Interchange July 2022
Vol. 50, Iss. 7
Historic Yellowstone area flooding
Photo: Cody Beers
When times are tough, people come together and help each other
By Cody Beers That’s the case in Cooke City, Montana, a community cut off from Gardiner, Montana, Mammoth, Wyoming, and Livingston, Montana, by historic flooding in the north half of Yellowstone National Park. Beginning June 12, unprecedented amounts of rainfall caused substantial flooding, rock slides and mud slides within the north half of Yellowstone National Park and southern Montana including Gardiner, Livingston and Red Lodge. Historic water levels, aided by wet, heavy late-May snow, caused severe damage to roads, water and wastewater systems, power lines, roadways and bridges, and
other critical infrastructure. The historic flooding sent floodwaters down Main Street in Red Lodge and washed out roadways between Mammoth Hot Springs inside Yellowstone and Gardiner, the north entrance into Yellowstone. Flood waters led to saturated soils in Wyoming, too. The rising rivers nearly washed out a bridge on US 212, threatened the Clarks Fork River bridge on WYO 296 near Crandall, and threatened a pair of highway bridges on WYO 120 near Edelweiss and Clark north of Cody. WYDOT maintenance workers rallied to move logs, downed trees and other debris from the upstream side of the bridges on WYO 296 and WYO 120; water levels
began dropping on June 13-14. Workers also moved core-drilling rigs to the bridges in case they were forced to drill holes in the three bridges to keep them from floating downstream. Thankfully, flood waters receded through the week. Later the same week, WYDOT borrowed an excavator from Park County, Wyoming, maintenance and placed large rock around an abutment on a US 212 bridge east of Cooke City. The rock riprap was placed to help the bridge withstand another big water event. WYDOT pitched in, helping Yellowstone assess damage inside the northeast entrance of Yellowstone. A WYDOT drone flew the area, collected photoContinued on page 3
Contents Features
1 Historic Yellowstone area flooding When times are tough, people come together and help each other
9 Wyoming’s NEVI plan available for public comment Funding to install EV charging infrastructure across the state
10 Concrete example FHWA’s Mobile Concrete Technology Center visits Wyoming for the first time
11 Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame
Interchange Vol. 50, Issue 7 Interchange is published for employees of the Wyoming Department of Transportation by its Public Affairs Office and a number of field correspondents. Interchange invites submissions from all employees. Please send them to either your district correspondents or to: Carlie Van Winkle, Interchange editor 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, Wyoming, 82009-3340 or send an email to carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov.
Staff WYDOT Director: K. Luke Reiner
2022 inductee named
12 WHP commissions Class 102
Public Affairs Manager:
Five newly commissioned troopers join ranks
Editor:
Doug McGee Carlie Van Winkle
Contributors:
Programs & Partner Agencies Aeronautics...................................................................................................23 Game & Fish..................................................................................................16 Training......................................................................................................... 14
Also in this issue District Briefs..................................................................................................3 By the Numbers..............................................................................................7 District News................................................................................................ 18
Jordan Achs Matt Groth Mark Horan Carlie Van Winkle Andrea Staley Jeff Goetz Stephanie Harsha Laura Dalles Cody Beers Sgt. Jeremy Beck
Public Affairs Public Affairs Public Affairs Public Affairs District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 Patrol
Photography: Rick Carpenter
Public Affairs
Be sure to check out the online version of Interchange at http://issuu.com/wydot.pao or click on the link found on the employee’s internal website home page.
Letters...........................................................................................................22 Passings........................................................................................................22 WTDEA..........................................................................................................24 Break Time....................................................................................................27
Kindly recycle this publication after reading.
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A WYDOT PUBLICATION
District Briefs District 1
WYDOT, contractor begin signalization project in Cheyenne CHEYENNE – Crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and Advanced Electrical Contracting, Inc. were scheduled to begin a signalization project at the intersection of Wyoming Highway 219/Yellowstone Road and Wyoming Highway 212/Four Mile Road on Monday, weather permitting. The project includes installing traffic signals and restriping the intersection. Delays at the intersection are expected to be minor because most work is off-roadway. Drivers are encouraged to slow down through the intersection and watch for workers close to the road. When crews are striping, watch for wet paint and slow-moving equipment. In any work zone, motorists are asked
to buckle up and avoid driving distracted. This project is expected to be complete before spring 2023.
Seasonal paving operations underway in Albany County LARAMIE – Maintenance crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation have begun seasonal paving operations in Albany County. Work has begun on the Interstate 80 service road/Old US 30 near Vedauwoo, between mileposts 3.6-5. This operation was expected to take only a couple of days. Crews then began paving Meadowlark interchange off of East Grand Avenue in the Pilot Hill. The intersection was closed during paving operations with detours in place. Once that section was complete, crews focused on various locations on WYO
130/Snowy Range Road at mileposts 31.87-32.88 and 33.19-33.37.
Pursuit ends near Elk Mountain ELK MOUNTAIN – Two New Mexico residents were taken into custody following a pursuit on June 14. The pursuit started shortly after 1:15 p.m. after Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers attempted to stop a 2005 Chrysler 300 for speeding on Interstate 80 west of Elk Mountain. The suspect vehicle entered a construction zone as the trooper caught up with the suspect vehicle to conduct a traffic stop. The driver of the Chrysler started driving in the closed lane to evade law enforcement. The driver of the Chrysler fled from the trooper and exited into the Elk Mountain area. As troopers responded, the suspect vehicle’s driver began to travel on dirt roads towards Medicine Bow Briefs continued on page 4
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Photo: Cody Beers
Continued from front cover graphs and video showing three large washouts in the Yellowstone roadway. WYDOT engineers attended a town meeting in Cooke City the weekend of June 17-19. WYDOT then visited businesses on June 20, and worked with the National Park Service, Park County, Montana, and local leaders to schedule a public information sharing meeting on June 23. The June 23 meet was attended by more than 120 citizens and local, county, state and federal government officials. Scenic Beartooth Highway (US 212) has only opened for a few days in 2022, but Montana Department of Transportation has a contractor on board and is aiming to reA look at the washed out road inside Yellowstone National Park just west of Cooke City, Montana. open the highway for visitors this summer. The outcome? From Wyoming Gov. mation meeting. More than $60 million in emergency funding, Mark Gordon to his Montana counterpart, courtesy of the Federal Highway Administration, is available for Greg Gianforte, from to Yellowstone National Park Superintenemergency repairs, and to begin relinking communities that have dent Cam Sholly to WYDOT Director Luke Reiner, from Park been devastated by the raging flood waters of June. County (Wyo.) to Park County (Mont.), from WYDOT to the Now the time has come for patience – not an easy thing for the U.S. Forest Service, Central Federal Lands (Federal Highway communities, livelihoods and people, including tourists, hanging Administration) to local Cooke City citizens, an increased level of in the balance – as the repairs and rebuilding begins far deep in communication, including understanding, has helped everyone Wyoming’s northwest corner. Fingers crossed. This is one time come together to maintain access to Cooke City during a difficult when construction and repaired roadways will be a blessing. n time. Good news was shared, too, at the Cooke City public infor-
project is the end of August.
Forest in efforts to elude the pursuing law enforcement. The Wyoming Highway Patrol, Carbon County Sheriff ’s Deputies and Bureau of Land Management Rangers began to search for the vehicle. An off-duty WHP trooper was contacted by local ranchers about the incident and responded to the area. He located the car at a nearby ranch and relayed the location to the responding law enforcement. The pursuing law enforcement found the vehicle and a brief pursuit was initiated. The car became disabled due to the driver’s actions a short time later. Two adult occupants and one juvenile occupant in the vehicle were taken into custody without further incident. The occupants have been identified as 36-year-old Michael P. Romero, 36-yearold Diana B. Ray, and a 16-year-old juvenile, all from New Mexico. Romero and Ray were booked into the Carbon County Detention Center for felony possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl and misdemeanor possession of psilocybin mushrooms and marijuana. Romero also had an active warrant out of New Mexico for failure to comply and received charges for eluding. The WHP would like to thank the following agencies for assisting with this incident: Carbon County Sheriff ’s Department, Bureau of Land Management Rangers, and all the residents who helped with information on this incident.
I-80 Hillsdale project prompts CR 140/Stuckey Road closure
BAGGS – Crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co. began work on WYO 70 near Savery on June 6. The work began at milepost 11 and ended approximately 6 miles to the east at milepost 17. The project included milling and pavement work, as well as structure rehabilitation on bridges at mileposts 6 and 12. During paving, traffic was restricted and a pilot car was used to keep traffic moving past the construction operations. Bridge rehabilitation work required lane closures and traffic signals. The expected completion date of the
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Photo: Terry Uhrich
CHEYENNE – Crews with Simon Contractors and the Wyoming Department of Transportation began concrete slab work County Road 140/Stuckey Road May 31. County Road 140/Stuckey Road, north and southbound lanes, were estimated to be closed for 10 days at the Interstate 80 interchange while concrete slab work was completed. Work included saw cutting, removal of failing concrete slabs and crushed base, replacement of and compacting the base, then pouring new concrete. I-80 eastbound travelers needing to access the TA Travel Center were detoured to exit 370, directed north to the I-80 Service Road, then east to the TA Travel Center. The detour continued for eastbound I-80 traffic on I-80 Service Road eastbound to the Burns Interchange at I-80 milepost 386 where traffic could continue to I-80 eastbound. Interstate 80 eastbound off and on ramps at exit 377 was open to local traffic only during this time. A detour was in place for north and southbound local traffic needing to cross the interstate via Antelope Meadows Dr., Antelope Prairie Lane and I-80 Service Road.
District 2 hot mix plant near Guernsey.
Photo: WYDOT
Bridge rehab, pavement work on WYO 70 near Savery
US 20/26 (near the intersection with WYO 258) and end at milepost 6. The second phase continues westward from milepost 6 to just past milepost 10. The final phase is on WYO 258 and runs from near milepost 8 to milepost 10, or the intersection with US 20/26 to the bridge over the North Platte River. Traffic within the construction zones was reduced to one lane, either direction. Speeds were reduced and turning movements were limited though access to businesses were not be closed. Microsurfacing is a protective asphalt seal coat designed to extend the life of pavement. It is a thin, tough layer of asphalt emulsion blended with finely crushed stone for traction. Microsurfacing can fill and seal minor cracks; repair raveling, or aggregate deterioration; and help renew the friction of the roadway surface. Microsurfacing is maintenance and shouldn’t be confused with milling and overlay in which new asphalt pavement is laid.
Photo: Terry Uhrich
Briefs continued from page 3
District 2
Mills micro-surface project MILLS – A three-phase microsurfacing project began June 20 affecting US 20/26 and WYO 258 in Mills. Phase one began near milepost 4 on
District 2 paver in action near Guernsey.
District hot mix plant up and running GUERNSEY – The District 2 asphalt hot plant is up and running which means paving and patching operations for the season is a go. This year, crews will overlay some of the more deteriorated sections of high-
ways within the district. These are short runs, anywhere from 200 feet to around one mile in length. The operations aren’t meant to repave long stretches of highway, instead they are designed to repair those areas which are deteriorating the most. Notable areas include: WYO 258 between Poplar Street and Casper Mountain Road in Casper; four sections of WYO 387 between Edgerton and WYO 192; US 85 in the Redbird area north of Lusk; two sections of US 26 in the Lingle area; four sections of WYO 95 north of Glenrock and two sections of US 20/26 in the Natrona area.
District 3
Contract patch adds to delays in Snake River Canyon AFTON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation and contract crews Lewis & Lewis, Inc. and H-K Contractors milled asphalt in Snake River Canyon, US 26/89, June 28 between mileposts 138-139, just north of Astoria as part of a district-wide contract patch project. Paving work is slated for July 11-12. “The scope of work in this area will be to mill an inch of asphalt and replace it with an inch of new pavement. The patch near Astoria is about 4,000 feet long. Milling is underway and should only last one day if all goes to plan,” WYDOT Resident Engineer Darrin Robinson said. “Paving will be done on July 11 per their schedule now. It should just be one day of paving. This is not a long term project,” he added.
Blacks Fork bridge work will cause delays, width restriction in place ROCK SPRINGS – The Wyoming Department of Transportation and contract crews from DeBernardi Construction Company, Inc., have scheduled work on the Blacks Fork bridge on WYO 530 at milepost 14.66 south of Green River for an August start. During the work, traffic will be reduced to a single, alternating lane controlled by a temporary signal. Drivers are advised to be aware of traffic control devices, reduced speeds and
expect delays of up to 15 minutes under stop conditions. The bridge will also be under a width restriction of 14 feet. Those traveling with large campers and trailers are advised to take note of the width restriction and plan accordingly. The work is scheduled to last roughly 4 weeks. The work is part of a district wide bridge rehabilitation project. The completion date for the entire project, including other locations, is Oct. 31.
WYDOT to meet with counties on local projects The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) met with the Sublette County Commission on July 5 and will meet with the Lincoln County Commission on July 19 to present the annual State Transportation Improvement Plan. The presentation included information on local projects and discussed future projects and funding. To learn more and provide feedback on WYDOT projects visit our online web site at https://www.dot.state.wy.us/STIP.
Paving underway on Snake River Canyon JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation and contract crews from Avail Valley Construction will begin paving operations on US 26/89 through the Snake River Canyon from mileposts 127 to 132. The paving work is expected to last an estimated 4 weeks. The work is scheduled to conclude by July 18. Traffic during the day, beginning after 7:30 a.m., will be reduced to a single, alternating lane with a pilot car, under the direction of flaggers and traffic control devices. Work is scheduled to take place Monday through Saturday every week. Crews will do their best to accommodate drivers during the morning commute hours, but the single lane traffic control will be in place throughout the day and into the evening hours. Those traveling in the afternoon are advised to expect long delays and plan accordingly. Commuters should expect stop delays up to 20 minutes, and added time travel to reach their intended destinations. Motorists are advised to watch for flaggers and be prepared to stop. For those drivers who are accessing destinations within the work zone, WY-
DOT requests they be respectful of pilot car queues, only turning in and out of the work zone when advised to do so by flaggers or obeying the signs at the approach that indicates waiting for the pilot car to escort them. “We understand that it is frustrating to have to wait for the pilot car queues when you know the area and assume it’s okay to turn out into the work zone at certain times. But for the safety of our construction workers and oncoming traffic, we ask that you obey all traffic control devices, signs and flaggers and only turn out when allowed to do so,” District Construction Engineer Peter Stinchcomb said.
Point of Rocks off-ramp closed for maintenance ROCK SPRINGS – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from Kilgore Companies, LLC doing business as Lewis & Lewis, Inc., closed the eastbound on and off ramps at exit 130, the Point of Rocks interchange, for maintenance milling and paving operations. Eastbound traffic was detoured to exit 122. The work occurred on June 6.
I-80 Baxter Interchange eastbound ramp closures ROCK SPRINGS – The Wyoming Department of Transportation and contract crews from IHC SCOTT Inc., closed the eastbound on and off ramps at exit 111, the Baxter Interchange, for concrete construction work. The closures were in effect from June 2-10. The eastbound on ramp was closed June 2-5 and the eastbound off ramp was closed June 6-10. Those traveling to and from the airport were advised to plan accordingly. During this time, those traveling to the airport from Rock Springs were advised to take the South Belt Loop to WYO 430, then to Middle Baxter Road to the airport to avoid having to detour onto Exit 122. The project encompasses work on roughly 13 miles of Interstate 80 beginning at milepost 107 on the east side of Rock Springs. Work will include grading, milling existing asphalt, concrete paving and bridge replacement and rehabilitation. Briefs continued on page 6
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The completion date for this project is set for July 31, 2023.
District 4
Multiple paving operations underway on I-90 SHERIDAN – Motorists throughout northeast Wyoming traveling I-90 will encounter several construction zones. The Wyoming Department of Transportation and their contractors have ramped up paving operations at four separate locations of I-90 in northeast Wyoming. The reconstruction at the Acme interchange, 15 miles south of the Montana state line in the eastbound lane of I-90, has detoured traffic from the interstate to allow for this project to be completed. Following reconstruction, both the east and westbound lanes between mileposts 15.3-19.46 will receive mill and overlay. This is scheduled to be completed by Oct. 31. Paving operations are underway on I-90 near Rozet between mileposts 135145. Both east and westbound lanes and the Rozet interchange are being repaved. Paving operations resumed 15 miles east of Rozet on the Wind Creek section east of Moorcroft. This project also includes bridge repairs on several structures which were completed last summer. Traffic was diverted off the westbound lane of the Sundance Marginal onto the eastbound lane to allow work to be completed on the bridges in a 6 mile stretch of I-90. Once the bridge work is complete, crack and seat paving from milepost 187-192 will commence. That stretch of I-90 is currently concrete pavement. The crack and seat technique will break the existing concrete into small pieces which will form the sub-base that will be paved with asphalt. This project is scheduled to be completed in 2023. A wearing course surface will also be applied to all four projects. The wearing course is applied to provide added traction, wicking and extends the life of the pavement. Bridges will receive an epoxy overlay adding traction and moisture wicking to the bridge decks, reducing the chance of icing. In addition to these paving and bridge jobs, motorists should be on the watch for
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District 5
short lane closures at three bridge locations on I-90. Three structures, located at mileposts 102.52, 130.25 and 178.19 are part of a statewide bridge rehabilitation program.
US 14A pavement improvement project east of Lovell
Summer paving operations underway
LOVELL – Traffic delays of up to 20 minutes are expected beginning Monday, June 27, with the start of a $3.7 million US14A pavement improvement project east of Lovell. “The contractor will begin repairing an underdrain and soft spots in the highway through the Medicine Wheel-area project,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Michael Miller of Basin. “Milling of pavement is scheduled to begin June 27.” Prime contractor is Century Companies, Inc., of Lewistown, Mont. All road improvements are dependent upon favorable weather. The 9.7-mile project begins at milepost 70.72 on US14A, about 24 miles east of Lovell, and concludes at milepost 80.42. Project work includes grading, asphalt milling, asphalt pavement surfacing and other work. Contract completion date is Sept. 30, 2022.
SHERIDAN – Wyoming Department of Transportation maintenance crews have begun paving operations on various roads throughout northeast Wyoming. These paving operations are performed by WYDOT Maintenance crews and are meant to repair existing roadways that may have been damaged due to snow removal, winter frost heaving, excessive ruts and cracking. The average life span of the top few inches of a paved highway is ten to fifteen years and depends on the type and volume of traffic. Each year, area maintenance supervisors, their foreman and district administrators meet to determine which roadways will be paved. They look at the data, drive the road and look at the surface condition with a critical eye to determine which need to be paved. Summer paving operations are a critical component to fulfilling the mission of WYDOT – to provide a safe and effective transportation system – WYDOT District 4 maintenance dedicates about 20,000 man hours each summer maintaining roadway surface conditions. In order to complete a paving operation, crews need to close travel lanes, set up detours and employ flagging operations redirecting traffic out of the work lane as it is being completed. These road sections could be a few hundred feet or up to a mile long.
Pavement improvement project US 14/16/20 west of Cody near Yellowstone
Photo: WYDOT
Briefs continued from page 5
WYDOT maintenance crew paving a portion of I-90 west of Sheridan.
CODY – Shoulder flattening work began on the 10.25 miles of US 14/16/20 directly east of the East Entrance to Yellowstone National Park on June 22. The $5.4 million pavement improvement project, west of Cody, consists of rotomilling of the existing pavement surface, a 2-inch pavement overlay, chip sealing, minor slope flattening, guardrail repair and other work. “Slope flattening will occur over the next few weeks,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Todd Frost of Cody. “Motorists should expect a reduced speed limit of 45 mph through the project with delays of up to 20 minutes during working hours. No work will occur on the project between June 30 and July 5, so there won’t be delays during that time frame.” The project is located west of Cody between Yellowstone National Park and
1,793
One month ago
1,781
One year ago
1,876
WHP Total number of highway fatalities: As of June 23, 2022
41
One year ago
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City, Montana, and multiple bridges were affected. Visitors in the northern portion of the park during the flooding were evacuated. The safety of citizens, tourists and staff remained a top priority and encouraged welcome centers and visitors to stay upto-date by checking park roads conditions frequently. For more information visit www.nps. gov/yell/learn/news/220613.htm.
Highway improvements US 14/16/20 between Emblem, Greybull GREYBULL – Roadway work began on US 14/16/20 between Emblem and Greybull. McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co., of Worland, is the prime contractor on the $2.15 million pavement improvement project between mileposts 93.45 and 100.72, beginning about 6 miles west of Greybull and continuing toward Emblem. The Emblem-Greybull project includes grading, asphalt pavement milling and paving, chip sealing and other work on 7.3 miles of US 14/16/20. Project completion date is Sept. 30. The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the Emblem-Greybull project to McGarvin-Moberly on Aug. 16, 2021.
Yellowstone National Park road closures CODY – Yellowstone National Park officials announced temporary closures due to substantial flooding, rock slides and mudslides on roadways from recent unprecedented amounts of rainfall. The following roads were temporarily closed: • North Entrance (Gardiner, Montana) to Mammoth Hot Springs • Mammoth Hot Springs to TowerRoosevelt • Tower-Roosevelt to the Northeast Entrance • Mammoth Hot Springs to Norris Junction • Canyon Junction to Tower-Roosevelt Preliminary assessments show multiple sections of road in the park have been washed out between Gardiner and Cooke
Photo: WYDOT
Total number of employees: As of June 6, 2022
Cody from milepost 0.00 (Yellowstone’s East Entrance) and extending east 10.25 miles to milepost 10.25 (Fishhawk Trailhead). All work, with the exception of reclamation, is required to be complete by Aug. 31. Contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2022. Prime contractor for the project is Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell. This section of US14/16/20 was originally constructed in 1996-97.
Crandall bridge on WYO 296 outside Cody.
Twin Creek highway improvements southeast of Lander LANDER – Roadway work began the first week of June on US 287/WYO 789 southeast of Lander near Twin Creek. “The contractor began shoulder work operations between mileposts 74 and 64,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation project engineer Brian Martin of Lander. “Pavement milling began Wednesday, June 8, with paving beginning Monday, June 13.” Martin said prime contractor McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co., of Worland will mill asphalt from the end of each bridge and transition areas, and begin paving a 1-inch leveling course and a 2-inch overlay. Bridge work on the project was completed in May. “Chip sealing and other roadway work, including an oil overshoot of the chip seal, will be completed on the 10.1-mile project by the completion date of June 30,” Martin said. McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co., of Worland, was awarded the $5.1 million project on April 15, 2021. Briefs continued on page 8
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Briefs continued from page 7
Reduced speeds during paving project between Cody, Powell CODY – Motorists encountered reduced speed limits on the $1.47 million pavement improvement project through the 3-lane section of US 14A between Cody and Powell. Contractor Century Companies, Inc., of Lewistown, Montana, started paving the project May 30. “Speed limits inside the work zone were reduced to 30 mph, and the contractor is maintaining 2-way traffic at all times with minimal delays to allow trucks to drive in and out of the work zone,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Todd Frost of Cody. Frost expected project activities to continue into late June. Work on the project consists of rotomilling of 1-inch of the existing roadway, a 2-inch asphalt pavement overlay, plant mix wearing course asphalt, guardrail replacement on the Shoshone River bridge, and other work. A 12-foot width restriction was in effect for this project. “The contractor is responsible for accommodating oversized farm equipment through the project with prior notification from farmers,” Frost said. The Corbett Bridge highway improvement project is located on US 14A between Cody and Powell from milepost 5.59 north 1.85 miles toward Powell to milepost 7.54. It consists of the 3-lane highway section through the Corbett Bridge area. This section of US 14A roadway was originally constructed to its current 3-lane configuration in 2001. The normal service life for pavement, prior to needing rehabilitation and pavement repairs, is 20 years.
Reminder: signs not allowed in highway right-of-way
RIVERTON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation issued a reminder that advertising signs cannot be placed in the state right-of-way. “With the upcoming elections, we’ve
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seen an increase in the number of signs our maintenance crews are having to remove from the right-of-way fence or from the right-of-way itself,” said WYDOT area maintenance supervisor Mike Hitshew of Lander. “Wyoming law and WYDOT policy prohibit placement of signs in those areas, so when our maintenance crews come through an area, they pick them up and take them to the area maintenance office. Whoever owns the sign has two weeks to claim the sign, and then we dispose of the sign if it is not claimed.” Wyoming Statute 24-10-104 states that outdoor advertising must meet certain conditions for placement. Fines and even jail time can be inflicted on those who don’t comply with the law. “This applies to political candidates, real estate representatives and residents advertising garage sales. Posting these signs along roadways is illegal within the right-of-way of rural highways and interstates,” Hitshew said. “The signs can become a real problem for motorists, both by restricting line of sight and creating a potential collision hazard. We understand signs are placed to help businesses, but rights-of-way must stay clear of signs for safety reasons.” This procedure also applies to people who erect private memorials within the state right of way, or decorate an existing roadside memorial sign. Business people and citizens who believe their signs may have been removed by WYDOT crews may contact the nearest WYDOT maintenance office to make arrangements to pick up the signs. “Our concern is always for the safety of the traveling public,” Hitshew said.
US 14A reopens between Lovell, Sheridan after Memorial Day weekend blizzard LOVELL – US 14A reopened following a Memorial Day weekend blizzard which dropped nearly 2 feet of snow and wind deposited deep drifts between Lovell and Sheridan. US 14A opened for the season on May 27, but the opener was short-lived as a good old-fashioned spring blizzard rocked the mountains of northwest and north central Wyoming with wet, heavy snow and self-closed the high mountain,
scenic roadway. Wyoming Department of Transportation maintenance crews in Lovell and Burgess Junction worked through the weekend and during the early part of the week to clear deep snow and drifts across the top of the Bighorn Mountains. The reopening of US 14A, was made official on June 1. “It’s been a very busy four days,” said WYDOT heavy equipment operator, Richard Gurney of Lovell. “We appreciated everyone’s patience as our guys fought the storm and worked on clearing the closed highway.”
Chip seal near Lovell, Cody; maintenance on South Pass, Dubois
RIVERTON – A Wyoming Department of Transportation chip sealing crew kicked off its summer work June 6 on US 14A between Byron and US 310. About 4 miles of chip sealing was scheduled on US 14A. The crew moved the chip sealing operation June 7 north of Cody to 19.03 miles WYO 120 between milepost 118.5 (just north of WYO 120’s intersection with Chief Joseph Scenic Highway (WYO 296)) and the Montana state line at milepost 137.532. “Please drive carefully and obey reduced speed limits near chip sealing operations,” said WYDOT chip sealing foreman Tyd Erickson of Meeteetse. “Crews will be working during the days and into the nights, and safe driving and safe work operations are very important throughout these projects. Please be patient as this important work is being completed.” On June 15, WYDOT chip sealing began on 9.96 miles of WYO 296 (mileposts 23.0 to 32.96), from just east of Sunlight Basin Road to the top of the switchbacks on Dead Indian Pass. Work began on WYO 28 over South Pass June 27. “The chip seals will be swept at the end of each day, but some loose rock may still be present. Drivers are asked to slow down in these areas in order to prevent windshield damage after operations have ceased for the day,” Erickson said. n
Wyoming’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan available for public comment Wyoming’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure plan is now available for public comment. The federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) allocated funding for electric vehicle charging infrastructure through the NEVI program, which will install electric vehicle charging infrastructure along key corridors throughout the nation. Wyoming is allocated almost $24 million over five years for charging infrastructure along its federally-designated alternative fuel corridors: Interstate 80, Interstate 25 and Interstate 90. Once the Federal Government has certified the EV infrastructure build-out along the interstates, any remaining funding can be spent in areas outside of the interstates. This funding cannot be spent on roads or bridges, and no state funding will be used to install, operate or maintain the NEVI EV chargers. As the plan states, Wyoming is seeking an exemption to the initial Federal requirements that the stations be placed every 50 miles and a maximum of one mile from an exit. These exemptions are based on feedback from public meetings in April, consideration of Wyoming’s rural routes and limited initial EV adoption rates, and system economic viability. “We think this is a common-sense approach to bringing this infrastructure to Wyoming,” said WYDOT Director Luke Reiner. “We want any traveler, local or tourist, to be able to drive in our great state without worrying about whether the infrastructure is in place to support the type of vehicle they choose to drive.” Additionally, Wyoming seeks to use NEVI funding to facilitate travel to popular tourist destinations. Tourism is the state’s second-largest industry, and major tourism destinations like Yellowstone National Park are off-corridor.
Exact locations for charging infrastructure will be determined via a formal request for proposal process, with more details to be announced. “The Wyoming Energy Authority’s objective is to promote and expand the Wyoming all-of-the-above energy economy,” said Kaeci Daniels of the Wyoming Energy Authority. “Successful execution of the NEVI Plan will offer more opportunities to use our existing energy infrastructure, create room for energy investment through boosted demand, and provide an arena to test innovative and emerging energy technologies.” Comments on the NEVI plan can be emailed to dotpublicaffairs@wyo.gov or submitted on this webpage: https:// webapp.dot.state.wy.us/ao/f?p=ContactWYDOT. Comments will be accepted until the end of the business day on July 27. The plan will be edited as needed and submitted to the Federal Joint Office, comprised of the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Energy, for approval before the Aug. 1 deadline. Once approved, the state will begin the request for proposal process for installation. For more information or to view the plan, visit: https://www. dot.state.wy.us/home/planning_projects/zero-emission-vehicles/ national-electric-vehicle-infrastructure-(nevi)-program.html n
Please note that the map shows examples of potential charging locations for illustrative purposes only. Final charger locations will be decided by private industry and/or municipality interest. Additional maps can be found at www.dot.state.wy.us.
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Concrete examples By Jordan Achs State-of-the-art concrete technology was on display in the parking lot of WYDOT headquarters in early June when the Federal Highway Administration’s Mobile Concrete Technology Center (MCTC) paid the state a visit. A giant semitruck full of testing equipment, the MCTC travels around the nation to talk concrete with contractors, transportation departments and other stakeholders. June’s event was the MCTC’s first time in Wyoming. The MCTC introduced new concrete test methods relating to the Performance Engineered Mixtures (PEM) initiative, as well as other innovative tests related to field performance of concrete materials and construction. An all-day event, the MCTC demonstrated testing methods like the box test, surface resistivity test, Super Air Meter (SAM) tests and other cost-effective tools and methods for in-the-field testing. There were also presentations by staff from WYDOT, the FHWA and the American Concrete Paving Association regarding new technologies, implementation strategies and PEM concepts. Prior to their stop in Cheyenne, the FHWA team and their semitruck spent two weeks at a project near Rock Springs testing concrete and sharing ideas and innovations with contractors and
Photo: WYDOT
FHWA’s Mobile Concrete Technology Center visits Wyoming for the first time
WYDOT employees and local contractors got a first-hand look at FHWA’s state-of-the-art concrete technology when the mobile center stopped by Headquarters for a visit.
WYDOT in that area of the state. “This open house was a valuable information-sharing session for both DOT engineers and contractors,” said State Concrete Engineer Whitney Wise. “Practical tests like the ones demonstrated help save time, resources and money while ensuring quality concrete for the state’s highways, bridges and other assets.” For more information about the MCTC, visit: https://www. fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/concrete/trailer/ n
Boys State delegates visit WYDOT Headquarters
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directory. According to their website, Wyoming Boys State, held annually in June, is a chance for high school juniors from across the state to participate in a week’s worth of activities to gain knowledge of their state and its governmental structure. Delegates learn first-hand how government works, experiencing what it takes to create and enact laws. The week emphasizes leadership, civic engagement and patriotism. Girls State, a similar event for young women, is also held each year in Wyoming. The Boys and Girls State programs are sponsored by the American Legion and have been in existence for more than 80 years. n
Photo: WYDOT
By Mark Horan Three high school juniors spent the morning of June 14 visiting with WYDOT staff as part of their Boys State experience. During their time with WYDOT, the students met with Executive Staff, spent time in the front of a squad car with Capt. Tim Romig and Sgt. Jeremy Beck of the Highway Patrol, and got to climb aboard one of the state’s aircraft with Flight Operations Manager/Chief Pilot Tory Meisel from the Aeronautics Division. The students were part of a group of 60 delegates from around the state that came together for a week-long deep-dive on Wyoming Government. Though most of their activities took place in Laramie, the students spent a day in Cheyenne to tour the Capitol and visit with some of Wyoming’s elected officials and legislature. In the Boys State program, each individual is assigned a role as an elected official, state commissioner or head of agency. As part of their time in Cheyenne, delegates were able to spend a couple hours visiting specific agencies related to their roles. Representing WYDOT was “Director” Sam Reilly from Alva, “Aeronautics Administrator” Ethan Cearlock from Powell, and “Colonel” Carter Brogdon from Eaton, Colorado. All three youth asked thought provoking questions and seemed genuinely interested in the world of transportation. They were very gracious to their WYDOT hosts and it appeared they had a positive learning experience while on campus. Perhaps someday their names will show up in the WYDOT employee
WYDOT’s Boys State delegates with Director Luke Reiner. From left, Reiner, Ethan Cearlock, Carter Brogdon and Sam Reilly.
Photo: Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame
John Cooksey with his Piper Pacer at Newcastle, March 1986.
Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame names 2022 inductee By John Waggener, Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame President The Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame (WAHF) and the Wyoming Aeronautics Commission have named John B. Cooksey the 2022 inductee into the Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame. Awarded posthumously, Cooksey is recognized for his stellar and lengthy career as a flight instructor and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) designated flight examiner in Wyoming. At the outbreak of World War II, Cooksey joined the Naval Aviation Cadet Program and was sent to Le Mars, Iowa, for training. He then served in the Pacific Theatre as an Aviation Machinist Mate Third Class on aircraft carriers where he was an aircraft mechanic. After the war, he continued to serve in the Navy where he was stationed in California. While there, he resumed his flight instruction and earned his private and commercial licenses, his multi-engine rating, and Certified Flight Instructor certificate. After his Naval service, he worked for his brother-in-law at Burton Air Service in Hyannis, Nebraska, where he taught flight instruction and sold aircraft. The oil boom brought him back to Wyoming in 1952, where he worked in the oil industry in Rock Springs before relocating to Casper in 1955, where he worked for the Wyoming Oil & Gas Commission as an inspector. He also operated a Phillips 66 station. However, his passion for flying remained. He joined Hailair in 1964, where he was a flight instructor and commercial pilot. Hailair became Seeley Flying Service where Cooksey remained until he established his own business, Intermountain Aviation, in 1967. To expand his capabilities, he earned his Instrument Rating, Instrument Instructor, Ground Instructor, and Instrument Ground Instructor ratings. Intermountain Aviation became a Veterans Affairs (VA) and FAA approved flight school. Cooksey also earned the distinctive Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certificate, and he was an FAA Accident Prevention Counselor. Cooksey’s primary focus was flight instruction. As a flight instructor, he instructed as many as 400 student pilots over the span of 40 years. Between 1968 and 1985, he administered 223 flight examinations. In his role as a flight examiner, he also mentored many flight instructors. The Intermountain Aviation fleet of aircraft included Cher-
okee 140 and 180 models. Cooksey believed in the importance of tail wheel training, so his fleet also included Cessna 170 tail wheel airplanes. Intermountain had a contract with Wyoming Pipeline Company, Wyoming Refining Company, and Northwest Crude Inc. In this capacity Cooksey mostly flew as a pipeline inspector. He was active in the Civil Air Patrol and was heavily involved in its cadet program. An annual tradition that he valued very much was offering rides to residents of the Wyoming Life Resource Center (then known as the Wyoming Training School) in Lander. He also assisted during blizzards with aerial supply drops for rural residents and provided other aerial services around the state. John B. Cooksey was born in Newcastle on June 18, 1921. He grew up on the Cooksey Ranch along the Cheyenne River near Mule Creek Jct. He married Grace Dutrow August 19, 1953, and they had one son, Donnie. Also having a passion for aviation, Donnie took flight instruction from his father and himself became a professional pilot. Due to post-surgery complications, John Cooksey passed away on April 24, 1986. The Cooksey family is planning a fly-in and induction ceremony at the Newcastle Airport in early September. The Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame was founded in 1995 as a non-profit, publicly supported, tax-exempt organization dedicated to honoring individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the establishment, development, and/or advancement of aviation in Wyoming. The organization comprises a board of directors and operates in conjunction with the Wyoming Aeronautics Commission. Board members include Kent Nelson, retired USAF colonel and former Wyoming Aeronautics Commissioner; Dean McClain, who operates an aerial spraying business in Torrington; and John Waggener, a University of Wyoming archivist and Wyoming transportation historian. For more information about the WAHF, to nominate an individual, or to make a donation, please contact WAHF President John Waggener, in Laramie, at 307-766-2563, or by email at waggener@uwyo.edu. Biographies of the inductees can be found on the WYDOT website at https://www.dot.state.wy.us/home/ aeronautics/aviation_hall_of_fame.html n
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Class 102 standing on the steps of the Wyoming Supreme Court building with instructors and WHP administration. Front row from left: Lt. Col. Joshua Walther; and WHP Administrator Lt. Col. Shannon Ratliff, retired. Second row from left: Trooper Alexander Stimson; Trooper Saajan Biant; and Trooper Zackariah Sutton. Third row from left: Trooper Ty Beidleman; Trooper Walt Ray; and Maj. Karl Germain. Back row from left: Sgt. Harley Kalb; Lt. Kyle McKay; Sgt. Jeremy Beck; and Capt. Dave Wagner.
WHP commissions five to its ranks By WHP Safety and Training WHP commissioned five cadets to the rank of troopers upon completion of their intensive training academy courses. During their academy, the new troopers were instructed in a variety of classes, including firearms, commercial carrier, physical training, RADAR/LIDAR, emergency vehicle operation, custody and control, crash investigation and other training. The members of Class 102 who were new to law enforcement participated in 1,200 hours of academy training. Being a state trooper for the Wyoming Highway Patrol can be a challenging, yet rewarding career as it takes a special person to become a Wyoming State trooper. All troopers take an oath to protect and serve all citizens of this great state with courtesy, professionalism and integrity, as Wyoming’s troopers represent the agency brand of “Guardians of the Cowboy State.” The new troopers participated in their swearing-in ceremony in front of family and friends at the Wyoming State Supreme Court building. The ceremony marked the 102nd graduating class of the Wyoming Highway Patrol Academy. The following troopers are now working with a field training officer in areas throughout the state.
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Trooper Ty Beidleman, Laramie Trooper Beidleman is from Ripon, California and will be stationed in Laramie. He enjoys hunting, spending time with family and working at the family cattle ranch. Beidleman played football at the University of Wyoming. He graduated in May 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice-sociology. He is excited to begin his career in Laramie.
Beidleman
Trooper Saajan Biant, Casper Trooper Biant grew up in the United Kingdom. Prior to joining patrol, Biant worked in the fire service and went to school for fire/paramedic science. He wanted a change to be more proactive and joined the agency. Biant is currently serving in the Wyoming Army National Guard and enjoys fishing, hiking and hanging out with friends. He will be stationed in Casper and plans to make it a career.
Biant
Trooper Walt Ray, Casper Trooper Ray is from Maple Valley, Washington and will be stationed in Casper. After high school, Ray enlisted in the Marine Corps for five years as a military policeman and served a tour in Afghanistan. Ray then attended college earning several degrees in natural resources and a bachelor’s in environmental science. After graduating, he joined the Washington State Patrol where he was sta- Ray tioned in Bellevue, Washington as a trooper for nearly six years. After experiencing the anti-law enforcement movement first hand, Ray and his wife, Laura, decided to move to Wyoming join the Wyoming Highway Patrol. In his off time he enjoys hunting, fishing, and camping and hosting game nights with friends.
Trooper Alexander Stimson, Gillette Trooper Stimson was born in Colorado and moved to Missouri during high school. Stimson was a youth minister before starting his law enforcement career in 2010 as a city officer and deputy in Missouri. During his career, Stimson has come to have a passion for DUI enforcement and education, becoming a drug recognition expert in 2016. He will be stationed in Gillette. Stimson is married with two children, ages 10 and 7.
Stimson
Trooper Zackariah Sutton, Gillette Trooper Sutton was born in Cheyenne and has spent the majority of his life living in Cheyenne. He graduated from Laramie County Community College with an associate degree in criminal justice. He transferred to the University of Wyoming where he earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in psychology. In his free time, he enjoys working out, playing and watching sports. He will be stationed in Gillette.
Sutton
Class 102 Award Recipients: Cadets vote on the Colonel’s Leadership Award for the cadet who demonstrated the highest levels of the agency’s eight core values of integrity, courage, discipline, loyalty, diligence, humility, optimism and conviction throughout the Academy. Class 102 voted this award to go to Trooper Zackariah Sutton. The Academic Award is based on the highest overall test percentage of written tests with the fewest retests. The Top Academic Award went to Trooper Walt Ray. The Top Fitness Award is based on the WYPAT fastest time on the final WYPAT test. Applicants at WHP testing have 6 minutes, 17 seconds to pass the WYPAT test to be hired successfully. This recognition went to Trooper Zackariah Sutton. The Firearms Proficiency Award is based on the highest overall percentage with the least amount of attempts to qualify. The Firearms Proficiency Award for Class 102 went Trooper Ty Beidleman. n
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Training A new face at Training Services, TLN By Christi Weinzierl, Training Services Greetings from your new instructional designer and trainer at Training Services. My name is Christi Weinzierl and I bring 20 years of experience assessing learner needs, designing and delivering learning experiences, and evaluating results to improve the quality of instruction and learning. Designing curriculum is truly my passion and I am so glad to have the opportunity to do what I love here at WYDOT. After having met many WYDOT folks Weinzierl at The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People training, the Crew Leader Meeting in Casper, and during my tour of the campus, I feel honored and humbled to work with such an amazing group of knowledgeable, dedicated, and caring individuals. Whether it be through online or in-person training, collaboration on updating training materials for your Program, or just seeing you around headquarters on my lunchtime walk, I look forward to meeting and working with all of you and helping you all reach your professional goals through up-to-date, thorough, relevant and beneficial training opportunities. I am also pleased to be WYDOT’s TLN Coordinator. The Transportation Learning Network is a division of the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute at North Dakota State University. They provide numerous opportunities to Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana via free live webinars on a variety of transportation-related topics. A variety of technical courses and leadership courses were offered this year
Donate Life Wyoming – did you know? There is no age limit to who can be an organ, eye and tissue donor. Regardless of your age or health, anyone can sign up to be an organ, eye and tissue donor and potentially save lives after death. It’s important not to rule yourself out. Let the medical professionals decide your eligibility upon death. In our region, the average age of tissue donors is over 60. Even more remarkable, one of the oldest tissue donors in our region was 101 years old. You can make a difference and save and heal others. n
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including: • Accessible Sidewalks • Challenging Conversations • Listen Up! Becoming a Better Listener • Ensuring Compliance with the Contract’s Scheduling Specification • Clean Water Act • Autonomous Equipment: The Future of Construction • Effective Communication Skills for Engineers and Technicians • Tractor Mower Safety • Using Chemicals In Winter Maintenance • A Discussion on Cutting Edges & Systems • Stress Mastery • Transition to Supervision • Engineering Ethics – A Pragmatic Approach • Optimizing Snowplow Operations • Improving Your Ability to Deal with Conflict Do these sound like topics that would help you in your position? Watch your email for webinar announcements, or check out TLN’s collection of recorded presentations on tln.learnflex.net. During the past fiscal year, WYDOT had almost 350 TLN completions. This year, you can look forward to TLN’s perennial course offerings: Work Zone Safety and Mobility, Ethics, and Tractor Mower trainings throughout the year. Additionally, P.E. Prep will be offered in March of 2023. E-mails will be sent with a registration link for each course offered by TLN. Don’t hesitate to use this great resource. We hope you will take advantage of some of these great learning opportunities offered by TLN in the upcoming fiscal year. If you ever have questions or need help registering, don’t hesitate to contact me at 777-4790 or christi.weinzierl@wyo.gov. I’ll be glad to assist you. n
Training@aGlance Training@aGlance
Check out these upcoming training opportunities from WYDOT-U, the Transportation CheckNetwork out these(TLN) upcoming Learning and thetraining WELL. opportunities from WYDOT-U, the Transportation Learning Network (TLN) and the WELL.
In July: Start Date Development Stage Class Description Class Hours Location 7/11/2022 New Employee Google and WELL Basics: 8:30am-11:30am VILT Part of Know WY New Employee Program* 7/19/2022 Leading Self Everything DiSC Workplace (WYDOT) 8:30am-4:30pm Riverton Coming in August, September and October: Date Development Stage Class Description Class Hours Location 8/8/2022 New Employee Google, WELL, and Intranet Basics - In-Person Training 8:30am-11:30am Various 8/18/2022 New Employee Know WY New Employee Onboarding Workshop* 8:30am-12:00pm VILT 8/24/2022 Leading Others Hiring Smart: Staffing for Optimum Performance 8/24: 1:00pm-4:30pm VILT 8/25: 8:30am-12:00pm 9/7-10/13 Leading Others WY Supervise New Supervisors Workshop** COHORT C 8:30am-4:30pm Various – 9/7/2022: Supervisor Fundamentals – 9/8/2022: Communication: Connect Through Conversations & Addressing Poor Performance – TBD: Virtual Check-in (VILT) date determined by cohort participants – 10/12/2022: Driving Change (VILT) – 10/13/2022: Resolving Conflict (VILT) 9/12/2022 New Employee Google, WELL, and Intranet Basics – In-person Training 8:30am-11:30am Various 9/22/2022 Leading the Agency Team Building: Appreciating the Styles of the Team: 8:30am - 4:30pm Cheyenne *All new employees are assigned the Know WY Learning Plan and should register for one of these Know WY workshops in the WELL Visit Training intranet moregroups information. ** All new supervisors are assigned the WYthe Supervise LearningServices Plan and should register forpage one of for the Cohort in the WELL
Visit the Training Services intranet page for more information.
Not on my crew, not in my office WYDOT reveals new anti-harassment logo By Mark Horan and Jordan Achs There is no room within WYDOT for sexual harassment or discrimination. Yet in the 2021 employee satisfaction survey, only 75% of respondents agreed with the statement, “I believe WYDOT fosters an environment free of sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace.” Only 56% responded that they agreed their “coworkers across WYDOT give each other respect.” Additionally, 12% of respondents said they had experienced or witnessed sexual harassment or discrimination at WYDOT in the past two years. Half of the respondents felt that WYDOT was not taking appropriate action regarding sexual harassment or discrimination that was experienced or witnessed. “This remains an area of concern for me,” said WYDOT Director Luke Reiner.
“It’s incredibly important that everyone feels comfortable and safe in their workplace.” To that end, a new logo been developed to emphasize this important message, which you’ll likely be seeing pop up throughout WYDOT shops and buildings in the next few months. The logo is available on the WYDOT intranet in a variety of formats for you to print off for your office/workspace or to add at the bottom of an email. From the home page, click on the “Useful Links and Files” tab and then scroll down to the “Files” Section. If you have additional ideas or suggestions for how the logo can be incorporated, please reach out to the Public Affairs Office. n
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Game & Fish Leave baby wildlife alone
WGFD urges people who come across young animals to leave newborn wildlife alone, keep a distance By Sara DiRienzo, Wyoming Game and Fish If you’re outside this spring, there is a good chance you’ll see newborn wildlife. These young fawns, hatchlings and other babies are charismatic and incredible to watch and photograph. At the same time, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department urges people who come across young animals to leave newborn wildlife alone and keep a distance. “Newborn wildlife is one of the best parts of springtime in Wyoming. But please view animals from a distance and do not pet or pick them up,” said Will Schultz, Game and Fish biologist. “With all animals, the first few weeks of life are the most critical in determining their survival and interference from humans can most definitely put their lives at risk.” Most mammals hide their young and return periodically to nurse. People who find young animals without a mother nearby often assume the newborns have been abandoned, but this is almost never the case. “The mother knows where her young are and will almost certainly return to care for them,” said Schultz. Young birds sometimes fall out of or leave their nests before they are able to fly. The parents continue to care for the young
bird while it is on the ground, bringing food and trying to protect the youngster while it is in this vulnerable situation. Getting too close to newborn wildlife can be very dangerous. A mother bear, bison, moose and even deer will display aggressive behavior when humans get close to their young. Leave the area immediately if you encounter aggressive wildlife with young. “The best option for people who come across newborn wildlife is to leave them alone,” said Schultz. “In short, wildlife don’t need your help; they have been rearing young just fine for centuries.” If children bring home a wild “orphan,” immediately return it to the exact spot it was found. In the rare instance when a fawn or other newborn is found and the mother is known to be dead, contact the nearest game warden, biologist or Game and Fish Regional Office; do not attempt to capture these animals yourself. State and federal laws forbid possession of game and many non-game animals, so adopting newborn wildlife is illegal. Citations can be issued for possession of newborn wildlife with a possible penalty of up to a $1,000 fine. n
Game and Fish continues work to reintroduce sauger above Glendo Reservoir The fish species were once native to the North Platte River system in eastern Wyoming By Sara DiRienzo, Wyoming Game and Fish The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is continuing a project to return sauger to its native waters. The fish species were once native to the North Platte River system in eastern Wyoming, but they were extirpated sometime in the mid-1940s. In 2017, Game and Fish began reintroducing sauger in the North Platte River upstream of Glendo Reservoir. Since then the department has gathered information about sauger migration and movement patterns and if a weir in the river near Orin Junction is preventing migration of sauger and other native fish. “We want to know how much of the river is available to them and if doing additional work to provide better fish passage over the weir would be beneficial, or if they are already able to swim over the weir,” said Nick Hogberg, Game and Fish fisheries biologist in the Casper Region. “Their ability to pass the weir is dependent on river discharge, so we expect that at some flows it will be easier than others. As long as there are flows in the spring that allow them to pass the weir, they will probably be able to migrate as far as they want because the next barrier is a lot farther upstream.”
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Since 2017, Game and Fish has stocked about 950,000 fry and fingerling sauger in this area. “In addition to bringing back a native species we would like to have back in this system, sauger will provide a component of diversity to the Glendo fishery,” Hogberg said. “They are susceptible to a lot of the same fishing techniques as walleye. We’ve already seen anglers catching them and hope that will continue into the future as they become established and hopefully sustain themselves.” The department also placed radio tags in sauger and three other native species in this area — channel catfish, shorthead redhorse and quillback. When fish swim by or over the weir each tag has a unique signal picked up by tracking stations next to the weir. Numbered floy tags are inserted into each fish. Anglers who catch tagged fish are encouraged to release them and asked to contact the phone number on the tag whether they release or harvest tagged fish. Through early June, two sauger, five shorthead redhorse, two channel catfish and two quillback moved over the weir. Hogberg said there are plans to tag several more of each species next spring. n
WY AIS inspection stations finding more mussels, invasive animals on watercraft Game and Fish urges boaters to Clean, Drain, Dry watercraft By Sara DiRienzo, Wyoming Game and Fish Wyoming aquatic invasive species inspection stations are intercepting an increased number of boats harboring invasive aquatic animals and plants. Close to four months into the 2022 boating season, Wyoming Game and Fish Department has stopped 10 boats with mussels attached, one with a live brook stickleback mixed with live-caught bait and one with curly pondweed. The increased numbers indicate that AIS continues to threaten Wyoming waters, and boaters play a big role in keeping them out. “The numbers we’re seeing are concerning – especially this early in the season,” said Josh Leonard, Game and Fish AIS coordinator. “We’re seeing incoming boats with AIS as well as local boaters potentially moving AIS between waters.” Wyoming is one of the only states that has avoided an infestation of invasive mussels. Wyoming has previously documented curly pondweed, brook stickleback, as well as Asian clams, New Zealand mudsnails and rusty crayfish. The defense against the destructive species starts with boaters stopping at watercraft inspection stations. There are 14 permanent Game and Fish-operated inspection locations at key places like state lines, ports of entry and high-use boat ramps – in addition to a number of certified private inspectors. This season Game and Fish has inspected over 17,000 watercraft, on pace with the previous two years. “Inspection stations are certainly busy – which is good. That means a lot of boaters are recognizing inspections are key to
keeping zebra and quagga mussels and other threats from spreading,” Leonard said. “The inspections take minimal time, but they can get busy – especially around a holiday weekend. If there is nothing of concern found – like mussels, snails, plants or standing water, you can be on your way quickly.” If AIS is found on watercraft, Game and Fish will decontaminate the boat and teach people how to spot these threats themselves to make the next inspection seamless. That process is called Clean, Drain, Dry. It’s state law that all boaters must stop when coming upon an AIS inspection station – even if they stopped at one prior. Any watercraft transported into Wyoming from March 1-Nov. 30 must undergo a mandatory inspection by an authorized inspector prior to launching on any Wyoming waterway. If boaters entering Wyoming do not encounter an open AIS check station on their route of travel, it is the boater’s responsibility to seek out an inspection. Further, if the watercraft was used on a water suspect or positive for invasive mussels in the last 30 days, it must be inspected prior to launching year-round and may require decontamination. Full rules are available online. “Game and Fish is dedicated to keeping invasive species at bay. Boaters who stop at check stations and know and follow the regulations are a key partner in these efforts,” Leonard said. Inspectors are finding more than AIS aboard. Leonard noted inspectors are intercepting illegally-possessed live baitfish, which are not allowed to be brought into Wyoming by an angler or possessed west of the Continental Divide. n
U.S. Forest Service
Burned area hazards still a factor for forest visitors Know Before You Go: Be aware of burned area hazards prepare for these impacts by visiting our Post-Fire Hazards web page, which highlights current closures, safety and preparedness information, and fire history maps. ‘Know Before You Go’ and seek out on-the-ground condition reports before you visit. Forest Service district offices are great sources of information, as well as official social media pages and the MBR web site. n
Photo: Adobe Stock
By MaryGrace Bedwell, U.S. Forest Service LARAMIE – Over the past five years, wildland fire has impacted the landscape of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests (MBR) in northcentral Colorado and southeast Wyoming. Though stabilization and restoration work continues, visitors should be aware of risk and take precautions when visiting recently burned areas. In 2021, the Muddy Slide, Morgan Creek, and Black Mountain Fires burned a cumulative 12,097 acres (19 square miles) on National Forest System lands managed by the MBR. In the past five years, local wildfires have burned over 391,000 acres (611 square miles) of NFS lands, with the acreage rising higher when considering other adjacent federal, state, and private lands. Regardless of size or intensity, fire brings changes to the landscape. The five years immediately following a wildfire have an increased risk of hazardous post-fire impacts including flooding, falling hazard trees, and the spread of noxious weeds. Visitors can
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District News Headquarters
Welcome Nicholas Graf, ITS/GIS; and Joseph Nester Sr., Bridge-Engineering Design.
Promotions and Transfers
Anderson
Ringstmeyer Dan Tolman, IT Program manager, received his 15 year service award from Director Luke Reiner.
Tenney
Birkle
Kelly
Selby
Bogstie
Ferree
Gardner
Groth
Walla
Service Awards Jeffrey Brown, Highway DevelopmentAdministration – 35 years; Brown Brenden Schaefer, Planning-Administration – 25 years; Dennis Johnson, MaterialsBituminous – 20 years; Randy Ringstmeyer, BridgeOperations Inspection – 20 years; Troy Tenney, Highway DevelopmentPhotogrammetry/Survey – 20 years;
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Jason Bogstie, Environmental Services – 10 years; Shannon Ferree, Compliance Investigation – 10 years; Andrew Gardner, Patrol Dispatch – 10 years; Troy Grandpre, Contracts and Estimates – 10 years; Matthew Groth, Public Affairs – 10 years; and Kristina Sage, Financial ServicesRevenue – 5 years.
Retirements Troy Berg retired May 14 from Emergency Communications as a Microwave Technical Operations Supervisor. He had 14 years of service to the state.
Bohnen
Miazga
Photo: WYDOT
Schaefer
Vincent Birkle, Maintenance Staff – 15 years; Mark Kelly, Emergency Communications-Administration – 15 years; Shannon Sandoval, EquipmentMechanics – 15 years; Emily Selby, Planning-Programming – 15 years;
Nicole Harvey retired on May 10 with 15 years of service from Driver Services as a Policy and Records specialist. Harvey began her career with WYDOT in April 2007.
Photo: Kristina Powers
Brock Anderson, Right of WayAdministration; Chandler Bohnen, Highway Development-Project Development; Shannon Brown, PatrolDispatch; Caleb Decroo, MaterialsBituminous; Mariah Johnson, Air Service; Bryan Miazga, MaterialsPavement Management Systems; Evan Miller, Emergency CommunicationsDistrict 1 Radio Shop; Kara Poppe, Financial Services-General Ledger; Jordan Striff, Employee Safety; and Jordan Walla, Right of Way-Appraisals.
Kevin Stogsdill at his retirement party showing off his “peace out” cake.
Kevin Stogsdill retired May 3 with 31 years of service to the state. Stogsdill retired from the Project Development section of Highway Development as a principal engineer. He began his career in October 1990. n
District 2
District 1
Welcome
Welcome
Veronica Cervantes, Rawlins Construction; Colten Eggleston, Rawlins Maintenance; Timothy Lara, Cheyenne Mechanics; Lea Nance, Laramie Maintenance; Noreen Schirmer, District 1 Administration; and Imani Williams, Medicine Bow Maintenance.
Jeramiah Atkinson, Casper Traffic-Striping; Adam Bokhari, Casper Maintenance; Jack Haggerty, Wheatland Maintenance; Atkinson Richard Herrera, Casper Maintenance; Kenneth Hill, Casper Maintenance; Shealyn Iannoli, Driver Services-Casper; Micheal Jenkins, Wheatland Construction; and Jason Karr, Wheatland Maintenance.
Cervantes
Eggleston
Lara
Promotions and Transfers Barry Armstrong, Casper Maintenance; Jeremy Cunningham, Traffic-Signing; and John Vance Jr., Patrol-Douglas.
Nance
Schirmer
Williams
Promotions and Transfers Chad Duvall, Elk Mountain Mechanics; Joseph Neel, Elk Mountain Mechanics; and Mark Urban, Cheyenne Construction.
Duvall
Neel
Bokhari
Haggerty
Service Awards Kevin Hoff, Casper Construction – 20 years; William Burt, Lusk Maintenance – 15 years; and Richard Floyd, Emergency Communications-Microwave – 5 years. n
Hill
Jenkins
Armstrong
Cunningham
Burt
Floyd
Urban
Service Awards Vance, Jr.
Christensen
Photo: WYDOT
Joey Christensen, Laramie TrafficStriping – 15 years; Chad Varland, Cheyenne Maintenance – 15 years; Diego Fronza, Rawlins Construction – 5 years; and Ray Gilmore, Cheyenne Maintenance – 5 years. n
Varland
Fronza
Gilmore
Kaylee Lonn, Rawlins Construction, received her 25 year service award from Aaron Spenny, Rawlins resident engineer.
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District 2, cont.
District 3
Retirements
Welcome
Michael Gray retired on May 14 from Casper WHP as a trooper with 10 years of service to the state. He began his career with WHP in August 2012.
Joshua Bigley, Rock Springs Construction; Aaron Healy, Port of Entry-Evanston; Bertha Ramos, Driver Services-Rock Springs; and Ashley Stukel, Kemmerer Maintenance. Petty
Gray
Schon
Service Awards
Randy Starkey retired May 7 from Douglas WHP as patrol lieutenant with more than 14 years of service to the state.
Clements
Stacey
Starkey
Congratulations
Chancey Duncan, Patrol-Rock Springs 15 years; Dannette Edelmayer, Driver ServicesEvanston – 5 years; Kyle Krantz, Port of Entry-Evanston – 5 years; Edward Petty, Labarge Maintenance – 5 years; and Mark Schon, Jackson Construction – 5 years.
Retirements
Chad Aagard was selected as WYDOT’s District Maintenance Engineer for District 2 effective June 1. n
Duncan
Krantz
Promotions and Transfers Bryce Clements, Traffic-Electrical; and Brian Stacey, Lyman Maintenance. Aagard
Kevin Lennon retired on May 7 from Granger Maintenance as a highway maintenance technician with more than three years of service to the state. n
Lennon
District 4
Welcome John Cranmer Jr., Gillette Maintenance; and Kayla Hardesty, Sheridan Construction.
Schneider
Service Awards Cranmer, Jr.
Hardesty
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Scott Hamilton, Burgess Junction Maintenance; Dea Koch, Buffalo Construction; and Christen Schneider, Gillette Maintenance.
Kevin McMaster receiving his 10 year service award from Timothy Boumeester.
Hamilton
July 2022
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Promotions and Transfers
Jerry Melneck, Sheridan Maintenance – 10 years; and Brenton Orsborn, Newcastle Maintenance – 5 years. n
Photo: WYDOT
Koch
District 5
Welcome
Retirements
Jenna Hill, District 5 Administration.
Promotions and Transfers Richard Gurney, Lovell Maintenance.
Service Awards
Gurney
Mike Hitshew, Lander Maintenance – 35 years; Lawrence Griffin, Basin Mechanics – 15 years; Joseph Keele, District 5 Traffic Staff – 15 years; Kevin Maynard, South Pass Maintenance – 15 years; and John Farr, Lander Maintenance – 10 Hitshew years.
Griffin
Maynard
Keele
Farr
Anthony Badura retired May 21 from Lander WHP as a trooper with 17 years of service to the state. Badura began his career with WHP in November 2004, leaving in April 2013. He returned to WHP as a trooper in October Badura 2013.
Outdoors Get those photos in!
Tamara Clark retired May 3 from the Cody/Lovell Driver Services office as a driver license field examiner with more than 14 years of service to the state. She began her career in October 2007 in Cody. Robert Emmett retired May 3 from Basin Mechanics with more than 33 years of service to the state. He was the heavy mechanic supervisor. Emmett started his career with the state in June 1988. Steven Sanders retired May 21 with 19 years of service to the state. He retired from WHP as a captain. Sanders began his career with WHP in May 2003. n
Outdoors photos deadline:
Sept. 15
carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov Emmett
Goals Sanders
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Letters
Photo: Anthony Morris
Driver Services greeter ‘top notch’
A glimpse at days gone by District 4 issued a forage permit to a Johnson County resident who took a more traditional approach to mowing south of Buffalo. “He asked if he could cut the grass on the right-of-way on I-25 and I gave him permission to do so,” said Buffalo Maintenance Crew Leader Anthony Morris. “I didn’t think too much of it until I saw what he was using to cut the grass with. The back of the black horse is close to 6 feet high!” After he was done cutting, he had a rake that he hitched up to windrow all the grass with, then he baled it up in small bales. This process took him and his horse team three days to mow, rake and bale. n
Dear Mr. Reiner, A few weeks ago, I went to the driver’s license office to get my license renewed. During my two-hour visit I had a chance to observe the employees. One of them stuck with me. Cheryl Miller [A temporary worker from Adecco] was the greeter as people walked into the office. During that time, all elements of Cheyenne’s society came in, some of them with an attitude. She handled each and every one of them with the same dignified qualification no matter what the circumstance. I must admit she had more patience than I would have. In addition to this, she made sure the customer forms were tidy and neat. As a retired corporate executive, you know as well as I, it is the mainline people that represent their employer, who carries the banner, and is an opinion forming factor to the customers. This employee is an asset to WYDOT. You are fortunate to have her in your employ. I don’t write these letters very often. In this case, it was well deserved.
Sincerely, Jim Moench
Evanston Port of Entry kudos Port of Entry, eastbound side, Officer Day was friendly and helpful.
Louella Mitleff, via email
Passings Lola L. Wolfe
John Parker
Lola Loretta Wolfe, 74, died June 9, in Cheyenne. She was born on July 23, 1947, in Worland, Wyoming. Wolfe loved being around family and friends. She spent more than seven years serving our country in the U.S. Navy. After her time in the Navy, she worked in Riverton, where she met her sweetheart on a blind date. She married her sweetheart, Doug Wolfe, on June 6, 1986 and they enjoyed 36 years together. She worked as a merchandise clerk, Wolfe a healthcare clerk, a criminal investigations clerk and as an entry clerk for BlueCross BlueShield. She loved animals, specifically cats, and couldn’t resist feeding every stray that came along. Wolfe is survived by her husband, Doug, who is also a current employee with WYDOT in the IT Applications section. Services were held on June 14, at Lakeview Chapel at Schrader, Aragon and Jacoby Funeral Home with committal services at Cheyenne National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Cheyenne Animal Shelter in her name.
John “Bob” Parker, 91, passed away peacefully at home on May 31, with Joyce, his wife of more than 69 years, at his side. He was born Oct. 24, 1932, in Cheyenne. He worked as an engineer for WYDOT in the Cheyenne Materials Lab for more than 38 years, retiring in 1992. He enjoyed spending his winters in Arizona after his retirement. He enjoyed a full life surrounded by family and friends, Parker camping and playing cards. Parker was a member of the Cheyenne Jackalopes Camping Club for many years. A celebration of life was held on June 6, in Cheyenne. n
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WTDEA WTDEA chapters award scholarships to hardworking undergrads This year’s round of WTDEA scholarships attracted many qualified applicants through the State Board and at Headquarters and in District 4. The awards will help offset the college tuition costs of full-time undergraduate studies. Congratulations to all the recipients. The WTDEA State Board awarded two scholarships to outstanding students in Wyoming. Each will receive checks in the amount of $600. The first of the awards went to Madyson Hart. She plans on continuing her education at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. She recently graduated from Aims Community College with an associate degree in spring 2022. She will continue her studies of elementary education at Fort Lewis. She made the dean’s list at her school and was also a member of the National Honor Society. She enjoys basketball and was captain on her high Hart school varsity basketball team. At the pool, she is a lifeguard manager. Hart will receive $300 per semester from the State Board. Madyson’s dad, Thomas, works in the Environmental Services section in Cheyenne. Payton Miller, of Rock Springs, was awarded the second of the State Board scholarships. Miller plans on continuing her studies in mass communications and psychology at Morningside University in Sioux City, Iowa. Her activities outside of classes are social media director at KMSC Radio, Vice President of the CEO group, head resident at Dimmitt Hall, a member of the womens swim team and part of the Kiosk Magazine photography board. Miller will receive two installments of Miller $300 from the State Board. Payton’s mom, Shaneal, works in Rock Springs Maintenance.
WTDEA State Board
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Two scholarships were awarded at Headquarters in the amount of $500. The first of the Headquarters chapter scholarship winners is Erin Ellis. Ellis will be attending Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado to study early childhood education. Ellis will be a sophomore at CSU this fall. Ellis will receive $250 per semester from the Headquarters 2022-2023 scholarship fund. Erin’s dad, Duane, is a sergeant in the Safety and Training section of the Wyoming Highway Patrol. Ellis with dad, Duane The second recipient of this year’s award at Headquarters is Amelia Van Winkle. Van Winkle will be a senior at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City, South Dakota fall 2022. She is majoring in geological engineering with a minor in geospatial technology. She has made the school’s dean’s list for the past six semesters. She is looking forward to continuing with her duties in the Concrete Canoe club and the Professional Development Institute on campus, as well as becoming a mentor to incoming first- Van Winkle year students in her field of study through the school’s office of Academics. Van Winkle will receive $250 per semester from the Headquarters 2022-2023 scholarship fund. Amelia’s mom, Carlie, is editor/graphic designer in the Public Affairs Office. One scholarship was awarded in District 4 in the amount of $200. The scholarship went to Cana McInerney. McInerney is still deciding on a school to attend, but is looking closely at Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming or Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska. Her chosen fields of study are chiropractic medicine and elementary art education. She looks forward to beginning her higher McInerney education journey this coming fall. Cana’s mom, Dana, is on the Sundance construction crew. n
Congratulations Proceeds went to the WTDEA State Board Scholarship Fund
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Answer to the June 2022 Break Time maze:
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Interchange Wyoming Department of Transportation 5300 Bishop Blvd. Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009-3340
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