A track gang set up shop in Brooten several weeks ago in anticipation of warmer weather and the chance to start a tie replacement project. They've busied themselves with placing new ties along the mainline west of town, tuning up their machines, and generally getting things in order, but on this Thursday they've clearly given up hope for the time being. The railroad keeps moving, though, as a westbound grain train rolls by a tamper and a few carts that are doing nothing but collecting snow.
