Staunton - The Highway Scanner - November 2022

The Highway Scanner
A newsletter for and about the people of
VDOT’s Staunton District
NOVEMBER 2022
COMPETITION
&
COMRADERY
Chandler Jordan hasn’t even had
his Commercial Driver's License
for a full year, but the 21-year-old
took his tandem-axle dump truck
skills all the way to Baton Rouge,
Louisiana, for the 2022 Southeastern
Regional Roadeo. He was among
five competitors from the Staunton
District – including Kenny Coffey,
Jeff Oczkowski, Willie Ruleman
and Scott Showalter. Staunton’s
five made up nearly half of VDOT’s
team of twelve.
“I think the Staunton District
takes pride in being able to help
represent the state. Just goes to
show we’re the best district out
there,” Barth Estes said with a
chuckle. He had the distinct honor
of being a judge at this year’s
regionals. It’s his second time
serving in that role.
(ARTICLE CONTINUES, PAGES 2-3)
COVER PHOTO:
Virginia competitors in the 2022
Southeast Regional Roadeo (inluding
the five men representing the
Staunton District) enjoy dinner at a
restaurant in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Alleghany • Augusta • Bath • Clarke • Frederick
Highland • Page • Rockbridge • Rockingham • Shenandoah • Warren

2022 SOUTHEAST REGIONAL ROADEO
Out of 11 states, Virginia finished 6th in the Regional Roadeo. “Man, it was
great. We had a good time and I feel like we represented Virginia well,”
Coffey said. “The competition was just so stiff this year, it was crazy!” Coffey
earned a perfect score in the motor grader competition. His fifth trip to
regionals, he was hoping to take top honors, but it came down to six seconds
– the difference between 1st and 5th.
This wasn’t Oczkowski’s first Roadeo either. He still feels the pressure after
six times competing at the regional level. “You’re in the spotlight when you’re
up there,” Oczkowski said. He made a rare mistake on his first backhoe run.
“I would have loved to have gotten that ball back. I just laughed, gave a
thumbs up and shook it off.” In order to get a perfect run for the team,
he slowed down slightly and finished at 55 seconds, pushing him back to an
8th place finish.
Veterans Coffey and Oczkowski, who live right down the road from each other
in Shenandoah County, have something else in common. “We were the first
ones ever to walk across the stage at a regional roadeo and get an award.
First ones ever to place in the top three.” That was in Tennessee in 2017. They
were the first not only for the Staunton District, but Virginia. “That was pretty
cool,” Coffey said.
This was Jordan’s first time competing at any level. The Rockingham County
native, who grew up operating farm equipment on his family’s dairy farm,
finished 4th. “Being that it was my first year – and up against that level of
competition – I’m very pleased with myself,” Jordan said.
Also a Roadeo rookie this year, Ruleman maneuvered his low-boy tractor trailer
to a 9th place finish out of 22. Showalter competed in his third regionals with
the single-axle dump truck, and reiterated that the competition was serious.
“They mean business. Of course we all do the same thing,” Showalter said,
“but they approach Roadeo like it’s a war.”
But when the equipment is turned off, it’s clear the roadeo is as much about the comradery as it is the competition. “We just enjoy
each other’s company and have a good time,” Oczkowski said. “Some of us hung out with the guys from Tennessee, Georgia,
everywhere.” Coffey added, “I met some new friends from Mississippi and some old friends from West Virginia. We also met
some great guys from Alabama, which was competing for the first time this year.”
Continued on next page
BELOW: Scott Showalter, Jordan Chandler, Willie
Ruleman and Jeff Oczkowski getting ready to drive to
Baton Rouge, La. RIGHT: The team representing
Virginia in the 2022 Regional Roadeo in Louisiana.
ABOVE: Kenny Coffey on the motorgrader and
Jeff Oczkowski on the backhoe - practicing
before regional competition.
2
NOVEMBER 2022

2022 SOUTHEAST REGIONAL ROADEO
Not to mention the relationships
formed with their counterparts within
the Commonwealth. “The VDOT
teams form statewide relationships
that are beneficial when crews are
moved around the state in response
to major weather events,” said
State Maintenance Engineer Robert
Prezioso.
Team VDOT also networks with their
counterparts from other states when
talking about safety. “Equipment,
hard hats, and how we do things in
Virginia,” Coffey said. “It’s always
good to share and learn from each
other.” Ruleman says a Roadeo
speaker that resonated with him
talked about complacency and what
that means. “Just getting too comfortable and letting your guard down.” The Roadeo is also an opportunity to learn about some of
the advances in safety. “Like portable stoplights instead of flaggers, new equipment, and different types of PPE,” Showalter shared.
The team arrived home from Louisiana with a sense of gratitude. “It really means a lot to be able to go and represent Virginia. It takes
money and time for that, and I appreciate everyone giving us the chance,” Coffey said.
“In both the competition and additional event activities,” Prezioso added, “the VDOT Team performed in a manner that evokes
respect for Virginia from its neighbors across the southeast.”
Coffey, Jordan, Oczkowski, Ruleman and Showalter already have their sights set on the future. “I had a great time,” Jordan said.
“I want to go back next year.” Between now and then, he and Ruleman plan to hone their equipment skills. “Parallel parking – just
getting closer to the line,” Ruleman said.
They also encourage other operators in the Staunton District to take a chance. “Look at Chandler,” Oczkowski says. “He’s the perfect
example of why you should take a shot at it.” Jordan says he’s been trying to get some of the younger guys to take part in Roadeo.
“You get to talk with people from other headquarters that you might not otherwise see. And you get fed.” •
ABOVE: The Virginia team during some downtime along the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge. BOTTOM LEFT: Competitor Kenny
Coffey watching participants in the Regional Roadeo. BOTTOM CENTER: Scott Showalter, Jeff Oczkowski, Barth Estes (judge),
Willie Ruleman, Kenny Coffey and Chandlar Jordan representing the Staunton District in the 2022 Regional Roadeo. BOTTOM
RIGHT: Willie Ruleman holding a gift basket.
NOVEMBER 2022 3

FOCUS ON SAFETY
CHAINSAW SAFETY
> >
Have all PPE: chaps, gloves, wrap-around safety glasses,
hard hat, face shield, steel-toe boots and ear protection.
> >
Make sure the chain is sharp and that the bar and
bolts are tight. Check the chain-break and other safety
features.
> >
Even during emergency response, take the time to look
for power lines and other potential hazards.
> >
Remove all slip/trip/fall hazards from your work area,
and make sure you have an “escape route.”
> >
Don’t cut down a tree unless you have received proper
training in advance.
TREE PRUNING SAFETY
> >
The Three-Cut Tree Pruning
Method is not only good for the tree but
also SAFETY. It ensures the limb drops
straight down instead of a hinged action,
which could result in worker injury.
> >
Trimming trees within 10 feet of a
utility line can be fatal. Never trim branches
or limbs near a utility line. It’s the law: only
OSHA-certified line clearance workers are
authorized to trim near power lines.
Monthly Safety Report September 2022
Staunton District
Data Last Refreshed
Oct 24, 2022 11:33:56 AM
District Name
Staunton District
Edinburg Residency Wide
Harrisonburg Residency Wide
Lexington Residency Wide
Staunton District Office
Hours 12mo
1,158,266.10
208,173.70
263,230.50
182,471.60
504,390.30
OSHA Recordables
Month
1
0
1
0
0
OSHA Recordables
12mo
12
2
7
2
1
OSHA Recordable
Rate 12mo
2.07
1.92
5.32
2.19
0.40
Lost Day Cases
Month
0
0
0
0
0
Lost Day Cases
12mo
5
1
3
1
0
Lost Day Case
Rate 12mo
Total 1,158,266.10 1 12 2.07 0 5 0.86 135
0.86
0.96
2.28
1.10
0.00
Lost Days
12mo
135
19
101
15
0
OSHA Recordable Rate 12 Month Rolling Average
Residency Edinburg Resid… Harrisonbur… Lexington R… Staunton …
Lost Days Rolling 12 Month Totals
Residency Edinburg Resid… Harrisonbur… Lexington Re… Staunton …
Total Injuries by Causes
OSHA Severity Non-Recordable Recordable
6
4
2
0
October 20…
4.29 4.30 4.34
2.27
2.23
2.21 2.21 2.21 2.20 2.19
1.88 1.88 1.90 1.85 1.93
1.92 1.92
November 2021
3.04 3.07
3.21
1.17 1.17
0.78
6.18 6.15 6.09
5.25 5.36 5.34 5.33
0.77 0.78 0.78 0.78
December 2021
January 2022
February 2022
March 2022
April 2022
3.86 3.85
3.33 3.34
2.88 2.90
2.88
May 2022
June 2022
July 2022
August 2022
September 2022
4
NOVEMBER JULY 2020 2022
4.55
5.32
0.39 0.39 0.39 0.39 0.40
200
150
100
50
0
130
0
October 20…
130
130
222
222
0 0 0 0 0
November 2021
December 2021
January 2022
February 2022
222
221
150 150 150 150 150 150 150
31
31
31
21
21
21
21
0
230
19
0
March 2022
April 2022
May 2022
101
101
101
19 19 19
0 0 0
June 2022
July 2022
August 2022
101
19
September 2022
0
Other
6
1
Struck by/against
6
1
Animal/insect
4
2
Overexertion 2
3
0 5
Injury by Work Task
OSHA Severity Non-Recordable Recordable
Hearing Conservation Threshold Shift
Brush removal
3
3
1
Ditching/shoulder operations 2
1
Material handling
3
0 2 4

STAUNTON D.A. READY TO RETIRE
A CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP
Randy S. Kiser, PE, announced in September that he would be retiring from VDOT by the end of 2022. Kiser has served as Staunton District
Administrator since 2011, and has a total of 35 years of service with the agency. He earned a Civil Engineering degree from Virginia
Tech in 1985, and joined VDOT two years later as an engineering trainee. Upon completion of that program, Kiser was named Assistant
Residency Admnistrator in Dillwyn (Lynchburg District). He became Luray Residency Administrator in 1992 and served in that capacity for
11 years. Kiser then moved to the Staunton District office, where he was District Construction/Preliminary Engineering Manager and finally
District Administrator.
Below are selected photos from Kiser's time with VDOT, and words from some of the people who have worked closely with him over the
years. Enjoy your retirement, Randy!
I have known Randy for over 20 years and throughout he has
been consistent in his character – steadfast, professional, and an
exemplary leader. He has been a strong advocate for our field forces
and keeping us on a path that made sense. All the best transitioning
from a stellar VDOT career to a well-deserved retirement.
Susan Hammond
Lexington Residency Administrator
Randy, you have always remained steady and calm in the face of challenges.
I appreciate your common sense approach, strong leadership, and support in the
challenges we have faced together as a district. Staunton District will continue
to move forward and be the best we can be. Best wishes on your retirement!
Lisa Bottenfield
Staunton District Business Administrator
Randy is constantly focused on safety, district progress and fostering an
open and collaborative environment. The district is full of opportunity, ethical
and dedicated employees who enjoy great mentorship - highlighted by close
fellowship – all made possible by Randy’s leadership. We all wish Randy the
absolute best in happiness and health as he begins his VDOT retirement!
Sandy Myers
Staunton District Communications Manager
Thank you for your outstanding leadership while at VDOT. I always
appreciated your common sense approach to issues. You have been
a very positive leader for the Staunton District, and I appreciate all of
your support throughout my time here. I wish you all the best and
hope you enjoy every minute of retirement. No one deserves it more!
Brandi Baylor
District Human Resources Manager
Randy has been my supervisor for 18 straight years. I don't think I would
be where I am today without his mentorship and encouragement. His
integrity and dedication is unquestionable and I am a better person
and professional for having worked with him.
Todd A. Stevens
District Construction Engineer
I went to work for Randy in the late 1990's as his Assistant Residency
Administrator at the Luray Residency. He was a good man, leader, and
mentor to work for and I will always appreciate the opportunity he gave me
to advance my career. Randy, please enjoy your much-deserved retirement!
Bob Childress
Construction Manager
I am very grateful for Randy’s guidance and leadership over the years.
His professionalism, work ethic and dedication have always been
inspiring. Congratulations on your retirement and I wish you much
happiness in the years ahead!
Robert Good
District Project Controls Engineer
Best wishes on your next career move and a well-deserved retirement.
Staunton District has always set a high bar for performance and innovation,
and we have consistently met that while under your leadership. Thank you.
It has been a pleasure serving under your guidance and direction.
Matt Shiley
Staunton District Traffic Operations Director
NOVEMBER 2022
5

70 YEARS AT VDOT
"If I had it all to do over again, I'd do it"
Barry Sweitzer remembers his first day working for VDOT like it was yesterday. “Chief said,
‘Here, put these on.’ They were hip waders, and I was scared to death of water. I said, ‘Uh-oh,
what have I gotten myself into?’” Barry says through laughter. With a 50-pound stake bag over
his shoulder and an ax in hand, Barry waded into the Rappahannock River. He was just 17 years
old and shaking in his boots when he drove stakes to lay out the Robert O. Norris Bridge.
That was 1953, and Barry had just graduated from Edinburg High School when he was hired
by Central Office to be on a survey crew in Saluda. Today, Barry has wrapped up 70 years
with VDOT. “That’s a remarkable accomplishment to say the least,” proclaims Staunton District
Engineer Randy Kiser. “They don’t grow people like Barry anymore. I’d like to see a hundred
more Barrys coming through the VDOT organization.”
During the early years, Barry worked throughout the Commonwealth until the military
called him to serve in Korea. “They took advantage of what I’d already learned in Survey
and put me in what they called the Fire Direction Center.” Barry describes his work as
calculating data for artillery batteries.
Shortly after Barry’s two years in the U.S. Army, he was promoted to Survey Party Chief
in Winchester. Most chiefs got their own survey party in about 20 years, explains Barry,
who calls it a “mark of pride” that he managed to do it in just nine. He attributes
the opportunity to “the most magnificent road system ever devised” – the interstates.
“Most of 81 right through here (from West Virginia to Rockingham County) and all of
66 toward Front Royal, including the river crossings – that was mine as a Party Chief,”
Barry recalls.
Barry went on to become a transportation engineer in Richmond and then the Staunton
District until his first retirement in 1991. But Barry couldn’t stay away. He came back
to VDOT part time reviewing plans and right-of-way questions in his hometown of
Edinburg, where he worked until his final retirement in September 2022 at the age of 87.
“The retirement system didn’t expect me to live this long, and I fooled ‘em,” he jokes.
ABOVE and BELOW: Barry during
his earlier years at VDOT.
Friends and colleagues describe Barry as a walking encyclopedia and a kind man. “Everybody who’s ever worked with Barry loves
and respects him,” says Edinburg Residency Administrator Ed Carter.
Jerry Copp, retired Edinburg Residency Administrator who has known Barry for a half a century, says he does a lot for the
community. “He’s an outstanding engineer, he’s always proved his word, and he’s a God-loving person.”
Edinburg Residency Assistant Engineer Matt Smith says a lot of history is leaving the building. “Barry is just a great person and
we all benefit from him being around. He’s going to be missed.”
Barry will stay busy with church and the Ruritan Club, where he’s a charter member. “But I’m really going to miss the people,”
he shares. “It’s been a very rewarding career for me. If I had it all to do over again, I’d do it. I’d even go out and wade the
Rappahannock again.”
LEFT: Randy Kiser presenting Barry with an award celebrating 70 years of service. CENTER: Barry keeping the crowd laughing
during a celebration party at the Edinburg Residency September 30. RIGHT: Barry with a congratulatory cake.
6 NOVEMBER 2022

NEWS & NOTES
GETTING READY FOR NEXT YEAR
When you’re responsible for hundreds of bridges and culverts, it pays to look ahead.
All five bridge-maintenance crews in the Staunton District do that through careful
planning and scheduling, as well as stockpiling materials for the following season.
Rehabilitating or replacing a structure requires project scoping, design and engineering,
environmental permits, hydraulic plans and sometimes utility relocation. This work
may start 2-3 years before construction, so bridge crews routinely juggle dozens of
projects.
Verona Bridge, for example, has already scheduled the replacement or rehabilitation of about 10
structures in Augusta and Highland counties during 2023. Their storage yard has the box culverts,
pipes and concrete slabs that they need for all those jobs. “We don’t want to close a bridge when
we don’t have what we need to replace it,” explains Verona Bridge Supervisor Nick Simmons. “We
try to get one done and go immediately onto the next one.”
Verona is among three locations in the district (along with Lexington and Harrisonburg) where
bridge crews pour concrete slabs during the fall and winter. Inside large equipment bays, crew
members build concrete forms from wood and steel rebar. They’re moved outside for concrete
pours on mild-weather days, but crews can take steps to keep the material warm while it cures.
Steve Malcolm, Staunton District Bridge Maintenance Manager, says it’s the ideal way to spend
the cold-weather months. “During construction season, you don’t want to take three weeks out
to go pour the slabs,” he notes. “You want to have March to October booked.”
The concrete slabs that are poured and stored by Staunton District bridge crews are used to
replace small bridges on secondary roads. The old structures, typically constructed with steel
beams and timber decking, last an average of 30 years. Their concrete replacements have an
expected lifespan of 75 to 100 years.
“That’s part of the innovation,” Malcolm says. “We’re definitely increasing the life of the structure.”
The Verona Bridge
Crew pours concrete
into a half-dozen
forms. The resulting
slabs will be part
of a new bridge
along Route 607 in
Highland County.
Moving Forward – Focus on Innovation
I-81 CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENT UPDATE
Interchange improvements at I-81 Exit 205 in Rockbridge County were completed
in late September. Three projects under a single construction contract combine
to improve safety and traffic flow near several truck stops and other businesses
in the Raphine area. Contractors extended northbound and southbound
acceleration lanes, widened off-ramps and constructed new turn lanes. SMART
SCALE and the I-81 CIP provided funding for the improvements. The photo at
bottom left shows traffic approaching the intersection of Route 606 (Raphine
Road) and the northbound I-81 ramps.
In October 2022 VDOT requested proposals for the Staunton-area widening
project (exit 221 to 225) from qualified design-build firms. A contract could be
awarded in April 2023, with construction to follow later in the year. The designbuild
method allows the contractor to begin work on the project's early phases
while assisting with the design process. This will be the first I-81 CIP widening
project in the Staunton District to go under construction.
The I-81 CIP communications team has refreshed the appearance and function
of Improve81.org. The dedicated website now includes more traffic information,
corridor-wide alerts, and project listings that can be sorted by mile marker,
schedule or cost. The home page also includes links to Improve81 videos,
podcasts and quarterly newsletters.
NOVEMBER 2022 7

NEWS & NOTES
COMMISSIONER'S AWARD WINNERS
The Staunton District has brought home two Commissioner’s Awards this year
– both for their courageous actions during emergency situations.
Jeff Boyer, Incident Management Coordinator for the Edinburg Residency,
displayed bravery earning him the Commissioner’s award for heroism.
In October 2021, Boyer was on the scene of a multi-vehicle crash on a bridge
along I-81 in Shenandoah County. A truck driver involved in the accident was
trapped in the burning cab of his tractor trailer. Boyer helped to battle the blaze
with fire extinguishers saving the life of the driver.
From the Fancy Hill Area Headquarters, three transportation operators acted
quickly and decisively to help save a driver’s life after a crash in Rockbridge
County. Their selfless efforts earned each of them the Commissioner’s Award
for heroism.
In July 2021 while working in the area, John Montgomery, Steve Cales,
and Fred Bryant helped on the scene of a vehicle crash involving a fully
loaded dump truck overturned on a bridge over Buffalo Creek and a pickup
that had been pushed through the concrete railing. The pickup went over the
side of the bridge and landed 40 feet below, upside down next to a creek.
Montgomery grabbed a first-aid kit to assist the dump truck driver while Cales
used a traffic vest as a makeshift tourniquet to help the driver of the pickup
who was bleeding profusely from his upper arm. Cales and Bryant helped to
carry the victim out of the embankment extending his life.
ABOVE: Jeff Boyer
BELOW: Montgomery, Cales and
Bryant
STAUNTON DISTRICT HOSTS CTB
The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) held its two-day September
meeting in the city of Staunton, giving the district a chance to showcase its
natural beauty and diverse transportation network.
The 17-member board oversees the operations of VDOT and the Department
of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT). Three of its members are from the
Staunton District: Mark Merrill of Winchester, Thomas "Ty" Lawson of
Winchester and Randolph "Randy" Laird of Staunton.
Following a work session on September 20th, CTB members boarded
a special excursion run of the Virginia Scenic Railway (photos at right).
Buckingham Branch Railroad launched the passenger service in August
2022 and already has plans to expand in 2023. The railway makes threehour
trips between Staunton and Goshen or Ivy. The CTB's ride included a
"lights-out" passage through the Blue Ridge Tunnel under Afton Mountain.
Near the end of its
action meeting on
September 21, CTB
members and the
audience offered a
standing ovation to retiring VDOT Staunton District Engineer
Randy Kiser (bottom left photo).
"You are very well respected here in the department as well as
the district. I want to thank you for your service," said VDOT
Commissioner Stephen Brich.
8
SEPTEMBER NOVEMBER 2022 2020

NEWS & NOTES
SALUTING OUR VETERANS
Veterans Day is Friday, November 11. Below are some of the VDOT Staunton District employees who have served
in the armed forces. Join us in honoring their service and sacrifice by saying "Thank You for Your Service!"
Jon J. Carter
Staunton District Pavement Marking & Signs
United States Marine Corps – 1975 to 1981
Merril McGee Jr.
Lexington Residency Sign
United States Air Force – 1986 to 1990
Jackie Christian
Regional ITS Maintenance Monitor
United States Army – 1967 to 1969
Faron Ocheltree
Incident Management Coordinator
United States Coast Guard – 1983 to 1988
C.J. Duffy
Staunton District Traffic Signal Technician
United States Air Force – 2002 to 2006
Rex Pearce
Staunton District Bridge Engineer
United States Navy – 1979 to 1982
Gordon Ellison
Senior Engineer, Staunton Bridge
United States Army – 2012 to 2020
Roy Reid
Staunton Traffic Operations Center
United States Air Force – 1987 to 1993
Dominick Formato
Transportation Operator II, Mint Spring AHQ
United States Navy – 2009 to 2021
Patrick Shuman
Staunton District Construction Inspector
United States Army – 8 years
Timothy Hall
Transportation Operator II, Stephens City AHQ
United States Air Force – 1980 to 1994
Rodney "Scott" Snider
Permits Eng. Technician Sr., Harrisonburg Residency
United States Air Force – 4 years
Keith Harrop
Staunton District Construction Manager
United States Army National Guard – 17 years
Jay Strong
Environmental Specialist, Lexington Residency
United States Navy – 1987 to 2015
Alan Johnson
Assistant District Bridge Maintenance Engineer
United States Army – 1992 to 1996
Michael Surratt
Staunton District Traffic Engineering
United States Navy Seabees – 1980 to 2000
Tanya Johnson
Financial Accounting Manager
United States Army – 2011 to 2013
Joel Taylor
Staunton District Construction Inspector
United States Marine Corps – 1991 to 1995
Doane Lam
Transportation Operator II, Mauzy AHQ
United States Army SPC – 4 years
April Truxell
Maintenance Supervisor, Warm Springs AHQ
Va. Army National Guard – 2002 to 2008, 2015 to 2022
Burgess Lindsey
Harrisonburg Assistant Residency Administrator
United States Air Force – 8 ½ years
Gary Via Jr.
Superintendent, Mount Crawford AHQ
United States Army – 4 years
NOVEMBER 2022 9

NEWS & NOTES
The VDOT Staunton District has kicked off its 2023 fund-raising events for the Commonwealth
of Virginia Campaign (CVC). About 800 charitable organizations benefit from CVC, many of
them in the Shenandoah Valley and Alleghany Highlands. Go to www.cvcgives.org to find out
more and to sign up for online giving.
VDOT employees teed it up alongside contractors, consultants and friends
October 8 at Gypsy Hill Golf Course in Staunton. The golf tournament offered
fun and fellowship while raising $2,110 for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank,
one of the Commonwealth of Virginia (CVC) charities. VDOT Construction
Inspector Joel Taylor organized the golf outing, which drew a total of 18
teams – and strong interest in making it a regular event.
The VDOT Staunton District complex hosted
a CVC Carnival on October 25.
The event featured skill games from
several VDOT sections, a pumpkin carving
contest, raffle tickets for prizes, pork
barbecue sandwiches and a baked-goods
competition. The district Location &
Design team organized the event, which
raised $1,088. The Fiscal Section's cake
walk raised the most money, giving those
employees the choice of which CVC charity
would benefit from the carnvial. They
chose Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation
for Childhood Cancer.
ff
Employees from the Harrisonburg Residency gathered October 27 for their
Safety / CVC Day. Highlights included safety and wellness presentations
from CommonHealth and the Department of Wildlife Resources. The day
offered several fundraisers: a cornhole tournament, silent auction, raffle
tickets, and the "Crockpot-Luck" competition. Organizers also honored
veterans, presented service awards, and provided a flu shot clinic. The event
raised about $1,650 for CVC charities.
The VDOT Edinburg Residency is hosting a CVC/Safety Day on November 4 at the Winchester AHQ.
More events and opportunities to support CVC are on the way - so keep your eye on email and EBBs!
10
SEPTEMBER NOVEMBER 2022 2020

NEWS & NOTES
WORKFORCE TRAINING
AND DEVELOPMENT
SERVICE AWARDS
November and December 2022
VDOT'S 2023 Safety Excellence Award
Program (SEAP) is officially underway!
EARN POINTS THROUGH
Online Safety Training
Field Employee Training
» Field Safety
» Safety Reporting
» VDOT Fire Equinguisher Training
» Construction: Caught-in or
Caught-between
Office Employee Training
» Office Safety
» Safety Reporting
» VDOT Fire Equinguisher Training
» Active Shooter 2.0
To begin this year's training modules
visit the VDOT-U website
Safety Videos
Creating engaging safety training videos
that demonstate useful safety practices in a
compelling and creative way.
*Need help getting started? Have questions?
Contact Chris Testerman at 540-480-8900
or Janice Ramsey at 540-332-8934
1 Year
Melissa Harper
Adam Neil
Jared Madison
Matthew Ulmer Jr.
Evan Vaus
Mark Kapp
Cathal Duffy
Wesley E. Elmore
Daniel Victor Moroz
Brandon Wease
Jordan Chandler
3 Years
Christopher M. Payne
Wayne A. Keister
John W. Smith
John M. Selby
Joseph R. Stacey
5 Years
Trent J. Dudley
William H. Beatty Jr.
Colton D. Henry
Lester E. Miller Jr.
Ronald E. Bowman
Ray N. Moyer Jr.
10 Years
Willard K. White Jr.
Thomas L. Bohrer
Robert D. Moore
Joshua W. Dunlap
Aaron P. Warr
15 Years
William P. Falls
Larry W. Bogan
David C. Morris
Garry L. Thompson Jr.
Lenford S. Morris Jr.
30 Years
Raymond W. Lightner
William R. Gehman
David A. Dean
Douglas L. Howell
35 Years
Gregory T. Hoffman
Rhonda L. Funkhouser
45 Years
Ricky L. Fultz
WELCOME TO VDOT!
September and October 2022
Training workshops throughout Virginia
both in person and online.
Right now, there are open spots in 19 online
courses and 2 in-person courses in Harrisonburg.
With a variety of traffic related topics
including safety, pavement basics,
work zone traffic control and more.
For more information or to register go to:
https://uva-tta.net/workshops/
New Hires / Rehires
Mark Wolfe, TO II, Millboro Springs/Warm Springs
David Tyree, TO II, Fancy Hill
April Truxell, TO II, Millboro Springs
Jonathan Dean, TO II, McGaheysville
Amy Henderson, Fiscal Tech, Staunton
Bryce Fruck, Operator SB, Luray
Vladimir Sholomitskiy, TO II, McGaheysville
James Bennett, TO II, Winchester
Michael Cather, TO II, Berryville
SEPTEMBER NOVEMBER 2020 2022 11

AROUND THE DISTRICT A MESSAGE FROM RANDY KISER ...
It is hard to believe this will be my last newsletter as
Staunton’s District Administrator. It has been a pleasure
serving you and I have been truly blessed to work with
such an amazing staff. I have enjoyed the past 12 years
as District Engineer, eight years as District Construction/
PE Manager and 11 years as Luray Resident Engineer.
Mount Crawford AHQ crew resurfacing
on Route 726 (Apple Valley Road) in
Rockingham County on September 26.
Toms Brook AHQ crew skin patching
on Route 678 (Fort Valley Road) in
Shenandoah County on September 27.
My job was easy compared to other VDOT Districts
because of the strong work ethic and desire to be the
best by most District employees. Missing the people has
made the decision to retire from VDOT a lot harder than
I ever imagined.
As I reflect, I’m very proud of our consistent performance of leading the state
in developing and delivering the program with quality and safety in mind. We
continue to proactively manage and lead the state in pavements, bridges and
our ordinary maintenance tasks. We are leaders in prompt pay, inventory, safety,
low vacancy rates and – as this newsletter reveals – leaders in the statewide
and regional Roadeos. We have accomplished too much to mention here.
I'm very optimistic about the future of VDOT. Revenues are strong to support our
maintenance and construction needs. I'm confident more funding will be directed
to maintaining our roads and bridges.
It has been an honor and privilege serving as your District Engineer and I
will deeply miss serving you in this role. I have learned a lot because of you.
I will look back at my role as District Engineer as one of the most satisfying parts
of my working career.
I plan to continue to work in the transportation industry next year in the private
sector, I hope our paths cross again. I'm confident the new District Engineer will
be strong and experienced to lead you forward. I expect the announcement of the
new District Engineer sometime in November. Please continue to be the best as
you move forward with new leadership. Your hard work and focus will continue
to Keep Virginia moving safely!
Harrisonburg Residency trainers putting
chainsaw safety training into action
on VDOT property along Route 262 in
Augusta County on September 29.
Best wishes and be careful and safe in everything you do.
Randy S. Kiser, P.E.
Staunton District Administrator
Transporation Operator Brandon
McDonald helping an 8th grader
experience a simulated loader at
the 'Worlds of Work' career fair in
Winchester on October 13.
Staunton District Office of Communications
811 Commerce Road, Staunton, VA 24401-9029
© 2022 Commonwealth of Virginia