Interchange – February 2019 by WYDOT

Interchange February 2019

Vol. 47, Issue 2

Wildlife Conservation plates

A new offering from Motor Vehicle Services

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Vol. 47, 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, Wyoming, 82009-3340. The Public Affairs Office may also be contacted by sending an email to carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov

Staff WYDOT Director: William T. Panos

Public Affairs Manager: Doug McGee

Editor:

Carlie Van Winkle

Contributors: Aimee Inama J.L. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien Carlie Van Winkle Matt Murphy Jeff Goetz Stephanie Harsha Laura Dalles Cody Beers Sgt. Jeremy Beck

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 employeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s internal website home page.

Interchange

February 2019

A WYDOT PUBLICATION

Contents

Features 8 511 app provides valuable information Hands-free and real-time information for drivers

9 Rest area information on 511 map Travelers can search for rest area amenity availability

11 Hazmat spill on Interstate 80 I-80 closed overnight to clean up spill

12 Wildlife conservation plates New offering from Motor Vehicle Services

Also in this issue District briefs.............................................................................4 By the Numbers.......................................................................7 Aeronautics..............................................................................10 Training.....................................................................................15 District news...........................................................................16 Awards......................................................................................19 Extra Mile Awards..................................................................19 Passings................................................................................... 20 WTDEA......................................................................................21 Break Time.............................................................................. 23

On the cover:

Wildlife conservation license plates hot off the presses. Photo: Rick Carpenter

Kindly recycle this publication after reading. February 2019

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District Briefs Commission awards $11 million in highway contracts in January

CHEYENNE – Construction crews will repair a section of WYO 230 between Laramie and the Colorado state line to improve the road surface. The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co., of Worland, a $4.4 million contract for the work. The commission awarded that and five other contracts totaling $11 million at its recent meeting. For the work on WYO 230, crews will pave about 10 miles of road. In addition, crews will perform minor bridge work over the Pioneer Canal. The contract completion date is June 30, 2020. Other contracts the commission awarded included chip sealing, sidewalk upgrades and bridge work. S&S Builders LLC, of Gillette, was the low bidder on a $1.6 million bridge abutment replacement project for the Garner Lake Bridge. The bridge is an overpass on I-90. Crews will also make deck and approach slab repairs. The contract completion date is Nov. 30. Casper Electric, of Casper, won a $1.5 million contract for work at three intersections in Rock Springs. Crews will make Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades to sidewalks and traffic signal upgrades as well as minor drainage repairs at the intersections of Elk Street, Center Street and Bridger Avenue; Grant Street and North Center Street; and Dewar Drive and South Side Belt Route. The contract completion date is Oct. 31. Kilroy LLC, of Afton, was the low bidder on a $1.4 million salt-and-sand stockpiling contract. WYDOT is obtaining the materials for use at various locations in Lincoln, Sublette, Sweetwater, Teton and Uinta counties. The contract completion date is April 30.

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February 2019

The commission also awarded contracts for: • $1.4 million to Bituminous Paving Inc., of Ortonville, Minnesota, for a chip sealing contract at various locations in Albany, Carbon and Laramie counties by Aug. 31; and • $767,084 to Casper Electric to install dynamic message signs, variable speed limit signs, web cameras and wind sensors on US 287/WYO 789 and WYO 28 between Farson and Lander in Fremont County by Oct. 31.

WYDOT works to carry downward fatality trend into New Year CHEYENNE – Fatalities on Wyoming’s roads were down in 2018, and the Wyoming Department of Transportation and Wyoming Highway Patrol are working to get the word out to drivers to continue that trend into 2019. “All of us at WYDOT family want to wish you a Happy New Year,” said Bill Panos, WYDOT director. “But remember to wear your seat belt, designate a driver, take a cab or use a ride service, if needed.” While WYDOT needs cooperation from the public to continue to improve safety on the state’s roadways, it will continue efforts to provide a safe and efficient transportation system. Construction projects to address safety issues and improve traffic flow have recently been approved by the Wyoming Transportation Commission. For example, contracts have been awarded in the past three months to add lanes on WYO 50 near Gillette, add passing lanes on WYO 220 between Muddy Gap and Casper, and add passing lanes on WYO 789 between Hudson and Riverton. Additionally, the department and WHP will continue efforts to partner with local, county and neighboring states’ law enforcement in efforts to improve highway safety. The department has been partnering with Colorado to reduce blow overs during high-wind events by requiring truck traffic to exit the interstate, allowing those vehicles that do not pose a

blow-over risk to continue. WHP has also partnered with Colorado, Utah and Idaho to promote safe driving during sporting events in which higher traffic volumes are anticipated. “We’re always looking for opportunities to improve safety for the traveling public, but the reality is, the best way to protect yourself and your family is to wear your seat belt,” WHP Col. Kebin Haller said. The department is also partnering on a pilot program to test the safety benefits of connected vehicles, a system that pushes near real-time road and travel data to vehicles traveling Interstate 80.

WYDOT, WHP urge motorists to pay attention when driving CHEYENNE – During the holidays, more motorists will be on the roads traveling to visit family and friends, making it even more important for drivers to pay attention when they get behind the wheel. Wyoming Department of Transportation and Wyoming Highway Patrol officials are urging motorists to put distractions away and focus on driving to help reduce or eliminate fatalities associated with distracted driving. “Safe driving requires a combination of skills, dexterity, and focus,” said WYDOT Director Bill Panos. “Any activity that takes your attention away from the road should be avoided.” Distracted driving takes many forms, such as texting, eating, changing a radio station, talking, and watching something other than the road. Those activities should be avoided when driving. If a person needs to use their cell phone, they should pull off the road in a safe, designated area. “Texting and driving are by far the most dangerous because it combines three types of distracted driving – manual, visual and cognitive,” said Wyoming Highway Patrol Col. Kebin Haller. “When you’re texting, you are not watching the road. You’re also taking your hands off the steering wheel. And, you’re also thinking about what your typing instead of driving.” Distracted driving fatal crashes have fluctuated during the past five years in

Wyoming. There were 9 distracted driving fatalities in 2017, 10 in 2016, 10 in 2015, eight in 2014 and six in 2013. “We want people to avoid distractions when they drive so they can arrive at their destinations safely this holiday season,” Panos said. “Not only is this important during the holidays but for any time of the year. Eliminating distractions means we can help protect ourselves and our fellow Wyoming citizens.” On average, it takes about five seconds to read or send a text. But in that five seconds, a vehicle traveling 55 miles per hour can travel the length of a football field, information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicated. Not only has distracted driving claimed lives in Wyoming, but it’s also a problem nationwide. About 3,450 lives were lost in 2016 because of distracted driving, statistics from the NHTSA showed. “Passengers can help with distracted driving by speaking out if the driver is distracted,” Haller said. Besides avoiding distracted driving, motorists also should never drive intoxicated and always wear their seat belts. When motorists head out, they should also plan ahead by visiting WYDOT’s 511 website at wyoroad.info for the latest road and travel information. WYDOT’s 511 website also has a 511 mobile app that provides hands-free, eyes-free travel information.

Snowplow hit during MLK weekend storm RAWLINS – A WYDOT snowplow was damaged in a hit and run incident on Interstate 80. The incident happened Jan. 21, near milepost 182 on I-80, which is west of Rawlins between Wamsutter and Creston Junction. A semi-truck hit the back of the snowplow while it was working to clear the road. The semi did not stop and continued down I-80, while the plow driver pulled over to file a report with the Wyoming Highway Patrol, as per protocol. The sander of the plow was damaged

and will need to be repaired. The crash serves as a reminder to drivers of all vehicles to be aware of snow removal equipment during winter conditions.

Patrol vehicle struck near Rawlins RAWLINS – On Jan. 7 a Wyoming Highway Patrol vehicle was involved in a collision near milepost 4 on US 287 near Rawlins. The trooper was stopped assisting a stranded motorist when his patrol vehicle was struck by a passing commercial vehicle. The commercial vehicle passed by the stranded motorist and the empty trailer struck the patrol vehicle. The trooper was inside his vehicle with his seatbelt fastened and was not injured. Wyoming Department of Transportation had issued an extreme blow over risk for light and high profile vehicles near this area. The Wyoming Highway Patrol would like to remind motorists to stay safe and get the latest road and travel conditions by downloading WYDOT’s 511 app for their smartphones at wyoroad. info.

Crack Sealing work causes delays on US 191 PINEDALE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation and contract crews from Z & Z Seal Coating Inc. conducted crack sealing work on US 191 between Pinedale and Daniel Junction. Work followed on Cora Road. Work began Jan. 16 and continued for a week. Residents and travelers were delayed up to 20 minutes. Traffic was carried through the work areas at reduced speeds on a single lane using flaggers. WYDOT cautioned drivers turning onto US 191 from approaches within the work zone to be cautious of the singlelane traffic. Following the work on US 191 and Cora Road, crews will be moved to US 189 between La Barge and Big Piney. Crack sealing is used as a defense against pavement deterioration. If done

effectively, crack sealing keeps water from entering and weakening the base or subbase of the roadway. Z & Z Seal Coating Inc. was awarded the contract for $1.59 million in October 2018. The completion date for this district-wide project is April 30.

Snowplow hit in Gillette during early morning run GILLETTE – A WYDOT snowplow was struck by a minivan on westbound Interstate 90, milepost 138, during the early morning hours of Jan. 24. At about 3:30 a.m., a WYDOT snowplow operator was plowing light, powdery snow on the right shoulder of the interstate when the minivan attempted to pass on the left side. The driver of the minivan became disoriented in the snow cloud kicked up by the plow and struck the left side of the front snow plow and left front fender of the WYDOT truck. The minivan sustained significant front end and right front tire damage. The WYDOT truck was not damaged. There were no injuries. The vehicles were able to move off the roadway under their own power and wait for Wyoming Highway Patrol to arrive. WYDOT strongly encourages all drivers to increase their following distances when snow removal operations are occurring on our highways. What you may experience as good visibility and passing conditions may quickly change if the snowplow encounters changing snow conditions. WYDOT plow operators are experiencing high workloads while performing their duties. The changing snow conditions and lack of visible pavement markings could mean they are unable to maintain their lane of travel. Give the plow room to improve the road conditions for all involved.

Briefs continued on page 6 February 2019

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Bridge girders set on Shoshone River bridge west of Lovell

Briefs continued from page 5

St. Stephens High, Fort Washakie School join Fremont County highway safety campaign

LOVELL – Highway and bridge improvements continue on US 310 between Lovell and Cowley. Prime contractor S&S Builders, of Gillette, began setting girders on the Shoshone River bridge Jan. 15. Traffic delays are expected. A public update meeting was held the same day at the Lovell Community Center. “Everyone is invited,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Michael Miller of Basin.“There will be a short presentation at 6 p.m., and then we’ll break into an open house to allow people to ask questions and visit with the prime contractor and WYDOT.” Miller said Shoshone River bridge improvements will continue through the winter, weather permitting, as well as removal of the old Sage Creek and railroad bridges. “Chip sealing, seeding and reclamation is scheduled for this spring and summer,” Miller added. 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. Contract completion date is Oct. 31.

RIVERTON – A pair of Wind River Reservation athletic teams have joined the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes and Wyoming Department of Transportation in a billboard campaign to raise awareness about seat-belt awareness and the dangers of drinking and driving. The St. Stephens High School football team is helping to promote seat-belt awareness, while a Fort Washakie youth basketball team coached by George Abeyta is promoting good choices associated with drinking and driving. “We appreciate being part of this partnership and being able to promote peer-to-peer messages delivered by our student-athletes to other young people,” said St. Stephens High School Football Coach Billy Brost of Riverton. “This partnership is about saving lives, and along with WYDOT, we are proud to be part of this effort. Seat belts save lives.” The Wind River Reservation highway safety program is in its ninth year in Fremont County, and it has featured hundreds of youth. The program is a highway safety project of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes, the Wyoming Seatbelt Coalition and WYDOT. For more information, go to #buckleup4lifewy.

Photo: WYDOT

New Year’s weekend enforcement operation nets four drunk drivers

Coaches and players from the 2018 St. Stephen’s High School Eagles football team posed under their billboard on Riverton’s Main Street. The Riverton-area school, Fort Washakie School, Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes, WYDOT and Wyoming Seatbelt Coalition are partners in the community-wide highway safety program.

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RIVERTON – As part of a countywide, multi-agency DUI enforcement operation New Year’s weekend 2019, Fremont County law enforcement officers arrested four drunken drivers between Dec. 28 and Jan. 1. During the four-day operation, area law enforcement made 279 traffic stops, and issued 42 speeding citations, three seatbelt citations, two child restraint citations, 47 other citations, issued 234 warnings and arrested 31 people on other violations. No traffic fatalities were reported over the long holiday weekend in Fremont County.

Fremont County law enforcement agencies are working together again as part of a county-wide, multi-agency, traffic enforcement operation that has been in operation since 2016. The New Year’s holiday weekend operation is the first of at least six planned operations in Fremont County for the year. The next operation is scheduled for the Super Bowl weekend. The purpose of the operations is to reduce fatal crashes in Fremont County through enforcement of impaired driving and seatbelt laws. Focused enforcement efforts will be surrounded by a media campaign that will stress law enforcement’s zero-tolerance stance on impaired driving and commitment to seatbelt enforcement. Agencies staffing the Fremont County operation include the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Lander Police Department, Fremont County Sheriff ’s Office, Riverton Police Department, Shoshoni Police Department, Wyoming State Park Rangers and Wind River Police Department. Partners in the campaign include Injury Prevention Resources and Wyoming Department of Transportation. Along with this enhanced enforcement effort, the Wyoming Highway Patrol is urging drivers to help keep Wyoming’s roadways safe by calling the Report Every Drunk Driver Immediately (REDDI) hotline number at 1-800-442-9090 to report suspected drunk drivers. Callers should be prepared to provide the dispatcher with a description of the vehicle, its location, and direction of travel.

Additional rockfall hazards identified west of Cody on US 14/16/20 CODY – Following a Dec. 27 rockfall event three miles west of Cody on US 14/16/20, Wyoming Department of Transportation geologists identified additional hazards associated with potential rockfall during a Monday rock-climbing inspection of the area. “We have remaining rock above the roadway that is still unstable,” said WYDOT Principal Geologist David Vanderveen of Cheyenne. “We are bringing in contractors to assess the area and bid on the work. When a contractor is chosen to mitigate the rockfall hazard, we will ask them to conduct

Sage Creek highway/ bridge project between Lovell and Cowley; public meeting held

Photo: WYDOT

Rockfall blocks the westbound lane of US 14/16/20 west of Cody on Dec. 27.

Total number of employees: As of Jan. 7, 2019

Webbwood Road reopened in Riverton

WHP

RIVERTON – Storm sewer excavation and installation continued on Webbwood Road and reopened between Pure Gas Road and Walmart Dec. 28 in Riverton. The road was reopened to allow access to two accesses to Walmart, according to Robert Scheidemantel, Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer in Riverton. The Webbwood Road storm sewer improvements are part of the two-year, $13.96 million project to improve North Federal Boulevard (WYO 789) through Riverton. n

le Afte yc

1,906

One month ago

1,914

One year ago

1,906

Total number of highway fatalities: As of Jan. 14, 2019

WYDOT Project Geologist Justin Mordahl of Cheyenne inspecting the area above the tunnels on Jan. 7, about three miles west of Cody on US 14/16/20.

LOVELL – Lovell citizens and others gathered at a Jan. 15 public update meeting on the $11.7 million Sage Creek highway and bridge improvement project between Lovell and Cowley on US 310. There was a short presentation which opened up into a forum to allow people to ask questions and visit with the prime contractor and WYDOT. Miller said Shoshone River bridge improvements will continue through the winter, as well as removal of the old Sage Creek and railroad bridges. 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. Contract completion date is Oct. 31.

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Photo: WYDOT

several days of rock scaling to remove the loose rocks.” Traffic delays are expected. “The scaling would occur in the same way that it did on the rockfall mitigation project, west of the tunnels,” Vanderveen said. WYDOT District Engineer Pete Hallsten said one of the potential rockfall contractors, GeoStabilization International of Grand Junction, Colorado, is scheduled to be on site this week to assess the rockfall area. “We could have some pretty severe traffic impacts, but we’re not sure at this point,” Hallsten said. “We don’t know the duration of the work or the exact timing of the work. It’s worth noting that this is a different location than last year’s rockfall mitigation project west of the tunnels. This rockfall work is not related to last year’s project.” Hallsten said digital message signs have been deployed to deliver rockfall messaging to citizens on each end of the area, which is located at the east end of the tunnels on US 14/16/20.

One year ago

February 2019

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The 511 mobile app provides hands-free, real-time information Motorists can learn more about road and travel conditions from their mobile devices without driving distracted. The Wyoming Department of Transportation has the Wyoming 511 Travel Information app available for download for Android and iOS devices that provides much of the same information as the 511 desktop map. The app has a hands-free, eye-free option that provides information safely to motorists as they travel. “Our mobile app ensures motorists get the vital information they need while traveling without ever having to look away from the road,” said WYDOT Director Bill Panos. “We never want motorists to drive distracted. Driving distracted can have serious consequences and we want our travelers to be safe.” The way the hands-free, eyes-free function works is a driver selects that option and then the app uses the mobile phone’s position to communicate the latest information while the person is driving. “All you have to do is effectively turn it on and forget about it, and it will read information to you as you come upon incidents or conditions on the highway,” said Vince Garcia, GIS/ITS manager. Besides the hands-free, eyes-free option, the app also has a map, a “where am I feature” and a submit an image option. All of those functions are used when a person is not driving or by a passenger. “Our 511 app has been downloaded over 140,000 times,” Garcia said. “The traveling public relies on this app to get the latest information so they can make informed decisions about their

travel plans.” The map provides road condition information, access to web cameras and truck parking availability so motorists can view that information before traveling and plan ahead. Under the map’s options section, users can also activate construction and truck parking icons to get additional information. The truck parking feature is something new for the app. It can provide motorists with information on truck parking availability. “If a motorists sees that the information about truck parking isn’t correct, we also have given them the ability to report how many spots are available,” said Suzie Roseberry, GIS/ITS developer. “That information gets updated on the mobile app for other users and it also goes on our desktop map.” For the “where am I” feature, motorists can learn their coordinates and where the nearest route and mileposts are. The submit an image is also a newer feature on the app. A person can take a picture when they are not driving and send it to WYDOT. “The images are vetted by our TMC to ensure they are of Wyoming roads,” Roseberry said. “We can then use those images to update conditions on our travel information systems. In the future, our plan is to post those on the app and our website so other people can view them.” Visit WYDOT’s 511 website at https://wyoroad.info to learn more about the app and to get the latest road and travel conditions. n

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. 8

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    

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.

WYDOT’s 511 map provides information on visitor centers Travelers looking for visitor information centers within the state can now find them on the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s travel information website. WYDOT officials recently added a new layer to its travel information map that provides information on the different visitor information centers. The map has an icon at each community where one is located. When a person clicks on that icon, it provides the center’s name, hours of operation, address and website link. “We’re always looking for ways to provide better information to the traveling public,” said WYDOT Director Bill Panos. “Our Wyoming travel information map is such a vital tool the public uses to get road and travel information. Providing visitor information centers on the map will ensure travelers can locate the necessary resources when they visit.” The centers are displayed with an “I” icon on the map. When someone views that layer, they will see all the visitor information centers in the state and can then select the one they want. “We wanted to make sure the people who are visiting our state have access to resources they need,” said Ali Ragan, project manager for WYDOT’s Intelligent Transportation Systems program. “This information is another way for visitors to get information.

This new layer on our map will hopefully help people enjoy their time in Wyoming.” Besides the visitor information centers, WYDOT officials have added other new features to the map. A streamlined map provides a static image of travel impacts and road conditions. The page updates every few minutes with the latest information. For more detailed information about road conditions, a person can select a specific route, which will take them to a list that provides information for each section of the road. “This is a quick-load map that provides people with the latest information,” Ragan said. “This map is designed for those who may have slower internet speeds and those who may be using older browsers on their desktops.” WYDOT’s 511 website also has a new way for people to view the state’s web cameras. People can view the cameras by statewide, city and route. When people select those options, a thumbnail list of the web cameras appear along with their corresponding route. Visit WYDOT’s 511 website at https://wyoroad.info to learn more about the map and to get the latest road and travel conditions. n

The 511 online map has many new features including the rest area layer which shows a user the amenities found at each rest area location.

February 2019

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Photo: AdobeStock

State, N.D. partner on UAS issues

Photo: AdobeStock

Wyoming Aeronautics is getting a jump start on developOne key issue is how to deal with the data collected from UAS ing unmanned aircraft system (UAS) standards by partnering operations. The University of Wyoming and local companies will with North Dakota thanks to a memorandum of understanding partner to work on the data analysis. between the states’ governors. Additional advantages of the MOU include: The Laramie Regional Airport Authority is on the leading Wyoming and North Dakota can share UAS related resources edge of UAS related development by entering into an agreement and support each other with operations. The opportunities that with Texas based, Infinity Development Partners LLC. Infinity UAS provides can accelerate the growth of technology-oriented Development Partners and its affiliates (IDP) is a group that has industries in our states and throughout the region. worked with the state of North Dakota to develop Grand Sky, The Infinity Development team along with the Northern the nation’s first commercial UAS airport. Grand Sky has been in Plains UAS Test Site Authority, a North Dakota state entity and operation since 2015 and has attracted UAS leaders like Northrop partner of IDP, has experience and knowledge in working with Grumman and General Atomics. The airport authority and IDP the FAA to put flight certificates and mission control information have entered into an agreement aimed at developing UAS operathrough the process to remove beyond the line of sight restrictions, facilities and infrastructure needed to support UAS at the tions currently in place. Laramie airport. This MOU will give Wyoming the ability to collaborate on opIDP, the developers of the Grand Sky facility in Grand Forks, portunities generated by providing the access to connections and have seven years of experience relationships IDP has developed developing in the UAS induswith UAS industry leaders in the try and are willing to share this region, nation and internationknowledge and experience with ally. the State of Wyoming, allowing Swoyer said North Dakota and the state to move the industry Wyoming have a unique opporforward. tunity to share in the economic “This MOU between Wyogrowth accompanying the rapidly ming and North Dakota is a growing UAS industry. “The great early step in developing an economies of North Dakota and alliance of states that can jointly Wyoming are similar and can work UAS issues together,” said benefit from UAS because of their Tom Swoyer, president of IDP. energy sector, agricultural and “North Dakota is a leader in infrastructure needs.” He added the UAS industry, and working the states are home to people that with them moves us forward live by a “can-do” attitude and Unmanned aircraft system standards are being developed by Wyovery quickly to be a participating ming and the state of North Dakota. will get their hands dirty to make leader in this global industry.” systems work. Swoyer said, “Our The next step for Wyoming is finalizing letters of intent with approach is to solve real problems, not create fancy alliances companies and state agencies that want to explore how drones and partnerships that are bought and paid for. That being said, can help grow and increase the efficiency of their operations. we do need to make some investments in airspace management Officials also will develop plans and cost estimates for developing infrastructure, and we need to make sure we collaborate. Colthe infrastructure and procedures necessary for UAS operations laboration, innovation and creating an environment where UAS at the airport. Expansion at other areas around the state may companies can see customers that want their services, supporting develop in the future. Planning and development is needed so the infrastructure and cooperative governments that support their team can submit plans to the FAA to ensure safe UAS operation development is what will win.” n from the airport.

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Photos: Matt Murphy

I-80 westbound reopened following hazmat incident

Photos: Matt Murphy

Interstate 80 from Laramie to Walcott was reopened Jan. 17 crew arrived on scene around 7:45 p.m. However, they deterfollowing cleanup from a hazmat situation that began Jan. 16. mined they were not equipped to clean up the material and a At around 8:40 a.m., a truck carrying some hazardous masecond hazmat crew, also from Colorado, was contacted. terials crashed on I-80 near milepost 270, which is just west of The second crew arrived on site around 3 a.m. and was wrapArlington. WYDOT crews closed the road to westbound traffic ping up the cleanup process this morning. The tractor and first around 11 a.m. to make room for the cleanup process. trailer have already been removed from the highway. As a result of the crash, As the cleanup finished, some of the truck’s contents Fogg said WYDOT maintebroke open and spilled onto the nance is also monitoring the roadway. WYDOT and Wyoroad surface for any damage ming Highway Patrol identified the chemicals may have caused. some of the material as hazardMaintenance will also need to ous and the trucking company salt and sand the road before it contacted a hazmat cleanup opens. crew from Denver, Colorado, to Snow, combined with susassist with the spill. tained winds of more than 30 Brand Fogg, WYDOT’s Area mph and gusts around 60 mph, Maintenance supervisor in hampered the cleanup process. Arlington, said the hazardous No one was hurt in the chemicals included hydrochlocrash. ric acid, hydrofluoric acid and As of 9 a.m. Jan. 17, I-80 flammable materials. westbound was projected to Fortunately, there were many unbroken containers in the overturned The first hazmat cleanup open around early afternoon. truck. US 30 westbound reopened at the same time as I-80, as did WYO 210, which were closed to all but local traffic. I-80 from Cheyenne to Laramie was closed due to truck parking being full in Laramie. WYDOT and WHP received assistance from numerous agencies in Albany and Carbon counties as well as the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security. “We want to thank our partner agencies for their help with this incident,” said Tom DeHoff, the district engineer in Laramie. “We also want to thank the public for being understanding and patient during this unique The incident caused a backup for other travelers and truckers along southern Wyoming situation. Safety is our top priority.” n routes.

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Photos: Rick Carpenter

License Plate Plant Manager Steve Lund oversees the printing of the new wildlife conservation plates.

WYDOT unveils new wildlife conservation license plates In January, a new license plate design was introduced and will start being seen on vehicles around Wyoming. The wildlife conservation license plate was an idea discussed at a 2017 Wildlife and Roadway Safety Summit. WYDOT worked closely with the sponsors of the bill to come up with a design for the plate. It was approved by both the sponsors and by WYDOT. The plate with a mule deer design was approved by the state legislature during its 2018 session and is now available through WYDOT. As of Jan. 1, the application can be found on the WYDOT website for customers to choose the plate design and download the application, fill it out and mail it to WYDOT. Once the application and fees are received by WYDOT a plate will be sent to the county treasurer. “Fees for the new plate are $180 which include the standard $30 for all specialty plates, plus an additional $150 for the wildlife conservation fund,” said Motor Vehicle Services Program Manager Debbie Lopez. “A $50 annual renewal fee will be charged every year to keep the plates and that $50 goes toward the conservation fund.” An embossed version of the plate is also available to wildlife

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February 2019

conservation supporters for an additional $50 to the initial cost. The embossing charge is for the life of the plate, which is typically eight years. The latest specialty plate joins more than a dozen specialty plates now offered by WYDOT. “Proceeds from the wildlife conservation plate will support wildlife conservation efforts around the state,” said Lopez. “The new plate is similar to the University of Wyoming plate where the money from sales will be placed into a fund. In this case, the wildlife conservation fund for wildlife specific transportation projects statewide.” Signage, underground animal crossings, fencing are a few of the projects that will benefit from the sale of the wildlife conservation plates. The plates have been printed and once the applications begin coming in, the plates will be sent out to the county treasurers offices for distribution. n

WTDEA State Board

Lucky Lotto Raffle $2 per ticket or 6 for $10

WyoLotto Cowboy Draw 1 Ticket, 2 Numbers, x 20 Draws

Proceeds go toward the State Board Scholarship Fund.

CONTACT Ryan Sorenson Debbie Herbold William McGary

Plus a basket

WyoLotto full of luck! Lucky for Life 1 Ticket, 2 Numbers, Drawing held x 20 Draws March 15

(307) 473-3267 Tiffanie Young (307) 473-3258 Audrey Hobbs (702) 202-5486 Chris Fisher

(307) 777-4778 (307) 777-4456 (307) 777-4404

Wind River Casino & Fly fishing adventure raffle

Package Includes:

One free night stay at the Wind River Hotel & Casino; $50 gift certificate at the Red Willow Restaurant; Two half-day canyon passes with the Wind River Hotel & Casino; an “Orvis Encounter” (865-4) which includes an 8 ’6” fly rod, reel and case; and a $200 gift certificate from Sportsman’s Warehouse.

Drawing held at May 2019 meeting

Proceeds go toward the WTDEA District 1 Scholarship Fund.

Contact:

Molly Smith Chris Fisher William McGary Rich Barber

777-4405 777-4404 702-202-5486 745-2154

Tickets are $2 each or 6 for $10

Take it slow Know before you go.

Get travel information by dialing 511, visiting www.wyoroad.info, or by following us on Twitter. @WYDOT_I80

@WYDOT_Northeast

@WYDOT_I90

@WYDOT_Northwest

@WYDOT_I25 @WYDOT_Central

@WYDOT

@WYDOT_Southeast @WYDOT_Southwest

February 2019

wyoroad.info Interchange

HR News Vision Insurance (VSP) Benefits Employees’ Group Insurance (EGI) and VSP provide state employees covered under the vision insurance with a choice of two affordable vision plans (Plan B and Plan C). Below is brief information about the plans including some added benefits under VSP. Contact your HR representative for the full VSP Vision Benefits Summary. Benefits of Plan B and Plan C are exactly the same except for the frame allowance and allowance time frame restriction. Plan B provides a $170 frame allowance every 24 months, while Plan C provides a $190 frame allowance every 12 months. Employees receive a 20 percent discount for any amount over the allowance. Additional savings are available through VSP on their website under Special Offers (www.vsp.com). The frame benefit is allowable for non-prescription sunglasses

instead of prescription glasses or contacts. If employees choose contacts instead of glasses, a $170 yearly benefit is available with no co-pay. Covered employees also can receive savings on lens enhancements, retinal screenings and laser vision correction. An additional benefit in connection with VSP is a hearing aid discount program to employee’s and their families through TruHearing. Contact TruHearing at 855-205-6159 or visit the VSP website under Special Offers for additional information. Contact HR, EGI, or VSP (800-877-7195) with questions. This short video provided by Matt Nagy with A&I HRD provides additional overview: https://ai.wyo.gov/divisions/human-resources/groupinsurance/training NOTE: Employee’s must be covered under the State’s VSP plan and must ensure visions services are provided through a VSPparticipating provider to receive these benefits. n

Telehealth Employees covered under the state’s medical insurance with Cigna have quick and easy access to board-certified doctors through Telehealth. Telehealth is a doctor’s appointment through your computer or mobile device – without leaving your home, any time of day or night. There are two Telehealth providers that work with Cigna: MDLIVE for Cigna and Amwell for Cigna. You choose which provider to use for a $42 up-front cost; the $42 payment goes toward your deductible. If your deductible is met, you have a 25 percent co-insurance, which makes the visit $10.50; insurance pays the other 75 percent. There are two ways to access Telehealth and you need your Cigna card available for either. To use via computer (you must have a webcam and microphone): • Turn off pop-up blockers • Go to: https://my.cigna.com • Create an account with Cigna (if you do not have one) and/or log in • Navigate to Find Providers and Costs • Select Cigna Telehealth Connection • Next screen allows you to: • Talk to a nurse free before contacting a doctor, or • Elect a Telehealth provider • Activate account with selected provider

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February 2019

To use via mobile device: • Download the app(s) you want to use and sign up (MDLIVE for Cigna and/or Amwell for Cigna. The apps must say “for Cigna”). Contact HR or Employees’ Group Insurance with questions. This video provided by Matt Nagy with Subject Matter Minute steps you through the process: https://youtu.be/-US9rgNkwUc NOTE: Telehealth is for non-life threatening injury or illness. n

Classic? Hot rod? Late model? Two wheeler? Get those photos in!

Rides

Submission deadline:

02/15/19 carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov

Training

Vocational Learning Plans arrive in the new year Unless things drastically changed from the time I wrote this article to the time you’re reading it, Vocational Learning Plans for WYDOT Maintenance employees have gone out. But even if you’re not a Maintenance employee, you might have noticed more Learning Plans now populating the WELL. For example, WY.Supervise – New Supervisors Orientation is now a Learning Plan, and so is KNOW WY. – New Employee Orientation. In Training Services, we’re excited about Learning Plans because they allow for a more rich learning experience than what many at WYDOT might be used to. In addition to WYDOT’s Vocational Learning Plans, Training Services will be using Learning Plans for supplemental development and leadership content. Let’s walk through an example. Let’s say that you attend a “Generations” workshop through WYDOT University. You

Training @ a Glance Classes in February: Date Class 2/1/19 2/4/19 2/7/19 2/8/19 2/12/19 2/12/19 2/14/19 2/19/19 2/19/19 2/25/19 2/26/19 2/27/19 2/28/19

NEW! NEW! NEW!

NEW!

Wildlife and Roads – Webinar Series Part 2 WY Supervise (New Supervisors & Emerging Leaders) Positive Motivation Equals Positive Performance Wildlife and Roads – Webinar Series Part 3 Franklin Covey’s 5 Choices of Extraordinary Productivity PE Exam Preparation for Civil Engineers MPC Research – Optimization of Pavement Marking Performance Concrete Manholes and Inlets: Design, Production and Installation Interpersonal Competence – Enhance Teamwork New Employee Orientation Planning & Delivering Presentations Evaluation of Asphalt Patching & Crack Sealing Methods & Best Practices Manual Digital Signatures & E-Construction

might get quite a bit out of it, but as time goes on, you might forget many of the concepts taught. That same “Generations” class could be configured as a Learning Plan. As a Learning Plan, it could be configured to not only include the workshop, but also perhaps some reading on generations prior to attending the class, and perhaps some short videos or talks that you can view a few months following. It might also include a follow up webinar or conference call a month or so following the workshop to reconnect you with the content. Which version do you suppose would lead to greater learning? With a Learning Plan, multiple opportunities to revisit “Generations,” should make for a richer experience and help you better recall/retain the information. In the coming months, we’ll talk more about how Training Services is looking at using Learning Plans for our Supervisory and Leadership Development offerings. n

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

PMI Competency

Location

Vocational New Supervisor Orientation Developing Others Vocational Personal Effectiveness Vocational

TLN TBD Webinar TLN WYDOT-U Webinar

Vocational

Webinar

Vocational Team Player New Employee Orientation Personal Effectiveness

TLN TLN WYDOT-U TLN

Vocational Vocational

Webinar Webinar

Visit the Training Services intranet page for more information. February 2019

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District News

Jerry Plumley retired on Dec. 4 after working for WYDOT for 17 years. He worked as a senior carpenter in Facilities Management. Plumley is a Cheyenne native and attended East High School, graduating in Plumley 1971. He served as an interpreter for WHP and Driver Services when needed.

Headquarters

Welcome Marie Castleberry, Management Services; Kieran Crawford, Office ServicesMailroom; Michael Hosafros, Facilities Management-Building Maintenance; Randall LeBeaumont, Materials-Bituminous; and Kristy Watson, Motor Vehicle Services-Registration/Title.

Roberts

Rusk

Promotions and Transfers Julianne Monahan, Planning-System Planning; Calla Power, Patrol-Safety and Training; Christopher Rehm, Right of Way-Property Management; Bobby Robertson Jr., Highway Development-Project Development; and Hitesh Varandani, Bridge-Engineering Design.

Rehm

Robertson

Service Awards Gary Krause, Highway DevelopmentPhotogrammetry/Survey – 35 years; Raymond Vigil, Facilities Management-Administration – 35 years; Jason Ban, Highway DevelopmentProject Development – 25 years; Shannon Brown, Patrol Dispatch – 15 years; Felicia Johnston, Patrol Dispatch – 15 years; Dale Roberts, Equipment-Mechanics – 15 years; Krause

Vigil

Ban

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February 2019

Steinbrenner

McIrvin

Buss

Maestas

Leroy Rusk, Equipment-Mechanics – 15 years; Ryan Steinbrenner, Materials-Design, Soil and Service – 15 years; Travis Allen, Traffic – 10 years; Eli McIrvin, Highway DevelopmentProject Development-Utilities – 10 years; James Whetstone, Geology – 10 years; Albert Buss, Financial Services-Disbursements – 5 years; and Rudy Maestas, Facilities ManagementCustodial – 5 years.

Retirements William Gribble retired on Dec. 11 after working for WYDOT for almost 40 years. He was a supervisor in the counter shop. Gribble is also a veteran of the U.S. Ma- Gribble rine Corps., honorably discharged in 1977 as a sergeant.

Randy Reynolds retired on Dec. 4 after working for WYDOT for 37 years. He worked as a mailroom clerk in Office Services. Darrel Seifert retired on Dec. 4 with 17 years of service to WYDOT’s Highway Development-Project Development-Utilities program. Seifert retired as the senior utilities officer. He was with Utilities for 14 years of his 17-year Seifert career. Seifert graduated from Fort Collins High School in Colorado in 1968 and continued his education at the University of Wyoming. He graduated from UW in 1972 with a bachelor’s degree in Music. He entered the U.S. Air Force after being commissioned a second lieutenant, following four years of ROTC at UW, and served as a maintenance staff officer, missile launch control officer and a B-52 and T-38 pilot. He was honorably discharged as a captain. Seifert owned and operated Frontier Radiator in Cheyenne for 17 years before returning to Laramie Community College and graduating with an engineering technology associates degree with honors in 2002. William Whipple retired on Dec. 1 after working for WYDOT for 37 years. He worked as a senior staff tech in Maintenance. Whipple, a native of Pipestone, Minnesota, joined the U.S. Air Force in July 1976 and was stationed in Denver, Colorado, at Whipple Lowry Air Force Base from August 1976 until May 1977. He was

honorably discharged in November 1979. After discharge, he joined the Wyoming Air Guard.

Welcome

Congratulations

Graham Cox, Laramie; and Rhonda Sifford, Saratoga Maintenance.

Kent Ketterling has been selected State Construction Engineer in Cheyenne. He assumed his new position Jan. 1. Ketterling replaces Andy Long who retired Nov. 3. n

District 1

Service Awards

Promotions and Transfers

David Chatfield, Elk Mountain Patrol – 25 years; Edwin Leyba, Traffic-Signing – 20 years; and Brian Erickson, Pine Bluffs Maintenance – 10 years.

Peter Cross, Cheyenne Patrol.

Cradle Call

Photo: WYDOT

Cross

Congratulations to Jordan Meadows with Laramie Construction on the birth of her daughter, Olivia Rae, on Jan. 9. n

Equipment Program Manager Bryan Wenger presented D.J. Sandoval his final FOS test award. Sandoval has passed all of the tests to become a Master technician for the state of Wyoming.

Chatfield

Leyba

District 2

Service Awards Bruce Simmons, Torrington Construction – 40 years;

Terrie Hockin, Driver Services-Casper – 25 years; Kevin Cook, Muddy Gap Maintenance – 5 years; and Alyssa Walker, Port of Entry-Casper – 5 years. n

Congratulations

Cook

Photo: WYDOT

Alan Graves, left, and David Leeling, both from the Casper Shop for successfully completing Fundamentals of Service (FOS) testing. Alan completed Hydraulics and Administrative Procedures and David passed Engines. Walker

District 3

Welcome Gary Hodson, Telecom-District 3 Radio Shop; and Robert McGowan, Rock Springs Mechanics.

Promotions and Transfers

Kemmerer; Edward Petty, Labarge Maintenance; and Anthony Spiker, Rock Springs Maintenance.

Service Awards

Travis Bluemel, Granger Maintenance; Dakota Housley, Port of Entry-

Mark Day, Evanston Mechanics – 30 years; Lony Sellers, Evanston Construction – 20 years;

Bluemel

Petty

Housley

Sellers

Edward McPherson, Rock Springs Maintenance – 10 years; Aaron Dockstader, Afton Construction – 5 years; and Ryan Hughes, Pinedale Construction – 5 years. n

McPherson

February 2019

Hughes n

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District 4

Promotions and Transfers

Kehrer

Anthony Morris, Buffalo Maintenance; and Misty Wood, District 4 Support Staff.

Morris

Wood

Service Awards Zachary Armstrong, Buffalo Mechanics – 10 years; and Kirby Goodvin, District 4 Maintenance Staff – 10 years.

Goodvin

Retirements Jimmie Pierce retired from Sheridan Mechanics as a heavy mechanic on Dec. 4 with 27 years of service to the state. The Sheridan native served in the U.S. Army from 1981 until his honorable discharge in 1985. Pierce Retirement will allow Pierce to do more of what he loves doing: hunting and fishing.

David Bell, Cody Maintenance; Dalen Davis Sr., Basin Construction; and Jack Davis, Cody Maintenance.

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February 2019

Jordan Erz, Worland Construction – 5 years; and Travis Gallo, Telecom District 5-Radio Shop – 5 years. n

Service Awards Steven Paumer, District 5 Maintenance Staff – 35 years; Lee Pence, Cody Patrol – 15 years; Joshua Hahn, Lander Mechanics – 10 years; Ted Dykes, Cody Mechanics – 5 years;

Paumer

Lead Mechanic Jeff Mumm presented Jeremy Kottman (above) his certificates for passing the Fundamentals of Service (FOS) tests in General Shop and Rigging. Mumm also presented Bob Craft (below) his FOS certificates in Power Trains and Rigging.

District 5

Welcome Armstrong

Congratulations

Photo: Owen Bitheweigh

Jeremy Kehrer, Sheridan Maintenance.

Lt. William Zilka retired after 27 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Wyoming. Zilka began his career in August 1991 and was stationed in Rock Springs. He was a trooper for 10 years in Rock Springs before being promoted to lieutenant over Zilka the Gillette division in 2000. Initially, the Gillette division encompassed Campbell, Crook and Weston County. Around 2006, Division L (Gillette) became one division for Campbell County. This division was reconstructed due to the increase of population from the oil and gas boom. Zilka loved serving the citizens of Wyoming and working the interstate and highways of Wyoming. He was a strong supporter and instructor of the Alive at 25 programs. Zilka spent countless hours instructing and helping educate young adults throughout his career while serving the citizens of Wyoming with pride, distinction, and honor. The WHP loses quite an asset. n

Photo: Owen Bitheweigh

Welcome

Pence

Hahn

Dykes

Erz

Gallo

Awards

Photo: WYDOT

Service Award Recipients

Photo: Rick Carpenter

District 1 Engineer Tom DeHoff received a Patriotic Employer Award from Lt. Col. Jason Salsgiver of the Army National Guard and Barry Gasdek, the Military Outreach Director of the Wyoming Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, for DeHoff’s support of National Guard members who work for WYDOT during recent training.

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: David Chatfield, 25 years; Jason Ban, 25 years; and Gary Krause, 35 years. Seated from left: Ray Vigil, 35 years; Bruce Simmons, 40 years; David Gillaspie, 40 years; and Jerry Carr, 35 years.

Science fair spotlights research and learning

Congratulations to our December 2018 recipients! Photo: WYDOT

WYDOT salutes the following Director’s Extra Mile Award recipients. The award is presented to individuals who have traveled the “extra mile” in service to WYDOT.

Colton Hines, son of Environmental Services employee Nick Hines, a fifth grader in the Laramie County School District, placed first in the Earth science category. He also got Best in Show for fifth grade. The Best in Show accolade is awarded by the judges on their choice of the best projects out of all the first place winners in all categories for fifth grade. n

Bill Cleveland Kurt Covert Josh Ferguson Brad Jones Ed Petty For more information about the Extra Mile Award or to nominate someone, contact Katherine Castaneda at Katherine.Castaneda@wyo.gov. February 2019

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Passings William E. Francis

William Elmer “Bill” Francis, 88, died Jan. 14 at his home in Prairie Center. Francis was born in Buffalo on June 18, 1930, to Lawrence and Bessie May (Foreman) Francis, joining his 2-year-old brother, Ivan. Francis’ father, along with close fam- Francis ily relatives near Big Trails, raised the two young boys after Bessie died when Francis was 2 years old. Francis’ father had briefly moved himself and the boys to West Virginia when he found work there. The family returned to Wyoming when Francis was 13. He spent his teen years in and around Buffalo working and going to school. At age 18, Francis was living with his grandparents. His grandfather was an officer on the Buffalo Police force, and his uncle and aunt lived on the Ogallala Ranch north of Douglas. He began working on the ranch later and cared for 200 head of cattle and about 2,500 sheep during the terrible winter of 1949 at another nearby ranch with only the loss of one cow. After that, Francis went to work for Taylor Ranch Company, and in late 1951 he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas, where he received medals in driving and sharpshooting. He then went into the Army Reserves as a corporal, and was honorably discharged, returning to work at Taylor Ranch Company. Francis attended the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy in 1964 and was in the first graduating class. He took a job with the Wyoming Highway Patrol, where he served for about six years in various offices throughout the state. After leaving the WHP, he began working as a security guard for The Boeing Corporation and quickly rose to the rank of lieutenant, guarding missile silos in southeastern Wyoming and western Nebraska. Francis also put together rental properties and went into business for himself with Bill’s Fixit Shop in Cheyenne.

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February 2019

In the winter of 1976, he went to work for Teton Construction Company and became truck foreman. In 1980, he went into cattle ranching and in the late 1980s he moved to the Hat Creek Community and formed the Francis Hat Creek Ranch north of Lusk. Francis then moved to the Prairie Center Community in Goshen County, where he and his son, Kelly, from his first marriage, ranched and did dirt work throughout the area. Francis was on crutches with a bad knee for several years and lost his left eye in an accident but was extremely persistent and always found a way to get the job done and get it done right. He was a master mason, being initiated at Castle Rock Lodge #45 in Edgerton. He was the master of Harmony Lodge #24 in Lusk 2008-2009. He was a unique person and will be greatly missed by many friends and relatives. The funeral service was held Jan. 19 at the Niobrara County Fairgrounds in Lusk. Interment was Jan. 21 at Willow Grove Cemetery in Buffalo.

John M. Garro John Martin Garro, 67, of Kaycee, died Dec. 31, 2018, at the Wyoming Medical Center in Casper. Garro was a temporary snow plow operator for WYDOT in the Kaycee area, a job he had held since 2007. In addition to the temporary work with WYDOT, he was a Garro truck driver spending many years running his own trucking business. Garro was born on July 31, 1951, in Buffalo. He graduated from Johnson County High School in 1969. On Dec. 7, 1974, he married Wanda Cohee and they raised three children. He loved spending time with his grandsons teaching them what he knew so that they could use those skills someday. Services for Garro were held Jan. 8 at the Harold Jarrard Park Building in Kaycee with Carole Buckingham officiating. Visitation was Jan. 7 at the Harness Funeral Chapel. A private family interment will be held at a later date.

Kerry A. Lee Kerry August Lee, 70, of Riverton died at the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah on Dec. 18, 2018. Lee was born on Dec. 8, 1948, in South St. Louis, Illinois. He spent his early years traveling the country with his parents and two siblings. At Lee a very early age he quit school and began supporting himself at a vast array of jobs, sometimes hitchhiking or catching a train across country. This began a lifelong love of trains. He voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1969 and served in the Vietnam War. He received a Purple Heart while overseas. Upon returning to the United States, he served as a motor sergeant until he was honorably discharged in 1975. After being discharged, Lee worked as a foreman on different ranches around Meeteetse with his beloved dog, Ace. While living in the Meeteetse area, he was an active member in the Lions Club, a volunteer firefighter, EMT and was the emergency management coordinator. He began working for the Wyoming Department of Transportation in December 1989 as an equipment operator in Meeteetse. He retired in 2006. Not one to sit idle, Lee began working for Wind River Transportation as a Dispatcher and Bus Driver after retiring from WYDOT. He enjoyed his bosses and coworkers and worked up until his passing. In 2000, he met his soulmate and love of his life, Barbara Novotny. They were married and were fortunate to be able to spend 18 years together. They took memorable and enjoyable vacations together as they both loved to travel. They were always together and smiling, they truly enjoyed life together. A memorial service was held Jan. 5 at Davis Funeral Home with military honors.

Timothy I. McGary Timothy Ivan “Tim” McGary, 68, of Laramie, died Dec. 20, 2018. McGary was born in Cody on Sept. 19, 1950. He graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. While studying at UW, he worked for the McGary U.S. Forest Service. In January 1975 he started his career at the Wyoming Highway Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency, as a project engineer in Rawlins. Throughout his career with the state he was a resident engineer in Cheyenne, construction staff engineer in Cheyenne, district construction engineer in Rock Springs and long-time district maintenance engineer in Laramie. McGary retired in February 2017 with 42 years of service to WYDOT. Throughout his life, McGary enjoyed hunting, visiting the shooting range, taking care of his vehicles, and a variety of handy-man projects. During his retirement he took a new interest in ATVs and continued spending time with his grandchildren. He was a member of the Wyoming Professional Engineering Association and a member of Laramie Valley Chapel. McGary was known for being one of the most practical and prepared people one might ever meet, and will be missed by many. A funeral service was held Dec. 26, 2018, at Laramie Valley Chapel. Burial at Greenhill cemetery followed.

related cases and deployed throughout Wyoming during concentrated HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) details on Wyoming highways. Kato was deployed 321 times resulting in the seizure of 277 pounds of marijuana, 5.4 pounds of methamphetamine, $182,273 dollars of US currency directly related to drug trafficking, approximately 1 pound of prescription pills, psilocybin mushrooms, LSD and acid, five firearms (one from a school) and two searches that led to the furtherance of Federal investigations involving domestic and international terrorists. Trooper Deckert and K-9 Kato were very active in their community of Pinedale, as well as other communities throughout Wyoming. The two of them shared their enthusiasm for working together while involved in numerous safety-related presentations, K-9 demonstrations at schools and community functions. Trooper Deckert shared his affection for K-9 “Kato” who taught him many lessons as a K-9 handler and was there for him during some difficult times during his career. Our condolences to Trooper Deckert and his family. K-9 “Kato” was a valuable member of our K-9 team and a cherished partner and family member to Trooper Deckert. n

WTDEA

Kids Christmas party clarification Kids Christmas party correction – the kids didn’t get a gift AND a gift card at the annual kids party. They got one or the other. Most received gifts and the WTDEA supplemented with gift cards for those who didn’t get a packaged gift. n The 5th Semi-Annual

Save the Date!

The 5th Semi-Annual Spring Festival is coming up. Friday, March 1, 2019 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Archer Complex Food – Children’s Games Raffles – Live Auctions.

All proceeds benefit the WTDEA HQ Chapter Grant Assistance Program. BYOB if you are legal age to drink.

Beach vacation? Hunt lately? Get those photos in!

K-9 Kato The Wyoming Highway Patrol is saddened to announce the passing of one of our retired K-9s. On Jan. 9, retired K-9 Kato passed away after a brief illness. Kato began his career with the Wyoming Highway Patrol in 2008 specializing in narcotics detection assigned to Trooper Jason Green. In 2011, Trooper Brandon Deckert was selected as his handler and the team was assigned to Sublette County in Division ‘T’, replacing Trooper Jason Green who was promoted to Lieutenant at that time. During Kato’s eight-year career, he was involved in several significant narcotics-

Outdoors photos deadline:

03/15/19 Kato and Trooper Brandon Deckert

carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov February 2019

Interchange

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This offer is good until February 28, 2019 and also applies on purchases and cash advances made with your WyHy card!*

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*Offer valid for new and existing WyHy Credit Card holders. Visit WyHy.org/VISA or contact the Credit Union for full details.

Interchange

February 2019

Break Time

Answer to the January 2019 Break Time Strimko puzzle:

Medium Strimko 182

ÂŠ The Grabarchuk Family. Reprinted with permission. Visit strimko.com for more puzzles and logic games.

Interchange subscription issue? Update your address:

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

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February 2019

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