Interchange – February 2023

New Highway Patrol leader sworn in Col. Tim

Cameron officially takes command

By Mark Horan

Timothy K. Cameron was sworn-in as the 14th Colonel for the Wyoming Highway Patrol at a ceremony on Jan. 3 at the Wyoming Supreme Court.

Accompanied by his wife and sons and in front of a crowded court room, Cameron was sworn in by Wyoming Supreme Court Chief Justice Kate Fox.

Speakers at the ceremony were Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon and Wyoming Department of Transportation Director L uke Reiner.

Formerly the Sheriff of St. Mary’s County, Maryland, Cameron brings more than 40 years of policing experience to the Wyoming Highway Patrol.

“It’s my opinion, supported by many others, that this man has the demonstrated expertise, the character traits and leadership skills to lead our state’s highly-esteemed, expert and professional force,” Reiner remarked at the ceremony.

Reiner noted that Cameron will be expected to enforce standards, demonstrate relatability, act calm and decisively under pressure, and be a statesman in dealing with state and county officials and others in authority.

Cameron’s ability to effectively coordinate with other law enforcement forces within Wyoming and in neighboring states will be imperative, Reiner said.

“Crime does not recognize political boundaries…and backup is always a good thing,” he said.

“The fact that colonels from surrounding states and multiple law enforcement leaders from around Wyoming are here means we’re off to a good start,” Reiner pointed out.

In their remarks, Reiner and Gov. Gordon thanked Cameron’s family for their support.

“Families of those involved in law

enforcement are the bedrock of our formation. They know that their loved ones have chosen a profession that is demanding. It’s focused on public service. It’s sometimes dangerous,” Reiner said.

Gordon echoed Reiner’s sentiment.

“To those families of law enforcement, first responders, firefighters, and others,

thank you from the bottom of my heart and from my commanding officer Jennie,” Gordon said. “We appreciate everything that you do.”

The selection of Cameron as the new WHP Colonel was an extensive process over the last seven months that involved multiple key stakeholders.

Colonel continued on page 3

Photo: Mark Horan

WHP Col. Tim Cameron greeting guests at the reception following his commissioning on Jan. 3.

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Director

Jeremy Beck Patrol 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.

Gordon recalled being impressed with Cameron during the selection process.

“I came away really refreshed with your perspective and your experience,” Gordon said. “And [former Governor of Maryland] Gov. Hogan said very good things about you, so we’re very, very pleased.”

In his closing comments, Gordon assured Cameron and the Wyoming Highway Patrol of his support.

“The people of Wyoming love law enforcement,” he said. “We care about the people that are willing to put themselves on the line in the worst conditions and willing to put themselves in danger’s way. So know that you have support here. We really look forward to your time. God bless you for coming here.”

After taking his oath and receiving his badge pinned on by his wife, Cameron took the podium to offer his thoughts.

“I’m honored and humbled to become a member of the Wyoming Highway Patrol and to be part of the WYDOT family as a guardian of the Cowboy State,” Cameron said. “My appreciation to Governor Gordon and Director Reiner for the opportunity to live and work in the great state of Wyoming and to be part of such an exemplary storied agency.”

Cameron concluded

his remarks by saying he was eager to get to work, fulfilling the mission of the Wyoming Highway Patrol to serve and protect the public.

“I look forward to working with, and for, all of you,” Cameron said. “Thank you all so much. I’m smiling because this is unbelievable.”

Cameron is the 14th person to take command of the state’s largest law enforcement agency since Patrol’s inception more than 90 years ago.

Cameron succeeds Kebin Haller who retired in July 2022 and Shannon Ratliff who served as interim administrator while WHP and WYDOT conducted their search.

At the ceremony, Ratliff received special recognition by Director Reiner for his willingness to temporarily leave retirement to lead the force. Ratliff had retired in 2021 with more than 30 years in law enforcement.

Wyoming is one of two states in the nation that houses its highway patrol in the Department of Transportation.

Col. Tim Cameron at his swearing-in ceremony, joined by family and state officials. From left: WYDOT Director Luke Reiner; son, Scott; Col. Cameron; Gov. Mark Gordon; wife, Angie; and son, Shawn.

Photo: Mark Horan

Colonel Tim Cameron takes an oath to support, obey and defend the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Wyoming. He is seen here with Wyoming Supreme Court Chief Justice Kate Fox (right) and Justice Kari Gray.

Photo: Mark Horan

Col. Cameron was all smiles as his wife Angie pinned him with his new WHP badge.

Photo: Mark Horan

District Briefs

Headquarters Commission awards nearly $38.6 million in contracts in January

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded almost $38.6 million in contracts for seven Wyoming Department of Transportation construction projects during its January 19 regular business meeting.

The commission awarded a $10.7 million bid to Simon Contractors based out of Cheyenne for a project involving paving, concrete surfacing, traffic control, bridge rehabilitation, milling and other work on about 4.3 miles of both eastbound and westbound Interstate 80 in Laramie County. The contracted completion date is August 31, 2024.

Mountain Construction Company, based out of Lovell, was awarded a $5.6 million bid for a project involving paving, traffic control, chip seal, milling, grading, drainage, guardrail work and other work on approximately 9.8 miles of Wyoming Highway 294 in Park County. The contracted completion date is June 30, 2024.

The commission awarded a nearly $128,000 bid to Casper-based Casper Electric, Inc. for a project involving electrical work, signing, traffic control and other work on US Highway 14A in Big Horn County. The contracted completion date is October 31, 2023.

Four of this month’s awarded projects went to out-of-state contractors:

• Montana-based Riverside Contracting, Inc. was awarded an $11.3 million bid for a project involving paving, traffic control, grading, milling, structure rehabilitation, drainage and other work on about 8 miles of both northbound and southbound Interstate 25 in Johnson County. The contracted completion date is June 30, 2024.

• North Dakota-based Northern Improvement Company was awarded a nearly $8.1 million bid for a project involving paving, grading, traffic control, milling and other work on about 16.7 miles of Wyoming Highway 50 in Campbell County. The contracted

completion date is October 31, 2023.

• Idaho-based H-K Contractors, Inc. was awarded a $1.5 million contract for a project involving paving, chip seal, traffic control and other work at various locations within Sublette and Sweetwater Counties. The contracted completion date is August 31, 2023.

• Minnesota-based Bituminous Paving, Inc. was awarded a $1.1 million bid for a project involving paving, chip seal, traffic control and other work at various locations within Albany and Carbon Counties. The contracted completion date is August 31, 2023. All of this month’s awarded projects are primarily funded with federal dollars. Almost all WYDOT projects are awarded to the lowest bid.

WHP offers unprecedented incentives for new trooper applicants

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Highway Patrol is offering a shortened academy for pre-certified law enforcement and higher pay for applicants.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) is excited to offer an exceptional opportunity to become a Wyoming State Trooper. The patrol provides lateral officers with a shortened onboarding-style training as part of ongoing recruitment efforts. This shortened training is unprecedented for the WHP. It gives an applicant a chance to transfer to the patrol from another agency and return to the road in as little as four weeks. This training also provides an applicant with an easier transition without causing a significant strain on their family.

The WHP is also offering new applicants more pay. The new pay will be around $4 more per hour for new hires and an extra $2 more for officers professionally certified within Wyoming or the equivalent in another state. The patrol has openings throughout the state, so now is a great time to apply.

“We want to be able to attract the best people possible,” said Sgt. Jeremy Beck with the Wyoming Highway Patrol. “We’re looking for talented, dedicated in-

dividuals who want to make a difference in their communities – and we’re offering them an unprecedented opportunity to do just that.”

The Wyoming Highway Patrol will also provide free housing for applicants at our live-in academy, paid-for equipment, uniform, and meals provided each day at no cost to the recruit. These new incentives make it an excellent opportunity for a potential applicant to become a part of a pristine agency and to be able to earn the title “Wyoming State Trooper.”

The application process will cover a written entry test, oral board evaluations, physical agility testing, psychological testing, and truth detection test. These individual tests give each applicant a chance to truly show their best qualities to the evaluators so they can become one of Wyoming State’s finest law enforcement officers.

“The greatest part of being a Wyoming State Trooper is the freedom we have each shift to decide what our role in public safety will look like,” said Capt. Dave Wagener, a 21-year veteran.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol’s mission is “To serve and protect the traveling public while earning their trust and respect through compassion and professionalism.”

District 2 WYDOT hosted I-25 Casper Marginal Bridge Reconstruction public open house

CASPER – The Wyoming Department of Transportation hosted a public open house Jan. 26 at the WYDOT Casper office to discuss an upcoming project to replaced four Interstate 25 bridges and the F Street bridge over the North Platte River.

The project is set to begin this construction season and will replace the aging structures; three over the North Platte River and two over Center Street. The project includes new road surface between the interstate structures along with landscaping, lighting and intersec-

tion upgrades.

The project covers 0.97 miles and is expected to take two years to complete. WYDOT has programmed $50 million for the project, however a true cost won’t be known until the project has been let to contract.

This construction project is the third of four phases rehabilitating I-25 through Casper. Once this phase is completed, the final phase will tie all of the previous work together with new pavement between the Walsh Drive bridge and Center Street, and the addition of weave lanes between Bryan Stock Trail and Center Street.

The public was welcome to attend the open house. There was no formal presentation, instead project engineers and others involved were on-hand to discuss the project and answer questions.

The project will be let to bid in February.

Traffic flow details about the project: there will be traffic diversions, lane reductions, speed reductions, detours and delays associated with construction.

Construction on the interstate will affect one direction at a time. Ramps will function normally unless they are under construction then temporary ramps will be installed.

While southbound work is underway, there will a detour ramp to Center Street from southbound I-25 between Kimball and Park streets on the south side.

Work on the northbound lanes will necessitate the closure of the F Street bridge. Access to businesses will have signed detours.

District 5

Fremont County DUI Task Force arrests 16 during new year’s weekend operation

RIVERTON – Over the New Year’s holiday weekend, a Fremont County multi-agency impaired driving enforcement operation resulted in 170 traffic stops, 16 arrests of impaired drivers, and five controlled-substance arrests.

While the focus was on impaired driving, the Fremont County DUI Task Force issued 22 speeding citations, 53 citations

for other offenses and made 22 other arrests. The task force issued 48 warnings during the 5-day operation. The task force also wrote “no seat belt” citations and child restraint citations.

SafeRide operated by the Wind River Transportation Authority provided rides home on New Year’s Eve to party goers. Social media was used to promote this new service, as well as newspaper articles and internet-based news sites. Event fliers were also distributed to local bars and establishments promoting SafeRide. On New Year’s Eve, 14 people in Lander and four people in Riverton were given safe rides home.

During 2022, 10 fatal crashes and 11 traffic-related fatalities occurred in Fremont County. Seven of the 11 fatalities were alcohol related. During 2022, 51 alcohol-related crashes occurred in Fremont County.

During the New Year’s weekend operation, one fatal crash occurred in Fremont County; it was weather related and did not involve an impaired driver.

The Fremont County DUI Task Force includes the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Fremont County Sheriff’s Office and the Lander, Riverton, Shoshoni, and Wind River police departments.

The purpose of the Fremont County DUI Task Force is to reduce fatal crashes through the enforcement of impaired driving and seatbelt laws. These enforcement efforts are supported by a media campaign that stresses law enforcement’s zero-tolerance stance on impaired driving and commitment to seat belt enforcement.

The Fremont County DUI Task Force will be at work again over Super Bowl™ weekend in February.

The Fremont County DUI Task Force recommends safe alternatives to drinking and driving:

• Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use SafeRide;

• If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact Fremont County law enforcement or dial 911; and

• Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and plan to get your friend home safely.

Total number of employees: As of Jan. 11, 2023

1,759 One month ago

1,771 One year ago

1,845

Total number of highway fatalities: As of Jan. 19, 2023

4 One year ago 1

Marooned by modern technology: Local closures now linked to state mapping system

By Deputy Jason Mower, Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Department

On a frigid, blustery Tuesday morning in the middle of December, a seemingly endless winter storm, for days plaguing those in the region ensnared in its path, continued to slowly ravage its way across the state.

By mid-morning, another series of squalls abruptly blanketed the frozen landscape. A treacherous concoction of wet, heavy snow coupled with near-hurricane-force winds tightened its grip with blizzard-like conditions throughout much of Sweetwater County, rendering the interstate and many of the county’s roadways impassable.

The state transportation department warned of the potential for prolonged closures. Some had already been stranded for days.

Wyoming was officially closed. Estimated reopening time, unknown. Travelers were getting antsy.

A call for help

One of the first calls came in from dispatch to Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office at around noon.

A family of three from Wisconsin were trying to make their way back to Rock Springs from Casper. In an unintentional attempt to avoid the Interstate-80 closure east of Rock Springs, their SUV’s GPS navigation system unwittingly diverted them onto a seasonally unmaintained dirt road across an arctic tundra no longer recognizable as the county’s Red Desert. It was only a matter of time before they found themselves stuck in a ditch in their Ford Explorer, now covered in a foot of fresh, blowing snow. They were nearly 40 miles north of the interstate, between Rock Springs and Rawlins, in the middle of nowhere.

With a dwindling supply of gas in their tank, little to no reliable cell service and their toddler in tow, the sheriff’s office immediately activated its search and rescue team. Assembled at headquarters, the team was briefed on the rescue plan, loaded the

Photo: Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Department

Hägglunds and other necessary equipment, and carefully set out northeast in subzero, whiteout conditions on a near 90-mile trek to some of the farthest, most remote reaches of the county.

This was neither the first call nor search and rescue’s maiden voyage of the day. They already rescued a middle-aged, diabetic woman and her husband from New York. The two were traveling from their home on the East Coast to Washington state to pick up their college-aged daughter for the holidays.

The calls kept coming in.

One at 3 p.m. Another at 4 p.m. Then another at around 6:30 p.m. Rescuers would also encounter more people on the frontlines who had simply been unable to call for help due to poor cell service.

For those stuck on the roads in weather conditions as extreme as those experienced that day, the consequences of every decision – such as whether to stay or leave the car – can prove far more precarious than expected, said Search and Rescue Commander and Detention Center Lt. Rich Kaumo.

“In those conditions, even a healthy adult in average physical shape wearing a winter hat, gloves, coat and boots only has maybe 30 minutes of exposure to the elements before they start to lose their ability to keep moving. It’s very easy to become disoriented or lost, and your capacity to make clear, rational decisions degrades quickly.”

But as recently reported in the aftermath of the historic blizzard in Buffalo, New York – where a 22-year-old nursing home assistant, stuck in her car for the night, died of carbon monoxide poisoning after her exhaust tailpipe became obstructed with snow – choosing to stay in the vehicle can also carry unique risks of its own.

All hands on deck

For sheriff’s officials, by early afternoon, a crisis was brewing.

“It was all hands on deck,” said Field Services Lt. Rich Fischer. “With all the rescue calls, the crashes, and our daily responsibilities in and around Rock Springs and Green River, our patrol division was stretched very thin with little room left to negotiate further staffing changes.”

Through the onslaught, with deputies spread across the county, and the sheriff himself with members of his executive staff now helping pick up the slack by responding to calls for service around town, a few common threads began to emerge.

They learned from phone calls and field reports the stuck motorists were either brand-new to the area or from out of state. Each was mistakenly misled to the same remote patchwork of untrodden tertiary and quaternary roads, thanks to their in-car GPS navigation systems – all of them, marooned by modern technology.

What began as a public safety problem soon deformed into an information emergency, said Public Affairs Director Deputy Jason Mower.

“The challenge and our focus really turned to how best to get the word out to travelers to ignore their GPS and avoid alternate routes. And there was just no viable medium to effectively reach our target audience with that message.”

Mower knew a majority of those passing through on the interstate were not listening to local radio or reading local newspapers.

“Most people these days are listening to satellite radio or watching satellite TV. If not, they’re streaming it over the inter-

net,” he said. “Very few people, particularly if they don’t even live here, are following our social media, listening to local radio or watching public television on our local cable network.”

For Mower and his team, it was time to phone a friend, to call in favors, to think outside the box.

On the frontlines

On their second trip from civilization to the desolate, icekissed desert, rescuers braved freezing temperatures, howling winds and horizontal snow. Luckily, they had the road to themselves. While normally a bustling artery for tourism and interstate commerce, I-80 was lifeless.

Hours passed since the young family in the Ford Explorer phoned authorities for help. Their only solace: Each other, a warm car, continued communication with dispatch via a special text messaging system assuring them help was on the way, and a family Bible.

Further into the abyss remained stationed a lone county blade operator who had unexpectedly spent the day without fanfare digging out the misguided and unfortunate. In a phone call with Mower and Sheriff John Grossnickle, County Public Works Director Gene Legerski pledged to keep his man in the area as for long as possible.

Grossnickle said, “Public safety and our public roadways often intersect. We pride ourselves on our strong and long-standing working relationship with Gene and his staff. I have no doubt the day would have proved much more arduous without their support.”

Help from WYDOT

Mower issued a transit alert on the Sheriff’s Office social media.

Thanks to Wyoming Department of Transportation District 3 Senior Public Relations Specialist Stephanie Harsha, WYDOT issued a 511 text message alert to their subscribers, a pop-up alert on their online mapping system and a customized message on their electronic bulletin boards overhanging the interstate throughout Sweetwater County.

“I was happy to help,” Harsha said. “Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office is a key partner of the Wyoming Department of Transportation in promoting highway safety. It’s critical we continue to coordinate with communities throughout the state so we can provide the most accurate and up-to-date localized travel information possible for all transportation routes across Wyoming.”

Mower also learned WYDOT had the ability to link local road closures to their official mapping system, and that they were finalizing agreements to feed their mapping data into many of the popular GPS navigation systems such as Google Maps, TomTom and SiriusXM.

“The navigation companies have been very responsive,” said WYDOT Geographic Information System and Intelligent Transportation Program Manager Vince Garcia.

“Closing the roads puts a heavy burden on our local communities,” he said. “We understand that, and I think the navigation companies understand it. That’s why it’s important we continue to work together with all of Wyoming’s counties to identify and address these issues, and to pass that data along to navigation providers as appropriate.”

The Sheriff’s Office would spend the coming days working alongside Legerski and County GIS Technician Megann Toomer

to provide Garcia, WYDOT Chief Technology Officer Nathan Smolinski and the WYDOT GIS Group with a localized mapping file to incorporate into their system.

For his part, Legerski credited Toomer for putting all of the mapping data together for WYDOT, and thanked his road and bridge staff who, he said, remain dedicated to “digging the county out” when the need arises.

“We truly have a strong and diverse group of very talented people here in Sweetwater County. It’s fun to work together to solve real-world problems. This project is a credit to everyone involved, and we hope it saves lives,” Legerski said.

“It’s reassuring,” said Grossnickle. “Anytime a state or interstate highway is closed in Sweetwater County due to adverse weather, our corresponding county roads will now also show as closed on a map.”

The home stretch…almost

The Sheriff’s Office would rescue nine people that day, second only to their all-time record of 12 from White Mountain during another deadly winter storm on Thanksgiving weekend in 2019, shortly after acquiring the Hägglunds to replace a sluggish and antiquated Thiokol snowcat.

It was late afternoon Dec. 13, 2022 before the rescue team finally left the pavement north of the interstate toward the stranded family from Wisconsin.

Any remnants of the gravel road had since disappeared in the snow. The crew was forced to navigate by, of all things, GPS. At least in this case they were armed with exact coordinates and had no need to rely on Siri or Alexa for directions.

Some six miles into the trip, rescuers came across a black Mercedes SUV from Washington state whose lone occupant told authorities he had a tow truck coming. They later learned the tow truck also got stuck and required yet another tow truck to tow the tow truck before all were eventually transported to safety.

About eight miles in on the tracked rescue vehicle, at around 4:45 p.m., they encountered a hotshot trucker and his wife, from Texas, who were hauling a gooseneck trailer loaded with pipe. The couple spoke with dispatch earlier, at about 3 p.m., after they too found themselves betrayed by their navigation system and buried in the snow.

After search and rescue loaded the pair’s luggage into the Hägglunds, the group of four – two crew members and now the Texas couple – continued northward in pursuit of the young family from Wisconsin.

The frozen desert was soon consumed by darkness. The only light visible for miles was from the headlights on the rescue vehicle.

The next stop was unexpected.

Several miles more, rescuers happened upon a forest-green Volvo sedan with California plates that had met the same fate as the others. This time, a 30-something-man from Illinois who spoke only broken English waved them down. He was low on fuel, cell phone battery nearly dead, and without cell service, unable to call for help.

With their newest passenger, the crew of five set out on the final stretch in search of the white Ford Explorer.

As the young mother from Wisconsin would later describe to authorities, from the pitch-black, a dim glow suddenly appeared out of nowhere along the horizon. It was just after 6 p.m. The woman, her husband and their toddler son patiently waited as the lights slowly grew bigger, and brighter. Overwhelmed with relief, it soon became apparent to the young couple their prayers had been answered. In the unlikely form of a tracked sheriff’s rescue vehicle, two deputies and a few new friends from Texas and Illinois, help had finally arrived!

By the time they found them, Search and Rescue Operator and Detention Center Deputy Dwaine Shafe recalled the family’s Ford Explorer, entrenched in a 2- to 3-foot ditch, a ditch now invisible to the naked eye as the vehicle was cemented, mid-door, with drifting snow level with the roadway.

By day’s end, the back of the Hägglunds was filled along one side with passengers. Opposite the human cargo, everyone’s luggage was stacked atop the seats.

In the front seat next to the search and rescue driver, snuggly secured in his car seat, the 2-year-old boy from Wisconsin made fast-friends with one of the crew members, Search and Rescue Operator and Detention Center Lt. Mandi Hawkins.

“The kiddo’ was a big fan,” Hawkins said. “We just talked about where they were from, why they were in Wyoming and how they ended up on that road.

It would be well after midnight, and one more rescue mission by the relief crew, before all were returned to town.

But before leaving behind the snow-buried Explorer, the boy’s mother would suddenly demand the crew stop the Hägglunds to retrieve a personal belonging. Shafe hastily returned with one last treasured heirloom, near-forgotten – the family Bible.

PASS WITH CARE PLOWS CREATE SNOW CLOUDS

WHP participates in Human Trafficking Awareness initiative

By Mark Horan

Every January, as part of the National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance puts on a week-long campaign called the Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol partners with CVSA in this endeavor.

During the week of January 9-13, members of WHP put on a series of events, presentations and media interviews designed to inform truckers and the traveling public about the warning signs of human trafficking and what they can do to help combat this form of modern day slavery.

These events took place at visitor centers, rest areas, truck stops and ports of entry throughout the state.

The information that WHP provides to motorists comes from an organization called Truckers Against Trafficking, a non-profit group whose mission is “to educate, equip, empower and mobilize members of the truck, bus and energy industries on the critical role they can play in fighting one of the most lucrative and destructive crimes in the United States and globally.”

The outreach program is geared toward the trucking commu

cards and window decals in this year’s initiative. The wallet cards provide reporting information, questions to ask potential victims, and trafficking red flags to look for. The decals provide an emergency help number and are an indicator to victims that the vehicle owner is a safe person to talk to if they need assistance.

Tyson Rein, an inspector with the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program, was one of the 30 WHP members who helped spread the word in January.

MCSAP Inspector Alanna Jarvis shares Truckers Against Trafficking information with a motorist at a Cheyenne truck stop.

Photo: WYDOT

Dry Piney wildlife crossing project on track

October 2023 completion date likely to be met

By Jennifer Hoffman, edited for clarity by Jordan Achs

While construction is paused for the winter season, work is on schedule for the Dry Piney Wildlife Crossing project on US Highway 189 between the communities of LaBarge and Big Piney.

The project was let in July 2021 to Boise, Idaho-based McMillen Inc. for a total cost of about $14 million. The project scope includes nearly 17 miles of 8-ft tall deer fencing on either side of the highway, nine underpass structures, almost 2 miles of roadway reconstruction and other work. Work officially began on the project on May 10, 2022.

The 2022 construction season saw five box culverts and one concrete arch installed. All six locations have been backfilled, paved and open to unrestricted traffic. Additionally, almost 35,000 feet of the 175,000 total feet of deer fence was completed in 2022.

WYDOT’s Environmental Services program installed cameras in December at the two underpasses that have deer fence installed on both sides of the underpasses to begin monitoring use. Signs already indicate use, even at the underpass that only has fence to the north.

Drivers will start to see major activity in the area again around May 1, when the Big Game Winter Range restriction allows activity to resume.

The three remaining underpasses on the south end of the project are projected to be finished by late summer 2023.

Because there are multiple structures in place and finished south of the current location where the deer fence ends, fence work can begin immediately at milepost 99.4 and can continue south on both sides of the roadway. Having structures already finished means the fence work won’t be delayed over concerns about “trapping” the animals with no structures in place.

WYDOT employee assists injured motorcyclist

Employees encouraged to have medical kit in vehicle

By Jordan Achs

Alexander Barrett was driving near Boysen Reservoir in late-summer 2022 when he came across a motorcycle crash.

It looked like the motorcycle had lost control and wiped out just a minute or two before he arrived. Barrett, a senior safety specialist with Employee Safety, pulled over with some other bystanders to see how he could help. As he pulled over, he made sure to call the incident in to the Transportation Management Center so more first responders could start moving that direction.

“If a WYDOT employee out driving comes across a crash or other emergency, be sure to call it in to TMC,” Barrett said. “There’s not much you can do solo, but a team effort makes a huge difference.”

After calling it in, he threw on an orange vest and hat and grabbed his medical kit from his vehicle. Beyond his work with WYDOT, Barrett has 12 years of first-aid training with the US Air Force. As he approached the motorcyclist and started talking to him, Barrett could tell he was in shock.

Fortunately, one of the other bystanders happened to be an emergency room nurse. Together he and the nurse used bandages and other materials in Barrett’s medical kit to try to stop the bleeding.

Blood loss became concerning enough, however, that the ER nurse had to use the tourniquet from the medical kit. Meanwhile, a Wyoming Highway Patrol Trooper arrived and got to work flagging traffic around the crash.

More first responders started to arrive, and Barrett transitioned to helping the Trooper flag traffic around the scene. Due to the

severity of the injuries, a helicopter soon arrived to life-flight the motorcyclist to a Casper hospital.

Barrett said the quick action by all the bystanders at the scene to help the motorcyclist, especially the early tourniquet use, “likely saved his life.”

Unfortunately, crashes, injuries and other emergencies occur on Wyoming Highways. Fortunately, there are ways to be prepared to help. In addition to the CPR and First Aid classes offered periodically throughout the year via the Employee Safety program, Barrett said the medical kit and supplies he had at the scene are all available to any WYDOT employee via procurement services. Available supplies include first aid kits, trauma kits, tourniquets, bandages, antiseptic, and more.

While the kits can certainly be helpful for employee injuries, serious crashes like the one Barrett encountered last summer make the supplies all the more important to have readily available.

“It costs nothing to have it on you, but everything if you don’t,” he said.

No matter if you’re driving a plow, patrol vehicle or just driving a state vehicle to the next town for a meeting, consider including an emergency first aid kit in your vehicles. You never know when you might need it.

Crews work to install 8-foot tall wildlife fences along US 189 between LaBarge and Big Piney. Part of the Dry Piney Wildlife Crossing project, there will be nearly 17 miles of fencing on both sides of the highway once the project is complete.

Photo: WYDOT

A well-stocked first aid kit similar to the one used from Barrett’s car.

Photo: WYDOT

WYDOT University year in review

By Jim Boyd, Training Services

More than 1,800 employees engaged in a formal development opportunity promoted by WYDOT University this last fiscal year, increasing from a little under 1,700 the year before. On average, each employee completed approximately three formal learning opportunities during the year. WYDOT employees can access learning opportunities in the form of personal and leadership development to vocational or other professional development.

WYDOT University self-paced courses taken online made up 88 percent of the completions. The majority of these courses were developed internally and are part of a Learning Plan, but they also include e-learning from AASHTO’s Transportation Curriculum Coordination Council as well as Wyoming’s Administration and Information and Human Resources Development Quarterly programs. WYDOT University classroom-based offerings saw a 23 percent increase in completions, but virtual classroom-based instruction, like webinars offered by the Transportation Learning

Network, fell by 31 percent.

Employees reported that WYDOT University courses were beneficial, rating them at 3.5 out of 4.0 on questions related to content effectiveness, instructor effectiveness, and accommodation. Those who attended the Know WY New Employee program reported a learning gain of 31 percent, and those who attended the WY Supervise New Supervisors program reported a 53 percent learning gain. Additionally, supervisor respondents reported that they saw improvement in their employees’ performance related to the class topic three months after the class.

WYDOT employees continue to engage in training and development, and we encourage employees to reach out to us at dot-training@wyo.gov or any member of the Training Services team, if they have any specific training needs. We’re happy to talk with you about many of the different ways WYDOT University can help you develop your leadership or professional skills.

Training@aGlance

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

Training@aGlance

*All new supervisors are assigned the WY Supervise Learning Plan and should register for one of the Cohort groups in the WELL

**Please read class flier before registering

f m e inf mation.

Game & Fish

Anglers encouraged to be safe on the ice

By Breanna Ball, Wyoming Game and Fish

As ice fishing season begins the Wyoming Game and Fish Department urges anglers to practice safety before venturing onto the ice. Ice on many waters may not be safe, especially with variable temperatures throughout the state.

“Ice fishing is a fun winter activity that gets you outdoors, but it does require attention to safety,” said Alan Osterland, Game and Fish chief of fisheries. “Variable temperatures across the state can lead to unsafe conditions. Anglers should be aware of ice safety tips and be prepared for accidents.”

Ice fishing safety tips

Ice that is at least 4-inches thick is considered safe for fishing and activities on foot. Anglers should take special efforts to check the thickness of the ice every 100-150 feet. Avoid fissures in the ice and significant-sized cracks that can emerge on a lake. Clear ice is stronger than cloudy or white ice, which has frozen, thawed and refrozen. Cloudy ice is not always stable. White ice also can be from air bubbles or frozen snow and is much weaker than clear ice. For white ice, double the recommended thickness in terms of being safe while fishing.

Fluctuating water levels in reservoirs and wind can create dangerous ice conditions. Be aware of recent weather conditions and scout the lake you wish to fish for overflow, wet areas and open water. Anglers are encouraged to contact the local fishing or outdoor recreation stores for updates regarding ice conditions at lakes and reservoirs in the area.

Prioritizing safety while ice fishing is key to preventing acci-

dental drownings.

“The best way to stay safe is to be extra cautious — avoid driving a motorized vehicle on a frozen lake and ice fishing on rivers or on other moving water that has frozen over,” Osterland said.

Osterland also recommends anglers should not fish alone. They should wear a lifejacket or personal flotation device and carry an ice pick. Packing extra clothes and hot liquids can help prevent hypothermia if an ice fishing accident occurs.

Anglers venturing on fishing trips this winter also should keep in mind the Fishing Regulations and the Special Winter Ice Fishing Provisions.

Recovering road-killed wildlife on

Wyoming roads requires authorization from Game and Fish

Request authorization through the Wyoming 511 mobile app

By Breanna Ball, Wyoming Game and Fish

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department would like to remind the public that recovering road-killed wildlife requires authorization. To collect roadkill, people need approval from Game and Fish prior to collection through the Wyoming 511 app or the Game and Fish desktop application. Authorization for the collection can be done through the app, even without cellular service.

The public can request authorization to salvage deer, elk, antelope, moose, wild bison and wild turkey from unintentional vehicle collisions.

A person who is authorized to collect roadkill must abide by the safety guidelines outlined within the regulation:

• Only take road-killed wildlife from a public road or highway from sunrise until sunset.

• Parking off the road is required and emergency flashers must be used.

• No field dressing of any kind is permitted on the roadway.

• The whole animal must be taken and the inedible portions must be properly disposed of in an approved landfill.

Safety considerations prohibit people from picking up carcasses from extremely busy roadways, such as Interstates 25, 80 and 90. It also disallows collection in active construction areas and within national parks in Wyoming.

To request authorization through the Wyoming 511 app, look for the “Report Roadkill” button on the home screen. If the species is available for collection in an approved location, the user can request authorization. The app immediately sends a certificate upon completing the questionnaire. Requesters must currently have or create a username and password with the Game and Fish to gain authorization.

Full collection guidelines and the regulation is available on the Game and Fish website.

Anglers out on the ice.

Photo: WGF

REFER A FRIEND

ELIGIBILITY

The current employee must be listed on the application.

All current employees, except intermittent employees, emergency employees, interns, temporary employees who have been employed with the state less than six (6) months, and at-will contract employees, are eligible so long as the applicant referred is not a family member, within the chain of command, or participating in a candidate pool where the employee serves on the associated hiring committee.

REWARDS

Upon the successful hire and fulfillment of the start date, the current employee shall receive a $250 bonus. This bonus shall be paid the month following the referred applicant’s start date.

JOB OPENINGS

Check out our website for current job openings: ai.wyo.gov/for-job-seekers.

The Department of Administration & Information, Human Resources Division (HRD) remains committed to its missionto partner with our customers by providing guidance, resources, and leadership that will assist in meeting objectives.

Employee Safety

Plow safety

By Colter Bame, District 1 Employee Safety Representative

Recently, an employee was injured while connecting a vertical lift plow. When connecting the hydraulic blocks, the plow hitch came down, striking the employee on the foot. It was determined that a contributing factor was that the plow float had been turned on, causing the plow hitch to lower once the hydraulics were connected. To avoid this, ensure the plow float is off before connecting the hydraulic fittings.

The individual who suffered the injury was not wearing the proper footwear for the job. They were wearing sneakers that did not have safety toe protection.

It is highly recommended that two people are present when connecting or disconnecting these plows.

Connecting the Plow

Steps to safely connect a plow with two people:

1. Person one drive to the plow, centering the hitch on the truck with the plow hitch. Person two is outside the truck acting as a ground guide.

2. Ensure that the power float is off by verifying that the “power float active” message on the Force screen is not active.

3. Have person two connect the hydraulic block from the driver’s side and ensuring they can be seen by the person one in the cab at all times.

4. Person two steps back and out of the way while person one in the driver’s seat pulls the joystick on the Force controls toward them, lowering the v-shaped tabs on the plow into the v-notches in the hitch of the truck.

5. Once the tabs are fully seated, the person one lifts the plow slightly, then releases the controls.

6. Person two pulls the lever towards the driver’s side to lock the horizontal pins into the plow. Then flips down and pins the additional safety latch behind the lever on the outside of the truck.

7. Person two again steps back while person two lifts the plow off of the ground far enough to pick the plow legs off of the ground.

8. Person two unpins and lifts the legs on the plow all the way up, then turns the feet towards the inside and pins the legs in place.

Disconnecting the Plow

Steps to safely disconnect a plow. When disconnecting the plow, it should be done on a flat, firm surface, away from obstacles.

1. With person two as a ground guide, square the plow to the truck, so that it is easier and safer to connect it to the truck later, then lower the moldboard to the ground.

2. Have person two unpin and lower the legs of the plow, facing the feet toward the truck. Person one, in the cab, slightly lifts the plow to release pressure on the horizontal pins.

3. Person two, from the driver’s side, unlatches the safety latch, then slides the lever for the pins toward the passenger side, releasing the pins from the plow.

4. Having person two step back and out of the way, person one pushes the joystick forward while holding the power float switch in the ‘off’ position to lift the hitch of the plow off of the truck. Note: To ensure that the float stays off, the joystick should be released back to the neutral position before releasing the power float rocker switch.

5. Person two disconnects the hydraulic block from the driver’s side, places the covers on both halves, and steps back out of the way before person one backs away from the plow.

Connecting plow attachments must be included in a Job Safety Analysis as required in PER 19-14. The use of proper footwear must also be addressed in this JSA. This Safety Flash would be a good safety briefing (PER 19-16) to conduct with crews that operate these systems.

Attaching or detaching a plow from a vehicle is a difficult job. It is highly recommended that two people are present when connecting or disconnecting the plows.

Photo: WYDOT

Hydraulic pressure release near miss

By Jerry Fritz, District 5 Employee Safety Representative

Hydraulic Quick Couplers

In the pre-dawn darkness of 5:00 a.m., a maintenance worker was attaching a snow plow to a truck. While attempting to connect the hydraulic quick couplers, he realized the hydraulic fluid was under pressure and he could not attach them without relieving the pressure. Using two wrenches he loosened the hose connection and in doing so, the oil from the hydraulic line sprayed him. He was covered from his chest to his knees and very fortunate the oil did not penetrate skin or spray into his eyes around his safety glasses.

Hydraulic Fluid Injection

Hydraulic fluid injection occurs when a stream of hydraulic fluid, under as little as 100 psi, penetrates your skin. It can occur with other fluids, such as water, diesel or paint, but the issue is the same: a fluid at high pressure pierces your skin and becomes trapped underneath. The first recorded case of this type of high-pressure injury occurred back in 1925, so it isn’t anything new.

When fluid initially hits your skin, it usually feels like a bee sting, a wire prick or a slight shock of electricity. The entry site may be so tiny that it looks like a pinprick, but don’t let the size of the injury deceive you – it can still be very dangerous. It can also look like a cut or tear in your skin.

Within a few hours, you’ll notice some welting and redness, usually accompanied by pain. After six hours, it will usually either be throbbing or feel numb. If left untreated, the tissue in the area of the injury will begin to die, you may experience a serious

physical complication called compartment syndrome, and death can even occur. If the injury isn’t treated soon enough, you may end up with an amputation.

Relieving Hydraulic Pressure

The best solution is to eliminate the problem. Talk with your local mechanic for tips on how to eliminate the pressure or check to see if the manufacturer has any recommendations. If there is no way to eliminate the pressure then consider installing high-pressure quick couplers or using a leverage system. If you have no choice but to break a connection to relieve the pressure then cover the link to be loosened and very slowly turn the couple to relieve the pressure. Never attempt this task without proper PPE (gloves, face shield, or other eye protection).

New threaded style couplers D1 has implemented

District News

Headquarters

Welcome

Megan Horn, Financial ServicesDisbursements; John Laughlin, Environmental Services; and Paul Swenson, Port of Entry-Cheyenne I-25.

Promotions and Transfers

Travis Allen, Geology; Darryl Cameron, EquipmentMechanics; Stacey Cox, PurchasingAdministration; Holly Garrison, Public Affairs; Ryan Kolb, Right of Way-Property Management; and Dominick Ragan, Highway Project Management Oversight.

Service Awards

Paul Depew, Highway DevelopmentProject Development – 30 years; Debbie Jones, Driver Services-Policy and Records – 25 years;

Christopher Stewart, Port of Entry-Cheyenne Office – 25 years;

Anthony Abeyta, Facilities ManagementCustodial – 10 years;

James Sandusky, Port of EntryCheyenne US 85 – 10 years; Caitlin Casner, CommissionAdministration – 5 years; Hunter Hinckley, Geology – 5 years; Michael Salyers, Aeronautics-Flight Operations – 5 years; Matthew Southworth-Fairbairn, Patrol-Dispatch – 5 years; and Lief Swanbom, Geology – 5 years.

Retirements

Gregory Brown retired on Dec. 2, 2022 from Equipment as a mechanics fabricator. He retired with 19 years of service to the state. He began his career with WYDOT in January 2003.

Brown attended and attained associate degrees at both Nebraska Tech, in Milford, and West Nebraska Tech, in Sidney.

In addition, Brown served in the Wyoming Air Guard.

Christopher Mitchell retired on Dec. 30, 2022 with 13 years of service to the state. He retires from Motor Vehicle Services and the license plate shop.

Carpenter viewing life through a different lens

Rick Carpenter quietly retired in December 2022 after more than 33 years of service with WYDOT.

Carpenter began his career as a Traffic Classifier in 1989, moving to Engineering Technician in 1991 and Printing Technician in 1992 before becoming the department’s senior photographer with the Public Affairs Office in 1994, a position he held for more than 28 years.

As photographer, Carpenter won numerous awards and accolades and had his photos featured in a number of print

publications and other media.

In 1997, three photographic prints of Carpenter’s were accepted into the General Collection of the 106th International Exposition of Professional Photography, where they were displayed in Las Vegas, Nevada for three days in conjunction with the Professional Photographers of America’s international convention. His prints were three of 7,000 images submitted for entry in the exhibition, and his work was among the 3,800 images that made the final cut for the event.

He was named “Photographer of the Year” by the Wyoming Professional Photographers Association in 1999 for a photo of a snow scene near Bondurant.

Carpenter also earned the 2007 Rocky Mountain Professional Photographers photographer of the year and American Society of Photographers Regional award.

In 2011, Governor Matt Mead awarded Carpenter a Certificate of Appreciation for his “Wyoming spirit and dedication” as he helped document the clearing of the “Double Draw Landslide” via photographs.

The same year, Carpenter was honored with the American Society of Photographers Fellowship, one of the most prestigious honors in photography. At the time, he was one of just over 100 photographers accepted into the fellowship since its inception in 1970. He was also the first Wyoming photographer to receive the fellowship. Carpenter had to submit 25 images to be critiqued as part of the process.

In his spare time, Carpenter loves working on his vintage cars in his home shop. You might also see him at a car show or two with his lovely wife, Susan.

Oops!

It was reported last month that Enid White is celebrating 15 years of service and works in Materials-Pavement Management Systems. She is actually part of the Research Center. We are sorry for the mistake.

Depew

Salyers

Abeyta Carpenter

Cameron

Sandusky

Stewart

Brown

District 1

Welcome

David Palmer, Cheyenne Maintenance.

Promotions and Transfers

David Shepard, Emergency Communications-Microwave; and Steven Watson, Elk Mountain Patrol.

Service Awards

George Escobedo, Cheyenne Construction – 15 years;

Ryan Shields, District 1 Construction Staff – 15 years;

Christopher Knapp, Laramie Maintenance-Guardrail – 5 years; and Shad Pitt, Arlington Maintenance – 5 years.

Happy days

Oops!

There was an incorrect photo of Zach Armstrong used in last month’s issue of Interchange. We apologize for the mistake.

District 3

Welcome

Krista Hubbard, Labarge Maintenance; and Mark Talmadge, Pinedale Maintenance.

District 2

Welcome

Aaron Sarha, Torrington Maintenance; and Chance Stoner, Torrington Maintenance.

Promotions and Transfers

Justin Collins, Lusk Maintenance.

Service Awards

Chad Aagard, District 2 Maintenance Staff – 30 years; Brooke Allen, District 2 Traffic Staff – 15 years;

Shane Powell, Casper Maintenance –15 years; and Jarred Bigg, PatrolWheatland – 10 years.

Promotions and Transfers

Paul Schurman, Rock Springs TrafficStriping.

Service Awards

Joshua Newell, Kemmerer Construction – 20 years; James Thomas, Patrol-Field Operations – 20 years; and Jesse Zumpfe, Labarge Maintenance –5 years.

Retirements

Craig Barthelmes retired on Dec. 24 from Laramie Mechanics as a senior heavy mechanic. He retired with 25 years of service, having begun his career with the state in June 1997.

District 1 HR Representative Ellen Teigen and DE Ralph Tarango at her birthday celebration in January.

Photo: Andrea Staley

Watson Palmer

Shields Pitt

Escobedo

Knapp

Barthelmes

Collins

Allen

Armstrong Aagard Powell

Schurman Thomas

Welcome

Brian Helwig, Sundance Maintenance; Ronald Keith, Reno Junction Maintenance; and William Krueger, Buffalo Maintenance.

Service Awards

Nick Palmer, Emergency Communications-District 4 Radio Shop –15 years; and David Alaniz, Gillette Maintenance –5 years.

Retirements

Tom Anderson retired from Sheridan Maintenance on Dec. 15, 2022 with more than 27 years of service to the state. Anderson was crew leader in Sheridan. Born in Nebraska, Anderson made his way to Wyoming and began his career with WYDOT in May 1995.

Carl Carmichael retired on Dec. 23, 2022 with 12 years of service to the state. Carmichael worked as a professional land surveyor in District 4. Carmichael began working for WYDOT in August 2010.

Anthony Morris retired from Buffalo Maintenance on Dec. 16, 2022 with 16 years of service to the state. Morris was crew leader. He began his career with WYDOT October 2006.

Welcome

Scott Kisling, Lander Maintenance; and Chelton Watterson, Shoshoni Maintenance.

Service Awards

Erik Smith, Lander Construction – 25 years;

Guy Grant, Cody Construction – 15 years; and Jeremy Kottman, Basin Mechanics – 5 years.

Tom Anderson receiving a congratulatory handshake from DE Scott Taylor at his retirement party. The party attendees enjoyed a mouth-watering “Happy Retirement (Quitting)” cake.

Photos:

WYDOT

Retiring Buffalo Maintainer Tony Morris and DE Scott Taylor at Morris’ party.

Photo: WYDOT

District 5 plowing on Beaver Rim (US 287/789) at mileposts 48-49 between Lander and Jeffery City.

Photo: Mike Hitshew

Keith Krueger

Palmer Alaniz

Carmichael

Smith

Kottman Grant

Winter storm kudos

Dear Director Reiner, I want to express my thanks to all the employees of the Wyoming Department of Transportation for the great job they did during the winter storm this past weekend and week (letter was sent Jan. 6, 2023). It was a holiday weekend and I realize they gave up time with their families and friends in order to serve the people of Wyoming and all of the traveling public. I know there were closures and delays, but they cleared them as fast as safely possible. I know that every effort that was made, was done so with the safety of the public in mind. All of the employees did a great job, especially the plow drivers, dispatchers, Highway Patrol and maintenance personnel. They have done that job with the utmost professionalism. I know it is not an easy job, but I want to recognize the great effort and work that has been done, and even continues as I write this.

Simply stated – YOU DID GREAT! THANK YOU TO ALL WYDOT EMPLOYEES.

Rep. Donald E. Burkhart, Jr. State of Wyoming Legislature

Courteous WYDOT driver looks out for pedestrians

I just want to compliment the plow driver that twice has lifted his plow for me and my dogs in Casper. The driver is trying to prevent snow spray and any other foreign objects that may fly while walking on the pathway alongside Casper Mountain Road.

I just want to say thank you! Please pass this along if you can.

Patrick Leary

Driver Services welcoming atmosphere

I came into the Cheyenne Driver License location here in Cheyenne on Friday, Jan 13. I just wanted to give major props to the older woman (sorry, didn’t catch her name unfortunately) who was signing folks in that day. She was so patient, kind, and helpful to everyone who walked through that door.

It can’t be easy working the DMV [sic] on a Friday with an hour long wait, but she never faltered and had a smile for everyone. Made my day! Thanks!

Kaci Nicks

Bright ideas

Why haven’t we thought of this?

Dear Editor,

Every year it’s the same thing on I-80. A winter storm blows through and you close the road for hours or days on end. Can you not contact Pete Buttigieg to help you with some kind of highway heating or covering the roadway like a tunnel?

Would it be possible to plant more trees to block the wind so

that high profile vehicle to [sic] traverse your state? Can Elon Musk bore through these mountains and create tunnels for us to go through so that you don’t have to close down the highway every time it snows?

Keith Brian Barefoot

Frank Stewart, with Fremont County Maintenance, snapped these photos of Keith Poston plowing above Beaver Rim. Before and after show the huge impact a snow cloud can have on visibility behind a plow.

Photos: Frank Stewart, Fremont County Maintenance

WyHy News WyHy Credit Union sponsors student financial education program through Stukent

By Amy Davis, WyHy Credit Union Marketing Director

WyHy Credit Union, headquartered in Cheyenne, announced a partnership with Stukent, an education, and digital courseware company, in order to bring a state-of-theart financial simulator to high schools across Wyoming. WyHy is providing the Stukent personal financial simulations free of charge to high schools statewide to enable students to acquire personal financial skills using technology and decision-learning techniques.

WyHy is providing Stukent to teachers and students at 18 local high schools in Cheyenne, Casper, Gillette, Green River, Rock Springs, Laramie, and additional Wyoming cities. In addition to the Stukent program, WyHy’s recently introduced Independence Account will also enable students to manage their own finances and start gaining financial independence through digital banking, a free debit card, nationwide ATMs, and much more. No adult signer is required on the Independence Account, which makes it a first-of-its-kind service in Wyoming. For additional details regarding the Independence Account for students go to wyhy.org/Independence.

“The partnership with Stukent supports WyHy’s vision of providing members and their families with the information they need to become more knowledgeable savers, borrowers, and better money managers,” stated WyHy Chief Retail Officer Matt Ballou.

For additional information regarding this new service partnership between WyHy and Stukent, contact Matt Ballou or go to www.wyhy.org

Passings

Gerald E. Svoboda

Gerald Eugene Svoboda “Boda,” 87, passed away on Jan. 2, in Cheyenne. Svoboda was born on Dec. 29, 1935, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Ladd and Eileen Svoboda.

He graduated from Douglas High School and attended the University of Wyoming before joining the U.S. Navy in 1956 where he trained as a pilot in Pensacola, Florida, then transferred to the U.S. Marine Corps in 1958, and was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station in Tustin, California, where he flew F9’s. While in the Navy, Svoboda married his wife, Paula, with whom he had two daughters.

After four years of military service, he moved his family to Cheyenne where he began his career with the state of Wyoming at the old Wyoming Highway Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency. Svoboda was hired into the Bridge program in July 1960 and worked in bridge design for 30 years.

He was a long-time member of the Cheyenne Municipal Golf Course and the Elks Lodge. He also enjoyed many years of participating in pool, billiards, bowling and bridge leagues (of the card variety), and loved his weekly poker and golf games. He loved snow-birding in Scottsdale, Arizona at the Roadrunner Resort for many years.

He was “all that” and so much more to everyone he knew – he was great!

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Svoboda

WYOMING TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION

We are looking for employees to join us in our fellowship

You can become involved by signing up with your local District chapter, attending meetings, joining the board of officers and participating in planning events and fundraisers that can help keep all of our employees connected. The more members we have that are willing to step up – the further our mission can spread.

The WTDEA was founded in 1956 with a primary purpose of encouraging harmony, promoting employee morale and serving as a liaison between employees and staff.

From WYDOT employees’ ideas and suggestions, WTDEA has facilitated department policies and changes such as:

• Sick Leave Donations

• Military Leave

• Employee recognition programs

• Changes to hardhat policy

• WYDOT Employee Relief Fund

• AM/FM radios in equipment

• Mechanic tool allowance

• Employee’s Memorial

• Clothing allowance

• Maintenance equipment safety upgrades

We strive to maintain and improve morale in the department by hosting events to create an atmosphere of harmony and friendship among employees. We also promote fundraisers to maintain the WYDOT Employee Relief Fund, helping our employees in times of unexpected circumstances. We also hold fundraisers to fund WTDEA Scholarships awarded to undergraduate students throughout the state.

Contact Your District Chapter to Join Now

WTDEA District Contacts

Headquarters

Heidi Martin, President

Justin Mordahl, Vice President

Chelsey Lindsay, Treasurer

Stephanie Lowe, Secretary

District 1

Rich Barber, President; Laramie

Craig Mustard; Elk Mountain

District 2

David Cullison, President; Casper

Zach Miller, Vice President; Douglas

Debbie Herbold, Secretary/Treasurer; Casper

District 3

Paul Schurman, President; Rock Springs

District 4

Dea Koch, President; Buffalo

District 5

John Farr, President; Lander

The WTDEA 2023 Cash Calendar is now on

YOUR YOURMONEY WAY

OPEN AN INDEPENDENCE YOUTH ACCOUNTCHECKING TODAY!

You open it on your own. No co-signers, no parent or legal guardian signatures required. That's why we named it the Independence Account. It's designed just for you to help you learn how to handle financial independence all on your own.

REAL FREEDOM WITH NO RISK

• Open on you own with no parent/legal guardian required. No account collections or negative reporting by us.

SUPER SMART

•You'll learn how to handle finances on your own, as you prepare for your future.

AWESOME FEATURES

• No overdraft fees

• Debit card with $150 per transaction limit and $300 per day

• ATM cash withdrawals up to $100 per day

• Mobile deposit up to $500 per deposit

• Online banking transfers up to $100 per transfer

LEARN A LOT. NO TESTS

Learn how to:

• Get the most out of our online & mobile banking platforms

• Budget

• Recognize popular financial scams

• Use the KOFE financial education system

• Use your debit card safely

• Enjoy the convenience of eStatements, mobile deposits, Zelle and more

To learn more about the account everyone is talking about, text to 800.442.2392 or go to www.wyhy.org