By the Numbers

Briefs continued from page 5 upgrading Americans with Disabilities requirements at every street corner between 10th Street and Stampede Avenue, replacing broken curb and gutter and sidewalk, and upgrading wiring at traffic signals.

The project begins at US 14/16/20 milepost 51.78 at the intersection of 10th Street and Sheridan Avenue in front of the Park County Courthouse, and it proceeds 1.20 miles on US 14/16/20 to the intersection of 17th Street and Stampede Avenue on Greybull Hill.

“Email updates and weekly public meetings will resume in the spring when the contractor begins preparing to resume work operations,” Frost said.

Phase 3 of the project, by contract, proceeds from Alger Avenue up Greybull Hill to the end of the project and must be completed through concrete grinding and texturing prior to June 15, 2021. By contract, the project will be shut down from June 16, 2021 through Aug. 23, 2021.

Phase 4 of the project, by contract, requires all remaining work to be completed by Sept. 30, 2021. Contract completion date is Sept. 30, 2021.

Snow plow struck on US 26 west of Riverton

RIVERTON – A Wyoming Department of Transportation plow truck was hit by a passenger vehicle Dec. 2 on slick US 26 roads west of Riverton.

The near head-on crash caused minimal damages to the truck’s plow, but heavy damages to the passenger vehicle. No serious injuries were reported. The plow truck was moving slowly at the time of the crash.

Wyoming Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.

WYDOT Riverton heavy equipment operator Mike Crawford said it’s important for citizens to realize that WYDOT plow trucks are out on the highways during and after snow storms.

WYDOT has numerous bright yellow plow trucks, and when working the roads, these plow trucks have amber, red and blue flashing lights mounted on top of the cab and on the back of the sanders. Snow plow trucks and the plows are huge machines and equipment, capable of moving tons of snow every minute. Operators of these snow plows are highly trained professionals.

These snow plow professionals need 6 Interchange n

cooperation from drivers so they can do their jobs and keep the road safe for drivers. Give them room to operate.

“Stay well back from operating snow plows, and be aware of oncoming plow trucks,” Crawford said. “These trucks are spreading sand, anti-icing and de-icing chemicals on the roadway.”

Crawford said it’s always a good idea to stay vigilant when approaching snow plow trucks, too.

WYDOT employees are out on the highways every day and many nights, including holidays, attempting to provide a safe, high quality and efficient transportation system for the citizens of Wyoming.

WYDOT employees are on the roads when the conditions are the worst, and they’re out there between storms, too. With limited visibility, snow plow drivers can’t see vehicles behind them if the vehicles are too close to the plows.

“Remember, the safest driving surface is behind the plow. If you must pass, don’t pass on the right into the plume of snow being moved,” Crawford said. “Be sure on two-lane highways that you have plenty of time to pass. Keep a close watch. These huge plow trucks often stir up their own snow cloud while doing their work. It’s sometimes impossible to see what’s com-

Total number of employees: As of Dec. 4, 2020 1,926 One month ago 1,900 One year ago 1,962

ing at you when passing a plow truck due to the ever-present snow cloud created by the plow truck.”

WYDOT snow plows usually operate at slower speeds than other traffic. “Always remember our plows are helping to keep you safe,” Crawford said.

S&S continued work on east side of 17th Street

CODY – S&S Construction continued work on 17th Street in Cody on Dec. 8. Grinding of pavement began prior to the slab replacement on Greybull Hill.

Crews enjoyed the unseasonably balmy 50 degree temperature with slight winds. n

Pavement grinding on 17th Street in Cody.

WHP

Total number of highway fatalities: As of Dec. 8, 2020 120 One year ago 142

Wyoming Highway Patrol participated in New Year’s Eve safety initiative WHP Safety and Training

The Western States Traffic Safety Coalition (WSTSC) initiated a special effort this New Year’s Eve to ensure the dangerous driver behaviors of impaired drivers have no place to hide from the vigilance of their officers/troopers. The WSTSC is made up of 11 states including the Arizona Department of Public Safety, California Highway Patrol, Colorado State Patrol, Idaho State Police, Montana Highway Patrol, Nevada Highway Patrol, Oregon State Police, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Utah Highway Patrol, Washington State Patrol and the Wyoming Highway Patrol. These law enforcement agencies were committed and unified in keeping the people of their communities safe during the holiday.

Even during this COVID-19 national health emergency, some may feel New Year’s Eve is the ultimate party night and engage in risky driving behavior, but police will be alert throughout the western region for impaired drivers. Impaired driving has a devastating impact on the quality of life for those in all communities. Assertive traffic law enforcement activity with a targeted public safety focus is the purpose of this partnership.

Nationally, over the past five years, an average of 300 people have died in impaired driving crashes the week between Christmas and New Year. Last year, there were 10,142 people killed nationwide in impaired driving crashes accounting for nearly one-third of the yearly driving fatalities. These deaths are 100% preventable. The tragedy of these deaths is felt year-round, but for many, most strongly during the holidays. Keep a lookout for dead rabbits in yards, rural property, outdoor areas By Sara DiRienzo, Wyoming Game & Fish

Wyomingites are being asked to keep a lookout for dead rabbits in their yards, rural property and other outdoor areas. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is collecting wild rabbit carcasses for Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 testing, known as RHDV2. Testing rabbits is key to monitoring the disease spread.

Game and Fish recently confirmed the presence of the disease in Wyoming in a wild eastern cottontail in Albany county. RHDV2 is a fatal disease of rabbits and hares. An estimated 3550% of infected wild rabbits succumb to the disease.

Samantha Allen, Game and Fish state wildlife veterinarian, said all of Wyoming’s rabbits and hares are susceptible – that includes game and non-game species like cottontail rabbits, jack rabbits and potentially, pygmy rabbits. Domestic rabbits are also at risk; however, other domestic pets and livestock are not at risk from the disease.

The first indication of RHDV2 infection is dead rabbits that do not demonstrate an obvious cause of death, like a dog bite.

“Any rabbit could become infected with the disease – so it could be a cottontail living in your yard or the one you see while

Photo: Rick Carpenter

In recent years, specifically drug-impaired driving has become a major highway safety issue. Driving impaired by any substance – alcohol or drugs, whether legal or illegal – is against the law in all states. Law enforcement officers are trained to observe drivers’ behavior and to identify impaired drivers. Additionally, law enforcement agencies have provided specialty training to some of their officers as drug recognition experts (DRE) to identify those drivers impaired by drugs other than, or in addition to, alcohol.

Even in states where marijuana laws have changed, it is still illegal to drive under the influence of the drug. All the state law enforcement agencies involved have ensured their officers/ troopers and DREs are properly trained to recognize and handle drug-impaired drivers as a direct investment in safety.

The WSTSC encourages everyone to plan ahead, especially when celebrating any holiday, and to never drive impaired or

Game & Fish

high. n

hiking,” said Allen. “Please report any dead rabbits you find. Testing these carcasses is the only way to know how the disease is spreading in Wyoming.” The disease has also been confirmed across the west in California, Nevada, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado. Photo: Patrick Wine RHDV2 does not pose a threat to humans, but rabbits carry other diseases which can, like tularemia and plague. The public is advised not to touch or pick up any dead wild rabbits. Rather, note the location and call the Game and Fish Wildlife Health Lab at (307) 7455865 or the nearest regional office. Game and Fish personnel will evaluate the situation and make plans to collect the rabbit. n

40Years Excellence

January 2021 Message

Saving for Retirement During Challenging Times

Despite the economic fallout related to COVID-19, there are steps you can take now to help ensure a sound retirement.

—In your 20s and 30s

Focus on the basics. Build a healthy credit score by using credit cards wisely and paying bills on time. Live below your means so you can pay off student loans and build an emergency fund. It’s also helpful to start saving for retirement, taking full advantage of any employer-match programs.

—In your 40s and 50s

Continue to save and spend wisely. Strive to pay down high-interest credit, such as car loans and credit cards. If you have children, consider setting up college funds, especially those that offer tax benefits. Keep adding to your retirement account and see if your employer’s retirement plan provides free financial advice.

—In your 60s

Avoid retiring too soon. Job losses are disproportionally high for this age group. If retirement comes unexpectedly, consider taking a part-time job to postpone taking Social Security or tapping into your nest egg prematurely. Try to pay off your mortgage and seek professional advice to make sure your investment portfolio is allocated properly.

NEED HELP?

Your EAP can provide additional guidance and resources.

JANUARY 20, NOON ET

How Much Will I Need for Retirement?

Many financial institutions suggest saving a specific amount to retire safely. While it’s important to build a substantial nest egg, this one-size-fits-all approach has its challenges. In this webinar, we’ll help you analyze your situation from many perspectives, so you can set a goal that’s right for you.

REGISTER

Presented by Michael Di Maio

Founder, New Focus − New Jersey