36 minute read
A “Super Day” to talk about safety
by WYDOT
Kids and parents alike loved the “touch-a-truck” with the WYDOT snowplow.
By Jordan Achs
District 1 and the Highway Patrol hosted a booth at Cheyenne Superday this year. Located in “Gasoline Alley” (a.k.a. Carey Avenue), the booth featured a very popular touch-a-truck with a snowplow and a brand new Trooper vehicle.
If the touch-a-truck didn’t draw them in, crowds quickly stopped for giveaways like gun locks, anti-littering bumper stickers, buckle-up temporary tattoos, trooper star stickers, trooper and dispatcher recruitment information, Alive at 25 and other program information and other fun items like stuffed animals.
It wasn’t all fun and giveaways, however; employees had the chance to have great conversations about safety topics and reminders as families stopped by.
Patrons could also read the somber reminders on the Impaired Driving crash display, a scary looking vehicle after a severe DUI crash involving a trooper vehicle.
It was a great chance to visit with the community and to reach out about what motorists can do to help our crews. Great dialogue could be overheard about snow plow safety, seat belt safety, dangers of speeding, gun safety, driving impaired, driving distracted, child car seat recommendations, and more. Special thanks to Cheyenne Maintenance Tech Martin Salazar (Crew 1034), Lt. Tim Romig, Trooper Jason Simmer and Trooper Logan Kelley for helping to make it happen. The families really enjoyed our booth! n The new WHP vehicle and “Impaired Driving Kills” crashed car was a draw for curious Superday visitors.
Changes to the Wyoming Retirement System employee contributions
Effective July 1, employees in the Wyoming Retirement System (WRS) Public Employee Plan will see changes to their employee contribution.
The new employee contribution will increase from 3.43% to 3.68%. The state of Wyoming will continue to pay 5.57% towards the employee contribution for a total employee contribution of 9.25%. This is in addition to the 9.37% paid by the employer for a total contribution of 18.62% to the Public Employee Plan.
The change was prompted in 2018 after the passage of House Bill 109. In addition to the increase to employee and employer contribution rates for the Public Employee Pension Plan, the bill included a provision for a 2% total increase in employer and employee contribution rates, required state employees covered by the Public Plan to pay the employee contribution rate through a reduction in cash salary, and provided various appropriations for the employer contribution rate increases. For more about this bill, visit wyoleg.gov/2018/Summaries/HB0109.PDF
Employees can review the employee plan handbook and access their retirement account at https://retirement.wyo.gov/en/ n
Training
By Rebecca McGee, Training Services
The WY Lead Advancing Leaders Academy is in development by Training Services. This is an exciting program that is directly related to the mission, vision, and values of WYDOT and is meant for supervisors who are interested in continuing to develop their leadership skills via a structured leadership program.
The WY Lead program came about by requests for a structured Leadership program, thus it would look more like Know WY for new employees or WY Supervise for first time supervisors. Work started on WY Lead in November 2019. Updates to the project can be found on the Intranet in the What’s New section of the Training Services page.
Senior Leadership established the goals for the leadership academy and a Planning Team worked to establish the program’s framework this past year.
Top Agency Needs
Have a fully staffed and highly skilled workforce
Strengthen external relationships and agency credibility
Maintain adequate revenue
Leadership Behaviors Needed (Top 3 Focus Areas)
1. Mindset (Positivity) and Performance Accountability 2. Planning and Prioritization 3. Innovation (Resistance to Change vs. Initiative)
1. Organizational Awareness 2. Innovation (Resistance to Change vs. Initiative) 3. Cultural Buy-In / Loyalty (Public Advocacy)
1. Planning and Prioritization 2. Expand Accountability (Empower / Delegate) 3. Cultural Buy-In / Loyalty (What / How to Message)
Going forward, a review team will help with the development of the program by reviewing and providing feedback on the application and forms, curriculum and activities, and other pieces of the program. Then, a pilot group will do an initial run-through of the program which will allow them to experience the program first-hand, engage in the program structure, and make improvement suggestions. The WY Lead program should open to all of WYDOT following the pilot group’s initial run through.
If you’re interested in being a part of the development of this program by engaging in one of the groups mentioned earlier, please contact dot-training@wyo.gov and we will get you more information. Then watch for more information as Training Services works on the WY Lead Advancing Leaders Academy.
Promotions and Transfers
Kyle Nelson, GIS/ ITS; and Derek Weekly, Budget.
Service Awards
Dana Abbott, Weekly Patrol-Commercial Carrier – 25 years;
Lisa Fresquez, Civil Rights – 20 years;
Sara Janes Ellis, Planning-Local Government Coordination – 15 years;
Abbott Fresquez
Orr Porter
Elazizi Shackelford
Headquarters
Edwin Orr, Facilities Management-Building Maintenance – 15 years;
Cheryl Porter, Aeronautics-Airports – 15 years;
Momen Elazizi, Patrol-Safety and Training – 10 years;
Philip Flores, Planning-Programming – 10 years;
Diane Land, Patrol-Dispatch – 10 years; and
Janel Shackelford, Patrol-Support Services Operation – 5 years.
Retirements
Keith Groeneweg retired with more than 32 years of service from the Wyoming Highway Patrol with the rank of major and WHP Field Operations commander on June 1.
Groeneweg began his career with WHP in August 1988 as a patrolman in Wheatland.
He is a member of Element Church, FBI National Academy Associates, WHP Association, Wyoming Peace Officers Association, WTDEA, Wyoming Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Council, Frontier Basketball Officials Association and the National Federation of High School Officials. He enjoys many athletic sports and being in the outdoors.
Tracy Quinn retired on June 2 with 38 years of service to the state from the Materials Lab.
Quinn began her career with WYDOT in November 1982 as a Materials Lab technician. Sandra Scott retired on June 3 with 41 years of service to the state. Scott was the Transportation Commission secretary and Legislative Coordinator for WYDOT. She began her career in September 1978 and had worked as a micrographics technician, a fiscal technician in Accounting, an administrative assistant with Construction Staff, an executive assistant in Bridge, and a Consultant Services supervisor in Engineering Services. Scott attended Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska as an accounting major with a minor in music. She is a member of the Cheyenne Chamber Singers, GFWC and the WomGroeneweg en’s Civic League of Cheyenne. Thomas Stoker retired on June 16 from the Wyoming Highway Patrol with 31 years of service. The Cheyenne native was originally stationed in Rock Springs after being a WHP dispatcher for seven years. Stoker earned a degree in criminal justice from Laramie County Community College. n
The Budget office from left: DJ Weekly, Program Manager Rodney Freier, Pam Fredrick, Debbie McInerney, Melissa Gribble, Brandi Miller, Chelsey Lindsay, Jamie Romo, Sabrina Ernst and Christine Grant. Scott
Stoker
Photo: Rick Carpenter
Christmas in July
The Budget group celebrated “Christmas in July” with a luau theme since most of the members of their staff were teleworking due to the pandemic last December.
The group got together to swap small gifts and have a team lunch. The team had a carry-in and fun was had by all.
Brooklyn Fields, Highway Development-Project Development-Laramie Design Squad; Johnathan Jensen, Highway Development-Project Development-Laramie Design Squad; Angel Portillo, Highway Development-Project Development-Laramie Design Squad; Dawn Rohrer, District 1 Administration; Madeline Steinle, Driver Services-Laramie; Christopher Stockman, Highway Development-Project Development-Laramie Design Squad; Keith Tuttle, Highway Development-Project Development-Laramie Design Squad; and Jonathan Williams, Rawlins Maintenance.
Jason Gilmor, Emergency Communications-Telephone; and Bryce Sanchez, Cheyenne Construction.
Service Awards
Tommy Kennedy, Rawlins Patrol – 10 years.
Kennedy
LaVonn “Tico” Kulmus retired on June 1 from Rawlins crew 1008 after 26 years of service. She’s pictured here with her two sons and grandchildren. n
District 2
Welcome
Brian Evans, Torrington Mechanics; Anthony Kahn, Douglas Construction; and Theodore Siek, Casper Construction
Promotions and Transfers
Brandon Graves, Wheatland Mechanics; and Logan Mason, Casper Mechanics.
Graves Mason
Photo: WYDOT
Clinton Borton, of the Douglas Shop, pictured with his certificates for successfully completing his Fundamentals of Service (FOS) in general shop, hydraulics, engines, electrical and power trains. Nelson Booth
Service Awards
Mark Nelson, Douglas Construction – 20 years; and
Byron Booth, Torrington Construction – 10 years. n
Torrington Shop Foreman Darin Brott proudly displays his certificates for successfully completing his Fundamentals of Service (FOS) in administrative procedures, electrical and rigging.
Photo: WYDOT
District 3
Welcome
Bradley Dickson, District 3 Construction Staff; Steven Johnsen, Afton Construction; and Colton Owens, Evanston Maintenance.
Promotions and Transfers
Andrew Clark, Patrick Draw Maintenance; Michael Jerup, Jackson Maintenance; and Andrea Williams, Rock Springs Maintenance.
Clark
Service Awards
Kelly Bennion, Traffic-Electrical – 15 years.
Retirements
David Homer
retired on June 25 after serving with the Wyoming Highway Patrol for 12.5 years.
Homer began his WHP career in December 2008 and was assigned to the Evanston WHP office. n
Homer
Shawn Schoolcraft, Buffalo Mechanics; and Russell Stewart, Traffic-Sheridan Striping.
Schoolcraft
Retirements
Zachary Armstrong retired June 3 with 19 years of service to the state.
Armstrong was the Heavy Mechanic supervisor in Buffalo Mechanics.
Stewart
Armstrong
The Man, The Myth, The Legend ... Doug McLean is hanging up his hard hat for the last time on July 6th. Please join D4 as we celebrate and thank Doug for his 40 years of service to WYDOT.
Tuesday, July 6th @ 1:30 Sheridan TLN Room
McLean retires after 40 years
Douglas C. McLean – May 26, 1981-July 6, 2021 – known for his wit, optimism and “Dougie’isms” hung up his hard hat for the last time on a hot July day in the year two thousand twenty-one. Forty years with WYDOT – a lifetime of being a highwayman. One of the remaining few who saw an opportunity as a youth to sign on with an agency that takes pride in the honor of maintaining Wyoming’s highways and byways, one who was happy to share his knowledge of the road with others. Forty years of ‘been there, done that.’ Forty years of mentoring, training and humoring others.
Those of us in District 4 will not be the only ones to miss this legend – although known for chasing off five bosses and numerous office mates during his tenure, McLean had friends across the state. He made sure to make his rounds when he visited headquarters, stopping in to check on age-old friends and coworker ‘wives.’ His dedication to the WTDEA in the early years will be unmatched. There are many CDL licenses out there without McLean’s signature on them.
Always one to ‘never sweat the small stuff,’ the eternal optimist, he never spoke an ill-word of anyone, he always had an ‘eye’ on the ones he cared for.
He leaves behind forty years of friendships, the warmth of his beloved “squishy,” a collection of hats second to none, an assortment of door prizes for future trainings, a work station which will take his predecessor a week to comb through, Wednesdays will never be the same. But…and there is always a but… he also leaves behind some pretty big shoes to fill. Forty years of knowledge and experience is priceless and hard to replace.
Break time will be hard to adjust to, as he always provided a laugh, head scratch and appetite for snacks. His stories of Sturgis, updates from the “Spur” and “Mint” or a report on the latest treasure he found in the local dumpster tended to push break time to go a little over.
Although McLean has left us, he has not “left us” for he has a bright future ahead of him. His fierce dedication and love of his family, “what’s-her-name,” the “ranch,” all things motorcycle, antique tractors, mechanic-ing and a multitude of other interests will surely fill his days. You will be missed, but not forgotten – plus we all know where to find you on Fridays. n
If you are unable to attend, please send your well wishes to Doug via email doug.mclean@wyo.gov or by phone 307-752-8176
Promotions and Transfers
Lawrence Griffin, Basin Mechanics; Matthew Hutson, Lander Construction; Sean Morrison, Riverton Maintenance; and Shane Shoopman, Ten Sleep Maintenance.
Morrison Griffin
Shoopman
Service Awards
Kent Smith, District 5 Construction Staff – 25 years;
Sheri Baston, Port of Entry-Frannie – 10 years; and
Jason Price, Traffic-Signing – 10 years.
Baston Smith
Price
Letters
WYDOT, WHP receive thanks
To all of you who helped with WYDOT cleaning, signage & safety preservation we send our sincere appreciation. The cyclists, all 137 of them, had fewer flats than expected and felt well taken care of by state patrol. Thank you for your due diligence and we hope to see you out there next year June 25, 2022!
Also, thank you to those individuals who put in overtime just to secure our safety. We are thankful to have you out there representing our wonderful state! Sincerely, Laurie Stoelk PEAKS to Conga Committee Chairman Appreciative of road work
Cody (Beers),
I am writing this note to let you know how much I appreciated the road work that was completed on Sinks Canyon Road in Lander. Our road was scheduled to be chip sealed.
To be honest, I was dreading that process because I have experienced lengthy time delays, chipped windshields and tar on my car. Last week I had a totally different experience. That crew was polite and efficient and moved the traffic through as quickly as possible. They completed the chip seal in record time and swept the shoulders several times to clean up excess gravel . I am also a cyclist and expected a potential flat tire due to the gravel and have ridden the road a number of times with no concerns.
I wanted to let you know what a great job they did and hope they will get recognition for their efficient work. Our road looks great and it is a pleasure to drive. Mike Hitshew and his crew have my admiration and thanks! Sue Lee Lander WYDOT employee helps other employees – just like family
Hi Scott (Taylor),
I wanted to send along a note of thanks regarding Shawn (Schoolcraft) out of the Buffalo Shop. Our car ended up with a completely flat tire at the Trabing Road interchange just shy of 4:30 p.m. yesterday afternoon as we were trying to get back to Cheyenne. Shawn drove all the way out, changed us out to the spare (which also needed air), and followed us back into Buffalo acting as a shadow vehicle for us. He took a look at the pretty big hole but determined it could be patched. He even rebalanced the tire after hearing about some other issues we had had with the car recently. He got us back on the road and wished us safe travels.
At no point did he make us feel like a bother. I know warm weather callback isn’t something anyone is looking forward to, yet he acted like it was his pleasure to help us out. He brought that old-school WYDOT family feel to the situation. I’m additionally thankful we still have guys like that around.
So a huge thank you from me to you and your staff. Shawn is a good hand and I look forward to seeing him again (but hopefully without a vehicle issue).
Have a great weekend! Christina Spindler, P.E. Assistant State Traffic Engineer WYDOT-Traffic Program
Retirements
Michael Crawford retired on June 5 with 16 years of service to the state.
Crawford began his career with the old Highway Department in May 1983 as a laborer on the Riverton crew. He later transferred to Riverton Crawford Maintenance as an equipment operator.
Crawford graduated from Riverton High and attended WYOTech. n
Trailer tongue trouble
By Geoffrey McPherson, Employee Safety
On June 15, 2021, a WYDOT employee had stepped on the tongue of a trailer that was attached to an 8-yard truck. He attempted to step down off of the tongue when his foot slipped in between the bars. The employee fell forward causing the heel of his right foot to catch underneath one of the bars, while his knee came down on the other bar. His knee hyper-extended and acted as a fulcrum for his falling weight while his left elbow slammed into the concrete floor. The WYDOT employee suffered a fracture of his lower right leg and a broken left elbow due to this fall.
Could this have been prevented?
Employee Safety recommends the following:
1. Always maintain situational awareness. 2. Never step on a trailer tongue without a hand grab. 3. Walk around the equipment instead of climbing over the trailer tongue. n
Trailer tongue on 8-yard truck with opening between bars.
Changes to Policy 19-07 headgear in the ROW
By Jordan Striff WYDOT Employee Safety
Personnel Procedure 17-07 was recently updated to reflect current ANSI Standards for high visibility safety apparel.
Personnel Procedure 19-7 was recently updated to reflect a change of the headgear that can be worn when working within the Right-of-Way (ROW).
Here is the following change to Section II, Paragraph M.:
All employees must wear a protective helmet (a hard hat) when working in areas where potential exists for head injury from impact, falling or flying objects, or electrical shock. As described in Personnel Procedure (PER) 19-14, Job Safety Analysis, and PER 19-16, Safety Briefings and Meetings, a hard hat must be worn as noted or anytime when a supervisor or lead so directs. At a minimum, all employees will wear a hard hat whenever working within an active work zone near heavy equipment.
Right of Way: All personnel working within the right of way are required to wear high visibility orange vests. Where required, high-visibility orange hard hats must be worn—except flaggers, who may also wear high-visibility green hard hats. All other headwear worn when working in the right of way must also be high-visibility orange. All high-visibility safety apparel must meet the requirements of PER 17-2.
So what does this mean for you? As shown above in the new change, a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) shall be conducted prior to work beginning. The JSA will cover what type of PPE is required to be worn while on the job site. At a minimum, an ANSI Class II vest, shirt, or other garment (jacket, sweatshirt) will be worn while working in the ROW. If you are not working around heavy equipment, you can now wear WYDOT Procurement supplied headgear. This headgear must be high visibility blaze orange (the bill of the hat may be a different color). Flaggers may wear high visibility lime green headgear. Headgear that is camouflaged, excessively worn, dirty, faded, and includes non-work affiliated logos are not acceptable to be worn on the job. Supervisors will evaluate and approve headgear not sourced from procurement and ensure it meets the requirements outlined in the policies.
When do you need to wear a hardhat? As described in the policy hard hats are to be worn in an active worksite near heavy equipment. Examples of heavy equipment include: bulldozers, milling machines, cranes, digger derricks, pylon drivers, excavators, blades, front-end loaders, forklifts, pan scrapers, and backhoes. Hard hats are also required when employees are working in areas where there is a possible danger of head injury from impact, falling or flying objects, or electrical shock and burns per OSHA 29 CFR 1926.100(a).
Some examples of work activities that might not require hard hats, as long as heavy equipment is not being operated in the area and there are no overhead hazards, include: delineation, slope staking, carcass removal, litter control, mowing, paint striping, walking and mending fence, guardrail repair, and Dura-patching.
When ruling out the use of hard hats, supervisors must ensure this is documented and covered on the JSA. Safety briefings should take place to inform employees of the new changes to these policies. When a change in work now determines the need to wear a hard hat, the JSA must be updated and a safety briefing must take place to ensure all affected employees are aware of any new hazards.
If there is any doubt, the safest action to take is to wear a hard hat to protect yourself from injury.
The following items are now available for order through the WYDOT Procurement warehouse: • ES0058 - Orange HiViz Mesh Baseball Cap - $6.69 each; • ES0059 - (Beanie) Gauge Hi-Vis Orange Fire Knit Acrylic Regular Fit
High-Performance
Cold-Weather
Insulated Hat - $3.79 each; and • ES0060 - L/XL Series HV935
Orange Hi-Vis Ranger Hat - $6.75 each.
By Jordan Striff, Employee Safety
Each year, about 4,000 injuries associated with flexible extension cords are treated in hospital emergency rooms. Half of these injuries involve fractures, lacerations, contusions, or sprains from people tripping over extension cords. Roughly 3,300 home fires originate from extension cords each year, killing 50 people and injuring about 270 more. With the wide use of power tools on construction sites and in WYDOT facilities, flexible extension cords often are necessary. Because they are exposed, flexible, and unsecured, they are more susceptible to damage than fixed wiring. Hazards are created when cords, cord connectors, receptacles, and cord- and plug-connected equipment are improperly used and maintained. Extension cords are a great tool but are often misused on the job. OSHA covers extension cords in both the General (1910.334) and Construction Industry Standards (1926.405). To ensure you are safe while using extension cords, follow these steps: 1. Inspect the cord prior to each use
2.Do not use the cord in a damp or wet environment without GFCI protection. This includes when cords are Damaged cord with electrical tape, duct connected to tape, and scotch tape used as a “fix. portable generators. 3.Do not use cords that have been field repaired with tape or with new ends that have been added. This should only be done by a qualified electrician. 4.Do not use cords that are missing the ground plug 5.Use a cord that is properly rated for its use. The cheaper the cord, the lower the amp rating and wire gauge size. The amp rating and wire gauge should meet or exceed the power needs of the equipment you are using. Make sure to read the labels Damaged cord with internal wiring exposed. on the cord and the tool prior to mating and use 6.Only use UL rated electrical cords and hand held power tools 7.Cords may not be used as a permanent power source. They are to be used on a temporary basis only 8.If a cord is damaged, take it out of service immediately until repaired or disposed of. n Extension cord that has been used as a permanent power source. This is not safe or permissible under the OSHA Standards. Grinder that was improperly repaired with a power strip cord.
Missing ground plug and damaged receiver end.
Casper angler catches Wyoming state record longnose sucker
By Janet Milek, Wyoming Game and Fish
On May 21, angler Christopher Bobo, 33, of Casper, set up his fishing gear to spend the day on the North Platte River in Casper. Instead, his day fishing was cut short.
“We decided to fish the river in town; we were all set up, and I had been fishing for five minutes when the fish took my bait,” Bobo said.
He was targeting trout, using a worm, when he felt it bite, and he knew he had a fish on.
“I knew when I reeled it in and saw the longnose sucker, it had to be a record,” said Bobo.
Bobo, who was fishing with his brother Austin and friend Robert, decided to head to the Game and Fish office to have it checked out.
“Game and Fish sent me to have the fish weighed on a certified scale, and sure enough, it was a record. It was so exciting,” Bobo said.
Not only was it a record, but Bobo broke a state record that had been in place for 23 years.
The official scale weight of the new longnose sucker record was 2 pounds, 4.5 ounces. The length of the fish was 18 inches with a girth (circumference) of 9.4 inches. This fish breaks the record previously set in 1998 on Little Goose Creek outside of Sheridan.
Bobo spends many days fishing.
“I really enjoy getting outside and fishing, and I really like to teach others to fish,” Bobo said.
He hopes to become a fishing guide to take people fishing every day.
“Congratulations to Christopher on his record catch,” said Alan Osterland, chief of the fisheries division. “Hopefully Christopher’s angling skills can rub off on others for a record-breaking summer of fishing.”
Bobo’s record is the second recently broken in the town of Casper. In 2018, the current state record for green sunfish was caught in Bryan Stock Trail Pond (Lake McKenzie).
More information is available online about state fish records in Wyoming.
Christopher Bobo with his record setting longnose sucker.
Photo: Wyoming Game and Fish
By Wyoming Game and Fish
With dry conditions and county and federal fire restrictions in place, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is banning open fires on all Game and Fish Commission-owned and administered lands within the Casper Region.
These lands include all WGFD Public Access Areas along the North Platte River from the Miracle Mile to Orin Junction Bridge. The fire restrictions also are in effect at the following Public Access Areas, including Dome Rock Reservoir, Deer Creek Canyon, Seminoe Reservoir - Medicine Bow Arm, Walker Jenkins Reservoir, LAK Reservoir, Sand Creek, Black Elk Pond, Badwater Ranch, Flying “A” Ranch Conservation Easement, and Morgan Creek Wildlife Habitat Management Area
The following acts are prohibited on all Game and Fish Commission-owned and administered lands: • Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal grill, or coal or wood-burning stove; • Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, at 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; • Fireworks are always prohibited on Wyoming Game and Fish lands; and • Fires within an established ring are also banned in Public
Access Areas under this regulation.
For more information on the fire ban on Game and Fish lands, please contact the Casper Region Game and Fish office at (307) 473-3400. For a complete listing of all Game and Fish administered lands, refer to: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/public-access.
By Wyoming Game and Fish
Anglers should be aware of a river restoration project on the Laramie River at the Jelm Wildlife Habitat Management Area (WHMA) beginning in mid-July. The project will address channel stability and habitat enhancements for trout throughout a 3,000-linear-foot reach of the river.
The Laramie River - Jelm Restoration project is located on the upstream (south) public fishing easement portion of the Jelm WHMA. Over the years, several landowners along the fishing easement have expressed concern over bank erosion, channel instability, and trout habitat. In 2018, the Laramie River cut off a large meander bend on the upstream end of the fishing easement. In addition, the Badger Creek Fire in 2018 increased the amount of fine sediments into this reach of the river.
The project will involve some channel realignment, grade control, toe wood bank stabilization, and pool and riffle enhancements. A narrower, deeper channel will aid in the transport of fine sediments from the wildfire area. Deeper pools created with toe wood will enhance fish cover during low flow periods. An irrigation diversion at the upstream end will be re-activated to provide water to an adjacent pasture.
Anglers should be aware that heavy equipment will prevent access to the river at the upper portion of the fishing easement, and should expect temporary reduced water clarity due to sediment from the project. The project will last through mid-October, when it will cease while brown trout spawn. Any remaining construction will be completed in December.
Partners for the project include the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Laramie Rivers Conservation District, the Wyoming Wildlife Natural Resources Trust, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Wyoming Water Development Commission, and a private landowner. For more information about the Jelm WHMA visit https://wgfd.wyo.gov/ Public-Access/WHMA/WHMA/Jelm
Travel & Tourism
The Bighorn Basin Outdoor Recreation
On July 17th, the Bighorn Basin Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (BBORC) held a kickoff event for the Bighorn River Blueway Trail Event in Manderson and Basin. Gov. Mark Gordon not only was the guest speaker but took a float down the Bighorn as well.
What is the Bighorn River Blueway Trail? The Bighorn River Blueway Trail is a proposed river trail that would start at the Wedding of the Waters south of Thermopolis, Wyoming and end at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area in Lovell, Wyoming. From there, recreationalists could continue all the way to the Yellowtail Dam in Fort Smith, Montana. This trail offers non-motorized water recreationalists a wide variety of opportunities, including wildlife watching, ever-changing scenery, fishing (over a dozen game fish inhabit the river) and camping.
The creation of this trail has the potential to bring significant recreation economic growth to the communities along the Bighorn River, including Thermopolis, Worland, Manderson, Greybull, Basin and Lovell. It could enhance revenue opportunities for businesses that sell or rent outdoor equipment, shuttle services, fishing guides and overnight accommodations.
See more information about the BBORC at www.bborc.org/ home
WY Responsibly Update
The Wyoming Office of Tourism just wrapped up the influencer portion of the state’s WY Responsibly campaign, with six social media influencers traveling throughout the state and sharing mindful travel tips with their followers.
You can watch the stories they shared by going to their Instagram profiles and clicking on their Wyoming highlight. Find influencer profiles for Katie Boue, Arielle Shipe, Laura Edmondson, Dan Towsley, Amy David and David Rule to see how they enjoyed WY Responsibly.
Keep an eye out for more Wyoming content from these influencers in the coming weeks, and be sure to continue sharing your own WY Responsibly tips by tagging your photos with #WYResponsibly. n
Thomas L. Biamon
Thomas Luis Biamon, 66, of Medicine Bow, succumbed to illness on Friday, April 9, 2021 at Wyoming Medical Center in Casper.
Biamon moved to Wyoming in 1979, after having lived in Allentown, Pennsylvania until then.
He began his career with the old Highway Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency, in 1984 as a summer employee. He transferred into a permanent position later that summer. Biamon continued on with the Department and worked as a maintenance foreman in Medicine Bow for 33 years, retiring in October 2017.
Biamon was an avid member of his community. For many years he was a volunteer fireman, was on town counsel, played slow pitch softball, and helped in the community garden. He was a great pool player and loved to swim, winning several medals at the Wyoming State Games for swimming.
He was a true friend of the people. His love of his family, his dogs, the outdoors, sports including The Eagles Football, NASCAR, the Cubs and, of course, Miller Lite made it easy for everyone who knew him to love him. The world lost a great friend.
Among other family members, he is survived by his stepson Colter Bame. Bame also works for District 1, having been recently promoted to OSHA Specialist.
A celebration of life was held at the Community Center in Medicine Bow on April 17, 2021.
Biamon
Robert P. Geer
Robert Perry Geer, 88, of Gillette, died July 15, 2021, at home.
He was born Jan. 23, 1933, in Powell, to Marian Inez (Kobe) and Perry Clifford Geer. He was raised in Campbell County, where he attended Bundy Elementary School and then graduated from Campbell County High School in 1951.
On Feb. 17, 1952, he married Mildred Joan Percifield.
In his early years, Geer worked a variety of jobs that caused them to move from their Hoe Creek home to town several times. He volunteered to construct a community trunk telephone line, drove truck hauling livestock and cow cake, drove a water truck for his father-in-law, constructed buildings for a contractor, surveyed for the uranium boom after World War II and partnered with his parents on the ranch.
In 1955, he started his career with the Wyoming Highway Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency, in Gillette. Geer retired in July 1988 with 33 years of service to the state.
During those years they were blessed with three children. After raising their children, they were able to enjoy retirement together by traveling across the country, visiting historical sites in Wyoming and many locations where the Wyoming Cowboys played football.
Geer had a passion for the past and enjoyed restoring antiques to their old glory. In the last decade, he restored all but three of Wyoming’s license plates and was excited to find his birth year plate within his last week of life.
In his youth, he was an artist with a pencil, paint and many musical instruments. He enjoyed ranch life with his “city girl” and was happy to be in a tractor, whether he was summer fallowing or raking hay.
He faced his largest obstacle in 2019 when his wife of 67 years died. As his heart was healing, he continued to attend their beloved Sunday school class, where he enjoyed worshiping, seeing his friends and singing to the class. He continued to enjoy family gatherings and telling stories of his past. While telling stories in the last week of his life, he paused to say, “I have had a good, long life.”
The family held a private graveside service.
Sharon L. Kissier
Sharon Lou Kissier, 78, passed away June 28 while in the process of moving back to Wyoming from Alabama where she moved after retirement.
Kissier was born on Nov. 22, 1942 in Lamar, Colorado, to Joseph Lococo and Thelma Lashmett Lococo. She also a had a step-dad, Harry Holdren.
She married Roger Kissier, July 11, 1960, in Torrington. They had two daughters.
Longtime resident of Midwest and Edgerton, Kissier had lived the past 18 years in Fairhope, Alabama, where she and her husband had built a retirement home.
Kissier had many careers during her time on earth, but her passion was working for the Wyoming State Highway Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency. Her career as a highway maintainer lasted for 28 years. She retired in the spring of 2004.
Sharon touched the lives of many people with her caring heart. Her biggest joy in life was spending time with her grandchildren.
There were no services, per her request.
Kissier
Rudy E. Maestas
Rudy Edward Maestas, 59, of Cheyenne passed away July 1 surrounded by family.
Maestas was born Nov. 13, 1961 in Rock Springs to Manuel and Elma (Dominguez) Maestas.
He married Mary Schultz on September, 2001 in Green River.
Maestas began working for the Wyoming Department of Transportation in Facilities Management, as a member of the custodial staff, in January 2014.
Maestas
Steven Randolph Oakley, 73, passed away on July 17, 2021, in Cheyenne.
He was born June 23, 1948 in Turlock, California.
Oakley retired in June 2019 after working for WYDOT for 14 years. He worked as a field data collection and lab analyst technician in Planning.
He was an honor- Oakley ably discharged veteran, having served in the U.S. Air Force from 1966 to 1970 during the Vietnam War.
In his spare time, he loved golf and was an active member of the Cheyenne Little Theater. At his request, no services were held and in lieu of flowers please make donations to the Cheyenne Little Theater.
George E. Sullivan
George E. Sullivan, 64, unexpectedly passed away June 14, 2021. He was born Sept. 10, 1956 to Marjorie A. Sullivan and Robert B. Sullivan.
In his youth he spent countless free time out on the family ranch with his grandparents George and Mildred Wichman. He graduated from Central High School in Cheyenne in 1974. He earned a degree in computer sciences from Laramie County Community College.
Sullivan began his 40-year career at the old Wyoming Highway Department, WYDOT’s predecessor agency, in January 1981 as a senior design specialist.
Sullivan married Deborah (Deebs) L. Sullivan on Aug. 31, 1991. In their more than 30 years together they collected numerous memories from camping trips, Cheyenne Frontier Days events, and family outings. Sullivan added to his leather work knowledge with fabric knowledge, helping Deebs with the geometry of her quilts. He had a special way of researching the best fabric to add to her hobbies. Whether it was Saturday morning breakfast, a quick drive, camping, fishing or sitting on the deck Sullivan loved filling his free time with the company of his wife.
He walked many miles throughout the park of Cheyenne Frontier Days. He was a founding member of the CFD Tickets Committee. He started as a handicap cart driver assisting spectators to their destination and ended as an advisor passing along the tradition for those developing their leadership skills. He competed in many wild horse races and rode dead sleds in the chuck wagon races. He was inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Heels in 1994. This year marks his 40th year as a Cheyenne Frontier Days Volunteer. Sullivan was a dedicated volunteer for the fireworks show put on every year on the 4th of July. There were many years he took his wife and daughter up to the display as he was dropping shells and gave them a front row seat to the show.
Sullivan was an avid outdoorsman. He spent over 25 years guiding for Table Mountain Outfitters. Guiding became less once his daughter, Amber, was born in September 1994. He then took on the selfless job of guiding her through all her outdoor adventures and life lessons. Sullivan was a pillar of the trap shooting community in Cheyenne. He partook in abundant leagues, ATA shoots and helped Amber with any “fun shoot” idea she created. George had a passion for passing on his love for the great outdoors and wildlife to his daughter. It was a year long planning event getting ready for all the hunting trips. Any individual who showed interest in shooting, hunting, or the outdoors he ensured that they were given an unforgettable first experience and was always there to mentor them along the way.
He was an active member of the Korien Shriner’s and Scottish Rite Masons. He was on the board for the Korien Shriners, part of the Indians with the Korien Shrine, 32nd degree mason and Scottish Rite consistory member. Through these dedicated years of service and devoted Christian faith he was able to support numerous children of need at the Shrine Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. He devoted time and efforts to support the hearing clinic for children in Cheyenne.
Sullivan never knew a stranger. He was always willing to jump in lend a hand and support any individual that crossed his path. His dedication to the community of Cheyenne and his humanitarian spirit will live on.
Cremation has taken place and the service will be announced following Cheyenne Frontier Days. Memorials may be made to the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, Cheyenne Frontier Days Crisis Fund, Cheyenne Trap and Skeet Club or any organization supporting wildlife conservation. n Sullivan
Governor joins Wyomingites in mourning the passing of former U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, orders flags lowered to half-staff
CHEYENNE – Gov. Mark Gordon and all of Wyoming mourn the loss of former U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, who passed away last night from injuries suffered in a bicycle accident in Gillette.
The Governor ordered both the U.S. and Wyoming flags to be lowered immediately to half-staff. They remained at half-staff until sundown Aug. 7.
Enzi was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1997 and served until his retirement in 2020. He previously served as mayor of Gillette from 1975 to 1982.
The Governor has issued the following statement:
“Mike was a friend and a dedicated public servant who cared deeply about Wyoming and its people. His leadership in the Senate was tireless and productive. He was a strong advocate for the state’s interests and was always committed to finding consensus where possible. He understood what is important for America.
We are all heartbroken by this terrible loss. Jennie and I join the thousands offering their prayers and well wishes for Diana and the Enzi family. God Bless you Mike. Thank you for your service, and Godspeed.” n
Above and beyond good deeds awarded with sweet treats
The WTDEA Headquarters Chapter donated and delivered homemade goodies to four programs – Dispatch, TMC, Maintenance and Facilities Management – for their appreciation and to thank those WYDOT employees at Headquarters and in District 1 who worked so hard during winter storm Xylia.
Some worked many hours without being able to get home. Homemade baked goods for more than 75 people were donated. They were delivered on April 19.
Manning the grill with style. Aeronautics Administrator Brian Olsen; Assistant Chief Engineer, Engineering and Planning Keith Fulton; Chief Engineer Mark Gillett; Public Affairs Officer Doug McGee, Support Services Administrator Taylor Rossetti; and Col. Kebin Haller.
Photo: Rick Carpenter
Photo: Rick Carpenter
Those in the food line were greeted by WTDEA chapter officers and more executive staff. From right: Robyn Eifert; Vickie Calaway; Assistant Chief Engineer Operations Tom DeHoff; Director Luke Reiner; and Heidi Martin. Out enjoying food and the good company of other employees.
Photo: Rick Carpenter
WTDEA Headquarters Chapter holds employee appreciation barbecue.
Headquarters Chapter hosted a barbecue luncheon for employees on July 19.
Those at the headquarters campus were treated to a picnic style lunch of grilled burgers, chips, soft drinks and ice cream – all served up by executive staff and WTDEA Headquarters Chapter officers.
Many came out to the west lawn to enjoy the food and company of fellow employees. n
Soaking up the sunshine during lunch before heading back to their desks.
Wyoming Department of Transportation 5300 Bishop Blvd. Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009-3340
Address Service Requested
Pre-sorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid Cheyenne, WY 82009 Permit No. 24
