KC Scout Shout!

  The KC Scout Traffic Management Center began activating new color digital message boards on Monday, June 28. These boards feature digital travel time messages utilizing full color interstate and highway shields. Nationwide studies have shown that the color interstate and highway shields are easier for drivers to read as they travel along the freeway. As replacements of several KC Scout dynamic message boards were already scheduled for the spring 2021, KC Scout used this opportunity to install the upgraded boards.  "Thanks to new advancements in technology, these higher definition and more energy efficient message boards are available at the same cost as the original sign boards that were installed 20 years ago,” explains KC Scout’s Transportation Project Manager Mark Sommerhauser. “After years of 24/7 usage, the existing signs were overheating once the air temperature neared 90 degrees. These dynamic message sign board failures were unacceptable since motorists depend on these b

KC Scout has said farewell to long time employee, Gary Covey. After 21 years of service to KC Scout, Gary has officially retired. He most recently served KC Scout managing the budget and training class procedure and development. Gary has worked in a variety of areas but made his start with KC Scout as a design consultant in April 2000.  Gary began managing the billing for KDOT and provided quality assurance for ARMS Software. Over time, he moved into a technical and project management support role providing contractual, financial budget, TransSuit database, field network, field device, and new construction device integration support. "KC Scout has great people and it has been a pleasure working with everyone," explains Gary.  Gary plans to travel the U.S. and Canada in his RV for the next couple of years. We wish him safe travels and a very happy retirement!

KC Scout welcomes two new members to its Board of Directors! Chris Herrick with KDOT and Chris Redline with MoDOT have joined the KC Scout team. Combined, the two share nearly 60 years of service to the states of Kansas and Missouri. Chris Herrick, Director of Planning and Development at KDOT, has served the state for 30 years. He is currently the Director of Planning and Development but has held a variety of titles in his time with KDOT including Models and Forecasting Engineering Associate, MPO Administration Engineering Associate, Statewide Planning Engineer and Chief of Transportation Planning before being named Director in 2008. He also serves on several national and regional transportation committees. Chris Redline recently accepted the district engineer position MoDOT's Kansas City district.  Chris has been with MoDOT for 29 years. After graduating from Kansas State University with a civil engineering degree, he worked in a variety of engineering positions in the Kansas City