You Pullman guys asked me about the status of the UP (ex-SI) CdA branch last weekend. Well, did a recon today and found they've recently torn the rails out from just east of Feeley's Spur (propane dealer near MP 2)on into CdA. Ties all piled up. UP track still in place from Gibbs down to the Stimson mill of course, but the BN caboose is still sitting at Gibbs, indicating no cars being loaded on the UP side of the mill. Four tanks at Feeley's, room for about two on the short pass so two are hanging out the east end. They pull in with loads behind anyway, shove empties ahead, line back then reverse out on the branch main. Also, did you catch the word about the burn ban on the prairie? Main grass grower Wayne Meyer quoted in local papers, saying no bluegrass will be planted for 2008 and it's the beginning of the end for bluegrass farming on the prairie. Those scenes of the prairie I bored you guys with will soon be a thing of the past. Don't know what this will do for the few patches of mint, alfalfa, etc. being farmed around CdA Jct. and elsewhere.