A small but ambitious non-profit organization called the Wyoming Aviation Heritage League held an inaugural aviation festival on Aug. 14-18 in Cheyenne.
The Wyoming Aviation Festival took place on the grounds of Cheyenne’s old airport terminal on 8th Avenue and was held in conjunction with Wyoming Aviation Heritage Week, an annual event to recognize the state’s achievements in aviation.
The festivities included a proclamation ceremony on Friday, attended by Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon. He and several others offered remarks about Wyoming’s rich history in the world of aviation. See “A glimpse into the past” on page 3.
The day’s activities were capped off with a ceremony for the latest inductee into the Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame. A profile of that individual will be featured in an upcoming edition of Interchange.
Pilots were on site to answer questions about the planes. Commemorative Air Force offered cockpit tours for a small fee, and flights were offered for purchase online for those feeling adventurous.
Over the weekend, the Heritage Festival hosted presentations from aviation historians on a variety of topics such as the Transcontinental Airmail Route, World War II B-17 Modifications Center, Women in Military Aviation and Amelia Earhart.
The old 1960 terminal was open to the public, and WAHL members, along with representatives from the Arts and Aviation Center Steering Committee and other aviation related organizations, were available to provide information. The festival also
sponsored a raffle and a number of activities for kids of all ages. Food trucks were on-site in front of the terminal over the lunch hour and several vendors brought in historical memorabilia to sell or display.
WAHL’s mission to preserve the aviation history and heritage of Wyoming by saving historic sites, artifacts, and stories through educational engagement for current and future generations.
Though there is no formal affiliation between the two groups, several founding/board members of WAHL are tangentially connected to WYDOT: Cheryl Bean, worked for the Aeronautics Division; Stephanie Lowe, worked in the Environmental Services program; and Dean McClain of Torrington, is a member of the Aeronautics Commission.
One of WAHL’s projects is to save the old airport terminal in
Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT
Gov. Mark Gordon speaks to a crowd of aviation enthusiasts at the Wyoming Aviation Festival in Cheyenne.
A B-29 on display at Wyoming Aviation Heritage Week in Cheyenne in August.
Photo: Wyoming Aviation Heritage League
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 Dakins, Interchange editor 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, Wyoming, 82009-3340 or send an email to carlie.dakins@wyo.gov.
Carlie Dakins Public Affairs
Matt Groth Public Affairs
Mark Horan Public Affairs
Jordan Young Public Affairs
Andrea Staley District 1
Jeff Goetz District 2
Stephanie Harsha District 3
Laura Dalles District 4
Cody Beers District 5
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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.
Cheyenne (built in 1959 and closed in 2018) and refurbish it into a multipurpose center, to include a Wyoming Aviation Museum. Bean indicated that Arts Cheyenne is interested in using part of the space for a creativity center, and the venue for could be used for other small events in the community.
Beyond saving the terminal, Bean and her WAHL group is focused on preserving history.
“We really want to tell the story about aviation in Wyoming, and the history we have that some people may not be aware of,” Bean said. “Through traveling and my work with Aeronautics, I’ve seen a lot of other states doing neat things celebrate their aviation history. So I wanted to try and do something here in Wyoming, since our history is awesome.”
For further information, visit: wyomingaviationheritage.org or find the Wyoming Aviation Heritage League on Facebook.
WHEREAS, Wyoming has a significant and longstanding history in aviation for which we are honored to celebrate and preserve for generations to come; and
WHEREAS, Wyoming was a key component in the transcontinental airmail route; and was hoe and host to many courageous airmail pilots charged with delivering the mail in spite of tremendous challenges; and these pilots and their aviation mechanic counterparts were innovative cutting-edge problem solvers; and
WHEREAS, as home of Boeing Air Transport, one of the great early airlines and training center for the first eight stewardesses in the world; and as registered nurses their duties not only included remarkable levels of care for passengers, but the also loaded passenger baggage, ensured seat bolts were tightened down between landings, helped fuel the aircraft along with many other duties; and
WHEREAS, in 1935 Wyoming was recognized as having the largest airplane overhaul and repair base in the world with 500 employees; and Wyoming is recognized for its place in aerial firefighting and airplane manufacturing; and
WHEREAS, Wyoming has been a constant supporter of the military; and the WWI effort was supported by hosting Army Air Force Bomber crew training and B-17 Bomber Modification Center 10, the largest in the Rocky Mountain Region; and hosted four military installations during the war; and today is home to the 153 Airlift Wing, G. Company of the 2nd Battalion of the 211th Aviation Regiment and the 243rd ATCS, one of ten such air traffic control squadrons in the United States; and home of Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, the greatest ICBM base on earth.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, MARK GORDON, Governor of the State of Wyoming, do hereby proclaim August 13-19, 2024 Wyoming Aviation Heritage Week in Wyoming, and n annual event to recognize America’s achievements in aviation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Executive Seal of the Governor to be affixed this 16th day of August, 2024.
The Honorable Mark Gordon 33rd Governor of the Great State of Wyoming
ing classes by Women Airforce Service Pilots from mid-1943 until the WASP were disbanded in December 1944.
WAHL Board members gather with Governor Mark Gordon after a Proclamation Signing for Wyoming Heritage Week. L-r: Marisa Reilly, Mike Kassel, Cheryl Bean, Gordon, Stephanie Lowe, Jane France, Dean McClain.
Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT
Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT
Several vintage aircraft were on display at the Wyoming Aviation Festival, including this AT-6 “Nella,” which was used in train-
Photo: Wyoming Aviation Heritage League
Meet “Fifi”
The Commemorative Air Force’s website describes the Boeing B-29 Superfortress, as “a four-engine propeller-driven heavy bomber designed by Boeing which was flown primarily by the United States during World War II and the Korean War. It was one of the largest aircraft operational during World War II and featured state of the art technology.”
According to the CAF website, “FIFI was acquired by the CAF in the early 1970s when a group of CAF members found her at the U.S. Navy Proving Ground at China Lake, California where she was being used as a missile target. The airplane was rescued and restored and flew for over
thirty years until 2006 when the chief pilot made the decision to ground her pending a complete power plant re-fit. What followed was an extensive four year restoration that included replacing all four engines with new custom built hybrid engines. FIFI returned to the sky in 2010 and since that time has traveled coast to coast attracting large crowds at every tour stop.”
FIFI is one of only two B-29s in the world still flying. It is owned by the Commemorative Air Force and tours the United States and Canada annually. It was on display in Cheyenne in August during Wyoming Aviation Heritage Week.
The Wyoming Air National Guard Fire Department and the Laramie County Fire Authority was present with trucks shooting arcs of water into the air over “Fifi.” The water salute is a cheerful airport tradition to honor military veterans or a senior pilot on his or her last flight before retiring. On such occasions, two firefighting rigs expel plumes of water forming an arch, and the airplane goes under it.
A glimpse into the past
• Wyoming was part of the first transcontinental air mail route. Cheyenne became the focal point of the Air Mail service, with the first flight of the world’s first Transcontinental Air Mail Route landing in Cheyenne on Sept. 8, 1920.
• Elrey Jeppesen (think Jepp Charts, National Aviation Hall of Fame, and Jeppesen terminal at Denver International Airport) was one of the air mail pilots stationed in Cheyenne and wrote what was the beginning of his famous aviation chart notes in a basement that was within walking distance to the airport.
• In 1927, Boeing Air Transport Company won the bid to take over commercial air mail from the government and announced that it would consolidate all of its operations facilities in Cheyenne. In the same year Boeing 40 aircraft began to fly out of Cheyenne.
• Over the next two decades, Cheyenne continued to be at the forefront of aviation technology. Aviation firsts were common in Cheyenne during these days, including: the first geared propellers being tested, the first engine oil cooling tanks ever installed on any aircraft and the first mechanics to come up with the use of Chromalloy steel in aircraft cylinders.
• In a 1935 edition of Popular Mechanics, Cheyenne was featured as the largest airplane overhaul and repair base in the world with around 500 employees.
• The large hangar that remains in Cheyenne near Warren and 8th Avenues was a Boeing WWII modernization center for B-17’s and other aircraft. Cheyenne Modification Center No. 10 was responsible for the modification of 47 percent of all B-17 aircraft during World War II, with a total of 5,736 aircraft. The center employed around 3,600 employees, and by late 1942 averaged 60 aircraft modifications per month.
• Eight candidates applied to be the first stewardesses for United Airlines. They were flown to Cheyenne in May 1930 for training. The experience was planned for four days, but lasted for two weeks when the group became snowbound.
Other locations around the state have specific aviation history that needs to be preserved as well.
Sources: Cheryl Bean, Mike Kassel, Staff Sgt. Natalie Stanley (153rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs, 2012).
Photo: Wyoming Aviation Heritage League
District Briefs
Headquarters Commission awards almost $12.5 million in contracts in August
CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded almost $12.5 million in contracts for five Wyoming Department of Transportation construction projects during its Aug. 15 regular business meeting.
Lovell-based Mountain Construction Company was awarded a $5.71 million bid for a project involving asphalt paving, aggregate surfacing, grading, chip seal and traffic control on approximately 5.7 miles of US Highway 26 near Riverton in Fremont County. The contracted completion date is Oct. 31, 2025.
S & S Builders LLC, based out of Gillette, was awarded a $2.45 million bid for a bridge rehabilitation project involving structure work, traffic control and asphalt paving work at various locations within Campbell, Crook and Johnson Counties. The contracted completion date is Oct. 31, 2025.
The commission awarded Casperbased Oftedal Construction Inc. a $712,963 bid for an Americans with Disabilities Act upgrade project involving sidewalk work, curb and gutter work, electrical work, concrete paving, traffic control, signage, pavement striping and aggregate surfacing work at various locations within the town of Kemmerer in Lincoln County. The contract completion date is June 30, 2025.
The projects above are all primarily funded with federal dollars.
Funded primarily with state dollars, the commission awarded a nearly $2.81 million bid to Afton-based Avail Valley Construction-WY LLC for a road realignment project involving asphalt paving, grading, aggregate surfacing, traffic control, storm water drainage, fencing and chip seal on approximately 0.7 mile on County Road 126/Strawberry Creek Road in Lincoln County. The contracted completion date is Oct. 31, 2025.
Also funded primarily with state dollars, Oftedal Construction was award-
ed an $809,268 bid for damage repair projects involving traffic control, aggregate surfacing, grading, structure work, storm water drainage, asphalt paving and guardrail work on US Highway 16 at mile marker 86.08 near the city of Buffalo in Johnson County. The contract completion date is May 16, 2025.
Almost all WYDOT projects are awarded to the lowest bid.
WYDOT’s 2025 STIP now available for comment
CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation is seeking public comment and review of its 2025 transportation improvement planning document.
WYDOT’s draft 2025 State Transportation Improvement Plan is available on the department’s website, https://www. dot.state.wy.us/home.html. People can navigate to the STIP web page by selecting Planning/Projects/Research from the menu, followed by the STIP Project Listing subpage, which contains the 2025 STIP PDF and a map where users can make comments or suggest new projects.
The STIP contains a listing of highway and bridge projects, airport improvement work, transit projects and Public Safety Communications Commission projects that WYDOT tentatively expects to contract for during the upcoming fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. The final STIP will also incorporate WYDOT’s capital improvement projects. The final approved STIP is published annually and updates are issued monthly.
The public can also submit their comments by email (https://webapp.dot.state. wy.us/ao/f?p=ContactWYDOT:1) or by mail to 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, WY 82009. The deadline for receiving draft STIP comments is Sept. 1, 2024.
Additionally, WYDOT is accepting public comment via an interactive map at https://webapp.dot.state.wy.us/ ao/f?p=951:1:116133076854266
Beyond the 2025 projects, the draft STIP includes a listing of transportation projects slated through 2030. It also includes a summary of pass-through federal funding for public transportation throughout the state.
Projects are listed by county and note
the general character of work for the various transportation system projects.
WYDOT emphasizes that the STIP project listing is tentative and is revised in accordance with changes in funding levels, highway conditions and other issues that arise during the advance project design phase.
District 1
Expect traffic shift on US30 in Cheyenne
CHEYENNE – Crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation, Reiman Corp. and Aztec Construction shifted traffic on US Highway 30/East Lincolnway.
Crews paved mainline and had traffic in a head to head configuration in the westbound lanes. Traffic was shifting from the westbound lanes to the eastbound lanes east of Whitney Road. Traffic remained in this configuration throughout the remainder of the paving operations.
Flaggers were in two locations with a single lane of travel during the shift, traffic encountered delays.
Signal arm installation caused temporary closures in Cheyenne
CHEYENNE – Crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and Casper Electric installed signal arms at the US Highway 30/East Lincolnway and Whitney Road intersection mid-August.
Aug. 13, crews were in the southeast corner of the intersection, closing eastbound US 30 to traffic. They then moved to the southwest corner and closed Whitney south at the intersection to through traffic. Crews addressed the northeast corner of the intersection on Aug. 15, closing north Whitney at US 30.
The final signal arm was installed in the northwest corner of the intersection on Aug. 19.
Detours were in place while work was being completed.
Briefs continued on page 6
Road work on I-80 through Telephone Canyon near Laramie
LARAMIE – Crews with Simon Contractors and the Wyoming Department of Transportation began work on Interstate 80 near Laramie.
Crews placed a high performance wearing course on the Telephone Canyon section spanning from mile markers 320324 in the eastbound truck climbing lane.
Delays were encountered on the steepgrades leading up to the Summit.
A width restriction was in place through the work zone. The work is anticipated to last a couple weeks.
District 2
Intersection rehabilitation at WYO 258, WYO 220
CASPER – The rehabilitation of a major west-side Casper intersection is nearing the final phases. The intersection of Wyoming Boulevard (WYO 258) and CY Avenue (WYO 220) is receiving a much needed face lift including new asphalt pavement, curb and gutter. Much of the asphalt paving has been completed. As of the week of Aug. 12, the contractor has finished the top list of asphalt throughout the intersection. Once completed they placed the wearing course and the intersection received new striping.
The Casper I-25 bridge reconstruction projects
CASPER - The reconstruction of five bridges crossing the North Platte River on Interstate 25 in Casper have made it past the halfway point.
The two northbound I-25 bridges have been completed and traffic was switched from the southbound to the northbound lanes. The southbound bridge over Center Street has been removed. The southbound bridge over the river has been dismantled.
Ames Construction crews have begun preparing the deck on the F Street bridge prior to pouring the concrete deck surface. It’s expected the F Street bridge may open to traffic by the end of October.
Traffic switch on Poplar Street project
CASPER – The reconstruction project on Poplar Street/WYO 220 between Collins Street and the North Platte River bridge is set to enter its next phase as the general contractor switched traffic.
Oftedal Construction began the process of moving traffic to the recently paved northbound lanes Aug. 13 -14.
Traffic was initially moved to the outer northbound and southbound lanes to allow for the relocation of concrete safety barrier. After the barrier was relocated, all traffic was moved the newly constructed northbound lanes.
Once traffic was switched, crews began preparing the southbound lanes for reconstruction and began concrete paving the first week of September. The project should be complete this winter, though there may be intermittent lane closures as work nears completion.
The $12.79 million project was awarded to Oftedal Construction in September 2023. In addition to new road surface, the project includes upgrades to utilities, storm and sanitary sewer systems as well as other upgrades. The contracted completion date for the entire project is Nov. 30, 2025.
District 3
Night work impacted traffic on WYO 22, Snake River Bridge
JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation and contract crews from Ames Construction conducted night work on Wyoming Highway 22 over the Snake River Bridge Aug. 20-21.
Crews installed roadside signage. Due to limited work space near the bridge, crews will have to close the eastbound lane and run one way traffic from the levee access to the west of the wildlife bridge. While the sign installations are underway, alternating traffic will be controlled by flaggers.
Teton County is still seeing some peak summer traffic congestion, so drivers are warned to plan their travels accordingly, as well as to make sure they obey all roadside signs, traffic control devices and closures. For more information about
the current work going on at the WYO 22 and WYO 390 intersection and Snake River Bridge, visit https://wy22wilsonsrb. com.
Teton Pass closed temporarily for chip seal work
JACKSON – Wyoming Department of Transportation maintenance crews chip sealed the temporary detour on Wyoming Highway 22 at milepost 12.8 on Aug. 21. For the safety of crews and traveling public, the highway was closed while the work was underway. Due to the size of the chip sealing equipment and the need to bring materials to the site, as well as to expedite the completion of the work, WYDOT has opted to perform the work under the road closure.
Traffic was allowed to access the summit for recreational use on the east side of Teton Pass and traffic was also allowed to access the road to the Coal Creek parking area on the west side of the pass. The chip seal work is part of WYDOT’s effort to prepare the detour for winter traffic, in the event the permanent construction cannot be completed this season. Chip sealing helps preserve the roadway, and offers drivers more traction on the steeper terrain.
WYDOT would like to remind drivers that there is a year round 60,000 pounds gross vehicle weight restriction on Teton Pass and WYDOT encourages drivers to be cautious and aware of changing conditions. More information about driving Teton Pass is available here: https://www. wyoroad.info/Highway/Teton.pdf
WYDOT remains committed to monitoring the area with geologic infrastructure, with real time information on subsurface movement and ground based radar detection along with personnel inspections.
Commission awards the first work package on Teton Pass landslide
JACKSON – The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded an almost $12 million bid to Ames Construction during a special meeting Aug. 2 via Zoom.
This is one phase of a multi-phased project to fix the landslide that occurred on Wyoming Highway 22, known as Teton pass. The landslide, nicknamed the Big Fill slide, occurred June 8, and the temporary detour opened to traffic June 28.
For the first work package in the multi-part project, the scope includes clearing landslide debris, installing soil nails, traffic control and other dirt work.
Although based in Minnesota, Ames got to work immediately after the contract was awarded. Excavation work is underway and crews will be working for the next four or five weeks to prepare the site for the next phase of work. Crews will be working from top down, adding soil nails as temporary shoring to access the bottom of the fill.
“The detour remains stable, and we are monitoring for any movement,” said Bob Hammond, Jackson resident engineer. “The dirt work that is underway will not negatively impact its stability or safety.”
The second work package, which has not been awarded yet, will include adding coupled micropiles to further stabilize the foundation and adding a lightweight reinforced fill to the area. Work was separated into two packages to maximize efficiency. Crews will be working double shifts to expedite the work while the weather is still favorable.
WYDOT and the contractor are committed to maintaining two-way traffic as much as possible for the traveling public, and the work in phase one should have limited impacts to traffic.
Drivers over Teton Pass are asked to use caution through the work zone.
Snake River Bridge
demolition Aug. 6
JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from Ames Construction, demolished the old Snake River Bridge across Wyoming Highway 22 starting on Aug. 6. The demolition work was expected to last approximately two weeks. To ensure public safety, WYDOT coordinated with local boat ramp operators and posted a safety warning for river users. A flagger stationed at the boat ramp monitored river activity during bridge work to ensure public safety.
While minimal disruption to river traffic was anticipated, WYDOT took precautions to prevent any potential hazards from falling debris to boaters and rafters.
District 4
Speed limit lowers on WYO 50 in Gillette
GILLETTE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation lowered the speed limit of Wyoming Highway 50 between Westover Road and Lakeway Road from 55 mph to 45 mph.
A request was driven by safety concerns from citizens, local elected officials, and the Wyoming Highway Patrol, specifically at the intersection of WYO 50 and Boxelder Road. The concern was that the current speed limit of 55 mph was not appropriate and was creating a safety issue. The entire 55 mph zone from mile marker 1.80 to 2.90 was studied to determine the appropriate speed.
Data collected from the study indicated that reducing the speed limit from 55 mph to 45 mph from Westover Road to Force/4-J Road would improve the safety of that route and address the public’s concerns.
WYDOT traffic replaced the speed limit signs the week of Aug.19. Warning flags attached to the new speed limit signs were placed to aid in bringing awareness to the change in speed limit.
Slower speed limit extends to town limits on US
14 in Ranchester
SHERIDAN – The Wyoming Department of Transportation extended the 30 mph speed limit on US 14 to the western town limits of Ranchester.
Due to growth from recent development on the west end of Ranchester and the proximity of the Tongue River elementary and middle schools, concerns from citizens, local elected officials, and support from Sheridan County School District No. 1 officials, the town of Ranchester City Council asked WYDOT to consider extending the current speed limit to the western town limits. To do that, WYDOT requires a speed study to be performed. The town of Ranchester contracted with DOWL to perform that study.
The study confirmed an increase in traffic but did not significantly warrant a reduction in the speed limit. With the recent development, future growth projections, the potential increase in traffic volume, and most importantly the proximity to the school and the safety of the children, it was determined the speed limits should be adjusted.
WYDOT traffic replaced the speed limit signs the week of Aug. 12. Warning flags attached to the new speed limit signs were placed to aid in bringing awareness to the change in speed limit.
Paving operations on
US 14 east of Sheridan
SHERIDAN – The Wyoming Department of Transportation Commission awarded Simon Contractors a $3.2 million contract to mill and overlay a six-mile stretch of US Highway 14 east of Sheridan.
Contractors began milling US 14 between mile markers 14.29 and 20.28 the week of Aug. 12.
Traffic control included flagging operations, short wait times, one-way traffic led by a pilot car, milled, uneven surfaces, loose gravel, a reduced speed limit of 45 mph and heavy truck traffic. Two-way traffic resumed at night.
Work has begun on the Big Fill slide area next to the current detour on WYO 22.
Photo: WYDOT
Emergency slide repair on I-90 west of Sheridan
SHERIDAN – The Wyoming Department of Transportation and its contractor, GSI, began collaborative work on an emergency slide repair west of Sheridan.
In early July, the Wyoming Department of Transportation Commission approved emergency funding for $341,137 to District 4 to mitigate a potential road-closing slope failure that had been moving for several years. This mitigation effort was needed to ensure mobility on Interstate 90 remains intact until the STIP construction project scheduled for this section can be completed.
A common occurrence in Sheridan County, slope failures happen when the soils, commonly clay, become overly saturated and give way to gravitational pull. Most of these clays are sitting on a shale base, offering little to no resistance for the clay to adhere to. The soils become too heavy and follow the path of least resistance and fall away from the slope.
This particular slope failure is located on the eastbound lane of I-90 near mile marker 6.9. This slope failure was first noticed in May of 2017 by Sheridan maintenance staff and reported to WYDOT Geologists who have been monitoring it since. Moisture and gravity have aided in the embankments movement over the past few years, to the point that the temporary guardrail installed in 2019 had succumbed to the erosion process which eliminated the right shoulder and now threatens to undermine the travel way. Due to the aggressive new movement of this slope failure, the lack of roadway embankment shoulder, and compromised temporary guardrail installation district maintenance staff determined the slide needed to be mitigated before the right lane of travel was compromised.
WYDOT’s contractor, GSI will utilize a soil nailing technique to secure the slope. Soil nailing is a remedial construction measure to treat unstable natural soil slopes. It involves drilling holes for steel bars to be inserted into a slope face which are then grouted in place. Mesh is attached to the bar ends to hold the slope face in position.
GSI is scheduled to begin work the week of Aug. 19 and will require WYDOT
to temporarily close the right travel lane to motorists. Traffic control will include the closure of the eastbound, right travel lane near mile marker 6.9, and the speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph.
Before the emergency funding request, construction plans were finalized to mill, level, and overlay I-90 from the Montana State lane from mile marker 0 to 8. This project is scheduled to be let and awarded in October 2024, with an anticipated start date of Spring 2025. The scope of the project also includes shifting both lanes of eastbound travel toward the median in order to avoid this and other potentially compromising landslides from mile marker 3.88 to 8.00. The project also includes major repairs on two bridge structures and replacing four bridge structures with box culverts.
This project has been in the State Transportation Improvement Program since 2018 and is estimated to cost $36 million.
District 5
DUI Task Force focused on impaired driving over Labor Day holiday
RIVERTON – The Fremont County DUI Task Force was in operation and patrolling for impaired drivers beginning Aug. 30, through Sept. 2.
“The task force was active during the holiday weekend doing their best to end impaired driving in Fremont County. These efforts are even more successful because of community action and support,” said Chief Scott Peters of the Lander Police Department.
“There are too many safe alternatives to impaired driving. Be responsible and
have a plan that includes a designated driver or a SafeRide, and never get behind the wheel impaired,” Peters said.
Through July, there had been 18 alcohol-related crashes in Fremont County, compared to 23 this time last year.
Fremont County law enforcement is reminding everyone to never drive impaired and to always wear a seat belt.
SafeRide is now in operation on weekends in Lander and Riverton on Friday, so call SafeRide at 307-856-WRTA (9782).
The Fremont County DUI Task Force includes Wyoming Highway Patrol, Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lander, Riverton, Shoshoni, Dubois and BIA Wind River police departments.
The Fremont County DUI Task Force recommends safe alternatives to drinking and driving:
• It is never OK to drink and drive. Even if you have had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver, use a ride sharing service or SafeRide to arrive home safely;
• Contact SafeRide at 307-856-WRTA (9782);
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact Fremont County law enforcement immediately or dial 911;
• Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take his/her keys and assist your friend in arriving home safely.
Highway chip sealing, Red Gulch bridge painting underway north of Thermopolis
THERMOPOLIS – Chip sealing of the $6.97 million US Highway 20/Wyoming 789 highway improvement project began on Aug. 26 north of Thermopolis.
“This work was expected to last 3-4 days,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation project engineer Lance Schatz.
A subcontractor worked at the Red Gulch bridge to remove lead-based paint from girders and other parts of the bridge. “Everything will then receive new paint to extend the life of the bridge. This is work that can only be done when other personnel are not on site so as to limit their exposure to lead-based paint,” Schatz said.
Motorists encountered delays of up to 20 minutes during chip sealing of the 6.4-mile highway section, and at the Red Gulch bridge.
Other ongoing project work includes installation of signs, delineator posts and thermoplastic arrows, and isolated dirt work on the highway shoulders.
The Thermopolis North project is located between mileposts 133.4 (the old National Guard Armory) and 139.5 (Black Mountain Road) on US 20/WYO 789. Prime contractor is Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell. Contract completion date is June 30, 2025.
Project work on the pavement preservation project includes pavement leveling, a pavement overlay, chip sealing, widening of maintenance pullouts through the project, fence removal and replacement, placement of rock riprap, guardrail removal and replacement, placement of asphalt curbing, and bridge deck rehabilitation and a bridge overlay near the campground.
Paving between Greybull and Basin; traffic delays encountered
BASIN – Paving activities on a 5.8mile drainage and pavement improvement project is underway between Greybull and Basin on US Highway 16/20/ Wyoming Highway 789.
The $3.8 million Greybull-Basin project includes asphalt pavement milling and a pavement overlay and chip seal starting at milepost 197.70, where the highway transitions from four lanes to two lanes just north of Basin. The north end of the project ends at the south end of the highway overpass over the railroad tracks (about milepost 203) on the south end of Greybull.
Prime contractor is Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell.
Motorists encountered traffic delays of up to 20 minutes during paving operations.
Contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2024.
Big Horn Basin
hot-mix patching
BASIN – A Wyoming Department of Transportation asphalt paving crew worked on hot-mix patching which began
Aug. 19 in Big Horn County.
The WYDOT hot-mix asphalt patching work began on US Highway 14 east of Greybull (milepost 4.9) on Aug. 19. Other patching work included Wyoming Highway 434 south of Ten Sleep (milepost 17.9) on Aug. 20-21; Wyoming Highway 431 southeast of Meeteetse (milepost 17) on Aug. 22; US Highway 20 south of Worland (mileposts 162.5, 154.9 and 153.3) on Aug. 26-27; and US 20 near Kirby (milepost 146.7) on Aug. 28.
More than 109 tons of hot-mix patching asphalt was placed during the twoweek mobile highway patching operation.
The WYDOT patching operation consisted of a patching crew, a roller operator and numerous WYDOT trucks hauling hot asphalt pavement.
Traffic signal replacement project under way in Riverton
RIVERTON – An $888,300 project has started to replace a pair of traffic signals on West Main Street in Riverton.
Traffic signals were replaced at the intersections of West Main and 5th Street, and West Main and 8th Street in Riverton.
“Work consisted of installation of two new traffic signal systems, electrical work, traffic control and pavement striping at the intersection of West Main Street and 5th, and West Main Street and 8th in the city of Riverton,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation project inspector Lawrence Anesi of Riverton.
Prime contractor is Advanced Electrical Contracting, Inc., of Sheridan. Contract completion is June 30, 2025.
The project is located at US Highway 26 mileposts 132.65 and 132.86 in Riverton.
Campaign, advertising signs not allowed in state rights-of-way
BASIN – The Wyoming Department of Transportation reminds the public that advertising signs cannot be placed in the state right-of-way.
“With the upcoming elections, we’ve seen an increase in the number of signs our maintenance crews are having to remove from the right-of-way fence or from the right-of-way itself,” said WY-
DOT maintenance foreman Chad Shaffer of Shoshoni. “Wyoming law and WYDOT policy prohibit placement of signs in those areas, so when our maintenance crews come through an area, they pick them up and take them to the area maintenance office. Whoever owns the sign has two weeks to claim the sign, and then we dispose of the sign if it is not claimed.”
Wyoming Statute 24-10-104 states that outdoor advertising must meet certain conditions for placement. Fines and even jail time can be inflicted on those who don’t comply with the law.
“This applies to political candidates, real estate representatives and residents advertising garage sales. Posting these signs along roadways is illegal within the right-of-way of rural highways and interstates,” Shaffer said.
This procedure also applies to people who erect private memorials within the state right of way, or decorate an existing roadside memorial sign.
Business people and citizens 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.
“Our concern is always for the safety of the traveling public,” Shafffer said.
Chip
sealing
underway
on US
14A south of Byron
LOVELL – Traffic delays of up to 20 minutes were expected during chip sealing between Garland and Byron beginning Aug. 1.
Mountain Construction Co. of Lovell was the prime contractor on the US Highway 14A pavement improvement project.
Project completion date is Aug. 31, 2024. The $2.3 million project between US 14A mileposts 32 and 38 included pavement milling, a pavement overlay and chip sealing.
WYO 28 pavement overlay south of Lander
LANDER – A 6.9-mile pavement improvement project was underway 13 miles south of Lander on Wyoming Highway 28 above Red Canyon.
McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co., of Worland was the prime contractor on the $3.9 million South Pass-Beaver Creek project.
Briefs continued on page 10
Project completion date is Oct. 31, 2024.
Paving and milling between mileposts 51.14 and 57.99 began the first week of August, according to Wyoming Department of Transportation resident engineer Erik Smith of Lander.
“During paving and chip seal operations, traffic was controlled with a pilot vehicle and flaggers. Motorists encountered a maximum cumulative delay of 20 minutes,” Smith said.
A 14-foot width restriction was in effect during paving operations.
The WYO 28 project includes milling of existing asphalt pavement surfacing, a two-inch pavement overlay, chip sealing and other work.
RIVERTON – A Fremont County multi-agency impaired driving enforcement operation during the July 4 holiday
weekend resulted in 330 traffic stops, three arrests of impaired drivers, and 99 speeding citations.
The Fremont County DUI Task Force prioritizes impaired driving, however, officers, deputies and troopers issued 39 citations for other offenses and made 23 other arrests, including one for possession of a controlled substance, during the July 4-7 operation.
The task force issued 182 warnings during the four-day operation and issued seven seat belt citations. No impaired driving fatalities were reported during the operation.
The Fremont County DUI Task Force has arrested 23 impaired drivers and made 1,517 traffic stops during six enforcement operations in 2024.
The Fremont County DUI Task Force includes the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lander, Riverton, Shoshoni, Dubois and Wind River police departments.
Total number of employees: As of July 29, 2024 1,803
One month ago 1,813 One year ago 1,750
DONATE BLOOD
Tuesday, September 10 9:30 am - 12:45 pm in the
Total number of highway fatalities: As of August 5, 2024 51 One year ago 69 WHP
WYDOT participates in Wyoming Industry Day
By Mark Horan
On Aug. 9, members of the Wyoming Highway Patrol and other staff from the Wyoming Department of Transportation teamed up with regional and federal partners as well as local industry members to host an inaugural Wyoming Industry Day event for the public.
Held on the Laramie County Community College campus, the function was sponsored by WHP and highway patrol groups from neighboring states such as Idaho, Nebraska and Montana. Additional sponsors included the Federal Highway Administration, Wyoming Air National Guard, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Walmart, Truckers Against Trafficking, and the Transportation Research and Education for Driving Safety program.
The event was targeted to commercial carriers, drivers, job seekers, and anyone interested in the industry. Approximately 40 members of the public attended the free activities.
As part of the four hour event, several presentations were held in the LCCC auditorium, focusing on topics such as human trafficking, blow overs/weight based wind closures, use and
identification of illegal narcotics, and the federally adopted Safe System Approach, which aims to address and mitigate inherent risks on the roadway.
Sponsor tables were set up in the lobby of the auditorium, affording attendees an opportunity to ask questions and network with experts in the industry. In addition, several outdoor demonstrations took place in the LCCC parking lot, such as load securement/pre-trip inspections for commercial carriers and performance-based brake testing.
“This is an opportunity to get people together to talk about issues within the industry that affect our region” said event organizer Dustin Ragon with FMCSA.
Ragon said he hopes the event will grow over time, both in terms of sponsors/presenters as well as attendees.
Members of the public mingle with Wyoming Industry Day sponsors.
Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT
Port of Entry Mobile Inspector Tyson Rein discusses how a performance-based brake tester is used to assess the braking performance of a vehicle.
Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT
Vince Garcia and Suzie Roseberry with WYDOT GIS/ITS host a Blow Over Hazards presentation in the auditorium at LCCC.
Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT
Downtown Sheridan Main Street project completed ahead of schedule
By Laura Dalles
The two-year resurfacing and utility upgrade project of Sheridan’s Downtown Main Street has been completed ahead of schedule.
In April 2023, Oftedal Construction Inc. began removing half a mile of the 56-year-old pavement, storm sewer and waterline through the historic downtown Sheridan’s Main Street.
WYDOT placed the original concrete mainline in 1970 with a scheduled replacement date of 2003.
Prior to 2003, WYDOT invited the City of Sheridan to take advantage of the resurfacing project and asked if they would like to utilize the opportunity to upgrade the existing utilities that ran below. At that time, the City of Sheridan was under some funding restraints and opted out of upgrading those utilities. Rather than replacing the surface anyway, WYDOT decided to partner with the City of Sheridan and delayed the planned roadway resurfacing while completing a number of other upgrades instead.
Those upgrades included diamond grinding the concrete surface, installing new curb and gutter, new sidewalks, streetscape enhancements and decorative lighting. Additionally, WYDOT installed selective safety improvements, such as bulb-out curb and gutter to allow pedestrians and drivers better visibility while also providing a decreased pedestrian crossing distance. This work was completed between Dow Street and Coffeen Avenue.
The 2003 resurfacing project was rescheduled for 2023.
WYDOT resumed conversations with the City of Sheridan prior to 2017 when the resurfacing project was added to the State Transportation Improvement Program list, asking if they were interested in adding the utility upgrades to the project. The City
agreed to participate.
The scope of the 2023 project included installing a new water and storm sewer system, upgrading portions of sidewalks to meet Americans with Disability Act requirements, updating traffic signals, repaving the roadway, and performing repairs to the Goose Creek Bridge structure between 1st Street and Dow Street at the northern limits of the project.
The contract was awarded for a total of $17.8 million with the City of Sheridan’s portion being $8.4 million of that total.
Phase I, completed in 2023, ran from Dow Street to Brundage Street. Contractors were ahead of schedule and added an additional block to the project, shortening the remaining portion of the south end of Main Street to two blocks and two major intersections to be completed by Oct. 31, 2024.
Downtown Main Street was open to traffic on July 8, 2024, in time for Sheridan
Main Street ready for traffic.
Photo: Laura Dalles/WYDOT
Fresh paint cures prior to opening Phase 1 of the Downtown Sheridan Main Street project.
Photo: Laura Dalles/WYDOT
WYO Rodeo week.
As with any WYDOT project, establishing and maintaining strong relationships with local government, community organizations and the traveling public is a priority and key to the successful completion of a project.
Being a Public Involvement Level D construction project, this required engaging and informing the public at the highest level. Public meetings were held throughout the design phase. Businesses located within the project area had many concerns about how closing Main Street during peak tourist season would impact their businesses and wanted to know what WYDOT would do to minimize those concerns. WYDOT assured the businesses that pedestrian access would be available at all times and that no more than three blocks at a time would be closed to traffic.
WYDOT worked closely with the City of Sheridan, the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Sheridan Association in informing and promoting the community to continue to support the downtown businesses and to not let the closures and reduced parking be a deterrent.
Adding to the success of the early completion of this project was the implementation of Wyoming Construction Collaboration program – a program to promote the formation
and success of collaborative relationships on WYDOT construction projects.
WYDOT, Oftedal Construction and the City of Sheridan committed to establishing mutual goals, utilizing teamwork, fostering positive relationships and resolving issues and problems promptly and at the lowest level. This commitment proved to be successful and aided in an early completion date, with minimal issues, conflicts and within budget.
In celebration of the completion of the project, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held in conjunction with the Downtown Sheridan Association’s July 18 Third Thursday Event and allowed WYDOT, The Chamber of Commerce and the City of Sheridan an opportunity to thank the community for their patience, understanding and cooperation throughout the project.
Notes of gratitude from the Sheridan Press and the community.
Photo:
Left: An aerial shot of the first ribbon of concrete being poured on the north end of Main Street. Right: A finished Main Street with newly painted striping on the concrete, waiting for traffic.
SAGE Community Arts approached WYDOT asking to use the fence bordering the work zone as a wall to display copies of local artist’s work. More than 100 banners were hung throughout the project limits adding some beautification to the project.
Photo: Laura Dalles/WYDOT
Snakes on the (high) plains!
How one ‘news’ story almost caused a panic in Casper
CASPER, WYO., JULY 30, 2024 (CASPER PLANET) – In an extraordinary turn of events, a semi truck (sic) carrying a shipment of king cobras from a scientific research lab overturned on Interstate 25 near Casper early this morning, releasing hundreds of the venomous snakes onto the highway.
By Jeff Goetz
It’s one of the more incredible and unsettling leads to a news story in Wyoming in recent memory. A trailer full of cobras let loose in the state’s second largest city? One can almost picture the panic and mayhem that followed as locals locked their doors, businesses shuttered and residents were told to stay off the streets, and out of nature areas.
Incredible and unsettling if true. On social media, the comments flooded the Casper Planet’s Facebook page. Within hours there were more than 3,000 comments, many people confused as to why snakes would be transported by semi; some concerned over the well-being of the snakes and some who were looking at ways to avoid the area, avoid Casper and even avoid Wyoming.
Yet none of it was true. The Casper Planet is a Facebook satirical news page, akin to The Onion or the Babylon Bee. It regularly posts outlandish stories such as baby sharks washing up on the shores of Alcova Reservoir or the City of Casper looking into relocating the waterfall at Rotary Park. But on this occasion, the Planet’s post created enough controversy and concern that two state agencies and several real news outlets had to clarify on their own social media pages that this was simply made up.
The End of the World
During the early evening of Oct. 30, 1938, an estimated nine to 12 million people across the nation tuned in to the CBS Radio Network to enjoy the weekly broadcast of The Mercury Theater on the Air, not dissimilar to people of today winding down with their favorite television show.
When the vacuum tubes reached the familiar orange glow and the volume had slowly increased to a comfortable level, what these people heard wasn’t entertainment. It was confusion. Chaos. Panic.
Those tuning in late listened as a seemingly normal weather report was ending; the announcer shifting to a live airing of Ramon Raquello and His Orchestra performing at a New York City hotel. Just over 3 minutes into the broadcast, another announcer interrupts the performance with the first of several news flashes about strange hydrogen gas emissions exploding from the surface of Mars, heading toward the Earth at high rates of speed.
Like today, breaking news then interrupted regular broadcasting. As the orchestra continued to play, the interruptions increased in frequency and included interviews with scientists and astronomers, culminating in the crash of a “meteorite” in Grovers Mill, New Jersey. But it was no meteorite, it was a spaceship from Mars. By the 7 minute mark of the program, panic has ensued on the radio waves as Martian invaders kill and destroy everything around them; the reporter amazingly still alive and able to broadcast.
Listeners across the country couldn’t believe their ears; the end of the world was happening live. Police and news outlet phones were ringing off the hook. Reports of riots and mass panic came through the CBS Radio Network switchboard, and panicked phone calls jammed switchboards nationwide. But none of it was real. Instead it was all theater: a radio drama created by Orson Welles. A dramatic telling of the 1898 book, The War of the Worlds, by H.G. Wells, though purposefully made to sound real, as if the story was indeed happening and the world was ending.
You Can’t Fool Me, Can You?
It’s not the first time the public has been fooled by satire or a hoax, misinformation or what some may call “fake news.” These spoofs are about as old as humanity, though today, sifting through what’s real and what’s not takes a keen eye, as well as the diligence to dive deep and separate reality and truth from the chaff of nonsense.
Since 1938, improvements in education and technology have increased our own sense of intelligence. A person in 2024 may believe they are more intelligent that a person in 1938, and they would never fall for such an obvious, over-the-top fantasy, even if it were live on radio, TV, or in this case, the internet. But they’d be wrong.
Actually, we may be more gullible today than we were almost
Photo:
90 years ago, and it seems the more outlandish the story, the more believable it is. Of the roughly 10 million people who listened to “The War of The Worlds” broadcast, only around 1.7 million were believed to have thought it real. In 2017, just after Hurricane Harvey ravaged Houston, Texas, an image appeared on Twitter of a shark swimming in the floodwater that filled a Houston highway taken from the driver’s seat of a car. Quickly, the fake image was retweeted almost 84,000 times and liked by 141,733 people, according to an April 10, 2023 article on the Reader’s Digest web site.
Our attention spans are also shorter thanks to improvements in technology, and we arguably read less critically than we used to. There’s an old metaphor used in journalism called the inverted pyramid, which illustrates how a news story should be written. The idea is that the reader rarely reads past the third or fourth paragraph, so the most important information goes to the top of the story, and less important information is included farther down the story. The inverted pyramid acknowledges the short attention span of the average reader.
An Aug. 8, 2024 article in the Northeastern (University) Global News on the shrinking of our attention spans over the years cited a 20-year study1 ending in 2019 that shows “the average time that a person can focus on one thing has dropped from around two and one-half minutes to around 45 seconds.”
With the advent of 24/7 news programming, countless news web sites and social media pages, and organizations and agencies producing their own content, it’s no wonder people have little time to read entire articles and instead look to soundbites and headlines as news. That’s why is so important to understand what you are reading. While the Casper Planet is very up front about being a satire site, not everyone made the connection, much like those panicked by Orson Welles in 1938.
“Approach online content with a critical eye; do your research before believing what you read on the internet,” said Justin Hathaway, creator of the Casper Planet. “It’s important to differentiate between satire and reality, especially in today’s digital age where misinformation can easily spread.”
In short, read past the headline. Cross reference a story with other outlets. Go directly to the source. Within minutes of the story appearing on Facebook, WYDOT District 2 issued its own post clarifying that this was satire. The Highway Patrol and WYDOT in Cheyenne soon followed. Even Hathaway issued a clarification on the story. Once people understood, he said reactions have generally been good.
“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with most readers appreciating the creative angle and humor,” Hathaway said. “There have been a few questions and some healthy skepticism, which is to be expected, especially given the satirical nature of the piece, and very few angry messages.”
Now that there’s been a couple weeks since the original story was posted, and things have died down, WYDOT and the Wyoming Highway Patrol remind everyone to look past the headline and read each story carefully.
“It’s all too easy to take things at face value, so a bit of discernment goes a long way,” said Hathaway.
Citation:
1 Lorenz-Spreen, P., Mønsted, B.M., Hövel, P. et al. Accelerating dynamics of collective attention. Nat Commun 10, 1759 (2019).
The full Casper Planet story
“In an extraordinary turn of events, a semi truck carrying a shipment of king cobras from a scientific research lab overturned on Interstate 25 near Casper early this morning, releasing hundreds of the venomous snakes onto the highway.
According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, the accident occurred around 6 a.m. when the truck driver, attempting to avoid a collision with a deer, lost control of the vehicle. The truck veered off the road, flipped onto its side, and ruptured the containment units holding the cobras.
Emergency response teams, including wildlife experts and snake handlers, were dispatched to the scene immediately. Authorities quickly closed off a section of I-25 in both directions to ensure public safety and to facilitate the capture of the escaped snakes.
“We have a specialized team working to safely recapture the snakes and ensure they do not pose a threat to the public,” said Captain Sarah Jensen of the Wyoming Highway Patrol. “Our primary concern is the safety of everyone in the vicinity.”
The truck was transporting the cobras from a research facility in Colorado to another lab in Montana. The facility specializes in studying the venom of king cobras for potential medical applications, including pain management and anti-venom development.
Dr. Emily Carter, the head of the research team at the facility, expressed concern over the incident but emphasized that the snakes are not aggressive if left undisturbed. “King cobras are dangerous, but they typically avoid human contact unless provoked. We urge the public to stay away from the area until all the snakes are accounted for.”
Local authorities have set up a perimeter around the accident site and are using thermal imaging technology to locate and capture the cobras. Residents in the nearby areas have been advised to stay indoors and report any sightings of the snakes to the authorities immediately.
As of now, there have been no reported injuries from the incident. However, the highway is expected to remain closed for several hours as the recovery operation continues.
“We are working as quickly and safely as possible to resolve this situation,” said Jensen. “Public safety is our top priority, and we appreciate everyone’s cooperation and patience.”
Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.”
Germain chosen as WHP’s new lieutenant colonel
Striving for excellence, accountability
By Mark Horan
Karl Germain was promoted to lieutenant colonel of the Wyoming Highway Patrol at a pinning ceremony on Aug. 16 in Cheyenne.
Germain is a 19-year veteran with WHP and has received numerous commendations, awards and certificates of appreciation as he climbed the ranks. He served as major for approximately three years prior to his promotion.
During the ceremony, Col. Tim Cameron assured his new second-in-command he has every confidence in him moving forward.
“Karl will have a significant role in moving WHP progressively and responsibly into the future,” Cameron said to the group of Germain’s family, friends and colleagues. “He’s one of the most competent people I’ve been around.”
After his rank insignia was pinned on by family members, as is customary in uniform law enforcement promotions, Germain thanked his past and present leadership for their mentorship and wisdom. He then reminded his fellow troopers that “we work for the citizens of Wyoming, and we must always remain mindful of this responsibility.”
Germain succeeds Lt. Col. Josh Walther, who retired in May. His many responsibilities will include overseeing field and support service operations and putting the ideas of the colonel into action.
“If we constantly strive for excellence while holding each other accountable, we will create a world class law enforcement agency, one that you, your families, neighbors, communities, towns and our state can be proud of,” Germain offered to his colleagues in his acceptance remarks.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation congratulates
WHP Col. Tim Cameron presents Lt. Col. Karl Germain with his certificate of promotion.
Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT
Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT
WYDOT announces EV networking database, NEVI update
By Jordan Young
The Wyoming Department of Transportation is announcing a new networking database for stakeholders interested in developing Electric Vehicle infrastructure in the state.
The database was developed to help facilitate connections among those interested in being part of EV charging station deployment teams, including landowners, site hosts, equipment manufacturers, charging services, electrical contractors, utilities, and other service providers.
“The stakeholder database is completely voluntary and could be a tool to inspire potential EV station partnerships ahead of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program Request for Proposal process,” said Keith Fulton, assistant chief engineer for engineering and planning.
WYDOT would also like to announce the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program Request for Proposal will not be limited to the seven towns WYDOT has previously announced. Any interested party that can fully meet the requirements outlined in Federal NEVI rules and WYDOT’s upcoming RFP can apply for funding.
WYDOT expects to release the NEVI RFP in early 2025. The RFP will focus on construction, acquisition, installation, operations, maintenance, and ownership of NEVI-funded EV fast charging stations, including requirements regarding direct current fast charging equipment, site selection and reporting.
About the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program:
Included in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program is a federal formula program with participation from all 50 states. Wyoming expects to receive a total of $26.8 million in federal funding over five years to give grants for EV fast chargers along the state’s Alternative Fuel Corridors, which are Interstates 80, 25, and 90.
WYDOT paused the NEVI program in summer 2023 to ask for guidance from the federal government on station stewardship in the event of charging station abandonment or neglect. WYDOT received written assurances from the federal government that the state would not be liable for the stations beyond the five years of maintenance costs eligible for reimbursement under NEVI guidance. WYDOT will not own or operate EV charging infrastructure; NEVI money will be issued as a grant to eligible applicants.
In winter 2023/2024, WYDOT issued a Request for Information to gauge NEVI program interest from potential station owners ahead of the upcoming NEVI RFP.
The stakeholder database can be found here: https://form.jotform. com/mplshdrpi/ wydot-nevi Or by clicking this QR code:
The database is also linked on WYDOT’s NEVI website, which has recently been updated: https:// www.dot.state. wy.us/home/ planning_projects/ electric-vehicleinfrastructure.html Or this QR code:
Graphic: Carlie Dakins/WYDOT
Photo: Adobe Stock
Employee Safety
Employee Safety group attends the 56th annual NAATSHO Conference
By Jordan Striff, Employee Safety
A group from the Employee Safety program including Jordan Striff, Colter Bame, Van Frazier and Keri Pittman of Cheyenne, as well as Jerry Fritz and Brian Pittman of District 5, attended the 56th annual NAATSHO conference in Branson, Missouri.
One-hundred forty DOT safety pro
fessionals, engineers and leaders from 27 state DOT’s attended the conference to formulate, share, and develop safety ideas, training, programs, and best practices. The knowledge gained at the conference will be used within the Employee Safety program to help protect a valuable resource – WYDOT employees.
For this year’s conference, WYDOT’s
Roadmasters Chapter TOASTMASTERS
sign shop made a thank you sign that was delivered to MoDOT.
WYDOT will host the 57th annual NAATSHO Conference in Cody next fall. Employee Safety expects to host nearly 150 safety professionals, engineers and DOT leaders from 30 states.
A group from the 56th annual NAATSHO conference gathered for a photo. The sign made by WYDOT’s sign shop is being held in the center. Print on the sign reads, “56th NAATSHO Conference, Missouri DOT Branson 2024.”
Photo: Jordan Striff/WYDOT
TechTalk
QR Code scams
What are they? How are they used, and how are they exploited in phishing scams?
By Enterprise Technology Services
A QR code, or “quick response” code, is a type of two-dimensional barcode that contains a matrix of small, square dots arranged in a square grid. These barcodes are designed to be quickly scanned and read by smartphones and other mobile devices equipped with a camera and QR code reader app.
Unlike familiar one-dimensional barcodes found on product packaging, QR codes can store a much larger amount of information, including website URLs, contact details, event details, and even text or numerical data.
The square, pixelated design of a QR code allows it to be easily recognized and decoded by the camera on a smartphone.
When a user scans a QR code with their device, it will instantly pull up the information encoded within, whether that’s a link to a website, a calendar event, or some other type of content. QR codes have become increasingly common in recent years, appearing on everything from product labels and business cards to restaurant menus and event posters.
QR codes provide a quick and convenient way for consumers to access digital information or complete transactions simply by scanning a code with their phone. Their versatility and ease of use have made them a valuable tool for businesses and organizations looking to engage customers, share important details, or streamline processes through mobile technology.
How QR Code Phishing Differs From “Traditional” Phishing
Traditional phishing attacks usually involve a highly targeted email from a bad actor designed to trick the recipient into opening a malicious attachment or clicking on a malicious link. The goal is to direct the user to an attacker-controlled webpage.
Phishing emails, like those used in business email compromise scams, often impersonate a familiar individual or organization in an attempt to gain the target’s trust. These emails may include a Microsoft Word document or link that the victim is likely to open, as they would normally trust the source.
In malicious QR code phishing (quishing), the bad actor embeds a QR code in the phishing email or locates the QR code in a public location and lures the unsuspecting user to scan it.
How QR Codes Are Used in Phishing Attacks
These QR codes may route the user to a fraudulent website that mimics a legitimate service, prompting them to enter login credentials, credit card numbers, or other personal data. It could also trigger the download of harmful software that infects the user’s device.
Phishers often strategically place these deceptive QR codes in public spaces, on product packaging, or even in marketing materials, relying on people’s tendency to trust the familiar barcode format.
How to Prevent Getting “Caught” by QR Code Scams
To protect against these scams, individuals must exercise caution, avoid scanning QR codes from unknown sources, and
instead type out URLs manually or use trusted apps to access online services.
Here are some more tips to help protect against QR scams:
• Investigate before scanning – Before scanning any QR code, thoroughly examine all aspects of it, including its physical attributes and URL previews. If you see any signs of a potential scam, don’t scan it.
• Use a secure QR Code scanner – For dual security, you can use a third-party QR code scanner that does not collect or share any user data.
• Do not share personal information – If you have scanned a QR code and are already on a landing page that looks authentic, take a minute to review the page. If it asks for any personal information, don’t share it immediately. Browse through the web page and do your due diligence to check for signs of a potential scam.
• Educate yourself – If you periodically review the standard QR code scams and how to avoid them, you will be less likely to become a target of them.
• Don’t skip Operating System updates and security patches – Your device is one of your most effective security measures against QR scams. It has plenty of security features that protect your data from getting hacked easily.
Editor’s note: QR Codes found in this publication or other authorized WYDOT published documents are safe.
Graphic: Carlie Dakins/WYDOT
Highway Safety Rural lane or roadway departure crashes
By Kari Fictum, Highway Safety
According to the Federal Highway Administration, each year nearly 12,000 people die when their vehicle leaves its travel lane on a rural road. That is more than 30 people every day. Based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatal Analysis Reporting System, these crashes account for roughly 30 percent of our nation’s annual roadway deaths.
Wyoming is a largely rural state and lane departure crashes are the leading cause of crashes in Wyoming (57 percent of all crashes). Nearly 46 percent of Wyoming lane departure crashes occur in a rural location. Approximately 74 percent of these rural lane departure crashes report that the vehicle left the roadway.
In Wyoming, during the most recent five-year period (20192023), 18,065 traffic crashes were rural lane departure crashes, which accounts for around 26 percent of all traffic crashes. These crashes included 1,382 critical crashes (59 percent of all critical crashes), 3,439 serious crashes (33.5 percent of all serious crashes), and 13,244 damage crashes (23.5 percent of all damage crashes) resulting in 460 fatal injuries, 1,315 suspected serious injuries, 3,224 suspected minor injuries, and 1,565 possible injuries.
During this same period, 13,354 traffic crashes were rural roadway departure crashes, which accounts for around 19 percent of all traffic crashes. These crashes included 1,094 critical crashes (47 percent of all critical crashes), 2,823 serious crashes (27.5 percent of all serious crashes), and 9,437 damage crashes (17 percent of all damage crashes) resulting in 351 fatal injuries, 1,027 suspected serious injuries, 2,603 suspected minor injuries,
and 1,211 possible injuries.
When looking specifically at fatalities, 69.5 percent of all Wyoming traffic crash fatalities occurred in rural lane departure crashes, with 53 percent of all traffic crash fatalities involved in rural roadway departure crashes.
Most (79 percent) rural lane or roadway departure traffic crashes were single vehicle crashes, with only 21 percent of rural lane or roadway departure traffic crashes listing contact between traveling motor vehicles as the manner of collision. Of these single vehicle rural lane or roadway departure crashes, almost 55 percent were non-collision crashes, which include overturn or rollover, jackknife, etc. Nearly 42 percent were collisions with a fixed object. The most common fixed objects struck in single vehicle rural lane or roadway departure crashes include fencing (21.7 percent), guardrail (19.1 percent), delineator post (10 percent), cable barrier (7.6 percent), and ditch (6.7 percent). Approximately 4 percent of single vehicle rural lane or roadway departure crashes were collisions with non-fixed objects.
There are a number of factors that can lead to lane or roadway departures, including sharp curves in the roadway, poor weather and/or road conditions, poor nighttime visibility, and risky driving behaviors such as speeding, inattention, fatigue, or impairment.
In Wyoming (2019-2023), nearly 48 percent of rural lane or road departure crashes were located in curved sections of roadway. Inclement weather was listed 44 percent of the time. Potentially challenging road conditions were present around 59 percent of the time. The majority of rural lane or roadway departure crashes occurred in daylight conditions (64 percent), with only around 30 percent occurring in darkness conditions. Speed was involved in around 35 percent of rural lane or roadway departure crashes, inattention and fatigue were involved in approximately 7 percent of these crashes each, and impairment was likely involved in almost 8 percent of these crashes.
If vehicles stay in their lane, hundreds of lives can be saved in Wyoming and thousands of lives can be saved nationally.
FAST FACTS
Wyoming crash data from 2019-2023 report that:
• Around 26 percent of all traffic crashes were rural lane departure crashes; 19 percent of all traffic crashes were rural roadway departure crashes.
• Nearly 59 percent of all critical crashes were rural lane departure crashes; 47 percent of all traffic crashes were rural roadway departure crashes.
• Approximately 69.5 percent of all traffic crash fatalities occurred in rural lane departure crashes; 53 percent of all traffic crash fatalities occurred in rural roadway departure crashes.
• Most (79 percent) rural lane or roadway departure traffic crashes were single vehicle crashes.
• The majority (64 percent) of rural lane or roadway departure traffic crashes occurred in daylight conditions.
CRASH CATEGORIES:
Critical Crashes – fatal and suspected serious injury crashes.
Serious Crashes – suspected minor injury and possible injury crashes.
Damage Crashes – no apparent injury and injury unknown crashes.
BY THE NUMBERS
Wyoming crash data
August 1, 2024 vs. (August 1, 2023):
Fatalities: 51 (83)
Serious Injuries: 228 (263)
Alcohol-Involved Fatalities: 10 (18)
Bicycle-Involved Fatalities: 1 (1)
CMV-Involved Fatalities: 7 (25)
Drug-Involved Fatalities: 6 (18)
Motorcycle-Involved Fatalities: 13 (6)
Pedestrian-Involved Fatalities: 3 (7)
Speed-Related Fatalities: 24 (42)
Data current as of 08/05/2024
Wellness Ways to remain grounded during election season
By AllOne Health
The election season may bring up a variety of heightened emotions—stress, uncertainty, anxiety, hope, fear, frustration, apathy, and more. While it’s normal to experience a whole spectrum of emotional responses, it’s important to recognize when election-related stress is affecting your daily life and functioning. If these feelings are becoming overwhelming or persist for a long period, it may be helpful to speak to a mental health professional for support.
For general coping strategies, here are three simple ways to manage election stress:
• Acknowledge your emotions. Take time and space to acknowledge your emotional responses. Recognize how they feel in your body and explore the underlying causes. For example, feelings of uncertainty may be fueling heightened anxiety, stress, and discomfort. This recognition can then lead toward accepting what is within your control and trusting that you’ll be able to cope with any outcome.
• Be mindful of your daily habits. Be aware of your news consumption and consider setting specific times to check for updates rather than constantly scrolling or watching TV news. It’s also helpful to focus on the basics, such as getting regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, and getting adequate sleep. Try to “get out of your head” by doing something physical like taking a walk, gardening, or creating something artistic. It makes a big difference.
• Stay connected. Reaching out to friends, family, and community members can provide emotional support and a sense of solidarity. Engaging in conversations with people you trust can help you process your thoughts and feelings, making the stress more manageable and promoting a more balanced and informed perspective. Sharing enjoyable activities and light-hearted moments can be equally beneficial for your mental health.
If you’re looking for guidance on managing your emotions, developing healthy coping strategies, or working through challenging relationships or conversations, your Employee Assistance Program can connect you to a mental health clinician for personalized support.
Create a culture of respect
Five simple strategies to boost mutual respect in the workplace:
• Get to know one another
Take an interest in other’s beliefs, behaviors, preferences and unique needs. Consider how your words and actions will impact others before you speak or act.
• Learn about your differences
Appreciate the value of diverse opinions in developing workplace structures and approaches.
• Promote good manners
Good manners are clear markers of your respect for someone. When in doubt, ask people how they want to be treated.
• Maintain boundaries
It’s important to know where the boundaries lie between sharing your experiences and views, and being confrontational, disrespectful, or causing embarrassment. Think carefully about what’s useful or necessary to share at work and be alert to any particularly sensitive topics.
• Be a role model for respect
Your words and actions can influence others, so it’s important to lead by example. Work on self-awareness and manage your own biases.
Training Exciting training opportunities with WYDOT University for FY25
By Kurt Borgaard, Training Services
Get ready to elevate your skills and leadership abilities with the newly released FY25 WYDOT University Training Schedule, spanning from October 2024 through September 2025. Whether you’re looking to boost your personal growth or enhance your leadership acumen, this year’s offerings have something for everyone.
Highlights of the New Schedule
• Life Balance Series: Tackle stress head-on and build resilience in the face of change with our insightful classes designed to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Leadership Development Series: Sharpen your strategic leadership abilities and dive into the fascinating world of neuroscience to uncover what makes an effective leader truly exceptional.
• Management Development Series: Master the art of leading teams through change, leverage the strengths of generational diversity in the workplace, and learn the secrets to becoming an outstanding mid-level supervisor. Discover how to cultivate high-performing teams that excel together.
• Personal Development Series: Unlock your potential with two of Franklin Covey’s most acclaimed courses – “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” and “Leading with the Speed of Trust.” And explore “MBTI: Communication and Teams.” These classes will provide you with the tools to transform both your personal and professional life.
This year also brings a new level of accessibility! WYDOT employees can now enroll in individual classes that were previously exclusive to new supervisors (WYdot Supervise). These courses cover crucial topics such as conducting impactful conversations with employees, addressing performance challenges, resolving conflicts, and advancing your coaching skills.
Don’t Miss Out! To explore the full FY25 Training Schedule and plan your development journey, visit the “Training Services (WYDOT-U)” section on the WYDOT employee website.
TRAINING @ A GLANCE
In September and October: Start
9/19/2024 Leading Self
Managing Yourself in Time (2-part) 8:30 am-12:00 pm VILT 9/26/2024
10/8/2024 Leading Others WYdot Supervise: New Supervisor Fundamentals Workshop 1:00 pm-5:00 pm Cheyenne
10/9/2024 8:00 am-5:00 pm
10/11/2024 Leading Self Life Balance Series-How to Effectively Deal 8:30 am-10:30 am VILT 10/18/2024 with Stress (3 virtual sessions) 10/25/2024
10/15/2024 Leading the Agency
Leadership Development Series 1: LEGO Serious Play 8:30 am-4:30 pm Cheyenne 10/24/2024 Leading Others WYdot Supervise: Addressing Poor Performance* 1:00 pm-5:00 pm VILT Coming in November and December:
Leadership Development Series 2: Presence with a Purpose 8:30 am-4:30 pm Cheyenne
WYdot Supervise: Coaching: Move People Forward* 1:00 pm-5:00 pm VILT
Leadership Development Series 3: 8:30 am-4:30 pm Cheyenne The Neuroscience of Leadership * Prerequisite: WYdot Supervise: New Supervisor Fundamental Workshop
Check out the upcoming training opportunities from WYDOT-U and the Transportation Learning Network. Don’t forget to check out the calendar on NEOGOV to see upcoming training events!
U.S. Forest Service
Stage 1 fire restrictions implemented for Thunder Basin National Grassland
By Aaron Voos, U.S. Forest Service
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service will implement Stage 1 fire restrictions beginning Wed., Aug. 7, 2024, for the Thunder Basin National Grassland.
This includes National Forest System lands located in Campbell, Converse, Crook, Niobrara, and Weston counties in Wyoming.
The USDA Forest Service has coordinated with all affected counties and state agencies on the timing of the restrictions. The impacted areas are managed by the Douglas Ranger District.
Restrictions are necessary due to dry fuel conditions, persistent fire weather patterns, and the danger of human-caused wildfires across the Grassland. Recent dry, windy, and hot weather conditions have resulted in an elevated potential for wildfires. Fire restrictions will help protect public health and safety, as well as natural resources.
The following prohibitions are in effect until further notice:
• Igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes) except if it is in:
1. A permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the U.S. Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas);
2. A device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off used in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device; or
3. A fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least five feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with a screen opening of a quarter-inch or less used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device.
• Smoking is prohibited, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
• Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order meeting either U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Standard 5100-1a; or appropriate Society of Automotive Engineers recommended practice J335(b) and J350(a). For chainsaw use, a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of 2A) must be kept with the operator, and a round point shovel with an overall length of at least 35 inches readily available for use.
• Blasting, welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except if in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of Class 2A) is kept with the operator.
• Using an explosive. This includes but is not limited to fuses, blasting caps, fireworks, rockets, exploding targets, tracers, and incendiary ammunition.
Personal, portable wood or charcoal burning fire pits/ rings, often made of stainless steel, are not allowed under these restrictions. Campfires are only allowed in USDA approved and installed fire pits/grates, or gas-fueled devices with an on/off switch.
Violation of these regulations is punishable as a class B misdemeanor, by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment of not more than six months, or both. Anyone negligently or willfully starting a wildland fire could also be held responsible for the costs of that fire.
Grassland staff will continue to monitor conditions to assess the need for further action, including additional restrictions if weather remains hot and dry and lessening restrictions if a wetter weather pattern develops.
Call or visit your local office for site-specific information.
Ethan Blaylock, Management Services; River Coler, Facilities Management-Custodial; Nicolaas Kapus, Port of Entry-Cheyenne I-80; Jalynda McKay, GIS/ITS; Gerald Morgan, Port of Entry-Cheyenne I-80; and Brayden Taylor, Motor Vehicle Services-Registration/Title.
Promotions and Transfers
Jason Sawdon, Patrol-Support Services-Operations – 15 years; Clinton Williams, Patrol-Support Services-Operations – 10 years; Mia Belving, Purchasing-Administration – 5 years; and Cole Bostron, Planning-Local Government Coordination – 5 years.
Mark Janicek, senior staff technician with the Contracts and Estimates program at WYDOT Headquarters in Cheyenne, retired in July with 44 years of service to the state.
Kyle Creswell, Materials-Pavement Management and Research; Duard Dilday III, Maintenance Staff; Melissa Higgins, Patrol-Dispatch; Beau Kelley, Geology; Marshall Newlin, Bridge-Engineering Administration; Cory O’Connor, Patrol-Commercial Carrier; Groven Ragsdale, Patrol-Commercial Carrier; Walter Schoene, Driver Services-Policy and Records; Wayne Shenefelt, Maintenance Staff; Steven Southards, Materials-Surfacing; and Jean Paul Willson, Materials-Surfacing.
Bryan Wenger, Equipment program manager at WYDOT Headquarters in Cheyenne, retired in July with 31 years of service. Wenger started with WYDOT in the mechanic shop and rose through the ranks, serving as heavy mechanic, lead mechanic, and assistant Equipment program manager before taking on his current role. He served with the US Air Force from 1984-1988, including time spent at FE Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne and Osan Air Base in Korea. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family, attending car shows, working and racing cars, and participating in various clubs in town.
Brian Wenger at his retirement party after 31 years of service. He was presented an image of his classic car with his years of service inscribed in the lower right corner.
District 1
Mark Briggs, a computer tech support specialist with ETS, retired in July with 37 years of service. He started with WYDOT in 1987 as a drafting specialist, spent time as a drafting tech with Bridge and as a computer technology specialist with IT before moving to ETS in 2013. Briggs enjoys bowling in his spare time (pun intended).
Welcome
Robert Hauck, Laramie Maintenance.
Dilday
O’Connor
Shenefelt
Heiduck
Belving
Sawdon
Briggs
Janicek
Higgins Schoene
Bale
Williams
Miears
Bostron
Hauck
Photo: Jordan Young/WYDOT
Service Awards
Michael Lonn, Rawlins Construction – 30 years; Kory Cramer, Laramie Construction – 25 years; Carl Haug, Cheyenne Construction –20 years; Jon Weitzel, Patrol-Laramie – 15 years; Sarah Carew, Rawlins Construction – 10 years; Justin Kiser, Elk Mountain Maintenance – 10 years; and Charles Bigelow, Rawlins Maintenance – 5 years.
Retirements
Clinton Beavers, highway maintenance technician for District 1 in Laramie, retired in July with four years of service to the state.
Clyde Harnden, highway maintenance supervisor in the District 1 traffic program, retired in July with 41 years of service. Harnden spent his entire career with District 1 in different roles within the traffic program. A Laramie native, he enjoys hunting in his spare time.
Service Award Recipients
Service award luncheons are held by the Transportation Commission for employees celebrating milestones of 25 years of service or greater. Service award recipients at this month’s luncheon: (standing from left) S. Michael Eckhardt, 35 years; Keith Tupper, 25 years; Amy Bale, 30 years; and Terry Uhrich, 35 years. (Seated from left) Heather Heiduck, 30 years; and Debra Duffield, 35 years.
Cramer Beavers
Bigelow
Weitzel Kiser Lonn
Haug Carew
A group came together to help Clyde Harnden celebrate his retirement.
Photo: Andrea Staley/WYDOT
Harnden is all smiles as he enjoys his retirement party.
Photo: Andrea Staley/WYDOT
Photo: Doug McGee/WYDOT
District 2
Welcome
Krystal Guerrero, Chugwater Maintenance; Katie Hansen, Chugwater Maintenance; and Michael Walock, Casper Construction.
Service Awards
Carl Walsh, Casper Construction – 30 years; and Ryan Schneider, Torrington Traffic-Striping – 15 years.
Retirements
Daniel Anderson, highway maintenance technician, retired on July 16 with 10 years of service to the state.
District 2 picnics brought employees together
The District 2 employee picnics are in the books for 2024. The District staff traveled to all of the district offices serving burgers, brats and all of the fixings to our employees just to say thanks for a job well done throughout the year. The picnics are also great opportunities to meet new employees, hand out awards and recognition and to build our team in a relaxed atmosphere. The WTDEA was also present, building membership and raffling some very nice items along with 50/50 raffles. Proceeds from the raffles go to the group’s general fund.
A new 140 Caterpillar road grader was delivered to District 2 in early August. Wyoming Machinery trainers gave instruction on the new equipment to a D2 Maintenance crew.
Photo: Terry Uhrich/WYDOT
District Engineer Mark Ayen (left) and District Construction Engineer Mark Williams (right) prepared the picnic feast for the Casper crews.
District Engineer Mark Ayen presented a service award to Kevin Blantz at the employee barbecue in Douglas.
Photo: Jeff Goetz/WYDOT
D2 WTDEA was present at the barbecue in Wheatland. They sold 50/50 raffle tickets and had other giveaways.
Photo: Jeff Goetz/WYDOT
Hansen Walock Walsh Schneider
Daniel Anderson at his retirement party in Casper.
Photo: WYDOT
Community
Casper maintainers took some equipment to the Boys and Girls Club of Casper to let the kids see WYDOT’s “toys,” explain what we use them for and let them get a feel for what it’s like to get behind the wheel of a real-life “Tonka Toy.”
District 3
Welcome
Steven Bennett, Rock Springs Maintenance; Jared Chytka, Kemmerer Construction; Nathaniel Gately, Patrick Draw Maintenance; Darrell Hoskins, Rock Springs Maintenance; Jon Jereb, Rock Springs Maintenance; and Casey Temaat, Rock Springs Maintenance.
Promotions and Transfers
Brandon Guzman, Afton Construction; and Dane Widner, Evanston Maintenance.
Service Awards
Luke Awtrey, Patrol-Evanston – 10 years; and Christopher McBurney, Evanston Mechanics – 5 years.
Retirements
Kevin Weston, highway maintenance specialist with District 3 in Cokeville, retired in July with 24 years of service. He spent his whole career with WYDOT in Cokeville operating heavy equipment. His hobbies include steam engines, tinkering with old cars, guns, and spending time with his family in the mountains.
District 4
Welcome
Gary Scott, Gillette Maintenance; and Madison Townley, Port of Entry-Sundance.
Promotions and Transfers
Ryan Colby, Burgess Junction Maintenance; William Krueger, Pole Creek Maintenance; and Krueger
Colby Scott
Awtrey McBurney Weston
Gabe Reyes and Tracey Firnekas show off one of WYDOT’s loaders.
Photo: Jeff Goetz/WYDOT
Michael Mitchell and two Boys and Girls Club students with a skid steer.
Photo: Jeff Goetz/WYDOT
Bailey Orr supervises the children on the asphalt roller. Maybe that’s not such a great place to stand?
Photo: Jeff Goetz/WYDOT
Sheridan participated in this year’s Sheridan WYORodeo Parade. (Back row from left) Don Hamilton, Carson Morales, Mike Borner, Cody Fisher, Bob Williams, Laura Dalles, Jeff Baker, Kaleb Bowers-Seekins, and Dylan Schoenfelder. (Front row from left) Erik Brannigan, Michelle Edwards, Keri Griffith, and Rocky Melger.
Photo: WYDOT
Travis Smith, Sheridan Maintenance-Guardrail.
Service
Awards
Carson Morales, Sheridan Maintenance – 5 years; and Eric Sandstead, Patrol-Sheridan – 5 years.
Retirements
Timothy Ayres, highway maintenance specialist with District 4 in Newcastle, retired in July with 10 years of service.
District 5
Welcome
Paul Hoverson tion.
Promotions and Transfers
Jimmy Hallam
Lander Traffic-Strip ing.
Service
Awards
Douglas Walker Basin Construction – 5 years.
Johnson County Fair and Rodeo
WYDOT D4 participated in this year’s Johnson County Fair and Rodeo parade on Aug. 3. Laura Dalles, District 4 public involvement specialist, reached out to one of the district’s Adopt A Highway volunteer 4H groups – Spurs and Lace – and asked if they would be interested in naming and painting one of our snow plows. They jumped at the chance for a fun group activity.
The club took some time away from their 4H projects (sheep and swine, mostly) to paint a V-plow and a wing plow. The theme of the parade was Wyoming A-Z of which WYDOT was the letter “W.” The group chose Wyoming’s Winding Roads and named the plow WYld Willy. The truck won second place in the commercial division.
Thank you to Buffalo maintainer Toni Schoolcraft for taking a few
The Spurs and Lace 4H group with the wing plow
Photo:
WYDOT
Photo: WYDOT
Letters
Driver Services knocks it out of the park for customers
Laramie Driver Services – kindness goes a long way
Good afternoon, Once again, I have to offer my thanks for the kind, understanding and wonderful treatment offered by the women in the Laramie driver’s license office! My wife and I are grateful for all of the patience and help offered with kind words and smiles. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
Rory and Manirat Palmer, Laramie
A poignant thank you for Torrington Driver Services
Dear Ms. Zimmerman,
I received my WY CDL this week as promised. I wanted to share with you how pleased I am with the excellent service provided by the driver’s license crew in Torrington and the representatives who filled the desk as vacation relief. All were quite professional and well trained.
I owe a special thanks to Ms. Cain who provided excellent guidance, started my file and kept it updated, and helped me manage the transition from Nebraska to my completed Wyoming license. And while I managed to stretch this process out over several months everything was waiting for me in my file upon completion of my background check, new medical certificate and Hazmat test. In the last 7 years I have completed the CDL requirements in Colorado, Nebraska and New York.
The Torrington staff is more helpful, better organized and more efficient, by far, than the other states. If the Torrington staff is representative of the entire state then you have a top level organization. Well done! I am blessed and happy to be back in Wyoming.
Donald Lange
Driver Services in Laramie doing the good work even when there are “haters” in the waiting area
Lots of times we aren’t nice to government workers…especially at the DMV. I was at the DMV today for three hours. In that time, I heard the most mean-spirited talk about how slow they were going (it was the computers; they have to follow certain protocols; they can only fit a certain amount of clients in per day; people showing up without an appointment demanding services; people making fun of the ladies working when they need a snack, went to the bathroom, went to get more printer paper, and more.)
They made their sentiments known and berated the two women employees of WYDOT ongoing until the point that one of them was almost in tears. I waited. I was the very last appointment today. The lady told me if I stayed until closing, she would see me. I walked up to her desk and asked her how she was, if I could get her anything, and thanked her profusely for staying five minutes late today. I told her that I knew she heard the comments today but that wasn’t what I thought of her.
Friends, how we treat people matter. We are asking for services and someone is helping you. Be patient, be kind, everyone needs it. Huffing, yelling at people, spouting out harsh criticism and then still expecting people to be able to serve you quickly and efficiently is not going to work. However, encouragement,
being kind and respectful, telling someone they are doing a good job and thanking them for taking the time to help you will motivate them and change the world a little at a time.
Honestly, I was pretty floored today that this happened in Laramie. But what surprised me even more was that the same people who had so loudly and purposefully had lodged verbal and emotional abuse at these women suddenly turned so kind when their names were called.
So if you’re going to the DMV any time soon, please remember to be patient, kind, and encouraging. I know I’ll be bringing them flowers tomorrow. We all deserve better.
Jennifer Vazqueztell
Laramie Driver Services get high praise
I’m chillin’ at the DMV in laramie with my son getting his permit and the workers here are freakin’ awesome. Taneha and Sarah were super patient with people who didn’t deserve it and helped us out after everyone left. Give them a shout out!
Josh Dorrell Director
of the Wyoming Business Council
Big Fill Slide repair thank you
Dear Governor Gordon and Director Westby,
Earlier today, we on the Jackson Town Council were forwarded your July 16 letter regarding the Teton Pass slide and re-opening.
Thank you so much for such a kind and gracious letter.
As you know, in this political and contentious world of ours very few things can be celebrated as purely good and truly wonderful. Happily, in the eyes of my constituents and entire community, the efforts made by all parties to address the Big Fill slide was one of those purely good and truly wonderful moments. This could not have happened without your exceptional leadership and devotion to Wyoming’s well-being, for which my constituents and I are extraordinarily grateful.
Again, deepest thanks – on all scores.
Best regards,
Jonathan Schechter Town Council member, Jackson, WY
Motor Vehicle Services kudos
Jennifer (Naatz),
Just a note to let you know how much I appreciate your quick response time in returning filings and answering any questions I may have.
I’ve been doing regulatory filings for almost 20 years and the other states could certainly take lessons from WYDOT (and you) in how it should be done. Some of the people I have to deal with are perpetually in a foul mood and trying to get information from them is like pulling teeth with a pair of pliers. Slow, painful and not always accurate.
In short – thank you! You do an excellent job and are very much appreciated (and you can tell your boss I said so).
Elaine Hugueley
National American Insurance Company
Passings
Debra L. Cain
Debra Lynn Cain, 63, passed away Aug. 4, 2024, in Aurora, Colorado. Cain was born on July 11, 1961, in Yokosuka, Japan, to Wayne and Marjorie Maude.
Her parents, with her and her twin brother, lived in many places because of their father’s work in the U.S. Navy. She was a pro-traveler, having lived in Edzell Scotland, Washington, D.C, Guam and Skaggs Island, California. All this was prior to her finding her home in Torrington in her early teenage years. She graduated from Torrington High School as a National Honor Society member in 1979, she eventually attended Easter Wyoming College from 1981-1982.
After college, she worked at the Kings Inn where she met her beloved husband, Jack. The two were married on December 12, 1986, welcoming their first child Nicole in 1987. After starting a new job at Pinnacle Bank, she and Jack welcomed their second child, Kristin in 1990.
Eventually, Cain found her place at WYDOT Driver Services in March 1998, where she shared her kindness and joyful demeanor with all of those in Torrington and surrounding areas. She worked there for 25 years where she made many friends that she considered family.
Cain enjoyed family time anytime. She loved camping with her family and friends, seeing new places and adventures. One of her favorites was traveling to Sturgis and Deadwood, relaxing with loved ones. She would always give a helping hand, making sure everyone’s needs were met before her own.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life was held Aug. 15, 2024, at the Colyer Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Rick Carroll officiating. Memorials can be made to the donor’s choice in Cain’s name. Arrangements are under the direction of the Colyer Funeral Home and condolences may be sent to www.colyerfuneralhome.com.
Donald A. Carlson
Donald Andrew Carlson, 88, passed away on Aug. 13, 2024, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Carlson was born on Nov. 7, 1935 in Rock Springs, Wyoming and his journey through life was marked by a steadfast dedication to his community, a successful career and a loving family.
Carlson graduated from Rock Springs High School before earning a degree in civil engineering from the University of Wyoming while playing basketball for the Cowboys. His academic foundation paved the way for a distinguished career with the Wyoming Highway Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency, where he eventually became the head of Highway Development.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, he served in the Air National Guard for 30 years, demonstrating his commitment to service and country. His military tenure was characterized by dedication and resilience, hallmarks of his character.
Outside of work and service, Carlson was passionate about the outdoors, He relished the time spent camping, hunting, and fishing. His gardens and woodworking were a source of joy as he tenderly cared for each plant and each new project. An avid sports fan, he also dedicated time to coaching his sons’ baseball teams and never missed a chance to support his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting endeavors always cheering them on from the sidelines.
Carlson was a man who might have seemed tough on the exterior, but those who knew him understood his soft and gentle heart. He had a dry sense of humor and a fun, cantankerous spirit that endeared him to many. If he teased you, it was a true sign of affection.
One of Carlson’s sons, Matt, is currently the WYDOT State Highway Safety Engineer and one of his daughters-in-law Shelby Carlson, married to another son, Mike, is a former WYDOT Chief Engineer.
Carlson’s life was a testament to his
strength, compassion and dedication. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, leaving behind memories that will be cherished by his family, friends and community.
A celebration of life to honor his memory was held Aug. 25 at the Cheyenne Airport Golf Club. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Lung Association to honor the love Don Carlson had for his wife, Gloria.
Charles C. Roberson
Charles C. Roberson of Cheyenne, Wyoming, passed away in the VA Community Living Center on Aug. 15, 2024, at age 95.
After growing up in Iowa and graduating high school in 1945, Roberson served in World War II.
A few years after his military service ended, Roberson began his career with WYDOT as a painter in maintenance in 1955. He resigned from WYDOT to pursue other career endeavors in 1960, including careers in radio technology and other electronic equipment.
In 1978, Roberson decided to rejoin WYDOT as an Electronic Communications technician, and moved up to Electronic Communications district supervisor, Electronic Communications area supervisor, and then was named an Electronic Communications designer/ consultant in 1988. Roberson retired from WYDOT as an electronic consultant in December 1993.
Roberson loved his wife, Wilma J, whom he married in 1953. According to a 2018 anniversary announcement in the Wyoming Tribune Eagle, the couple met at Lynn’s Dairy Store in Cheyenne, where Wilma worked and Charlie visited for ice cream. They both enjoyed hunting, riding ATVs, snowmobiling and spending time at their mountain cabin.
They had three children: Pat Kautz of Cheyenne, Mike Roberson of Wheatland and Sherrie Schriner of Cody. Roberson was also a grandpa and great grandpa.
Cremation has taken place, and a private family memorial will be held at a later date.
Cain
Carlson
Roberson
WTDEA
A Colorado Rockies adventure for HQ Chapter
The Headquarters Chapter sponsored an outing to the Colorado Rockies in Denver, Colorado, on Sunday, Aug. 11. A bus was chartered and 23 people were able to attend.
The group met in the Headquarters parking lot to board a charter bus, leaving behind the stress and aggravation of driving and parking in Denver. The group seats came with $10 dollars worth of concessions at any of the various food vendors at the ballpark.
The game was looking like it was going to be won by the Atlanta Braves, but the Rockies pulled out a nail-biter of a onerun win in the ninth inning.
Photo: Christina Fisher
Photo: Christina Fisher
Robert Rodriguez, of Program Performance, visited Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park, Colorado on his Harley Davidson Road Glide. He had traveled on Colorado Highway 7 to find this picturesque pull out to stretch his legs.
Torrington’s Todd Greenamyre owns this 1963 Pontiac Tempest. The gray beauty has been refurbished and Greenamyre gets it out to show it off.
Torrington’s Zachery Freouf owns both of these trucks. The 1972 Chevy C10 was bought in 2009 and underwent a full restoration. It currently has a nitrous system basis chip backed with a 3600 stall and 4.11 posi. The 2002 Chevy Duramax was just bought with some upgrade plans in mind.
District 4 Guardrail Foreman Brian Blakeman owns this 1971 Chevrolet C-10 pickup truck. It’s a frame-up rebuild with a 350 engine, TH350 transmission, factory A/C, factory tachometer and a factory tilt column.
This old 1948 Chevy pickup is also a hobby project of Todd Greenamyre. He’s still working on this classic – when burnouts aren’t on the day’s schedule.
Photo: Robert Rodriguez
Photo: Todd Greenamyre
Photo: Todd Greenamyre
Photo: Zachery Freouf
Photo: Brian Blakeman
Break Time
Outdoors
Washakie 24. Windy 25. Woodpile
Leaf peepers
Moose
Natrona
O
P E R A L A B O R R M U L E Y S R W H Z I N G W E C E
P U M P K I N S F O V J N U T M E G A C N C E P V T A
Z U C C H I N I L I K E Q U A L I T Y Z D M A P A H I
R I P E F R U T P R O W S D E F E N D E Y R G E N I V
G N A T S P L A C E S E P T E M B E R L E F T V I T O
S T R E E S F O O T B A L L D I R E C T I O E N L Y N
B A U T U M N E M O Q A T I M E S B A C R S R E L T A
F L Y B U S H E L S U U N H I G H W A Y O T M O A N S
P R E E S E T B U G I E I A F I S T P O A N W T E R V
E H A C K E D S P Y N R Y L N A G R M E S O V S R E H
A M E R K S E A L Y T Y W E T A F I G H T I N E G I C
C K W C B R A W N Q S R E A D S R E F R I G E R R A T
H V A S T U T E U O L G R A P H I C S O L Y M P I S O
C J P R O X I M I T Y H D O O R K N O B G A R A G D E
