Two employees win state award of distinction | |
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Intermediate Organizational Performance Analyst Kate Bax and Communications Manager Taylor Brune have received the Missouri State Employee Award of Distinction in the category of Innovation for their work on Tracker Evolution.
The Missouri State Employee Award of Distinction Program is established to recognize and reward outstanding employees who are innovative, positively impact organizational or statewide goals, demonstrate true leadership, act compassionately and courageously to serve the local or global community and advance the importance and perception of state service.
MoDOT’s performance measurement publication, called Tracker, previously involved an extensive and lengthy process, including researching, writing, editing, printing and distributing the book. This slow process, combined with a lack of digital availability, resulted in low public engagement. To remedy this, a team led by Bax and Brune proposed a solution – Tracker Evolution – to improve production, cut costs and make the publication more accessible. This new, digital format reduces production time and cost, and it allows MoDOT to share performance results in a timelier manner.
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Communications Manager Taylor Brune. | |
Intermediate Organizational Performance Analyst Kate Bax. | |
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“This innovative Tracker Evolution wouldn’t have been possible without the determination, intuitive knowledge and talents of Kate and Taylor,” said Transportation Planning Specialist Kelly Backues, who submitted the nomination. “Their hard work produced a more efficient process that improves MoDOT’s quality of service to its employees, customers and taxpayers.”
Congratulations, Kate and Taylor!
Any state employee may nominate another state employee who is employed in good standing for an Award of Distinction, which categories include heroism, human relations, innovation, leadership, public service and safety. To learn more about the award, visit the State of Missouri Talent Development webpage.
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COVID-19 testing will continue to be covered at 100% in 2022 as long as there is a public emergency declaration from the federal government.
Free voluntary testing is still available for MoDOT employees at 830 MoDOT Drive. The testing schedule for the week of Dec. 27 is:
- Monday-Wednesday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Thursday 9 a.m. - noon
The following weeks will revert back to the regular schedule below, unless otherwise announced by email:
- Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m. - noon
A brief message from Director McKenna:
Case numbers are on the rise. I am concerned that some are not taking the reporting of symptoms, illness and actual cases with as much precision as we did over the past 20 months.
Please consider the health and safety of each other, and if you are not feeling well, realize that it could be a result of exposure to COVID-19.
Please report close contact and COVID-19 diagnosis ASAP to your supervisor so that we can put this virus in our rear-view mirror.
Thanks for all you do – please stay safe and look out for each other.
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Employees Self-Service portal update | |
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Beginning Dec. 23, employees will be able to view upcoming paycheck details on the Employees Self-Service portal.
The future-dated check will be highlighted in red until the check date, then the red highlight will be removed. This will enable team members to view check details approximately one week before the state pay date.
In the event of a discrepancy, team members should contact their payroll representative or their Human Resources or Financial Services Payroll team.
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As of Dec. 17, MoDOT’s staffing announcements can be found on SharePoint. By clicking the “Staffing Announcements” button on the Human Resources SharePoint page, employees can read the selected candidates’ information as positions are filled.
The new site makes it easy to follow MoDOT’s new hires, promotions and transfers. Staffing announcements will be posted by district/division HR staff each pay period and will remain on display for 30 days.
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ShareLeave donations needed!
This holiday season, share a little time with your MoDOT family.
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MoDOT's ShareLeave program allows employees to help co-workers who have suffered a catastrophic or life-threatening illness or injury (personal or immediate family) and exhausted all their leave time.
ShareLeave hours are received as donations of annual leave or comp time by fellow employees, as well as excess leave hours swept from balances during the annual leave sweep that normally occurs in October each year.
MoDOT has not had an annual leave sweep for the past two years, and the ShareLeave balance is critically low!
Please consider donating a few hours to the ShareLeave Program to help your co-workers during life’s unexpected events. If every employee donated just one hour, MoDOT could keep the ShareLeave program available to help those employees in need.
To donate a portion of your annual leave or comp time, complete the ShareLeave donation form found on the Human Resources Division SharePoint site.
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For the past month, Northwest District employees have been finding BUPD items hidden around their workspaces. The Northwest Coalition for Roadway Safety enlisted the help of maintenance supervisors and BUPD Champion Jennifer Jarvis to hide BUPD items for employees to find.
Attached to the item was a note congratulating the employee and instructions to have someone take a photo of them doing the BUPD thumbs up/thumbs down and submit it to get a free t-shirt.
The Northeast Coalition first started the promotion for BUPD Challenge Day. The Northwest Coalition thought it was a great idea and piggybacked on it.
As of the time this story was written, only 14 BUPD items have been found with several still hidden, so be on the lookout, and remember to always BUPD!
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The Northwest Coalition for Roadway Safety enlisted maintenance supervisors and BUPD Champion Jennifer Jarvis to hide BUPD items for employees to find. Shown is the package discovered by Cameron Maintenance Crew Leader Dan Ragan. | |
Highway 36: more than just a highway | |
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The Way of American Genius, Pikes Peak Highway, U.S. Route 36 - all these describe a very special road in northern Missouri. The Highway 36 Alliance is an organization formed to bring awareness to the historic aspects of American culture associated with stops one can make along this historic corridor.
Its annual meeting was recently held in Macon with representatives from across northern Missouri with a special presentation by Stephen Foutes from Missouri’s economic development division to share their success with the “Find Your MO” campaign.
Travel guides are available to anyone, and they contain all the information needed to navigate all the fun locations along the highway.
The Missouri Department of Transportation, specifically the Northeast District, has been involved in the Alliance since its inception more than 10 years ago as U.S. Route 36 became a four-lane highway from St. Joseph to Hannibal.
Highway 36 is the stomping grounds of iconic innovators, great Americans and several impressive innovations. Author Mark Twain is from Hannibal and American entrepreneur Walt Disney was raised in Marceline, where both icons were inspired by their hometowns. Chillicothe is where the invention of sliced bread took place. There are many other important Americans that could also be mentioned, as well as restaurants, wineries and outdoor recreations.
For more information about Missouri Highway 36, click here.
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Kansas City completes two bridges along I-435 | |
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The Kansas City District ended the year with the completion of two bridge projects along Interstate 435.
Crews completed work on the I-435 Bridge over the Missouri River at the end of November, just in time for holiday travel.
This project replaced the bridge deck, reinforced the structural steel and repaired the substructure of the aging bridge. The I-435 Bridge over the Missouri River, located just south of Worlds of Fun, was built in 1972 and showed signs of aging and wear. The structure sees about 81,500 vehicles each day.
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Crews opened the new NE 53rd Terrace Bridge over I-435 near Worlds of Fun on Dec. 17, just in time for the holidays. This photo shows the bridge when it was under construction. | |
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On Dec. 17, the Kansas City District announced the completion of the NE 53rd Terrace Bridge over I-435 in Clay County. This replacement project just north of Worlds of Fun began in spring of 2021. This project was funded by MoDOT at a cost of $2.5 million.
Crews replaced the old bridge, which was built in 1969 and had reached its projected service life. The new bridge now includes two, 12-foot lanes with 4-foot shoulders and a 4-foot sidewalk on the south side of the bridge.
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Southeast District hosts annual bridge competition | |
Jiliyan Hobeck, an Oak Ridge high school student, won first place for her model bridge with 263.6% efficiency. | |
Over 220 model bridges constructed by Southeast Missouri high school students were put to the test during MoDOT’s 18th Annual Bridge Building Competition. The competition challenged juniors and seniors to design and construct the most efficient model bridge using limited materials - 15 pieces of balsa wood, thread and glue. The competition concluded with a virtual bridge breaking ceremony. | |
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Oak Ridge High School, Chaffee High School and Perryville Area Career and Technology Center received first, second and third place for best overall performance, respectively. These schools received cash prizes donated by the SE Chapter Transportation Employee Association of Missouri.
In addition, five students were recognized for building the lightest bridges that carried the greatest loads. Winners included:
- 1st – Jiliyan Hobeck – Oak Ridge
- 2nd – Abby Cowell – Chaffee
- 3rd – Erin Urhahn – Oak Ridge
- 4th – Holden Johnston – Oak Ridge
- 5th – Carson Gihring – homeschooled from Oak Ridge
The goal of the competition is to foster an appreciation of STEM careers, specifically engineering. MoDOT partnered with Arkansas State University, Southeast Missouri State University, Missouri University of Science and Technology, and Southern Illinois University to offer seniors interested in civil engineering up to $10,000 in scholarships.
For more information, please visit the Bridge Competition webpage.
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Cold weather tips
Cold weather and wet clothing don’t mix. Warm and dry clothing are essential in cold weather.
Whether you’re pushing snow, shoveling snow at your house or working around the maintenance facility, take practical steps to keep dry clothing on.
Change out wet gloves and hats when you have the opportunity so wet ones may dry. If your clothing has become wet through and it’s possible to do so, put on dry clothing before going back outside.
Clothing that has become wet through cannot effectively keep your warm.
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Staying healthy through the holidays | |
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The end of the year is typically a busy time full of celebrations, good food and extra time with loved ones. With the flurry of activity, it’s not uncommon for healthy habits to be thrown off track. The following ideas can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and enjoy the season to the fullest.
Find creative ways to stay active
Even during the holidays, it’s important to get the recommended 150 minutes of exercise each week. In addition to helping you maintain a healthy weight, exercise can also help lessen stress and improve sleep quality. Try these activities:
- Seasonal fun like sledding or skating. In warmer areas, try hiking or biking.
- Three 10-minute walks a day for fresh air and sunshine.
- A family trip to the bowling alley or indoor trampoline park.
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator or park further away from stores.
Master healthy holiday eating
Maintaining a balanced diet, especially during the holidays, can be difficult. It’s easy to overdo it when so many holiday and winter traditions involve food and drinks. Try these tips:
- Bring a fruit spread, vegetable tray or another healthy snack to a party so you have options.
- Eat a light snack before a party to avoid overeating.
- Prioritize your favorite holiday treats and only indulge on the foods you really love.
- Try not to ‘drink’ your calories. Drink plenty of water instead to stay hydrated and help with digestion.
A healthier holiday is a happier one. With a little planning, you can feel your best this season.
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Ronald W. Moses - CD - 25
John L. Allison - SW - 27
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The mission of Connections is to be a source of MoDOT news
and feature articles that connect employees statewide.
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Comments
What would you like to see in Connections?
We want to hear from you! Send comments and suggestions to:
bethany.belt@modot.mo.gov
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MoDOT Communications
P.O. Box 270, Jefferson City, Mo 65102
573-751-2840 | www.modot.org
Editor: Bethany Belt
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