MISSION Accomplish the-The district assesses sites for potential alternate care facilities - US Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District
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Serving the St. Paul District since 1977
Summer 2020 | Vol. 46, No. 2
Accomplish
the
MISSION
-The district assesses sites for
potential alternate care facilities
Page 4
-Cameron takes the reins of
operations division
Page 9
®
U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers
St. Paul District
CROSSCURRENTS
Summer 2020 | Volume 46, Issue 2 |2
(Cover) Scott Snelling, Contents
St. Paul District civil engineer,
conducts an alternate care facility The district assesses sites for potential alternate care facilities 4
site assessment in northeast
Minnesota, March 31. Corps Posturing to telework during COVID-19 5
staff provided planning and
assessments for the possible Keeping the Mississippi open 7
conversion of existing buildings
into alternate care facilities. Encouraging responsible recreation 8
USACE photo by Patrick Moes
Cameron takes the reins of operations division 9
Maj. Gen. Toy visits the district during pandemic 10
Sandbagging in a race against high water at Lock 3 11
Crosscurrents is an unofficial publication authorized under the provisions of
AR 360-1. It is published quarterly for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Corps completes winter maintenance at Lock and Dam 4 12
Paul District. Views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the
Department of the Army or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Peer supporters step up in crisis 13
Articles and photography submissions are welcome. Submissions may Onboarding continues during Continuity of Operations Plan 13
be mailed or emailed. Submissions should be in Microsoft Word format. Civil Servants of the Year announced 14
Photos should be at least 5 in. x 7 in. at 300 dpi.
Around the District 16
The mission of Crosscurrents is to support the commander’s internal
information program for the St. Paul District and its stakeholders. New co-workers during COVID-19 17
Crosscurrents also serves as the commander’s primary communication
tool for accurately transmitting policies and command philosophy to the St. News and Notes 18
Paul District community and its customers.
District Commander | Col. Karl Jansen
Public Affairs Chief | Shannon Bauer
Crosscurrents editor | Melanie Peterson Catch up on all of the past
Contributing authors | George Stringham Crosscurrents issues online at:
| Patrick Moes https://www.mvp.usace.army.mil/Media/Crosscurrents/
| Nayelli Guerrero
Address all inquiries to:
Editor, Crosscurrents
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
180 Fifth Street East; Suite 700
St. Paul, MN 55101-1678
(651) 290-5679 |cemvp-pa@usace.army.mil
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CROSSCURRENTS
Summer 2020 ||Volume
Volume46,
46,Issue
Issue22 |3
Comments From The Top: A message from Col. Karl Jansen
MVP Teammates, initial limitations with network conversions. In a two week pe-
access and continued challenges riod, our teams traveled all over
The vision of the U.S. Army with work-family balance, our staff the state and eastern North Da-
Corps of Engineers is to engineer have adapted quickly. They have kota by car, plane and helicopter,
solutions for the nation’s toughest leveraged a suite of software and and assessed a total of 54 sites
challenges. Paramount to this electronic communication tools to – a momentous effort! Minneso-
vision is ingenuity and a can-do conduct virtual team collaboration ta is currently converting one of
attitude from a world-class team and public communication in or- these sites to an ACF and remain
who exemplifies the Corps’ motto, der to maintain program delivery postured to convert others should
Essayons!, French for “Let Us momentum. To a large degree, the need arise as the pandemic
Try.” In peacetime and in war, the we have remained on track with continues to evolve.
Corps has risen to the occasion meeting many important project
when the Nation calls. Undoubt- activities and milestones, which is Perhaps most impressive is the
edly, the Corps answered the a testament to the dedication of district’s ability to continue deliv-
call again during the onset of the our team. ering mission essential functions
COVID-19 pandemic. without missing a beat. The pan-
The spread of COVID-19 also demic coincided with the spring
The army is in the leadership threatens to overwhelm health- melt and start of the navigation
business, and a core function of care systems across the coun- and recreation season. Despite
leadership is solving problems. I try. Anticipating the challenge, the COVID-19 disruption, our
consider every teammate in the Corps leaders developed simple, emergency management teams
St. Paul District a leader at their standard solution for expanding remained connected with com-
level. Effective leaders anticipate COVID and Non-COVID care. munities contending with flood
a challenge, develop a solution The Corps leveraged a central risk and our operations division
and aggressively make it hap- center of expertise to develop adjusted approaches to keep the
pen. From protecting our force, designs and other planning mate- navigation channel fully open for force protection. As we gradu-
to preparing alternate health care rials to convert hotels and arenas commerce and recreation sites ally migrate back to the office,
facilities, to maintaining our mis- to health care facilities and ex- partially open to visitors. We owe resume travel and fully open our
sion essential functions, St. Paul ported these materials to each a debt of gratitude to our dedi- recreation sites in the coming
District leaders have delivered district for possible implementa- cated field staff who juggle chal- weeks and months, Accepting
in this challenging and uncertain tion in their respective areas of lenging family situations with the personal responsibility, Commit-
period. responsibility. necessity to be in the field doing ting to safety, and Taking per-
what they do best for the country. sonal initiative (ACT) will ensure
In mid-March, school closures Our district quickly partnered with our safety so we can continue
and stay at home orders prompt- the state of Minnesota, formed Whether in an office setting, sup- serving our fellow Americans.
ed a swift activation of our Conti- four alternate care facility, ACF, porting an alternate care facility, This is what BUILDING STRONG
nuity of Operations Plan (COOP) assessment teams and estab- or working in the field, the Corps and Taking Care of People is all
to transition the majority of our lished a robust reachback team of Engineer Safety and Occu- about!
district and field office staff from to rapidly assess potential ACF pational Health Management
an office setting to a virtual work sites and develop the necessary System, CE-SOHMS, continues Thanks for all you do!!
environment at home. Aside from designs and cost estimates for to guide our number one priority:
CROSSCURRENTS
Summer 2020 | Volume 46, Issue 2 |4
The district assesses sites for potential alternate care facilities
Story by Melanie Peterson
T
he St. Paul District per- care facility mission. He said this Clay Tallman, project manager,
formed 54 site assessments involved participating on site was the alternate care facility
across Minnesota and east- assessment teams, contributing assessment team lead for the
ern North Dakota from March 27 to the report writing process and district’s Minnesota response.
to April 8 to support a nationwide reviewing the completed reports Tallman said the team worked in
FEMA mission assignment to for consistency. As technical lead conjunction with the Minnesota
convert existing large spaces part of his role was to stay en- Department of Health, state fire
into community alternate care gaged with the lessons learned marshal, regional healthcare
facilities to augment COVID-19 by other Corps districts as they providers, emergency manag-
response efforts. built out their alternate care facil- ers, local representatives (fire
ities. and police departments, sheriff’s
The district worked closely with office and building officials) and
state partners on this initial plan- Snelling said, the alternate care the Minnesota National Guard.
ning effort. Potential facilities in- facility model was structured
cluded existing long-term health around the template developed Tallman said it was incredibly
care facilities, school dorms, in New York City to convert the fast-paced and important to get
correctional facilities, hotels and Javits convention center into a the best information possible
convention centers. During the temporary healthcare facility. He out to decision makers to help
site assessments, task members said, the alternate care facility is Minnesotans be in the best pos-
assessed the facilities for: struc- a valuable risk mitigation tool for sible position.
tural soundness, square footage, the region, even if it is not ulti-
potential bed capacity, potential mately needed. “It’s an honor and an incredi-
isolation space, electrical and ble responsibility to be able to
communication capabilities, “I was proud to be a part of the participate in this. We had an
availability of back-up generators, St. Paul alternate care facility amazing team of professionals
adequate plumbing and HVAC team,” said Snelling. “It was that assembled the information
systems, the feasibility of creat- truly impressive to see the team that we gathered at the sites
ing a negative-pressure environ- complete approximately fifty site and put it into a format that
ment to contain germs, safety assessments in less than two made sense to enable smart
codes and compliance with the weeks, including completing the decision-making,” said Tallman.
Americans with Disabilities Act. reports and construction cost es- “Seeing firsthand how our district
timates for each site. I feel grate- learned, adapted and excelled Clay Tallman, project manager, reviews
Scott Snelling, civil engineer, ful that I was able to contribute to in such a critically important a facility in South Central Minnesota
served as the technical lead for such an important mission.” mission truly makes me proud during an alternate care facility site
assessment, April 1. USACE photo by
the district’s Minnesota alternate of our organization.” Patrick Moes
CROSSCURRENTS
Summer 2020 | Volume 46, Issue 2 |5
Posturing to telework during COVID-19
Story by Shannon Bauer
L
ife changed abruptly this What’s more, with schools and To be able to
past spring with the advent of a number of daycare facilities effectively op-
COVID-19. closed, many employees found erate, White
themselves faced with trying to said, district
The week of March 9 and pri- both work at home and homes- staff also had
or, an average of 1 percent of chool and/or take care of small to embrace
the district’s workforce could be children. a number of
found teleworking on any partic- new technol-
ular day – maybe more on Friday As a response to the pandemic, ogies previ-
– but by the end of the following the district activated its Continu- ously avail-
week, roughly 50 percent of the ity of Operations Plan, or COOP, able yet not
district (95 percent of the office March 17 and was able to rapidly widely used
staff) started working from home. adapt to a virtual environment. to include the
Phil White, readiness chief, said use of video
the district’s ability to do this and conferencing
accomplish both its day-to-day and collabora-
missions, as well as a FEMA tion software.
mission assignment involving “These tools
the assessment of alternate care have allowed Kim Warshaw, project manager, and her daughter, work
facilities (see story, Page 4), is a us to meet as from home. Students were sent home for distance learning
because of COVID-19. USACE courtesy photo
testament to the district’s profes- a team and
sionalism and capabilities. keep work- centers. “Unfortunately, when
ing,” White said. “Initially there approaching 3,500 connections at
He credited the district’s success were some hardships with the each center, we experienced deg-
to a number of things, including Virtual Private Network, or VPN, radation of service,” he explained.
quickly adjusting telework and but I think the information tech- “As there was a significant de-
human resource policies, em- nology staff quickly and adeptly mand for more service, the Corps
bracing technology, empowering fixed the problems.” temporarily, within a week, added
supervisors to make a number another 10,000 connections to
of decisions they might normally Nick Glatz, information technol- each center, as well as made
not make and leveraging relation- ogy chief, said the VPN capac- several infrastructure improve-
ships with employees to quickly ity for the Corps at the time the ments, to get everyone working.”
Brad LaBadie, Eau Galle park rang- get everyone moving in the same COOP was activated, was for
er, works from his home office during direction. approximately 10,000 concurrent Story continued on Page 6
COVID-19. USACE courtesy photo VPN connections run out of two
CROSSCURRENTS
Summer 2020 | Volume 46, Issue 2 |6
Story continued from Page 5 “An important part of work is the said Derek Ingvalson, planning.
connection that employees have “Both my wife and I are trying to
With large numbers of staff tele- with their organization and their work 8 hours a day, while taking
working, internal communication peers,” said Lt. Col. Pat Sullivan, care of two Pre-K children and
became even more important. deputy commander. “It was the teaching curriculum assigned to
Readiness staff created a clear- intent of district leadership to our school-aged child. One of us
inghouse of COVID-19 informa- make sure everyone was doing works, while the other watches
tion on its internal COOP page, okay at home, because this is a the kids and plays teacher. She
the district’s commander and difficult and unprecedented ex- gets up to start work at 4:30 a.m.,
public affairs staff began provid- perience for our workforce and and I usually do not go to bed un-
ing regular updates via email and society as a whole. Some of the til 11 or 12 at night. Despite being
video, and divisions began host- different organizations have been home with my wife all day, we
ing all-hands meetings. very creative in trying to create typically do not get to have more
these con- than a couple of hours of quality
nections time together.”
virtually.
There have Camie Knollenberg, plan forma-
been vir- tion branch chief, said, “I’ve really
tual coffee enjoyed some of the distractions
Michelle Larson, engineer, with a
breaks, that have occurred during video door and wall her son built into her
all-hands conferences. My favorite was home office, located in the family
meetings to when the presenter’s daughter room. USACE courtesy photo
get informa- gave him some jellybeans during
tion out to his very serious talk on hydro- his Australian Shepherd Ginger
everyone power,” she said. “He didn’t miss thinks having him home “is the
and virtu- a beat. He said, ‘Oh, jellybean greatest thing ever!”
al happy delivery, thanks very much,’ and
hours he popped them in his mouth.” The district’s next steps include
among oth- “On that same conference, a refining a reconstitution plan for
er things.” participant kept trying to contrib- when and how individuals will re-
ute, but each time the baby was turn to work. There is also a task-
What the screaming,” she continued. “He force working on ensuring that
district switched to using the chat func- district staff have enough per-
could not tion after that.” sonal protection equipment, for
assist with, those who can’t social distance
howev- A number of perks to teleworking, because of their duties such as
er, was however, have included a shorter the Dredge Goetz crew.
childcare. commute, a more casual dress
Terry Zien, program manager, works from his dining room “It is very code and happier dogs. Barry
table after the majority of employees were sent to work from difficult,” Simmonds, safety chief, said,
home. USACE courtesy photo
CROSSCURRENTS
Summer 2020 | Volume 46, Issue 2 |7
Keeping the Mississippi open
Story by Melanie Peterson
W
hile the COVID-19 pandemic changed
much of what we once considered normal,
our operations staff worked to keep com-
merce moving on the Mississippi River to accom-
plish the navigation mission. Whether it’s the lock
and dam staff locking boats through or the Dredge
Goetz getting equipment ready to start dredging,
the Mississippi remains open.
Brian Kruase, captain/master of the Dredge
Goetz, said the team is taking COVID-19 extreme-
ly serious. “We are constantly sanitizing all ves-
sels and projects. Our crew has been utilizing N95
facial masks and rubber gloves. Daily safety brief-
ings are also being held,” said Krause. The team
is deemed mission critical due the fact that barges
are still pushing through the district and are carry-
ing goods to help keep the country operating.
(above) Matt Platteter, master tender operator/
leverman, prepares the Dredge Goetz for the
2020 dredging season. USACE courtesy photo
Dale Rud, 3rd assistant engineer, sanitizes door (left) A towboat with barges passes through
handles on the Dredge Goetz to prepare for the lock and dam 4 near Alma, Wisconsin. During
2020 dredging season. USACE courtesy photo the COVID-19 pandemic locks and dams con-
tinued to operate with minimal staffing. USACE
courtesy photo
CROSSCURRENTS
Summer 2020 | Volume 46, Issue 2 |8
Encouraging responsible recreation
Megan Severson, natural resource specialist,
demonstrates 6-foot social distancing at
Winnibigoshish Dam Recreation Area. USACE
courtesy photo
Due to COVID-19, Nicole Baker, natural resource
specialist, posts a playground closed sign at Gull
Lake Recreation Area. USACE courtesy photo
Courtney Kinnett, Sandy Lake park ranger, created
a virtual nature scavenger hunt for an after-school
program in McGregor, Minnesota. The students ob-
served nature using their five senses and ended the
week getting their hands dirty and planting their own
seeds. Courtney made bags with the supplies and
booklet then posted on Facebook/Google Classroom
during the program with them. USACE courtesy
photo
Andrew Buell, maintenance worker, shows his Gull Lake rangers use personal protective
wing span at Pokegama Dam Recreation Area. equipment and social distancing while picking
USACE courtesy photo up trash for Earth Day. USACE courtesy photo
CROSSCURRENTS
Summer 2020 | Volume 46, Issue 2 |9
Cameron takes the reins of operations division
Story by Melanie Peterson
I
n April, the St. Paul District degree in civil engineering form much thought to the fact that and private lands. Additionally,
welcomed its first female chief the University of Minnesota and a she is the first female chief of she is on the board of Minnesota
of operations, Tamara Camer- master’s degree in public admin- operations, she just knew that it polocrosse, polocrosse is a com-
on. No stranger to the St. Paul istration from Troy University. She was one of the best jobs in the bination of polo and lacrosse.
District Corps of Engineers or to began her career as an envi- Corps. “I grew up on a farm with
operations, Cameron has been ronmental engineer for the U.S. no brothers,” said Cameron, Cameron and her husband, Tim
with the district since 2002 and Navy and served in Okinawa, “whatever the work was, I did it. Anderson, are both from Minne-
has been deputy chief of opera- Japan, as an environmental engi- We didn’t go get extra help. I’ve sota and have been married for
tions since 2016. neer for the U.S. Marine Corps. always been focused on hard 27 years. They have a 21-year
work and determination.” old son.
Cameron has a background in It was working for the Federal
engineering with a bachelor’s Highway Administration as a proj- It was on the family farm where On her selection as chief of oper-
ect development engineer that Cameron came to share her ations, Cameron said, “I am hon-
brought Cameron back to Min- mother’s passion for horses. ored, and I do feel a responsibility
nesota. “People from Minnesota, Horses are still her hobby and to do well and to not disappoint
they always find their way back have been a way to connect with the leaders that have believed in
home,” said Cameron. Cameron the community. She volunteers me and supported my journey to
worked in a predominantly male for Courage Kenny Riders, a division chief.”
field until she came to the regu- horseback riding program for
latory branch in St. Paul District. youth and children with disabili-
In regulatory she worked as a ties. She has volunteered there
project manager for special proj- for 15 years and enjoys seeing
ects and became the regulatory the transformation of the kids
branch chief in 2009. from the first session to the last.
Cameron said, being a female Cameron’s community involve-
in a male-dominated field like ment also includes volunteering
engineering has helped her to with her county’s mounted patrol,
be successful. “I’ve had to work which includes supporting the
harder; I have to try to exceed sheriff’s office with search and
expectations. I was lucky to have rescue operations, participating in
a lot of good mentors, starting in parades and visiting schools. She
college, that provided me with is part of a local trail riding club,
Tamra Cameron, the district’s new support and encouragement.” Grant trail rangers, which advo- Cameron, chief of operations, volun-
chief of operations. USACE courtesy Cameron said she hadn’t given cates for trail networks on public teers with county’s mounted patrol.
photos USACE courtesy photo
CROSSCURRENTS
Summer 2020 | Volume 46, Issue 2 | 10
Maj. Gen. Toy visits the district during pandemic
Story by George Stringham
M
ississippi Valley Division During his brief visit, Maj. Gen. tions conducted in support of the oping and maintaining an all-in-
Commander Maj. Gen. Toy toured the district’s Readi- response to COVID-19. clusive site where employees
Mark Toy visited the St. ness Operations Center, where could find information surround-
Paul District April 14 to meet first he observed recent technology “I want to commend each and ing current events.
hand with St. Paul District staff, upgrades and received a brief every one of you for your extraor-
The Adjutant General of the Min- on the district’s response to dinary efforts during this time of Division and district staff then met
nesota National Guard, Minne- COVID-19 and other activities. ever-changing events,” Toy said. with the Minnesota Department of
sota’s emergency management Rounding out the briefing, the “Your efforts Homeland
personnel and other partners division commander presented to both the Security
coordinating COVID-19 response his command coin virtually to four public and and Emer-
efforts across the region. individuals who had been instru- your fellow gency
mental in the successful opera- co-workers Manage-
hasn’t gone ment lead-
unnoticed. ership in
As I say, We the state’s
are Taking emergency
Care of Peo- operations
ple.” center,
where Maj.
Nathan Gen. Toy
Wallerstedt saw much
and Clay Maj. Gen. Toy meets with director Joe Kelly, of where
Tallman Minnesota Department of Homeland Security the state
of project and Emergency Management during his visit coordi-
manage- on April 14. USACE photo by George nates their
ment were Stringham COVID-19
recognized for the execution of response efforts and discussed
52 alternate care facilities, or potential ACFs. Toy also met with
ACF, assessments in Minnesota Joe Kelly, the state’s Homeland
and North Dakota; Kevin Hanson Security and Emergency Man-
for his expertise in developing a agement director where more
COVID-19 dashboard integrated detail was discussed about the
within the district’s regular emer- coordination that had been con-
Maj. Gen. Toy presents a commander’s coin virtually to Clay Tallman, gency management dashboard; ducted at the federal and state
project management, during his visit to the district office on April 14. USACE and Kristin Kosterman for devel- levels.
photo by George StringhamCROSSCURRENTS
Summer 2020 | Volume 46, Issue 2 | 11
Sandbagging in a race against high water at Lock 3
Story by Nayelli Guerrero
I
n early March, Corps staff filled more than 50 percent likely to stated that additional cost-saving
sandbags at Lock and Dam exceed the lock walls. Corps measures are being considered,
3 near Red Wing, Minnesota, staff prepared for the worst by including water barriers, more
in anticipation of spring flood- securing 75 feet of plywood to concrete jersey barriers and a
ing. With water predicted to rise the lock’s hand railing, installing permanent structure to protect
above the lockwall, personnel concrete and plastic jersey barri- the pier house island.
from several lock and dam sites ers and filling 12,000 sandbags.
assisted with flood mitigation “Our goal is to mitigate the effect Even with the machine, the
efforts. of high water on lock infrastruc- sandbagging process was labor
ture as much as possible,” said intensive. Ten employees filled
For the past two years, the Na- Tim Tabery, Lock and Dam 3 each bag half to three-quarters
tional Weather Service predicted lockmaster. full, to allow room for the sand
that the Mississippi River was to settle. Once filled, the 30-40
In any flood year, the majority of pound sandbags were stacked
sandbags at Lock and Dam 3 are on pallets and moved by forklift to
dedicated to protecting the first the storage area, ready for place-
concrete pier house. Situated be- ment.
tween the lock and the dam, the
island on which the pier house is This year’s flood mitigation pro-
constructed must be fortified with cess was time consuming and
8,000 to 10,000 sandbags to pre- required many hands. Tabery
vent the pier house from eroding said he remains grateful for the
and washing away in a flood. The contributions of Corps employees
pier house contains electricity Troy Frank, Lock and Dam 8, was to Lock and Dam 3 flood prepa-
that powers the dam, as well as a one of the volunteers who helped ration efforts. “I’d like to thank my
stairway to get across the bridge fill 6,000 sandbags in just two days. colleagues from up and down the
and move the gates. USACE photo by Melanie Peterson river who helped us prepare for
ing a sandbag-filling this year’s flood season.”
This year’s sandbagging process machine from the neighboring
was more efficient than usual. Prairie Island nuclear power
Last year Corps staff filled sand- plant. Not only did the machine
bags at Lock and Dam 3 through- reduce labor hours, time and
Judy Denzer, Lock and Dam 4 lock- out the entire month of March. injury risk, it eliminated the need
master, fills sandbags at Lock and This year, staff filled 6,000 sand- to manually fill sandbags with
Dam 3 near Red Wing, Minnesota. bags in just two days by borrow- shovels and PVC tubes. Tabery
USACE photo by Melanie PetersonCROSSCURRENTS
Summer 2020 | Volume 46, Issue 2 | 12
Corps completes winter maintenance at Lock and Dam 4
Story by Nayelli Guerrero
S
t. Paul District, recently with three coats of vinyl paint. tows attempt to maneuver into a tering the lock chamber. With
completed scheduled winter “This type of rehabilitative work is 110-foot wide lock. Currents are dewatering delayed until 2021,
maintenance on Lock and critical to maintain infrastructure stronger during high water flows, operations management decided
Dam 4 near Alma, Wisconsin. that is over 80 years old,” said especially when the dam’s gates to go ahead with rehabilitating
The Corps’ maintenance and Judy Denzer, Lock and Dam 4 are raised. If tows overcorrect, the valves and wall in order to
repair section from Fountain lockmaster. they come into contact with the improve navigation safety. Shortly
City, Wisconsin, began work in lock structure. after maintenance completion,
December 2019 and finished in On the lock wall, the team demol- the Corps reopened the lock to
March 2020. ished a large section of concrete The project was originally sched- allow tows to travel north to St.
and installed a new section of uled to take place after dewa- Paul.
The team rehabilitated the lock’s armor plating on the Wisconsin
four tainter valves, using a crane side of the Mississippi River. The
to remove the valves from the maintenance work fixed damage
bottom of the lock walls. The that occurs throughout the navi-
project included sandblasting gation season when tows enter-
and painting the tainter valves ing the lock southbound come
into contact
with the upper
wall, damaging
its armor plate
and the bull
nose, the part
of the structure
separating the
lock from the
dam.
High water
during last
year’s navi-
gation season
contributed
to damage The team preps one of the tainter valve pits in order to remove the tainter
Maintenance and repair staff work on the tainter valve that occurs as valve. The work was performed by the maintenance and repair section as
rehabilitation at Lock and Dam 4 near Alma, Wisconsin. part of the tainter valve rehabilitation at Lock and Dam 4 near Alma,
105-foot wide Wisconsin. USACE courtesy photo
USACE courtesy photoCROSSCURRENTS
Summer 2020 | Volume 46, Issue 2 | 13
Peer supporters step up in Onboarding continues during
crisis Continuity of Operations Plan
Story by Jane Mathison, Emily Kostner and Jon Sobiech Story by Shannon Bauer
W C
e’ve all had to adjust ivilian personnel hasn’t
to a new, albeit tem- missed a beat as a result
porary, “normal” since of the COVID-19 pandem-
COVID-19 began to affect the ic. Although all of the staff are
way we do business. Regardless teleworking, they managed to
of if you work in an office or on a onboard 25 new employees since
job site, are a supervisor or not, March 17, when the district acti-
things have changed. The safer- vated its Continuity of Operations
at-home and social distancing Plan for a pandemic.
directives are working to slow
the spread of the virus but also “We haven’t seen a decrease in
causing a connection deficit that staffing needs,” said Abby Han- Abby Hansen, civilian personnel
could likely intensify stress levels sen, civilian personnel chief. “It’s chief. USACE photo by Emily
The CISM logo. USACE courtesy Chavolla
and affect physical and emotional graphic been just as busy.”
health. The St. Paul District Criti- places for individuals to get their
cal Incident Stress Management pass more quickly. We want to She said the office is doing every- fingerprints taken, when a lot of
team, or CISM, can provide infor- ensure that our fellow Corps em- thing it needs to do for managers the usual places aren’t providing
mation about stress and ways to ployees are doing well by helping and new personnel virtually. “This services. Hansen said the securi-
cope. them process through normal really isn’t new for us, though, be- ty staff has had to call around and
reactions to abnormal events, like cause we are a district with many find some workarounds.
CISM provides confidential and a pandemic. field sites,” she said. “We’ve al-
discreet peer support in response ways done it this way for the field. Many of the new hires have come
to stressful work environments For more information, contact It is new for a lot of district office into the office just long enough to
or incidents. A CISM Team is a Jane Mathison, Emily Kostner or hiring managers, however, so it’s get a CAC and a computer and
group of peer supporters, Corps Jon Sobiech. been a change for them.” then went home to begin work
employees representing all mis- with training taking place virtually.
sion areas, who have undergone Crisis Text Line: Text “hello” to What can’t be done now, such “In my own office, I’ve had two
special training to assist their 741741 for discreet and confiden- as physicals and drug testing new employees start, and we’ve
fellow employees. Our goal is tial help. required for some positions, done a number of things to get
to lessen the overall impact of she said, is being deferred until them up and running,” she said.
stress and accelerate recovery. a later date. The positions are “I think we’ve used every virtual
It has been proven that through contingent upon completion of tool available to provide them
the understanding and support of those items when available. The the training and instruction they
peers, feelings of stress usually biggest hurdle has been finding need.”CROSSCURRENTS
Summer 2020 | Volume 46, Issue 2 | 14
Civil Servants of the Year announced
Paul Tom Novak Paul Johnson
Machajewski project management engineering and
channels and harbors construction
Leadership
Customer Service Excellence
Under Tom’s Beyond
Paul served on leadership, nearly
Expectations
three teams to de- 30 environmental
velop new dredged restoration projects Paul demon-
material manage- across Minneso- strates extreme
ment plans. He’s ta, Wisconsin and selfless service
outgoing and quick- Iowa were complet- with his flexibility
ly makes friends ed. Many of these and mission-first
wherever he goes. projects involved approach and
He’s very involved working with a his dedication to
on several teams diverse stakehold- doing whatever it
trying to resolve issues and most of the time there er group across multiple states that resulted in the takes to meet the organization’s critical missions.
are diverse and conflicting sides represented. enhancement of the He is the ultimate team player who is always
-nominated by Steve Tapp Mississippi River. willing to travel anywhere at any time, and for any
-nominated by Nate Wallerstedt length of time, to respond to emergency situa-
“I am truly shocked and humbled by this nomina- tions and/or urgent project needs
tion. I want to thank my past and current coworkers “I have thoroughly enjoyed my career at the -nominated by Gary Wolf
and supervisors who have taken me under their St. Paul District. I was fortunate to work with so
wings during my 30+ years of federal service.“ many talented team members though the years.“
Position title: Dredged material manager Position title: Project manager Position title: Surveying technician
Total years with the St. Paul District, Corps of Total years with the St. Paul District, Corps of Total years with the St. Paul District: 24
Engineers and federal government: 30 Engineers and federal government: over 31 Total years with the Corps of Engineers and
Previous positions/employment: channel mainte- Previous positions/employment: Architectural the federal government: 27
nance coordinator, program analyst, outdoor recre- firms in St. Paul and Denver Previous positions/employment: Private sector
ation planner, park ranger Education: Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of surveying and surveying with Rock Island
Education: Bachelor of recreation administration Architecture Hobbies: Auto restoration, home renovation/
Hobbies: Volleyball, golf, bow hunting, ice fishing, Hobbies: Grandpa, Gardening, Golf, Reading remodeling, woodworking, playing piano
hiking with family and dogs Residence: Pine Springs, Minnesota Residence: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Residence: Winona, MinnesotaCROSSCURRENTS
Summer 2020 | Volume 46, Issue 2 | 15
Recognizing our Employees of the Month: The MVPs of MVP
February March
Scott Snelling, Kristoffer Laman,
engineering and construction regulatoryCROSSCURRENTS
Summer 2020 | Volume 46, Issue 2 | 16
Around the District
Megan Severson, natural resource specialist,
brought water safety bags and activity books to
Deer River Elementary School, which they used
when distributing food to school families during
COVID-19. USACE courtesy photo
Bobber and Gull Lake park rangers, Nicole
Baker and Brian Turner, attended the Special
Col. Jansen commissioned St. Paul District employee
Olympics Winter Carnival on Feb. 27 at Con-
and U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Wade Carr
fidence Learning Center to talk with partici-
into the U.S. Navy as an ensign on April 10. This cer-
pants about safety on the frozen lake. USACE
emony is normally conducted in-person, but because
courtesy photo
of social distancing guidance, the oath of office was
delivered via WebEx. USACE courtesy photo
Pokegama Dam Recreation Area park rangers Jeff
Cook and Megan Severson assisted with a water
safety outreach event with Itasca County Sheriff’s
Department March 12. USACE courtesy photoCROSSCURRENTS
Summer 2020 | Volume 46, Issue 2 | 17
Judy Denzer’s, Lock and Dam 4 lockmaster, Herbert the Brave reminds Andy Meier, lead Dave Rydeen, engineering and construction, and his
coworker demonstrates improper ergonomics for natural resource specialist, to remove his make-shift office for teleworking. USACE courtesy
a home desk. USACE courtesy photo CAC from his laptop. USACE courtesy photo photo
New co-workers during COVID-19
Hermonie Krug discovers a Corps inspection Steve Riley, regulatory, and his coworker, Meeko Duncan and Ginger do not appropriately
bag while Erin Krug, engineering and construc- work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. social distance from their mom, Colleen
tion, works from home. USACE courtesy photo USACE courtesy photo Whaley, CPAC. USACE courtesy photoCROSSCURRENTS
Summer 2020 | Volume 46, Issue 2 | 18
News and Notes
New Hires Promotions
Adam Arnodly, lock and dam operator, operations, Alma, Wisconsin Travis Burrier, civil engineer, engineering and construction, St. Paul,
Lydia Bechteler, office automation assistant, operations, Brookfield, Minnesota
Wisconsin Karen Eklund, regulatory specialist, operations, Hayward, Wisconsin
Douglas Bergeson, lock and dam equipment mechanic, operations, Heather Henneman, supervisory civil engineer (hydraulic), engineering and
Minneapolis, Minnesota construction, St. Paul, Minnesota
Samantha Fink, lock and dam operator, operations, La Crescent, Roy Lawson, lead construction control representative, engineering and
Minnesota construction, Fargo, North Dakota
Faye Healy, ecologist, operations, St. Paul, Minnesota Nathan Meisgeier, civil engineer (geotechnical), engineering and
Kelsey Hoffmann, biologist, regional planning and environmental division construction, St. Paul, Minnesota
north, Moline, Illinois Colin Riddick, geologist, engineering and construction, St. Paul, Minnesota
Katie Leslie, archaeologist, engineering and construction, St. Paul, Jordan Skoug, engineering equipment operator, Dredge Goetz,
Minnesota Fountain City, Wisconsin
Collin Moratz, biologist, regional planning and environmental division north, Bryan Sprang, civil engineer, engineering and construction, St. Paul,
Moline, Illinois Minnesota
Megan Severson, natural resources specialist, operations, Grand Rapids, Colleen Whaley, human resources assistant, civilian personnel advisory
Minnesota center, St. Paul, Minnesota
Janel Shafer, office automation assistant, operations, St. Paul, Minnesota
Rachel Steiger, wildlife biologist, regional planning and environmental divi-
Congratulations
Major Andrew Berreth graduated from Command and General Staff
sion north, St. Louis, Missouri
College April 23.
Dean Zwiefel, human resources specialist, civilian personnel advisory
center, St. Paul, Minnesota
Retirements
Jeffrey Olson, supervisory biologist, operations, St. Paul, Minnesota, retired
March 31, 2020
Taps
LaVane Dempsey passed away April 24, 2020. He was a geotechnical
engineer with the St. Paul District for 32 years.
Alex Nelson, engineering, and his Sam Smith, project management,
wife Katie, welcomed Oswald and his wife Laura, welcomed
William Nelson on Feb. 5. He arrived Charles Richard Smith, March 22.
at 7 lbs, 5 oz and 20.5 inches. He arrived at 8 lbs, 4 oz.You can also read
