Connections: December 17, 2015

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MoDOT’s Connections newsletter will be sportinga brand new look in 2016. The new format andcontent will make it the “go to” publication to stayup to date on MoDOT news and information,while giving employees a little fun along the waytoo.

The 2016 newsletter will:

• Be more personal, short, visuallyappealing, easy to use and fun.

• Be easier to read on cell phones and

tablets.• Be easier to print and easier to read after printing.

• Include at least one article from each district per edition and from central office divisions as needed.• Link closely with the content for the weekly maintenance powerpoint.• Allow employees to receive at home via email.• Only be available to employees and retirees (no longer available online).

The first publication is planned for Jan. 14!

How Retirees Can Receive

Connections in 2016Are you a retiree who signed up to receive Connections

through the E-update System?That means you went to MoDOT’s website, modot.org, clickedon the E-update link, added your email address and checked the

box next to Connections.If so, and you want to continue receiving the publication in2016, submit an email to [email protected]

so you can continue receiving the publications in 2016.

How Employees Can Receive

Connections at HomeBeginning with the 2016 editions, employees can receive

Connections at their home email address.If you would like to sign up to receive Connections at home,contact your district’s Communications staff, and they will

make sure you get signed up.Central Office employees can contact

[email protected].

Winter Operations Back 2 Basics VideoWe’ve been lucky, but we all know that winterweather will be here at some point.

Winter operations is one of MoDOT’s biggest jobs and can be very challenging foremployees. Supervisors are asked to review theBack 2 Basic’s video on preparing for winteroperations and equipment inspection. Thevideo highlights many aspects of winteroperations including training, PPE, preparingfor emergencies and conducting pre-tripinspections of vehicles and equipment.

Reviewing the video will help employees

remember to take time to be safe. Click on theimage or here to view the video - WinterEquipment Inspection and Operations.

There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays…by Kristen Bagwill

…and there is no better place to feel safethan in your own home. Unfortunately, ifyou are or have been a victim of domesticabuse, you may not feel so safe, even ifyou’ve moved past the situation. To helpanyone who might be facing this, and tohelp promote safety and a kinder world,MoDOT is sharing information about the

Safe At Home program.

The goal of the Safe at Home program is tohelp survivors of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault or stalking in their efforts to stay safe. Safe at Home provides a substituteaddress for survivors to use on new records with state and local agencies and the courts also offer a mail-forwarding service thatenables them to keep their actual address confidential.

Information about this service can be found on MoDOT’s SharePoint site here - http://sharepoint/facilitation/HR/Pages/HR-Safety-Information.aspx

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It doesn’t matter if you are flying the ship that made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs or your everydayvehicle, BUCKLE UP! (A recent post on MoDOT's Facebook page).

What's Happening

Review Your Pay StubIt’s almost that time of year again when we start seeing changes in our pay checks.Your net pay changes if your salary or deductions (health insurance, Cafeteria Plan,deferred comp, etc.) change for 2016. Make sure the amounts are right.

You should review your electronic check stub regularly to make sure your pay,deductions and leave balances are correct.

Deferred Compensation UpdateWatch December’s Deferred Compensation video, HowBuzz the Bee Saved Retirement. It’s a cute rhyming storyfashioned in holiday spirit, but it gets to the point that weall need to think about saving for retirement.

Discount Offer for State EmployeesDisney On Ice will be returning to the Scottrade Center in St. Louis Jan. 28-31with discounts for state employee.

Opening Night Discount – Employees can purchase tickets for $15 to theopening night performance of Disney On Ice Treasure Trove. Opening night isJan. 28 and the performance begins at 7 p.m.|Kid’s Offer – Employees can purchase up to four kids tickets ($13 each) withthe purchase of one adult ticket. This offer is only available for the Jan. 30

performance at 7 p.m. and the Jan 31 performance at 4 p.m.

There are separate links for ordering these tickets, so make sure to select the offer you are looking for. Go towww.stlouisblues.com/offers/MOSTATE, and use promo code MOSTATE to receive your discount.





MoDOT and Patrol Employee Retirement System

Release Annual ReportMPERS has released the Fiscal Year 2015 Comprehensive Annual FinancialReport. Highlights include: benefit provisions, investment performance and planfunding. You can view the report here – CAFR .

December Retirements

George I. Brockhaus – NW – 15 yearsRickey J. Starke – CD – 25 years Mark W. Schall – SL – 23 yearsCharles P. Gray – SL – 16 years Randy M. Schneidewind – SL – 29 yearsLynette Miller – SW - 21 years

In Memoriam

Francis DanielsFormer D7 – November 12Ray WatsonFormer D2 – November 15Bob StokesFormer D1 – November 16Vadie BrownFormer D5 – November 17James FulksFormer D2 – November 22James Carriker Former D2 – November 24

Larry KornemanFormer D1 – November 26Curtis MikelsFormer D2 – November 26Edward CarlstromFormer D9 – November 28Ronald ReevesFormer D4 – November 28John MorrisCO – December 5

Donald CritesFormer D8 – December 5Alfred GladbachFormer D2 – December 5David PerkinsFormer D3 – December 7William WilsonCO – December 2Maxie HatfieldFormer D9 – December 5

Connections

The mission of Connections is to be a source ofMissouri Department of Transportation news andfeature articles that connect employees statewide.

Communications - MoDOTP.O. Box 270, Jefferson City, MO 65102573.751.2840 / www.modot.org

Editor: Tammy Wallace

Comments & Suggestions

We would like to hear from you. Send commentsand suggestions to Tammy Wallace [email protected] .

Mission

Our mission is to provide a world-classtransportation experience that delights ourcustomers and promotes a prosperous Missouri.

To view or print other pages, click on thelinks below:





December 17, 2015

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Cyber Security Training for Employeesby Beth Ring

You don’t have to look too far to know that cyber security is a real issue. Security breaches in the news remind us how

vulnerable our personal data is. The workplace is no exception. As part of our continuing efforts at MoDOT to keep ourinformation secure, we are offering annual online cyber security training through our own MoDOT U. We are requiring all

MoDOT employees who are computer users to take this training. In many cases, you are the last line of defense between ourdata and the criminal. This training covers a variety of topics that apply not only to work, but also home.

Central Office employees will be pre-enrolled in the training through MoDOT U.

You should expect an email from the

system within the next two weeks notifyingyou of your enrollment. Once you are

enrolled, you will have one month tocomplete the training, which should only

take about an hour total to watch all of the

videos. You can also watch the videos overa series of days and it will bookmark your

progress. A short quiz follows each videoto help reinforce the key points. Please take

it seriously, and apply what you learn.

If you have any general questions about the

program, please contact Tim Morgan, (573)

522-5196 or [email protected], who is the lead coordinator

for our security awareness program.

Please follow the instructions below from Amanda Woody regarding setting up your MoDOT U account. If you have

questions or need help enrolling, contact Amanda Woody at (573) 526-5617 or [email protected].

Login to MoDOT U. If you are a first time MoDOT U user, your User ID will be the same as the ID on your computer, and

your password will be “password”. Once you have logged in, it will prompt you to change your password. Go to the My

Courses tab, and find the class called Security Awareness. If you do not see the class, you can sign up for the class using theSearch tab and enrolling yourself. Once you have found the class, click the Launch button that is to the right. This will open

a new window, and the class will begin. If you need to close out before the class is over, the course will bookmark your spotso that you can come back at a later date.

The training will be available to the districts as well. Click on this SharePoint link to see dates for those training's - TrainingRollout Schedule.

Coventry's December Wellness Newsletter

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The door decoration winning team included from left to right, Senior PlanningTechnician Bev Koetting, Transportation Management System AdministratorMegan Denkler, Senior Planning Technician Sherry Grannemann, TransportationPlanner Mitch Green, Senior Transportation Planner Dan Sickendick and SeniorPlanning Technician Bertha Lee-Williams (not pictured). The team’s winningdesign depicted scenes from the movie A Christmas Story .

Click here to see Coventry’s December Wellness Newsletter . This month’s newsletter highlights:

AIDS Awareness Month

• Myths and facts about HIV and AIDs

• Healthy holiday tips

• Outdoor exercise tipsHealthy Holidays

• Tips for healthy eating• Tips for safely exercising outdoors

Holiday Competition Opens Doorto Team Buildingby Karen Miller

The Transportation Planning Division

looked like a winter wonderland thanksto a holiday team building exercise. The

division’s holiday committee challenged

each work group to decorate its

manager’s office door during the firstweek in December. Teams brought inholiday decorations, building materials

and sound equipment to create some

holiday masterpieces.

A panel of judges from outside thedivision reviewed the team creations for

originality, use of space and eye appeal.

Numerous Central Office employeesfrom other divisions also toured the

competition. The winning team receivedindividual prizes and the winning

manager received the “traveling ugly

sweater” trophy at the division’s holidayluncheon on Dec. 10.

To view all photos of the decorateddoors, click here - Christmas Door

Competition.





The winning door, which represented the movie A Christmas Story ,was the favorite of the judges, winning the competition for Meganand her staff.

Transportation Planning Division Director Machelle Watkins’door was transformed into a life-sized Santa’s reindeerstable.

Transportation System Analysis Engineer Brian Reagan and hisstaff built a delicious looking gingerbread house.

Long Range Transportation Planning Coordinator Ben Reeserfound Santa coming down the chimney outside his office.

Central Office Happenings

Thomas Jefferson Middle School AnnualOrchestra Winter PerformanceFriday, Dec. 18 - 9 a.m.

Central Office – Conference Room 100

Everyone who can is invited to attend. The performance runs about 20 minutes.

Refreshments will be served after the concert.

Connections

The mission of Connections is to be a source ofMissouri Department of Transportation news andfeature articles that connect employees statewide.


We would like to hear from you. Send commentsand suggestions to Tammy Wallace [email protected].






December 17, 2015

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Albany Maintenance Supervisor Chris Baker has his handsfull delivering gifts to the local elementary school forchildren in need.

Albany Senior Maintenance Worker Jerad Vandiver useshis balancing skills as he delivers a stack of presents tothe local elementary school for children in need.

Albany Gives Back

Do you call it soda or pop? Maybe you even call all carbonated beverages Coke. The employees at the Albany Maintenance

Facility call it holiday spirit. Like many of our facilities, they supply pop for the building in lieu of a vending machine and

employees contribute back to the fund for each pop they take. In years past, the building used the 'pop fund' money to go outto a restaurant with their significant others for a nice evening out of fun and visiting. Everyone had a good time and looked

forward to the annual tradition.

But last year, the building thought they would do something different. Instead of using the funds on themselves, they

decided they should help some kids that were not as fortunate. In 2014, the employees worked with the Department ofFamily Services and found four children in a foster home who were in need. The foster parent used the 'pop fund' money to

go shopping to buy the foster children what they had asked for and needed. Last year's efforts were kind of last minute,

though and this year, the employees decided on a different approach.

They contacted the Gentry County Sheriff, Tim Davis. Sheriff Davis spoke with school officials to find children in need. A

couple of weeks ago, Sheriff Davis brought the Albany employees a list with three children on it.

Maintenance Supervisor Chris Baker said, "It really hit home when you look at a list from a six-year-old girl and a 4-year-old boy and they are asking for essentials like a coat or winter boots instead of Xbox games or cell phones."

This year the employees got to do something they did not get to do last year - they did the shopping themselves. One

weekend some of the employees and their families met at a couple local stores to get gifts, including some toys and art setoff the list. Then, on an evening after work, several members of the crew worked to get the presents wrapped. They

admitted, they were never Santa's elves and the wrapping may not have been the prettiest, but it was done with a lot of heart.

On Dec. 8 the crew delivered the presents to the elementary school in Albany and the school will contact the parents tocome pick up the presents and take home for the children to put around the tree.

"I’ve heard more than one of the guys that work for me say 'this is so much better than us spending this on ourselves to eat',”said Baker. "I’m proud of the choice my crew has made to help out kids in the area at this time of year. We just wanted to

make sure these kids have a good Christmas."

The Albany crew hopes their holiday giving spirit catches on and that other buildings would do the same thing in their local

communities.

Long-term Safety Awards

Last issue we featured the employees who have maintained 15 years without a lost time injury or break in service. This time

we recognize the employees with 20, 25, 30 and 40 years without such an injury or break in service.

Thank you to these employees - and all employees - who diligently follow safety protocols and look out for each other, so

we all go home safe!

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Twenty-year recipients

Clockwise from bottom left: Senior Maintenance Worker Stan Chesnut, Maintenance Crew Leader Mike Bozarth, DistrictEngineer Don Wichern, Maintenance Crew Leader Bryce Anderson, Land Surveyor Stephen Miller, Maintenance Crew LeaderDavid Hyle, Assistant District Engineer Tony McGaughy, Maintenance Crew Leader Tim Drew, Senior Maintenance WorkerDavid Shahan

Not pictured: Intermediate Maintenance Worker Kevin Teeter, Maintenance Supervisor Travis Burns, Maintenance CrewLeader Tony Lager, Senior Equipment Technician Darrin Lund, Senior Construction Technician Ronnie Calhoon.

Twenty-five year recipients

Clockwise from bottom left: Maintenance Crew Leader Johnnie Minear, Maintenance Crew Leader Mark Corbin, SeniorMaintenance Worker David Lindbloom, District Engineer Don Wichern, Senior Maintenance Worker Marion Boyles, SeniorMaintenance Worker James Blanchard, Assistant District Engineer Tony McGaughy, Maintenance Supervisor Mark Silkwood,Maintenance Supervisor Jeff King.





Thirty-year recipients

Clockwise from bottom left: Maintenance Crew Leader Rod Martin, Assistant District Engineer Tony McGaughy, DistrictEngineer Don Wichern, Maintenance Crew Leader Chuck Gaines.

Not pictured: Maintenance Crew Leader Jeff Lewis

Forty-year recipientLeft to right: Assistant District Engineer Tony McGaughy, Senior Traffic Specialist Steve Tarr, District Engineer Don Wichern.

For more info

Marcia JohnsonCommunications SpecialistNorthwest [email protected]

3602 N. Belt HighwaySt. Joseph, MO 64506-1399



Mission







Terri Magers wasselected as theNortheast Region'srecipient of the ArriveAlive Award at the 2014Blueprint Conference forher efforts in promotingroadway safety.

Making the Grade

Atlanta C-3 High School has always been a major participant in teen roadway safety programs

in years past, and this year is no different. The school signed up to participate in the It OnlyTakes One program that began this year and hit the ground running on their seat belt checks

and educational campaign. The one thing Terri Magers, school nurse and programcoordinator, hoped she wouldn’t encounter was low numbers in seat belt usage. Last year,

Atlanta was the only school in the Northeast region to achieve 100% seat belt usage during

Battle of the Belt. Unfortunately, after the first initial seat belt check, Atlanta C-3 had notdone well.

Terri decided she would share the results with the school and community via social media.

“We (the Scrub Club) were in the process of having a fundraiser to sell Arrive Alive apparelto students, faculty and community members to help with our seat belt education, so I thought

what better way to get the message out about how poorly the school had done, and raise

awareness about the importance of the Arrive Alive message,” said Terri Magers.

Below is Terri’s post on Facebook:

Seat belt use among ATLANTA C-3 students currently down to 68% (D+) and faculty down to

77% (C+). Please help be a reminder by ordering ARRIVE ALIVE APPAREL TODAY! All proceeds go to Scrub Club's

Seat Belt Education. ORDERS DUE DEC. 1 AND BACK IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS!!

Although Atlanta School had not made the grade on the first seat belt check, with a little determination and a lot of

passion by Terri Magers and her Scrub Club members, students and faculty will think the next time they get in theirvehicles.

“We just want everyone to take that extra few seconds to make the choice to buckle up,” added Terri.

Around the District...

Incident Management Training was held in Macon andHannibal for those involved in responding toincidents. The trainings were very well attended.Pictured above is the training held at the MaconRegional Office.

Inspections were conducted last week on MissouriRoute 16 in Lewis County to further check theconditions of the two bridges that were downgradedin load postings earlier this year.

December 17, 2015

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Macon High School was the recipient of a $100,000grant from State Farm for their safe driving video thatwas one of the winners in the Celebrate My Drive:Drive 2N2 Contest.

Isabella Hutcherson of South Shelby Schools recentlywon a "Don't Text and Drive" essay contestsponsored by the local newspaper. The NortheastCoalition for Roadway Safety presented Isabella withan Arrive Alive goodie bag in recognition of herwinning essay.

For more info

Marisa EllisonCommunications ManagerNortheast [email protected]

1711 S. Highway 61Hannibal, MO 63401



Mission



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December 17, 2015

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Etiquette When Speaking to a Deaf Person

• If they are trying to read lips DON’T over exaggerate your words, just speak in a normal voice.

• When hosting meetings where a deaf person will be present, make sure to provide an interpreter for them or provide thematerial ahead of time, and if possible provide a note taker who can type what people are saying so the deaf person can

follow along.

• If an interpreter is present, look and speak to the deaf person.• Don’t come up from behind a deaf person to get their attention.

Communicating in Silence BringsWorkers Together

At some time or another we’ve all had trouble getting our point across or communicating effectively, but imagine if

no one else spoke your language. That’s exactly the

situation Facilities Operations Crew Worker RichardEdwards or “R2” had when he began working in MoDOT’s

Kansas City District – except Edwards doesn’t speak aforeign language, he speaks American Sign Language

(ASL). Luckily, his work group decided they needed some

help.

Edwards began working for MoDOT as a seasonal worker

and then came on full time in April 2015. Shortlythereafter, his immediate work group realized they needed

to do something to improve their overall communications

with him. So in June 2015, Human Resources SpecialistBecky Brietzke came to the district to conduct a class on

working with deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.

“Having Becky here helped teach us not only how to better communicate with R2, but it helped us to really get to know him

better,” said General Services Manager Joey Hinton. “We really got the chance to be in his world.”

The class covered some basic information on deaf culture, proper etiquette for working with deaf people and a lot about

ASL. They discussed the differences in syntax between spoken English and ASL. They also learned the importance of bodylanguage and facial expressions in ASL and the important role they play in communicating the correct message. They

learned the alphabet, numbers, some basic conversation starters and questions.

Since the class, Edwards’ co-workers have taken it on themselvesto learn more ASL and use it whenever they can. They posted a

board in their office space with sign language on it and a sign ofthe day.

“I would say we are a work in progress,” Hinton said. “We all doour best and continue to work on learning more ASL, but luckily

R2 is good about being patient with us.” When needed, Edwards

and his co-workers use notes and texts to communicate as well.

According to Edwards, he really enjoys working at MoDOT and

his team was very welcoming and made him feel comfortableworking here.

“I just work to help other employees at MoDOT. And I teach sign

language with employees.”

Edwards says his favorite thing about working at MoDOT is the friends he’s made. And one day, he hopes to earn his

Commercial Driver’s License and help plow roads.

What are the one or two phrases he wishes everyone would know? “What’s up?” and “Thank you.”

Annual Holiday Lunch at the District OfficeStaff at the KC District recently enjoyed a holiday tradition, the annual Holiday Lunch. This included an afternoon of goodfood and good company. Staff provided food to share, and KC Scout and the Employee Assistance Fund Committee hosted

some fun events.

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After enjoying a tasty lunch, employees participated in a raffle gift exchange, and some friendly competition. Prizes were

awarded for the fastest person who finished the fill it, toss it, wrap it holiday relay contest; the toy of the year created from

scrap materials during Santa’s Workshop challenge; and giving the best guess for the number of snowballs in a jar contest.

Everyone had fun and are already looking forward to next year's event.

For more info

Melissa BlackCommunications Manager,Missouri Department of [email protected]: (816) 607-2027F: (816) 365-0860

600 NE Colbern RoadLee's Summit, MO 64086



Mission

Our mission is to provide a world-class

transportation experience that delights ourcustomers and promotes a prosperous Missouri.

To view or print other pages, click on the

links below:

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December 17, 2015

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Columbia Assistant Maintenance Supervisor Melanie Mayes is featuredin the Holiday edition of COMO Living Magazine.

Mayes Featured in COMO Living Magazine

Columbia Assistant Maintenance Supervisor

Melanie Mayes is featured in the December

2015/January 2016 Holiday Edition of COMO

Living Magazine. Mayes was the subject of the

publication's “Day in the Life” series, where themagazine follows a member of the Columbia

community around for 24 hours and reports on the

day’s activities.

Mayes said the magazine was looking to interviewan accomplished woman in a non-traditional field.

COMO Living thought Mayes was a great fit andcontacted the assistant maintenance supervisor to doan article.

“I was hesitant to agree to the article at first because

I'm just one part of a great team at MoDOT,” saidMayes.

But Mayes agreed to the article when she saw an opportunity to encourage other women, especially those who might thinkthat a career in a male-dominated field such as maintenance might be out of reach.

“I am always eager to share my perspective if it will encourage other women who may doubt their capabilities and potential,”

said Mayes. “I want them to know that if I can do it, they can too. “

Mayes said overall the interview and the photo shoot were “a really fun experience.”

"I had fun and the (Columbia maintenance) guys had fun heckling me during the photo shoot on the lot,” she said.

Pick up the article on newsstands or check it out online at: http://comolivingmag.com/2015/11/23/day-in-the-life-melanie-

mayes/

Progress Made on Fallen Workers Memorial

Dec. 9 Dec. 7

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Dec. 6 Dec. 2

Deck the HallsSenior Office Assistant Carol Davenport (left) and SeniorDesign Technician Elizabeth Berhorst set up the Christmastree in the district lobby.

Meeting the Media

District Construction and Materials Engineer Patty Lemongelli (left photo) and Resident Engineer Terry Imhoff areinterviewed by local media about Jefferson City's Lafayette Street Interchange project.

For more info

Sally OxenhandlerCommunications ManagerCentral [email protected]

1511 Missouri BoulevardP.O. Box 718Jefferson City, MO 65102


We would like to hear from you. Send comments

and suggestions to Tammy Wallace [email protected].

Mission

Our mission is to provide a world-class


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Changes in St. Louis DistrictLeadership Announced

The St. Louis district leadership team has recently changed. The district now has a new InformationSystems Manager and General Services Manager.

Recent Senior Information Systems Technologist Cherie Beck is now the new Information SystemsManager.

Beck graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1987 with a Bachelor of Sciencedegree in Business Management. She has been with the department since September 2010 and brings more than 23 years of customer service, information systems, and computer support into her

new role.

Recent Support Services Manager Roy Shoemaker has moved into the role of General ServicesManager.

Shoemaker graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science degree inBusiness Administration. He also has a Network Specialist Certificate along with certification as aMicrosoft Certified Systems Engineer.

He has been with the department for more than 15 years. One of his previous roles included theProcurement Supervisor position.

“I am very excited about having Cherie in this leadership role and Roy in his new ro le on thedistrict leadership team. Roy and Cherie each bring a wealth of experience to their new positions,” said Assistant to theDistrict Engineer, Mollie LeBlanc.

Both Beck and Shoemaker began their new roles on Dec. 16.

Registration Begins for Third Annual WorkZone Awareness 5K

Registration is now open for the third Annual Work Zone Awareness 5K held on April 16, 2016 in Chesterfield. This event promotes health fitness and safety, and honors workers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

The 5K walk/run is open to MoDOT employees, their families, friends and the public.

Registration prices are:

5K Run - $15 1 Mile Walk - $15

Youth 5K - $10 Youth 1 Mile Walk- $10

Register for this event today at: http://www.fleetfeetstlouis.com/racing/highlighted-races/modot-work-zone-5k

To volunteer or for more information call or email Tom Blair at 314-453-1803 [email protected]

For more info

Marie ElliottCommunications ManagerSt. Louis [email protected]




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December 17, 2015

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Area Engineer Darin Hamelink (left)explains his innovation. Hamelink’sinnovation helps track projects funded bythe Local Public Agency (LPA) Program. Heand others from across the districtshowcased nearly 30 ideas at the SouthwestDistrict garage on Dec. 3. (Photo/DavidMitchell)

Southwest District at Work

SAY NO TO CRACKS – Branson Maintenance WorkerBrandon Tilley (left) and Branson SeasonalMaintenance Worker Mike Fulton are part of a crewsealing cracks along Taney County Route BB inHollister near the high school. (Photo/DavidMitchell)

BRUSH CLEARING – Ozark Maintenance WorkerDavid Melton uses a chainsaw to clear brush alongthe right of way on Christian County Route M southof Nixa. (Photo/David Mitchell)

Southwest District EmployeesShow Off Their Innovations

Ideas to heat the steps on snow plow trucks to improve safetyduring winter operations, strobe lights to make batwing mowers

more visible to drivers and a hydraulic trailer hitch to improvesafety and limit damage to trailers were the top three vote getters

in the People’s Choice category during the Southwest District’s

Innovations Showcase in early December.

Nearly 30 ideas by Southwest District employees to improve

safety or performance or save money were on display at the

Southwest District Garage in Springfield Dec. 3.

The innovations came from all departments and divisions in the

district.

Of those, 18 were chosen to move on to the next phase and perhaps to compete at the statewide DOMInno (Deliver Operate

Maintain Innovate) meeting in Springfield in April 2016. The 18

ideas were selected by a committee of judges and through aPeople’s Choice award where district employees voted for their

favorite ideas.

Entrees also competed for a District Engineer’s Choice

Award selected by Becky Baltz. That winner was theBatwing Strobe Light.

The 18 innovations moving on to the next phase were:

• Heated Truck Step – Springfield Maintenance• Batwing Strobe Light – Clinton Maintenance

• ADA Streamlining – Design• Snow Chain Tensioner – Branson Maintenance

• Hydraulic Trailer Hitch – Bolivar Maintenance

• Plow Blade Holder – Joplin Maintenance• Intermediate Bridge Color Coat Change –

Construction• Active Construction Map – Construction

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District Engineer Becky Baltz (right) announced thewinner of the District Engineer’s Award, the ClintonMaintenance shop’s Batwing Strobe Light at theinnovations showcase at the District garage inSpringfield Dec. 3. She chose it because it focused onsafety of a dangerous operation performed all acrossthe district. The innovators are (left to right)Maintenance Crew Leader Dennis Bowers,Intermediate Maintenance Worker Howard Stamper,Intermediate Maintenance Worker Kevin Catanzaroand Maintenance Worker Kyle Lake. (Photo/DavidMitchell)

• Offset Sign Bracket – Anderson Maintenance

• Hard Hat Stickers – Risk Management

• Fuel Tank Guard – Greenfield Maintenance• Mobile Flip Up Sign – El Dorado Springs

Maintenance• Backup Sander Lights – Buffalo Maintenance

• New Employee Handbook – Springfield

Maintenance• SharePoint Safety Messages – Traffic

• Slow Moving Tractor Emblem with LED

Light – Anderson Maintenance• Tool Box Shelf – Stockton Maintenance

• Tractor Pulling Clevis – Greenfield Maintenance

The statewide DOMInno meeting is April 11-13, 2016 at the Springfield Expo Center.

For more info

Jennifer WilliamsCommunications ManagerSouthwest [email protected]

3025 E. Kearney

P.O. Box 868Springfield, MO 65801



Mission



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December 17, 2015

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Equipment Technician Supervisor Tim Green shares information about theAftermarket Exhaust Gas Recirculation Cooler for International Trucks withthe SE District Innovations Challenge participants and judges. Thisinnovation took home top honors at the recent district showcase!

Congrats to Southeast District InnovationsShowcase WinnersOn Dec. 9, the Southeast District held itsDistrict Innovations Challenge Showcase in

Van Buren, and 17 participants are now preparing for the next round of judging.

The top three participants during the SoutheastDistrict’s Showcase include:

• Aftermarket Exhaust Gas Recirculation

Cooler for International Trucks-

submitted by Tim Green, Tim Ford,James Robinson, Paul Keena, ClayWood and Brian Tune

• Pressure Sprayer for Pavon-submitted

by Lester Smith and Devin Harper • Pool Car Reservation System-submitted

by Kim Norsworthy, Rachel Blalock,and Shelly Cooper

Other winners include:• Pulverizer-submitted by Buddy Cora

and Ron King

• Snow Deflector-submitted by Jeff Allenand Houston Maintenance Crew

• Grader Boom Mower-submitted by Jeff Allen and Joe Crum• Adjustable Push Box for Edge Ruts-submitted by Ben Meredith and Tommy Barton

• Seeder Attachment for Leaf Blower-submitted by Rick Allen

• Hot Box with Adjustable Dampers and Hydraulic Chute-submitted by Ben Meredith and Tommy Barton• Hydraulic Torque Wrench-submitted by Tim Green, James Robinson, Paul Keena

• Hydraulic Pressure Release Valve-submitted by David Pugh• Spreader Chain Removal and Installation Tool-submitted by Dallas McRoy

• Bright Lighting for Plow Trucks-submitted by Terrance Cranford

• Laser Range Finder-submitted by the Traffic Department• New Mowing Sign-submitted by Josh Wessel

• Remote Propane Igniter-submitted by Chris Brock and Mountain Grove Maintenance Crew• Holder for Weed Eater on Dump Trucks-submitted by Kenny Rhodes

Happy Retirement to Tutt, GentryMaintenance Superintendents JohnTutt and Keith Gentry recently

retired.

Tutt served 37 years, and was the

maintenance superintendent for the

Park Hills, Fredericktown,Ellington, Belleview, Bunker and

Centerville maintenance facilitiesat the time of retirement.

Gentry served 32 years, and wasthe maintenance superintendent for

the Dexter, Advance, Puxico,

Sikeston and Charlestonmaintenance facilities at the time

of retirement.

Please wish Tutt and Gentry well

and thank them for their dedicatedyears of service to Missouri's

taxpayers.

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12/16/2015http://modot.org/southeast/connections_southeast.htm



Photo (l to r): Keith Gentry and John Tutt.

Maintenance Crew ProactivelyAddresses Issue

Heavy rains on Nov. 9 caused a slope failure near Route 60 in Howell County.

The area received seven inches of rain in two days. Due to the heavy precipitation, the slope on the west side of the eastbound weigh scales failed.The slide was adjacent to the slope on Route 60. Although there was no danger

for Route 60, the area maintenance crew recently completed repairs to stop theissue from moving farther west and potentially damaging the CDL test area.

Photo: Crews recently repaired an area damaged by heavy precipitation on thewest side of the eastbound weigh scales in Howell County.

For more info

Nicole Thieret

Communications ManagerSoutheast [email protected]

2675 N. Main StreetP.O. Box 160Sikeston, MO 63801


We would like to hear from you. Send comments

and suggestions to Tammy Wallace [email protected].

Mission



Page 2 of 2Connections - Southeast District

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Connections: December 17, 2015