March 2025 Interchange by WYDOT

Interchange

Tragedy in the Green River Tunnels

WHP, WYDOT respond to holiday weekend pileup

After a fiery crash in the westbound Green River Tunnel on Feb. 14, WHP had to remove six commercial vehicles and two passenger vehicles that were completely destroyed by the fire. WHP believes a total of 26 vehicles were involved in the event: 10 passenger vehicles and 16 commercial vehicles.

By Jordan Young

An intense multi-vehicle crash shut down the westbound Interstate 80 Green River Tunnel over the Presidents’ Day holiday weekend, making national headlines and taking the lives of three people. It was an all-hands-on-deck response when the call came in the late morning of Feb. 14; Wyoming Highway Patrol Troopers and Wyoming Department of Transportation personnel, along with multiple local agencies, responded to the crash just

past mile marker 90 in the westbound tunnel.

The highway was quickly closed, with WYDOT diverting all traffic through the community of Green River so first responders could use the eastbound tunnel for staging. Westbound traffic was diverted at mile marker 91 and eastbound at mile marker 89.

Tragically, three people succumbed to their injuries on scene: Christopher John-

Photo: WHP

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

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

Carlie Dakins Public Affairs

Mark Horan Public Affairs

Jordan Young Public Affairs

Andrea Staley District 1

Jeff Goetz District 2

Stephanie Harsha District 3

Laura Dalles District 4

Cody Beers District 5

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.

son, 20, of Rawlins; Quentin Romero, 22, of Rawlins; and Harmanjeet Singh, 30, of Nova Scotia, Canada.

“Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to the community of Rawlins and to the families, friends, and loved ones of all three of these individuals,” said WYDOT Director Darin Westby in a Feb. 18 news release.

Additionally, Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County treated 18 injuries from the crash.

Active fire delayed initial investigation efforts. Witnesses reported hearing bursting tires and other loud noises as the fire blazed.

While work to remove vehicles continued, WYDOT used an emergency contracting process to work with local contractor DeBernardi Construction to begin moving concrete barriers to the crossover lanes in preparation for guiding traffic head-to-head in the eastbound tunnel.

The head-to-head lane configuration triggered a 10.5 ft. width and 16 ft. height restriction and a reduced speed limit of 35 mph from crossover point to crossover point. Additionally, contractor S and L Industrial installed traffic control, signage and other temporary infrastructure for the head-to-head traffic.

“WYDOT has experience temporarily moving traffic head-tohead in the tunnels,” said Eddins in a Feb. 17 WHP news release. “With reduced speeds and additional signage, we see this as a safe solution to minimize traffic impacts to the community of Green River. But with the high traffic volumes on I-80, there will still be some delays for drivers.”

In the six days between the crash and the eastbound tunnel opening with head-to-head lanes, interstate traffic was pushed to a detour through the community of Green River. In a Feb. 16 WHP news release, Eddins thanked the town for their “support in keeping traffic moving during this thorough and complicated investigation.”

“We know that the detoured traffic was very impactful to your community this weekend, and we will continue to work to minimize impacts,” he added.

“Thank you to the Sweetwater County emergency responders and all those locally helping support those working on the ground. This is a tragic incident, but we will respond together and help our neighbors. That is the Wyoming way.”

– Gov. Mark Gordon, Feb. 15 news release

Once the fire was finally extinguished, WHP and local wrecker services started the arduous process of clearing damaged and abandoned vehicles out of the 1,200 ft. tunnel.

Despite the blaze, WYDOT noted in a Feb. 15 news release that agency engineers remain confident in the structural integrity of the eastbound tunnel and felt it would be able to carry traffic again once the westbound crash scene was cleared.

“Initial investigations show no sign of collapse in the westbound tunnel,” said WYDOT Director Darin Westby in the release. “I continue to keep those involved in the crash and the first responders on scene in my thoughts and prayers.”

The same day, Gov. Mark Gordon and Westby visited the tunnel, met with local emergency response teams, and were briefed on the crash and the status of the tunnel by WHP and WYDOT, respectively. A media briefing was also held that day, where reporters and local officials heard from Gov. Gordon, Westby, WHP Maj. James Thomas, WYDOT District 3 Engineer John Eddins, and WYDOT Bridge Inspector Randy Ringstmeyer.

As of a Feb. 16 news release, WHP believes a total of 26 vehicles were involved in the event: 10 passenger vehicles and 16 commercial vehicles. Six commercial vehicles and two passenger vehicles were completely destroyed by the fire.

Traffic moved to the head-to-head configuration on Feb. 20 with a total of 5,000 feet of concrete barrier placed and glare screens installed to reduce headlight glare in the tunnel.

Now that traffic is moving again, WYDOT has begun the process of soliciting contractors to clean debris and soot in the westbound tunnel, the first step in the long process of restoring it to normal operations.

Continued on page 4

Crews with the Green River Fire Department assisted efforts to combat the fire in the westbound I-80 Green River Tunnel after a multi-vehicle crash that killed three people. “Responding to calls like these weighs heavy on the hearts of first responders involved, and the WHP is here to support you,” said WHP Col. Tim Cameron in a Feb. 17 WHP news release.

Smoke billows out of the westbound Green River Tunnel after a Feb. 14 multi-vehicle crash. Active fire delayed initial investigation efforts.

Photo: WHP

Once the tunnel is clean, engineers can further assess needed repairs. While the area is geologically sound, with no risk of catastrophic collapse in either tunnel, there is damage to the 1-foot 3-inch reinforced concrete liner and electrical lighting system within the tunnel.

“It is imperative that folks stay away from the westbound tunnel for their safety,” Cameron said. “Between the debris that could still fall and serious concerns about the air quality in the tunnel, it’s too dangerous for anyone without proper protective equipment and training to be in the area. We do not want to add any more injuries as a result of this horrible event.”

An off-duty Trooper was involved in the crash, but was not injured. The Trooper attempted to help people evacuate the tunnel. This Trooper is an active witness and has not been identified at this time.

“Responding to calls like these weighs heavy on the hearts of first responders involved, and the WHP is here to support you,” said WHP Col. Tim Cameron in a Feb. 17 WHP news release. “Our Chaplains would be happy to speak with any first responder who needs support.”

Troopers and other law enforcement partners used technology that created a three-dimensional digital replica of the crash scene to aid Troopers in ongoing investigations into the crash,

Traffic moved to the head-to-head configuration in the eastbound Green River Tunnel on Feb. 20 with a total of 5,000 feet of concrete barrier placed and screens installed to reduce headlight glare in the tunnel

Many thanks

WYDOT and WHP want to thank our local, regional and national partners whose support was invaluable during the aftermath of the crash, crash cleanup, traffic rerouting, public information sharing, and more.

“We want to express our sincerest appreciation to first responders in Sweetwater County for their support and assistance in responding to this tragic crash,” said WHP Lt. Col. Karl Germain.

Governor Mark Gordon and his staff

The Community of Green River Green River Police Department

Green River Fire Department

Law enforcement used technology that created a 3-D digital replica of the crash scene to aid in the ongoing crash investigation.

including identifying the cause of the crash and revealing a crash narrative.

“Due to complexities in this crash, off-scene investigations and crash reconstructions conducted by WHP are expected to take quite some time,” Cameron said in a Feb. 18 WHP news release. “We appreciate everyone’s patience as we examine all the evidence and work toward developing a crash narrative and cause that is as accurate as possible.”

The National Transportation Safety Board is conducting a parallel investigation of the crash.

National Attention

Photos of black smoke rising out of the tunnel entrance captured national attention, with WYDOT’s Public Affairs Office receiving media requests from local, regional, national and even international media outlets. A media kit was created, which can be found by clicking on the QR code to the right or visiting https://www.dot.state.wy.us/home/ news_info/media-kits/greenrivertunnel.html

Rock Springs Fire Department

Castle Rock Ambulance Service

Sweetwater County Sheriff

Sweetwater County Emergency Management

Sweetwater County Combined Communications Center

Sweetwater County Attorney’s Office

Sweetwater County Coroner

Sweetwater County Memorial Hospital

Wyoming State Fire Marshall

Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation

Wyoming Office of Homeland Security

Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality

Contractors DeBernardi Construction and S and L Industrial

Photo: WHP

District Briefs

Headquarters Commission awards

$24.5 million in highway contracts in February

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Transportation Commission awarded about $24.5 million in contracts for eight Wyoming Department of Transportation construction projects during its Feb. 20 regular business meeting.

The commission awarded a nearly $8.24 million bid to JTL Group Inc., DBA Knife River, based out of Cheyenne for a project in Hot Springs and Park Counties. The project scope includes milling, asphalt paving, chip sealing, grading, traffic control, aggregate surfacing and more on approximately 13.3 miles of Wyoming Highway 120 between Thermopolis and Meeteetse. The contract completion date is June 30, 2026.

Minnesota-based Bituminous Paving Inc. was awarded a $4.01 million bid for a project involving asphalt paving, milling, traffic control, and grading work on approximately 13.5 miles of Wyoming Highway 450 between Newcastle and Wright in Weston County. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2025.

A $3.67 million bid was awarded to Worland-based McGarvin-Moberly Construction Co. for a project involving milling, asphalt paving, fencing, chip sealing, traffic control and more on approximately 14.5 miles of Wyoming Highway 789 between Riverton and Shoshoni in Fremont County. The contract completion date is Nov. 30, 2025.

The commission awarded a $2.19 million bid to Gillette-based S & S Builders LLC for a bridge rehabilitation project involving structure work, traffic control, and grading work at the bridge over Big Horn River (Broadway Street) in Hot Springs County. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2025.

Mills-based King Enterprises was awarded a $2.1 million bid for a right of way fencing project, involving removal and replacement of fencing along US Highway 30 and Wyoming Highway 89 between the Idaho state line and Sage

Junction in Lincoln County. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2026.

Based out of Cowley, S & L Industrial was awarded a $1.1 million bid for an epoxy striping project involving pavement striping work at various locations within Albany, Campbell, Carbon, Crook, Laramie, Sheridan and Weston Counties. The contract completion date is Aug. 31, 2025.

S & L Industrial was also awarded an $889,800 bid for another epoxy striping project involving striping work and traffic control in various locations within Lincoln, Sublette, Sweetwater, Teton and Uinta Counties. The contract completion date is Sept. 30, 2025.

All of the above projects are funded primarily with federal dollars.

The only project awarded this month funded primarily with state dollars was awarded to Cheyenne-based Simon Contractors. The contract patching project’s scope involves asphalt paving, traffic control, and milling work totaling approximately 6 miles over various locations within Albany and Laramie Counties. The contract completion date is Oct. 31, 2025.

Almost all WYDOT projects are awarded to the lowest bid.

District 1

US 287/Third Street project public meeting

LARAMIE – The Wyoming Department of Transportation and Knife River hosted a public meeting to discuss the upcoming construction project on US Highway 287/Third Street in Laramie. The meeting was held on Feb. 27 at the Moose Lodge in Laramie.

The intent of this meeting was to present the project scope and schedule to local businesses and residents. To alleviate major impacts to businesses, all were encouraged to come and chat with our engineers and contractors.

“WYDOT understands the impact urban projects have on the community. We want to make sure the correct information is being dispersed to the businesses and residents effectively,” said Resident Engineer Kory Cramer.

A short presentation began at 5:45

p.m. WYDOT presented the scope and project details and Knife River explained the schedule and timeline.

WYDOT officials and other subject matter experts were on-hand to answer questions and discuss any concerns.

Work to begin on US 287/ Third Street in Laramie

LARAMIE – Crews with Knife River and the Wyoming Department of Transportation started work along US Highway 287/Third Street in Laramie on Feb. 24.

The project limits extend from Third Street and Boswell north to Third Street and Curtis Street.

Work includes new asphalt surfacing, Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades, and a box culvert replacement at the Spring Creek Bridge. Signal upgrades are being installed at Garfield Street, Grand Avenue, Ivinson Avenue, and University Avenue.

Travelers in Laramie experienced delays as crews with Rocky Mountain Power conducted utility work on Feb. 25. Crews briefly stopped traffic on US 287/ Third Street at mile marker 400.8 by the Spring Creek Bridge to remove overhead utility lines.

Detours were provided to maintain access to businesses and side roads while the approach work took place. There is a 12 foot width restriction in place while work is completed.

The project is anticipated to be completed by the fall.

WYDOT and Knife River hosted a public open house on Feb. 27 to discuss the project with local stakeholders. Subject matter experts were on hand to answer any questions.

Motorists should expect possible delays due to single lane shifts through construction zones and lowered speed limits.

Work to begin on I-80 by Pine Bluffs

CHEYENNE – Crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and Simon Contractors began work on Interstate 80 near Pine Bluffs on Feb. 24.

Briefs continued on page 4

Work is between mile markers 382.15 and 393.4, approximately 11.25 miles on I-80.

Work includes concrete slab repair, mill and overlay, and bridge replacements on six structures. Other miscellaneous work will also be performed. A 15-foot width restriction is in place until April 1, at which time it will be reduced to 14-feet when traffic will be shifted to head to head for the duration of the project.

The project is anticipated to be completed by the fall of 2026.

Fifth plow hit this season in southeast Wyoming

LARAMIE – A snowplow was struck on Wyoming Highway 130 this afternoon by Centennial.

The driver of a passenger vehicle rear-ended a WYDOT snowplow heading east on WYO 130. The plow operator was performing normal snow removal operations when the incident occurred.

Extensive damage was sustained to the sander on the back of the plow. Both the WYDOT plow operator and the driver of the passenger vehicle were uninjured.

The crash occurred on Feb. 19 at milepost 24 on WYO 130 eastbound near Centennial.

This is the tenth plow to be hit this season in the state and the fifth in District 1.

Wyoming Statute § 31-5-224 requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to emergency vehicles and move over to allow them to pass. This statute also applies to maintenance workers, such as highway construction and public utility workers.

Road conditions at the time reported wet with snowfall and slick spots and clear visibility. WYDOT plow operators want to remind drivers that plows create snow clouds when driving. Please be aware of this when encountering a snow cloud on the roadways.

District 2

WYDOT hosted open house for 2026 I-25 project in Casper

CASPER – The Wyoming Department of Transportation hosted a public open house to present information on an upcoming project on Interstate 25 through Casper beginning in 2026.

The open house took place Feb. 19 at the WYDOT Casper office. Visitors to the open house learned about the project, which involves the rehabilitation of I-25 between the Walsh Drive overpass to Center Street.

The project includes the reconstruction of the intestate bridges over McKinley Street; new pavement between the end of the Walsh Drive overpass bridge project and Center Street; the removal of the bridge on Hereford Lane over the interstate and the construction of weave lanes between Center Street and McKinley Street and between McKinley Street to Bryan Stock Trail.

This project is in its initial stages and has not been let to bid. It’s set to begin once the current construction between Center and Poplar streets has been completed in 2026.

District 3

Nighttime lane closure on Snake River Bridge

JACKSON – The Wyoming Department of Transportation closed a lane over the Snake River Bridge on Wyoming Highway 22 on Feb. 28, beginning at 11 p.m. Traffic was carried through the work areas at reduced speeds on a single lane under flagging operations until 4 a.m. Traffic alternated on one lane while crews worked in the other lane.

“The lane closure is necessary for us to conduct some survey work on the bridge,” WYDOT resident engineer Bob Hammond said.

Drivers encountered delays of up to 15 minutes through the project area Friday night from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Unpredictable weather and other variables may necessitate last-minute changes to the plans. WYDOT remains committed to updating the public with timely information. For more information about the current work going on at the WYO 22/Wyoming Highway 390 intersection and Snake River Bridge, visit: https://wy22wilsonsrb.com

Trailer restrictions, weight Limits on WYO 22

JACKSON – There are new trailer restrictions and weight limits for all commercial entities and private individuals using trailers for the transportation of goods or objects between the states of Idaho and Wyoming via Teton Pass, on Wyoming Highway 22.

Please be advised of the following regulations concerning trailer usage on WYO 22 between milepost 7 and the Idaho State Line (as shown in the map):

A map showing the closure for truck and trailer traffic exceeding 60,000 GVW from mile post 7 to the Idaho state line on WYO 22.

• Year-round gross vehicle weight limit: A strict GVW limit of 60,000

The fifth plow to be struck in District 1 was hit by a passenger vehicle.

Photos: Andrea Staley/WYDOT

Photo: WYDOT

pounds is enforced on WYO 22 throughout the entire year.

• Seasonal trailer prohibition: All trailers, regardless of type, are strictly prohibited on WYO 22 between Nov. 15 and April 15, annually.

Adherence to these regulations is mandatory. Failure to comply may result in penalties.

This announcement serves to ensure the safety and preservation of WYO 22.

District 5

DUI Task Force focuses on regional basketball weekend

RIVERTON – The Fremont County DUI Task Force began patrolling for impaired drivers Feb. 27 and will continue through March 9.

“Enjoy the basketball, as 16 high school teams and their fans will be competing in Riverton and Lander beginning Thursday,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation senior public relations specialist Cody Beers. “If you plan to

drink alcoholic beverages and drive while you’re in Fremont County, just know that you’ll likely be caught and miss all or part of the basketball tournaments. Plus, you’ll pay the price, carry the embarrassment of a DUI, or you may kill someone. Please designate a sober driver or call SafeRide. Don’t drink and drive.”

In 2024, alcohol-involved crashes were down 44 percent when compared to 2023. There were five alcohol-related fatalities in Fremont County during 2024, down 17 percent from 2023. Fremont County law enforcement is reminding everyone to never drive impaired and to always wear seat belts.

Erosion repair project scheduled to begin this month west of Cody

CODY – A $3.57 million erosion repair and guardrail replacement had a late February start along the edge of Buffalo Bill Reservoir west of Cody.

The US Highway 14/16/20 project is located west of the highway tunnels along Buffalo Bill Reservoir from milepost

43.860 (the rockfall fence) and extending about a mile east toward Cody at milepost 44.78 (a popular cliff diving location west of the Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center pullout).

Some short traffic delays are expected during the project.

“Work on the project will consist of erosion repair and replacement of existing guardrail,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Resident Engineer Todd Frost of Cody. “The existing wave action of the reservoir during high water is currently washing away the fill slope along the roadway and has cut back the reservoir bank to the existing guardrail in some locations. This continuing erosion is threatening to damage the roadway.”

A 12-foot-high gabion rock wall will be constructed west of the cliff diving location for about 344 feet, which is similar to the existing rock wall between the cliff diving location and the Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center parking area. The remainder of the slope will have machine-placed rock riprap placed on the slope to protect the roadway.

Prime contractor is Wilson Brothers Construction Inc. of Cowley.

Total number of employees: As of Feb. 3, 2025

1,853 One month ago 1,851 One year ago 1,842

Total number of highway fatalities: As of Feb. 1, 2025 5 One year ago 2 WHP

The contractor began work Feb. 24 on the gabion wall portion of the project near the cliff diving area.

Contract completion date is Dec. 31, 2025.

“The contractor may work on the project until Memorial Day weekend and work will then be suspended until after Labor Day,” Frost said.

Frost said motorists should expect a paved driving surface during the project. “Motorists should expect heavy truck traffic from the project west to WYDOT’s North Fork pit (milepost 37.1),” he said.

Within the work zone, motorists should expect a one-lane roadway controlled by temporary traffic signals 24 hours a day during the project. Motorists should expect traffic delays of up to two minutes during non-working hours.

“On days worked from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., there will be no additional delays other than the two-minute delays at the temporary traffic signals,” Frost said. “At all other working hours, flaggers will be used, and there will be a maximum traffic delay of up to 10 minutes.”

A 14-foot width restriction will be in place during this project.

Equipment Program: providing the wheels for transportation

By Mark Horan

The Wyoming Department of Transportation’s Equipment Program is a vital, though often unseen, part of the state’s infrastructure. From snowplows to patrol cars, the program provides and maintains the fleet necessary for WYDOT to function. In a recent interview, Equipment Program Manager Jesse Burgess and Agile Assets Fleet Expert Cori Hastings offered a behind-the-scenes look at the program’s operations, challenges, and importance.

“We provide the wheels for transportation for WYDOT,” Burgess said. “Any job that needs equipment, we provide all of that.”

This includes a vast array of vehicles and equipment, including, “trailers, cars, anything with an engine to travel anywhere, anything for snow removal, any type of a truck,” according to Burgess.

“We even have a few Howitzer cannons that are used for avalanche control up near Jackson,” he added.

The Equipment Program also budgets for maintenance of the state’s aircraft and maintains Highway Patrol vehicles. In addition, all WYDOT fuel is purchased through the program.

With a fleet of approximately 4,430 pieces, (1,500 being vehicles) the Equipment program is funded entirely by state resources and operates similarly to a rental company, charging rental rates based on equipment usage and maintenance costs.

“We help WYDOT programs identify what they need and then we buy that equipment,” Burgess explained. “And then based on its usage and repairs, we determine a rental rate for that equipment. This rental rate system funds the program, making it self-sufficient.”

Hastings oversees rental rate calculations. She pointed out that the more an individual piece of equipment gets used without a breakdown, the cheaper the rental rates get, because the rates are calculated based on hours of use versus repair and replacement cost.

“So, a piece of equipment with low usage and high maintenance cost is going to have a higher rental rate,” Hastings said.

She identified a core drill, which has circular saw on it that goes down through the road and takes a core sample of the asphalt, as having the highest rental rate at $2,441 per hour.

Burgess noted that equipment is maintained throughout its life and is replaced at the end if its life cycle. For example, WYDOT has more than 374 active plow units and around 270 patrol cars in operation statewide. A plow unit typically lasts about 20 years, running for approximately 11,000 to 12,000 hours and covering 350,000 to 425,000 miles. If funding allows, Burgess would like to reduce a plow unit’s lifespan to 15 years.

The program’s 120 employees, including mechanics around the state and district equipment supervisors, ensure the fleet remains operational.

thousands of things with an engine, you have a lot of warranties and recalls, and a lot of accident claims and stuff like that, too,” Burgess said.

One of the program’s unique aspects, which will be explored more in depth in a future Interchange, is the Rigging Shop. A practice that is rare among Transportation Departments nationwide, WYDOT builds all its 8-yard plow trucks in the Rigging Shop, which enables the agency to get custom plows “at a higher quality for cheaper than anybody else can do it.”

“If we have a quality problem, we can address it internally that day,” he added.

“There’s roughly 20 to 25 mechanics in each district,” Burgess calculated, adding that space limitations can hinder hiring, despite the need for more personnel. Equipment staff with Cheyenne headquarters handle duties such as specification writings and requisitions, accident claims, warranties and recalls.

“When you have

Burgess said the 8-yard trucks are the agency’s “bread and butter” because they’re used not just for plowing all winter and spring, but also for summer and fall maintenance work like paving and mowing. Oftentimes the transition between seasons happens quickly, which Burgess said can be difficult.

“You plow snow one day, and then the very next day, they strip the blade off of that truck and they’re all hauling pavement with it,” Burgess said. “We have trucks used in 12-hour shifts all winter long that are expected to go paving the next week. A lot of times we only have a pretty small window to get the trucks up to snuff for the next job.”

Maintaining such a large fleet that is used so heavily presents challenges. Burgess noted that regularly scheduled

Equipment Office staff in their office at WYDOT Headquarters. From left: Kim Wilson, field operations equipment technician; Jesse Burgess, Equipment program manager; Jim Bruckner, Equipment program coordinator; and Vance Lucero, Equipment program coordinator. Rob Roland, Rigging and Fabrication foreman is not pictured.

Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT

An overhead view of the repair shop in District 1 Cheyenne.

preventative maintenance services “are huge for making sure all this equipment lasts 20 years.”

While the majority of maintenance work stays in house, certain repairs get shipped out to a dealership or contract vendor. This includes things like body work, engine computers, and specialized service requiring expensive tools that wouldn’t be used enough to justify the cost.

Whenever possible, Burgess and his team prefer to do work in-house to keep things quick and cost effective.

“I can guarantee you, if you ship it to somebody else to work on, they’re hiring out of the same talent pool we are, but they’re dealing with a lot higher volume,” he said. “So that vehicle is going to sit in their parking lot longer than it’s going to sit in ours. It’s way more efficient if we can get things fixed internally.”

Keeping current equipment maintained is also vital because new equipment was recently hard to come by. Supply chain issues, particularly post-COVID and during the National Auto Workers Union strike, caused delays in vehicle replacements. But Burgess believes the supply chain is improving, adding that WYDOT has about 50 trucks that are waiting to be built.

“We have two years’ worth of builds on hand right now,” he said.

Other factors, such as impending emission standards for diesel engines, Wyoming’s diverse weather conditions and remote shop locations, add additional layers of complexity, making timely maintenance and repairs a challenge.

Looking ahead, Burgess aims to increase consistency within the program and build extra plow units to account for breakdowns.

“Every asset we have that plows snow is needed to maintain the roads, and they need to be all active all at once,” he explained. “So there’s no accounting for downtime at the moment.”

The Equipment program is also undergoing a transformation. The role of the “master mechanic” has shifted from a highly technical expert to a more coordination-focused position due to the increasing complexity of modern equipment. Standardizing equipment, such as hydraulic systems, has been a positive step towards improving efficiency and reducing training needs. This

shift was deemed a necessary adaptation to the growth in technological advancements and the sheer volume of knowledge required. While the fundamental function of the equipment remains the same (e.g., moving a lever to turn a plow), the methods have become far more complex, requiring different skill sets for repair.

As with any program within WYDOT, training and development is an important component within the Equipment program. Their office oversees a Fundamentals of Service course, based on an old John Deere program, whereby technicians can assess their skill level skill level in eight different modules such as welding, hydraulics, power trains, and electrical.

“The program goes through a lot of the basic shop stuff and gives us a temperature of the knowledge base out in the districts so we can look for any deficiencies or training gaps,” Burgess said.

In addition, the Equipment program lines up a variety of training for technicians throughout the state on topics such as welding, engine diagnostics, air brakes, and more. Many of the courses are taught through community colleges in the state. Although there’s not a minimum number of training hours required, Burgess said he’s working toward the goal of equipment staff statewide receiving 40 hours a year of technical training.

“You can’t have untrained staff,” Burgess attested. “Some of the guys that we’ve hired have stuck around because of the training opportunities we provide.”

Mechanics and technicians often need to make critical judgments about on-site repairs versus more extensive interventions. Burgess said safety is paramount, which is another important reason to have highly skilled and trained employees.

By efficiently managing resources, training staff, and adapting to technological advancements, the WYDOT Equipment Program ensures the state’s transportation infrastructure remains in motion.

“Ultimately, the equipment program is important to WYDOT and to the state because wheels don’t get turned without us,” Burgess said. “That means the roads don’t get opened, nothing gets through the Ports of Entry, and Patrol isn’t out there enforcing the law. If you don’t have a fleet that’s in really good shape, nothing happens here.”

Above: Tom Arthur, a heavy mechanic in District 1 Cheyenne, works on one of the many 8-yard trucks that WYDOT uses year-round to maintain the roads.

Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT

Heavy Mechanic Supervisor Shawn Varland (left) and Senior Heavy Mechanic Jon Powers, from District 1 Cheyenne.

Photo: Mark Horan/WYDOT

Fifth-graders name northeast Wyoming snowplows

SHERIDAN – The Wyoming Department of Transportation Northeast Wyoming District 4 snowplows have recently been named.

Fifth-grade students in Sheridan, Johnson, Campbell, Crook, and Weston counties were asked to help WYDOT come up with some clever names for their snowplows – and they did not disappoint.

Motorists traveling these counties might happen to come across plows with names such as Snokyo Drift, Plowboy Joe, Sleetle Juice, Scoop Dogg, Taylor Drift, Chuck Plowis, Darth Blader, Frost Bite, or Mike T(ice)son on the driver’s side door.

Once submitted, the schools with the winning names were invited to their local WYDOT maintenance shop to meet the plow drivers. These inquisitive students were able to visit one-on-one with the drivers and ask questions as they explored the plows.

Plow drivers shared information about how they control

the plow blade, how the sanders and brine sprayers work, and how they notify the Traffic Management Center to report road conditions that are then posted to the Wyoming 511 app and the wyoroad.info website.

Students received a snowplow coloring book that included the list of top 10 things snowplow drivers want you to know when driving in winter conditions. Students learned what “don’t crowd the plow” means and just how important WYDOT is to the public.

Fifth-graders from Newcastle stand in front of one of the snowplows they named. Taylor Drift can be found plowing US 85 north of Newcastle.

Photo: Laura Dalles/WYDOT

Newcastle maintainer Mark Peterson visits with Newcastle fifth-graders about how the plow works.

Photo: Laura Dalles/WYDOT

Gillette maintenance supervisor Randy Okray shows the sand WYDOT uses on road surfaces to Little Powder River Elementary School students and their teacher.

Photo: Laura Dalles/WYDOT

Gillette maintainer Terry Cheairs stands in front of Scoop Dog with fifth graders from Lakeview Elementary School.

Photo: Laura Dalles/WYDOT

Summit Rest Area hosts birthday party for Lincoln

By Andrea Staley

A birthday celebration was held for the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, on Feb. 12. The Albany County Historic Preservation Board held an event, co-hosted by WYDOT, at the Interstate 80 Summit Rest Area, which featured speakers describing the history of the Lincoln Head Monument located at that rest stop. This event served as a kick-off for the efforts to nominate the monument to be added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Megan Stanfill from the Alliance for Historic Wyoming and Lincoln Highway Association, as well as Chavawan Kelly from the Albany County Historic Preservation Board, gave an

overview of the history of the highway. Anne Brande from the Preservation Board gave a detailed and personal account of the history of the monument’s artist, Robert Russin, and the monument itself. John Waggener from the UW American Heritage Society spoke on the history of the Interstate system, primarily in southeast Wyoming. And finally, John Laughlin, the Natural Resources Program Supervisor for WYDOT, gave closing remarks to the crowd.

As a final hurrah to President Lincoln, the entire room sang happy birthday to good ‘ole Abe and enjoyed some apple pie, his favorite dessert.

John Laughlin, the Natural Resources Program Supervisor for WYDOT, gave closing remarks to the crowd during President Abe Lincoln’s birthday celebration at the I-80 Summit Rest Area in February.

Photo: Andrea Staley/WYDOT

During President Lincoln’s birthday celebration, speaker Anne Brande from the Albany County Preservation Board gave a detailed and personal account of the history of the monument’s artist, Robert Russin.

Photo: Andrea Staley/WYDOT

In 1968, crews moved Robert Russin’s Abe Lincoln bust from Sherman Hill on the old Lincoln Highway, where it was first placed in 1959, to its current position at the Summit of I-80.

Photo: Laramie Boomerang

Highway Safety Aggressive Driving

By Kari Fictum, Highway Safety

Aggressive driving can be defined as any unsafe driving behavior performed deliberately or with ill intention or disregard for safety that places the safety of others at risk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines aggressive driving as “the operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger other persons or property,” which can include a number of different traffic offenses.

While the tendency is to focus on speeding, all forms of aggressive driving threaten safety on roadways. Aggressive driving includes actions such as excessive speeding; tailgating; erratic lane changes; weaving in and out of traffic; cutting off other drivers; illegal passing; blocking vehicles attempting to pass or change lanes; making sudden stops, accelerations, or turns; using the horn excessively; making rude gestures, using abusive language, or making physical threats to other drivers; failing to yield to other drivers and non-motorists (pedestrians and bicyclists); and disregarding traffic controls.

The consequences of aggressive driving can result in legal actions, such as fines and license suspension, but more importantly, driving in an aggressive manner is significantly more likely to result in a crash, which can cause injuries and fatalities. Aggressive driving not only puts the driver at risk, it also endangers other road users.

In Wyoming, during the most recent five-year period (20192023), 4,298 traffic crashes involved aggressive, erratic, reckless, or careless driving behavior, which accounts for just over 6 percent of all traffic crashes. These crashes included 327 critical crashes (nearly 14 percent of all critical crashes), 1,052 serious crashes (just over 10 percent of all serious crashes), and 2,919 damage crashes (just over 5 percent of all damage crashes) resulting in 39 fatal injuries, 171 suspected serious injuries, 472 suspected minor injuries, and 242 possible injuries.

The majority of crashes involving aggressive driving behaviors resulted in a collision between motor vehicles (65 percent), and almost half of those crashes (46 percent) were rear end collision crashes. Single vehicle crashes account for almost 35 percent of crashes involving aggressive driving behaviors, with overturn/ rollover being the most common first harmful event (25 percent), followed by fencing (12.2 percent), utility pole or light support (4.9 percent), raised median or curb (4.8 percent), then other fixed object (4.7 percent).

The majority of aggressive, erratic, reckless, or careless drivers were male (67.6 percent). Male drivers 26-34 years old had the highest number of drivers engaging in aggressive driving behaviors (15.2 percent of all aggressive drivers), followed by males 35-44 (11.5 percent), then males 17-20 (10.6 percent).

Aggressive driving is a major concern and a real threat to the safety of all road users. To avoid becoming an aggressive driver, it is es-

sential to stay calm and patient while driving. Try to be respectful and courteous towards other drivers and give them the benefit of the doubt. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles and obey traffic laws and signals.

When confronted with an aggressive driver, do not respond to aggression with aggression. Try to stay as calm and courteous as possible. Avoid eye contact with angry drivers and try to create a safe distance from the aggressive driver.

Extreme cases of aggressive driving can escalate to road rage. Examples of road rage include ramming vehicles, forcing vehicles off the road, and attempting to follow and confront. Road rage significantly increases the danger to other road users. If you feel threatened, call 911.

When it comes to aggressive driving, the three best pieces of advice are: 1) don’t offend, 2) be tolerant and forgiving, and 3) do not respond.

FAST FACTS

Wyoming crash data from 2019-2023 report that:

• Just over 6 percent of all traffic crashes involved erratic, aggressive, reckless, or careless driving behavior.

• Nearly 14 percent of all critical crashes involved erratic, aggressive, reckless, or careless driving behavior.

• The majority of aggressive drivers were male (67.6 percent)

• Most aggressive driving crashes (65 percent) resulted in a collision between motor vehicles, with 35 percent being single vehicle crashes.

• Crashes involving erratic, aggressive, reckless, or careless driving behavior resulted in 39 fatalities and 171 suspected serious injuries.

CRASH CATEGORIES:

Critical Crashes – fatal and suspected serious injury crashes.

Serious Crashes – suspected minor injury and possible injury crashes.

Damage Crashes – no apparent injury and injury unknown crashes.

BY THE NUMBERS

Wyoming crash data

February 1, 2025 vs. (February 1, 2024):

Fatalities: 4 (2)

Serious Injuries: 25 (27)

Alcohol-Involved Fatalities: 1 (1)

Bicycle-Involved Fatalities: 0 (0)

CMV-Involved Fatalities: 1 (0)

Drug-Involved Fatalities: 0 (0)

Motorcycle-Involved Fatalities: 0 (1)

Pedestrian-Involved Fatalities: 0 (1)

Speed-Related Fatalities: 0 (1)

Data current as of 02/25/2025

Ayen and Olsen assume new roles

By Jordan Young

In February, Mark Ayen was named the new Assistant Chief Engineer for Operations. In his new role, Ayen is responsible for all five districts in the field, as well as the State Construction, State Maintenance, Highway Safety, Traffic Design/Operations, Equipment and Facility programs in Cheyenne.

Prior to his appointment, Ayen was the District Engineer for District 2 in Casper. After starting with WYDOT as an engineer in Evanston, he spent time as a Resident Engineer in Rock Springs, Construction Staff engineer in Cheyenne, and District 2 Construction Engineer.

Ayen graduated from Colorado State University in Fort Collins with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.

Also in February, Brian Olsen was named the new Assistant Chief Engineer for Engineering and Planning. In his new role, Olsen oversees the Bridge, Contracts and Estimates, Geology, Highway Development, Materials, Planning and Right-of-Way programs in Cheyenne.

Olsen previously served as the Aeronautics administrator from May 2018 to February 2025.

A Rawlins native, Olsen earned a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Wyoming in 2002. He started his engineering career at the Wyoming Department of Transportation in the Bridge Program. His interest in aviation led him to a position with The Boeing Company in Seattle, Washington, in 2004 as a structural engineer on the 747 program. In 2008, he returned to the Bridge Program and subsequently to the Aeronautics Division in

PUT DOWN THE DISTRACTIONS

DON'T TEXT & DRIVE

Ayen Olsen

Training

WYDOT launches new employee workshop to enhance onboarding

By Kurt Borgaard, Training Services

In the next few months, WYDOT is taking steps to modernize its onboarding process with the implementation of the NeoGov Onboarding application and the introduction of a New Employ ee Workshop. This initiative aims to provide new hires with the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to thrive within the organization while promoting WYDOT’s mission and values.

The New Employee Workshop, beginning in April 2025, is a multi-day program held at WYDOT University in Cheyenne. Designed to support new employees and integrate them into the WYDOT community, the workshop focuses on strengthening professional relationships, enhancing organizational awareness, and equipping attendees with insights into how their roles fit into WYDOT’s mission. Participants will also learn about the resources available to them through Financial Services, Human Resources and Training Services.

Benefits for supervisors and employees

For supervisors, this workshop is an opportunity to ensure that new hires start their careers with a clear understanding of how their responsibilities align with WYDOT’s mission, vision, and values. For employees, the workshop provides peace of mind and builds confidence. By gaining knowledge of WYDOT’s culture and the resources available to them, new hires can focus on contributing effectively from day one.

Action steps for supervisors

Starting in April, supervisors will be responsible for registering their new hires for workshop sessions through the NeoGov

application. Employees hired before April will also have the chance to register for the program. Registration is simple and ensures that all new hires benefit from this significant experience. WYDOT’s commitment to fostering a supportive and motivated workforce is foundational in these updates. With the New Employee Workshop, the organization is setting the stage for long-term success and growth.

TRAINING @ A GLANCE

Coming in March:

3/4/2025 Leading Others

Management Development Series, 1 of 4 8:30 am-4:30 pm Cheyenne Leading from the Middle

3/6/2025 Leading Self The Problem Solving Process 12:00 pm-1:00 pm Virtual

3/10/2025 Technical Virtues and Competencies of Engineering 12:00 pm-2:00 pm Virtual with Connections to the Professional Codes of Ethics

3/11/2025 WYdot Supervise Series Resolving Workplace Conflict* 1:00 pm-5:00 pm Virtual

3/27/2025 WYdot Supervise Series Coaching: Move People Forward* 8:00 am-12:00 pm Virtual

Coming in April: Start

4/7/2025 Know WYdot: New Employees New Employee Orientation Workshop

Cheyenne (Learning Plan Assigned to New Employees) 4/23/2025 Leading Others Management Development Series, 2 of 4 8:30 am-4:30 pm Cheyenne Leveraging Generational Diversity

Check out the upcoming training opportunities from WYDOT-U and the Transportation Learning Network. Don’t forget to check out the calendar on NEOGOV to see upcoming training events!

Photo: Adobe Stock

Employee Safety Rigging training – proposed OSHA citations

Box plow injury site inspection leads to OSHA citations

Jordan Striff, Employee Safety Program Manager

Recently an employee was injured in the process of moving a box plow. Using a front-end loader, the employee attempted to rotate the plow using lifting chains and the loader arms (see Safety Flash emailed on Dec 20, 2024). While it was not a factor in the incident, it was discovered during the unannounced Occupational Safety and Health Administration site inspection that the chain that was used was not a certified lifting chain, appeared to be homemade, used two different hooks, and did not have safety latches. The red hook is also damaged.

WYDOT has been notified of two proposed citations as a result of the investigation. The first is for not using certified rigging equipment. The second is for failing to train all employees on the use, inspection and storage of rigging equipment. The abatement for these citations includes mandatory materials handling training for all affected employees. The proposed citations fall under 1910.184(e)(1) and state OSHA’s General Duty Clause. 15 business days to complete training

All affected employees MUST attend the mandatory inspection and storage training within 15 days of the agency receiving the citations. As the citations appear to be imminent, we are working to get in front of them and have established the required training. See training dates, times and locations on Employee Safety intranet page or on NeoGov A second hands-on rigging training will be announced at a later date.

Affected employees include anyone who uses rigging and towing equipment: Maintenance, Mechanics/Equipment, Traffic, Emergency Communications, ITS, and Geology. If you use rigging equipment or cranes, please sign up for the training.

The District Safety Representatives will coordinate the training in their respective districts and Employee Safety will coordinate the training at Headquarters.

All chains, slings, wire rope, synthetic and natural fiber rope, and all associated rigging equipment that is being used for lifting or towing is required to be certified, weight-rated, and tagged. The equipment must also have a visual pre-use inspection and

a documented monthly inspection by a competent person. The equipment shall be annually inspected and/or tested by a qualified person under 29 CFR 1910.184(e)(3)(i)(D), 29 CFR 1912.1413, 29 CFR 1910.179(j)

If you have rigging equipment on site that is not certified or regularly inspected, please remove it from service and contact your respective DSR or Employee Safety at HQ.

When the proposed citations are formalized, Employee Safety will send a copy of the citations to all locations. Please print and post in a conspicuous place for all affected employees to see. We recommend all trades that are identified above use this safety flash as a toolbox talk or monthly safety meeting in order to communicate the urgency of this required training and associated citations.

To find more Employee Safety training opportunities, visit the Employee Safety webpage on the intranet. For more information about the proposed OSHA citations, visit the Employee Safety –Safety Flashes and Topics page on the intranet.

PASS WITH CARE PLOWS CREATE SNOW CLOUDS

A non-certified chain used in lifting apparatus caused injury to an employee.

TechTalk

Tax phishing scams: don’t be a victim

By Enterprise Technology Services

As we head into the 2025 tax season, it’s critical to stay vigilant against the latest crop of tax scams that are emerging. These scams have grown increasingly sophisticated in recent years, with fraudsters employing ever-more devious tactics to trick unsuspecting taxpayers.

Whether it’s phishing emails claiming to be from the IRS, phone calls from scammers impersonating tax officials, or bogus websites set up to steal personal information, the threats are diverse and constantly evolving.

General tips for identifying tax scams

Spotting a tax scam isn’t really different from identifying any other type of phishing, smishing, or callback phishing scam. Here are some of the generic ‘red flags’ that might help identify tax-related scams.

• Be wary of unsolicited emails, texts, or social media contact. The IRS will not send digital communications containing promises of assistance, notices of outstanding tax payments due, or requests to verify personal or account information.

• Be suspicious of phone calls claiming you owe taxes, espe cially if they demand that you settle the ‘tax bill’ by sending gift cards, cryptocurrency, prepaid debit cards, or wire transfers.

TAX SCAM WATCH

• Be alert to the use of fake websites that look like the real thing. All government websites end with .gov. (Example IRS. gov)

• If something is too good to be true, it probably is. Question any communication that promises either a large tax refund or a guaranteed refund when you currently owe money in exchange for a fee.

Five common tax scams

Unfortunately, tax scams are all too common and take many forms. Some scammers pose as charities, trying to trick people into donating to fake causes. Others set up fraudulent tax preparation services, promising big refunds but instead stealing people’s identities or financial information. Fake charities and charity impersonators

Criminals frequently exploit the public’s generosity during international crises or natural disasters by setting up fraudulent charities. They usually try to obtain money and personal information, which can then be used to further victimize individuals through identity theft.

Fake charity promoters often use deceptive tactics such as emails, bogus websites, or spoofed caller ID to make their solicitations appear legitimate.

One way to avoid being a victim is to research a charity before donating. Sites like Charity Navigator or Giving Compass can help you with this, but keep in mind these lists may not be all inclusive.

Disaster fraud

The “disaster fraud tax scam” is a scheme where scammers

exploit people affected by natural disasters. These fraudsters often pose as helpful IRS agents or tax professionals, offering to assist the victim in filing inflated casualty loss claims on their tax returns. However, their goal is to steal personal information or money from the victims.

The scammers offer to help file inflated casualty loss claims on tax returns, often posing as IRS employees or promising large refunds. They may promise an unrealistically large tax refund to entice the victim.

However, their true motives are purely nefarious – to steal sensitive personal information like Social Security numbers that can be used for identity theft, or to collect bogus “service fees” while providing no actual help.

It is essential to verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent a relief organization in order to prevent falling victim to disaster fraud before taking any action. Also, never pay upfront for repairs, and be wary of unsolicited offers. Never share personal information unless you are absolutely certain of the legitimacy of the request. If you have any doubts, contact Federal Officials or local authorities to confirm the information.

W-2 phishing scams

There are at least two different types of W-2 scams used by fraudsters. The first one targets Chief Operating Officers, other high-level executives, and Human Resources staff using a technique known as business email compromise or business email spoofing.

While posing as one of these high level people, they send emails to payroll staff, simply requesting W-2 forms for all employees.

Photo: Adobe Stock

The fraudster may start with a casual email, asking something like “Hi, are you working today?” before requesting all employee W-2 information. In multiple reported cases, once the fraudsters obtained the workforce data, they quickly followed up by demanding a wire transfer.

Another W-2 scam is a phishing message, trying to trick you into sharing your W-2 (personal) information, including your Social Security Number, salary, and home address.

To avoid W-2 phishing scams, never share this (or any) sensitive data via email unless you are absolutely certain the request is legitimate from your employer. Verify any request like this by directly contacting your Human Resources Department using known contact details rather than relying on the information in the email.

Be especially wary of emails that seem urgent or come from an unknown sender, as they may be attempts to steal your personal information. Avoid clicking links or downloading attachments from suspicious emails.

Unexpected tax bill scam

The unexpected tax bill scam typically starts with an official-looking letter, email or phone call claiming to be from the IRS or your state tax agency. The message will say you owe a significant amount of unpaid taxes and demand immediate payment, often via wire transfer, gift cards or cryptocurrency. They may threaten serious consequences like wage garnishment, asset seizure or even arrest if you don’t comply.

However, it’s critical to recognize this as a scam. Legitimate tax agencies will never demand instant payment via those methods or make threats.

If you’re unsure about the validity of a tax bill, contact the IRS or your state tax department directly using official contact info from their website. Don’t fall victim to these fraudsters attempting to pressure you with scare tactics to steal your hard-earned money.

But don’t be fooled – this is not how the IRS operates. Real tax agencies will always send bills by postal mail first, allow you to question the amount owed, and provide several payment options and appeal rights.

If you’re still unsure if a tax bill is legitimate, contact the IRS directly using a verified phone number. And remember, the IRS will never demand a specific payment method or threaten to immediately bring in law enforcement. Fraudulent tax return preparation services

Tax preparer scams are a serious threat that can wreak havoc on your finances and even land you in legal hot water. These scammers often lure in victims with big promises of massive tax refunds, but their real goal is to make off with your sensitive personal information and hard-earned money.

They may have an official-looking storefront or website to give an air of legitimacy, but don’t be fooled. Once they have your info, fraudulent tax preparers can file false returns in your name,

pocket the inflated refunds, and vanish without a trace, leaving you to deal with the fallout.

Victims may face not only the loss of their tax refund money, but also find themselves on the hook for back taxes, penalties, and interest when the IRS discovers the fraudulent return.

The consequences can be catastrophic to your financial stability and reputation. That’s why it’s so critical to be cautious about who you trust with your taxes.

Always verify the credentials and reputation of any tax preparer, and be extremely wary of anyone promising unbelievably high refunds or encouraging you to include false information. When in doubt, trust your gut - if a tax prep offer seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is.

To report suspected tax preparer fraud, go to IRS.gov and fill out their Form 14157.

What to do if you suspect you’re a victim

If you believe you’ve fallen victim to a tax scam, it’s crucial to take swift action to protect yourself and minimize potential damage. The first step is to contact the IRS directly to determine if there is any legitimate issue with your taxes. You can call the IRS helpline or visit their official website for guidance.

If you did not initiate the contact and the supposed IRS agent is demanding immediate payment, especially via gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency, this is a clear red flag of a scam.

Please don’t share any personal or financial information. Report the scam attempt to the proper authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission, your local police department, and the IRS.

Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit records and closely review your account statements and credit reports for any suspicious activity. Consider enlisting the help of a qualified tax professional to ensure your taxes are in order.

Remember, the IRS will never demand immediate payment or threaten arrest over the phone. By staying vigilant and taking appropriate measures, you can protect yourself from falling victim to nefarious tax scam predators.

Tax scams are a pervasive problem that can have serious financial and legal consequences for individuals and businesses alike. It’s crucial to stay vigilant and informed to protect yourself from falling victim to these schemes.

Be wary of any unsolicited communications promising easy money or demanding sensitive personal information. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stick with reputable tax professionals and official government resources when it comes to handling your taxes.

If you get targeted by a scammer, report it right away to help prevent others from being victimized. With some common sense and caution, you can steer clear of tax scams and have peace of mind during tax season and beyond.

Rakuten app: what state employees need to know

Rakuten is a Japanese shopping rewards app that promises users cash back for their purchases, but it comes with a concerning catch – a hidden keylogger that poses a serious security threat to personal information. While this may seem like an attractive way to save money on your shopping, the app silently logs everything

you type on your device, capturing sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, and private messages without your knowledge. It is unknown where this data is transmitted to or stored.

Wellness Take advantage of Hinge Health!

Free virtual physical therapy available to state employees on Employee’s Group Insurance

By Matt Nagy, Subject Matter Minute creator/host, edited for print by Jordan Young

If you didn’t tune into the Department of Administration and Information’s recent Subject Matter Minute episode, state employees with aches and pains are encouraged to take advantage of a free program available now.

Hinge Health is a virtual physical therapy program to help reduce back and joint pain or strengthen the pelvic floor. This program is especially helpful for those that have to travel long distances to see a physical therapist or find it hard to schedule with a local therapist.

This is a service provided to those that have health insurance through Employees’ Group Insurance. It’s available to the employee and their dependents that are more than 18 years old.

“Of course the state does cover brick and mortar physical therapy,” Nagy says in the video, “but that is subject to your deductible and coinsurance, so if this works for you, it’s a nice free option.”

After signing up and downloading the app, users will go through a bunch of questions to identify specific pain issues. Then users are assigned a physical therapist and a health coach,

Hinge Health offers quick exercise videos so users can tailor routines around hectic schedules (or even squeeze one in during a Wellness break!)

who put together an exercise and stretching program catered to the user.

Users decide how many days a week to do these exercises and if whether to receive app notifications and reminders. The sessions are about 10 minutes long.

“You can text with your coaches at any time via the app, and you can also talk to them live,” Nagy said in the episode.

Right now, if you sign up and qualify for the program and participate for at least a couple of weeks, you get some goodies, including resistance bands, a nice metal

After answering a series of questions about their pain, Hinge Health users are assigned a physical therapist and a health coach, who put together an individualized exercise and stretching program. You can also explore a library of other exercises.

More than just exercises, the app offers reading material, goal setting and tracking, sleeping tips, equipment and other educational opportunities for well-rounded health.

phone stand, and a yoga mat. Nagy noted the free equipment might change over time.

The phone stand is for a feature that allows users to make sure exercises are being done with proper form.

“You set your phone in the stand, get to where you can see your whole body on the screen, and it maps your joints and tells you if you are doing them right,” Nagy said in the episode.

“Seems to work – I used it for a few sessions.”

The program is mostly app based, but you can sign up via a computer here: https://www.hingehealth.com/ for/wyoming/, or use the QR code to the right. The website explains the whole program in detail, and you can see what the current incentives are.

To watch the full subject matter minute, which includes instructions on how to use the app, visit Matthew Nagy’s YouTube page: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=nKEAYoP1QYU

Screenshot:

WYDOT’s Wellness program

Consider joining the WYDOT Wellness program! Now in its 19th year, WYDOT Wellness offers employees the chance to get exercise during the day without having to burn annual leave time in doing so.

The program was implemented in 2006 as a means of incorporating physical activity into daily routine in the interest of promoting better health and well-being.

State government policy gives each state agency freedom in how it structures its own wellness program, including the option of offering an incentive. In WYDOT’s case, the incentive is in the form of administrative leave, or “comp time.”

Those who participate on a consistent basis and track their progress earn four hours of administrative leave if they complete a minimum of 13 hours of exercise each month for six consecutive months. That minimum requirement translates to an average of 30 minutes of exercise per day.

Three-dozen wellness activities are eligible, covering a wide spectrum, from aerobics to Zumba. Walking is far and away the most popular activity type, accounting for roughly half the total exercise time logged.

Eligible exercises are those that are primarily recreational and include a significant physical activity component, which contributes to improved fitness. The goal is encouraging employees to adopt active exercise in addition to work done during their everyday lives.

Information about the Wellness Program is available on the intranet, under Useful Links and Files. Look for the Files section and find Wellness Frequently Asked Questions. Employees who are already enrolled can select the Wellness Program tab under Useful Links and Files on the same intranet page to log exercise time and type, and track their status. Those who are interested in joining or

TOASTMASTERS

Roadmasters Chapter

District News

Headquarters

Welcome

Mariah Abeyta, Procurement Services-Buying; Julias Arias, PatrolSafety and Training; Mario Armenta, Patrol-Safety and Training; Michael Bachelder, Driver Services-Cheyenne; Benjamin Crosswait, Patrol-Safety and Training; Conlon Fields, Patrol-Safety and Training; Bradley Halter, PatrolSafety and Training; Scott Highland, Planning-Counter Shop; Rachael Hocker, Driver Services-Policy and Records; Brad Latchaw, Patrol-Safety and Training; Cody Lenke, Patrol-Safety and Training; Kolton Leslie, Patrol-Safety and Training; Cody Moore, Patrol-Safety and Training; Clay Nelson, Patrol-Safety and Training; Allan Pasko, Patrol-Safety and Training; Christopher Robbirds, Patrol-Safety and Training; Brandy Rubeck, PlanningLocal Government Coordination; Austin Soto, Patrol-Safety and Training; Ryan Speight, Environmental Services; Garett Stockdale, Equipment-Mechanics; and Thomas Veschi, Patrol-Safety and Training.

Promotions and Transfers

Tina Erickson, Highway Safety; and Brianne Langdon, Grants and ContractsAdministration.

Service Awards

Barak Capron, Highway Development-Photogrammetry and Survey – 20 years; Rhonda Hoadley, Patrol-Support Services, Operations –10 years;

Sabrina Mathews, PlanningAdministration – 10 years;

Dalton Underwood, BridgeEngineering Design – 10 years; Matthew Hooten, Geology – 5 years; Aaron Johnson, Materials-Surfacing –5 years; and

Jordan Young, Public Affairs – 5 years.

Retirements

Dale Armstrong, a traveling driver license CDL examiner with Driver Services, retired in January with more than five years of service.

Ronald Hartwig, Transportation Management Center specialist with the Intelligent Transportation Systems program at Headquarters, retired in January with 18 years of service.

State Traffic Engineer Joel Meena retired in January with 40 years of service. Meena started with WYDOT as a temporary employee with the Traffic Program, and also spent time with Electrical Design and Operations and

Assistant State Traffic Engineer before becoming Traffic program manager in 2010. Meena is a proud University of Wyoming alum and served with the U.S. Naval Reserve Civil Engineering Corps. for about six years. He also enjoys bow hunting.

Craig Walker, drilling supervisor with Geology at Headquarters, retired in January with 40 years of service. Walker spent the majority of his WYDOT career with Geology, starting as a drill helper in 1984. He graduated from WyoTech in Laramie.