Interchange – May 2022 by WYDOT

Interchange May 2022

Charged up about EV infrastructure

Vol. 50, Iss. 5

Photo: Jordan Achs

WYDOT officials host meetings statewide regarding Zero Emission Vehicles, EV charging infrastructure

WYDOT staff embark on road trip around state to gather public comment

Director Reiner discusses ZEV policy goals and guidelines with a crowd in Cody

By Jordan Achs The world is changing, and alternative fueled vehicles are gaining a bigger share of the market. Wyoming’s Zero Emission Vehicle working group has started planning for this shift and drafted a ZEV strategy this spring. Director Luke Reiner, District staff, the Public Affairs office, and more WYDOT staff were busy in April with a little road trip around the state to gather public comment on the state’s ZEV strategy. Additionally, the group discussed the initial

including local business owners, utility company representatives, EV manufacturers, nonprofits, local government officials, elected officials, media and folks simply curious about what we had to say. “I thought the public meetings were a great success,” Reiner said. “We’ve received valuable feedback that will help shape not just our current draft ZEV and NEVI plans, but how we approach this alternative fuel market shift holistically going forward.” ZEV continued on page 3

strategies behind the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, which was recently funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). A series of nine meetings were conducted in seven business days, stopping in Cheyenne, Casper, Cody, Riverton, Jackson, Rock Springs, Rawlins, Gillette and Sheridan. The group presented to about 171 people in person and 116 online attendees in the hybrid meetings. There were a wide variety of attendees,

Contents Features 1

Charged up about EV infrastructure

WYDOT officials host meetings statewide regarding Zero Emission Vehicles

WYDOT, WHP announce transition plan

Ratliff to be interim Administrator until Col. Haller's replacement found

Prioritize safety this construction season

AFL-CIO and Wyoming Trial Lawyers Association hosted Workers' Memorial Day

Rogue motorists add to challenges of spring storm

Plow drivers and WHP troopers aid stranded drivers

Interchange Vol. 50, Issue 5 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

Programs & Partner Agencies

Public Affairs Manager:

Employee Safety........................................................................................... 15

Editor:

Doug McGee

Game & Fish.................................................................................................. 18 Highway Safety............................................................................................. 14 Parks & Recreation....................................................................................... 19 Training.........................................................................................................20 Travel & Tourism...........................................................................................16 U.S. Forest Service.......................................................................................19 Wyoming A&I................................................................................................ 17

Also in this issue

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

Photography: Rick Carpenter

District Briefs..................................................................................................3 By the Numbers..............................................................................................7 Noteworthy.....................................................................................................9

Public Affairs Public Affairs Public Affairs Public Affairs District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 Patrol 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.

Just The Facts..............................................................................................21 District News................................................................................................22 Awards..........................................................................................................25 Letters...........................................................................................................25 Passings........................................................................................................26 WTDEA..........................................................................................................27 Break Time....................................................................................................31 Kindly recycle this publication after reading.

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May 2022

A WYDOT PUBLICATION

ZEV continued from page 1 Some key takeaways from the meetings include: 1. WYDOT will not own, operate or maintain any EV charging stations through this program. 2. We believe in consumer choice; our task as WYDOT is to ensure our infrastructure can support whatever consumers choose to drive.

A recording of the Sheridan meeting, frequently asked questions and more are posted on the ZEV website: https://www.dot. state.wy.us/home/planning_projects/zero-emission-vehicles.html More than 30 public comments have been collected about the strategy so far — not including comments made at the meetings themselves — and more are received each day. If you or anyone else you know is interested in leaving a public comment about the strategies, email dot-publicaffairs@wyo.gov. n

Photo: Jordan Achs

3. Our focus is to support the state’s second largest industry, which is tourism.

An EV owner gives his perspective on EV infrastructure in Wyoming during the Jackson Zero Emission Vehicle public meeting in April.

District Briefs Headquarters

Commission awards almost $26.6 million in contracts in April CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded almost $26.6 million in contracts for seven Wyoming Department of Transportation construction projects during its April 21 business meeting. Cheyenne-based Knife River was awarded a $4.6 million bid for a project involving paving, chip seal and other work on almost 10.5 miles of US 20/26 in Fremont and Natrona Counties. For another Fremont County project, the commission awarded an $821,079 bid to Lander-based High Country Construction, Inc. for grading, fencing, signage, drainage, paving, erosion control and other work on about 3.5 miles of US 287. The projects above have a contracted completion date of June 30, 2023.

SLOW

CONE ZONE

The commission awarded an $824,378 bid to Advanced Electrical Contracting, Inc., based out of Sheridan, for a project involving electrical work, paving, sidewalk work, curb and gutter, drainage, grading, striping and more work on approximately 0.10 mile of US 30/287 in Albany County. Advanced Electrical Contracting was also awarded a $359,266 bid for a project in Laramie County involving electrical work, striping and other work at the intersection of WYO 212 and WYO 219. The two Advanced Electrical Contracting projects both have a contracted completion date of April 30, 2023. Afton-based Avail Valley Construction-WY, LLC, was awarded a $6.37 million bid for combined projects involving hot inplace recycling, paving, bridge rehabilitation, chip seal, grading, signage, guardrail and other work on almost 20 miles of highway in Sweetwater and Uinta Counties, including WYO 150 and WYO 372. The contracted completion date is July 31, 2023. The commission awarded a $10.2 million bid to CheyBriefs continued on page 4

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO.

Visit wyoroad.info or the Wyoming 511 app. www.wyoroad.info

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enne-based Reiman Corp. for a project involving structure work, grading, paving, fencing and other work on almost 1.5 miles of WYO 433 in Washakie County. The contracted completion date is June 30, 2024. The only out-of-state bidder to be awarded a project this month, Intermountain Slurry Seal, Inc. out of California, was awarded a $3.3 million bid for a project involving paving, chip seal and other work in various locations within Albany, Carbon and Laramie Counties. The contracted completion date is August 31, 2022. All of the projects awarded this month are funded primarily with Federal dollars. Almost all WYDOT projects are awarded to the lowest bidder. April’s meeting saw an average of more than two bids per project. The average for the fiscal year so far is about two and a half bids per project.

Driver Services offices statewide to conduct monthly all-staff education courses CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation’s Driver Services offices statewide will start closing for one hour each month for staff development and continued education courses. The first closure took place the morning of April 28. Driver Services offices that typically open at 8 a.m. opened to the public at 9 a.m. that day, while offices that typically open at 8:30 a.m. opened at 9:30 a.m. that day. “Our goal for these education courses is to improve customer service, processing times and other operations within Driver Services,” said Misty Dobson, Driver Services program manager. “The sessions take place during business hours to avoid incurring overtime costs.” The closures will take place the morning of the last Thursday of each month unless otherwise announced.

Multi-state road check CHEYENNE – The WHP Commercial Carrier unit recently participated in a multi-state road check campaign which included states from Montana to Minne-

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May 2022

Concrete slab work in Rawlins

sota along I-90. The detail was held April 19-20. WHP troopers and officers conducted 145 Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMV) inspections, with 15 drivers placed “out of service” and 51 vehicles placed “out of service.” The WHP Performance-Based Brake Tester (PBBT) was deployed and processed 45 vehicles, with three trucks failing their brake performance, a total of 330 brakes checked and 38 failing the tests. While this road check was being conducted, eight passenger vehicles were stopped while driving erratically around CMVs, with one being intoxicated.

Photo: WYDOT

Briefs continued from page 3

POE officers guiding a semi truck onto the WHP Performance-Based Brake Tester (PBBT).

District 1

WYDOT maintenance crews start paving in Laramie County CHEYENNE – Maintenance crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation began seasonal paving operations in various locations around Laramie County in April. Work began Monday near Carpenter on WYO 214 between mileposts 3.6-4.4. After crews wrap up there, work will take place on WYO 213 near Burns between mileposts 10.9-11.4. Other locations in Laramie County maintenance crews plan to pave this year include: • I-80, west of Pine Bluffs; • WYO 211/ Horse Creek Rd., various locations; • US 30, east of Cheyenne; and • I-80, west of Cheyenne, various locations including I-80 on ramp exit 8B from I-25.

RAWLINS – Crews with Triple A Building Services and WYDOT began concrete slab repair work on Interstate 80, US 30 BL and WYO 78 in Rawlins on April 27. Work included placing crushed base, concrete slab replacement, concrete pavement, expansion joints replacement and miscellaneous work. Heavy equipment producing loud noise is required to complete the work. The first phase affects traffic on Third Street and Spruce Street in Rawlins, while the second phase affects traffic on I-80 between mileposts 212.80-215.60. The second phase is scheduled for June. The middle two lanes on Third Street will be blocked off for the duration of the first phase. There will also be an 18-foot width restriction through the I-80 route. This project has an expected completion date of late October 2022.

Work resumes on I-80 Winter Freight project RAWLINS – Work is resuming on WYDOT’s I-80 Winter Freight project between Rawlins and Laramie on April 27. Simon Contractors are building nearly 100 new semi-truck parking spaces at both the Fort Steele Rest Area (milepost 228) east of Rawlins and the Quealy Dome truck parking area (milepost 290) west of Laramie for a total of almost 200 new parking spaces. The Fort Steele Rest Area, including parking areas, will remain closed during construction. Flaggers may be present to direct local traffic through the area. Please avoid parking on the on- and offramps in the Fort Steele interchange as it will likely impede work at the rest area. Once the project is complete, the rest area will reopen. Traffic on I-80 will see minimal impacts as crews start structure work and begin building climbing lanes on I-80. There will be short lane closures in the eastbound lanes over Halleck Ridge (mileposts 250.5-252.5) west of Elk Mountain and westbound lanes between Cooper Cove and Quealy Dome (mileposts 279.5-281.5) near the Albany County line. Watch for lane closures, reduced speed

limits and other traffic changes during construction. Avoid distractions like cell phones when driving through work zones. First started in the fall of 2020, the $20 million project is funded by a federal Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant and is expected to be complete in October 2022.

Bridge, pavement work on WYO 789 near Baggs BAGGS – Crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co. began work on WYO 789 near Creston Junction April 19. The project starts at Creston Junction and ends approximately ten miles south at milepost 10. The project includes milling and pavement work, as well as bridge overlay at milepost 1.35. Temporary lane closures were in use near the pavement work. The bridge overlay required lane closures and traffic signals. The expected completion date of the project is the end of July.

Repair underway on Grand Avenue/I-80 bridge LARAMIE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation and S&S Builders began the repair of the damaged Grand Avenue/Interstate 80 interchange bridge on April 18. Work is focused on the bridge column underneath the bridge surface. Interior lanes adjacent to the damaged column are closed during the project, potential delays expected, especially during peak commuting hours. The eastbound exit ramp 316 from I-80 remains closed for the duration of the repair. The bridge rehab has an expected completion during early summer.

Pavement work on US 85 north of Cheyenne CHEYENNE – Crews with McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co. and WYDOT began work on US 85 between Cheyenne and Torrington on April 18. The project spans mileposts 47-56.6 and focuses on milling and paving work. A lane closure and pilot car operation

was in effect during daytime operations and caused delays of up to 15 minutes. Additionally, a 14-ft. width restriction was in place while milling and paving. The nearby Meriden Rest Area remains open during the project.

Pursuit ends north of Cheyenne CHEYENNE – An Alabama resident was taken into custody following a pursuit on April 12. The pursuit started shortly after 4:45 p.m. after WHP Troopers were notified of a box-style commercial truck recently stolen from the Target store in Cheyenne. A trooper located and attempted to stop the truck north of Cheyenne on Interstate 25. The truck driver failed to stop and a pursuit ensued north on I-25 at relatively low speeds. Troopers successfully deployed spike strips to deflate the truck tires around milepost 40 on I-25, causing the driver’s side tire to deflate. The truck stopped near milepost 46, where the driver was taken into custody without further incident. The occupant was identified as 45-year-old Alabama resident Jerry Jones. Jones was taken to the Laramie County Detention Center. Charges were filed for theft of the truck and eluding a peace officer.

Public open house held for US 30/Whitney/Dell Range project CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, the City of Cheyenne, and Laramie County, along with TriHydro and AVI, hosted a public open house to discuss the upcoming construction projects US30/Whitney/Dell Range in East Cheyenne. The meeting was held on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Cheyenne Hills Church, 7505 Lincoln Hwy, in Cheyenne. The intent of this open house-style meeting was to present the project’s purpose and need, history, as well as the current project plans for public comment. After a short presentation beginning at 5:45 p.m., WYDOT, City of Cheyenne, Laramie County, TriHydro and AVI were available to discuss further questions about the project in a one-on-one setting.

Bridge rehab work near Riverside RIVERSIDE, Wyo. — Travelers may experience delays as crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and Mountain Construction begin bridge rehab work on two bridges on WYO 230 by Riverside. Starting Monday April 11, crews were scheduled to set a concrete barrier with lane closures and traffic lights at two bridges along WYO 230 at mile posts 100.35 and 109.54. Once the barriers are erected, minor bridge repair will begin at both locations. The project will begin in the town of Riverside and continue approximately ten miles east ending at mile post 110.39. Work will also include milling and overlay to be completed later in the summer. Motorists should use caution and obey traffic signals as they navigate the single open lane while crews work in the other. Delays are possible, so WYDOT recommends planning for extra time to reach your destination. Work is expected to be completed in the fall.

District 3

Bridge inspections cause delays JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation has contracted Consor Engineering to perform two bridge inspections during the week of May 9 in the Teton County area. Work took place on the bridge over the Snake River on US 26/89, south of Hoback Junction in the Snake River Canyon on May 9 and 10. Crews moved to the Snake River Bridge on WYO 22 on May 11. Work continued through May 13. Work impacting traffic operations on this bridge was scheduled for the evenings beginning at 6:30 p.m., wrapping up at 6:30 a.m. Crews worked around the bridge during daytime hours. To perform the work, crews mobilized a snooper truck, pick-up trucks and other equipment onto the bridge decks. These trucks took up a single lane, reducing traffic to one lane over the bridge. MoBriefs continued on page 6

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torists will be flagged across the bridge in alternating directions. Crews expected delays of up to 15 minutes, but delays could vary with traffic congestion. In addition, crews also worked on the bridge over the Snake River on US 26/89, south of Hoback Junction in the Snake River Canyon, following the work on WYO 22.

Work on Rock Springs, Evanston traffic signals ROCK SPRINGS – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from Advanced Electrical Contracting, Inc., worked on the Dewar Drive and Gateway Boulevard traffic signal in Rock Springs on April 4. The signal was shut off while work was underway. The nighttime shutdown began around 9 p.m. and continued through the night. Traffic control was in place during the shutdown, and drivers in the area were advised to be aware of the change or detour around the area if possible. In Evanston, crews worked on several local traffic signals on April 6. Work began on the signal at WYO 89 and County Road and was followed by signals at: Harrison Boulevard and I-80 westbound interchange; Front Street and 6th Street; and Bear River Drive and WYO 89. Crews also worked on detection installs and programming in Evanston at the intersections of Front Street and 2nd Street, 3rd Street, and 9th Street. The projects are part of a statewide job that includes electrical and miscellaneous work at various locations in southwest Wyoming. The completion date for the work is Oct. 31.

District 4

Public meeting about night closure of Ranchester bridge SHERIDAN – A public meeting was held April 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Tongue River Valley Community Center in Ranchester. Residents of the Ranchester and Dayton communities and local commuters were encouraged to attend to get more information about the closure in May.

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The Wyoming Department of Transportation and the prime contractor will close the existing bridge located just east of the town of Ranchester on US 14. The bridge will be closed to all traffic for three nights in early May to offload and place steel girders onto the new bridge structure. These three night closures will be from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. The girders measure approximately seven feet in height by six to one hundred twenty feet in length and weigh up to 25 tons each. Detours were identified for commercial and local traffic and to accommodate all emergency management vehicles. Local traffic will be asked to use WYO 345 and Railroad Street in Ranchester, while commercial traffic will be detoured onto WYO 345 – Parkman Road to the Dayton cut-off – WYO 343 just east of the town of Dayton.

Bridge approaches leveled on North Sheridan interchange SHERIDAN – Motorists who use the North Sheridan interchange bridge may notice a slight dip on either end of the bridge approach. This slight drop is a result of subgrade soils settling. Rather than remove the concrete approach slab, a roadway lifting process utilizing a material called High Density Polyurethane Foam is injected into the existing concrete slab and brings the existing concrete slab to grade, eliminating the drop. WYDOT was scheduled to use this technique on the North Sheridan interchange bridge approaches the week of April 18. The contractor drilled a series of 5/8” holes the full depth of the concrete pad in a grid pattern. They injected the holes with polyurethane which travels throughout voids and expands up to 25 times. This polyurethane is a high-density, structural polyurethane that increases the soils weight bearing capacity and stabilizes the subgrade. Once the soil was stabilized, additional polyurethane was injected to provide lift and realigned the slabs and overlying pavement bringing them up to grade. This process provides proper support to the soil and heavy slabs to mitigate against future bridge settle-

ment. Motorists encountered lane closures to allow for the repairs. Traffic control, including signage and flaggers were in place directing traffic around the repairs. The work took about a week to complete.

Photo: WYDOT

Briefs continued from page 5

Holes being drilled into existing concrete slab in preparation for polyurethane injections.

Paving operations on US 14 east of Devils Tower Junction SUNDANCE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation and its contractor, Croell, Inc., began construction on a 10mile stretch of US 14 between Sundance and the Devils Tower Junction of US 24 the week of April 11. The scope of this project is to install pipe irrigation, repair soft spots, widen shoulders at select locations, add a turn lane at milepost 196.5 and install a new electrical weather system at milepost 186. Upon completion of the repairs, the road surface will be milled and repaved and a chip seal will be added. Paving is scheduled to begin in mid-June. All work is scheduled to be completed by October 31.

Construction resumed on US 14/16 between Ucross, Clearmont SHERIDAN – The Wyoming Department of Transportation and its contractor, Croell, Inc., resumed paving operations on a 10-mile section of US 14/16 between Ucross and the town of Clearmont in Sheridan County on April 4. Contractors replaced guardrail near two bridge structures and repaired soft spots at three locations between mileposts 27.64-38.10. The road base at the three locations failed due to sub-grade issues.

Photo: WYDOT

Contractors removed the existing subgrade materials and replaced them with new material stabilizing those locations. The remaining stretch of the project was milled and paved. In addition to new pavement, sub-contractors installed flexible delineators, upgraded signage and installed new fence throughout the project limits. Daytime flagging operations, one-lane travel at repair locations, reduced speeds and heavy truck traffic was encountered. Traffic was open to two-way traffic at night with areas of temporary surfacing and reduced speeds. The projected completion date of the project is July 29.

This stretch of US 14/16 between Ucross and Clearmont saw upgrades to some road base failure leading to soft spots in the road.

District 5

Contractor mobilized to Wind River Canyon slide stabilization, combined with Shoshoni work causes delays THERMOPOLIS – The rock slide that closed US 20/WYO 789 for four hours in Wind River Canyon on April 23 forced early mobilization for prime contractor Oftedal Construction, Inc., of Casper, and its rock slide mitigation subcontractor for the second year of work on a slide stabilization project. The $8.78 million slide stabilization project includes slide repair, grading, slide stabilization rock (SSR), manual rock scaling, rock fall mitigation and other work on US 20/WYO 789 beginning at milepost 115.9 through 123.12 inside the canyon between Shoshoni and Thermopolis. Subcontractor Midwest Rockfall, Inc.,

of Henderson, Colorado, was on-site beginning April 26. Some of Midwest Rockfall’s rockfall mitigation work still remains from the original contract – installing a rock attenuator system, installation of rock bolts, repair of existing rock fence and installation of new rock mesh – but now the subcontractor’s work will also include emergency tasks at the rock slide which closed the highway on April 23. “Oftedal is moving in equipment to move the current talus rock that fell on the highway so other rocks on the slope have a place to fall that’s not on the highway,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation project engineer Jordan Erz of Worland. “Midwest workers will then perform rock scaling work on that area to hopefully remove all the loose rock. There are also a few big rocks above the road that thankfully did not fall. These big rocks must be moved to the roadway as soon as possible to make that area as safe as possible.” Erz said the big rocks remaining above the roadway from the April 23 rock slide are sitting in fragile areas and could move downhill on their own, and the expedited work schedule is “a proactive decision to enhance human safety and avoid further damage to the roadway.” In other Wind River Canyon project work, Oftedal will be installing three pipes to move runoff water on the project. At the same time, southeast of Wind River Canyon, asphalt paving is scheduled to begin this week on 8.36 miles of US 20/WYO 789 between the town limits of Shoshoni and Birdseye Road between Shoshoni and Wind River Canyon. With the projects so close to each other, motorists should expect combined stop delays of up to 35 minutes through the $4.74 million paving project and slide cleanup effort. When paving is complete north of Shoshoni, Mountain Construction will be paving the Upper Wind River Campground in separate work for Boysen State Park. That work on the campground roadways could also add to the length of the traffic delays between Shoshoni and Thermopolis.

Briefs continued on page 8

Total number of employees: As of April 11, 2022

1,807

One month ago

1,820

One year ago

1,912

WHP Total number of highway fatalities: As of April 20, 2022

One year ago

May 2022

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Briefs continued from page 7

Six bridges slated for rehabilitation BASIN – A $1.76 million northwest Wyoming bridge rehabilitation project is underway on US 26/287 east of Dubois in May. The first of six bridges to undergo rehabilitation will be the US 26/287 highway bridge (FJC) about 15 miles east of Dubois. Improvements at the milepost 69.42 bridge are slated to begin about May 15. Other regional bridges slated for repairs and improvements this summer and fall include the bridge at the intersection of Bent Street (WYO 295) and US 14A, in Powell, at milepost 12.55; the US 14A bridge one mile west of Garland; the WYO 433 bridge located at the Washakie County/Big Horn County line on West River Road between Worland and Basin; the WYO 172 bridge over the Bighorn River on Black Mountain Road northeast of Thermopolis; and the US 26/WYO 789 bridge two miles west of Shoshoni. Bridge improvements and repairs include grading, milling asphalt, pavement surfacing, bridge rehabilitation, guardrail installation and other work. Prime contractor on the bridge rehabilitation project is Coldwater Group, Inc., of Pleasant View, Utah. Contract completion date is Nov. 20.

Pavement improvements on US 14/16/20 west of Cody near Yellowstone CODY – The 10.25 miles of US 14/16/20 directly east of the East Entrance to Yellowstone National Park will receive pavement improvements and other work that began May 2. The $5.4 million project, west of Cody, consists of rotomilling the existing pavement surface, a 2-inch pavement overlay, chip sealing, minor slope flattening, guardrail repair and other 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). Delays of up to 20 minutes are expected during the majority of the work.

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Traffic control will use flaggers and pilot vehicles. Prime contractor for the project is Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell. All work, with the exception of reclamation, is required to be complete by Aug. 31. Contract completion date is Oct. 31. This section of US 14/16/20 was originally constructed in 1996-97. The normal service life for pavement is approximately 20 years before it needs rehabilitation and an overlay.

US 14A improvement project through Byron BASIN – A $3.63 million highway improvement project through the town of Byron is underway in Big Horn County. A reduced speed limit of 20 mph and minor traffic delays can be expected. Mountain Construction Co., was awarded its bid to improve 1.4 miles of US 14A through Byron in March by the Wyoming Transportation Commission. Highway improvements will include grading, asphalt milling, asphalt paving, sidewalk and curb and gutter, electrical work and other items in Byron beginning at milepost 38.00 on the west end of Byron. Contract completion date is Oct. 31.

Pipe lining project in northwest Wyoming LANDER – A $516,969 pipe lining project is underway north of Lander on US 287. The project includes grading, culvert lining, culvert replacement, asphalt pavement surfacing, fencing and other work at various locations in northwest Wyoming. The project’s prime contractor is Wilson Brothers Construction, Inc., of Cowley. The contractor’s schedule calls for asphalt removal and culvert replacement on US 287 at mileposts 7.14-7.81, north of Lander, with paving starting April 25, weather permitting. The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the project to Wilson Brothers Construction in October 2021. Contract completion date is June 30.

Northwest Wyoming crack sealing resumes north of Cody CODY – Crack sealing resumed April 11 north of Cody on WYO 120. The WYO 120 crack sealing is underway near the Montana state line between mileposts 118.5 and 137.53. Prime contractor for the crack sealing work is Z&Z Seal Coating of Billings, Mont. The $399,000 contract is taking place in Big Horn and Park counties. Contract completion date was April 30.

Pavement improvement project begins north of Shoshoni SHOSHONI – A $4.74 million pavement improvement project has started north of Shoshoni. The project includes asphalt pavement surfacing, fencing, asphalt pavement milling, chip sealing, and other work on 8.36 miles of US20/WY789 beginning between the town limits of Shoshoni and Birdseye Road. The project’s prime contractor is Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell. The contractor’s schedule calls for asphalt milling beginning this month, with paving beginning as early as the end of April. Chip sealing will be done after June 1. All work is dependent upon favorable weather. “Motorists should expect traffic delays of up to 15 minutes during milling, paving and chip sealing operations,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Kaia Tharp of Thermopolis. The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the project to Mountain Construction in February. Contract completion date is Oct. 31.

Twin Creek highway improvements southeast of Lander restart LANDER – Work resumed on a pair of bridge structures over Twin Creek

Public meeting held for Byron highway improvement project BASIN – A $3.63 million highway improvement project through the town of Byron was the emphasis of a public meeting in Big Horn County. The public meeting on April 20, was held at Byron Town Hall. Improvements were anticipated to begin this in April, and reduced speeds and minor traffic delays were expected. Mountain Construction Co., was awarded its bid to improve 1.4 miles of US 14A through Byron in March by the Wyoming Transportation Commission. Highway improvements include grading, asphalt milling, asphalt paving, sidewalk and curb and gutter, electrical work and other items in Byron beginning at milepost 38.00 on the west end of town. Contract completion date is Oct. 31. n

Noteworthy

Be 307 Aware and stay prepared By Mark Horan Whether it’s a snowmobile breakdown in the Snowy Range or a hiking accident in the Tetons, it’s not uncommon for people to encounter difficulties while experiencing the great outdoors. According to Wyoming Office of Homeland Security (WOHS), Wyoming Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel conduct an average of more than 300 missions annually across the state for those who become lost or stranded. The most common missions involve searches for people who were hunting, hiking, snowmobiling, skiing/snowboarding, or they were motor vehicle related. Although several of the people rescued were from out of state, a higher number of them were Wyoming residents. No matter how small or large the situation might be, SAR volunteers provide year round assistance to help get people home safely, and a new publicly accessible radio channel has been designed to expedite rescue efforts. Collaborative efforts between WOHS, the Wyoming SAR Council and the Wyoming All Hazards Association began in January 2021, and Radio Channel 307 was officially launched later that year. The channel allows for direct communication between SAR and parties in need of assistance. In the event of a situation, backcountry recreationalists using a Family Radio Service or General Mobile Radio Service (FRS/GMRS) are encouraged to program their radio to UHF 462.6125 Privacy Code 85.4 or Channel 3 and Privacy code 07 (307). It’s important to note that the 307 Channel is not a 911 channel, so emer-

gency situations will need to initially be declared through other means such as a Satellite Personal Locator Beacon. The 307 Channel is not actively monitored by SAR until a search is in progress. However, once SAR enters the search area, efforts will be made to contact the lost/stranded party over the 307 Channel in order to obtain location details, medical information, etc. The 307 Channel is already being considered a game changer by emergency personnel around the state. “Making use of this technology in a coordinated way is an effective tool for our search and rescue personnel in greatly reducing the time it takes to locate people in an outdoor emergency situation,” said Jim Mitchell, Sublette County Emergency Manager. The agency has established a Be 307 Aware program to spread the word about this new safety resource. Visit hls.wyo. gov/307 for more information. You can also download the Wyoming Ready mobile app from the Apple Store or Google Play for checklists and outdoor safety tips. n

Photo: Carlie Van Winkle

southeast of Lander on US 287/WYO 789. The bridges are located at milepost 67.9, about 12 miles southeast of Lander, and milepost 65.7, about 14 miles southeast of Lander. “Bridge deck repairs, epoxy overlays and completion of guardrail updates will be completed this spring,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation project engineer Brian Martin of Lander. “After the bridge at milepost 67.9, the contractor will move to the Twin Creek bridge at milepost 65.7.” Martin said the contractor plans to work on one bridge at a time with portable traffic signals controlling traffic movements. “All bridge work is anticipated to be completed in 4 weeks,” Martin added. All work is dependent upon favorable weather. “Once bridge work is complete, prime contractor McGarvin-Moberly will mill asphalt from the end of each bridge and transition areas, and begin paving a 1-inch leveling course and a 2-inch overlay from mileposts 64.37 to 74.21. A chip seal and other roadway work is scheduled to be completed on the 10.1-mile project by the completion date of June 30, 2022,” Martin said. McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co., of Worland was awarded the $5.1 million project on April 15, 2021.

May 2022

Interchange 9

Noteworthy By Mark Horan For his support of the Wyoming Hunger Initiative’s Food from the Field program, Greg Venable, Vice Chair of the Wyoming Transportation Commission, recently received a special accolade from Wyoming First Lady Jennie Gordon. Venable is the Director of Logistics and Transportation for Admiral Beverage Corporation in Worland. In that capacity, Venable sought to provide meat processors who participate in Food from the Field with access to refrigerated trucks if needed. Food from the Field enables hunters to share their bounty by donating all or part of their meat to local processors who in turn will prepare and distribute the game to food pantries throughout the state. Now in its third year, there are currently seven meat processors involved in the program. Donated animal carcasses must first be tested for Chronic Wasting Disease before they can be prepared, which creates the need for additional cold storage space. To help solve the problem, Venable arranged for processors in Wapiti, Riverton and Thayne to keep 48 foot enclosed refrigerated trucks on their site throughout last year’s hunting season. The extra cold storage has made a significant impact. “We are so incredibly thankful to Admiral Beverage and their support of Food from the Field,” commented Sierra Mitchell from the Afton Food Pantry. “We’ve seen how the refrigerator truck makes a difference for the Star Valley Meat Block in Thayne. Because of Greg, our food pantry is able to help many local families.” First Lady Gordon met with Venable at the Governor’s residence on March 31 to thank him for assisting her in the Wyoming Hunger Initiative. "Food from the Field is a Wyoming solution to hunger, but it wouldn't be possible without partners such as Greg Venable at Admiral Beverage,” Gordon said. “Cold storage is a staple for participating processors, but it is often limited and expensive. Greg stepped up from day one with refrigerated trucks and made this program a reality. I am forever grateful." Venable stated he was happy to assist with the program, which is growing. “We’ll continue to support this worthwhile effort as long as we’re able to, and we can accommodate even more of the partici-

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May 2022

Photo courtesy of the Wyoming Hunger Initiative

Kudos to Commissioner Venable

Wyoming First Lady Jennie Gordon took the opportunity to thank Greg Venable and Admiral Beverage Corporation for supporting the Food from the Field program. Gordon and Venable met at the Governor’s Residence on March 31.

pating processors this year if they need our help” he said. Trista Ostrom, First Lady Gordon’s Chief of Staff, estimated that Wyoming food pantries have received nearly 14,000 lbs. of donated game meat over the course of two years through the Food from the Field program. That equates to approximately 56,000 meals for families, veterans, and many other individuals who are in need. More information about Food from the Field, including a brief video, can be found at nohungerwyo.org. n

Wyoming Highway Patrol Colonel Kebin Haller has announced his retirement in early June 2022 after more than 31 years in law enforcement. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Wyoming alongside the great men and women of the Wyoming Highway Patrol,” Haller said. As the Wyoming Department of Transportation and WHP begin the search for a new colonel, Shannon Ratliff will temporarily come out of retirement starting May 16 to serve as interim administrator. Ratliff retired from the WHP in August 2021 as Lieutenant Colonel after more than 30 years of service in law enforcement. “Ratliff ’s experience will make him an invaluable part of our team as we work to fill this vacancy,” Reiner said. WYDOT and WHP will consider applicants from both a nationwide pool as well as candidates currently serving with the WHP for the position. The search process for a new Colonel is expected to take about six months. n

Photos: Rick Carpenter

WYDOT, WHP announce transition plan for Haller after his retirement

Clockwise from top left: Col. Kebin Haller; Interim Administrator and former Lt. Col. Shannon Ratliff; and Col. Haller at his swearing in 2015 with former WHP Col. and WYDOT Director John Cox.

Prioritize safety this construction season Sometimes patience is needed as drivers wait for pilot cars or reduce their speed. “Safety is everyone’s business because we all share the same roads,” Reiner said. We can all do our part to keep Wyoming’s highway work zones safe. This construction season, let’s keep the stats at zero. Want to see which construction zones may impact your travels this summer? Go to www.wyoroad.info and choose the “Construction” layer on our 511 map. Even if the map looks clear, motorists should watch for mobile construction zones like highway striping, pothole repair or guardrail repair, which tend to move around based on that day’s prioritized projects. n

Photo: Jordan Achs

By Jordan Achs April 28 is Workers’ Memorial Day, a day dedicated to remembering the lives lost to workplace fatalities. In Wyoming, 35 people lost their lives while at work in 2020. One of those was WYDOT’s own Shirley Samuelson, a highway maintenance technician from Teton County. The Wyoming chapter of The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) and the Wyoming Trial Lawyers Association hosted a Workers’ Memorial Day ceremony to honor lives lost at work in 2020. Director Luke Reiner spoke as part of the ceremony, noting how important it is to stop and “remember the service of these men and women.” “We remember that they each had a life and a job,” he added. “We remember that none of them expected to die that day, and on this Workers’ Memorial Day, we vow to never forget the lives that were lost.” Reiner also discussed how work zones on highways can be a danger not just to the construction crew, but the motorists as well. Last year, Wyoming saw more than 300 work zone crashes, resulting in 69 injuries and five fatalities. “One injury is too many,” Reiner said at the ceremony. “One fatality is too many.” Half of Wyoming’s work zone crashes occur in areas with lane closures. Reiner noted that many crashes can be avoided if drivers obey posted speed limits, increase the following distance between vehicles and putting away distractions like cell phones.

Director Reiner addresses the crowd at the state capitol building on Workers' Memorial Day, April 28. Tammy Johnson (left), executive director with the AFL-CIO, and Marcia Shanor, executive director with the Wyoming Trial Lawyers Association look on.

May 2022

Interchange 11

Photo: Jonathan Struebing

Rogue motorists add to challenges of clearing spring storm from roads

Photo: WYDOT

Gillette Maintainer Jonathan Struebing snapped this image of his plow near the road closure gate Saturday on WYO 50 at WYO 387, Pine Tree Junction.

A WYDOT operator on the way to reach stranded motorists who attempted to travel on US 14/16 under closed conditions.

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By Laura Dalles The spring storm that hit the northeast corner of Wyoming the weekend of April 23 was atypical for the region, as it came with 60-plus mph winds, record-setting inches of snow and hundreds of stranded motorists. What began as a much needed spring rainstorm Friday evening quickly transitioned into an average of 19 inches of snow in Campbell and Crook counties by Saturday afternoon. The National Weather Service had posted a blizzard warning several days prior to notify the public that impacts would be significant and to plan accordingly. Some took this advice, others not so much. By daybreak on Saturday, roads were covered in slush. Rapidly declining temperatures turned sleet to snow – cue the winds, and blizzard conditions ensued. Snow plow operators and troopers with WYDOT were prepared. Prior to the peak of the storm, operators from the Sundance and Newcastle shops were in contact with the South Dakota Department of Transportation, which allowed them to control traffic coming from the east and keep them off I-90 and US 212 to avoid imposition on the smaller communities of Moorcroft, Sundance and Aladdin with limited resources for stranded travelers. This allowed WYDOT to clear the roads of drifting and get stranded travelers off the highway. Plowing under any condition can be challenging. No two storms are alike, yet WYDOT operators and troopers are familiar with the roads and their challenges. They know the problem areas, where to expect drifting and how to navigate each storm. What they didn’t know, but expected, was how the traveling public was going to respond. Troopers with the Wyoming Highway Patrol responded to reports of stranded motorists and gate runners. More than 30 tickets were issued to motorists who chose to ignore various road closure gates or closure notifications; a citation for being on a closed road will cost you upward of $750. Many of those motorists became stuck, creating an additional challenge for plow drivers. WYDOT’s wyoroad.info site and the 511 app reported all roads in the northeast corner of Wyoming were closed due to inclement weather and low visibility. Anxious motorists, who ran gates, delayed openings. Rather than focus on opening the roads, operators had to focus on removing vehicles from the road in order to complete plowing. The stranded vehicles aided in causing large drifting hazards and resulted in operators having to slow down to avoid them, which in turn caused plows to lose momentum and the power to push the wet heavy snow. This additional burden resulted in delays in opening roads. By mid-morning Saturday, all roads in northeast Wyoming were closed. Visibility was slim to none. Wyoming Highways 50, 59, 112, and 387 along with US Highways 14/16 and 212, were impacted the most. Portions of I-90 saw substantial drifting in places but was mostly affected by heavy slush. Drifts were reported to be as high as 10-15 feet and 150 feet long. Roads out of Newcastle and Sundance had miles of 3-foot-deep snow, crossing the road from shoulder to shoulder in addition to drifting. Cattle

along Wyoming Highway 450 attempting to get out of the wind pushed up against a fence and ended up in the right of way, adding another challenge. Strong winds continued for 15-plus hours with snowfall, drifting and limited visibility. Travelers who refused to obey the law by going around closed road gates or accessing closed roads became a hazard for WYDOT operators and troopers. Two troopers became stranded after they had been dispatched to assist stranded motorists on WYO 59. They were unable to make it back to town due to the extreme drifting on the roads. Plow and tow trucks were not able to get to them in the early hours of the day. Rather than chance not getting home or back on duty in the morning, several snow plow operators chose to catch a few hours of sleep at the shop. Most operators returned to their shops only to find their personal vehicles were drifted in and had to dig themselves out in order to get home for some rest. Operators returned to the roads as early as 3:00 a.m. Sunday. Most of the snow had subsided by then, but the winds remained with many established drifts. Additional resources from Buffalo, Sheridan, Newcastle, Sundance and District 2 were brought in, adding V-plows, rotaries/blowers, graders and loaders to assist in punching a hole in drifts throughout the district but primarily in the Gillette, Hulett and Wright areas. I-90 was opened by midday Saturday, and the focus was shifted to WYO 59, US 14/16, US 212 and WYO 112. At one point, operators found a stalled semi on US 212 and over a hundred cars and trucks behind them. US 14/16 reported over 50 stranded vehicles. All of these roads were closed to traffic. Several operators were out until 5:30 a.m. Sunday morning attempting to rescue motorists on US 14/16. Many motorists spent the nights in their vehicles.

WYDOT Webcams indicated roads were favorable – if not dry – which led to frustration for many motorists. What the webcams didn’t show were the areas of deep drifts and limited visibility due to the continuing winds. The webcams represent several hundred feet of roadway and not the entire section of highway. What looks good in one area may not and most often is not what the entire route looks like. The roads remained closed for many reasons. During a debriefing with area maintenance supervisors, crew leaders and troopers all confirmed that in addition to the weather challenges, the traveling public made the cleanup very difficult. They believed if they had not had to spend so much time rescuing or removing motorists from the roadway, the roads would have been opened much sooner. When motorists bypass a road closed gate or ignore WYDOT’s road closure notifications, they are not only putting themselves and others in harm’s way, they are impeding on the efficiency of getting roads open so all can travel safely. These types of storms and their challenges are not just limited to the most recent storm. Statewide, WYDOT personnel have encountered similar situations this past snow season. I-80 encounters these issues on a regular basis, storm after storm, costing the traveling public, local businesses, commerce and WYDOT time, efficiency and money. Efforts are continually being made by WYDOT to reduce impacts to all affected, one of those being asking the traveling public for their cooperation. The much needed moisture was welcomed, and the state is starting to green up as a result. There is likely to be another spring storm in the future. If there is, WYDOT asks motorists to think twice about traveling during these storms in the future. It’s best to stay put in the comforts of your home or community rather than chance a night in your car. n

Connecting Crew Leaders By Jordan Achs For the first time since 2016, WYDOT hosted a Crew Leader Meeting in April as a way for supervisors both across departments and across the state to collaborate on common issues, explore innovative solutions and plan for the months and years ahead. The meeting, which was held in Casper, saw about 275 attendees from across a variety of WYDOT departments and programs as well as outside vendors. To kick off this year’s meeting, the Wyoming Police Service Dog Association hosted a narcotics and apprehension demonstration with the Casper Police Department K9s. After the demonstration, Wyoming Highway Patrol Col. Kebin Haller discussed human trafficking on the highways and how to recognize a potential victim and get them the help and resources they need. The three-day conference also featured meetings on a variety of topics of interest, including: • Emergency radiological transport training

• No way on the driveway! – Managing approaches/accesses/ driveways • WyoLink and new WyoLink radios • And many more! The meeting helped WYDOT staff reconnect with old friends, learn the new faces at WYDOT, discover new ways to complete their tasks and connect with some outside vendors. Great work to all who helped plan the event, and thanks to all who attended. It was a great success! n

Photo: WYDOT

• Evolution of snowplow cutting edges • Financial Services best practices and reminders • Impact of Entry Level Driver Training rules and CDL requirements

April’s Crew Leader Meeting, the first held since 2016, was well attended by both WYDOT staff and outside vendors.

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Interchange 13

Highway Safety Distracted Driving Crashes By Kari Fictum, Highway Safety April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Distracted driving is any activity that takes the driver’s attention away from the task of safe driving, including talking or texting on a phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in the vehicle, or adjusting the vehicle’s stereo, entertainment, or navigation system. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a driver cannot drive safely unless the task of driving has their full attention. Any non-driving activity they engage in is a potential distraction and increases the risk of crashing. When a driver takes their attention off the road for five seconds, a vehicle traveling 55 miles per hour can travel the length of a football field. In that instant, over that distance, a life can be taken. While distracted driving crashes are a growing concern nationwide, they are likely underreported due to the difficulty of establishing whether a driver was distracted at the time of the crash. Most often, the determination is based on involved motorist and witness testimony as well as trained investigating officer opinions.

In Wyoming, during the most recent five-year period (20172021), 4,561 crashes were reported as suspected distracted driving, which accounts for approximately 6.5% of all crashes. These distracted driving crashes included 185 critical crashes, 1,083 serious crashes, and 3,293 damage crashes and resulted in 50 fatal injuries, 193 suspected serious injuries, 790 suspected minor injuries, and 810 possible injuries

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Across all age groups, male drivers were more likely to be distracted (59%) than female drivers (41%). Fifty-eight percent (58%) of distracted drivers were aged 34 years or less. Drivers 24 years and under were the most distraction-prone age group, accounting for approximately 36% of all distracted drivers. Drivers 25-34 years were the next most distraction-prone group, accounting for approximately 22% of distracted drivers, followed by drivers 35-44 years (~15%), drivers 55-64 years (~10%), drivers 45-54 year (~9%), and drivers 65 years or more (8%).

The most common type of distraction suspected at the time of a distracted driving crash is other distraction inside the motor vehicle at 43%, which can include passengers, pets, objects, food, and vehicle devices. Other distraction outside the motor vehicle accounted for 31% of distracted driving traffic crashes. An electronic communication device (such as a cell phone) accounted for 21% of suspected distracted driving crashes. Lastly, other electronic device (such as a laptop or tablet) accounted for 5% of distracted driving traffic crashes. In an effort to help keep the roads safe, a number of Wyoming law enforcement agencies participate in the “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” safety campaign. n

Wyoming crash data from 2017-2021 report that: • Distracted driving is suspected in around 6.5% of all traffic crashes. • Across all ages, male drivers were more likely to be distracted (59%) than female drivers (41%). • 58% of distracted drivers were 34 years or younger. • Drivers 24 years and under were the most distractionprone age group (36%). • Other Distraction Inside Motor Vehicle was the most common type of distraction reported (43%) in distracted driving traffic crashes

BY THE NUMBERS

Employee Safety Soft shoulders

By Jerry Fritz, D5 Employee Safety representative Recently, an employee encountered a soft shoulder leading to frame damage of the plow being driven. He didn’t realize the shoulder had started to thaw. This was following a few days of warm weather and a very wet snow storm that followed. As he plowed a pullout, the plow dug into the now soft road base, before catching the rock solid asphalt. The truck came to an immediate stop and bent the front plow in several areas. Plow drivers are not the only ones who should be concerned about soft shoulders, we all should be watching for these types of hazards. Generally we think it is just the spring time or after a rain storm that we need to worry about soft shoulders. But actually we can encounter soft shoulders at any time throughout the year, depending on soil conditions and soil consistency. Pay

Photo: WYDOT

FAST FACTS

Vehicles can very easily get stuck in soft shoulders anytime throughout the year.

special attention to sandy or any unstable soils. Always check the condition of the shoulder before pulling off of any highways. If you do become stuck, please follow WYDOT and your District’s policy and procedures. n

Fatalities: 18 (23) Serious Injuries: 95 (74) Alcohol-Involved Fatalities: 3 (8) Bicycle-Involved Fatalities: 0 (0) CMV-Involved Fatalities: 5 (4) Drug-Involved Fatalities: 2 (7) Motorcycle-Involved Fatalities: 0 (0) Pedestrian-Involved Fatalities: 2 (4) Speed-Related Fatalities: 8 (8)

Photo: WYDOT

Wyoming crash data April 2022 vs. (April 2021):

Employee Safety hosted a new HAZMAT course in Casper on April 18. Erik Brannigan, District 4 employee safety representative, instructed 53 employees on the use of the Emergency Response Guidebook.

May 2022

Interchange 15

Travel & Tourism Where to experience Wyoming’s notorious outlaw history By Travel Wyoming Wyoming is rich in Western history and lore, not to mention its fair share of outlaw legends. All over the state, you can experience the vibrant Wild West and outlaw history of infamous residents such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Here are some of the best places in Wyoming to catch the outlaw spirit.

Sundance

Kaycee

Meeteetse

The Sundance Kid, formerly Harry Longabaugh, received his famous nickname after being thrown in prison in Sundance for stealing horses. Today, the town is still full of old-fashioned Western charm. Make sure to spend some time here while exploring Northeast Wyoming.

Not much has changed at Hole-in-the-Wall, near Kaycee, where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid hid from posses in the late 1800s. The hills are still rugged with the same grand views. The spot is accessible through Willow Creek Ranch, whose owners celebrate their former visitors – you can even stay overnight at the ranch and explore what remains of the hideout cabins. While these are interesting enough in themselves, the ranch has plenty of other history, including Native American tepee rings, petroglyph and homestead cabins explored on horseback or foot.

Cassidy called the Meeteetse area home for several years and was arrested outside the local Cowboy Bar. Still open for business today, you can belly up to the ornate wood bar – a rare, handcarved original that was installed in 1893 – and try to count all 56 bullet holes made during the saloon’s rough-and-tumble Wild West past.

Cody

Photo: Shawn Coggins

Along with 25 other buildings, all dating from 1879 to 1901, you can find the original Hole-in-the-Wall two-room cabin of Cassidy, the Sundance Kid and Kid Curry at Old Trail Town in Cody. Here, you can experience Wyoming’s Wild West by walking the boardwalks and exploring a saloon, blacksmith shop, post office, school and more than 100 horse-drawn vehicles.

Buffalo

The Occidental Hotel in Buffalo is the quintessential Old West hotel, complete with an exciting outlaw history: it was a regular host to Cassidy and Sundance as well as other iconic figures in Western history. Today, you can peruse antiques and artifacts in the lobby and even sleep in rooms named after the bandits.

The Outlaw Parlor Cafe and the Cowboy Bar & Cafe in downtown Meeteetse. Meeteetse Highway Maintainer Shawn Coggins features his 1952 Ford pick-up truck outside the historic locale.

Rock Springs

Legend has it that Robert Leroy Parker picked up the “Cassidy” part of his new name to avoid shaming his family with his illegal antics. His earned his famous first name, “Butch,” while working in a butcher shop in southwest Wyoming’s Rock Springs.

Baggs

Photo: Rick Carpenter

Baggs is right on the Wyoming-Colorado border, making it perfect as a hideout and rendezvous point for members of the Wild Bunch after a big robbery. Led by Cassidy, the Wild Bunch included Harry “Sundance Kid” Longabaugh as well as other notorious outlaws like Harvey Logan and Elzy Lay.

The Occidental Hotel in downtown Buffalo.

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May 2022

Laramie

Butch Cassidy spent 18 months in the Wyoming State Penitentiary, now the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site, in Laramie. Visitors can discover Wyoming’s outlaw history by touring the restored buildings, and be sure to check out the special events such as Butch Cassidy Days. n

Wyoming A&I

Wyoming cost of living index for fourth quarter 2021 The fourth quarter of 2021 Wyoming Cost of Living Index (WCLI) is now available from the Economic Analysis Division. The WCLI consists of two parts: Inflation, which measures year‐ over‐year change (annual) and the Comparative Cost of Living Index which compares each county’s cost of living in one period (not over time) to the statewide average. Inflation is reported for the state, by consumer category, and for five regions in the state. Inflation measures year‐over‐year price changes in six consumer categories. The inflation figures for the fourth quarter of 2021 represent the percent change in the price level of a standard basket of selected consumer items priced in the fourth quarter of 2021, compared with the price level of the same goods recorded one year ago (fourth quarter of 2020). • All items statewide inflation 9.3% (The last time statewide inflation was higher was in the third quarter of 1981, 11.8%. The WCLI is currently only produced for the 2nd and 4th quarter).

Statewide inflation by consumer category: Transportation 22.1% Food 8.3% Housing 7.4% Recreation & Personal Care 6.7% Medical 4.3% Apparel 3.3% Regional inflation rates: • Northeast 10.4% • Southeast 10.2% • Southwest 9.2% • Northwest 9.1% • Central 7.4% Nationally, the inflation rate from December 2020 to December 2021 was 7.0% (CPI‐U), as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in the Consumer Price Index. n • • • • • •

Index Number by Category: County

All items

Food

Housing

Apparel

Transportation

Medical

Recreation & Personal Care

Teton

168

114

230

127

104

102

104

Lincoln/Afton

108

114

104

102

104

Laramie

105

100

111

101

104

Sublette

103

115

101

109

104

Sheridan

100

103

100

103

Campbell

100

110

102

105

Albany

105

100

Converse

106

102

100

104

Park

105

115

102

Carbon

100

117

Johnson

114

116

101

109

Natrona

100

Fremont

101

114

Crook

101

103

107

103

Sweetwater

101

104

Lincoln/Kemmerer

100

102

116

Uinta

101

104

Hot Springs

110

101

102

100

Platte

105

100

102

Weston

107

100

110

Big Horn

111

109

102

Washakie

109

102

Niobrara

103

100

Goshen 85 93 75 89 98 90 99 (Statewide Average = 100. Starting with the 2Q03 Comparative Index, Lincoln/Afton was included.) Wyoming Comparative Cost of Living Index – 4Q21

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Interchange 17

Game & Fish

Andrews 2023 Collectible Conservation Stamp Art Show winner The Wyoming Game and Fish Department announced the winners of the Collectible Conservation Stamp Art Show. The 39th annual contest featured the pacific marten. The winning piece was created by Dan Andrews of Denver, Colorado, whose depiction titled “Out on a Limb” will be featured on the 2023 collectible conservation stamp and limited-edition print. “The pacific marten is one of the more charismatic small mammals Game and Fish has featured in the Collectible Conservation Stamp Art show,” said Margaret James, art show coordinator. “That was a characteristic captured by many artists.” Winners include: • First Place: Dan Andrews of Denver, Colorado • Second Place: Michael P. Ashmen of Summerville, South Carolina • Third Place: Rozmaring Czaban of Casper, Wyoming • Fourth Place: Debra Otterstein of Cove, Oregon • Fifth Place: Chance Tedesco of Banger, Pennsylvania Honorable mention, listed alphabetically: • Megan Beavers of Farson, Wyoming • Allison Fitzmorris of Lander, Wyoming • Abby Gustafon of Banner, Wyoming • Justin Hayward of Casper, Wyoming • Joy Keown of Laramie, Wyoming • Jeffrey Klinefelter of Etna Green, Indiana • Karla Mann of Virginia Beach, Virginia • Mickey Schilling of Loveland, Colorado

Photo: Wyoming Game and Fish

The 39th annual contest features the pacific marten

The winning art piece was submitted by Dan Andrews of Colorado. Next year’s subject is the beaver.

• Lawrence Simons of Lebanon, Oregon • Bruce Speidel of Sundance, Wyoming Two biological judges evaluated entries for accuracy. Four artistic judges evaluated the artwork for overall quality, aesthetics and ability of the image to be reproduced on a stamp. Contest judging took place in person and online. Game and Fish received 59 entries from 16 states, including 30 entries from Wyoming artists. More than a third of the entries were from first time entrants. Watch a slideshow of all entries. Andrews’ original piece joins a permanent collection of all previous stamp show winners at the Game and Fish Cheyenne headquarters. All other entries, including placed work, were available for sale until May 1. The subject for the 2024 show will be the beaver. n

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department closed vehicle access to Willwood public access area located approximately two miles south of Powell off WYO 295. Due to vandalism, illegal dumping and unauthorized use of the area, Game and Fish installed a gate approximately 200 yards off WYO 295, closing the road to vehicle traffic. Day use, walk-in access is still allowed for fishing and hunting. A parking area will be constructed by the gate. “Public access areas are private lands on which Game and Fish has acquired an easement for a specified purpose,” said Brad Sorensen, Cody Region Habitat and Access supervisor. “This particular easement is across three parcels of private property and allows public access to the Shoshone River for the purpose of fishing and hunting with a shotgun.” Game and Fish maintains these access areas for the public to use and enjoy for the purpose in which they were acquired. “When these access areas are misused, private property is being

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misused,” Sorensen said. Over the years, there has been significant misuse of this area and illegal dumping. “We have hauled off garbage, pallets, discarded appliances, and even a slide-in truck A truckload of illegally dumped garbage that camper that had been was cleaned up at Willwood public access shot and burned. In area. addition, signs continually need to be replaced because they are destroyed with firearms or graffiti,” Sorensen said. “Hopefully, the restriction of vehicle access will help the access area be used for its intended purpose, hunting and fishing.” n

Photo: Wyoming Game and Fish

Vandalism and misuse result in road closure at public access area south of Powell

Parks & Recreation

Non-Motorized trails Veteran’s Trail Crew Program The Wyoming State Trails Non-Motorized Program, created in 2009, is responsible for trail maintenance and construction within state jurisdiction. The group also helps local trail grass groups with resources and offers assistance where needed. The Trails Program partners with local organizations in fatbike planning and RTP grant assistance. In 2017, the Wyoming State Trails Program partnered with the University of Wyoming and developed a Veteran’s Trail Crew Program. This program was designed with the sole intention of reintroducing veterans to civilian life. In many cases, but not all, military personnel have adapted into wartime lifestyles where self and troop protection is first and foremost. This program was developed to be a transitional program and designed to be the “next step.” Trail work by nature is difficult and is a team activity which combat veterans are used to. They camp and work together from May to August in a natural outdoor setting. Being around others with similar background experiences, this is a place to “unwind.” They reflect and talk about their experiences during the day and work out the challenges of “what’s next.” For some it may be college or a trade school and this is reachable with the GI bill where they meet new friends and are introduced to new ideas.

This program pays a stipend and gives educational credit. The program’s main goal is to assist veterans in finding a newfound purpose, community and sense of self. Giving back to those who gave everything is why this program exists. Thank you to all veterans! n

U.S. Forest Service

New website look for Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland Redesign, updates and features aim to better serve the public. LARAMIE – The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland (MBRTB) website was re-released in a new format on April 11. The new layout provides a more user-friendly experience with improved features. Explore the redesigned site at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/mbr The goal of this redesign was to make public information easier to find. Notable changes are the Navigation Bar, Home Page, and Recreation Page. The most frequently visited and requested information remains easily accessible on the homepage. This includes maps, pass and permit information, and fire management information. The new format also provides quick access to Recreation.gov for pass purchases. Forest users will want to open the “Visit Us” tab in the top menu to display links to recreation sites, maps, passes, and alerts and notices. The right column of each page will continue to display alerts and notices, relevant documents and forms, and other important information. The new website template is responsive and provides visitors an improved experience using any device, desktop or mobile. It is our hope that these updates will lead to more accessible informa-

tion that better serves the needs of all audiences. A redesigned platform helps the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service to live up to our value of diversity by improving accessibility and Section 508 compliance. This format is aligned with the national effort to modernize the user interface and is consistent with the look and feel of other federal websites. The effort to modernize all Forest Service websites is ongoing. n

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Interchange 19

Training

It’s your PMI – grow with an IDP By Amy Bale, Training Services Spring is a time of renewal. The flowers start to bloom, the trees start to bud, the grass starts to green – and Wyoming sneaks in a last snow storm, or two! Baseball season starts, and many of us take the warmer weather as a signal that it’s time to clean out those closets, sheds and garages. We throw open the windows to let out that stale winter air and welcome in the fresh breath of Spring. Spring is also when the state PMIs are started for the upcoming year. It can be a time to plan work projects, identify what goals you want to accomplish, and determine what the coming year will look like. Much of this may be planned by your supervisor in accordance with the goals of the program and the agency. There is a tool that you, the employee, can use to lay out your own plan: it’s called the IDP, or Individual Development Plan. You and your supervisor can use the IDP to outline your needs and goals, assess your skills and identify areas where you want to improve and grow. Some things to consider when laying out your plan include:

• Objectives you want to achieve • Activities which can help you meet your goals • Cost and timing of those activities, and • Resources that are available or may be needed WYDOT University has a process in place to help you and your supervisor design an IDP that meets your needs and aligns with the program and agency goals. There are three steps in the process: 1

IDP Preparation

IDP Discussion

IDP Follow-Up

Assessing Present Skills

Identify Future Requirements

Formulate Plan to Meet Current and Future Needs

Find all the information you need to develop your IDP on the Training Services Intranet page; simply click “Create an IDP” under Quick Links. If you have questions or need assistance completing your IDP, please contact Training Services at dot-training@wyo.gov, or reach out to any of our team members. n

Training@aGlance Training@aGlance

Courses in May Start Date Development Stage 5/17/2022 Leading Others 5/18/2022 Technical 5/11/2022 Technical 5/19/2022 Technical Coming in June Start Date Development Stage 6/16/2022 Leading The Agency 6/8/2022 Leading Others 6/13/2022 New Employee 6/23/2022 New Employee Coming up in July Start Date Development Stage 7/11/2022 New Employee 7/19/2022 Leading Self

Check out these upcoming training opportunities from WYDOT-U, the Transportation Learning Network (TLN) and the WELL. Check out these upcoming training opportunities from WYDOT-U, the Transportation Learning Network (TLN) and the WELL.

Class Title Creativity & Innovation: Leading through Improv Optimizing Snowplowing Operations MPC Research-Automated Image-based Aircraft Tracking MPC Research-MPC-441: Where The Sidewalks End and MPC-430: A Lidar-Based Approach To Quantitatively Assessing Streetscapes

Class Hours 9:00 am-4:00 pm 8:30 am-9:30 am 12:30 am-1:30 am 11:00 am-12:00 pm

Location Cheyenne VILT VILT VILT

Class Title Class Hours Maximizing Employee Engagement & Effectiveness 8:30 am-4:30 pm WY Supervise New Supervisors Workshop COHORT B (5 days) 8:30 am-4:30 pm Google and WELL Basics: Part of Know WY 8:30 am-11:30 am New Employee Program Know WY New Employee Onboarding Workshop 8:30 am-12:00 pm

Location Cheyenne Blended VILT

Class Title Google and WELL Basics: Part of Know WY New Employee Program Everything DiSC Workplace

Class Hours

Location

8:30 am-11:30 am 8:30 am-4:30 pm

VILT Riverton

Visit the Training Services intranet page for more information.

*All new employees are assigned the Know WY Learning Plan and should register for one of these Know WY workshops in the WELL

Visit the Training Services intranet page for more information.

20 Interchange

May 2022

VILT

Wyoming 2021 – Just The Facts A new edition of Just The Facts has been released by the Economic Analysis Division. The updated 2021 publication provides an easily accessible collection of statistics, presenting a broad range of quality of life factors in Wyoming. Information categories include demography, education, the economy, transportation, housing, geography, tourism, agriculture, tax environment, and crime and law enforcement. The data displays facts for the most recent period for Wyoming, its ranking relative to other states, and the change from the previous period. “Policy makers and the general public can use this publication in a variety of ways – it can help to identify certain areas warranting further study, or it enables people to see how Wyoming is faring compared to other states,” said Dr. Wenlin Liu, Chief Economist with the Economic Analysis Division. “With comparison, numbers become a lot more meaningful and revealing to readers.”

• Wyoming’s annual average wage per job was $50,990 in 2020, ranking 40th, compared with $83,675 in Massachusetts and $43,209 in Mississippi. Wyoming’s wage rate was $49,880 in 2019, ranked 32nd.

• Proportion of the male population in Wyoming in 2020 was 51.0%, ranking 3rd, compared with 52.2% in Alaska (1st) and 48.3% in Alabama (50th).

• The share of Wyoming workers employed in the manufacturing industry was 3.5% in 2020, ranking 48th, compared with 16.9% in Michigan and 2.1% in Hawaii.

• Percentage of population born in their state of residence for Wyoming in 2019 was 42.9%, ranking 44th, compared with 77.4% in Louisiana (most) and 27.1% in Nevada (least).

• Percentage of Wyoming land owned by the Federal government was 46.7% in 2018, ranking 6th, compared with 80.1% in Nevada and 0.3% in Connecticut and Iowa.

• The share of households that are married couple families in Wyoming in 2020 was 52.1%, ranking 4th, compared with 60.1% in Utah (1st) and 43.3% in New York (50th).

• Regional price parities (U.S. = 100), which measure differences in price levels across states for a given period, was 92.3 in Wyoming in 2020, ranking 36th, compared with 112.0 in Hawaii and 87.8 in Mississippi. Wyoming’s ranking was 29th in 2019.

• Wyoming’s population that are veterans was 8.2% in 2020, ranking 4th, compared with 9.5% in Alaska (most) and 3.8% in New York (least). • In Wyoming, violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault) were 217.4 per 100,000 persons in 2019, ranking 43rd, compared with 867.1 in Alaska and 115.2 in Maine. • Number of suicides per 100,000 persons in Wyoming in 2019 was 29.3, ranking 1st, compared with 8.0 in New Jersey (the fewest) and 13.9 in the U.S. • Proportion of population age 25 years and over with a highschool diploma in Wyoming in 2020 was 93.8%, ranking 5th, compared with 94.4% in Montana and 84.4% in California. • Proportion of Wyoming population age 25 years and over with a bachelor’s degree in 2020 was 28.2%, ranking 42nd, compared with 46.9% in Massachusetts and 23.1% in West Virginia. • The Wyoming median household income was $66,432 in 2020, ranking 20th, compared with $88,742 in Maryland and $47,247 in Mississippi.

• In 2020, the percent of Wyoming population below the poverty level was 9.3%, ranking 41st, compared with 18.8% in Mississippi and 7.0% in New Hampshire. • Percent of Wyoming population without health insurance coverage in 2020 was 11.3%, ranking 8th, compared with 17.5% in Texas and 2.6% in Massachusetts. • Proportion of Wyoming workers employed in the mining industry was 6.0% in 2020, ranking 1st, compared with 0% in Rhode Island, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Delaware and Hawaii, 3.8% in Alaska (2nd), and 0.4% in the U.S. Wyoming’s proportion was 7.2% in 2019.

• Wyoming’s state and local sales tax rate was 5.3% in 2021, ranking 44th, compared with 9.8% in Illinois and 0% in Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon where no sales taxes are imposed. • Major tax burden for a 3-person family with income of $50,000 was $2,759 in Cheyenne, Wyoming’s largest city, in 2019, ranking 49th, compared with $7,660 in Newark, the largest city in New Jersey, and $1,899 in Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska. • Wyoming’s homeownership rate was 73.9% in 2020, ranking 9th, compared with 78.2% in West Virginia and 53.6% in New York. • In 2021, the number of sheep and lambs in Wyoming was 340,000, ranking 4th, compared with 730,000 in Texas and 28,000 in North Carolina. • Wyoming’s per capita state and local government total expenditures in 2019 was $17,246, ranking 3rd, compared with $20,442 in Alaska and $8,549 in Idaho. • Wyoming’s per capita federal highway funds were $486 in 2021, ranking 2nd, compared with $748 in Alaska and $91 in New York. n

May 2022

Interchange 21

District News Headquarters

Welcome

Service Awards

Brandy Hankel, Fuel Tax-Administration; and Rose Morgan, Highway Safety.

Larry Perkins, Planning-System Planning – 40 years; Chad Mathews, Planning-Traffic Data Analysis – 35 years; John Perkins, Materials-Surfacing – 25 years; Gerald Collicott, Equipment-Mechanics – 20 years; Patrick Lacroix, Right of Way-Engineering – 20 years; Steve Narvais, Materials-Surfacing – 20 years; Nicole Harvey, Driver Services-Policy and Records – 15 years; Daryn Kramer, Right of Way-Administration – 15 years; Taylor Rossetti, Support Services-Division Administrator – 15 years; Mariah Drake, ITS/GIS – 10 years;

Promotions and Transfers Sarah Brown, Driver Services-Administration-Cheyenne; Stephanie Bruhnke, Planning-Statistics/Inventory; Christina Fisher, Construction Staff; Anthony Mackey, Highway Development-Project Design-Support; and Estevan Trujillo, Materials-Bituminous.

Fisher

Mackey

Mathews

Collicott

Kramer

Rossetti

Lacroix

Narvais

Klassen

Rollins

Nicole Klassen, Highway Development-Engineer Services – 10 years; Charles Rollins, Traffic – 10 years; and Jacob Brown, Materials-Surfacing – 5 years.

Retirements Patrick Martinez retired on March 3 from the Materials program. He retired with 37 years of service to the state. Martinez began his career with the old Highway Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency, in October 1984. He worked in road evaluation and Martinez later moved on to other jobs within the Materials program including senior engineering technician. William “Mac” McMillion retired on March 2 from Facilities Management. He retires with 16 years of service to the state. McMillion was the buildings and grounds manager at the headquarters complex. McMillion began his career with WYDOT in August 2005 following his discharge from the U.S. McMillion Air Force. He served from 1980-2005. He was stationed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, in Cheyenne, as a security forces NCO. n

Take road conditions with you. Get the WYOMING 511 app. www.wyoroad.info

Know before you go. Visit wyoroad.info. 22 Interchange

May 2022

WYDOT’s Travel Information System is the one and ONLY source for up-to-the-minute road and travel information.

District 1

Welcome Ryan Vigil, Highway Development-Project Development-Laramie Design Squad.

Promotions and Transfers James Chesnut, Medicine Bow Maintenance; Tyler Matheney, Patrol-Cheyenne; Galvin Sandoval, Laramie Maintenance; Gabriel Testerman, Patrol-Cheyenne.

Chesnut

Sandoval, G.

Testerman

Scheel

Noland

Service Awards

Retirements

Michael Ginther, District 1 Traffic Staff – 25 years; Jay Scheel, Patrol-Rawlins – 20 years; and David Noland, Patrol-Rawlins – 15 years.

Darwin Sandoval retired March 29 from Cheyenne Traffic as a highway maintenance specialist. Sandoval began his career with the Department in January 1999 as a maintenance tech in Rawlins. He later moved on to Sandoval, D. other positions including: transportation tech-striping crew in Casper and transportation tech-striping crew 4 in Cheyenne. n

Matheney

Ginther

District 2 Smith began his career with the Shirley Rim crew in 1995. He is an armed forces veteran having served from 1982-1988 and attaining a rank of E-4. n

Welcome Brandon Fritz, Chugwater Maintenance.

Promotions and Transfers

Reed

Trautman

Service Awards Christopher Sanderson, District 2 Construction Staff – 25 years; and

In the community Sanderson

Wingard

Jaime Wingard, Patrol-Wheatland – 15 years.

Retirements

Richard Noel retired on March 4 with five years of service to the state. He was a highway maintenance technician in the Casper shop.

Photo: WYDOT

Terrie Hockin retired on March 14 from the Casper Driver Services office with 28 years of service to the state.

Noel

James Smith retired on March 3 from Casper Maintenance as a highway maintenance technician. He retired with 25 years of service to the state.

Photo: WYDOT

Clint Christensen, Patrol-Casper; Martin Howard, Casper Maintenance; Serina Petty, Driver Services-Casper; Ronald Reed, District 2 Maintenance Staff; Chad Trautman, District 2 Maintenance Staff; and Jeffrey Tugman, District 2 Maintenance Staff. Howard

A Douglas crew took a truck over to a local school for a show-and-tell session. The littles loved it.

May 2022

Interchange 23

District 3

Welcome

Service Awards

Jaron Fry, Evanston Maintenance.

Matthew Brackin, Patrol-Jackson – 20

Promotions and Transfers Michelle Dunn, Driver Services-Rock Springs; Tara Green, Pinedale Construction; Joshua Powell, Patrol-Rock Springs; and Travis Wyss, Jackson Mechanics.

Brackin

Kuhlmann

years; Kurt Kuhlmann, Rock Springs Construction – 20 years; Heather Carter, Driver Services-Rock Springs – 15 years; Shawn Dunn, Traffic Striping-Afton – 5 years; and Teresa Nelson, Jackson Construction – 5 years. n Dunn

District 4

District 5

Welcome

Promotions and Transfers

Welcome

Claude Leedom, Sheridan Maintenance-Guardrail; Timothy Rieffanaugh, Sundance Maintenance; and Taylor Roberts, Traffic Striping-Sheridan.

Mark Conrad, Sheridan Traffic-Striping; and Sarah Measles, Driver Services-Gillette.

Brent Faler, Riverton Construction; Jeffrey Mackey, Cody Maintenance; and Jennifer O’Rourke, Thermopolis Construction.

Rieffanaugh

Service Awards Robert Betz, Pole Creek Maintenance – 25 years; Frankie Horsley, Sheridan Construction – 20 years; Amber Huschka, Patrol-Gillette – 5 years; Trevor Keyworth, Sundance Construction – 5 years; and Sarah Measles, Driver Services-Gillette – 5 years. n

Leedom

Roberts

Promotions and Transfers Baylor Beers, Riverton Construction; Clinton Brower, Lander Maintenance; Christa Hauser, Basin Construction; Joshua Kipley, Cody Construction; and Phillip Pendergrass, Patrol-Lander.

Service Awards

Hauser

Pendergrass

Randall Davis, Patrol-Cody – 10 years; Conrad

Measles

Betz

Davis

Daugherty

DeFuentes

Etsinger

Keyworth

Photo: WYDOT

Huschka

Horsley

Joe Norfolk, Gillette POE inspector, with his 5-year service award. Norfolk began his career at the I-80 POE and transferred to Gillette.

24 Interchange

May 2022

Awards

District 5, continued Bill Daugherty, Patrol-Cody – 5 years; Timothy DeFuentes, Lovell Maintenance – 5 years; and Douglas Etsinger, Riverton Construction – 5 years.

Service Award Recipients

Retirements Lily Diaz retired on March 4 from Basin Construction with 31 years of service to the state. Diaz

Photo: Rick Carpenter

Paul Thatch retired March 4 from Lovell Maintenance with more than 28 years of service to the state. Thatch spent the entirety of his career in Lovell as a maintainer. n

Thatch

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: (Standing from left) Tim Morton, 25 years; Kelly Rounds, 30 years; and Cody Beers, 30 years. (Seated from left) Jim Messer, 40 years; Kelly Smario, 25 years; and Jeff Sherman, 35 years.

Wesly Hust with his 15-year service award.

Kudos pour in for snow plow drivers To whom this may concern: I write to compliment our local WYDOT service, in particular, the snow plow drivers. They have done an excellent job locally all winter. I understand they have not had raises in recent years. If this is true, please pass along my support for a pay raise commensurate with the critical services they provide. Thank you for directing this appropriately.

A few phone calls later, we got word and were there in less than 10 minutes. Thank you Dale for being such a good person.

Darin and Candy Geringer

P.S. This was about a mile from our ranch turnoff. It wasn’t our calf, but one belonging to our neighbors. It took a few hours to get her reunited with her mom. All is well. Dale is a good guy!

Sincerely, Lisa Harvey MD Cody, Wyoming

Huge shout out to WYDOT plow driver Dale Dawson. Dale was trying to keep WYO 319 open south of Glendo today when he saw this little girl laying in the snow just feet from the asphalt. She was wet and cold, no momma in sight.

Photo: WYDOT

Letters

A sweet calf was separated from her herd during the April snowstorm but was later reunited with her momma cow with the help of a WYDOT plow operator.

May 2022

Interchange 25

Passings John L. Ellis John Lawrence Ellis, age 87, passed away April 22, at Weston County Manor. Ellis was born Jan. 14, 1935 to Lawrence and Anna (Schmitt) Ellis in Upton. After a short stint in Pocatello, Idaho, the family returned and made their home in Newcastle. He attended, Ellis and graduated from, Newcastle High School. His high school career included playing running back for the Newcastle Dogies and ranking fourth in the state for wrestling. A very swift runner, he would take bets on his sprinting abilities. He wasn’t quite fast enough to outrun Genevieve Ann Pziniski. In 1954, they were married at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. He and Gen were blessed with two sons, John Stanley in 1955, and Craig Lawrence in 1961. Ellis served his country in the Wyoming National Guard for more than eight years and supported his family through his career with the Wyoming Transportation Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency. During his forty years with the Department, which he began in July 1955, he operated heavy equipment and drove a snowplow. He ended his WTD career with retirement in June 1995 In 1974, Ellis and his son formed J and J Construction and began building mid-western homes. An active real estate developer, Ellis owned and maintained two mobile home courts as well as multiple rental properties. In 1988, Ellis assisted his son with the opening of the Weston County True Value Home Center. After putting in a full day’s work at the Transportation Department, he would report to True Value to help close the store each day. He spent Saturdays at the True Value from open to close. When he retired from the Transportation Department, he continued to work six days per week at True Value. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with his sons and grandchildren. In his retirement, Ellis and wife, Gen, were able to travel throughout the country, including

26 Interchange

May 2022

a three-week trip with their son and his family to the Canadian Rockies, trips to Branson and California with Gen’s siblings, multiple trips to the True Value Market in various locations in the United States, and several cruises. Mass of Christian Burial was April 27 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, in Newcastle.

Harry M. Huson Harry Marshall Huson, 93, passed away April 13, in Casper, Wyoming, with his daughters by his side. He was born in Sheridan on Oct. 5, 1928, to Mae Chase and Harry H. Huson. He attended schools in the Arvada/Clearmont area graduating from Clearmont High School in 1946. Huson While attending school in Arvada, he met, and in 1947, married Vera L. Dabney. They had three daughters. The family lived in Newcastle and Casper before moving to Laramie where he graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1970 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. The family moved to Cheyenne to continue his career with the Wyoming Highway Department; and after 39 years of service, he retired in 1988. He especially enjoyed spending time with family hiking, fishing and snowmobiling at the cabin in the Big Horns. In retirement, he could be found on the golf course in the summer, and in the winter traveling extensively, spending many winters in Tucson. He was a life-long member of Newcastle Masonic Lodge No. 13, Sheridan Scottish Rite, receiving an Honorary 33rd Degree; Kalif Shrine of Sheridan; and Korein Shrine of Cheyenne, Frontiersmen’s Group. He also 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. Services were held at Wiederspahn Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes in Cheyenne, on April 30. Interment was in Buffalo at the Willow Grove Cemetery.

Gene Roccabruna Gene “Rocky” Roccabruna, 85, passed away March 31, in Cheyenne. He was born Dec. 13, 1936 to hard-working Italian immigrants, Olindo and Linda Roccabruna in Rock Springs. Roccabruna attended the University of Roccabruna Wyoming and served in the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps. While he was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma he met his wife, Betsy, at a picnic for young Catholics. He became a captain in the reserves before he was discharged and earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He and Betsy grew their family as his engineering career moved them around the state. When he retired as Director of WYDOT in 2000, after starting work there in 1955, he was one of few employees who had worked there since before the interstate system was built. He served as WYDOT Director from January 1997 until March 2000. Roccabruna took a hiatus from WYDOT when he started Tripac Construction and found success in the oil patch. Family and economic challenges led him back to WYDOT. A dynamic leader, his brutal honesty weaved with diplomacy, he was a force to be reckoned with. He was a true public servant – he credited success to all the people under him, thanking staff across from all parts of the Department – from those fixing fences to those negotiating budgets. His legacy lives on in his family who continue his commendable work ethic and commitment to values of family, faith and community. They will think of him when they enjoy outdoor adventures, admiring the wonders of God in nature as he did. Donations in memorial can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or St. Mary’s Cathedral of Cheyenne, Wyoming. A Funeral Liturgy was held April 9 at St. Mary’s Cathedral followed by a reception in the Knights of Columbus Hall. n

WTDEA

Annual coloring contest highlights skill of all ages

(Top photo) Single bunny images are the 3 and Under; Bunny with Egg, 4 to 6; (bottom photo) Eggs with Paintbrush, 7 to 9; Basket with Eggs, 10 to 12; and Detailed Egg, 13 and over.

Winners chosen for the Headquarters chapter annual Easter Coloring Contest. The winners for the 2022 contest listed: Category Place Artist’s Name WTDEA Member and Department 3 and Under First Parker Hensel Will Hensel/Photo & Survey Second Gannon Sage Tina Sage/Financial Services Third Molly Sage 4 to 6 First Gideon Sage Tina Sage/Financial Services Second Kori Shenefelt Wayne Shenefelt/Resident Engineer Third Sylvie Grant Christine Grant/Budget 7 to 9 First Trystin Hansen Rachel Hansen/Internal Review Second Kobi Shenefelt Wayne Shenefelt/Resident Engineer Third Katelyn Hansel Will Hensel/Photo & Survey 10 to 12 First Millie Firnekas Tracey Firnekas/Highway Maintenance Second Leah Yearout Jeri Yearout/Bridge Third Landon Schei Laura Schei/Maintenance Staff 13 and Over First Grace Yearout Jeri Yearout/Bridge Second Anna Yearout Third Ron Kaiser Geology

It’s THAT easy. May 2022

Interchange 27

D E T A W 2022 Gun Raffle State Board

$5 each or 5 tickets for $20

EAA Girsan MC28SA-TV 4.25” black pistol All proceeds On sale now Benefit the through May 31 state Board

9 mm Lug e w/ADE Red r Dot

Drawing will be held at the WTDEA State Board meeting June 1st

Scholarship Fund

Contact your WTDEA rep for tickets

Audrey Hobbs 777-4456; Chris Fisher 777-4404; Debbie Herbold 473-3258; Paul Schurman 922-3287; Michael Kennedy 880-2477; Cassandra Tobin 949-0829; Dea Koch 684-2505; Ember Brown 789-3363; Craig Mustard 380-3082; David Cullison 473-3241; or John Farr 714-8942 Please note: Due to gun laws, gun purchases require a background check, etc. The winner will receive a gift card for the “purchase price” to be used at Sportsman’s Warehouse.

May 2022

Interchange 28

May 2022

Interchange 29

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A Home Depot Gift Card & No Fees! For a limited, all our home equity and HELOCs come with a The Home Depot® gift card valued up to $3002! Plus, we're waiving all fees3.

Call, click or come by a branch for more details. Or simply go to www.wyhy.org/equity for details. And let us make your big plans happen with a small rate Home Equity or Hybrid HELOC. APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rates "as low as" dependent on creditworthiness, Auto Pay, and/or SmartPoints discounts. Rates can change at any time. Other terms and conditions may apply. Contact the Credit Union for full details regarding any WyHy loan product and program. Rates effective as of March 1, 2022.

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Home Interchange Equity HELOC Ad 7.875x10.375_InterchangeMag.indd 30 n May 2022

2/25/22 9:54 AM

Break Time See if you can find the following 25 words hidden in the grid to the right: 1.

Barbecues

14. Hammocks

Biking

15. Hiking

Boating

16. Mosquitoes

Canoeing

17. Picnics

Camping

18. Pools

Cookout

19. Rain

Daffodils

20. Robins

Festivals

21. Spring

Fireworks

22. Summer

10. Fishing

23. Tulips

11. Flowers

24. Vacationing

12. Gardening

25. Water skiing

13. Grass Answers to the April 2022 Break Time word ladders:

WARM EASY SLOW WARD EASE SLOT CARD CASE SLAT CORD WANE SEAT COLD WAND SENT WARD PENT HARD PANT PAST FAST

S I H A L B O L P O S I N X S E N G H O T S M C M A R A C I S G F T R A I

A Y O I U I R F I E T I R Q U I T O E S U A I F A S T S T O M K R E U C N

R M R F G D K A M G P H D A F T W M T H M G L N A N U N O H O A I A A L T

S E C B I K I N G A H P E E I M E O R H A R Y K C U N B I T O K G N S S P

A O Q A D S B O A I N T E R R N W T R E I A U M V L B O S P I N O I Q P T

N P U U T E H A S S D D C R E Y A N U L O S P R I N G D O C R E R U N U E

D I A T A C L I D L T S O N W H O L O L D S N X K S G T S D I C M A T E V

Y C S O H L H U N M C O B L O T L U K E I I S G I C T E L N L Z A P V A D

B N A P T E P M X G A S N P R G O I T I D P Y J N R H I G A T E O E C P R

E I R S L O R A E E M O A E K I B N P U N B S O G H U R C E E M X A P O A

A C B A C W R N R S P C Y L S V A X I S B G O B U I Q S O K L P T P J O G

C S X I N R A F B T I B U S T R B N G G K E E U G K S U U N E I L Q I L O

H C R P R T A T C O N N L L T Y Q A K X H I M K L I R M I M O C E U L S N

E O A I K D S T E H G R G U T E R U R I I T S U X N T E O N M I T J O V R

S D Y N V R S Q C R W H E S U D R K I B F D R S S G C R I R N E C R T E A

L H A M M O C K S H S O T D E T M Z O Z E S E A F I D N P Y E T R L D I C

H U M G P A S O N Z E K Y N J K E A I E S C H P S T G R H E S S O A E C H

L O L O L E R E A A X R I P O K R R G N T P U A E S A I S L J Q F W X S O

O S W L R O T I V K T N S I Y T E U C A I C O E K C M L N R E F U P K L B

N B K I A N R U G E G I T D N H W B S H V X H L S E H O K G O X R I J N B

G M O A V B I I N O N A O A I G L H I T A L I A I U S E D D H B A O T V I

B J F A T Y Y N E I L I R N N H N D O Y L N E V P C T A I E B E I M Y O T

O A I R T E B J G S A D N M F L O W E R S J G L E W Y L N M U R A N P A E

A C X T U I H O E M Q S W X Y R L L I E E W Y E O M S O T D A N I D S U L

R K R O P Z N O A M O S Q U I T O E S N D U D E F I S H F H P L N G S A S

D S T R I P E G U R X C R I E Q M R G N A R L Y B O A T C T R U T H D W I

S W H I T E Z S D N D H U N Z U X A C A M P F I R E X E S U O H E S O N T

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May 2022

Interchange 31

Interchange

Wyoming Department of Transportation 5300 Bishop Blvd. Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009-3340

Pre-sorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid Cheyenne, WY 82009 Permit No. 24

Address Service Requested

Drive Safe. Work Safe.

Save Lives.

Slow down in work zones