HUTCHINSON, Kan. — BNSF reported a slight increase in earnings despite lower carloads and the flooding that hampered train movements.

The nation’s second-largest railroad posted total net income of $1.25 billion in the first quarter compared with $1.14 billion in 2018.

Flooding in Nebraska and Iowa slowed car movements. Increased competition in intermodal shipments ate into the railroad’s bottom line.

BNSF saw carloads decline in three of its four business segments with an overall drop of 5%. Despite the challenges, total revenue increased a modest 2% to $5.7 billion.

BNSF operates between six and 10 trains per day in Reno County including Amtrak’s Southwest Chief. It’s the second-highest property taxpayer in the county with a total valuation of over $9.8 million.

CHENEY, Kan. — Not only are the rivers rising in Reno County, but the water levels are also going up at Cheney Reservoir.

As of 2 p.m. Wednesday, the water level at Cheney was just under 1,425 feet. That’s almost 3 feet above normal. Officials at the state park say that anything above 3 ½ feet will start to impact camping and picnic areas. The Ninnescah River is running more than 4 feet above flood stage in some areas and lake levels are expected to continue rising.

As usual, the flooding will also bring a lot of debris into the lake. If ramps are open, boaters will need to be aware of that, especially this weekend.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Because of safety concerns, the Kansas State Fair removed the tractor-pulled trams that transported visitors to and from the parking lots. Now, thanks to sponsorship from Westar Energy, the trams will be back in operation with a very different look.

Westar signed an agreement to sponsor one of two trams that the fair is renting for the Sept. 6-15 event. The new trams, rented from Trams R Us, are self-contained with company-provided drivers. Returning the trams has been one of the biggest concerns General Manager Robin Jennison has heard from fairgoers.

“From the feedback we received, we realized how important these trams are for our fairgoers,” Jennison said. “People young and old use the trams to get from one end of the fairgrounds to the other end. The trams are a necessity that fairgoers depend on.”

The trams will have a lead and follow car and will include sponsor announcements. The route will loop around the outer edge of the grounds with several stopping points.

The fair’s trolleys will still be used in the parking areas to deliver fairgoers to gates.

“We are pleased we are able to continue our great relationship with Westar,” Marla Parsons, the fair’s sponsorship and corporate coordinator, said. “This partnership is great for fairgoers, as we believe it will give more Kansans a chance to explore and enjoy the entire fairgrounds.”

Parsons said she is still searching for a second tram sponsor.

For more information on sponsoring a tram or another opportunity at the Kansas State Fair, please call Parsons at (620) 669-3613 or email marla.parsons@ks.gov.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council wants public works to draw up a proposal for federal funds for a major construction project involving Woody Seat Freeway.

The city recently received the results of a study on how to deal with the traffic issues surrounding the Woody Seat interchange and the two aging bridges over avenues A and B.

The proposal from KDOT would mean a $6 million-plus reconstruction of the interchange. It would also mean the closing of Avenue B between Adams and Madison. The proposal would call for two roundabouts at Adams and Avenue A and again at Woody Seat, eliminating the interchange and the two bridges. The freeway would incline up and over the K and O and Union Pacific Railroad tracks and continue on as normal.

The council was in agreement that the city should spend $42,000 to apply for a federal transportation grant that could pay for 80% or more of the project. The grant is similar to ones obtained by several government entities supporting Amtrak’s Southwest Chief rail renovation. The city must put the proposal on the fast-track with a July 15 deadline. The council hopes to take formal action on the proposal in two weeks.