The
Dispatch The newsletter for Watco
June 2021
Table of Contents Vicksburg Southern Railroad Trainmaster Retires _____________________________________________________ 3 Watco’s Ringneck & Western Railroad Begins Operations __________________________________________ 4 Preston Nelson Named a Progressive Railroading Rising Star _________________________________________ 5 Watco Logistics Shares the Loads __________________________________________________________________ 6-7 How to Use Your Watco Benefits Card _______________________________________________________________ 8 Summer Spike _______________________________________________________________________________________ 9 Watco 2021 Scholarships Awarded _________________________________________________________________ 10-11 Team Member Anniversaries ______________________________________________________________________ 12-13 Graduations ________________________________________________________________________________________ 14 Wedding _____________________________________________________________________________________________ 14 New Arrivals _________________________________________________________________________________________ 15
Highlights
On the Cover
Show your love for company and country with your Watco Independence Day T-shirt
On the cover: WAMX 3831, custom-painted by a Watco shop for the Colorado Pacific Railroad, leads a Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad manifest train west through Sterling, Kansas as it makes its way to its new home. Photo by K&O
Order yours now: watcogear.com 2 The Dispatch | June 2021
trainmaster Luke Lohrmeyer.
Safety Anniversaries May 6 – Houston Wind Energy Terminal (TX) – 1 year May 6 – Houston Material Handling (TX) – 1 year May 20 – Blytheville Marine Terminal (AR) – 4 years May 22 – Pittsburg Transload Terminal (KS) – 4 years May 23 – Dravosburg Marine Terminal (PA) – 3 years May 26 – Louisville River Road Marine Terminal (KY) – 1 year May 30 – Gillette Thunder Basin Switching (WY) – 3 years May 31 – Green River Ciner Switching (WY) – 9 years
Vicksburg Southern Railroad Trainmaster Retires The Vicksburg Southern Railroad (VSOR) team recently celebrated the retirement of long-time Trainmaster Greg Lockhart. Lockhart joined the team in 2014, serving as a trainmaster for the Vicksburg Southern and Mississippi Southern railroads, but has worked in the industry a total of 32 years. Lockhart has a couple of hobbies that will keep him busy in his retirement. He’s well-known for his cake-baking skills and has picked up a new hobby, making smokers out of whiskey barrels. He also plans to spend some extra time with his grandkids while his wife, Becky, continues to work as a librarian at the local school. “Greg has served several small railroads over the years,” said Jeff Buck, VSOR General Manager. “He is exactly what Watco represents and has passed that knowledge on to our teams. I am so proud to have worked beside Greg and I have learned a lot over the past seven years from him. He’s surely gonna be missed around here!” Vicksburg Southern Railroad (VSOR) Trainmaster retiree, Greg Lockhart June 2021 | The Dispatch 3
Watco’s Ringneck & Western Railroad Begins Operations Watco’s newest short line, the Ringneck & Western Railroad (RWRR), began operations in South Dakota on May 25. The line (named after the state bird, the ring-necked pheasant) stretches west from Mitchell, South Dakota, to just past Presho, South Dakota. The sale of the line was authorized by the South Dakota State Railroad Board and purchased from the South Dakota Department of Transportation. “The transition was a smooth one,” said Kley Cameron, RWRR General Manager. “It was exciting to see the first train come in at about 7:30 p.m. on May 25, and we got it moved on its way in a short amount of time.” Cameron is a Louisiana native and was brought up from Watco’s Texas & New Mexico and Pecos Valley Southern railroads to manage the operations and guide the 14 team members serving the Ringneck customers. Their schedule works around the customers’ needs as trains arrive versus a set schedule, creating more efficient and cost-effective shipping for the customers. “We have an experienced team here at the Ringneck and are ready to serve the customers and grow the business,” Cameron stated. 4 The Dispatch | June 2021
One addition to the line with the new ownership is its maintenance of way (MOW) team. The MOW team ensures the line is kept up by replacing ties, repairing rail, maintaining the right of way, and taking care of other track issues. The railroad will primarily handle grain as evidenced by that first train, a grain shuttle from Mitchell to Kennebec. Other commodities currently carried on the line include fertilizer and paper products. The line hauls approximately 10,000 to 12,000 carloads annually. Interchanges on the line are made with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) at Mitchell and the Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern Railroad in Rapid City. As part of the purchase agreement, the RWRR will complete the construction of a siding near Kimball with federal and state funding. The siding will enhance the ability of the team to handle unit grain trains without holding up unit train operations during loading and unloading processes. The project is expected to start within the next 60 days and, depending on government approvals, should be completed by year’s end.
Preston Nelson Named a Progressive Railroading Rising Star Preston Nelson’s motto is: “I want to be better tomorrow than I am today.” This could be part of the reason the Wisconsin & Southern Railroad (WSOR) General Manager gained recent recognition as a Progressive Railroading Rising Star. The trade magazine recently announced 25 winners selected from 215 nominees who work for freight or passenger railroads, transit or government agencies, academic institutions, engineering firms, or rail contractors and suppliers. “It was a complete surprise!” Nelson said. “I had no idea I’d been nominated.” Nelson joined Watco in 2015 as the WSOR’s Superintendent of Operations. Within a year, he became Assistant General Manager and within two years, General Manager. “I’ve worked with Preston since he joined Watco,” says Vice President of Operations Garrett Bolyard. “The biggest things (about Nelson) are his drive for safety and professionalism, his presence in the field, and his expectations of his team.” The successes of the WSOR team include an impressive safety record. The railroad, which operates over 778 miles including trackage rights, had just two reportable injuries in 2017, one in 2018, and none in 2019 and 2020 – remarkable in that it’s one of Watco’s biggest and busiest properties. The team’s safety record earned the railroad a President’s Safety Award from the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association for 2019 and 2020. In February, the railroad surpassed a million man-hours without a reportable injury.
June 2021 | The Dispatch 5
Multi-Branch Logistics Collaboration Creates On-Time Trucking Solution
Last fall, a major American department store chain was facing service issues with its existing trucking resources. Pickups and deliveries in certain lanes weren’t occurring in a timely manner, and the customer went to Jeff Dambro, Branch Manager for Logistics in Charleston, South Carolina looking for help. Dambro could have accepted only the loads his location could manage, in keeping with a common logistics practice of maintaining local control of a customer’s business. Instead, having recognized the customer’s needs were broad, he worked with Vice President of Operations Curtiss Hemby and Vice President of Highway Logistics Charlie Polach on a comprehensive strategy for on-time shipments: They matched the lanes with multiple Watco Logistics branches. On any given day, as many as 20 Watco Logistics team members around the country are involved. They’re based in Charleston; Duluth, Georgia; Jonesboro, Arkansas; Chicago, Illinois; Overland Park, Kansas; Phoenix, Arizona; and Denver, Colorado. They use their knowledge of freight lanes and carriers to determine the most efficient ways to execute the requested moves. They’re using their connections with both independent drivers and asset-based trucking companies, and drivers are handling three types of routes or lanes: • To/from 18 national distribution centers • Brand-name vendors to the customers’ sorting facilities • From distribution centers to retail stores Watco has been able to keep the customer’s supply chain flowing, and the retailer has awarded Watco a contract estimated at $40 million annually. In addition, Watco has become their No. 1 carrier when it comes to falloff from other carriers. Dambro said the relationship could lead to Watco providing services beyond logistics, with rail possibly taking on some of the loads as West Coast port congestion improves.
6 The Dispatch | June 2021
Cross-Country Cooperation One Customer, Many Lanes
Distribution Center to Distribution Center
Brand-Name Vendor to Customer Sorting Facility
Distribution Center to Retail Store
June 2021 | The Dispatch 7
How to Use Your Watco Benefits Card
Are you confused on how, when, and where to use your Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Dependent Care Flex Spending Account (DFSA), or Limited-Purpose FlexSpending Account (LFSA) funds with your insurance? See the chart below or give the Benefits team a call at (844) 859-2826.
Medical
Rx
Dental/Vision
HRA
Yes
No
No
HSA
Yes
Yes
Yes
FSA
Yes
Yes
Yes
DFSA
No
No
No
LFSA
No
No
Yes
Dependent-Care FSA funds can be used for child daycare and elder-care expenses. You will receive ONE NueSynergy Mastercard for your HRA, HSA, and FSA funds.
HRA: Watco-Funded
HSA: Watco- and Team-Member Funded FSA: Team Member-Funded DFSA: Team Member-Funded LFSA: Team Member-Funded
8 The Dispatch | June 2021
Shoving, Housekeeping, Eye Protection Are Summer Spike Topics for June
Watco’s Summer Spike program is under way. This year one topic of high risk will be covered each month for the transportation; material handling and storage, and logistics; and repair and maintenance areas. Each week the safety department leadership will give locations an aspect of that topic to focus on in order to bring awareness and methods of prevention to the forefront of the team members’ minds as they go about their daily tasks. The topics for the month of June are:
Transportation – Shoving Movements
Shoving movements happen many times throughout the day and can be dangerous if not performed correctly. Team members providing transportation services will look at the Take 5 rules for shoving, movements over grade crossings, movements through gates and doorways, and the importance of communication when shoving.
Material Handling and Storage, and Logistics — Housekeeping
Housekeeping is important to all areas of the company, but for the material handling and storage/ logistics team members, it’s an area that has caused incidents in the past. The team will focus on why housekeeping is important, the impression that housekeeping makes, how it increases efficiency, and how it builds stronger teams.
Repair and Maintenance – Eye Protection
According to the Centers for Disease Control, each year about 2,000 U.S. workers sustain a job-related eye injury that requires medical treatment. This statistic, along with the fact that from 2018-2021 repair and maintenance services accounted for all Watco recordable eye injuries, is why eye protection is the first topic that team will cover. They will talk about why it’s important to have the discussion, how to recognize hazards, what types of eye protection are used for the different tasks, and how to don (put on) and doff (take off) gear to prevent eye injury. The goal is to complete Summer Spike with each team member having a better knowledge of the safety issues most common to their service area so that they can prevent incidents and celebrate an injury-free summer.
June 2021 | The Dispatch 9
Watco 2021 Scholarships Awarded They’re dancers and golfers. They’re providing housing for the homeless, inoculations in Mexico, and funding for clean water and cancer awareness. And they’re scholars with high grade point averages who are ready to begin college in South Carolina, Wisconsin, Illinois, Oklahoma, or another state. For their excellence inside and outside the classroom, eight outstanding high school seniors have been awarded Watco scholarships. Each year, Watco gives the scholarships to high school seniors who are eligible dependents of Watco team members. Recipients must be in good academic standing and planning to attend a post-secondary institution within one year of graduating from high school. Congratulations to these students and their families:
Michaela Befort
Michaela is the daughter of Tim and Ellen Befort. Tim is Vice President of Pricing & Yield Management and is based in the Overland Park, Kansas, office. Michaela was a dance captain in her high school’s girls show choir and for the mixed show choir, which performs annual fundraising programs to provide water wells for African villages. Among Michaela’s other activities were National Honor Society, Art Club, and varsity track and field. She was a member of the top honor roll all semesters and will attend Loyola University in Chicago.
Faith Condrick
Faith is the daughter of Amy and Francis Condrick. Francis is a Watco Environmental Manager working remotely. Faith made the highest honor roll every year while in high school. She was named a 2020 Carson Scholar, a distinction given to just 477 students across the nation for academic excellence and commitment to their communities. She was on the school golf team, was student council president, and was a member of the National Honor Society, among other organizations. Her volunteer activities included collecting used furniture that she refurbished and donated to a shelter for abused women. Faith plans to attend Clemson University in South Carolina.
Vianey Herrera
Vianey is the daughter of Isai Herrera and Veronica Fierro and is also under the guardianship of Jailene Evelin Fierro, a Transportation Assistant in Springdale, Arkansas. Vianey began high school in Mexico, where she studied and worked three years as a student nurse in hospital and clinic settings. She spent summers volunteering in vaccination campaigns, administering vaccines to children and the elderly. After returning to the U.S. for her senior year, she joined her school’s medical professions program and became a member of the Health Occupational Students of America. Vianey plans to continue her education at the University of Arkansas.
10 The Dispatch | June 2021
Mackenzie Mnuk
Mackenzie is the daughter of Daniel and Dana Giacalone. Daniel is a Trainmaster for the Wisconsin & Southern Railroad. Mackenzie was a fouryear member of Drama Club, Key Club, and the Health Occupational Students of America, where she placed first and second in state competitions. She and other students organized a fundraiser for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Mackenzie was a member of the National Honor Society and vice president of Spanish Club, among other activities. She is headed for the University of Wisconsin at Madison.
Emma Robbins
Emma is the daughter of Gregg and Deborah Robbins. Gregg is Director of Technical Services and Security and is based in Springdale, Arkansas. Emma volunteered for multiple organizations throughout high school, which included supporting Dignity Closet, a resource for students to get free clothing, personal care items, and food. She was dance co-captain and an all-state dance selection. Emma also participated in National Honor Society, the Link Crew freshman mentor program, the Distributive Education Club of America, and many other activities. She will attend the University of Tulsa.
Abby Sonnier
Abby is the daughter of Brit and Gina Sonnier. Brit is General Manager of the Baton Rouge Southern Railroad. Abby has volunteered at food drives and events in support of foster care, community beautification, and more. She served on the school newspaper and was active in the student service organization Key Club, National Honor Society, and National French Honor Society. As a sophomore, Abby was named most outstanding student in Journalism I and also in French III. She plans to go to the University of Alabama.
Darby Studer
Darby is the daughter of Taryn and Peter Tietjen. Peter is a safety manager working remotely. Darby played volleyball and basketball throughout high school and also was on the honor roll all four years. She was a member of National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, and StuCrew Student activities Board, and her volunteerism included working at a food pantry and providing classroom support to teachers and students at the grade school and high school levels. Darby plans to attend The Ohio State University.
Cole Wiley
Cole is the son of Travis and Colleen Wiley. Travis is Director of Rail at Greens Port Industrial Terminals. Cole’s activities included membership in the National Scholar Society and Engineering/Technical Honor Society. He is an accomplished golfer who played in multiple Junior PGA events in the state of Texas. Cole participated throughout high school in a student-led program to design and build “tiny homes” for veterans. He also volunteered many hours during the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in 2017. This fall, Cole will begin studying at Montreat College in North Carolina. June 2021 | The Dispatch 11
Team Member Anniversaries Congratulations to the following team members celebrating May anniversaries:
1 Year: Justin Adams, Cody
3 Years: Chase Cannon, Sean
7 Years: Robert Ayers, Timothy
Baker, Zachary Carroll, Timothy
Cochran, Robert Cooper, Joseph
Chew, David Eller, Jerod Gofourth,
Carter, Stanley Chandler, Adam
DaRonche, Jerry Davis, Joshua
Daniel Gross, Cris Hatcher,
Christman, Oscar Cisneros
Dreese, Marquet Freeman, Hunter
Michael Hernandez, Jeffery
Nunez, Emanuel Coaks, Marcus
Griggs, Gina Hansen, Joshua
Joseph, Michael Kot, Jonathan
Cobb, Timothy Cochran, Vincent
Klossen, Marshall Lafontaine,
Lacy, Zachary Leingang, Jason
Deering, George Diamantakos,
Michael Lawver, Saleh Mothana,
Longfellow, Brent Morrison,
Robert Findley, Jesse Hartline,
Patrick Nemec, Caleb Schmidt,
Breana Nalesnik, Javier Pertuz,
Richard Hughes, Austin Kropp,
Riley Seger, Travis Sinn, Ivan
Kathryn Price, Jose Rios,
Christopher Landers, Isaac
Smith, Justin Vaclavik, David
Jose Rodriguez, Joseph Rowan,
Martinez, Austin Neiding, Joel
Weber, Mark Woznicki
Charles Skinner, Jason Wetta,
Nunneley, Jisela Perez Castaneda,
4 Years: Michelle Bowling,
Shari Wilson, Eric Wolfe
Phillip Pizzolato, Ryan Rich, Caleb Scott, James Sebroski, Kirk Sheltman, Gordon Smith, Saengphet Soulivong, Clare Thomas, Pamela Travis, Brandon Wesson, April Whitehead, Edward Wilson, Jeffrey Wolf, John Woodson, Aaron Young
2 Years: Chelsea Anderson, Ruth Becker, Joseph Bernal, Ruby Blackwood, Derek Briley, Joshua Buee, Randall Campbell, Jimmy Caruthers, Kyle Cleland, Adrian Cooks, Tyson Covert, Kenneth Davis, Jerry Doyle, Shawn Eller, Jermaine Estes,
Brian Dolan, Ryan Frazier, William
8 Years: Cassidy Arnold, Timothy
Jennings, Ladarion Johnson,
Hart, Philip Hennessee, Edwin
Christopher Keefe, Joshua
Himmerich, Sergio Lara, Jenna
Kingery, Francisco Marroquin,
Maiseroulle, Jerry Rivera, Edward
Rene Mendoza, Casey Miller,
Sepulvado, Jason Sigman, Paul
Jamie Owens, Amber Reeves,
Suarino, John Thompson
Jerick Staker, James Trollope,
9 Years: Ronald Abbott, Sean
Wayne Wiza
5 Years: Jacob Baker, Austin
Benzmiller, Susan Buffington, Tara Carpenter, Jordan Cheatham,
Barton, Derrick Jackson, Ricky
Sean Cox, Curtiss Hemby, Jeff
Justice, Antonio Perez, Gregg
Kelly, Audie Pankhurst, Justin
Robbins, Nicholas Sharp,
Pankhurst, Steven Renn,
Elizabeth Tatum, Jordan Wagner,
Johnathan Robertson, Jose
Joseph Zachmann
Rodriguez, Angela Schaefer,
6 Years: Jay Benedict, Cameron
Amanda Shanholtzer, Duff Wagnon, Dana Wilkerson,
Dustin Hill, Alonzo Kimbrough,
Benson, Josiah Breeden, William
Jeffrey Larson, Kelvin Lopez,
Butler, Brantley Chambliss, Julie
Patrick McCabe, Casey Mckinney,
Christensen-Chock, Arla Cress,
Juan Olivares, Brandi Orr, Donald
10 Years: Brian Keithan,
Curtis Daly, John Jansen, Douglas
Nathan Kime, Benjamin May,
Paulat, Kyle Peterson, Lashunda
Jones, James Rehm, Olen Reid,
Kristi Nunnelley, Michael Stotts,
Poole, Hagen Presley, Jesse
Grant Robinson, Robert Sharp Jr,
Felicia Strickland
Prine, Darren Scott, Harrison
Brandon Vaughn, Jeremy Watson,
Short, Candace Smith, Ailsa von
Stacey Wilberding
Dobeneck, Eric Westerfield, Amanda Widmer, Jennifer Zettler 12 The Dispatch | June 2021
Lloyd Young
Team Member Anniversaries
11 Years: Robert Betts, Jeff Everitt, Silvestre Garza, Russell King, Melissa Pennington, Thomas Scheidemantel, Douglas Steed
12 Years: Sean Crowe, Brent Marshy
13 Years: James Hite, Bernardo Santos, Richard Smith, Rendall Thompson, Matthew Troth
14 Years: Michelle Hubbard, Casey Miller, Curtis Testerman
15 Years: Randall Chaney, Phillip Forrest, Timothy Ragsdale, Pete Tavernaro
16 Years: Frankie Carpino, Paul Christenson, David Gonzales, Nicolas Hanson, Jeremy Hollis, Leslie Kissel, Cameron Lundy,
22 Years: Anthony Jones 23 Years: Christopher Jacobson, Jason Rossman, Daniel Tank
24 Years: Chad Wilson 25 Years: Jason Ford 26 Years: Brian Lanham 28 Years: Sally Berkstresser, Willis Iverson, James McDaniel
29 Years: John Nippa 30 Years: Paul Lawson 32 Years: Gary Harville, Michael Pollard
33 Years: Janice Ferrin, Barry Jack
James Marr, Randall McIntyre,
34 Years: Allen Douglas,
Angelina Pridemore
Todd Meshell
17 Years: Nolan Darthard,
40 Years: Michael Koon
Otis Jackson, Joey Meadows,
Marco Mendoza, Billy Mott, Chad Schilleman
18 Years: Donnie Creed, Mark Glover, Wade Lunt, James Waite
19 Years: Jean Camphort, Matthew Diestler, Carl Silcox, Mark St Aubin
21 Years: Barbara Crawford, Colin Schneider
June 2021 | The Dispatch 13
Graduations
Lindsey AnnRhea Conner, daughter of Michael Conner, Environmental Manager; graduating from
Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky, with a bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate in elementary education. She will be pursuing her master’s degree, which will involve working with special needs children.
Jordan Huston, daughter of Tabitha Hansen, Corporate Railcar Services Specialist; graduating from Lewiston High School in Lewiston, Idaho. Anna Morgan Leonards, daughter of Paul Leonards, Vice President of Project Management; graduating from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, with a doctorate of philosophy degree in history. Jackson Power, son of Jeff Power, Logistics Account Manager in Springdale, Arkansas; graduating
from Bentonville High School in Bentonville, Arkansas. Jackson will attend the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.
Jacob Wiebelhaus, son of John Wiebelhaus, Oklahoma City Transload Terminal Manager; graduating from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, with dual degrees in kinesiology and business management.
Wedding
Dickey-Huser Wedding Nancy Dickey and Mark Huser were married on
May 22, 2021, at the Hannon Freewill Baptist Church in Liberal, Missouri. Nancy is an Accounts Receivable/Treasury Coordinator and works in the Pittsburg, Kansas, office.
14 The Dispatch | June 2021
New Arrivals
Mia Miranda Chris and Vivian Miranda announce the birth of their daughter, Mia Miranda, born May 12, 2021. Mia weighed 9 pounds, 15 ounces, and was 21 inches long. Chris is an Unloader at the Bayway Dedicated Terminal in Linden, New Jersey.
Katara Mae Mohammed Sergio and Amber Mohammed announce the birth of their daughter, Katara Mae Mohammed, born May 3, 2021. Katara weighed 7 pounds, 14.5 ounces, and was 20 inches long. Sergio is a Lead Operator at the Tioga Dedicated Terminal in North Dakota.
Waylon James Castro Donnie Castro and Natalie Pena announce the birth of their son, Waylon James Castro, born April 19, 2021. Waylon weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce. He was welcomed home by his sisters Allison, 8, and Arriana, 5. Donnie is a Carman at the Ann Arbor Railroad in Toledo, Ohio.
To submit your new arrival send a photo and information to marketing@watco.com June 2021 | The Dispatch 15
