Interchange February 2017
Storytellers
A glimpse into Public Affairs
Letters
Jackson crew gets thanks from out-of-state visitors To whom it may concern; My family and I were traveling to Jackson Hole. Coming from Las Vegas, the map app we used had us going through Victor, Idaho, into Jackson Hole. Not knowing the route, we went ahead and took it, in an RV! Of course, halfway up the hill a car in front of us got stuck, so I had to come to a stop, in turn causing me to get stuck. After being towed to the top, the plow cleared it well so we could spend the night.
Interchange At 5 a.m. Bruce (Daigle) and his crew had closed WYO 22, but they cleared the road, sanded it well and escorted us down the mountain – on Christmas morning. He made sure we were calm and reassured us everything would be alright. I just wanted his supervisors to know how grateful we are and what a great employee and team you have working for you.
Sincerely, Carlos Sandoval and family
Vol. 45, Issue 2
Interchange is published for employees of the Wyoming Department of Transportation by its Public Affairs Office and a number of field correspondents. Interchange invites submissions from all employees. Please send them to either your district correspondents or to: Carlie Van Winkle, Interchange editor, 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, WY, 82009-3340. The Public Affairs Office may also be contacted by phoning (307) 777-4165, or sending email to carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov
Staff WYDOT Director: William T. Panos
Public Affairs Manager:
Procurement Supply Catalog
Doug McGee
Editor: Carlie Van Winkle
Contributors: Aimee Inama J.L. O’Brien Carlie Van Winkle Jeff Goetz Stephanie Harsha Ronda Holwell Cody Beers Sgt. David Wagener
Public Affairs Public Affairs Public Affairs District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 Patrol
Photography: Rick Carpenter
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.
Updated and Improved. Check it out. 2
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DOT publication
Contents
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Features 7 Staying flexible WYDOT installs flexible delineators for safety
8 Storytellers The Public Affairs Office
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11 WYDOT’s new 511 map Check out the added functionality
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Also in this issue Letters.........................................................................................2 District briefs.............................................................................4 Noteworthy..............................................................................12 TechNotes................................................................................14 Training.....................................................................................16 District news...........................................................................18 Extra Mile Awards................................................................. 20 Awards..................................................................................... 22 By the Numbers.................................................................... 22 Passings................................................................................... 23 WTDEA..................................................................................... 25 Break Time.............................................................................. 27
On the cover:
Looking over the shoulder of Carlie Van Winkle while she works on laying out the Public Affairs story for the February Interchange. Photo: Carlie Van Winkle
Kindly recycle this publication after reading. February 2017
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District Briefs Transportation Commission awards $31.8 million in highway contracts
Cheyenne – Construction crews will start preliminary work on a $9 million paving and rehabilitation project on 7 miles of Interstate 80 west of Cheyenne this summer. The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded Knife River of Cheyenne the contract for the work near Otto Road in Laramie County during its meeting on Jan. 19. The contract was one of 13 the commission awarded totaling $31.8 million. Crews will be repaving the surface in the east and westbound lanes, said Tim Morton, resident engineer with the Wyoming Department of Transportation in Cheyenne. Crews will also add a material that will help provide better traction and protect the pavement from the elements. Preliminary work will start this year, but the majority of the work will take place in 2018. During construction, traffic will be down to one lane. Besides paving, crews will repair eight bridges along that section of interstate. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2018. The rest of the contracts the commission awarded included other road resurfacing, bridge repairs, dynamic sign installation and erosion repair. Croell Inc. of Douglas was the low bidder on a $3.4 million overlay project on 12 miles of WYO 94 near Douglas in Converse County. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2017. S & S Builders of Gillette won a $3.3 million contract to rehabilitate two bridges on I-80 over Lincolnway near Cheyenne. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2017. The commission awarded Hedquist Construction Inc. of Mills a $2.8 million contract for a mill and overlay project on 6 miles of WYO 789 between Muddy Gap and Lander in Fremont County. The work will also include bridge deck repairs and
HQ
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new guardrail. Crews will fix areas on the bridge and repair the pavement. The work is being paid for with 10-cent fuel-tax revenue and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2017. Mountain Construction Co. of Lovell was the low bidder on a $2.5 million pavement project on 6 miles of WYO 120 between Thermopolis and Meeteetse in Hot Springs County. The work is being paid for with 10-cent fuel-tax revenue and is expected to be completed by Aug. 31, 2018. Oftedal Construction Inc. of Casper won a $2.1 million contract to replace existing guardrails on almost 3 miles of WYO 220 between Muddy Gap and Casper in Natrona County. Workers will grade the shoulders and build them up to make them wider. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2017. S & S Builders also was the lowest bidder on a $1.9 million bridge rehabilitation project that will include 10 bridges in Campbell, Crook and Johnson counties. Workers will make bridge deck repairs and guardrail upgrades. The contract completion date is June 30, 2018. The commission also awarded contracts for: n $1.6 million to Kilgore Co. of Rock Springs for a pavement project on 2.7 miles of WYO 414 north of Urie in Uinta County by Oct. 31, 2017; n $1.5 million to Asphalt Surface Tech-
nologies, of St. Cloud, Minn., for pavement work on 32 miles on sections of WYO 259 and WYO 59 in Converse and Natrona counties by Aug. 31, 2017;
n $1.4 million to Knife River for
contract patching work on 6.2 miles on sections of US 85, I-80 and at WYDOT’s Driver Services office in Cheyenne by Oct. 31, 2017;
n $1 million to Advanced Electric Con-
tracting Inc. of Sheridan for the installation of a new overhead dynamic message sign on I-25 south of Orin and a side mount sign on US 18-20 east of Orin in Converse and Platte counties by Oct. 31, 2017;
n $782,801 to Simon Contractors of
Cheyenne for concrete pavement work
in several areas in and around Cheyenne on state roads by Oct. 31, 2017; and n $65,071 to 71 Construction of Casper
for slide stabilization work on US 20 between Shoshoni and Thermopolis in Fremont County by May 31, 2017.
Don’t run the gates Cheyenne – As winter weather continues to impact many Wyoming highways, with some leading to highway closures, a recent event on South Pass between Farson and Lander illustrates why it is important to heed the road closures. On Jan. 11, the Wyoming Highway Patrol received a call from a stranded motorist on WYO 28, which had been closed for nearly two days. The motorist had driven around the road closure gate near Farson and ran into poor road conditions and became stuck near milepost 41 in a snow drift. South Pass area WYDOT crews had to plow a path out to the motorist, shovel them out and escort them to safety. A responding trooper met the motorist near the South Pass service road and escorted them the rest of the way out so the plows could resume clearing the highway. WYO 28 has very little cell phone service. Had this been the day prior and in a different location on WYO 28, the driver would have been on their own to survive the elements due to white out conditions. The driver was apologetic for making WYDOT and the WHP rescue them. The motorist had become concerned because they only had a quarter tank of fuel left and a prior medical condition. The motorist was cited for traveling on a closed highway and sent on their way. This event underscores the importance of staying off closed highways. The decision to go around the road closed gate put their life in jeopardy with the weather conditions as well as the possibility of being hit by a plow that does not expect to have any other vehicles on the highway. When drivers willfully go around a road closure gate without proper authorization, they can expect a $420 fine when caught. Motorists are reminded to check wyoroad.info or dial 511 for the latest road conditions. The website will also allow drivers to sign up for Wyoming Authorized Travel (WAT). WAT allows drivers, in certain circumstances, to
mately five hours. This was one of three crashes in the windblown area within two hours. While investigating a high-wind related crash, a trooper was struck while seated in a patrol vehicle by a secondary high-wind-related crash. This crash happened on Dec. 20 on I-80 near mile post 280, approximately 30 miles west of Laramie. The trooper suffered non-life threatening injuries and is expected to fully recover.
were reported in areas between Laramie and Walcott Junction. US 30 from Laramie to Walcott Junction was also closed due to high winds.
Photo: WHP
travel on closed portions of state highways when in effect. WHP also asks that motorists refrain from calling their local or WHP dispatch centers to inquire when highways will open. The latest information will always be posted on the website or by dialing 511.
Photo: WYDOT
Multiple tractor-trailer blow overs close a portion of I-80 for several hours.
Man leads WHP on highspeed pursuit through Platte, Converse counties
Running a road closure sign could land you with a $420 fine.
Cheyenne – Despite sections of Wyoming highways being closed to light, high-profile vehicles, many motorists do not heed the closures, resulting in crashes statewide. As wind speeds exceeded 60 mph in certain parts of Wyoming, many highways were closed to light and high-profile vehicles to avoid those vehicles becoming a hazard to themselves and other motorists. Despite the closures, motorists proceeding in light, high-profile vehicles crashed. Dangerous winds called for the unusual recovery on the Beaver Rim portion of WYO 789 between Lander and Muddy Gap the evening of Dec. 19 when a tractor-trailer jackknifed in 70-mph winds on an icy hill causing total road blockage. The trailer was only carrying 8,000 pounds of cargo. To remove the disabled tractor-trailer, two WYDOT plow trucks parked parallel to where the trailer would be turned upright to serve as a wind block to ensure the trailer would not tip over again. Once accomplished, the plow trucks traveled parallel to the trailer until they got to the bottom of the hill into a pullout that was sheltered by hilly terrain. Lt. Lee Pence said, “It was an extraordinary effort to remove the disabled combination by WYDOT and Bull’s Towing in order to get the highway open.” The highway was closed for approxi-
Photo: WHP
High-wind closures not to be taken lightly
Top: A jackknifed tractor-trailer blocking WYO 789 between Lander and Muddy Gap. Above: A WHP trooper investigating a blowover crash was struck by a second blown over vehicle.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol investigated 80 crashes statewide on Dec. 19 and 20. Many of the crashes were attributed to inclement weather and high-wind speeds. Of the 80 crashes, 53 were classified as property damage only, 27 involved injury, 18 were in a high-wind area along I-25 in Platte County near Wheatland and 28 of the crashes were in a high-wind area along I-80 between Laramie and Rawlins. These high-wind-related crashes demonstrate to motorists the importance of not proceeding when roads are closed to light, high-profile vehicles because of high wind speeds. Closures and advisories can always be found at wyoroad.info and are also displayed on the dynamic message signs along highways. At least five tractor-trailers had blown over and blocked lanes of travel west of Laramie. The road was closed to light, high-profile vehicles at the time of the incidents. Wind speeds exceeding 60 mph
Douglas – A Laurel, Mont., man led Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers and other law enforcement officers on a 50-mile pursuit on Dec. 27 through two counties. The WHP Dispatch center received a traffic complaint for a silver sedan which passed the reporting party on the right shoulder with a reported speed of 100 mph. The vehicle was reported to be headed northbound on I-25 near milepost 40 in Laramie County. A vehicle matching the traffic complaint was observed by a trooper in Platte County near milepost 75. The trooper observed the vehicle passing cars on the right shoulder at a high rate of speed. A traffic stop was initiated once the trooper caught up to the suspect vehicle. The silver Subaru failed to pull over and a vehicle pursuit was initiated. The Subaru eluded troopers at speeds exceeding 120 mph. The driver attempted to cause numerous diversionary crashes with passenger cars and law enforcement vehicles. At one point during the pursuit, the vehicle collided with a WYDOT snow plow. To end the pursuit, troopers used their vehicles to disable the Subaru. The driver of the Subaru, a 32-year-
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swerved, and she was driving about 65 mph. I was driving 10-15 mph and was making my turn into the WYDOT shop; there may have been a small cloud of blowing snow behind my truck.” The impact of the crash severely damaged the sander in the back of the WYDOT plow truck, and the driver and passenger of the vehicle were transported by ambulance to the hospital. Crum was uninjured. Crum thanked the Meeteetse Fire Department, Wyoming Highway Patrol, WYDOT employees and others for their quick response to the crash on Christmas Day. “The crash cost us about five hours of valuable plowing time, but the rest of our crew stepped up. A lot of WYDOT guys were out on Christmas this year,” Crum said. “Traffic was moving well, and overall, 99 percent of the traffic did the right thing. Luckily, the driver of the pickup and her passenger are alive.”
Briefs continued from page 5 old male, was taken into custody after he crashed the vehicle near exit 135. The Subaru had been listed as stolen out of Albuquerque, N.M. The driver was taken to Memorial Hospital of Converse County to be checked out. He was released and booked into the Converse County Jail. He has been charged with possession of stolen property, aggravated assault on a peace officer, fleeing and eluding, and reckless endangering. A search warrant has been sought for the vehicle he was driving. One trooper was treated and released with minor injuries from the pursuit and apprehension of the driver. Two WHP and one Converse County patrol vehicles were damaged during the pursuit.
tain highway between WYO 120, north of Cody, and the Beartooth Highway (US 212). “We made it to Sunlight Creek bridge at 12:30 p.m., Dec. 21, with one lane open. That allowed anyone to travel out of there,” said WYDOT area supervisor Robin Nichols of Basin. “The traffic was one way until about 6 p.m. when both lanes were clear, and the road was officially reopened.” n
Photo: WYDOT
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Photo: WHP
Plowing snow on WYO 296 to remove the heavy and blowing snow that closed the highway on Dec. 17.
A driver led WHP and other law enforcement agencies on a high speed chase through two counties.
s S tate E mployee
SERG
Snow plow hit south of Meeteetse on Christmas Day; drivers advised to slow down on slick roads
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Gather with other state retirees monthly.
This WYDOT plow was crashed into by a pickup truck, which was travelling at a high rate of speed.
SERG meets at noon the second Monday of each month at the Cheyenne Radisson.
Crews reopen Chief Joseph Scenic Highway after major blizzard
The gatherings include a brief business meeting, social luncheon and an educational program.
Photo: WYDOT
Meeteetse – A WYDOT plow truck was hit by a pickup driven at high speed the afternoon of Dec. 25 on slick roads south of Meeteetse on WYO 120. The rear-end crash occurred as WYDOT heavy equipment operator Bob Crum was driving north and turning the plow truck into the WYDOT shop south of Meeteetse. Crum said weather conditions were clear, with no wind or falling snow at the time of the crash. “There was one big crash. Visibility was good,” Crum said. “The driver of the pickup told authorities she never saw the plow truck. She never slowed, never
up Retirement Gro
Cody – WYDOT crews were able to fully open WYO 296 (Chief Joseph Scenic Highway) about 6 p.m. on Dec. 22 after heavy and blowing snow closed the highway Dec. 17. Using a snow blower, WYDOT began attempting to reopen the 45-mile moun-
Contacts for further information:
Roger Nelson – 634-1881 Ron Labreque – 632-8240 Donella Marrs – 635-5858
Photos: WYDOT, District 1
staying flexible WYDOT installs flexible delineators for safer roads by Aimee Inama The Wyoming Department of Transportation is making sure its roads are even safer for the traveling public by ensuring road markers remain intact and visible. In certain areas where vehicles have repeatedly damaged delineator posts, WYDOT installed flexible delineator posts made by Shur-Tite that can withstand being hit or run over numerous times without breaking. Delineators help motorists see where the side of the road is during adverse weather conditions. WYDOT’s maintenance crews also use the posts as a way to see the road when they plow. Maintenance crews and emergency personnel also use the delineators to determine where emergency crossovers are on the interstates so they can get from one direction to the next without having to go to an exit. “Initially, I was a little skeptical about how they were going to hold up, but they have done amazingly well,” said Tim McGary, District 1 maintenance engineer. “You can run over them numerous times, and they don’t break. It seems like even in the cold they don’t break, and they pop right back up.” The metal posts tend to bend immediately after being hit. That can create a hazard because a bent post can possibly injure someone or damage a vehicle. District 1 is adding more of the flexible delineators at the crossovers to combat frequent repairs. Maintenance crews can accidentally run into the delineators when clearing snow, and motorists can also mistakenly run them over with their vehicles if they use the crossover while towing a trailer. At the crossovers, the diameter of the posts is larger so maintenance crews and emergency personnel can see them easier. Instead of the typical 2 ½ inch diameter posts, the crossovers have 3 ½ inch diameter posts with reflective material that can be seen in all directions. “So now, not only do we have the flexibility at the crossovers, but if you’re an ambulance, or a wrecker or a law enforcement officer
and have to go backward, you can tell where the crossovers are because you can see the reflectivity from any direction,” McGary said. McGary said one of his maintenance foremen installed the flexible delineators several years ago and has only had to replace a handful of them since. Although the flexible delineators may cost more initially, McGary said they’re actually cost effective because maintenance crews don’t have to constantly replace them. “We don’t have to replace very many of the flexible delineators, but when we do the base is already in the ground,” McGary said. “All you do is pull a pin and put a new one in its place, and it’s done.” With the traditional delineator posts, crews can try to straighten them. But the material makes it difficult to fix, and the posts can snap. “Probably the best thing to do when they’re bent over is literally just cut them off, drive the remaining stub into the ground and stick another one right next to it,” McGary said. However, those stubs can be harmful to maintenance equipment because they can end up puncturing tires on motor graders and snow plows that are clearing the roads. With the delineators being flexible, crews thought they wouldn’t be rigid enough to hold roadwork signs. “When the signs are added to the flexible delineators, if it’s windy, they get folded over,” McGary said. “So initially we thought we would have to put roadwork signs on sign stands.” Brand Fogg, a foreman in District 1, however, solved the problem. When conditions are too windy, he replaces some of the flexible signs with metal post construction signs he built. Crews can easily replace the signs by using the existing base of the flexible delineators. “You just need to be a little inventive,” Fogg said of the signs he made. When it’s not too windy, crews can still use the flexible delineators without them collapsing. Besides using them as delineators, Fogg has tested the mile marker signs on the flexible posts, which can have the same maintenance benefits as the delineators. n
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The Public Affairs team designs hundreds of publications, shoots hundreds of hours of video, shoots thousands of photographs, and wears out office keyboards to ensure the department’s story gets out into the public eye.
By J O’Brien “Wyoming Department of Transportation, this is Natalie. How may I direct your call?” The calm, warm voice answering the phone belongs to Public Affairs Office Manager Natalie Crawford. Crawford may be the first face…or voice with which each member of the public or new employee at WYDOT becomes familiar. She works the front-line for the Public Affairs Office, answering basic questions and ensuring visitors and calls get to the right place. No matter the need – Risk Management, Driver Services or even requests for phone numbers to county clerk offices around the state – most contacts with the public begin at the front door or on the department’s main phone line. The public doesn’t understand the inner workings of WYDOT, and that doesn’t matter. The Public Affairs Office provides the information. “People come up here; I make time,” Crawford said with a smile. “That’s what I do.”
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Photos: Rick Carpenter
Public Affairs Office Video Producer Matt Groth shoots footage for a DUI video on Happy Jack Road west of Cheyenne on Aug. 2, 2012.
Crawford said the main line for the department may ring between 100-200 times on a busy snow day, but that volume is event based. She recalled a storm that came through in recent years that shut Interstate 80 down for the better part of a week. “Two hundred is a crazy, crazy day,” she said. “It was just call after call.” While the Public Affairs Office handles a number printed, broadcast and public communications, it all really falls under the team’s primary over-arching goal of telling WYDOT’s story. While the public face of the Public Affairs Office is the employee news magazine, “Interchange,” the office handles much more. Projects range from what most would expect in publishing news releases to less obvious duties like management of the roadside memorial program. Public Affairs Officer Doug McGee said the office handles the internal and external websites; the department’s social media; production of 52 WYDOT reports yearly; shoots, edits and publishes between 15,000 and 23,000 McGee
photographs yearly; countless brochures; and helps to draft mass emails to ensure that employees get information in an easily understandable way. “We also help divisions with presentations for award entries, so we can help our co-workers get the recognition they deserve from the public and their peers,” he added. All told, McGee estimates the office has a part in producing more than 250 publications each year. Much of the printed work is created by the team’s primary designer, Art Director/Editor Carlie Van Winkle. “Carlie is a tremendous asset to the agency,” said John Davis, Management Services manager. “She has outstanding technical skills, is a gifted creative artist, and upholds high professional standards. I’ve enjoyed working with her throughout her time at WYDOT, both in Management Services and Public Affairs. In addition to McGee, Crawford and Van Winkle, the Public Affairs Office incudes Deputy Public Affairs Officer Aimee Inama, Senior Photographer Rick Carpenter, Video Producer Matt Groth and Public Affairs Specialist J O’Brien. In addition to the Public Affairs team, WYDOT has public involvement specialists around the state, who are separate from Public Affairs. These individuals help tell WYDOT’s story within the districts. Jeff Goetz serves District 2 (central Wyoming). Stephanie Harsha serves District 3 (southwest Wyoming). Ronda Holwell serves District 4 (northeast Wyoming), and Cody Beers serves District 5 (northwest Wyoming). “Interchange” is a very important communication piece for the department, McGee said. The 3,400-circulation magazine keeps employees and retirees informed, but it also is sent to legislators, local governments and media outlets. “It’s a great way to inform those entities of the scope of the work that the department does,” he said. Inama added that because the publication is more than internal, it’s a great opportunity to show the public and lawmakers that WYDOT puts such emphasis on fiscal stewardship. McGee said that this is all part of the Public Affairs Office mission statement, to “effectively communicate WYDOT’s messages and assist other agency programs in achieving their goals.” “The department has more than 60 locations around the state, and the stories in all of those locations is broad and varied,” McGee said. Because the department’s story is so broad and varied, he added that partnering with all of its programs and employees is critical in informing the public and maintaining an open and Left: Public Affairs Office Video Producer Matt Groth atop a WYDOT lift to get a better view of the Cheyenne diverging diamond interchange. Inset: Art Director/Editor Carlie Van Winkle working on the February Interchange page layout design.
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communicative relationship. For instance, of the 52 WYDOT Reports broadcast each year, while there may be some repeat topics, the Public Affairs Office is typically on the hunt for 40 fresh ideas with statewide appeal each year. These ideas come from the roughly 2,000 employees in the department statewide. The Public Affairs team ensures that WYDOT is active in as many communities around the state as possible. Programs like “Stay in the game! Buckle up!” created by Carpenter five years ago, help to keep the department in touch with Wyoming residents. Carpenter said the program is active in 25 high schools around the state each year. The Public Affairs Office also works closely with the Transportation Management Center. GIS/ITS Program Manager Vince Garcia said his team does its best to stay in front of issues with the public and the Public Affairs Office is an important resource to GIS/ITS to that end. “Their advice, graphical assistance, and management of the press releases for public outreach is invaluable,” Garcia said. “We have millions of users of our public information systems. During storm events, people vent their frustration when travel plans are interrupted by weather-related road closures. The Public Affairs
Help tell WYDOT’s story Have an idea for a WYDOT Report or other public relations effort? Contact the Public Affairs Office staff or a public involvement specialist at the appropriate number below.
Office does a fantastic job of working with the public so our team can focus on issues at hand.” It can be a big job, but the Public Affairs team doesn’t shy away from a challenge or hard work. McGee cites Groth and others’ work on the WYDOT Report as an example of how effective the team can be in working on a project. While coming up with concepts, scheduling, interviewing, shooting, scripting, editing and distributing each spot can be a big task, Groth has found efficiencies to complete the project in between 6-13 hours, without accounting for travel. The Public Affairs Office has its eyes on a number of big projects coming up in 2017. McGee said that the team plans to increase social media activity, assist the Wyoming Highway Patrol in its website redesign, redesign the front of the department’s website, broaden the office’s working relationship with the public involvement specialists, increase cooperation with other state agencies, refine demographics and messaging for highway safety efforts and, ultimately, continue to improve “the way we tell WYDOT’s story.” The team will also offer its services to help prepare for the Aug. 21 solar eclipse, in which Wyoming will be a popular destination to view the event. McGee said the department is already preparing by ensuring that the public will have access to all of the information it will need including prime places to view, camping sites, rest areas and construction information. No matter the challenge, McGee said he knows his team is up to the task. “I work with, easily, the most effective communications team in the state,” he said. n Inama
Officer Doug McGee..................................... 777-4010 Deputy Officer Aimee Inama...................... 777-4013 Office Manager Natalie Crawford..............777-4437 Senior Photographer Rick Carpenter....... 777-4011
Public Affairs
Art Director/Editor Carlie Van Winkle..... 777-4165 Crawford
Carpenter
Van Winkle
Groth
O’Brien
Harsha
Holwell
Beers
Video Producer Math Groth.......................777-4720 Specialist J O’Brien.....................................777-4439 District 2 PIS Jeff Goetz.............................473-3303 District 3 PIS Stephanie Harsha................352-3065 District 4 PIS Ronda Holwell...................... 674-2356 District 5 PIS Cody Beers........................... 856-1341
Public Involvement Specialists
Goetz
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WYDOT’s new 511 map offers more functionality
by Aimee Inama
T
ravelers looking for Wyoming road information now have access to a new 511 travel map that offers improved functionality and usability. The Wyoming Department of Transportation revamped its 511 map and launched a new version on Thursday, Jan. 19, making it mobile friendly and providing even more road information, conditions and other travel information. Work on the map started about six months ago. “The new map has more functionality and has a more modern look and feel,” said Vince Garcia, WYDOT’s GIS/ITS manager. “There are a lot of new features that will enhance a user’s experience and help WYDOT tell its story.” The new map will still show road conditions, incidents, web cameras, weather stations, construction projects, electronic message signs, variable speed limit signs, rest areas and size and weight restrictions. The new map builds on those features and includes some new ones as well. When people navigate to the new map, they’ll see a “helpful tip” box that explains some of the functionality and how to access the information. A help file and video tutorial are also included as additional resources for new users. One of the new features the map will show is impact to travel based on full
The new 511 map offers many new features that will have everyone talking. Layer options as well as a Wyoming city search function make this map hard to beat.
road closure, partial closure, high, moderate and low impacts. A graphical display at the top left shows the travel impact and what they mean for quick reference. The road conditions layer is automatically activated when a person navigates to the page. As with the previous map, people can click on a road section on the new map to see specific road conditions in a particular area. Other new additions include a search feature, an enhanced legend that gives more information about the map icons and a scroll-through feature that allows a user to click through multiple condition and information windows instead of clicking on each icon individually. As a way to customize a user’s experience, the new map remembers what layers a user activated during their last session, providing they don’t have their web browser set to clear their cache and browsing history when they close their web browser.
For example, a user can search for Gillette and activate the web camera, dynamic message signs and other layers. If they navigate away from the page or close their web browser, when they revisit the 511 map website, a message will appear in the lower right corner asking if they want to restore the map to the previous session. For those who are colorblind, the new map has an option to switch to colors that are more easily viewed. WYDOT will continue to make enhancements to the new map. In a followup release, WYDOT officials anticipate adding a National Weather Service layer that will provide radar images and watches and warnings. Visit https://map.wyoroad.info/wtimap/index.html to view the new 511 map. A training video is available at https:// youtu.be/_MnL7npUFEA. n
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Noteworthy WYDOT employee sets sights on winning big
Sheridan’s Lewis Street Bridge gets new signage New signage has been placed in Sheridan’s Mill Park near the fountain. The interpretive panels were a result of an agreement to resolve any adverse effects to Mill Park and Crook Fountain resulting from WYDOT’s Lewis Street Bridge project. Design of the signs began the summer of 2014 and were finalized summer of 2016. The city of Sheridan had the signs installed in late October 2016. The initial draft designs and research were completed by WYDOT’s consultant, Rosenberg Historical Consultants. Other entities involved were FHWA, WYDOT, SHPO, the city of Sheridan, the Sheridan County Historic Preservation Board and the Sheridan County Historical Society. Additional assistance for the signs was provided by the Sheridan One of the interpretive signs found in Mill Park. This one is focused on Crook’s 1876 campaign.
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Atlantic, mid-south, midwest, northeast, northwest, Rocky Mountain, southeast and southwest; and four divisions: women’s open, men’s open, military and juniors were represented. In Alabama, there were 36 shooters competing at the national level. The top 20 shooters from the competition on Jan. 7 moved on to competition on Jan. 8 to compete for the top prize of $50,000. The national competition was filmed by the Outdoor channel and will air on the network in May 2017. At that time, everyone will find out who the “American Marksman” is. When Krawiec is not at WYDOT, she is an NRA instructor at the Otto Road Shooting Range and a State of Wyoming/Cheyenne Chapter leader for The Well Armed Women organization. n
County Museum, Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library and several local historical advocates: Bob Legocki, Cynde Georgen, George Mathews, Judy Slack, Mary Ellen McWilliams, Scott Burgan and Sonny Reisch. WYDOT handled the final design of the panels internally, with the help of Carlie Van Winkle in the Public Affairs Office, and funded their fabrication. The two new interpretive panels replaced a wooden sign in the park that was donated to the Sheridan County Museum. n
Photo: WYDOT
Recently, Driver Services Senior Supervisor Renee Krawiec had the opportunity to compete at a national amateur shooting competition. The competition was held in Talladaga, Ala., at the beginning of January. Krawiec competed alongside 36 other shooters aiming for the prestigious title of “American Marksman.” Krawiec attended the local level competition at the Cheyenne Otto Road Shooting Range. She had to place in the top 125 of her tri-state region – Colorado, Utah and Wyoming – to gain entry into the regional finals. Upon making it into the top 125 at the local level, she was invited to the Rocky Mountain Regional competition, which was held in June 2016 at the Colorado Rifle Club in Byers, Colo. Krawiec needed to win her division at regionals to be invited to compete at the national level, which she did. At the national competition, nine regions: Great Lakes, mid-
Three Wyoming Transportation Commission members complete terms Three Wyoming Transportation Commission members will complete their terms at the end of February. Current Chairman K. John Dooley of Laramie, Clair Anderson of Riverton and Bruce McCormack of Cody have each served six years serving their respective districts. The commission has seven members appointed by the governor with approval of the state Senate. The commissioners serve six-year terms and represent different districts, which are geographical areas of the state consisting of three or four counties. Dooley represents District 2, which includes Albany, Carbon and Sweetwater counties. He is president of Dooley Oil Inc., a familyowned and operated petroleum product distributor, servicing clients in southeastern Wyoming and northern Colorado. Dooley was born in Casper and graduated from Laramie High School. He is a 1988 business administration graduate of Colorado State University. He has volunteered with the Albany County United Way, Laramie Economic Development Corp., Laramie Little League and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and he’s a board member of First National Bank of Wyoming. Anderson represents District 7, which includes Converse, Fremont and Natrona counties. Anderson is head of Bonneville Transloaders Inc., a diversified transportation company that specializes in supporting the mineral and petroleum industries. He started with BTI in 1986 as a truck driver and earned a series of promotions until becoming president in 2008. In total, he has 43 years of experience in the trucking industry.
Anderson
Dooley
McCormack
Anderson is a native of Utah, where he graduated from high school and attended technical school. He is a U.S. Army veteran and a graduate of the Rocky Mountain Employers’ Council. He has a Wyoming Business Leadership Institute certification and is a longterm member of the Wyoming Trucking Association (WTA), where he currently serves as second vice president. McCormack represents Commission District 5, which includes Big Horn, Hot Springs, Park and Washakie counties. McCormack worked for the Cody Enterprise for the past 30 years and served as editor and publisher until he retired in 2015. McCormack is a graduate of Memorial High School in Houston, Texas, and he earned a bachelor’s in journalism from Michigan State University. He was involved in the newspaper business in Wyoming for nearly 40 years, working in Rawlins, Cheyenne and Lander before moving to Cody in 1984. McCormack is a member of the Wyoming Press Association and the Cody Country Chamber of Commerce, and is currently vicechairman of the Park County Library Board. He has also volunteered with the Buffalo Bill Historical Center and has assisted with youth ski programs and tourism promotion in his community. n
Three members of the Aeronautics Commission complete terms in February Three members of the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s Aeronautics Commission will leave at the end of February. Charlie Ksir, Chuck Wilke and Jerry Dilts will complete their terms on Feb. 28. Ksir served two six-year terms while Wilke and Dilts served one six-year term. The Aeronautics Commission is an eight-member board. The members include one from each of the five districts, two at large and one director of the department as an ex-officio non-voting member. Commissioners serve six-year appointments and can’t serve more than two terms. Ksir, who lives in Laramie, represents District 1, which includes Albany, Laramie, Platte and Goshen counties. He was originally appointed to a six-year term in 2005. He’s a retired professor from the University of Wyoming, where he taught and conducted research in psychopharmacology, drugs that affect the brain and behavior, in the Department of Psychology since 1972. During his time at the university, he was a department head, associate vice president and served four years as dean of the College of Education. He was on the Albany County School Board for nine years. Ksir also has been a pilot since 1990, and he and his wife, Sandy, own a Cessna TR182 that they use to visit family in New Mexico and California. Wilke, who is from Worland, represents District 4, which includes Washakie, Hot Springs, Park and Big Horn counties. He was appointed to a six-year term in 2011. Wilke graduated with
Ksir
Dilts
Wilke
a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wyoming and master’s degree from the University of Nevada-Reno in range science. He retired after a 36-year career with the Bureau of Land Management where he led the coal leasing EIS team in the Powder River Basin for six years. He has been involved in the Washakie County community efforts since his retirement in 2000 and was a member of the Washakie Economic Development Association for six years. Dilts, who lives in Riverton, serves as an at-large commissioner. He is a private pilot with a single-engine land and rotor-craft rating. He graduated from Douglas High School and Northeastern Wyoming College and is a lifelong rancher in Campbell and Converse counties. He is a graduate of Wyoming Leadership Education and Development Class IV and past president of its alumni association. Dilts previously served on the Campbell County School Board and was on the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality Air Quality Advisory Board. He currently is a member of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association and past president of the Wyoming Wool Growers Association. n February 2017
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TechNotes
Google Drive can be used as useful storage, collaboration tool by Rusty England, IT Program Manager Previously we covered network drives and how they should be used. As promised in that article, this month, we will cover storing files in Google Drive. The biggest difference between using a network drive and using Google Drive is that there isn’t a limit on the amount of storage in Google Drive. The other big difference is that you can access your Google Drive from anywhere with an Internet connection and device with a browser (e.g. laptop, tablet, phone). The ability to collaborate with others is another advantage of Google Drive over a network drive. In Google Drive you can share individual files and folders. You also have the ability to give view-, comment-only access or to allow other people to edit the files. You can upload any file types you want to the Google Drive. However there are some things you need to be aware of. Google Viewer Limitations – Google Drive may not have a viewer available for all file types. If there isn’t one available, you’ll need to download the file to open it with the appropriate application.
HANG UP. BUCKLE UP. HEADS UP.
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Conversion Inconsistencies – Google Drive may offer to open your file in a Google format, so you can make changes within Google Drive. Unfortunately, some files may not convert correctly (e.g. Excel, MS Word). So, you should do some testing before you convert files in Google Drive. Uploading files or folders to Google Drive is easy. You simply need to follow the below steps:
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On your computer, sign in to your Gmail account.
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In your browser, go to drive.google.com.
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Open or create a folder.
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To upload files and folders, drag them into the Google Drive folder.
As always, contact the IT Help Desk at 777-3995 if you have questions. You may also use the Google support site for drive at https://support.google.com/drive. Finally, you should not be using any other cloud storage services for work related files. There are two problems with other cloud services – privacy and ownership. Some other services will access your data so they can sell information to other companies. In addition, some end-user agreements transfer ownership of the information to the cloud storage provider. n
DRIVE NOW. TEXT LATER.
Moving Files & Folders to Google Drive Easily move files from your desktop or folders to your Google Drive.
Create and name a new folder by clicking on the “New” button.
Google Drive can be found by clicking on the nine-square icon in the top right of your Google Mail window. Once the nine-square icon opens the panel, select “Drive.” Google Drive will open and will, by default, show all that is in “My Drive.”
Once a file upload has started, the following window will appear in the lower right corner of your browser. A scrolling progress bar shows the status of the upload.
While in the new folder, click again on the “New” button and select “File Upload.”
You can also click and drag the folder you are moving and hover it over the empty folder. The blue icon below will appear.
Specifically, locate the folder you would like to move. Either click and drag it to your Drive window, or click the “New” button and select “File Upload.” Navigate to the file you would like uploaded.
Successfully moving files and folders from any network server to Drive will allow you to delete those files from the WYDOT network servers or from your desktop. After the selected files have been uploaded, “Uploaded” appears where the progress bar was. The folder and files are now available for access within Drive. If you would like additional information about using Drive please visit: a
DOT publication
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http://learn.googleapps.com/products/drive/#/list https://support.google.com/drive February 2017
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Training
New training options now available for the new year by Todd DePorter, Training Services Here at WYDOT U we are happy to announce the release of new e-Learning and training options for you and your teams. We’ve updated the WeLL with fresher content designed to help you foster the professional development, Performance Management Instrument (PMI) and Balanced Scorecard goals for you and your team(s). In the past we’ve given unlimited access to the e-Learning content to all WYDOT employees; however, we currently have fewer licenses available. As a result, we’re asking you to consider if e-Learning is what will work for what you are trying to accomplish. If you believe it is, please ask your supervisor send a request to Training Services and the area you are interested in learning about. You can find a full list of courses at our Training Services web page. With our new SkillSoft e-Learning Suite (also known as the WeLL), you and your team now have access to content specifically selected to support the core competencies found in the PMI. They are Communication, Customer Service, Judgment and Decision Making, Team Player, Personal Effectiveness, Leadership (Supervisors Only) and Developing Others (Supervisors Only). A
WY U
listing of the courses is also available at the WYDOT University web page. Interested in learning specifically about the challenges we face as government employees? The Bleiker Clinic Library is now available, and it contains short videos and audio recordings (much like podcasts), which can be taken on any computer or device with Internet access. Some of the titles include: “Get Your Proposals Implemented by Leveraging Common Ground Among Anti-Government Groups,” “Are You Making Matters Worse by How You Define Your Public” and “Social Media Is Not What You Think It’s About”. In addition to these robust e-Learning suites, you have access to hundreds of Transportation Learning Network technical and professional development courses for you and your team. There are too many to mention, however you can visit the TLN LearningSite to register for access. You don’t need to contact WYDOT U for access to the TLN site. We are here to help you with the training needs for you and your team. Please feel free to reach out to us, and we will be happy to assist you. n
Check out these upcoming training opportunities from WYDOT-U, the Transportation Learning Network (TLN) and WeLL.
Coming in February: Date Class 2/1/17 2/2/17 2/8/17 2/8/17 2/9/17 2/9/17 2/16/17 2/16/17 2/22/17 2/28/17 2/28/17
Confrontation Management and Conflict Resolution PCCP Urban Joint Layout & Design Bridging the Generation Gap at Work The Public Land Survey System (PLSS) – 1785 to Present 10 Ways to Handle Your Overburdened Inbox Breaking Through the Barriers: Improving your Interpersonal Communication Skills District 2 Roadshow – Multi-Generations in the Workplace Lead Effective Meetings Franklin Covey’s 5 Choices to Extraordinary Productivity Developing Bench Strength in Your Public Sector Organization Creative Problem Solving
Coming in March: Date Class 3/1/17 3/2/17 3/7/17 3/7/17
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PMI Competency Judgment & Decision Making Vocational Developing Others Vocational Personal Effectiveness Communication Developing Others Communication Judgment & Decision Making Leadership Judgment & Decision Making
PMI Competency
Construction Project Management & Administration Vocational How Great Organizations Create a Culture of Engagement Developing Others Dealing with Difficult People Leadership District 1 Roadshow - Dealing with Supervisory Challenges & the Disciplinary Process (final date TBD) Developing Others To register for classes, or to find out more details, visit the Training Services intranet page.
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Location
TLN TLN WYDOT-U TLN TLN WYDOT-U Casper TLN WYDOT-U TLN TLN
Location
TLN TLN WYDOT-U Laramie
Archer Complex • 3967 Archer Parkway • Cheyenne, WY 82009
GAP Committee: Janet Vossler (Patrol) 777-3855 Brenda Luegering (Office Services) 777-4493 Pam Fredrick (Internal Review) 777-4098 Renee Krawiec (Driver Services) 777-4830 Ann Myers (IT) 777-4273 Heidi Martin (Right-of-Way) 777-4125 Duane Ellis (Patrol) 777-4344
BRING YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY FOR AN EVENING OF FUN! All proceeds from the Spring Festival benefit the HQ Chapter of the Wyoming Transportation Department Employees’ Association Grant Assistance Program. The GAP enriches members’ lives through education, exercise, cultural and sporting activities. PAO_MgmtSvcs_cvw_WTDEA_SpringRaffle2017
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District News Headquarters
Welcome Courtney Herceg, Human Resources.
Promotions and Transfers Robyn Eifert, Procurement ServicesBuying; Mark Falk, Geology-Administration; Cori Hastings, Maintenance Staff; Justin Marquez, Highway DevelopmentProject Development; John Poelma, Maintenance Staff; John Potter, BridgeOperations Inspection; and Richard Rhoades, Patrol-Capitol Services Protection.
Eifert
Rhoades
Darrel Seifert, Highway Development-Project Development-Utilities – 15 years; Jennifer Christensen, Highway Development-Project Development – 10 years; Joseph Johns, Facilities ManagementCustodial – 10 years; Kevin Lebeda, Right Of Way-Administration – 10 years; Jon Peterson, Fuel Tax-Administration – 5 years; and Derek Weekly, Financial ServicesGeneral Ledger – 5 years.
Seifert
Christensen
Johns
Lebeda
Service Awards David Clabaugh, Planning-Statistics/ Inventory – 35 years; Edward Douma, Highway Development-Project Development – 35 years; Robert Rothwell, Materials-Administration – 30 years; Richard McKee, Right Of Way-Administration – 25 years; James Gates, Patrol-Support Services Operation – 15 years;
with Empire Labs, now Terracon Consulting Engineers, from 1979 to 1980. Coffin received his bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University. He also served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1969 to 1973. Kerry Daniels retired on Jan. 4 after working for WYDOT for 40 years. During his time with the department, he worked as a design technician for Highway Development-Project Development. Daniels
Chris Foster retired on Jan. 5 after working for WYDOT for almost 37 years. During his time with the department, he worked as a field data lab analyst specialist for MaterialsSurfacing. Scott Sorensen, business office coordinator for Planning, retired from WYDOT on Jan. 4 after 31 years of service. Sorensen served in his position for more than 25 years. Sorensen started at WYDOT as a fiscal control specialist in Financial Services in Sorensen 1986. Over the years, he also worked as a fiscal control officer in Financial Services, a senior buyer in Purchasing and an assistant purchasing/ surplus administrator in Purchasing. Sorenson was born in Albin. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wyoming.
Congratulations Peterson
Weekly
Retirements Douma
McKee
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Gates
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James Coffin, chief engineer for Geology, retired from WYDOT on Jan. 4 after 37 years of service. Coffin was head of Geology for more than seven years. During his career, Coffin worked 35 years in Geology in seven different positions. Prior to WYDOT, Coffin Coffin worked as a geologist
Mark Falk has been selected as the chief engineering geologist for Engineering and Planning.
Oops! A clerical error occurred in the January Falk issue. Harlan Edmonds celebrated his 15th service anniversary, not his 20th. Our apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused. n
District 1 Randall Youngberg, Rawlins Mechanics.
Promotions and Transfers Sarah Carew, Rawlins Construction; Ethan Crockett, Cheyenne Construction; and Steven Sapp, Rawlins Construction.
Sapp
Service Awards Nathan Fierro, Cheyenne TrafficStriping – 35 years; Terry Arguello, Rawlins/Baggs Driver Services – 15 years; Jeremiah Mrsny, Cheyenne Patrol – 15 years; Robert Martin, Medicine Bow Maintenance – 10 years; and Steven Sapp, Rawlins Construction – 10 years.
Arguello
Mrsny
Retirements Michael Cowley retired on Dec. 3 after nearly 42 years of service. During his time at WYDOT, he worked as a senior construction field surveyor for Cheyenne Construction. Steve Kohnz retired on Jan. 4 after working for WYDOT for 40 years. During his time with the department, he worked as a senior construction field surveyor with Cheyenne Construction.
Tim McGary, district maintenance engineer for District 1, will retire from WYDOT at the end of February after 42 years of service. McGary, who was born in Cody, served as district maintenance engineer for McGary 27 years. He started working at WYDOT in January 1975 as a project engineer in Rawlins. Before becoming district maintenance engineer, McGary worked as a resident engineer in Cheyenne, Construction staff engineer in Cheyenne and a district construction engineer in Rock Springs. “There have been a lot of changes at WYDOT over the years since I started,” McGary said. “I remember when we weren’t using computers, and there weren’t any cell phones. I’m so proud to have worked for such a great department for as long as I did. This is our centennial year, and I hope to see us celebrate that.” He also worked for the U.S. Forest Service while attending the University of Wyoming. McGary also has been a longtime member of the Wyoming Engineering Society. He graduated from UW with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.
Congratulations Ralph Tarango has been selected as the new district maintenance engineer for District 1. Tarango will replace Tim McGary as the district maintenance engineer.
Tarango
The following District 1 technicians have recently passed FOS tests.
Cheyenne, Crew 1062
Joe Barnes – engines; and Rob Roland – administration.
Barnes
Elk Mountain, Crew 1064
Cody Jones – welding, which was his last test and he is now a master WYDOT technician.
Roland
Laramie, Crew 1061
Darryl Cameron – general shop, power trains, engines, electrical and rigging.
Jones
Rawlins, Crew 1063
Austin Christopherson - administration; and Aaron Miller - administration. n Cameron
Christopherson
Miller
Photo courtesy Ellen Tiegen
Welcome
District 1 held a Christmas luncheon on Dec. 13 in its district office. A good time was had by all.
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District 2
Welcome
WHP lieutenant to retire
Craig Graves, Wheatland Maintenance; and Blaine McCart, Kaycee Maintenance.
Lt. Chris Schell retired from the Wyoming Highway Patrol on Dec. 30 after nearly 21 years of service to Wyoming. Schell began his career with the WHP on Jan. 16, 1996 as a trooper in Casper. After serving in this role until November 2006, Schell was promoted to Schell sergeant in the Safety and Training division where he headed the WHP training academy. In November 2014, Schell was promoted again to lieutenant as the Division B supervisor in Casper. He supervised the troopers in Division B, which includes all of Natrona County, until his retirement. As the academy sergeant, Schell oversaw 13 WHP academy classes. In June 2015, Schell was awarded the Wyoming Highway Patrol Association Distinguished Service Medal for his accomplishments as the WHP academy sergeant. An excerpt from the nomination for that award states, “Lt.
Promotions and Transfers Delena Corning, Wheatland Maintenance; and Stephen Thomason, Casper Construction.
Service Awards Justin Clark, Casper Construction – 15 years; Shawn Dickerson, Casper Patrol – 15 years; and Allen Hunter, Torrington Port Of Entry – 10 years.
Dickerson
Welcome
Hunter
Schell, now the Division “B” Supervisor in the Casper area, was a juggernaut of efficiency and coordination. He communicated with various instructors within the Highway Patrol and coordinated seamlessly with numerous organizations insuring a high standard of training for Wyoming Highway Patrol recruits. He improved the academy training process, procedures, curriculum and overall training environment with his selfless dedication. Lt. Schell spent countless hours assisting and training recruits. He devoted a tremendous amount of his time and efforts to WHP recruits at the cost of his personal time with family.” Schell’s service as the academy sergeant will most likely follow him as his greatest accomplishment in Patrol as he is still frequently acknowledged as Sgt. Schell. This is due to the positive influence and impact he made on the WHP recruits he oversaw who have since stayed safe and successful throughout their careers. n
District 3
Aaron Corhn, Traffic-Electrical.
Promotions and Transfers Scott Neilson, Evanston Patrol.
Service Awards Robert Mathson, Evanston Maintenance – 25 years; Darrell Bowie, Evanston Maintenance – 10 years; and Jacob Jereb, Rock Springs Maintenance – 5 years.
Congratulations to our December recipients! WYDOT salutes the following Director’s Extra Mile Award recipients. The award is presented to individuals who have traveled the “extra mile” in service to WYDOT. Neilson
Nicole Klassen Chelsey Lindsay Jamie Romo Mathson
For more information about the Extra Mile Award or to nominate someone, contact Katherine Castaneda at Katherine.Castaneda@wyo.gov. 20
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District 4
Service Awards
Rebecca Terry, Sundance Port Of Entry.
Promotions and Transfers
David Johnson, Burgess Junction Maintenance – 35 years; Shelby Coltrane, Buffalo Maintenance – 5 years; Tanya Hoyer, Sundance Port of Entry – 5 years; Jerimya Jensen, Moorcroft Maintenance – 5 years; and Samantha Mitchell, Sundance Port of Entry – 5 years.
Photo courtesy Ronda Holwell
Welcome
Paul Jolovich being sent out island style.
Sheridan native, Paul Jolovich, recently retired with 36 years of service to WYDOT. Jolovich began his career as a highway engineering associate in Sheridan in April 1980. He graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in civil engineering.
Retirements Palmer
Johnson
Coltrane
James Adamson with the District 4 sign crew retired in December with 27 years of service. Adamson, a Sheridan native, began work with WYDOT as a striping tech in August 1989.
Leo Simons with Gillette Maintenance retired with 17 years of service to the state of Wyoming. n
Hoyer
Gone skiing? Winter vacation? Hunt lately? Get those photos in!
Outdoors deadline:
Photo courtesy Ronda Holwell
Scott Hamilton, Traffic-Signing; and Nick Palmer, Telecom-District 4 Radio Shop.
Simons
James Adamson at his retirement party. Looks like he hit the jackpot.
District 5
Welcome
Retirements
Jessica Mullins, Worland Construction.
Richard Hart with Lander Construction retired in December with 30 years of service to the state.
Service Awards Scott Hall, Cody Patrol – 15 years; Ronnie Meade, Shoshoni Maintenance – 15 years; Daniel Walker, Cody Patrol – 15 years; and Wesly Hust, Lander Mechanics – 10 years. Hall
03/10/17
Congratulations Lyle Lamb has been selected as the district maintenance engineer for District 5 effective Jan. 1. Lamb Lamb has unique and valuable experience in District 5 serving as an engineer and project engineer on the Lander construction crew, resident engineer in Dubois during the construction of US 26-287 over Togwotee Pass, traffic engineer in Basin and construction engineer in Basin. n
carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov Walker
Hust
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Awards
Service Award Recipients
WHP employee wins Outstanding Support Personnel Award
Photo: WYDOT
Photo: Rick Carpenter
On Dec. 13, 2016, Tiffanie Young received the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area’s (RMHIDTA) 2016 Outstanding Support Personnel Award for her dedication and support to the Wyoming Highway Patrol and RMHIDTA.
RMHIDTA Chairman Chief Rich St. John, WHP Major Perry Jones, Colonel Kebin Haller, Tiffanie Young, Captain Joshua Walther and Lieutenant KC Ramsey
Service award luncheons are held by the Transportation Commission for employees celebrating milestones of 25 years of service or greater. Service award recipients at this month’s luncheon: (Standing from left) Shane Pugh, Dave Johnson and Rick McKee. (Seated from left) Paul Jones, Sylvia Tilton and Rick Fierro receiving the award for their late brother, Nathan Fierro and Jerry Plumley.
WHP
Program manager recognized by AASHTO Bridge Program Manager Mike Menghini received a 25-year service award from the American Association of Highway and Transportation Officials in January. Director Bill Panos presented Menghini with the award at the January transportation commission meeting. Menghini celebrated 25 years of service to WYDOT in September.
Total number of employees: as of Jan. 9, 2017
1,917
Photo: Doug McGee
One month ago Bridge Program Manager Mike Menghini and Director Bill Panos.
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1,937
One year ago
1,976
Total number of highway fatalities: as of Jan. 20, 2017
1
one year ago
2
Passings Patrick R. Corley
Wyoming native Patrick Robert Corley of Sheridan, died Dec. 17, 2016, after a ninemonth battle with bile duct cancer. In December 1979, he began working Corley for WYDOT as an equipment operator in Sheridan. Corley also worked construction in Sheridan and Laramie and was the District 1 staff maintenance technician in Laramie before moving back to Sheridan to take on the title of facilities construction coordinator. He retired in 2011, after 32 years of service to the state. Corley was born on May 17, 1949, and graduated from Sheridan High School. He worked for the HF Bar Ranch as a wrangler for three summers before joining the US Navy. He served for 4 years and was honorably discharged in July 1972. Upon returning to Wyoming, he attended Sheridan College for two years and went on to the University of Wyoming graduating with a degree in agricultural education. He taught for one year and then went back to work for the HF Bar as head wrangler. Later, he attended Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne to get an associates degree in engineering. He enjoyed being retired and loved gardening; working in the yard; camping and riding his horses, Toad and Martin, in the Big Horns; taking cruises; and traveling to Larkspur, Colo., several summers to watch his son, Ben, portray different characters in the Renaissance Fair. He loved his cats – his last being Gato who helped supervise his care and was a great comfort to him.
Corley was a Mason and a member of Big Horn Mountain Lodge 43. He was also a member of the Kalif Shrine and Elks BPO Lodge 520. He was very active in the Kalif Shrine Horse Patrol and enjoyed riding in the various parades every summer. A celebration of life was held at the Kalif Shrine in Sheridan on Jan. 13.
Nathan Fierro Nathan Fierro, 57, of Cheyenne, died unexpectedly on Jan. 4 in Cheyenne. Fierro worked for the Wyoming Department of Transportation for 35 years. Since 2005, he worked as the urban striping foreman in Cheyenne. Fierro was born on June 15, 1959, in Albuquerque, N.M., to Carlos and Lydia Fierro. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Fierro Catholic Church. A funeral service was held on Jan. 10 at St. Mary’s Cathedral with burial at Olivet Cemetery.
Beverly Jean “Jeannie” Kincaid Beverly Jean “Jeannie” Kincaid died on Dec. 28, 2016 at her home. She worked in WYDOT’s Driver Services since May 2007, and retired from the department in July 2016. Kincaid was born on March 31, 1945, in Beach, N.D., She attended schools in Cheyenne, graduating Kincaid from Central High School. Her daughter, Sarah Meyer, works in Bridge.
In addition to her daughter, Kincaid is survived by many family members. A service was held on Jan. 14 at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel.
Carrol P. Orrison Carrol P. Orrison, former WYDOT Aeronautics commissioner, died on Dec. 25, 2016 in Cheyenne. He served as a commissioner from March 2003 through March 2013. Orrison, 87, was born on May 19, 1929, in Sapulpa, Okla., He was the owner of Casper Beverage in Casper and former owner of Orrison Distributing in Cheyenne and Glenwood Orrison Springs, Colo. Besides serving on the Aeronautics Commission, Orrison was a member of the Masonic Lodge as a 32nd degree mason, Cowboy Joe Club, Casper Chamber of Commerce, National Beer Wholesalers and was a past board member, Wyoming Beer Distributors Association, board member of Equality State Bank, Wyoming State legislator for three terms, Military Affairs Committee, Pilots Association of America, Wyoming Board of Aviation, Wyoming State Board of Equalization (appointed by Gov. Herschler) Cheyenne Sheriff ’s Posse, volunteer of Cheyenne Frontier Days and HEELS and was an active Harley Davidson rider. He was a delegate for Wyoming to the Democratic National Convention, and was the chairman of Wyoming DNC for a period of time. Private family services were held. Passings continued on page 20
Get smart!
AVOID THE
DUI LIFE
Download and use the free Drive Sober Wyoming smartphone app. drivesoberwy.com February 2017
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Passings continued from page 19
Tribal transportation leader Big John Smith dies
Photo: WYDOT
Big John Smith, director of the Eastern Shoshone/Northern Arapaho Tribal Transportation Department for the past 27 years, died Dec. 31, 2016, in Casper following a short illness at the age of 68. A rosary service and viewing was held Jan. 3 in Ethete followed with a wake at Smith’s home near Kinnear. Funeral services were Jan. 4. In the past 13 years, Smith was responsible for helping WYDOT reconstruct the Kinnear bridge on WYO 132 after a high-speed-triple-fatality crash damaged the old steel truss bridge, reconstruct the Hudson-St. Stephens highway (WYO 138), finish rebuilding 17 Mile Road (once called WYO 137) on the Wind River Reservation, reconstruct WYO 789 past the Wind River Casino to five lanes and construct turning and acceleration lanes at the Shoshone Rose Casino. At the time of his death, Smith and his assistant transportation director, Howard Brown, were working with WYDOT to rebuild Blue Sky Highway (WYO 132) between Ethete and US 287 north of Lander. Until his death, Smith remained an unrelenting advocate for pedestrian safety, law enforcement and improved bridges and roadways on the Wind River Reservation, and his efforts are saving lives. The completion of the 17 Mile Road
reconstruction project was especially noteworthy in that it was once considered by many to be the most dangerous highway in Wyoming. Thanks to the collaborative nature of the work between WYDOT, Tribal Transportation (led by Big John, Howard Brown and Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribal councils), and a federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant, the entire length of the highway and two bridges were rebuilt to today’s Federal Highway Administration standards. One of the highlights of the project was construction of an interpretive pullout on 17 Mile Road recognizing the Sand Creek Massacre; the Sand Creek Massacre Trail runs between Ethete and Colorado. Due largely to the skillful diplomacy of Big John Smith, the Joint Tribal Business Council, Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Federal Highway Administration, 17 Mile Road and the Hudson-St. Stephens highway are now tribally-owned and maintained roadways because WYDOT transferred ownership of them to the Bureau of Indian Affairs following completion of construction. Smith’s dedication to improved highway safety of “his people” has been nothing short of amazing. Smith and Brown have continued to work with WYDOT, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Joint Tribal Business Council to this day to continue to improve tribal traffic safety on the Wind River Reservation. The last major highway reconstruc-
Big John Smith, Cody Beers of WYDOT (left) and Victor Mendez, the 18th administrator of the Federal Highway Administration. The photograph was shot at The White House in 2014 when Smith was recognized with a White House Champions of Change Award for his extraordinary transportation work on the Wind River Reservation.
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tion effort is a result of the collaborative effort (the WYO 132/Blue Sky Highway Project), and it will link Ethete to the new Mill Creek Elementary School, Wyoming Indian High School and US 287, north of Lander. Because of Smith’s dedication to highway safety, three highway safety summits have been held on the Wind River Reservation in the past 10 years. Dramatic changes in the reservation law enforcement code and improved highway safety have been the results. Traffic safety has been enhanced and the transportation work on Wind River has been recognized nationally. Smith worked tirelessly for decades on behalf of Wind River Reservation people in Wyoming and Native American people from across the United States to improve the transportation infrastructure on Native American reservations. He was well known in local, statewide and national transportation circles for his friendship, leadership, jokes and positive spirit until the final day of his life. To this end, President Barack Obama and Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx awarded Smith with a national Champions of Change Transportation Honor several years ago at The White House. In his younger days, Smith played basketball at Pavillion High School and Central Wyoming College. He was a 1969 graduate of Pavillion High School, which later became Wind River High School. Smith was very proud of Wind River High School’s 2015 state boys basketball championship. Smith will be sorely missed by a legion of friends, co-workers, family members and tribal people. He will be remembered as a “big man, figuratively and literally,” a leader in helping to modernize tribal roads and bridges, an advocate for tribal traffic safety, an all-around great man, a family man and a supportive friend to those who were privileged to know and work with him. His sense of humor was legendary on the Wind River Reservation, and his work helped people. Big John’s death truly marks the end of an era in transportation on the Wind River Reservation and across the country, but his dedication and legacy will be carried by future tribal leaders and generations who share his resolve of making the Wind River Reservation and other reservations safer places for everyone. n
WTDEA
The smiling faces of Lorena Carlos Garcia, Juan Manuel Martinez and Monica Escoria greet employees who visit Taqueria Mexicana Mi Tierra for a dine-in or take-out order.
ished his last year of college at LABI in La Puente, Calif., before moving back to Colorado. Martinez and his family moved to Cheyenne in 2007. He and his family operate a second Taqueria Mexicana Mi Tierra in Cheyenne in addition to the restaurant at WYDOT.
Survey shows favorable ratings among employees for ‘Taqueria’
Respondents
by Carlie Van Winkle The WTDEA-maintained cafeteria space has gone through many changes over the past several decades. The changes have included leadership changes in the kitchen and even a few cosmetic changes to the dining area. The most recent change for the cafeteria was in October 2015 when Juan Manuel Martinez and the Taqueria Mexicana Mi Tierra opened for business. After the Highway Cafe closed in August 2015, the WTDEA searched for a new kitchen operator. Martinez applied for the contract to operate his family-owned business in the WYDOT cafeteria. At Taqueria Mexicana Mi Tierra, breakfast is served all day long, from 6:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. The hot breakfast menu selection includes pancakes, omelets and the standard American fare of two-eggs made to order – plus breakfast meats, of course. Breakfast sandwiches and burritos are great choices for those on the go, and Martinez has just added mini-breakfast burritos to the menu for those with smaller appetites. In addition to breakfast, Martinez and his staff offer a selection of traditional Guatemalan and Mexican foods along with many American lunch favorites. Burgers and sandwiches complete with fries sell quickly Martinez said. The burgers can be made to order, or you may choose from the special burgers, like the Rodeo Burger and the Taqueria’s bacon burger that he has created for the menu. “People like hot lunches, and we have many sandwiches and burgers to choose from,” said Martinez. “Soups, too. And of course, there are many Mexican food selections. We will be introducing a chicken sandwich to the menu, too. You will be able to have either grilled or fried chicken on the sandwich.” The Taqueria offers a daily soup, which Martinez hopes will be popular during cold winter months. Martinez cooks up creamy broccoli, chicken tortilla and chicken noodle in rotation. Just stop by the Taqueria or call for the day’s soup specials. Since Martinez enjoys cooking up a variety for the restaurant, he also offers a daily lunch plate special at the Taqueria. The daily specials are not typically found on the menu and, in the past, included chicken fried steak and even lasagna. The Taqueria can also make tamales to go, for employees to take home for their families. “We can make tamales for you to take home,” said Martinez. “Good for weeknight dinners or for a weekend meal.” And for those with gluten sensitivities – Martinez’s makes his chile with corn flour instead of wheat flour, so employees with gluten sensitivity should be able to enjoy a few Mexican selections from the Taqueria. Martinez is also willing to work with WYDOT employees who have other allergies and sensitivities and will help create a plate they can enjoy. Martinez is originally from Retalhuleu, Guatemala, in southwest Guatemala near the Pacific Ocean. He immigrated to the U.S. in 1989 and settled in Greeley, Colo., He attended the Latin American Bible Institute (LABI) in San Antonio, Texas, and fin-
Photo: Rick Carpenter
Taqueria Mexicana Mi Tierra cooks up a little something for everyone
In November last year, employees were invited to take a brief survey rating various aspects of Taqueria Mexicana Mi Tierra. The survey results were tallied with 276 respondents giving feedback. More than 93-percent of the respondents rated the food at Taqueria as very good, good or fair. More than 35-percent of those respondents rated the food as “very good.” Service at the Taqueria rated really high. More than 96-percent of respondents rated the service as very good, good or fair, 51-percent of that rating being “very good.” WYDOT employs budget-minded employees who are very conscious of purchases. When asked 1% 250 about the prices, 4% 4% 6% respondents gave an 9% 13% 82-percent favorable 19% 200 rating to the prices being very good, good 37% or fair. The “fair” 40% 150 category landed a 39% 39-percent response. A big thank you to 100 those who participated in the 2016 WT28% 51% DEA cafeteria survey. 50 The survey was shared 36% with Martinez and 15% changes are on the 0 horizon – new sandFood Service Prices wiches and specials Very Very Good Fair Poor Good Poor are in the works. n
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