Reducing fatalities
Highway Safety program uses infrastructure, behavioral initiatives to make safer roads
By Mark Horan
Wyoming Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Program plays a critical role in improving road safety across the state, according to Matt Carlson, who was the program’s manager for 20 years before retiring from WYDOT at the end of 2024.
Based out of Cheyenne, there are 18 staff in the Highway Safety program split into four main sections: a behavioral group that focuses on highway safety concerns resulting from bad driver habits; an infrastructure group that deals with pavement, signs, and other physical aspects of the highway; a records section that maintains the integrity of crash report data throughout the state; and a motorcycle safety training section that consists of one person who oversees a group of contracted individuals who conduct the training.
The Highway Safety Behavioral Grants section manages around $6 million in grants from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to address issues like impaired driving, distracted driving, occupant protection, teen safety, and other high visibility enforcement actions. The four-person group works closely with the Wyoming Highway Patrol and local law enforcement, including sheriff offices and police departments. They also work with WYDOT’s Public Affairs Office to produce educational material and safety messaging for the public in the form of ads. Carlson said it can take time to change driver behavior.
“It’s a generational project, and don’t always see the results of your efforts for a number of years,” he said. “But that doesn’t mean it’s not working.”
Meanwhile, the infrastructure group – a subset of the Highway Improvement Program known as the Highway Safety Improvement Program – oversees approximately $27 million in highway safety projects, including work like sign replacements, striping, rumble strips, guardrail, concrete barriers, and other
WYDOT’s Motorcycle Safety Program offers training courses across the state during the summer.
Photo: Matt Groth/WYDOT
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 Dakins, Interchange editor 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, Wyoming, 82009-3340 or send an email to carlie.dakins@wyo.gov.
Contributors
Carlie Dakins Public Affairs
Matt Groth Public Affairs
Mark Horan Public Affairs
Jordan Young Public Affairs
Andrea Staley District 1
Jeff Goetz District 2
Stephanie Harsha District 3
Laura Dalles District 4
Cody Beers District 5
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.
physical improvements. These types of safety enhancements are primarily funded through the Federal Highway Administration.
The Motorcycle SafetyTraining section, established in the 1990s by the Wyoming Legislature, is funded through a $7 tax on motorcycle registrations. Carlson noted that around 1,000 people participate in the program every year, which is active from May to October.
“It’s all run by one person, who’s kind of the program director, and she has a lot of contracted trainers that are certified to do the actual training on the weekends at locations all around the state,” Carlson said.
Highway Safety’s Records and Data Management section is tasked by statute with maintaining a database for all crash reports in the state. This group of data analysts and clerks collects, vets, and disseminates reports pertaining to crashes on any public road in Wyoming, including in cities, counties, state/national parks, and other locations beyond WYDOT’s right-of-way.
Data from the crash reports helps identify trends and produces valuable insight that can be used by WYDOT’s safety partners.
“We produce reports and books on a variety of safety topics, such as drunk driving,” said Carlson. “For example, we’ll look at how many drunk driving crashes occurred in Wyoming last year and where they occurred. If we start to see problems in certain areas, then law enforcement can use that information to do some different kinds of activities and operations to combat that.”
Crash data is also entered into an electronic safety management system, which WYDOT uses to help prioritize and make decisions.
“It doesn’t tell us the answer, but it gives us information that we can make decisions on, so we share that with the districts,” Carlson said. “You can enter possible projects or countermeasures that could be done, and then the system tells you what the benefits are and what the costs are like; for example, how much crash reduction can you get from fixing a particular curve?”
Carlson noted that the number of crashes has been trending
Highway Safety continued on page 4
Staff from Highway Safety’s Records and Data Management section, pictured with a one-month stack of Wyoming crash reports. From left: Tara Grube; Tina Erickson; Troy McLees; Alex Simpson; Angela Lebeda; Jessica Woske.
Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT
The Highway Safety Program coordinates various public outreach efforts throughout the year, such as gathering law enforcement officials from Cheyenne and Laramie to promote responsible driving during Cheyenne Frontier Days.
Photo: Matt Groth/WYDOT Highway Safety continued from cover
down over the last 10 years and is starting to flatten out.
“We’re always trying to determine if we’re heading in the right direction,” he added.
There are 16,000 to 17,000 crashes in Wyoming each year. Of those, there’s an average of 500 to 600 injury crashes and 130 fatal crashes. The rest are usually property damage crashes.
Carlson emphasized the unique challenges Wyoming faces due to its rural nature and harsh weather conditions.
“I-80 has the most crashes due to truck traffic and poor weather conditions,” he said. “Run-off-the-road crashes are a
here in the state,” he added.
The Highway Safety program’s ongoing efforts to improve road safety through infrastructure enhancements and behavioral education initiatives are crucial for the well-being of Wyoming’s residents and visitors.
“We’re not just crash reports, we’re not just behavioral related grants, we’re not just the infrastructure projects and we’re not just the motorcycle safety training,” Carlson reminded. “We do all of those things; if there’s an area within WYDOT that Highway Safety isn’t involved with, I can’t think of it.”
Senior Grants Manager Stephanie Lucero unload child car seats, which will be given out at an upcoming Child Passen ger Safety Technician training event. The seats were provid ed by the Wyoming Department of Health’s Injury Prevention section.
significant issue, with many crashes occurring on roads without shoulders or proper signage.”
While Carlson admitted “safety can be kind of a buzzword,” the program’s main purpose is ultimately to reduce the amount and severity of crashes around the state, especially fatal crashes.
“A lot of what we provide the public is really basic common sense, so they can have a safe and good time living and working
Buckle up!
The Behavioral Grants Program incorporates a wide variety of media in their public safety messaging. This Highway Safety graphic, designed by Carlie Dakins with WYDOT Public Affairs, recently won an award at the Wyoming Press Association’s annual convention in Cheyenne.
Financial Services
Private vehicle mileage rate changes
By WYDOT Financial Services
The IRS has updated the allowable reimbursement rates for mileage when traveling on state business. Below are the 2025 allowable reimbursement rates:
• $0.70 per mile when no state vehicle is available
• $0.47 per mile when the use of a personal vehicle is for the convenience of the employee
These rates are effective Jan. 1, 2025, until further notice.
Financial Services has placed the following documents on WYDOT’s intranet under the heading “Travel and Expense Forms” for your immediate use:
• 2025 Fillable A-39 (PDF version)
• 2025 A-39 (PDF version)
• 2025 A-39 (Excel version)
• Current Governor’s Memo
Please note that the A-39 forms submitted for mileage incurred after Dec. 31, 2024, must be on the new 2025 Private Vehicle Mileage Form.
If you need to report reimbursable mileage for travel that took place prior to Jan. 1, 2025, please contact APInvoices@wyo.gov for the Jan. 1, 2024 version of the form.
District Briefs
Headquarters Commission awards
almost $37.6 million in highway contracts
CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded almost $37.6 million in contracts for nine Wyoming Department of Transportation construction projects during its Jan. 16 regular business meeting.
The commission awarded a nearly $9.70 million bid to Worland-based McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co. for an overlay and bridge rehabilitation project involving asphalt paving, chip sealing, traffic control, and structure work on approximately 12 miles of Wyoming Highway 220 between Muddy Gap and Casper in Carbon County. The contract completion date is June 30, 2026.
Reiman Corp., based out of Cheyenne, was awarded a $7.79 million bid for a bridge rehabilitation project involving structure work, traffic control, asphalt paving and guardrail work at various locations within Converse, Goshen, Johnson, Natrona and Niobrara Counties. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2026.
Another bridge rehabilitation project, this time at various locations within Sweetwater and Laramie Counties, was also awarded to Reiman with a bid of more than $1.06 million. The project scope includes structure work, traffic control, asphalt paving, and milling work, and the contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2025.
Idaho contractor H-K Contractors Inc. was awarded a bid of more than $5.99 million for an overlay and isolated reconstruction project involving asphalt paving, grading, aggregate surfacing, traffic control, chip seal and milling work on approximately 5.2 miles of US Highway 26/US Highway 287 between Moran Junction and west Dubois in Fremont County. The contract completion date is Aug. 31, 2026.
Based in Cowley, Wilson Bros. Construction Inc. was awarded a $3.57 million bid for an erosion control project involving seeding, grading, traffic control, guardrail work and other erosion control
work on approximately 1 mile of Wyoming Highway 14/16/20 between Yellowstone National Park and Cody in Park County. The contract completion date is Dec. 31, 2025.
Minnesota contractor Bituminous Paving Inc. was awarded a $1.98 million bid for a chip seal project involving chip sealing, traffic control and pavement striping work at various locations within Converse, Johnson and Natrona Counties. The contract completion date is Aug. 31, 2025.
The commission awarded an $820,781 bid to Lovell-based Mountain Construction Company for a right-turn deceleration lane project involving asphalt paving, fencing, stormwater drainage, traffic control, grading, aggregate surfacing and signage on approximately 0.2 of a mile of US Highway 14A between Cody and Powell in Park County. The contract completion date is June 30, 2025.
All of the above projects are funded primarily with federal dollars.
Funded primarily with state dollars, Utah contractor Intermountain Slurry Seal Inc. was awarded a $3.31 million bid for a chip seal project involving traffic control, chip sealing and asphalt paving work at various locations within Big Horn, Fremont, Hot Springs and Park Counties. The contract completion date is Aug. 31, 2025.
The commission awarded Rock Springs-based Kilgore Companies LLC, dba Lewis & Lewis Inc., a $3.37 million bid for a contract patching job involving asphalt paving, milling, and traffic control at various locations in Lincoln, Sweetwater and Uinta Counties. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2025, and this project is also funded primarily with state dollars.
Almost all WYDOT projects are awarded to the lowest bid.
District 1
Plow involved in a near-miss incident
in southeast Wyoming
LARAMIE – On Jan. 27, a snowplow was involved in a near-miss incident on Interstate 80.
A WYDOT snowplow operator was clearing snow in the emergency lane heading west on I-80. A commercial operator in the travel lane, along with another commercial vehicle in the passing lane, approached the slower moving plow unit while crossing a bridge. The commercial operator in the travel lane failed to yield or slow to the plow operator. This forced the plow unit to make evasive maneuvers to avoid being rear ended or sideswiped. The plow unit moved to the right and collided with the guardrail as a result.
The driver of the commercial vehicle was pursued by Highway Patrol further down the roadway and cited. Both the WYDOT plow operator and the driver of the commercial vehicle were uninjured.
The incident occurred at 9 a.m. at milepost 326.6 on I-80 westbound on the Blair-Wallis bridge.
Road conditions at the time reported clear conditions. Minor damage was sustained to the snowplow and guardrail.
Wyoming Statute § 31-5-224 requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to emergency vehicles and move over to allow them to pass. This statute also applies to maintenance workers, such as highway construction and public utility workers.
The third and fourth plow hit this season in southeast Wyoming
LARAMIE – The third strike of a plow in southeast Wyoming was making its rounds on US Highway 30/287 north of Laramie. It was hit on Jan. 25.
The driver of a passenger vehicle was traveling southbound in the northbound lane. The plow operator reduced speed, flashed lights, and honked the horn in an attempt to gain the drivers attention. At the last minute, the driver regained awareness and swerved to avoid the snowplow. In their attempt to avoid the plow, the driver struck the snowplow.
There were no injuries to the operator of the snowplow. The driver of the passenger vehicle was transported to the hospital.
The crash occurred at 6:30 a.m. at milepost 310.5 on US 30/287 near the Briefs continued on page 4
Briefs continued from page 3
Bosler Junction.
Road conditions at the time reported snowfall with slick roads with clear visibility.
The plow blade received major damage and will be totaled.
The fourth snowplow strike in southeast Wyoming also occurred on Jan. 25, but later in the morning. The snowplow was struck on Interstate 80 near Lone Tree.
The driver of a commercial vehicle rear-ended a WYDOT snowplow heading east on I-80. The plow operator was clearing drifts in the passing lane when the crash occurred.
The driver of the commercial vehicle was issued a citation. Both the WYDOT plow operator and the driver of the commercial vehicle were uninjured.
Extensive damage was sustained to the sander on the back of the plow.
The crash occurred at 11:30 a.m. at milepost 332.9 on I-80 eastbound near Lone Tree.
Road conditions at the time reported snowfall with slick roads and clear visibility. WYDOT plow operators want to remind drivers that plows create snow clouds when driving. Please be aware of this when encountering a snow cloud on the roadways.
This is the ninth plow to be hit this season in the state and the fourth in District 1.
WYDOT reminds drivers to be mindful when driving in winter conditions. This includes checking road conditions before traveling, driving at a speed suitable for the conditions, and watching for snowplows.
District 4
Avoid pushing snow onto state highways
SHERIDAN – The Wyoming Department of Transportation reminds citizens that it is a violation of state law to place snow on state roadways.
WYDOT has received many reports across northeast Wyoming of people pushing snow into the traffic lanes of state highways.
Piling or depositing snow in WYDOT’s rights-of-way not only reduce lineof-sight visibility, but also creates other
hazards such as drifting and potential road obstructions. In addition to drifting, large piles of snow adjacent to the roadway can melt and contribute to areas of unexpected slick spots, creating hazards on otherwise dry roadways.
While finding appropriate solutions to snow removal can be challenging, be sure to remove snow responsibly, not create additional hazards for the traveling public.
Sheridan area snowplow hit during plowing operations
SHERIDAN – A snowplow making its rounds on US 14 west of Dayton was hit Jan. 4.
The driver of a Honda CR-V lost control on a turn while heading east and hit an oncoming WYDOT snowplow. The plow truck was performing a shoulder cut on the westbound lane when the crash occurred.
There were minor injuries to the driver and passenger of the Honda and no injuries to the driver of the snowplow.
The crash occurred at 1:00 p.m. at milepost 78.5 on US 14.
Road conditions at the time reported snowfall, slick roads and limited visibility. The driver of the Honda was cited for driving too fast for conditions.
The plow blade received major damage and will be totaled.
This is the seventh plow to be hit this season in the state and the first in District 4.
District 5
Outage for tunnel lights west of Cody
CODY – The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Shoshone Power Plant will be off-line on Feb. 4.
The 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. outage on Feb. 4 will kill power to the US 14/16/20 tunnel controls and lights west of Cody.
During the one-day outage, regulatory signs will be placed on each end of the tunnels, requiring headlights to be used in the tunnels during the outage.
Total number of employees: As of Dec. 30, 2024 1,851 One month ago 1,837 One year ago 1,819
Total number of highway fatalities: As of Dec. 31, 2024 103 Dec. 31, 2023 121 WHP
From the Director A safety update from Director Westby
Thanks for being safer in 2024
WYDOT,
We have been working diligently as an agency to build a culture focused on safety, not just for the traveling public, but for our fellow employees as well. This includes all of your work fixing items found during Employee Safety partnership visits, being diligent with Job Safety Analyses, and overall making smarter, safer decisions at work each day.
All of our efforts are working; Employee Safety’s data shows a more than 21 percent decrease in the number of injuries in 2024 compared to 2023. This is great progress!
Additionally, the number of recordable injuries and days away from work are the agency’s lowest in five years. Five years ago, we started using the Velocity EHS safety system, which allows for
more accurate reporting.
The agency saw a 31.7 percent decrease in days away from work and a more than 43 percent decrease in days restricted from work from 2024 to 2023.
These are statistics we can all be proud of. Beyond your impact on the safety of your fellow coworkers, this safety culture mindset also helps the department. This reduction means that, through the Workers Compensation Safety & Risk Inspection program, WYDOT will see a 16.66 percent reduction in our annual workers compensation premiums. This equals a savings of $445,000 annually.
While our work is far from over -- and even one injury is too many – it is important to take a moment to recognize and appreciate our progress as a team. Good habits like the ones we’re developing truly make a difference.
I appreciate your dedication to safety and expect us to continue to work together to maintain this momentum in 2025 and the years to come.
Thank you, and stay safe,
Darin
Employee Safety
WYDOT sees decrease in workplace injuries in 2024
By Jordan Young
WYDOT employees were safer in 2024, according to data from the agency’s Employee Safety program.
The agency implemented a new safety software system, Velocity EHS, five years ago, which guides employees through Job Safety Analyses and safety topics, as well as allows for more accurate injury reporting and tracking.
Data from 2024 showed a more than 21 percent decrease in the number of injuries compared to the prior calendar year, down from 70 to 55. Additionally, the total number of incidents was down from 371 in 2023 to 253 in 2024.
The number of recordable injuries and days away from work are the agency’s lowest in five years. WYDOT saw a 31.7 percent decrease in days away from work and a more than 43 percent decrease in days restricted from work from 2024 to 2023.
“No pun intended, but it’s safe to say the agency as a whole really kicked in and made efforts to improve safety,” said Jordan Striff, Employee Safety program manager.
Beyond the implementation of
Velocity EHS, WYDOT has been making strides to foster a safety culture over the past few years, including bolstered safety partnership visits, improved access to trainings, updates to safety policies, and more.
To learn more about Employee Safety and Velocity EHS, visit Employee Safety’s webpage on the Intranet.
Top 10 list of things snowplow operators want drivers to know
Wyoming Department of Transportation has seen a plow strike in each of its five districts already this winter, with four strikes occurring since the Christmas holiday alone. WYDOT plow drivers want to issue 10 reminders ahead of what is typically Wyoming’s snowiest months:
1 2 3 4 5 6
Give plows room to work. Snowplows are huge machines capable of moving tons of snow every minute. Like all vehicles, plows have blind spots; for safety, avoid following too closely.
Avoid passing a plow truck when it’s plowing snow. The safest driving surface is at least four car lengths behind the plow. If you must pass, don’t pass into the snow being moved. WYDOT uses wing plows to help clear highway emergency lanes/shoulders, and they can be hard to see. Avoid passing until visibility is clear.
Snowplows typically plow and sand roads at speeds below the posted speed limit. Plows often operate at speeds of 45 mph or less, depending on road conditions, including snow levels, drifting and ice. Plows work in small sections at a time and regularly pull out of traffic to turn around or replenish salt/sand. Please drive patiently.
Don’t try to “beat the gate.” WYDOT plow operators and Wyoming Highway Patrol Troopers often have to close road closure gates by hand. Drivers speeding to try to beat the gate before it closes pose a great risk to highway workers. Conditions ahead warranted closing the road in the first place; it’s not worth racing the gate.
Watch for tow plows. Some parts of the state use tow plows, which are large pieces of equipment that help operators plow both driving and passing lanes simultaneously. Avoid passing until it is safe to do so.
The plow truck often creates a snow cloud when working. Keep a close watch, as plows can often stir up their own whiteout conditions, and the flashing lights may not be visible. Wait for visibility to improve before passing, especially on two-lane highways.
PASS WITH CARE PLOWS CREATE SNOW CLOUDS
7 8 9 10
Different storms and temperatures require different methods to fight snow and ice. WYDOT trucks spread sand, anti-icing and de-icing chemicals each storm as needed and as temperatures allow. Salt is ineffective in sub-zero temperatures and strong winds. WYDOT most commonly uses a salt-sand mixture. Avoid following too closely when materials are being applied.
Even after roads are plowed and treated, slippery conditions can persist. Be especially careful in areas such as intersections, on-/off-ramps, bridges and shady areas. These areas may be wet during the day and icy at night. Blowing and drifting snow can also create slick driving conditions for drivers, including slush, ice and drifted snow.
Be patient with road conditions and road-plowing efforts. Remember that road conditions, even on treated roads, can change. Avoid using cruise control and drive according to conditions. WYDOT follows a snowplow priority plan, so be patient if a plow hasn’t passed your area yet.
Know before you go. It’s wise to do some homework before heading for work or driving to an out-of-town appointment.
You can monitor WYDOT road conditions at www.wyoroad. info or call 1-888-WYO-ROAD. WYDOT’s 511 Notify program sends road alerts via text message or email on routes the user identifies. Go to www.wyoroad.info and choose the 511 Notify icon to set up your account.
Thank you driving safely.
WYDOT, WHP honored at Gov. Gordon’s 2025 State of the State address
By Jordan Young
Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer
Bob Hammond and Wyoming Highway Patrol Trooper Logan Kelley were honored during Governor Mark Gordon’s annual State of the State address in January.
The State of the State address is the Governor’s yearly reflection on the state’s recent challenges and achievements, as well as an outlook on future goals and trends. The speech took place during a joint session with the House and Senate of the state’s 68th Legislature, which convened Jan. 15.
In his speech, Gordon talked about how vital roads are to “our way of life, our economy and our safety” – a reality that was felt especially hard by commuters in Teton County after the collapse of Wyoming Highway 22/Teton Pass in June.
“It was a national news story; prompt action to address the situation was essential, and here in Wyoming, that’s what happened,” Gordon said in his speech. “Much to the astonishment – and possibly disappointment – of the national disaster press, Wyoming gets things done.”
Gordon said Hammond and WYDOT Director Darin Westby are “examples of the outstanding leaders we have in our state agencies” and Hammond received a standing ovation on behalf of the agency from the representatives, senators and other elected officials who filled the chambers.
“Western ingenuity is the best when you want to get something accomplished – and if everyone just gets out of our way,” Gordon said.
The Governor also noted the importance of investing in our state’s infrastructure.
“We should never compromise on safety,” Gordon said. “Kicking the can down the road will only hurt our kids and our neighbors.”
Additionally, Gordon praised the 10 WHP Troopers, includ-
ing Kelley, who volunteered to travel and assist with Border Patrol efforts along the southern border with Mexico. Gordon said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott personally thanked him for the “commitment Wyoming’s people have shown in securing our borders.” Kelley also received an enthusiastic standing ovation from the crowd.
The 2025 Legislative Session began Jan. 14 and will run until early March, depending on bill activity. We will continue our coverage of the session and any impactful bills on WYDOT operations in future issues of Interchange.
The Governor’s full State of the State address can be viewed anytime on YouTube: https://www.youtube. com/live/UbzSvhRfK1g
Enter the above URL, click on the QR code if reading electronically, or scan the QR code with your mobile device if you’re reading a hard copy.
WYDOT Director Darin Westby (center) congratulated Trooper Logan Kelley (left) and Jackson Resident Engineer Bob Hammond before the two were honored during Governor Mark Gordon’s 2025 State of the State address.
Photo:
Courtesy of Governor’s Office
Trooper Logan Kelley (left) had the chance to visit with WYDOT Director Darin Westby (center) and Gov. Mark Gordon before being honored in the Governor’s 2025 State of the State address.
Photo: Courtesy of Governor’s Office
Jackson Resident Engineer Bob Hammond (right) speaks with Governor Mark Gordon before being honored during Gordon’s annual State of the State address in January.
Photo: Courtesy of Governor’s Office
WYDOT Chief Engineer retires
Mark Gillett retired in Jan. with almost 45 years of service
By Jordan Young
After almost 45 years of service to the state, Chief Engineer
Mark Gillett announced his retirement from the Wyoming Department of Transportation in January.
“It’s been a very fulfilling and exciting career,” Gillett said in a WYDOT press release. “This organization has always had good people in it, and that’ll be the thing that I’ll certainly miss the most.”
As Chief Engineer, Gillett was responsible for overseeing transportation planning, highway design and operations for WYDOT statewide, including highway construction projects, winter maintenance, highway safety, highway and bridge design, as well as WYDOT’s equipment fleet, buildings and more.
“It is a pleasure to congratulate Mark on his retirement,” said Wyoming Transportation Commission Chair Susan Holmes in a WYDOT press release. “On behalf of the Transportation Commission, we thank Mark for his many years of dedicated service and hard work. I have known Mark for many years and believe he served WYDOT and the people of Wyoming with integrity and reliability.”
After graduating from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in 1980, Gillett started his engineering career with WYDOT that very same month in Gillette. He moved up the engineering ranks, including serving as resident engineer in Lovell and Cody, Maintenance Staff Engineer in Cheyenne, District Maintenance Engineer in Sheridan, District Engineer for District 4 in northeast Wyoming, and Assistant Chief Engineer of Operations in Cheyenne before becoming Chief Engineer in 2020. Gillett has spent his entire engineering career working for the state of Wyoming serving its residents, travelers and businesses.
In his long career with the department, Gillett adapted to ad-
vances in technology, new engineering and surveying tools, and one of the biggest changes, which was consolidating the agency’s predecessor, the Highway Department, to the WYDOT people are familiar with today.
“WYDOT’s always had really good people,” Gillett said in an interview with Interchange. “It’s been fun, rewarding and exciting to work here. To be honest, the reason I stayed here was because of the people, but the work was really good, too.”
Gillett plans to spend the initial months of his retirement back in northeast Wyoming spending time with family and taking care of his honey-do projects.
WYDOT Executive Staff and the Transportation Commission held a special meeting Jan. 7 via Zoom to announce Gillett’s retirement and begin the process of hiring a replacement.
New Chief Engineer announced
By Jordan Young
Assistant Chief Engineer for Planning and Engineering Keith Fulton was named the next Chief Engineer, effective Feb. 1. Westby presented his recommendation to the Wyoming Transportation Commission during its Jan. 16 regular business meeting, and the Commission unanimously voted to approve.
“Keith has a vast level of experience and expertise within WYDOT and will be a great addition to our executive team,” said Westby in a WYDOT news release. “I look forward to continuing to work with him in his new role.”
Fulton first started his career with WYDOT’s predecessor agency, the Wyoming Highway Department, as a summer temporary employee based in Laramie. He
joined the department on a permanent basis as an engineering analyst in the Bridge Program at WYDOT Headquarters in Cheyenne. Fulton later served as a principal bridge engineer, assistant bridge engineer, and then as the state bridge engineer from 2010 to 2016 before his promotion to Assistant Chief Engineer. Altogether, he has more than 38 years of experience with the state.
“I would like to thank Director Westby and the Commission for the opportunity to become the next chief engineer,” Fulton said in a WYDOT press release. “I am excited to take on this new role and look forward to continuing to work with the great folks at WYDOT to implement our mission.”
A Riverton native, Fulton earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from the University of Wyoming.
Director Darin Westby presents Mark Gillett a vintage state line welcome sign design at his retirement party Jan. 31.
Photo: Carlie Dakins/WYDOT
Fulton
Another January retirement
By Jordan Young
Tom DeHoff, Assistant Chief Engineer of Operations at Headquarters, retired in January with 35 years of service.
In his role, DeHoff was in charge of operations in all five Districts, as well as Construction Staff, Maintenance Staff, Highway Safety, Traffic Design, Equipment programs and more.
DeHoff started with WYDOT after participating in the Laramie Design Squad program at the University of Wyoming, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
He served in many roles as he climbed the WYDOT ladder, including as project engineer, resident engineer, senior engineer, Construction Staff engineer, District 1 Construction engineer and District Engineer for District 1 before his role at Headquarters.
DeHoff won’t be a stranger, as he started a job with the Federal Highway Administration in Cheyenne.
TechTalk
Take control of your data!
By Enterprise Technology Services
Your online activity creates a treasure trove of data. This data ranges from your interests and purchases to your online behaviors, and it is collected by websites, apps, devices, services, and companies worldwide. This data can even include information about your physical self, like health data – think about how an app on your phone might count how many steps you take.
You cannot control how each little piece of datum about you and your family is collected. However, you still have a right to data privacy. You can help manage your data with a few repeatable behaviors. Your data is valuable, and you deserve to have a say! Here are some simple, easy tips that will help you manage your data privacy
Know the trade-off between privacy and convenience
Nowadays, when you download a new app, open a new online account, or join a new social media platform, you will often be asked for access to your personal information before you can even use it! This data might include your geographic location, contacts, and photos.
For these businesses, this personal information about you is tremendously valuable, and you should think about if the service you get in return is worth the data you must hand over, even if the service is free.
Make informed decisions about sharing data with businesses or services:
• Is the service, app, or game worth the amount or type of personal data they want in return?
• Can you control your data privacy while still using the service?
• Are the data requested even relevant for the app or service? (that is, “Why does a Solitaire game need to know all my contacts?”)
• If you haven’t used an app, service, or account in several months, is it worth keeping around knowing that it might be collecting and sharing your data?
Adjust privacy settings to your comfort level
• For every app, account, or device, check the privacy and security settings. These should be easy to find in a Settings section and should take a few moments to change. Set them to your comfort level for personal information sharing; generally, we think it’s wise to lean on the side of sharing less data, not more.
• You don’t have to do this for every account at once, start small and over time you’ll make a habit of adjusting all your settings to your comfort. We have in-depth, free resources like our Manage Your Privacy Settings page that lets you check the settings of social media accounts, retail stores, apps and more.
Protect your data
Data privacy and data security go hand-in-hand. Along with managing your data privacy settings, follow some simple cybersecurity tips to keep it safe. We recommend following the Core 4:
• Create long (at least 16 characters) unique passwords for each account and device.
• Use a password manager to store each password – maintaining dozens of passwords securely is now easier than ever.
• Turn on multifactor authentication wherever it is permitted –this keeps your data safe even if your password is compromised.
• Learn how to identify phishing messages, which can be sent as emails, texts, or direct messages.
Image: Adobe Stock
Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT
Tom DeHoff unveiling his retirement sign (left) with Director Darin Westby looking on.
Congratulations to WY Lead’s Class of 2024
Participants share insight into WYDOT’s leadership program
By Mark Horan
The Wyoming Department of Transportation’s WY Lead Program wrapped up its second year on a successful note.
Through the program, 14 cohort group members met regularly for six months in locations across the state, as well as virtually, to learn about leadership at WYDOT and develop a project related to a WYDOT issue or concern.
Participants were matched with an Executive Staff mentor who provided coaching and support. At the end of the six months, the cohort presented their project recommendations to Executive Staff.
Congratulations to this year’s group of WY Lead participants:
• Emily Ahearn – Headquarters, Bridge
• Jesse Burgess – Headquarters, Equipment Program
• Matt Groth – Headquarters, Public Affairs
• Adam Martin – Headquarters, WYOLINK
• Kayla Martini – Headquarters, Right of Way
• Justin Mordahl – Headquarters, Geology
• Mark Nelson – District 2 Construction
• Brandt Pickett – Headquarters, Project Development
• Nate Sainz – Headquarters, Photogrammetry and Survey
• Steven Sapp – District 1 Construction
• Dane Widner – District 3 Maintenance
• Whitney Wise – Headquarters, Materials
• Seth Witke – Headquarters, Geology
• Emily Worthan – Headquarters, Right of Way
Public Affairs reached out to three of this year’s graduates to get a variety of perspectives on the program. What prompted you to apply for the program? What were you hoping to gain?
Burgess: I was looking for experience and training in leadership, as well as a broadened view of some of the Headquarters programs and their functions. I find it’s easier to understand where people are coming from if you can try to see things from their point of view, and a big picture of how WYDOT works helps with that.
Worthan: When I initially applied for WY Lead, I was primarily looking for tools and mentorship to grow my own leadership capacity. I had prior managerial and leadership experience, but WYDOT is a large, complex organization. I was hoping this program could help me better define my strengths and intentions to align them with WYDOT’s Mission and Values to build a successful strategy for myself and my team.
Widner: I saw WY Lead as an opportunity to “peek behind the curtain” of WYDOT. Many of us are trained to fill our roles within the machine, but I wanted to see how all the cogs work together. More importantly, I wanted to see how I could go beyond just my role within my department and be a part of WYDOT’s continued growth.
What was your experience like? Did the program meet your expectations?
Burgess: First, WY Lead is a lot. I’d say it met my expectations and then some. The organizational awareness portion was invaluable. The leadership training confirmed many areas I was already working on, as well as some that I had identified need-
WY Lead’s 2024 Cohort at their graduation event. Back from left: Nate Sainz, Jesse Burgess, Dane Widner, Adam Martin, and Emily Worthan. Front from left: Matt Groth, Justin Mordahl, Whitney Wise, Emily Ahearn, and Steven Sapp. Not pictured: Kayla Martini, Brandt Pickett, Mark Nelson, and Seth Witke.
Photo: WYDOT Training Services
ing to work toward. It was full of thinking out of the box as well as working on how you come across as a leader. It was fun to explore possibilities in the projects and then reel them in where necessary.
Worthan: This was a very challenging, high-value course for me. I found it to be a unique experience because not only was it focused on personal and professional growth as a leader (Leading Self, Leading Others, Leading the Agency), I left feeling like I had “cracked the code” on WYDOT. We explored all the different divisions of WYDOT, made new contacts both across the State and down the hall, and received great insight from Executive Staff on WYDOT’s current climate, vision, and direction, plus loads of invaluable personal experiences from past and present leaders on what it really takes to lead here successfully.
Widner: I enjoyed every minute of it. My initial impressions and expectations paled in comparison to the wealth of insight I gained from the WY Lead curriculum. It is a course that is designed to make you think and is so much more help than any book- or lecture-based training course I have ever experienced. Every session gave me at least a couple of ideas that I found myself revisiting in following weeks. What skills/insight did you come away with, and how will that help you in your career?
Burgess: I learned that some minor tweaking in areas can produce results. I learned that Executive Staff are not as scary as they sometimes come across, and that they are generally interested in hearing what people have to say. The experience should help in my work as I will be able to quickly identify who needs to be involved in a situation to resolve it, as well as targeting a specific audience when communicating.
Worthan: My favorite thing about this program was gaining insight to understanding my authority and influence to make a positive impact for myself, my team and the agency. Leadership is hard, especially when you have multiple stakeholders with seemingly opposing objectives. This course really helped me define my values and goals (and those of the agency) so that in those chaotic and stressful moments, I can reground quickly and tie back to core values like integrity, curiosity, excellence and a supportive spirit. I’m still practicing!
Widner: The emphasis on personal growth, not just professional growth was very refreshing. Besides that, the perspective I gained from the time with my cohort was invaluable. WY Lead opened my eyes to many areas within WYDOT that I had little or no knowledge of. More importantly, I was shown how the pieces all fit together.
Would you recommend the program to other staff? Why or why not?
Burgess: I’d definitely recommend WY Lead to others in WYDOT, especially those who want to gain insight to make themselves perform their own job duties better. This helps a person see their own contributions to the big picture and how they fit into the overall mission execution at WYDOT. It helps determine the value of one’s work. I will say that applicants will want to be somewhat proficient in their job, as this is a lot of added work and can be somewhat stressful at times.
Worthan: Take the course! Whether you’re new to leadership or have been at it forever. Leadership is a commitment to continual self-improvement to better serve the individuals/agency that you lead. The limited class size is so important, so if you’re not selected next round, keep applying! You’ll appreciate the individualized focus, camaraderie and collaborative experience.
Widner: Absolutely. I came into feeling that this was a program built for headquarters staff....I was wrong. WY Lead and programs like it are the best way we can elicit positive change across our state. It breaks down the ‘silos’ that many of us see ourselves in, and it provides much needed tools to build the WYDOT brand from within.
Applications for the 2025 program will open in March, so keep an eye out for upcoming information. Cohort selections will be made in April, and the program will launch in May. Any existing supervisors or those with previous leadership experience who are interested in advancing with WYDOT are encouraged to visit with their supervisor and think about applying.
WYDOT offers a vast array of training opportunities for staff at all levels. Individuals without supervisory experience seeking to improve their skill sets might consider WY Supervise, another formal program available through WYDOT University. Please contact Training Services to learn more.
WYDOT Tours UW Research Facility
By Mark Horan
Recently, WYDOT Executive Staff, along with staff from the Materials Lab, District 1, and the Governor’s Office, met with personnel from the Center for Carbon Capture and Conversion at the University of Wyoming’s School of Energy Resources. The CCCC is conducting highly innovative research in the field of carbon engineering (coal to products), which has the potential to provide WYDOT with a long-term, stable supply of asphalt binder.
Pictured here is the tour group at a Solvent Extraction Pilot Plant in Laramie.
Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT
Training
WYDOT University year in review
By Jim Boyd, Training Services
In fiscal year 2024, Training Services revised and delivered WYDOT’s formal leadership academy, WY Lead, to a new cohort group; migrated historical training records to the statewide learning management system; completed a request for proposal to bring in new leadership consultants to teach WYDOT University classes; and opened our classes to all state employees.
More than 1,500 WYDOT employees engaged in a formal development opportunity promoted by WYDOT University this last fiscal year, completing 7,193 courses. Almost 84 percent of those completions were taken online and were self-paced, with the majority of the course completions coming from WYDOT programs like Employee Safety, Drivers Services, Maintenance, and others (1,763 completions) and another 1,253 as part of WYDOT University learning plans. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ Technical Training Solutions (formerly TC3) content had the next most completions with 1,200.
WYDOT University classroom-based offerings remained the same as the previous year at 161 completions, while virtual classroom-based instruction, like webinars offered by the Transportation Learning Network, saw a dramatic increase going from 270 to 734 completions!
Employees continue to report that WYDOT University courses are beneficial, rating them at 3.43 out of 4.0 on questions related to content effectiveness, instructor effectiveness, and accommodation. Those same employees and their supervisors also reported improved performance related to the class topic a
few months following the class, with employees self-reporting improved performance at 3.6 out of 5 and supervisors reporting 3.00 for their employees who took the class.
Those who attended our structured programs like WY Supervise and the WY Lead program reported learning gains following attendance. Those who attended the WY Supervise New Supervisors program reported a 33 percent average learning gain and those who attended the WY Lead Advancing Leaders Academy reported a 51 percent average learning gain.
WYDOT employees continue to engage in continuous learning through training and development, and we encourage employees to reach out to dot-training@wyo.gov or contact any member of the Training Services team if they have specific training needs or would like more information on any of the above.
TRAINING @ A GLANCE
TRAINING @ A GLANCE
Coming in February: Start
2/4/2025 Leading Self
Personal Development Series; 1 of 3 2/4 – 1:00 pm-4:30 pm Cheyenne
MBTI Communication & Teams 2/5 – 8:30 am-4:30 pm
2/6/2025 Technical Killed By a Traffic Engineer 1:00 pm-2:00 pm Virtual 2/11/2025 WYdot Supervise Series New Supervisor Fundamentals Workshop See schedule in class flier Cheyenne (Learning Plan Assigned to New Supervisors, Open to All)
2/11/2025 Leading Others Meeting Management: Tools, Techniques and Skills 12:00 pm-1:00 pm Virtual 2/24/2025 Know WYdot: New Employees New Employee Orientation Workshop TBD Cheyenne (Learning Plan Assigned to New Employees)
2/27/2025 Technical Tractor Mower Operator Safety Training 7:30 am-11:30 am Virtual
2/27/2025 WYdot Supervise Series Addressing Poor Performance* 8:00 am-12:00 pm Virtual
Coming in March:
Date Development Stage Class Description Class Hours Location
3/4/2025 Leading Others
Management Development Series; 1 of 4 8:30 am-4:30 pm Cheyenne Leading from the Middle
Check out the upcoming training opportunities from WYDOT-U and the Transportation Learning Network. Don’t forget to check out the calendar on NEOGOV to see upcoming training events!
https://roadmasters.toastmastersclubs.org/
Traffic safety training in Laramie
By Andrea Staley
On Jan. 24, crews in Laramie learned the ins and outs of their new mobile work platform. The purpose of the platform is to give crews a safer way and place to set up and tear down traffic control devices. A follow-vehicle with an impact attenuator attached will also protect the workers while on the platform.
District 1 Safety Representative Bill Hassler led the hour and a
half training using the mobile platform assigned to the Cheyenne Interstate 25 crew. Crews in Laramie will be receiving their platform in the near future, with others being distributed around the state. In late February/early March, Hassler, along with Employee Safety, will be writing a Job Safety Analysis and policy for the new device.
These new traffic devices offer a safer workspace, aligning with WYDOT’s mission to provide a safe, effective, and high-quality transportation system.
Laramie crews spent time in classroom training and hands-on in the shop with their new mobile platform for traffic control.
Photo: Andrea Staley/WYDOT
Photo: Andrea Staley/WYDOT
District News
Headquarters
Welcome
Matthew Hawkins, Financial Services-Revenue; Donald Heiduck, Patrol-Capitol Services Protection; Casey Patterson, Patrol-Capitol Services Protection; and Shanara Yamin, Highway Development-Project Development.
Promotions and Transfers
Kelly Cope, Environmental Services; Lori Davis, Highway Safety; and Samuel Desrosiers, PlanningLocal Government Coordination.
Service Awards
Stephanie Moellenberg, PatrolDispatch – 40 years;
Stephen Nelson, Internal Review – 25 years;
Jeri Yearout, Bridge-Hydraulics – 25 years;
Gwendolynn Whetham, PatrolDispatch – 10 years; and Alyssa Quinn, Planning-Local Government Coordination – 5 years.
Retirements
Matt Carlson, state highway safety engineer at Headquarters, retired in December with 40 years of service. Carlson started with WYDOT as a field engineer in Riverton, and also spent his career as a project engineer based in Cody, materials staff engineer in Cheyenne, resident engineer in Cheyenne, Construction Staff engineer in Cheyenne and District Construction Engineer in Rock Springs. Carlson graduated from the University of Wyoming.
Promotions and Transfers
Paul Beckett, District 1 Traffic Staff; Jared Egbert, Laramie Construction; and Bradley Parsons, Cheyenne Maintenance.
Service Awards
Stacey Gierisch, records and data management analyst supervisor with Highway Safety at Headquarters, retired in December with 22 years of service.
District 1 Welcome
Thomas Blunt, Cheyenne Maintenance; Michael Cizin, Laramie Maintenance; Robert Rosenlof, Cheyenne Maintenance; and Lane Schaich, Cheyenne Maintenance.
Jeremy Chatfield, Laramie TrafficStriping – 15 years; Jason Gilmor, Emergency CommunicationsTelephone – 5 years; and Allan Jarnagin, Laramie Maintenance – 5 years.
Carlson
Desrosiers
Schaich
Cizin
Egbert
Chatfield
Beckett
Blunt Nelson
Whetham
Moellenberg
Yearout
Rosenlof
District 1-Laramie Mechanic Cody Cockroft with his 1-year service award.
Photo: Andrea Staley/WYDOT
District 1-Cheyenne Mechanic Jason Lane being awarded his 5-year service award by District Equipment Supervisor Roy Sommers (left).
Photo: Andrea Staley/WYDOT
District 1-Elk Mountain Mechanic Brian Rushing being awarded his 5-year service award by District 1 Engineer Ralph Tarango (left) and District Equipment Supervisor Roy Sommers (right).
District 2
Welcome
Billie Beck, Chugwater Maintenance; Wyatt Cayton, Chugwater Maintenance; Brian Ensley, Casper Maintenance; Michael Fuson, Casper Maintenance; Cory Hulitt, Chugwater Maintenance; Dustin Ricker, Lusk Maintenance; and Dalton Walker, Casper Maintenance.
Promotions and Transfers
Bobby Klataske, Chugwater Maintenance; Thomas Markos, GIS/ITS; and Thomas Nolan, Lusk Maintenance.
Service Awards
Timothy Garcia, Midwest Maintenance – 5 years.
Retirements
Timothy Harn, a highway maintenance technician with District 2 in Douglas, retired in December with 26 years of service.
District 3
Welcome
Alexander Brighton, Evanston Maintenance; and Nathan Hicks, Rock Springs Mechanics.
Service Awards
James McIntosh, Evanston Mechanics –25 years.
District 4
Welcome
Allen Collins, Gillette Maintenance; William Iverson, Buffalo Maintenance; Jeffrey McGuire, Sheridan Construction; Daniel Muirhead, Gillette Maintenance; Denene Sands, Port of Entry-Sheridan; and Paxton Witt, Sundance Maintenance.
Service Awards
James Rose, PatrolSundance – 15 years; Toni Schoolcraft, Buffalo Maintenance –5 years; and Jake Whisonant, Sheridan Construction – 5 years.
Photo: Andrea Staley/WYDOT
Cayton Ensley
Hulitt
Nolan Markos
Walker
Harn Beck
Fuson Klataske
Ricker
Garcia McIntosh
Collins Witt
Rose
Whisonant
McGuire
Iverson
Schoolcraft
District 5
Welcome
Wesley Hanback, Dubois Maintenance; and Jared Parsons Cody Maintenance.
Retirements
Steve Paumer, building and facility manager with District 5 Maintenance, retired in December with more than 40 years of service. Paumer started with WYDOT in the Engineering Finals Office at the D5 District Office in Basin. Paumer graduated from Northwest Community College in Powell.
Steve Paumer (left) at his retirement party in Basin. District 5 Engineer Pete Hallsten presents Paumer a Wyoming Highway Department sign personalized with his
Awards
Laramie County life saving award
at the
awards banquet in early December at the Archer Event Center. Kalb was awarded a Life Saving award for his efforts with LCSO Deputy DePrimo (center right) after an October motorcycle crash in Cheyenne that left the motorcyclist severely injured. According to an LCSO press release, the two law enforcement officers worked together to keep the individual conscious while Kalb used a tourniquet on the individual’s nearly amputated leg, saving their life.
Excellence in Collaboration
District 1 won the 2024 Excellence in Collaboration award at the annual Associated General Contractors Conference. WYDOT, along with Reiman Corp. and Aztec Construction won the award for the fantastic work completed on the US 30/East Lincolnway project this past year.
Representing WYDOT at the conference and accepting the award were Resident Engineer on the project Wayne Shenefelt, who is now with Headquarters Maintenance Staff (left); Project Engineer Kristian Cueva stands third from the right; and Project Engineer, now Cheyenne Resident Engineer, Bryce Sanchez, (right).
Service Award Recipients
Service award luncheons are held by the Transportation Commission for employees celebrating milestones of 25 years of service or greater.
Service award recipients at November’s luncheon: (Seated from left) Kim Lamb, 25 years; and Laura Whalen-Steege, 40 years. (Standing from left) Maj. KC Ramsey, 25 years; Lt. Kyle McKay, 25 years; Troy McLees, 30 years; and Vince Garcia, 40 years.
Photo: Doug McGee/WYDOT
Photo: Andrea Staley/WYDOT
Wyoming Highway Patrol Sgt. Harley Kalb (center left) was recognized by Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak (left)
Sheriff Office’s annual
Photo: WHP
Passings
James P. Adamson
James “Jim” Paul Adamson, 67, lost his battle with cancer Jan. 5, 2025, with his loving wife by his side.
Adamson was born in Sheridan, Wyoming, on May 5, 1957, and was the son of the late David and Joyce Adamson. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Carol L. Foster
Carol Lynne Foster, 74, passed peacefully on Jan. 3 in Fort Collins, Colorado. Though she lived most of her life in Cheyenne, she enjoyed living in Arizona and Colorado in her later years.
Adamson grew up in Dayton, Wyoming, until he was 10 years old and then moved to Sheridan. He attended Sheridan High School, but he did not graduate because he left early to pursue truck driving in Kansas City for two years. He moved back to Sheridan closer to family and where it was safe and away from the tornadoes. He went to work for E&W Standard. In 1976, he started dating Kathy Cunningham, marrying her two years later on Jan. 30, 1978.
In 1983, he began working for Sheridan Iron Works. In 1988, he began his career with the Wyoming Highway Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency. While he worked for the state, he also had a handful of side jobs. He retired from WYDOT in 2016 and continued to help his brother on the ranch. As he was not one to sit idle, he started his own business, J&K Trucking, until he got sick. He loved fishing and camping in the mountains. If he was not fishing, he and his brother loved to ride the four wheelers. He also loved to go to Deadwood, when he got the chance, to play the slot machines.
Adamson’s celebration of life was held at the Elks Lodge Jan. 25, 2025, in Sheridan. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to the Kathy Adamson CO James P Adamson Memorial Fund at First Bank of Wyoming to help with funeral costs.
Born July 24, 1950, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Foster spent her early years in Pine Bluffs, where her parents owned a Dairy Queen until the family moved to Cheyenne in the early sixties.
She pursued various hobbies with passion. As a young woman, she was a horse lover, riding English as well as Western and was a member of the Foxy Trotters. She enjoyed sewing and cross-stitching and became a gifted – and largely selftaught – stained glass artist, winning multiple awards in stained glass shows. She was also a glass bead artist, using a torch to melt glass to create stunning designs. She loved birds and dogs and had many beloved pets over the years.
Foster enjoyed a long and successful career with the Wyoming Highway Patrol, where she began as a dispatcher in 1973. She left for a few years to open a grocery store in Gypsum, Colorado, in the eighties; however, she was eager to return to the radio once again. She retired as supervisor in 2002 and was a lifetime member of the Wyoming Peace Officers Association.
Services were held Jan. 17 at Wiederspahn Radomsky Chapel, in Cheyenne.
Gregory P. Frost
Gregory P. Frost, 82 of Cody, Wyoming, passed away peacefully on Jan. 11, 2025 in Billings, Montana, with his family by his side.
Frost was born on Nov. 27, 1942, in Rock Springs, Wyoming, to Nedward M. and Alberta Pryde Frost of Cody. He grew up on the Lazy 6V Ranch on the North Fork and attended Wapiti
School. In 1953, the Frosts moved from the ranch on the North Fork to the ranch on Sage Creek on the Greybull Highway where he resided until 2020.
Frost graduated from Cody High School in 1962. He met his future wife Kay Moore while attending school in Cody. They were married on June 21, 1963 and made their home on the ranch in Cody and welcomed three children to the family.
In his early years Foster worked on the ranch and the family outfitting business. In his teens, he started operating the trail rides in the summer from Pahaska Teepee with his cousin, Bob Richard, in addition to his work on the family outfitting business. In 1964, he went to work full time for the Wyoming Highway Department as an engineering technician. He spent 39.5 years for the department overseeing highway construction projects including reconstruction work on Wyoming Highway 120, the Chief Joseph Highway, and the North Fork. Frost retired from WYDOT in December 2004.
Also during this time, he was a member of the Wyoming Army National Guard. He served 27 years with Bravo Battery 1-49th Field Artillery in Cody as a field artilleryman. He retired as a sergeant first class and was a long serving chief of firing battery for the unit in Cody. His awards included the Legion of Merit, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal and many more.
During retirement, Frost enjoyed working on his ranch on Sage Creek, taking care of his horses, and taking family pack trips with his children, grandchildren, and nephew Scott Moore. It was his goal to maintain the family legacy by retracing all the trails with his family on the North Fork, South Fork, Greybull River, Thoroughfare, and Double Cabin area around Dubois that he had traveled so many times with his father. His favorite place was the South Fork trail and Needle Creek where the family outfitting camp was maintained. He made his last trip to the area when he was 78 years old.
Cremation has taken place and there will be no services as per his request.
Adamson
Foster
Frost
Ralph P. Redman
Ralph Paul Redman, 87, passed away on Jan. 4, 2025, in Cheyenne.
He was born on January 12, 1937, in South Boston, Massachusetts, to Herbert Redman and Anna (Lazarovich) Redman. Redman’s life was marked by dedication to family, service and his community.
He graduated from Charlestown High School before entering the Air Force in 1954, where he served honorably until his discharge in 1974. His military service shaped his character and instilled a strong sense of duty that he carried into his civilian career. He worked for the Cheyenne VA for two years before landing a career at the old Wyoming Highway Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency. He dedicated 18 years to the to the state working for District 1 Maintenance in Cheyenne.
Redman shared a profound and enduring bond with his wife, Annabelle (Ann); married on Aug. 10, 1957.
A vigil for the deceased was held at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes in Cheyenne on Jan. 10 and the funeral liturgy was celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Mary on Jan. 11.
Christine A. Yaffa
Christine “Christy” Ann Yaffa, 53, passed away on Jan. 16, 2025. She was born July 1, 1971, in Casper, Wyoming, and lived most of her life in Riverton and Cheyenne. Recently, she had lived in Castle Rock, Colorado.
Yaffa graduated from Wind River High School in 1989 and went on to Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona earning her bachelor’s degree in aviation business management in 1994. She worked for the Wyoming Department of Transportation in the Aeronautics Division for 25 years and for the Federal Aviation Administration for five years.
She dedicated her professional life to the improvement and advancement with tireless commitment to the aviation industry, especially airports in Wyoming and around the western United States. She was highly respected in airport planning, receiving several awards over the 30 years including the Wyoming Airports Coalition Lifetime Achievement award in 2021, and Wyoming Women of Influence Award nominee for 2016 and 2017 by the Wyoming Business Report. Yaffa
served on numerous committees for the advancement of airports including participating as a Federal Aviation Administration Transportation Research Board Airport Cooperative Research Program Ambassador and served on the Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Business Advisory Board.
She enjoyed spending time with her husband and her dogs – Dolly and Mr. Wilson V, and enjoyed traveling. In November 2024, Yaffa and her husband, Gerry, took the vacation of their dreams on a Mediterranean cruise beginning in Rome, Italy, and ending in Paris, France.
Services were held at Wiederspahn Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes on Jan. 25.
Family and friends who wish to make a donation in her name are encouraged to give to the nonprofit organization Wyoming Aviation Heritage League to be reserved for museum and educational exhibits. To donate online: wyomingaviationheritage.org.
Redman
Yaffa BUCKLE
Thanks to WYDOT Maintenance Staff
WYDOT,
In August, I sent, via email, information requests to four state transportation managers having responsibilities towards repair and maintenance of highway rest area water fountains. Christopher Romo responded for Wyoming. He graciously answered all my questions.
I asked for several background purposes. The answers also helped frame some of my literary nonfiction writings, including a short story that I wrote, “Of Mountain Men and Water Fountains,” that I posted two weeks ago on my literary blog, “The Americopa Review” (TAR). Besides thanking Christopher Romo for responding to my request and thanking the great state of Wyoming for the use of its rest areas, this email also provides the blog’s link where this short story may be found.
If you think sea level rise is impactful, wait until you see what’s happening to the water fountains within our nation’s rest areas. Join a modern-day Walter Mitty on a futile search for water along America’s highways, byways, and ever-shrinking watering holes.
“Of Mountain Men and Water Fountains” is available now in “The Americopa Review” (TAR) – a literary blog of the American experience.
https://ekdavidauthor.com/the-americopa-review-tar-blog/ Again, thank you.
David A. Ek
Tourism
Shout out to WYDOT Cheyenne I-25 Maintenance
Hello to the WYDOT! I just wanted to give a huge shout-out to the road crews / snow plow trucks after the snowstorm this last Friday and Saturday (Jan. 24-25). We live close to I-25 by the Little Bear Inn, and before 6 a.m. both days, I saw the road crews / snow plow trucks clearing I-25 north and southbound lanes, and then turned around and did the frontage road near us.
I then saw them continue to do it multiple times throughout the day and evening – fantastic job by the crews! I really appreciate their hard work and dedication in keeping us and our roads safe!
Ya’ll have my sincerest gratitude and appreciation for a job well done. Glad ya’ll are on the job.
Best regards, Thomas Sheeran
The future of long range transportation in Wyoming
By the Wyoming Office of Tourism
WOT is collaborating with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and various Wyoming stakeholders to help shape the WYDOT 2050 Wyoming Long Range Transportation Plan. This plan will focus on the next 25 years, addressing the transportation needs of both residents and visitors. It’s a valuable opportunity for the tourism industry to influence policies that will create lasting, positive effects on Wyoming’s transportation system, supporting the state’s visitor economy for years to come. WOT appreciates the close relationship and partnership with WYDOT throughout the years and looks forward to working together with Wyoming stakeholders on this LRTP.
As the plan looks 25 years into the future, it’s crucial to recognize opportunities that can enhance the Wyoming visitor experience. The LRTP provides Wyoming tourism partners a platform to voice their ideas and share initiatives that can be implemented statewide to ensure transportation evolves alongside the tourism industry. The plan will also establish key performance targets needed to build and sustain an efficient, responsive transportation system.
The LRTP has a website available for you to check out FAQs, surveys and to provide public comment. There will be a series of online public meetings which will be advertised on this website as well: https://www.wydotlrtp.com/
Photo: Carlie Dakins/WYDOT
WTDEA Headquarters Chapter holds annual general membership meeting
By Carlie Dakins
The annual general membership meeting of the Headquarters Chapter of the Wyoming Transportation Department Employee Association was held in the auditorium on Jan. 9. Executive staff was present and Director Darin Westby offered a few words in support of the WTDEA.
“The WTDEA is very beneficial to the agency,” said Westby at the meeting. “The activities sponsored by this group aim to bring employees together.”
Interim President Audrey Hobbs presented the chapter’s 2024 accomplishments which included assisting 18 WYDOT employees with $18,750 through the Relief Fund; blood drives in which WYDOT supplied 88 pints of blood;
WTDEA’s annual chili cook-off will look a little different this year; more recipes than just chili are eligible for entry, widening the playing field. Cook-off chair Justin Mordahl believes the new twist on the old theme will be a big hit.
“There will only be 12 spots for cooks,” said Mordahl. “We’ll have a few categories for voting. It’s a good change. We will also have baked potatoes and drinks available.”
Keep an eye on your emails for further announcements!
District 4 Traffic Engineer Michelle Edwards wanted to give her beautiful pup, Sage, her moment in the limelight. Sage is seen here enjoying the wildflowers in the Big Horn Mountains, overlooking Sheridan.
Photo: Michelle Edwards
Penny, an integral part of the District 3 security team, does weekly inspections for treats. District 3 Engineer John Eddins is her human.
Photo: John Eddins
Thomas Hart, with Environmental Services, shows off his sweet Isla, a 2-year-old female black Labrador Retriever. She is smart, full of energy (sometimes too much!), and is a great hunter and family dog.
Photo: Thomas Hart
Lusk Maintenance Supervisor Bob Musfelt and Guyz Dasha Gibsons at the 5-States Breeders Breakaway Futurity.
Photo: Jenna Bush Photography
Photo: Paul Hoverson
6-year-old black Labrador Josie is versatile in her outdoor pursuits with her humans, including fishing with 11-year old Gage and hunting with Gage’s dad, Paul Hoverson, a Construction and Field Survey Technician in Riverton.
Photo: Paul Hoverson
Wheatland Maintenance Supervisor
Darren Allbright and his wife, Lorraine, introduce their two pups to the Pets section. Kimber (top) is a 5-year-old German Shorthair Pointer and Remington is a 10-year-old Border Collie/ Hound mix.
District 2 Equipment
Supervisor Terry Uhrich has recently been duck hunting in sub-zero temps with faithful pup, Groot (above). He also snapped a pic of his German Wirehaired Pointers after a day of chukar hunting (right). All of his dogs have been bred, raised and trained by he and his wife. From left: Kimber, Duck and Dixie.
Torrington employee Coulter Carlson lives with these two cuties. Marley (right) is a 4-year-old half pit bull and half wiener dog. Bentley is a husky and he is 2 years old. They were caught snoozing.
Photo: Coulter Carlson
Photo: Darren Allbright
Photo: Darren Allbright
Worland Highway Maintenance Technician Andrew Drake and his girlfriend share their home with these three: Twitch, Jäger and Blu.
Photo: Andrew Drake
Photos: Terry Uhrich
Break Time
Wyoming Department of Transportation
5300 Bishop Blvd.
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009-3340
Address Service Requested
