Interchange November 2020
Vol. 48, Issue 11
Driver Services offers senior citizen hours Select hours on certain days for citizens 65 and older
By Aimee Inama Several Driver Services offices will offer select hours on certain days for senior citizens to renew their expired or expiring driver licenses or identification cards. Starting the week of Oct. 12, the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s Driver Services offices in Cheyenne, Casper, Rock Springs and Gillette will offer special hours for citizens 65 and older from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. every other Wednesday. The Sheridan office will provide this service from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on every other Tuesday. Exact dates for each of the exam stations is listed on WYDOT’s website. “Our senior population is potentially an at-risk group for complications if they get the coronavirus,” said Misty Dobson, Driver Services program manager. “We wanted to offer special hours where they can come in and renew their licenses and IDs in an environment where there is limited interaction with other members of the public.” Previously, Gov. Mark Gordon issued an executive order, which gave those whose licenses were expiring a 180-day grace period to renew due to the coronavirus. The executive order was issued in March and expired on Sept. 30. That means those whose credentials expired between those months need to come into Driver Services to renew. For example, if someone’s credentials expired April 30, 2020, they would have 180 days after that date to renew under the executive order. If someone’s credentials
expired Sept. 30, 2020, they then have 180 days after that date to renew. The hours are intended for senior citizens meeting the age requirement of 65 or older but those who have special circumstances that prohibit them from visiting Driver Services during normal business hours can contact their local exam station in advance to work on providing services. Those individuals needing special accommodations in locations where select hours are not being offered should contact their local exam station. “We’re following guidance offered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that indicate seniors and those
who have certain medical conditions may be at increased risk for severe illnesses from the virus,” Dobson said. “We’re offering these hours to those groups to help them stay safe.” Clients will be required to wear masks and only those needing a service will be allowed in the exam station unless they require assistance from another person to conduct their business. Examiners will be continuing to provide enhanced cleaning services in the office between each client. Individuals who do not meet the age requirement or have not set up special accommodations in advance will be asked to return outside of the hours published.
Photo: WYDOT
Offices include Casper, Cheyenne, Gillette, Rock Springs and Sheridan
Contents Features
Interchange
Vol. 48, Issue 11
WY businesses step up to support Governor’s 2020 Challenge
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.
12 WYDOT follows snowplow priority plan
Staff
1 Senior citizen hours now offered Select hours on certain days for citizens 65 and older
8 Wildlife Conservation License Plate benefits
Statewide snowplow priority plan revised for 2020-2021 season
WYDOT Director: K. Luke Reiner
Also in this issue
Public Affairs Manager:
District briefs.................................................................................................... 3
Editor:
Aeronautics.....................................................................................................10
Contributors:
Doug McGee
Extra Mile Awards.........................................................................................12 Travel & Tourism ...........................................................................................13 Training............................................................................................................14 Employee Safety...........................................................................................15 By the Numbers............................................................................................16 District news..................................................................................................16
Carlie Van Winkle Aimee Inama Carlie Van Winkle Jordan Achs Jeff Goetz Stephanie Harsha Laura Dalles Cody Beers Sgt. Jeremy Beck
Photography: Rick Carpenter
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.
State Parks......................................................................................................16 Awards.............................................................................................................19 Passings...........................................................................................................20 Letters..............................................................................................................21 WTDEA.............................................................................................................21 Break Time......................................................................................................23 Kindly recycle this publication after reading.
2
Interchange
n
November 2020
A WYDOT PUBLICATION
District Briefs Headquarters
Commission awards $33 million in contracts in October CHEYENNE – Construction crews will resurface a section of Interstate 80 between Sinclair and Walcott Junction to improve the road surface. The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co., of Worland, a $7.3 million contract for the work in Carbon County. The commission awarded that and nine other projects totaling $33 million at its recent meeting in October. For the I-80 work, crews will resurface about 6 miles in the eastbound and westbound lanes starting at mile marker 221.27. Crews will also make repairs to the approach slabs on a bridge at a nearby interchange. The work will improve the surface and eliminate ruts and cracks. While the work is taking place in one direction of travel, traffic will be diverted to a single lane in the opposing traffic lane. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2022. The other contracts the commission awarded included surface repair, minor bridge work and stockpiling of materials. The commission awarded Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell, a $6.8 million contract for a resurfacing and curb and gutter contract on 16 miles of US 26 at various locations between Lander and Ft. Washakie in Fremont County. Crews will perform Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) work on all sidewalk corners to bring them up to current standards. They will also do paving work to improve the road surface and make electrical upgrades at the intersections for traffic lights. The contract completion date is Nov. 30, 2021. Northern Improvement Co., of Fargo, North Dakota, was the low bidder on a $4.7 million resurfacing project on 13 miles of US 85 between Lusk and Newcastle in Niobrara and Weston counties. Crews will perform a mill and overlay and make minor bridge repairs to improve the surface. They will also replace
worn culverts. The contract completion date is June 30, 2022. Knife River, of Cheyenne, won a $4.2 million resurfacing project on 8 miles of WYO 220 between Muddy Gap and Casper in Natrona County. Crews will resurface the road and add about a 1,000-foot passing lane to improve the surface and traffic flow in that area. Crews will also install new fencing. The contract completion date is June 30, 2022. Also awarded by the commission were contracts for: • $3.9 million to Riverside Contracting, of Missoula, Montana, for a resurfacing and settlement repair on WYO 120 between Cody and the Montana state line by Oct. 31, 2021; • $2.7 million to S & S Builders, of Gillette, for rehabilitation work to four bridges in Laramie, Natrona and Platte counties by Nov. 30, 2021; • $1.4 million to Avail Valley Construction, of Afton, for a stockpiling contract for crushed surface material at several locations in Lincoln, Sublette, Sweetwater, Teton and Uinta counties by Aug. 30, 2021; • $877,670 to Highway Improvement Inc., of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for a crack sealing contract at various locations in Lincoln, Sublette, Sweetwater and Uinta counties by May 15, 2021; • $510,522 to Z & Z Seal Coating Inc., of Billings, Montana, for a crack sealing contract at various locations in Albany, Carbon and Laramie counties by March 31, 2021; and • $444,332 to Z & Z Seal Coating Inc. for a crack sealing contract at various locations in Campbell, Crook, Johnson, Sheridan and Weston counties by April 30, 2021.
WHP participates in the national Crimes Against Children patrol operation CHEYENNE – Oct. 23-25 the Wyoming Highway Patrol participated in the national Crimes Against Children (CAC)
patrol operation in Wyoming. The CAC patrol operation was intended to increase law enforcement awareness to the most vulnerable population – children and their safety. WHP participated in this operation because of their commitment to proactively protecting children during regular duties, including but not limited to traffic stops, investigations, and consensual contacts, such as motorist assists. This can only be achieved by being aware and vigilant of indicators for when a child is at risk of victimization or that another person, typically an adult, is a high-risk threat to children. The CAC patrol operation focused on: • Increasing awareness of uniformed officers’ objective to remain alert for opportunities to protect children. • Identifying missing, exploited and atrisk children. • Identifying individuals who may be a high-risk threat to children. • Identifying registered sex offenders who may be out of compliance with requirements. WHP reminds citizens to say something if they see anything suspicious. Remember, sometimes adults are the only voice for these children. To report an issue, please call 911 or your local law enforcement office.
Traffic stop leads to drug arrest CHEYENNE – On Oct. 13 a traffic stop 23 miles south of Gillette on WYO 50 resulted in a seizure of close to 2 pounds of methamphetamine by Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers. A trooper stopped Jerry Dawson, a male resident of Dickenson, North Dakota, for speeding when he was observed traveling 92 mph in a posted 70 mph zone. Dawson was driving a 2020 Chrysler 300 at the time of the stop. While the trooper was speaking with the passenger, Bobby Dickerson, of Bakersfield, California, he could smell the odor of burnt marijuana emitting from inside the vehicle and noticed a marijuana bud on the passenger seat. This prompted a search of the car. In the trunk of the Chrysler, troopers located approximately 2 pounds of methamphetamine. Briefs continued on page 4 November 2020
n
Interchange
3
The passenger standing with a back-up trooper began to flee on foot from the traffic stop. A short time later, he was apprehended in a field north of the initial stopped location. The driver and passenger were arrested and taken to the Campbell County Detention Center. They have been charged with misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance, felony possession of a controlled substance and felony possession with intent to deliver. The methamphetamine is believed to have originated in Las Vegas, Nevada, with a final destination of North Dakota.
2021 STIP approved CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Transportation Commission approved the State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) for 2021. The STIP is available on the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s website. Monthly updates will be available on the website. The STIP contains a listing of highway and bridge projects, airport improvement work, capital improvement projects, and statewide communication work that WYDOT tentatively expects to contract for during this fiscal year that began Oct. 1. The STIP is published annually and updates are issued monthly. Besides 2021 projects, the STIP includes a listing of planned transportation projects slated through 2026. It also includes a summary of pass-through federal funding for public transportation throughout the state. Highway projects are listed by county and note the general character of work for the various transportation system projects. These projects include highway, transit, airports and others.
District 1
WYDOT begins damage repairs at Fort Steele Interchange on I-80 RAWLINS – Crews with S&L Industrial and the Wyoming Department of Transportation began a bridge damage repair project at the Fort Steele interchange on I-80 on Oct. 26.
4
Interchange
n
November 2020
The interchange structure was damaged after a crash last winter. Fortunately, inspections showed the impact did not affect the structural integrity of the interchange. The damage repair work anticipated minimal impacts to traffic on I-80, but lane closures were in place on County Road 347 under the interstate. Traffic was directed through a single lane by flaggers, with intermittent stoppage on the county road. In June, the Fort Steele Rest Area (milepost 228) closed along with nine other rest areas around the state as a cost-saving measure. Public access to facilities and parking at the rest area is prohibited. The nearly $100,000 project is expected to be complete in a month’s time. All WYDOT project schedules are subject to change, including due to inclement weather and material or equipment availability.
Photo: WYDOT
Briefs continued from page 3
Damage to the Fort Steele interchange on I-80 is undergoing repairs.
Multi-year project brings more truck parking to I-80 RAWLINS – The Wyoming Department of Transportation is working to bring additional winter semi-truck parking and other safety improvements to Interstate 80. Crews started work on the project at the end of October. WYDOT’s I-80 Winter Freight project will bring nearly 100 new semi-truck parking spaces to both the Fort Steele Rest Area about 7 miles east of Sinclair (milepost 228) and at the Quealy Dome truck parking area 20 miles west of Laramie (milepost 290) for a total of almost 200 new spaces. “If weather conditions are poor or I-80 is closed, the new truck parking will provide additional options for truck
drivers to park safely while they wait for conditions to improve,” said Tim Morton, District 1 Construction engineer. Additionally, semi-truck climbing lanes will be installed on 2 miles of I-80 eastbound over Halleck Ridge (about 8 miles west of Elk Mountain, between mm 250.5-252.5) and about 2 miles of I-80 westbound between Cooper Cove and Quealy Dome (mm 279.5-281.5) near the Albany County line. “Climbing lanes help with traffic flow, especially on inclines with steep grades,” Morton said. “They also help prevent secondary crashes when I-80 reopens after an extended road closure.” Motorists on I-80 between Laramie and Rawlins will see minimal impacts as Simon Contractors begins the multi-year project today. Activity will start in and around the Fort Steele Rest Area. The Fort Steele Rest Area closed along with nine other rest areas around the state in June as a cost-saving measure. Both facilities and parking at the rest area will remain closed during I-80 Winter Freight project construction. Please do not park on the on- and off-ramps of the interstate as it will potentially impede work in the area. Once the project is complete, the Fort Steele Rest Area will reopen to the public. 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. All WYDOT project scheduling is subject to change, including due to inclement weather and material or equipment availability.
Avoid placing signs in rights-of-way LARAMIE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation would like to remind residents, businesses and elected officials to keep all signs and advertisements out of WYDOT rights-of-way. WYDOT understands communities affected by the Mullen Fire are using signs as a way to express gratitude to deserving firefighters, and local campaigns are ramping up efforts ahead of a fast-approaching election. However, all signage must be placed within private property and not in highway rights-of-way. Objects within the rights-of-way can create safety hazards for motorists,
Concrete repairs on US 287 south of Laramie
pedestrians and highway maintenance staff. Wyoming statute (W.S. 24-10-104) states that outdoor advertising must meet certain conditions for placement. Placing signs or objects within highway rights-of-way is prohibited, including on right-of-way fencing or on trees, traffic signs or traffic signal poles within the right-of-way. Businesses and residents who believe their signs may have been removed by WYDOT crews may contact the nearest WYDOT maintenance office to make arrangements to pick up the signs.
Photo: WYDOT
LARAMIE – Maintenance crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation worked on a roadwork project on US 287 (Third Street) just south of Laramie. Located just south of the I-80/US 287 interchange, crews completed some concrete repairs in the southbound driving lane (right-hand lane) of the highway structure that crosses over the railroad tracks. Motorists through the area were encouraged to stay alert and be ready to slow down for workers and heavy equipment in the roadway in addition to expected lane closures.
Campaign signs, for sale signs, thank you signs and the like are not allowed in state rights-of-way.
I-80 bridge work required overnight closures of County Road 140 near Hillsdale CHEYENNE – Bridge work at the Hillsdale interchange of I-80 involved overnight closures of County Road 140 (Stuckey Road) Oct. 5-7. Part of a multi-year bridge replacement project at the interchange, S&S Builders worked overnight hanging girders for the westbound structure at exit 377 on I-80. Crews used a crane parked on CR 140 to lift the girders into place, which necessitated the closure of the county road. To minimize traffic impacts, work took place Oct. 5-7 between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. A detour was in place to guide traffic around the work zone. Traffic on I-80 continued to move head-to-head in the eastbound lanes from mile markers 372-382 until returning to the normal configuration. The bridge replacement project is expected to be complete fall 2021.
Traffic delays on I-80 near Cheyenne CHEYENNE – Traffic on I-80 west of Cheyenne experienced a brief delay on Sept. 29 when contractors with Black Hills Energy and the Wyoming Department of Transportation worked to remove overhead power transmission lines that are no longer in use. The removal required temporarily stopping both eastbound and westbound interstate traffic for 10 minutes. The work zone, which is about a mile west of the Roundtop Road interchange at mile marker 357 caused delays for motorists. “The electrical line work did not result in any outages for customers,” said Dustin McKen, director of operations for Black Hills Energy in Wyoming. “The overarching project that this work is a part of, will provide more reliable service as well as help to provide safe, clean energy for customers.”
District 2
Pursuit ends safely north of Cheyenne WHEATLAND – A Rapid City, South Dakota resident is in custody following a pursuit that took place Oct. 20. The pursuit started shortly after 11:20 a.m. when a Wyoming Highway Patrol Trooper attempted to stop a reported stolen vehicle headed southbound on I-25 north of Wheatland. The stolen car was
a 2017 Hyundai Veloster taken from the Pennington County, South Dakota area. The driver of the stolen vehicle fled south on I-25 at speeds over 100 mph. The pursuit continued south and entered into Laramie County where troopers were able to deploy spike strips to deflate the vehicle tires. This slowed the stolen vehicle to a slower speed, but the car continued south. In the interest of public safety, the trooper attempted a tactical vehicle intervention maneuver. The stolen vehicle exited the roadway before coming to a stop. The driver of the vehicle was taken into custody without further incident. She has been identified as 19-year-old Rapid City, South Dakota resident Tinan Sky Trudell. Trudell was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of the stolen vehicle, fleeing to elude, reckless driving, speed, and other traffic-related offenses. The Platte County Sheriff ’s Department assisted with this incident.
Department adjusts intersection control, helps left turns during peak times CASPER – On Nov. 2, motorists turning left from eastbound CY Avenue onto northbound Poplar Street had a better, and safer way of doing so. WYDOT began restricting the left turn phase of the traffic signal during weekdays after school and through the evening commute. Meaning that during these times, traffic did not see a flashing yellow arrow signaling a permissive left turn when conditions are safe. Instead those turning needed to wait for the green arrow to turn. “We’ve been keeping an eye on this intersection and have noticed that during peak times, left-turning traffic often cannot do so or drivers attempt to make the turn when it’s unsafe to do so,” said WYDOT District 2 Traffic Engineer Chad Aagard. “It’s been observed that traffic favors one left turn lane but not both turn lanes. By allowing left turns with a green arrow only, it’s hoped that the use of the dual Briefs continued on page 6 November 2020
n
Interchange
5
left turn lane will increase, increasing the safety and efficiency of the intersection while reducing congestion.” Currently, motorists turning left onto northbound Poplar Street are allowed to do so when it’s safe as the traffic signal indicates a flashing yellow arrow. During high afternoon traffic, the allowance is restricted and drivers are only able to turn when the arrow is green. Once the high traffic times have passed, the signal returns to normal allowing permissive left turns. The hours of the restriction will be monitored. The idea is to help with after school and evening work traffic and congestion. WYDOT may need to adjust those times depending on traffic volume.
Photo: WYDOT
District 4
Traffic will not see a flashing yellow arrow to turn left from CY Avenue. Instead, traffic will need to wait for a green arrow to turn left onto northbound Poplar Street.
District 3
Green River exit was closed temporarily GREEN RIVER – The Wyoming Department of Transportation closed exit 91 to Green River Oct. 15 to remove a high mast tower light that recently collapsed due to excessive winds. The closure was scheduled to take place from 8 a.m. to noon. Green River was still accessible to westbound I-80 traffic by way of exit 89 on the west end of town.
Work begins at night on the Snake River Bridge JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from Reiman Corp., began work on the Snake River Bridge Sept. 28. All the work on the Snake River Bridge will take place at night, from 8:30 p.m. to
6
Interchange
n
November 2020
North Sheridan Interchange completion celebrated SHERIDAN – The Wyoming Department of Transportation hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Oct. 14 to celebrate the completion of the North Sheridan Interchange and North Main Street project. The ribbon cutting ceremony took place at the South Decker Road cul de sac on North Main Street – the former location of Decker Highway. The old North Interchange was a trumpet style interchange which no longer met safety specifications. The new interchange, a diamond configuration, was relocated west of the old intersection and a portion of the North Decker highway was realigned to join the new interchange. The new location and realignment moves higher volumes of traffic through an intersection offering a safer, easier accessible and more fluid transition off of the interstate. The project was awarded to the Joint Venture Group of High County Construction and Reiman Corp., one of WYDOT’s largest at the time, with a bid award amount of approximately $46 million. The North Sheridan Interchange project began in the fall of 2016 with excavation of the new location of the
interchange and realignment of the old Decker Road, and continued throughout the winter into 2017. Once excavation work was complete, contractors began building the interchange bridge structure and North Main Street from the Interchange to Canfield Drive, which was opened to traffic later that fall. Additionally, a new railroad bridge over Higby Road was constructed while the westbound lane of I-90 was reconstructed and resurfaced. The original interchange and Decker Road bridges were closed and removed. The summer of 2018’s focus was on the widening and paving of North Main Street from Canfield Drive to Fort Road. During this time, the contractors and the city of Sheridan replaced and upgraded all utilities along this corridor and added decorative lighting, curb and gutter, sidewalks and landscaping features. The Higby/Railroad Bridge was completed and eastbound I-90 was reconstructed and resurfaced. The city of Sheridan partnered with WYDOT and used content sensitive amenities and enhancement grant funds to expand the pathway system and add landscaping and decorative lighting along the corridor.
Photo: WYDOT
6 a.m. Crews closed one lane of traffic at night to perform the work. Drivers encountered flagger-controlled traffic delays beginning 8:30 p.m. each night until 10 p.m., at which time traffic was controlled by the temporary signals. Traffic was controlled by the signals until 5 a.m. and traffic saw flagger-controlled delays until 6 a.m. After a safety inspection earlier this year, the bridge was subject to modified load limitations for trucks. The work allows the bridge to return to its unrestricted condition prior to the inspection until its replacement in 2023. After the work was complete, all posted restrictions were lifted. The Snake River Bridge and the WYO 390 intersection are currently in the planning phases of construction and are set for reconstruction starting in spring of 2023.
Briefs continued from page 5
The ribbon cutting for the North Sheridan Interchange completion occurred on an extremely blustery day. Attending from left: District 4 Engineer Scott Taylor, Sheridan Mayor Roger Miller, Director Luke Reiner, Chief Engineer Mark Gillett, Transportation Commissioner Rick Newton and North Main Association Executive Director Nancy Drummond.
Downtown Sheridan Main Street three lane configuration SHERIDAN – The city of Sheridan and the Wyoming Department of Transportation transformed Sheridan’s downtown Main Street from its traditional four-lane traffic pattern to three lanes the weekend of Oct. 10.
their annual maintenance quality control (MQC) inspections. MQC is an annual event in which maintenance technicians spend several weeks assessing the current conditions of Wyoming’s highways. Asset conditions and consistencies are measured and resource needs are justified. Additionally, MQC is used to assist with long range planning and for budgeting and prioritizing work plans. The checklist of items is extensive, from pavement condition to the number of staples in the right of way fencing. This gives WYDOT a snapshot of what assets need to be considered for repair, improvement or reconstruction. In addition to pavement and fencing, the MQC team looks at shoulders, approaches, reflector posts, guardrail and barriers, weeds, litter, cattle guards, curb and gutters, culverts, irrigation ditches and signing of these predetermined road sections. Once this information is gathered, district maintenance engineer Larry Konetzki and his team compare the data to previous year’s assessments for any changes and use the information to determine the following year’s budget and work load – which can then be used to prioritize the need for increased resources needed to perform maintenance activities. The overall objective is to meet customer expectations, provide consistent quality throughout Wyoming’s highways, and educate WYDOT’s employees about asset quality standard expectations. Although MQC is done annually in the fall, district maintenance technicians are constantly assessing Wyoming’s roads and work daily to meet the primary objective of meeting the public’s expectations.
Photo: WYDOT
District 5
The current three-lane configuration in downtown Sheridan.
District 4 maintenance performing annual MQC SHERIDAN – WYDOT District 4 maintenance technicians reviewed more than 160 sections of highway in the northeast corner of Wyoming performing
Waltman Rest Area temporarily closed for parking area improvements
sets of passing lanes between Shoshoni and Casper on US 20/26. Work at the Waltman Rest Area includes removal of existing pavement surfacing, grading, leveling and repaving of the Waltman Rest Area parking area. The $5.8 million project begins east of Moneta (milepost 76) and continues to Waltman (milepost 51.6). The new US 20/26 passing lanes are being constructed between mileposts 51.6 to 52.7 (passing lane 1), mileposts 54.8 to 56.0 (passing lane 2), mileposts 57.1 to 58.3 (passing lane 3), mileposts 61.6 to 62.8 (passing lane 4), mileposts 64.9 to 66.4 (passing lane 5), mileposts 68.5 to 69.7 (passing lane 6), and mileposts 74.5 to 76.0 (passing lane 7). Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell is the prime contractor on the US 20/26 passing lane project. The contractor was awarded the contract on July 18, 2019, by the Wyoming Transportation Commission. Contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2020.
Photo: WYDOT
The city of Sheridan closed Downtown Main Street from 1st Street to Burkitt Street to prepare the roadway for striping on Sunday. Contractors spent the night of Oct. 10 removing the existing striping pattern and preparing the road surface for the new three-lane striping. Working well into the night, the striping crew laid new traffic lanes and directional arrows before the rain came. Once the new lines were down, contractors spent the remainder of the night and much of Oct. 11 grinding out the original traffic lanes. On Oct. 12, the city and WYDOT closed intersections throughout the week to replace signal heads and upgrade signage. This permanent change is a result of a six-week long test performed in 2019. The study was successful in determining the three lane option offered motorists a safer, efficient and smoother drive through downtown Sheridan. The three-lane pattern includes one travel lane in each direction with a center turn lane and a diagonal hatched buffer zone between the parallel curbside parking and the travel lanes. The buffer zone is intended to offer motorists an additional four feet of room for parallel parking and exiting and entering their vehicles. The buffer zone is not classified to be a bike lane, as it does not meet the width criteria to meet safety standards. The current signals deny left hand turns during peak travel times will be removed, allowing left hand turns at any time of the day.
Waltman Rest Area was temporarily closed for parking area improvements.
Riverton’s College View/ West Main traffic signal received new wiring RIVERTON – The traffic signal at the intersection of College View/West Main was shut down Sept. 28 for installation of new wiring as part of continuing improvements on West Main Street in Riverton. During the outage, traffic at the intersection was controlled with stop signs. The traffic signal went live with new wiring on Sept. 30. n
SHOSHONI – Waltman Rest Area between Shoshoni and Casper was closed beginning Oct. 19 for parking area improvements. The rest area improvements are part of the current project constructing seven November 2020
n
Interchange
7
Photo: WYDOT
New benefits for purchasing a Wildlife Conservation License Plate WY businesses step up to support Governor’s 2020 Challenge Wyoming Game and Fish Buying a Wyoming Wildlife Conservation license plate has always been a great investment for preventing wildlife-vehicle collisions. Now, when individuals provide proof of purchase for a wildlife conservation plate, they can receive big discounts from Wyoming businesses for their commitment to wildlife roadway safety. At present, 14 businesses have stepped up to meet Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon’s 2020 challenge to put 2,020 wildlife conservation license plates on the road by 2020. About 1,630 wildlife conservation plates have currently been sold. Additional businesses are being added daily. Individual businesses determine the nature and length of the sale. Discounts range from free magazine subscriptions from Eastmans’ Publishing to 15% off on all Maven optics merchandise. While the Governor’s challenge ends Dec. 31, many businesses have extended their sale through January to allow time for more individuals to purchase wildlife conservation plates and to all customer to take full advantage of the holiday shopping season. For retail sales, wildlife conservation license plate verification is determined by the customer’s vehicle registration. For internet sales, wildlife conservation license plate holders can enter their name, contact information and license plate number into a section on the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s wildlife conservation license plate webpage. These names are delivered to
8
Interchange
n
November 2020
participating businesses weekly. “All these businesses share in the value that it’s important for Wyoming to improve our roadways for wildlife and do everything possible to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions,” said Glenn Pauley, Wyoming Game and Fish Department Outreach Specialist. “Thank you to these businesses for adding to the benefits of a Wyoming wildlife conservation license plate and going the extra mile for conservation.” The wildlife conservation specialty license plate features Wyoming’s iconic mule deer. The total initial price of the plate is $180 and a $50 renewal fee annually. The plate is available anytime - not just with renewals. Information on how to purchase the Wildlife Conservation License Plate is on the WYDOT website. Proceeds from the sales go to the Wyoming Department of Transportation Wildlife Conservation Fund to support roadway improvement projects like overpasses, underpasses, fencing and signage. Over- and underpasses, placed in the right area, can reduce collisions by up to 90%. Every year more than 6,000 big game animals in Wyoming are killed by vehicle collisions. “Deaths due to vehicle collisions and blocking wildlife movements are major impacts to our wildlife. With the purchase of a wildlife conservation plate, we can help make our roads safer for both wildlife and people,” said Brendon Weaver, Maven co-owner. All Wyoming businesses are invited to participate in the
challenge. “Keeping Wyoming roadways safe and allowing animals to continue with their natural migrations are fundamental to the future of Wyoming’s big game herds. I hope all Wyoming businesses participate in this initiative,” said Ike Eastman, president of Eastmans’ Publishing Company Businesses that do not deal directly with the public can also participate by purchasing license plates for their company vehicles or by making a direct donation. “We purchase wildlife conservation plates or our entire vehicle fleet. Wildlife roadway safety is an important issue for all Wyoming natural resource companies, wildlife enthusiasts, nonprofits, and drivers,” said Matt Hoobler, Director of Operations for Pathfinder Ranches. Visit the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website to get more information about discounts available to wildlife conservation license plate holders. Businesses who wish to join the club to help reach the 2020 goal can contact Game and Fish Outreach Specialist Glenn Pauley at (307) 777-4637 or glenn.pauley@wyo.gov. n
Help get 2,020 Wyoming Wildlife Conservation Plates on the highway by year’s end. There are 1,667 Wildlife Conservation Plates on Wyoming vehicles to date. Check out the county tallies:
The Wildlife Conservation Plate Challenge posts updates on social media with tallies from each Wyoming county. The above update was from the week of Oct. 26.
Current businesses participating in the Governor’s 2020 Wildlife Conservation Plate challenge • Absolute Archery; 10% off all in stock items, excluding special orders;
• JAX Outdoor Gear, Farm and Ranch; 5% off on all purchases;
• Cheyenne Motor Sports; 10% off parts, accessories, service*; up to $500 off* purchase of any new or used unit: $100 off purchase up to $5,000; $250 off purchase $5,001 to $10,000; $350 off purchase $10,001 to $14,999; $500 off purchase over $15,000;
• Maven Outdoor Company; 15% off on all merchandise;
• Eastmans’ Publishing Inc.; Free annual subscriptions to Eastmans’ Hunting Journal, Bow Hunting Journal, and TagHub hunting research database; • Gambles Furniture and Appliances; 5% off on any furniture or mattresses; • Gear Up and Get out There; 10% off on any in store product (excluding special orders and bikes); • Gunwerks; 10% off on Gunwerks products including rifles, optics, and merchandise;
• Midas (Cheyenne, Lincolnway); 10% off any automotive service (excludes tires, batteries), $50 off the purchase of a set of four tires; • Rocky Mountain Discount Sports; 10% off on all retail items excluding firearms and ammo; • Skull Bracket; 15% off on internet products; • Sunlight Sports; Free daily winter gear package rental (snowshoe, nordic skis, alpine skis or backcountry touring skis); • The Reef Fly Shop; 10% off on all retail items, $50 off on their guided fishing day trip rate;
• Thermopolis Fly Shop; 15% off all in stock inventory, guided fishing and hunting trips; • Two Rivers Motel; 15% off nightly rates; • Ugly Bug Fly Shop; 10% off on store item excluding guided fishing trips; • Wagner’s Outdoor Outfitters; 10% off on all retail items excluding firearms and ammo; • Weatherby; 10% discount for sales up to $5,000 on all factory and custom firearms purchased from their showroom store; • Westbank Anglers; 15% off all in stock retail products; and • West Laramie Fly Store; 10% off on all fishing supplies, ammo and $30 off on all firearms.
November 2020
n
Interchange
9
Aeronautics
Doyle Vaughan, Daniel Hawkins inducted into Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame for 2020 By John R. Waggener, Archivist, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming The Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The first inductions occurred in 1995, when Ralph Johnson, Harold Slim Lewis, Dillard Pic Walker and Samuel Phillips were inducted. Since the inaugural 1995 induction, only one individual is inducted each year. In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame, the board decided to select two individuals to be inducted into the hall of fame, Doyle Vaughan, of Jackson, and Daniel Hawkins, of Greybull. Daniel J. Hawkins operated highly specialized aerial services, including mountain flying, firefighting, search and rescue, surveying and hauling. An experienced fixed wing pilot, Hawkins also was a highly experienced helicopter pilot who used helicopters in a variety of applications. He was co-owner of Hawkins & Powers Aviation Inc., and co-owned several fixed-base operations in northern Wyoming, including Sky Aviation in Worland, Powell Aviation and Big Horn Airways in Sheridan. Hawkins began working for Greybull-based Avery Aviation in 1964. He became co-manager in December 1965, with Gene Powers. In 1969, they purchased the company, changing the name to Hawkins & Powers. At the height of operations, H&P had approximately 200 employees. Known for its innovations in aerial firefighting techniques and slurry delivery systems, Hawkins & Powers operated for more than 35 years before closing in 2005. Hawkins was a pioneer in the use of helicopters in mountain flying, search and rescue, the energy industry, agricultural and rangeland and wildlife applications. In 2000, he received the Helicopter Association International’s prestigious Robert E. Trimble Memorial Award for his mountain flying accomplishments and innovations and, in 2006, the Meritorious Service Award for his outstanding service to the civil helicopter community. Hawkins had numerous memorable moments in a helicopter, including placing a bison monument on top of Cedar Mountain, west of Cody, to mark the site where Buffalo Bill Cody wished to be buried. He also appeared as the helicopter pilot in the 1968 John Wayne movie, Hellfighters, filmed near Casper. Hawkins was born on May 25, 1927 in Pierre, South Dakota. At the age of 15, he began taking flight lessons. In 1944, he enrolled in Rapid City Aircraft Mechanic Vocation School. He then became a mechanic for the U.S. Army Air Corps at Rapid City Army Airbase (Ellsworth Air Force Base) where he worked on the B-17. Late in 1945, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. After his discharge, he returned to Rapid
10
Interchange
n
November 2020
Photo: Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame
Daniel Hawkins
Daniel Hawkins
City and joined Rushmore Flying Service as a mechanic. He earned his private pilot’s license in 1948 and joined the South Dakota National Guard. He then attended the Army Aviation School, where he completed fixed wing and helicopter training in 1956. Later, he was hired by Mississippi Valley Helicopters and worked out of the Rapid City operation where he provided helicopter support for the construction of the Minuteman Missile sites, and he patrolled power lines for Black Hills Power and Light. He married Jean Olson in 1949, and they had three children. Their son, Bob, became a pilot for his father’s company. Hawkins logged more than 30,000 flight hours in his 60 years of flying. He passed away on June 28, 2006.
Photo: Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame
Doyle Vaughan
Doyle Vaughan
Doyle Vaughan began flying in the 1950s. His professional flying began in Texas, where he joined an air service company. In 1962, Vaughan was selected by the U.S. Army to be an instructor pilot at Fort Wolters, Texas. While a U.S. Army Primary Helicopter instructor, he received the Gold Safety Certificate. After his service, he was hired by Hughes Tool Company as a corporate pilot. Vaughan came to Wyoming where, beginning in 1969, he operated a fixed-base operation at the Johnson County Airport in Buffalo. In addition to offering fuel and maintenance, he offered flight instruction, aerial spraying, a helicopter service, fire lookout and geological surveying. After a brief period as a line captain with the newly formed Federal Express, Vaughan joined another new company, Southwest Airlines, in April 1973. Vaughan was the eighteenth pilot hired to fly for Southwest. In 1984, the Vaughan family moved back to Wyoming where they settled in Jackson. Vaughan saw an opportunity for expanded commercial service and advocated for Southwest to serve Jackson Hole. In 1985, he was honored to fly the first Southwest flight into Jackson. He flew for Southwest until he reached the Age 60 Rule in 1993. While at Southwest, he logged more than 18,000 hours in the Boeing 737. Vaughan also was a charter pilot for Jackson Hole Aviation.
After retirement, Doyle Vaughan remained active in aviation by promoting flying in the area. He was involved with career days at Jackson Hole High School and the local Young Eagles program, where he introduced youngsters to flying. He worked closely with Wyoming Senator John Barrasso for support of the Fair Treatment for Experienced Pilot Act that was passed by Congress in 2007, raising the commercial pilot retirement age to 65. He served on the Jackson Hole Airport Board from 1999-2009. While serving on the local airport board, he worked closely with Grand Teton National Park officials to find mutually agreeable solutions, including improving runway safety while addressing environmental impacts. Vaughan served the citizens of Wyoming by serving on the Wyoming Aeronautics Commission from 2009-2020. Born in 1933 in Texas, Doyle Vaughan logged more than 28,000 flying hours. Doyle and Diana Vaughan’s enthusiasm for flying was shared with their family. Three sons became commercial pilots and a daughter became a flight attendant, all with Southwest. On January 30, 2017, Vaughan had the distinct honor of being on the last flight of a retired Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 with his sons on the flight deck. This was a special flight because he and his sons were the first to fly the aircraft when they delivered it from the Boeing Factory in Seattle to Love Field in Dallas on July 30, 1993. To recognize this historic moment and help honor the Vaughan family, Southwest offered them the captain’s yoke. Vaughan passed away on Oct. 7, 2020. The Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame is a non-profit, publicly supported, tax-exempt organization dedicated to honoring individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the establishment, development, and/or advancement of aviation in Wyoming. The organization comprises a board of directors and operates in conjunction with the Wyoming Aeronautics Commission. The late Red Kelso, of Cheyenne, began the effort to create the Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame. The initial selection of inductees was made by the Wyoming Aeronautics Commissioners, including Ray Hunkins, of Wheatland, Carol Lewis and Brad Mead, of Jackson, Bill Hallam, Lander, Gene Bannister, Gillette, and Mike Vase, of Rock Springs. Those who assisted in forming the hall of fame included Gerald Adams, who was a retired USAF colonel from Cheyenne; Toni Brown, of Gillette, who was the secretary of the Wyoming Pilot’s Association; Curt Kaiser, who had an investment firm in Cheyenne; Kristi Feusner, who was assistant manager of the Cheyenne Airport, and Dick Spaeth, who was the State Aeronautics Director at the time. Current board members include Kent Nelson, retired USAF colonel and former Wyoming Aeronautics Commissioner; Dean McClain, who operates an ag flying business in Torrington; and John Waggener, a University of Wyoming archivist and transportation historian. The WAHF maintains a display case that includes plaques with the inductee biographies, as well as artifacts. This case is scheduled to be placed in the new Laramie Regional Airport Terminal in the spring 2021. For more information about the hall of fame, to nominate an individual, or to make a donation, please call Board Chairman John Waggener, in Laramie, at (307) 766-2563. n
November 2020
n
Interchange
11
WYDOT committed to statewide snowplow priority plan
Photo: Rick Carpenter
By Aimee Inama The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) faces a tight budget this year and will strictly follow its plan for winter road maintenance. That means crews will still plow the roads but they may remain snowy. Road shoulders also may not get plowed immediately and crews may have to get to those sections later or the next day. WYDOT will also continue to use road traction materials such as salt and magnesium chloride and has a budgeted amount for those supplies. “We want to assure the public that we will continue to maintain the roads during winter storms to ensure we provide a safe and effective transportation system,” said WYDOT Director K. Luke Reiner. “Our crews will be out there diligently working to clear the roads.” WYDOT, like other state agencies, had to make budget reductions in response to decreasing revenues. However, WYDOT has a budgeted amount of money for winter maintenance that it will use to follow the snowplow priority plan. That plan outlines how often department crews go out and maintain high-, mediumand low-volume roads. “We will have to strictly adhere to our winter maintenance budget, which means there likely won’t be any wiggle room to go over budget if we have a particularly severe winter,” Reiner said. “However, we will continue to provide winter maintenance services based on our limited budget.” Additionally, school bus routes and the major highways will continue to be top priority. “We are asking motorists to make sure they plan ahead, slow down for wintry conditions and be prepared to drive on roads that may be snowy,” Reiner said. “We will do everything within budgetary limits to ensure roads are maintained and safe for motorists.” To view the snowplow priority plan, motorists can visit WYDOT’s website at http://www.dot.state.wy.us/home/travel/winter.html n
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.
Rick Ackerman Greg Barnes Marty Mayfield Chad Sanderson For more information about the Extra Mile Award or to nominate someone, contact Katherine.Castaneda@wyo.gov. 12
Interchange
n
November 2020
Travel & Tourism
Winter activities in Wyoming Wyoming Office of Tourism Wyoming is an outdoor lover’s paradise any time of year and is well-known for its world-class ski resorts, but that’s not all there is to do here in the cold season. Whether you want to hit the backcountry slopes, see the quieter side of a national park, or experience a relaxing getaway at a hot springs resort, Wyoming has something to offer.
Tons of activities for any adventure style
From low-key sleigh rides to challenging backcountry skiing, there is something for everyone in Wyoming in the winter. If you venture to the southwest corner of the state, you’ll find the oldest sand dunes in North America – without an ocean in sight. From the world-famous Jackson Hole Mountain Resort to the family-friendly Snowy Range Ski Area, there is a multitude of skiing options across the state. The locally owned White Pine Ski Area offers miles of cross-country skiing, and while Wyoming features tons of terrain great for avid skiers, Meadowlark Ski Lodge and Grand Targhee Resorts offer plenty of beginner and intermediate runs. Looking to try ice climbing? The South Fork Valley south of Cody has one of the largest waterfalls in the Lower 48 states. Plan your trip around the Cody Ice Festival, a multi-day event held in February with clinics from professionals and lots of climbing. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, book a half- or full-day dog sledding trip or watch the Pedigree Stage Stop Race, founded by local and eight-time Iditarod competitor Frank Teasley. Starting in Jackson Hole, mushers and their dogs race to be the first team to get to Teton County in the northwest corner of the state.
See the National Parks like never before
Winter is much quieter in our nation’s most popular national parks. Many of the roads and services are closed for the season, but if you are up for an adventure, you’ll have the place (mostly) to yourself. Grand Teton National Park offers ranger-led snowshoe walks, or set out on your own snowshoes or cross-country skis along the 15-mile road from Taggart Lake Trailhead to Signal Mountain Lodge. This stretch of road closes in November, making it a secluded winter wonderland to explore by foot. If backcountry skiing is your winter sport, there are a couple local guide companies that will take you out to spend the day on fresh powder in the backcountry. Road access is limited here and some parts of the park do close completely, but most of the park is open to skiers and snowshoers. Find more information here on planning your trip around the closures. At Yellowstone National Park in the winter, the geysers and wildlife are even more spectacular than during the summer. The entrances in Wyoming are closed to regular traffic during the winter, but that just means you’ll get to ride in on snowmobile or snowcoach, a unique way to see the park from a different perspective. Once you get in, many trails are open for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. The effort will be well worth it to see popular attractions, like Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon
of the Yellowstone, without the crowds. Winter also offers the opportunity to see bison, elk, river otters and more.
It’s a snowmobiler’s paradise
More than 2,500 miles of snowmobile trails criss-cross throughout the state, including the 270-mile Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail System, so whether you bring your own or rent a vehicle once you get here, the hardest part will be choosing where to start. There are both ungroomed and groomed trails and the season typically takes place between December and April. Cruise through the hills and valleys of the Bear Lodge Mountains along the northwestern edge of the Black Hills uplift, or head for the Bighorn Mountains for steeper hills and untouched powder. The Black Hills System includes 40 miles in Wyoming and continues on for 295 more miles into South Dakota. Other options include Casper Mountain above the town of Casper, the Snowy Range, the Wyoming Range, and Yellowstone National Park. The park is only open to guided snowmobile parties and advanced reservations are recommended.
Wildlife thrives in the winter
From bison in Yellowstone to mule deer and birds on Casper Mountain, wildlife is still very active in Wyoming in the winter. The National Elk Refuge in Jackson gives visitors the chance to see a wide variety of animals, including bison, coyotes, wolves, and eagles. Take a sleigh ride for a closer look at the several thousand elk who spend the winter here. The Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge in Sweetwater County is a migratory hotspot for a variety of birds from hawks to trumpeter swans. Some of the roads are closed in the winter, so check for any closures before you head out there. Bear River State Park in Evanston is a great spot to see bison, elk, and even pronghorn – a unique mammal that looks like an antelope (but isn’t related to them at all). The Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep have been a part of this region for thousands of years, and the Whiskey Mountain bighorn sheep herd is the largest wintering herd in the Lower 48. Check out the National Bighorn Sheep Center in Dubois for life-sized dioramas and more on the history of the animals.
Warm up in the Hot Springs
South of Jackson, Granite Hot Springs Pool is tucked away in a spruce, fir and pine forest. In the winter, the hot springs are accessible by snowmobile, dog sled, skiing or fat biking. If relaxing is the name of your vacation game, try Saratoga Hot Springs Resort in Saratoga, west of Laramie. With a restaurant, brewery and plenty of in-room amenities, you’ll find everything you could ask for in one place. The historic “hobo” pool along the Platte River is free and open to the public year round, 24/7. There’s also Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis. Sitting along the Bighorn River, this year-round park offers a free bath house that is 100% fed by mineral hot springs and is maintained at a therapeutic 104 degrees Fahrenheit. n
November 2020
n
Interchange
13
Training New assigned training released for all WYDOT employees By Kurt Borgaard, Training Services A new, assigned learning plan has been released to all WYDOT employees through the WELL: “WYDOT Workplace Fundamentals – 3 Year Recurring Learning Plan.” One key to an effective workplace is educating employees on laws and regulations that are applicable to our work environment. Such rationale supports training a workforce to understand lawful rules and standards, whether law or policy. As well, WYDOT’s values of Respect, Integrity, Dedication, Excellence and Safety – RIDES – should focus every employee on what is most important to WYDOT as an organization. As indicated in its title, this learning plan will contain content which will need to be completed initially and then again every
three years. In this learning plan, you will have access to content which is essential as an employee at WYDOT. Initially the learning plan contains one course. New content will be added to this Learning Plan as it is vetted and determined by leadership as necessary. The initial eLearning course is, “Anti-Discrimination and Sexual Harassment Prevention”. During the recent Town Hall meetings with Director Reiner, he highlighted the importance of WYDOT being an agency with zero tolerance for sexual harassment. This training will highlight the State of Wyoming Executive Orders and how to maintain a discrimination and harassment free workplace, with a focus on sexual harassment prevention. This training needs to be completed within 60 days of assignment. If you need assistance accessing this Learning Plan or eLearning course in the WELL, contact any Training Services staff or send us an email at dot-training@wyo.gov. n
Training Training @ @a a Glance Glance In November: Date Class
Check out these upcoming training Check out thesefrom upcoming training opportunities WYDOT-U, the opportunities from WYDOT-U, the Transportation Learning Network (TLN) Transportation Learning Network (TLN) and the new WELL. and the new WELL.
Hours
Location
11/4/20
Safety Inspection of In-Service Bridges: Pre-Season Tips and Advice
8:30am - 11:30am
TLN-Webinar
11/9-10/20
ABCs of Employee Engagement in a Remote Workplace
8:30am - 12:00pm (both days)
TLN-Webinar
11/12/20
Fundamentals of Hydraulics Systems 101 WEB-1165
8:00am - 12:00am
TLN-Webinar
11/16/20
Adjust to Change
8:30am - 10:30am
TLN-Webinar
11/17/20
Home Based Office
9:00am - 10:30am
TLN-Webinar
11/17/20
MBTI Application: Communication
8:30am - 4:30pm
WYDOT-VILT/Webinar
11/18/20
Slips, Trips, and Falls
8:30am - 10:00am
TLN-Webinar
Coming in December: Date Class
Hours
Location
12/9/20
Risk Management 101 Personnel WEB-1166
8:30am - 10:30am
TLN-Webinar
12/10/20
“Know WY. New Employee Onboarding Workshop
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
WYDOT-VILT/Webinar
12/15/20
The Flexible Leader WEB-1167
8:00am - 12:00am
TLN-Webinar
Visit the Training Services intranet page for more information. Visit the Training Services intranet page for more information.
C
IT
ET
K LIC
OR
click it or ticket. no excuses.
T IC K
14
Interchange
n
November 2020
By Geoffrey McPherson, Employee Safety According to the American Heart Association (AHA), workers in the construction/highway maintenance industry have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease than employees in other fields. A worker with heart disease is 60% more likely to retire on disability and to retire early due to health conditions than workers without heart disease. Although workers in any industry can suffer a sudden heart attack or stroke, studies have shown that construction/highway maintenance workers are at a higher risk of heart conditions and sudden cardiac injury. The WYDOT family is made up of many different community members. Each is part of the fabric of a successful organization that has to work in the most extreme elements while maintaining open transit ways. Sometimes our employees may fall ill and the quick response by their fellow peers could be the difference between life and death. Do you know how to recognize a potential heart attack or stroke?
Heart Attack symptoms
Chest discomfort – Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes – or it may go away and then return. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. Discomfort in other areas of the upper body – Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. Shortness of breath – This can occur with or without chest discomfort. Other signs – Other possible signs include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
Photo: WYDOT
Employee Safety
Stroke symptoms – remember BE FAST
Balance – Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or coordination Eyes – Sudden trouble seeing out of one or both eyes Face – First, check for facial weakness. An uneven smile or weakness on one side could mean trouble Arms – Next, check for arm weakness. Inability to raise both arms evenly could be another sign. Speech – Check for impaired speech. Slurred speech or difficulty repeating simple phrases could mean a stroke. Time – Immediately call 9-1-1. If you notice either of these symptoms in a co-worker, immediately call for assistance, remain calm and reassure the individual. These steps can save lives. n
November 2020
n
Interchange
15
State Parks Proposed fee increase for state parks, public comment welcome The Wyoming Division of State Parks is accepting public comment through Nov. 14, on proposed fee increases expected to go into effect Jan. 1, 2021. The public is encouraged to submit comments to the Secretary of State’s website at http://rules.wyo.gov or via email to state.parks.parks@wyo.gov. Several public meetings are also in the planning stage at various locations throughout the state. “All revenue collected through visitor fees goes right back to Wyo Parks’ sites to fund operation/maintenance costs, new projects, site enhancements and resource protection” said Wyoming State Parks Deputy Director Dave Glenn. “Current revenue shortfalls and necessary budget reductions will require an increase in revenue in order to keep state parks and historic sites open, staffed, and maintained. Fees collected from visitors do not fully fund Wyo Parks operations. Wyo Parks also relies on general fund dollars and funding from other sources such as grants, motor boat gas taxes and donations.” Under the proposed increases, residents will see a $1 increase in day use fees and a $1 increase in camping fees compared to current peak-season rates. Non-residents will see a $3 increase in day use fees and a $4 increase in camping fees. Annual day use permits will increase by $8 for residents and $26 for non-residents. Annual camping permits will increase by $30. Annual permits will continue to be an exceptional value and begin saving visitors money after just 7-8 visits. Additional vehicle permits will be half the cost of original permits. The new rates would take effect Jan. 1, 2021. The new fee structure would also eliminate peak and off-season rates, moving to year-round pricing. A copy of the proposed rules may be obtained on the Wyoming Administrative Rules System: https://rules.wyo.gov by using the advanced search for proposed rules, or by contacting Wyo Parks Headquarters at 2301 Central Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82002 or by email to state.parks.parks@wyo.gov. n
WHP
Total number of employees: As of October 1, 2020
1,910
One month ago
1,942
One year ago
1,926
16
Interchange
n
November 2020
Total number of highway fatalities: As of October 12, 2020
102
District News Headquarters
Welcome Debbie Churchill, Financial Services-Disbursements; Kathryn Everett Driver Services-Policy and Records; Kameron Stroup, Bridge-Engineering Design.
Promotions and Transfers Gabriel Martinez, Traffic-Sign Shop.
Service Awards
Martinez
Kevin Stogsdill, Highway Development-Project Development – 30 years; Duwane Floy, Construction Stogsdill
Floy
LaBorde
Legerski
Scheidemantel
Young
Pittsley
One year ago
128
Staff – 25 years; Maria LaBorde, Internal Review – 20 years; Donald Legerski, Geology – 20 years; Scott Scheidemantel, IT-Financial Systems – 20 years; Tiffanie Young, Patrol-Support Services Operations – 20 years; and Amy Pittsley, Patrol-Support Services Operations – 10 years.
Congratulations Cori Schrinar has been selected as the WYDOT’s Procurement Manager effective Oct. 19. n
Schrinar
Retirements
Karen Goehring retired Sept. 15 from IT-Financial Systems as a senior computer technology business applications analyst with 32 years of service to the state. Goehring began her career with the Wyoming Department of Revenue in August 1988 and worked as a Goehring technical records specialist, driver’s license examiner and fiscal processing technician before the state’s reorganization creating WYDOT in 1991. Diana Gorman retired Sept. 2 from Patrol-Administration with 13 years of service to WYDOT and WHP. Derek Mickelson retired Oct. 10 after serving Wyoming’s citizens for 21 years. Capt. Mickelson began his WHP career in Rawlins before transferring to Casper. He was promoted to lieutenant’s rank in Laramie’s Division J in 2009. While in Division J, he supervised Mickleson the area while dealing with large scale events on the summit. In 2011, he was promoted to captain overseeing the Safety and Training section in Cheyenne. This section covers the Safety Education program, Media Relations, Recruiting, the Drug Recognition Expert program, the Academy, and record-keeping for patrol.
District 1 Laramie Maintenance-Guardrail; and John Vance Jr., Rawlins Patrol.
Welcome Chris Bowden, Medicine Bow Maintenance; Adam Cyr, Highway Development-Project Development-Laramie Design Squad; and Jayden Forbes, Highway Development-Project Development-Laramie Design Squad.
Promotions and Transfers Ralph Tarango, District 1 Administration; Jason Vallier,
Service Awards Richard Christopherson, Elk Mountain Mechanics – 30 years; and Bryce Sanchez, Highway Development-Project Development-Laramie Design Squad – 5 years. n
Christopherson
Tarango
Photo: WYDOT
Kurtis Briggs retired Sept. 11 from the Materials Lab with more than 19 years of service to WYDOT. Briggs, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, spent his entire WYDOT career in the Materials Lab, soils and surfacing section.
Vallier
Laramie area Trooper Aren Peter was presented his 5-year service award by Trooper Brock Weitzel – socially distanced, of course.
Vance Jr.
District 2
Service Awards
Retirements
Danny Hobbs, Casper Maintenance – 40 years; Scott Elliott, Douglas Mechanics – 15 years; and William Strahan, Chugwater Maintenance – 5 years.
William Morvee retired on Sept. 8 with 20 years of service to the state. He worked in Douglas Maintenance as a Highway Maintenance technician. Morvee
Brian Wagner retired Sept. 1 from Casper Construction with 32 years of service to the state. He retired as a senior construction and field survey technician. n Hobbs
Strahan
November 2020
n
Interchange
17
Let us see your wheels! Get those photos in!
District 3
Kyle Creswell, Kemmerer Construction.
Promotions and Transfers William Vandenberg, Rock Springs Patrol.
Rides deadline:
11/15/20
James Dunford, Kemmerer Maintenance – 10 years; Dale Gardner, Driver Services-Evanston – 10 years; and John Cunningham, Driver Services-Jackson/Afton – 5 years.
Welcome
Retirements Calvin Williams retired July 14 with 19 years of service to the state. He began his career with WYDOT in August 2001. n
Vandenberg
Service Awards Bert Erickson, Afton Maintenance – 15 years;
Williams
carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov District 4 Timothy James, District 4 Support – 5 years; and Shawn Schoolcraft, Buffalo Mechanics – 5 years.
Ryan Wolfensperger, Hulett Maintenance.
Welcome Kayla Slack, Driver Services-Lander/Dubois/Riverton.
Service Awards
Wolfensperger
Ronald Kjos, Sheridan Traffic-Striping; and David Reid, Driver Services. James
Jason Fleming, Lovell Maintenance – 15 years.
Schoolcraft
Mark Schaeffer retired Sept. 2 from Worland Construction with 36 years of Schaeffer service to the state. Schaeffer began his career at the Wyoming Highway Department in 1983 as a temporary worker. He retires as a senior construction and field survey technician.
Sheridan Urban Striping foreman Erik Brannigan holding his daughter Addley May. She was born on Sept 23. n Kjos
Reid
Service Awards Charity Keierleber, Driver Services-Newcastle/Sundance – 15 years; Devin Glantz, Sheridan Traffic-Striping – 10 years;
18
Interchange
Glantz
n
November 2020
le Afte yc
ading! Re
Photo: WYDOT
n
r
Keierleber
Fleming
Retirements
Cradle Call
ease Re c Pl
Welcome
Promotions and Transfers
District 5
Awards By Aimee Inama Renée Krawiec wants her coworkers to be able to help educate motorists about the importance of donating their life-saving organs. The deputy program manager of the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s Driver Services program came up with an idea for an online training module so driver examiners could get the training they need to talk to drivers about the topic when they either renew or sign up for a new license. For her innovative approach to training, Krawiec received Donor Alliance’s Donate Life America DMV Innovation Award for both AAMVA Region 4 and the overall national DMV Innovation Award. Donor Alliance is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to saving lives through organ and tissue donation and transplantation. “We are proud of Renée’s hard work and dedication in ensuring our Driver Services employees are trained to help educate the public about the importance of organ donation,” said WYDOT Director K. Luke Reiner. “Renée took the initiative and came up with an innovate way to reach all of our employees throughout our state. Her work will ensure those in need can receive life-saving organs.” Krawiec, who has worked with Donor Alliance over the years and is a member of the Donate Life Wyoming State Team, said she was trying to think of different ways to get more information out to the public. “Every year Donor Alliance presents to our supervisors and I always think it’s great information,” Krawiec said. “I came up with the idea for the training because I just wanted to make sure all of our examiners received that information too so they could feel more comfortable having discussions with the public about this topic.” Krawiec then worked with Ryea’ O’Neil, of Donor Alliance, to create the training module. They then worked with WYDOT-U employees to create the training module that is now accessible to WYDOT employees through the WYDOT Employee Learning Library (WELL). The online training makes it possible for employees throughout the state to receive the same information in a timely manner. That means no one has to travel and employees can access the training on their computers. Currently, all Driver Services employees received the training in 2019 and 2020. Employees will continue to receive annual updates and additional training through the digital format. “Ryea’ also shared the training module with Colorado and now other states are interested in it as well,” Krawiec said. In addition to Krawiec’s recognition, Wyoming’s Donor Designation Rate (DDR) increased from 6th in the nation to 3rd for 2019. DDR is the rate at which individuals join the state organ and tissue donor registry as a percentage of licensed drivers and ID card holders.
Photo: Rick Carpenter
Renée Krawiec receives national honor for online training program
Driver Services Deputy Program Manager Renee Krawiec is lauded for her innovative online training module that helps driver examiners get the training they need to talk to drivers about the Donate Life program. She was joined for an award presentation by (from left) Director Luke Reiner, Driver Services Program Manager Misty Dobson, Krawiec and Support Services Administrator Taylor Rossetti.
“Through our partnership with Driver Services leadership and staff, more than 2/3 of Wyoming residents made the selfless decision to sign up on the organ, eye and tissue donor registry in 2019,” said Jennifer Prinz, CEO of Donor Alliance. “With nearly 150 Wyoming residents waiting for a lifesaving transplant, we know our work continues because the waitlist cannot wait. Wyoming may have a small population, but this milestone shows the people are mighty.” About 62.8 percent of Wyomingites said “yes” to organ, eye and tissue donation in 2019, more than a 2 percent increase from the previous year and surpassing the national average of 49 percent, Donate Life America (DLA) indicated. “We are truly excited about the increase in Wyoming’s Donor Designation Rate moving us from no. 6 in the nation last year to no. 3 this year,” said Misty Dobson, program manager for Driver Services. “This is a true testament to not only the support Wyoming citizens show for this amazing cause but also to the commitment of Driver Services employees to encourage Wyoming residents to ‘Check Yes’ when it comes to organ, eye and tissue donation on their Wyoming driver license and identification card application.” Wyoming has been recognized by AAMVA with the Bronze Award for the third highest DDR in the region in 2018 in addition to placing in the top 10 in the nation for DDR for the last several years. n
November 2020
n
Interchange
19
Passings Jerry L. Ellerman Jerry Lee Ellerman, 67, of Hermosa, South Dakota, died Sept. 18 as a result of injuries from a car accident. Ellerman was born Dec. 27, 1952, in Portland, Oregon, to Mary Belle Rittberger Ellerman and Roy LeVere Ellerman. He grew up in Portland, Ellerman the second of four children, with two brothers and a sister. In 1963, he moved with his family to Edmonds, Washington, where he attended primary and middle school. He returned to Portland in 1967 and graduated from James Madison High school in 1971. In 1972, he moved to the family farm outside of Spearfish, South Dakota, to work with his grandfather Rudolph Rittberger. He attended Black Hills State College, where he met Linda M. Hasselstrom. He graduated from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology as a civil engineer and started work with the Wyoming Highway Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency, in Cheyenne, on May 2, 1978. He retired in 2008 after thirty years working in various capacities including Bridge design team leader and Bridge operations engineer. During that time, he belonged to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge 660 in Cheyenne from 1981 to 1986 – appropriate for a man who was always benevolent and protective. Upon retirement in 2008, Ellerman moved – or as he put it on his Facebook page – “accepted new employment,” with Linda M. Hasselstrom on her family ranch near Hermosa. He built a woodworking shop with an attached garage for his vehicles, including his beloved 1947 Diamond T milk truck. He also adapted an already-existing building as a blacksmith shop and did considerable woodworking and blacksmithing for his family and friends with only the occasional loss of part of a finger. As a consultant to Michael Baker International, Ellerman kept his acquired engineering knowledge current. He also
20
Interchange
n
November 2020
headed the Building Committee for the Hermosa Arts and History Association, helping the organization advance rapidly with refurbishing the exterior of the building with new soffits and repaired stucco, and finalizing plans for the interior layout so that the building – constructed in 1889 as the Hermosa school – can be used for museum displays, meetings, research and archival storage. He had not done nearly as much fishing as he intended, but recently he enjoyed a day catching nothing in his favorite spots near Hill City. Halloween was Ellerman’s favorite holiday, so a celebration of his life was held during that week. When he lived in Cheyenne, he always wore a costume to answer the door, and would devise elaborate decorations to surprise trick-ortreaters, including a display in the garden gazebo he built at his home. Contributions in his honor may be made to Hermosa Arts and History Association, PO Box 175, Hermosa, South Dakota, 57744.
George A. Farrington George Allen Farrington, 79, of Medicine Bow, died Sept. 9 at Ivinson Memorial Hospital. He was born Aug. 28, 1941, in Lusk, to George Earl and Eva Grace (Pfister) Farrington. On June 23, 1962, he married Lorene M. Prelle in Alliance, Nebraska. Farrington He worked for the Wyoming Highway Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency, as a heavy equipment operator in Medicine Bow from 1968-1995. Farrington was an old car enthusiast, particularly regarding the Model A, and loved to go camping and fishing in the mountains. He was also a great storyteller, always recounting family history and connections. He was also a huge animal lover and advocate. After retirement, he enjoyed socializing at the Senior Center in Medicine Bow, which led him to competing in Wii Bowling.
Farrington was known as the “bikeguy” by local children, as it was his hobby to repair old bikes, fix, sell, or give away as the need arose. Memorial contributions can be made in Farrington’s name to the Medicine Bow Volunteer Fire Department or a charity of your choice. Family services will be planned at a later date.
Wendel E. Jones Wendel Edward Jones, 71, passed away Oct. 3 at the Platte County Memorial Hospital in Wheatland, Wyoming. Jones was born April 18, 1949, in Wayne, Nebraska, the son of Theodore Wendel and Wilma Louise (Meisner) Jones. Jones was raised and educated in Sidney, Nebraska, and Medicine Bow, Wyoming. In 1968, he graduated from Medicine Bow High School. Following high school he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Jones made the decision to enlist in order “to sleep on a cot” rather than to wait to be drafted and “sleep in a foxhole.” Jones was a good ranch hand – his passion was ranching which he did in some form or other throughout his life. However, he usually had a government job to support his ranching habit. In the 1980’s, he drove school bus and worked as a custodian for the Medicine Bow/Shirley Basin schools. In 1988, he moved to Muddy Gap and began his career with WYDOT, retiring in 2016 after 34 years of service. Jones then moved to Wheatland and fell right back into ranching, farming and tinkering on old tractors with his brother, “Uncle Terry.” In addition to working, Jones made time to be a rural firefighter. He was a member of the Carbon County Volunteer Fire Department while in Muddy Gap. He also became a member of the Palmer Canyon Fire Department. Services were held at Oct. 10 at the Wheatland Cemetery in Wheatland. Military honors were accorded by the Laramie Peak VFW Post #3558 and Ora Call American Legion Post #10.
Jared James Nuhn, 49, of Cheyenne, passed away Sept. 29 at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center. He was born Jan. 19, 1971, in Rapid City, South Dakota, to George and Karen (Brammer) Nuhn. Nuhn began his life on the Nuhn Ranch in Alzada, Montana, Nuhn then came to Cheyenne with his family. He graduated from Cheyenne East High School in 1989. After graduation he found a career that ‘rocked,’ where he worked in the Geology program at WYDOT for 23 years and was a lead driller. A family celebration of Nuhn’s life will be held at the Nuhn Ranch, in Alzada, Montana, at a later date. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Alzada Community Club. n
Your photos could be published in Wyoming Wildlife magazine Submissions for the 2020 Wyoming Wildlife magazine annual photo contest are being accepted online until midnight Nov. 23. Winning entries to be published in the February 2021 photo issue of Wyoming Wildlife. Contestants can submit up to 10 photographs; the maximum size for each is 9 MB. Each must represent one of the following categories: Wildlife; Scenic; Recreation; and/or Flora. Submissions are accepted online only. Photos must have been taken in Wyoming and cannot have been previously submitted to or taken on assignment for Wyoming Wildlife. Photographers are encouraged to practice ethical photography, keeping an appropriate distance and respecting animals and their habitats. For more information, complete submission guidelines and prizes, visit https://wgfd.wyo.gov/About-Us/ Wyoming-Wildlife/Photo-Contest-Entry. For questions, contact Patrick Owen at (307) 777-4547 or patrick.owen@wyo. gov. n
Letters Thanks to Motor Vehicle Services employees
Thanks for the speedy, friendly Driver Services office service
Thank you Jennifer Naatz. You ROCK! I really mean it – without ever meeting you. Your voice echoes KINDNESS that is so sorely missed in our world sometimes. Keep it up. Your upbeat kindness can light up someone’s day!
Wonderful, friendly staff at the Evans Road location in Jackson. I am new to the community and needed a drivers license. I was in and out in 30 minutes. The employee who assisted me was helpful and even provided advice on the types of disinfecting wipes WYDOT uses. We’re going to order them for the public library and save tons. It is the small kindnesses that will sustain us through COVID. Thanks again for great service.
Ruth Maverick Trucking
I just wanted to send Damion Aldana and Terri Curry a sincere thank you for all your help. I really love living and working in Wyoming because of people like you. It’s really nice to call in and get exactly the help I need even when the problem was because we were behind in our filings. Thank you all again. We really appreciate you.
All the best, Oscar Gittemeier
Alyssa Gaulke Office Manager – Sky Aviation
WTDEA Sh ou lder
Jared J. Nuhn
Back
le District 1 am Midd d aWTDEA H B el ly
Half-Hog Raffle He
Congratulations to the winners!
Rick Christopherson and Ralph Tarango each won a half-hog
November 2020
n
Interchange
21
refer a friend, get cash to spend Refer your friends or family to join WyHy and you’ll both receive $25 for every qualifying product and service they enroll in. Better yet, there is no limit on how much you can earn!*
find out more: WyHy.org/GetCash
Anyone in Wyoming can become a Member! Anyone in Wyoming can become a Member!
WyHy.org | (800) 442-2392 MemberServices@WyHy.org *Qualifying products and services include: any new Rewards Checking account, VisaÂŽ Credit Card, Auto Loan, Recreational Vehicle Loan, Signature Loan and/or Mortgage Product. All accounts opened will be verified and paid at the end of the month following account opening. No referral card or code needed to participate. Additional terms and conditions may apply and may change without notice. Promotion eligibility determined by WyHy Federal Credit Union. Contact the Credit Union in-person or online for full details regarding the WyHy Referral Program.
22
Interchange
n
November 2020
Break Time Find five differences in the two photos. Answers found on the intranet or in next month’s issue.
Answer to the October 2020 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
Retiree Employee
Change my address
Remove this address; person no longer lives here or is deceased.
Name change, I am a family member of a deceased employee, but I would like to continue receiving Interchange.
Name Current address City, State, Zip Previous address City, State, Zip
November 2020
n
Interchange
23
Interchange
Wyoming Department of Transportation 5300 Bishop Blvd. Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009-3340 Address Service Requested
Pre-sorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid Cheyenne, WY 82009 Permit No. 24
