The operations of Central Kansas Railroad are now officially under the name of Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad, as Pittsburg-based railroad operator Watco Companies took ownership June 30. - Click here for full story

In the July article Protection Kansas Fights to Save Rail Line it talked about the need to fight for the railroad at the July 31st meeting.  Now in the new article LOCAL RAILROAD MAY HAVE A FUTURE -- OR IT MAY NOT we may have the answer.  

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Wichita Line to Garden Plain - Now set aside for Rails-For Trails.
The STB ruled to  allow a Rails for Trails group negotiate with the CKR.  Although this not unusual for a railroad to work with groups - as the rail line seeks to abandon the line: It is strange in light of the fact that earlier this year the State of Kansas and the City of Wichita was suppose to pay CKR several million dollars for this same section of land.  Some have rumored this to be a ruse by different parties to circumvent the issues with land holders - who should actually get the land if the rail line is abandon.  

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Good Bye Vile Bridge
Painted as the bridge that was stopping the progress of a vast metroplex; causing flooding; and in general being a vile bridge - the CowSkin bridge will be demolished.  click here to read more

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OmniTrax Eager to go Canada 
Now that OmniTrax is selling there last rail road in Kansas, they are setting their sites on expanding their territories in other areas.  click here for more information

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KDOT/Wichita - Pays 10 Million for Bridge(12/99)
Keeping in mind that the OmniTrax only paid about 3-4 million for over 250 miles of rail line, including all bridges, it is interesting to learn that KDOT, along with the city of Wichita Kansas, is paying 10 million dollars for one bridge.

The one bridge, which KDOT hopes to remove so that Highway 54 can be expanded some more (another one of those go figure things), is also a key link to the Pratt / Kingman branch.  

It is no wonder that CKR must think Kansas folks as daft, receiving 10 million for one bridge, when they bought the 250 miles of rail line for less than half that amount.

DepotNews is trying to contact folks in Segwick county, which is comprised of Wichita, to find out exact details.  If anyone out there knows more details, please let us know.

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Laying New Rail Lines in Kansas(12/99)
Central Kansas Railway is proposing laying about 4 to 8 miles of new track to "connect the dots" from various rail lines that they are attempting to continue to serve, while abandoning over 250 miles.  

According to some of the shippers, they were assured that they would be continued to be served from Wichita via Conway Springs via ?????.   For those unfamiliar with the Kansas landscape, this would be similar to going to San Francisco from Los Angles, but going through Salt Lake City first.   More news to follow....

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One individual, whom shall remain nameless, in Ashland Kansas - told them to go "pi%% up a rope."  The line from Protection Kansas to Englewood, which includes Ashland, was scrapped shortly their after.

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Does it "Pave to Abandon?" 
Kansas Rural Areas Struggle to Keep Rail Service