Freight cars return

Stored freight cars returned to the former Colfax-Pullman railroad link along the S. Fork of the Palouse River late Saturday. The Washington & Idaho Railroad, which leases the line from the state, moved the cars north so they could continue a weed control spray operation on the south portion of the tracks.

Freight cars were moved last week to clear the lines for spraying near Albion. Residents along the line Monday reported freight cars were rolling back along the line north of Albion for the first time in nearly two years. Bob Westby, manager of the state owned rail property for the Department of Transportation, said he had instructed the rail company to conduct the weed spray operation after receiving several complaints from residents along the railroad line. Westby said Tuesday it’s his understanding three to four miles of the rail line on the south end remain to be sprayed.