From highways to quilts: KDOT employee uses engineering skills to design and create

Joyce Muhlenbruch meets with customers at her quilt shop, Birds of a Feather in Dodge City.

By Lisa Knoll,

Southwest Kansas 

Public Affairs Manager

Joyce Muhlenbruch, KDOT’s Area Construction Engineer in Dodge City, was recently featured in the Dodge City Daily Globe, but it wasn’t for her ability to highway engineering skills  It was for her ability and talent for designing and engineering breathtaking quilts.

Muhlenbruch says there were always quilting and sewing projects in their home when she was growing up in Hanoverton, Ohio.  She learned to sew by the time she was five and was quilting with the church ladies by the time she was in middle school. 

However, she didn’t make her first quilt until she was expecting her first child.  She decided to make a Raggedy Ann and Andy quilt with a denim back, which she hand-pieced and quilted herself. 

“I wanted to give him a gift that was part of me.  That denim was so hard to quilt.  My fingers hurt,” she remembers. 

When her second son was born five weeks early, she had to hand tie his quilt to finish it for him.  Muhlenbruch continued quilting as her boys grew up, primarily making baby quilts for friends, but always found herself changing or adding something to the pattern to make it uniquely hers. 

A quilt designed by Mulenbruch is
on display.

In 2010, Muhlenbruch accepted her current position at KDOT and moved to Dodge City.  Her boys had grown up and her husband, Michael remained in Winfield for two years wrapping up business.  With time on her hands, Muhlenbruch spent evenings at the sewing machine in her Dodge City apartment.  She joined Miss Kitty’s Quilt Guild and eventually began spending her Saturdays helping at Country Quiltin’ By Design, a quilt shop, in Plains.  When the opportunity to buy the shop became a possibility, Muhlenbruch and her sister, Leslie, began to consider how this could work, eventually buying and moving the shop to Dodge City.

Now located at Eryn’s Downtown Center at 509 N. 2^nd Ave. in historic Dodge City, the shop has been re-named Birds of a Feather Quilt Shop and is home to over 800 bolts of high-quality cotton fabric, thread, notion, patterns and a longarm quilting machine. 

 The shop also features quilts for sale and plenty of room for quilting classes and retreats.  An inviting seating area overlooks Second Avenue, offering customers a comfortable place to sit and contemplate the next quilt or just share tips and tricks.

Muhlenbruch stands in front of her storefront in Dodge City.

Leslie handles the store during the week while Muhlenbruch is busy with her KDOT job.  Muhlenbruch joins Leslie in the evenings and on the weekends and can usually be found at the longarm machine working on customers’ projects. As the only Quilts of Valor shop in Dodge City, Muhlenbruch hopes to be able to make one Quilt of Valor quilt each month.

Muhlenbruch says, “The best part of quilting is the engineering of the quilt. It’s more fun than engineering roads.  I get to use my creativity to adapt and design patterns.”

#IAMKDOT: Kade Cooper

This month’s #IAMKDOT focuses on Highway Maintenance Supervisor Kade Cooper. He started in spring 2004 at the KDOT Mankato Subarea, then went to the Area crew and in 2011, was named the Supervisor in Belleville.

Cooper appreciates his work environment. “You don’t find many places that you enjoy the company of the people you’re working with,” he said. “And I like the hours in the summer so I can spend more time with the kids.”

Cooper coaches the baseball team for his son, Andrew, and attends softball games for his daughter, Kinley. He and his wife, Jackie, like to take the kids camping when they can. And they have a few cattle on his father-in-law’s farm that they take care of.

Cooper and his crew members are out on the highways year-round with overlay projects, right of way maintenance and snow removal operations. Winter brings a busier schedule, he said, with keeping all the equipment running, planning repairs with the mechanics, scheduling shift when storms come up, making sure pot holes are patched and stay patched as well as other maintenance duties.

We’re very dependent on the weather, Cooper said, and plans can get changed quickly. “We live in Kansas, if you don’t like the weather, wait 15 minutes,” he joked.

Cooper has seen many improvements in work zone safety. “We’re very fortunate we have the tools we have for safety,” he said. Everything has a purpose – from the cones to the attenuators to the arrow boards to the people working in the lane. We’re out there for a reason.”

But motorists must pay attention and follow the signs. “There are times we’ve had close calls even with crash attenuators,” Cooper said. “Sometimes they’ll go around the attenuators and then try to get in the lane that we’re trying to block.”

When he’s not on the highway, Cooper assists co-workers and agency partners in various training efforts. Cooper is a certified bucket truck trainer throughout District Two. To work in a truck with a basket, employees must go through certification before they can do it by themselves. 

He also trains people for Traffic Incident Management. Cooper works with fire departments, local law enforcement, local utility companies and others to train people how to set up traffic control if there was an incident in their area. Then they can go back and train their staff, he said.

#IAMKDOT: Bonnie Hirsh

Stop by KDOT’s Dodge City Area Office and you’ll be greeted by Administrative Specialist Bonnie Hirsh.  

According to her co-workers, she’s always there with a smile and a desire to help. Hirsh has served as the Administrative Specialist in the Dodge City Area Office for just more than five years and fondly refers to her co-workers and the Subarea crews she works with every day as her family. 

Most days, Hirsh is busy processing payments, ordering parts and helping the crews with time card entries and other issues that need to be handled so the crews can do their work. She’s always willing to go the extra mile for those around her, whether it’s bringing treats for a celebration, or answering calls and updating road conditions during snow events.

In fact, her most memorable moment at KDOT has been the guys bringing her a sleeping bag one night, so she could catch a nap on the office floor during a snow event.  She says the best part of her job is her KDOT family and KDOT celebrations, like the summer barbecue and the Christmas party.

Hirsh graduated from Kinsley High School and attended Dodge City Community College. She enjoys spending time with her family, especially her granddaughter, Haddie. She also teaches religion classes at her church and enjoys reading mysteries, playing cards and cooking. 

Do you know a KDOT worker that deserves

recognition? Nominations are open - email Mallory.goeke@ks.gov today to get started.

Inside KDOT: Tracy Eaton has a hidden talent under the orange hat

Tracy Eaton, Equipment Operator for the Concordia Subarea

By Ashley Tammen, Public Affairs Manager for north central Kansas

When we think of the equipment operators here at KDOT we probably picture them in an orange vest and hat working hard on the roads but overlook their other skills, hobbies, or talents they may have. One of those hidden talents was found in District Two in Concordia.

Tracy Eaton's mixed media drawing of an angry snow plow moving snow, Snow Matter.

The Concordia Subarea employees and Supervisor, David Casper, discovered their coworker, Tracy Eaton, had been coming into work early every morning before getting to work so he could draw pictures. Tracy Eaton’s pictures were not just paper sketches that any person could draw but rather artistic artwork he had created of KDOT equipment and more. Tracy enjoys drawing and says he must have been born with his artistic talent because he’s drawn his whole life.  Although he has never taken art lessons, he did take 2^nd place in his high school art class!

Eaton's colored pencil drawing of a classic car. 

Tracy’s coworkers liked his pictures so much that they began asking him for specific drawings of the KDOT snow plows, cars, etc. Tracy keeps several sketch pads in the break room at work to draw in when he is on break.

#IAMKDOT: Ron Edwards

Jetmore Equipment Operator Senior Ron Edwards has experienced a lot during his 47 years with KDOT. In fact, he’s probably forgotten more about KDOT than most people remember and plowed more snow than most people see in a lifetime. 

Always willing to help others, he has led the way through the snow to the hospital when the ambulance couldn’t get through, flagged traffic throughout the night because of the weather or a car crash and helped stranded motorists change flat tires and jump start batteries. 

Known as a jack of all trades and the original “Mr. Fix It,” Edwards can build or repair almost anything. This includes the gazebo at the Jetmore City Pool, which Edwards built and paid for himself in memory of his daughter, Heather, who passed away at 14.

Edwards enjoys spending time with his family including his wife, Rosanne, and daughters, Morgan and Madison. When not helping his daughters with do it yourself and home improvement projects, Edwards enjoys fishing and polka music. 

Do you know a KDOT worker that deserves recognition? Email Mallory.Goeke@KS.gov today to get started.

Inside KDOT: Meet Melissa Rau, artist who brings history to life

Recently, Melissa Rau, a Program Consultant for KDOT's Bureau of Transportation Safety & Technology, Traffic Safety Unit, was featured in the news. Rau is a self-taught artist who creates life-life sculptures of historical figures and here is her story:

Melissa Rau is a Program Consultant for KDOT.
She also sculpts life-life works of art. 

My name is Melissa Rau and I’ve been working for the agency for almost two years. I am a self-taught artist and have had a life-long interest in many different forms of art, however, sculpture has become my main interest. 

I learned the skill of figure sculpting from my mother many years ago.  She specialized in the sculpting of 18-inch tall historic figures. A few years ago, I was asked by the Capper Foundation for Disabled Children to create a scene commemorating the 90th anniversary of the organization and it was my opportunity to create a life-sized historical figure of Arthur Capper. It was my first life-sized figure, and the foundation seemed pleased with the outcome. 

I was then commissioned to create other pieces such as Amelia Earhart, Wild Bill Hickok, James Naismith, Evel Knievel and my latest completed project, Mother Teresa.

Rau's sculpture of Amelia Earhart

Rau's sculpture of Cheyenne Warrior, Roman Nose

I have been recently commissioned to sculpt a famous Native American Cheyenne warrior by the name of Roman Nose. I have completed figures for museums and organizations such as the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, the Great Overland Station, the Capper  Foundation for Disabled Children, the Evel Knievel Museum, Fort Wallace Museum and the Mother Teresa Catholic Church.   

Rau's sculpture of Mother Theresa

Prior to starting each historical project, I surround myself with as many photos as I can. I commence hand-sculpting the faces, hands and feet. I make the bodies from metal and wire. I thoroughly research and hand-make the clothing or I incorporate antique pieces. Each historic figure may take up to twelve weeks to create.

 Each figure I create offers new design challenges and I like that. There’s a lot of internal construction that goes into my figures and I carefully contemplate each piece and contrive the internal design so that the finished product gives the exact look I’m targeting. The minute placement of the head, the hand gripping a weapon, folded arms, the exact placement of each foot, leg, arm, torso, everything goes into the body language of an individual and makes a profound statement about their personality and how they are perceived.

Rau's sculpture of Evel Kneivel can be seen
at the Evel Kneivel Museum in Topeka

I want my audience to understand the character of each person I create—what it would be like to meet them in person, what motivated and interested them and what made them significant to the history of our great country. 

In between historic projects, I create many whimsical pieces such as Santas, elves, Halloween figures, etc. and in many different sizes. One of my holiday “elf projects” can be viewed at Fairlawn Plaza Mall in Topeka during the month of November and December each year.

For more information about Rau's work, watch the news clip about her and read the article from KSNT here: 

#IAMKDOT: Augie Carrillo

On his way home after working all day at a project, Agustin “Augie” Carrillo, an Engineering Technician Senior for District 5 in Winfield, encountered a family stranded on the road. Instead of driving by, he stopped to make sure their flat tire was changed safely.

That’s the kind of person Augie is, co-workers say.

The family was so impressed that they took a photo with him. Augie was still wearing his safety vest.

“He gives 100 percent – there’s no doubt,” Engineering Technician Specialist Robin Gregory said.

Diligent beyond measure, Augie is known as an expert about asphalt labs, Gregory said.

He works well with contractors and “always keeps the project manager informed,” she said.

Augie is in his 19^th year at KDOT. His wife, Gianna, nominated him for #IAMKDOT, saying he is a “very hard worker and a wonderful husband and father.”

They have two children in their 20s, including a daughter who has Down Syndrome. Because of her, Augie “is an advocate for NOT using the R-word in a negative way,” Gianna said.

One of his biggest accomplishments involved the rebuilding of six bridges in two years. Augie was the inspector on site and also helped other employees with their senior progressions during that time.

During the bridge projects, Augie guarded over two killdeer nests until the eggs hatched and they left the nests.

Augie loves the Pittsburgh Steelers, fishing, hiking, camping and yard work – basically anything outdoors – and his 1964 Chevy truck.

#IAMKDOT: Sherri Hildebrandt

This months' #IAMKDOT feature gives hope to the homeless.

Take a walk around any KDOT work area and talk to people, and a common theme you’ll hear is that they’re here because they like improving lives for the people who use the roads, bike lanes and preservation areas KDOT builds and maintains.  For many employees, the sense of service extends beyond the workplace.  Sherri Hildebrandt, Administrative Specialist at District 1 Bonner Springs office, is an unassuming example of a personal commitment to making her community better.

“It makes me grateful to be part of something that makes someone’s life a little better,” Hildebrandt said.

Hildebrandt, a five-year KDOT veteran, serves at the Leavenworth Interfaith Shelter of Hope homeless shelter, where since 2014 she has been regularly working the night shift managing intake, supervising the floor, doing laundry or “whatever is needed” for the 15-20 people who sleep at the shelter each night.

She said she’s always felt called to serve.

Prior to working at KDOT, Hildebrandt worked with the Department of Children and Families, and was keenly aware of the needs of the unhoused in the community.

 “When I saw the need here, I knew I had to be part of the solution.”

In 2014, the shelter came together through donations and the leadership of several church and community organizations.

Sherri Hildebrandt prepares to open the Interfaith Shelter of Hope for the evening.  The shelter houses 15-20 homeless people each evening.

Hildebrandt says since beginning to serve as a volunteer at the shelter in 2014 and now in her part-time paid capacity, she’s met some incredibly resilient people and been part of several uplifting moments.  But it’s not always easy.

“It’s hard when you hear their stories sometimes,” she said.  “But the people who really need these services, they are the ones who help keep me going.”

At the same time, she said, serving in that sector makes her grateful.

“These are people living day to day,” she said.  “It’s easy to walk by them. But you never know what tomorrow could bring, it could easily be you or your family. 

Hildebrandt has seen some of the success stories during her time serving at the shelter. She’s seen people work through extremely difficult struggles to finish their education, get housing, and get jobs to support their family.  For her, these are why she says it’s important for her to serve.

“I love seeing people whose lives are a little better because of what we’re doing there.”

Linda Martin, Shelter of Hope director, says having Sherri on staff provides just the right mix of component supervision and compassion.

“She is one of the reasons our shelter is so successful,” Martin said.

Hildebrandt encourages everyone to consider getting involved locally in any capacity they feel able to serve. 

“It’s eye-opening,” she said. “It definitely makes me think twice before I judge anyone.”

Hildebrandt says she would describe herself as a volunteer and professional. She is a mother and her grandchildren call her Noni. She is a sister and a friend, she loves to shop and she is dedicated and compassionate.

#IAMKDOT: Larry Kjellberg

This month’s #IAMKDOT is Larry Kjellberg, a Highway Maintenance Supervisor for the Ness City Subarea. 

Kjellberg began his career at KDOT as a temporary employee during the summer of 1980.  He returned to KDOT in as an Equipment Operator I in 1981.  He was promoted to Equipment Operator II in September 1985, Equipment Operator Senior in 2003, Equipment Operator Specialist in 2010 and was promoted to Highway Maintenance Supervisor for the Ness City Subarea last year. 

With more than 35 years of experience, Kjellberg has many memorable moments with KDOT, but says his favorite part of the job is the winter snow plow season because that’s when he really gets to help people – and help he has. 

He’s helped stranded motorists change tires and located and returned a lost cell phone.  He’s helped in several life-saving efforts to transport patients to hospitals during blizzards. Kjellberg earned a KDOT Orange Hero award for his efforts.

When a patient from the Tribune/Leoti area needed to be transferred to Hays, Kjellberg met the ambulance at the county line and plowed the way for them to the Rush County line where the next snow plow driver waited to escort the ambulance on to Ellis County.  Not too long after, Kjellberg got the call again.  The Ness City hospital needed help transferring a patient to Hays during a snow storm.  Kjellberg met the ambulance again and led the way to the Rush County Line where the LaCrosse team took over.

Kjellberg and his wife Wendi have four kids, Amber (Dighton), Becca (Kinsley) Chelsey (Dighton) and Lucas (Ness City) and five grandkids.  When not at work, Kjellberg enjoys spending time with his children and grandkids, but especially enjoys fishing with his grandkids, and hunting and trapping with his son, Lucas.  Those close to him would say that he is a trustworthy, honest and sincere role model.

#IAMKDOT: Gelene Savage

This month’s #IAMKDOT feature is Gelene Savage. Gelene is the Managing Attorney for KDOT’s Office of Chief Counsel.  Gelene began her career with KDOT as a Law Clerk while still in law school in 1991.  She was hired as a Staff Attorney after passing the bar exam in 1992, and has been with the agency for 26 years.

 She has served as OCC’s main Litigation Attorney for several years, defending lawsuits of every nature brought against the agency.  Gelene is well-known throughout KDOT for presentations she makes on safety, risk management and other topics of interest to employees in the Districts.  She makes it a point to stop at any nearby Subarea or Area offices whether she is travelling on agency or personal business. 

Gelene is well-respected by judges and other lawyers throughout the state for her professionalism in the defense of KDOT.  She is very proud to tell other counsel, “I am KDOT,” so it is fitting that she was nominated by her co-workers for the #IAMKDOT campaign.  A graduate of Kansas State University, Gelene is a Wildcats football fan, particularly during the last four years when her nephew, Logan, played for the Wildcats.  She is “Aunt Genie” to many nieces and nephews. When not at work, Gelene also enjoys gardening.

#IAMKDOT is an illustration project that recognizes KDOT employees who work hard to keep Kansans moving. This series also serves as a reminder for travelers to slow down and remember that underneath those neon vests are individuals with families, friends and hobbies waiting for them at home.

Do you know a KDOT worker that deserves recognition? Nominations are open! Email Mallory.Goeke@KS.gov today to get started!