The three Omaha men are working at the derailment site, a remote area near Hazelton, Idaho. To facilitate site access, the Maintenance of Way team led by Roadmaster Cody Tracy have cut paths and made roads. Morales, Arciga, and Taw have been working on the cars to repair them so they can set them on wheels to be taken to the EIRR’s body shop in Rupert, Idaho. And during any downtime, while they are waiting for parts or confirmation on repairs, the trio has also assisted with inbound train inspections and heavier repairs.
worked to bring in experts from other areas, and I can only see us doing it more and more.” Price stressed the project as an example of collaboration. “We’re all wearing the same jersey,” he said. “We’re on the same team, and we’re playing like it.”
Kingery commented on how smoothly the arrangement has worked. “From when we met at the parking lot of the hotel to today, we’ve had no issues. We’ve come together, and it’s been like we’ve been one team. It’s neat to see it firsthand. If you put us in a room, you wouldn’t know we didn’t work together longer than we have. “I see this having a large ripple effect on the EIRR and other railroads. We’ve seen how well it has
SLWC/SKOL Team Member Retires After 22 Years Steve Landis retired from his job as a conductor/ engineer for the Stillwater Central and South Kansas & Oklahoma railroads in late December but because of COVID restrictions at the time, his party was delayed until the team could safely get together and wish him a proper farewell. Landis worked for the sister railroads out of Oklahoma stations in Lawton, Stroud, and Owasso for 22 years and remained injury-free for the entire time. “Mr. Landis is a man that would do anything in the world for you,” said Nathan Champion, SLWC General Manager. “He was well respected by the customers and Watco team. Whenever I would seek his advice and opinion on a railroad matter, he was always straightforward and trustworthy.” Landis plans to spend his well-earned free time on his farm, with his grandkids, and playing his guitar. Nathan Champion, SLWC General Manager (left) and Jerry Waun, SKOL General Manager (right), present retiree Steve Landis with a plaque of appreciation for his 22 years with Watco. April 2021 | The Dispatch 9
