October 15, 2010

 

In memoriam

Prahasto memorial service planned Saturday (Oct. 16)
A memorial service for ITD employee Jonathan Prahasto, who died Oct. 4 in a tragic two-vehicle crash near Ashton, will be Saturday (Oct. 16), at 5 p.m. at Boondocks in Island Park. The service will be followed by a potluck dinner and an open time for family and friends to reminisce about his life.
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Traffic/highway safety

Highway safety commission plans one-day workshop
The Idaho Traffic Safety Commission (ITSC) and Idaho Transportation Department will consider proposals to improve safety on Idaho’s highways when they meet in Boise Wednesday (Oct. 20). They will look at safety concerns, plans, funding and outreach during the daylong meeting at the Doubletree Riverside Hotel. The meeting, which is open to the public, will begin at 8 a.m.
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Teen Driver Safety Week begins Monday
Teenage drivers need to keep their hands on the wheel, eyes on the road and thumbs off their phone’s keypad. That message is part of National Teen Driver Safety Week that runs from Monday through Saturday (October 17-23). It offers parents and other adults an opportunity to remind young drivers that driving safely is their most important task when behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.
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Employees
Moore to assume position in Governmental Affairs
“I am pleased to announce that Matt Moore has accepted a position in the Governmental Affairs section, effective Monday,” ITD Deputy Director Scott Stokes said this week. Randy Kyrias, administrator of the Division of Public Transportation, will oversee Transportation Planning in the interim.
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Health insurance payment to take two-month 'holiday'
During the 2010 Legislative Session, the Department of Administration was directed to utilize reserve funds to provide premium holidays on the Active Employee medical/dental plans for two months during the current fiscal year. In addition the Legislature only appropriated 10 months of the normal state contribution for the medical/dental plans to agencies.
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Administrative assistants assemble for 22nd workshop
ITD Director Brian Ness explained his vision for the department as he set the stage for the 22nd annual Administrative workshop this week in Boise. In addition to elaborating on the elements that comprise that vision, he also touched on a concept to reduce reporting levels and make the department more efficient.


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Transportation board
Board to meet with traffic safety commission
The Idaho Transportation Board will participate in a highway safety workshop with the Idaho Traffic Safety Commission on Wednesday (Oct. 20) at the DoubleTree Riverside in Boise. The workshop will provide board members valuable information about highway safety and programs to reduce traffic deaths, serious injuries and economic losses to Idaho as the Strategic Highway Safety Plan is implemented.
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Aeronautics
Centennial of Flight observance planned in Lewiston
ITD’s Division of Aeronautics will join pilots and airplane enthusiasts from throughout the region next weekend to commemorate the first powered flight in Idaho. The first flight recorded aircraft in the skies of Idaho occurred Oct. 13, 1910, in Lewiston. Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter recognized that memorable flight and the active role of aviation in Idaho in February when he designated October 2010 as Idaho Centennial of Flight Month.
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Technology
ETS survey will help improve services
Recently ETS conducted a general “technology” survey, asking some basic questions that will aid our management team in evaluating the responses, and determining how ETS can make improvements and do a better job supporting the agency (you). This survey was run for a full month and was available via a link on the ITD Intranet home page.
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Preparedness
TD participates in effort to become prepared
As the seventh annual National Preparedness Month (NPM) concludes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reminds citizens of the importance of emergency preparedness throughout the year. NPM, sponsored by the Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps, is observed each September, encouraging Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and communities.

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Cybersecurity
Federal agency suggests 'Stop. Think. Connect.'
The federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched the “Stop. Think. Connect.” public cybersecurity awareness campaign Oct. 4 to promote simple steps the public can take to increase their safety and security online. The campaign fulfills a key element of President Obama’s 2009 Cyberspace Policy Review, which tasked DHS with developing a public awareness campaign to inform Americans about ways to use technology safely.
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ITD Mailbox
• Food for thought, needy Idahoans
• Thanks for helping driver’s license process
• Prompt, professional service

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Encore
Published October 8, 2010

Crash claims ITD's Jonathan Prahasto
State vehicle, semi collide near Ashton Monday

The Idaho Transportation Department lost a long-time friend and respected employee when Jonathan Prahasto died in a tragic two-vehicle crash Monday near Ashton. Prahasto, 55, was westbound in a one-ton ITD pickup truck on U.S. 20 when it collided with a Peterbilt semi-truck carrying produce.
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GARVEE
Projects completed in four corridors
Highway construction projects funded by Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle (GAARVEE) bonds have been completed in four of the six corridors, according to ITD Director Brian Ness. As of Aug. 31, $646.2 million of the GARVEE funds had been obligated, more than 93 percent of the $692.6 million authorized by state legislatures. The report indicated that $621 million in projects was under contract and $503 had been expended.
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Charitable giving

ITD kicks off annual 'United We Care' campaign
When the times get tough, the “haves” dig deeper and give more freely. Last year ITD employees rallied to contribute a generous $20,843 to organizations statewide through the annual state “United We Care” charitable campaign for United Way. The goal this year, explains coordinator Tammie Jauregui is $22,500.

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Fund-raising events planned at Headquarters
ITD formally kicked off its campaign Sept. 29, to support the 2010 State Employees’ Charitable Giving Campaign. The annual event, which provides financial support for a wide range of community organizations, will continue through Nov. 5. As in the past, coordinators at Headquarters and District 3 have organized a number of fundraising activities in support of the campaign.
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Employees
ITD celebrates contributions of all with disabilities
Some people are born with a disability while others may become temporarily or permanently disabled at some point during their lifetime. All have valuable skills and talents to contribute as part of the nation’s workforce. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and serves as a reminder that people with disabilities are an integral part of a diverse workforce and contribute each day to organizational and business success across the nation.

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Walk to school
Environment, kids benefit from leaving cars behind
If more children were able to walk and bicycle to school, everyone's morning commute might get easier with 25 percent fewer motor vehicles on the road. That's how much additional traffic is attributed to parents driving children to school each day. International Walk to School Day (IWSD) was observed around the world and in Idaho Wednesday. This year's global event highlighted a convergence of issues ranging from childhood obesity to environmental pollution and rising fuel prices that are pushing families to rethink how they travel, including daily trips to school.
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Public transportation
Vehicle maintenance workshop scheduled
Community Transportation Association of Idaho will partner with Valley Regional Transit in Boise and the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) to offer a unique training and certification program for vehicle maintenance managers and staff. The three-day training will be at VRT’s vehicle facility, 4788 S. Orchard St. in Boise, Oct. 19-21. The sessions, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., will cost $40 and include lunch all three days. An exam is scheduled at the conclusion of the three-day training; successful completion can lead to national certification through CTAA.