December 2019 Interchange by WYDOT

December 2019

Vol. 47, Issue 12

Letters Generous WYDOT family Thank you to our current and retired WYDOT family who showed us great support, love and compassion through our daughter Molly’s open heart surgery and recovery. Thank you to everyone who donated and participated in the GoFundMe and trivia night fundraiser for Molly and Chance Johnson! A huge shout out to Ali Ragan, Vince Garcia and Suzie Roseberry for organizing and hosting the trivia fundraiser.

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Vol. 47, Issue 12

Jim Nelson who prepared and donated the pulled pork meal. Bryan Stevens who donated his time and talent as trivia master. Jerry Ellerman for creating a one of a kind puzzle box for the winning team and to the silent partners (we know who you are) who provided the funding for all the administrative costs associated with the fundraiser! We are forever grateful for each of you! Thanks again and may God continue to bless each of you,

Mike and Janet Farrar

WHP

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: K. Luke Reiner

Public Affairs Manager: Doug McGee

Editor:

Carlie Van Winkle

Total number of employees: As of Nov. 4, 2019

1,937

One month ago

1,926

One year ago

1,922 THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE

One year ago

105

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.

WHO ACTUALLY DO.

THEY HAVE THEIR CHILD IN THE RIGHT SEAT.

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135

Aimee Inama J.L. O’Brien Carlie Van Winkle Matt Murphy Jeff Goetz Stephanie Harsha Laura Dalles Cody Beers Sgt. Jeremy Beck

THE ONES

WHO THINK

Total number of highway fatalities: As of Nov. 12, 2019

Contributors:

December 2019

A WYDOT PUBLICATION

Contents

Features 8 WHP commissions 18 Patrol Class 97 graduates

12 WYDOT, WGFD commit $2.5 million Combined funds go toward wildlife underpasses

13 Wyoming family donates $25,000 Money donated for vehicle-wildlife collision mitigation

Also in this issue Letters.........................................................................................2 By the Numbers.......................................................................2 District briefs.............................................................................4 Aeronautics..............................................................................14 Game & Fish............................................................................15 Noteworthy..............................................................................16 District news...........................................................................18 Awards......................................................................................21 Training.................................................................................... 22 Travel & Tourism.................................................................... 23 WTDEA..................................................................................... 23 Rides......................................................................................... 24 Break Time.............................................................................. 27

On the cover:

Winter in the Tetons doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get better than seeing the Grand Tetons draped in a mantle of white. Photo: Rick Carpenter

Kindly recycle this publication after reading. December 2019

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District Briefs WYDOT officials grateful for work federal lawmakers did to protect highway funding

Donald Trump for his signature.

CHEYENNE – Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) officials are pleased with the work U.S. Sen. John Barrasso and other federal lawmakers did to protect highway funding. Congress repealed the $7.6 billion rescission of federal-aid highway contract authority this week that would have impacted states like Wyoming. Under the rescission, WYDOT would have had an $87.7 million negative impact on the department’s flexibility to fund specific projects. The repeal would have affected WYDOT, impacting Wyoming’s mobility, economic competitiveness and quality of life of state citizens. Sen. Barrasso, who is the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee chairman, was instrumental in achieving this repeal. “This legislative action will help us provide stability in highway project programming and delivery,” said WYDOT Director Luke Reiner. “We thank Chairman Barrasso for his efforts and his leadership in securing both the continuing resolution and this rescission repeal.” The rescission was scheduled to go into effect on July 1, 2020. The rescission was established in the 2015 Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. The $7.6 billion rescission repeal was passed as part of the stopgap continuing resolution to keep federal agencies open through Dec. 20. WYDOT’s Chief Financial Officer Dennis Byrne said the loss of contract authority from the rescission had the potential to delay certain projects and affect the mix of projects in the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). Repeal of the rescission simplifies WYDOT’s ability to administer its funding and deliver valuable projects quickly. The legislation now goes to President

CHEYENNE – The Laramie County Community College (LCCC), located in Cheyenne, has been named as the new WHP Trooper Academy training location. The LCCC campus is seven miles from Wyoming Highway Patrol Headquarters. LCCC will offer a long-term facility for the WHP at cost savings compared to our current academy location. The WHP will utilize dorm rooms, six offices, land, and various roads for practical training, gymnasium, cafeteria, fitness equipment, classrooms, improved teaching technology in classrooms, and have the option of additional room for growth. This partnership with Laramie County Community College will help with increased logistical improvements, increased operational efficiencies, and an overall cost reduction while providing a professional training environment. Having the WHP Academy at LCCC will enable the patrol to build partnerships and seize outreach opportunities. The WHP will interact with members of the LCCC Criminal Justice program, studentathletes and the general student population. This will have a positive impact on WHP’s recruiting efforts, community relations and law enforcement’s relationship with students and staff of LCCC. LCCC will be the primary location for all WHP classroom style classes. Being based in Cheyenne, Wyoming, will allow cadets to have access to the WHP Cheyenne firearms range, and to an Emergency Vehicle Operations road course. The WHP is appreciative of the Wyoming National Guard for hosting WHP Trooper Academy training at Camp Guernsey in Guernsey, Wyoming, in years past. “This partnership goes back for more than 17 years, and the WHP has literally trained hundreds of troopers at Camp Guernsey,” said Colonel Kebin Haller with the Wyoming Highway Patrol. “I am very grateful to the Wyoming National Guard.”

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LCCC is named new WHP Trooper Academy location

The Wyoming Highway Patrol is dedicated to providing standardized, relevant, and leading-edge training that aids in the development of highly qualified professional state troopers to better serve the citizens of Wyoming. This is accomplished by finding the most cost-effective and efficient solution that provides opportunities for partnerships and community outreach. The Wyoming Highway Patrol and LCCC held a joint press briefing at the Flex Tech Building on Nov. 25.

WHP assist Cheyenne Police with suicidal subject CHEYENNE – On Oct. 30 troopers responded to the Wyoming state parking garage in Cheyenne for a suicidal subject threatening to jump from the top floor. Around 7:14 a.m., troopers responded to the area to assist the Cheyenne Police Department who were already on the scene. CPD negotiators responded and were able to safely take the subject into custody for evaluation. The parking garage was closed for a short time while law enforcement officers dealt with the incident.

Work underway at the intersections of US 30/ Whitney Road, US 30/ Dell Range in Cheyenne CHEYENNE – WYDOT installed flashing beacons at two intersections on US 30 near Cheyenne to help improve safety. WYDOT performed the work as a way to draw attention to these two intersections. The idea behind the flashing beacons is to get drivers to pay more attention to the intersections and hopefully reduce the number of accidents at those locations. Crews began installing the beacons at the intersections of US 30 and Whitney Road and US 30 and Dell Range Nov. 12. The work is expected to take about two to three weeks. A majority of the work will take place

pavement deterioration which District 2 maintenance has worked hard to keep ahead of. The new pavement isn’t a long-term solution but is meant to help limit further issues with the bridge deck over the winter. Long term plans for the bridges call for the demolition of both structures, the lowering of I-25 between the two interchanges and smaller bridge structures constructed as the interstate passes over Walsh Drive.

CASPER – Road construction continued into the second week of November in Casper as District 2 crews worked around days of snow and cold to patch deterioration on two bridges over Interstate 25 in Casper in preparation for new asphalt pavement which was laid on Nov. 14-15. The two bridges, which cross Walsh Drive between Bryan Stock Trail and Curtis Street/Wyoming Boulevard interchanges, have had an increasing amount of surface issues in recent years. An increase in the number of vehicles crossing the bridges, combined with age and natural bridge movement, have resulted in an increase of potholes, bumps and

WHEATLAND – On Oct. 31, at 1:08 p.m., a Wyoming Highway Patrol vehicle was involved in a motor vehicle collision. The collision occurred around milepost 66 on Interstate 25 south of Wheatland, Wyoming. The WHP trooper was stopped on the shoulder, assisting a stranded motorist when her patrol vehicle was struck by a passing commercial truck. The trooper was inside her patrol vehicle with her seat belt fastened at the time of the collision. The crash caused the northbound lanes of Interstate 25 to be closed. The trooper was transported to the Platte County Memorial Hospital with minor injuries. The driver of the commercial vehicle did not sustain any apparent injuries and was not transported.

Photo: WYDOT

Construction continues in Casper

WHP trooper injured in two-vehicle collision

Photo: WYDOT

The bridge deck over I-25 in Casper had deteriorated and needed the new paving that was applied.

ect began in 2016 with grading operations and dirt work for the new location of the interchange, ramps and interchange bridge. This new structure replaced the existing interchange with a new diamond interchange about a mile north on I-90. In 2017, the second phase continued with the construction of the new north interchange structure and ramps and construction of the new alignments of North Main Street, Yellowtail Drive, Industrial Road and Decker Road. The third phase included the reconstruction of north Main Street from Fort Road to Goose Creek and the resurfacing of both lanes of I-90. Two bridges were removed and replaced on I-90 during Phases two and three. Additional work included underground utility work, roadway resurfacing, side-street and business access tie-ins and improvements, lighting and enhancements, pedestrian sidewalks and pathways, and the addition of 10-foot sidewalks with ADA accessibility. In addition to the 3 percent CSA award, city of Sheridan allocated $10 million for utilities and enhancements. This project has a STIP completion date of 2019, but will not be fully completed until spring 2020. A ribbon cutting ceremony with the city of Sheridan is planned for early next summer.

A commercial truck collided with a WHP car on a slick I-25 near Wheatland. The trooper was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

North Sheridan Interchange nears completion SHERIDAN – The North Sheridan Interchange project nears completion. This four-year, three-phase $56 million dollar relocation and reconstruction proj-

Photo: WYDOT

off the road. Crews are anticipated hanging the span wire at Dell Range on Nov. 15, which resulted in the need to stop traffic for about 10 minutes at a time. The installation of the beacons on the span wire followed and this work was done outside of the peak traveling times. The same work was done at Whitney Road with the hanging of the span wire and beacons Nov. 21. The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the $60,984 work at its meeting on Sept. 19 to Casper Electric.

An aerial shot of the North Sheridan Interchange project on I-90 just north of Sheridan as it nears completion.

Briefs continued on page 6 December 2019

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Briefs continued from page 5

US 14, 14A slide repairs at Observation Point, White Cross nearly complete Observation Slide

First phase complete on WYO 132; project between US 287 and Ethete, ongoing

Photo: WYDOT

A view of White Cross Alignment.

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RIVERTON – The first phase of asphalt paving on WYO 132 is complete, and final paving, chip sealing and seeding is scheduled for next spring on the $14.63 million project. “Two inches of pavement has been placed throughout the project, including the approaches at Wyoming Indian Elementary and Wyoming Indian High School.” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Project Engineer Brian Martin of Lander. “Crushed gravel base placement is continuing on individual resident accesses through the project. The contractor is also working on approach pipes and cattle guards.” Martin said permanent fencing will be completed after cattle guards are installed. “Topsoil placement will continue for the next couple of weeks, and seeding and continued placement of irrigation structures will take place next spring,” he said. Paving of the pedestrian pathway between Ethete and Wyoming Indian High School will occur next spring, along with final paving and chip sealing. Prime contractor is High Country Construction Inc., of Lander. Improvements on the Blue Sky highway improvement project include grading, draining, milling asphalt pavement, placing gravel pit run and crushed gravel, asphalt paving, chip sealing, electrical work and other work on seven miles of WYO 132 north of Lander.

December 2019

Photo: WYDOT

DAYTON – Sheridan and much of District 4 has been plagued with slides along major highways and two of them had reached their limits with this past spring’s moisture, prompting scheduled repairs for this year to be moved ahead a few months. The White Cross slide, located on US 14 just west of Dayton, did not fare the spring rains well. The east lane broke away and slid just after Memorial Day, requiring WYDOT to begin work earlier than scheduled. The severity of this slide required a realignment of approximately .53 mile of roadway to the west. More than 176,000 cubic yards of soil were excavated and moved to the Ranchester interchange yard. Along with the realignment, multiple French drains were installed to prevent further saturation. Full depth reclamation (FDR) was performed on the original alignment and used as the base for the new alignment. Paving was completed by the end of October and traffic was reintroduced to the road. A second slide located near milepost 84 at Observation Point on US 14A west of Burgess Junction had been failing and the heavy spring rains and runoffs warranted immediate repairs. Two-tenths of a mile of this section was shifted about 30feet to the north requiring the removal of 26,000 cubic yards of dirt. A French drain was installed to help with spring run-off and alleviate future erosion issues. Winter conditions set in early this fall not allowing for paving to be completed. The contractor maintained that portion of 14A, while the Burgess Junction crew maintained the rest of 14A to accommodate hunters in the area. US 14A closed for the season at the end of November.

Blue Sky Highway paving on Oct. 31.

Concrete pour on Shoshone River bridge near Lovell LOVELL – A concrete pour took place on Nov. 15, on the middle portion of the new Shoshone River bridge on the $11.7 million Sage Creek highway and bridge improvement project between Lovell and Cowley on US 310. The $11.7 million Sage Creek highway and bridge improvement project consists of road widening, bridge widening over the Shoshone River, replacement of the Sage Creek and railroad bridges, asphalt paving, and other work. Prime contractor is S&S Builders LLC, of Gillette.

Rockfall mitigation project underway west of Cody on US 14/16/20, US 20/WYO 789 in Wind River Canyon CODY – A three-location $664,000 rockfall mitigation project began at a pair of locations on Nov. 18, with rock scaling, rock removal and repair of the existing rockfall fence west of Cody alongside US 14/16/20, and rock scaling on US 20/ WYO 789 in Wind River Canyon. Grading, rockfall mitigation and other work are scheduled at three locations: US 20/WYO 789 between Shoshoni and Thermopolis (milepost 120.6, about 12 miles south of Thermopolis) in Wind River Canyon, WYO 296 (Chief Joseph Scenic Highway (milepost 35.6, about 11 miles west of WYO 296’s junction with WYO 120), and US 14/16/20 (milepost 44.58, about seven miles west of Cody) west of Cody.

The US 14/16/20 rockfall mitigation work, according to Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Todd Frost of Cody, “consists of scaling loose material, removal of rockfall debris and repair of the existing rockfall fence.” Frost said prime contractor Oftedal Construction Inc., of Casper began Nov. 18 with rock scaling. Work also began Nov. 18 on rockfall mitigation on US 20/WYO 789 in Wind River Canyon. “This work consists of scaling large boulders above the roadway and removal of rockfall debris. Work on Nov. 18 includes placement of temporary concrete barrier to protect the roadway during work operations,” Frost said. Frost said a 12-foot width restriction was in place for northbound vehicles during this project. The rockfall mitigation work west of Cody and in Wind River Canyon is scheduled to be completed by Feb. 1, 2020. WYO 296 rockfall mitigation work is tentatively scheduled for the spring of 2020. “Work on Chief Joseph Scenic Highway consists of rockfall mesh repair including installation of four new grouted anchors and taglines in Paint Creek Canyon,” Frost said. The WYO 296 work is scheduled to be completed by early June. Contract completion on the three projects is June 30, 2020.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony for North Federal project in Riverton

said Assistant State Bridge EngineerOperations Paul Cortez, in Cheyenne. “Inspection of all three tunnels was expected to take two days to complete. We were evaluating and relamping the electrical lighting system, and other work will include evaluation of the rock liner in the vent shaft of the long tunnel and rock surrounding the portals, and assessing the effectiveness of the long tunnel’s exhaust fans.” “These inspections are important to help WYDOT maintain its mission of providing a safe, high quality and efficient transportation system for the citizens of Wyoming,” he said.

RIVERTON – State and local officials cut the ribbon Nov. 6, on the $13.96 million North Federal Boulevard highway improvement project in Riverton, signifying completion of the two-year urban project through the heart of Fremont County’s largest town. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Nov. 6, at Reach Park, near the intersection of Sunset Drive and North Federal Boulevard in Riverton. “Some work is continuing, but this ceremony caps this big and successful project. Many thanks go to the prime contractor, S&S Builders, LLC, of Gillette, the many subcontractors, Riverton businesses, Fremont County citizens, City of Riverton and WYDOT workers,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Robert Scheidemantel of Riverton. “Thank you all for your patience and can-do spirit. It’s what makes our community a great place to live and raise families.” The $13.96 million North Federal Boulevard (US 26/WYO 789) project bid was awarded to S&S Builders, LLC, of Gillette in September 2017. Half of the project was built in 2018, and the remainder was built in 2019. “This is a project that will service the Riverton area for many decades to come,” Scheidemantel said. n

Traffic signal installed at Sunset/North Federal Boulevard intersection

Photo: WYDOT

RIVERTON – A new traffic signal system was installed around active traffic at the Sunset Drive/North Federal Boulevard intersection Oct. 31 in Riverton. The intersection opened to traffic on Nov. 4. Following traffic signal installation work at the Sunset/North Federal intersection, the traffic lighting crew moved its mobile traffic signal installation operation to the intersection of Webbwood Road and North Federal on Nov. 4. The $13.96 million project is nearing completion, and state and local officials cut the ribbon Nov. 6, on the $13.96 million North Federal Boulevard highway improvement project.

CODY – Traffic patterns were restricted Nov. 5-6 in the US 14/16/20 tunnels west of Cody. “There were lane closures of the highway through the tunnels between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m with traffic delays,”

New traffic lights getting ready for installation over Sunset Drive and North Federal Boulevard.

Photo: WYDOT

Inspection, relamping in US 14/16/20 tunnels west of Cody

Photo: WYDOT

Damaged rockfall mesh fencing west of Cody on US 14/16/20.

WYDOT staff and Riverton dignitaries at the North Federal Boulevard project ribbon cutting.

Don’t be a flake. Click it or ticket. No excuses. December 2019

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Row 1, from left: Lt. Col. Shannon Ratliff; and Col. Kebin Haller. Row 2, from left: Tpr. Richard Morrison; Tpr. Susan Berkeyheiser; Tpr. Steven Watson; Tpr. Cody Ball; and Tpr. Clifford Schrock. Row 3, from left: Tpr. Austin Barker; Tpr. Jacob Fourman; Tpr. Ryan Gerdes; Tpr. Tyler Smith; and Tpr. Adam Watson. Row 4, from left: Tpr. Teddy Merritt; Tpr. Tyler Randig; and Tpr. Cory McCallister. Row 5, from left: Tpr. Jason Simmer; Tpr. Wallace Schulthess; Tpr. Micah Burke; Tpr. Adam Balthazor; and Tpr. Joseph Devlin. Row 6, from left: Sgt. Jeremy Beck; Sgt. Momen Elazizi; Lt. Kyle McKay; Maj. Joshua Walther; Sgt. Leo Ferguson; and Maj. Keith December 2019 Groeneweg.

Photo: Rick Carpenter

Wyoming Highway Patrol commissions 97th class

Eighteen commissioned in November The Wyoming Highway Patrol recently commissioned 18 cadets 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 training. The members of Class 97 who were new to law enforcement participated in 1,200 hours of academy training. Being a state trooper for the Wyoming Highway Patrol can be a challenging, yet rewarding career as it takes a special person to become a Wyoming State trooper. 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 Nov. 15. The ceremony marked the 97th graduating class of the Wyoming Highway Patrol Academy.

Cody W. Ball – Rock Springs Ball is originally from Ocala, Florida where he served in law enforcement for seven years. He is also currently in the Army National Guard. Ball is married and has two children with a third on the way. He enjoys fishing, backpacking and spending time with his family. Ball will be stationed in Rock Springs and is excited about his new career with the Wyoming Highway Patrol.

Berkeyheiser

Micah Burke – Jackson Burke grew up in Lander. Prior to becoming employed by the Wyoming Highway Patrol, he worked in the Fall River County Jail in Hot Springs, South Dakota. He and his wife have a daughter and a son. Burke will be stationed in Jackson.

Joseph Devlin – Baggs Ball

Devlin started his law enforcement career in 1990. He enjoys spending time in the outdoors with his family and friends. He is excited to start his career with the Wyoming Highway Patrol and will be assigned to Baggs out of the Rawlins Division. Devlin

Jacob R. Fourman – Rawlins Balthazor

Austin W. Barker – Rock Springs Barker was born in Havelock, North Carolina and was raised in Cheyenne where he graduated from Cheyenne South High School. Before joining the Patrol he worked as a Port of Entry officer in Cheyenne. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball and taking his dog on hikes. Barker is excited to join the Wyoming Highway Patrol and strives for a long and successful career.

Berkeyheiser moved from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Wyoming in 2011 where she attended to the University of Wyoming. Susan is an avid dog trainer and focuses on competing in field trials and hunt tests with Labrador retrievers. When she is not training dogs or working, she enjoys shooting and spending time outdoors hunting, fishing and off-roading. She is fluent in three languages and loves to travel. Berkeyheiser will be stationed in Laramie-Division J.

Burke

Adam Balthazor – Gillette Balthazor is from Minnesota where he earned an AAS degree in Law Enforcement at Alexandria Technical College. He became a police officer for the city of Sheridan shortly after graduation. He served the city of Sheridan for 11 years prior to joining the Wyoming Highway Patrol. He will be stationed in Gillette, Division L. Balthazor met his wife in Sheridan and they have one son.

Susan S. Berkeyheiser – Laramie

Fourman is a proud Wyoming native from Saratoga. After graduating from Saratoga High School, he attended the University of Wyoming where he earned his degrees in criminal justice and sociology. Prior to joining the Wyoming Highway Patrol, he worked for the U.S. Forest Service during his summers in college. When he is not working, he enjoys fly fishing, camping and watching Fourman movies. Fourman will be stationed in Rawlins with Division H and is looking forward to beginning his career.

Barker

December 2019

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Ryan W. Gerdes – Laramie

Richard J. Morrison – Wamsutter

Gerdes is a Wyoming native, originally from Cheyenne. Being from an Air Force family, he has lived several different places throughout the United States. After returning to Wyoming, Gerdes worked for the Laramie Police Department until his retirement in July 2019. He began working for the Wyoming Highway Patrol shortly thereafter. Gerdes Gerdes is assigned to Division J in Laramie and is excited to serve the citizens of great state of Wyoming in a new capacity. In his off-time, he enjoys shooting sports and hunting.

Morrison is originally from Missouri where he started his law enforcement career in 2009 in southwest Missouri. He is being assigned to Wamsutter, located in the Rawlins Division. Morrison enjoys hiking, jogging and being on the lake. He is excited to be in Wyoming and to serve his community as a Wyoming State trooper.

Corey McCallister – Arlington McCallister is originally from Wyoming and began his law enforcement career three years ago in Rapid City, South Dakota serving as a correctional officer. He, his wife, their two daughters and soon to be two sons are excited for the new opportunities, and look forward to everything to come.

Teddy Merritt – Laramie

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Tyler K. Randig – Casper Randig grew up in the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. Before joining the Wyoming Highway Patrol, he worked in landscaping and danger tree removal. Randig has a bachelor’s degree in business agriculture from the State University of New York at Cobleskill. In his spare time he enjoys hunting, fishing and hiking with his dogs. Randig will be stationed in Division B.

Randig

Clifford J. Schrock – Elk Mountain McCallister

Merritt grew up in south Georgia where he began his law enforcement career as a deputy sheriff for Ben Hill County and as a city police officer for the Fitzgerald Police Department. He served five years as a certified law enforcement officer before moving to Wyoming. His hobbies include fishing, hunting, spending time with his family and enjoying the outdoors. Merritt will be stationed in Laramie and is excited to begin his career with the Wyoming Highway Patrol.

Morrison

Merritt

Schrock was born in Idaho, but spent most of his childhood and young adult life in Missouri and Michigan. He moved to Wyoming in 2007. Before joining the Wyoming Highway Patrol, he worked primarily in construction and ranch work. He enjoys doing leather work, shooting and roping. Schrock and his wife have five children. He will be stationed in Division P.

Schrock

Wallace Seth Schulthess – Kemmerer

Adam J. Watson – Torrington

Schulthess was raised on a family ranching operation in northern Utah and Wyoming. Prior to joining the Wyoming Highway Patrol, he ran a trucking company as an owneroperator for seven years. Schulthess sold his truck and bought cattle and is running them with his family. He also worked for the Rich County Road Department running a motor grader for five and a half years. He will be going to Division D and is excited for this new opportunity.

Watson is originally from Paden, Oklahoma. Before his employment with the Wyoming Highway Patrol, he worked ranching and operating forestry equipment in Oklahoma. Watson is married and has three kids and three dogs. In his spare time, he enjoys being outdoors with his family. Schulthess

Steven Watson – Elk Mountain Watson is originally from Laramie, and began his law enforcement career in 2008 with the United States Army as a military policeman. He continued serving as a deputy sheriff with the Pulaski County Sheriff ’s Department and later served with the Waynesville Police Department as a patrolman. Watson is excited to serve God and the citizens of the great state of Wyoming in the Elk Mountain Division of the Wyoming Highway Patrol. n

Jason C. Simmer – Torrington Simmer was born and raised in Cheyenne. He graduated from the University of Wyoming with a criminal justice degree. Prior to the Highway Patrol, he worked for five years at the Larimer County Alternative Sentencing Division. Simmer will be stationed in Division F. Once training is complete, he hopes to do more traveling with his family.

A. Watson

Simmer

Tyler D. Smith – Jackson Smith was born and raised in Garden Grove, California. He will be stationed in Jackson. He studied kinesiology at California State University Fullerton. He and his wife are excited for their new life in Wyoming. He is honored to start his career in law enforcement with the Wyoming Highway Patrol.

Class 97 Awards Colonel’s Leadership Award: Tpr. Ryan W. Gerdes Top Academic Award: Tpr. Micah P. Burke

Smith

S. Watson

Top Fitness Award: Tpr. Tyler K. Randig

December 2019

Top Firearms Award: Tpr. Ryan W. Gerdes Most Improved Fitness Award: Tpr. Richard J. Morrison “Esperit de Corps” Award: Tpr. Adam J. Watson

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WYDOT, WGFD commit combined $2.5 million toward wildlife underpasses By Aimee Inama Two state agencies have committed a combined $2.5 million toward installing wildlife underpasses along US 189 in southwest Wyoming to help reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve safety. The Wyoming Transportation Commission recently approved a $1.25 million match of the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission’s $1.25 million contribution, which will be used toward the Dry Piney wildlife crossing project north of La Barge. “We are committed to ensuring the state’s roads are as safe as possible for the traveling public,” said WYDOT Chief Engineer Shelby Carlson. “The work will provide safe passage for wildlife to cross under US 189, keeping motorists safer. These underpasses allow wildlife to cross the roads without encountering traffic or fences and allows them to travel their historic migratory routes.” The funding will be used toward the first phase of the Dry Piney project, which is expected to cost approximately $5.5 million. During the first phase, crews will install underpasses and fencing along a 5-mile stretch of US 189 between mile markers 86 and 90. WYDOT has applied for $18.18 million in Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) funds to financially support subsequent work in the Dry Piney corridor. The work will consist of additional underpasses with fencing. WYDOT and WG&F plan to also consider the section south of La Barge for additional fencing and underpasses in the future. Between mile markers 77 and 105, about 117 collisions are reported annually. “By partnering together, we can ensure vital projects like Dry Piney get started to help mitigate wildlife-vehicle collisions,” said WYDOT Director K. Luke Reiner. “We average about 17 crashes per year along this stretch of road, which means this project is definitely needed. Wildlife mitigation is something we will continually be working on to ensure our roads are as safe as possible for the traveling public.” The additional funding from the Wyoming Transportation Commission will help ensure the project gets started. “The Dry Piney project cost is estimated at more than $5 million, so an additional $1.25 million from the Transportation Commission is absolutely a big boost for the project as well as the safety of the traveling public and wildlife,” said David Rael, Wyoming Game and Fish Commission president. “It’s a win-win.” The Dry Piney project will help the Wyoming Range mule deer herd as well as pronghorn and moose movement. The total cost of all three project phases is expected to be between $12 and $36.5 million. “This area of Wyoming has one of the highest rates of mule deer vehicle collisions,” said Mike Larson, Wyoming Transportation Commission chairman. “This project would not only help improve habitat connectivity and help conserve mule deer migra-

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tions, but also make it safer for motorists.” WYDOT, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and the Federal Highway Administration will also host a public open house from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at the La Barge Town Hall, 28 S. Labarge St. in La Barge. The purpose of this meeting is to share information about the development of the US 189 wildlife connectivity project and receive public feedback. Patrick Crank, Wyoming Game and Fish commissioner, said the issue in the Dry Piney area and other parts of the state is vital to address, not only to ensure the quality of life for the state’s citizens, but also to protect the state’s natural resources. “Wildlife-vehicle collisions endanger our citizens, cost millions of dollars in property damage and waste our important wildlife resources,” Crank said. “We hope the Commission and WYDOT can work to raise additional funds and get these underpasses completed as soon as possible.” The state already has been working to generate additional funds for wildlife conservation. During the 2018 state Legislative session, lawmakers approved a new wildlife conservation license plate. The initial application fee is $180, of which $150 goes to a wildlife conservation fund and $30 toward the specialty plate. The fund supports wildlife conservation projects related to the transportation system such as signage, crossing structures, fences and other work. After lawmakers approved the new license plate, the Wyoming Transportation Commission approved the new design in consultation with various state stakeholders. So far, WYDOT has issued about 1,082 as of the end of August. The plate applications are available on WYDOT’s website. Although wildlife crossings are beneficial, motorists should also exercise caution when traveling in the state. Drivers are encouraged to slow down during certain times of the day such as dusk and dawn when wildlife are prone to being near the roads. Other tips for staying safe when traveling include: • Putting down distractions and paying attention to the road. • Using high beams to see more of the road. • Scanning across the road and rights of way frequently. • Watching for eyeshine in the headlights. • Asking passengers to help watch for wildlife. • Avoiding herding wildlife off the road with your car. If there is a crowd, creep up slowly until they disperse. You can honk to encourage them. n

Casper-area family donates $25,000 toward wildlife-vehicle collision mitigation

Photo: WYDOT

By Aimee Inama A Casper-area family donated $25,000 toward wildlife-vehicle collision mitigation as a way to help keep Wyoming’s roads safer for everyone. The family, who wishes to remain anonymous, made the taxfree donation to the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) so the department can use it for wildlife-vehicle collision mitigation work. The family is the first in Wyoming to come forward and make a donation of this type. WYDOT has been working with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) and other stakeholders to reduce wildlifevehicle collisions throughout the state. Stakeholders have identified several areas that are in need of wildlife crossings, fencing and other work. “We wanted to make this donation because the mitigation work will be a win-win for everyone,” the Casper-area family said. “It saves the lives of both wildlife and people. You just can’t lose.” With the increased awareness and concern regarding wildlifevehicle collisions, and with people like the Casper-area family wanting to help with mitigation, the Wyoming Legislature created the wildlife conservation fund to accept donations. The Wyoming Legislature, the Wyoming Wildlife Federation, WYDOT and WGFD were all involved in the fund’s creation.

“We want to thank this family for their donation and for helping us with this vital mission of reducing crashes,” said WYDOT Director Luke Reiner. “The people of Wyoming are always willing to help make our state an even better place to live. We are working hard to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and any help we get is greatly appreciated.” WYDOT Chief Engineer Shelby Carlson said the donation will help the state with its continued efforts with this important initiative. She thanked the Casper-area family for their donation. “We are continually working to reduce wildlife-vehicle crashes in Wyoming to ensure the state’s roads remain safe for the traveling public,” Carlson said. “Although we have seen major accomplishments with work done so far with wildlife-vehicle collision mitigation, we still have more to do. Because of people like this family, we will be able to continue with and increase our efforts.” WGFD officials said they also appreciate the commitment of people like the Casper-area family, thanking them for their generosity. “This donation is a defining act of generosity and shows that wildlife means a lot to them,” said WGFD Commission President David Rael. Besides helping the state with its mitigation work, the Casperarea family said they made the donation to help everyone in Wyoming. “Wildlife is a resource that’s not easily renewable if you don’t take care of it,” the family said. “We just saw this as a wonderful opportunity to help out. We know WYDOT is struggling to fund wildlife crossing projects, so we thought let’s step up and get the ball rolling and hopefully spur others to pitch in and help.” Another way the state is raising funds for wildlife conservation is through the new wildlife conservation license plate. State lawmakers approved the new license plate during the 2018 legislative session and at the same time created the wildlife conservation fund. The initial application fee for the plates is $180, of which $150 goes to a wildlife conservation fund and $30 toward the specialty plate. The fund supports wildlife conservation projects related to the transportation system such as signage, crossing structures, fences and other work. People interested in making a donation for wildlife-vehicle crash mitigation can send their donation to WYDOT at the following address: WYDOT Financial Services ATTN: Wildlife Crossing Donation 5300 Bishop Blvd. Cheyenne, WY 82009 n

Wildlife mitigation is a win-win for both motorists and migrating animals.

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Photo: AdobeStock

Aeronautics

Grant will provide drone training to government entities in state By J.L. O’Brien A grant awarded by the Federal Highway Administration’s State Transportation Innovation Council will provide training on how to use drones to improve processes throughout the state. Austin Woody with the University of Wyoming Technology Transfer Center (WYT2) said the center was awarded $125,000 to purchase drones and provide training to help government entities understand the benefits of using drones for a number of tasks. Nov. 4-10 is National Drone Safety Awareness Week, and the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s Aeronautics Division is working to educate the public both of the need for following federal rules for drone use, but also the wide-reaching uses of drones. Woody said the WYT2 group also will be purchasing photogrammetry software and GPS ground control points for 3D modeling to use for training as well. “Right now, people are using consultants,” Woody said. “What we are doing is trying to demonstrate that it is much more affordable than it was just a few short years ago.” The WYT2 will travel around the state to offer workshops to assist agencies in accessing drone technology, Woody added. After initial research, WYT2 will expand its training. Right now, he said the group is working to better understand how agencies might be using drones. “We are in the infancy of it,” Woody said. Right now, they are researching and doing training to prepare for working with agencies, but he said they plan to start working with agencies in the early spring. “The applications are pretty wide reaching,” Wood said. In terms of transportation, he said that drones can quickly be used to assess how much fill is needed for holes in the roadway. “They can get really detailed images of damage to the roadway, while

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December 2019

also saving lots of risk and lots of money as well as time. You can get imagery rapidly.“ But there are many other applications, and the use of drones will only expand. “It’s here to stay and it’s going to be changing the way a lot of things are done,” Woody said. “We’re hoping to get the ball rolling and get people in the state up to speed.” The Wyoming Highway Patrol also was awarded money as part of the grant. The WHP will be using money to secure drones for crash reconstruction and search and rescue operations. Nationally, law enforcement agencies are using drones for observing dangerous suspects employing infrared and thermal sensors, as well as even exploring uses for bomb disposal and dealing with hazardous materials. Drones have been used to deliver defibrillators to patients on golf courses and floatation devices to people at risk of drowning. Not only does this put fewer people at risk, it can save thousands of dollars. In other industries, insurance companies are using drones to access dangerous areas more quickly to help people speed up the process to recovery without putting additional people at risk. Agriculturally, 1,000 acres of farmland can be inspected in one day by a drone, according to DJI’s public safety report. But WYDOT is working to get information out on safe operation. Aircraft must be registered and many regulations must be followed, unless a waiver is obtained from the FAA, like ensuring drone pilots are properly licensed, flying only below 400 feet, operating within line of sight during daylight or civil twilight hours and following airspace restrictions. More information on regulations can be found at http://www. dot.state.wy.us/home/aeronautics/unmanned-aerial-vehicle.html. n

Game & Fish ‘Inspire a Kid’ web page provides ideas of how to get families outside

Courtesy of Wyoming Game and Fish Many people remember their firsts: that big trout, the wearybut-rewarding hunting trip, the sight of a bull moose wallowing. But, getting to that point can be challenging. To help families and youth make memories in Wyoming’s outdoors, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department launched the Inspire a Kid web page where anyone can go to find ideas and events to take part in nature and conservation. “The website is a tool to help families realize the incredible Wyoming outdoor resources,” said Ashley Leonard, Game and Fish conservation education coordinator. “We want to give families easy plans for getting outside more often while maybe learning a new skill or discovering a different way to have fun in a familiar outdoor space.” Families can rely on the web page for seasonal activity ideas throughout the state that are accessible by those with all levels of outdoor experience. Activity ideas range from general inspiration to specific plans. Suggestions for November include tips on where to go for a family pheasant hunt. Leonard said the more kids get outside, the more their natural curiosity ignites.

“When kids learn the possibilities the outdoors offer, they add those to their activity radar,” she said. So, instead of coming home from school and immediately grabbing a device or watching TV, they might choose to look for cool insects outside or go on a nature scavenger hunt.” The web page comes on the heels of the recent launch of the department’s Inspire a Kid initiative. Guided by Game and Fish Director Brian Nesvik, Inspire a Kid is a priority for Game and Fish to connect youth and families to Wyoming’s wildlife to build the next generation of conservationists. “It’s simple. Inspire a kid — it’s for life,” Nesvik said. To plan an outdoor adventure, visit: wgfd.wyo.gov/get-involved/inspire-a-kid. Share outdoor experiences on social media with the #inspiredbywy. n

Courtesy of Wyoming Game and Fish The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is encouraging anyone who finds or harvests an animal with a radio collar or transmitter to return that collar as soon as possible to any Game and Fish office or employee. “Many animals from deer to moose are fitted with collars that collect data, which are important to wildlife research,” said Tim Woolley, statewide wildlife and habitat management supervisor. “You can still harvest an animal that is wearing a collar. We just need the collars returned so we can use them again and know the animal we were tracking was harvested.” Throughout Wyoming, people may see collared big game animals, including moose, mule deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep or elk. In addition, some game birds have been marked with radio telemetry devices as have large carnivores, including black bears, grizzly bears, mountain lions and wolves. “Sometimes we have animals that have been collared or radio-tagged in other states or by other agencies that turn up in Wyoming as well, and gaining insight into the travels of the animal allows managers to better understand their long-range movement patterns on the landscape,” said Woolley. While it is not illegal to harvest a radio collared animal, Game and Fish asks the collar be removed without cutting or damaging the band or radio. The collars can be unbolted or slid off the neck of the animal. Cutting the band can damage the electronic com-

Photo: Wyoming Game and Fish

Help wildlife by returning tracking collars intact

Collars collect data important to wildlife research. Wyoming Game & Fish requests collars be returned if found on harvested animals this hunting season.

ponents that extend into the belt material, and then the collar can not be put on another animal until repairs are made. If you find a collar, contact the nearest Game and Fish Department office or call the Cheyenne Headquarters at (307) 777-4600. n

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Noteworthy Mail bonding: No good deed goes unpublished By Jake Nichols, Buckrail Reprinted with permission Chalk this one up under “How community works.” Credit WYDOT and one grateful new Star Valley citizen for pulling together a feel-good story that Buckrail is only too happy to pass along. Michela Swarthout is a recent transplant to Wyoming from Boise. She lives in Star Valley between Thayne and Grover. In the couple of months she has been here, Swarthout says she is blown away by the kindness of strangers and she can’t help but pass it along. The latest such nice gesture came courtesy of the Wyoming Department of Transportation. It’s not an agency that would probably come first to mind when thinking about going above and beyond but then again, there’s people like Joe Eggleston, who has earned a reputation for being one of those ‘neighborly’ kind of guys no matter what. “Just wanted to give a shout out to Joe Eggleston with WYDOT for not only getting a mailbox post installed for me within two days of asking for it, but for stopping to help install the mailbox after driving by and seeing me struggle with it in 25-degree weather,” Swarthourt wrote shared on Facebook’s Misty’s List. A quick call to Eggleston confirmed his do-goodness but of course he wanted

to downplay the whole thing. Eggleston explained that Swarthout was told by the Post Office to get in touch with WYDOT to have a new mailbox post installed along S. Highway 89. The state transportation department oversees mailboxes and their posts when along the side of a highway to ensure they meet certain safety standards. Eggleston secured Swarthout a new post as fast as he could and was on his way home one night when he noticed Swarthout wrestling with that very post and box on a cold night. “I was on my way home that night. I happened to see her having a little trouble so I turned around and went back to help her out,” Eggleston said as if the good deed was no more out of character than a friendly wave to a passing motorist. To Swarthout, it meant everything. “It was after work hours and he didn’t have to do it (with no gloves to boot), but he did. I hope I get a chance to repay the kindness to [him] or someone else. It made me feel valued,” she said. “This type is completely unheard of for me. I’ve had similar experiences with the Afton Post Office and residents. It blows my mind how kind people have been and makes me want to do what I can to emulate that. It shows how being the good you want to see in the world actually does work.” Editor’s note: Joe Eggleston works out of the Afton shop in Traffic. n

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

Outdoors deadline:

12/15/19

carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov

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. 16

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December 2019

    

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.

Available for free download at the Google Play Store.

coughing a week later. After a trip to the ER, doctors concluded that her aorta was tearing, her heart was enlarged and one of her valves was leaking. She was airlifted to Denver and rushed into surgery. “I stayed in the hospital for 10 days with Chance never leaving my side, except to go see Georgia, who stayed at a hotel with my parents,” said Johnson. “ I’m now on the road to recovery and am extremely grateful to work with such awesome people who have helped us out so much.” With all the donations the family has received, they have been able to pay for things their insurance doesn’t cover, traveling to Denver for appointments and medications. n

By Carlie Van Winkle Headquarters employees were asked to challenge themselves with a night of trivia, BBQ and fun to help out fellow WYDOTers. A trivia fund raising night for Chance and Molly Johnson was held on Nov. 8. The event brought together 24 teams of five to participate in three rounds of trivia questions and all players and their families enjoyed an exceptional BBQ meal. The fund raiser was put on with significant help from current and retired WYDOT employees. Jim Nelson cooked and provided the pulled pork sandwiches, Jerry Ellerman hand crafted a wooden puzzle box for the winning team. Many others donated time and money to help organize the event. Bryan Stevens of LSDjing donated his time and expertise to host the trivia competition. DayWeather, Town & Country Supermarket Liquors and Marlene Juday donated additional prizes for lucky raffle participants. At the end of the night, the fund raiser topped out at more than $5,500, including the $585 donation from Jeff Boyce, who donated his winnings from the 50/50 raffle. Additional funding was raised through the Johnson’s GoFundMe account. Back in August, Molly gave birth to her daughter Georgia Jean The “Have a Heart” trivia team comprised of (from left) Driver Services employee Molly and TMC employee only to experience chest pain and Chance Johnson, with retirees Mike and Janet Farrar.

IF YOU SEE ANY OF THESE DO THIS

MOVE OVER. IT’S THE LAW December 2019

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Photo: WYDOT

Trivia night a huge success, WYDOT family pulls through to help

District News Headquarters

Welcome Perfecta Fernandez-Diaz, Facilities Management-Custodial; Sarah Gonsales, Patrol-Support Services; Ciera Ingle, Patrol-Support Services; Jacob Jackson, GIS/ITS; Tyler Naughton, Patrol-Support Services; Brent Ragsdale, Patrol-Support Services; Lisa Weaver, Patrol-Dispatch WYDOT Headquarters

Promotions and Transfers Jason Aldridge, Highway Development-Project Development; Daniele Aldridge Galluzzo, Driver Services-Administration-Cheyenne; and Curtis Robinson, Port of Entry-Cheyenne I-25.

Galluzzo

Robinson

Service Awards Vince Garcia, GIS/ITS – 35 years; Deborah McInerney, Budget – 15 years;

Benoit Cordoba, Bridge-Operations Design – 10 years; Kori Cruz, Traffic – 5 years; and Justin Scott, Geology – 5 years.

Retirements

Doering

Smolinski

Doering begins his new duties effective Dec. 2.

Benjamin Adkison retired on Oct. 1 from Planning-Traffic Data Analysis with 29 years of service to the state. Adkison, a Cheyenne native, began his career with WYDOT in May 1990. He had spent time working in the Materials Lab. After 10 he years found himself as an engineering technician in Materials-Field Services. Adkison is also a U.S. Army veteran, having served from 1983 until 1990.

Nathan Smolinski has been selected as the Emergency Communications manager effective Dec. 1. n

Jeffrey Sauter retired Oct. 5 from the Traffic Program with 39 years of service to the state. Sauter began his career at WYDOT as a sign fabricator in the Traffic program before working his way up through various traffic signal technician levels. He retired as technical operations supervisor. The Berkley, California, native grew Sauter up in Cheyenne and graduated from Central High School, later attending Laramie County Community College. Sauter also had numerous certifications through the International Municipal Signal Association. He enjoys outdoor activities and will have ample time for that now in retirement.

Promotions and Transfers

District 1

Welcome James Etter, Baggs Maintenance; Jason Jensen, Laramie Maintenance; Steven Southards, Cheyenne Maintenance; and Nicholas Taylor, Laramie Construction.

Christopher Garcia, Elk Mountain Maintenance; Lorenzo Hurtado Jr., Traffic Striping-Cheyenne.

Service Awards Ellen Teigen, District 1 Administration – 30 years; Leslie French, Medicine Bow Maintenance – 15 years; Dale Wolfe, Medicine Bow Maintenance – 15 years; Gary Martinez, Elk Mountain Maintenance – 5 years; Jordan Meadows, Laramie Construction – 5 years; and Billy Zeiger, Saratoga Maintenance – 5 years.

Congratulations Garcia

Cordoba

Todd Deporter was selected as WYDOT’s Employee Safety program manager effective Oct. 21.

Teigen

French

Martinez

Zeiger

Hank Doering was selected as the new Engineering Services staff engineer replacing David Griffin who retired Dec. 2. Cruz

Scott

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Deporter

December 2019

District 2

Welcome Logan Mason, Casper Maintenance.

Promotions and Transfers Mark Nelson, Mason Douglas Construction; Daniel Spencer, Emergency Communications-District 2 Radio Shop; and Alyssa Walker, Port of Entry-Casper.

Walker

Reish

Service Awards Edward Reish, Casper Construction – 30 years.

Change in District 2 engineering staffing

le Afte yc

r ading! Re

ease Re c Pl

A change in seasons has come with a change in the construction engineering staff in District 2. After the retirement of two of the district’s long time engineers, two within the district have moved up to take their places. Brooke Allen is the new resident engineer in Casper and Mark Nelson has assumed the resident engineer duties in Douglas. Both have worked for WYDOT District 2 for several years, for WYDOT even longer, and both are excited about their new roles as they’re adjusting to new responsibilities and duties. “We’re pretty lucky to have such qualified candidates in choosing our new resident engineers,” said District 2 Construc-

tion Engineer Mark Ayen. “It was unusual to lose so much experience in a relatively short time, but Mark and Brooke are off and running.” Allen began her duties following the retirement of Jack Stone, who left on July 10 after 28 years with WYDOT. Allen is a native of Butte, Montana and a graduate of Montana Technological University. She began with WYDOT in January 2008 as an engineer in Rawlins. In 2011, Allen moved to Casper Allen to work as an engineer under Stone. She credits her previous experience and those she works with as preparing her for the resident engineer position. “I have worked under and with some great people in WYDOT. They’ve helped me further my knowledge and prepare for this position,” Allen said. “The crew has been very welcoming and is helping me acclimate to this new role. I expect it to be a change going from being concerned about one project at a high level of detail to ensuring multiple projects are going smoothly.” WYDOT, Allen said, has provided her with the opportunity to further her professional and personal growth over the years and she’s looking forward to using that growth as resident engineer. Allen lives in Casper. She has two children. In her spare time, she coaches local youth sports, likes to read and is working on learning Spanish. In Douglas, Nelson moved into the resident engineer’s position on Nov. 1 after the retirement of Jim Barnes. Barnes retired from WYDOT after 33 years of service. Nelson is a Douglas native who served in the Army in Savannah, Georgia. Following his service, Nelson went Nelson to the University of Wyoming where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering. He also continued his service with the 133rd Engineers in the Wyoming National Guard while in Laramie.

During his graduate studies, Nelson began working with WYDOT, researching air changes in concrete when being pumped. From there he was hired by the department. “I started with WYDOT in March 2003 as an engineer,” Nelson said. I’ve been an engineer, engineer analyst, senior engineer, engineer II, project engineer and now a resident engineer.” All of those positions have given Nelson a pretty good taste for what to expect as a resident engineer. “My favorite part of this job has always been finding solutions to problems that always come up with projects. Now that I will have multiple projects to watch over, there will surely be more opportunities to do that,” he said. Nelson cites the Douglas construction crew as encouraging his decision to apply for the resident engineer position and credits their teamwork and professionalism. “I’m pretty lucky to have the crew I do,” Nelson said. “They all know their jobs and work hard to complete projects on budget and with as good of quality as they can get from the contractor.” Though he doesn’t see his role changing much within his staff, Nelson admits the new position changes his role within the community; learning how to better work with the cities and the counties and working to meet their expectations of the department. Nelson credits WYDOT for furthering his engineering career. “WYDOT has allowed me to work on several different types of projects; not just highway and bridge construction, but ITS, public utility projects and even being allowed to work on building our new office. This experience has provided me with the knowledge required to perform this job,” he said. In his free time, Nelson is an avid downhill skier, having learned on the slopes of Snowy Range, and continues to ski as much as he can. He also helps with the local middle and high school wrestling teams, a sport he’s been involved in since he was a 5-year-old. He’s a season ticket holder to Cowboy football and tries to make as many Wyoming wrestling meets as he can. Nelson lives in Douglas with his long-time girlfriend, Veronica. n

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District 3

District 4

Welcome

Hockett promoted

Julian Martinez, Rock Springs Maintenance.

Ronald Kjos, Sheridan Traffic-Striping; Brindalyn Rambo, Driver ServicesGillette; and Charles Switzer, Sheridan Construction.

Dustin Hockett was promoted to highway maintenance supervisor in Sheridan. Hockett replaces Rich Hall who retired in July. Hockett was hired in 2008 and reported to Don Twing, as a transportation technician in Buffalo. He was promoted Hockett to a heavy in 2011 and moved to Pole Creek until 2013 when he was promoted to crew foreman in Buffalo. In his new role, Hockett has oversight of 29 highway maintenance specialists stationed at the Buffalo, Pole Creek, Sheridan and Burgess Junction shops.

Service Awards Hoby Knowles, Cokeville Maintenance – 10 years; Morgan Lewis, Port of Entry-Evanston – 10 years; and Travis Bluemel, Granger Maintenance – 5 years.

Service Awards Jeremey Frisbie, Sheridan Maintenance-Guardrail – 10 years.

Kjos Lewis

Rambo

Retirements

Bluemel

Retirements Courtney Schwab retired from Afton Construction on Sept. 4 with 24 years of service to the state. n

Switzer

Frisbie

Susan Hendrickson retired from Sheridan Port of Entry on Sept. 4 with more than 13 years service to the state. n

Hendrickson

Schwab

District 5

Welcome

and Joseph Keele, District 5 Traffic Staff.

Patrick Culver, Basin Maintenance; and Mark Harris, Thermopolis Construction.

Promotions and Transfers Jeremy Andresen, Shoshoni Maintenance; Michael Crawford, Riverton Maintenance; Dalen Davis Jr., Emergency CommunicationsDistrict 5 Radio Shop;

Davis

Crawford

Keele

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Service Awards Mark Redland, Ten Sleep Maintenance – 25 years; Jesi Ehlers, Thermopolis Maintenance – 10 years; Bryan Myers, Worland Construction – 10 years; Kely Nelsen, Driver Services-Thermopolis/Worland/Basin – 10 years; Mark Wiener, Dubois Maintenance – 10 years; Dean Magnussen, Dubois Maintenance – 5 years; and

Redland

December 2019

Ehlers

Myers

Magnussen

Austin Shields, Lander Construction – 5 years. n

Slow for the cone zone

Awards Service Award Recipients

Service award luncheons are held by the Transportation Commission for employees celebrating milestones of 25 years of service or greater.

Photo: Rick Carpenter

Service award recipients at this month’s luncheon: (standing from left) Vince Garcia, 35; Laura Steege, 35; Ellen Teigen, 30; Mark Redland, 25; and Dave Harrenga, 25. (seated from left) Mike DeLeeuw, 35; John Samson, 25; Craig Walker, 35; and Ken Bixler, 30.

• Individual Trail Blazer Award – Lisa Fresquez, Wyoming Department of Transportation • Contractor Champion Award – Angela Berry Roberson, Ferrovial Agroman, US Construction Companies. n

K LIC

click it or ticket. no excuses.

• State DOT Trail Blazer Award – Colorado Department of Transportation

Civil Rights Program Manager Lisa Fresquez received her award from WASHTO officials in March 2019.

WYDOT Civil Rights Program Manager Lisa Fresquez was selected for the Civil Rights Trail Blazer award. The Civil Rights Trail Blazer award is a prestigious award given to Civil Rights professionals to those with membership in the Western Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (WASHTO). The award encompasses the much larger issues of access, justice, equity and fairness in the day-to-day activities of an agency. From the hiring of employees, the utilization of contractors and labor force and equal access to information and resources in civil rights programs. Fresquez was awarded in March, but she was recently notified it had been published through the WASHTO Civil Rights committee site. The full list of Civil Rights winners: • Federal Partner Award – Irene Rico, Office of Civil Rights, Federal Highway Administration

Photo: WYDOT

Fresquez selected for prestigious individual award

T IC K

December 2019

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Training

Six Big Themes for 2020

Team building

By Jim Boyd, Training Services WYDOT University will be offering content related to our next theme, Team Building, starting in December and going through January 2020. Our Team Building theme will focus on and follow Patrick Lencioni’s book, “The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team”, and we will be giving away copies of the book to the first 25 people who complete assignments in the upcoming Learning Plan. As with the Coaching theme, we will curate to you a wide variety of books, videos, articles, activities, online classes and instructor-led training focused on Team Building! The Team Building theme will have its own Learning Plan in the WELL and every week WYDOT-U will add more variety to the theme’s learning resources to make it relevant to you, and to deliver it in a variety of ways to fit your learning style. You’ll get a weekly email as we add new content and you can access and consume any of the content that you’d like. Supervisors and above will be ASSIGNED the Team Building Learning Plan in the WELL, but completing any of the content will be OPTIONAL. All other employees can gain access to this

Coaching

Team Building

Evaluating Performance

Oct./Nov.

Dec./Jan.

Feb./Mar.

Innovation

Conflict Management

Motivating Others

Apr./May

June/July

Aug./Sept.

Expand your knowledge with books, videos, articles, classes...

content by enrolling in the themed learning plan in the WELL (simply search for TEAM BUILDING). Just pick and choose what works best for you, and then at the end of the bi-monthly theme...come join us (in person or via Hangouts) at the end of the two -month period, for our culminating event. Please contact us at dot-training@wyo.gov if you have any questions and watch for weekly updates to your learning plan coming to your email inbox. n

Stories abound across the state regarding the reasons why Wyoming women were granted the right to vote 150 years ago, some ﬁve decades before the national curve. Was it about gaining statehood? Why did a controversial brothel owner cast a tie-breaking vote the following year? Was the decision reached because the legislators respected the role women played in their communities? These are all questions WyomingPBS, in partnership with Caldera Productions, address in the historical documentary.

Tune-in

THURS, DEC. 12 at 7pm A co-production of: