WYDOT named outstanding public-private partner First time a state agency has received this award
By Jordan Young
The Wyoming Department of Transportation was recognized as an outstanding public-private partner by the Wyoming Business Alliance at the 41st Governor’s Business Forum in November.
This was the first time this award has been given to a state agency.
Hosted in Laramie, the 2024 Governor’s Business Forum brought together leaders from across the state to discuss Wyoming’s challenges and opportunities. This year’s theme, Keeping Wyoming on the Move, highlighted the innovation, resilience, and vision driving the state forward. Sessions and panelists covered topics like housing shortages, media trends, economic innovations and more, and the event provided additional networking opportunities.
During the award portion of the Forum, various transportation stakeholders spoke in person or via a produced video on the importance of WYDOT and the infrastructure the agency
maintains. Speakers included Wyoming Associated General Contractors Executive Director Dan Benford, Wyoming Stockgrowers Association Executive Vice President Jim Magagna, and President of the Wyoming Senate Ogden Driskill.
“We have professionals working over at WYDOT,” Benford said in the video shown during the Forum. “Any public servant that chooses state work or federal work over the private sector, I think they’re doing it for a reason, and you can tell that it’s important to the leadership over at WYDOT that the mission is met.”
WYDOT was praised for the variety of work the agency accomplishes, both standard work like construction, snow control, and fencing, as well as the above and beyond efforts this year repairing assets damaged in the devastating northeast Wyoming wildfires and rebuilding the collapsed portion of Wyoming Highway 22/Teton Pass.
In his speech, Driskill noted how easy it is to take transportation infrastructure and the work WYDOT does for granted;
Director Darin Westby accepted the outstanding public-private partner award from the Wyoming Business Alliance on behalf of WYDOT
Photo: WYDOT screenshot
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.
Staff
WYDOT Director
Darin J. Westby, P.E.
Public Affairs Manager
Doug McGee
Editor
Carlie Dakins
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.
there is an expectation that Wyoming’s roads, bridges and other infrastructure are going to be open, accessible, and safe. He highlighted that WYDOT employees work weekends, holidays and overtime to keep citizens moving.
“I get the praise of everybody’s hard work, but I’m accepting this on behalf of the 1,800 employees that work around the clock to ensure your safe and effective transportation mission is met,” Westby said during his acceptance speech.
According to its website, the Wyoming Business Alliance is a membership-driven partnership of businesses, industries, trade associations and nonprofits that has been advocating for business interests since 1979. The WBA “is Wyoming’s only statewide association representing the interests of individuals and businesses of all sizes,” according to their website. More information can be found here: https://www.wyomingbusinessalliance.com/
WYDOT was recognized as an outstanding public-private partner by the Wyoming Business Alliance at the annual Governor’s Business Forum in Laramie. This was the first time this award has been given to a state agency.
Roadmasters Chapter TOASTMASTERS
Photo: Carlie Dakins/WYDOT
District Briefs
Headquarters Commission awards
almost $65.7 million in contracts in December
CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded almost $65.7 million in contracts for seven Wyoming Department of Transportation construction projects during its Dec. 19 regular business meeting.
The commission awarded a $30.12 million bid to Kilgore Companies LLC, dba Lewis & Lewis Inc., out of Rock Springs for a bridge rehabilitation project involving asphalt paving, aggregate surfacing, grading, traffic control and guardrail work on approximately 10.8 miles of Interstate 80 between Rock Springs and Rawlins in Sweetwater County. The project’s completion date is Oct. 31, 2026.
A $10.77 million bid was awarded to Casper-based Oftedal Construction Inc. for a reconstruction and water/sewer line upgrade project on 16th Street in Wheatland. The project scope includes utility work, asphalt paving, stormwater drainage work, aggregate surfacing, concrete paving, traffic control, grading, electrical work, and sidewalk and curb and gutter work. The project’s completion date is June 30, 2026.
Afton-based Avail Valley Construction-WY LLC was awarded a $10.43 million bid for a paving project involving lane rental, asphalt paving, traffic control, milling, concrete paving, signage, aggregate surfacing and grading work on approximately 8.4 miles of I-80 between Laramie and Rawlins in Carbon County. The project’s completion date is June 30, 2026.
Based out of Minnesota, Bituminous Paving Inc. was awarded an $8.12 million bid for a paving project involving chip seal, asphalt paving, milling, and traffic control work on approximately 12.8 miles of US Highway 85 between Lusk and Hat Creek in Niobrara County. The project’s completion date is June 30, 2026.
The commission awarded a $2.68 million bid to Montana-based Hardrives Construction Inc. for a chip seal project
involving chip sealing and traffic control work at various locations within Campbell, Johnson and Sheridan Counties. The project’s completion date is Aug. 31, 2025.
A $2.12 million bid was awarded to Utah-based Geneva Rock Products Inc. for a chip seal project involving chip sealing and traffic control work at various locations within Lincoln, Sweetwater and Uinta Counties. The project’s completion date is Aug. 31, 2025.
DeBernardi Construction Company Inc., based out of Rock Springs, was awarded a $1.43 million bid for a bridge replacement project involving structure work, asphalt paving, traffic control and sidewalk and curb and gutter work at the structure over Bitter Creek on “N” Street in Rock Springs. The project’s completion date is Oct. 31, 2025.
All of the projects awarded this month are funded primarily with federal dollars. Almost all WYDOT projects are awarded to the lowest bid.
‘Border War’ enforcement nabs six in combined highway safety effort
CHEYENNE – The combined law enforcement effort during the November “Border War” football game between the University of Wyoming and Colorado State University paid off with 247 traffic stops and six impaired driving arrests.
Since 2015, during the day of the college football rivalry game, law enforcement from Albany and Laramie counties in Wyoming team up with agencies from Larimer County, Colorado, to target impaired drivers with emphasis on the routes commonly used to go to the games. This year’s game took place on Nov. 14 in Fort Collins. The routes targeted included Interstate 25, Interstate 80 and US Highway 287.
This year, the agencies conducted 247 traffic stops resulting in six arrests for impaired driving and made five arrests for possession of controlled substances. Participating Wyoming law enforcement agencies also wrote 41 speeding citations, 16 other citations, and issued 188 traffic infraction warnings. There were no fatal crashes reported during the operation.
Fortunately, weather did not play a factor in travel to or from the game.
Agencies involved in Wyoming include the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Laramie Police Department, Albany County Sheriff’s Office, University of Wyoming Police Department, Laramie County Sheriff’s Office and the Cheyenne Police Department.
We don’t have to wait for the next Border War to help keep our highways safe. If you see someone driving impaired, call the Report Every Drunk Driver Immediately (REDDI) hotline number at (800) 442-9090. Callers should be prepared to provide the dispatcher a description of the vehicle, its location and direction of travel.
Commission awards more than $74.8
million
in contracts in November
CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded more than $74.8 million in contracts for eight Wyoming Department of Transportation construction projects during its Nov. 21 regular business meeting.
The commission awarded a more than $26.6 million bid to Cheyenne-based Simon Contractors for a bridge replacement project involving concrete paving, structure work, asphalt paving, aggregate surfacing, grading, traffic control and stormwater drainage on approximately 11.25 miles of Interstate 80 between Cheyenne and Pine Bluffs in Laramie County. The contracted completion date is Nov. 30, 2026.
Sundance-based Croell Inc. was awarded a nearly $17.3 million bid for a bridge rehabilitation project involving asphalt paving, grading, structure work, aggregate surfacing, traffic control, chip seal, stormwater drainage, guardrail, fencing, and erosion control/seeding work on approximately 9.09 miles of Interstate 25 between Casper and Kaycee in Johnson County. The contracted completion date is Oct. 31, 2026.
A nearly $12.2 million bid was awarded to JTL Group Inc., DBA Knife River, based in Cheyenne for a mill, overlay and Americans with Disabilities Act upgrade
project on approximately 2.01 miles of US Highway 287 & US Highway 30 (Third Street) in Laramie. The scope of work involves asphalt paving, grading, structure work, electrical work, sidewalk work, curb and gutter work, traffic control, stormwater drainage, aggregate surfacing and concrete paving work, and the contracted completion date is Oct. 31, 2025.
The commission awarded a more than $9.8 million bid to Lovell-based Mountain Construction Company for a mill, overlay, bridge rehabilitation and fish passing construction project on approximately 8.5 miles of Wyoming Highway 296/Chief Joseph Highway in Park County. The scope of work involves asphalt paving, traffic control, structure work, chip seal, grading, stormwater drainage, milling and aggregate surfacing work, and the contracted completion date is June 30, 2026.
Worland-based McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co. was awarded a $3.8 million bid for a project involving asphalt paving, stormwater drainage, chip seal, traffic control, grading and milling work on approximately 7.9 miles of Wyoming Highway 433 between Worland and Manderson in Big Horn County. The contract completion date is July 31, 2026.
McGarvin-Moberly Construction was also awarded a $2.5 million bid for a project involving asphalt paving, chip seal, grading and traffic control on approximately 5.6 miles of Wyoming Highway 434 between Ten Sleep and Big Trails in Washakie County. The contract completion date is June 30, 2026.
Cheyenne-based Reiman Corp. was awarded $2 million bid for a bridge rehabilitation project involving structure work, traffic control, asphalt paving, guardrail and erosion control/seeding work at various locations within Sublette County. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2025.
The commission also awarded a $496,782 bid to Mills-based King Enterprises for a fencing project involving fencing, clearing/grubbing, grading, and asphalt paving work on approximately 7.2 miles of Wyoming Highway 372 between Kemmerer and Fontenelle in Lincoln County. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2026.
All of the projects awarded are funded primarily with federal dollars. Almost all WYDOT projects are awarded to the lowest bid.
District 1
Pine Bluffs Rest Area on I-80 closes for facility upgrades and repairs
LARAMIE – The Pine Bluffs Rest Area near mile marker 401 on Interstate 80 was temporarily closed due to facility upgrades and repairs.
The closure began at 6 a.m. on Dec. 17 and remained closed through Dec. 19.
Facilities, including restrooms, tourist information areas and parking was closed to the public while upgrades and repairs took place.
Increase in sign theft seen in southeast Wyoming
LARAMIE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation has noticed an increase in sign theft over the last few months.
More signs have been reported stolen each year, with common targets including the ‘Welcome to Wyoming’ or ‘Entering Wyoming’ signs. Other signs such as stop signs, traffic signs and road signs have continued to be stolen as well. Stolen signs can lead to crashes and can pose dangerous conditions to travelers.
“Stolen stop signs cause a great risk to the traveling public. Travelers unfamiliar with an area can blow through an intersection and involve themselves and others in a crash they normally would have stopped or yielded to,” says Mike Ginther, District 1 traffic supervisor.
The large ‘Welcome to Wyoming’ signs cost upwards of $2,000-$3,000 to manufacture and replace, while the smaller ‘Welcome to Wyoming’ signs range from $1,500-$2,000.
Theft in the state of Wyoming, including sign theft, is broken into two theft levels – felony and misdemeanor.
1. If the value of the stolen property or services is $1,000 or more, the person commits a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
2. Person commits misdemeanor theft by stealing property or services valued at less than $1,000. The maximum penalty for misdemeanor
theft is six months’ imprisonment and a $750 fine.
Defacing signs with stickers or markings also carries a fine if caught.
The cost to replace signs and posts, as well as clean defaced and damaged signs comes out of the state highway maintenance budget, which is also used to clear snow, repair potholes and maintain the highways.
Please contact the Laramie District Office at (307) 745-2127 to inform of a missing or stolen sign.
Meriden Rest Area closed temporarily
CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation and Modern Electric temporarily closed the Meriden Rest Area 24 miles northeast of Cheyenne on US Highway 85 on Dec. 13.
Crews installed a drilled shaft foundation for a high mast tower in the parking lot area.
The closure began at 6 a.m. and only lasted the work day.
Facilities and parking were closed until the work was completed.
Traffic shifts at the Central and Yellowstone intersection in Cheyenne
CHEYENNE – Crews with Simon Contractors and the Wyoming Department of Transportation shifted traffic on Dec. 9, 2024.
The shift took place at the US Highway 85/Central Avenue and Yellowstone intersection.
The slab replacement project entered the final phase. The concrete slabs left to replace were in the middle of the intersection which required lanes to be closed intermittently.
Motorists encountered one lane of travel on Yellowstone, as well as turn lane closures from Central Avenue to Yellowstone. The lane closures were phased to minimize the time and impact to the traveling public and the traffic signal timings will be optimized for best operation throughout this phase of the project.
Motorists encountered increased queue lengths and delays. Heavy equipment producing loud noise was required
Briefs continued on page 6
Briefs continued from page 5 to complete the work. WYDOT encourages all drivers to avoid distractions while moving through work zones and to obey all posted signs, signals and other traffic control devices.
The anticipated completion date is early January.
WYO 70 over Battle Pass closed for winter season
LARAMIE – Wyoming Highway 70 over Battle Pass in the Sierra Madres has officially closed for the season.
Wyoming Department of Transportation crews in Baggs and Saratoga decided weather forecasts and current road conditions warranted closing the section of WYO 70.
WYO 70 over Battle Pass (mile markers 27-50) closed Nov. 27 due to strong winds as well as drifting and blowing snow. WYDOT crews in Saratoga and Baggs decided the added wintry weather the area received overnight, including heavy snow and strong winds, warranted the start of the seasonal closure.
Last year, WYO 70 closed on Dec. 4. In previous years, WYO 70 closed Nov. 29 in 2022, Dec. 10 in 2021, and Nov. 14 in 2020.
WYO 70 will remain closed until WYDOT crews can work to clear the accumulated snow in the spring.
District 3
WYO 22, WYO 390 intersection lane closures
JACKSON – Winter has settled in Teton County, but the Wyoming Department of Transportation and contract crews continued to work in Jackson near the intersection of Wyoming Highway 22 and Wyoming Highway 390, as well as on WYO 22/Teton Pass.
WYO 22 and WYO 390 Snake River Bridge
WYDOT and contract crews from Ames Construction placed new, temporary lane markings at the intersection on Dec. 5. The work required lane closures controlled by flaggers. Drivers encountered one-way traffic and delays while the work was underway.
Drivers were advised to be cautious of
roadside workers and expect delays in the evening.
For more information about the ongoing work at the WYO 22 and WYO 390 intersection and Snake River Bridge, visit https://wy22wilsonsrb.com
WYO 22 Teton Pass
WYDOT and Ames continued work on the Big Fill Slide at mile marker 12.8. Crews were working to place lightweight fill at the detour site as the weather allowed. Work on Teton Pass paused for the season Dec. 16.
District 4
WYDOT hosts public meetings for Big Horn Y intersection study
SHERIDAN – The Wyoming Department of Transportation hosted an in-public meeting and launched an online, self-guided input tool to share information and gather input from the public regarding the Big Horn Y intersection near Sheridan. The goal of this public meeting was to review draft alternatives and collect public feedback prior to the final report.
The public meeting was held Dec. 11 at the Big Horn High School commons area, 333 US Highway 335.
The Big Horn Y Intersection is located south of Sheridan and is often used by residents and visitors commuting to and from outlying communities.
The study included a detailed analysis of the intersection and provides recommendations for improving traffic mobility, safety and operations. The public was invited to provide input to be considered as part of the study. The project team was interested in questions about challenges and opportunities related to traffic volumes, operations and road conditions.
The public was able to participate in this study using the online tool from Dec. 11, 2024, through Jan. 11, 2025.
For questions, or to request a physical copy of the survey questions, please contact the study team at: connect@us87intersectionstudy.com.
Study website: https://www.US87IntersectionStudy.com
District 5
DUI law enforcement efforts reduce Fremont County crime
in 2023-24
RIVERTON – A pair of DUI law enforcement teams have been removing drunk drivers from Fremont County roadways, and the teams’ high visibility work has dramatically reduced citizen calls for law enforcement.
Overall, a 62 percent reduction in police calls was realized during 28 Fremont County Multi-Jurisdictional Team (DUI Team) and Fremont County DUI Task Force combined operations in 2023-24. This included a 57.6 reduction in police calls in Riverton, a 76.2 percent reduction in police calls in Lander, and a 100 percent reduction in police calls in Shoshoni.
Members of the task forces include police departments in Lander, Riverton, Shoshoni and Dubois, Wind River Police Department (Bureau of Indian Affairs), Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, and Wyoming Highway Patrol.
Other notable county improvements during the combined task force/team operations included a 1.1 percent drop in Part One crime in 2023-24 when compared to 2022-23, a 9.1 percent drop in total vehicle crashes, an 8 percent decrease in total injuries in vehicle crashes, and a 20 percent decrease in fatal crashes.
Part One crime is violent crime, including murder, rape, aggravated assault, robbery, burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft and arson.
DUI arrests rose from 187 to 190 (1.6 percent) in 2023-24 teams’ operations, and total traffic stops rose from 10,586 (2022-23) to 14,982 (2023-24). Minors in possession of drugs/alcohol arrests rose 30.8 percent from 2022-23 to 2023-24 (81 to 106) and criminal arrests rose 5.2 percent (2,405 to 2,532).
The 28 combined police operations in 2023-24 included 3,609 traffic stops, 1,000 other citations and 2,614 warnings, 54 people arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs, and 208 people arrested on other charges.
By jurisdiction, 10 DUI operations were conducted in Riverton, with 882 traffic stops, 242 citations issued, 677 warnings issued, 19 drivers arrested for DUI, 70 other people arrested, and one
crash investigated; seven DUI operations were conducted in Lander, with 612 traffic stops, 120 citations issued, 510 warnings issued, five drivers arrested for DUI, and 16 other people arrested; and four DUI operations were conducted in Shoshoni, with 348 traffic stops, 67 citations issued, 282 warnings issued, three drivers arrested for DUI, and 14 other people arrested.
While the Fremont County DUI Task Force focuses its efforts on highly-publicized events, such as the Labor Day weekend, the July 4 celebration, Super Bowl weekend, and other events, the DUI Team was formed with specific goals.
DUI Team goals included reducing DUI crashes and fatalities by 10 percent, lowering police stop ratios resulting in DUIs by 10 percent, and reducing overall crime in Fremont County by 5 percent.
Lander Police Chief Scott Peters said the DUI Team operated with funds from a Wyoming Department of Transportation Highway Safety Behavioral Grant.
“County-wide, there was a 20 percent decrease in highway fatalities. All were not located in populated areas or near the primary cities of Fremont County,” Peters said. “All had alcohol on board and two also had a drug combination involving cocaine. The lowest blood-alcohol content in those crashes was determined to be .256 percent.”
Peters said the county stop ratio resulting in DUI saw a 28 percent decrease.
“We found that areas with high DUI crashes/injury crashes in most cases line up with our high crime areas,” Peters said.
Peters said both DUI law enforcement efforts will continue in 2025.
Fremont County DUI Task Force events in 2024 included: New Year’s Day weekend, Dec. 29, 2023, to Jan. 1; Super Bowl, Feb. 9 to Feb. 11; 1A/2A regional basketball tournaments in Lander and Riverton, Feb. 22 to Feb. 24; Memorial Day weekend, May 24 to May 27; Lander Brewfest, June 7 to June 8; July 4 celebrations, July 4 to July 7; Labor Day weekend, Aug. 30 to Sept. 2; and Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 27 to Dec. 1.
2024 (Riverton); April 26, 2024 (Riverton); May 11, 2024 (Lander); May 25, 2024 (Shoshoni/Riverton); June 8, 2024 (Lander/Riverton); June 26, 2024 (Riverton); July 10, 2024 (Shoshoni/Riverton); July 19, 2024 (Riverton); Aug. 2, 2024 (Riverton); Aug. 23, 2024 (Lander); Sept. 11, 2024 (Lander); Sept. 28, 2024 (Shoshoni/Riverton).
Sign vandalism costs
Wyoming taxpayers, compromises highway safety
BASIN – Highway safety is compromised and taxpayers lose when vandals shoot, steal or vandalize roadway signs.
WYDOT District 5 annually inspects about one-third of the roadway signs in Fremont, Hot Springs, Washakie, Big Horn and Park counties, and small slivers of Teton and Natrona counties.
Signing costs are expensive for the Wyoming Department of Transportation, and 476 signs will be replaced and/or upgraded in 2024-25 due to being missing and/or vandalized, or peeling or faded.
“Vandalized and destroyed signs represent 11 percent of the total number of signs (53) being replaced this year, and missing signs (55) make up 12 percent of the signs being replaced,” said WYDOT area traffic supervisor Steven Otto in Basin.
“Including labor, material and equipment use, it’ll cost $13,972 to replace the signs that were vandalized and/or missing in one-third of District 5 (northwest Wyoming) in 2024,” Otto said.
Of the 476 northwest Wyoming signs to be replaced over the next year, 368 (77 percent) are peeling, faded or have reached the end of their usable lives.
Of the 476 signs to be replaced, 263 (55 percent) will be new signs and 213 (45 percent) will be new aluminum overlays.
Sign damage, including vandalism, compromises highway safety, according to Capt. Jeramy Pittsley of the Wyoming Highway Patrol. “We continue to use today’s technology to catch vandals in the act of destroying this public resource,” Pittsley said.
Pittsley encourages citizens witnessing vandalism of signs or other crimes to call the Wyoming Highway Patrol at 1-800442-9090.
The annual closure of US 14A between Burgess Junction and Lovell occurred on Dec. 2.
The annual winter closure of US 14A, west of Burgess Junction, is at milepost 76.04 on the Lovell side of the Bighorn Mountains. The seasonal road closure at Burgess Junction is just east of milepost 98.1. WYDOT annually closes this 22mile stretch of scenic mountain road in the Bighorn Mountains of north-central Wyoming about the end of November. It usually opens for the summer by Memorial Day weekend.
Total number of employees: As of Nov. 27, 2024 1,837 One month ago 1,817 One year ago 1,817
Total number of highway fatalities: As of Dec. 2, 2024 95 One year ago 113 WHP
Newest Highway Patrol Troopers sworn in at ceremony Congratulations to Class 107
By Mark Horan
The Wyoming Highway Patrol welcomed its newest class of troopers at a special commissioning ceremony held at the Wyoming Supreme Court on Dec. 14. The 17 graduates of the Wyoming Highway Patrol Academy Class 107 – one of the largest classes in recent years – were sworn in and received their badges in front of a packed courtroom filled with family, friends, and law enforcement colleagues.
“Today, we’re not just recognizing the completion of training; we’re witnessing the beginning of the careers that will shape the Wyoming Highway Patrol for years to come,” said Colonel Tim Cameron. “Wear those badges with pride, serve with integrity, and always keep in mind the profound impact you can have on the lives you touch every day.”
The new troopers completed either 20 weeks of basic academy training or six weeks of advanced training, depending on their prior law enforcement experience. Their curriculum covered a wide range of topics, including traffic law, firearms, emergency vehicle operations, crash investigation, and anti-bias training.
“You’ve distinguished yourselves and completed an arduous, rigorous training course that prepared you for the next chapter in becoming a Wyoming Highway Patrol Trooper,” Cameron told
the group. “The truth is we – and our state – need you, but both will expect a lot from you. We are the guardians of the Cowboy State.”
The ceremony was presided over by three justices from the Wyoming Supreme Court. Justice John Fenn emphasized the critical role of law enforcement in maintaining the balance between personal freedoms and public safety in his remarks to the group.
“It’s up to the legislature to define what that fine line is. It’s up to the judiciary to determine whether or not you have walked that fine line. But it’s you, law enforcement, that has to walk the fine line on a daily basis,” Fenn said.
With the completion of their training, the new troopers will be stationed across Wyoming. As they begin their careers, Colonel Cameron urged them to uphold the legacy of the Wyoming Highway Patrol while also bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the profession.
“Each of you brings unique experiences, fresh perspectives and new ideas. You are the future of the Wyoming Highway Patrol, and we need your innovation and your vision as you move forward in your careers,” Cameron said.
Wyoming Department of Transportation Director Darin Westby congratulated the group, noting that Wyoming is one of only two states in the country that has a state patrol under the
Wyoming Highway Patrol Class 107 on the Wyoming Supreme Courthouse steps. First row from left: Tpr. Michael Matthews; Tpr. Jason Nunn; and Tpr. Jason Bellman. Second row from left: Tpr. Eric Sorensen-Vanderhoff and Tpr. Joseph Scheerer. Third row from left: Tpr. Jeremy Kmett; Tpr. Shayna Castillo; and Tpr. Travis Bench. Fourth row from left: Tpr. Samuel Hopf; Tpr. Steven Morrow; Tpr. Alanna Kendrick; and Tpr. Michael Denison. Fifth row from left: Tpr. Nathaniel Philpot; Tpr. Matthew Johnson; and Tpr. Tarleton Capelli. Sixth row from left: Tpr. Chance Thomas and Tpr. Brayden Dempsey.
Photo:
Tyler Matheny/Wyoming Highway Patrol
“You are now part of the larger WYDOT brand and WYDOT family,” Westby said. “You’ll be working closely with our maintenance personnel, dispatch, Transportation Management Center, among many others within your respective districts, to bring Wyoming a safe and effective transportation system for all its users.”
“I promise you that they’ll have your back as much as you have theirs,” Westby assured the graduates.
Tpr. Jason Bellman
Trooper Jason Bellman is originally from northern Wisconsin and has lived in Laramie since 2001. He has 18.5 years prior law enforcement experience in Wyoming working both as a detention deputy and police officer.
He will continue serving the Laramie area for the Wyoming Highway Patrol as he will be stationed in Troop J. Bellman is married to Shanna and has three children.
Tpr. Travis Bench
Trooper Travis Bench grew up in Riverton, Wyoming. He transferred from the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, where he was a road deputy for approximately six years. He will remain in Riverton stationed with Troop I.
Tpr. Shayna Castillo
Trooper Shayna Castillo was born and raised in Thermopolis. She has worked in law enforcement for the last seven years in Natrona and Hot Springs Counties.
She will remain in Thermopolis with Troop G.
Tpr. Brayden Dempsey
Trooper Brayden Dempsey grew up in Great Falls, Montana. He began his career with law enforcement in 2017 in Sheridan, Wyoming.
He met his wife in 2020. Throughout moves to Kansas, Idaho and then back to Sheridan, he remained in law enforcement. He and his wife moved back to Sheridan after the birth of their daughter in July of 2023.
Before Trooper Tarleton Capelli moved to Wyoming to become a State Trooper, he was a union carpenter in New Jersey while simultaneously competing in bodybuilding and high-level power lifting.
Prior to that he trained, coached and competed in multiple martial art combat sports for a decade. In 2021, he married his amazing wife. In 2023, he convinced her to quit her job, sell their house, and move more than 2,000 miles away to a state she had never been to before. All so he could pursue a life goal of becoming a state trooper. In that time, Capelli and his wife also had their beautiful son and settled in Cody, Wyoming.
Everything he’s done in his life, he owes to his wife. Through all the dumb, crazy and wild things he’s wanted to do she’s supported and was by his side – every step of the way. Capelli will be stationed with Troop N in Powell.
Dempsey will be stationed with Troop C in Sheridan.
Tpr. Michael Denison
Trooper Michael Denison grew up in Oregon and moved to Idaho in 2012 to start his career in law enforcement. Within this new career, he focused on interdiction.
He came to Wyoming with his wife and two kids to fully enjoy the never-ending winds of southeast Wyoming.
He will be stationed in Arlington with Troop P.
Tpr. Samuel Hopf
Trooper Samuel Hopf is originally from Seattle, Washington but moved his family to Georgia and Alabama while he was serving in the military. In 2022, Hopf separated from the military and moved to Casper, Wyoming for a job servicing explosive detection devices for TSA at airports across Wyoming, South Dakota and Montana.
Hopf chose to join the WHP because he loves Wyoming, He wants to contribute to the state by helping people on their worst days and he wants an excuse to be out on the road during the rough winter weather.
Hopf will be stationed in Casper and will join Troop B.
Tpr. Tarleton Capelli
Bellman
Bench
Capelli
Castillo
Dempsey
Denison
Hopf
Tpr. Matthew Johnson
Trooper Matthew Johnson grew up on a farm west of Manson, Iowa. After graduating from high school in 2014, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He had the privilege of meeting his wife while they were both stationed in Korea, the pair married in 2015.
In 2018, he transitioned to the Army Reserves, where he currently serves as a staff sergeant. Passing time since his discharge from active duty, he has been farming with his father and grandfather, running his own trucking company, and volunteering with his local fire department.
Tpr. Michael Matthews
Trooper Michael Matthews grew up in Wyoming. He has served the state of Wyoming for more than 20 years in a law enforcement career and had the opportunity to join the Wyoming Highway Patrol in August 2024.
He enjoys fishing, goose hunting, coaching baseball and spending time with his family. He is proud to be a part of Wyoming Highway Patrol and continues in the tradition of serving his community.
Matthews is stationed in Torrington and joins Troop F.
Together, he and his wife are proud parents of four children ages 7, 4 and a pair of 2-year old twins. Johnson’s wife has family in Wyoming and Colorado, which was a significant consideration when choosing to join an agency – aiming to move closer to family.
Johnson is stationed in Wheatland joining Troop M.
Trooper Alanna Kendrick grew up in Louisiana in a law enforcement family, as both her father and mother work for the Louisiana State Police. Kendrick’s husband is active duty U.S. Air Force, currently stationed in Cheyenne, Wyoming. They have two wonderful children.
Kendrick began her career with the state of Wyoming at the I-25 Port of Entry in September 2021 and since then has used her experience to advance herself at the WHP. She completed special officer training in June 2022, CVSA level III Part A in August 2022, and CVSA level I Part B training in September 2022.
Tpr. Steven Morrow
Trooper Steven Morrow, was born and raised in New York and became a police officer in New York in 2018. He is married with a child on the way.
Morrow joins Troop E in Rock Springs.
Tpr. Jason Nunn
Trooper Jason Nunn moved to Lander, Wyoming from California in April 2020 with his family. He was hired with the Fremont County Sheriff’s Department in August 2020 and worked there until July 2024 when he started with the Wyoming Highway Patrol. He married his wife, Isabella, in April 2021.
She became a mobile inspector in 2023 attending hazmat, tank and other hazmat training. At that point, she decided she wanted to make more of a difference with highway safety so she applied to become a state trooper and follow in her dad’s footsteps and advance her career.
Kendrick is stationed in Cheyenne and will join Troop A.
Tpr. Jeremy Kmett
Trooper Jeremy Kmett is the first of his Wyoming-born family to be born, not in Wyoming, but in Colorado. He grew up helping on his family ranch in Wyoming and eventually moved to the Bighorn Mountains in 2018. He worked with the Sheridan Police Department for 6.5 years. He is the third generation of police officers in his family.
Kmett will remain in Sheridan and join Troop C.
Nunn wanted to start a career with the Wyoming Highway Patrol because it is the most respected agency in the state. With the WHP, he will have the best opportunity to serve his community and to make his family proud of what he does.
Nunn will remain in Lander and join Troop I.
Tpr. Nathaniel Philpot
Trooper Nathaniel Philpot grew up in southern Illinois and decided to move to Wyoming to join the Wyoming Highway Patrol.
Philpot is stationed in Rawlins and joins Troop H.
Tpr. Alanna Kendrick
Johnson
Kendrick Kmett
Matthews
Morrow
Nunn
Philpot
Tpr. Joseph Scheerer
Trooper Joseph Scheerer was born and raised in Arvada, Colorado. He spent five years in the U.S. Marine Corps right out of high school. After returning home following his discharge from the Marines, he earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
He began working with the Washakie County Sheriff’s Office in 2020 before beginning his career with the WHP. He spends his off-time hunting and fishing.
Scheerer will be stationed in Worland with Troop G.
Tpr. Eric Sorensen-Vanderhoff
Trooper Eric Sorensen-Vanderhoff is from Vernon, New Jersey. He is all about family. He played professional ice-hockey in Estonia and Germany before coming back to the United States.
He chose the Wyoming Highway Patrol because it is the best law enforcement agency in Wyoming.
Sorensen-Vanderhoff will be stationed in Laramie and join Troop J.
Tpr. Chance Thomas
Trooper Chance Thomas is from Johnson County, Kansas. He has two sisters who are both older and two grandparents back in Kansas. Thomas was a police officer for approximately two years before joining the Wyoming Highway Patrol.
He chose the WHP because when he moved to Wyoming he wanted to be part of the best agency in the state. Doing research, he quickly found that the Highway Patrol was that agency. Thomas loves Wyoming and moved here for the cold weather, mountains and wildlife.
Thomas joins Troop K, stationed in Pinedale.
WHP in Douglas hosts seat belt event
By Trooper Valerie Patmore, WHP
On Dec. 23, 2024, WHP Troopers from Troop M in Douglas, conducted a seat belt education event at the Douglas Boys and Girls Club. Troopers taught more than 45 kids, ages 6 to 13, the importance of properly wearing a seatbelt and educated them about the appropriate time to stop using a booster seat. Many good questions were answered. We are proud to be able to assist in teaching the younger generation the importance and safety aspects of wearing their seat belts.
Scheerer Thomas
SorensenVanderhoff
A group from the Douglas Boys and Girls Club gather for a photo with Troopers.
Photo: Valerie Patmore/WHP
Troopers demonstrate on a teddy bear what happens if it were not seat belted in the event of a car crash.
Photo: Valerie Patmore/WHP
A youngster takes a ride on the WHP seat belt convincer. The device simulates a car crash while wearing a seat belt.
Photo: Valerie Patmore/WHP
Highway Safety Crash Responder Safety
Every day, law enforcement, fire and rescue, emergency medical services, towing and recovery, public works, and other transportation professionals work tirelessly to maintain safe public roadways for all road users. The work performed by these men and women saves lives. They deserve our thanks, our respect, and most importantly, our assistance to keep them safe as they perform their duties.
Traffic incident responders are especially vulnerable to the dangers present on or along the roadway. Every year, responders put their lives at risk to clear each of the nearly seven million motor vehicle crashes nationwide, as well as other types of public safety issues, such as a disabled vehicle or roadway debris. Each time, responders put themselves in harm’s way to keep road users safe from roadway hazards and bring life-saving care to those injured. Tragically, hundreds of responders across our nation have been killed while assisting road users in need. Nearly every week, a traffic incident responder is struck and killed while working to keep our roadways safe. Many more responders sustain life-altering injuries.
Since 2016, the Federal Highway Administration has sponsored Crash Responder Safety Week, an annual safety initiative that takes place the second full week in November. Crash Responder Safety Week is a national effort to protect responders who are at the scene of traffic crashes with education and training, and by reminding the public of their responsibility to use caution when driving near incidents involving emergency personnel.
Motorists can take small, simple actions to keep emergency responders and other road users safe. When encountering a traffic incident, reduce your speed and, if safe, move over a lane to give responders space to work. Reducing your speed as you proceed past responders working a traffic incident dramatically reduces the risk of death in the event of a secondary crash. Moving over a lane provides a protective buffer between motorists and responders.
All 50 states and Washington D.C. have adopted “Move Over” laws with the goal of protecting incident responders. In July of 2018, Wyoming enacted the Move Over Law to protect emergency responders as well as utility, construction, and maintenance workers along Wyoming roadways. This law requires motorists to slow down and move over (if possible) for parked emergency responders and others working on the side of the road.
In Wyoming, during the most recent five-year period (20192023), crash responders worked 69,067 traffic crashes. These crashes included 2,348 critical crashes, 10,270 serious crashes, and 56,449 damage crashes with 662 fatal injuries, 2,270 suspected serious injuries, 7,786 suspected minor injuries, and 6,184 possible injuries.
During this period, a motor vehicle struck 12 pedestrian crash responders and eight crash responders occupying vehicles in a
secondary crash that resulted in injuries while the responders were working a previous traffic incident. The responders struck in a secondary crash included seven law enforcement, two Emergency Medical Technicians, four firefighters, and seven tow truck drivers. This resulted in two responder fatal injuries, three responder suspected serious injuries, nine responder suspected minor injuries, and five responder possible injuries. In addition, two law enforcement officers were struck and injured during a traffic stop.
Every road user plays a critical role in Crash Responder Safety—by being educated, prepared, and alert to react properly when encountering emergency scenes, road users can help keep crash responders and other motorists safe by reducing the chances of needless secondary crashes and potentially saving lives. Following the simple steps of slowing down, moving over, and staying alert for crash responders, road users can “Protect Those Who Protect You.”
FAST FACTS
Wyoming crash data from 2019-2023 report that:
• Crash Responders worked 68,933 traffic crashes, including 2,347 critical crashes and 10,268 serious crashes.
• Twenty crash responders were struck in a secondary crash with injuries while working a traffic incident scene, resulting in two responder deaths.
• Law Enforcement and Tow Truck Operators are the Crash Responders most often stuck in a secondary crash while working a traffic incident.
GOOD TO KNOW
• Wyoming enacted the “Move Over” law in July of 2018.
• Reducing speed and moving over a lane significantly reduces the risk of death in the event of a secondary crash.
CRASH CATEGORIES:
Critical Crashes – fatal and suspected serious injury crashes.
Serious Crashes – suspected minor injury and possible injury crashes.
Damage Crashes – no apparent injury and injury unknown crashes.
BY THE NUMBERS
Wyoming crash data
December 1, 2024 vs. (December 1, 2023):
Fatalities: 91 (136)
Serious Injuries: 378 (426)
Alcohol-Involved Fatalities: 19 (32)
Bicycle-Involved Fatalities: 1 (1)
CMV-Involved Fatalities: 12 (33)
Drug-Involved Fatalities: 8 (32)
Motorcycle-Involved Fatalities: 23 (15)
Pedestrian-Involved Fatalities: 5 (10)
Speed-Related Fatalities: 44 (64)
Data current as of 12/10/2024
Wyoming Highway Patrol promotes KC Ramsey to major
By Mark Horan
The Wyoming Highway Patrol has promoted KC Ramsey to the rank of major, effective Oct. 16. As the new Support Services Commander, Ramsey will oversee the Equipment, Safety and Training, Commercial Carrier Operations, and Dispatch sections of Patrol.
“Major Ramsey is exceptionally well-suited for this role,” said Col. Tim Cameron. “He has demonstrated strong leadership, a deep commitment to the agency, and the ability to efficiently manage complex operations. We have the utmost confidence in his abilities to excel in this new position.”
Ramsey joined the Wyoming Highway Patrol in 2001 after starting his law enforcement career with the Capitol Police. Over the past 23 years, he has steadily risen through the ranks, serving as a trooper, lieutenant, and most recently as the Commercial Carrier captain.
In addition to his expanded supervisory role, Ramsey will also now be responsible for coordinating the Patrol’s budget and federal grants. Ramsey said he’s honored and humbled by the promotion.
“I look forward to the challenges ahead and to continuing my service to this agency and the people of Wyoming,” said Maj. Ramsey. “I am grateful for the support of my family, colleagues, and the leadership of the Wyoming Highway Patrol.”
The promotion ceremony was attended by current and former members of the Wyoming Highway Patrol and other representatives from the Wyoming Department of Transportation. Lt. Col. Karl Germain, the former Support Services Commander, emceed the ceremony and praised Ramsey for his dedication, character, and ability to earn the trust of those he leads.
Letters
Interchange appreciated outside WYDOT walls
Carlie,
I am relatively new at the Wyoming Trucking Association. I was reading Interchange today and took particular interest in a few articles:
1) Marc Anderson and winter maintenance program. Specifically, the snow fence evaluation.
2) AASHTO research award for twolane highway passing systems. They were great articles – I really enjoyed this last issue. Well done!
Kevin Hawley President/CEO
Wyoming Trucking Association
Wyoming Highway Patrol Col. Tim Cameron (left) congratulates newly-promoted Maj. KC Ramsey on at a November pinning ceremony in Cheyenne.
Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT
‘Santa brought a bike!’
WYDOT HQ sees another successful holiday bike drive
By Jordan Young
Many kids around Laramie County woke up to a new bike under their Christmas tree thanks to the generosity of the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s Headquarters employees in this year’s annual holiday bike drive.
WYDOT employees donated a grand total of 33 bikes, helmets and $430 in extra cash this year, up from the 30 bikes and $450 donated last Christmas!
“Thank you to every employee and program who donated a bike, money or time to this year’s bike drive,” said Public Affairs Officer Doug McGee. “We know how tight budgets can be this time of year, and your generosity does not go unnoticed.”
WYDOT’s Public Affairs Office works with the Boys and Girls Club to identify
the quantity and sizes of bikes requested by the children in the program. The Boys and Girls Club is a nonprofit mentorship program for youth in communities all over the country, with low/no-cost programming aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles, academic success and leadership development.
Before partnering with the Boys and Girls Club, the Cheyenne Fire Department helped coordinate the bike deliveries to the families. This is the sixth bike drive WYDOT has hosted.
To learn more about the Cheyenne chapter of the Boys and Girls Club, visit their website: https://bgcsew.org/s/
WYDOT Director Darin Westby (left) shakes the hand of Justin Pendleton, chief executive officer of the Cheyenne chapter of Boys and Girls Club, after another successful WYDOT holiday bike drive.
Photo: Carlie Dakins/WYDOT
WYDOT Headquarters employees donated 33 bikes and additional cash to the Cheyenne Boys and Girls Club during this year’s holiday bike drive.
Photo: Carlie Dakins/WYDOT
Employee Safety Infrequent task and inadequate training leads to employee injury
By Colter Bame, Senior Safety and Inspection Specialist
Recently an employee was injured in the process of moving a box plow. Using a front-end loader, the employee attempted to rotate the plow using lifting chains and the loader arms. Chains had been connected to the back of the box plow.
As the employee began to walk away, the plow rolled, striking the employee and pinning them to the ground. The employee was pinned under the plow for approximately 45 minutes before help arrived.
It is highly recommended that two people are present when moving or transporting box plows. Additionally, anytime employees are rigging equipment, two people should be present.
When moving or storing box plows and other stored equipment:
• Moving equipment must be included in the Job Safety Analysis as required in PER 19-14. A JSA must be completed before performing the task.
• Since box plows are top-heavy, ensure that the heaviest part of the equipment faces downward and that the plow is fully secured with adequate cribbing to avoid tipping.
• Documented training should be provided annually for all employees using plow attachments and sanders.
• Daily toolbox talks should cover tasks to be performed each day along with known hazards and infrequent tasks in accordance with PER 19-16.
WHP lends opioid expert to train state employees
By Jordan Striff
Employee Safety would like to commend WHP Evidence Supervisor Monica Rowan for her efforts in training state employees on opioid awareness.
Gov. Mark Gordon had established a statewide Fentanyl review board last year, and WYDOT and WHP was tasked with providing that training.
Rowan engages employees during the 3-hour opioid awareness trainings using her expertise from her time with the Wyoming Highway Patrol.
Employees from any state agency are welcome to attend the trainings when offered.
To date, she has taught eight classes to 259 state employees.
A box plow detached from a plow truck.
Photo: WYDOT
A recent opioid training held in Cheyenne saw 70 employees from seven different agencies participate
Photo: WYDOT
Monica Rowan during a recent opioid training session.
Photo: WYDOT
District News
Headquarters
Welcome
Carissa Coursey, Highway Project Management Oversight; and Steven Salazar, Procurement ServicesStoreroom.
Promotions and Transfers
Stephanie Bellis, Planning-Statistics/ Inventory; David Crenshaw, PatrolRecords; James Deines, Right of WayAppraisals; Chrystal Good, Driver Services-Cheyenne; Lance Jenkins, Equipment-Mechanics; Suzanne Roseberry, GIS/ITS.
Service Awards
Laurie Morris, Financial ServicesPayroll – 20 years; Kelly Brittain, Office Services-Files –15 years; and Britteny Muniz, Patrol Records – 5 years.
Retirements
Lois Neckel, a senior specialist at the Transportation Management Center in Cheyenne, retired in November with 16 years of service.
Laura Steege retires from Cheyenne Driver Services
By Mark Horan
Friends, colleagues and family wished Cheyenne Driver Services Supervisor Laura Steege well at her retirement celebration Nov. 1 in Cheyenne.
Renee Kocina, the deputy program manager for Driver Services, was on hand to provide some remarks.
“When Laura began her career with Driver Services 40 years ago, a gallon of gas was $1.13, a pound of bacon was $1.19, a gallon of milk was $1.89 and a loaf of bread was 66 cents – wow, how times have changed!” Kocina said. “I’m sure none of us can fathom the amount of change Laura’s witnessed during that time, from the evolution of the driver’s license to the ever changing rules of the road. Yet, she adapted and thrived through it all.”
Steege’s impact went far beyond just keeping up with the times. Kocina noted Steege has been “a constant source of knowledge, a helping hand to new employees, and a friendly face to the countless Wyomingites who have walked through our doors.”
“Laura truly left a lasting positive impression on the citizens of Cheyenne and beyond,” Kocina said. “People always tell me what a great experience they had with Laura when visiting the office.”
Kocina described a career of Steege calming nervous teenagers taking their driving test, patiently explaining the intricacies of obtaining a driver’s license, and greeting everyone with kind words and a smile – even the most frustrated customers.
“Your commitment to serving the people’s Wyoming is truly commendable, and your presence is going to be deeply missed,” Kocina told Steege.
When asked how she was able to maintain such a positive attitude day in and day out, Steege smiled and simply said, “I just try and treat people the way I’d like to be treated.”
Daniel Kindsvater, Emergency Communications-WyoLink Operations.
Service
Awards
Joshua Blanchard, Port of Entry-Laramie – 20 years.
Retirements
Mark Urban, senior construction and field surveyor with District 1 construction in Cheyenne, retired in November with 26 years of service. Urban was a staple in the Cheyenne Resident Engineers office since he started with the agency in the late 90s.
Oops!
Beth Hansen was misidentified as Erin King in the top photo on page 15 in the “Trucks are for Girls!” story printed in the December issue. We apologize for the error.
Laura Steege (right) and Renee Kocina at Steege’s retirement celebration in Cheyenne.
Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT
Deines
Brittain Muniz
Jenkins
Blanchard
Urban
District 2
Welcome
Dillion Hanks, Muddy Gap Maintenance; Corrine Hutchins, Driver Services-Torrington; and Kevin Sandoval Chugwater Maintenance.
Promotions and Transfers
Glenn Maguire, Douglas Construction; Adam Peterson, Kaycee Maintenance; and Cody Simshauser, Kaycee Maintenance.
Mark Bailey, Muddy Gap Maintenance – 5 years; Lawrence Huelle, Shirley Rim Maintenance – 5 years; and Kenneth Tiemersma, Casper Maintenance – 5 years.
Retirements
William “Buck” Klemola, a principal engineer with District 2 construction in Torrington, retired in November with 40 years of service. Klemola started with the Highway Department as a highway engineer associate in Douglas, and also served as a resident engineer, and a highway construction engineer/contract supervisor in Douglas as well as a highway construction project supervisor/ project engineer in Torrington. Klemola earned his bachelor’s degree from RoseHulman Institute of Technology in Indiana.
District 2 Equipment Supervisor Terry Uhrich presented Toby Bessey, Casper Shop technician (left) with his certificates for the three of his Fundamentals of Service tests that he passed – hydraulics, electrical and welding.
District 3
Welcome
Congratulations
In October, Brittany Branson was recognized by her crew for going above and beyond. Branson’s team celebrated with her when she received her Extra Mile Award.
2 Equipment Supervisor
presented Zach Armstrong, Casper Shop technician with his certificates for the two Fundamentals of Service tests he passed in administrative procedures and welding.
Daniel Marshall, Lyman Maintenance; Wayne Neal, Afton Maintenance; and Ryan Ramey, Pinedale Maintenance.
Promotions and Transfers
Phillip Snow, Lyman Maintenance.
Service Awards
Randall Helm, Afton Traffic-Striping – 10 years; and Zackary Toman, Wamsutter Maintenance – 5 years.
Retirements
Matthew Brackin, a Highway Patrol Lieutenant based in Jackson, retired in November with more than 22 years of service. Brackin started as a Trooper in Wamsutter before transferring to Rock Springs, Pinedale and ultimately, Jackson. Brackin earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and previously served as a Rock Springs police officer. In his spare time, Brackin enjoys exploring on his dirt bike/ATV, camping and tennis.
Photo: WYDOT
Photo: WYDOT
Maguire
Simshauser
Peterson
Bailey
Tiemersma
Smith
Huelle
Klemola
District
Terry Uhrich (right)
Photo: WYDOT
Helm Brackin
District 4
Welcome
Christopher Bowes, Port of EntryGillette; Tyler Carlson, Sheridan Maintenance-Guardrail; Clinton Cooley, Gillette Mechanics; Ted Stoltenberg, Reno Junction Maintenance;
Tony Thorpe, Port of Entry-Sheridan.
Promotions and Transfers
Terry Cheairs, Gillette Maintenance.
Service
Awards
Jared Williams, Patrol-Sundance – 10 years; Corey Hill, Sheridan TrafficStriping – 5 years; and Ryan Smith, Sundance
Construction – 5 years.
Retirements
Becky Kobielusz began her career with the old Wyoming Highway Department, WYDOTs predecessor agency, on Nov. 1, 1982 as a dispatcher for District 4 in Sheridan. After a short stint there, she moved to maintenance and became one of the first female snow plow operators in Sheridan. She recalls her supervisor not
allowing her to learn to plow, so when he was gone she talked her heavy into training her to prove she could do it. She spent 17 years working in maintenance before moving to construction, where she worked for an additional 25 years. Kobielusz’s favorite project was the construction of the Sheridan/Dietz Port of Entry complex, which included the construction of the buildings, interchange and bridges on that project.
When not building roads and bridges, Kobielusz can be found in the arena riding her ponies. She and her daughter are avid barrel racers and pole benders –which she looks forward to continuing. Her historical knowledge of projects over the years has been a valued asset and will missed.
Kobielusz received a shadow box displaying 40 years of WYDOT service pins and a photo of her working on the North Sheridan Interchange Project.
Trent McKinley retired from WYDOT in November after 44 years of service. All but one of those years was spent as a maintainer at Burgess Junction.
McKinley is known for his broad smile and infectious positive attitude. He enjoys the mountain life, the outdoors and recalls the opportunity to raise his children there. The annual opening of US 14A was one of his favorite times of the snow season. Trent looks forward to doing absolutely nothing in retirement – at least until his wife says otherwise.
Morgan Layton, Thermopolis Construction.
Service Awards
Shane Wilson, Thermopolis Maintenance – 25 years; Chase Mead, Thermopolis Mechanics – 10 years; and Bret Moore, Basin Construction – 10 years.
We salute the following Director’s Extra Mile Award recipients. This award is presented to individuals who have “traveled the extra mile” in service of WYDOT.
Holkan
For more information about the Extra Mile Award or to nominate an employee, contact
Becky
Photo: Laura Dalles/WYDOT
Trent McKinley holds a retro sign that commemorates his retirement.
Photo: Laura Dalles/WYDOT
Stoltenberg
Cheairs
Smith
Cooley
Williams
Hill
Wilson
Moore
WTDEA Headquarters Chapter names
their Member of the
Year
By Carlie Dakins
At the recent Christmas party held in Cheyenne on Dec. 7, Audrey Hobbs, staff technician with WYDOT Construction Staff and WTDEA interim president, was voted WTDEA Member of the Year. WYDOT Headquarters employees were allowed to nominate and then vote for their favorite WTDEA member. The nomination and voting process began in November, one month prior to the Christmas party reveal.
Hobbs took on the interim president role when Stephanie Lowe stepped down from her presidential duties in July when she left WYDOT for another employment opportunity. Hobbs has held many roles within the Headquarters Chapter and also with State Board. Her knowledge of the group and activities are nearly second nature to her. The member of the year title is well earned and deserved.
Interim Vice President Chris
ulating WTDEA Interim
the
WTDEA
Fisher (left) congrat-
President Audrey Hobbs who was awarded
member of the year award at the WTDEA Adult Christmas party in Cheyenne.
Photo: Jordan Young/WYDOT
Passings
Wesley R. Coulson
Wesley “Wes” Ray Coulson, 79, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, passed away unexpectedly at home on Nov. 29, 2024.
He was born on August 20, 1945, in Buffalo, Wyoming, to Katherine and Ray Coulson. He graduated from Worland High School in 1963. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1963 and served until 1967. He moved to Cheyenne in 1978 where he worked at American National Bank. He met and married the love of his life, Virginia Bowers in 1979.
Soon after that, he found work at the old Wyoming Highway Department, WYDOTs predecessor agency, in the Management Services/Training sections. He retired from the agency with 30 years of service to the state.
He was a part of Cheyenne Frontier Days, volunteering his time for more than 40 years, including time on various committees: Wagon Doctors, Parade Committee and a member of the HEELS.
He was also a huge Denver Broncos fan and an avid Budweiser collector. He also loved all sports and being with his family. He would give you the shirt off his back and loved everyone.
Coulson’s celebration of life was held Dec. 7 at The Gathering Place. A military honors service will be held at the cemetery at a later date.
David C. Lindmier
David Charles Lindmier, 82, passed away on Nov. 7, 2024, at his home in Douglas after fighting a battle with prostate cancer for a number of years.
He was born in Douglas, Wyoming, on Sept. 10, 1942, the fourth child of William Clyde and Mabel Eleanor (Tallman) Lindmier, and brother to Virginia, Ruth and William Jr.
uated from Douglas High School in 1960 and went on to the University of Wyoming from 1960-1963. He met his wife of 61 years, Virginia Ruth Curtis, through his friendship with her brother. They were married on July 4, 1963, and they built their lives in Douglas with their two daughters, Cindy and Amy.
Lindmier began working for the old Wyoming Highway Department, WYDOTs predecessor agency, during the summers of 1961-1962 while he was still attending UW. He was hired on full-time in June 1963 as an engineer’s helper when the Interstate program was just getting underway. Lindmier worked his entire career in the Douglas shop as an engineer on construction crew 206. He was an engineer for 33 years before retiring in the summer of 1995.
He had a deep love of all things Wyoming Cowboys and enjoyed watching the football games and discussing them with family and friends. Lindmier had a love of the outdoors and as their children were growing up many trips to the mountains, fishing, and enjoying time with his friends and family were in order. He enjoyed creek fishing and always had the advice that, if you can see the fish they can see you. He also enjoyed learning more of ancient and passed cultures, you could often see him looking to learn more of different Native American cultures and artifacts.
After retirement, he found a love for the game of golf and enjoyed many years and games on various courses. As his battle with prostate cancer grew and golf was too much, he still enjoyed a ride in the golf cart helping to coach from the seat.
He lived his life in Douglas and grad-
His family members always enjoyed giving him new names such as Papa Turkey, Pop Pop, and The Grinch. These names would be used often and usually got a smile out of someone in the room at the time. During the holidays he would enjoy embracing his nickname of Grinch, especially to the grandkids and great grandkids.
Services were held Nov. 13, 2024, at Gorman Funeral Homes-Converse Chapel in Douglas with Ron Lamber officiating and William “Buck” Klemola as the eulogist. Interment was in the Douglas Park Cemetery.
Barry W. Tippy
Barry William Tippy, 60, passed away Dec. 16, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family in Green River, Wyoming, after fighting a courageous battle with cancer. He was a 27 year resident of Green River.
He was born May 17, 1964, in Carbondale, Illinois, the son of James William Tippy and Moira Glacken Tippy.
Tippy lived a life filled with devotion to family, community and service.
His early years were shaped in New Jersey, where he attended Cherry Hill East High School, graduating in 1982. Tippy’s journey of service began in the U.S. Air Force. During his distinguished military career, he attended basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas and served as security police stationed in Turkey and Japan. He also served at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, eventually being honorably discharged from F.E. Warren Air Force Base. His service to his country seamlessly transitioned to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, where he dedicated 23 years, culminating in his role as Trooper 3 and K-9 Coordinator, retiring in 2021.
His passion for life extended beyond his professional commitments. He was the proud co-owner of Red White Buffalo for five years. Before this endeavor, he demonstrated his commitment to duty as a petroleum transfer engineer at a BP Station in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. True to his resourceful nature, Tippy wore many hats with pride and cherished every experience.
Adventurous, relatable and charming, Barry embraced life’s array of activities. He cherished traveling, embarking on nature’s trails, and indulging in the arts of cooking, gardening and swimming. Enthusiastic about fitness and staying active, Tippy enthusiastically combined his love for exercise with storytelling, offering hours of captivating histories and tales to friends and family alike. His unique collection of historical memorabilia testified to his passion for history, with each item
Coulson
Lindmier
Tippy
holding a treasured story.
As a remarkable K-9 officer, Tippy’s bond with dogs exemplified his talents for discipline and deep connection to his furry companions.
A devoted family man, he found boundless joy and companionship in his wife, Bonnie, the love of his life. Togeth er, they built a home filled with love and laughter, raising sons WHP Sgt. Cody Tippy, of Laramie, and Aaron, Tanner, Rowdy, of Green River, alongside daugh ters, Shelby and Ivory “Bug,” both of Green River as well as three grandchil dren. His legacy of love and life lessons also lives on through all of his surviving relatives. For a full listing, please visit: https://www.vasefuneralhomes.com/obit uary/barry-tippy
His presence in the lives of those he touched will be profoundly missed.
Military Honors and celebration of life was held Dec. 23, 2024, at Sweetwater Events Complex in Rock Springs.
May Barry rest in peace, and may his tales inspire from beyond, continuing the joy and warmth he brought to the world.
Pets
Headquarters
holiday hijinks – elf edition
WYDOT’s Elf on a Shelf issued a harsh reminder about distracted driving.
Photo: WYDOT
WYDOT’s Elf on a Shelf dangled precariously from some Christmas lights - where is his fall protection?
Photo: WYDOT
WYDOT’s Elf on a Shelf had some fun with the holiday bike drive donations.
Photo: WYDOT
Christmas (it’s a) wrap
There’s no monopoly on Christmas cheer
Winners of the ninth annual WTDEA decorating contest announced
By Jordan Young
The holiday spirit was alive and well around the halls of WYDOT as employees and programs competed in the ninth annual Wyoming Transportation Department Employees Association holiday decorating contest.
Entries were judged on attention to stated theme, originality, completeness, and visual impact, among other criteria. Entrants did not need to be WTDEA members to participate.
The winners are listed below – thank you to all who spread cheer around their offices this year!
Headquarters:
• Program: Financial Services – Holiday Monopoly
• Room: Utilities – the Nightmare before Christmas
Honorable Mention: Materials Lab training room – Santa’s Workshop
• Door: HR – Snowman
Honorable Mention: Grants and Contracts – AI Christmas movies (for their creative idea)
• Display: WHP Monica Rowan –Gremlins
Honorable mentions for District WYDOT Locations outside of Headquarters:
• Door: Dist. 1 Laramie Drivers Services –Grinch
• Room: Dist. 4 the Newcastle/Sundance Driver Services –Winter Wonderland
Financial Services won the best program category with their life-sized holiday Monopoly game.
Photo: Carlie Dakins/WYDOT
The Utilities program won the best room category with their Nightmare Before Christmas theme.
Photo: Robyn Eifert/WYDOT
Photo: WYDOT
Driver Services in Sundance and Newcastle received an honorable mention in the room category for their “Winter Wonderland.”
Laramie’s Driver Services office received an honorable mention in the door category for their Grinch display
Photo: Robyn Eifert/WYDOT
WYDOT’s Human Resources won best door category with their snowman tree.
Photo: Robyn Eifert/WYDOT
Shop with a cop
By Valerie Patmore, WHP
In early December, Troopers Daniel Adame, K-9 Zoey, Valerie Patmore, and Sgt. Walt Ray from Division B participated in the annual Casper Shop with a Cop. The troopers and local law enforcement agencies assisted more than 350 kids with picking out Christmas gifts in the Casper area. It was an incredible event filled with joy and holiday cheer.
On Dec. 21st, Troop M, participated in the Shop with a Cop initiative in Douglas. WHP Troopers helped more than 50 incredible kids and families shop, wrap presents and hand out food baskets. A few days later in Glenrock and in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies in the area, Troopers delivered more than 30 meals and presents to deserving families.
The food baskets were made possible by the Wyoming Hunger Initiative, launched by First Lady Jennie Gordon in 2019.
It was an honor to be involved and make a difference for the holiday.
Deserving families received more than just gifts. They were also delivered food from
Sgt. Walt Ray and youngster out shopping for holiday presents.
Photo: Valerie Patmore/WYDOT
Trooper Valerie Patmore with a young girl at the Casper Shop with a Cop event.
Photo: Valerie Patmore/WYDOT
Trooper Daniel Adame with K-9 Zoey at the Casper Shop with a Cop event.
Photo: Valerie Patmore/WYDOT
Troopers from Troop M deliver gifts to a family in the Glenrock area along with other law enforcement officers.
Photo: Valerie Patmore/WYDOT
Trooper Cody Smith helped these youngsters pick out gifts for their family members.
Photo: WHP
Trooper Valerie Patmore shopping with children at the Douglas Shop with a Cop event.
Photo: WHP
the First Lady’s Wyoming Hunger Initiative.
Photo: WHP
Parades – WYDOT and WHP style
District 1 maintenance crews decorated a plow for the Laramie Christmas parade this year. From left to right: Keith Brix, Mike Mora, Derek May, Robert Hauck, Kyle Allbright, Jarid Trujillo, Edwin Leyba, Galvin Sandoval, Austin Baker.
WHP Trooper Valerie Patmore smiles as she participates in this year’s Casper Christmas Parade. “The tradition was a joyful celebration and an unforgettable memory for all involved,” she told Interchange
Hold on Santa! A WYDOT plow spread Christmas cheer and advertised job openings during the downtown Laramie Christmas parade.
LaRue, with your lights so bright, won’t you guide this parade tonight? District 1’s Brian Perry (left) and Tony Scott and drove a LaRue rotary plow in the
this year.
Photo: WYDOT
Photo: WYDOT
Rawlins Christmas parade
Photo: WYDOT
Photo: WHP
District 2’s WTDEA chapter submitted a float for the Casper Christmas Parade.
Photo: Zachary Owen
WHP Lt. Clint Christensen and his family pose with the WHP’s 1958 Buick squad car, which participated in the Casper Christmas Parade this year.
Photo: WHP
Wyoming Highway Patrol Troop B and their families were riding in style in the WHP’s 1958 Buick squad car during the Casper Christmas Parade.
Photo: WYDOT
District 1 Rawlins Mechanics Markus Bouley and Tony Scott and their decked-out loader-mounted rotary and snow plow helped spread both Christmas cheer and safety reminders in the Saratoga holiday parade.
Photo: WYDOT
Photo: Mark Heuer, Day Weather Meteorologist
Gnomio and his friends joined the Buffalo Christmas parade wishing parade goers a happy holiday. District Clerk Keri Griffith painted the plow, winning second place in the commercial division.
Photo: Laura Dalles/WYDOT
District 4’s Rusty Speidel out of Sundance showed off his artistic talents by painting two of their V-plows with a flying eagle and ‘snow monster’. Both were a huge hit at the holiday parade.
Photo: Laura Dalles/WYDOT
Photo: Laura Dalles/WYDOT
Outdoors
Lenaya Alverson, with Local Government Coordination, shows off her 2024 buck. Hunting is definitely how she and her husband spend most of their outdoor time!
a family hunt, Compliance and Investigation employ-
with the Public Affairs Office, traveled to Oahu, Hawaii, for a December vacation in a tropical location. This is Kapolei Beach on the island of Oahu.
Right: The Public Affairs Office’s Carlie
traveled to the East Caribbean and Panama for a warm December vacation. She hiked to a hidden waterfall – with the help of a guide – through a tropical rainforest on the island of Grenada.
During
ee Shannon Ferree harvested this whitetail on Wyoming public land. Ferree is pictured with her husband, Cliff, and sons Waylon and Cannon.
Photo: Shannon Ferree
Photo: Lenaya Alverson
Above: Holly Garrison,
Photo: Holly Garrison
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens as seen by Holly Garrison while she visited the Honolulu area of Oahu, Hawaii.
Photo: Holly Garrison
Dakins
Photo: Carlie Dakins
Shannon Ferree wanted to share this photo of her 9-yearold son’s first turkey harvest. Waylon, 9, shot his first turkey on Wyoming public land, pictured here with his little brother Cannon, age 5.
Photo: Shannon Ferree
Break Time
Sudoku time! What are the 3 rules of Sudoku?
• Each row should have numbers 1-9, no repeats.
• Each column should have numbers 1-9, no repeats.
• Each 3x3 quadrant should have numbers 1-9, no repeats. Have fun!
Answer to the December 2025 Break Time word search: 9 7 4 3 3 3 5 4 8 6 8 6 7 5 2 1 9 5 7 9 7 6 2
