December 2015 Interchange by WYDOT

December 2015, Vol. 43, Issue 12

Letters

Interchange

Kudos for Driver Services I just wanted to take a moment to let you know how great your staff at the drivers license office in Cheyenne is. I needed to renew my license, as we recently moved here, and I was taken care of by Jacque. She was wonderful â&#x20AC;&#x201C; efficient and pleasant. I was in and out in less than 30 minutes. While waiting, I also heard interactions that other customers were having with other staff and all of the employees were pleasant. It was wonderful to see and experience. Thanks for hiring such great people!

Anna Marie Akerley

Way to go, Motor Vehicle Services! Thank you for all of the assistance your department has provide us over the years. I want to give a special thanks to Jody Brown and Shannon Degrazio for all of their help through all the name changes and new ownership over the last several years. Those two wonderful ladies always provided great advice and assistance with exceptional patience as we change owners and employees. I will miss working with them both. Sincerely,

Claudia Steinke BlueLine Rental

Buckle up every day this winter season!

Total number of employees: as of Nov. 10, 2015

1,944

One month ago

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 email to carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov

1,967

One year ago

1,959

Staff

WHP Total number of highway fatalities: as of Nov. 23, 2015

136

one year ago

WYDOT Interim Director: William T. Panos Public Affairs Manager: Doug McGee Editor/Art Director: Carlie Van Winkle Contributors: Bruce Burrows Public Affairs Dave Kingham Public Affairs Carlie Van Winkle Public Affairs Ross Doman District 1 Jeff Goetz District 2 Stephanie Harsha District 3 Ronda Holwell District 4 Cody Beers District 5 Sgt. David Wagener Patrol Photography: Rick Carpenter Public Affairs

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a n

December 2015

DOT publication

Also in this issue:

Contents

By the Numbers...................2 Letters.....................................2 District briefs.........................4

Training at a Glance..........13 District news..................... 14 Awards..................................17

Extra Mile Awards............ 18 Passings................................18 Halloween Hijinks.............19

8 WHP Class 89 commissioned

Rides..................................... 20 Break Time.......................... 23

New troopers sworn in on Nov. 5

9 District 2 road work projects

2015 busy year for construction work

10 Highway Safety Office

Group takes steps to reduce deaths and injuries

Be sure to check out the online version of Interchange at http://issuu.com/wydot.pao, or click on the link found on the employeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s internal website home page.

On the cover:

Snowmobiling in the Snowies. Photo: Rick Carpenter

December 2015

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Transportation commission awards $23.6 million in highway contracts Cheyenne – Contracts totaling $23.6 million for eight highway projects around the state, including three to be funded with revenue from the 10-cent fuel tax increase, were awarded by the Wyoming Transportation Commission during its November meeting in Cheyenne. Riverside Contracting of Missoula, Mont., submitted the low bid of $7.8 million for improvements to nearly 13 miles of the southbound lanes of Interstate 25 from about 1 mile south of Kaycee north to Antelope Creek. The work will include milling off deteriorating pavement and replacing it with a new layer of pavement, along with isolated reconstruction. The contract completion date is Oct. 31. Worland’s McGarvin-Moberly Construction was the low bidder at $4.4 million for improvements to nearly 11 miles of WYO 270 just north of Hartville. The work will be funded with revenue from the 10-cent fuel tax increase and include milling off deteriorating pavement and replacing it with a new layer of pavement, and replacement of guardrail. The project is expected to be done by Oct. 31. McGarvin-Moberly also won a $2.4 million contract for a pavement milling and overlay project on 10 miles of WYO 130 from about 7 miles south of Saratoga to just north of Riverside. That project also will be paid for with additional fuel tax money and is scheduled for completion by Oct. 31. Hedquist Construction of Mills was awarded a $2.8 million contract to replace the North Platte River Bridge on Bryan Stock Trail in north Casper. The existing bridge is actually two separate adjoining structures. One of them will be rebuilt and tied into the other structure to make a single bridge with a new layer of pavement on top. The contract completion date is Oct. 31. Hedquist also was the low bidder at

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December 2015

$1.9 million to build about a half-mile of new road to connect WYO 50 to Overdale Drive in Gillette by Oct. 31. Lovell’s Mountain Construction Co. won the contract for the third 10-cent fuel tax project with the low bid of $1.9 million to grind off deteriorating pavement and replace it with three inches of new asphalt on a mile of US 14-16-20 (Sheridan Avenue and Eighth Street) in Cody. The work also will include repairing damaged curbs and gutter, and modifications to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The work between the 10th Street and Conifer Lane intersections is expected to begin in March and be completed by June 15. DeBernardi Construction of Rock Springs was the low bidder at $1.66 million for drainage improvements and erosion repairs in the median of nearly 15 miles of Interstate 80 about 6 miles east of Evanston. New inlet drains will be installed to improve drainage in the median, and concrete barriers added to address isolated erosion problems on the shoulder of the eastbound lanes. The contract completion date is Oct. 31. DRM Inc. of Gillette won a $708,000 contract for slide repair work in the median of Interstate 90 about one-half mile southeast of Sheridan and on the west side of US 87 about seven miles south of Sheridan. The work in the I-90 median will include removing unstable soil and replacing it with porous, lightweight rock that will drain better. The unstable soil under 350 feet of the southbound lane of US 87 will be removed, replaced with the same type of rock and the lane rebuilt over the rock. The project is scheduled to be done by May 31.

Traffic stop leads to 130 pound marijuana interdiction Cheyenne – A traffic stop Nov. 17 west of Cheyenne on I-80 resulted in the seizure of 130 pounds of marijuana. The traffic stop occurred on eastbound I-80 at milepost 348 approximately 10 miles west of Cheyenne. The 43-year-old female driver, a resident of Oakland, Calif., was stopped

Photo: WHP

District Briefs

for speeding, lane use and an unsafe lane change. She was driving a 2014 Ford Fusion at the time of the stop. Upon making contact with the driver, the trooper could smell the strong odor of marijuana coming from the car, prompting a search. In the cab and trunk areas of the Ford, troopers located the marijuana. With the assistance of the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), the driver was arrested and taken to the Laramie County Detention Center in Cheyenne. She was charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession with intent to deliver. The marijuana is believed to have originated in Oakland, Calif., with an unknown final destination. The street value of the marijuana is estimated to be more than $500,000. The case has been turned over to DCI.

The California vehicle was stopped for a routine violation, but a violation of a more serious nature was soon discovered.

Rawlins roads see concrete repair Rawlins – Portions of Spruce Street between Third and Seventeenth Streets in Rawlins were closed to motor vehicle travel to allow for concrete repair in all lanes. All businesses in the work area remained open and accessible during repair. The contractor for this $1.8 million project is Simon Contractors of Nebraska.

Three-county pursuit ends in arrest along I-80 Laramie – A pursuit that spanned three counties and 185 miles of I-80 ended safely Nov. 9 west of Laramie. Wyoming law enforcement received

WYO 130 over the Snowy Range now closed for the season

information that a stolen 2009 Kia Optima was traveling east on I-80 near Rock Springs. A Sweetwater County Deputy Sheriff initially spotted the stolen car near milepost 120 on I-80 approximately 11 miles east of Rock Springs. Upon the arrival of backup, an initial traffic stop was initiated, but the car never stopped and accelerated up to 130 mph. The pursuit of the stolen Kia continued east into Carbon County. After exiting and re-entering the interstate multiple times, stop-stick tire deflating devices were utilized at mileposts 173, 189 and 201. Near milepost 222, the stolen car took a median crossover and began traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of I-80 until exiting at the Fort Steele rest area (exit 228). Once off the interstate, the stolen Kia briefly continued east on a gravel road before crashing through the right-of-way fence back onto I-80 in the eastbound lanes. Stop-sticks were deployed once again at mileposts 236, 290 and 297. By milepost 303, all four tires were disabled on the stolen Kia. The pursuit ended at mile post 305, approximately five miles west of Laramie. The driver, a 28-year-old resident of Morehead, Ky., was taken into custody without incident. He was transported to the Albany County Detention Center in Laramie by troopers and booked for eluding along with multiple warrants for identity theft and burglary. Charges in Carbon and Sweetwater counties from the pursuit and vehicle theft are pending. Agencies involved and assisting in the pursuit included Sweetwater, Carbon and Albany County sheriff ’s offices as well as the Rawlins, Sinclair and Laramie police departments. Troopers from Rock Springs, Rawlins, Elk Mountain, Laramie and Cheyenne all responded. No injuries were sustained during the one-hour, 46-minute-long pursuit.

Laramie – A portion of WYO 130 over the Snowy Range between Laramie and Saratoga closed for the season Nov. 12 due to limited visibility and snow accumulation. Westbound travelers encountered the closure at the Green Rock Picnic Area near milepost 36, about eight miles above Centennial. For eastbound travel, the closure begins near milepost 48 above Ryan Park. The high elevation portion of this road is closed annually in late autumn when relatively low traffic, combined with increasing snow accumulations, make plowing operations impractical. Before traveling WYO 70, or any state highways in winter conditions, motorists are urged to visit www.wyoroad.info to check road status.

Future of transportation planning discussed with WYDOT

Photo: WHP

A multi agency, multi county pursuit of a stolen car ended just west of Laramie along I-80.

Rock Springs – In late October Teton County officials and town of Jackson representatives met in Rock Springs with WYDOT to discuss transportation issues in Teton County. The meeting was an important step toward an ongoing collaboration with state, county and town officials that will enhance efficiency in planning transportation projects throughout Teton County. “This collaboration continues to foster good relationships between interested parties and facilitates open dialog to be able to effectively share and solve issues in and around the community,” District Engineer Keith Compton said. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss how to manage and coordinate transportation efforts among the state, county and city governments. Some of the specific discussions included how best to model traffic flow and patterns on major

thoroughfares, and how best to predict the effects of improvements to the overall system. “There are multiple areas that are experiencing significant congestion and operational problems; especially during certain times of the year,” Compton said. The meeting generated discussions and proposals on a traffic demand model, funding for such work and smaller projects and their impacts on the overall transportation system. “A traffic demand model is needed to be able to aid in decisions to be made on future improvements. A shared funding approach to getting this completed was discussed and will be taken to elected bodies for input and approval to move forward,” Compton added.

Halloween pursuit ends safely Evanston – A Layton, Utah resident failed to have enough “tricks” on Halloween to avoid arrest by WHP troopers during a pursuit in a stolen SUV. The driver was arrested at the conclusion of the pursuit on Oct. 31. WHP troopers were advised of a stolen 2009 Jeep Liberty traveling east on I-80 near milepost 8, just east of Evanston. Troopers located the vehicle near milepost 26 and attempted to stop it five miles further down the highway. The driver made no attempt to stop and accelerated up to 110 mph. As the pursuit continued eastbound on I-80, additional WHP troopers responded and successfully deployed stop-sticks at milepost 59. The two front tires of the Jeep eventually deflated reducing the speeds in the pursuit significantly. After three more stop-stick deployments by troopers at mile posts 72, 81 and 86, all tires on the Jeep were deflated. The driver continued east, with all tires deflated, at speeds varying between 10 and 20 mph. The right front of the vehicle caught fire from the lack of a tire. Eventually, the driver lost control of the Jeep just west of Green River at milepost 88, crashing into the cable barrier in the median ending the pursuit safely. The driver was uninjured, taken into custody and transported to the Uinta County Jail in Evanston. He was charged with wrongful taking of property, eluding, property destruction, possession of susBriefs continued on page 6 December 2015

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Photo: WHP

pected methamphetamine and speeding. The pursuit spanned 57 miles on I-80 and lasted 51 minutes. The Jeep had been stolen from Layton the day of the pursuit.

Photo: WHP

The boxes of seized currency from a Rock Springs stop. traffic

The stolen Jeep came safely to a halt against the cable barrier in the median just west of Green River.

Cash seized east of Rock Springs Rock Springs – A WHP traffic stop on Halloween near Rock Springs netted over $138,000 in cash. The stop occurred the morning of Oct. 31 on westbound I-80 just east of Rock Springs. A 2015 Chevy Malibu was stopped for speeding 80 mph in a 75 mph zone. Conflicting stories from the occupants of the Malibu led to a WHP K-9 deployment around the car. After the K-9 alerted to the presence of a controlled substance in the Chevy, a search revealed two large boxes containing the large quantity of cash as well as a small amount of methamphetamine. The driver, a 37 year old female resident of Oroville, Calif., was cited for possession of a misdemeanor amount of suspected methamphetamine. She and the other two passengers of the Chevy were released at the conclusion of the initial investigation. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration assisted Patrol with the case and has taken over custody of the currency. The seized money is believed to have come from assets that were derived from, or were used to facilitate criminal activity, such as drug trafficking, organized crime or money laundering.

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December 2015

Public Open House held for Piney Creek Road project Sheridan – WYDOT held a public open house regarding the planned improvements to WYO 193, Piney Creek Road. The public open house was Nov. 17 at the Story Women’s Club. Maps and displays of the project area were available for public review and the project team answered questions. Located on state highway 193 between the I-90 Piney Creek Interchange and the Junction of WYO 194, the project consists of widening and overlaying the six-mile section. There will be some isolated reconstruction and minor bridge rehabilitation to the North Piney Creek bridge. The two-lane section will widen to 30 feet, providing two 11-foot travel lanes and two 4-foot shoulders. The project is scheduled to be let to contract in April 2016 and construction will begin soon after. Estimated cost is $12.7 million.

Sheridan man arrested after high-speed pursuit on motorcycle Buffalo – A pursuit on Nov. 11 south of Buffalo on I-25 resulted in the arrest of a 33-year old Sheridan man. A Wyoming State trooper spotted a black 2006 Honda motorcycle speeding 110 mph in an 80 mph zone at milepost 255 on I-25 northbound. As the trooper

began to catch up to the motorcycle, the motorcycle accelerated. The trooper caught up to the motorcycle at milepost 271 as the Honda again failed to stop. A pursuit continued on northbound I-25 with speeds reaching 150 mph. WHP dispatch sent additional law enforcement towards the pursuit. At milepost 288, the motorcycle turned around in the median and fled south on I-25. While southbound, the motorcycle went into the west ditch near milepost 285, where the rider lost control and laid the bike down at a slower speed. The rider escaped the scene on foot. As he ran, troopers observed him drop a pistol from his waistband. Troopers were able to apprehend him at gunpoint. After the rider’s arrest, troopers discovered the pistol dropped was stolen. The rider was evaluated at the Johnson County Health Center in Buffalo for any possible injury sustained from laying the motorcycle down and was taken to the Johnson County Detention Center. He was charged with eluding, reckless driving, reckless endangerment, possession of stolen property, and was held on a felony warrant from Campbell County for parole violation. A 24-year old Sheridan woman was a passenger on the motorcycle during the pursuit. She was taken to the Johnson County Health Center for treatment and did not face any charges.

Photo: WHP

Briefs continued from page 5

The Honda motorcycle involved in high-speed chase on north- and southbound I-25 near Buffalo.

Capitol Christmas tree traveled through Wyoming along I-90 Sheridan – The U.S. Capitol Christmas tree entered the state via I-90 Nov. 9 and was escorted to Sheridan by State troopers. The trailer hauling the tree measured

Five new web cameras go “live” in northwest Wyoming

east of Worland,” Hallsten said. Hallsten said the asphalt used for the patching effort was obtained from local asphalt pavement suppliers at a cost of nearly $65,000, and all work was performed by WYDOT maintenance workers. “Our goal was to complete these repairs prior to winter weather and winter driving conditions arriving in the Big Horn Basin,” Hallsten said. The Blue Ridge section of U.S. 16 patched was reconstructed by WYDOT in 2004.

Basin – New webcameras went live in November in northwest Wyoming. The new cameras are located at Eagle Pass (U.S. 14-16-20), 8.13 miles east of Cody; the U.S. 14-16-20 intersection with Wyoming 32, 18.8 miles west of Greybull; Kirby Junction (U.S. 20), 10.48 miles north of Thermopolis; Manderson (U.S. 16-20), 11.14 miles south of Basin; and Diversion Dam (U.S. 26-287), 16 miles north of Fort Washakie. WYDOT webcams, atmospheric sensors, winter highway conditions, and WYDOT’s snow plow priority plan are available on the Internet at www.wyoroad. info. n Photo: WYDOT

80 feet in length, so it made a quick stop at the Sheridan-Dietz Port of Entry to purchase an oversize load permit. With the help of the Sheridan Police Department, the U.S. Forest Service, and WHP dispatch and troopers, the tree exited the port into Sheridan, where it spent the night. The tree was harvested from the Chugach National Forest near Seward, Ala. The tree left Alaska on Oct. 27 and arrived at the nation’s capitol Nov. 20. The morning of Nov. 10 the public was invited to take photos of the tree, Santa Claus and Smokey the Bear and sign the tarp securing the tree. The tree left Sheridan with a WHP escort just before noon Nov. 10 destined for Rapid City, S.D., where it was to take part in a Veteran’s Day parade.

Photo: WHP

Patching work by WYDOT crews on U.S. 16 east of Worland.

The 2015 U.S. Capitol Christmas tree traveled through northeastern Wyoming.

U.S. 16 highway patching completed east of Worland Worland – Two sections of U.S. 16 east of Worland were the focus of highway patching completion efforts. “We have very poor soil quality between Worland and Ten Sleep, and we’ve had deterioration of the driving surface through Blue Ridge on U.S. 16,” according to WYDOT District Maintenance Engineer Pete Hallsten. Hallsten said WYDOT maintenance crews patched two quarter-mile sections of highway on U.S. 16, and some of the work involved excavating bad soils under the existing asphalt prior to paving. “These are the spots that had to be fixed, and we plan to come back next summer to address other U.S. 16 locations

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WHP’s 89th class commissioned in November

by Sgt. David Wagener

Leo Ferguson – Laramie. Ferguson was raised in Laramie where he graduated high school in 2005. He served in the U.S. Army for four years and graduated from the University of Montana with a degree in criminology. He enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time in the Wyoming wilderness.

Talia Fowler – Gillette. Fowler is a Wyoming native from Buffalo. She completed high school in Hendersonville, Tenn., and she is currently working towards a degree in psychology. She worked three years for the Johnson County Sheriff ’s Office as a detention deputy. Fowler is a certified fitness instructor and enjoys cross training, snowboarding, water sports, and spending time with her family.

Photo: Rick Carpenter

Ferguson

It takes a special person to become a Wyoming state trooper. They have to be willing to give much more then they will ever get back. They have to be committed to serve and protect all people in Wyoming with courtesy, professionalism and integrity. Our newest troopers are up to the challenge. The Trooper Basic Academy concluded and the members of the academy were commissioned Nov. 5. They took their oaths of office and transitioned from their “recruit” badges to their official badges in front of family and friends. The ceremony at the Wyoming Supreme Court building marked the 89th graduating Wyoming Highway Patrol Academy class. These newly inducted troopers recently completed an intensive training period of up to 28 weeks of instruction. During the Trooper Basic Academy, they took a variety of classes including firearms, commercial carrier training, physical training, Radar/LIDAR use, emergency vehicle operation, custody and control, crash investigation. Austin Bluemel – Lyman. Bluemel has lived in Wyoming his entire life. He was raised in Lyman where he enjoys hunting, fishing and all things that have to do with the outdoors. In 2012, Bluemel married his best friend Shelby. He is eager to serve the wonderful people of Wyoming. Bluemel

Momen Elazizi – Cheyenne. Elazizi was raised in Cairo, Egypt where he graduated from Cairo University with a degree in kinesiology. He moved to the United States in 2006 and worked as a sports trainer and business manger in Flint, Mich. Elazizi came to Wyoming in 2011 to join the Wyoming Department of Corrections in Rawlins. He served as a correctional officer, internal Elazizi investigator and K-9 handler before joining the Wyoming Highway Patrol. Elazizi is married to Jennifer, and they have one son. He enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, fishing and training his two hunting dogs.

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Ortiz

Fowler

Giovanni Ortiz – Douglas. Ortiz is originally from Los Angeles. He has worked for various municipal and county law enforcement agencies including the Wyoming Department of Corrections. Giovanni is currently working towards his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Giovanni’s interests include traveling, kayaking and mixed martial arts. He is eager to begin serving in his community.

Aren Peter – Laramie. Peter was born and raised north of Fort Collins, Colo., on a dairy farm. He graduated from the University of Northern Colorado earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. It has been a long-time goal of Peter’s to become a state trooper. He is very excited about his new career. His hobbies include spending time with family, fishing, working on cars, and camping.

Peter

William “Elliott” Vandenberg – Worland. Vandenberg was born in Rolla, Mo., and raised in Keokuk, Iowa. He is a 2014 Culver Stockton graduate with a four-year degree in legal studies. In his free time, Vandenberg enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking and weightlifting. In 2012, he became part of Mossy Oak’s ProStaff. Living in the west has always been Vandenberg’s biggest dream. He values the time he gets to spend Vandenberg with his friends and family and would not be where he is today without the support and love from them. In his mind, there is not a dream too large, too hard, or out of his reach to accomplish. Faith is, and always will be, an important part of his life. He uses each day to better himself and grow closer to God.

2015 saw multitude of projects in District 2

by Jeff Goetz, District 2 Public Involvement Specialist

WYDOT’s movement toward strengthening its existing infrastructure has been very evident over the past two seasons around District 2. As the 2015 construction season wound down in October, a number of projects had finished or were close. Each one will have a positive impact on traffic through increases in efficiency and safety. The most visible projects have been the rehabilitation and expansion of Salt Creek Highway in Casper, two sections of new asphalt on Interstate 25 near Douglas and near Chugwater, and the rehabilitation of one of Douglas’ main thoroughfares (Richards Street). “Some projects addressed growth, but everything else we’ve done; those roads were at the end of their serviceable life,” said Lowell Fleenor, district engineer for District 2.

Douglas

pleted. The project expanded 1.11 miles of Salt Creek from south of its junction with the U.S. 20-26 bypass (Shoshoni Bypass) from two lanes to five, including a center turn lane, a widened bridge, sidewalks and curb and gutter. The project extends from Salt Creek Parkway, northward past the Casper Port of Entry to Revenue Boulevard.

Shoshoni Bypass

Fresh pavement and new ramps have improved the U.S. 20-26 bypass (Shoshoni Bypass) surrounding Wyoming 254 (Salt Creek Highway). Work on the bypass extended 1.46 miles between the I-25 interchange (milepost 2.66) west to milepost 1.20. These projects allow for easier access to the ramps and for through-traffic on Salt Creek Highway.

Photo: Jeff Goetz

In the heart of the district, two projects are Interstate 25 nearing completion in Douglas modernizing On I-25, crews have worked to repave and a lengthy stretch of Richards Street (Business reconstruct a section of the intestate from 20/26/287) from Fourth Street to the east side milepost 188-192, or roughly between Poplar I-25 interchange. Street and Wardwell Interchange. In addition Substantially completed in October, the to new pavement, the bridge over the Shoshoni first project included the reconfiguration of the Richards Street in Douglas. Bypass is being rehabilitated along with the eastern I-25 interchange with Richards Street installation of new guardrails. to include access with Orin Way, new storm The work focused on the southbound lanes sewer lines, approaches and new pavement. this season with a switch to the northbound Work ended at Mesa Drive. lanes in 2016. District 2 will see its first variThe second portion under construction this able speed limit signs at this location, allowing summer is a 1.3-mile project rehabilitating and speeds to be reduced as people make their way repaving Richards Street from Fourth Street to down a steep hill into Casper. Mesa Drive. This section will see a final coat About 130 miles south, work on repaving of pavement laid prior to its completion date I-25 through Chugwater has also been comof June 30, 2016. In the meantime, traffic and pleted. The project included new pavement access will remain open through the winter. WYO 387 at Edgerton. plus rehabilitative work on the two bridges in “East Richards was in bad condition with the area. rutting, cracking and numerous overlays which caused the roadway to be several inches above Narrows the gutter. The new roadway will benefit the Nearly 8 miles of WYO 220 received traveling public in general,” said Jim Barnes, guardrail upgrades southwest of Casper this Douglas resident engineer. summer, thanks to a $1.2 million contract. The “The section from Mesa to the interchange, guardrails are located between the southern which increased capacity from a three lane to a edge of the four lanes and Government Bridge five lane, will facilitate possible growth on the (Miles Landing Road). The project had a east side of Douglas.” completion date of Oct. 31. Just west of Douglas, a portion of I-25 from Salt Creek Bridge on WYO 254. Torrington La Prele Road to Inez Road has been under The East Valley/West Valley projects in reconstruction since March. Torrington are substantially completed for this year. The projects The bridge at La Prele interchange is new while the bridge over consisted of an ADA sidewalk upgrade along U.S. 26-85, a replaceLa Prele Creek was rehabilitated along with new pavement. The ment of the Main Street intersection including the city storm sewer 4-mile project opened to traffic on Nov. 6. system within the intersection, and a mill and pavement overlay on Farther north, on Wyoming 59, from milepost 5.8 northward to each end of town. near Bill, several left-turn lanes have been completed allowing trafThere were two utility projects attached to this project, includfic to more safely turn onto and from county roads. ing lighting from East A Street to East K Street, and completion of Salt Creek Highway lighting at the Torrington overpass. Traffic is back to normal for the In the Casper area, a two-year long effort to expand Wyoming winter. n 254 (Salt Creek Highway) on Casper’s north side is all but comDecember 2015

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by Bruce Burrows

Inherent in its title, WYDOT’s Highway Safety Program’s mission is to promote traffic safety on all Wyoming roads. Program Manager Matt Carlson and his 17-person staff, housed in the Planning Building at Cheyenne headquarters, employ a range of methods to pursue the goal of lessening the number of crashes and associated deaths, injuries and property damage.

Highway Safety is organized into two major sections; one dealing with crash data record keeping and analysis, and the other with driver behavior issues. Carlson An additional program realm is motorcycle safety and training. All components of Highway Safety interact extensively with each other and other WYDOT programs, as well as with numerous partners at the federal, state and local community level. Traditionally, efforts to improve highway safety have been classified into three general categories sometimes referred to as the three “E’s”; namely engineering, education and enforcement. The engineering component includes designing and constructing safer, more forgiving roadway environments. Education is aimed at raising public awareness about safe and unsafe driving behaviors, and enforcement is the effort of the Highway Patrol and other police to enforce traffic laws. Carlson adds that a fourth “E” category, emergency management services, is sometimes incorporated into the equation, due to that function’s impact on crash outcomes. Information and statistics developed by the Highway Safety Data Program, which maintains the state’s crash report database, is the basis for much of the WYDOT’s engineering work conducted specific to safety improvements. The record keeping task is a big job, given than over the most recent five-year span, an annual average of 14,500

Photos: Rick Carpenter

Safety dance: Carlson and crew take steps to reduce deaths and injuries

Photo: Carlie Van Winkle

crashes, resulting in 129 deaths and 4,000 injuries, have been reported in Wyoming. The yearly economic loss from crashes is estimated to run into the billions of dollars. By statute, any crash resulting in death, bodily injury or total property damage exceeding $1,000 must be reported to law enforcement. Due to a change in the law enacted two years ago, the standard owner/operator crash form is no longer required to be submitted to Highway Safety. The form is still made available and can be used by individuals, counties, and municipalities for insurance or personal records. A major and ongoing responsibility for Highway Safety Data is producing the annual Wyoming Comprehensive Report on Traffic Crashes. The document contains myriad analyses of crash report data and delineated by categories such as crash counts, types and locations; involved drivers and occupants, pedestrians and bicyclists; severity of crashes; pertinent environmental conditions; alcohol involvement; and involved vehicle types, including trucks, school buses and motorcycles. Highway Safety began the transition from paper-based crash records to an electronic system implemented in 2008. The shift to electronic record keeping has been a long and gradual process, as some jurisdictions were slow to adopt, but now, paper reports are received only infrequently. The electronic database offers the advantage for Highway Safety to provide much faster turnaround time, as short as eight days, to produce customized crash analyses. Another advantage of the new system is a doubling in the number of data elements, from about 150 to 300, which allows for even more robust and detailed analysis to be performed for any single crash event. “The upgrade to electronic records has helped Wyoming become one of the leading states in achieving adherence with the national Minimum Model Uniform Crash Criteria (MMUCC) guideline,” Carlson said. “Adherence to the guideline, although voluntary, provides a useful tool for refining data collection as it relates to planning and safety problem identification, particularly with emerging issues such as distracted driving.” “Our Highway Safety Data personnel continuously conduct quality control and quality assurance checks on their processes,

with the accuracy of crash locations a frequent priority,” Carlson said, adding that reliable data reporting is essential to WYDOT being able to make the most effective response to traffic safety issues. Crash data is requested by numerous public and private entities for a variety of uses, and one specific use by WYDOT is planning and prioritizing work in the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), a distinct project category incorporated in the annual State Transportation Improvement Program. HSIP projects account for about $18 million worth of work annually, with federal funding covering a majority of that total, and the remainder coming from state and local sources. Highway Safety relies on input from the Wyoming Highway Safety Management System (SMS) Committee. Membership includes Carlson, as well as other WYDOT personnel from headquarters, field districts, and Highway Patrol, and also other state, local and federal partners . The committee’s work helps guide current activities and create a future direction for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to improving highway safety, and has a stated purpose of helping focus the efforts of Wyoming safety partners on reducing the number of “critical crashes.” That term covers crashes which result in a fatality or incapacitating injury. In its most recent Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP), the SMS committee advanced six separate, yet interrelated, focus areas. In setting these priorities, the committee did not attempt to address every safety strategy implemented in Wyoming, but rather, seeks to provide guidance for developing and implementing the strategies with the greatest potential. The six SHSP focus areas are: Lane and road departure crashes – Roadway departure crashes include those where a vehicle drifts out of its lane and runs off the road, or crosses into oncoming traffic and causes either a sideswipe or head-on collision. On average, nearly threequarters of all critical crashes are associated with this category. Use of safety restraints – Although observations indicate that overall, Wyoming has a nearly 80 percent seat-belt usage rate, but when it comes to critical crashes, failure to buckle up is a factor more than half the time. Impaired driving – Drivers who are impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs or prescription medications continue to pose a hazard to themselves and others on the road. Alcohol is involved in about 25 percent of all critical crashes and 40 percent of fatal crashes. Speeding – This problem driver behavior includes not only exceeding the posted speed limit, but also traveling too fast for conditions. Nearly one in three critical crashes involve speeding as a factor. Curve crashes – Not surprisingly, crash rates are higher on curvy sections of roadway. The problem manifests itself not only on sharp or deficient curves, but even where curves meet most current design standards. Young (aged 25 or less) drivers – Inexperience and risk-taking behaviors play a role in younger drivers being overrepresented in critical crash rates. Much of the work undertaken by the staff of the Highway

December 2015

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Photo: Rick Carpenter

Safety Behavioral Program involves supporting and providing oversight for a wide range of activities aimed at boosting drivers’ safety awareness and education, while deterring hazardous and illegal driving. Those efforts are outlined in the group’s annual report, which contains voluminous amounts of data and statistics drawn from the various traffic safety strategies, and the desired results of those strategies. The nearly 400-page document states a number of performance and core outcome measures based on the correlations between critical crashes and chronic behavioral problems, including unrestrained passengers, alcohol impairment, speeding, youthful drivers, and failure to use seat belts and motorcycle helmets. The Highway Safety Behavioral Program annual report also includes results of third-party surveys conducted periodically to assess seat-belt use and drivers’ attitudes and awareness, as well as a summary of the relationship of alcohol and crime, with emphasis on impaired driving, as analyzed by the Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police (WASCOP). More than half of the annual report provides documentation of activities and accomplishments of dozens of grant-funded safety programs and projects conducted by a variety of involved entities, including Highway Safety itself, Highway Patrol and WASCOP, as well as groups such as Safe Communities and the Governor’s Council on Impaired Driving. Altogether, Highway Safety is able to leverage about $5.5 million in federal funds, provided via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), to support traffic safety behavioral programs. (The total of grants provided tops $9 million, with most of the match requirement coming from state sources.) The programs range from law enforcement overtime

A motorcycle safety course being held in the headquarter’s parking lot on a Saturday morning.

work to paid media campaigns against unsafe driving behaviors to training initiatives, workshops and other collaborative efforts sponsored by local highway safety advocates. Highway Safety Behavioral Program staff also produce the program’s annual highway safety plan, which certifies that WYDOT’s highway safety efforts meet detailed and complex requirements promulgated by NHTSA. The safety plan also describes the process for identifying Wyoming’s highway safety problem areas and how proposed performance measures are developed. In addition, the plan provides a preview of activities to be undertaken during the upcoming fiscal year, which are then revisited in the following year’s Highway Safety Behavioral Program annual report. The motorcycle safety and training function includes WYDOT’s ever-popular motorcycle training course, offered during warm weather months at numerous locations around Wyoming. Classes for beginner or inexperienced riders are conducted on weekends, beginning Friday evening and running through Sunday afternoon. A shorter class for more experienced riders is also available. The class offerings, which consist of classroom and riding components, are based on course material developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, and are led by certified instructors from the local communities. In summing up Highway Safety’s role and gauging its success, Carlson points to statistics that show long-term improvements in traffic safety, in terms of roadway environment, vehicle features, and driver behaviors. “We see dips and spikes in the number of crashes, and the number of fatalities and injuries, from year to year, but considered over the long term, there is a slow decline,” Carlson said. “For our staff, those reductions are never going to happen fast enough, but I’m confident our efforts are making a difference.” n

Highway Safety uses federal funds to promote the safety practices of buckling up and not drinking and driving. Billboards featuring nationally known rodeo figures, advertisements for print and Web, as well as posters featuring local school kids are updated to keep the message fresh. n

December 2015

Training

Just-in-time learning and coaching by Kurt Borgaard, WYDOT Training Services At WYDOT Training Services, we strive to deliver learning that helps make necessary improvements in our performance so we can do our jobs to the best of our abilities. It is our belief the better people are able to do their jobs, the more job satisfaction they have. Also, employees are likely to feel that they are more fully engaged and contributing to the success of their program and thus to the organization as a whole. As an organization, WYDOT has a priority on learning and to “develop and care for our people”. We recognize there are a number of ways to learn to do our jobs to the best of our ability and to do so with the greatest amount of satisfaction. Part of our effort at WYDOT Training Services is to deliver focused learning opportunities. The mantra of the training services staff has been “the right training, to the right people, at the right time.” It is our aim to do the best we can to deliver such training; whether it is face-to-face, online, video-conference, webinar, or whatever platform may be available to meet particular performance learning needs. “Just-in-time” learning fits with our mantra of “right time.” Simply stated, “Just-in-time” learning is when learning takes place quite naturally as the need presents itself; when a person

or group has the need to perform a specific skill. That’s the time when motivation is high and the brain is highly receptive to learning and retains the most applicable information. As a certified leadership coach, I encourage real-time coaching as a “Just-in-time” learning opportunity. Coaching is not so much a way of telling people how to do things, but the artful ability of asking the right questions in order for people to discover and take ownership for their learning. For supervisors, coaching can be an opportunity to change your role from an authority figure, to being your employee’s champion. In this role you don’t discipline or instruct, you support your employees and work with them to pursue the best results mutually. As employee awareness is created through real-time coaching with a supervisor, employees can also make real-time improvements. Employees have the opportunity to grow and develop more quickly even as a stronger employee/supervisor relationship is developed. Better results are achieved and employees find themselves more vested in the success of an organization, which demonstrates an interest in supporting and motivating them. If you would like to explore “Just-in-time” coaching further, please visit the Training Services page on the WYDOT Intranet. There you will find a list of 27 examples of coaching questions. n

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

Coming in December: Date Class PMI Competency Location 12/8/15 New Supervisors Orientation Leadership WYDOT-U 12/9/15 Math for Survey and Construction Vocational TLN 12/15/15 Pipe Jacking For Culverts and Storm Sewers Vocational TLN 12/16/15 MBTI & Teams Developing Others WYDOT-U 12/17/15 Building Teams Through Problem Solving Judgment & Decision Making WYDOT-U 12/17/15 Joint Detailing for Improved Performance of Double Tee Bridge System Vocational TLN Coming in January: Date Class PMI Competency Location 1/7/16 Stormwater Detention and Design Vocational TLN 1/11/16 “Developing The Leader Within You!” Session 1 – Influence Leadership TBD 1/11/16 New Employee Orientation Communication WYDOT-U 1/25/16 Evaluation of Grouted Splice Sleeve Connections for Reinforced Precast Concrete Bridge Piers Vocational Webinar 1/27/16 FISH! For Customer Service Customer Service WYDOT-U 1/28/16 Email Etiquette Today Communication WYDOT-U Learning at the WeLL highlights: Check out this quarter’s themes of “Taking Control of Your Professional Development,” “Influencing Others,” and “Giving and Receiving Feedback.” Courses have been pre-loaded into your Learning Plan! To register, or to find out more details, call the Training Program and talk to Jim Boyd (777-4791), Kurt Borgaard (777-4792) or Todd DePorter (777-4790).

December 2015

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District News

Autum Smith, Office Services-Files – 10 years; Brent Kindsvater, Traffic – 10 years; Stevie Marsh, ETS – 10 years; Christy Stone, Planning-Programming – 10 years; Dale Ryden, Bridge-Engineering Design – 10 years; and Pamela Fredrick, Internal Review – 10 years. n

Headquarters

Welcome

Service Awards

Christina Helsel, Patrol-Commercial Carrier; and Tammy Wilcox, Cheyenne Driver Services.

Mary Ann Furtney, Budget-Federal Aid – 40 years; Carl Moody, Equipment-Mechanics – 25 years;

Promotions and Transfers

Marsh

Stone

Photo: Rick Carpenter

Ravid Ingram, Materials-Surfacing; Margaret Mordahl, Pasenelli Environmental Services; and Carolyn Pasenelli, Cheyenne I-80 Port Of Entry.

Moody

Smith

Ryden

Bill Thompson with System Planning (center) receives his 40-year service award from Dan Kline and Chief Engineer Gregg Fredrick.

Fredrick

District 1

Welcome

Promotions and Transfers

Congratulations

Dillon Barbour, District 1 TrafficSigning; and Jonathan Gross, Cheyenne Maintenance.

Thomas Biamon, Medicine Bow Maintenance; Dylan Jensen, District 1 Telecommunications-Microwave; Kyle McKay, Cheyenne Patrol; Craig Mustard, Elk Mountain Maintenance; and Roy Sommers, Cheyenne Mechanics.

Cheyenne, Laramie and Rawlins shop technicians recently passed their FOS tests. Cheyenne: Joe Barnes – General Shop; and Clint Williams – General Shop and Rigging.

Biamon

Service Awards Photo: Gary Curry

Patrick Persson, District 1 Administration – 40 years; and Charles Dunlap, Laramie Mechanics – 15 years. Cheyenne shop technicians from left: Clint Williams and Joe Barnes. McKay

Mustard

Sommers

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December 2015

Charles Dunlap receiving his 15-year service award from District Equipment Supervisor Gary Curry.

Photo: Gary Curry

Jensen

Laramie shop technicians from left: Derek Zimmer and Jeremy Chatfield.

District 2

s S tate E mployee

SERG

Welcome

Brenda Bosler, Torrington/Lusk Driver Services – 5 years.

Zachary Curtis, Douglas Mechanics.

etirement Group

Congratulations

Promotions and Transfers

Gather with other state retirees monthly.

Casper shop technicians recently passed their FOS tests. Daniel Francom – certificates for Engines and Electrical; and Tucker Whitt – a certificate for Rigging. n

Cody Smith, Douglas Patrol.

SERG meets at noon the second Monday of each month at the Cheyenne Holiday Inn.

Larry Lijewski, District 2 Maintenance Staff – 25 years; Marvin Lambert, Wheatland Mechanics – 20 years; and

The gatherings include a brief business meeting, social luncheon and an educational program.

Photo: Terry Uhrich

Service Awards

Lijewski

Tucker Whitt and Daniel Francom proudly display their FOS certificates.

Photo: Terry Uhrich

Contacts for further information:

Roger Nelson – 634-1881 Ron Labreque – 632-8240 Donella Marrs – 635-5858

Marvin Lambert, Wheatland mechanic shop supervisor, celebrated his 20 year service anniversary in November.

District 3

Welcome

Laramie: Derek Zimmer – Administrative Procedures and Welding certification, completing all seven tests, receiving Master Technician certification; and Jeremy Chatfield – Welding certification, completing all seven tests, receiving Master Technician certification. Rawlins: Austin Christopherson – Power Trains, Engines and Rigging; Ed Ecker – Electrical, completing all seven tests, receiving his Master Technician certification; Chris Fagnant – General Shop, completing all seven tests, receiving a Master Technician certification; and Aaron Miller – General Shop, Power Trains and Electrical. n

John Cunningham, Jackson/Afton Driver Service.

Rita Vickrey, Kemmerer Port Of Entry – 35 years; Jeffrey Scott, Afton Traffic-Striping – 15 years; Floyd Gamble, District 3 Traffic-Signing – 5 years; and Ronald Pizzie, District 3 Traffic-Signing – 5 years. n

Photo: WYDOT

Service Awards

Young Luke Bagwell stopped by the Rock Springs office to chance a meet with WHP troopers. He grinned ear to ear while posing with a patrol car.

Photo: Gary Curry

Scott

ading! Re

Rawlins shop technicians from left: Chris Fagnant, Aaron Miller, Ed Ecker and Austin Christopherson.

le Afte yc

ease Re l c P

Vickrey

Pizzie

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District 4

District 5

Promotions and Transfers Randall Davis, Cody Patrol.

Lisa Dye, Gillette Driver Services; Timothy James, Sheridan Construction; and Shawn Schoolcraft, Buffalo Maintenance.

Service Awards Penny Cozzens, Frannie Port Of Entry – 25 years; Lyle Peck, Dubois Maintenance – 10 years; Shawn Mollett, Cody Patrol – 10 years; Clay Johnson, Lander Maintenance – 5 years; and

Service Awards Bruce Kent, Pole Creek Maintenance – 10 years; Joshua Undeberg, Sundance Patrol – 10 years; and Christopher Simon, District 4 Maintenance Staff – 5 years. n

Photo: WHP

Cozzens

From left: Capt. Carl Clements, Lt. Marty Noonan and Trooper Josh Undeberg. Undeberg was presented with his 10-year service award at the Montana/Wyoming line on Nov. 17 during an interdiction detail on WYO 212. Undeberg is stationed in Sundance and is one of WHP’s K-9 handlers (K-9 Alley).

Snowmobiling? Beach vacation? Hunt lately? Get those photos in!

Outdoors submission deadline:

12/11/15

carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov

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December 2015

Mollett

Michael Nelson, Cody Maintenance – 5 years.

Retirements Curtis Clark, TelecommunicationsDistrict 5 Radio Shop; and Hilary LaBudda, Basin Maintenance. n Clark

Johnson

Nelson

Basin highway striping foreman retires Dec. 1 Hilary LaBudda of Basin has left his mark on highways, maybe more than any other WYDOT employee in northwest Wyoming. LaBudda, 58, is WYDOT’s urban paint striping foreman; he retired with honor on Dec. 1 after 27 years of public service. Like other long-time WYDOT employees, LaBudda remembers his first day at WYDOT – March 16, 1988. “I moved to Wyoming on the Ides of March in 1982,” LaBudda says. “I moved out here for full-time work. My brother said that would be oil field work, but the oil boom went bust.” The Ides of March is the day on the Roman calendar that corresponds to March 15. “Six years to the day of moving here, I got a call from the Wyoming Highway Department, got an offer from (former highway striping foreman) Butch Baty (of Riverton) and went to work,” LaBudda says. “I’ve had a very fun career. The work has always been personally rewarding, because you always see a finished job when you’re striping the highways. For me, it’s personally rewarding to finish a job when I start a job.” LaBudda has supervised WYDOT’s urban striping crew for the past 12 years

Photo: WYDOT

Welcome

WYDOT’s urban striping crew in Basin. From left, Joe Keele, David Bilderback, Lew Fausett, and Hilary LaBudda.

out of Basin. WYDOT’s rural striping crew is based out of Lander. “I don’t plan to volunteer to paint straight lines any more,” LaBudda says. “I enjoy working in traffic for the excitement of it. It keeps me on my toes, it’s good for the mind, and it has definitely occupied my days.” He enjoys being part of the WYDOT family. “WYDOT people are caring people. They care, and our district staff cares about every worker,” LaBudda says. Highway striping can be a lonely way of life, with plenty of motels and café food being part of the life. “We spend about 10 weeks a year on the road,” LaBudda says. The cure for paint on your hands and clothes: soap and water. “Better yet, don’t get paint on yourself in the first place,” or, he adds, “Wipe it on your friend.” LaBudda says he learned a few things

School crossing guard recognized for daily lifesaving work in Cody by Cody Beers, District 5 Public Involvement Specialist WYDOT Maintenance Foreman Jim Berry presented a certification of appreciation to Jamie Posey, of Cody, a school crossing guard at Eastside Elementary School. WYDOT recognized Posey for her daily work with young people in Cody at the busy school crossing near the school on U.S. 14A (16th Street). The certificate states, “Thank you for your efforts every school day to improve

traffic safety near Eastside School in Cody. Our kids and parents appreciate your work at the 16th Street School Crossing.” n

Photo: WYDOT

Awards

Cody Maintenance Foreman Jim Berry presented Jamie Posey with her certificate of appreciation.

Photo: Rick Carpenter

Strategic Performance Improvement Program Manager Janet Farrar received a 25-year service award from the American Association of Highway and Transportation Officials in November. Present for the award ceremony were (from left) AASHTO President and former WYDOT Director John Cox, AASHTO Executive Director Bud Wright, Farrar and WYDOT Interim Director Bill Panos.

Service Award Recipients

Photo: Rick Carpenter

right away about striping in towns and cities throughout northwest Wyoming. He volunteered only one thing. “9 a.m. is the time to stripe Federal Boulevard (in Riverton),” he says, smiling. LaBudda says his crew has striped over a few dead animals on the road through the years. He says the most common animal hit by vehicles on northwest Wyoming highways is the raccoon. “We stripe over as many animals as we can,” he says with a smile. “We look for animals. We have fun. We striped over a skunk several weeks ago near Lander. Do we do it on purpose? No, but we have fun with it.” LaBudda has a retirement plan, which includes running a small animal trap line in the winter, and possibly, golf in the summer. “I’m going to maintain my house a little more than I did in the last 15 years. I was painting my house 15 years ago, but I went to striping. Now I can get back to painting my house,” he says. “I’ll probably do a little fishing, too,” he says. “We go fishing once a year in Wisconsin, and so now I can go any time I want.” LaBudda looks forward to spending more time with family, too. He has been married to his wife, Deborah, for 35 years. The couple has one daughter, Hilarie, and two grandsons, ages 12 and 10. LaBudda started trapping small mammals when he was 13 years old. That outdoors pursuit continues today. “I used to go home from work, and skin my animals until 1:30 in the morning – coyotes, bobcats … mainly predators. I’ll have more time now.” He is a proud member of the Wyoming State Trappers Association and the National Trappers Association. LaBudda says he’ll miss working at WYDOT. “Hell yes I will, but I’ve got my peace of mind.” n

Service award luncheons are held by the Transportation Commission for employees celebrating milestones of 25 years of service or greater. Service award recipients at this month’s luncheon: (From left) Larry Lijewski, Rita Vickrey and Carl Moody.

December 2015

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Passings

EXTRA MILE

William Hagood

AWARDS

Retiree William “Bill” Hagood, 83, died Nov. 2 in Cheyenne. Hagood began employment with state government in 1953 as a clerk in the Laramie Port-of-Entry. In 1960, he joined the Highway Patrol, with an initial duty station of Rawlins. Hagood He subsequently transferred to Cheyenne and was later promoted to lieutenant and moved to Jackson. In 1970, he left the Patrol to become safety officer for the Wyoming Highway Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency, and remained in that position until his retirement in June 1995. Hagood was born in Arcadia, Neb., where he graduated from high school. He also attended the University of Wyoming. Heartfelt condolences go out to nephew Dan Prickett of the Cheyenne Maintenance Staffand great-nephew Jonathan Goehring of the BridgeProgram. Funeral services for Hagood were conducted Nov. 8 in Cheyenne.

Congratulations to our October recipients!

Image: Carlie Van Winkle

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.

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December 2015

Derek Anton Barry Armstrong Mike Bennett Brandon Blakesley Paul Bustos Jerry Carr Robin Clapp Shawn Coggins John Cox Bob Crum Rhonda Deleeuw Erik Diekmann Russ Dowdy Jay Durtsche Jesi Elhers Jason Flemming Dan Flores Michael Flores Shawn Franzen Calvin Goddard Bill Gotfredson Dustin Hackett Chase Hood James (JR) Howe Clint Huckfeldt Rob Hunt Jake Ingwerson Donny Jackman Clay Johnson Travis Jorgenson

Bruce Kent Bret La Juenesse Mike Leibee Joe McGuire Del McOmie Chase Meade Joe Meade Tony Morris Aron Mullis Ray Neal Robin Nichols Steve Otto Frank Peck Jason Price Mark Redland Joel Sherman Shane Shoopman Jason Smelser Mark Smith Spike Smith Larry Stanger Troy Teter Pault Thatch Glen Thomas Neil Thomas Huston Twitchell Ben Walker Jake Webber Shane Wilson *Apologies to Janet Vossler whose name was misspelled in last month’s Extra Mile Awards.

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.

Halloween Hijinks

A skull-faced Heidi Bosch crept from her office to have a photo snapped.

Christine Lummis and Christina Spindler of the Traffic Program showed their holiday spirit in traditional orange, black and Dark Helmut.

Photo: Rick Carpenter

Photo: Elizabeth Frye

The ‘Force’ was with Trooper Andrew Frye and daughter Adalynn while trick-or-treating in Rock Springs.

Rudy Maestas donned a toga and laurel wreath to ride a newfangled ‘chariot’ through the hallways.

Racer Audrey Hobbs was found pit-stopping at the copier.

Photo: Rick Carpenter

Hold on to your pizza, dude! Tiffany Romero and her devilish TMNT costume was on the loose.

Photo: Rick Carpenter

Sid (a.k.a. Leanna Humble) came straight from the Ice Age.

Something was brewing in Patrol and we believe these ladies had something to do with it. (From left: Ashlee Adams, Della Beasley and Antonia Torres.)

Photo: Rick Carpenter

A mix of costumes could be found at the headquarters building as seen on Lee Burns, Ken DeJersey, Tabetha Wolf and Ty Zwonitzer.

Photo: Rick Carpenter

Costumes made an appearance at the end of October. Here is a look at the goings on around WYDOT.

Laura Schei with her crew showing off their Star Wars and Indiana Jones spirit.

December 2015

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Rides

Mark Ottema (left), with Sheridan Maintenance, enjoys riding his 2003 Honda 1300 VTX. This past August, Ottema took part in the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

penter Photo: Rick Car

Photo: Rick Carpenter

Photo courtesy Mark Ottema

Photo: Rick Carpenter

Retiree Max Foy and his wife, Merdith, own both of these scarlet-hued beauties. Both the 1933 Ford three-window coupe (left) and the 1933 Ford two-door sedan (below) house a 350 Chevy automatic transmission. The 1933 two-door was finished in 1980.

edes Benz 180 D sedan. FulKeith Fulton and his classic 1958 Merc $100 and it didn’t even run. ton’s grandfather bought it in 1971 for al Blaupunkt stereo. origin and n colum the on Has a 4-speed

C-Z.

y Camaro IRO

her 1987 Chev

Photo: Rick Carpenter

d Debbie Eccli an

This 1928 Ford Model A Roadster belongs to retiree Jerry Broick. The auto has a 350 Chevy engine, steel body and fenders and features 31-inch by 18-inch-wide rear tires.

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December 2015

er’s

rolet Chevelle in the winn Bryan Wenger and his 1971 Chev . Show circle at the Goodguys Auto

Photo: Rick Carpenter

Headquarters maint enance employee Herm Mellim enjoy around on his 1978 s cruising Harley Davidson rig id frame on nice da ys.

ent likes to show off his 2008

Photo: Rick Carpenter

Photo: Joseph Butler

Photo: Rick Carpenter

Joe Trujillo from Facilities Managem Chrysler SRT8.

Joseph Butler, with Midwest Maintenance, standing next to his 1941 Dodge Luxury Liner. The next project started is a 1940 Chevrolet.

ree Larry

WYDOT Photograph er Rick Carpenter sta nding with his 1957 F100 project. Photo Ford taken at Goodguys 18th Colorado Natio Loveland, Colo. in nals in September.

Photo: Rick Carpenter

Photo courtesy of Rick Carpenter

et Delray is cared for by reti

This platinum 1958 Chevrol Saul.

Retiree Chuck Barhi te stands next to his 1929 Ford closed ca pickup. It took Barhi b te three years to reb uild. The pickup ha Chevy engine with s a 350 a Ford 9-inch rear end.

December 2015

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December 2015

Holiday Break Time Check your answers online at: employees.dot.state.wy.us, or if not able to access the employee site: www.dot. state.wy.us/home/engineering_technical_programs/manuals_publications/ interchange.html. See if you can find the following 25 words hidden in the grid to the right: Blizzard Candles Candy canes Carols Christmas Cookies Cora Esterbrook Federal Festivities Fireplace Frontier Gatherings Hanukkah Icy Leiter Skiing Snowglobe Snowman Snowmobiling Snowy Windy Winter Woods Landing Yule log

H S A T U B L WM E O E T E R W L G E E A L V T K E H H N E U L R N A I T D N E I G S E S D S T A T I N E N C R S I B E N R L G O S T OW W K S A T H S N I B E F G A N A T T R G H L R H A C I NMG D E W B R I J R F O Y T H O L

N B L A L D L T E N P L S T H A S C A R F T U E E G O D H R R N O H G I I L

T A C L A U N I C A R O O N E D R U I B D R U G N Z C S E M V S Z R I I S E C A A X O A X W R T L V F O O D P E E Z E B I I A F Z R W P P P F A Z O I E I R C G R N R N W R T S S G P I O R WD P MN O A I Y E W K G D O N I S L E S OM E N S T R K X F U A A H I S P R H A N E P G T I N Y S L A O T A G H T R M B O R E T P L U A S L L S O I E N O N D O HWO O O C U H T W B OW S H F Y L U D E L N O B I L A T H T I G K M G G Y P E U C Y R U S H Y I V Y F R

S I L S M Y E M E S M I N R E D C Z S H R B S E N L O L W I M A A C N U T E K I T U A S R E T I I F W S M S S D O A T H A R I T O T I O P H D D W A A N

E I G H S M S T W C I M U E O T E L A M A R E F N F S L G T I A E WO V C E W C E T R B R T W A E E E O L L F A N T E R Z T J C C E R I P O N A I DM F I N G E R E J T T MM A S E N T MD O N T S A B G L I Z S P E V T W R I S H R A R C O A F A Y O E N C G A D C H N L P R P E R O I S N G S S A I K I N C

N O A I T I I O S E O J P T R S O N D T F G D N L Z J I T N P I X O E C L E

E C S D L E N V G G O L D A U M D A G I T I T E I R A K X E C P E D R A L N

W S K I P I S A A Y H I N A G S T S O T T S C T F H R E R I R T U T A F T N L G N E I G R O R E T Z DM C F O L I N E U R N E A C R P A F R S A T E S E

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O E S S G S W C I T S S I L K L I N G D T W F R O I A E B P E I U G A D J K I E I G K L WG B A N D H I N A S T M Y K A T S HW G I O A I S V Y E D L I S D G L E A O E R R W V E A I O C L N H R L D C L S Y E N A T A N E C S S Y S E D T N T S E I O O N E V P E N Y L E I G N T I E M Y R R I E K I E W A S

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