November 2018 Interchange by WYDOT

Interchange November 2018

Chief Engineer Fredrick retires Carlson to take the helm

Destinations Study identifies opportunity for increased efficiency, cost reduction By Gregg Fredrick, Chief Engineer In 2017, the Wyoming State Legislature commissioned a study to review the current configuration of the Wyoming State Government and the duties and responsibilities of each state agency. The study’s purpose was to identify opportunities for increasing efficiency and reducing costs; identify areas of future potential savings; and to consider the development and Fredrick implementation of a program to incentivize the identification of potential efficiencies by state employees. One component of this study was to determine the span of control within each agency. Simply put, the span of control is the ratio of the number of direct reports to each supervisor within the organization. The study recommended a target agency span of control ratio of 6:1. Currently WYDOT’s span of control ratio is 5:1. There may be instances where the optimal ratio may not be able to be achieved due to the remote locations of some of our work crews. Due to the level of maintenance, construction and operational needs at many of these locations a lower span of control ratio may be appropriate, and larger classification family studies may be needed to affect efficiencies. Working with our Human Resources Program and program managers, the executive staff reviewed the span of

control for the entire organization. This review highlighted several short term adjustments to staffing that can be made immediately. One example of this is to re-establish a lead worker level for those individuals who may supervise one or two employees. The general supervisory responsibilities would be reassigned to a higher level supervisor, but doing so did not affect the classification or pay of the incumbent in that position. There were several opportunities presented for mid-term and longer term changes. To this end, our ongoing review of the current staffing levels and classification and organizational structures will continue. Associated with this, we will discuss the ability to move employees within the pay range and fund positions within our agency at the market policy position. These strategies were provided to the Department of Administration and Information and included in the report to the governor. This document was presented to the Efficiency Committee on Oct. 9, and we anticipate the committee’s recommendations for implementing any additional span of control changes within our agency in the near future. The executive staff will continue to work with the program managers to refine and develop strategies to increase the number of direct reports assigned to a supervisor. Ultimately, reviewing the span of control will provide more effective channels of communication with all of our employees; allow appropriate delegation of duties and responsibilities; and result in each of you to independently completing your tasks to more effectively accomplish our mission. n

Put a stop to distracted driving.

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November 2018

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Vol. 46, Issue 11

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. The Public Affairs Office may also be contacted by sending an email to carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov

Staff WYDOT Director: William T. Panos

Public Affairs Manager: Doug McGee

Editor:

Carlie Van Winkle

Contributors: Aimee Inama J.L. O’Brien Carlie Van Winkle Matt Murphy Jeff Goetz Stephanie Harsha Laura Dalles Cody Beers Sgt. Kyle McKay

Photography: Rick Carpenter

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.

A WYDOT PUBLICATION

Contents

Features 10 Driver Services honored Donor Alliance held appreciation event in Cheyenne

11 Employee receives national award Ragan helps implement new technologies in Wyoming

12 Chief Engineer Fredrick retires Shelby Carlson ready to take helm

14 All hands meetings Panos updates employees about operations and safety

Also in this issue Destinations..............................................................................2 District briefs.............................................................................4 By the Numbers.......................................................................6 Training.....................................................................................15 District news...........................................................................16 Noteworthy..............................................................................19 Passings................................................................................... 20 Extra Mile Awards..................................................................21 Break Time.............................................................................. 23

On the cover:

WYO 130 heading west to Centennial. Photo: J.L. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien

Kindly recycle this publication after reading. November 2018

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District Briefs Speed limit on I-80 increased west of Rawlins RAWLINS – The speed limit on Interstate 80 west of Rawlins has been increased to 80 mph following a speed study and end of construction work in the area. The 80 mph limit is now in effect from Exit 209 (Johnson Road) west to Creston Junction. I-80 west of Creston Junction was already signed at 80 mph. The change comes after a speed study that supported the speed limit increase. However, WYDOT opted to wait until after construction was completed in western Carbon and eastern Sweetwater counties to sign the new limit. The speed limit on I-80 in the remainder of Carbon County will remain at 75 mph.

Photo: WYDOT

The derailment happened the evening of Oct. 4 around 8 p.m. The railroad requested the closure of Exit 345 and the truck parking area to assist with cleanup. After an investigation by the UPRR’s safety team was finished, cleanup work began. The closure remained in place during the cleanup.

An upcoming project in Laramie was the subject of a recent open house meeting.

Wyoming, Utah, Idaho team up for traffic safety operation Photo: WYDOT

Two Union Pacific locomotives collided on Oct. 4 near the Harriman Road exit off of Interstate 80.

Photo: WYDOT

WYDOT held Oct. 24 open house for 3rd Street project

WYDOT increased the speed limit on I-80 west of Rawlins, between Rawlins and Creston Junction to 80 mph.

Train derailment causes closure of interchange, service road in western Laramie County CHEYENNE – A train derailment on the Union Pacific Railroad led to the closure of Exit 345 (Warren Road) on Interstate 80 in Laramie County, as well as the truck parking area at that interchange. The I-80 service road was also closed to eastbound traffic at Exit 342 (Harriman Road), though traffic accessing the quarries in that area was allowed.

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LARAMIE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation held a public open house to show plans for construction on 3rd Street in Laramie in 2021. The open house on Oct. 24 was held at three separate times during the day at the Laramie Depot on 1st and Kearney streets in downtown Laramie. The 3rd Street project will run from Boswell Drive on the south end to Curtis Street on the north end. It will consist of resurfacing the street, making intersections ADA-compliant, adding “bulbouts” at certain intersections, and other pedestrian and aesthetic improvements. WYDOT will have design plans available for the entire segment, including details of each intersection. WYDOT engineers, as will representatives of the Laramie Main Street Alliance, were on-hand to answer questions about the project.

CHEYENNE – Eight drivers were arrested for driving under the influence during a three-state traffic safety operation Sept. 28-30 in conjunction with the University of Wyoming-Boise State University football game. Six of the DUI arrests were conducted by the Idaho State Police while two were recorded by the Utah Highway Patrol. In all, the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Idaho State Police, and Utah Highway Patrol made a combined 825 traffic stops from Friday, Sept. 28, through Sunday, Sept. 30, along the Interstate 80 and 84 route between Laramie and Boise. About half of those stops resulted in warnings, while 291 were speeding citations, 23 were seat belt citations and 159 were other citations. There were also three child restraint citations, 13 controlled substance arrests and six arrests for other infractions. One fatality was recorded in Idaho. The three state police organizations teamed up as part of a larger, multi-state effort to hold traffic safety operations in conjunction with Mountain West football games. The Wyoming Highway Patrol also held a traffic safety operation during the Border War game between UW and Colorado State University on Oct. 28 – the fourth year for that operation. “We want fans to make sure they get to and from football games safely,” said Col. Kebin Haller of the Wyoming Highway Patrol. “Fans should make the right choice and always designate a sober driver.” As part of the operation, Col. Haller

and Col. Kedrick Wills of the Idaho State Police created a public service announcement video featuring both men with the same message – don’t drink and drive. The video was posted to WYDOT and WHP social media pages the week prior to the game. According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, as of Sept. 24, there had been 81 fatalities on Wyoming roads this year compared to 109 in 2017.

WHP, local law enforcement event at Wheatland High School

Teton Pass vehicle arrestor used, no injuries

US 14 paving finished in time for winter weather

JACKSON – The WYO 22 Teton Pass arrestor system was used for the fourth time since its construction in 2017. Wyoming Department of Transportation crews were in the area with representatives from the Utah Department of Transportation to tour the site when the engineers received a first-hand look at the arrestor at work. On Oct. 17, Curtis Olsen of Rigby, Idaho, was driving a flat-bed, tandem axle truck carrying pallets when he continued past the WYDOT vehicles at around 55 mph and entered the arrestor. Olsen had stopped in the parking area to inspect his breaks and then continued down the mountain, when he realized his brakes were gone. The driver entered the arrestor and his truck was successfully stopped without injury. WYDOT is currently reviewing how the arrestor performed. “As with previous uses of the vehicle arrestor system, we will review how it functioned, including talking with the driver,” WYDOT District Engineer Keith Compton said. The WYDOT truck arrestor system near milepost 7 on the south side of the roadway, was constructed to replace the previous run-away truck ramp where vehicles had to cross over the opposing lane of oncoming traffic to use the ramp. The Teton truck arrestor system was opened in March 2017. This is the fourth time it has been used to date.

SHERIDAN – A 10-mile stretch of US 14 from Burgess Junction south to the Big Horn county line and District 5 boundary faced challenges this summer, but was paved prior to the first heavy snowfall. A wet spring and early fall posed logistical hurdles for contractors and WYDOT construction staff. The two-year project begin last summer with the realignment of a portion of the US 14 and blasting at Hunt Mountain to obtain aggregate materials for the reconstruction project. In addition to paving, Wilson Brothers Construction and subcontractors installed a new box culvert at Owens Creek, installed new culverts at Markum, Sheely and Prospect creeks, and lined other existing culverts with a polymer lining, extending the life of the culvert. The approach into Owens Creek campground was realigned and new fencing is being installed along the entire project. The project is nearly complete – the wearing course will be applied in summer 2019. In addition to the wearing course, fencing, landscaping and paving the parking lot at the county line will be completed in spring 2019.

WHEATLAND – Wyoming Highway Patrol and other local law enforcement agencies hosted a safety event called Freshman Impact at Wheatland High School Oct. 2 to demonstrate and teach safety skills to area freshman. Topics at the event included seat belt safety, the effects and dangers of marijuana use, and what happens during a field sobriety test. The program, one which is growing in popularity in Wyoming, was attended by 250 students in Wheatland. The same program has also been administered at schools in Buffalo and Newcastle. In addition to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Torrington Police, Wheatland Police, Lingle Police, Goshen County Sheriff and Platte County Sheriff were also at the event.

Troopers Adam Bruning (left) and Danny Robinett speak to students about the effects and dangers of marijuana use.

Garner Lake Road phase one expansion on target

Photo: WYDOT

Runaway truck stopped with Teton Pass truck arrestor system on Oct. 17.

GILLETTE – A partnership between WYDOT, Campbell County Commission, Contura Coal West, Western Fuels Wyoming Inc. and WYODAK Resource Development Corporation LLC, has resulted in the construction of a new route to accommodate the heavy truck traffic in Gillette. The new road provides a second north-south access to north WYO 59. This new access shortens the existing route through Gillette via US 14/16 by 4.5 miles. North Garner Lake Road will be a twolane road and begin near the Dry Fork Station power plant and extends roughly Briefs continued on page 6 November 2018

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Briefs continued from page 5 3 miles east to Garner Lake Road and include a new overpass and double-track railroad bridge. This is a two-phase project scheduled for 2018 and 2019. The railroad bridge, which is a part of phase one, will be completed during the winter season. A temporary tie-in to Garner Lake Road will be constructed using the existing overpass. The second phase, scheduled for 2019, includes a realignment and a widening, mill and overlay of the existing Garner Lake Road. The cost of this new construction was estimated at $34.2 million. WYDOT’s portion of the funding of $24.2 million came from the state of Wyoming Mineral Impacted Road account established by the Wyoming Legislature in 2016. This fund is earmarked for relocation, construction or improvement of roads and bridges directly impacted by development of coal resources. Campbell County Commission, Contura Coal West, Western Fuels Wyoming Inc. and WYODAK Resource Development Corporation LLC added another $10 million. North Garner Lake Road is expected to open to traffic by Nov. 30.

D4, cont.

Newcastle Marginal completed on time NEWCASTLE – A project to repave a portion of the US 16 truck bypass in Newcastle, and to rebuild the four-way stop at the intersection at the Port of Entry and US 85 was completed on time. The pavement overlay extending from Dixon Brother’s Trucking to the Port of Entry and US 16 extending from 2nd Street to the West End Bar and Grill took the majority of the summer season. The project included the rebuilding two intersections – the bypass intersection at the Port of Entry and the four-way intersection of US 16 and US 85. In addition, the project included the upgrading of sidewalks to meet ADA (American with Disabilities Act) standards along Seneca Street just west of the WYDOT offices east to the four-way intersection. Access to all businesses was maintained throughout the project. Contrac-

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tors halted work in August to accommodate the heavy traffic associated with the 2018 Sturgis Rally. The project estimated cost was $5.6 million and was completely funded by the 10 cent gas tax passed by the state several years ago.

Left-turn arrows at Stampede Avenue, 17th Street intersection in Cody CODY – Installation of left-turn arrows on top of Greybull Hill at the 17th Street/Stampede Avenue intersection and other work began Oct. 22 in Cody. The $128,864 project also includes installation of a rightturn arrow at the 16th Street/Sheridan Avenue intersection, along with push buttons for pedestrians. “The right-turn arrow will be for traffic driving south on 16th Street and turning west on Sheridan Avenue,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Todd Frost of Cody. “The right-turn arrow, pedestrian buttons and left-turn arrows will increase efficiency of the traffic signal systems at Stampede Avenue and 16th Street.” Frost said motorists should expect various lane closures with minimal delays during the US 14/16/20 project in Cody. Prime contractor is Modern Electric Co., of Casper. Contract completion date is Nov. 30.

Worker dies on Chief Joseph slide repair project CODY – An Oftedal Construction Co. truck driver died Friday evening, Oct. 12, following an incident involving two haul trucks on the Chief Joseph Slide repair project. The deceased worker has been identified as Ronald S. Frankenberry, age 26, of Cody. Wyoming Highway Patrol and Wyoming OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) are investigating the incident.

Paving operations under way between Lovell and Cowley LOVELL – Asphalt paving operations began on US 310/WYO 789 between Lovell and Cowley in northwest Wyoming on Oct. 19. According to Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Michael Miller of Basin, once paving is completed, two lanes of traffic will be open over the Shoshone River bridge through the winter. The $11.7 million Sage Creek highway and bridge improvement project consists of road widening, bridge widening over the Shoshone River, replacement of the Sage Creek and railroad bridges, asphalt paving, and other work. Prime contractor is S&S Builders, LLC, of Gillette. Contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2019.

Three-lane traffic opened on North Federal Boulevard project RIVERTON – Highway striping is complete on three blocks of the North Federal Boulevard highway improvement project in Riverton, and three lanes of traffic and a left-hand turn lane was opened between East Washington and East Park avenues. Two northbound traffic lanes reopened Oct. 5 on North Federal Boulevard between East Washington and East Park avenues, while one southbound lane will be open. A center turn lane was opened, too, allowing left-hand turn movements at the East Washington, Main Street, East Fremont and East Park intersections. One southbound lane of North Federal Boulevard remained closed to allow prime contractor S&S Builders of Gillette to complete sidewalk concrete work on the west side of North Federal Boulevard. Single-lane traffic flows in each direction remained in place on North Federal Boulevard between East Park and East Sunset Drive on the two-year, $13.96 million project.

Vandalism to speed limit signs on US 14/16/20; investigation under way CODY – Seven nighttime speed limit signs were cut down in an act of vandalism late Sept. 21 or early Sept. 22 west of Cody on US 14/16/20. Wyoming Department of Transportation officials are working with Park County and state law enforcement on several leads/tips in the vandalism case, but officials asked for additional information from potential witnesses. “Someone had to have heard or saw something to aid law enforcement in its investigation,” said WYDOT District Engineer Pete Hallsten of Basin. “Citizens have supported the 55 mph nighttime speed limits since they were implemented on this 17-mile stretch of highway in 2016. Public comments were overwhelmingly in favor of the speed limit dropping from 70 mph to 65 mph, and citizens in the Wapiti area supported the idea of the 55 mph nighttime speed limit. This irresponsible act is contrary to the public’s wishes for this highway and the valley’s wildlife.” All seven nighttime speed limit signs were cut down with use of a high-powered saw, and two 30 mph speed limit signs were also stolen near Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center on the current rockfall mitigation project. “This senseless vandalism is upsetting, because it violates the public trust,” Hallsten said. “Thousands of dollars of signs were damaged or destroyed.” Hallsten encourages citizens with tips about the US 14/16/20 vandalism to call the Wyoming Highway Patrol at 1-800-

Chip sealing will be applied next summer. The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded the project to Mountain Construction in mid-August. Contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2019.

US 14 paving under way through Shell Canyon WORLAND – Paving began Monday on US 14 through Shell Canyon on a $1.8 million project to replace timber retaining walls with mechanically-stabilized earth (MSE) retaining walls. The project, between mileposts 23 and 25 miles east of Greybull, “consists of removing two timber crib walls and replacing them with MSE walls,” according to Wyoming Department of Transportation Basin/Worland resident engineer Michael Miller. “Twenty-minute traffic delays are expected between mileposts 23 and 25 during paving operations.” Prime contractor is Wilson Brothers Construction of Cowley. Contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2018.

Volunteers enjoy banner year cleaning up Codyarea highways Photo: WYDOT

Photo: WYDOT

Contractors assembling a traffic signal Oct. 4 at the Pershing Avenue/North Federal Boulevard intersection.

442-9090 or the Park County Sheriff ’s Department at 1-307-527-8700. The sign vandalism comes as a project to install electronic variable speed limit signs is scheduled to begin this week on US 14/16/20. The $260,000 project includes installation of electronic variable speed limit signs from the U.S. Forest Service boundary (milepost 27.8) to the Buffalo Bill Dam Parking Area (milepost 44.45) between the east gate of Yellowstone National Park and Cody, according to WYDOT Resident Engineer Todd Frost of Cody. Frost said the contractor plans to install conduit, sign foundations and electrical service points in the project work zone this fall. “The electric items will not be delivered until March 2019 and will be installed when they arrive,” Frost said. “Most of the work will occur off the roadway. Motorists should expect reduced speed limits through the work zones.”

One of the seven speed limit signs cut down by vandals with a high-powered saw west of Cody on US 14/16/20.

Pavement improvement project underway between Otto, Basin BASIN – A $1.5 million pavement improvement project began the last week of September between Otto and Basin on WYO 30. The WYO 30 project begins at milepost 106, east of Otto, and ends at milepost 112, west of Otto. Otto is located 11 miles west of Basin on WYO 30. Prime contractor is Mountain Construction of Lovell.

CODY – The view from Cody-area highways improved in 2018 as hundreds of Adopt-A-Highway volunteers cleaned their two-mile highway sections. In its 29th year, Wyoming’s Adopt‑A‑Highway program has nearly 1,000 participating groups in Wyoming. Cody-area groups include: First Presbyterian Church; Shoshone National Forest, Park County Democrats; Wapiti Women’s Club; Cody VFW Post 2673 Auxiliary; Trout Creek Ranch; Rozanne and Doug Reachard; Bowhunters of Wyoming; Bighorn Climbers Coalition; Northern Inc.; Wells Fargo Bank Cody/ Powell; Cody Masonic Bodies; Cody Newcomers; Dano Youth Camps; NWC Block and Bridle Club; Civil Air Patrol Cadet Squadron; Powell Girl Scouts; Park County Democratic Party; Powell LDS Youth; Cody Fed Ex Ground; South Fork Community Clicks 4-H Club; Sunlight Federal Credit Union; The Krenning Family; Best Westerns of Cody, Sunset Briefs continued on page 8 November 2018

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Property; Rotary Club of Cody; Park County School District 6; Trinity Lutheran Church; Carl and Millie Krenning Family; Yellowstone Recovery Center; The Edmonds Family; Dexter Dearcorn Family; Rocket and Groot; Filkin and Shipp; Sunlight Landowners Association; Tom and Carol Wagner; Cody Country Snowmobile Association. “We really appreciate the volunteers who work to clean up highways in Northwest Wyoming,” said Roni Stott, AdoptA-Highway coordinator for the Wyoming Department of Transportation in Cody. “These volunteers provide an invaluable service in helping to keep Wyoming beautiful. We really appreciate this volunteer service.” Volunteers providing this public service range from retired people to elementary school children. Groups represent fraternal, civic and social clubs, youth groups, employee and professional organizations, schools, churches, government agencies and families. Signs identifying the groups are posted at each end of their adopted highway section, and WYDOT supplies safety brochures, orange vests and trash bags to the volunteers for each cleanup. Anyone in Park, Fremont, Hot Springs, Washakie and Big Horn counties interested in adopting a highway section should contact WYDOT at (307) 568-3400.

BASIN – Paving was finished on the WYO 31 highway improvement project between Manderson and Hyattville in late September. There were short, 20-minute traffic delays between mileposts 14.5 and 19.5 on WYO 31 during paving operations. Chip sealing on the project is scheduled for next summer. Prime contractor on the $1.8 million project is Mountain Construction of Lovell. The Manderson-Hyattville project includes concrete extensions, culvert extensions, minor slope flattening, and asphalt milling, an asphalt pavement overlay and chip sealing. Contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2018.

Construction to extend left-turn restrictions in Riverton

Photo: WYDOT

RIVERTON – The $13.96 million North Federal Boulevard project in Riverton moved closer to Sunset Drive, and left-turn restrictions began at Sunset Drive on Sept. 26. “Traffic control at Sunset Drive will change, eliminating left-hand turns,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Robert Scheidemantel of Riverton. “We understand this will be inconvenient for drivers, but our work zone is shrinking as we work toward the conclusion of 2018 work on North Federal Boulevard.” In other project news: • More than 750 cubic yards of concrete were poured Sept. 20 between East Park and East Lincoln avenues;

Adopt-A-Highway volunteers help keep the state’s highway rights-of-way free of litter and debris by cleaning their highway sections.

• The East Roosevelt/North Federal Boulevard intersection reopened to traffic Sept. 20, but closed to traffic on Oct. 1; • The East Park Avenue/North Federal Boulevard intersection reopened to traffic on Sept. 28; • The East Jackson/North Federal Boulevard intersection opened Sept. 28;

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• Concrete paving took place between East Lincoln and Pershing Avenue Oct. 4-5; • Concrete paving took place between Pershing Avenue and Sunset Drive on Oct. 10; • The East Lincoln/North Federal Boulevard intersection reopened Oct. 15; and • The Pershing Avenue/North Federal Boulevard intersection reopened Oct. 15. n

Photo: WYDOT

Manderson-Hyattville paving wrapped up

Briefs continued from page 7

The contractor sprays cure and seal on a section of the 750 cubic-yard concrete pour that took place on North Federal Boulevard in Riverton on Sept. 20.

Take it slow Know before you go.

Get travel information by dialing 5-1-1, following us on Twitter, visiting www.wyoroad.info, or through the new Wyoming 511 app.

New tow plow deployed to improve safety on Park County highways

Total number of employees: As of October 7, 2018

1,890

One month ago

1,906

One year ago

1,870

WHP Total number of highway fatalities: As of October 8, 2018

By Cody Beers, District 5 Public Involvement Specialist Operation of a tow plow this coming winter on Park County highways will improve safety and snow-plowing efficiency. “The tow plow can do the work of two trucks, and its long-term use will result in improvements in driver productivity while decreasing snow removal expenses,” according to Wyoming Department of Transportation Maintenance Engineer Lyle Lamb of Basin. WYDOT has deployed seven tow plows across Wyoming in the last five years. This snow and ice removal workhorse was on display for the first time to Park County media on Oct. 9. “The tow plow is a trailer mounted, 26-foot plow that is towed behind a 10-wheeled plow truck. It has the capability of plowing and treating with salt brine an entire additional lane of roadway at normal highway speeds when completely deployed,” Lamb said. “The entire trailer unit shifts to the right, utilizing movable axles on the trailer unit as well as hydraulic controls between the truck and trailer. It takes the place of another plow truck by allowing one truck to plow two lanes of roadway, or a single lane of roadway and an eight-foot shoulder.” Lamb said WYDOT’s new Cody-based tow plow will be used to clear snow on multilane sections of highway throughout Park County this coming winter, and two-lane highways as well. The truck pulling WYDOT’s tow plow is equipped with heated mirrors which help the driver monitor the tow plow’s location. For the safety of other vehicles on the road, tow plows have a rear lighting package that mimics the lights of the truck body. The tow plow will plow snow at about 35 mph, but depending on the snow load, it may be able to travel faster while working. Benefits of tow plow use include: • Increased efficiency: by allowing one plow truck operator to clear two lanes with one pass of the truck, snow removal becomes faster and more efficient. • Improved safety: removing snow from two lanes at a time provides more clear travel lanes for motorists to use. There are currently more than 300 tow plows in use by transportation departments throughout the country, including nearly 100 by the Missouri Department of Transportation. Viking-Cives Corp., of Morley, Missouri, manufactures the patented tow plow. Snow plows are just one tool WYDOT uses to keep roads safe and passable during winter weather. If motorists are unsure about the condition of the roads, they can check the wyoroad.info web site that now includes detailed real-time maps, road conditions, radar, web cameras and atmospheric sensors. For information, visit wyoroad.info. Road information is also available at (888) WYO-ROAD (996-7623). n

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Photo: WYDOT

One year ago The new District 5 tow plow made an appearance on a local road near Cody on Oct. 9.

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Photo: WYDOT

Driver Services staff welcomed IndyCar driver Stefan Wilson (center) and guests at the Donor Alliance appreciation event in Cheyenne.

Photo: WYDOT

By Aimee Inama A majority of Wyomingites want to make sure their organs and tissue will help save the lives of others when they pass away. As a way to thank the public and WYDOT, Donor Alliance held an appreciation event at Driver Services in Cheyenne during national DMV Appreciation Week at the end of September. “In Wyoming, we have about a 60 percent donor designation rate,” said Renée Krawiec, WYDOT Driver Services senior supervisor. “When people get their driver licenses, the majority of people are saying ‘yes’ to being organ and tissue donors. I think the people who live in Wyoming want to help others, which is why we have such a high participation rate.” When looking at statistics nationwide, about 54 percent of people are registered as donors, information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services indicated. That means Wyoming is above the national average. “Wyoming consistently ranks in the top 10 among all states for the highest donor designation rate,” said Ryea’ O’Neill, of Donor Alliance and Donate Life Wyoming. “Wyoming has a culture of taking care of its neighbors.” When a person applies for a license, they have an option of checking a “yes” or “no” box to become a donor. If a person doesn’t check either box, the Driver Services examiner will ask them if they would like to check one of the boxes in case the question was missed. The examiner also may provide additional information about becoming a donor. WYDOT also has a link to Donor Alliance’s website on the Driver Services webpage so people can do additional research Attending the event on Sept. 28 was Lucy about becoming an Williamson (left) with her newborn, Renée Krawiec, Stefan Wilson and Ryea’ O’Neill. organ donor.

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Photo: WYDOT

WYDOT’s Driver Services honored for organ donor work

Becoming an organ donor is as easy as checking “yes” on a driver’s license application.

When someone becomes an organ donor, they have the potential to save up to eight lives. Lucy Williamson, of Cheyenne, knows firsthand how organ donation can save lives. In August 2009 she received a liver transplant. She was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver. Williamson’s diagnosis was not the result of alcohol or drugs but likely a genetic disorder. “There are a number of causes of cirrhosis of the liver,” she said. “I was a healthy person before and I’m a healthy person now. It

was just a glitch in the universe.” Although a match was soon found for Williamson, the slightest delay could have resulted in dire consequences. “I was within a couple of weeks of dying,” she said. “But because someone donated their organs, I was able to live. Organ donation is truly the path to saving lives.” Since her transplant, Williamson has been volunteering with Donor Alliance to help get the word out about organ and tissue donation. IndyCar driver Stefan Wilson, who placed 15th at this year’s Indy 500 driving for Andretti Autosport, has been working with Donor Alliance to help educate people. Both Stefan and his brother Justin, also a race car driver, originally hail from England. The two then moved to the U.S. and relocated to Colorado to continue their racing careers. Justin tragically died in 2015 in a racing accident at Pocono Speedway. Because he was an organ donor, he ended up saving five lives. “I’m so proud of my brother,” Stefan Wilson said. “To save those lives is amazing. He was truly a caring person who wanted to help others.” As a result, Stefan has become an organ donor. To learn more about becoming an organ and tissue donor, visit Donor Alliance’s website at https://www.donoralliance.org. n

WYDOT employee receives national award for the transportation industry,” Fredrick said. “Her innovation, collaboration with industry, and the deployment of technology has had a positive impact on the safety and mobility of highway users.” Vince Garcia, ITS/GIS manager, praised Ragan’s ability to not only work collaboratively with different WYDOT programs but also with other state and federal agencies. He cited the Connected Vehicle pilot program and the creation of an eclipse map as examples of her ability to work with other entities and get the job done. “She advocates for all stakeholders on each project to include her customers and WYDOT employees who must make any new system work properly,” Garcia said. “She delivers quality products and is recognized throughout WYDOT and by her customers for her quiet demeanor, her intellect and her ability to communicate on all levels. The projects she has been involved with and the work she has done to move those projects forward have helped improve highway safety in Wyoming.” Ragan said she is honored by the recognition and attributed the success WYDOT has seen to the entire ITS/GIS program. “The new technologies we’ve implemented to help improve highway safety are the result of the overall work of the entire team, which is always looking for ways to help keep the traveling public safe,” Ragan said. “I’m honored to be part of such a talented group of people who are dedicated to safety. n

Photo: Rick Carpenter

By Aimee Inama Wyoming Department of Transportation employee Ali Ragan’s commitment to helping implement new technologies that improve highway safety in Wyoming recently received national recognition. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials recently awarded Ragan, project manager for WYDOT’s Intelligent Transportation Systems program, the Vanguard Award for her work. Ragan was one of two people to receive the award on the national level this year. The Vanguard award is given yearly to Ragan an individual from an AASHTO member department age 40 and younger who “exemplifies a commitment to excellence and/or implementation of innovative technologies and processes.” Ragan received the award for her work on WYDOT’s travel information website, the 511 mobile road condition app, the Connected Vehicle Pilot program that will provide information to travelers along the Interstate 80 corridor, a road condition reporting app for WYDOT maintenance crews, and inter-agency projects. “We’re pleased that Ali has received this award for her hard work and dedication in making the state’s transportation system safer through new technologies,” said WYDOT Director Bill Panos. “We strive as a department to improve the safety on our system and to serve our customers. Ali is passionate about helping WYDOT improve the way it delivers vital road and travel information to the public and we are fortunate to have such a dedicated person as part of our WYDOT family.” Gregg Fredrick, WYDOT’s chief engineer, nominated Ragan for the award, citing her ability to create an environment in which change and innovation is not just merely accepted but embraced. “These are essential skills for leaders and she has used these skills to deliver projects that are innovative and revolutionary

Connected vehicle technology has rolled out to WYDOT vehicles to test.

November 2018

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Photo: J.L. O’Brien

The passing of the guard – outgoing Chief Engineer Gregg Fredrick takes time to share thoughts on current and future projects with incoming Chief Engineer Shelby Carlson.

WYDOT Chief Engineer Gregg Fredrick retires; Shelby Carlson takes the helm By Aimee Inama WYDOT’s chief engineer position recently changed hands with long-time employee Gregg Fredrick retiring and department veteran Shelby Carlson returning to fill the role. On Nov. 1, Carlson started her duties as the new chief engineer for WYDOT, while Fredrick retired on Nov. 2 after working for the department for 35 years. “WYDOT is a special place because of the dedicated men and women who work here,” said WYDOT Director Bill Panos. “Gregg Fredrick has dedicated his career to serving the people of Wyoming. Throughout his tenure, he has strived to make the people of Wyoming and our visitors safer by working to ensure the state has the best possible transportation infrastructure. I know Shelby Carlson will continue that dedication. With Shelby’s background and experience, we will be sure to continue to be at the forefront of new technologies and state transportation infrastructure.” Fredrick said he will miss WYDOT and has enjoyed an amazing career with the department. “It’s been a privilege working with my friends on many proj-

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November 2018

ects to address the needs of the state’s transportation infrastructure,” Fredrick said. “The commitment of the men and women of WYDOT to provide a safe and efficient transportation system is second to none. There are exciting times ahead, and the department is well positioned to meet these challenges.” Carlson said she’s excited about her return to WYDOT and taking the helm as chief engineer. “WYDOT is a great place to work because of the talented and dedicated people who work here and the challenging work that’s performed on a daily basis,” Carlson said. “There’s an incredible amount of expertise at the department, our bench strength is a real asset. My heart has always been at WYDOT and I’m excited to be back.” Fredrick, of Cheyenne, started working for the Wyoming Highway Department in 1980 as a temporary employee when he was in 11th grade. “Charlie Wilson, who was the state bridge engineer at that time, came to my class and asked if anyone was interested in engineering and working for the highway department,” Fredrick said.

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Photo: Rick Carpenter

Photo: J.L. O’Brien

Fredrick continued to work part time position as chief engineer. at WYDOT while attending the UniverCarlson, who is from Riverton, besity of Wyoming. When he graduated in gan working at WYDOT in July 1989 1986 with a degree in civil engineering after working two years in the private with an emphasis in structures, Fredrick sector. She worked for Constructhen worked at WYDOT full time. tion, Design and as a specifications He started full time as an engineer engineer. In 2004, she became district in the Bridge program. From there, he engineer for District 5, a position she worked his way up to becoming state held until 2016 when she went to work Bridge engineer in 2001, assistant chief as administrator for the School Faciliengineer for engineering and planning ties Division of the State Construction in 2010 and then chief engineer in 2015. Department. Throughout the years, Fredrick has Carlson earned a bachelor’s degree worked on several memorable bridge in civil engineering from the Univerand reconstruction projects such as the sity of Wyoming in 1987. Yellowstone to Cody project, a road Carlson said she is looking forward reconstruction project in the 1990s that to her duties as the chief engineer. She also addressed wildlife migration routes has been working with Fredrick for the and environmental concerns. past few weeks to make the transition Besides his work on the state level smooth. Carlson said it’s important to with WYDOT, Fredrick is a member of ensure employees have clear direction the American Association of State Highand understanding of the expectations, way and Transportation Officials (AASthe resources they need to do their HTO) Transportation Policy Forum and jobs, and the help to remove obstacles the Highways and Streets Council. He that limit their progress. also serves as the Chair for AASHTO’s “Our people on the ground are vital Committee on Bridges and Structures, a to WYDOT’s delivery of the mission,” position he has held since 2012. Carlson said. “They ensure that we Fredrick also participated on several have a safe, high-quality and efficient Transportation Research Board committransportation system, which is the tees, chaired two national cooperative backbone of our state’s economy and research projects and served as a memthe Wyoming way of life.” Former state Bridge engineers and chief engineers pose ber on several other national research Collins said he’s pleased Carlson for a quick snapshot. From left, Pat Collins, David Pope panels. returned to WYDOT and feels she will and Gregg Fredrick. He served in the Wyoming Air make an excellent chief engineer. National Guard from 1987 to 1997, attaining the rank of captain, “Shelby is extremely knowledgeable and brings a lot of experiand is a member of the Laramie County Community College ence to the position,” Collins said. “I know she will help WYDOT Engineering Technology Advisory Committee. accomplish a lot in the coming years.” n During his career, Fredrick followed a similar career path as David Pope and Pat Collins. Pope and Collins each worked as state Bridge engineer before serving as assistant chief engineer for engineering and planning. Both Pope and Collins have had a positive impact on Fredrick’s career. Dave and Pat greatly influenced my career,” Fredrick said. “They served as mentors. They shared their experiences with me and provided guidance and opportunities to develop professionally.” During one of his last days at WYDOT, Pope and Collins visited Fredrick to take him to lunch and wish him the best in his retirement. “Gregg was one of the smartest people I knew, Pope said. “He was my go-to guy on computers.” Collins said Fredrick’s work was always top notch. “You couldn’t beat his work ethic,” Collins said. “Gregg has always been a hard worker and he has accomplished a lot for WYDOT.” Transportation Commission Chairman Bob Ruwart (left) and Director Bill Carlson brings her experience working at WYDOT and most Panos present retiring Chief Engineer Gregg Fredrick with a brick desigrecently the State Construction School Facilities Division to the nated as 5300, WYDOT Headquarters address in Cheyenne.

Photos: Rick Carpenter

WYDOT Director Bill Panos updates employees about department operations and safety By Aimee Inama Wyoming Department of Transportation officials recently implemented a new policy that gives employees access to safety clothing. WYDOT Director Bill Panos outlined the new policy and what it means to employees during his all hands meetings in October. Panos holds all hands meetings several times a year to keep employees updated on department operations. Under the new policy, eligible employees will have access to safety-related clothing so they can stay protected on the job. Eligible employees need to coordinate with the Employee Safety Program. “We want to improve the quality of life for our employees and ensure they are safe while on the job,” Panos said. “We took a look at the safety program to see how we can keep our employees safer.” The new policy went into effect on Oct. 1 and contains five tiers of coverage based on the duties of employees. Tier 1 employees are those who have office responsibilities. Those employees are not eligible for safety footwear or clothing reimbursement. Tier 2 employees are those who are required to perform heavy lifting or field activities that amount to more than 10 percent of their job. Those employees are eligible for footwear and clothing reimbursement not to exceed $125 per year, the policy indicated. Employees in tier 3 work in a laboratory, shop or field environment and are not provided work wear or cleaning to accomplish their responsibilities are eligible for safety footwear and clothing reimbursement not to exceed $275 per year. Tier 4 employees are WYDOT’s mechanics and rigging crews. They are provided work wear and cleaning through state-contracted services. Those employees are eligible for safety footwear and clothing reimbursement not to exceed $175 per year, the policy indicated. Tier 5 includes Patrol and port of entry employees. Those employees are provided uniforms and cleaning and are eligible

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for safety footwear and clothing reimbursement not to exceed $175 per year. To read the entire policy, employees can visit: http://employees.dot.state.wy.us/personnel Besides the clothing policy, Panos updated employees on a variety of other issues including Chief engineer Gregg Fredrick’s retirement, former District 5 District Engineer Shelby Carlson’s appointment to Fredrick’s position (See related article), operations and the changing workforce. Panos gave an overview of the importance of the operations side of a department like WYDOT. “We can do more with operations here at WYDOT,” Panos said. “It’s one of the least expensive things we can do to make our operation more efficient and your work life better. That’s why we need to invest more in operations.” Compared to other parts of WYDOT’s infrastructure, operations are less expensive. Panos said when WYDOT does a capitalization project, it’s starting a project from scratch. “This is the most expensive for us,” Panos said. “The last time we did a capitalization project was the West Belt Loop in Casper. There was nothing there before. Those projects are rare. Most DOTs across the country don’t do them anymore.” Typically, WYDOT works on road modernization projects, which are less expensive than capitalization. However, WYDOT also does maintenance of its infrastructure as a way to keep the system running. Another potential WYDOT issue Panos wanted employees to be aware of is the changing workforce people may see. WYDOT may see a change in its workforce now that a new generation is coming in and replacing employees who are retiring. That new generation is used to working in a different way instead of the typical 9 to 5 work schedule. “They tend to work different hours,” Panos said. “They work weekends. They take work home with them. They communicate differently.” Panos said supervisors need to be knowledgeable and understanding about this new generation to help them succeed on the job. The next all hands meeting will likely be held after the new year when the state legislative session ends. n

Training By Kurt Borgaard, Training Services On the first day of New Employee Orientation, I like to emphasize with new employees that they were carefully chosen for their specific job, and we’re glad that they are a vital part of the great WYDOT team. And whether you are a new or seasoned employee, your success and the success of WYDOT are intimately tied together. Beyond what an employee brings to WYDOT on day one, it is critical for us to provide the tools and learning necessary to allow every employee do their job well, safely and with a sense of satisfaction. For those all-important reasons and more, Training Services continues to work with other programs, individuals and leaders throughout the agency to identify and support necessary training that is required for you to do the job you were hired to do. Starting in 2019, beginning with Maintenance employees and new hires, employees will receive job specific “Learning Plans” via the WELL (WYDOT Employee Learning Library) which target specific, identified subject matter areas for their particular job classification. The Learning Plans will consist of different training assignment such as e-learning, live instructor led training, on-the-job training, etc. Once assigned, components of the Learning Plans can be accessed as well as tracked for completion through the WELL.

Photo: Rick Carpenter

Learning for Success

As Learning Plans are rolled out, it is important to note that these plans have been diligently vetted through a process of working with representatives of job classification groups and programs. As well, the process will remain dynamic with ongoing feedback being key to ensure that the most crucial subject matter is being delivered to the right employees at the right time. n

Training @ a Glance Coming in November: Date Class 11/1/18 11/5/18 11/5/18 11/7/18 11/15/18 11/16/18 11/27/18 11/30/18

The Art and Science of Communication Structural Fibers in Thin Concrete Overlays WY Supervise (New Supervisors & Emerging Leaders) Personnel and Equipment Detection on Construction Projects Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) of Concrete Strategies for Environmental Compliance Webinar Series-Part 1/6: Knowing the Rules and Doing Your Homework Franklin Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Strategies for Environmental Compliance Webinar Series-Part 2/6: Temporary Measures during Construction

Coming in December: Date Class 12/3/18 12/5/18 12/6/18 12/7/18 12/10/18 12/11/18 12/19/18

Roundabouts – Single-Lane High Speed Rural Solutions for High Crash Locations Pavement Preservation Peer Review–Every Day Counts (EDC-4) Using Emotional Intelligence to Enhance Your Working Relationships Strategies for Environmental Compliance Webinar Series-Part 3/6: Dewatering New Employee Orientation Implementation Guidance For Accelerated Bridge Construction Bridging the Generation Gap at Work

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

PMI Competency

Location

Communication Vocational New Supervisor Orientation Vocational Vocational

TLN Webinar TBD Webinar Webinar

Vocational Personal Effectiveness

Webinar WYDOT-U

Vocational

Webinar

PMI Competency

Location

Vocational Vocational

Webinar TLN

Judgement and Decision Making

WYDOT-U

Vocational New Employee Orientation Vocational Leadership

Webinar WYDOT-U Webinar WYDOT-U

Visit the Training Services intranet page for more information. November 2018

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District News

District 1

Welcome

Headquarters

Jeffrey Carrington, Cheyenne Maintenance; and Jeffrey Hillman, Maintenance Pine Bluffs.

Welcome Gabriel Martinez, Traffic-Sign Shop.

Service Awards

Promotions and Transfers Kalie Anderson, Telecom-WyoLink; Heather Dungan, GIS/ITS; Kristina Sage, Financial Services-General Ledger; and Jessica Williams, Materials-Bituminous.

Cavanaugh

Hayden

Heitstuman

Higgins

Richard Barber, Laramie Maintenance – 15 years; and Justin Stephens, Rawlins Construction – 10 years. n

Dungan

Service Awards Nicolle Cotton, Right of Way-Administration – 20 years; Christina Spindler, Traffic-Administration – 20 years; Thomas Hart, Environmental Services – 15 years; Heidi Martin, Right of Way-Administration – 15 years; Kimberly Peters, Fuel Tax – 15 years; Suzanne Roseberry, GIS/ITS – 15 years; Vincent Cavanaugh, Right of WayProperty Management – 10 years; Jason Hayden, IT-Development – 10 years; David Shepard, Telecom-WyoLink – 10 years;

Rhonda Harsy, Financial ServicesAdministration – 5 years; Kayla Heitstuman, Patrol-Dispatch – 5 years; and Ryan Higgins, Materials-Bituminous – 5 years.

Retirements Charles Davidson retired Sept. 27 from WYDOT’s Aeronautics Division with 17 years of service to the state. Davidson was with the Flight Operations crew.

Barber

Stephens

District 2

Promotions and Transfers Randy Starkey, Douglas Patrol.

Service Awards Lowell Fleenor, District 2 Administration – 35 years; A Gruwell, Douglas Maintenance – 30 years; and Myron Witt, Chugwater Maintenance – 15 years. n

Davidson

Edward Douma retired on Sept. 5 from the Highway Development-Project Development Program with 36 years of service to the state. n

Starkey

Fleenor

Gruwell

Witt

Douma Spindler

Hart

District 3

Welcome Christopher Franklin, Maintenance Rock Springs.

Service Awards Martin

Alan Kaul, Pinedale Maintenance – 10 years. n

Peters

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November 2018

Retirees and their guests are cordially invited to the

Thursday, December 13 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Cheyenne Airport Golf Club

Bring a potluck dish to share (donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget the serving utensil!) Meat, place settings, coffee, Punch and iced water will be provided. Cash bar available.

Please RSVP prior to December 11:

Rick Eccli - 634-3231; John Lane - 638-6348; Pat Collins - 635-2344; Pam Hendricks - 632-9151; or Ron Kisicki - 632-8413 November 2018

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District 4

Service Awards Isaac Finkle, Buffalo Construction – 10 years; John Morbeto, Gillette Maintenance – 10 years; and Timothy Ayres, Newcastle Maintenance – 5 years. Finkle

Morbeto

seasons and the nature of the job, as well as his crew which always made work fun and interesting. Leibee’s fondest memory is of when he and several District 4 maintenance foremen where asked to go to Lusk in August 2015 to install an Acrow bridge after the flooding that spring. “Mike will be missed,” said Buffalo Maintenance Supervisor, Dustin Hockett. “He was a great team player, leader, and mentor.” Leibee and his wife plan on spending time with their grandchildren and enjoying the flexibility retirement has to offer. n

Kindsfater raffle update

Ayres

Mike Leibee retired on Oct. 2 with 22 years of service to the state. He started his career at WYDOT in June 1996 as a Highway Maintenance specialist in his hometown of Buffalo. He enjoyed the diversity of the job which comes with the

Photo: WYDOT

Retirements Mike Leibee (left) and Buffalo Maintenance Supervisor Dustin Hockett.

This summer District 4 organized a benefit raffle for their dear friend and coworker Roger Kindsfater. Kindsfater is the highway maintenance foreman at the Reno Junction shop. Kindsfater was severely injured earlier this spring and the raffle proceeds of more than $1,400 will help him offset some of the expenses as he recovers. Winners were drawn Sept. 28 at Cheyenne Headquarters with the help of Laura Schei with Maintenance and James Messer with Construction. Randy Okray with Gillette highway maintenance, won first prize – the Radical Firearms AR15 5.56 NATO; Tom Skubal, also with Gillette highway maintenance won the second place prize of the Henry .22 Lever Action LR; and Kimm Brookshire with Financial Services-Accounts Payable won third place – 1,000 rounds of .22 ammunition. Thank you to all who purchased tickets in support of Kindsfater and his recovery. n

District 5

Welcome

Service Awards

Clinton Brower, Maintenance Meeteetse; Keith Carothers, Maintenance Worland; Deborah Herren, Driver Services-Lander/Dubois/Riverton; Ray Keller, Worland Maintenance; and Mark Michelena, Basin Maintenance.

Martin Christian, Lander Mechanics – 20 years; Shaun Emmett, Cody Maintenance – 15 years; Brent Keen, Riverton Maintenance – 15 years;

Promotions and Transfers Travis Gallo, Telecom-District 5 Radio Shop.

Christian

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Gallo

Keen

Pittman

Emmett

Hahn

Eck

November 2018

Brian Pittman, Basin Maintenance – 15 years; Daniel Hahn, Lander Traffic-Striping – 10 years; and Colton Eck, Cody Construction – 5 years. n

Buckle up, turkey. Every turkey trip. Every turkey time.

Noteworthy WHP honors fallen trooper

Photo: Kelly Groeneweg

By Carlie Van Winkle A dedication ceremony unveiling a memorial plaque at the Dwyer Junction rest area was held on Oct. 13 to pay tribute to fallen Patrolman Chris Logsdon. Logsdon lost his life 20 years ago, Oct. 13, 1998, when he was responding to a call of a suspected drunken driver on Interstate 25 north of Wheatland. The suspect was on I-25 driving directly toward Logsdon on wrong side of the road. Logsdon swerved to avoid the collision, causing his patrol vehicle to roll multiple times. The event was attended by Logsdon’s family, Gov. Matt Mead, former WYDOT Director John Cox, WHP Col. Haller kand other members of WHP and area law enforcement. The Dwyer Junction rest area is two miles northeast of the actual location of the accident site. A U.S. flag and marker stand at the crash site on the west side of I-25 south rest area. n

The memorial dedication and unveiling ceremony was attended by WHP Col. Kebin Haller (left of U.S. flag), Dan Zivkovich, former WYDOT Director John Cox, Gov. Matt Mead and Logsdon’s family (far right, unveiling plaque).

Photos: WYDOT/WHP

WYDOT closes US 189/191 The Wyoming Department of Transportation closed a stretch of US 189/191 to allow firefighters to battle the Roosevelt wildfire 32 miles south of Jackson. The highway was closed at noon on Sept. 25 for safety reasons and remained closed from Hoback Junction to Daniel Junction, near Bondurant. WYDOT crews re-evaluated the safety of the area frequently and when it was safe to do so, WYDOT had one lane of travel open and piloted cars through this section of highway. The Roosevelt wildfire grew to 61,511 acres by Oct. 18, information from the U.S. Forest Service’s website indicated. Emergency responders had the blaze 100 percent contained by Oct. 10. Cooler temperatures and higher humidity over the fire area contributed to the containment. The fire started on Sept. 15. n November 2018

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Passings Michael Patterson

Michael “Pit” Patterson, 60, died Sept. 26 in Sedalia, Missouri. He retired in May 2014 from the Bridge Program as a bridge inspector with more than 31 years of service to the state of Wyoming. Patterson was born April 23, 1958 in Joliet, Illinois, son of Patricia and Albert Patterson. Patterson He graduated from Cheyenne Central High School in 1976 and was hired with the Wyoming Department of Transportation as a bridge inspector. He enjoyed woodworking, riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and mechanics. Patterson was a born-again Christian. Funeral services were held Sept. 29, in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Keith Rounds Keith Rounds, longtime WYDOT Public Affairs Officer and founder of Interchange, died Oct. 22 at his home in Cheyenne. He was 76. Rounds, a lifelong Wyomingite, was born Oct. 8, 1942, in Rock Springs and spent his early years in Antelope, a railroad section, and also in Granger. He completed high school in Laramie, where he attended the Rounds University of Wyoming. After earning his bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1964, Rounds began working for the Wyoming Highway Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency, as a public information assistant. Two years later, he was promoted to Public Affairs Officer, a position he held until his retirement in early 2002. Rounds also served as secretary to

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November 2018

Wyoming Highway (now Transportation) Commission from 1975 until his retirement. He subsequently spent 14 years as doorman for the Wyoming House of Representatives and worked as secretary for the Wyoming Scottish Rite. He was adept at clever wordplay, having his own personal naming convention and vast vocabulary. His penchant for humor and cowboy poetry led him to perform at various locations in Wyoming and Colorado, and he never met an audience he didn’t like. He authored The Ride, a compilation of his cowboy poetry. He was a devoted family man, an avid hunter and camp cook, and a decent woodworker. “Keith was a stickler for accuracy, clarity, and concise communication, and also a strong proponent for transparency when it came to informing the public about agency operations,” recalled Bruce Burrows, a WYDOT retiree who worked with Rounds for more than 20 years. “That approach served the department well, as we always enjoyed a high degree of credibility with the news media and support from the public at large.” Early in his WHD career, Rounds played a pivotal role in establishing the first and ensuing iterations of the Wyoming Road & Travel system, the precursor to the current (and heavily used) Wyoming Travel Information Service. In the 1982, he helped the Wyoming Highway Patrol originate the long-running Report Every Drunk Driver Immediately (REDDI) safety campaign. Rounds was active in many community organizations including an almost 10-year stint on the Laramie County School District No. 1 Board of Directors, Wyoming Press Association and WyHy Credit Union Board. Much of his time was devoted to Masonry as a member and Past Master of Acacia Lodge No. 11, A.F. and A.M., 33rd Degree Mason in Wyoming Consistory No. 1, as well as a Scottish Rite and York Rite Mason. He also was a Shriner in the Korein Temple and a member and Past President of the Cheyenne Shrine Club. A Scottish Rite Rose Croix and Masonic funeral service was held on Oct. 26 at the Lakeview Chapel at Schrader, Aragon and Jacoby Funeral Home. A reception followed at Schrader Reception Center. Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children or Scottish Rite Children’s Clinic.

Jerold L. Vigil Jerold L. Vigil, 70, of Cheyenne died on Oct. 12. Vigil retired in 2010 from the Project Development Program. He was born March 12, 1948 in Wagon Mound, New Mexico. He enjoyed time with his family, playing pool, golf, fishing and hunting. Services were held Oct. 18 233 343wat St. Mary’s Cathedral, Cheyenne. A reception was held at the Cheyenne American Legion.

WHP K-9 Basil Wyoming Highway Patrol lost a former narcotics detection K-9 on Sept. 26. Basil passed away at home surrounded by his family. The K-9’s career began with the Wyoming Highway Patrol in the fall of 2008 when he was assigned to Trooper Barry Tippy. Basil worked in the Green River/ Basil Rock Springs area until his retirement in September 2017. Basil had a highly successful career. He helped remove thousands of dollars of illegal narcotics from our cities and streets. During his K-9 career, Basil was deployed 473 times and sniffed out more than 720 pounds of marijuana, 122 grams of cocaine, more than 470 grams of methamphetamine, 93 grams of heroin and more than 1,000 grams of other illegal narcotics. One of Basil’s most notable seizures was 187 pounds of high-grade marijuana concealed in a compartment which was disguised to look like a banded stack of plywood. Basil was also responsible for finding 12 guns that were used in drug trafficking and helped confiscate more than $400,000 in currency. His largest seizure was $287,000, which was seized from a known interstate illegal narcotics trafficker. The K-9 also helped to make his community a safer place by executing search warrants with Department of Criminal Investigations, Green River Police Department and the Rock Springs Police Department.

“I had the honor of being Basil’s handler. Basil taught me many life lessons. He taught me the meaning of the words compassion, understanding, passion, humility, patience and lastly, love,” said Tippy. “Basil helped me through dark days in both my personal and professional life. He listened to rants and never told a single soul. My partner was there when I needed someone to hug and he never judged me for all of my shortcomings. Basil was my K-9, partner and most importantly, a best friend.” A special thank you to Dr. Dawn Bodin for making Basil’s passing as painless as possible for all involved. Basil, thank you for all the amazing memories, you will live on forever in the tales of your adventures shared by troopers, agents, deputies and police officers around the state, and more importantly the citizens you served in this great state for the majority of your life. Basil, you will live forever in my heart. You were truly one in a million! n

Photo: WYDOT

“I recall fondly, Basil conducting a search of a residence and during the search, Basil alerted to a sealed gun safe,” said Trooper Barry Tippy. “Green River Fire Department was called in to assist in opening the safe and a significant amount of methamphetamine was located within the safe.” Basil helped make schools in Wyoming a safe and drug-free learning environment by conducting numerous sweeps of schools and parking lots throughout the state. Basil was well known in his community. He performed demonstrations for civic groups and school classes in both Green River and Rock Springs. Basil loved to participate in the Solvay Minerals Kids Day, which is an annual event sponsored by Solvay Minerals, in Green River. Ironically, Basil passed on School District No. 2’s annual Children’s Wellness Day. Basil loved this event and the chance to show off his skills to the children in attendance. There was a lot of wet (drool) tennis ball tossing at these events.

K-9 Basil, Trooper Tippy and young friend at a Halloween event.

“Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made.” – Roger A. Caras

Outdoors deadline:

12/15/18

Congratulations to our September recipients! WYDOT salutes the following Director’s Extra Mile Award recipients. The award is presented to individuals who have traveled the “extra mile” in service to WYDOT.

Susan Frahm Matt Phillips Kathy Ahlenius For more information about the Extra Mile Award or to nominate someone, contact Katherine Castaneda at Katherine.Castaneda@wyo.gov.

Make us jealous... Get those photos in! carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov November 2018

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YOU’RE IN CONTROL 30-MONTH SHARE CERTIFICATE  

Increase your rate Take a partial withdrawal

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Visit WyHy.org/InControl or contact us today! 307-638-4200 • memberservices@WyHy.org *APY= Annual Percentage Yield. See WyHy.org/InControl for full details. Federally Insured by NCUA. 22

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November 2018

Break Time

Take five and find five differences in the images.

Check your answers in next month's Interchange, or on the Break Time intranet page.

Answer to the October 2018 Break Time maze:

Interchange subscription issue? Update your address:

1) Complete and return this slip to WYDOT Public Affairs Office, 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, WY 82009, or 2) Send an email to Carlie Van Winkle at carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov. Add me to the mailing list

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November 2018

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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

WTDEA

2019 State Board Cash Calendar

$20 for 365 chances to win! The calendar makes a great birthday or Christmas gift!

Wyoming Wildlife Enjoy 12 months of photographs taken in Wyoming by WYDOT employees. Calendars are $20 each and may be purchased from: District 1 Lance Adams, Medicine Bow; and Chris Fisher, Cheyenne.

District 5 David Bilderback, Basin; John Farr, Lander; Jason Price, Lovell; and Tina Simpson, Basin. WyHy Matt Walusis

District 2 Darren Allbright, Wheatland; Debbie Herbold, Casper; Ryan Sorenson, Casper; Jay Stuck, Torrington; and Myron Witt, Chugwater.

Headquarters Holly Daniels, Robyn Eifert, Jason Fernandez, Audrey Hobbs, Heidi Martin, Heather O'Connor, Tina Phillips, Tracy Romero and Antonia Torres.

District 3 Carl â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kurtâ&#x20AC;? Bennett, Jackson; and Dorothy Kizzire, Rock Springs.

The calendars are also available by emailing Audrey Hobbs, audrey.hobbs@wyo.gov.

District 4 Vicky Gearhart, Buffalo; Rex Markley, Gillette; Heath Oetken, Buffalo; and Misty Wood, Sheridan.

Don't delay! Buy your calendar today. All proceeds benefit the WYDOT Employee Relief Fund The Relief Fund is a benefit available to ALL WYDOT employees.