Interchange – February 2021

Interchange February 2021

Vol. 49, Issue 2

January wind event

Photo: WYDOT

Windstorm produces wind gusts of more than 100 mph

Wind event began Jan. 12, ended Jan. 13

By Aimee Inama Although motorists in Wyoming are accustomed to dealing with high winds when they travel, a January storm produced higher-than-usual winds throughout the state.

During a windstorm that started Jan. 12 and ended on Jan. 13, motorists encountered strong winds with some producing gusts of about 105 mph near Cheyenne.

The 105 mph wind gust was one of the highest recorded in the state with this wind event and was 11 miles west and southwest of Cheyenne, said Mark Heuer, meteorologist with DayWeather.

The storm also resulted in several blow-over crashes in southeastern and eastern Wyoming. Laramie County had about seven confirmed blow-overs, Albany County had six, Carbon County had

three and the Wheatland area had about two.

“The wind event wasn’t just isolated to Wyoming,” Heuer said. “It was a widespread event that covered Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska and northern Colorado.”

The wind event impacted interstates 25, 80 and 90 as well as roads throughout most of the state. Statewide gusts were recorded at 60-70 mph . Although the 105 mph wind gust was recorded near Cheyenne, the regional averages were between 80 to 105 mph. In the city of Cheyenne, a wind gust of 89 mph was recorded. The Cody Foothills and South Pass had gusts of 90 to 100 mph.

“A wind event like this can typically happen a couple times a year,” Heuer said.

The windstorm developed due to several factors. Wyoming typically encounters higher winds during the win-

tertime. However, a strong jet stream, an approaching cold front and a low pressure system over Montana and a high pressure system over Nevada and Utah helped create the windstorm.

“It was a combination of the weather features along with Wyoming’s high elevation and varied terrain that helped create this event,” Heuer said.

During windy days, motorists should check WYDOT’s 511 website at https:// wyoroad.info/ for the latest travel advisories. During windy days, WYDOT may issue a “Closure to Light, High-Profile Vehicles” or an “Extreme Blow Over Risk.”

Additionally, motorists can stay safer by watching the weather and planning ahead, driving cautiously around high-profile vehicles, keeping their distance from other vehicles, keeping both hands on the wheel when driving and slowing down. n

Contents Features 1 January wind event Windstorm produces gusts of more than 100 mph

6 G. Clyde Larson Memorial Award Trooper Nick Haller is most recent recipient of this accolade

Interchange

Vol. 49, Issue 2

Interchange is published for employees of the Wyoming Department of Transportation by its Public Affairs Office and a number of field correspondents.

Interchange invites submissions from all employees. Please send them to either your district correspondents or to: Carlie Van Winkle, Interchange editor 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, Wyoming, 82009-3340 or send an email to carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov.

Staff WYDOT Director:

Also in this issue

K. Luke Reiner

Letters................................................................................................................ 3

Public Affairs Manager:

District briefs.................................................................................................... 3

Editor:

Game & Fish..................................................................................................... 8

Contributors:

Noteworthy....................................................................................................... 9 TechNotes......................................................................................................... 9 Awards.............................................................................................................10 Tourism............................................................................................................10 Training............................................................................................................ 11 District news..................................................................................................12

Doug McGee

Carlie Van Winkle Aimee Inama Carlie Van Winkle Jordan Achs Jeff Goetz Stephanie Harsha Laura Dalles Cody Beers Sgt. Jeremy Beck

Photography: Rick Carpenter

Public Affairs Public Affairs District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 Patrol Public Affairs

Be sure to check out the online version of Interchange at http://issuu.com/wydot.pao or click on the link found on the employee’s internal website home page.

By the Numbers............................................................................................13 Break Time......................................................................................................15

Kindly recycle this publication after reading.

2

Interchange

n

February 2021

A WYDOT PUBLICATION

Letters From the Director WYDOT Family, In light of a couple of recent incidents involving WYDOT employees and the misuse of work equipment, I’d like to remind all of us about a few details regarding appropriate use of WYDOT vehicles.

WYDOT equipment, including all vehicles, may not be used to display personal political messages of any sort. This violates State of Wyoming policies and procedures (State Personnel Rules Chapter 1, Section 14(c)) and the federal Hatch Act. Also, WYDOT vehicles may not be used for personal errands.

While there are exceptions for employees working on the road away from home, those are limited to specific circumstances for meals and such. Please do your shopping and other errands on your personal time and in your personal vehicle.

As state employees, I want to remind each of you that we are all representatives of our agency. When we are out in the public, especially in our well-known WYDOT vehicles, we must behave in a manner that shows we are responsible, appropriate and respectful. We must show the public that we are trustworthy stewards of their tax dollars.

Sincerely, K. Luke Reiner Director

District Briefs Headquarters

Transportation Commission awards $8.6 million in contracts in January CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) will repair several bridges in Laramie County to improve the road surface.

The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded a $2.1 million contract to Reiman Corp., of Cheyenne, for the work on five bridges. The commission awarded that and five other projects totaling $8.6 million at its recent meeting.

For the bridge work in Laramie County, crews will make repairs to three structures on Interstate 25 in the Cheyenne area by replacing a deck, making deck repairs, replacing guardrail and making other minor repairs. Crews will also do work on a pedestrian overpass and a bridge on South Greeley Highway.

The contract completion date is Nov. 30, 2021.

Besides the bridge work in Laramie County, the other contracts the commission awarded including resurfacing projects, additional bridge work and chip sealing projects.

McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co., of Worland, was the low bidder on a $1.6 million pavement resurfacing project on 6 miles of US 310 between Cowley and Deaver in Big Horn County.

Crews will perform a mill and overlay to smooth out the surface by eliminating the cracks. WYDOT is doing the work to improve the surface for the traveling public. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2021.

The commission awarded S & S Builders, of Gillette, a $1.6 million for a bridge contract in Laramie County. Crews will make repairs to six bridges in the Cheyenne, Burns and Pine Bluffs area.

The work includes adding an overlay to improve the surface and installing guardrail upgrades. The contract completion date is Nov. 30, 2021.

Also awarded by the commission were contracts for: • $1.4 million to Mountain Construction Co., of Lovell, for a contract for chip sealing and miscellaneous work at various locations in Big Horn, Hot Springs, Park and Washakie counties

by Sept. 30, 2021; • $1 million to Bituminous Paving Inc., of Ortonville, Minnesota, for a contract for chip sealing and miscellaneous work at various locations in Crook, Niobrara and Weston counties by Aug. 31, 2021; and • $755,600 to Avail Valley Construction-ID, of Victor, Idaho, for a pavement surfacing project in US 26 between Moran Junction and Dubois in Teton County by Oct. 31, 2021.

Briefs continued on page 4 February 2021

n

Interchange

3

Briefs continued from page 3

District 1

WYDOT reminds motorists to avoid parking on highway shoulders LARAMIE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation would like to remind motorists to avoid parking on the shoulders of state highways, which are considered part of the highway right-ofway.

When a popular trailhead becomes crowded, it can be tempting to park on the shoulder of a nearby highway, for example along WYO 210/Happy Jack Road or WYO 130 near the Snowy Range.

However, even if the vehicle is parked completely out of the travel lane, parking on the shoulder of a highway is illegal.

If a vehicle parks on a highway shoulder where “No Parking” signs are placed, it would violate Wyoming state statute 315-504 (a)(i)(M). If no signs are present, parking there would violate statute 31-5504 (a)(i)(J).

Parking on the side of the highway creates difficulties for snowplows trying to keep the highways clear of snow, as vehicles can create drifts and other hazards.

Additionally, it can pose safety risks to motorists and pedestrians in the area.

Rather than parking on the shoulders of a highway, motorists at a full trailhead are encouraged to park at a different trailhead or designated pull-over area nearby.

If a vehicle parked within a state highway right-of-way is deemed a hazard, it can be towed at the owner’s expense.

WYDOT crews removing damaged high-mast tower lights near Cheyenne CHEYENNE – Traffic crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation completed the removal of four high-mast tower lights around Cheyenne.

One tower was removed near the Round Top Road exit on Interstate 80 (milepost 357), one near the Lincolnway exit of I-80 (milepost 358), one at the Interstate 25 Port of Entry and one near the

4

Interchange

n

February 2021

College Drive exit (milepost 7) on I-25.

The towers were damaged in the region’s recent high wind events.

Nighttime motorists should stay alert through these areas, as they may not seem as brightly lit as usual until new lights can be installed.

Suspected impaired driver collides with WYDOT road crew ROCK SPRINGS – On Jan. 11, 2021, at approximately 7:22 a.m., two Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) employees were working on the shoulder of Interstate 80 at milepost 95. The employees were cleaning delineator posts and had activated the arrow board on their state vehicle to alert traffic of their presence.

A Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) trooper was in the area and noticed an older Ford pickup traveling westbound just east of their location that was all over the road. The trooper happened to be in the area and was attempting to catch up with the Ford pickup to initiate a traffic stop. Unfortunately, the Ford collided with the rear of the WYDOT vehicle on the shoulder before the trooper could catch up with the Ford. The collision caused the WYDOT vehicle to be pushed off the roadway, and the Ford pickup came to rest in the left lane of the interstate, causing a road closure on I-80 westbound until the scene could be cleared for traffic.

WYDOT employees were injured and transported to the Sweetwater County Memorial Hospital.

The driver of the Ford pickup is a resident of Green River. He sustained serious injuries but is expected to recover and is being investigated for driving impaired.

The WHP reminds motorists when an emergency, construction, maintenance or utility vehicle is stopped on the road with two or more lanes in the same direction, motorists must move to the farthest lane away from the stopped vehicle. On a twolane road where speeds are 45 mph or greater, motorists must slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit.

District 2

Pursuit ends east of Casper CASPER – A California resident was taken into custody following a pursuit that reached speeds of 150 mph.

On Jan. 25, a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper stopped a northbound Dodge Challenger around milepost 182 on I-25 for speeding 110 miles per hour in a posted 80 miles per hour speed zone.

The trooper observed possible signs of impairment with the driver and requested his documents. The driver failed to comply and fled from the trooper.

The trooper pursued the vehicle as it exited onto Hat Six Road, where the driver turned north and then east onto US 20/26. The suspect vehicle reached speeds of 150 miles per hour as it was being pursued. As the car approached the town limits of Glenrock, the trooper decided to discontinue the pursuit in the interest of public safety.

Troopers were able to locate the suspect vehicle from the pursuit a short time later off the roadway in Glenrock.

The driver had fled from the car. Law enforcement in the area assisted troopers in searching for the driver. The driver was located a short time later, hiding under a bush, and taken into custody without further incident.

The driver has been identified as 26-year-old Santa Maria, California resident Matthew Ruiz.

Ruiz was charged with a felony charge of driving while under the influence, fleeing to elude, driving while under suspension, open container and reckless driving.

Agencies that assisted with this event were Converse County Sheriff ’s Department and Glenrock Police Department.

District 4

WYDOT to host virtual public meeting regarding Main Street project SHERIDAN – The Wyoming Department of Transportation and the city of Sheridan will be hosting a virtual public involvement meeting regarding the upcoming 2023 rehabilitation and utility

upgrade of Sheridan’s downtown Main Street.

The intent of the project is the complete rehabilitation of 0.56 miles of North & South Main Street from Dow Street south to Burkitt Street. The proposed project will include new blended base, new concrete surfacing, selected sidewalk and curb & gutter replacement, ADA upgrades to correct existing deficiencies, replacement of existing city water transmission and service lines, replacement of existing sanitary sewer main and services, evaluation of the existing storm sewer system, upgrades to traffic signal poles and associated infrastructure (signal cabinets, control boxes, pull boxes, etc.), and placement/upgrade of various enhancements for the city of Sheridan.

Resident Engineer Mick Brinkerhoff and Public Involvement Specialist Laura Dalles have been visiting with downtown merchants over the past few months regarding the proposed options for closing Main Street. They presented three options to closing Main Street. Option I would be to close the entire length of Main Street for the entire project time. Option II would be to close Main Street in two phases with Smith Alley being mid-point.

Option III would be to close Main Street in three phases, Dow to Smith Alley, Smith Alley to Works Street and Works Street to Burkitt Street as the third phase.

It is expected construction would begin on or before April 1 and be completed by Oct. 31, 2023. The actual length of time for any of the options will be determined once the city’s consultants, CPG Engineering, have determined the scope of the utility work that needs to be completed.

District 5

Improved pedestrian safety is long-term goal at Freedom/Big Horn Avenue intersection CODY – A comprehensive study of transportation needs related to Big Horn Avenue/US 14A is the proper path forward for Park County School District No. 6, the city of Cody, and the Wyoming Department of Transportation to provide safe long-term pedestrian highway crossing opportunities near the Cody Middle

School, according to WYDOT District Engineer Pete Hallsten of Basin.

“Our immediate proactive action will be to articulate a more-defined plan for vehicle management,” Hallsten said.

“This plan must include school traffic, vehicular traffic, and pedestrian movements on both sides of the highway so science-based engineering decisions can be made.”

Historically, Big Horn Avenue (US14A) has been a major route providing vehicular mobility linking businesses to the City of Cody and surrounding communities. Since the most recent construction of Big Horn Avenue in 2007, major housing developments have been built north of the highway. These developments come with pedestrian mobility needs. Unfortunately, long-range pedestrian mobility planning was not included as part of these extensive housing developments.

“We will be working to come up with short- and long-term solutions. A comprehensive study must be performed to help all partners -- WYDOT, the City, the School District -- select the correct type of highway crossing at the correct location. This planning effort will ensure the crossing is safe and will function at its inception and in the future as the City of Cody grows,” Hallsten said. “Doing ‘something’ just to do something when it’s not the right thing would set pedestrians and drivers on a course for failure.”

Last October, WYDOT, City of Cody and school district officials met to discuss issues related to pedestrians and the Freedom/Big Horn Avenue intersection. The outcome of the October 2020 meeting was agreement to conduct an extensive WYDOT-funded traffic study between the intersection of the Big Horn Avenue/ US14A and WY120 and the intersection of Big Horn Avenue/US14A and Beacon Hill Road. These efforts are ongoing.

“We don’t believe a decision based on safety and good engineering would involve simply painting a crosswalk on the highway, nor simply installing a flashing sign,” Hallsten said. “We would be concerned with installing an arbitrary at-grade crossing that would give a false sense of security to a pedestrian, especially with the 5 lanes that a pedestrian must cross, operating speeds of vehicles on Big Horn Avenue, the fact that Freedom and Robert streets don’t line up from the south to north, and the east-west orienta-

tion of Big Horn Avenue, which results in sight issues with sunrise and sunset.”

Any future highway crossing – atgrade (such as a crossing with a traffic signal) or a grade-separated crossing (such as a pedestrian overpass) – would come with impacts to adjacent landowners, driving patterns, pedestrians and mobility. Each of these options must be vetted to allow the most appropriate, least invasive and safest crossing for all users.

Other Big Horn Avenue/Cody traffic information: • Big Horn Avenue/US 14A is a 5-lane highway, which creates a crossing length of 68 feet; • Four-way intersections provide safer street-crossing opportunities for pedestrians, but Freedom and Roberts streets negatively offset each other by 290 feet on each side of Big Horn Avenue. This offset alignment of cross streets creates increased pedestrian/ vehicle conflict points for turning vehicles; • Robert Street is a major collector street coming from the Trailhead subdivision north of US14A, but Robert Street doesn’t have sidewalks to safely move pedestrians toward US14A; • In a US 14A speed study conducted Oct. 16-17, 2019, 85 percent of traffic drives at 39 mph or less in the 35 mph zone along Big Horn Avenue, and 67 percent of westbound traffic travels in excess of the posted speed limit of 35 mph; • US 14A is a major local source of commuter traffic between Powell and Cody, with traffic coming from Powell entering Cody with speed limit reductions from 70 mph east of Beacon Hill Road, to 45 mph east of Cooper Lane, to 35 mph about .4 miles east of Robert Street; • 2019 average annual daily traffic (AADT is every-day average traffic numbers for 365 days) numbers are 10,495 vehicles per day and 313 trucks between Blackburn Avenue and Cooper Road along Big Horn Avenue. By comparison, AADT traffic numbers between Canyon Avenue and 16th Street on Cody’s Sheridan Avenue (US 14/16/20) are 13,928 vehicles per day and 432 trucks. n Briefs continued on page 6 February 2021

n

Interchange

5

By Aimee Inama As soon as Trooper Nick Haller arrived at the crash site, he went into action.

A young man’s life was in danger and Haller knew exactly what to do.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper, who has been with the force for about two-and-a-half years, grabbed the tourniquet he purchased by himself from his duty belt and saved the life of a 22-year-old man who was on the verge of bleeding to death.

For his quick thinking and dedication to the job, Haller received the G. Clyde Larson Memorial Award, which recognizes Wyoming Department of Transportation employees for their acts of heroism on or off the job. The Wyoming Highway Commission created the award in 1969 in honor of the late G. Clyde Larson.

Larson was appointed to a six-year commission term in 1965 by then-Governor Cliff Hansen. Larson died in July 1968 and his son, Grant, who served as a Wyoming State Senator from 1995 until 2010, was appointed to fill his father’s unexpired term. Since its inception 52 years ago, 58 WYDOT employees have received the Larson Award.

The incident happened around 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 2 on Interstate 80 in Albany County. A tractor trailer was traveling eastbound and behind it was a Nissan Versa driven by a 22-year-old man.

The tractor trailer was traveling at 67 mph and for some unknown reason, the Nissan crashed into the back of the commercial vehicle.

A call was placed to 911 for help. That’s when Haller and several other troopers arrived.

“His arm was severely injured and there was damage to the artery,” Haller said. “I immediately grabbed my tourniquet to stop the bleeding. When you have an artery puncture you can bleed out quickly.”

Haller, who also serves as an E-5 sergeant in the Wyoming Army National Guard, attributed his quick thinking to the training he received in the Patrol and in the military.

He also said the 22 year old’s life couldn’t have been saved without the help of Troopers TJ Merritt and Aren Peter. The two troopers helped get the door of the Nissan open so Haller could get to the injured man. Haller crawled into a tight space to gain access to the driver.

“If they weren’t on scene, there wouldn’t have been any way I could have helped him,” Haller said. “It would have been physically impossible for me to get to him without their assistance.”

Haller, who said he is grateful to be recognized, said his actions are a common characteristic of WHP troopers, who are there to ensure the traveling public is safe.

“I’m confident that any other trooper in our agency would have done the same thing if they were in the same position,” Haller said.

6

Interchange

n

February 2021

Photo: Jordan Achs

Trooper Nick Haller receives G. Clyde Larson Memorial Award for saving a life

Capt. Tom Stoker with Trooper Nick Haller after the presentation of the G. Clyde Larson Memorial Award.

Wyoming Transportation commissioners thanked Haller for his life-saving work, adding that he is deserving of the award for his act of heroism.

WYDOT Director K. Luke Reiner and WHP Col. Kebin Haller also thanked Trooper Nick Haller for his service.

“It is truly an honor to have such a dedicated employee like you on the force,” Reiner said. “WHP is such a vital part of the agency and to the state of Wyoming. Each and every day you make a difference in someone’s life and during that particular day you saved a life. We commend you for what you did. It is truly an honor for us to have you as a member of the Wyoming Highway Patrol.”

Col. Haller also thanked Trooper Haller for his work.

“You went above and beyond to save a life without regard to your own personal safety,” said Col. Haller. “Your actions embody what the Highway Patrol is all about. We thank you for your quick action that saved this young man’s life.”

Although Trooper Haller has been with Patrol for only a few years, Col. Haller, who is also Trooper Haller’s father, said his son has always been the type of person who wanted to help people.

After seeing his father work in law enforcement as he was growing up, Trooper Haller said he quickly realized that’s the career field he wanted to pursue. After serving a tour in Afghanistan, Trooper Haller, who briefly considered becoming a firefighter, decided becoming a trooper with the WHP was his passion.

“He’s always had a first responder’s heart,” Col. Haller said of his son. “Years ago when Nick was just a child, I was pushing a vehicle stuck in the snow, and Nick was right next to me helping.

He’s never shied away from helping anyone he could. My wife and I are so proud of the man he’s become.” n

40Years of Excellence

February 2021 Message

A Lesson on Black History Month Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements made by African Americans.

President Gerald Ford celebrated the first Black History Month in 1976. However, his efforts were inspired by Carter Woodson, a Black historian from Harvard, who created “Negro History Week” 50 years earlier.

This was during the Harlem Renaissance, when some of the greatest minds and brightest talents migrated from the South to Harlem: Langston Hughes. Louie Armstrong. Duke Ellington.

Woodson wanted to make white Americans more aware of the important roles Black Americans played in the creation of our country and culture. He also wanted to increase the visibility of Black history and life when few newspapers, books or universities took notice.

Ultimately, Woodson had hoped “Negro History Week” would become a vehicle for racial transformation, showing that Black Americans deserved to be treated equally as citizens.

At FEI, we support Woodson’s efforts by helping organizations achieve greater diversity, equity and inclusion in their work environments, so all employees have equal opportunity for success.

NEED HELP? Your EAP can provide additional guidance and resources.

FEBRUARY 17, NOON ET The Current State of Civil and Human Rights We all possess the power to uphold and protect civil and human rights for ourselves and for others. Join us as we look at the current state of civil and human rights in the United States and globally, and discuss strategies to empower people to take the protection of every human’s rights personally.

1.800.XXX.XXXX

REGISTER Presented by Jill Savitt President and CEO National Center for Civil and Human Rights

feieap.com Username: XXXX

Company Name Here February 2021

n

Interchange

7

Game&Fish Out with the old and in with the new

Wind and warm weather are affecting ice safety for anglers this year

By Wyoming Game and Fish Anglers are urged to use caution when trekking out onto the ice. Fluctuating water levels in reservoirs, wind and warm weather are all impacting ice conditions this winter. In planning for your adventures on the ice, please be aware of recent weather conditions and temperatures in the area and scout out the lake you wish to fish for wet spots, open water and pressure ridges all of these areas signify dangerous ice conditions and should be avoided.

With variable ice conditions across the state and rapidly changing conditions, anglers are urged to check the thickness of the ice before venturing onto it, and continuing to check every 100 to 150 feet. Four inches of clear ice is usually safe for activities on foot. Much thicker ice is needed for large gatherings or vehicles.

Remember to wear a life jacket or personal flotation device and carry ice safety picks. Ice cleats are also a good idea. Go out with a fishing partner, let someone know your plans and keep a throw rope handy in case someone falls in.

Anglers venturing on fishing trips this winter should also keep in mind the Fishing Regulations and the Special Winter Ice Fishing Provisions, available on the Game and Fish website, regional offices and Cheyenne Headquarters. n

Photo: WGFD

By Sara DiRienzo, Wyoming Game and Fish The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has made major changes to the website in 2021 to improve the experience and security for customers as well as make the site easier to navigate.

The first change customers can expect is a new login portal, coming in February. Everyone making purchases or submitting applications on the Game and Fish website will be asked to create a username and password. Customers must create this new account before conducting business.

“We know this is a big change, but it is important to keep your information secure,” said Jason Edwards, Game and Fish IT application development supervisor. “And we think that customers will find the process very simple and intuitive – much like other websites with user accounts.”

The user account feature comes with some big advantages, too. The account will serve as a dashboard for information specific to the customer. For now, people can easily switch between applying or buying licenses and checking preference points without having to login multiple times. But, the future holds a lot more.

“Over the next several months, the dashboard view will be added to see more personalized activity like current licenses, tooth aging information and CWD sample results, all in one easy place to come back to,” Edwards said.

Game and Fish is also planning a redesign of the website and plans to upgrade several pages. In the planning stages now, the department is asking the public to provide their input on the changes they’d like to see to the site.

“The ultimate goal is to make our website easy to use and to find information,” said Rebekah Fitzgerald, Game and Fish communications director. “We also want the website to be enjoyable and showcase useful tools and maps, great outdoor photography, unique videos and the work Game and Fish does for wildlife, fish

and habitat.”

Anyone can share their thoughts through an initial survey that will be open through Jan. 31.

“This survey is the first of many efforts the Game and Fish will be making to get feedback from the public we serve,” Fitzgerald said. “We are hopeful the feedback will be robust and encourage people to sign up on the survey to stay involved through the whole redesign process.”

Ice fishing safety in Wyoming requires diligence on behalf of anglers.

8

Interchange

n

February 2021

Noteworthy

Photo: WYDOT

Wyoming Highway Patrol, Laramie County Fire District No. 2 joined forces

By Lt. Kyle McKay, WHP Safety and Training The Wyoming Highway Patrol and Laramie County Fire District No. 2 hosted a free child seat safety check station event. The event was held on Jan. 9 at the fire district’s station number one in Cheyenne.

The event was held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and child seats were available at no cost, to those in need, on a limited basis. Troopers and firefighters also checked proper installation of car seats already in vehicles if parents and guardians were unsure if it had been installed correctly.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 59% of child seats are incorrectly installed in a vehicle. n

TechNotes New year cybersecurity reminder

a marketing email and a malicious spam email. Remember, identifying probable phishing scams and reporting those can also be a huge help in keeping the network secure.

• Phishing is targeted; spam is broad

As we step into the new year, it is important to keep cybersecurity at the forefront of our minds. With greater strides in technology making everything from banking to communication • Phishing emails want your personal information; spam is faster and easier, cybercriminals are also finding more creative unwanted advertisements ways to hack and scam. The most prevalent form of digital crime • Phishing emails carry malicious links; spam links most of the is currently phishing. time go to a legitimate website Phishing emails are a huge threat to any network. Many • Phishing has a sense of urgency; spam usually does not phishing emails do their best to disguise themselves as communication from a legitimate company. However, it’s not the only way If you have any questions please contact the ETS security team cybercriminals attempt to attack via the inbox. at ets-security@wyo.gov. n Spam is something the average email user sees every day. In fact, over 48% of all email is spam. Spam is really electronic junk mail.

Inboxes are inundated daily with offers and Spam is: Phishing is: content you never requested. It can be annoying, and most email setups relegate this Unrequested and unwanted messages in Fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive to the junk folder. bulk; information of a user for malicious reasons by disguising as a trustworthy entity; Many times, these emails make it into the main inbox. Spam emails have comUsed for advertising, phishing and mon themes — the promise of something spreading malware; Used to get confidential details of the too good to be true. While many of these users; are scams and the person sending them is Spammers collect email addresses from attempting to swindle the recipient, spam websites, customer lists, chat rooms and Attackers send a genuine-looking email to emails aren’t phishing emails. newsgroups; the user to mislead them to enter their Phishing and spam share the common details; characteristic of being something you didn’t Users can use an alternative email want, but there are critical differences that User can install an anti-phishing software address, should not click on the links of make phishing emails malicious. Behind the unknown emails, review privacy terms to prevent phishing. every phishing message is a cybercriminal before registering on websites, should not trying to trick the recipient into revealing open the attachments in unknown emails personal information. Thus, it’s important to avoid spam. for everyone to know the difference between

SPAM vs. PHISHING

February 2021

n

Interchange

9

Tourism

By Piper Singer, Wyoming Office of Tourism Vast open spaces, breathtaking landscapes and western charm are just a few reasons Wyoming has been recognized as one of “The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2021” by Travel + Leisure and a top North American destination in AFAR’s “Where We’ll Go in 2021 – When We Can.” With Wyoming’s innate social distancing, iconic road trips and destinations drawing traveler consideration, the Cowboy State topped this year’s must-visit lists. The January issue of AFAR featured Grand Teton National Park, while the annual list from Travel + Leisure highlighted Wyoming’s western and outdoor attractions including the 125th anniversary of Cheyenne Frontier Days, Casper’s College National Finals Rodeo and the endless adventures in state parks.

“It’s extremely humbling to see Wyoming recognized as one of the top destinations to visit this year and beyond,” said Diane Shober, executive director for the Wyoming Office of Tourism.

“Now more than ever people have a strong desire to get out and explore the great outdoors, including more rural, less-populated destinations like Wyoming. We encourage travelers to embrace a spirit of adventure, while continuing to ensure collective wellness by pledging to adventure responsibly.”

With National Plan for Vacation Day on January 26, the Wyoming Office of Tourism offers countless inspiration and resources to plan a safe, enjoyable vacation this summer. From all-inclusive guest ranches to epic road trip routes, Wyoming will guarantee an unforgettable vacation.

To learn more about traveling safely and responsibly throughout Wyoming, visit travelwyoming.com/wy-responsibly. Travelers can share their experiences and pledge “WY Responsibly” on social media by using #WYResponsibly.

The annual National Plan for Vacation Day takes place each January to encourage Americans to plan their vacation at the start of the year and in an effort to avoid leaving vacation days

Photo: Wyoming Office of Tourism

Wyoming named top travel destination by travel + leisure and AFAR

unused. National Plan for Vacation Day coincides with the Let’s Go There Initiative to encourage Americans to still plan or even book – future vacations, or simply keep their flame alive and think about their next trip.

About the Wyoming Office of Tourism

The Wyoming Office of Tourism is the only state agency charged with promoting and marketing Wyoming as a vacation destination to domestic and international travelers. The ninth-largest state in terms of area, Wyoming is also the least populated state in the country with an estimated 580,000 residents. Wyoming is home to many firsts, including the country’s first national park (Yellowstone), first national monument (Devils Tower) and first national forest (Shoshone). These special places, along with other natural wonders like Grand Teton National Park and the Bighorn Mountains as well as Wyoming’s heartfelt cowboy hospitality, welcome millions of visitors annually. To learn more about Wyoming, visit TravelWyoming.com. n

Director Luke Reiner and ITS/GIS Program Manager Vince Garcia with an award presented by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

10

Interchange

n

February 2021

Photo: WYDOT

Photo: WYDOT

Awards

Cara Moore received her 25-year service award from Col. Kebin Haller (right) with Director Luke Reiner (left) and guest looking on.

Training A few brief tutorials from Training Services

By Jim Boyd, Training Services In last month’s Interchange article, we introduced you to several of the changes we’ve been working toward. For example, the new design of the WELL is now out with a focus on “less is more.” You’ll notice that we’ve reduced the side navigation buttons from seven to four, reduced our catalogs to two (an Internal Catalog with courses IN the WELL and an External Catalog with courses OUTSIDE of the WELL), and have linked to additional training resources WYDOT employees can access. Check out the updated tutorials on our Training Services Intranet page and in the WELL if you need help getting around the new WELL. Here are some other quick “how to’s” on our other initiatives: WY Supervise New Supervisors Learning Plan is now being assigned to all new supervisors.

1. If you’re a new supervisor, you’ll get a message from dot.well@wyo.gov letting you know you’ve been assigned the learning plan. You’ll be able to find the WY Supervise Learning Plan by logging into the WELL and selecting My Learning > My Learning Plans.

2. Open the WY Supervise Learning Plan and read the “Read First” file for further instructions. The program includes eLearning, five classroom based or virtual instructor led events, and a resource tool you can refer back to that can be installed on your mobile device.

For a more complete look at the program, please check out

the WY Supervise program schedule on the Training Services Intranet page.

WYDOT’s Maintenance Learning Plans have been simplified into a single learning plan for all classifications.

1. As with the WY Supervise Learning Plan, employees in the Maintenance job classifications will be assigned the Maintenance Learning Plan and can find it by logging into the WELL and selecting My Learning > My Learning Plans.

2. Open the learning plan and read the “Read First” file for further instructions. The Read First file contains a link to the hard copy Individual Maintenance Learning Plan form.

This form is your training road map and should be used to start a conversation with your supervisor to identify and schedule the training needed for your position.

New Learning Tracks are now available and open to all employees for self registration.

1. Log into the WELL and do a search for the track you’re looking for or go to the Internal Course Catalog and filter your results by learning plan to see all of them. You can explore the contents before registering, but you must register in order to complete anything.

2. Once registered, open the introductory assignment for additional instructions. These learning tracks are designed to be highly individualized and supported by supervisory involvement. Talk with your supervisor and identify the content you’d like to take, then follow up with an action plan to help you really build those skills.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Training Services at dot-training@wyo.gov. n

Training @ a Glance

Check out these upcoming training opportunities from WYDOT-U, the Transportation Learning Network (TLN) and the new WELL.

Coming in February: Date Class

Location

Coming in March: Date Class

Location

2/8/21 2/9/21 2/11/21 2/23/21 2/23/21

3/1/21 3/3/21 3/8/21 3/9/21 3/9/21

3/16/21 3/22/21 3/23/21 3/25/21

Know WY Google and WELL Basics, Know WY – Event 2 TLN: Avoiding Construction Contract Claims WEB – 1184 Know WY New Employee Onboarding Workshop – Event 3 TLN: A Comprehensive Approach to the Analysis of CPM Schedules to Measure Delays on Construction Projects WEB – 1185 MBTI Application: Teams

TLN: Powerful Conversations TLN: Leading a Successful Change Effort Know WY Google and WELL Basics, Know WY Event 2 TLN: PE Exam Prep for Civil Engineers WEB-1175 WY Supervise New Supervisors Training – COHORT 1 (Day 1 & 2 of 5) See ‘Tentative Schedule’ for full schedule – final schedule will be determined with Cohort 1 Franklin Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (3-day VILT) TLN: ATSSA Traffic Control Technician WEB-1181 TLN: ATSSA Traffic Control Supervisor WEB - 1182 TLN: ATSSA Maintenance & Short Duration Activities TLN WEB-1183 February 2021 Visit the Training Services intranet page for more information.

Webinar Webinar VILT / Webinar Webinar VILT / Webinar

Webinar Webinar Webinar Webinar

WYDOT-U / VILT VILT / Webinar Webinar Webinar Webinar n

Interchange

11

District News

District 1

Promotions and Transfers

Headquarters

Gregory Hopper, Traffic-Signing.

Promotions and Transfers

Sisson

Potter

Steven Kapus, Cheyenne Traffic-Striping – 10 years; and Warren Moeller, Cheyenne Maintenance – 10 years. n

Mackey

Moeller

Service Awards

Sullivan

Johnson

Douglas Wolfe, IT-Engineering Applications – 15 years; Mariah Johnson, Highway Project Management Oversight – 10 years; and Meadow Ridley, Highway Development-Project Development – 10 years.

Bohlmann

Joshua Gebauer received his 15-year service award from Capt. Tom Stoker (left) and Lt. Tim Romig (right).

Photo: WYDOT

Kaiser

Wolfe

Photo: WYDOT

George Sullivan, Traffic – 40 years; Ron Kaiser, Geology – 35 years (September 2020); Keri Bohlmann, Highway Safety-Data Analysts – 25 years; Patrick Collins, Patrol-Dispatch – 25 years; Kevin Cox, ITS/ GIS – 25 years; Cara Moore, Patrol-Support Services – 25 years;

Julianne Monahan receiving her 15 year service award from a socially distant Dan Kline.

Photo: WYDOT

Melissa Palka, Construction Staff; and Kenneth Sisson, Planning-Local Government Coordination.

Service Awards

Gabriel Testerman received his 15-year service award from Capt. Tom Stoker (left) and Lt. Tim Romig (right).

Cox

Moore

David Motsick, Patrol-Support Services Operation – 20 years; Jason Potter, Highway Development-Project Development – 20 years; Anthony Mackey, Bridge-Engineering Design – 15 years; Christopher Munoz, Materials-Surfacing – 15 years;

12

Interchange

n

February 2021

Matthew Johnson retired on Dec. 17, 2020 with 28 years of service to WYDOT. He began his career at WYDOT in February 1992 as an electronic specialist at Headquarters. Johnson also worked as a transportation technician before moving to the Planning section working in the Counter Shop. n

Photo: WYDOT

Retirements

Cody Tippy received his 5-year service award from Capt. Tom Stoker (left).

District 4

Service Awards Michael Bush, Gillette Construction –35 years.

Retirements Mark Townsend retired Dec. 5, 2020 from Sheridan Mechanics with 23 years of service to WYDOT. He began working for WYDOT in July 1997 as a diesel mechanic, was pro-

Bush

moted to senior mechanic and then shop foreman in 2014.

Townsend is veteran of the U.S. Army, having spent four years serving this country. He also attended Sheridan College earning an associate degree in applied sciences and Northern Montana College where he earned his bachelor’s degree in technology.

Congrats Isaac Finkle was recently selected as the District Construction Engineer for District 4 effective Jan. 11. n Townsend

Promotions and Transfers Gregory Kearns, Casper Construction; and Shawn Wagner, Casper Construction.

Service Awards Mark Ayen, District 2 Administration – 30 years; Ronald Reed, District 2 Maintenance Staff – 5 years; and Samuel Szott, Wheatland Patrol – 5 years. n

Ayen

1,931

Finkle

District 2

District 5

Promotions and Transfers Angelique Rea, Driver Services-Thermopolis/Worland/ Basin.

Service Awards

Rea

District 3

Promotions and Transfers James McIntosh, Evanston Mechanics.

Matthew Arnell, Evanston Patrol – 20 years; and Janet Hood, Driver Services-Kemmerer/ Big Piney/Pinedale –15 years. n

1,926

1,948

Lew Fausett, Basin Traffic-Striping – 20 years; Clinton Huckfeldt, Thermopolis Maintenance – 20 years; Bryant Collins, Lander Construction – 15 years; and Tamra Perkins, Lander Construction – 15 years. n

Fausett

One month ago One year ago

Reed

Service Awards

Total number of employees: As of January 12, 2021

WHP Total number of highway fatalities: As of Jan 20, 2021

7

Huckfeldt

One year ago

3

Arnell Collins

Perkins

February 2021

n

Interchange

13

Point. Click. Deposit.

It’s that simple.

We offer some of the best rates and products around. Did you know our members also enjoy the latest in banking technology?

Our Remote Deposit Capture feature is the easiest way to deposit checks into your account whether you’re on the go or on the couch.

Rest easy knowing that your money is right at your fingertips and safer than ever with full comprehensive security.

Visit WyHy.org/RemoteDeposit for tutorial videos, instructional documents, and more!

14

Interchange

n

February 2021

Break Time

Challenging Mazes by KrazyDad, Book 2

Maze #19

Answer to the January 2021 Break Time sudoku puzzle:

2 4 3 7 1 9 8 6 5

6 5 9 8 4 3 1 7 2

8 7 1 5 6 2 4 9 3

3 1 5 9 8 7 7 5 6 3 1 2 8 9 4 9 2 6 4 5 1

7 8 4 3 2 6

4 6 7 2 3 8 9 5 1

5 9 2 1 7 4 3 8 6

1 3 8 6 9 5 2 4 7

KRAZYDAD.COM/PUZZLES

Need the answer? http://krazydad.com/mazes/answers

Š 2010 KrazyDad.com

Interchange subscription issue? Update your address:

1) Complete and return this slip to WYDOT Public Affairs Office, 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, WY 82009, or 2) Send an email to Carlie Van Winkle at carlie.vanwinkle@wyo.gov.

Add me to the mailing list

Retiree Employee

Change my address

Remove this address; person no longer lives here or is deceased.

Name change, I am a family member of a deceased employee, but I would like to continue receiving Interchange.

Name Current address City, State, Zip Previous address City, State, Zip

February 2021

n

Interchange

15

Interchange

Wyoming Department of Transportation 5300 Bishop Blvd.

Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009-3340 Address Service Requested

Pre-sorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid Cheyenne, WY 82009 Permit No. 24