Frommer doesn’t let hearing impairment stop her in DMV Call Center

The photo above shows Frommer lying with her dog, Zoe, after the first day at ITD. Without special devices, Morgan said it was “exhausting” to try to listen and understand each caller.

New ITD employee Morgan Frommer, who has significant hearing impairment in both ears, is thriving in DMV’s Call Center due to a special device that cancels out the background noise, around both her and the caller, allowing Morgan to focus clearly on the customer’s request.

Frommer lost her hearing due to an auto-immune disease in 2015 at the age of 24. Rendered fully deaf by the disease, she had cochlear implants put in both ears in 2016 and 2017.

Cochlear implants work by implanting electrodes in the ear that capture sounds, bypass skin cells in the ear, and feed tones through tiny implanted microphones to replicate the sounds. It requires weeks of re-learning the brain’s responses. The implants work differently than hearing aids, which simply amplify sound.

“The regular earphones that employees use did not work for me, but the Audiolink uses Bluetooth and streams directly into my implants,” Frommer explained. “I rely heavily on this device.”

Frommer met with IT Manager Pete Palacios, IT Infrastructure Engineer Michelle Cobler and some DMV Managers to discuss the problem and come up with a solution. The answer was a pair of noise-cancelling headphones with a microphone Morgan could speak into.

“The Audiolink does not shut off background noise on the other end since it is just a microphone-type device,” Morgan explained. “However, we were able to come up with an answer.”

In short, Frommer sets the speakers on her computer to the headphone setting so it streams through her Audiolink to hear calls, and then sets the microphone on her jabber and teams to the headset, so that customers/counties can hear her talk back and not hear any background noise. The caller’s response is fed into her cochlear implants, but her response is fed through the microphone of the specific headset.

This story hits close to home for Palacios, who’s own father needed cochlear implants as an adult due to hearing loss.

“It totally opened up another world for him when he got the implants,” Palacios said. “My dad had become a recluse and had basically holed up inside his house because the outside world was so difficult for someone with no hearing, but he started to go out and live again after he had the surgery.”

Frommer said her own experience was very similar.

“I had childhood cancer at age 5 and a very complicated brain tumor wrapped around my brain stem,” Morgan explained. “They were able to remove it, but I had extensive amounts of radiation in the treatment. The radiation brought several side effects, like balance problems, short stature, etc. I had a little bit of hearing loss in one ear, but it wasn’t until just after college that it really hit.”

The radiation caused significant hearing loss in the right ear, but Morgan had grown up with only about 50% hearing in that ear. She adjusted, though, and grew up that way. When the autoimmune disease came, it wiped out all of the hearing on the left side as well, so she had to rely on very diminished hearing in the right ear only. But due to the type of disease, it fluctuated, so some days her left-side hearing came back fully.

“Some days, I was fully deaf, and on other days my hearing would come back almost completely. But it was all brand new to me and I didn’t know what was going on. I wouldn’t go to work, and I wouldn’t get out of bed some days. It was extremely frustrating. I had my family, husband, and friends, but I knew no one with a cochlear implant. I didn’t even know what one was!”

Frommer says she cried A LOT because she couldn’t even have a simple conversation with her husband, Troy.

The implants changed everything.

“It brought my hearing back and I was instantly happy again,” Frommer said. “I think it took three months for my brain to know what volume to hear things at again – when you first get activated, everything sounds loud and flushing a toilet sounds like Niagara Falls. Over time, with listening exercises, your brain learns the correct pitches of things and re-learns volume.”

One year later, the exact same thing happened to her right ear so she got implanted on that side as well.

“I still have some medical issues that arise, but at least I have my hearing, so that’s honestly all I care about. I love listening to music again. I love listening to the rain again and just having conversations with friends. I could talk about it for hours. I love life!”

Frommer, who came to ITD as a Technical Records Specialist 1 in September, was working as an engineer and then in supply chain movement before coming to the department. She volunteered with the help organization Hearpeers as a mentor back in Ohio before moving to Idaho. HearPeers pairs cochlear implant candidates with volunteers like Morgan, who have undergone the procedure and can answer questions about the surgery, recovery, the journey back, and any subsequent lifestyle changes that may be required.

“I love it at ITD because everyone is extremely helpful and I am not treated like a deaf person here. A lot of companies unfortunately don’t know what to do with a hearing-impaired employee. Even though I am fully deaf, I want to still feel valued and feel like I can make contributions or advancements in my job and feel confident in myself. ITD does a wonderful job of that for me.”

Terry Jacobsen retires after record-breaking 64 years of Idaho state service

District 5’s Carl “Terry” Jacobsen retired Nov. 16. 2022 after a record-breaking 64 years of service to the State of Idaho, all of it in Southeast Idaho and almost all of it in the D5 Lab. The lab was renamed in his honor several years ago when he hit the 60-year milestone, at which point he was already the all-time record-holder for years of public service in Idaho.

Then-Governor Butch Otter proclaimed it “Terry Jacobsen Day” throughout the state to mark the occasion in July 2018.

Most folks retire after 30 years or so of service. By that measure, Terry could have capped his career in the late 80’s, before the internet or cell phones even existed beyond the idea stage for some future billionaires working in their garage or dorm room.

Instead, he added another 30 years to his career!

Jacobsen actually started in April of 1958, but the clock didn’t officially start ticking until that summer. His first job was on Interstate 15 between Chubbuck Road and Fort Hall in the late 1950’s when the interstate was first being constructed. He joined the D5 Lab in 1984 and spent almost 40 years there.

Terry’s accomplishment is amazing, and we have been privileged to watch an incredible demonstration of service and loyalty.

“Terry has been a stalwart at ITD,” said D5 District Engineer Todd Hubbard. “He has seen a lot of things happen since he started with the department in April of 1958. He helped build the Interstate. Anybody that knew Terry knew that he was committed to his job. After 64 years and almost 134,000 hours of service, we say ‘thank you, Terry for a job well done!'”

Eastbound lane closure next week on I-84 near Declo for new POE

On Tuesday (Jan. 10), eastbound Interstate 84 will be reduced to one lane between mileposts 217 and 220. This closure will allow workers to relocate concrete barriers closer to the construction zone for the new Port of Entry (POE) facility east of Declo.

“These concrete barriers help create a buffer between vehicles traveling on the interstate and workers,” ITD Project Manager John Keifer said. “They play a key role in helping to safeguard our crews, but it’s important that motorists remember to drive engaged each time they get behind the wheel as well.”

Moving the barriers is expected to be complete in one day. Both westbound lanes will remain open while this work is underway.

The new POE location will facilitate more efficient trucking operations through advanced technology and will meet current federal compliance standards.

Elements of the new facility will include: new on- and off-ramps, support of utility infrastructure, scales with weigh-in-motion and automated vehicle identification technologies, video equipment, luminaries, signage and operations office buildings.

Motorists are advised to slow down, drive engaged and pay attention to signage in the area. Individuals can also check 511.idaho.gov for more information on road conditions and restrictions throughout the state.

Knife River is the general contractor on this project.

Longtime public servant Dwight Horsch steps away from Idaho Transportation Board

Dwight Horsch, who came to the Idaho Transportation Board in June 2011 and continued his service to the public for more than a decade, attended his final meeting as District 5’s representative to the board on Dec. 15, 2022.

Pictured above, from left to right: Chief Deputy/Chief Operations Officer Dan McElhinney, D4 District Engineer Jesse Barrus, D3 District Engineer Caleb Lakey, D5 District Engineer Todd Hubbard, Horsch, ITD Director Scott Stokes, and State Highway Engineer Blake Rindlisbacher celebrate Dwight’s 12 years of service on the Idaho Transportation Board.

“I want to sincerely thank Dwight for his years of dedicated service to the citizens of Idaho,” said Idaho Transportation Board Chairman Bill Moad. “It has been a privilege to work with him — his service, especially to those in southeastern Idaho where he has been representative this past decade, has been exemplary.”

Horsch helped mentor Moad when he first became chairman of the transportation board several years ago. “He reminded me that the small rural communities are equally as important as the metropolitan areas. The key is balancing the needs of the entire state to best serve all the citizens.”

When Horsch was appointed to the board (succeeding Neil Miller) in June 2011 by former Gov. Otter and confirmed by the Senate, his background included three terms in the House and a term in the Senate in his career with the Idaho Legislature. When those eight years finished, he returned to eastern Idaho and to farming.

As a lifelong farmer, Horsch understands the vital role transportation plays in Idaho’s economy. Without a good highway system, moving agricultural products to market would be severely impacted. Beyond the farm-to-market dynamic, transportation plays such a central role in everyday life that it is difficult to overestimate its importance. Whether its going to the store, to school, to work, or to recreate, roads and bridges are integral to the entire process. The transportation system is multi-modal as well, with freight and aviation interests also serving as part of the conversation.

Horsch is a veteran of the Idaho Air National Guard, attended the University of Idaho and later earned his degree in agribusiness from Kansas State University.

Horsch looks fondly on his dozen years on the board:

Highlights

I was fortunate to work with board members and ITD staff who are some of the brightest, most dedicated, energetic, creative minds in our state and in the nation.
When I first got on the board, the credibility level of the department was quite low with the Governor, legislature and the public in general. In my two terms, I witnessed a great reversal of that situation.
Due to this positive change, ITD received some terrific support and funding. Now some projects are being designed, bid and built that were pipe dreams 12 years ago.

Goals

When I was appointed by Governor Otter, he asked me to do what I could, working with fellow board members and leadership staff, to change the department’s image. Whatever part I played in that effort, it was wonderful to see it happen.
I honestly felt, during my legislative career and as an Idaho Transportation Board member, that one of the most conservative actions we could do was to build and maintain a very good transportation infrastructure. With the support of the legislature and both governors Otter and Little, that’s what’s happening. Not all of my wishes for the system are complete, but a great start is underway.
It was a great pleasure, as chairman of the subcommittee, to see the establishment of 129,000-pound truckload routes throughout Idaho. It took time and a great deal of input from road industry representatives, but we got it done, to the benefit of all.

To My Replacement

I am confident that my replacement will quickly realize they can trust the wisdom of fellow board members and staff leadership.
Take time to learn all the systems before diving in too deep. There is so much to learn. Orientation is helpful, but the entire department makeup is so all-encompassing that it takes time to let it all soak in. Even in my last year, I found myself having to rely upon others to help me understand the complexities and attain faith in some issues.

And Now For Some Fun

Kathy and I have rented out most of our farmland. I have retained some to keep my hand in the profession I have loved and to stay active. We are already making plans for traveling, camping and fishing. Our daughters, Holly and Tiffany, became the competent adults they are in part from growing up as farm kids, but they have found their own paths away from agriculture. My wife and I are confident that our tenants will continue to farm the land with the skill and devotion we have for the last half-century. Horsch Farms will live on. (Note: the farm is going into its 114th year, having started in 1909 by Dwight’s grandfather when he came from Germany and settled near Aberdeen, Idaho.)

What I Will Miss

I will fondly remember the great people I have been fortunate to meet and interact with during my tenure. Their intelligence, dedication and camaraderie will stay with me always. They have become some of my closest friends, and I will miss being with them on a regular basis. I count my time on the board as one of the blessings of my life.

ITD crews fixing potholes in East Idaho

EAST IDAHO – The Idaho Transportation Department is working to address potholes created by rapidly changing temperatures this winter. Recent snows followed by warm temperatures allows water to enter through cracks in asphalt. When that water freezes at night it can result in potholes forming on the surface of Idaho’s highways and freeways.

While winter maintenance typically focuses on keeping roads clear of snow, crews are also repairing potholes on I-15, within the city of Idaho Falls, as well as in other areas of the region.

D5 operations engineer Greydon Wright says, “The biggest area that we have been fighting them are on I-15 between Exit 93 (Blackfoot) and the Blackfoot Rest Areas.”

Similarly, D6 operations engineer Bryan Young reports they have been hard at work as well, “This week we have received numerous comments about the potholes in Idaho Falls. The Idaho Falls Maintenance Shed has successfully repaired the major potholes and will continue to repair the roadways as more potholes appear.” However, Young points out that repairs are weather dependent. So, drivers must still pay attention to avoid hitting a rough piece of pavement.

Patching during the winter consists of using a “cold patch” that is intended to be a temporary solution. Crews will return in the summer to perform more permanent repairs as needed. In addition, ITD has several projects scheduled this year to address older pavement throughout the region.

Idaho students show talents in annual Aviation Art Contest

Idaho students age 5 and up competed under the theme “Aviation Gets You There” in the annual Aviation Art Contest through the Idaho Division of Aeronautics.

Age-group winners (categories listed below) received the following awards/recognition:

First place winners:
- Invitation to ride in an airplane
- Copy of their artwork signed by our Governor
- Congratulatory letter
Second place winners:
- Receive $25 in art supplies
- Congratulatory letter
Runners-Up:
- Runners-Up and winners are featured in the 2023 Aviation Art Calendar

Artwork Categories by Age:
Age Group I: 5–6 years old WINNER
Age Group II: 7–9 years old WINNER
Age Group III: 10–12 years old WINNER
Age Group IV: 13–15 years old WINNER
Age Group V: 16–18 years old NO ENTRIES

See all of the winning artwork on the art contest webpage under the “Safety & Education” tab.

Applications for next year’s contest will be available in January 2023 from the Aeronautics webpage.

2023 Art Contest Announcement, Entry Form & Certificate of Authenticity

Plan for a Sober Ride Home on New Year’s Eve

BOISE — As Idahoans prepare to ring in the New Year, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) reminds revelers to have a plan for a sober ride home.

This weekend, ITD’s Office of Highway Safety (OHS) and law enforcement agencies across Idaho will work together to keep Idahoans safe from drunk and impaired drivers. Law enforcement officers from more than 50 agencies will dedicate patrols to getting impaired drivers off the roads.

“Our goal is to help Idahoans start the New Year safely by reminding them to make a plan to get a safe ride home,” said Highway Safety Manager Josephine Middleton.

In 2021, 108 people were killed in crashes that involved an impaired driver in Idaho. This represents 40 percent of all traffic fatalities that year.

While law enforcement will be on heightened watch for drivers under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, preventing crashes is a shared responsibility in our community.

“We want people to enjoy the holiday with family and friends, but we also want them around to enjoy all of 2023 as well,” Middleton said. “This is why it’s so important for everyone on the roads to do their part to put an end to impaired driving.”

Middleton offered the following tips for a safe New Year’s Eve:

Designate a sober driver or plan to use a ride service to get home safely.
Is it your turn to be the designated driver? Take that role seriously, and do not drink any alcohol. Your friends and family are counting on you.
If someone you know is about to drink and drive, take the keys away and help arrange a safe ride.
Always buckle up – it’s your best defense against impaired drivers.

Funding for extra patrols and overtime work focused on impaired driving enforcement is provided by a grant through the Idaho Office of Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

I-90 no longer closed in Post Falls

Dec. 29 at 3:30 p.m.

I-90 is back open.

Dec. 29 at 10 a.m.

Westbound I-90 is closed at milepost 4 west of the Spokane Street Interchange due to an incident. The Idaho Transportation Department is setting up a detour to route drivers around the incident via State Highway 41 and State Highway 53.

The detour is expected to be in place for a significant amount of time.

Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes and to check 511.idaho.gov for updates.

US-12 east of Kooskia now open under reduced avalanche risk

A sign along US-12 warns drivers of avalanche danger

U.S. Highway 12 east of Kooskia is now open. No avalanches reached the highway during the closure.

The gates at Fish Creek (milepost 126) and Saddle Camp Road (milepost 139) closed Monday afternoon. Avalanche specialists with ITD were on site today to help local maintenance crews assess conditions and check the closure.

“The risk is no longer considerable and nothing came down, so we can safely reopen the highway,” Operations Engineer Jared Hopkins said.

Monday, Dec. 26

Several miles of U.S. Highway 12 east of Kooskia will close today at 3 p.m. PT due to considerable avalanche hazard. It is unknown when the road will reopen.

The gates at Fish Creek (milepost 126) and Saddle Camp Road (milepost 139) will close, and ITD crews are working with the U.S. Forest Service to notify any recreationists or drivers within the corridor of the impending closure.

Avalanche specialists with ITD will be on site to help local maintenance crews reassess conditions and reopen the highway. Another release will be sent once a determination to open the road is made.

“The rapid upswing in temperatures in such a short time is concerning,” Operations Engineer Jared Hopkins said. “We will keep the road closed until it is safe to reopen. In the meantime, this will mean significant delays for holiday travelers between Idaho and Montana.”

The last avalanche to reach the highway was in January. A major storm triggered an avalanche and dropped trees, closing US-12 for roughly four days.

Download a photo of road signage from last year.

Drivers should use 511.idaho.gov to stay updated on road conditions.

Eight snowplows hit this season; ITD calls on drivers to be more cautious

Side-by-side images of a disabled plow on the side of the road.

So far this season across Idaho, drivers have caused eight crashes with snowplows. As more winter weather moves across the state, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) wants to remind drivers how to be safe around snowplows.

1. Never pass a plow on the right. Plows have a smaller wing plow that extends from the right side of the vehicle, which can be hard to see when the snow is flying. Drivers passing on the right and hitting the wing plow is the most common plow-related crash.
2. Give plows room to work and avoid their blind spots.
3. Be patient. The safest place to be is behind the plow.
4. Plows often work in tandem to clear multiple lanes. Never get in between the tandem plows.
5. If you are involved in a crash or stopped on the side of the road for any reason, please remain in your vehicle for your safety and for the safety of our plow operators.

The seventh and eighth crashes happened today in North Idaho, and both involved tandem plows. This morning on Interstate 90 in Coeur d’Alene, a driver got between two plows as they merged onto the highway. The driver then hit the brakes, forcing the second plow off the road to avoid a collision. Then around lunchtime on U.S. Highway 95 south of Athol, a driver passed the first plow on the left and then struck the second while trying to pass on the right.

Both plows are now out of service for the current storm.

“This issue affects everyone, not just the people involved in the crash. Every plow that is hit causes a domino effect making conditions worse,” said Operations Foreman Shannon Thornton. “There are fewer plows on the road to deal with the snow that is still falling, and our crews have to spend precious time recovering equipment instead of plowing.”

Last winter, there were 11 plow strikes, an increase from years past and a number that ITD does not want to repeat. Please be careful driving and mindful of our plows. Check 511.idaho.gov or the Idaho 511 App for road conditions before traveling. For more winter driving tips, visit itd.idaho.gov/travel.

*For real-time updates on plow strikes, visit ITD’s Facebook or Twitter pages.