Interchange – July 2023

WHP celebrates 90 years serving Wyoming

By Jordan Achs

This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Wyoming Highway Patrol, and the agency took some time this summer to celebrate how the WHP has grown and look ahead at the future.

Celebrations are taking place around the state this summer and feature free food and interesting historical artifacts from the Patrol, including old uniforms and cars. The events are also a chance to have fun and get to know one another, with inflatable bounce houses and other games and attractions with Troopers and other WHP staff who can talk about the WHP’s past, present and future.

The celebratory events were had in Cheyenne, Gillette and Casper in June, and more are planned this summer, including in Thermopolis and Rock Springs.

“The Patrol has had a rich history serving the residents, tourists and travelers in Wyoming,” said WHP Colonel Tim Cameron, “it only makes sense to celebrate this history with the people we serve.”

The Patrol was first proposed on June 1, 1933, by then Gov.

Leslie Miller after the Wyoming Department of Law Enforcement disbanded earlier that year. In 1935, the House passed a bill to officially form the Highway Patrol as we know it today.

The WHP has prioritized public safety since its inception, with Troopers receiving first aid training and supplies in their vehicles in 1936.

Some of the first anti-drunk driving and other safe-driving messaging started in 1934. The first Driving Under the Influence arrest by a Trooper was made in January 1934; unfortunately, it was by no means the last, as alcohol and drug related crashes continue to be a nationwide issue.

Despite highway safety campaigns aimed at preventing fatalities on the highways starting as early as 1936, the messaging still has to continue today, with 134 fatalities recorded in 2022. Of those, 86 fatalities were attributed to impaired driving with alcohol or drugs.

Fatalities reached as high as 264 in 1981, which is still considered the state’s record high. More than half of those fatalities were

Capt. Red Smith (left), the first leader of the newly formed Wyoming Highway Patrol, stands with two other gentlemen at the ribbon cutting of a new WHP patrol car.

Photo: WHP Archive

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, interim

Darin J. Westby, P.E.

Public Affairs Manager

Doug McGee

Editor

Carlie Van Winkle

Contributors

Jordan Achs Public Affairs

Matt Groth Public Affairs

Mark Horan Public Affairs

Carlie Van Winkle Public Affairs

Andrea Staley District 1

Jeff Goetz District 2

Stephanie Harsha District 3

Laura Dalles District 4

Cody Beers District 5

Sgt. Jeremy Beck Patrol

Be sure to check out the online version of Interchange at http://issuu.com/ wydot.pao or click on the link found on the employee’s internal website home page.

alcohol related. This troubling statistic helped birth the Report Every Drunk Driver Immediately program to try to reduce alcohol-related fatalities on the highways. When the REDDI program celebrated its 20 year anniversary in 2002, it had seen 140,000 phone calls that lead to 13,000 drunk driving arrests.

Unfortunately, one of those fatalities in 1981 was one of WHP’s own. Patrolman Pete Visser was struck in his patrol car by a drunk driver, making him the first WHP patrolman to die in the line of duty.

Another trooper lost his life responding to a report of an intoxicated driver in 1998, when Trooper Chris Logsdon swerved and flipped his vehicle avoiding the wrongway vehicle on I-25 north of Wheatland.

Of course, working in the worst winter conditions is another reoccurring theme in the WHP timeline. The blizzard of 1949 rocked the state, and Troopers were reported to have worked shifts as long as 48-72 hours straight, although they didn’t log it that way formally. Blizzards in the 70s when Interstate 80 first opened, and even the most recent record-breaking winter the state just experienced, shows that going above and beyond in the winter has always been a proud part of the WHP’s operations.

Some traditions change and evolve, like the switch from using the term patrolmen to trooper. Another is the WHP uniform; the overall design has certainly changed since the 30s, and while the main color is a military green, troopers used to have tan shirts.

The original uniform was a military green because they were World War I military surplus uniforms provided to the WHP by

the California Highway Patrol. Other notable firsts by the WHP include:

• The first Port of Entry – then called a vehicle check station –was placed in Cheyenne in 1948. However, the Commercial Motor Vehicle Carrier division wasn’t created until 1975.

• The first female WHP patrolman was Bonnie Coppock, who started in 1979. The next female patrolman, Sheila Moak, was hired in 1984.

• Jeff Baltimore, the first African American WHP patrolman, started in 1980.

• The first G. Clyde Larson Memorial awards, often called the Life Saver Award, was presented to patrolmen Bob Mathisen and Brent Taylor in 1969 for resuscitating a drowning victim. Since then, four more Troopers have received the award for their heroic efforts.

• The first patrolman wounded by gunfire at a traffic stop was Duane Verley in 1972, who was shot four times. The assailants were captured near Manville, and Verley returned to work after five months of recovery.

• In 1991, the WHP saw its first married couple, who both served as Patrolmen.

In 1990, Patrol introduced the first computer aided dispatch system. The WHP dispatch center relocated to a centralized location in the basement of the headquarters building in 1980, and then to an off-site location north of the WYDOT campus complex in 2008.

WHP Sgt. Duane Ellis, left, and Lt. Leo Ferguson man the grill at the Patrol’s 90th Anniversary celebration in Cheyenne.

Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT

Photo: WHP Archives

The “Blizzard of ‘49” was entered into the record books for rocking the state. Troopers worked 48-72 hour shifts helping stranded motorists and going above and beyond for their fellow citizens.

Photo: WHP Archives

From 1976-1981, Patrol used a Cessna 180 to apprehend speeding vehicles via the air. It was called “the bear in the air” as it assisted WHP patrol cars on the ground.

Photo: WHP Archives

District News

Headquarters

WYDOT hosted public hearing on proposed new rules regarding Wildlife Conservation Plates

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation hosted a public hearing regarding a new rule and regulation.

Chapter 12, Wildlife Conservation Plates, is a new rule and regulation that will specify WYDOT program and account procedures for funding received via wildlife conservation license plates, including identifying what types of projects and which project activities may be funded from the account.

The hearing took place in person on June 23 in the auditorium at WYDOT headquarters, as well as virtually via zoom.

The proposed rule was reviewed and approved to proceed to rule-making by the Wyoming Transportation Commission. Throughout the rule-making process, the proposed rule was reviewed by Wyoming Game and Fish and other wildlife stakeholders.

More information about the rule can be found on the State’s administrative rules website: https://rules.wyo.gov/ Search.aspx?mode=2

New permanent light-trailer license plate

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation wants to remind residents about upcoming changes to license plates for light trailers.

Starting July 1, owners of light trailers, defined as trailers weighing less than 1,000 pounds, can purchase a permanent plate for their trailer.

Light trailers that are less than 6-yearsold would incur a $350 one-time permanent registration fee for the plate.

To register older trailers, owners will need to pay a $50 one-time administration fee, a one-time fee equal to 5-times the county registration fee that would be due at 6 years of service, and a one-time

fee equal to 5-times the state registration fee.

If the trailer is sold, the plate expires and the customer must remove the plate. Plates cannot transfer owners.

If an owner purchases plates for a trailer, sells it and purchases a new trailer within 60 days, the fees and plates would transfer to the new trailer.

Like most other license plates, these permanent plates will be issued by the counties.

Commission awards one $3.49 million contract in June

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded a $3.49 million contract for a Wyoming Department of Transportation construction project during its June 15 regular business meeting.

Coggins & Sons Inc., based out of Colorado, was awarded their bid for a project involving structure work, traffic control, drainage and other work on US Highway 14 at milepost 69.8 just west of Ranchester in Sheridan County. The contracted completion date is Nov. 30, 2023.

Secure Your Load Day, prioritize road safety

CHEYENNE – June 6 marked the annual Secure Your Load Day, dedicated to raising awareness about securing vehicle items to ensure road safety.

Every year, thousands of accidents occur due to unsecured loads on the road. These accidents can lead to severe injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. To combat this issue, Secure Your Load Day reminds all drivers to take the necessary precautions when transporting items in their vehicles.

The initiative, which began in 2004, encourages drivers to follow a few simple steps to ensure the safety of themselves, their passengers, and other road users.

• Inspect your vehicle and load – before hitting the road, take a moment to inspect your vehicle and the items you are transporting to ensure they are correctly secured.

• Use appropriate restraints – use ropes, straps, or bungee cords to secure items in place. Ensure the restraints are in good condition and strong enough to hold the weight of your load.

• Cover loose items – if you transport open items, such as gravel or sand, use a tarp or netting to cover and secure them.

• Avoid overloading – ensure your vehicle is not overloaded, as this can compromise its handling and make it more challenging to secure your load.

• Regularly check your load during transit – stop periodically to ensure your load remains secure throughout your journey.

By following these guidelines, drivers can significantly reduce the risk of accidents caused by unsecured loads. This protects the safety of all road users and helps prevent unnecessary delays and disruptions on our roads.

Secure Your Load Day is an important reminder that road safety is a shared responsibility. We can all contribute to a safer and more efficient transportation system by securing our loads properly.

Let’s all do our part to ensure that our roads remain safe for everyone. Remember to secure your load, not just on Secure Your Load Day, but every time you hit the road.

District 1

Parsley Bridge in Cheyenne temporarily closed

CHEYENNE – Crews with Reiman Corp. and the Wyoming Department of Transportation temporarily closed Parsley Bridge, in Cheyenne, June 6.

Crews completed an epoxy overlay and pavement grinding to the bridge deck. Motorists were detoured through the

The new Wyoming permanent light-trailer license plate.

closure, and advised to adjust travel plans accordingly.

Rehabilitation work on I-25 pedestrian bridge

CHEYENNE – Crews with Reiman Corp. and the Wyoming Department of Transportation began rehabilitation work on the pedestrian bridge spanning Interstate 25 in Cheyenne June 7.

Rehabilitation work began on the structure, focusing on the concrete pillars. The pedestrian bridge was closed throughout the project.

Lane closures were in place along Bishop Boulevard and Hynds Boulevard.

The bridge temporarily closed on Feb. 6 due to concerns about the worsening condition of one of the concrete pillars. Temporary shoring has been in place to allow the bridge to remain open throughout the school year.

The expected completion date of the project is Aug. 18, 2023.

Work underway on US 30 north of Laramie

LARAMIE – Crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and Knife River Corp. began work on US Highway 30 north of Laramie.

The work began at milepost 327/Curtis Street and end ten miles north of Laramie at milepost 317.

The project includes milling, asphalt overlay, seal coat and chip seal. Some minor curb and gutter work also took place.

During paving, traffic was restricted and a pilot car was used to keep traffic moving by the construction operations, with a 14-foot width restriction.

Motorists encountered delays.

The expected completion date of the project is the end of August 2023.

Seasonal paving in Albany County

LARAMIE – Maintenance crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation began seasonal paving operations in Albany County.

Work started on the Interstate 80 service road/Old US Highway 30 near Vedauwoo, between mileposts 2.75 and 3.6.

Other locations in Albany County maintenance crews plan to pave this year

include:

• WYO 34, at various locations;

• WYO 10, between mileposts 8.6-8.7; and

• Various other areas, including the Laramie complex maintenance yard.

Chip seal repair work to begin near Centennial

LARAMIE – Crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and Intermountain Slurry Seal, Inc. began chip seal repair work on June 6.

Chip sealing helps preserve pavement and improves traction.

Crews did spot repairing on portions of Wyoming Highway 11 from mileposts 0-10.94 near Centennial where chip seal operations were completed last year.

Structure and paving work to begin in Baggs

BAGGS – Crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and McGarvin-Moberly, with subcontractors DeBernardi Construction Co., began working in the town of Baggs.

The first phase of the three phase project on Wyoming Highway 789 and Wyoming Highway 70 involves sidewalk, curb and gutter, ADA updates and double gutter work. Crews closed alternating intersections to complete the work. This included all the intersections on both WYO 789 and WYO 70 in the town of Baggs.

Milling and paving work within town followed starting mid- to late June. This work was completed on WYO 789 to the Colorado border and on the first mile of WYO 70 to the east of town.

The final phase of work consisted of bridge work on the Little Snake River Bridge on the North end of town and the Ledford Slough Bridge east of town.

In addition to shutting down the intersections, crews completed lane and shoulder closures to complete most of the work. Temporary traffic lights on the structures for a stop and go traffic pattern were used.

Motorists encountered travel delays through the work zone, including potential lane shifts and lowered speed limits.

The work is expected to be completed in September 2023.

WYO 130 through the Snowy Range opens for the season

LARAMIE – The seasonally-closed section of Wyoming Highway 130 through the Snowy Range has officially reopened for the summer.

Crews from Laramie and Saratoga, with some assistance from Arlington and Cheyenne crews, started work on the 12mile stretch of the scenic byway in early May with a target reopening date of the Memorial Day Weekend. Multiple rotary plows, snowcats and other heavy equipment were used to clear drifts of snow as tall as 15 feet.

Although the highway is now open to traffic, motorists – including bicyclists and motorcyclists – should stay alert as they travel through the mountain pass. Severe weather is still possible at higher elevations in late spring, including heavy, wet, intense snow storms. Check road conditions before you travel at www. wyoroad.info or on the Wyoming 511 mobile app.

Tim Morton, WYDOT District 1 maintenance engineer, warns drivers to “be aware of melting snow along the roadway. The snow melt can refreeze at night creating isolated hazardous slick spots which may catch drivers off guard.”

WYDOT maintenance crews will be in the area in the coming weeks to make repairs to items like guardrail or sign posts damaged by snow. Stay alert for workers in the area and be prepared to slow down.

The highway is one of several high-elevation mountain roads in Wyoming that closes annually in late autumn when relatively low traffic and deep snow accumulations render plowing operations

A rotary plow throwing snow to the sides of WYO 130 in huge arcs.

Photo: WYDOT

impractical. The scenic byway, which tops out at 10,800 feet in the Snowy Range, closed for the winter season Nov. 10.

Last year, the highway opened May 26. WYO 130 opened May 21 in 2021; May 18 in 2020; May 25 in 2019; May 21 in 2018; and on May 25 in both 2017 and 2016.

District 2

The first phase of the I-25 project in Casper begins

CASPER – The rehabilitation of Interstate 25 through Casper continues this summer. Following the recent opening of the new bridge over Walsh Drive, the next phase for the interstate is now underway and involves five bridges: two over the North Platte River and two over Center Street, plus the river bridge on F Street. The demolition and construction of the F Street bridge kicked off the project.

Work began replacing the F Street bridge over the North Platte River. Access to all business remained open, however access to businesses on the east side of the bridge was from the F Street/Center Street intersection and access to business on the west side was from the Poplar Street/F Street intersection.

Pedestrian access along the Platte River Trail was affected. Expect trail closures north of F Street and on the south side of the interstate during the project.

In early June, Center Street was reduced to one lane on the northbound side and I-25 traffic was switched to one lane each direction on the southbound lanes. Concrete barriers were moved from the Walsh Drive overpass area to the Center Street/North Platte River area and crossover lanes were constructed.

This 2-year project replaces the five bridges and includes new concrete road surface between them. The project length is 0.97 miles. The general contractor is Ames Construction. The cost of the project is $57.6 million. The contractual completion date is November 2025.

District 3

Chip seal operations underway south of Rock Springs

ROCK SPRINGS – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from H-K Contractors, Inc., are conducting chip seal work south of Rock Springs on US 191 throughout this week. Operations began June 16 and lasted roughly a week.

Traffic was carried through the work areas at reduced speeds on a single lane using flagger and pilot cars. Drivers were encouraged to plan accordingly for delays that were ongoing through the work zones.

Following the work on US 191, crews moved to WYO 352, Cora Road, north of Pinedale. The work is part of a district-wide contract. The completion date for the work is Aug. 30, 2023.

Crash clean-up causes delays in Snake River Canyon

JACKSON – A planned closure of the US 89 Snake River Canyon resulted in extended delays for drivers when complications with the clean-up pushed delays into commuter hours June 14.

On June 13, a southbound pickup truck drifted into the northbound lanes, causing a collision with a semi-truck near milepost 131. The semi-truck went off the road and crashed down the embankment. Due to the need for multiple tow companies for the extraction, the vehicle was left overnight and the crash clean-up was scheduled for the next afternoon.

Clean-up activities began in the early

afternoon of June 14, but due to complications with the extraction of the semi-truck, the operation unexpectedly extended into commuter hours, causing congestion and extensive delays for drivers in the canyon.

“What we were expecting to be a one hour job, turned into three hours,” Wyoming Highway Patrol Lt. Matt Brackin said.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol initiated a 511 Notify Alert to alert drivers of the clean-up activities and subsequent delays in the Snake River Canyon.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol is reviewing the incident and process, hoping to find ways to improve the process and make crash clean-ups, especially in commuter routes, more streamlined and less intrusive for drivers.

“We’ve already had an after action review with the tow companies to specifically address ways of avoiding impacts to commuters for closures in the future,” Lt. Brackin said.

Public meetings held for WYO 22 Corridor Project

JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation hosted two public meetings discussing the environmental analysis and design of improvements to the WYO 22 corridor.

The WYO 22 Corridor Project extends from the Y intersection with Broadway Avenue through Wilson. An evaluation for a connection to existing Tribal Trail Road, per an agreement between WYDOT and Teton County in March to fold the County-led Tribal Trail project into the WYO 22 project.

“Combining the two projects helps respond to comments from some members of the public that the Tribal Trail project should be analyzed along with the WYO

A WYDOT chip seal crew working on US 191 south of Rock Springs.

Photo: Stephanie Harsha/WYDOT

A crash on US 89 in Snake River Canyon caused a temporary closure to extricate the crashed semi-truck.

Photo: WHP

22 project,” said Bob Hammond, WYDOT’s resident engineer.

Building on previous WYDOT and local studies, the WYO 22 Corridor Project examines potential corridor improvements including multi-modal aspects (e.g., roadway, pathways, transit) and animal-vehicle collision mitigation opportunities. This project involves identifying transportation needs and improvements to WYO 22 and analyzing associated impacts, in coordination with stakeholders and the public. This work will be used to support a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process that WYDOT hopes to initiate in 2024.

These open-house-style meetings provide an opportunity to learn about the project; ask questions and provide your input; and find out about next steps and project schedule. Comments received are considered in the NEPA process.

The meetings were held on June 14, at Victor Elementary School in Victor, Idaho, and on June 15, at The Virginian in Jackson, Wyoming. There were no formal presentations, but interested parties could drop by the meetings.

WYDOT officials and other team members were on hand to answer questions and discuss any concerns you may have. In addition, written comments could be submitted during the meeting or after the meeting via mail or email. Spanish interpretation was made available at both meeting locations.

If you weren’t able to attend in person, WYDOT is also hosting a self-guided virtual open house. The online meeting launched June 14. Participants can logon at any time through July 17. The online meeting is accessible 24/7 at: https://visualmedia.jacobs.com/ WY22Corridor/.

Green River tunnels closed temporarily

GREEN RIVER – The Wyoming Department of Transportation closed access to the Interstate 80 tunnels outside of Green River June 15. Crews performed annual maintenance on the electrical infrastructure, as well as cleaned and did minor road maintenance.

Crews closed one direction of the tunnels at a time, routing interstate traffic through Green River between exit 89 and

exit 91, using Flaming Gorge Way. Signs and traffic control devices were used to notify the traveling public of the closures and detours.

IF HIGHWAY STRIPING PAINT GETS ON A VEHICLE

• As soon as possible, take your vehicle to a car wash. This will loosen and remove most of the paint, unless it has dried for more than one full day.

WYDOT crews performed annual maintenance on the electrical infrastructure in the Green River tunnels, as well as cleaning and minor road maintenance.

Crews conducted nighttime roadway striping

JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from Streamline Markings were working around the Jackson area beginning the evening of June 8. Crews striped traffic markings on WYO 390/Village Road and US 89/189/191. Operations took place in the evenings as temperatures allowed.

The annual project is necessary to restore proper visibility of pavement markings on state highways. Due to Wyoming’s harsh winter conditions and weather hazards, these lines can fade or be destroyed. WYDOT crews must repaint these markings to provide improved safety and capacity for motorists traveling on highways.

WYDOT reminds drivers to be aware of the striping trucks on the road and to slow down accordingly. Stripers travel at 15 mph while applying the paint and travel with a shadow car, which watches for traffic in the area. Drivers are urged to not follow stripers too closely and only pass when it is safe to do so. Striping operations are slow moving and cause traffic delays.

WYDOT and contract crews would like to also remind drivers that driving over wet paint can reduce the reflectivity of the markings, as well as stick to your vehicle.

• If the car wash does not remove the paint, allow the water to dry off the vehicle. On the dry surface, spray the paint residue with WD-40 and allow it to stay on the area for 1-2 hours and rewash the vehicle. The WD-40 will soften the paint without hurting the vehicle’s finish. If there is a heavy concentration of paint, repeat the procedure.

• For heavy accumulations of paint that have dried for several days, apply a liberal coating of petroleum jelly to the dried traffic paint and allow it to stay on overnight. Take vehicle to a pressure car wash. Repeat the process if necessary.

• Do not scrub the surface of your vehicle with a solvent or scouring cleanser when removing the paint. This will only damage the finish.

• Paint is often difficult to remove from wheel wells, due to their flat finish. Apply a liberal coating of petroleum jelly and leave it on for several days. Then use a pressure washer to wash away the residue. Applying an alcohol such as Solox or rubbing alcohol to the area in the wheel well will help to soften any residue left after the petroleum jelly is washed away. Do not scrub the surface, just apply with a rag or sponge.

Crews milled, paved south of Smoot

AFTON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from HK Contractors, Inc., began work on a project south of Smoot in the Star Valley area. The work included milling, paving and chip seal operations. Drivers were advised to expect delays

News continued on page 8

Photo: WYDOT

of up to 20 minutes, so those commuting on these highways were advised to plan accordingly. Traffic was carried through all work areas at reduced speeds on a single lane using flaggers and pilot cars. Motorists were advised to watch for flaggers and be prepared to stop.

Milling operations lasted until June 26. Crews then began paving operations. Paving began June 23. Paving operations were followed by chip seal work in mid-August.

The completion date for this project is set for August 23, 2023. The project was awarded in August of last year for $4,195,169.

District 4

Paving operations underway in Weston County

NEWCASTLE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation Commission awarded Northern Improvement Company of Fargo, North Dakota, a $4,108,468 million contract to mill and overlay and chip seal a 6.60 mile stretch of US 85 beginning at milepost 195.75 between Mule Creek Junction and milepost 202 south of Newcastle.

Work began the week of June 5 and is scheduled to be completed by July 31. Milled, uneven surfaces, reduced speed limits and pilot cars during daylight hours will be encountered by area motorists.

District 5

Byron chip sealing

BASIN – The final piece of a $3.63 million highway improvement project through the town of Byron occurred June 14-15.

A reduced speed limit of 20 mph and minor traffic delays were expected during chip sealing activities.

This spring’s extended periods of wet weather had delayed chip sealing of the new highway project in Byron.

Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell is the prime contractor on 1.4 miles of US 14A highway improvements through the town of Byron.

Paving crew scheduled for hot-mix patching in Fremont County

RIVERTON – A Wyoming Department of Transportation asphalt paving crew began hot-mix patching work June 14 in Fremont County.

The WYDOT hot-mix asphalt patching work began June 14-15 on the Moneta service road adjacent to US 20/26 near Moneta; June 19-20 on WYO 28 over South Pass; June 21-22 and June 26 to the Riverton area (WYO 789 over Beaver Creek, south of Riverton, WYO 789 near Riverton, and West Main Street in Riverton); and June 27 on US 287 north of Lander.

More than 2,900 tons of hot-mix patching asphalt was planned in Fremont County.

The WYDOT paving operation consists of a paving crew, a roller operator and numerous WYDOT trucks hauling the hot asphalt pavement.

Chip sealing on WYO 135 southeast of Riverton

Riverton – The final piece of a $3.41 million pavement rehabilitation project on WYO 135 began June 16, southeast of Riverton.

The project begins at milepost 24.15 near the community of Sand Draw and extends south 10.44 miles to milepost 34.59 at Sweetwater Station Rest Area (WYO 135’s junction with US 287).

Prime contractor is McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co., of Worland.

Motorists encountered delays of up to 20 minutes during chip sealing operations.

This project represents the third of three sections of roadway improvements between Riverton and Sweetwater Station. The second project between Riverton and Sand Draw was completed in 2019.

Northwest Wyoming chip sealing near Lovell

LOVELL – A Wyoming Department of Transportation chip sealing crew began its summer work on WYO 37 northeast of Lovell beginning June 19.

About three miles of chip sealing were applied on WYO 37 (mileposts 0-3) June 19.

The crew’s three-week Big Horn Basin summer schedule has the chip sealing operation working on June 20 on US 310 southeast of Lovell (mileposts 225.45 to 229.20, and mileposts 229.20 to 230.00); June 21-22 on US 310 south of Lovell (mileposts 235.00 to 236.27) and on the north edge of Lovell (mileposts 237.42 to 238.28); June 26-27 on WYO 114 (mileposts 29.47 (Garland) to milepost 40.62); June 29 and July 3 on WYO 295 (Willwood) from mileposts 0 (junction with WYO 32) to 12.17; and July 17-20 on WYO 290 beginning at the west of Meeteetse (mileposts 0 to 6.02).

All chip sealing is dependent upon favorable weather.

Chip sealing work was swept at the end of each day, but some loose rock may remain.

Chip sealing loose-rock damage when people drive at excessive speeds through a newly chip-sealed area. Drivers are encouraged to slow down chip-sealed areas in order to prevent windshield damage.

Passing lanes pavement overlay east of Moneta

THERMOPOLIS – Asphalt pavement milling of passing lanes between Moneta and Waltman began June 12 east of Shoshoni on US 20/26, with a pavement overlay of the seven sets of passing lanes.

The $4.64 million project included asphalt pavement surfacing, chip sealing, traffic control and other work on the entire width of the highway at seven sets of passing lanes, and inside the Waltman Rest Area.

Prime contractor is Knife River of Casper.

As part of the project, soft spot repair was scheduled in the parking lot of the Waltman Rest Area, and several days of closure were planned during this work.

“Motorists should expect traffic delays of up to 20 minutes. Traffic will be moved through the work zones with pilot

Photo: Cody Beers/WYDOT

Total number of employees: As of June 7, 2023

1,766 One month ago 1,770 One year ago 1,792

vehicles,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Kaia Tharp of Thermopolis.

Project completion date is June 30, 2023.

Hot-mix patching in Big Horn County

BASIN – A Wyoming Department of Transportation asphalt paving crew is continued work in Big Horn County.

The WYDOT hot-mix asphalt patching work continued on WYO 32 north of US 14/16/20 (also north of Burlington).

The WYDOT paving operation consisted of a paving crew, a roller operator and numerous WYDOT trucks hauling the hot asphalt pavement.

WYDOT North District 5 Paving Foreman Shannon Armstrong, of Basin, recommended motorists obey posted speed limits during the paving operation, and obey flaggers and traffic control for safety’s sake. Drivers would encounter short delays.

US 14/16/20 chip seal completes pavement improvements east of Yellowstone

CODY – Fog sealing of highway pavement shoulders, thermoplastic markings placement, and chip sealing occurred in early June on 10.25 miles of US 14/16/20 directly east of the East Entrance to Yellowstone National Park.

The $5.4 million pavement improvement project is in its final stages west of Cody.

“By contract, all work was required to be complete by June 30,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Todd Frost of Cody. “Motorists encountered traffic delays of up to 20 minutes during this work.”

The project is located west of Cody between Yellowstone National Park and Cody from milepost 0.00 (Yellowstone’s East Entrance) and extending east 10.25 miles to milepost 10.25 (Fishhawk Trailhead).

Prime contractor for the project is Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell.

WHP Tourism Tourism, Ford Bronco

Total number of highway fatalities: As of June 8, 2023 57 One year ago 38

Wild Fund to showcase travel in documentary

The Wyoming Office of Tourism announced a partnership with Ford Bronco Wild Fund and Outside on May 31. The partnership will include a new online video series, Wildly Wyoming, which will air this July on streaming services and Outside TV.

The five-episode series will showcase three teams of Team Bronco Ambassadors setting out on adventure-packed paths across Wyoming. On each route, teams will meet with locals, guides and organizations that focus on access, preservation and stewardship. The Team Bronco Ambassadors will learn what is needed to care for the untamed, wild spirit of Wyoming’s land and its people while competing in physical and Ford Bronco-based challenges. A total of $70,000 will ultimately be awarded by Bronco Wild Fund to charitable organizations, which will be

announced at a later date.

“Wyoming is where bold, independent and curious spirits are encouraged to forge their own way to adventures both big and small,” said Diane Shober, executive director of the Wyoming Office of Tourism. “Bronco Wild Fund shares our commitment for protecting this last bastion of the West. We can’t wait to showcase the distinctive stories of those who live here, work here, or are simply drawn here to explore. It’s not for the faint of heart, but for the full of heart.”

“Bronco Wild Fund works to increase access, preservation, and stewardship of public lands and is proud to work with the Wyoming Office of Tourism to further our shared mission of connecting people to the outdoors, responsibly,” said Dave Rivers, enthusiast brand manager and BWF Advisory Council member.

Commercial Carrier Division launches mobile inspection team

Dedicated field unit increases safety and education efforts

By Mark Horan

The Wyoming Highway Patrol’s Commercial Carrier Section launched a full-time mobile inspection team at the beginning of the year and has seen positive results so far.

As part of the federally funded Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program, the mobile team conducts commercial vehicle inspections on the side of the road, such as rest areas and truck stops. The unit performs the same levels of commercial vehicle inspections that are performed at Wyoming’s 14 ports of entry.

The mobile team can do everything that the ports do except issue permits.

“This is a new effort in our existing program to expand highway safety through more inspections and more education by having a dedicated field team,” said Commercial Carrier Lt. Dustin Ragon.

There are currently three full-time MCSA mobile inspectors: Officers Alanna Jarvis and Tyson Rein, stationed in the southern region, and Officer Davyd Mortensen stationed in the northern region.

As of June 15, the team has collectively performed 1,050 inspections. Beginning in October, each team member will be required to conduct 900 inspections over a 12-month period.

According to Jarvis, safety is the team’s top priority.

“We check on drivers to make sure they’re not fatigued and we also check on their trucks to make sure they’re allowed to be on the road and safe to be on the road,” Jarvis said. “It’s about driver protection, our protection and the public’s protection.”

In their inspections, the MCSA inspectors scrutinize driver hours of service, registration paperwork, tire conditions, truck maintenance and damage, brake performance, weight, cargo securement and more.

Jarvis estimated that at least half of the trucks or drivers that she and her team inspects on a daily basis have violations requiring correction before they’re allowed back on the road.

In some cases, the team has found contraband in the vehicle such as alcohol or drugs. Alcohol is strictly prohibited in commercial carriers along with any use of drugs or narcotics. While some drugs may be legal at a state level, federal regulations prohibit CDL holders from using or possessing them.

“I have unfortunately caught many of them with alcohol in coolers or drugs in their cab and their backpack. And we stopped them and put them out of service for that,” Jarvis said.

Occasionally the unit has had to stop trucks on the side of the road and discover that the drivers don’t have a permit or permis-

sion. In these situations the mobile unit will often communicate back to the ports to see if the driver bypassed an inspection.

On a 10-hour shift, about eight hours are nothing but inspections. This helps take some of the workload off the ports, particularly the smaller ports or those which are short staffed.

In nice weather, the group averages around 10 to 12 inspections a day. That number drops down to around five in winter conditions.

Jarvis acknowledged that their job can be difficult in various types of extreme weather. Nevertheless, they manage to get the job done year-round.

“There’s no stopping us,” she said. “We’re doing them in the snow. We’re doing them in the high winds, we’re doing them in the rain, and the blazing heat. We’re out here doing inspections throughout the year.”

The educational component is another top priority for the MCSA team, who aim to help drivers instead of punishing them.

“Education is a little bit better, because sometimes drivers just

Mobile inspectors with the Commercial Carrier Division’s Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program. From left: Davyd Mortensen, Alanna Jarvis and Tyler Rein.

Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT

The MCSA Inspectors place informational signs along highways to have commercial truckers stop for inspection.

Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT

don’t know that there’s a problem and it’s our job to help them and let them know there are things they need to fix,” Jarvis said.

“Now if we see something that’s crucial, we will write the citation,” she added. “But for the most part, it’s all education versus citation.”

The inspectors do not make arrests, but will call a trooper to come out to assist if necessary.

Although the MCSA officers spend most of their time traveling and conducting inspections, there’s also a public outreach component to their job.

“We’re here to help our community,” Jarvis said, pointing out that her group takes a lot of calls from people who are concerned about what trucks are doing. For example, someone might report a truck that’s leaking cargo such as sand or grain.

Sometimes a member of the public will call in if they have reason to think that a particular trucking company shouldn’t be operating on the roadway. In those cases the mobile team can go and check into that particular company to see if the concerns are legitimate.

If requested, the MCSA team members also put on safety presentations or CDL classes to community colleges or private trucking companies in order to bridge the gap between WYDOT and the trucking companies.

All in all, the group tries to focus on creating positive interactions with everyone they come across.

When drivers initially have to pull off on the inspection site, “they kind of cringe” Jarvis said. But by the time the end of the inspection is done, a lot of them are laughing and happy.

“We are making good impressions on them, and they’re starting to appreciate us a lot more.”

MCSA Inspector Tyson Rein checks a truck’s tire pressure.

Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT

MCSA Inspector Davyd Mortensen signals a driver to start his engine.

Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT

MCSA Inspector Alanna Jarvis speaks to a truck driver at a rest area off Hwy 59 between Douglas and Wright.

Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT

MAINTENANCE CREWS LAW ENFORCEMENT EMERGENCY VEHICLES TOW TRUCKS

WYDOT releases data from 2023 Customer Satisfaction Survey

By Jordan Achs

Every other year, the University of Wyoming’s Survey and Analysis Center conducts a Customer Satisfaction Survey for the Wyoming Department of Transportation to get feedback from the people around the state the agency serves.

WYDOT uses the survey results to help gauge whether the agency is meeting its mission and goals as well as to help improve services, policies and procedures.

“Constructive feedback is vital to any organization,” said WYDOT Interim Director Darin Westby. “This kind of data can give us insights into where we can grow and where the agency is excelling.”

This was the eleventh iteration of the survey, with responses gathered through the month of February 2023. New this iteration was a dual-mode option, where respondents could answer the survey online or over the phone. Although new, the web option was the most popular, with over half of the 1,004 respondents using that method.

Seventy-eight percent of respondents said they are satisfied with the overall stewardship of the transportation system and with how WYDOT communicates to the public.

Survey results show WYDOT’s 511 tools continue to increase in popularity; between the 2020 and 2023 surveys, there was a 9 percent increase in respondents who reported using the Wyoming 511 mobile app, and a 3.3 percent increase in respondents who reported using the road condition webcams on the 511 website.

Usage of WYDOT’s website also increased, with 76.8 percent of respondents saying they used it this year compared to 68.1 percent in 2020.

Driver Services also received high marks. Sixty-seven percent of survey participants said they had conducted some sort of business at a Driver Services location in Wyoming within the last two years. Of those, 76 percent indicated they were satisfied with the promptness of service, and 85 percent said they were satisfied with the courtesy of staff.

Of the 66 percent of respondents who visited an airport for any reason over the past two years, 78 percent expressed satisfaction with the overall facilities.

WYDOT’s rest area facilities also received high marks, with 85 percent of respondents saying they were satisfied with the cleanliness of the state’s rest areas.

When looking at the last three surveys, which have the same questions for comparative analysis, there was a 3.4 percent increase in agreement that the Wyoming Highway Patrol is courteous and respectful. This is by far the largest increase in satisfaction across the agency in the 2018-2023 surveys. The WHP had the only other increase in satisfaction in the same time frame, with a 1.2 percent increase in satisfaction with how WHP responds to calls.

It wasn’t all good news and high scores. Satisfaction with road quality and maintenance dipped in 2023, with 82 percent of respondents reporting being satisfied after a highway construc-

Which of the following resources have you used to obtain road and driving conditions within the past two years?

tion project versus 85 percent in 2020. There was an 8 percent decrease in respondents who agreed that highway conditions have improved in the last two years.

Some of the biggest negative changes were with winter and spring maintenance. Satisfaction with overall maintenance of the highways, including guardrails or potholes, dropped 10 percent since the 2020 survey. There was also a 10 percent drop in respondent satisfaction that WYDOT plows the roads thoroughly since the 2020 survey.

“When the survey was being conducted, WYDOT was in the throes of a record-breaking winter season,” said Chief Engineer Mark Gillett. “Even with that context, it does seem that WYDOT’s budgetary and staffing constraints have started showing in the survey results.”

To read the full Customer Satisfaction Survey, visit WYDOT’s website at: http://www.dot.state.wy.us/home/news_info.html.

Pony Express rides again

Group reenacts famous historic mail route on horseback

By Jordan Achs

Today, thanks to delivery services like Amazon, people expect their mail within two days. There was a time, however, where mail traveling from east to west coasts took months.

The Pony Express started in 1860 as a way to improve mail service between Missouri and California, a feat that took more than 30 days at the time. The thought was riders could complete this route in a mere 10 days thanks to light loads and fresh horses ready to go every 10-15 miles.

Today, volunteers with the National Pony Express Association gather annually to ride the historic route within the 10 days, remembering the Pony Express and its impact on the country.

According to a Cowboy State Daily article about this year’s ride, about 600 riders participated in this year’s re-ride.

“Each rider takes a short leg, between 1 and 20 miles, depending on terrain, rider ability and trail accessibility, at an average speed of 10 mph.” the article explains.

About 500 miles of the Pony Express route cross through Wyoming; Forty-two Pony Express stations extended west from the Cold Springs station near Torrington, going up to Casper and back down to Bear River Station near Evanston. According to wyohistory.org, no original structures from the stations remain, but most sites are marked by a monument or post placed by the National Pony Express Association. Some are even accessible via car.

According to a recent article on wyohistory.org, Wyoming’s harsh winters are partly to blame for the Pony Express not mak-

ing it longer than 19 months. The route crossed over the Continental Divide at South Pass and there wasn’t enough mule traffic to pack down the deep snow. Horses were slowed significantly, delaying the mail delivery to 15 days or even longer.

The Pony Express survived until the Transcontinental Telegraph Line was completed in October 1861.

Buffalo Bill Cody claimed to be a Pony Express Rider and told tall tales of the experience during his Wild West show, although wyohistory.org debunks his participation as a myth. The Pony Express also likely helped birth the US Postal Service.

While the winter posed problems for the riders back then, the group continuing the tradition every summer in present day has its own unique challenges. Now the state has more developments, roads, private land and other potential hazards. The NPEA works with nearly every Wyoming Department of Transportation district to obtain Special Event Permits for the annual re-ride, which help protect the group by ensuring they have proper traffic control and are aware of potential challenges like construction zones.

Other groups who obtain Special Event Permits include towns conducting street festivals or parades, long-distance bike or running races for charity, and other community events along state highways.

Special event permits are issued at the District level, more information is on WYDOT’s website: https://www.dot.state.wy.us/ home/permits.html

A volunteer rider with the National Pony Express Association completes a portion of the route in Wyoming. Every summer, volunteers spend 10 days crossing Wyoming from Utah to Nebraska on horseback to remember the Pony Express.

Photo courtesy of the NPEA

Don’t fall into the cracks created by Medicaid changes

By Caleb Michael Smith, Enroll Wyoming marketing director

Free assistance available to help people re-enroll, find alternative coverage

Changes are coming to Wyoming Medicaid that will impact families enrolled in the public health insurance program, the health care providers that serve them, and the community at large. Eligibility requirements have been revised and extra steps will be required to remain in compliance. To make sure families don’t lose life-saving coverage, the nonprofit Enroll Wyoming is raising awareness about the new rules and free assistance available to find affordable health insurance.

Medicaid provides health coverage to 83.1 million Americans, or more than 20 percent of the population, including low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. In Wyoming, there were more than 83,000 people receiving health insurance through Medicaid at the start of 2023. Health coverage helps people fulfill needs that might not otherwise be met. It plays a vital but also complicated role. After all, it’s difficult to keep up with expectations, especially when the rules are regularly rewritten.

In 2020, eligibility checks were paused. Those who enrolled in Medicaid retained their coverage – no questions asked. The goal was to increase peace of mind and productivity when the time spent reapplying and waiting for a determination could be redirected toward other needs. Earlier this spring, Wyoming Medicaid ended that policy and restarted the annual reviews. The process will stretch into 2024 as 1 in 10 Wyomingites will be evaluated.

To make reviews go smoothly, enrollees should update their contact information by calling 855-294-2127 or visiting www.wesystem.wyo.gov. They should then watch for print, email or text updates on their status. Eligible families could lose their coverage if they cannot be reached or do not respond to inquiries.

A ripple effect occurs when people struggle without health insurance:

• A family’s health declines when it cannot afford preventative check-ups, ongoing treatment or prescriptions, or unexpected care in the case of emergencies. This can impair or even end lives.

• Health care providers lose business when customers can no longer afford their services. Diminishing customers and profits can cause practitioners to leave communities.

• Local governments lose revenue when spending drops, business declines, and fewer laborers are healthy enough to work. Individual conditions may grow more severe and require more expensive, emergency care that may have to be written off by hospitals. This leaves less money for community safety or quality-of-life improvements.

Fortunately, free help is available to help people find health coverage. The skilled team members of Enroll Wyoming provide free information so people can explore their options. We can help families re-enroll in Medicaid or find alternative coverage if they no longer qualify. Those who lose Medicaid benefits qualify for special enrollment in the health insurance marketplace that was created to make policies more affordable. Four out of five applicants qualify for insurance that costs less than $50 a month.

Anyone can connect with Enroll Wyoming for free by calling 211 or visiting enrollwyo.org. Navigators around the state can guide people through the complicated world of health care and identify options that best suit their preferences. We offer an independent eye as a grant-funded nonprofit that doesn’t have sales incentives or quotas.

National surveys have found a lot of Medicaid users do not know about the latest program changes. If you or someone you know relies on Medicaid, please spread the word that they need to make sure their contact information is valid and they have a free resource to turn to if they need more assistance to find health insurance. Enroll Wyoming is here to help.

Caleb Michael Smith is the marketing director of the nonprofit Enroll Wyoming. He has spent more than 17 years in Wyoming highlighting community resources and telling local stories.

Boys State delegates visit WYDOT HQ

By Mark Horan

Four high school juniors spent the morning of June 16 visiting with WYDOT staff in Cheyenne as part of their Boys State experience.

During their time on campus, the students met with Executive Staff, learned about various Wyoming Highway Patrol vehicles, and got to check out some heavy equipment in the maintenance and rigging shop.

The students were part of a group of nearly 50 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” Zach Orsborn from Newcastle, “Aeronautics Commissioner” Easton Stanford from Glenrock, ”Chief Engineer” Caleb Miller from Cheyenne, and “Colonel” Carter Bradshaw from Lyman.

Assisting in the tour process were Equipment Program Manager Bryan Wenger, District 1 Equipment Supervisor Jesse Burgess, Area Maintenance Supervisor Brian Erickson, Sgt. Jeremy Beck, Lt. Leo Ferguson, Lt. Dustin Ragon and members of the Public Affairs Office.

Interim Director Darin Westby, a former Boys State delegate himself, welcomed the group and encouraged them to consider joining the WYDOT family after they graduate from high school.

The young men appeared to enjoy the tour and were gracious to staff throughout the visit. Perhaps someday their names will show up in the WYDOT employee 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 held in Wyoming every few years. The Boys and Girls State programs are sponsored by the American Legion and have been in existence for more than 80 years.

Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT

The 2023 Wyoming Boys State delegates standing with their Executive Staff counterparts. From left: Aeronautics Planning and Programming Program Manager, Cheryl Bean; “Aeronautics Commissioner” Easton Stanford; Interim Director Darin Westby; “Director” Zach Orsborn; Chief Engineer Mark Gillett; “Chief Engineer” Caleb Miller; “Colonel” Carter Bradshaw; and WHP Col. Tim Cameron.

District 1 Equipment Supervisor Jesse Burgess shows the Boys State delegates a battered trailer attenuator.

Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT

Driver Services implements virtual lobby at select locations

By Jordan Achs

Short closures announced for training this summer

By Jordan Achs

The Wyoming Department of Transportation’s Driver Services program has a new way for residents to save time at select locations.

Clients can virtually save their spot in line through an easy-to-use website, and the system will give an estimated wait time to help users plan ahead.

“It does not reserve an appointment, but is a way to get in line without having to make an extra trip to Driver Services,” said Renee Kocina, Driver Services deputy program manager. “The customer will receive a text message or email when it is time to go to the office, which helps reduce time away from work, school or other daily tasks.”

Cheyenne and Casper were the initial locations to be activated in the system, which launched in early June.

Other locations will become available in the system after a quick training with staff, which in some cases required a short office closure. Gillette and Sheridan were added in mid-June, and Cody, Riverton and Rock Springs will be added by the end of the summer.

Those needing to conduct Driver Services business at the select locations

can use this link to get in line virtually: https://webapp.dot.state.wy.us/ao/ f?p=146:1. There are also links available on the WYDOT website and QR codes available for people to scan at various WYDOT locations around the state.

Users can only get in line on the day they plan to conduct business; the system does not allow for scheduling any further in advance.

Not every Driver Services location will be included in the system.

“Locations were chosen based on a number of factors, including number of transactions per day,” said Kocina.

Some Driver Services locations that won’t be included in the system yet are Torrington, Worland, Jackson, Thayne and Newcastle.

The system was developed by WYDOT’s in-house IT Program and soft launched using employees in Cheyenne to help work out any bugs in the software.

FAST FACTS

Wyoming crash data from 2018-2022 report that:

• Around 1.2 percent of all critical crashes were cyclist-involved.

• Nearly 2.2 percent of all serious crashes were cyclist-involved.

• The majority of cyclists involved in a traffic crash were suspected to have a minor injury (61.6 percent).

• Most cyclists were not wearing any safety equipment at the time of the crash (68.2 percent).

• Almost 37 percent of all cyclists involved in a traffic crash were aged 16 years or younger.

• The vast majority of cyclistinvolved traffic crashes (94.1 percent) occurred in urban areas; more than half (64.9 percent) were intersection or intersection-related crashes.

• Defensive driving by both cyclists and motor vehicle drivers can help prevent crashes.

BY THE NUMBERS

Wyoming crash data

June 1, 2023 vs. (June 1, 2022):

Fatalities: 49 (36)

Serious Injuries: 151 (165)

Alcohol-Involved Fatalities: 4 (8)

Bicycle-Involved Fatalities: 0 (0)

CMV-Involved Fatalities: 19 (8)

Drug-Involved Fatalities: 10 (10)

Motorcycle-Involved Fatalities: 0 (1)

A member of the public signs into Driver Services’ new virtual lobby system in Cheyenne. Instead of having to make an extra trip to Driver Services, users can now get in line completely virtually in select locations. Those in line will get a text or email when it’s their turn.

“Thank you to everyone who helped us get the service ready for the public,” Kocina said.

Any technical difficulties with the virtual lobby can be reported to Driver Services at: drivercustomerservice@ wyo.gov or by calling 307-777-4800.

Pedestrian-Involved Fatalities: 6 (4)

Speed-Related Fatalities: 25 (21)

Data current as of 06/02/2023

The Cheyenne Driver Services office encourages visitors to sign in at the provided workstation or scan the QR code to sign in from their mobile devices.

Photo: Carlie Van Winkle/WYDOT

Photo: Carlie Van Winkle/WYDOT

Highway Safety

Cyclist-Involved Crashes

By Kari Fictum, Highway Safety

Cycling is a popular means of travel for Wyoming residents and visitors alike. People commonly bike to work or school, to access commercial districts for retail shopping or food, and for recreation or exercise. Cycling is a low impact, healthy activity that should be encouraged and made safer.

Cyclists are vulnerable road users due to their high risk of injury if struck by a motor vehicle. They have little or no protection to absorb and diffuse the transfer of energy created at impact, which is why vulnerable road users experience a higher proportion of fatal and suspected serious injuries when a crash occurs. In Wyoming, all collisions between motor vehicles and bicyclists are considered injury crashes. An increase in vulnerable road user crashes is a rising concern nationwide.

In Wyoming, during the most recent five-year period (20182022), 254 traffic crashes were cyclist-involved crashes, which accounts for around 0.4 percent of all crashes. These cyclist-involved crashes included 26 critical crashes (1.2 percent of all critical crashes) and 228 serious crashes (2.2 percent of all serious crashes).

Of the 255 cyclists involved in traffic crashes in 2018-2022, two cyclists were fatally injured (0.8 percent), 25 were suspected to have a serious injury (9.8 percent), 157 were suspected to have a minor injury (61.6 percent), and the remaining 71 were suspected to have a possible injury (27.8 percent).

Only 22.4 percent of cyclists (57) were wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The majority of cyclists (174, 68.2 percent) were not wearing any safety equipment.

The majority of cyclists involved in a traffic crash were male (188, 73.7 percent). Almost 37 percent of all cyclists involved in a traffic crash were aged 16 years or younger.

Improper crossing and failure to yield right of way were the most common potential contributing actions performed by the cyclist.

The majority of cyclist-involved traffic crashes (222, 87.4 percent) occurred in daylight conditions, with only 8.3 percent (21) occurring in darkness conditions.

The vast majority of cyclist-involved traffic crashes (239, 94.1 percent) occurred in urban areas. Only 14.6 percent (35) of urban cyclist-involved traffic crashes were not related to a junction. More than half (155, 64.9 percent) of all urban cyclist-involved

crashes were intersection or intersection-related crashes, while 12.1 percent (29) were located at a business entrance and 6.3 percent (15) were driveway related.

For all cyclists involved in traffic crashes, 61.6 percent (157)

were entering/crossing the road just prior to the crash, while 33.3 percent (85) were traveling along the road.

Most cyclists (137, 53.7 percent) were located in an intersection or intersection crosswalk at the time of the collision. Nearly 24 percent of cyclists (61) were located in the roadway at the time of the collision, and nearly 6 percent (15) were located in a driveway access. Around 4.7 percent of cyclists (12) were on the sidewalk at the time of the collision.

Of the distinguishable cyclist pursuits (other than cycling), 20.4 percent of cyclists (52) were commuting to work, school, or another location at the time of the crash, while around 18.4 percent (47) were involved in a recreational pursuit.

Bicycles on the roadway are vehicles with the same rights and responsibilities as motorized vehicles. Safety initiatives focus on encouraging safer choices on the part of both cyclists and drivers to help reduce deaths and injuries on our roadways. Defensive driving (being focused and alert to the road and all traffic around you, and anticipating what others may do) is best practice for both cyclists and drivers alike.

Smith wins Wyoming IDEC Examiner of the Year award

By Jordan Achs Mikaela Smith, a driver license examiner at the Cheyenne Driver Services Exam Station, was named 2022 Examiner of the Year in Wyoming by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators International Driver Examiner Certification Board.

“I feel honored to receive this award,” Smith said. “There are a lot of misconceptions out there about ‘the DMV’ and I like to prove them wrong.”

Annually, the AAMVA IDEC Board recognizes outstanding examiners through the Examiner of the Year award. States and Territories within each member jurisdiction nominate one examiner for outstanding performance as a driver’s license examiner.

“Mikaela handles her workload in a manner that is above and beyond what is expected,” said her supervisors in her award nomination form. “Throughout 2022, in a five person office, in addition to performing the second-most road skills tests, Mikaela constantly completed more than 30 percent of the transactions in her office.”

Smith has been with Driver Services for five years and has made a big impact during that time, assisting with difficult customers and working with drivers of all ages, from new teen drivers to senior citizens.

Renee Kocina, deputy program manager for Driver Services, said on Smith’s nomination form that she considers her to be “a

To qualify, Smith had to be IDEC certified for a minimum of one year. Selection criteria also considers the person’s excellence in adhering to the Examiner’s Code of Ethics, as well as demonstrating outstanding performance as a driver’s license examiner through integrity, professionalism, and treating customers equitably and respectfully.

Smith said some of her favorite parts of working with Driver Services was helping teen drivers get their licenses and seeing people gain citizenship to the United States.

This isn’t the first time a WYDOT examiner has been praised

Mikaela Smith, left, was recently awarded the AAMVA IDEC Wyoming Examiner of the Year award for 2022. The certificate was awarded to her by Driver Services Program Manager Misty Zimmerman.

Photo: Jordan Achs/WYDOT

D5 engineer earns Employee Safety Life Saver Award

By Cody Beers

Engineer Brian Martin was working as the chief inspector on a pavement improvement project on US Highway 14/16/20 west of Greybull.

It was June 23, 2022, at about 7 p.m.

A laborer with McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co., of Worland, tripped and fell in front of the paver, out of sight of the contractor’s paver operator, the screed operator on the back of the paver, and the other laborer on the opposite side of the paver.

Thankfully, Martin saw the laborer fall down, and he heard the laborer’s call for help as the paver’s front left wheel began rolling over the worker. Martin’s yells and signals caught the attention of the paver operator. Though confused by Martin for a few seconds, the paving operator could tell that something was wrong and stopped the paver. Martin told the paving operator to back up the paver about 2 feet, and Martin and the workers were able to free the laborer’s leg from underneath the wheel.

An ambulance was dispatched, first aid was given according to the instructions of the dispatch radio operator. The dispatcher told Martin and the McGarvin workers to keep the injured worker still, avoid placing ice on the worker’s leg and treat for shock. Martin communicated with the traffic control subcontractor and traffic was held until the ambulance arrived. The contractor’s employee was transported to the Cody hospital with a severe crush injury to his right foot and leg below his knee.

“We are proud of Brian Martin and the hundreds of safe-

ty-minded workers like him at WYDOT,” said WYDOT Director Darin Westby. “It’s my honor as WYDOT Director to present Brian Martin of Lander with the Employee Safety Life Saver Award.”

Martin received his Life Saver Award on June 8 in Cody from Westby and WYDOT Transportation Commissioner Micheal Baker of Thermopolis.

McGarvin-Moberly Safety Officer Mike Lass expressed his appreciation for Martin’s “commitment to creating a safe and healthy environment for himself and our employees.”

“His attention to detail, awareness of potential hazards, and willingness to speak up when necessary have helped to prevent a substantial serious injury,” Lass added. “Martin’s dedication to safety is a reflection of his strong work ethic and commitment to excellence. Thank you again for all that has been done to keep others safe in the workplace. Martin’s contribution is invaluable, and we are grateful for his continued efforts.”

District 5 recognizes safe employees

By Cody Beers

District 5 has launched a new way to recognize safety-minded workers.

Dubbed the “Safety Leadership Award,” District 5 administrators asked each supervisor to nominate one individual in each work program – Construction, Maintenance, Traffic and Equipment – to recognize for going above and beyond in safe work practices.

“The nominees will have their name and the reason why they were nominated in the district newsletter,” said Jerry Fritz, WYDOT District 5 safety officer. “Following nominations, the District 5 Safety Committee will review the nominees and choose three to send to District Staff. The District Staff will choose one of those three to receive the Safety Leadership Award.”

The D5 winner will receive his or her name on a plaque that will be displayed at the District headquarters office in Basin, a safety leadership jacket, and lunch with the district engineer and/ or the department supervisor.

First-year winners of the D5 Safety Leadership Awards include:

• Thermopolis engineer Lance Schatz, who helped create an easier daily briefing form, for consistently researching proper safety policies, and for involving himself in safe work prac-

tices on projects when working with contractors

• Shoshoni/Riverton maintenance worker Austin Nolan for his life-saving efforts to improve safety and flag the crash during the aftermath of the incident between Shoshoni and Casper

• Traffic technician Tim Martel of Lander, who fabricated a part to fix a garage door routinely used by plow drivers.

Items considered to qualify the individual for the D5 safety leadership award consideration include: making a contribution to the health and safety of other state employees, including guiding them in the safety policies of the state; performing an action apart from their job duties; setting superior standards for fellow employees to follow; designing or creating an item, document or program that will help minimize accidents; and contributing regularly at safety meetings.

“I’m positive that each supervisor has an individual who would qualify for this award, so please take the time to nominate someone in the future,” Fritz said.

Martel Schatz

From left: District 5 Engineer Pete Hallsten, District Construction Engineer Randy Merritt, engineer Brian Martin, Interim Director Darin Westby and Transportation Commissioner Micheal Baker award Martin his Life Saver Award in Cody in early June.

Photo: Cody Enterprise

TLN live, recorded webinars available to employees

By Christi Weinzierl, Training Services

Did you know that as a WYDOT employee you have access to both live and recorded webinars on a variety of professional development and leadership development topics from the Transportation Learning Network taught by experts in the field?

Over the past year, TLN has offered 21 professional development webinars along with 8 leadership webinars. There have been 266 webinar completions recorded for WYDOT employees since October of 2022.

The following topics were addressed during the TLN season this year:

Professional Development

• Advanced Transportation Technologies and Innovation (ATTAIN) Program

• UAS Advances in Transportation

• Asphalt Production and Construction

• Understanding NEPA

• PE Exam Review for Civil Engineers

• Construction Negotiating

• Section 4(F)

• ATSSA Traffic Control Technician

• Bridge Deck Preservation

• Work Zone Safety: Controlling Speed and Mitigating Intrusions in Work Zones

• ATSSA Traffic Control Supervisor

• Slope Stability Analysis and Stabilization

• Innovation in Engineering

• Engineering Ethics: Managing Cognitive Bias and Fallacious Reasoning

• Primal Safety

• Longitudinal Joints

• Project Engineer to Project Manager: Look Before You Leap

• Work Zone Safety Roundtable

• 6-Part Project Scheduling Series: Planning for Success; The Basics; Submitting Reviewing, and Approving; Updating; Analyzing Delay; and Concurrency

• Paving Equipment Innovations: What’s Available, What’s Coming

• The What and Why of Distracted Driving Leadership Development

• Work with Difficult People

• Managing Workplace Stress

• Improving Project Communication: Within and Outside of the Project Team

• Leading Across Generations

• Skills for Resiliency

• Eat That Frog-Increase Your Productivity

• Critical Conversations

• A Healthy Workplace Culture is the “Secret Sauce” for Success

Whether you were unable to take part in any of these learning opportunities, or if you attended many TLN webinars during the past season, you’ll be glad to hear these three exciting pieces of news regarding TLN:

1. Most TLN webinars are recorded and available for you to watch after the event. Access them by logging on to the https://tln.learnflex.net/, creating a free account if you don’t yet have one, and clicking on “Recorded Presentations” to browse their archive catalog.

2. Another season of TLN webinar events will begin this coming October and will run through May of 2024. Watch your email for announcements with details about upcoming webinars addressing both professional or technical and leadership development topics.

3. Registering for TLN webinars is now easier than ever; you can register with only two quick clicks:

• When you get an announcement for a webinar you’d like to participate in, click the link in the email:

• You will be taken to the class in NEOGOV Learn. Click the “enroll” button:

Don’t hesitate to take advantage of all the valuable resources and events available to WYDOT employees through TLN this next season!

Training@aGlance

• Participants will register for three additional virtual courses once having completed the in-person workshop: • Addressing Poor Performance, •

DDI – Addressing Poor Performance

*All new supervisors are assigned the WY Supervise Plan and should register for one of the workshops in NeoGov Learn

Transportation Commission tours TMC

By Mark Horan

On June 14, members of the Transportation Commission took a tour of the Transportation Management Center in Cheyenne.

The TMC building is located a mile away from the WYDOT campus and is the central location for TMC and Wyoming Highway Patrol dispatchers.

It was an opportunity for the Commission to get a first-hand look at the technology used for emergency communications and the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s Intelligent Transportation System, which includes the dynamic messaging signs and variable speed limit signs around the state.

During the tour, the Commission met with WYDOT Chief Technology Officer Nate Smolinski, Global Information Systems/ITS program manager Vince Garcia and several TMC/WHP supervisors and dispatch personnel.

The Commission asked many questions during their two-hour visit, focusing on topics such as winter road closures, staffing levels, facility conditions and WYDOT’s travel information website.

The following day at their regu-

lar monthly Commission meeting, Commission Chair Susan Holmes thanked members of executive staff for the opportunity to tour the TMC.

“It was a wonderful tour and very enlightening to get a view of the comprehensive nature of what goes on [there] to make this organization work,” Hughes said. “What those people are doing down there is pretty phenomenal.”

Carol Dewitt, a lead dispatcher with the Transportation Management Center, provides information to members of the Transportation Commission and WTDOT staff during a Commission tour on June 14.

Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT

District Briefs

Headquarters

Welcome

Robert Bates, Right of Way-Property Management; Jacob Bustos, Management Services; Keith Griego, Driver Services-Policy and Records; Peter Higgins, GIS/ITS; Odilia Hunt, GIS/ITS; Adam Martin, Emergency Communications-Administration; Jesus Martinez, Emergency Communications-District 1 Radio Shop; Ephraim Ogu, Highway Development-Project Development; Kaitlyn Pettus, Driver Services-Policy and Records; Pedro Rampolla, Patrol-Support Services; Lisa Riggs, Driver Services-Policy and Records; Carol Sargent, Financial Services-Revenue; Wade Weaver, Planning-Counter Shop; and Leann Weltz, Driver Services-Policy and Records.

Promotions and Transfers

Shannon Brown, Patrol-Dispatch; Lea Enstad, Right of Way-Administration; Amy Jacoby, Right of Way-Administration; Rocky Meyer, Planning-Counter Shop; Colton Parish, Right of Way-Engi-

neering; Payton Thomas, Traffic; Emily Worthan, Right of Way-Property Management; and Tika Zipp, Financial Services-General Ledger.

Service Awards

Douglas Crabtree, Geology – 35 years;

Shane Poteet, Highway Development-Photogrammetry/Survey – 20 years;

Lloyd Thomas, Bridge-Engineering Design – 20 years;

Steven Berg, Materials-Bituminous –15 years;

Vickie Calaway, Bridge-Engineering Administration – 15 years;

Susan Elliott, Executive Administration – 15 years;

Alliek Tomlin, Driver Services-Cheyenne – 15 years;

Whitney Wise, Materials-Concrete-IA – 15 years;

Bruce Witt, Aeronautics-Flight Operations – 15 years;

Samantha Cheshire, Patrol-Dispatch – 10 years;

Timothy Dolan, Aeronautics-Airports – 10 years;

Janelle Kelley, Bridge-Engineering Design – 10 years;

Alison Helgoth Ragan, Grants and Contracts-Administration – 10 years; Andrew Wallerstein, Facilities Management-Security – 10 years; and Keren Pittman, Employee Safety – 5 years.

Retirements

Michael Bowen, buildings and grounds manager for WYDOT Headquarters in Cheyenne, retired in May with 25 years of service to the state.

Michael Kelley, skilled trades manager II with Facilities Management at Headquarters in Cheyenne, retired in May with 17 years of service to the state. In his spare time, Kelley enjoys outdoor activities like fly fishing, hunting, camping, boating and shooting sports.

James “Jim” Messer, senior staff technician with Headquarters Construction Staff in Cheyenne, retired in May with 41 years of service to the state. Born in South Dakota, Messer attended the University of Wyoming. He started with WYDOT in the Materials Lab doing quality control, and also spent some of his WYDOT career as a temporary construction worker in Cheyenne.

Jim Messer at his retirement party with a sign made for him denoting his 41 years of service.

Photo: WYDOT

Poteet

Bowen

Meyer

Dolan Worthan

Ragan

Calaway

Thomas

Parish

Kelley Crabtree

Pittman

Elliott

Cheryl Porter, grants and programming specialist with the Aeronautics program, retired in May after 16 years of service to the state. Porter graduated from Regis University, and had some experience with the Department of Education before joining WYDOT as a fuel tax examiner. In her spare time, Porter enjoys reading, digital scrapbooking and bicycling.

WYDOT bids Capt. Dan Wyrick a fond farewell

By Mark Horan

A retirement celebration for Wyoming Highway Patrol Capt. Dan Wyrick was held in Cheyenne on June 9.

Wyrick was a dedicated member of the Wyoming Highway Patrol for 19 years. Serving with distinction in the Commercial Carrier Section, he had a significant impact in the Wyoming Department of Transportation and the communities it serves.

Wyrick started his career with the WHP in 2004, where he was initially stationed as a trooper in Big Piney. He then transferred to Lander in 2006. While there, he became a Motor Carrier Trooper, igniting his passion for commercial vehicle education and enforcement.

In 2015, Wyrick was promoted to the rank of lieutenant of the Commercial Carrier Section. He became instrumental in training members of the WHP and beyond in commercial vehicle size and weight education and enforcement.

Wyrick was promoted to the rank of captain of the Commercial Carrier and Ports of Entry Section in 2021.

During his illustrious career, Wyrick was recognized as the Wyoming Safety Person of the Year from the Wyoming Trucking Association and served as the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance Region IV President.

He demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public safety and professional excellence throughout his tenure. Over the years he fostered strong partnerships within the trucking industry in Wyoming and at the national level.

At the retirement ceremony, WHP Col.

Tim Cameron presented Wyrick with a plaque that read as follows:

“The Highway Patrol is forever grateful for your 19 years of service, your dedication and hard work. Your work ethic has greatly contributed to the WHP’s success. Congratulations on a well-deserved retirement. You will always be a part of the WHP family.”

Cameron noted that he frequently relied on Wyrick’s expertise in the world of commercial vehicle enforcement.

“We will fill Dan’s position, but we will not replace the person,” Cameron said.

That sentiment was echoed by many other individuals from public and private sectors in Wyoming and across the region who attended the ceremony to offer Wyrick their gratitude and best wishes.

In his final radio sign off, Wyrick thanked his wife and family, as well as his law-enforcement family.

“It has been a pleasure and honor to serve the great state of Wyoming for the past 19 years,” he said.

Wyrick and his wife will relocate to Northern Wyoming. His retirement plans include lots of fishing.

Promotions and Transfers

Brandon Cook, Cheyenne Construction; Diego Fronza, Rawlins Construction; Matthew Mayfield, Laramie Mechanics; and Brian Rushing, Elk Mountain Mechanics.

Service Awards

Clyde Harnden, Traffic-Electrical – 40 years; and Shawn

District 1 Welcome

Capt. Dan Wyrick (right) is presented with a retirement plaque from Lt. Dustin Ragon. The two worked closely together in WHP’s Commercial Carrier Section.

Photo: PAO/WYDOT

Dwight Demmin, Medicine Bow Maintenance; and Wade Hendricks, Laramie Mechanics.

Varland, Cheyenne Mechanics – 20 years.

Pine Bluffs Maintenance crew member Sam Buchanan receiving his 1-year service award from District 1 Maintenance Engineer Tim Morton.

Photo: Andrea Staley/WYDOT

Hendricks Demmin

Fronza

Harnden

Rushing

Mayfield Varland

Porter

Summer events in District 1

By Andrea Staley

It has been a fun and busy summer in District 1 so far! On June 17th, maintainers in Laramie, along with the district PI and WHP, attended Laramie Parks and Rec Touch-a-Truck event. Kids and parents alike were able climb into a snow plow, rotary, and motor grader to get a closer look. The air horn was a big hit in the snow plow!

The following weekend, WYDOT attended SuperDay in Cheyenne. The family-fun filled day included cornhole tournaments, music, food trucks and more. A WYDOT snow plow and rotary were located along ‘Gasoline Alley’ beside fire trucks, ambulances, a garbage truck, etc. Such a fun day filled with questions from curious kids, laughs, and the occasional horn blaring.

Be sure when you see our snow plows and other machinery out to give our crews room to work. Don’t crowd the plow!

Retirements

In the District

Jason Willoughby, also with Pine Bluffs Maintenance, receiving his 5-year service award from Tim Morton, D1 DME.

Photo: Andrea Staley/WYDOT

Charles “Chuck” Dunlap, supervisor of the Laramie Mechanic shop, retired in May after 22 and a half years of service to the state.

Dunlap at his retirement party holding his cut metal “WYDOT 22 Years” sign.

Photo: Andrea Staley/WYDOT

A paving operations crew out near Jelm, in Albany County, on WYO 10.

Photo: WYDOT

This big WYDOT Caterpillar got a pint-sized operator for a few short minutes at the Touch-A-Truck event in Laramie.

Photo: Andrea Staley/WYDOT

A WYDOT rotary was on display at SuperDay for visitors to look at.

Photo: Andrea Staley/WYDOT

Kids enthralled by the large machinery at Laramie Parks and Recreation’s Touch-A-Truck event.

Photo: Andrea Staley/WYDOT

The “Gasoline Alley” line of trucks at SuperDay in Cheyenne’s Lions Park was a hit for all who visited.

Photo: Andrea Staley/WYDOT

District 2

Welcome

Peyton Call, Wheatland Maintenance; William Clark, Douglas Maintenance; Heidi Mason, Driver Services-Casper; and Zachary Owen, Casper Maintenance.

Promotions and Transfers

Ryan Schmitt, Kaycee Maintenance.

Service Awards

Darren Allbright, Wheatland Maintenance – 15 years; Nicholas Koch, Torrington Construction – 15 years; Richard Steffens, Casper Maintenance –10 years;

Lynnae Curto Magera, Casper Construction – 5 years; and Jaime Merrill, Torrington Construction – 5 years.

Retirements

Myron Witt, maintenance supervisor in Chugwater, retired in May after 19 and a half years of service to the state.

Service Awards

Michael Vandenberg, Rock Springs Construction – 40 years; Richard Wilson, Jackson Maintenance – 15 years;

Kenneth Matlock, Rock Springs Traffic-Striping – 5 years;

Jimmy Morrow, Traffic-Electrical – 5 years; and

Kelly Randall, Driver Services-Jackson/Afton – 5 years.

Retirements

District 3

Welcome

James Bunyan, Patrick Draw Maintenance; Brent Gottwalt, Rock Springs Maintenance; Christopher Matthews, Pinedale Mechanics; and Jacob Morris, Rock Springs Maintenance.

Commission Luncheon Service Award Recipients

Gary Lance, a southwest area foreman with District 3, retired in May after 36 years of service. Lance started with WYDOT in a temporary position in Kemmerer, and also spent some of his long career with WYDOT as an equipment operator and heavy equipment operator in Patrick Draw. He graduated from high school in Joliet, Illinois.

Robert Maxam, a resident engineer in Pinedale, retired in May with 40 years of service to the state. He started as an RE in 1984, having worked previously in different engineering positions in Rock Springs and Pinedale. He’s a graduate of the University of Wyoming. Outside of WYDOT, he spent time as a high school swimming coach.

Schmitt

Service award luncheons are held by the Transportation Commission for employees celebrating milestones of 25 years of service or greater. Service award recipients at this month’s luncheon: From left, Richard Underwood – 35 years; Clyde Harnden – 40 years; Douglas Crabtree – 35 years; Thomas Scott – 25 years; and James Dahill – 35 years.

Photo: PAO/WYDOT

Mason

Clark

Steffens

Owen Magera

Call

Witt

Vandenberg

Lance

Morrow Maxam

District 4

Welcome

John Weston, Gillette Maintenance.

Promotions and Transfers

Richard Burridge, Traffic-Signing; Ryan Colby, Sheridan Maintenance-Guardrail; Christen Schneider, Gillette Maintenance; and Robert Williams, Sheridan Traffic-Striping.

Service Awards

Mark Clements, Sheridan Maintenance – 5 years.

Retirements

Heavy mechanic Marvin Fitzner out of Gillette retired in May with four years of service to the state.

Welcome

Marvin Andreen Jr., Thermopolis Maintenance; Ayden Cox, Thermopolis Mechanics; and Wayne Rettinghouse II, Basin Maintenance.

Promotions and Transfers

Clayton Colman, Lander Patrol.

Service Awards

Highway maintenance technician Frankie Marrello out of Buffalo retired in May with five years of service to the state.

Lyle Lamb, District 5 Maintenance Staff –25 years; and Gina Preator, District 5 Administration – 5 years.

One of D5’s more unusual projects this spring and summer involves night work to remove and replace the overhead lighting inside the big tunnel west of Cody. The crews work at night, sleep during the day, with traffic delays at night and free-range driving without delay during the day. The project has a 153-day work window.

Schneider Williams

Clements

Weston

Colby

Burridge

Marrello

Fitzner

Colman

Lamb

Photo: Stuart Eckhardt/WYDOT

Game & Fish 6,000 CWD samples in 2022

By Breanna Ball, Wyoming Game and Fish

Laramie - The Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Wildlife Health Laboratory tested 6,701 samples from big game animals for chronic wasting disease (CWD) in 2022. Testing was completed earlier this year and samples were submitted from throughout the state. CWD was not detected in 5,875 samples and 826 samples were positive. Some samples submitted were not testable.

Jessica Jennings-Gaines, Game and Fish wildlife disease specialist, said those numbers are based on submissions from hunters, road-killed animals and animals found dead or in poor condition.

CWD is a chronic, fatal disease of the central nervous system in mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk and moose. It belongs to the group of rare diseases called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. These disorders are caused by abnormally folded proteins called prions. Early in the disease animals don’t show any clinical signs. Later on, affected animals show progressive weight loss, reluctance to move, excessive salivation, droopy ears, increased drinking and urination, lethargy and eventually death.

The number of tested samples and positive tests have remained steady for the past three years. In 2021, 6,884 samples were tested with 839 positives and in 2020, 6,496 samples were tested with 829 positives.

However, Jennings-Gaines noted that comparing the number of positive tests each year can be misleading because Game and

Fish’s CWD surveillance program focuses on different deer and elk herd units each year. Additionally, the number of positives is proportional to the prevalence of CWD in the particular herd unit surveyed.

“We can say that the prevalence of CWD is slowly increasing in many deer and elk herd units in the state,” Jennings-Gaines said. “The western half of Wyoming has several deer hunt areas where CWD has not been detected, however the disease continues to spread west and was detected in two new deer and five new elk hunt areas last year.”

Jennings-Gaines said the lab, which consists of four employees and three contract employees, spent the majority of the 2022 hunting season conducting CWD testing with peak testing occurring between October and November. That doesn’t include surveillance preparation, data entry and writing reports once the testing season is over.

The majority of the test samples this year were collected by Game and Fish field personnel at hunter check stations or through regional offices.

“Chronic wasting disease is a major concern for Game and Fish and we thank hunters who contributed samples from their deer, elk and moose,” Jennings-Gaines said. “These samples are instrumental in helping us better understand the prevalence and distribution of this disease in our state.”

Are you interested in improving your professional and personal communication skills through public speaking?

Bring your lunch and bring a friend to see how you can:

• Improve your confidence and public speaking skills

• Build your leadership skills and increase your networking opportunities

• Receive feedback in a supportive environment

• Practice writing and giving speeches

• Access a mentor

Roadmasters Toastmasters invites you to join us for our lunchtime meetings held every Monday at the WYDOT Training Complex, building 6568, from 12:05-12:55 p.m.

If you are a seasoned speaker who is interested in sharing knowledge and experience with others, consider being a Roadmasters’ Toastmasters Club Mentor. Interested but live outside of Cheyenne? Check out Toastmasters International at www.toastmasters. org for a club location and time that works for you.

For additional information: Brian Rentner, brian.rentner@wyo.gov; Cliff Spoonemore, cliff.spoonemore@wyo.gov; or Tiffanie Young, tiffanie.young@wyo.gov.

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON

Passings

Denton R. Dudrey

Denton Ray Dudrey, 77, passed away on June 14, 2023 surrounded by his loved ones. Dudrey was born Sept. 11, 1947, in Sheridan, Wyoming.

He earned his geology degree from the University of Wyoming.

Dudrey began his career with WYDOT in 1993 as a project geologist, retiring in May 2014, with 21 years of service to the state, all of which were in Cheyenne.

He also served his country in the U.S. Army, serving in Vietnam and receiving the Bronze Star. Later, he was a part of the American Legion in Pine Bluffs.

Kenneth H. Fink

Kenneth Herman Fink, 80, died June 2 at the Billings hospital from complications following surgery.

Fink was born in Lovell, Wyoming, to Herman and Minnie (Doerr) Fink on March 1, 1943. He was the oldest of four brothers.

He attended and graduated from Lovell High School.

On Aug. 5, 1967, he married Sherry Torghele at Bethel Lutheran Church in Lander.

Fink began his career with the old Wyoming Highway Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency, in 1962 as summer help in Lovell. He returned as temporary help each summer through 1966, while he was earning his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at the University of Wyoming. He graduated from UW in 1967 and accepted a permanent position with

the WHD in Laramie as an engineer. He was promoted in 1973 to resident engineer in Cheyenne. The following year, he joined the Construction and Maintenance Program as a staff engineer. Fink’s next promotion came in 1978, when he moved to Casper as district maintenance engineer. He remained there until 1993 when he became the District 5 DE in Basin. He retired in 1996 with more than 29 years of service. Fink later worked for Big Horn County for several years.

He enjoyed being involved with his church and community.

Harry M. Huson

Harry Marshall Huson, 93, passed away in Casper, Wyoming, April 13, 2022, with his daughters by his side.

He was born in Sheridan on October 5, 1928, to Mae Chase and Harry H. Huson. He attended schools in the Arvada/Clearmont area graduating from Clearmont High School in 1946. While attending school in Arvada, he met, and in 1947, married Vera L. Dabney. From this marriage, three daughters were born: Marsha, Lucinda (Cindy), and Karen. The family lived in Newcastle and Casper before he and Vera moved to Laramie where he graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1970 with a degree in mechanical engineering. They then moved to Cheyenne to continue his career with the Wyoming Highway Department. He retired in 1988 after 39 years of service.

He especially enjoyed spending time with family hiking, fishing and snowmobiling at the cabin in the Big Horns. In retirement, you could find him on the golf course in the summer, and in the winter he and Vera traveled extensively, spending many winters in Tucson.

He was a life-long member of Newcas-

tle Masonic Lodge No. 13 Rite (receiving an Honorary 33rd Degree), Sheridan Scottish Rite, Kalif Shrine of Sheridan, and Korein Shrine of Cheyenne (Frontiersmen’s Group). He volunteered for Meals on Wheels as a driver and as a repairman of machines to resell at their thrift store for more than 35 years.

Craig R. Neuman

Craig R. Neuman, 73, passed suddenly after a three day illness at Banner Health in Greeley, Colorado, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born June 17, 1950 in Elyria, Ohio, to Rudolph and Mary Arlene Neuman.

Neuman loved his farm in Grafton, Ohio, where he raised livestock and crops. He was involved in FFA as teenager and as an adult was a member of the VFW and American Legion. He served in Vietnam from 1970-71, where he was awarded the Bronze Star, Seven Air Medals, Army Commendation Medal, and Army Service Medal. He was the first deputy K-9 handler on the Lorain County Sheriff’s Department in Ohio. He moved to Wyoming where he served with the Wyoming Highway Patrol for 16 years, retiring in 2000 as a lieutenant. After retirement, Neuman worked as a security officer at the Federal Building in Cheyenne.

He enjoyed talking to people and never met a stranger. Neuman loved dogs, and always had one or more of these loyal friends by his side throughout his lifetime. Neuman will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Services were held at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes. Interment with full honors was at the Cheyenne National Cemetery.

Dudrey

Fink

Neuman

Huson

It’s scholarship season! WTDEA chapters award scholarships for hardworking undergrads

The WTDEA State Board, the Headquarters chapter and the District 2 and District 4 chapters have awarded scholarships to qualified applicants. The awards help offset the college tuition costs of full-time undergraduate studies at the school of their choice. Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients.

The WTDEA State Board awarded two $600 scholarships this year. Bailey Ferree, daughter of Shannon Ferree with Compliance and Investigation at Headquarters, and Payton Miller, daughter of Shaneal Miller with Rock Springs Maintenance. Each undergrad will receive $600 to use toward tuition the 20232024 school year.

This year, Headquarters awarded two $500 scholarships. One to Sarah Ellis, daughter of WHP Sgt. Duane Ellis, who will be continuing her education in early childhood education with a minor in Spanish at Colorado State University. She currently works at a preschool and volunteers in elementary schools in her quest to be an elementary school teacher in a Title 1 school.

The second scholarship was awarded to Bailey Ferree who will be attending Chadron State College to pursue a degree in secondary English education.

In District 2, the WTDEA chapter awarded one $500 scholarship and it went to Riley Shaw, daughter of Douglas Area Maintenance Supervisor Rick Shaw

WTDEA Facebook page

The WTDEA would like to remind all employees who are social media followers to follow the WTDEA Facebook page for updates and upcoming news and events. Check it out and kindly give it a “like.”

The District 4 chapter awarded two $500 scholarships. One went to Lainey Konetzki. She is the daughter of District 4 Maintenance Engineer Larry Konetzki and wife, Lisa, of Sheridan. She has been attending Sheridan College the past two years and will be transferring to West Texas A&M in the fall. With two years of prerequisites and a farrier science certificate in hand, she is excited to continue her studies in equine industry and business. Konetzki hopes of opening her own equine business which will include using her farrier training and passion and experience training horses.

Another went to Parker Speidel, the son of Sundance Maintenance Foreman Rusty Speidel and wife, Amanda. After graduating from Sundance High School, he will be attending Northwest College, in Powell, to pursue his dream of becoming a pilot. He kept busy as Senior Class President and was a member of his local FFA Chapter, National Honor Society, band and golf team.

WTDEA is an association whose mission is to “provide direct communication for all WYDOT employees, promote safe, efficient working environments, with positive changes for the future.” Membership is open to all employees. Proceeds from membership, as well as fundraising efforts, help support each of the Districts’ scholarship programs.

Ferree

Konetzki

Miller

Shaw

Ellis

Speidel