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WYDOT employee goes the extra mile for traveler On March 15 between mile marker 20 and 25 sometime around 10 a.m., we were involved in a roll-over accident on I-25 northbound. The snow plow operator, Mark Papke, stopped to make sure everyone was okay and helped us get help. We wanted to thank him but he was back making the road safe for others before we could say thank you. Please recognize this operator for his kindness and consideration for all of us involved!
Ashley Krug
District 2 flagging help extremely appreciated I would like to personally thank the District 2 striping crew and the Rock Springs engineering crews for providing traffic control and/or flaggers for our drill crews. Geology’s field crews travel the state 50 of the 52 weeks a year and at times our work requires us to be on the road. Mark Williams, Ty Miller and the rest of the District 2 striping crew, as well as Christina and Jessica from Clint Lockman’s crew and Cherie from Leslie Ranta’s crew, specifically helped us out when we needed help. Thank you to these wonderful people who understand that teamwork is the key to making WYDOT a better place to work.
Kirk Hood, P.G. WYDOT Geology
WTDEA
WTDEA member spotlight on Diane Archerd “I always support WTDEA,” says Archerd. “I have been a member of WTDEA and a WYDOT employee for 38 years.” Last month, Archerd began her 39th year with the agency in her current work group of more than 25 years, Procurement Services. She is a Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO) and a senior buyer for WYDOT. Currently, Archerd Archerd is the only CPPO in the state of Wyoming. Archerd, who is a lifetime member of WTDEA, has served on District 4 and District 1 boards throughout her membership. She has served as officer in the roles of president and secretary. “My skills were better served as secretary and I held that position for several years,” said Archerd. “I enjoyed it so much.” In past years, she was a member of the state board for two years, but not consecutively. Although she did not hold office while on state board, she made sure she would attend if someone else couldn’t attend so her district would always have representation. “I encourage everyone to get involved in some capacity with WTDEA, regardless of how small it may seem,” said Archerd. “It all makes a difference. WYDOT is one big family and we are there for each other. That is demonstrated each and
every day.” One of Archerd’s fondest memories of serving on state board was the time the meeting was held in Cheyenne and then Gov. Ed Herschler and first lady Casey Herschler invited the WTDEA state board and the Transportation Commissioners over to the governor’s mansion. “We got to visit with the governor and the commissioners in a relaxed setting, discussing employee issues and just having casual conversations,” Archerd said. “To have the governor invite us to his house was such an honor and a thrill.” Archerd started her career with WYDOT while attending Sheridan College. She worked as a WHP dispatcher until all communications jobs were relocated to Cheyenne and her job was eliminated. She transferred to Laramie where she worked in the Finals Office, at UW and as a dispatcher for WYDOT in the winter months for the maintenance crews. She eventually became the district maintenance clerk in Laramie and later on applied for a buyer position in Purchasing, which is now Procurement Services. She is currently working on a Business Administration degree from Laramie County Community College. Archerd, a Wyoming native raised in Sheridan, enjoys reading, camping, fishing, hanging out at the lake with friends and family, and riding her ATV. “I love riding and playing in the mud.”
WTDEA headquarters annual Spring Festival returns The WTDEA is proud to present the second annual Spring Festival on April 4, at the Cheyenne Moose Lodge. A barbecue-style dinner, carnival games, raffles, silent auctions and a dessert bar with soft serve ice cream are just a few of the highlights attendees will experience. All proceeds from this annual event will fund the WTDEA HQ Chapter’s Grant Assistance Program. The GAP is a member benefit for nearly anything, given that it is not political or illegal, to enhance the lives of WYDOT employees, spouses, children, stepchildren or grandchildren. The Spring Festival is open to the public. Bring family and friends to join in on the good food and good times.
April 2014
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