INSIDEGolden Dome Awards ----------------------------- 3

Gould uses ALS to teach others--------------- 4

Intermodal ramp business up in Iowa------- 6

Human Factors forum ----------------------------- 7

MVE honored at Special Olympics ----------- 9

KUDOS! ------------------------------------------------ 10

Follman injured in crash ------------------------ 13

Legislative session wraps up ----------------- 15

Road Check 2005 ---------------------------------- 16

PAGE 2 JULY 2005

From my viewMark F. Wandro, P.E., L.S.

GregAlan Williams’ presentation on diversity ended thesupervisors conference on a high note.

You know how thegrapevine works. It’s a lot likethe game of telephone many ofus played as kids. What is toldto the first person is neverwhat is relayed to the last.When information critical tothe operation of the agencyneeds to be disseminated, oneof the best ways to do so is to

have everyone who needs to know it hear it at thesame time through the same source.

All DOT supervisors and managers gatheredMay 24-25 in Ames to hear speakers on topicsranging from diversity to the challenge of leadership.This two-day conference was packed full of useful,practical information for every manager and supervi-sor, as well as management theory that can beadapted to each individual’s leadership style.

The conference began with a presentation of“The Business Case for Diversity” by Dr. EddieMoore Jr., Director of Intercultural Life at CentralCollege in Pella and a cultural diversity consultant.Dr. Moore shared his perspective that diversity in theworkforce makes good business sense because itleads to an enhanced product or service, stimulatesinnovation and creativity, and provides a broaderconnection to our diverse customer group. He alsocalled for us to champion the cause of diversity firstand foremost at the personal level in the ways werelate to others and embrace diversity.

In his presentation on the Leadership Challenge,Kevin Pokorny, a 20-year veteran of managementtraining, told the group about the five principles ofleadership: model the way; inspire a shared vision;challenge the process; enable others to act; andencourage the heart. Following these five principlesis the first step to creating an effective work environ-ment.

So, there’s the theory behind creating a greatplace for employees to showcase their talents, butwhat about the practical side of managing people?We heard from Department of AdministrativeServices and DOT staff about best practices in hiringand supervising employees. We also heard aboutsome innovative diversity efforts at a few Iowaprivate-sector companies. Finally, the DOT’s Officeof Employee Services (OES) introduced thesupervisor’s toolbox, now available on DOTNET.The toolbox includes information from possibleinterview questions for new hires to sample letterswhen disciplinary action is warranted. The DOTpolicies pertaining to hiring, discipline and workplaceenvironment, as well as explanations of the DOT’sinternal employee paperwork processes, are allincluded in one easy-to-find spot. I encourage allemployees to check this out on DOTNET.

Also during the conference each manager andsupervisor was given a draft copy of five policiesrelated to recruiting/ hiring, counseling and disciplin-ing employees, as well as investigations, equalemployment opportunity/affirmative action andworkplace environment. Division directors requestedinput on the proposed drafts from the supervisors byJune 6 and submitted their final divisional commentsto OES by June 15. OES is now working with meand the Management Team to refine and finalizethese policy updates. You can view the preliminarydrafts of these policies in the Supervisor’s Toolbox onDOTNET or ask your supervisor or manager aboutthe drafts. You should see the final policy updatessoon.

To end the meeting, GregAlan Williams, anationally-known trainer and actor from Des Moineswho currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia, gave apresentation about diversity. Williams made it clearthat the world is not black and white. In his viewdiversity is about remembering where you camefrom. Williams said, “We are a nation of immigrants.The majority of our ancestors came to America withempty pockets and a bag full of dreams.” He chal-

FrFrFrFrFrom my view,om my view,om my view,om my view,om my view, go to page 13

JULY 2005 PAGE 3

Stan PetersonLeader of the Year

Stan Peterson, transportationplanner 4 in the Office of Systems

Planning, wasnominated byemployees inthat office forleadershipqualitiesenabling himto influence,assist, moti-

vate, and lead people to achievetheir potential while collaboratingwith and learning from them. Hisdirection and influence haveadditionally been important inaddressing changes and imple-menting new and improvedprocesses that involve work withoutside planning agencies.

Craig O’RileyLeader of the Year

Craig O’Riley, a transporta-tion planner 3 from the Office of

SystemsPlanning, wasnominated byco-workers forhis leadershipabilities andserving asprojectmanager in the

development of the State Trans-portation Plan Update. In addi-tion, he has significantly strength-ened the department’s workingrelationship with Iowa’s ninemetropolitan planning organiza-tions and 18 regional planningaffiliations.

Randy TaylorLeader of the Year

Randy Taylor, public serviceexecutive 2, is District 2 opera-

tions managerworking out ofNew Hamp-ton. District 2MaintenanceManager MarkBlack, nomi-nated Taylorfor his role in

leading District 2 maintenancesupervisors and staff through adistrict-wide, state and federaldisaster proclamation during theflooding of spring 2004. Not onlywas Taylor responsible for 24-hour-per-day emergency responsecoordination with the stateemergency operation center, healso provided detailed damageassessments to Federal HighwayAdministration personnel. Theassessments were used for projectdevelopment efforts that reclaimedapproximately $550,000 fordamage to our state highwaysystem and rights-of-way.

Michael JacksonEmployee of the Year

Michael Jackson, a seniortransportation engineer in the

Research andTechnologyBureau, wasnominated asemployee ofthe year by hissupervisor,SandraLarson. For

the past two years, he has been theproject manager for the I-235intelligent transportation systemproject, which supplies informa-tion to the public, media and area

Golden Dome Awards

Golden Dome AwarGolden Dome AwarGolden Dome AwarGolden Dome AwarGolden Dome Awards,ds,ds,ds,ds, go to page 8

All award recipientswere honored at aformal ceremony

held at the State CapitolJune 14.

Each year the Governor’sGolden Dome Awards programrecognizes state employees forexcellence and dedication inthe special contributionsthey’ve made to state agencies.They are also honored foraddressing community needsand assisting nonprofit orcharitable organizationsthrough investments ofpersonal time. DOT employ-ees recognized at a ceremonyJune 14 at the State Capitolinclude: Stan Peterson, CraigO’Riley, and Randy Taylor,Leaders of the Year; MichaelJackson and Nancy Goecke,Employees of the Year; andJerry Sabin received a Lt.Governor’s Employee Volun-teer Award. The VehicleServices Conversion Teamwas one of only ten teamsselected as a Team of the Yearfrom nominations submittedby all state agencies. TheOffice of Document Services’graphics section was alsohonored with an award forexemplary service.

PAGE 4 JULY 2005

Gould uses ALS to teach others

Gould,Gould,Gould,Gould,Gould, go to next page

“My wife and I havebecome advocates forALS research and have

been to Washington,D.C., three times tolobby for research

funding.”Roger Gould

Roger Gould with Iowa State and Olympic wrestler Cael Sanderson.

“It’s a day I’ll never forget,”says Roger Gould, transportationengineer specialist with theHighway Division’s projectscheduling group. Even thoughJune 2, 1998, is more than sevenyears ago, three little lettersuttered by his doctor will stickwith Gould forever – ALS.

According to the ALS Asso-ciation Web site, amyotrophiclateral sclerosis (ALS), oftenreferred to as “Lou Gehrig’sdisease,” is a progressiveneurodegenerative disease thataffects nerve cells in the brain andspinal cord. Motor neurons reachfrom the brain to the spinal cordand from the spinal cord to themuscles throughout the body. Theprogressive degeneration of themotor neurons in ALS eventuallyleads to their death. When themotor neurons die, the ability ofthe brain to initiate and controlmuscle movement is lost. Withvoluntary muscle action progres-sively affected, patients in the laterstages of the disease may becometotally paralyzed. Yet, through itall, for the vast majority of people,their minds remain unaffected.

Approximately 5,600 peoplein the U.S. are diagnosed withALS each year. It is estimated thatas many as 30,000 Americans mayhave the disease at any given time.Although the life expectancy of anALS patient averages about two tofive years from the time of

diagnosis, this disease is variableand many people live with qualityfor five years and more. More thanhalf of all patients live more thanthree years after diagnosis. About20 percent of people with ALSlive five years or more, up to 10percent will survive more than tenyears, and 5 percent will live 20years. There are people in whomALS has stopped progressing anda small number of people in whomthe symptoms of ALS reversed.

“I’ve been very lucky,” saidGould. “I have a very slowprogression of symptoms, so I’vebeen able to continue working.I’ve also been able to learn aboutthe disease and was active inorganizing the first Iowa Chapterof the ALS Association. It’srewarding to be part of startingthat organization. My wife and Ihave become advocates for ALSresearch and have been toWashington, D.C., three times tolobby for research funding.”

Because Gould’s disease isprogressing slowly and he’s beenable to continue working, he’sbecome an inspiration to many

A benefit golf tournament washeld for Gould in Grimes.

JULY 2005 PAGE 5

Gould,Gould,Gould,Gould,Gould, continued from previous page

around him who want him toknow how much he means tothem. “He has had such a positiveattitude through all this,” saidVicki Stamper, secretary 2 inGould’s office. “Roger has alwaysbeen someone who never thoughthe was above anyone else. He hasalways been so nice and respectfulto all his coworkers. And that’swhy so many people want to showRoger their support now --- finallywe can do something for him.”

Gould has touched manypeople in his 15 years at the DOT.He started as a co-op student in1988 and came on full time in1990 in the Ames constructionoffice. He rotated around throughseveral offices during his engi-neer-in-training period and thenbecame the resident engineer inCreston and then in Jefferson. Hemoved back into the centralcomplex in 2001 as an assistant tobureau director Sandra Larson andnow Mitch Dillavou and JohnAdam.

Because he’s touched so manylives at the DOT, several groupshave held events to providefinancial support to Gould and hiswife, Cindy, an associate professorin the Design College at Iowa

State University. The Office ofBridges and Structures held a pie-in-the-face raffle where employeespaid to hit supervisors with pies.The District 2 office held a bakesale. The largest effort came May23 when 164 golfers, includingIowa State and Olympic wrestlerCael Sanderson, converged onBeaver Creek Golf Course inGrimes for a benefit tournamentthat raised $8,787.12. Anotherlunch benefit was held June 30with members of the HighwayDivision Management Teamserving the food.

“All this is very humbling.Cindy and I, and our sons, Brianand Shawn, and daughter-in-lawKristen, are all very grateful forthe support,” said Gould. “I knowmany of the people organizingthese events, but there are some Idon’t know. They are helping meand I don’t even really know them.It’s just a great example ofkindness and indicative of the typeof coworkers we have. It’s justoverwhelming. It also helps medeal with the attention when I canuse it to raise awareness aboutALS.”

To find out more about ALS,visit www.alsa.org.

(left) Golfers enjoyed a great day for agreat cause at Beaver Creek GolfCourse near Grimes.(top) Mona Kretlow (seated left), VickiStamper (seated right) and GregMulder (standing behind Vicki) helpedorganize the event and worked theregistration table.(center) Diane Swenson gets a kick outof hitting Ahmad Abu-Hawash with apie during the Bridges and Structuresfundraiser.(bottom - back row) Greg Mulder, GaryKretlow, Roger Gould, Mitch Dillavou(front row) Mona Kretlow, VickiStamper, Cindy Gould

PAGE 6 JULY 2005

Intermodal facilitieshanging on in Iowa

Mile after mile, trainsloaded with containersrumble through Iowa.

Wine from Europe and soybeanbyproducts bound for Asia, thereare few limits to the type ofproducts on these trains.

The limits are found in howthe products are shipped and thecost to get them from one place toanother. Most imported goodsarrive in the U.S. via ship into oneof the major ports. Containers orsemi-trailers loaded with goodsbound for the continental U.S. areeither loaded onto rail cars ortrucks at those ports. Containersand trailers can be switched fromrail cars to semis anywhere in thecountry at what are known asintermodal ramps.

In the past, Iowa’s railroadswere a hotbed for intermodalactivity. Larry Mesenbrink of theOffice of Rail Transportation saysthe early “circus” consisted of amound of dirt or “ramp” for asemi to drive up and unload atrailer onto a flat rail car. Becauseof the increase in containershipments which don’t include the

intermodal,intermodal,intermodal,intermodal,intermodal, go to page 9

wheel base of the trailer, theseearthen “ramps” were replaced bymore sophisticated equipment,most notably a crane to liftcontainers or trailers onto and offof rail cars. Tim Woods, IowaInterstate Railroad’s director ofintermodal, says, “With the cost ofrail lines into an intermodalfacility and the crane (approxi-mately $250,000), these facilitiescost millions of dollars to con-struct.”

In the 1990s the major railcompanies such as Union Pacific,Burlington Northern Santa Fe andothers, know as Class 1 railroads,invested heavily in largeintermodal facilities in statesskirting Iowa. These ramps,located in places like Illinois andKansas City, offered better rates toshippers. The high cost of operat-ing the ramps with railroademployees, coupled with therailroads’ desire to make up fulltrains of intermodal businesscaused most of the smaller rampsin Iowa to close.

Mesenbrink said, “In 1980Iowa had 23 active ramps in 15

cities, today we have three. In1985 nationally there were 4.5million loads shipped throughintermodal sites, in 2000 therewere 9.4 million loads. Even withthe increase in shipments, Iowa,which is basically a rail gatheringsystem, became a ‘pass through’state for these intermodal opera-tions. The Class 1 railroadsinvested heavily in larger facilitiesoutside Iowa. Of the three smallintermodal ramps that remain inthe state, all are on the IowaInterstate line.”

“It’s all about relationships,”said Woods. “The Iowa Interstateis the Union Pacific agent in Iowa.We also work with several otherClass 1 railroads to establishintermodal equipment (trailer orcontainer) availability and offerrates for shippers.”

Because of the increase inshipments and the decrease in thenumber of available ramps, thelarge intermodal operations havebecome congested and shippersare pressing the Class 1 railroadsfor solutions. Woods said, “Wework with several intermodalshipping groups that lease trailersor containers. A third partyintermodal company will contactseveral businesses, such as Maytagin Newton and Barilla in Ames,and arrange to group shipmentstogether intermodally. Thebusinesses get a better shippingrate through the third party and therail lines increase their number ofloads.”

Mesenbrink sees the tideturning the next five to 10 years.Class 1 railroads are beginning toencourage intermodal “reload” orpublic dock sites where smallnumbers of intermodal loads canbe brought into or shipped out ofIowa. “This is being driven by theshippers,” he said. “They arepushing to reduce the congestion

Containers arContainers arContainers arContainers arContainers are lifted fre lifted fre lifted fre lifted fre lifted fromomomomomwheeled chassis andwheeled chassis andwheeled chassis andwheeled chassis andwheeled chassis andplaced on rail cars.placed on rail cars.placed on rail cars.placed on rail cars.placed on rail cars.

JULY 2005 PAGE 7

Human Factors forum

Effective, efficient, successful – that’s oneway to describe the approach taken by theResearch and Technology Bureau whenseeking out the types of transportation

research projects to be undertaken statewide, region-ally or even nationally.

No one person, or even one office, can effectivelydecide every research need. The employees of theResearch and Technology Bureau’s collaborativeapproach to defining current and future projects hasproven successful in the past, bringing togethertransportation professionals from many states inexamining transportation issues related to weather.Recently, a meeting in Iowa City got the ball rollingon similar collaborative research for human factors intransportation.

This forum was originally suggested at a meetingof the members of a collaboration agreement betweenthe DOT, Iowa State University, the Center forTransportation Research and Education, University ofIowa, and University of Northern Iowa, soon after thesuccess of the weather forum.

The focus group approach brought DOT employ-ees from several offices, including the districts,Driver Services and Traffic and Safety, together withFederal Highway Administration safety officials,county engineers and DOT employees from SouthDakota and Missouri, to begin defining researchneeds related to motorist safety and human factors.

The group of 75 started off with six emphasisareas: judgment and decision-making; older driverissues; multi-tasking and driver distraction; intelli-gent vehicle design; technology and policy research;and younger drivers and the graduated driver’slicense system.

Six subgroups worked on one topic each tounderstand and explain the behaviors related to thatissue and brainstorm research needs in that specificarea. Once this was accomplished, each groupdeveloped three action steps to respond to what theyconsidered the top priorities within that topic.Attendees will receive monthly updates on the statusof issues, a report is being compiled and a Web sitedeveloped to share the results with interested people.Both should be completed by the end of July.

Sandra Larson, director of the Research andTechnology Bureau, said, “There is a lot of interestnationally in developing human factors research. InIowa we have a very successful way to identify

research needs. Using the information from thesefocus groups and the research goals we’ve developedin our office, staff will evaluate available researchfunding at the state, regional and even national level.”

DOT employees involved in organizing themeeting were Carol Culver and Gerry Ambrosonfrom the Research and Technology Bureau, JerryRoche from FHWA, Dan McGeehee from theUniversity of Iowa and Jill Wallace from the Univer-sity of Northern Iowa.

The group of 75 started off withsix emphasis areas: judgmentand decision-making; olderdriver issues; multi-tasking anddriver distraction; intelligentvehicle design; technology andpolicy research; and youngerdrivers and the graduateddriver’s license system.

PAGE 8 JULY 2005

Golden Dome AwarGolden Dome AwarGolden Dome AwarGolden Dome AwarGolden Dome Awards,ds,ds,ds,ds,continued from page 3

Staff in the office of Governor Tom Vilsack nominated a four-person team from the DOT’s Office of Document Services - graphicssection for this award. Team members include (from left) Jaraine Mohs,Nola Mortenson Barger, Cherice Ogg and Richard Vincent. This teamwas honored for excellence and dedication in work accomplished forseveral state agencies.

Document Services-graphics sectionExemplary Service

agencies on traffic conditions on I-235 and Des Moines area free-ways and interstates. He has beenresponsible for all aspects of theproject design, development,coordination, and implementation.

Nancy GoeckeEmployee of the Year

Nancy Goecke, an informationtechnology specialist 5, led the

Motor VehicleSupport Teamthrough asuccessful andon-scheduleimplementa-tion of themassive andvery public

Vehicle Registration and TitlingSystem. Complicated computercode was implemented in bothDOT and county environments,and without her leadership in

coordinating such a diversepopulation of co-workers andcustomers, the project would havebeen behind schedule. In turn, afollow-up driver’s license schedulewould have been impacted,resulting in additional expensesand underutilization of staff duringan extended time of transition.

Jerry SabinLt. Governor’sEmployee Volunteer

Jerry Sabin, the Lt.Governor’s Employee Volunteer

award winner,works as amechanic inthe motor poolin Ames.When not atthe DOT Jerryand his wife,Sheila, have

spent countless hours making andgiving quilts to ill children at theRonald McDonald House in

Des Moines. Since 1986 theSabins have offered love, supportand warmth to the children andtheir families. They have piecedtogether more than 1,000 offers oflove for these individuals in a timeof need.

Vehicle ServicesConversion TeamTeam of the Year

Members of the VehicleServices Conversion Team in theOffice of Vehicle Services include:Tina Hargis, public serviceexecutive 4 and team leader; AndyLewis, public service executive 2;LaVonne Short, executive officer2; Cindy Deerr, accountingtechnician 3; Shelly LeFleur-Ostrum, clerk specialist; andMargaret Howe, administrativeassistant 1. The team was selectedto receive this award for theirefforts in redesigning the VehicleRegistration and Titling System tomake it not only more efficient,but user-friendly to externalcustomers. With the system’simplementation, more than fivemillion vehicle records wereconverted in one weekend. Inaddition, redesigned title stocksaves taxpayers more than $97,200annually, and the incorporation ofan automatic inventory reorderingsystem for license plates alsosaves dollars and space. Othernotable results include processimprovements that eliminatecustomer frustration, hundreds ofstaff hours, and the need for paperdocuments.

JULY 2005 PAGE 9

For the past 12 years employees in the MotorVehicle Division have given of themselves toIowa’s Special Olympics. At the opening

ceremonies of this year’s Olympics, the tables wereturned as Special Olympics organizers presentedMotor Vehicle Division Director Shirley Andre andOffice of Motor Vehicle Enforcement Director MikeWinfrey with the first Scott Bryant “Unsung Hero”award.

Both Andre and Winfrey have been supporters ofIowa’s Law Enforcement Torch Run activities heldthroughout the year to raise money for SpecialOlympics. From sitting on top of a Wal-Mart in arainstorm to diving into the frigid waters of Big Creekin November, Andre and Winfrey have supportedDOT employee efforts in Torch Run fundraisingactivities to the tune of more than $250,000.

This award was named for Scott Bryant, anofficer at the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madisonwho was killed by a motorist while running in theLaw Enforcement Torch Run in 2004. It is meant torecognize those who contribute to the Torch Run andSpecial Olympics in spirit, dedication and enthusiasmin an effective, yet unheralded way. The award waspresented to Andre and Winfrey by Bryant’s family.

Said Andre, “It was really a surprise, and neitherof us felt like we deserved it. That said, it means morethan words can ever say.”

MVE honored fordedication

at the large ramps and also keep the cost down. Wehad a shipper from Des Moines who was importingcontainers of wine. It was going to cost them asmuch to get the wine from Chicago to Des Moines asit did to get this shipment from Europe to Chicago.Luckily, Tim at the Iowa Interstate ramp in Newtonstepped in and helped make more economicalarrangements.”

Physics plays a big part in which commoditiesare shipped intermodally. Woods said, “The ship-ment of intermodal trailers is decreasing while theshipment of stackable containers is on the rise. Theheavy haulers like Cargill and ADM who ship grainbyproducts would like to use 40-foot containers, butbecause the weight of these loaded containersexceeds the acceptable road limit in Iowa, theseshippers have to find other options. There are severaldifferent axel-container combinations available toshippers, which work great for the Maytags andothers who ship lighter-weight materials, but notmany of them work for the heavy-haulers. We needto find a solution for them in Iowa.”

Other considerations in the state include the factDes Moines has been granted “port authority” by thefederal government. Mesenbrink explains thatcontainers could be brought into Des Moines withoutstopping for inspection in another city. Woods saidthis out-of-state port authority is often a bottleneck toIowa shippers costing time and money, “Becauseloads have to stop at another port, it’s just anotherdelay in the shipper’s supply chain. Having anintermodal facility in Des Moines could drive manyother economic developments such as warehousingand import businesses.”

intermodal,intermodal,intermodal,intermodal,intermodal, continued from page 6

A crane places this semi-trailer onto a rail car.

MVE Director Mike Winfrey and Motor Vehicle DivisionDirector Shirley Andre with the Special Olympics torch

PAGE 10 JULY 2005

To: Mark WandroFrom: Dave Tyler, Hudson

I would like to thank the two DOT employees who assisted meApril 30 just outside of Albion at the railroad crossing. Mymotorcycle had stopped running and they were kind enough toget a phone number and let me use their cell phone to callMarshalltown to get help. Their thoughtfulness turned whatcould have been a long delay into just a short wait. Thanksagain to the two workers who helped me out.

(Editor’s note: The two employees mentioned in this letter areMark Homan and Larry McGrane, construction techniciansfrom New Hampton construction working out of the Waterloogarage. Mr. Tyler even stopped by the Waterloo shop to thankHoman and McGrane in person, as well as writing this letter.)

To: Jeff RumbaughFrom: Emily Bentner, Ames

On the morning of Friday, April8 at about 8 a.m., I found myselfon the side of southbound I-35with a flat tire. Thankfully, I washelped by a DOT worker whochanged my tire and made sure Imade it back to Ames. I want toextend my sincere gratitude toJeff Rumbaugh and all theDOT employees for all that youdo.

(Editor’s note: Jeff Rumbaughis an equipment operator in theAmes garage.)

To: Richard HedlundFrom: The staff of Iowa Public Television

On Feb. 15 one of our vehicles became disabledby the side of Iowa 141 near Grimes. Loaded onthe truck was a new digital transmitter and otherequipment bound for Council Bluffs. Since itwas not possible for our driver to leave thevehicle loaded with very expensive equipment,he waited for help to arrive. Shortly, a HighwayHelper pulled behind and called Randy Walterat the Grimes garage. Randy arrived and madeshort work of reinstalling the belts that wouldallow the truck’s hydraulic brakes to worktemporarily until permanent repairs could bemade. Thanks to Randy we did not have to leavea truck loaded with very expensive equipmentsitting along the road, or put that equipmentthrough a tow truck ride to the repair shop. Wewere able to get the truck fixed and got theequipment to Council Bluffs at its appointedtime.

(Editor’s note: Randy Walter is a mechanic inthe Grimes garage.)

To: Roger WaltonFrom: LaSalle 5th and 6th grade accelerated learning program

Thank you for coming to our class. We learned more aboutthe structural aspects of bridges and the math that a personneeds to know to understand the building of bridges. Youhave a very interesting and technical job. You certainly havehad some neat adventures in checking out bridges. It soundslike it can be exciting and dangerous, too. We alsoappreciated your time to share your knowledge and lifeexperiences.

(Editor’s note: Roger Walton is a transportation engineerspecialist in District 6.)

JULY 2005 PAGE 11

To: Scott ChurchFrom Jeri and Roger Horton

I want to thank you for the prompt service and such agreat job. I really appreciated it. You and the otherDOT employees do a great job all year long. The stateis very lucky to have a group of people that do asuperb job and take pride in it. You can tell in the waythe highways are maintained.

(Editor’s note: Perry garage employees Scott Church,equipment operator senior, and Pete Wonders,highway maintenance supervisor, assisted Mr. Hortonby cleaning out two box culverts in the right-of-waynear his property. The culverts had become pluggedand water was backing up onto Mr. Horton’s property.In thanking the men for their quick response to thisissue, Mr. Horton also acknowledged the work of allemployees at the Perry and De Soto garages for theirexcellent work during winter operations.)

To: Mark WandroFrom: Trent Hatlen, Rembrandt

I am a 30-year old farmer from northwest Iowa. Two days a week I drive a truck for a locallandscaping business. Last Friday (Feb. 18) my last stop was at Oelwein. I unloaded and beganto pat myself on the back thinking I’d be home soon. Two miles later my gas tank was emptyand I was sitting by the side of the road. Having run tractors out of diesel before, I knew whatwas ahead of me. Countless people sped by. Two DOT drivers stopped to help. I’ve alwaysprided myself on helping a stuck driver or stranded motorist, but what these two did makes melook pretty small. They took me to get fuel in town, scrapped up two empty gas cans and didn’tquit until I was up and running. Trust me, that engine did not want to fire. When most menwould have thrown in the towel, they kept at it. Afterwards, I tried to buy them a pop, sandwichor something to say “Thank you.” They refused and replied, “It’s our job to help.” They didn’teven give me their names. You have two fine employees. I am forever in their debt.

(Editor’s note: The two DOT employees involved are Jon Harrison and Richard Kauffman,equipment operators in the West Union shop.)

To: DOT employeesFrom: Nathanael Otto

I would like to comment on the wonderful new rest areas that I’vebeen using the past few years along Interstate 80 through Iowa. Ihave traveled all over the nation, most recently on a trip fromIowa to Oregon, and I have yet to find a nicer place to stop. I amimpressed with the new design, cleanliness and great services youoffer at these rest areas. Thank you for bringing Iowa pride to ourrest areas. I’m glad we’re putting our best foot forward inwelcoming visitors traveling through the state.

To: Kathy RidnourFrom: Sam Lopez, Central Iowa Trails Association

On behalf of the Central Iowa Trails Association,we appreciate the efforts by the DOT to make theroads and trails of Iowa safer for bicyclists. Theseitems will be distributed to cyclists and trail usersas part of our advocacy and sports activities duringthe coming months.

(Editor’s note: Kathy Ridnour is the DOT’sbicycle program coordinator. She put together apacket of information for this group to share withits members.)

To: Mark WandroFrom Sherrie Mahoney, Salina, Kan.

While returning home May 9 after spendingMother’s Day weekend in Iowa, I had a flat tirejust outside of Logan. As I was trying to decidewhat to do, Kris and Lynn from the Iowa DOTstopped to change my tire. I can’t say howgrateful I am for their help. They were justwonderful. I really appreciate that they wouldhelp a stranger get back on the road.

(Editor’s note: The employees mentioned areKristine Carritt and Lynn Dickinson, bothequipment operators from the Missouri Valleygarage.)

PAGE 12 JULY 2005

FamilyHappeningsLocation andEnvironmentJean Jesse

It’s a girl for Marc and MaryKay Solberg. Alynn PaigeSolberg was born May 24. Sinceshe came along six weeks early,she weighed a mere 4 lbs., 15 ½ozs. and was 17 ¾ inches long.Mommy Mary Kay was releasedMay 27 and Alynn soon followedon June 3. Both are doing verywell at home. Mary Kay and Marcare both environmental specialistseniors.

Planning andProgrammingMary Kay Reimers

It’s a boy for Brian Squier,transportation planner 1, and hiswife, Ann. Owen Timothy wasborn May 31 weighing 8 lbs. 3ozs. and was 21 inches long. BabyOwen joins big brother, Mason, 3,at home.

District 2Lu Mohorne

After 38 years, Stan Perkins,construction technician supervisorin New Hampton construction,retired March 24. On his last dayof work, a retirement coffee withmany friends and coworkers sentStan into his retirement. Anothergathering of friends at Kolby’sDine and Stein in New Hamptonalso celebrated Stan’s retirement.Following all the parties, Stan andhis wife, Joan, started retirementwith a trip to Branson, Mo. Wewish Stan many happy years ofretirement!

District 1Kay Ridgway

The Marshalltown construc-tion office and maintenancegarage had a cookout May 13 towelcome back Norm Hockett.Norm had been serving a tour ofduty in Qatar. Welcome backNorm and thank you for yourservice to our country!

•

Kristine and Jeff Brinkmanwelcomed a new addition May 28.Sarah Isabelle weighed 5 lbs. 15 ½ozs. and was 19 inches long.Daddy Jeff is a materials techni-cian 3 in District 1 and MommyKristine is an engineering techni-cian senior in Contracts. BabySarah joins big sisters Angela, 6,and Emily, 3, at home.

•

Katelyn Nicole Hart was bornat 9:30 a.m. June 2 weighing 10lbs. 9 ozs. and was 22 inches long.Daddy John Hart is the District 1materials engineer. MommyTeresa is going to be busy at homewith Katelyn and her threebrothers, Ryan, 6, Michael, 5, andJohnny, 3. Congratulations to theHarts!

Family Happenings,Family Happenings,Family Happenings,Family Happenings,Family Happenings, go to next page

JULY 2005 PAGE 13

District 5Brenda Hadley

It’s a boy for Jon Mason andhis wife, Kim, of Batavia. HunterNicholas was born May 15weighing 9 lbs. 6 ½ ozs. and was21 ½ inches long. Big sisterHeather is thrilled. Daddy Jon isan equipment operator at theFairfield garage.

Note from Jon:Three years ago to the day of

my child’s birth, May 15, I had aterrible accident on my motor-cycle. I want to thank everyonewho donated time to me at thattime. I could not have made itthrough without your help. I alsowant to thank District 5 materialsand District 5 Office staff for thegift for Hunter.

Local SystemsKathy LaRue

Charlie Purcell, deputydirector of the Office of LocalSystems, and his wife, Kristine,welcomed baby Ashlyn KayMay 19. Ashlyn weighed 7 lbs. 12ozs. and was 20 ½ inches long.Big brothers Caleb, 5, and Joshua,3, have slowed down just enoughto hug their baby sister once ortwice.

Motor VehicleEnforcementValerie Hunter

Kelly Hamilton, motorvehicle investigator, and herhusband, Nick, are the proudparents of a baby boy. Nash AlanHamilton was born June 2 weigh-ing 5 lbs. 13 ozs. Congratulationsto the Hamiltons!

In MemoryGeorge W. Heaberlin, 81,

died June 10. Funeral serviceswere held in Florida. Heaberlinwas the former residentmaintenance engineer inShenandoah until his retire-ment in 1993. He had nearly40 years of service. Heaberlinis survived by three childrenand two grandchildren.

Family Happenings,Family Happenings,Family Happenings,Family Happenings,Family Happenings,continued from previous page Follman dies

followingmotorycle crash

Fred Follman, highwaymaintenance supervisor in the

Algona/SweaCity/Garnerarea shops,died June 30from injuriessustained in amotorcyclecrash June 4.Follman was a16-yearveteran of the

DOT. Cards and memorials can besent to Mark Black, District 2maintenance manager, 523 S.Illinois Ave, Mason City, IA,50401.

lenged the DOT to “recognize theface of diversity where we are.”He talked about the responsibilitywe each have to “step up andspeak up” in our circle of influ-ence when we see the liberty ofany person being hindered. Hewent on to say diversity isn’t aboutpolitics or political correctness.It’s about being open to new waysof looking at things and creating aculture of respect.

It’s been several weeks nowsince the meeting ended. I hopeeach manager and supervisor wentback to his or her work locationwith a few new and practicalideas, and an increased commit-ment to a work environment wherethere is mutual respect amongemployees.

FrFrFrFrFrom my view,om my view,om my view,om my view,om my view, continued from page 2

Follman

PAGE 14 JULY 2005

SSSSSERVICEERVICEERVICEERVICEERVICE A A A A AWWWWWARDSARDSARDSARDSARDSInformation supplied by the Office of Employee Services for July 2005.

PPPPPERSONNELERSONNELERSONNELERSONNELERSONNEL U U U U UPDPDPDPDPDAAAAATESTESTESTESTES

35 YearsSusan D. Albright, Right-of-Way; Bernard Banker, Right-of-Way; David Bergman, Britt construction; Fred Cirksena,Right-of-Way; Ralph Crawford, Systems Planning; LarryJesse, Local Systems; Cameron Powers, District 2 Office;Richard Rogers, Perry garage.

30 YearsDale Mills, Mason City DL station; Daniel Lee Olson,Document Services.

25 YearsKirsten Bandow, Information Technology Division; NancyLacy, Motor Vehicle Enforcement; Kim Snook, DriverServices.

20 YearsSusan Fultz, Traffic and Safety; Douglas Hopp, Donnellsongarage; Rex Kinkade, District 1 Materials; Richard Michaelis,District 3 Office; Merlin Osbahr, Avoca interstate garage;James Wittwer, Council Bluffs-north garage.

15 YearsEric Abrams, Information Technology Division; Ted Briggs,Council Bluffs construction; Chi V. Cox, Motor CarrierServices; Gary Crabtree, Des Moines construction; LindaKriegel, Right-of-Way; Rick Robert McCahen, Waterloogarage; Tracy Opbroek, District 4 Office; Jeffrey Secora, RailTransportation.

10 YearsKirk Alexander, Carlisle garage; Stephanie Anderson, Trafficand Safety; Jon Arjes, Materials; Randall Beard, Waterloogarage; Dave Beidler, Dubuque garage; Troy Cook, DesMoines construction; Keith Corkery, Waterloo garage;Timothy Even, Waterloo garage; Stanley Frost, Waterloogarage; James Galliart, Design; Ted Geerts Jr., New Hamptongarage; David Grove, Ottumwa construction; Phillip Ketchum,Des Moines construction; Deanna Maifield, Design; RandyMildenstein, Ida Grove garage; Lynn Neff, Bridges andStructures; Paul Oglesbee, Martensdale garage; David Poland,Carlisle garage; Joel Schlueter, Avoca interstate garage.

5 YearsDavid Coon, Davenport interstate garage; Bret Denekas,Materials; Joseph Guckert, Traffic and Safety; Valerie Krafka,Des Moines DL station; Russell Leeper, Pocahontas garage;Brad Musal, Davenport interstate garage; Thomas Wilhelm,Bridges and Structures.

Information supplied by the Office of Employee Services for May 6 to June 2, 2005.

New HiresKatie Ferdig, driver’s license clerk, Sioux City DL station;Rodney Floerchinger, equipment operator, Neola garage;David Ingham, information technology specialist 3,Information Technology Division; Brian Kingery,equipment operator, Knoxville garage; Dale Miller,information technology specialist 3, InformationTechnology Division; Patricia Montgomery, secretary 1,Storm Lake maintenance; John Piziali, driver’s licenseclerk, Iowa City DL station; Michael Ross, designtechnician associate, Design; Adam Shell, transportationplanner 1, Systems Planning; Misty Wisecup, clerkadvanced, Equipment Support.

PromotionsJason Choate, from design technician to design technicianspecialist, Design; Joseph Farnsworth, from motor vehicleofficer to motor vehicle sergeant, Motor VehicleEnforcement; Larry Hargis, from equipment operator, DesMoines-north garage to equipment operator senior, Grimesgarage; Gary Nordby, from equipment operator, MissouriValley garage to construction technician, Council Bluffsconstruction; Susan Reding, from clerk advanced to wordprocessor 2, Vehicle Services; Rodney Rosenow, fromequipment operator to equipment operator senior, Neolagarage; Danny Steenhard, from construction techniciansenior to construction technician supervisor, New Hamptonconstruction; Steven Ulrich, from construction technician toconstruction technician senior, Des Moines construction.

TransfersMichael Littlejohn, information technology worker 2,within Vehicle Services; Mary Shaer, from driver’s licensesupervisor 3 to public service supervisor 3, within DriverServices.

RetirementsFonda Hess, clerk specialist, Driver Services.

JULY 2005 PAGE 15

Service Area Correspondent Phone

District 1 ..................................................... Kay Ridgway, Des Moines ..................... 515-986-5729District 2 ..................................................... Lu Mohorne, Mason City ....................... 641-423-7584District 3 ..................................................... Mary Beth Banta, Sioux City ................. 712-276-1451District 4 ..................................................... Marlene Jensen, Atlantic ........................ 712-243-3355District 5 ..................................................... Brenda Hadley, Fairfield ........................ 641-472-6142District 6 ..................................................... Jeanne Heeren, Cedar Rapids ................. 319-364-0235Bridges and Structures ............................... Judy Whitney, Ames ............................... 515-239-1564Construction ................................................ Nancy McMenamin, Ames ..................... 515-239-1043Contracts ..................................................... Peg Muxfeldt, Ames ................................ 515-239-1422Design ......................................................... Judy Lensing, Ames ................................ 515-239-1469Director’s Staff Division ............................ Lynn Purcell, Ames ................................ 515-239-1730Driver Services ........................................... Melanie Mathes, Des Moines ................. 515-237-3153General Counsel ......................................... Sheri Anderson, Ames ............................ 515-239-1509Information Technology Division .............. Colette Simpson, Ames ........................... 515-233-7728Local Systems ............................................. Kathy LaRue, Ames ................................ 515-239-1081Location and Environment ......................... Jean Jesse, Ames ..................................... 515-239-1225Maintenance ................................................ Cindy Shipley, Ames ............................... 515-239-1824Materials ..................................................... Dawne Berner, Ames .............................. 515-239-1919Modal andPlanning & Programming Divisions .......... Mary Kay Reimers, Ames ...................... 515-239-1661Motor Carrier Services ............................... Diann McMillen, Des Moines ................ 515-237-3250Motor Vehicle Enforcement ....................... Val Hunter, Des Moines ......................... 515-237-3218Operations and Finance Division ............... Janet Kout-Samson, Ames ..................... 515-239-1340Research and Technology Bureau ............. Phyllis Geer, Ames .................................. 515-239-1646Right-of-Way .............................................. Linda Kriegel, Ames ............................... 515-239-1135Traffic and Safety ....................................... Linda McBride, Ames ............................ 515-239-1557Vehicle Services ......................................... Thelma Huffman, Des Moines ............... 515-237-3182

INSIDE is developed to help keep all Iowa DOT employees informed aboutcritical issues affecting them, recognize DOT employees for their excellentservice, and share interesting aspects in the lives of our coworkers. For moreinformation, contact Tracey Bramble, Office of Media and Marketing Services,515-239-1314 or e-mail tracey.bramble@dot.iowa.gov.

Mark F. Wandro, Iowa DOT Director

Tracey Bramble, Office of Media and Marketing Services, EditorLynn Purcell, Office of Media and Marketing Services, Desktop Publisher

J. Cory Heintz, Office of Media and Marketing Services, PhotographerPrinting Staff, Office of Document Services, Printing

800 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50010 • 515-239-1372.

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS ISSUE

On the cover:On the cover:On the cover:On the cover:On the cover: Roadcheck 2005 was held June 7-9.

Iowa’s 2005 General Assembly convened onJan. 10 with the closest Republican/Demo-cratic margin in the state’s history. With a 25-25 split in the Senate and a 51-49 division inthe House, pundits predicted either total

gridlock or great compromise. In the end, both weretrue.

When the legislature finally adjourned May 20,three weeks past the planned final day of session,many people were happy just to be done. While somegridlock preceded compromise, the final result gavealmost everyone something to celebrate.

Following are a few DOT successes: • The legislature appropriated money to construct

a new motor vehicle services center near Ankeny(see HF 466).

• The legislature provided money for recreationaltrails for the first time in several years, increasedfunding for aviation infrastructure, and directedfuture revenue streams to the DOT for railassistance and rail economic developmentprojects (see HF 875).

• Virtually all the DOT’s policy proposals wereadopted (see HF 216 and HF 591). The DOTwas also active in the development and passageof legislation establishing a new distributionformula for county road funds (see HF 674).

One of the morememorable moments of the2005 session came in theform of a PowerPointpresentation made by anamazing group of seventhgraders from West Branch. Representative JeffKauffman, a teacher fromWilton, asked the DOT tolisten to the WBLifeSavers speak on theneed to better educate young drivers about ruraldriving conditions. First they sold the DOT on theneed to make changes. Then they went on to win anational competition. Watch for an article on the WBLifesavers in an upcoming edition of INSIDE.

About one third of the 182 bills adopted by the2005 legislature affect the DOT or transportation. Acomplete summary of legislation affecting thedepartment is included in 2005 Iowa Acts for theDOT, available on DOTNET.

Legislative session wraps

PAGE 16 JULY 2005

Road Check 2005

(top) MV officer Steve Robinson conducts an inspection at theDallas County scales.

(bottom) An MV officer speaks to a driver during a patrol stop.

With summer vacation travel in fullswing, motorists and truckers alike aredealing with more traffic on Iowahighways.

Although safety is always a top priority for theDOT and its Office of Motor Vehicle Enforcement(MVE), an annual 72-hour enforcement event, heldthis year on June 7-9, is an international activityemphasizing both safety and security on NorthAmerican highways through the inspection ofcommercial vehicles and drivers. Joining MVofficers were the Iowa State Patrol, Federal MotorCarrier Safety Administration, and the InternalRevenue Service.

Motor Vehicle officers conducted Level I, II andIII inspections, along with doing roving enforcementto identify and inspect drivers and vehicles attempt-ing to circumvent the scale sites. A Level I inspectionis a full inspection of the driver and vehicle, includ-ing the undercarriage of the vehicle. A Level IIinspection is an inspection of the driver and vehiclewithout going underneath the vehicle. A Level IIIinspection includes an interview with the driver andreview of driver documentation and registration/regulatory documentation.

The Federal Motor Carrier SafetyAdministration’s safety specialists also participatedin the Level I inspection activity. The Iowa StatePatrol conducted Level III inspections, while rovingin the vicinity of the scales. In addition, the fuelcompliance officers from the Internal RevenueService checked vehicles for use of non-taxed fuel,which is red in color.

The 54 MV officers conducted 1,112 inspectionsat scales in Dallas, Cedar, Clark, and Worth countiesin addition to the Salix and Brandon South sites.They found 3,023 safety violations, which resulted in260 vehicles and 98 drivers being placed out ofservice. The drivers and vehicles were prohibitedfrom leaving the scales until the repairs were made ordriver requirements were corrected.

While this special enforcement exercise gainednational attention for the operations of motor vehicleofficers around the country and agencies theycollaborate with, it’s the diligent work they accom-plish everyday checking motor carriers for safetyissues that makes a difference for every motorist.

MV officer Cal Enfield discusses inspection resultswith a driver.