Interchange - October 2012 by WYDOT

Interchange a WYDOT publication

October 2012, Vol. 40, Issue 10

DRIVER SERVICES

Evolving through challenges

Letters

A successful Partners in Pathways Celebration Ride enjoyed by many Dear Mr. Eddins, On behalf of Teton County, the town of Jackson, Friends of Pathways and the thousands of locals and visitors who enjoy our area’s pathways, we would like to thank you for your participation in the 2012 Partners in Pathways Celebration Ride. The event was a great success and we particularly appreciate your wonderful comments and the ongoing efforts of the Wyoming Department of Transportation. With more than 350 participants, the Celebration Ride brought together public and private partners on a local, state and federal level to celebrate a milestone accomplishment of which we can all be so proud. The completion of the pathway from the town of Jackson to Jenny Lake not only provides 20 miles of safe, scenic pathway to explore our natural wonders and promote outdoor recreation, but demonstrates the very best of partnerships in action. WYDOT was a central ally in this accomplishment and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to celebrate with you. Again, thank you so much for your and WYDOT’s continued support. We look forward to continuing to work together to promote pathways throughout Teton County and our surrounding National Parks and lands.

Sincerely, Ben Ellis, chairman, Teton County Commission Mark Barron, mayor, town of Jackson Mike Welch, executive director, Friends of Pathways

Thanks for help with summer triathlon To WYDOT personnelOn behalf of the city of Cody and the Paul Stock Aquatic and Recreation Center, I would like to thank you for your help with our eighth annual Summer Triathlon on Saturday, July 21 and the

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Interchange issuance of a highway permit for the bike course. The race was a great success and we received several thank yous and words of appreciation from participants. The local WYDOT office here in Cody was very helpful in providing us with signs to alert motorists there were cyclists on the highway. I certainly appreciate WYDOT’s contribution to making our race to run smoothly and to provide a safe cycling experience for the racers. We had competitors from all over the state, as well as participants from as far away as Virginia! I have already had inquiries about a race in 2013, and we are so pleased that this annual event is becoming one people mark calendars well in advance for. We look forward to working with you in the future and hosting the race again next summer. Thank you so much.

In best regards, Kelly Serfas Bower fitness coordinator city of Cody

WYDOT message heard statewide over holiday weekend Cody (Beers), We’re on Boysen catching catfish. Frank caught four big ones. Listening to the radio and heard your (WYDOT) message about drinking and driving several times. Also, Trooper (Robert) Henry, I hope they are listening, too! Good job. Your work and dedication saves lives. Have a nice holiday.

Theresa H.

Pleasant rest stops We recently traveled through your state to see our son who is in the military in California. We commend you on your wayside rests. The buildings and grounds were spotlessly clean and well kept. Your efforts at energy conservation are also noted. Good job.

John and Kay Davidson Letters continued on page 14

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, WY, 82009-3340. The Public Affairs Office may also be contacted by phoning (307) 777-4165, faxing (307) 777-4289, or sending e-mail to carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov

Staff WYDOT Director: John F. Cox Public Affairs Manager: Doug McGee Editor/Art Director: Carlie Van Winkle Contributors: Bruce Burrows Public Affairs Dave Kingham Public Affairs Carlie Van Winkle Public Affairs Ross Doman District 1 Jeff Goetz District 2 Stephanie Harsha District 3 Ronda Holwell District 4 Cody Beers District 5 Sgt. Stephen Townsend Patrol Photography: Rick Carpenter Public Affairs

Also in this issue

Contents

Letters.....................................2 District briefs.........................4

Training at a Glance......... 10 HR Happenings..................11

WYDOT by the Numbers....11 District news.......................12 In the Community.............14 Extra Mile Awards..............14

Noteworthy..........................16 Passings................................18 WYDOT Outdoors..............19

6 ‘Double Nickel’ Revisited 8 Driver Services

Evolving through challenges

15 WTDEA State Board Picnic

Fun, food, poker and prizes!

16 Smooth Wyoming roads 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 Web site home page.

On the cover: A closer look at Driver Services and the challenges they face Photos: Rick Carpenter

October 2012

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District briefs

A pickup and travel trailer engulfed in flame on eastbound I-80.

Doman, public involvement specialist for District 1, was headed back to Laramie from Cheyenne when he noticed a truck and recreational trailer, parked along the opposite side of the roadway, beginning to burn. In short order, the fire spread through the truck to the trailer as fuel tanks and tires exploded. Passersby stopped to help and then had to run for cover when propane tanks on the trailer exploded. Needless to say, the truck and trailer were a complete loss, but fortunately, no one was injured, Doman reported.

West Pershing project moving to final phase. Cheyenne – The Snyder Intersection reconstruction portion of the West Pershing project is complete and the intersection is open. Simon Contractors have completed upgrades to underground utilities including water lines and storm sewer upgrades as well as new traffic signals, sidewalks and pavement. Crews have moved into the final phase of the project starting just West of the Snyder/Pershing intersection with a closure that extends down to Dillon Avenue. Traffic will be

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Wardwell Road interchanges. Work began initially on the northbound lanes then switched to the southbound lanes.

Moving forward on Bryan Stock Trail onramp closure Casper - WYDOT is moving forward with plans to permanently close the I-25 eastbound onramp at Bryan Stock Trail. Factors involved in the plan include increased traffic on I-25, limited sight distance for users of the onramp and for those traveling on I-25 and a lack of an acceleration lane to merge into traffic. Those wanting to travel eastbound on I-25 would use the onramp from Old Yellowstone Highway. WYDOT held a public meeting Aug. 30 to discuss plans to close the onramp. A final date for the onramp closure has not been set.

Construction on the West Pershing and Snyder intersection is winding down. Finishing the upgrades to underground utilities are priority.

Resurfacing operations on Casper area highways Casper – WYDOT crews will be refurbishing the driving lanes of portions of Old Yellowstone Highway (US 20-26) and I-25. While there will be no road closures, traffic will be reduced during the asphalt milling and resurfacing. Crews began work on Old Yellowstone Highway between Salt Creek Highway and the Shoshoni Bypass Sept. 19. Work reduced traffic to two lanes. Once the project is complete, crews will move to I-25 where they will mill and resurface between Poplar Street and

Hoback Junction roundabout now open Jackson – WYDOT has opened the roundabout in Hoback Junction, on US 191-89. There are now currently five roundabouts on Wyoming’s highway system. Roundabouts are a safer, more cost-effective way to build some intersections. The National Cooperative Highway Research Program found converting intersections to roundabouts led to a 35 percent drop in

Photo: WYDOT

Photo: Ross Doman

WYDOT’s Ross Doman happened upon this vehicle fire last month near the Summit Interchange on Interstate 80.

detoured at Snyder and at Dey Avenue for this portion of the closure. Originally this phase was set up to be closed from Snyder to Randall but shortening the closure is necessary to maintain a manageable amount of work before winter. Any remaining work will be completed next spring. New water lines, storm sewer, curb and gutter as well as sidewalks will be completed in the section. Simon Contractors will reopen the corridor to unrestricted travel for the winter after completion of this phase. Work will then continue next spring on the remainder of the reconstruction from Dillon Avenue to the Randall/Pershing intersection and a final surfacing lift on the entire corridor.

Photo: Rick Carpenter/WYDOT

Not your typical fall colors photo

The Hoback Junction roundabout now in use.

End of paving marks milestone on the Togwotee Trail project

Paving Rosie’s Ridge, the last section of the Togwotee Trail to be finished.

Dubois – Final paving has been completed on the 38-mile, Togwotee Trail highway improvement project, located on US 26-287 between Dubois and Moran Junction. HK Contractors, Inc. finished paving the remaining 3.5-mile section of Rosie’s Ridge on Sept. 22. The first paving on the Togwotee Trail construction corridor began September 30, 2006 on the Brooks Lake section of the project. “Completion of the new highway’s paving is a milestone for everyone involved in the total reconstruction of this historic highway,” said Doug Jensen, WYDOT resident engineer in Dubois. Jensen went on to say, Cody Beers (left), public involvement “WYDOT is specialist for District 5, proud of what and Matt Groth, Public has been accomAffairs videographer, plished during check out the ongoing bridge replacement the rebuilding of project where MortiUS 26-287 over more Lane (Fremont Togwotee Pass.” County Road No. 20) Oftedal Concrosses the Little Popo Agie River just south struction is the of Lander. prime contrac-

Buffalo – McGarvin Moberly of Worland has completed paving the five mile stretch of WYO 196 south of Buffalo from milepost 294.5 to 299.5. This project was a Highway For Life project and WYDOT received a $500,000 grant to assist with the project. The purpose of

Photo: WYDOT

tor for the Rosie’s Ridge section of the Togwotee Trail project.

Paving on 196 south of Buffalo completed

A five-mile section of WYO 196 has been rehabilitated with two-thirds warm mix asphalt and one-third hot mix asphalt.

Highways for LIFE (HfL) is to advance longer-lasting highway infrastructure using innovations to accomplish the fast construction of efficient and safe highways and bridges. The project included the rehabilitation of pavement along both 12-foot travel lanes and a turning lane for approximately a mile of the project length. The project was done using warm mix asphalt for two-thirds of the surface and hot mix asphalt for the remaining one-third of the surface.

Mortimore Lane project progressing in Fremont County Mortimore Lane, which measures about 2.6 miles, provides a direct connection between WYO 131 (Sinks Canyon Road) and US 287 southeast of town. Flooding during 2010 washed out the previous bridge and the road has been closed to through traffic since then. The new bridge features a clear span across the river and has substantially higher clearance than its predecessor, reducing the chance of another washout. Work on the project geared up this spring, and the contract completion date is Nov. 30.

Photo: Bruce Burrows

crashes and a 76 percent drop in fatal or serious injury crashes. By keeping traffic moving and requiring fewer stops and accelerations than conventional intersections, roundabouts reduce delays and congestion, resulting in drops in fuel consumption and emissions. WYDOT’s roundabouts are singlelane, one-way slow speed circular intersections designed to reduce crashes and keep traffic flowing smoothly. Traffic moves in a counterclockwise direction and is constantly moving except when yielding to traffic in the roundabout and pedestrians in the crosswalks. WYDOT has created a page on their Web site to assist drivers in navigating this newly constructed roundabout. On the page, there is a short video about roundabout rules, an animation showing traffic flow and a diagram with short captions to teach drivers how to navigate roundabouts. You can access the page by going to www.dot.state.wy.us/wydot/news_info/ roundabouts or by going to WYDOT’s Web site at www.dot.state.wy.us and clicking “News and Information” on the sidebar and then clicking “Roundabout Education.”

October 2012

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‘Double

As summer turns to fall, work to remediate the problematic Double Nickel landslide on WYO 28 in the vicinity of South Pass is effectively complete. The slide area is located about 25 miles south of Lander, near milepost 55, hence the name, “Double Nickel.” WYDOT has experienced problems at the site intermittently since the late 1980s, which began following a realignment project on WYO 28. Initial efforts to remediate the landslide began in 1992. Large rock was used to construct a series of three “toe berms” at the bottom of the slide to serve as a buttress against further movement and also to facilitate drainage of a sizeable amount of groundwater emanating from a spring present within the slide plane. Nevertheless, movement of the slide continued, and by 1994, a more extensive repair had been undertaken to shift the alignment uphill and replace a portion of the hill side which supports the roadway with a “lightweight” fill consisting largely of shredded tires. The lighter fill helped lessen the weight pressing down on the embankment below the roadway, reducing the tendency for movement. Other measures taken at the time included placing a large culvert to enhance collection and discharge of water from the spring, as well as installing four more toe berms. Results of the 1994 remediation effort were generally good, with movement of the slide substantially slowed for a decade and a half. However, in May 2010, heavy, wet

7600 Pt = Tensleep Cliff Forming 7500 Pennsylvanian

7400

Pa = Amsden Limestone and Shale Pennsylvanian

Photo: Carlie Van Winkle

7300

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7200

Twr = Whi Terti

Mm = Madison Limestone Mississippian

Above: A sketch representing the geologic formation that the pilings are attempting to hold back. The pilings are drilled down into bedrock and then covered with dirt, leaving nothing to see from the highway. Right: DBM Crews drilling and then placing rows of steel pilings to keep the hillside stabilized.

Nickel’ Revisited snowfall followed by a quick rise in temperatures aggravated the situation, reactivating Double Nickel and causing significant road damage. “It was moving rather rapidly; at times, about a quarter inch a day. To the general public, that might not seem like a lot of movement, but in our world on the highways, that’s quite a bit,” WYDOT Project Geologist Kirk Hood said. Hood and other WYDOT geologists went back to the drawing board, and with the assistance of geotechnical consultant firm HNTB, came up with a different approach for remediating the landslide, which makes use of reinforced steel pilings for stabilization. The latest round of work began this past May when prime contractor Donald B. Murphy (aka DBM) Contractors Inc. began operations at the project site. DBM, based in Federal Way, Wash., specializes in projects which require innovative solutions for construction work involving geotechnical challenges. Installation of the pilings involved drilling more than 500 shafts all the way through the unconsolidated mass of earth and rock which comprises the slide plane. Steel rods were then inserted into drill casings -- which extend down into a stable bedrock formation -- and then grouted into place. The pilings are designed to anchor the hillside by effectively knitting the slide mass together and restraining further movement. The pilings range in depth from 80 to 110 feet and are situated in a series of four parallel rows. If laid end-to-end, the hundreds of steel rods used to reinforce the drilled shafts would have stretched out more than nine miles. The final phase of work, which began in late August, was reconstructing and repaving the 1,200-foot section of WYO 28 which has been damaged by the landslide. Several pilings are equipped with instruments, which will allow geologists to continue monitoring the landslide for evidence of additional movement. “We can detect movement both on the uphill side and the downhill side, and the instruments are constantly providing readings with the use of data loggers,” Hood said. – Bruce Burrows WYO 28 Stabilization Centerline

Pilings

ite River iary

Not to Scale Top: Repaving WYO 28 to repair slide damage. Center: Equipment attached to select pilings throughout the project area to monitor and alert of any movement in the area. Bottom: A concrete filled piling ready to be covered with fill.

Photos: Bruce Burrows

Overburden

Water

October 2012

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The Headquarters Driver Services crew, 1995. Front row from left: Lynn Funkhouser, Marianne Zivkovich, Cammy Kidd, Joan English, Bev Walker, Linea Hill, Vic Contratto. Second row: Dana Weickum, Nancy Coyle, Melody Johnson, Laura Steege, Cheri Rivera, Roxie Lopez. Third row: Deb Ornelas, Dawna Cape, Jan Barhite, Mark Briggs. Back row: Sharon Kettle, Amy Bale, Yvonne Coulture, Kayla Thompson, Jenine Frickie, Monty Manley.

Driver Services evolves through challenging year Driver Services offices around the state have weathered a challenging year dealing with new security requirements that, along with a growing population, have resulted in long wait times in some offices. “It’s been up and down, believe me,” Driver Services Program Manager Don Edington said. “We’ve made changes and improvements. We’ve tried things and then backed off and tried other things. It’s a learning experience every day practically.” The additional security measures are required under the Real ID Act approved by Congress in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The Wyoming Legislature adopted the Real ID requirements in 2009. After contracting with the current vendor for new card security requirements, Driver Services began requiring all documentation in June 2011. The new requirement that examiners review and electronically scan original documents to verify identity, Wyoming residence and Social Security numbers have significantly increased the time it takes to process license applicants and renewals.

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Cheyenne Driver Services examiners promptly attending to the customers as they come in the door.

Of the five examiners currently working in Cheyenne, only one now has more than a year of experience on the job. “It takes a special person to work out there with all those people,” Driver License Examiner Supervisor Laura Whalen-Steege said. “It takes dedication. We just keep our smiles.” Rock Springs Driver Services Supervisor Heather Carter said her two experienced full-time examiners have stayed on

the job, but she has had trouble keeping part-time workers. “I feel like it gets harder to come to work with all the new changes and requirements,” Carter said. “We have to deal with a lot of very angry and upset people. Very few understand that it is not our fault. We have much added stress.” Casper Driver Services Supervisor Wanda Johnson agrees the stress level has elevated since the new security requirements took effect. “It has been very difficult,” Johnson said. “At times the public is very rude and hateful to us. They call us names, they throw the papers and documents at us. They rip us up one side and down the other.” She has three experienced examiners, but three people hired this year have lasted only weeks or months on the job. “This is a very hard job to learn and understand,” Johnson said. “It takes months of training and loads of patience to deal with the public and all of the ongoing changes.” Not being able to take time off due to the shortage of help and having to work after normal business hours to process a lobby still full of customers is causing personal problems for employees, she said. Complying with the new security

requirements means Wyoming driver licenses now carry the gold star that allows them to be used to board commercial airline flights and gain access to secure federal facilities after Dec. 1, 2014. Licenses from states that do not comply with the federal standards will no longer be accepted for those purposes after that date for people under the age of 50. For those over the age of 50 on that date, the restriction will kick in on Dec. 1, 2017. “We’re actually front line homeland security now, examining all these original documents,” Whalen-Steege said. Homeland security responsibilities were not part of the Driver Services Program when it came to the newly Continued on page 10

Photo: Rick Carpenter

Photo: WYDOT Archive

Photo: Rick Carpenter

Dealing with the long lines and occasionally unprepared and angry customers has taken a toll on examiners. Fourteen people have left examiners positions this year. “Most of the summer we were going through hiring and training new people,” Edington said.

Smaller Driver Services offices, like our Wheatland office, encounter many of the same issues that our larger offices deal with.

Headquarters Driver Services staff, September 2012. Front row from left: Don Edington, Timmarie Bowie, Cammy Kidd, Marianne Zivkovich, Stephanie Olson, Therese McKinnon, Janet Fridline, Laura Steege, Nancy Coyle, Marion Gess, Helen Martin, Renee Krawiec, Judy Cummings, Crystal Christ, Ken Bixler, Kerry Casner. Back row from left: Lacey Osburn, Roxie Lopez, Beverly Kincaid, Debbie Meza, Pam Allsop, Debbie Trojovsky, Nicole Harvey, Dani Gallazzo, Janetta Bowey, Loretta Winger, Ashley Lee, Margaret Mordhal, Randy Taylor, and Leslie Jones.

October 2012

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considered, along with systems to give the public estimates of current wait times, or allow them to put their name in the queue of customers to be served and then get an automatic call, text or e-mail shortly before they would be “next.” Driver Services is also hoping to increase the number of computer stations applicants use to take the written tests, so more people can test while waiting for their turn with an examiner. Another of the examiners’ duties is

Photo: Rick Carpenter

Continued from page 9 formed WYDOT from the Department of Revenue as part of the reorganization of state government in 1991. Adoption of the additional security requirements, changes in driving under the influence laws and other legislation have added considerably to Driver Services’ workload since then. “DUI laws, ignition interlock, insurance verification systems, Real ID – all of that has come along since then,” Edington said. Those additional duties require additional manpower, and the program’s staff has grown, but not enough to maintain the short average wait times Wyoming drivers had experienced previously when getting or renewing their licenses or ID cards. Longer wait times have occurred around the state, but most noticeably in Cheyenne, Casper, Rock Springs and Gillette. “Every one of our four big offices could use at least one or two more people, and ideally I would like to see every office around the state that is now a two-person office have at least a three people,” Edington said. “Statewide we could add 20 people and keep them busy.” Adding those positions would require legislative approval. In 2010 the Legislature cut four Driver Services positions. This year it approved three of the six additional positions WYDOT requested. Edington said overtime being paid to cover the hours required for examiners to process customers already waiting in line when offices close their doors is probably similar to what it would cost to hire more examiners. The Casper office has hired a temporary worker to assist people waiting in the office, making sure they have the required documents. If a customer is there for a handicapped parking placard, driving record or something else that doesn’t require security documentation, the temporary worker can handle those requests. “They started it in mid-August in Casper and they really like it,” Edington said. The Cheyenne office began interviews for a similar position in midSeptember. Space constraints in the existing Driver Services building in Cheyenne limit the number of examiner positions that can operate there. Moving Driver Services to a larger building is being

Computer stations in a few locations increase the number of applicants who can take the written test while waiting in line for an examiner.

giving applicants road tests, and appointments are now being accepted for those tests. “That seems to help a lot, so people don’t have to wait and then find out there is no time to take the road test,” WhalenSteege said. Increases in the demands on the time of the Driver Services staff probably are not over yet. Full compliance with the Real ID Act will require operating three additional systems to verify birth certificates and passports and do state-to-state checks of license applicants. “Quite honestly, from what we’ve seen, these three systems are going to take more time out of our day,” Edington said. “We have a Quality Section now that basically looks at everything the examiners do. That’s another area we could use a couple more people in.” Edington said he appreciates the outstanding work of the Driver Services staff around the state under difficult circumstances during the past year. “I personally wish to extend my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to every employee across the state for your hard work, dedication and perseverance,” Edington said. “Each of you is what makes Driver Services a great place to work.”

Training ata Glance Here are upcoming training opportunities from WYDOT University and the Transportation Learning Network (TLN)

Date Class Oct 4 Oct 11,18,25 Oct 17 Oct 22-26 Oct 30 Oct 31

Coming Up in November: Nov 1 Nov 1

Location

The People Side of Project Management WYDOT - only TLN The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People TLN Conducting Long-Distance Meetings and Training TLN New Employee Orientation #1 (NEO) Cheyenne Improving Your Ability to Deal with Conflict WYDOT - only TLN Effective Listening Skills Cheyenne Improving Your Facilitation Skills Taking Care of the Customer

TLN Cheyenne

To register, or to find out more details, call the Training Program and talk to David Talley (777-4792), Jim Boyd (777-4791) or Rhonda DeLeeuw (777-4790). When you call, ask about the videos, books and audiotapes available from the Training Resource Library.

Employee’s Group Insurance (EGI) open enrollment period is upon us once again! We do have full open enrollment each year beginning Oct. 1 through Nov. 30. All forms must be received in the Human Resource office no later than Nov. 30 with changes being effective on Jan. 1, 2013. EGI will allow no exceptions! 2013 Flexible Benefits forms must be completed for the following reasons only: a.) If you would like to participate in the Medical Reimbursement Account (MRA), Dependent Daycare Account (DCA) or WrapAround Medical Reimbursement Account (WMRA) for the year 2013, you MUST complete that section of the form. Note: If you currently participate in the MRA, DCA or WMRA and want to continue, you MUST re-enroll each year. This is a one year contract! b.) If you would like to change your pre- or post-tax election you must complete that section of the form. If you do not wish to participate in the MRA, DCA or WMRA for the year 2013 and you do not wish to change your pre- or post-tax election, you do not need to submit the Flexible Benefits form. During open enrollment you can: • Add/drop dependents from health/dental insurance. • Add optional dental if it has been three years since you waived coverage. • Add/drop the vision insurance if it has been two years since you enrolled or waived coverage. • Change your deductible election. Watch for the Benefit Press that will be distributed by Employee’s Group Insurance soon!

2012 Insurance Open Enrollment If you have questions, please contact your Human Resource Representative:

Lorrie Abeyta: Alicia Glover: Susie Hoyt: Debbie Russi:

777-4104 777-4362 777-4467 777-4377

Total number of employees: as of Aug. 30, 2012

2,046

One month ago

2,056

One year ago

2,023

October 2012

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District news

Right-of-Way retirements spur big changes

Headquarters

Cradle Call

Allison Anderson, Patrol Dispatch Manager; James Barrett, Patrol Dispatch Manager; Timmarie Bowie, Driver Services-Policy and Records; Weston Fertig, Highway Development-Project Development-Utilities; Michael Gray, Patrol-Safety and Training; Sarah Hampton, Patrol Dispatch Manager; Lynetta Hernandez, Patrol Dispatch Manager; Jason Jurca, Patrol-Safety and Training; Brian Kessler, Patrol-Safety and Training; Jeffrey Kling, Highway DevelopmentPhotogrammetry/Survey; Joshua Powell, Patrol-Safety and Training; Richard Rhoades, Patrol-Safety and Training; James Rose, Patrol-Safety and Training; Jenny Stalo, Patrol Dispatch Manager; John Vance Jr., Patrol-Safety and Training; Ross Washburn, Patrol-Safety and Training; and James Weck, Patrol-Safety and Training.

Stevie Marsh, Information Technology, and husband, Regan, former Project Development Assistant Squad Leader, welcomed their first child, Leo William, into the world on June 18. Leo weighed 6 pounds and measured 19.5 inches long.

Service Awards

Earleen Weaver, Motor Vehicle Services-Registration/Title – 35 years; Cheryl Bean, Aeronautics – 30 years; Charles Cisco, Materials-Surfacing – 25 years; Lacey Bruckner, Compliance Investigation – 15 years; Kirk Hood, Geology – 15 years; Jennifer Marshall, Patrol Dispatch – 15 years; Dawn Pratz, Facility MaintenanceCustodial – 15 years; Daniel Sutton, Materials-Surfacing – 15 years; Timothy DeVoss, Maintenance Staff – 10 years; Michelle Hess, Patrol Dispatch – 10 years; Julia Ray, Motor Vehicle ServicesRegistration/Title – 10 years; Patrick Reibe, Facility MaintenanceSecurity – 10 years; Davin Birge, GIS/ITS – 5 years; and Scott Prettyman, Telecommunications-District 1 Radio Shop – 5 years.

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District 1

Welcome

William Barnes, Cheyenne Maintenance; Justin Fehlberg, Cheyenne Maintenance; Dakota Smith, Highway Development-Project DevelopmentLaramie Design Squad; Steven Taggart, Rawlins Construction; and Trenna Terrill, Highway Development-Project Development-Laramie Design Squad.

Service Awards Aaron Spenny, Rawlins Construction – 10 years; and Peter Stinchcomb, Cheyenne Construction – 5 years.

Retirements

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ea Pl

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Christopher Farrell, Elk Mountain Maintenance.

ading Re !

John Sherman, Right Of Way-Administration.

The Marsh family with newest addition, Leo William.

Retirements

Photo courtesy Val Rothwell Photography

Welcome

A literal “changing at the helm” in the Right-of-Way Program at headquarters is resulting from the recent retirements of veteran managers John Sherman and Ron Archuleta. Sherman, lands management administrator, retired in early September, ending a 32-year career with WYDOT. John Sherman

Ron Archuleta

Craig Alexander

He had served as program manager for Right-of-Way the past 12 years. Sherman began with the agency in 1980 as a trainee in appraisals. He went on to positions as review appraiser, principal appraiser and lands management manager. He is a Cheyenne native and a graduate of the University of Wyoming. In 1992, Sherman became one of the handful of individuals in Wyoming to attain the designation of Member of the Appraisals Institute, an organization which sets national standards for education and experience in the appraisal industry. Ron Archuleta, assistant right-ofway administrator, had left the agency a month earlier. Archuleta’s career spanned nearly 33 years, and he served as assistant administrator since 2000. He first worked for Right-of-Way as a negotiator. Craig Alexander was subsequently named to replace Archuleta. Alexander has been with WYDOT since 1984, starting as an engineering technician in his hometown of Sundance. Alexander moved to Cheyenne in early 1990 and later the same year transferred to Right-of-Way. Since then, he has served as a lands management representative, principal appraiser, review appraiser and most recently, appraisal supervisor. A replacement for Sherman as program manager is forthcoming.

District 5

Welcome

Michael Boughton, Wheatland Maintenance; and Kacee Ewing, Torrington Maintenance.

Steven Armstrong, Ten Sleep Maintenance; and David Bilderback, Basin Maintenance.

Service Awards

Angela Lola, Driver Services – 35 years; Stan Schlichenmayer, Wheatland Construction – 30 years; Shawn Stroud, Torrington Patrol Field – 15 years; Landon Schaff, Casper Construction – 10 years; Shane Powell, Casper Maintenance – 5 years; and Ryan Schneider, Torrington Maintenance – 5 years.

Jon Jensen, Dubois Construction – 10 years; and Jess Forton, Lander Traffic Striping – 5 years.

Congratulations Lusk maintenance employees have gotten promotions. Robert Musfelt has been promoted to heavy equipment operator and Ed Tirado was promoted to a TNHM05.

District 3

Welcome

Jesse Boyles, Lyman Maintenance; Nathan Harrison, Lyman Maintenance; Renita Hurdsman, Lyman Maintenance; Nicholas Jones, Patrick Draw Maintenance; Maria Ortiz, Driver Services-Rock Springs; and Kasandra Praegitzer, Evanston Port of Entry.

Congratulations

Retirements Earl Frye, Lander Patrol Field.

Doug Jensen, Dubois engineering, moves to Cheyenne as assistant contracts and estimates engineer. Adam Powell, Riverton construction and field survey assistant promoted to construction and field survey technician.

Condolences Army Specialist Mabry James Anders was killed in action in Afghanistan on Aug. 27. Spc. Anders is the son of Dan and Gretchen Anders of Shell. Dan Anders was with Basin traffic before leaving WYDOT.

How many WYDOT employees does it take to get a kitten out of the engine of a WYDOT vehicle? Four, to be exact! Shawn Franzen, Worland foreman (standing); Jason Fleming, Basin maintenance (reaching under); Robert Emmett, Basin foreman (not in view); and Matt Jones, Worland assistant foreman (leaning in vehicle).

Photo: WYDOT

District 2

September Service Award Recipients

Service Awards Becky Ranta Fox, District 3 Administration – 10 years.

District 4

Welcome

Julie Altaffer, Driver Services-Gillette; and Earl Smith, Gillette Maintenance. Carl Clements, Sheridan Patrol Field – 30 years; Gregory Peterson, Moorcroft Maintenance – 5 years; and Guy Phillips Moorcroft Maintenance – 5 years.

Retirements Roger Gillett, Hulett Maintenance; and Gregory Petersen, Moorcroft Maintenance.

Photo: Rick Carpenter/WYDOT

Service Awards

Service award luncheons are held by the Transportation Commission for employees celebrating milestones of 25 years of service or greater. This month’s service award recipients: (l to r) Pat Busskohl, Angela Lola, and Capt. Carl Clements. October 2012

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In the Community WYDOT golf league

Buyske, Justin Chavez, and Ron Chavez.

Extra Mile

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. Matt Sanders

Richard Taggart

Shawn Coggins

Scott Hamilton

Craig Reichert

John Poelma

Shane Wilson

Heath Oetken

Jesi Ehlers

Pete Brennan

Darrell “Pete” Herman

Jim Wasson

Bruce Daigle

Robin Nichols

Carl “Joe” Eggleston

For more information about the Extra Mile Award or to nominate someone, contact Janet Farrar at janet.farrar@wyo.gov or Mel Anderson at mel.anderson@wyo.gov. n October 2012

followed their last rounds. The WYDOT golf league thanks WyHy for being a sponsor of the 2012 Golf Scramble. “At the scramble tournament there were no eagles, some birdies, and a few antelope,” jokes Destry Schildmeier. If you missed out on the golf league this summer but would like to participate in the future, please contact Benoit Cordoba for more information.

Winner thanks WTDEA

Congratulations August recipients!

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Jason Hayden, left, and Tony Laird were the winners in the WYDOT golf league.

Letters continued from page 2

AWARDS

Photo: WYDOT

Thanks to the hard work of some headquarters staffers, a golf league formed for WYDOTers and their families and friends. Matches throughout the summer were played at various golf courses, defaulting to the Airport Golf Course in Cheyenne if no other course was chosen. The inaugural year of the WYDOT golf league boasted 21 employee partici- The winners of the WYDOT Golf Scramble. From left, Kathryn Sednek, Jim

Photo: WYDOT

founded in Cheyenne, tournament scramble held to end season

pants, one retiree and five others to make up a total of 10 teams. Four teams participated at the first WYDOT Golf Scramble held at Warren Golf Course this September. Sandwiches after the ninth hole sustained the teams and an awards presentation

Hi Janet (Vossler), I just wanted to say thanks again for the $100! What a wonderful surprise. I just dropped off my daughter (and most of my money) last week at Idaho State University, so this will certainly come in handy. For what it’s worth, I am a big supporter of WTDEA. I always buy the raffle tickets, even for stuff I don’t want (like the rifles and the four wheelers) because I think the things you do are important. Keep up the good work! Please let the rest of the board know how much I appreciate being chosen the winner! Have a great day.

Pam Allsop WYDOT, Accident Desk

WTDEA WTDEA State Board pic-

in Buffalo, Bloedorn Lumber in Buffalo, Buffalo Museum, WYDOT Employee Safety, WYDOT Bicycle Safety, WYDOT Wyoming Highway Patrol Safety and Training, and Buffalo Cenex.

nic and poker run

Photo: Janet Vossler

Every two years the State Board picnic is hosted by WTDEA in a different district. This year, District 4 took its turn in showing its hospitality. WTDEA State Board members donned their coats to set up this year because the morning of Aug. 25 was a brisk one in Buffalo’s city park – a mere 40 degrees. The day warmed up and was enjoyed by many.

The picnic offered a complete barbecue spread, compliments of the WTDEA. All were welcome, including an open invitation to the residents of Buffalo, and more than 70 people attended. William Sands was also in attendance. Sands, a WYDOT retiree from Buffalo, turned 100 years old this past April. He was quite touched that he was mentioned as an honored guest at the picnic. Door prizes of tools, thermos bottles, ball caps, WHP stickers, pencils, paintings, and bags filled with assorted WYDOT items were awarded to a few lucky attendees. In addition to the door prizes, WTDEA awarded the prizes from the State Board Relief Fund raffle. The winners were: first prize of a $1,000 prepaid VISA card – Steve Hinton, retired Casper

Photo: Robert Zigweid

William Sands and guest arriving at WTDEA Buffalo City Park.

2012 winners of the Annual August WTDEA State Board $100 Drawing: Pam Allsop, Headquarters – Driver Services; Kelly Smock, District 1 – Elk Mountain Maintenance; Pete Herman, District 2 – Wheatland Maintenance; Heather Carter, District 3 – Rock Springs Driver Services; Leo Simons, District 4 – Gillette Maintenance; and Rob Dalin, District 5 – Basin Mechanics. Congratulations to winners of all the WTDEA raffles. The WTDEA thanks WYDOT for their support.

Photo: Robert Zigweid

Gathered members of the WTDEA 2012-2013 State Board. (from left) Dighton Brazee, Ryan Sorenson, Kevin Mickle, Dennis Santora, Jason Price, Robert Zigwied, Tony Niswender, and Janet Vossler.

equipment shop foreman; second prize of a Nikon digital camera – Ida Smith, Cheyenne WHP dispatch; and third prize of a 17 HMR lever-action rifle – Alan Henrikson, Riverton maintenance. While the crew was setting up for the barbecue in Buffalo, the WTDEA Poker Run was revving up in Casper. The roar of no fewer than 15 motorcycles could be heard from Casper to Thermopolis with additional stops in Kaycee and Buffalo. Poker hands were drawn and played in each town and even those not on motorcycles were allowed to draw a hand. Robert Zigwied won a hand and was awarded the biggest jackpot. He donated the winnings back to the relief fund. In all, more than $750 was made for the fund.

Photo: Robert Zigweid

Photo: WTDEA

State Board president, Tony Niswender, presenting Steve Hinton with the first prize for the WTDEA State Board Relief Fund raffle.

Kevin Mickle at the grill as others gather for the event.

WTDEA would like to thank the following community sponsors: NAPA in Casper and Cheyenne, Ace Hardware

Many gather to enjoy food and conversation at this year’s WTDEA State Board picnic.

October 2012

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Noteworthy WHP Trooper’s son wounded in Afghanistan

Lander – An intense firefight between Taliban insurgents and Special Forces troops in Afghanistan wounded Marine Cpl. Ben Hockett, whose father Dave Hockett’s is a WHP Trooper based in Lander. Cpl. Hockett, 23, was shot in the right arm while at the rear gun of a V-22 Osprey, a tilt-rotor aircraft. The bullet ripped through his upper arm, shattering the humerus, as the Osprey was lifting off with a cargo of Australian Special Forces troops. Hockett was flown to Bagram AFB – Afghanistan

where he was given emergency medical attention. He was later flown to a U.S. military hospital in Germany and then on to Bob Wilson Naval Medical Center in San Diego where he underwent an extensive seven-hour surgery. The surgery inserted a nine-inch stainless steel plate into his arm to replace the missing portion of bone. Trooper Hockett relayed information Cpl. Ben Hockett to his WHP family

and word traveled fast to WHP trooper Regina Schulmeister who was waiting for Marine Cpl. Hockett on the tarmac in Germany. Schulmeister is currently deployed with the Wyoming Air Guard’s 153rd Airlift Wing in Germany. She sent many reports back to Wyoming. Cpl. Hockett is now recovering and has since been awarded an “Aussie Hero” award for assisting in the extraction of Australian Special Forces troops that day in August.

Photo: Steve Schlager

Photo: Steve Schlager Photo: Steve Schlager

Steve Schlager of Wyoming Scenic Photography says he loves Wyoming for its beauty, wide open spaces and also the smooth ride on its highways. On a recent ride back to Casper from the Denver airport he took long exposure photographs that provide visual evidence of the difference in the smoothness of the ride between Colorado and Wyoming highways. With more traffic and light sources, the photos taken on the Colorado portion of I-25 are lighter, but the jaggedness of the lines created by those light sources show the difference in the smoothness of the ride the camera was experiencing.

Photo: Steve Schlager

Smooth Wyoming roads to be proud of

A camera captures a nighttime I-25 drive from Denver International Airport to Casper. Notice the well-lit portion shows the roughness of the road while the darker, more rural areas are smooth.

Mobile mapping from a map maker’s perspective WYDOT’s Curtis Clabaugh recently shared an article with LiDAR News, as a guest contributor. Clabaugh had attended the Transportation Research Board Committee for Geospatial Data Acquisition Technologies in Design and Construction this past summer in Philadelphia and shared thoughts with those in his field of study.

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n October 2012

In the article submitted to LiDAR News, Clabaugh notes that many of the forums focused on mobile mapping and the latest technologies. Many of these technologies, while being state of the art, may not generate the quality and precision that engineering designers desire. Clabaugh points out that collecting high quality data is the best solution. To read Clabaugh’s article in it’s entirety, go to www.lidarnews.com/content/ view/9146/ Curtis Clabaugh

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800.442.2392 307.638.4200 Cheyenne 307.234.2373 Casper October 2012

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Passings Jack Cameron

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n October 2012

John Logan “Jack” Marcus, 71, died July 18 at his home in Basin. Jack worked for WYDOT until his retirement in 2007. Jack was born July 10, 1941, in Greybull, the son of Albert and Dorothy Marcus. He grew up and received his education in Basin and graduated from Basin High School in 1961. He was very involved in Future Farmers of America in high school and received the State Farmer Degree. He attended Casper College. After college he moved back to Basin to work. He married Catherine Beeson Feb. 18, 1966. The couple lived in Shirley Basin for four years before they returned to Basin to raise their children. Jack enjoyed his work, camping in the mountains, welding, reading and spending time with his family. He will be remembered for the love he showed for his family and his friends and his keen sense of humor. Memorial donations can be sent to Security State Bank, Box 531, Basin, WY 82410. The donations will be given to the Shriners Children Hospital.

Photo: Lon Pfa u

s Photo: Cori Hasting

Jack Cameron passed away on Aug. 21 at his home in Casper. He was born on July 15, 1940 in Torrington. He spent his childhood and attended school in Torrington. On July 5, 1960 he married Judy Freel in Cheyenne and together they had four children. In 1967, they moved their family to Lander, which became their home for many years. Jack worked for the Wyoming Highway Department for several years, eventually retiring in 1995. He spent many nights plowing snow while his family waited at home for him. Jack’s passion was rodeo and bull riding and he spent most of his time enjoying some aspect of rodeo. He rode bareback in the Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo when he was younger. As he got older, he switched from the rough events and eventually settled on team roping. Jack was a header and was very proud of his horse, Lucky. He always said his horse was what made him look like he knew what he was doing. While living in Lander he enjoyed many things. He taught himself to play drums and played in a band that performed in Hudson on weekends. He was also a member of the Lander Volunteer Fire Department and was proud of the time he served with them. Jack had also been a Elks Club member for many years. Jack and his wife raised their family in Lander where they spent many years making wonderful memories. Between camping trips and fish stories, the family spent a lot of time in the mountains, which was one of Jack’s favorite places to be. Jack also enjoyed hunting with his son and they spent many weekends together. Jack and wife moved to Casper in 2004 to be closer to their children and grandchildren. His grandchildren were his pride and joy and he spent many days watching them in all their activities. A memorial service was held at Christ United Methodist church in Casper, Aug. 27. Memorials in Jack’s memory may be made to Wyoming Independent Living Rehabilitation, Inc, 305 West 1st Street, Casper, WY 82601.

John Logan ‘Jack’ Marcus

Once you start you just can’t stop.

Don’t text and drive.

What a team! The 2012 B.A.S.S. Western Divisional Champions. The first time Wyoming has won this event, the Cowboy Bass Team fished against 10 other western state teams on Flaming Gorge Reservoir the last week of May. From left back: Lee Thomas, Bubba O’Neal, Tory Thomas, David Albrecht, Lyn Swaney, Kenny Oldham, Boyd Golightly, Larry Wilkins, Bill Golightly, Steve Siddoway and Dave Richter. Middle: Kasey Thomas, Rocky Rochford, Sid Reeves, Becca Golightly. Front: Taylor Tucker, Jaxon Golightly and Connor Wilkins.

WYDOT Outdoors Lon Pfau, from Human Resources, captured this compelling image of a Rock Wren defying gravity near Moab, Utah. Pfau entered it in the Laramie County Fair and won 2012 Best in Show.

Photo: Paul Andersen

Photo: Mclean Eddins

Paul Andersen (right), Cheyenne Telecommunications, went on a September hunting expedition in the Encampment area with Elvis Herring, retired Saratoga Maintenance foreman. The trophy bighorn sheep is the payoff of many scouting trips since May and much insight and wisdom from Herring.

McLean Eddins, son of John Eddins, district engineer - Rock Springs, with his elk; October 2011.

Tory Thomas, Rock Springs district maintenance engineer, and the deer that he took in Colorado this year. Thomas drew an archery tag for Unit 201.

Photo: Tory Thomas

Epilobium angustifolium â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fireweed. The image was captured by Cori Hastings, Headquarters Equipment office, on Aug. 9 in State Forest State Park near Walden, Colo.

Photo: Tory Thomas

Tory Thomas, Rock Springs district maintenance engineer, showing off the catch of the day â&#x20AC;&#x201C; both of them.

October 2012

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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

Law enforcement is on the hunt for drunk drivers. Designate a sober driver for your hunting party.