BIG Truck Night is Just Around the Corner

MoDOT Holds Active Shooter Training Sessions (Photo Gallery)

Today, our offices will be holding three sessions on Active Shooter Training. We live in a time where we need to be prepared in case of such of an emergency. Our Risk Management team along with our friends at the Missouri State Highway Patrol lead the sessions. 

Even our local media stopped by to check it out. Here is a story done by Fox 4. 

Celebrating MoDOT Engineers During National Engineers Week

Traffic Engineer Specialist Arij Humeida 

We'd like to cap off our week-long tribute to our wonderful engineers here at MoDOT. Meet Arij Humeida. She's a Traffic Engineer Specialist with us. Arij got her Civil Engineering degree from KU. She's been with MoDOT almost 2 years. Arij loves running and eating! What's even more amazing about her, she just became an American Citizen on Thursday, Feb. 25. Congrats to her.

Tour De Force

Anyone who offices at the District campus knows about KC Scout, snugged into the brightly lit traffic management center on the first floor. What you may not know is that the KC Scout TMC frequently hosts visitors from around the states. 

KC Scout runs a multi-award winning traffic incident management program and is the only true bi-state managed TMC in the United states. They also run a virtual TMC for both MoDOT and KDOT. To local groups, learning more about all the ins-and-outs of the center is very appealing

In fact, last week, two engineering groups stopped in to learn more about the operations and take a tour of the center. 

The first group included some of the leaders of the University of Missouri-Kansas City school of Computer Science and Engineering who were very interested in the connectivity KC Scout uses to run both their mapping system and their cameras.

The second group included some of the brightest minds from Garmin, which is headquartered in Olathe, Kan. This team focused on the GPS mapping and data produced by the more than 40-person Scout team. 

Learn more about KC Scout on their website at www.kcscout.net. OR, take a tour! 

Young Engineer of the Year, James Martin

Team MoDOT is congratulating one of our engineers this week. James Martin received the Young Engineer of the Year award from the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers. James is Sr. Highway Designer, who most recently was part of the Manchester Bridge Project. 

Celebrating MoDOT Engineers During National Engineers Week

Transportation Project Designer Juan Yin

We'd like you to meet Juan Yin. She's a Transportation Project Designer here at MoDOT. Juan has been with MoDOT almost 11 years. She's a KU grad and likes to go hiking.

Celebrating MoDOT Engineers During National Engineers Week

Senior Highway Designer Ryan Hale

Ryan Hale is a Senior Highway Designer here at MoDOT. He's been with us for 6 1/2 years. Ryan is a Mizzou grad and in his spare time likes to play the guitar. 

Celebrating MoDOT Engineers during National Engineers Week

Intermediate Construction Inspector Russ Brooks

In today's salute to National Engineers Week, we honor Russell Brooks who's been with MoDOT for two years. Brooks went to Missouri University of Science Technology.  

What is that Ticking Sound?

Do you hear that? That faint tick, tick, tick of time going by? That means time is running out to sign up for the Kansas City Corporate Challenge, so act fast and sign up today!

The early registration deadline is March 9. If you are interested in signing up for events that include 3v3 Basketball, Darts, Disc Golf, Dodgeball, Fishing, Flag football, Golf, Pool, Racquetball, 3v3 soccer, softball, Table Tennis, Volleyball and weightlifting then you MUST sign up before the March deadline.   

Even if you signed up last year, you are REQUIRED to sign the 2016 waiver. It’s as simple as

1. Go to www.challengemanager.com
2. Sign in and use modot13 as the password
3. Sign the waiver

And you are done!

Make sure you sign up for your favorite events. Remember, MoDOT receives participation points for everyone who competes, so what are you waiting for?

Keep checking back for more information about other fun KCCC events. 

Don’t get left in the dust for the 2016 KCCC!

Celebrating MoDOT Engineers during National Engineers Week

Intermediate Pavement Specialist Trisha Sen

We salute Trisha Sen who's been with MoDOT for two years. She attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanoogo. Trisha has her Bachelor and Masters degree in Civil Engineering. Her school's mascot by the way is the Fighting Scrappy. Thanks for you hard work Trisha! 

Celebrating MoDOT Engineers during National Engineers Week

Resident Engineer, Jon Voss

It's National Engineers Week (Feb. 21-27) and we plan to salute some very special engineers here at MoDOT. Kicking us off is Resident Engineer, Jon Voss. He's been with MoDOT for 22 years. Something you may not have known about Jon, he likes gardening and cooking. Jon thanks for the great work you do at MoDOT! 

General Services Shedding Some Light on LED Lighting

The General Services Department is shedding some light on a new initiative by finding ways to be more energy efficient and environmentally friendly with the installation of additional LED lighting.

Facility Operations Supervisor Doug Young and Senior Facility Operations Specialist Mike Roberts have been discussing ways to improve energy efficiency district-wide. After approaching and securing additional funds from Central Office for some specific energy-saving projects, they selected LED lighting as the top priority.

Currently, all offices within the General Services Building have been installed with LED lighting. The exterior lights at the District Complex and all the maintenance lots have also been converted.

To date, all hallways within the DO have been done, and by the end of the year, employees will see the brighter side with LEDs being installed at work stations. Work is being completed after hours and during the weekend to minimize the impact to employees.

The long-term goal is to have all buildings retrofitted with LED lights and new fixtures by the end of the year.

The district has already seen savings as a result of installing the LED lighting. In fact, the trend shows that electrical usage as a whole continues to go down each month.

KC Introduces “Near Misses” Reporting Tool

Recently, Safety and Health introduced the “near miss” reporting form. This is a pilot project that, if successful, will easily work throughout the state.

We collect this information to spot trends or recurring “near miss” incidents that can be corrected BEFORE it becomes a recordable.

All employees are encouraged to submit this information. Any supervisor who learns of a near miss can supply the details. Or any employee who escapes a close call can take a few minutes to fill out this quick form.  The form is available on Sharepoint and a paper copy will soon be available in maintenance facilities also.

We take this reporting seriously and you will see us initiate anything from a video on KCNN, a training session or a safety alert to all staff. The goal is not to track specific employees or groups but rather take actionable action to improve our safety.

It’s no secret our recordables were VERY high at the end of 2015 – a trend we do not want to repeat this year. If there is any way we can stop an incident before it happens, we want to action. This reporting tool is a step in the right direction to turn the numbers around. 

Our goal is always ZERO accidents.

KC Innovations Heading to Statewide Competition

The KC District hosted its Innovations Challenge in early December 2015. After careful review of the numerous entries, the district judges selected those that would move on to Central Office for consideration to be entered into the statewide competition.

Congratulations on the following innovations selected to compete at the Innovations Showcase on April 11 and 12 in Springfield:

• Brine Maker – Tim Koch, John Mackey, Jacob Hunter, Jesse Dunkle – Concordia MT
• Pneumatic Drill Guide – Kelly Yager, Michael Arnett – Sedalia MT
• Mobile Log Finder – Mike Warren, Chris Jaeger, Stuart Harlan, Jack Stoner, Chris Karlin, Steve Collyot – CM
• TrafficVision/ATMS Integration – Lindsay Harris, Nancy Powell – KC Scout
•  911 CAD Integration – Mark Sommerhauser – KC Scout

He Shoots, He Scores and You Can Too!

It’s basketball season and MoDOT Employees can get a discount for the UMKC men's basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 27. Visit this LINK and use the discount code: MODOT.

There will be a discount offer for both general admission and reserved seating.

Normal price:

 $10 (general admission)

 $17 (reserved)

Discounted pricing: 

$7 (general admission) 

$12 (reserved)

Get your tickets today!

Employees’ Assistance Fund is hosting the SUPER BOWL CHILI COOK-OFF

The Employees’ Assistance Fund is hosting the SUPER BOWL CHILI COOK-OFF

on Tuesday, February 23rd (weather permitting, backup day will be Wednesday, Feb. 24). at the District Office Break room

This is the final competition for the top three winners of the area chili cook-offs that have been held throughout the districts over the past few months. If your area did not have a chili cook-off event, there is still time to organize a competition. 

Or, if your area/department does not have a competition, you can choose to submit a group entry into the competition. Prizes will be awarded for 1st  ($100), 2nd ($50) and 3rd ($25).  

This is an event to raise funds for the Employees’ Assistance Fund.  Please come by at 11:30am on the 23rd to help support a good cause!

Employees’ Assistance Fund Mission: The Kansas City District Employees’ Assistance Fund benefits MoDOT KC District employees throughout the year who find themselves in financial distress due to events that are no fault of their own.

Training Teaches You to Prepare For Life or Death Scenario

It’s scary to contemplate: an active shooter is in the building. It’s a scenario no one wants to face, but one that is better handled when prepared.

On Feb. 29, the Safety and Health team in cooperation with the Missouri State Highway Patrol are conducting active shooter training at the District office at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in room 136. Classes are open on a first come, first serve basis.

Next month, the same training will be presented to maintenance leaders so they can conduct the classes in maintenance facility.

 

This type of training was created by the Department of Homeland Security to enhance preparedness through a “whole community” approach. By including a broad range of people on issues such as active shooter awareness, incident response, and workplace violence, the idea is that the community will have the knowledge and resources to end this type of violent activity once and for all.

The program illustrates the three ways to find safety in an active shooter episoide:

1. RUN: If there is an accessible escape path, attempt to evacuate the premises. 
2. HIDE: If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the active shooter is less likely to find you.
3. FIGHT: As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter. 

This training is similar to what is conducted for school districts, city hall staff and public universities.

Learn more here: www.dhs.gov/active-shooter-preparedness

The Kansas City Corporate Challenge Wants YOU!

MoDOT Helps Guide Maintenance Workers to Becoming Future Managers

It seems MoDOT is always looking at the road ahead. Whether it’s funding or plans for aging bridges in the Kansas City District, the goal is to prepare for the future.

The District Office also has its eye on helping employees become future leaders and managers. Maintenance Workers who wish to become managers have an avenue for advancing their careers. It’s through a program called the Maintenance Leadership Academy found within MoDOT.

Maintenance Workers just wrapped up their final class in this year long course at the District Office Monday, Feb. 8. The courses consist of two classes. There’s Performance Management and Peer Today, Boss Tomorrow.  

Some of the highlights of the Peer Today, Boss Tomorrow class discussion focused on the transition from maintenance worker to crew leader, how to communicate properly and the of art delegating jobs.

 

Senior HR Specialist Dennis Crego headed up the class. He said that it was a good class and he received a lot of good feedback from those who took part in it. “The overall response has been great,” Crego said.

Crego says the program is strictly voluntary and if anyone wishes to take part in it they can.

For more information about the program, you can contact Crego at: dennis.crego@modot.mo.gov. 

 

MoDOT KC District Wears Red for Women

Members of the Kansas City District Office sported their red Friday, Feb. 5 in honor of "Go Red for Women" day.

Wearing red helps raise awareness of women regarding heart disease and stroke.

According to the American Heart Association, heart disease and stroke causes 1 in 3 deaths among women each year in America. 

That amounts to one woman dying every 80 seconds.

The campaign, "Go Red for Women" is designed to empower women to take charge of their health.

To learn more: https://www.goredforwomen.org/home/about-heart-disease-in-women/ 

SAVE THE DATE--Annual Big Truck Night Coming Soon!

Henry Uti says goodbye after 26 years at MoDOT (Photo Gallery)

Good luck Henry!! We'll miss you!!

Rick Wyrick retires after 24 years at MoDOT (Photo Gallery)

Rick, thanks for 24 awesome years. We will miss you. Best of luck in your retirement!