December 2018 Interchange by WYDOT

December 2018

Safety communication technology New tech installed in WYDOT vehicles

Letters

Interchange

Vol. 46, Issue 12

511 Travel Map helps color blind travelers

Alex Merecka Operations Manager Navigation Petroleum, LLC

Image: WYDOT

Hello. I used your road conditions map for the first time yesterday, and I just wanted to say thank you for making a color blind version of it. It’s extremely helpful to color blind folks like myself. So, thank you. The WYDOT 511 Travel Information map in color blind mode shows travel impacts in a more narrow spectrum of color.

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 sending an email to carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov

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 Laura Dalles Cody Beers Sgt. Kyle McKay

Photography: Rick Carpenter

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

Interchange

December 2018

A WYDOT PUBLICATION

Contents

Features 8 WHP Commissions 95th Class New Troopers commissioned Oct. 25

10 Bike Drive Headquarters will serve as collection site for bikes

11 Safety communication technology Connected Vehicle Program moves forward

Also in this issue Letters.........................................................................................2 District briefs.............................................................................4

Noteworthy..............................................................................11 TechNotes................................................................................14 Training.....................................................................................14 District news...........................................................................15 By the Numbers.....................................................................16 Extra Mile Awards..................................................................18 Passings....................................................................................19 WTDEA..................................................................................... 20 Halloween Hijinks.................................................................21 Rides..........................................................................................21 Break Time.............................................................................. 23 On the cover:

Winter sunrise over Wyoming with the moon slowly setting in the west. Photo: Rick Carpenter

Kindly recycle this publication after reading. December 2018

Interchange

District Briefs Commission awards $23 million in highway contracts in November

CHEYENNE – Motorists will soon have access to additional passing lanes on a section of WYO 220 between Muddy Gap and Casper in Natrona County. The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded Knife River, of Cheyenne, a $5.7 million contract for the work. The commission awarded that and eight other contracts totaling $23 million at its recent meeting. For the work on WYO 220, crews will construct two passing lanes, pave 5 miles and add about 14 miles of fencing in Natrona County. The contract completion date is Sept. 30, 2019. Other contracts the commission awarded included paving, signal installation and minor bridge work. Simon Contractors, of Cheyenne, was the low bidder on a $3.2 million pavement project on 7.5 miles of WYO 154 in the town of Veteran in Goshen County. Crews will also replace a deteriorating pipe, install new fencing and perform minor bridge repairs. The contract completion date is June 30, 2020. Northern Improvement Co., of Fargo, North Dakota, won a $2.4 million contract to pave 10 miles of WYO 585 between Four Corners and Sundance in Weston County. The work also includes adding a weather station and web cameras. The contract completion date is Nov. 30, 2019. The commission awarded Century Companies Inc., of Lewistown, Montana, a $2.7 million contract for a 7-mile pavement project on WYO 135 between Riverton and Sand Draw in Fremont County. Crews will also fix guardrail. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2019. Knife River also won a $2.5 million contract for patching and pavement work at various locations in Carbon and Laramie counties. The contract completion

Interchange

December 2018

date is Oct. 31, 2019. The commission also awarded contracts for: • $2.4 million to Simon Contractors for a pavement project on Grand Avenue from 3rd to 15th streets in Laramie in Albany County by Aug. 31, 2019; • $2 million to Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell, for a pavement project on 7 miles of US 20 between Thermopolis and Worland in Hot Springs County by Oct. 31, 2019; • $1.4 million to Advanced Electrical Contracting Inc., of Sheridan, for the installation of dynamic message signs, weather stations and web cameras on I-25 and US 387 between Casper and Kaycee in Johnson and Natrona counties by Oct. 31, 2019; and • $628,303 to DRM Inc., of Gillette, to replace the Arch Creek bridge on County Road 179 with a new concrete bridge by Oct. 31, 2019.

WYO 130 over Snowy Range closed for season LARAMIE – Snowy Range Road (WYO 130) over the high country of the Snowy Range has closed for the season. The exact closure is between mile marker 48 above Ryan Park on the west and mile marker 36 near Green Rock on the east. A winter storm dropped additional new snow in the Snowy Range. That snow, combined with strong winds, led to the closure of the road on Saturday, Nov. 3. WYDOT crews reanalyzed the situation on Monday, Nov. 5, and determined that conditions and future weather forecasts warranted closure of the road for the season. “With more snow and wind forecast later this week, we expect snow to continue to drift over the roadway,” said District Maintenance Engineer Ralph Tarango. “We keep public safety our top priority in determining when to close the road.”

Snow drifts around WYO 130 already exceed a few feet and are expected to continue to build with more snow and high winds in the forecast. The Med Bow Snotel site in the Snowy Range at 10,500 feet is already recording a snow depth of 34 inches, and the Brooklyn Lake Snotel site at 10,240 feet is reporting 15 inches. WYO 130 over the Snowy Range and WYO 70 over Battle Pass close annually in late autumn when relatively low traffic and deep snow accumulations render plowing operations impractical. Last year, WYO 130 closed for the season on Nov. 20, 2017. In past years, WYO 130 has closed on Nov. 13 in 2011, Dec. 7 in 2012, Nov. 4 in 2013, Nov. 15 in 2014, Nov. 11 in 2015, and Nov. 28 in 2016. WYO 130 has a target opening date of Memorial Day weekend, and crews from Laramie and Saratoga will work to reopen the road in the spring. WYO 130 and WYO 70 are two of several high-elevation mountain roads in Wyoming with seasonal closures. WYO 130 tops out at more than 10,800 feet, and WYO 70 crosses the Continental Divide at the 9,955-foot Battle Pass.

New web cameras installed on US 287, WYO 230 LARAMIE – Two new webcams have been installed along highways in Albany County and are now available to the public. One camera is located on U.S. 287 south of Laramie at MM 414.5, which is just south of the bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad. This camera provides a vantage point of the two-lane section of US 287. The other camera is located on the high-elevation section of WYO 230 at MM 33.2, or about a half-mile east of the Chimney Park Trailhead. This camera will be advantageous for drivers traveling between Laramie and Carbon County, North Park, Colorado, or Steamboat Springs, Colorado – especially during winter months. WYDOT continues to install more web cameras along Wyoming’s roadways, and cameras are being added as funding becomes available. The public can view the cameras

Photo: WYDOT

online under the camera list at http://wyoroad.info or on a layer on the Wyoming Travel Information Map at http://map. wyoroad.info. Web cameras are also available on the Wyoming 511 app for iOS and Android.

New web cameras installed on US 287 and WYO 230 are now available to view online at wyoroad.info.

WYDOT addresses safety concerns at Whitney Road intersection CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation is continuing to examine the intersection of Whitney Road and US 30 in east Cheyenne following recent crashes and concerns from area residents. WYDOT is taking active measures to address those concerns and raise driver awareness at this intersection. On Oct. 29, WYDOT crews added white “stop bars” on Whitney Road to draw drivers’ attention to the required stop at Whitney and US 30. WYDOT installed larger stop signs with red flashing beacons on Whitney Road. Intersection warning signs will also be installed on US 30 alerting motorists of the approaching intersection. Information being considered by WYDOT includes vehicle speeds, traffic counts, road geometry, proximity to other intersections, crash rates and other variables. From 2013 through 2017, there were 12 crashes at the intersection. Of those, three resulted in injury and none were fatal. WYDOT has reports of six crashes in 2018. There were fatalities in two of these crashes that were the result of a vehicle making a left hand turn from northbound Whitney Road to westbound US 30 and pulling in front of an eastbound vehicle

on US 30. “We have families, and tragedies like these affect us deeply,” District Engineer Tom DeHoff said. “We take safety seriously, and we are making additional modifications to that intersection. Our team has many factors to consider and must make decisions based on scientific and site-specific data that are consistent with the nationally recognized standards in highway safety.” Residents in the area have asked WYDOT to consider a reduction in speed limit on US 30 or the installation of a traffic signal. WYDOT personnel recently conducted a safety analysis on US 30 at Whitney Road. The analysis found that a majority of drivers were driving at the speed limit. The study showed a narrow band or range of vehicle speeds on US 30. This was positive data for WYDOT traffic engineers. “There is a higher chance for accidents if the speeds vary,” said Joel Meena, the state traffic engineer. “This uniform speed allows drivers to properly select gaps in traffic before entering the intersection.” The installation of a traffic signal requires analyzing several measures, including vehicles counts at various points throughout the day, pedestrian counts, crash experience and the roadway network, among other factors. Without important data, a traffic signal can result in more frequent and severe accidents. For these reasons, a speed limit reduction on US 30 or the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Whitney and US 30 are not recommended at this time. WYDOT will closely monitor the safety of this intersection while the designs for two long-term projects are being completed. A related project to relocate the intersection of Dell Range and US 30 in 2022 continues to move forward. This project will move the intersection about a quarter mile to the west from its existing location. The project will also include improvements to Whitney Road. In 2024, WYDOT has a planned project that would expand the current twolane section of US 30 to five lanes (four travel lanes and a left-turn lane) from the existing four-lane section to the Union Pacific Railroad bridge near Archer. Both of these projects will result in changes to traffic patterns on US 30. Traffic signals or speed limit changes will be

considered, included in the safety analysis and modified as necessary.

Wyoming, Colorado law enforcement conduct impaired driving campaign LARAMIE – Law enforcement agencies in Wyoming and Colorado teamed up once again to conduct an impaired driving enforcement campaign in conjunction with the Border War football game between the University of Wyoming and Colorado State University on Oct. 26. Officers from the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Colorado State Patrol and numerous agencies in Laramie and Albany counties, Wyoming and Larimer County, Colorado, were out in force for the operation. “We have zero tolerance for impaired driving,” said Col. Kebin Haller of the Wyoming Highway Patrol. “We want to make sure fans make it to and from the game safely.” This is the fourth year for the operation, which is scheduled before, during, and after the game. This year’s game was at Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins. Enforcement was centered along Interstates 25 and 80 as well as US 287. Of the DUI arrests, two were in Wyoming, which is down from 11 during the same enforcement operation last year. Two arrests were made in Colorado. In all, officers in Wyoming made 192 traffic stops, resulting in 41 speeding citations, eight seat-belt citations, four childrestraint citations, and one controlledsubstance arrest. Seventy warnings were also issued as were 27 other various citations and arrests. There were no fatalities reported in any of the three counties where the operation took place. “Our No. 1 goal with this operation is zero fatalities,” said Pete Abrams, the law enforcement liaison with WYDOT’s Highway Safety Office. “We’re proud that goal has been achieved in all four years of this operation.” Last year, officers in Laramie and Albany counties made 11 DUI arrests during the Border War enforcement operation. In all, officers in those counties made 198 traffic stops, including 47 speeding, four seat belt and 49 other citations as well as 100 warnings. Briefs continued on page 6 December 2018

Interchange

Briefs continued from page 5 Agencies involved in Wyoming included the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Laramie Police Department, Albany County Sheriff ’s Office, University of Wyoming Police Department, Laramie County Sheriff ’s Office, Cheyenne Police Department and Wyoming State Parks. Agencies involved in Colorado included the Larimer County Sheriff ’s Office, Fort Collins Police Department, Loveland Police Department, CSU Police Department, Estes Park Police Department and the Colorado State Patrol. Along with this enhanced enforcement effort, the Wyoming Highway Patrol is urging drivers to help keep Wyoming’s roadways safe by calling the Report Every Drunk Driver Immediately (REDDI) hotline number at 1-800-442-9090 to report suspected drunk drivers. Callers should be prepared to provide the dispatcher with a description of the vehicle, its location and direction of travel.

North Sheridan Interchange project nearly complete SHERIDAN – A four-year joint project between the Wyoming Department of Transportation and the city of Sheridan is nearly complete and ahead of schedule. Over the past three summers, District 4 has been working on the reconstruction of North Main Street and the relocation and construction of a new Interstate 90 diamond interchange west of the original entrance into north Sheridan. This $46.4 million project began in July 2016 with an expected completion date of October 2019. The project is currently ahead of schedule. Crews completed the majority of the work for 2018. Weather limitations did not allow for the paving of the wearing course on the I-90 stretch but will be completed next spring once temperature requirements are met. Crews will also complete additional landscaping and work on the city of Sheridan’s pathway system in the spring. “The city of Sheridan is participating in funding over and above normal project enhancements to make the New Western

Gateway into the city a very welcoming experience for the public,” said Jim Evensen, WYDOT District 4 Construction engineer. This season’s project included the completion of the rehabilitation of the eastbound lane and bridge of I-90, the reconstruction of North Main Street from Goose Creek south to Fort Road and East 17th Street and the realignment of those two intersections. The realignment of Fort Road and 17th Street met some challenges with right-of-way negotiations. Temporary paving has been put in place for the winter with hopes that the realignment will be completed next spring. Additional work included underground utility, reconstruction of the existing roadway, lighting and landscaping enhancements, and the addition of 10-foot sidewalks with ADA accessibility. “The New Western Gateway to the city of Sheridan includes a wealth of pedestrian opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of our area,” said Evensen. It is one of the largest urban projects done to date by WYDOT. This joint venture project between WYDOT, the city of Sheridan, High Country Construction and Reiman Corporation set a precedent for future projects. “It is refreshing to witness innovation by our Wyoming Contractors partnering together to be able to meet the needs of the State’s changing transportation system,” said Evensen. WYDOT, the city of Sheridan and the North Main Association are planning a ribbon-cutting ceremony for next summer.

WYDOT District 4 and Johnson County Road & Bridge has been completed with only a chip seal to be done in June 2019. Crews will need to chip seal the 3.2 miles of road in June 2019 to have the project completely finished. Crews worked on TW Road, also known as Johnson County Road 204, on the eastern edge of Buffalo as part of the Industrial Roads Program (IRP). The IRP is a state-funded road construction program created to assist counties and communities with economic development efforts. The IRP funding is equally matched with private industrial development and/or locally generated funds. The program’s intent is to provide state funding to supplement private industrial for construction and reconstruction of roadways serving private industrial facilities. Operating facilities benefit the county and affected communities as a source of employment, tax generation, property valuation, resource refinement and other beneficial uses. TW Road is the primary access route for the Buffalo landfill and multiple industrial businesses. “This county road saw a lot of heavy truck traffic, and with only two lanes and no shoulders, the road was beginning to fail,” WYDOT Resident Engineer Isaac Finkle said. “With this project, TW Road was widened to three lanes through the industrial section and shoulders were widened throughout the length of the project.” The TW Road project was estimated to cost an estimated $3.7 million. Johnson County Road and Bridge will take ownership of the road once the project has been finalized and it will become the responsibility of the county to maintain.

Interchange

December 2018

Photo: WYDOT

The North Sheridan Interchange project is one of the largest urban projects done to date by WYDOT.

WYDOT completes IRP project in Buffalo BUFFALO – An Industrial Road Program (IRP) Collaboration between

Construction on WYO 110 to Devils Tower suspended for winter HULETT – The Wyoming Department of Transportation has ended paving at Devils Tower and WYO 110 because of winter weather conditions. Contractors will spend this week finishing the project for the winter months. Crews have been widening and overlaying the road and adding 8-foot shoulders for approximately the first half of WYO 110 starting at the WYO 24 junc-

Photo: WYDOT

Early, drifting snow may lead to early US 14A seasonal road closure LOVELL – If more November snow and high winds come to the Bighorn Mountains, the daily chore of keeping US 14A open between Lovell and Burgess Junction may end with an earlier-thannormal seasonal closure of the highway. “We are already dealing with a major snow drifting issue on the mountain,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation maintenance foreman Jason Fleming of Lovell. “Crews from Lovell and Burgess Junction

are sending trucks out every morning to plow and sand.” Fleming said a WYDOT plow truck became stuck on Nov. 3 while attempting to clear drifts from the highway. “We ended up closing the road that morning. Lovell sent a second plow truck to help, and it spun out trying to get up the face of the mountain because of freezing rain. Tire chains had to be installed on the truck to help the driver reach the top of the mountain.” Fleming said WYDOT crews are making the road passable every morning, “but we have been called out in the afternoon for vehicles having trouble getting over the mountain.” Fleming said safety of WYDOT plow drivers and citizens using US 14A remains the primary concern. “We are planning to keep the road open until it is unsafe for the public or our snow plow drivers. If the drifting gets too bad, we may have to close it early,” he said. For current road conditions, call 511 or go to the Internet at www.wyoroad. info. The annual winter closure of US 14A, west of Burgess Junction, is at milepost 76.04 on the Lovell side of the Bighorn Mountains. The seasonal road closure at Burgess Junction is just east of milepost 98.1. WYDOT annually closes this 22mile stretch of scenic mountain road in the Bighorn Mountains of north-central Wyoming about Nov. 30 at the conclusion of the fall hunting season. It usually opens for the summer by Memorial Day weekend.

Mailbow turnout project underway near Thermopolis THERMOPOLIS – Construction of a left-turn lane and mailbox turnouts has started north of Thermopolis on US 20/Wyoming 789. When complete, the project is expected to improve highway safety through the busy rural area in Hot Springs County. Prime contractor on the $973,000 project is Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell. The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the bid to Mountain Construction Co., in July. The project involves 0.61 miles of US 20/Wyoming 789 about five miles north

of Thermopolis. Project work includes grading, draining, placing crushed gravel base, asphalt pavement surfacing, placement of 400 feet of asphalt pavement curb for drainage, fencing and other work between mileposts 137.14 and 137.67. Contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2019. “Drivers should expect minimal traffic delays and reduced speed limits during project working hours,” according to Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Kaia Tharp of Thermopolis. “Please slow down and watch out for project workers as this project is being built through a long curve in the highway.”

Photo: WYDOT

tion. This will allow tourists to pull off the road and take pictures safely while still allowing traffic to flow.. Crews also added right and left turn lanes to the second half of WYO 110 up to the park entrance and a traffic signal and pedestrian crosswalk at the Trading Post intersection. This will allow traffic going to the Trading Post and KOA to get to their destination without waiting in line with park traffic. It will also provide additional stacking lanes for traffic into the park to minimize traffic from backing up onto WYO 24. With the addition of the turning lanes, a new storm water system was installed. “Devils Tower sees over 500,000 visitors a year,” said John Leahy, resident engineer for Sundance. “These improvements will increase traffic flow, decrease wait time, and allow locals and tourist easier access to and from the park.” As soon as weather permits in the spring, the top lift of pavement will be completed as well as the sidewalks and landscaping, and the relocation of the iconic flagpole.

Traffic moving along U.S. 20/Wyoming 789 north of Thermopolis. Please credit WYDOT.

Adopt-A-Highway volunteers enjoy banner year cleaning up Riverton-area highways RIVERTON – The view from Riverton-area highways improved in 2018 as hundreds of Adopt-A-Highway volunteers cleaned their two-mile highway sections. In it’s 29th year, Wyoming’s Adopt‑A‑Highway program has nearly 1,000 participating groups in Wyoming. Riverton-area groups include: Riverton Girl Scouts, Central Wyoming College Student Senate, Riverton Elks Lodge 1693, Daniels Family, Fremont County Democrats, Rocky Mountain Oncology, First Interstate Bank, Fremont Chapter NSDAR, Trinity Lutheran School, Riverton Lions Club, Morton-Kinnear Volunteer Fire Department, Devon Energy, and St. Stephen’s Indian School-National Honor Society. “We really appreciate the volunteers who work to clean up highways in NorthBriefs continued on page 16 December 2018

Interchange

WHP commissions 95th class The Wyoming Highway Patrol recently commissioned 11 recruits to the rank of trooper upon the completion of their intensive training academy. During their academy, the new troopers were instructed in a variety of classes including firearms, commercial carrier, physical training, RADAR/LIDAR, emergency vehicle operation, custody and control, crash investigation and other pertinent training. The members of Class 95 that were new to law enforcement participated in more than 1,210 hours of academy training. All troopers take an oath to protect and serve all citizens of this great state with courtesy, professionalism and integrity as Wyoming’s troopers represent the agency brand of “Guardians of the Cowboy State.” The new troopers participated in their swearing-in ceremony in front of family and friends at the Wyoming Supreme Court on Oct. 25. The ceremony marked the 95th graduated Wyoming Highway Patrol Academy.

Daniel A. Adame – Casper Adame is from Valencia, California. He graduated from College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, California with an associate degree in marketing. Adame is currently working toward earn- Adame ing his bachelor’s degree in economics. He came to Wyoming to begin his law enforcement career in Casper with the Wyoming Highway Patrol. Adame spends much of his free time hiking with his dogs, fishing and going to the gym.

Rebecca R. Cassidy – Cheyenne Cassidy grew up in Greenfield, Indiana. Cassidy served in the U.S. Air Force on active duty for six years. She left active duty and continued her military career with the Air Force Reserves and completed her

Interchange

Cassidy

December 2018

Photo: J.L. O’Brien

By Kyle McKay, WHP

Class 95 surrounded by seasoned Wyoming Highway Patrol officers. Pictured on the Wyoming Supreme Courthouse staircase front row from left: Col. Kebin Haller and Lt. Col. Shannon Ratliff; row 2: Trooper Christopher Martin; row 3: Trooper Rebecca Cassidy and Trooper Andres Martinez; row 4: Trooper Daniel Adame, Trooper Jason Ramsey and Lt. Randy Starkey; row 5: Lt. Kyle McKay, Trooper Christopher McGuire and Trooper Luis Tapia-Vera; row 6: Trooper Nicholas Haller and Trooper Ethan Smith; row 7: Capt. Derek Mickelson, Sgt. Momen Elazizi, Trooper Daniel Hite, Maj. Joshua Walther, Trooper Jason Venable and Maj. Keith Groeneweg.

college degree in psychology. She began her law enforcement career with the Juvenile Detention Center in Laramie County where she worked for more than four years before joining the Wyoming Highway Patrol. Cassidy and her husband have a son and two dogs and spends much of her free time with her family, doing photography and running. She was awarded the “Most Improved Fitness” for Class 95.

Nicholas K. Haller – Elk Mountain Haller grew up in Cheyenne and attended Cheyenne East High School, graduating in 2011. Shortly after graduation, Haller enlisted in the Wyoming Army Haller National Guard. He served on a deployment to Afghanistan with Alpha Battery 2-300th Field Artillery. After returning from deployment, Haller reenlisted in the Wyoming Army National Guard as a sergeant in Charlie Company 1-297th

Infantry and continues his military career. Haller earned an associate degree of applied science in welding and joining technology from Eastern Wyoming Community College in 2013. Before being hired by the Wyoming Highway Patrol, he worked for several construction and welding companies across the country to include working in Alaska. Haller has a passion for hunting and fishing and enjoys spending time outdoors with his three black Labradors, Ace, Deuce and Jack.

Daniel Q. Hite – Powell Hite is from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He attended the Lancaster Bible College and Graduate school Pastoral Ministry program before moving to Wyoming. Hite started his law enforcement Hite career with the Big Horn County Sheriff ’s Department in 2009, serving as a detention officer. In December 2011 he was hired by the Pow-

ell Police Department as a peace officer. Hite and his wife have a girl and three boys. He enjoys being a father, and spends much of his time woodworking, finding Jeep trails, barbecuing and spending time with his family and friends.

Christopher C. Martin – Douglas Martin hails from northern Indiana. After graduating high school, he worked in carpentry, agriculture and at a building supply company. When an opportunity came in 2010, he moved to Martin Sundance, Wyoming, along with his parents and four siblings. He spent a year working on a ranch near Sundance before hiring on at the WYDOT maintenance shop in Sundance. During his seven years at the highway maintenance shop, he became interested in law enforcement, and transferred to Wyoming Highway Patrol in April of 2018. Martin enjoys being outdoors in his free time. Among his favorite activities are hunting, fishing, skiing, camping, backpacking and spending time with his family. Martin was awarded the “Top Fitness” and “Top Firearms” award for Class 95.

Andres A. Martinez – Rawlins Martinez grew up in Lansing, Michigan. He moved to Rawlins, Wyoming in 2007 and started working for the Wyoming Department of Corrections. He worked at Martinez the Wyoming State Penitentiary for five years. Martinez moved on to pursue his career in law enforcement by spending six years with the Rawlins Police Department prior to coming to the Wyoming Highway Patrol. He and his wife have a girl and two boys. Martinez spends much of his free time involved with his family and friends, camping and hunting.

Christopher D. McGuire – Wheatland McGuire is from Ada, Oklahoma. He served 20 years in the Wyoming National Guard, where he was deployed to Iraq from 2006 to 2007 with the 1041st Engineer Co. and while there, he was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Prior

to coming to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, McGuire worked for the Uinta County Sheriff ’s Office and Evanston Police Department for 10 years, and three years with Guernsey Police McGuire Department. He and his wife of 22 years, Raina, have four boys and two girls. McGuire spends much of his spare time with his family and enjoys traveling, hunting, fishing and camping. McGuire earned the “Colonel’s Leadership Award” for Class 95.

Jason N. Ramsey – Lander Ramsey hails from Elk Mountain. Following graduation from Hanna Elk Mountain High School, he attended College at Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne, receiving Ramsey a degree in equine science. After college he worked on ranches in the Carbon County area. In 2000, Ramsey began working as a Wyoming State Brand Inspector until 2011 when he began his law enforcement career with the Newcastle Wyoming Police Department. In 2013 he moved to Lander, continuing his career with the Lander Police Department. He is married with two step children. Ramsey enjoys spending time with his family and dog, camping, hunting, shooting and being in the outdoors.

Ethan D. Smith – Laramie Smith is from Cody. He graduated top of his class at Cody High School before attending the University of Wyoming. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with Smith a minor in international studies. He worked for two years as a wild-land firefighter on the Big Horn National Forest before starting his career with the Wyoming Highway Patrol. Smith enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, hiking, and camping. He is happily married and has one son. Smith earned the “Top Academic Award” for Class 95.

Luis A. Tapia-Vera – Evanston Tapia-Vera was born in Michoacán, Mexico and raised in Evanston. Growing up, Tapia-Vera enjoyed playing sports and spending time with friends and family. In his free time, he enjoys Tapia-Vera working out, shooting, working on his vehicle and current home project. Tapia-Vera’s interest in law enforcement started at a young age – he knew that he wanted to serve and protect the people of Wyoming. After graduating high school, he attended Western Wyoming Community College where he received his degree in criminal justice. Prior to joining the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Tapia-Vera lived in Murray, Utah, selling cars. On July 14, he married the love of his life, Yesenia.

Jason R. Venable – Worland Venable was born in Mobile, Alabama and raised in north/ central Colorado. He started his career of service to others at age 18 when he joined the Colorado Air National Guard, where Venable he worked as a full time technician over the span of 11 years. After enlisting, he began volunteering as a firefighter, eventually working his way to the rank of lieutenant before making the transition to law enforcement. In 2015, Venable made the decision to actively pursue his new career goals and independently put himself through his first law enforcement academy. He then worked for a small agency in Colorado until being hired by the Wyoming Highway Patrol in January 2018. After moving to Worland, Venable transferred his military commitment to the Wyoming Air National Guard where he plans to finish serving in his new home state. He and his wife have a five month old son, who they are excited to raise in northwest Wyoming. Venable enjoys spending his free time with his family as well as hunting, fishing and working on projects around the house. n

December 2018

Interchange

Bike Drive

WYDOT headquarters will serve as collection site for bikes By Aimee Inama WYDOT employees in the Cheyenne area will once again have a chance to help families in need this holiday season. WYDOT will be a drop-off location for the Cheyenne Fire & Rescue’s bike drive, which collects new bicycles for children in the Cheyenne area. WYDOT will accept bikes from now until Dec. 17. “The bicycles will be given to families in need in the Cheyenne area, so they can make sure their children have something to open on Christmas,” said Lt. Neil Durante, firefighter with Cheyenne. This is the second year Cheyenne Fire & Rescue is holding the drive. WYDOT served as a drop-off location for the bike drive last year. Employees donated about 25 bikes last year. The bikes collected were housed in the WYDOT lobby until fire department officials picked them up last December. Durante came up with the idea for the bike drive because he thought it would be a good cause for the fire department. “We were wanting to help families in need around the holidays and thought this would be a good way to help make a child’s Christmas even better,” Durante said. The fire department partnered with the Laramie County School District to find families in need. “Last year we were counting on about 50 to 60 bicycles,” Durante said. “We actually collected 120 bikes. We’re hoping to do that again this year.” To help make the holidays special, the bikes are typically given to the parents, so they can then give them to their children around the holidays. That way, the magic of the holidays stays alive for the children who still believe in Santa Claus. “This is a great way WYDOT can help partner with Cheyenne Fire & Rescue to ensure children have a happy holiday,” said Doug McGee, WYDOT Public Affairs manager. “WYDOT employees have big hearts and are always looking to help those in need. Last year, our employees collected and donated a large number of bicycles because they want to help families in need.” Employees who wish to donate a new bicycle can buy one at any store of their choosing. The fire department is looking for bicycles that are 14 inches or larger, which are the size range for grade-school children. However, the fire department will accept any size bike as long as they are new. Besides WYDOT, people can drop off the bicycles at Cheyenne Fire & Rescue headquarters at 719 W. 19th St. or at any other fire department station in Cheyenne. The Cheyenne Fire & Rescue bike drive isn’t the only charity employees are involved with throughout the year. The Public Affairs Office wants to hear about the good deeds of all employees. Employees can submit their information to Carlie Van Winkle at carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov. n

Interchange

December 2018

Noteworthy WYDOT moves forward with new safety communication technology for vehicles

Photo: WYDOT

By Aimee Inama New technology the Wyoming Department of Transportation is piloting on Interstate 80 could help reduce crashes and make the interstate safer. WYDOT officials explained during a news conference in Cheyenne on Tuesday, Oct. 30 how new connected vehicle technology will communicate road information and alerts to motorists in near real time. “The information collected and distributed through connected vehicles will provide better awareness for the entire transportation network,” said Ali Ragan, GIS/ITS project manager. “The goal is to reduce the number of crashes, injuries and road closures on Interstate 80. Wyoming is proud to lead the way in the future of transportation safety.” WYDOT received a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation in 2015 to develop and participate in the Connected Vehicle Deployment Program. Wyoming was one of only three locations in the nation to participate. The federal government also selected projects in New York City and Tampa, Florida for the pilot. WYDOT plans to install onboard communication units on about 100 of the department’s vehicles and about 300 private fleet vehicles. WYDOT is also installing 75 roadside units on and around I-80. “This technology WYDOT is piloting will help keep the traveling public safer by giving them almost real-time information,” said WYDOT Director Bill Panos. “This cutting-edge technology will improve transportation along the I-80 corridor not only for Wyoming residents but for our commercial truck drivers who transport their goods within the state and across the country.” During the news conference, WYDOT officials used several vehicles, including a snow plow and a Wyoming Highway Patrol vehicle, to illustrate how the technology communicates with each

other during a forward collision warning, a distress notification, a construction zone notification and weather warnings. Depending on the situation, the technology would either interact vehicle to vehicle, vehicle to roadside unit or roadside to vehicle. For the vehicle-to-vehicle communications, a vehicle sends out a safety message and a nearby vehicle then receives it, allowing critical information to be shared in near real-time. For vehicle-to-infrastructure communications, a vehicle that has information on an incident sends it to the roadside unit, which then sends it to WYDOT’s Transportation Management Center (TMC). The TMC can also send out alerts based on information collected from connected vehicles and other systems including weather stations and reports from maintenance employees to the road side unit, which is the roadside-to-vehicle communications piece. “Connected vehicles are not autonomous and require an alert and active driver,” Ragan said. “They provide situational awareness, allowing the driver to anticipate and react to changing road and weather conditions as well as traffic hazards.” Visibility issues often become a problem during the winter in Wyoming with high winds that accompany a majority of the snow storms. Tom DeHoff, District 1 district engineer, and Col. Kebin Haller, of the Wyoming Highway Patrol, both said snow plows and Patrol vehicles are often hit by other vehicles because of poor visibility. Those conditions also contribute to other crashes along the I-80 corridor. “Our long-term goal is to adopt technology such as the connected vehicle that will help keep our WYDOT family and the traveling public safe,” DeHoff said. “I really think this technology will help us out and reduce crashes.” Haller said the timely information motorists will receive will greatly improve safety for everyone. “The connected vehicle technology will provide our troopers, WYDOT employees and the traveling public more protection on the road,” Haller said. “The more people who participate in this project, the more timely and accurate information we can pass along. This new technology will not only help reduce crashes, but those secondary crashes that result after an incident.” n

Cutting edge technology has been installed in 100 WYDOT vehicles as part of the Connected Vehicle Deployment Program.

December 2018

Interchange

Noteworthy

WHP unites with law enforcement to educate public about the Move Over law

DO THIS

MOVE OVER. IT’S THE LAW When a motorist encounters any of the vehicles parked on the side of the road on a road with two or more lanes in the same direction, they must move to the farthest lane away from the stopped vehicle. On a two-lane road where speeds are 45 mph or greater, motorists must slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit. Motorists can be fined $235 for failure to move over. WYDOT is currently making signs about the new requirements as a way to help educate the public. “No matter where they are, what state they’re driving in, motorists will learn about the importance of moving over,” Romig said. “If all of us work together, we can protect those who work alongside the roadways – highway maintenance workers, firefighter, EMS personnel, tow operators, utility workers, police officers and road construction workers.” Although the law has always covered emergency responders, crashes have still occurred. Since 2016, vehicles have hit about 12 Patrol cars stopped on the roadside. During that same time frame, there have been 18 snowplows hit by motorists. Besides moving over, motorists should also put away any distractions and pay attention to the road and their surroundings to ensure everyone is safe. n

Photo: WYDOT

Motorists moving over for law enforcement, emergency, maintenance and other types of vehicles parked on the side of Wyoming highways and interstates are not only abiding by the law but are also keeping their fellow citizens safe. On Nov. 8, the Wyoming Highway Patrol and state patrols from Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota and Montana, as well as multiple emergency and public service entities, will educate and promote public safety by encouraging motorists to move over. Law enforcement is planning to get the word out through social media, news release and other outlets. Wyoming lawmakers recently passed a new Move Over law that not only requires motorists to move over for parked emergency responders like the WHP but also for authorized municipal, public utility, highway construction or highway maintenance vehicles. The new law took effect on July 1. Although each of the participating states have different Move Over laws, the message is the same. Motorists need to move over to help keep people safe. “No matter where you’re traveling, whether it’s on I-80 in the panhandle of Nebraska, the I-80 corridor in Wyoming or I-25 from Colorado to Wyoming, motorists need to move over,” said WHP Lt. Tim Romig, of Division A in Cheyenne. “Although each state may have differing Move Over laws, the message is similar. Move over for law enforcement and others who are working on the side of the road. By doing so, you can help save a life and make sure the person who not only works in your community but also lives in your community makes it home safe at the end of the day.” The new Move Over law in Wyoming has requirements for motorists to follow when traveling on an interstate and two-lane highway.

IF YOU SEE ANY OF THESE

WYDOT’s District 1 Cheyenne I-80 Maintenance Foreman Tony Avila speaking at the Move Over event.

Interchange

December 2018

By Cody Beers, District 5 Public Involvement Specialist A law enforcement officer’s job begins and ends with protecting the public. In the busiest city or the smallest town, local and state law enforcement officials are ready to step in to keep the community safe. Every law enforcement officer has his or her own reasons for signing up to be an officer, but there is one common thread on everyone’s list: the desire to serve and protect. Police officers are aware of the dangers that the job can require, but they know that a part of wearing the badge is the ability to face those risks headon. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a new video production last week featuring Fremont County law enforcement officials and their efforts. “The video production features prominently the efforts of Fremont County law enforcement officers in fighting impaired driving and enforcement of seat belts. Great work Fremont County!” said Wyoming Department of Transportation law enforcement liaison Pete Abrams of Casper. “All Fremont County law enforcement officers should be proud of their efforts and the results they have obtained for the people of Fremont County.” From 2012-16, Fremont County averaged the third highest traffic fatality rate in Wyoming. And of the 17 Fremont County traffic fatalities in 2015, 15 were related to alcohol. At the conclusion of Fremont County law enforcement efforts in 2016, traffic fatalities dropped to 13, and of those, alcohol-related traffic fatalities dropped to 5. “Over the last 5 years, Fremont County has accounted for 19 percent (39 of 206) of impaired driving fatalities in Wyoming. There is still much to do,” Abrams said. The video production highlights the combined efforts of the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Fremont County Sheriff ’s Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs, police departments in Riverton, Lander and Shoshoni, and Wyoming State Parks police officers. The video may be viewed on the Internet at: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=vgKOdWUkShc&feature=youtu.be “As a community, we can rest easy knowing a law enforcement officer will be there when we need them. But it’s also essential that we create a ‘safety culture’ to keep each other safe,” said Abrams. “There’s nothing silly about obeying the law.” Law enforcement officers knowingly respond to dangerous

15 10 5 0

2013

2014

Total Fatalities

2015

2016

2017

Alcohol Impaired Fatalities (BAC = .08+)

situations, not completely knowing what they will find when they arrive on the scene. From violent crimes to traffic stops to drug overdoses and vehicle crashes, officers repeatedly put themselves in danger to protect the public. “Take time to thank your local and state officers for all that they do for your community, whether it’s making sure your children get to school safely, or keeping drunk drivers off the road,” Abrams said. Abrams also stressed the importance of citizens being good examples for their community. “Officers can’t be everywhere, so it’s important that everyone does their part to keep their community safe, which includes things like not driving distracted, always wearing a seat belt, and always designating a sober driver to get you home safely if you’ve been drinking,” he said. “So remember, next time you see a law enforcement officer, take time to reflect on and recognize the difficult career they have chosen, and the dedication and passion it takes to excel at it,” Abrams said. Whether the goal is to be an active part of the community, to make a positive change in someone’s life, or to keep families safe, all law enforcement officers have reasons why they serve. n Passenger Vehicle Occupant Fatalities by Restraint Use

15 12 9 6 3 0

2013

2014

2015

2016

Restrained

Unrestrained

K LIC

Don’t be a flake. Click it or ticket. No excuses. December 2018

2017

New video production celebrates law enforcement efforts in Fremont County, but work remains

Total Fatalities / Alcohol Fatalities

Noteworthy

T IC K

Interchange

TechNotes

Network reconfiguration

Technology changes within WYDOT By Dan Tolman, IT Program As many of you have noticed, over the past few months IT has been working with ETS to implement several changes with technologies in use at WYDOT. Some of these changes include Active Directory migration, network reconfiguration and voice over IP phone installation. In addition to this, we have seen changes in the way we go about getting help with technology. I will touch briefly on each of these subjects to provide some updates and clarification.

Active Directory migration

Active Directory migration has been underway now for the past few months and is nearing completion for the user/computer portion. Once this is complete we will begin to migrate servers and software systems that use Active Directory for authentication. Along with Active Directory migration comes a new method for remote access, otherwise known as VPN. This new method is web based and improves security by using multifactor authentication. Configuring the new VPN solution will require some assistance from ETS. Please reach out to the helpdesk using the contact info at the bottom of this article. Using a mobile device you can scan these barcodes to learn more about the Active Directory project or to view the setup instructions for the portal2 VPN solution.

Much of this work, when everything goes well, is unnoticed by end users. Some of the more recent network changes have included replacing network switches in closets at the Cheyenne HQ complex to support the power needs of the new Voice Over IP phones. Along with these replacements, we have been able to implement new configurations that are consistent with the rest of the ETS managed statewide network. We are continuing to work with ETS to evaluate network configurations and bandwidth needs in the field as well.

Voice Over IP

ETS has deployed a new Voice Over IP phone system at the Cheyenne HQ complex. This new deployment will eventually allow us to get rid of our aging digital phone system. The new system shares infrastructure with our existing data network. By combining systems in this manner ETS will be able to put greater focus on the one network to ensure increased stability. Field offices will be evaluated for this technology based on bandwidth availability.

Helpdesk

Helpdesk support for WYDOT has been centralized with ETS. WYDOT employees will need to contact the ETS helpdesk to begin their support request. This can be done by navigating via a web browser to service.wyo.gov and filling out a service request or by calling 307-777-3995 or 307-777-5000. The WYDOT Grouplink ticketing system is no longer being used by the IT team. Please ensure that all your IT related requests are going to the ETS helpdesk. n

Training New Training Services Employee By Rebecca McGee, Training Services Hello. I’m Rebecca McGee and I’m excited to begin working with you at WYDOT. I’m a Wyoming native, born and raised in Casper, and happy to be returning to my home state to continue my career, working with all of the talented folks at WYDOT. I’m blown away by the breadth and depth of this organization and by the Wyoming wind, which is the only thing I have not missed! After my career, as a high school special educator, I became a corporate trainer and instructional designer involved in creating e-Learning, job aids, manuals and instructor-led training. As a life-long learner and educator, with an master’s degree in education, I believe strongly in creating opportunities for

Interchange

December 2018

continued professional growth to enhance the talent and effectiveness of individuals and organizations. During the course of my career I’ve worked on talent and skills development projects in corporate and university environments and have seen the opportunity and effectiveness of these endeavors first hand. I’m excited to be part of the Training Services team and part of this endeavor, as well as to being able to participate in my own professional growth at WYDOT via a WELL Learning Plan or IDP. I hope the e-Learning courses you take will educate, entertain and engage you. I look forward to meeting you and working with you on projects. n

Make us jealous of your adventure!

Outdoors Deadline:

12/15/18 carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov

District News

Materials. Burlew is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

Welcome Erin Boettner, Bridge-Engineering Design; Charles Cordier, Bridge-Engineering Design; Brandon Johnson, Patrol-Support Services; John Kinsella II, Patrol-Support Services; Rebecca McGee, Training; Shane Noonan, BridgeEngineering Design; Kaleanna Schadwill, Patrol-Support Services; and Travis Talton, Port of Entry-Cheyenne I-80.

Christopher Martinez, Traffic – 10 years; Sabrina Ernst, Budget – 5 years; Jeffrey Lee, Facilities ManagementBuilding Maintenance – 5 years; and William Panos, Administration-Director – 5 years. Schlimm

Promotions and Transfers Cathryn Connell, Equipment-Administration; Leo Ferguson, Patrol-Safety and Training; Phillip Hearn, Aeronautics Engineering & Construction; Kyle McKay, Patrol-Safety and Training; Heather O’Connor, Patrol-Support Services Manager; Brandt Pickett, Highway Development-Project Development; Cassie Pickett, Highway DevelopmentProject Development; and Greg Smith, Facilities Management-Security.

Connell

Hearn

Ferguson

O’Connor

Service Awards Chica Thomas, Contracts and Estimates – 35 years; Kathleen Ahlenius, Maintenance Staff – 25 years; Tracey Schlimm, Patrol Dispatch – 20 years;

Thomas

Photo: Janice Burlew

Headquarters

Ray Burlew was thrown a nice surprise retirement party by his Materials coworkers at the Cheyenne Airport Golf Club restaurant. Assistant Chief Engineer Keith Fulton (left) presented Ray Burlew with his service award plaque at the gathering.

WHP Promotes Kyle McKay To Lieutenant Lee

Panos

Retirements State Construction Engineer Andrew Long retired on Nov. 3 after working for WYDOT for 29 years. Long started at WYDOT as a resident engineer in Rawlins. He became state Construction engineer in 2011. He received his Long bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Wyoming. James Thomas retired on Oct. 3 after working for WYDOT for 20 years. He worked in Facilities Management in a security position. Thomas served in the U.S. Air Force from 1974 to 1994 and retired as a master sergeant. He received an associate degree in computer information systems from Laramie County Community College. Raymond Burlew retired from the Materials Program Nov. 1 after working for more than 36 years with WYDOT. Burlew began his career at WYDOT on the Cheyenne Maintenance crews in March 1982 and quickly moved into an engineering tech specialist position in

Wyoming Highway Patrol Col. Kebin Haller announced the promotion of Sgt. Kyle McKay to lieutenant of the Safety and Training Division on Oct. 1. Lt. McKay was previously the public relations and recruiting sergeant for the Safety and Training DiviMcKay sion, where he was the primary agency point of contact for media relations in the state of Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain region. He also was the primary recruiter for the agency while assisting with the Wyoming Highway Patrol Academy and WHP safety campaigns. In his new position, McKay now oversees the Safety and Training Division. He supervises the Public Relations and Recruiting, the Academy Coordinator, the Safety Education and the Drug Recognition Expert sergeants. McKay’s division is also responsible for providing quality safety education at public events throughout the state and continuous education and training to Patrol personnel. McKay is an 18-year veteran of WHP and a native of Cheyenne. He started his career in law enforcement in 1999 with the Division of Criminal Investigation as part of the capitol police. He was in that position from 1999 to

December 2018

Interchange

2001. In 2001, the capitol police merged with Patrol, and McKay became part of Patrol’s Executive Protection, Division O. He was a member of Division O from 2001 to 2003. McKay worked for Division A in Cheyenne as a road trooper from 2003 until 2017. In 2017, he promoted to sergeant within Safety and Training. McKay replaced Lt. David Wagener who promoted to Commercial Carrier captain recently. n

District 1

Welcome Steven Hamlet, Laramie Maintenance.

Promotions and Transfers Kurt Augustin, Laramie Construction; and Matthew Mayfield, Laramie Mechanics.

WHP Total number of employees: As of Nov. 5, 2018

Total number of highway fatalities: As of Nov. 9, 2018

1,912

104

One month ago

1,890

One year ago

116

1,888

Mayfield

Interchange

December 2018

Work near Walmart in Cody impacted traffic CODY – Trenching and installation of new wiring conduit for the current traffic signal at the US 14/16/20 intersection on Cody’s West Strip at Walmart impacted traffic flows Oct 29 through Nov. 2.

le Afte yc

ading! Re

WYDOT sign technician Larry Stanger met St. Stephen’s Indian School-National Honor Society members in August for installation of their Adopt-A-Highway sign on WYO 136 (Gas Hills Road), southeast of Riverton.

“Traffic signal upgrades required new conduit to be installed, because at some point, the existing conduit was damaged,” Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Todd Frost, of Cody, said. “Once the new conduit is installed, current and future wiring upgrades to the traffic signal at the Walmart traffic signal will be possible.” During the work, traffic will move to one-half of the highway, with one lane flowing in each direction on US 14/16/20. “We apologize for the inconvenience,” Frost said. n

west Wyoming,” said Robin Clapp, AdoptA-Highway coordinator/maintenance foreman for the Wyoming Department of Transportation in Riverton. “These volunteers provide an invaluable service in helping to keep Wyoming beautiful. We really appreciate this volunteer service.” Volunteers providing this public service range from retired people to elementary school children. Groups represent fraternal, civic and social clubs, youth groups, employee and professional organizations, schools, churches, government agencies and families. Signs identifying the groups are posted at each end of their adopted highway section, and WYDOT supplies safety brochures, orange vests and trash bags to the volunteers for each cleanup. Anyone in Park, Fremont, Hot Springs, Washakie and Big Horn counties interested in adopting a highway section should contact WYDOT at (307) 568-3400.

Photo: WYDOT

Briefs continued from page 7

ease Re c Pl

Augustin

District 2

Welcome

Service Awards

Joshua McGuire, Torrington Maintenance; Leslie Moore, Kaycee Maintenance; Blake Vaughn, Chugwater Maintenance; and Kyle Walker, Port of Entry-Torrington.

Timothy Harn, Douglas Maintenance – 20 years; Michael Sinner, Torrington Maintenance – 15 years;

Sean Harris, Midwest Maintenance – 5 years; and James Mathis, District 2 Maintenance Staff – 5 years.

Promotions and Transfers Jessy Killion, Wheatland Construction.

Harn

Sinner

Harris

District 4

District 3

Welcome

Welcome Adam Benton, Traffic-Signing; Brenden Cronin, Jackson Maintenance; Dalton Passey, Afton Traffic-Striping; and Nixon Thurman, Afton Traffic-Striping.

Promotions and Transfers Kurtis Covert, Pinedale Maintenance; James Dunford, Kemmerer Maintenance; Ronald Lyons, Wamsutter Maintenance; and Darrin Robinson, Afton Construction.

Kristy Durfee, Port of Entry-Sundance; David Morris, Port of EntrySheridan; Davyd Mortensen, Port of Entry-Sheridan; and Forrest Shaw, Port of Entry-Sheridan.

worked in Sheridan until he transferred to the Pole Creek crew in 1988. He worked on the mountain for eight years before transferring to the Buffalo Maintenance crew in 1996. He worked for Buffalo until 2001 and left WYDOT to work in the coal bed methane business when it was booming. He worked in Wyoming, Colorado and North Dakota. He returned to WYDOT in 2016 on the Buffalo Maintenance crew. He just recently promoted to Crew Leader at Pole Creek.

Service Awards Durfee

Morris

Mortensen

Shaw

Covert

Lyons

Mathis

Robinson

Service Awards Don Beman, Lyman Maintenance – 20 years; and Daniel Calvey, Rock Springs Construction – 10 years. n

Promotions and Transfers Charles Thompson began his career at the “Highway Department” in 1984 as a temp on the Sheridan Maintenance crew. There was a huge spring storm, and he was hired to fix fence. Later in 1985, he was hired as a permanent Thompson crew member and

Jim Butts, Sundance Construction – 35 years; and Jack Scribner, Newcastle Construction – 20 years.

Butts

Scribner

Retirements Scott Renkly retired on Oct. 16 with 11 years of service from Sheridan Maintenance. n

December 2018

Renkly

Interchange

District 5

Welcome

Service Awards

Henry Corson, Lander Mechanics.

Matthew Jones, Ten Sleep Maintenance – 10 years; and Michael Miller, Basin Construction – 10 years. n

Promotions and Transfers

Photo: WYDOT

Dalen Davis Jr., Telecom-District 5 Radio Shop; and Douglas Etsinger, Riverton Construction.

Davis Jr.

Etsinger

Jones

Miller

From left, Director Bill Panos and Basin Maintenance Technician Bob “Director Panos” Crum at the third fall Employee Appreciation Barbecue on Halloween in Basin. There are some similarities. Bill, thanks for being a good sport.

Awards

Congratulations to our October recipients! Photo: WYDOT

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.

Congratulations to District 2’s Muddy Gap Crew Leader Stan “Wayne” Fox and Area Maintenance Supervisor Danny Hobbs for their Extra Mile efforts in assisting a citizen of Wyoming. The citizen said it best, “Gotta love Wyoming and our WYDOT crews keeping us all safe.” The citizen appreciated your efforts and WYDOT appreciates your hard work and dedication.

Wayne (Stan) Fox Andrew Frye Dave Herdt

Danny Hobbs George Ozga Tina Phillips

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

Interchange

December 2018

Passings James F. Burns

James Burns, age 78, of Winchester, Tennessee passed away on Nov. 13 at The Willows of Winchester. He was born on Feb. 27, 1940, in Cascade County, Montana. Before his retirement in 1995, he was employed at the Burns Wyoming Department of Transportation as a maintenance equipment operator with the Douglas crew. Burns is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. Burns enjoyed fishing, was an avid knife collector and member of the National Rifle Association. He will be remembered for the love he showed to everyone.

John P. Mackinen John Paul Mackinen, age 75, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Nov. 12. Mackinen was born on Aug. 1, 1943 in Kemmerer. He married Diana Mecca on Sept. 15, 1973, in Kemmerer. Mackinen attended schools in Kem-

merer and worked for the Wyoming Department of Transportation for 23 years. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed spending time in the outdoors hunting, fishing and camping. He loved to ride snow machines and loved spending time grilling for his family. Mackinen Mackinen loved to volunteer his time and did so with the Kemmerer Volunteer Fire Department for more than 10 years. Mackinen loved spending time with his family and grandchildren at the Hoback cabin. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Kemmerer. A rosary was recited Nov. 15 at St. Patrick’s, and a Mass of Christian Burial was held on Nov. 16.

nine-year career, she was involved in several narcotics related cases and was deployed throughout Wyoming during concentrated high intensity drug trafficking area details on Wyoming highways. Most recently, Wendy was assigned to Trooper Jeramy Pittsley in Cheyenne working on I-80 and I-25 as part of Division A. During her last year of service, Wendy and Pittsley were responsible for seizing more than 700 pounds of illegal contraband. She retired from the Patrol in September 2017 due to health issues. Pittsley related she was spending some time with his family in Florida enjoying the warm weather when she passed away. Our condolences to Pittsley and his family. Wendy was a valuable member of our K-9 team and she will be missed. n

K-9 Wendy The Wyoming Highway Patrol announces retired WHP K-9 Wendy, passed away peacefully from heart failure on Nov. 9. Wendy was well known for her desire and willingness to work and play, while producing some impressive seizures over the years. She began her career as a narcotic K-9 in 2009 assigned to the Big Horn Basin in District 5. During her

K-9 Wendy and Trooper Jeramy Pittsley

WYDOT’s Travel Information System is the one and ONLY source for up-to-the-minute road and travel information. Take road conditions with you. Get the WYOMING 511 app. www.wyoroad.info

Know before you go. Visit wyoroad.info.

    

Know traffic hazards & road conditions before you go View highway webcams "Where am I?" function Hands-free, eyes-free function Easy to use

Available for free download at the Apple App Store.

December 2018

Available for free download at the Google Play Store.

Interchange

WTDEA

Headquarters car barn Trunk or Treat a huge success

Thank you to everyone who attended the Headquarters Relief Fund Cook-off this year. There were nine participating chili chefs and 67 attendees at this year’s event. WTDEA was able to raise $457.00 for the Relief Fund. The nine fabulous pots of chili for tasting were all tasty according to the attendees and the tough competition came down to the No. 8 red chili as winner. Holly Daniels cooked up that No. 8 red chili that made her this year’s champion. Jeff Madden from Procurement Services in the Shipping and Receiving office was the winner of the 50/50 raffle and received $82.00. Thank you to the following competitors for going the extra mile: Scott Scheidemantel; Justin Mordahl; Renee Kraweic; Audrey Hobbs; Antonia Torres; Yoli Pacheco; Tony Avila; Holly Daniels; and Kara Peterson. Many thanks to WyHy for providing corn bread muffins from The Bread Basket and the Facilities Management crew for the event setup and tear down. Last but not least, thank you to the members of the WTDEA State Board as this event wouldn’t be a success without all of your help. n

We want to start by giving an enormous thank you to all of the volunteers who made this event a screaming success. The blustery weather on Oct. 26 couldn’t keep the 885 people in attendance away from parading their costumes and being treated to candy from the 60 bags of candy donated by WYDOT employees. There were 15 decorated car trunks manned by volunteers in the car barn handing out candy to the children who came out. Each of the trunk The winning trunk or treat trunk sponsored by Lisa Fresquez and stations was voted on by atMitzi Krois of Civil Rights. tendees and of all the trunks were devilishly divine, but one trunk reigned supreme. Lisa Fresquez and Mitzi Krois from Civil Rights had a trunk that got 148 votes out of the 701 cast. Awesome job ladies. WyHy Federal Credit Union donated $500 to the event and attendees brought 409 items of non-perishable food and 143 personal care items for admission to the event. The pantry items were not necessary for admission to the event, but they were encouraged. n

WTDEA Relief Fund chili cook off a success once again

WTDEA

2019 State Board Cash Calendar

$20 for 365 chances to win! The calendar makes a great birthday or Christmas gift!

! e l n sa

o w o

Wyoming Wildlife Enjoy 12 months of photographs taken in Wyoming by WYDOT employees. Calendars are $20 each and may be purchased from: District 1 Lance Adams, Medicine Bow; and Chris Fisher, Cheyenne.

District 5 David Bilderback, Basin; John Farr, Lander; Jason Price, Lovell; and Tina Simpson, Basin. WyHy Matt Walusis

District 2 Darren Allbright, Wheatland; Debbie Herbold, Casper; Ryan Sorenson, Casper; Jay Stuck, Torrington; and Myron Witt, Chugwater.

Headquarters Holly Daniels, Robyn Eifert, Jason Fernandez, Audrey Hobbs, Heidi Martin, Heather O'Connor, Tina Phillips, Tracy Romero and Antonia Torres.

District 3 Carl “Kurt” Bennett, Jackson; and Dorothy Kizzire, Rock Springs.

The calendars are also available by emailing Audrey Hobbs, audrey.hobbs@wyo.gov.

District 4 Vicky Gearhart, Buffalo; Rex Markley, Gillette; Heath Oetken, Buffalo; and Misty Wood, Sheridan.

Don't delay! Buy your calendar today. All proceeds benefit the WYDOT Employee Relief Fund The Relief Fund is a benefit available to ALL WYDOT employees.

Interchange

December 2018

Halloween at HQ Motor Vehicle Services chose a different kind of “bones” to wear this past Halloween.

What a “wicked” web we weave. One trio decided to “spice” it up a little.

Year after year, the Budget Program takes it up a notch. This year, Toy Story – to infinity and beyond!

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.

An homage to Bob Ross with a happy little fall tree.

Trunk or treat success.

Employee Safety handed out some pretty safe treats.

Rides

Photo: Michael McCabe

Photo: Rod Schimmelman

Retiree Rod Schimmelman owns this beauty of a 1970 GMC. He has restored it from the tires up. He has owned it since 1972 and used to be used by the family for hunting, camping and hauling fire wood. It has finally gotten some TLC. Schimmelman now shows it at many car shows in Wyoming.

Photo courtesy of Bryan Wenger

Retiree Michael McCabe’s grandsons Cooper McCabe, age 5, driving younger Breyer, age 2, around. State Equipment Engineer Bryan Wenger driving his 2012 SS Camaro at Bandimere Speedway in Denver this past summer. The car did the quartermile in 11.06 seconds at 125.87 mph.

December 2018

Interchange

Make the holidays more affordable with a WyHy VISA Credit Card

on balance transfers, purchases and cash advances until December 31, 2018!

WyHy.org/VISA *Visit WyHy.org/VISA or contact the Credit Union for full details. 22

Interchange

December 2018

Break Time See if you can find the following 25 words hidden in the grid to the right: Arvada

North Pole

Blizzard

Peppermint

Candy Canes

Reindeer

Christmas

Rudolph

Santa

Frost

Smoot

Hanukkah

Snowflakes

Hot Cocoa

Sunrise

Kinnear

Tie Siding

Kwanzaa

Ucross

Merna

Van Tassell

Mistletoe

West Thumb

Morrisey

Answer to the November 2018 Break Time photo find:

H W I L L B E H O M E F O R T H E H O L I D A Y H M C W T D F S S S R S S

I A Q U T R E E K Z P M B E S I W S F R U I T I E I P R H R R T O L I T P

W T N R G S Q Z T W I Y R V I T O U C A K E S B R S R E C E U R U E N O E

A S W U A L H U O C A R A T L S N G N B U D D Y M F A A H I I U T I S R N

N A L I K S O E D X H N T R E A D A P O G A E I E I N T R D T D H N G I D

T N O G N K T X D Q T O Z A N L E R L S R N S S Y T C H I E C E O G A D T

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

S A N A O T L H S X T E B O A F F A M R L F H G G L R O T S F E E B L I M

M F T M H I S S E N H N E V L E U M S E O U G P H F A W M L K S E E T N E

Y R E E O V E B G O R O A E N P C E T O S T R D O W S S A G E T V L H T W

T O E N L L R O G G E F R L I E G O G O T U I A T L H K S A S T E L E W I

W N T T L Y C W J K E O I E G P E G O G O R N S C G E V E T R H C S W I T

O T H S Y O R N A M E N T S H P F I B K F E C H H S P I A H U U A J A N H

N S U N R I S E S B N O N A T E U N R E I K H E O D I X S E M M N I Y K F

O E P Q C G X T P U A R G R S R D G E P P E X R C A N E T R O B D N O L A

C L W U A I M H O R T I G F E M G E A A R A S D O N E N E R R S L G H E M

A V C I N F A E T R I E I A S I E R D S E W C O L C K S R I A T E L W L I

N E K E E T R S M O V N F R A N N B F T T H X H A E V I N N N O S E H I L

D S R T S S K X V E E T T Y N T K D U I S I W T T R S S N G G L H O A G Y

Y K J U E V E R G R R E E N T P I X E K E U H A E E R T S N E L E N T H R

C W A O D G I V I N G N S B E U N S X E U Q I C Y Q A A K S E E A B F T S

A A C F R O S T M M W A A M S M I C Y Q R P T Z P A N R Y J U A R O U S M

N N K S H B L V R A I R W I G D S N O W M A N E E T G I T O L R R B N S O

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

S A Z L I X A U H I E S Z N P C C O M E T C U P I D L T Y F A I A A T I T

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

N V O N T S P I M I E N T O P D O N D E R B L I T Z E N W O R K S H O P S

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

Retiree Employee

Change my address

Remove this address; person no longer lives here or is deceased.

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

December 2018

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