheyenne to Buffalo first confronting Nate Champion, an outspoken smaller cattle rancher whom they believed was an organizer of the Northern Wyoming movement. A year earlier, Champion survived an assassination attempt by the barons’ hired men, identifying one. This time around, tracked to the KC Ranch, Champion wouldn’t be so lucky. Champion and another cowboy were killed after an hourslong standoff. During the shooting, a suspected rustler who was at the ranch with Champion managed to escape, making it to Buffalo to warn the townspeople of the regulators. A Sheriff ’s posse of over 200 men was organized, tracking the Regulators to the nearby TA Ranch besieging them. When word of the confrontation reached Cheyenne, the U.S. Cavalry was sent from Fort McKinney to save the Regulators and take them into protective custody. Charges were filed, court cases were fought, but eventually the entire matter was dropped thanks to the power the barons held statewide. However, the Johnson County War ultimately led to the end of cattle barons’ power; changing the Wyoming Stock Grower’s Association, opening the organization to all cattle operations. Kaycee is named for the KC Ranch and its owner, John Nolan. The Hole-in-the-Wall area is located southwest of Kaycee via WYO 190.

Photo: Jeff Goetz

Midwest Oil refinery: The Midwest Oil Company refinery in Casper, shown here around 1920 with the North Platte River in the foreground, was later bought by Standard Oil.

Midwest Oil Derrick: Early oil derrick located at Midwest.

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August 2017

Teapot Dome Scandal Though it was long-known that Natrona County contained oil, throughout much of its history there was a very limited market for it. The first recorded oil sales were in 1863 as a lubricant for migrating settlers’ wagons. By the end of the century the market for gasoline engines had skyrocketed. Casper was a respectable player in this emerging oil and gas business with its first refinery opening in 1895. At one point, the city boasted five refineries. The prospect of controlling the oil fields in District 2 drove one man to bribery and created a scandal that epitomized corruption for decades. Harry Sinclair was a failed pharmacist turned oilman. After closing his pharmacy in 1901, Sinclair took a job working with the booming oil industry. He quickly learned the ropes, becoming a millionaire by his 30th birthday. Sinclair rode the newfound

Postcard from wyomingtalesandtrails.com

wave of oil up the speculative ladder, buying and selling oil leases. With his wealth, he acquired a failing Oklahoma bank (now the Bank of Oklahoma) and later formed the Sinclair Oil and Refining Corporation in 1916. He also acquired powerful contacts within the federal government. By 1920, the United States owned large oil reserves in different parts of the country. One such reserve was the 10,000 acre Teapot Dome Reserve, located south of present-day Midwest. These reserves were to be used to supply the U.S. Navy, which had begun to refit its coal powered fleet with oil-fired power plants a few years earlier. To ensure the Navy would have enough fuel for any event, the reserves were off-limits to private oil companies and were only to be tapped in case of emergency. Naturally, such vast reserves of untapped oil could create controversy: The oil companies arguing for the right to drill such lands and the government wanting to protect them just in case. In 1921, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Albert Fall convinced President Warren Harding to transfer control of the Teapot Dome Reserve and the Elk Hills and Buena Vista Oil Fields in California from the Navy Department to the Department of the Interior. It took until 1922 before the transfer became official.

Teapot Rock: This early postcard shows Teapot Rock, a sedimentary rock formation located south of Midwest which gave its name to the Teapot Dome oil reserve and subsequent scandal known as the Teapot Dome Scandal. Years of erosion has worn away the “handle” and the “spout.”

Exploring the district Encompassing all or a portion of nine counties, District 2 covers more land than several small eastern states. It is rich in natural beauty with mountains, plateaus, rivers and plains. It’s rich also in history with enough stories to devote volumes of books to. District 2 is a place to sample a bowl of Chugwater Chili, go fishing at Glendo Reservoir and drive through the haunting emptiness of Jeffrey City. From the migrant names etched into Rock of the Glen, to the names carved into Independence Rock, one can trace the steps early settlers took to reach their dreams. At Outlaw Caves, it’s not hard to imagine Butch Cassidy and his gang riding out of the dust. Driving through Casper, one can see the evolution from a protective fort to an oil-boom, small cosmopolitan city. No matter which direction you choose to go within District 2, chances are you’ll find something interesting. n

Editor’s Note: These are very condensed descriptions of stories from WYDOT District 2. For more information on the history of the area, and the state, visit wyomingtalesandtrails.com and wyohistory.org. August 2017

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Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress

Photo courtesy of the Stimson Collection, Wyoming State Archives

Sheep crossing: There were more sheep in Natrona County than cattle by 1903. More than 3,000 sheep crossed this bridge near Alcova when this picture was taken.

With control of the two strategic oil reserves, Fall approved a lease for each site, with Sinclair and Mammoth Oil (a Sinclair affiliate company) granted oil production rights to Teapot Dome. Sinclair was a close friend of Fall; the lessee of the California reserves was as well. Soon after the approval of the leases, Fall became a wealthy man bestowed with gifts and no-interest loans totaling well over $6 million in today’s dollars. Thanks to a tip given to then Senator John Kendrick (later Wyoming’s governor), an investigation ensued and the Teapot Dome Scandal erupted. Fall was convicted of accepting bribes and sent to prison – the first Cabinet-level officer in American history to go to jail for crimes committed while serving in office. Sinclair served jail time – not for bribery – but for other crimes committed during the scandal. The leases were deemed illegal in 1927 and the Teapot Dome Reserve remained dormant under Federal control until 1976. The term “Teapot Dome” came to symbolize government corruption for nearly two generations. Teapot Dome is located south of Midwest on WYO 259. Sinclair Oil Corporation still plays an important role in Wyoming, with two refineries Albert Fall who served as U.S. Secretary of the Interior in 1921, accepted bribes totaling millions in the state, one in of dollars in exchange for allowing Sinclair comSinclair and one in pany Mammoth Oil to exclusively drill oil on the Teapot Dome Naval oil reserve. Casper.

Noteworthy

Driver license and motor vehicle registration fees increased By Aimee Inama Motorists will pay more for driver license and motor vehicle registration fees. The increase took effect July 1. During the 2017 legislative session, lawmakers approved two bills, which will increase the fees for a driver license and the state’s portion of motor vehicle registrations. The increases will replace a portion of the $25 million in state general funding lawmakers removed from the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s budget this past session. WYDOT received those funds each fiscal year to maintain and operate the state roadways and bridges. “With WYDOT no longer receiving any general funds from the state, the fee increases will be used to maintain a safe, high-quality and efficient transportation system to the traveling public,” said WYDOT Director Bill Panos. For motor vehicle registrations, the increases depend on the type of vehicle. For passenger cars, the state portion will increase from $15 to $30, the legislative bill showed. That means if a passenger car’s registration fee is $300, Wyoming highways previously received $15 but will now receive $30. The county then gets the remainder of the funds. “State lawmakers last increased the state portion of vehicle registration fees in 1975,” Panos said. Although driver licenses fees also are increasing, it marks the first time it’s happened in 24 years. “The last time there was an increase was in 1993,” Panos said. “Previously, the fees collected covered 40 percent of the costs

of producing a driver’s license. The increases will now cover 80 percent of the costs.” For a driver’s license, the fee will increase from $20 to $40, the legislative bill showed.

State Motor Vehicle Registration Fees Old Fee

New Fee

Passenger Vehicles

$15

$30

School Buses

$10

$25

Motorcycles Multipurpose Vehicles

$12

$25

Noncommercial Trailers

Varies based on weight. There are six weight classifications. For example, 1,000 pounds or less the state fee will increase from $2 to $5, 3,501 to 4,500 pounds will increase from $20 to $40 and 6,001 pounds or more will increase from $60 to $9.

Commercial Vehicles

Varies based on weight. There are 30 weight classifications. For example, 26,000 or less will increase from $180 to $198, 50,001 to 52,000 will increase from $475 to $522.50 and 78,001 to 80,000 will increase from $825 to $907.50.

Driver License Fees

Old Fee

New Fee

Driver License

$20

$40

Driver License Renewal

$15

$30

Commercial License

$25

$50

Commercial License Renewal

$20

$40

Commercial Learner’s Permit

$20

$40

Commercial Learner’s Permit Renewal

$20

$40

Restricted License

$10

$20

Temporary Motorcycle Permit

Temporary Motorcycle Permit Renewal

Motorcycle

Motorcycle Renewal

Commercial Skills Test Fee

$40

$80

Driver License w/ Limited Privileges (Probationary)

$25

$50

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August 2017

This year’s PMI evaluation phase will open Aug. 1 and close on Oct. 2. This evaluation phase allows supervisors to evaluate an employee’s performance over the last performance period. The supervisor should provide feedback or written justification and a rating based on employee performance. Helpful hints: n Supervisors: If your employees are using the feedback, goal notes and status tools in the employee pages, please take time to update those before you open your employee form, as it will make the process much smoother. n Supervisors: If your employee is on protected leave and

will not return during this phase, please complete the evaluation to Step 4 where you meet with the employee. If your employee is terminating or retiring before the end of this phase, an evaluation must be completed.

n Please plan accordingly to complete all required sign-offs

by 10 p.m. Oct. 2. (There is friendly competition among the HR staff to have a 100 percent completion rate!)

n Do not include mentions of FMLA, medical leave, TTD,

workers’ comp, injuries, personal matters, or any disparaging information.

plann ing

PMI Evaluation Phase Reminders

c g chin oa

HR Happenings

performance management instrument

rev ie w

n Focus on performance, feedback and development. Allow

for open discussion.

n New employees hired on or after July 1 are not evaluated

in this phase. They will begin in the PMI Planning phase tentatively opening Oct. 9.

n If you need a Halogen password reset, please contact a

District or Program HR representative, or email dothumanresources@wyo.gov. Please include your employee ID and date of birth with your request.

For helpful tools and training for PMI, you can visit http:// ai-hrd.wyo.gov/human-resources-division/employee-resources/ performance-management-instrument-pmi If you have questions or concerns regarding Halogen or the PMI evaluation phase, please contact your program’s senior HR associate or email dot-humanresources@wyo.gov. n

WHP Total number of highway fatalities: as of July 25, 2017

one year ago

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.

Jake Cheser Robert Emmitt Gage Hoff Scott Hokanson Lyle Lamb Austin Murphy

Steve Paumer Patrick Rudd Lyle Short Kent Smith Sara Wimmer

For more information about the Extra Mile Award or to nominate someone, contact Katherine Castaneda at Katherine.Castaneda@wyo.gov.

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TechNotes

process.

Improved security is a good thing By Rusty England, IT Over the years, WYDOT has had several email accounts hijacked. Basically, an unauthorized individual accesses the account owner’s user-id and password. Moving to 2-factor authentication (2fa) will address this problem. Everyone with a state Gmail account will need to use 2fa by Sept. 13. This article explains how to make the move and answers some questions about how it works.

How to make the move:

There are a few simple steps to follow. 1) Sign in to your Gmail account.

5) Once you’re finished, you’ll be taken to the 2-step verification settings page. Here you will review your settings and add backup phone numbers.

2) Then open a new tab and go to: https://goo.gl/LUuwaZ 3) Click the arrow next to 2-step verification to turn the verification process on.

4) Select “Get Started” and follow the step-by-step setup

Answers to some questions

Q What if I don’t answer the phone?

Q What if none of this works?

A If you chose to get codes by voice call, a voicemail with the verification code will be left on your phone.

A Call 777-3995 or 777-5000.

Q What if I’m not near my primary phone?

Q What if I don’t have access to a phone?

A You can check “Remember verification for this computer,” then will only be prompted to enter a verification code once every 30 days per browser or after deleting the browser’s cookies. (You should not check this if you’re at a public or shared computer.)

A You have the option of printing backup codes to use when you don’t have access to your phone.

Q What happens on Sept. 13 if I haven’t switched?

A If you’ve lost access to your primary phone, you can select to have codes sent to backup phones.

The next time you sign in, you’ll receive a message with a verification code. n

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August 2017

Q Do I have to enter this code every time I sign in?

A You’ll be locked out of your account and you’ll need to call 777-3995 or 777-5000 to get back in.

Training

Shedding Light on the WELL By Todd DePorter, Training Services When Thomas Edison invented the incandescent light bulb in 1879, many people were against the change this new invention would bring. According to Ernest Freeberg, author of “The Age of Edison, Electric Light and the Invention of Modern America,” society reeled against using incandescent light bulbs to bring to light the dark and seedy streets and alleys at night. Freeberg also mentioned Americans had become comfortable with the inferior lighting technology of the day, which was natural and kerosene gas burning lamp posts. This example is nothing compared to the pace of change we experience in today’s world. If you’re like me, you do your best not to get wrapped up in all these changes we encounter at home and at our workplace. However, I‘ve come to realize you can’t really avoid everything and some things do require adaptation in order to thrive. At WYDOT University, we continue to research smarter and simpler ways to deliver quality learning to our fellow WYDOT team members. As an example, in April of 2015 we introduced the WYDOT e-Learning Library (WeLL) in an effort to extend professional development and training opportunities to WYDOT’s employees all across the state. The WeLL has made it possible for you to access professional development training at a time and location of your choosing. Currently, the WeLL consists of over 700 virtual courses and books that cover everything from communication to managing conflict. Many WYDOT employees have taken advantage of the WeLL to meet their Performance Management

Improvement goals. Using this approach has saved WYDOT the cost of travel and the cost of being away from work for an extended time to attend classroom training. We will soon release an upgraded WeLL that will act as your Learning Management System. The new WeLL will be referred to as the WYDOT Employee Learning Library (WELL), with the emphasis on serving you, the employee. The WELL will have a modern look and feel to it. It is being designed for the easy searching of courses, as well as putting more control into your hands when it comes to registering for WYDOT sponsored or supported courses. You will have the flexibility to search for a technical or professional development course on the calendar schedule, in the search block or by browsing the online catalog. Additionally, we continue to work with all of our third party eLearning suppliers to combine your online learning activity into one convenient learning transcript that can be easily accessed and printed from the WELL. These are just a few improvements you can anticipate as we move forward with the implementation and launch at the new WELL. Edison’s light bulb did more than just light up some streets and homes. His invention extended our naturally lighted days into artificially lighted nights, which allow us today to read, learn, and prosper after the sun goes down. Along these same lines, the WELL’s new capabilities give you the opportunity to leverage today’s technology innovation and will give you more control of your training and development needs. n

Check out these upcoming training opportunities from WYDOT-U, the Transportation Learning Network (TLN) and WeLL.

Coming in August: Date Class

PMI Competency

Location

Coming in September: Date Class

PMI Competency

Location

8/1/17 8/2/17 8/7/17 8/15/17 8/16/17 8/28/17

9/13/17

Franklin Covey’s Writing Advantage Franklin Covey’s Meeting Advantage New Supervisors Orientation Effective Telephone Skills Franklin Covey’s Presentation Advantage New Employee Orientation

Franklin Covey’s 5 Choices to Extraordinary Productivity

Personal Effectiveness Leadership Leadership Customer Service Communication Communication

WYDOT-U WYDOT-U WYDOT-U WYDOT-U WYDOT-U WYDOT-U

Judgment & Decision Making

WYDOT-U

To register or for more details, visit the Training Program intranet page. August 2017

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District News

Congratulations

Headquarters

Welcome

Service Awards

Tia Farmer, Driver Services-Laramie; Evan Lucas, Bridge-Engineering Design; Kristina Sanchez, Financial ServicesDisbursements.

Patrick Lewis, Chief Technology Officer – 25 years; Clifford Neal, Materials-Bituminous – 15 years; Kirsten Rigg, Internal Review – 15 years; Melissa Higgins, Patrol-Dispatch – 10 years; Lewis Troy Berg, Telecom-WYOLINK – 10 years; Ginni Stevens, Highway Project Management Oversight – 5 years; Hilary Wasserburger, Human Rigg Resources – 5 years; Reginald Boyd, Bridge-Engineering Design – 5 years; and Tracy Romero, Driver Services-Training – 5 years.

Promotions and Transfers Kacey Brown, Planning-Local Government Coordination; Raquel Christensen, Human Resources; Ken DeJersey, Right of Way-Negotiations; Amy Lambert, Right of Way-Engineering; Sarah Rickgauer, Materials-Design and Roadway; Meadow Ridley, Highway Development-Project Development; and Ty Zwonitzer, Right of Way-Property ManChristensen agement.

DeJersey

Lambert

Rickgauer

Zwonitzer

Wasserburger

Boyd

Rhonda Harsy has been selected as the Financial Services Administrator in Cheyenne. She started in this position July 10. Harsy has worked for the state of Wyoming since October 2013, most recently as a principal accountant for the treasurer’s office.

Retirements Paul Jones retired on July 12 with more than 30 years of service to the state. He began his career as an engineer in Afton. Later, he came to Cheyenne to work in Jones the Traffic Program. At retirement, he was the assistant state traffic engineer. Jones is a graduate of the University of Wyoming with both a B.S. and M.S. in civil engineering. Prior to coming to WYDOT, Jones worked on his family’s ranch in Montana, as summer help at Game and Fish for two summers and also as a production engineer for Shell Oil in Houston, Texas.

Clarification To clear up confusion that may have been caused by the June issue’s Promotions and Transfers entry of Christine Yaffa, Planning-System Planning, she has not moved from Aeronautics. The entry should have read Aeronautics-Airports Planning and Budgeting. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused Christine and any of our readers. n

Romero

District 1

Welcome

Promotions and Transfers

Christopher Escobedo, Cheyenne Construction; and Michael Ramberg, Highway Development-Project Development-Laramie Design Squad.

Bame

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Colter Bame, Laramie Maintenance; Austin Christopherson, Rawlins Mechanics; Kevin Erickson, Cheyenne Construction; and Dennis Goodwin, Saratoga Maintenance. n Christopherson

August 2017

Erickson

Goodwin

Get those photos in!

District 2

Promotions and Transfers

Cradle Call

Travis Jorgensen, Chugwater Maintenance.

Kadi and Andrew Bradfield are the proud new parents of Ellis Andrew. Ellis was born March 13 and weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces and measured 20 inches long. Mom, Kadi, is an engineer in Douglas.

Service Awards Debra Shuler, Driver Services-Douglas/Wheatland – 25 years; Douglas Hughes, Mechanics – 10 years; and Linda Martinez, Driver ServicesCasper – 5 years.

Rides Deadline:

08/11/17 carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov

Jorgensen

Photo courtesy of the Bradfield family

Classic? Hot rod? Late model? Two wheeler?

Martinez

District 3

Welcome

District 4

Richard Floyd, Telecom-District 3 Radio Shop; and Mark Schon, Jackson Construction.

Promotions and Transfers John Cunningham, Driver ServiceJackson/Afton; and Robert Hass, Patrick Draw Maintenance.

Welcome

Toone

Hass

Service Awards

Ozga

Service Awards Jerry Buckley, Sheridan Construction – 25 years; and Mark Townsend, Sheridan Mechanics – 20 years.

Jerup

Retirements

Photo: WYDOT

Donna Morss, Pinedale Construction – 25 years; Frances Reed, District 3 Maintenance Staff – 25 years; Mary Toone, Rock Springs Construction – 20 years;

George Ozga, Jackson Mechanics – 15 years; Michael Jerup, Jackson Maintenance – 10 years; and Allen Wallace, Jackson Patrol – 5 years. n

Linda Bauer, Driver Services-Sheridan/Buffalo; Nellie Corean, Sundance Port of Entry; Ella Lopez, Driver Services-Sheridan/Buffalo; Brenton Orsborn, Newcastle Maintenance.

Morss

Reed

The Jackson crew participated in a local 4th of July parade with plow vehicles and the avalanche howitzer cannon. From left: Brian Gorsage, Jamie Yount, Bruce Daigle and Carl Bennett.

Buckley

Joni Kachelhoffer retired on July 4 with 36 years of service to WYDOT. Kachelhoffer was the resident engineer in Newcastle for 21 years. Kachelhoffer began her career with Kachelhoffer WYDOT as an engineer analyst in Gillette in June 1981. She attended the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, graduating with a B.S. in civil engineering. n August 2017

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District 5

Service Awards Davi Duran, Riverton Construction – 35 years;

Klein

Sanders

ading! Re

Allison

le Afte yc

Frederick

ease Re c Pl

Duran

Mathew Sanders, Lander Maintenance – 35 years; Claudia Frederick, Basin Construction – 30 years; Corliss Allison, District 5 Administration – 10 years; and Joseph Klein, Cody Maintenance – 5 years.

Passings Robert L. Beck

Robert “Bob” L. Beck, Jr., 64, of Rawlins died July 9. Beck retired from WYDOT on July 4, with 25 years of service to the state. He worked on the Rawlins Maintenance crew for 13 years. Prior to WYDOT, he Beck worked at the Wyoming State Penitentiary for 12 years. Beck was born Dec. 14, 1952, in Rawlins and when he was of age, served in the U.S. Army. Following discharge, he began working for Halliburton. Beck returned to military service after his time at Halliburton by enlisting in the U.S. Navy. He retired from the military after 26 years of service. He also worked for Skiduel and the Carbon County school district driving a school bus. Beck was the quartermaster at the Rawlins V.F.W. and was also a member of the Odd Fellows. He will be missed by many. Services were held July 21 at the Rawlins Cooperative Parish. n

WTDEA

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August 2017

The WTDEA hosted 54 fishermen at Grayrocks Reservoir for the 2017 Walleye Derby.

second place 30 percent and third place took home 20 percent. A huge thank you to WTDEA for the support and contributions. WTDEA handed out $200 in door prizes. Brian Jones at Sportsmen’s Warehouse gave a 10 percent discount to help the WTDEA purchase the door prizes. The WDTEA Walleye Derby looks forward to seeing you all next year and remember – register early. n

Photo: WYDOT

The Annual WTDEA Walleye Derby was a huge success with 49 adult participants this year and five youth. The derby took place June 10 at Grayrocks Reservoir northeast of Wheatland. Contestants were allowed to start fishing as early as 5 a.m., and just needed to meet at the far east boat ramp in the early afternoon to qualify for prizes. Three prizes were awarded. Firstplace winner was Darren Albright with a walleye weighing in at 5.70 pounds. Second-place finisher was Eric Wiltanger who reeled in a walleye weighing in at 2.62 pounds. Third place went to Zach Calaway landing a catch of 2.44 pounds. The winning contestants each received a portion of the money collected for the event. First place was awarded 50 percent,

Photo: WYDOT

2017 Walleye Derby; a huge success

The winners of the 2017 derby. From left: Zach Calaway, third place; Darren Albright, first place; and Eric Wiltanger, second place.

Help give school supplies to students in need. Donations accepted starting

June 21

Please drop off supplies at Needs Inc., LCCC, Laramie County Library and F.E. Warren Air Force Base

For more information: LCSD1 Supplies will help elementary, junior high, high school and college students in Laramie County

Make checks payable to:

Needs Inc., Attn: OBTS • 900 Central Ave., Cheyenne, WY 82007

BULK ITEMS needed

• Erasers • Glue Sticks • Index Cards • Kleenex • Highlighters • Jump Drives • Backpacks

• Post-It Notes • Ballpoint Pens • Colored Pencils • Pocket Folders • Tabbed Dividers • 3-Ring Notebooks

• Scissors (right & left) • Calculator (basic, TI-84) • Pencils (#2 & mechanical) • Loose Leaf Paper (college)

771-2192 Needs Inc.

632-4132 LCSD1 K–6 Supply List:

• Composition Notebooks (wide/college) • Markers (regular/ washable) (thin/ wide)

1 Box #2 Pencils (24 ct) 2 Boxes of Tissue 4 Glue Sticks 1 Box Fat Washable Markers (10 ct) 1 Box Crayons (24 ct) 2 Large Erasers 1 Backpack

It typically costs $50 to outfit a student with basic school supplies

Sponsored by: F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Laramie County Community College, Laramie County School District 1 and Needs Inc.

August 2017

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Looking to refinance… we’re with you. With a variety of options, WyHy is able to help you refinance an existing home loan you have elsewhere. • Conventional, VA, FHA and USDA home loan options • Loan-to-Values (LTVs) up to 100% • Competitive rates • 10, 15, 20 and 30 year terms • Easy online access to make payments, check your balance and more • Interest Saver Program where you can have payments automatically deducted from your account every 2 weeks, shaving years off of the life of your loan! • Pay your home loan off sooner with our Streamline Mortgage At least 98% of mortgages are retained by the servicer throughout the lifetime of the loan and a WyHy representative is with you from application to closing and beyond!

Not sure if refinancing your current home loan would be the best decision and money-saving option for you? No worries, we can sit down with you to look at your current situation, develop a plan and figure out the best route for you.

Looking to purchase a new home, or second home? We can help with that too!

WyHy.org/HomeLoans • 307-638-4200 22

Interchange

August 2017

Check your answers on the intranet site, or if not able to access the employee site: www.dot.state.wy.us/home/engineering_technical_programs/manuals_publications/interchange.html.

Photo: Carlie Van Winkle

Break Time

Take five and find five differences in the images.

Interchange subscription issue? Update your address:

1) Complete and return this slip to WYDOT Public Affairs Office, 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, WY 82009, or 2) Send an email to Carlie Van Winkle at carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov. Add me to the mailing list

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Name change, I am a family member of a deceased employee, but I would like to continue receiving Interchange.

Name Current address City, State, Zip Previous address City, State, Zip

August 2017

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