Interchange March 2022
Vol. 50, Iss. 3
DIP Landslide Project garners award
2021 Presidential Project Award for WYO 296 stabilization efforts
By Mark Horan WYDOT was honored with a 2021 Presidential Project Award from the Wyoming Engineering & Surveying Society for the DIP (Dead Indian Pass) landslide stabilization project on the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway (WYO 296) in northwest Wyoming. The project, which was notably expedited in just one year, remediated a fast moving landslide that extended across the
oft traveled two lane highway in the Shoshone National Forest. “Its rural location makes Highway 296 the only roadway that carries traffic to many homes and recreational areas,” said District Construction Engineer Randy Merrit. “Had this project not occurred or been successful this crucial link would have been disrupted.” The job involved installing 119 concrete drilled shafts, 39 inches in diameter, Accolades continued on page 3
Photos: WYDOT
Accolades from the Wyoming Engineering & Surveying Society
Assistant Chief Engineering Geologist James Dahill (left) and Chief Engineering Geologist Mark Falk with the plaque awarded to the Agency.
Contents Features
1 DIP Landslide Project garners award Accolades from the Wyoming Engineering & Surveying Society
6 Top-10 things snow plow operators want drivers to know Important tips for all drivers – residents and non-residents alike
Programs & Partner Agencies Community Risk Reduction.......................................................................... 13 Game & Fish..................................................................................................10 Highway Safety...............................................................................................8 Training......................................................................................................... 12 U.S. Forest Service....................................................................................... 11
Also in this issue District Briefs..................................................................................................3 By the Numbers..............................................................................................4 Letters.............................................................................................................4 District News................................................................................................ 14 Outdoors/Rides.............................................................................................16 Passings........................................................................................................ 17 WTDEA.......................................................................................................... 18
Interchange Vol. 50, Issue 3 Interchange is published for employees of the Wyoming Department of Transportation by its Public Affairs Office and a number of field correspondents. Interchange invites submissions from all employees. Please send them to either your district correspondents or to: Carlie Van Winkle, Interchange editor 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, Wyoming, 82009-3340 or send an email to carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov.
Staff WYDOT Director: K. Luke Reiner
Public Affairs Manager: Doug McGee
Editor: Carlie Van Winkle
Contributors: Jordan Achs Matt Groth Mark Horan Carlie Van Winkle Andrea Staley Jeff Goetz Stephanie Harsha Laura Dalles Cody Beers Sgt. Jeremy Beck
Public Affairs Public Affairs Public Affairs Public Affairs District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 Patrol
Photography: Rick Carpenter
Public Affairs
Be sure to check out the online version of Interchange at http://issuu.com/wydot.pao or click on the link found on the employee’s internal website home page.
Break Time.................................................................................................... 19
Kindly recycle this publication after reading.
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A WYDOT PUBLICATION
Photo: WYDOT
Accolades continued from cover into the bedrock at 50 to 70 foot depth levels. After installation, the drilled shafts were tied together and capped using over 70,000 pounds of reinforcing steel. For their role in designing the geotechnical repair plan, Yeh and Associates, Inc. out of Denver was recognized as a co-recipient of the award. The prime contractor was Condon-Johnson and Associates. “This project had many intricate features, including design, partnerships, timelines and construction practices that made it unique,” Merrit said. Resident Engineer Todd Frost and his construction crew out of Cody were commended for their assistance throughout the venture. “We came up with the plan, but those folks put in a lot of long days to get the job done,” said Assistant Chief Engineering Geologist James Dahill. WYDOT has received several Presidential Project Awards over the years. The annual competition recognizes innovative engineering and surveying projects that benefit the people of Wyoming. n
More than 70,000 pounds of reinforcing steel was used to bolster the slope, necessitating the use of heavy machinery. The project was finished within a year with exemplary teamwork on all sides.
District Briefs Headquarters
WHP releases 2021 activity report CHEYENNE – Wyoming Highway Patrol employees were diligent throughout the year in addressing issues with a motorist who could be driving reckless, distracted, or impaired. Troopers, in 2021, stopped a total of 104,615 vehicles. Of this number, 29,506 speeding citations and 56,162 warnings were issued to passenger vehicles; 4,779 crashes were investigated; and 720 impaired drivers were stopped and arrested. Troopers assisted 19,982 motorists who had mechanical issues, were out of fuel or other reasons to be stopped on roadways. Also, while patrolling the state highways and interstates, troopers recovered 30 stolen vehicles. Controlled substance problems continue to be a problem in Wyoming. The Wyoming Highway Patrol knows this is a crucial issue to be addressed head-on. In 2021 WHP troopers seized 24.5 pounds
of Fentanyl, 7,200 pounds of Marijuana, 207 pounds of Methamphetamine and 5 pounds of Cocaine. The WHP Dispatch Center fielded 2,981 Report Every Drunk Driver (REDDI) reports; received and processed 1,387 Safe2Tell reports; activated two Amber Alerts; and made 9,016 non-consensual rotation calls to towers. The total number of events processed in dispatch was 159,532. Each event requires multiple radio transmissions, phone calls, and data input into the Computer Aided Dispatch System. The WHP Port of Entry officers contacted 1,028,132 commercial vehicles and weighed 417,654 commercial trucks. Out of these contacts, 33,952 were identified as overweight and 2,077 for oversize. The Port of Entry officers issued 204,411 permits and inspected 14,293 commercial vehicles, with 3,316 of these inspections resulting in an out-of-service violation. “Despite being down 35 troopers, 12 dispatchers and 13 Port of Entry officers, everyone is working extra hours to get the job done serving the public,” said WHP
Col. Kebin Haller. “I couldn’t be more proud of the achievements.”
District 1
Bridge strike prompts Parsley Bridge closure over I-80 CHEYENNE – Travelers on the Parsley Boulevard bridge over Interstate 80 experienced a closure prompted by recent bridge damage due to a bridge strike. On Feb. 8 a truck hauling large construction equipment collided with the Parsley structure over I-80, bending part of the outside girder. The bridge reopened to traffic under a 22 ton weight limit on Feb. 17. No oversized or overweight loads will be permitted to use the Parsley structure. Due to the bridge damage, the northbound lane of Parsley Blvd. is closed. Traffic will alternate on the southbound lane. Motorists should stay alert and obey Briefs continued on page 4
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Briefs continued from page 3
Photo: WYDOT
all traffic control in the area, including the traffic signal for the single-lane portion. Please follow detours for those who exceed the weight restriction. The bridge had been hit previously last August, causing a partial closure. The most recent hit aggravated the existing damage, causing the full closure at this time. More information about potential work to repair the bridge will be released once details have been finalized. The Wyoming Department of Transportation has scheduled the Parsley structure over I-80 for replacement in spring of 2022. n
WHP
A truck hauling heavy equipment struck girders on the underside of the Parsley Boulevard bridge structure on Feb. 8, causing additional damage to the already damaged bridge, which is slated for replacement this spring.
Letters Thank you WYDOT family I just want to take a quick minute on what is my last day with WYDOT to say thank you to all those who have become friends, co-workers and a large part of the last 26 years of my life. I will forever be grateful for the support and encouragement that you have all shown me through the years. My journey here has included a marriage, birth of a child, divorce and a battle with cancer – that I won! – and both college degrees I have managed to obtain. I will miss you all as I start a new adventure with DFS, so I am not going far, but I wanted to thank you all!
God bless, Rene’ Brindle
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Total number of employees: As of February 2, 2022
1,846
One month ago
1,821
One year ago
1,920
Total number of highway fatalities: As of February 7, 2022
4
One year ago
14
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Top-10 list of things snow plow operators want drivers to know Wyoming Department of Transportation plow drivers are on the roads when the conditions are at their worst, and they’re also out between storms treating trouble spots. Unfortunately, operators have been seeing an increase in plow strikes over the last few winters.
2. Avoid passing a plow truck when it’s plowing snow. The safest driving surface is at least four car lengths behind the plow. If you must pass, don’t pass into the plume of snow being moved.
Below are the Top-10 things that snow plow drivers believe Wyoming motorists – both tourists and residents – should know as they encounter plows on their travels:
3. Snow plows typically plow and sand roads at speeds below the posted speed limit. Plows often operate at speeds of 45 mph or less, depending on road conditions, including snow levels, drifting and ice. Plows work in small sections at a time and regularly pull out of traffic to turn around or replenish salt/sand. Please drive patiently.
1.
Give plows room to work. WYDOT’s plow trucks have amber and blue flashing lights mounted on top of the cab, on the back of the sanders and a light on the wing plow. Snow plows are huge machines capable of moving tons of snow every minute. Like all vehicles, plows have blind spots; for safety, avoid following too closely.
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4. Watch for tow plows. Some parts of the state use tow plows, which are large pieces of equipment that help plow operators plow both driving and passing lane simultaneously; avoid passing until it is
Photo: Rick Carpenter
Flashing lights can be seen on a WYDOT snow plow and tow plow.
safe to do so. Plows also operate large wing plows on the shoulders of the highways, never use the emergency lane/highway shoulder to pass. 5. The plow truck often creates a snow cloud when working. Keep a close watch, as plows often stir up their own whiteout conditions while working, and the flashing lights may not be visible. Wait for visibility to improve before passing, especially on two-lane highways. 6. Different storms and temperatures require different methods to fight snow and ice. WYDOT trucks spread sand, anti-icing and de-icing chemicals each storm as needed and as temperatures allow. Salt is ineffective in sub-zero temperatures and strong winds. Avoid following too closely when salt and sand are being applied. 7.
Even after roads are plowed and treated, slippery conditions can persist. Be especially careful in areas such as intersections, on-/off-ramps, bridges and shady areas. These areas may be wet during the day and icy at night. Blowing and drifting snow can also create slick driving conditions for drivers, including slush, ice and drifted snow.
8. Be patient with road conditions and road-plowing efforts. Remember that road conditions change depending on temperature, wind speeds and other factors. Even on treated roads, avoid using cruise control and drive according to conditions. 9. Limit distractions and focus on driving. Avoid cell phone use and other distractions that prevent you from paying attention to what’s happening on the roadway. Wyoming’s weather can change in a matter of miles. 10. Know before you go. It’s wise to do some homework before heading for work, driving to an out-of-town appointment, or departing for a bigger town on a shopping outing. You can monitor WYDOT road conditions at www.wyoroad.info or calling 1-888-WYO-ROAD or 511 Notify by dialing 511. This system can also be enabled to deliver road alerts as text messages or e-mails on routes that the user identifies. Go to www.wyoroad.info and choose the 511 Notify icon to set-up your account. Sometimes road conditions are challenging and other drivers are unpredictable, so staying home or rescheduling an appointment might be great alternatives to driving during a snow event. n
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Photo: Rick Carpenter
A WYDOT snow plow and tow plow operate on a Wyoming highway.
Highway Safety Winter weather related crashes By Kari Fictum, Highway Safety Winter weather often causes dangerous driving conditions, including poor visibility, slick road surfaces and high winds. Winter weather-related crashes are traffic crashes occurring during a winter weather event, or on hazardous road conditions resulting from a winter weather event. In Wyoming, during the most recent five-year period (20162020), 19,049 crashes were reported to have occurred during winter weather conditions, which accounts for around 27% of all crashes. These winter weather related crashes included 328 critical crashes, 2,589 serious crashes, 16,132 damage crashes; and resulted in 95 fatal injuries, 326 suspected serious injuries, 1,685 suspected minor injuries and 1,838 possible injuries. The most common weather condition at the time of winter weather related traffic crashes is: snowing (36%); followed by clear (34%); blowing snow (13%); cloudy/overcast (6%); and sleet/hail/freezing rain (3%). Severe wind, blizzard and fog each account for 2% of crashes, while raining accounts for only 1% of
crashes. The most common road condition at the time of winter weather related traffic crashes is ice/frost (51%); followed by snow (37%); wet (5%); slush (5%); dry (1%); and sand on icy road (0.5%). Wyoming experiences 91% of winter weather related crashes from October through March, with January having the most (4,218 – 22%), followed by December (4,203 – 22%), February (3,457 – 18%), November (2,484 – 13%), March (1,749 – 9%), and October (1,306 – 7%). When improper driver actions were reported, 45% of motor vehicle operators’ first improper driving action was driving too fast for the current conditions at the time of the crash. Other notable first improper driver actions include running off the road (13%); failing to keep their proper lane (9%); failing to yield the right of way (6%); following too close (4%); and swerving due to wind/slippery surface (4%).
FAST FACTS Wyoming crash data from 2016-2020 report that: • Around 27% of traffic crashes in Wyoming are winter weather related. • The top two weather conditions at the time of the crash were snowing (36%) and clear (34%). • The top two road conditions at the location of the crash were ice/frost (51%) and snow (37%). • 45% of drivers were driving too fast for the current conditions at the time of the crash. • 225 crashes involved vehicles operating as a snow plow at the time of the crash; More than half (123, 55%) were state operated plows maintaining highways and interstates.
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Snow plow safety
During the most recent five-year period (2016-2020), 225 crashes involved vehicles operating as a snow plow at the time of the crash. More than half (123, 55%) involved state operated snow plows maintaining highways and interstates. 45 (20%) involved city/town vehicles maintaining city streets, and 20 (9%) involved county vehicles maintaining roadways. 22 (10%) involved business vehicles and 13 (6%) involved private vehicles operating as snow plows at the time of the crash. Snow plows tend to move slower than regular traffic flow while in operation, especially on roadways with high speeds like highways and interstates. Slower speeds, reduced visibility around plows moving snow, and hazardous road conditions put snow plows at risk for motor vehicle strikes. All drivers should be patient and use caution when driving near or around an operating snow plow. Damaged snow plows can’t
be deployed to maintain roads and the safety of all motor vehicle occupants depends on the snow plows’ ability to do their job. n
BY THE NUMBERS Wyoming crash data February 2022 vs. (February 2021): Fatalities: 3 (13) Serious Injuries: 26 (30) Alcohol-Involved Fatalities: 0 (5)
Photo: WYDOT
Bicycle-Involved Fatalities: 0 (0) CMV-Involved Fatalities: 0 (2)
Drug-Involved Fatalities: 1 (4) Motorcycle-Involved Fatalities: 0 (0) Pedestrian-Involved Fatalities: 0 (3) Speed-Related Fatalities: 3 (4)
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Game & Fish
Family, youth overnight summer camps offered at Whiskey Mountain By Sara DiRienzo, Wyoming Game and Fish Get away to Whiskey Mountain with your family this summer or send your youth for a week of summer fun. The best part? The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has all the details handled. Game and Fish is hosting a series of overnight family camps – as well as overnight camps for youth – this summer at the department’s top-notch outdoor educational facility near Dubois. “There’s no place more fun to learn about the outdoors than at Whiskey Mountain Conservation Camp,” said Ashley Leonard, Game and Fish conservation educator coordinator. “You’ll learn more about hiking, fishing, canoeing, archery, native plants, fish, wildlife and more. No one gets too old for camp!” Full details, packing information, a listing of activities and registration forms are available on the website. Family Camps Family camp is a four-day overnight experience for family groups to build confidence in their outdoor skills. Attendees will explore nature and learn new recreational outdoor activities, such as canoeing, archery, birdwatching and fishing together as a family. New this year – families can learn about hunting together. Similar to Family Camp, the Hunter Education Family Camp is a five-day overnight camp that enables families to enjoy the outdoors together while incorporating hunter education and bow-hunter education curriculum. Participants will complete these courses as a part of the camp.
The cost to attend either camp is $150 per person, which includes meals and lodging. Childcare is not provided, and participants must be age 9 and up. The deadline to register is May 15. Youth Camps Youth overnight camps, offered for boys and girls, are for students 14-16 years old. Camps will teach youth about nature exploration, conservation principles and fun in the outdoors. Transportation to and from camp is not provided. The fee to attend is $150 for the 5-day, 4-night experience, meals included. Scholarships are available and applications are due by March 20. The deadline to register is June 1. For questions about camp, contact Ashley Leonard at ashley.leonard@wyo.gov or (307) 777-4535. n Family Camp Dates Date Camp description June 9-12 Family Camp #1 June 23-26 Family Camp #2 June 28-July 1 Family Camp #3 July 6-9 Family Camp #4 July 28- Aug. 1 Family Camp/Hunter Education #5
4-day 4-day 4-day 4-day 5-day
Youth Camp Dates Date Camp description July 12-16 Girls conservation camp July 19-23 Boys conservation camp
5-day 5-day
Youth in the Big Horn Basin can win free lifetime hunting licenses The application period for the Tom Easterly Memorial award is now open and youth in the Big Horn Basin are encouraged to apply. Recipients of this award will receive a free lifetime Wyoming game bird/small game license and lifetime conservation stamp, valued at $496.50. Applications are due by April 1. Youth ages 14-17 can apply by submitting an application and essay describing why the applicant hunts and why wildlife is important to that individual. To be eligible, applicants must reside within the boundaries of the Greybull Biologist District which include Basin, Burlington, Cowley, Greybull, Lovell, Manderson, Ten Sleep and Worland and be a resident who has continuously resided in Wyoming for at least 10 years immediately preceding the date of application. The Tom Easterly Memorial Award was established in the spirit of former Greybull biologist Tom Easterly’s belief in our future generations of conservationists. This is the eighth year the award will give area youth a chance to win a lifetime Wyoming
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game bird/small game license and lifetime conservation stamp. Tom Easterly served as the Wyoming Game and Fish Department Greybull area biologist from 1992 through 2014. Tom’s passion was introducing young hunters to the sport of bird hunting and sharing the importance of wildlife habitat with them. Applicants will be judged by their application qualifications and the content of their essay by a committee of five. Applications may be downloaded at wgfd.wyo.gov and are available at the Cody Region Game and Fish office. n
Early access permits available for some Game and Fish Commission lands in Dubois By Wyoming Game and Fish For a second year, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department will open some Commission-owned lands in the Dubois area one day early to random draw recipients. Last year was a trial year for this early access onto the Spence and Moriarity Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and Kirk Inberg/Kevin Roy Wildlife Habitat Management Area (WHMA). It was very successful and will be instituted this year with an increased number of permission slips being issued. Early access by permission slip began as a solution to help mitigate wildlife stress amid the growing popularity of spring antler hunting that Game and Fish personnel have observed for many years across Wyoming, including the Dubois area. “The positive comments received last year from those who drew the early entry permits and those who came out for the standard opener the following day illustrated how successful this change was. The “landrush mentality” observed in previous years was nonexistent with the permission slips and individuals were able to spend an enjoyable day with friends and family,” says Habitat and Access Supervisor Brian Parker. Lander Region Wildlife Supervisor Jason Hunter says, “Our primary concern is the impact on wildlife. We have had numerous reports and observations of wildlife- elk, deer, and moose becoming quite stressed due to the sudden appearance of large numbers of antler hunters and vehicles. These groups of wildlife are often pushed between groups of antler hunters/vehicles throughout the day rather than moving off the WMA/WHMA to desired and open locations.”
Hunter went on to say, “the reaction by wintering wildlife last year was also noted as groups of elk and deer moved slowly off of winter range and into open areas off of the WMA/WHMA on their own rather than being pushed around into undesirable locations.” From Feb. 15-April 15, anyone may apply for a free permission slip through the Game and Fish Access Yes program to access these areas on May 15. Forty permission slips, up from twenty-five last year, will be randomly issued by May 3, allowing the recipient to take one motorized vehicle and up to three additional occupants into the Spence and Moriarity WMA and Kirk Inberg/Kevin Roy WHMA human presence closure area a day prior to the general opening date to hike, fish, and/or collect shed antlers. Applications may be submitted online now and the early opening rules can be found by navigating from the Game and Fish homepage https://wgfd.wyo.gov to Public Access-Hunter Management Areas and selecting the Spence and Moriarity WMA or Kirk Inberg/Kevin Roy WHMA. These areas, as well as the other Commission-owned lands in the Dubois area, will open to the public as they always have at 8 a.m. on May 16. For more information please contact Brian Parker or Jason Hunter at (307) 332-2688. n
U.S. Forest Service
Medicine Bow National Forest seeks campground hosts for upcoming season LARAMIE – The Medicine Bow National Forest seeks to fill host positions at multiple campgrounds in southeast Wyoming for the 2022 season. Campground hosting is a rewarding volunteer experience that gets people outside and serving the public. Host duties include answering questions and helping campers, posting reservations, and ensuring campsites and restrooms are kept in clean condition. Hosts keep campgrounds running smoothly, contributing to an enjoyable recreation experience for visitors. Campground hosting is a volunteer position with a small stipend. The season typically runs from early summer to late fall, with flexibility on start and end dates. Interested parties should email: sm.fs.r2_mbr_vis@usda.gov to learn more about the application process and connect with recreation staff. Currently, the following campgrounds need hosts.
• Bow River Cabin Rental/Campground (Northern Snowy Range) • Hog Park Campground (Southern Sierra Madre Range) • North Fork Campground (Eastern Snowy Range) • Rob Roy Campground (Central Snowy Range) • Silver Lake Campground (Central Snowy Range) • South Brush Creek Campground (Western Snowy Range) • Tie City/Yellow Pine Campgrounds (Pole Mountain) • Vedauwoo Campground (Pole Mountain) Individuals interested in other campgrounds or recreation sites on the forest are encouraged to note them in their email. The Medicine Bow National Forest provides year-round recreation opportunities for thousands of people across the Sierra Madre, Snowy and Laramie mountain ranges. It provides wildlife habitat, timber and forage for livestock and are a vital source of water for irrigation, domestic use and industry. n
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Training
Be a “super-wiser” supervisor By Kurt Borgaard, Training Services Do you have what it takes to be an effective supervisor at WYDOT? Great news! WY Supervise is a structured and formal new supervisor program. It is designed to prepare new supervisors and emerging leaders with the knowledge and organizational skills needed to successfully lead other employees at WYDOT. WY Supervise is required for all new supervisors at WYDOT. Additionally, based upon available program seats, WY Supervise is a voluntary opportunity for existing supervisors and WYDOT employees interested in moving into a supervisory position to accelerate their supervisory know-how. How do you become a part of WY Supervise? First, make sure you’ve been assigned or have registered for the WY Supervise learning plan and then register for an upcoming cohort. WY Supervise cohorts are on the calendar. Day-one dates for Cohorts: • March 9 (Cohort A) • June 8 (Cohort B) • Sept. 7 (Cohort C) The March 2022 cohort begins soon. Sign up now! Each cohort has five workshops, which combine in-person and virtual instructor led sessions. Typically, the cohorts meet
over the span of five weeks. The schedule for each cohort can be found on the WYDOT Training Services intranet page, or in the WY Supervise learning plan once it has been added to your learning in the WELL. Cohort sessions include: • Supervisor Fundamentals. This session incorporates WYDOT Leadership Philosophy, Hiring for Success, Employee Safety and Job Safety Analysis. • Other sessions focus on essential Supervisor competencies: • Communication: Connecting Through Conversations • Addressing Poor Performance • Driving Change • Resolving Conflict In addition to the cohort workshops, the WY Supervise learning plan includes eLearning which covers the basics of: WYDOT Policies, Payroll, Travel Reimbursement, Strategic Performance Improvement, Public Affairs for Supervisors and Budgeting for new supervisors. Go to the WELL and sign up today for the WY Supervise Learning Plan, and then for one of the Cohort Groups. Questions? Call Training Services. We’re here to support you. n
March 2022 marks the 17th anniversary of the Roadmasters Toastmasters Club. There will be a celebration and open house at noon, March 28. Join us in the Planning conference room, P l a n n i n g b u i l d i n g , s e c o n d fl o o r.
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Training@aGlance
Check out these upcoming training opportunities from WYDOT-U, the Transportation Learning Network (TLN) and the WELL.
Coming in March: Start Date Development Stage 3/1/2022 Technical 3/2/2022 Leading Others 3/3/2022 Technical 3/9/2022 Leading Others
Class Description Class Hours Location Autonomous Equipment: The Future of Construction 8:30am-10:00am VILT Feedback 8:30am-10:00am VILT Clean Water Act - Overview 8:30am-10:00am VILT WY Supervise* – New Supervisors Workshop COHORT A Check out these upcoming training * All new supervisors are assigned the WY Supervise learning plan and should register for one of the cohort groups opportunities in the WELL from WYDOT-U, the Transportation • 3/9: Supervisor Fundamentals 8:30am-4:30pm Learning Network (TLN) and the WELL. • 3/10: Communication: Connect Through Conversations 8:30am-4:30pm & Addressing Poor Performance Blended • TBD: Virtual Check In (VILT) date determined by cohort participants TBD • 4/13: Driving Change (VILT) 1:00pm-5:00pm • 4/14: Resolving Conflict (VILT) 8:00am-12:pm 3/14/2022 New Employee Google and WELL Basics: Part of Know WY New Employee Program8:30am-11:30am VILT 3/22/2022 Leading The Agency Leading with Emotional Intelligence VILT • 3/22: 1:00pm-4:30pm • 3/23: 8:30am-12:00pm 3/24/2022 Technical Tractor Mower Safety 8:00am - 12:00pm VILT 3/29/2022 Leading Self Stress Mastery 8:30am-9:30am VILT Coming in April: Date Development Stagethe TrainingClass Description Class Hours Location Visit Services intranet page for more information. 4/5/2022 Leading Self Franklin Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People 8:30am-4:30pm Cheyenne 4/6/2022 Leading Others Transition to Supervision VILT 4/6: 11:30am-3:00pm 4/7: 8:00am-11:30am 4/11/2022 New Employee Google and WELL Basics: 8:30am-11:30am VILT Part of Know WY* New Employee Program 4/28/2022 New Employee Know WY* New Employee Onboarding Workshop 8:30am-12:00pm VILT
Training@aGlance
*All new employees are assigned the Know WY Learning Plan and should register for one of these Know WY workshops in the WELL
4/26/2022
Leading Others
Think Outside the Building – Innovating Your Future
8:30am - 10:30am
VILT
Visit the Training Services intranet page for more information.
307CRR 307 Community Risk Reduction The Wyoming State Fire Marshal’s Office employs the basic tenants of Community Risk Reduction (CRR). CRR is a process to identify and prioritize local risks, followed by the integrated and strategic investment of resources (emergency response and prevention) to reduce their occurrence and impact. The agency has partnered with fire departments across the state. These partnerships lead to the development of a statewide CRR team entitled “307CRR.” Staff from the Wyoming Fire Marshal’s Office serve as advocates for our fire department partners. Staff provides data and expertise to local departments who are conducting local risk assess-
ments, identifying solutions and implementing solutions to reduce their local fire problems and associated fire injuries and fire deaths. The state 307CRR Team has implemented its first 307CRR initiative. The stated goal of this 307CRR initiative is to: Install inline O2 cannula thermal devices in 100% of all identified homes using medical oxygen in Wyoming, in an effort to eliminate all Wyoming fatalities and injuries due to smoking in the presence of home medical oxygen by Jan. 1, 2025. If you would like to partner with the 307CRR Team please contact Mark Norford at (307) 777-8772. Forms can also be found at https://wsfm. wyo.gov/fire-prevention/307crr n
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District News Headquarters
Welcome Bradley Ayers, Right of Way-Negotiations; Ty Beidleman, Patrol-Safety and Training; Saajan Biant, Patrol-Safety and Training; Eric Connor, Emergency Communications-District 1 Radio Shop; Allie French, Patrol-Support Services; Cody Ling, Patrol-Safety and Training; Abel Loredo Jr., Patrol-Safety and Training; Alexander Stimson, Patrol-Safety and Training; Zackariah Sutton, Patrol-Safety and Training; John Womack, Patrol-Safety and Training.
Mellor
Hunter
Kennedy
Wilson
Promotions and Transfers Cole Bostron, Maintenance Staff; Duwane Floy, Construction Staff; Andrew Gardner, Patrol-Dispatch; Aaron Johnson, Materials-Surfacing; Tomas Perdomo, Highway Development-Photogrammetry/Survey; Jacob Smith, Highway Development-Project Development; Jessica Woske, Highway Safety.
Traffic – 20 years; David Fritz, Planning-System Planning – 10 years; Timothy Hunter, Port of Entry-Cheyenne I-25 – 5 years; Sharon Kennedy, Facilities Maintenance-Custodial – 5 years; and Kimberley Wilson, Equipment-Administration – 5 years.
Retirements Floy
Gardner
Perdomo
Smith
Service Awards Jeffrey Sherman, Highway Development-Project Development – 35 years; Jeffery Mellor, Traffic-Administration – 25 years; Kelly Smario, Patrol – 25 years; Lee Roadifer,
Sherman
Thomas Carpenter is retiring – again. He originally retired July 2, 2015 and was rehired Jan. 1, 2020. He began his service in Photogrammetry and Survey in 1983, later that year moving to Project Development working as a drafter. In 1989, he transfered to Bridge where he served as an off-system bridge inspector and then as a structural fabrication inspector. In 2005, he transferred to Highway Safety and worked as a senior data analyst until his first retirement in July 2015. Carpenter returned to Highway Safety in January 2020 working in Records and Data Management. He retired for a second time on Jan. 1 with a total of 34 years of service to the agency.
Gary Krause retired Jan. 4 from Photogrammetry and Survey with 38 years of service to the state. Krause began his career with the old Wyoming Highway Department in 1984 as a drafter in Project Development and then moved to Photogrammetry and Survey in Krause 1986. Prior to coming to WYDOT, Krause had spent some time working at the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. He attended and graduated from both Laramie County Community College (AAS) and the University of Wyoming (BA). n
District 1
Welcome Salvador Cruz, Laramie Mechanics; Jason Lane, Cheyenne Mechanics; and Dale Rodlun, Baggs Maintenance.
Promotions and Transfers Richard Barber, Laramie Maintenance; Joesh Ingleby, Elk Mountain Maintenance; and John Winslow, Pine Bluffs Maintenance.
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Winslow
Service Awards Richard Colling, Patrol-Laramie – 15 years; and Brian Pennock, Laramie Construction – 15 years. n
Felicia Johnston retired from Highway Patrol Dispatch on Jan. 16 with 18 years of service to the state. She began her career with WHP Dispatch in January 2004. Colling
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Barber
Pennock
District 2
District 3
Welcome
Welcome
Retirements
Mark Coy, Douglas Construction; and Candice Stevens, Driver Services-Casper.
Bradley Peterson, Evanston Maintenance.
Promotions and Transfers
Promotions and Transfers
Dale Gardner retired on Jan. 4 from Evanston Driver Services with 11 years of service to the state. He was hired in Oct. 2010.
James Mathis III, Douglas Maintenance; Shane Powell, Casper Maintenance; and Wesley Shafer, Casper Maintenance.
Powell
Mathis
Mathson
Loretta Ristau retired on Jan. 8 from the Kemmerer Port of Entry with 28 years of service to the state. She began her career with the department in December 1993.
Ozga
Leroy (Ted) Wells retired Jan. 4 as the District Engineer in District 3. He retired with 44 years of service to the state. Wells began his career with the old Wyoming Highway Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency, shortly after graduating with his BSCE from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, in Rapid City, South Dakota. His first position with the department was with Lander Highway Construction in January 1978. In 1995, Wells became the District 3 maintenance engineer in Rock Springs. n
Johnson
Ristau
Shafer
Service Awards
Service Awards
Matthew Goetz, Wheatland Maintenance – 20 years.
Oops!
Waylyn Day, Port of Entry-Evanston; Travis Fitzgerald, Jackson Construction; Tanya Geiselhofer, Afton Construction; Robert Mathson, Evanston Maintenance; and George Ozga Jr., Afton Mechanics. Day
Goetz
Last month a photo of Justin Clark was run in this section. Unfortunately, it was a photo of a different Justin Clark. We apologize for the mistake. n
Scott Lym, Evanston Maintenance – 15 years; and Keaton Johnson, Rock Springs Construction – 5 years.
Wells
March 2022
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District 4
District 5
Welcome
Welcome
Donald Anderson, Sheridan Maintenance; Robert O’Connell, Traffic-Electrical; Jessica Pate, Gillette Maintenance; TimAnderson othy Rawhouser, Newcastle Maintenance; Nolan Roduner, Buffalo Maintenance.
Cameron Monasmith, Ten Sleep Maintenance; Austin Nolan, Shoshoni Maintenance; and Ryan Ruden, Thermopolis Construction. Kirkman
Mahoney
Norfolk
Rodgers
Service Awards Phillip Pendergrass, Patrol-Lander – 5 years; Thomas Sparks, Lander Maintenance – 5 years; and Robert Wiginton, Lander Mechanics – 5 years. Pendergrass
O’Connell
Pate
Joseph Norfolk, Port of Entry-Gillette – 5 years; and Thomas Rodgers, Traffic-Signing – 5 years.
Retirements Rawhouser
Roduner
Service Awards William Kirkman, Patrol-Sheridan – 25 years; Lance Mahoney, Sundance Maintenance – 5 years;
Barbara Pierson retired Jan. 5 as the Port of Entry north region manager. She retired with 16 years of service to the state. She began her career with WYDOT in January 2005 as the Sheridan/Dietz Port of Entry manager. Pierson had, prior Pierson to coming to WYDOT, worked for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department in Sheridan. n
Sparks
Wiginton
Oops! It was brought to our attention that the photo printed as Dalen Davis Sr. in last month’s issue was an incorrect photo. We apologize for the mistake. n
Dino Gallegos, of the Cheyenne Sign Shop, owns this 1950 Mercury mild custom with a 283 Chevy engine, manual transmission, tuxedo interior skirts, Frenched headlights and wide white tires.
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Photo: Rick Carpenter
Photo: Rick Carpenter
Rides
Rick Carpenter dressed his 1953 Oldsmobile 98 for Cheyenne’s annual Christmas Parade the Saturday after Thanksgiving last year.
Passings Jim Crawford
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Jim Crawford, 85, of Cheyenne, passed away Jan. 20 at Granite Rehabilitation and Wellness. Crawford was born April 11, 1936 in Hays, Kansas to Charles and Jane Crawford. He went to school in La Porte, Colorado, Crawford and graduated from Laramie High School in Wyoming. He and his brother, Ed, joined the U.S. Navy in 1956. They were both assigned to boot camp in San Diego, California. Crawford attended Machinist Mate School, at Great Lakes, Illinois. He and Ed were later stationed on the USS Randolph, a CVA-15 Carrier Attack Ship. That ship was a World War II ship, which became an CVS Anti-submarine. He met and married the love of his life, Phyllis, in 1957. They have a daughter, Kristi, and a son, Kraig. While in the Navy they lived in Portsmouth, Virginia. Upon returning to Wyoming in 1961, he and Phyllis joined Cheyenne First Christian Church. After leaving the military, Crawford worked as a contractor in Laramie. He also worked in Hanna for the railroad. From 1961 until 1998 Jim worked for the old Wyoming Highway Department, WYDOTs predecessor agency, retiring with 39 years of service. In 1967, Crawford joined the U.S. Navy Seabee RMCV-15 and served until 1977. In 1978 through 1987 Crawford served in the Wyoming National Guard from 1978-1987, moving into the National Guard Reserve from 1987-1996. He retired from military service with a total of 35 years, one month and one day of service. Crawford is survived by his children, Kristi Crawford-Peake of Cheyenne and Kraig (Ginger) Crawford of Cheyenne. Kraig is currently a WYDOT employee in Cheyenne Maintenance. Those who wish may contribute in Crawford’s name to the American Cancer Society or to the First Christian Church Outreach Society in memory of his wife, Phyllis, who passed in 1993.
Carol L. Slane Carol Leslie Slane, 70, of Cheyenne, passed away Feb. 11. She was born July 2, 1951, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to Archie and Ida Slane. She attended both East High School and Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne. Slane Slane worked as the office support specialist in the now Emergency Communications section of WYDOT from June 2001 to May 2005. She left WYDOT for a year, but returned again in June 2006 to continue her service with the agency retiring in July 2020, with more than 19 years of service to the state. Slane had been involved with the Cheyenne city Community Development Group which assists non-profit organizations and combats homelessness. In lieu of flowers, her family requests donations be made to the Cheyenne Animal Shelter in her name.
Harry R. Williams Jr. Harry Ridgway Williams Jr., 79, passed away peacefully at the Legacy Home in Wheatland, Wyoming, Jan. 22. Williams was born on July 9, 1942 in Newcastle, Wyoming the son of Harry Ridgway and Catherine (Brenan) Williams Sr. He was Williams their youngest son. He attended Central High School where he competed in football and wrestling. He lived in Scottsbluff and Sutherland, Nebraska and Cheyenne and Wheatland, Wyoming, working as a civil engineer. Williams worked various civil engineering jobs throughout his life, retiring from the Wyoming Department of Transportation as resident engineer after 40 years in Wheatland. n
Outdoors Get those photos in!
Outdoors photos deadline:
03/15/22 carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov
Do you know anyone who has gone the “extra mile” in their everyday duties? Submit employee names to be considered for this honor. For more information about the Extra Mile Award or to nominate someone, contact Raquel.Christensen@wyo.gov. March 2022
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WTDEA
for two consecutive years to qualify. Employees can visit https:// employees.dot.state.wy.us/home/wtdea/state-board-information. html for more information.
Several district WTDEA chapters gathered in their respective districts simultaneously on Feb. 3 and held a fundraiser at their district meetings. The gatherings in each district were a great success. Chili cook-offs were held in three of five districts with great turnouts. The District 2 chili cook-off was held in Casper where there were eight chili entries and 33 hungry participants. The chili cook-off winner was David Cullison from Casper Traffic, and District 2 State Board Represen- David Cullison, of Casper Traffic, won the chili tative. District 2 cook-off at the District 2 event. also had a 50/50 raffle, with Public Involvement Specialist Jeff Goetz winning $40. All proceeds from the cook-off went to the District 2 WTDEA General Fund, and proceeds from the 50/50 raffle went to the scholarship fund. The District 3 chili cook-off saw 10 chili entries and 40 participants were on hand to taste test each. The chili brought in by Christina Kindler, of Rock Springs Construction, was voted best
overall. The District 3 chapter also had many door prizes to give away which were generously donated by local businesses. The District 4 gathering was much smaller, due to many being out sick that day. The District 4 chili cook-off was fortunate enough to have three chili entries and 10 healthy, hungry participants. Cassandra Tobin Christina Kindler showing off her chili cook-off of District 4 was the trophy in Rock Springs. chili cook-off winner at her event. District 4 WTDEA had a lot of good feedback with people really enjoying it. The winners of each district cookoff has been invited to be a guest representative for their respective districts at the October WTDEA State Board Meeting in Cheyenne. Their chapters are covering the chili costs for them to participate in the Annual State Board Relief Fund Cook-off. WTDEA State Board is working on scheduling more team and morale building activities around the state. n A good spread of chilis to try in District 2.
Photo: WYDOT
Photo: WYDOT
Chili cook-off fundraisers in the districts
District 4 employees enjoying the chili cook-off.
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Photo: WYDOT
The WTDEA State Board 2022-23 scholarship applications are now available on the employee’s website. The submission deadline is 5 p.m., April 29. WTDEA members should encourage their college-aged kids to apply. Employees, with college-aged students, must be current paid members of a district or headquarters WTDEA chapter
Photo: WYDOT
State Board scholarship applications available
Break Time The goal of Sudoku is to fill a 9x9 grid with numbers so that each row, column and 3x3 section contain all of the digits between 1 and 9.
Answer to the February 2021 Break Time maze:
2 7 4 1
5 4
6
3
1 2 9 3 7 2 6
5 7 3 2 3 8 4 5 1 7 2 9 1 6 7 4 2 9 1 6 8
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March 2022
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Pre-sorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid Cheyenne, WY 82009 Permit No. 24
Wyoming Department of Transportation 5300 Bishop Blvd. Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009-3340 Address Service Requested
WYDOT’s Travel Information System is the one and ONLY source for up-to-the-minute road and travel information. Take road conditions with you. Get the WYOMING 511 app. www.wyoroad.info
Know before you go. Visit wyoroad.info.
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