Celebrating 55 years Invest in your future through Learning Quest Looking for a New Year’s resolu- tion that will pay great dividends for you and your kids? How about looking into the State of Kansas’ Learning Quest Education Savings Program> Some new tax laws at the federal level that go into effect in the new year make this program even more valuable than before. Governor Bill Graves congratulates Arland Hicks for 55 years of service to the State “The Learning Quest Education of Kansas, while wife, Gene, watches her husband being honored. Savings Program may be one of the most overlooked benefits that the state offers,” says Norman Stahl, Benefits Coordina- Hicks sets state record tor in KDOT’s Bureau of Personnel Ser- vices. “Learning Quest is a way to in- vest for a college education that offers several benefits.” Those benefits include for 55 years of service tax incentives and important advantages

By Stan Whitley ing him as the longest-serving employee Continued on page 3 They came to say thank you and good- ever in Kansas. bye. After 55 years of state service, the man Governor Bill Graves, Secretary E. recognized as a gentleman and a scholar was Dean Carlson and Director of Engineering See pages 6 and 7 for leaving KDOT. and Design G. David Comstock were among Arland Hicks’ long tenure with the the dignitaries and friends honoring Hicks more coverage of Hicks’ agency came to an end on December 7 in Topeka during a special ceremony honor- Continued on page 6 retirement.

NSIDE I ... u A SMILE CAN BRIGHTEN THE PUBLIC’S DAY u 7 KEYS TO HAVING GOOD MANAGERS u EMPLOYEES BRING NEW INFORMATION TO TRB u KDOT HONORED WITH NATIONAL HIGHWAY SAFETY AWARD u TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF KANSAS PAGE 2

up with the concept for this ongoing event, and he can be proud of the fine rollout and how it raised public awareness and support for highway traffic safety. From ¨ AASHTO began implementing its Strategic Where Highway Safety Plan through pilot projects conducted by 15 states on six priority subject areas (under the leader- I Sit ship of NCHRP Project 17-18). In the area of Infrastructure Renewal: by E. Dean Carlson ¨ AASHTO worked with fellow transportation groups to persuade Congress to respect and preserve the funding guarantees we now have under TEA-21 (Trans- portation Equity Act for the 21st Century - the current federal transportation funding authority). This work, of Progress report course, continues. When this year began, I had just assumed the duties of ¨ We partnered with ARTBA (American Road and President of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Builders Association) to promote a cus- Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and had outlined three tomer-focused approach to infrastructure renewal, to emphasis areas for my term - Safety, Infrastructure Renewal, assure work-zone safety and hold traffic disruption to a and Operations. As my term ended this month, I delivered a minimum. These “best practices” are being shared report on how those efforts had gone, and I’m pleased to say through the Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse. that AASHTO made progress in all three areas. I’d like to In the area of Operations: share with you some of the accomplishments that I mentioned ¨ We created new capacity within AASHTO to in that report. address operations by appointing a new Operations Task In the area of safety: Force. The Standing Committee on Highways has created ¨ One of the highlights in 2001 was AASHTO’s key a new subcommittee to carry forward this important work, role in the inauguration of a new, annual safety observance, so essential to our member departments. Our goal “Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day” on October 10. One of Continued on page 11 KDOT’s own, Local Project’s Bureau Chief Larry Emig, came

Calendar of Events KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Bureau of Transportation Information January 1 - State employees off for New Year’s Day. KANSAS Docking State Office Building, 754-S 915 Harrison, Topeka, Ks 66612-1568 January 8 - 11 a.m., KDOT Employees’ Council Meet- ing, Seventh Floor Conference Room, Docking State Office Governor: Bill Graves Building. Secretary of Transportation: E. Dean Carlson Director of Public Affairs: Nancy Bogina January 11 - 9:30 a.m. - Highway Advisory Com- Chief of Transportation Information: Marty Matthews mission meeting in Topeka. Editors: Stan Whitley and Kim Stich

Phone/TTY: (785) 296-3585 FAX: (785) 296-0287 January 16 - 2 p.m. - Construction Bid Letting at Topeka Capitol Plaza Hotel. NOTE: This information is available in alternative accessible formats. To obtain an alternative format, contact the KDOT January 21 - State employees off for Martin Luther Bureau of Transportation Information, Docking State Office King Day. Building, Room 754, Topeka, Kan., 66612-1568, or phone (785) 296-3585 (Voice)/(TTY). PAGE 3

Program honored for work on new traffic control devices KDOT was one of five state agencies honored as “The project is really good because we’re always a 2001 National Highway Safety award winner in the looking for the cutting edge devices that will make Operational Improvements program category for the traffic control work even better for the travelers as Midwest States Smart Work Zone Deployment well as safer for the workers,” said Kurt Miyamoto, Initiative (MwSWZDI) in November. The competition Traffic Control Engineer in Traffic Engineering. is sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration One example of a product that was evaluated in (FHWA) and the Roadway Safety Foundation, and it Kansas, Iowa, and Nebraska was the SpeedGuard recognizes outstanding highway safety achievements. Speed Reporting System. It used a speed monitoring The MwSWZDI project evaluates technologies display to inform drivers of their speeds and encour- used to enhance work zone safety and traffic control. ages them to slow down if they are traveling above Developing better ways to control traffic in work the speed limit. When evaluated during the study, the zones improves the safety and efficiency of traffic system proved effective in lowering speeds and operations for highway workers and the traveling increasing uniformity of speeds in work zones. public. Since the project began in 1999, 26 technolo- gies were tested by university transportation research- ers in the different states.

Learning Quest payment from the account. But if the Continued from page 1 beneficiary doesn’t go to college or if there’s money left over, you can name a over other college investing methods. new beneficiary for the account. And if Welcome You receive an annual adjusted state you choose a family member of the tax gross income deduction for contribu- original beneficiary (including first new KDOT tions of up to $2,000 per student ($4,000 cousins), the change can be made if married and filing jointly). Check with without taxes or penalty. employees! your tax advisor for state rules. And Compare that last point to accounts thanks to changes in federal tax law, your set up under the Uniform Gifts To Headquarters withdrawals for qualified education ex- Minors Act where beneficiaries get the Burt Morey, Engineering Associate penses are free from federal income tax money in the account upon reaching age III, Design beginning in 2002. 18. Whether they use it for college or a District Five Learning Quest also offers signifi- sports car is strictly up to them. Learn- Michael Roudybush, Engineering cant estate and gift tax benefits for ing Quest gives you more control over Associate II, Wichita account owners: who gets the money and how it is used. District Six ¨ Your contributions to the Your total contributions for each Isaac Armstrong, Engineering account are removed from your estate student are limited to the average Technician Associate, Syracuse while you maintain control over the expenses of five years of higher educa- William Daugherty, Engineering account. tion in Midwestern states (currently Associate II, Syracuse ¨ You will pay no federal gift tax $235,000) Heather DeVaney, Office Assistant on your contributions for each student Of course, only you know whether III, Syracuse up to $50,000 in a single year ($100,000 Learning Quest will work as part of your Daniel Dewey, Equipment Me- for spousal gifts). To qualify, you must financial plan, and there are a lot more chanic I, Syracuse treat the gift as if it were made in equal details that you need to know before Steven Trent, Engineering Techni- payments over five years. This provision making that decision. You can learn cian Associate, Dodge City is unique to 529 Plans such as Learning more at the Learning Quest Web Site: The Bureau of Personnel Services Quest. www.learningquestsavings.com or by supplies information for new ¨ As the account owner, you calling 1-800-579-2203. employees to Translines. direct how the money in the account is Why not resolve to check it out used. If the student has qualified soon? education expenses, you can request PAGE 4 Employees share new information at TRB Transportation Research Board January 13-17 in Washington, D.C. At presiding. activities draw on the expertise of more this meeting, Secretary E. Dean Strahan will also preside over two than 3,000 of the nation’s top engineers, Carlson will be named Chair of the other topics, “Enhanced Security versus scientists, and other transportation-related Executive Committee for the coming Privacy,” and “Eminent Domain Trial professionals who serve on about 200 year. Techniques.” Spencer-Fowler will committees. Several KDOT employees Carlson will serve on a panel preside over “Innovative Procurement serve on thoseTRB committees. Commit- discussion involving “Technology’s for Technology.” tees identify research needs, approve Role in Transportation: Perspectives of Several KDOT employees will be papers for presentation and publication, Chief Executive Officers of Four either making presentations at the and share new information that can Department of Transportations.” Leslie meeting or were involved with the improve service to the public. Spencer-Fowler is presiding at this research projects being reported. They One of the main TRB events is the discussion. In addition, Christopher include: annual meeting attended by more than Huffman will be involved in a panel Robert Haley – On a panel 8,000 transportation professionals from discussion on “Access Control Points Continued on page 5 around the world. It will take place and Evaluations,” with John Strahan

Dear Editor LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Robert Gudgen: Enclosed are four signed copies of the “Notice of Acceptance” for the County Road Dear sir: bridge construction project. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate We are extremely pleased with the finished the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) on product. I have heard only compliments from the fine freeway system in your state. I drove on several elected officials, area citizens, and the neighbors routes this past month, while on vacation, and noted that in vicinity of the bridge. your highways and rest stops were impeccably clean, We wish to thank you and the Kansas vegetation mowed, spacious clear zones, roadway Department of Transportation for its valuable surfaces very well maintained, striping clear, and support and contribution to this project and look signage new and reflectorized. forward to future projects that will better our In short, your freeways were some of the best I’ve community and its transportation infrastructure. seen in the country. Keep up the good work. Respectfully yours, Sincerely; Michael Yanez, City Administrator Fred Heigl City of Columbus Transportation Engineer, Note: Gudgen is the District Four Construction Washington State Department of Transportation Engineer at Pittsburg

Kansas State Highway Commission: appreciative of her help. Please extend our thanks to her. While traveling from Ontario, Canada, to Phoenix, We also are in debt to two young “Kansasians” who Arizona, we had a flat on the left front tire on our stopped and helped us change the tire. I know we motorhome in a construction site at mile 191 on I-35. couldn’t have done it without their help. Although we got over as far as we could, we were still very We will always have a warm place in our hearts for close to the oncoming traffic. Kansas, not only for the help we received, but also for The purpose of this letter is to express our thanks to the condition of your highways - they were great. your inspector on the site. Unfortunately we didn’t get her Thank you, name. She helped get the spare tire out of the unit and Helen and Bruce Murat arranged for a flag man to slow down the traffic. She stayed Kanata, Ontario with us until we were back on the road. We were most PAGE 5 Safety meeting works to reduce deer/vehicle accidents Deer-related accidents are a big concern on Kansas roadways. To address this concern, David Church, Senior David Church (left), Senior Traffic Engineer in Traffic Engineering; Traffic Engineer in Traffic and Lloyd Fox, Big Game Coordinator Engineering; and Lloyd Fox, from the Kansas Department of Wildlife Big Game Coordinator from and Parks (KDWP); presented a one- the Kansas Department of hour program on December 4 on safe Wildlife and Parks (KDWP); vehicle operation with an emphasis on gave information on reduc- reducing accidents involving deer. About ing deer/vehicle accidents at 60 people attended the event at KDOT’s a public meeting December District One office. 4. “It’s good to get the word out so that when a driver has to react to a deer in their path, they have a little bit of prior knowledge of what to do,” Church said. educate the public on better and safer make sure they would know in a “The program helps show people when vehicle operation during October to situation where there was a possibility of to be more alert because there are December, which is the peak accident an accident involving a deer,” definite times when people should be season. Cucciniello said. “We like to expand the more on the look out for deer.” Judy Cucciniello, science depart- study of science outside of school into Currently, about 14 percent of all ment head and chemistry teacher at the community, and it’s a good activity traffic accidents in Kansas are deer- Hayden High School, encouraged for the kids.” - John Swihart, District related. In some rural counties, that several of her students to attend the One Public Involvement Liaison number can reach as high as 50 percent. event. “We are concerned about the KDWP has developed a presentation to students and their safety, and we want to

TRB Vicky Johnson – “Avoiding Retirees Mistakes in Drafting Documents Like Continued from page 4 the MUTCD That Can Create Liability The following employee will discussion for the session “Intro- Nightmares to Defend.” officially retire from KDOT in duction to Funding Practices, or Buying William Parcells – “Factors January. and Selling Money,” he will present the Affecting Rapid Roughness Progression Headquarters “State Point of View.” on Portland Cement Concrete Pave- Jay W. McCoy, Engineering Richard Miller – “SP-5 Why (Not ments in Kansas,” and “MP-2: Effect of Technician Senior in Planning - How) Kansas Department of Curling on As-Constructed Smoothness 12 years of state service. Transportation’s Pavement Management of Portland Cement Concrete Pave- System Works and How Preventative ments.” Maintenance Actions are Integrated.” David Meggers – “Protection of John Wojakowski – “MP-3: Existing Cracked Bridge Decks with Construction and Performance of Polymer Sealers.” Ultrathin Whitetopping in Kansas.” Kenneth Hurst – “Need for Strahan – “Preparing Condemna- Standardization in Automation: tion Cases for Trial.” AASHTO-NSBA Steel Bridge Collabo- Huffman – “Data Processing for ration Update.” Valuation.” PAGE 6

Dr. Joe Lee, Director of the KU Transportation Center, praised David Comstock, Director of Engineering and Design, recog- Arland Hicks and named him as an honorary adviser to the nized retiring Arland Hicks as “a guiding light in the prin- center. ciples and ethics of engineering.” Arland Hicks Continued from page 1 at the ceremony. Hicks was 18 when he began working for the former State Highway Commission on Dec. 3, 1946, as an Engineering Aide at Hugoton. He retired as KDOT’s Senior En- gineering Advisor, a position he has held in Topeka since 1985. “It has been a tremendous personal growth experience for me during my career,” Hicks said. “It’s difficult to say in a few words all of the experiences that I have had but they’ve been many, and they’ve been in many places in the state.” Governor Graves presented a plaque to Hicks in recognition of his service. Lots of friends and coworkers gathered to wish Hicks a fond farewell from KDOT “It’s hard for me to imagine you had and a happy retirement. been serving the state for seven years be- fore I was even born,” said Graves. “No state ing the metric system to KDOT employees At one time, Hicks had been on every employee has achieved the service level that is greatly appreciated.” highway in the state. Since then, he said, you have. You stand as an outstanding ex- Comstock served as master of ceremo- new highways have been built, and he can ample of what we believe employees of the nies at the event. He described Hicks as “a no longer make that claim. state of Kansas represent.” guiding light in the principles and ethics of Hicks has served in four of KDOT’s Hicks was joined at the event by his engineering.” six geographical districts during his career family including his wife, Gene, who is re- World War II had recently ended, new working up the ladder from an Engineering tired from KDOT having served in Trans- homes were selling for $12,000, and future Aide to the top of the agency serving as portation Planning and Management and President George W. Bush was only five Secretary of Transportation for a brief period Budget. Hicks’ three sons, Patrick, Calvin, months old when Hicks began his state in 1991. He has also served as an and James, and one daughter, Suzanne, were transportation career. Engineering Technician, Civil Engineer, present, along with brother, Ralph, the “I thought about retiring after 40 years Resident Engineer, District Maintenance KDOT Construction Engineer at Ulysess. and then again after 50, but staying here just Engineer, Assistant Engineer of “I want to say thank you for the things became habit forming,” said Hicks. “I’ve Maintenance, Transportation Safety that you’ve done for the department,” said truly enjoyed my experience and the oppor- Administrator, Principal Investigator for Secretary Carlson. “Your interaction with tunity to work with many fine people that I international engineers and your work teach- consider my KDOT family.” Continued on page 7 PAGE 7 Hicks Continued from page 6 Then and Now KDOT’s Highway Costs Allocation 1946 Today Study and Senior Engineering Advisor handling tort liability and technical training. President Harry Truman George W. Bush Hicks graduated from Kansas State No. of states 48 50 University in 1954 with a bachelor of sci- ence degree in Civil Engineering. He re- Stamp 3 cents 34 cents ceived his Master of Science in Civil Engi- U.S. population 144.4 million 281.4 million neering from the University of Missouri in KDOT HQ Masonic Temple Relocation to SBG planned 1968 and Doctor of Engineering from the University of Kansas in 1977. He also TV Faraway Hill Reality TV earned a Master of Public Administration (first soap opera) from KU in 1982. Technology has been the biggest Movies It’s a Wonderful Life It’s a Wonderful Life change Hicks has experienced in the past 5 (Christmas Classic) 1/2 decades. “We used to spend hours using a slide rule and manual calculator,” said Hicks. “It was a very time-consuming process. Today’s technology allows us to be much more effi- cient.” Arland Hicks’ Besides being a loyal public servant, construction Hicks has shared his engineering expertise field office near as a teacher. His teaching over the years has Hugoton in included an engineering review course and 1946. metrics training for KDOT employees, plus he has been a visiting lecturer at the Uni- versity of Kansas teaching a wide range of engineering classes since 1979. Teaching reached an international level for Hicks in 1996 when he received a United Nations training assignment in Kunming, Yunnan Province, People’s Republic of China. During a two-week period he taught classes on quality management and high- way department organization. “Personally, having the opportunity to travel and lecture to Chinese engineers was a high point in my career,” said Hicks. “It gave me an entirely different understand- ing of the world.” The trip was arranged through Joe Lee, director of the KU Transportation Center. Lee was at the retirement celebration and recognized Hicks as the “most extraordinary person that I have ever known.” Hicks was given a plaque from the KU Transportation Center and named an honorary adviser to the center. There were several keys to Hicks’ long career. “I always had opportunity and a great deal of autonomy during my KDOT career,” Governor Bill Graves and Secretary E. Dean Carlson pose for a formal picture with he said. “I was never microman-aged and I Arland Hicks and his wife Gene. consider that a blessing.” PAGE 8

flashed a toothless grin, I would recoil. However, I can easily forgive the innocence – and A smiley face ☺ toothlessness – of youth. If you want to lift a melancholy shroud, seek out a smiling baby. By Ron Kaufman Babies are all about eyes and smiles, aren’t they? I was sitting in church on a recent Sunday They work very hard to create smiling faces on morning. Don’t let that surprise you. It happens the lucky adults they manage to draw into their occasionally. The sermon was nothing short of world. Several other adults were as fortunate as I lackluster, so my gaze began to wander about the that Sunday morning. I noticed other babies pews, searching for one of those distinctly human coaxing the boredom out of their adult neighbors moments that I find so intriguing. It could have with playful grins and dancing eyes. been a loving wife stroking the back of her Eyes and smiles, dear reader, reminded me of husband’s neck, a fellow bleary-eyed parishioner public involvement. As babies, we are masters of nodding off, or an anxious mother engaged in a this form of communication. Somehow, as we no-win battle to quiet her fidgety offspring. age, smiling and eye contact become ensnarled in A few of the other worshipers were surveying social rituals that dampen their spontaneity. Still, the rows of people, also hunting for something to even as adults, we can create friendly feelings in hold their waning people that we greet by attention. smiling and making Noticeable, eye contact. Eye too, was a contact handful of without a babies draped smile can be over their threatening, parents’ but mix the shoulders and two, and you young toddlers have a power- standing up on the ful tool for seats, securing their wobbly communicating. stances with firm grips on the backs of their pews. When used together, they tell others that you are Did you ever notice how the adults in church open, thoughtful, and interested. Smiling, alone, always dutifully face forward, eyes fixed some- can be a powerful tool for connecting with others. where along the front of the church, while the Thoughtful telephone users know to smile when babies and toddlers face to the back? Furthermore, answering the phone or initiating a call because it if they’re not crying or asleep, the little ones smile warms the sounds of their voices. Try using the and make faces at the forward-facing adults they phone and smiling at the same time. You’ll notice meet while facing backward? the difference. One such sprite found my gaze that morning Please note that I am only suggesting eye and we began a life-long relationship that lasted an contact and smiling. Refrain from tying up your entire hour and a half. She was dressed to the hair in pink ribbon, unless you can carry it well. nines - as if she really cared how she looked - Don’t stand up in the pew at church and stare at sported a cute pink ribbon tying up wisps of baby the person behind you. And for heaven’s sake, blond hair, and she drooooled. She was my kind please don’t drool. Save that for the holiday of girl. Our eyes met, and when I smiled, she candy. smiled back. Then she grinned and I was hooked. If a woman my own age “made eyes at me” and PAGE 9 Test your trivia knowledge of Kansas invented the game of basketball? Here’s another Translines trivia quiz his corporation? lBonus: What athlete from Wichita was for you – this time it’s on Kansas in a three-time Olympian and set a general. 6. Who was the first world track record for the mile in Have fun, see how much you know, women Harlem 1966? and learn a few things about the state Globetrotter? that you may not have known. Remem- lBonus: What year 13. William Holden stars as the ber, it’s just for fun. There are no prizes did she captain the hunky drifter, Kim Novak is the other than bragging rights. Also, don’t U.S. Olympic team small-town beauty queen, and Cliff read the bonus question until you answer that won the gold Robertson is the rich college buddy the main question if you truly want to medal? in this 1956 classic filmed in Kansas. see how much you know (some of the lBonus: Tatum O’Neal won an bonus questions are based on the 7. How many counties are in Kansas? Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in this answers from the main question). lWhere does Kansas rank in number of 1973 movie with her real-life father that The answers are on page 11 but public roads in the nation? was filmed in Kansas in 1973. don’t cheat! 8. Who was the first female to fly solo 14. What famous actor from Wichita 1. Who was the first female U.S. across the Atlantic Ocean? drives a yellow ’Cuda on his TV show? Senator from Kansas? lBonus: What year did she lBonus: What actor from Manhattan lBonus: Who was her father? disappear in her attempt to went from a radio station to portraying a fly around the world? 2. Who is the only Presi- dent so far from Kansas? 9. Kansas leads the nation lBonus: Who was the in the production of what crop? Vice President from lBonus: What percent of all the wheat Kansas serving from 1893 to 1907? produced in the U.S. is grown here?

3. Name the former U.S. Senator from 10. What is the state mammal of Maytag repairman? Russell who ran for President. Kansas? lBonus: Name the other U.S. Senator lBonus: What is the state reptile? 15.Cawker City is the home of the who also grew up in Russell and ran for world’s largest what? President. 11. Cattle drives in the lBonus: About how much 1800s through Caldwell, does it weigh? 4. What position did E. Dean Carlson Wellington, Wichita, hold before becoming Secretary of the Newton, and Abilene took 16. What is the name of the Kansas DOT? place on this historic trail. world’s largest coal shovel near lBonus: From what Big 12 university lBonus: Garden City is the town of West Mineral in did he graduate? famous for two things southeast Kansas? that are the world’s lBonus: How tall is it? 5. What famous auto industrialist grew largest – name one. up in Ellis? lBonus: What year did he establish the 12. What University of Kansas coach PAGE 10 Top 7 keys to having good managers When an employee quits, they don’t quit the company — lette. To me this is shameless and organizations should know they quit their boss. A survey I recently completed showed better. This is why the trend is growing for people avoiding half the people quit their previous employer because of their becoming supervisors and managers. At least send these new supervisor. A painful statistic when you consider how difficult managers to one of those “shake and-bake,” $149.00 daylong, it is to find good people. This is sad when you look at the “How to Become a Good Leader” courses taught downtown. bottom line and stupid when you do nothing about it. Which is cheaper? Running off your employees or training Managers today walk a thin line...the job is not easy. The new supervisors? responsibilities and demands are more difficult. People expect I went into the Army right after college. My boss was great. more; some are plain difficult to work with. It should go with- He was an experienced veteran and a former Special Forces out saying that those businesses that do a good job selecting, medic in Vietnam. He was the type of person who always put training and developing their managers will enjoy higher pro- the needs of others before his own interests. ductivity and lower turnover. The two go hand in hand. I remember pulling duty and having to stay up all night on Soft skills reign supreme and are critical for success. Most New Years Eve. It was early Saturday morning and I still had businesses do a miserable job selecting and training their man- several more hours to go before I could go home. A few hours agers. Many management development programs focus en- later, the phone rang. It was Joe, my boss. He wanted to know tirely on technical aspects of the job and not people skills. Some if I had made any plans for lunch. He and his wife had made managers are tyrants and make life miserable for those they something and he wanted to bring it over to me. I don’t re- are supposed to lead. Duh! It is people skills that make the member what the food was, but it was a meal I will never difference. forget. I am sympathetic to the plight of people who get selected That one small act of kindness showed me he really cared. to become new managers. These are good people. Many are That act taught me more about leadership than all the degrees great technicians, but unfortunately are clueless on the art and and diplomas hanging on my wall. There is an old saying in science of managing people. Some are thrown mercilessly to the military, “If you take care of your troops, your troops the wolves and to no fault of their own succeed or fail, usually the latter. Your odds for success are better with Russian Rou- Continued on page 12

Step Back in Time

The new Foster Bridge in Shawnee County was under construction during this photograph taken in May of 1920. PAGE 11 Kansas Trivia Answers

1. Nancy Kassebaum Baker lBonus: Alf Landon Secretary KDOT, KTA, the city of Topeka, and Shawnee County worked together to 2. Dwight Eisenhower Continued from page 2 lBonus: Charles Curtis turn what had been a troublesome is to refine the system to maximize 3. Bob Dole connection into one of the smoothest in performance through use of advanced lBonus: Arlen Specter the nation. technologies and institutional coopera- 4. Executive Director of the Federal ¨ Work began on the US-169 tion. This includes better traveler Highway Administration improvements between Spring Hill and information through 5-1-1 systems, lBonus: University of Nebraska Osawatomie, beginning the end of what incident management to clear accidents 5. Walter Chrysler had been called the Heartbreak High- and assist stranded motorists, advanced lBonus: 1925. way. traffic management centers, electronic 6. Lynette Woodard, of Wichita ¨ The kick-off of our new driver toll systems and electronic clearance lBonus: 1984 safety education effort, “Kansas Driv- systems for commercial trucking. 7. 105 ing: Safe. Not Sorry.” I’m proud of those accomplish- lBonus: Fourth These are just a few examples of the ments and the groundwork they laid for 8. Amelia Earhart many achievements in the past year that future progress and being President of lBonus: 1937 your work has made possible. I want to AASHTO was certainly a capstone to 9. Wheat thank you for those efforts. my transportation career. However, I’m lBonus: 20 percent As a final note, someone jokingly just as proud of the people here at 10. American bison asked me if I was going to include my KDOT who made my tenure as lBonus: Ornate box turtle favorite recipe for fruitcake in this AASHTO president possible. You are 11. Chisholm Trail column. I said no, quoting former the ones who got projects off the ground lBonus: Concrete Municipal Swimming “Tonight Show” host Johnny Carson: and kept the roads maintained. 2001 Pool or the Beef Processing Plant “There’s really only one fruitcake in the saw some major accomplishments here 12. James Naismith world. It just keeps getting passed from in Kansas: lBonus: Jim Ryun one person to another.” ¨ The opening of the East Topeka 13. Picnic May you and yours have a happy, Interchange - a great example of lBonus: Paper Moon healthy, and prosperous New Year. intergovernmental cooperation as 14. Don Johnson lBonus: Gordon Jump 15. Ball of Twine lBonus: 17,000 pounds 16. Big Brutus M I L E S T O N E S lBonus: It’s 160 feet tall KDOT salutes its employees celebrating anniversaries in December

10 YEARS The following employees celebrated service anniversaries in November. BROWN BAG Lance Boyer ...... Belleville Dennis Brecheisen ...... Topeka 10 YEARS LUNCH Oswald Dwyer ...... Topeka Ronald Prochazka ...... Topeka Ray Flores ...... Topeka Topic: Legal Issues and Robert Stork ...... Topeka Gerald Griggs...... Colby Open Records Donald Verge ...... Topeka Date: Wednesday, January 9 William Stahl ...... Garnett Time: Noon to 1 p.m. The following employees celebrated 20 YEARS Place: Room 481, Docking service anniversaries earlier this year. All employees are invited David Hare ...... Oberlin Lawrence Madrid, 30 years, Topeka to attend. Jim Palmberg ...... Topeka Leslie Fowler, 10 years, Topeka Richard Squires ...... Bucklin Gelene Savage, 10 years, Topeka This information is compiled by each Office, Bureau, Division, and District. PAGE 12 Training Promotions/Transfers Opportunities Headquarters District Three uNew Employee Orientation, Janu- Roberta Bradbury, Office Assistant IV, Michael Cooper, Equipment Operator ary 3, February 7, and March 7. Planning III, Atwood uBasic Effective Supervisory Tech- Pamela Essman, Office Assistant IV, District Five niques, March 12-15; April 9-12, To- Right of Way Brian Jemison, Engineering Technician peka. Jayme Fellman, Secretary I, Design Senior, Wichita Darrell Gwaltney, Engineering Techni- Kathryn Wickam, Professional Civil All classes, except BEST, are available cian Specialist, Traffic Engineering Engineer III, Hutchinson to non-supervisors with supervisory per- Craig Rutherford, Engineering The Bureau of Personnel Services mission and where space is available. Technician Specialist, Materials and supplies information for promotions/ A comprehensive training calendar is Research transfers to Translines. on the KDOT Intranet under Person- nel, Training. 7 Keys 2. Allow your employees to start 7. Conduct post exit interviews Continued from page 10 evaluating their supervisors finding out the real reason for will take care of you.” The point is using a 360-degree evaluation. the employee’s departure. Bonus Tips: that management is an 8-5 obligation, but 3. Hold managers accountable and 8. Train managers on how to be true leadership is a 24-hour a-day respon- responsible for retention. good leaders. sibility. There are more managers than 4. Have HR train managers on re- 9. Reward managers for positive re- leaders in most businesses today. Here are ward and recognition. tention and a few suggestions to consider in your man- 5. Provide the support and tools to 10. Conduct an internal climate as- agement development program: help managers do their job. sessment at least twice a year. 1. Have company executives share 6. Start measuring turnover and ap- Written by Gregory P. Smith, Presi- their expectations with your plying the cost to the bottom dent of the management consulting firm managers. line. Chart Your Course International.

KDOT PRE-SORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE Bureau of Transportation Information PAID 915 Harrison - Room 754 TOPEKA, KS Topeka, KS 66612-1568 PERMIT No. 157