Multiple North Judson Town Council Members Vote Against Paying for Railroad Ties

Posted on October 24, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

A railroad tie replacement project at the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum was discussed during this week’s North Judson Town Council Meeting.

Councilwoman Wendy Hoppe, who serves as the council’s railroad liaison, presented members with quotes related to the project.

She explained that the lowest bid came from A&K Railroad Materials who offered a quote of $7,141 for used ties and an additional $715 for anchors. She noted that the quotes for new railroad ties ranged from $11,020 to $11,440 and stated that those quotes did not include anchors.

Council President John Rowe mentioned that since they’re planning to donate that section to the HVRM when they eventually sell the railroad, he didn’t support spending any money on the expense.

Councilman Josh Brown agreed with the statement but wanted to make it clear that there’s no animosity.

He stated, “For the record, I have nothing against the railroad.” Council President Rowe added, “I don’t either.”

Brown continued, “I just have a hard time putting money into something that’s not going to be ours.

Hoppe highlighted the fact that the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum brings a lot of people into the community.

She noted, “They bring a lot of people to Town. The weekend before last, they brought in over 600 people. Last weekend, by Saturday morning, they already had over 400 tickets sold.”

She made a motion to approve the lowest quote from A&K and Jane-Ellen Felchuck provided a second. However, Council President John Rowe and Councilmen Josh Brown and James Young opposed the motion so it failed to pass.

Hmm, What To Do This Weekend?

Well, NJ-SP Cross Country and Volleyball teams have out-of-town events Saturday if you’re a sports fan and like to travel.  The JV, 7th Grade, and 8th Grade football teams will all be playing at home this Saturday.  https://www.njwtpl.org/nj-school-events  There are also several family activities you might consider if you’re not sports minded. 

You’ll have several chances to dine out this weekend and support local groups.  We’ll start with the San Pierre VFD Fish Fry on Saturday.  Then on Sunday you have a choice of THREE pancake breakfasts - two in Knox (Center Twp. FD or the Knights of Columbus), one in North Judson (NJ-SP Knights of Columbus).  The old question of which came first, the chicken or the egg, will be answered if you also attend the NJ United Methodist Church Henny Penny Chicken Dinner later in the day. 

SATURDAY, October 5th

7-11 am (Central Time) – Pulaski Memorial 1st Annual Color Run = Pulaski Memorial Hospital, Winamac.  Registration begins at 8:15am (ET) / Race starts at 9am (ET) for the 3K Run or Walk.  Registration is $25 on race day - race day registration is cash or check only.  Be sure to visit the Health Fair after the race for some healthy snacks and information about hospital services.

9am-1pm – F.A.R.M. Sale = Starke County F.A.R.M., 5435 E. State Road 8, Knox, Indiana.  They will have potatoes, bell peppers, green beans, banana peppers, radishes, jalapeño peppers, a small assortment of tomatoes and some seasonal crafts.

10am / 12:30pm / 2:30pm – Pumpkin Trains = Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum, North Judson.  The train will take passengers on a scenic countryside excursion across the Kankakee River at English Lake before returning to North Judson and our pumpkin patch. Kids of all ages enjoy the ride!  Tickets are available online at:  http://www.hoosiervalley.org/shop/tickets/
4pm-?? – San Pierre VFD Fish Fry = San Pierre Fire Station, San Pierre.  Tickets:  Adults = $10 / Children = $5 / Carry outs will be available.

SUNDAY, October 6th

7am-12noon – NJ-SP Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast = St. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, 303 Keller Avenue, North Judson.  Service eggs, pancakes, sausages, and beverages.  Price:  Free will donation.
 7:30-11:30am – Knox Center Twp. Pancake Breakfast = Knox Center Twp. Fire Department, Station 2, Knox.  Serving pancakes, sausage, coffee, and orange drink.  Tickets:  Adults = $6 / Children 8 & under = $3
 8-10am – Knox Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast = Knights of Columbus Hall, 503 E. Lake Street, Knox.  Ticket price is $6.
 11am-1pm – Henny Penny Chicken Dinner = North Judson UMC Fellowship Hall, North Judson.  All you can eat chicken, potatoes, coleslaw, bread, dessert, & drink.  Tickets:  Adults = $9 / Children 12 & under = $4.50 / Preschool = Free.  Proceeds support missionaries in Africa.
 11am-4pm – BaboonFest 2019 = Peaceable Primate Sanctuary, 6415 N 800 W, Winamac.  Come and meet all of the baboons and their crazy macaque neighbor. We will have live music, food, kid’s events, face painting and our wonderful staff and volunteers will be giving guided tours of the sanctuary.  We ask for a $10 donation for adults and children are free, your donation helps us provide this safe haven for our retirees. Again, this year we are collecting school supplies that will benefit local elementary students.

Prairie Trails Club Reps Speak with NJ Town Council about Railroad Sale

Posted on September 25, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

Representatives of the Prairie Trails Club recently came before the North Judson Town Council to get involved with talks about the potential sale of the railroad.

Organization rep Carolla Heilstedt explained that the PTC is once again seeking funding through the Governor’s Next Level Trails grant program to continue expanding the Erie Trail.

She explained, “We were recently awarded funding to extend the trail a couple of miles south of Knox and one of our largest interest points and what we’ve seen from the surrounding community is expanding north, through North Judson.

She noted that the Club has an ongoing relationship with the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum and in the past, the trail has been built alongside the railway since there is existing foundation.

In addition to being useful for local bicyclists and walkers, Club member Kathleen Lucas highlighted the fact that the Erie Trail brings in travelers from outside of the community.

She noted, “Just so you know, in the last two weekends we’ve run across people from Lake County who prefer to come down here and use our trail because it’s quiet and peaceful and they always end up going to a particular local business for lunch after that so I think it really is a benefit to the Town.”

Heilstedt told the council that Club members wanted to get involved with the process as early as possible to ensure that the eventual sale of the railroad will not impact the trail extension plans.

Town Council President John Rowe stated that the trail is good resource for the town to have and said he didn’t see any problem with working with PTC, in conjunction with the HVRM, as the sales process proceeds.

He did ask reps to provide Town Attorney Justin Schramm with a map clearly indicating the area they’re looking to utilize for their expansion so it can be incorporated into any potential sales documentation that may be needed in the future.

Stephen Lucas suggested the addition of a town council liaison that could coordinate with the Club about updates related to the trail.

However, rather than appointing a town official to that position, President Rowe asked if the PTC could select a representative who could attend meetings. The members of the PTC who were in attendance were content with that idea. 

Heilstedt also recommended holding a meeting with Town officials, PTC reps and Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Larry Wickert to discuss details surrounding the planned expansion.

Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe added that while he may not be able to serve in the capacity of an official liaison, he is available to act as a go-between and members are always welcome to give him a call or come into Town Hall during office hours.

If you’d like to learn more about the Erie Trail or ways that you can get involved with the PTC, visit PrairieTrailsClub.org.

Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum to Get New Quotes for Tie Replacement

Posted on July 19, 2019
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum’s railroad tie replacement project continues to be considered by the North Judson Town Council. After council members had asked for more information before agreeing to help fund the effort, Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe says Bob Barcus attended Monday’s meeting.

“He’s a member of the board at the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum and just sort of gave us an update on the dynamics of the railroad ties out there,” Rowe explains. “So many out of so many ties need to be new and in new shape for us to maintain a class one rail line.”

Rowe says at this point, it doesn’t appear the museum would be able to get a full truckload of 200 ties until October, “But it’s sort of in a maintenance mode, where as ties need replaced, they would be able to fix those and implement the new railroad ties.”

Rowe adds that Barcus has agreed to get some updated quotes for the ties, since the estimates that had been presented to the town council are now several months old. Much of the track that the museum uses to operate its trains is owned by the Town of North Judson. Rowe stresses that the council members are still interested in purchasing the ties but simply want to do their due diligence.
In any case, he says it’s important that the museum and town are willing to work together. “With the litigation that went on when I first came in – I hadn’t been exposed to a whole lot of that, but all I knew was that there were some contentious issues surrounding the railroad,” Rowe says. “So it was good to have an individual from the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum here to come talk to the council in a proactive way, looking towards the future.”

He noted that a museum representative is taking part in the town’s comprehensive planning process, while the museum is also working on a comprehensive plan of its own.

North Judson Town Council Postpones Decision on Railroad Tie Replacement

Posted on July 13, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

North Judson Town Council members discussed the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum and a proposed railroad tie replacement project when members met for their first meeting of the month.

Council President John Rowe explained that, back in June, the Town’s railroad liaison Wendy Hoppe presented three cost estimates for the replacement of railroad ties to officials.

However, he noted that he didn’t feel comfortable moving forward with choosing from the quotes at that time.

Rowe stated, “I asked the question of ‘Who says we have to have these replaced, is it a want or is it a need?’

He continued, “They can’t be the ones to tell us that. We need a professional to tell us that, we need a company to come that verifies that. I mean, it’s $11-12,000 it’s not like it’s $200.”

Rowe emphasized that he isn’t opposed to the idea of helping cover the cost but he would feel better if more details were provided.

After some deliberation, members came to the consensus they wouldn’t make a decision about the railroad tie replacement until they see some documentation with additional information identifying the necessity and justifying the cost. 

During their discussion, the Council went into greater detail about the railroad and potential plans for the future.

The discussion over this topic will be featured during WKVI’s Kankakee Valley Viewpoints Program this Sunday at noon.

NJ Clerk-Treasurer Coordinates With Town Council About Initial Comprehensive Plan Meeting

Posted on March 20, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

North Judson Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe recently informed town council members that HWC reps are looking to get together to discuss a strategy for the comprehensive plan process.

Clerk-Treasurer Rowe said that he’s hoping to get the meeting scheduled for sometime within the first few weeks of April and mentioned that the sooner they meet, the better.

Rowe explained that this first meeting will be more organizational and the public input portion will come later in the process. During the initial meeting, officials will talk about who would fit well on a steering committee and discuss future scheduling in order to get the ball rolling.

He asked town council members to coordinate with him about when they will be free in April so he can get figure out which date would work best.

Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Larry Wickert informed council members that Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum officials have expressed an interest in being a part of these conversations.

Members indicated that HVR would be kept in the loop as details surrounding the comprehensive plan process become more solidified.

NJ Town Council to Compose Letter of Support for Erie Trail Expansion Project

Posted on January 22, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

The Prairie Trails Club is looking to apply for a grant to that would help extend the Erie Trail in North Judson.

Starke County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Larry Wickert informed North Judson Town Council members about the Club’s plans Monday night.

Wickert explained, “They want to extend that trail 2 miles from 35, on East so it would go from North Judson all the way to just about the Pulaski County line, over towards Monterey over there.”

SCEDF Executive Director Wickert told members that the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum owns the associated property and stated that representatives have provided their approval to move ahead with the project.

He added that county officials agreed to supply a jurisdictional approval letter to assist with the efforts.

Wickert asked the town council members if they’d be interested in providing a letter of support, as it would be an advantageous thing for the Prairie Trails Club to have during the grant application process.

He noted that the grant application will be due by Friday, February 15th so he’ll need the letter prior to that date.  Council members agreed unanimously to provide the letter of support.

While this expansion does tie into the county’s ongoing Stellar conversations, trail projects are also a big focus at the state level right now. Wickert mentioned that Governor Eric Holcomb has about $90 million set aside for such projects after he realized more connectivity would be beneficial to the state.

 “We’ve got a lot of trails around Indiana, but their not connected.” Wickert continued, “He really thinks it would benefit Indiana, not just for our own people but also to an attractive thing for companies who want to move here from other places.”

If there are any other local entities that are interested in submitting a letter of support for the Erie Trail expansion project, contact the SCEDF at 574-772-5627

Pumpkin Train Tickets On Sale Now

From the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum: 

Tickets for the Pumpkin Train are on sale now! Buy tickets with this link: http://bit.ly/2IlAXmE. The train departs the depot in North Judson, Indiana, on October 6th, 13th, and 20th at 10:00 am, 12:30 pm, and 2:30 pm Central time (Chicago time). Choose between coach and open-air seating when you purchase your tickets. Don't forget to purchase your pumpkin tickets. The 13-mile round-trip train lasts approximately 75 minutes. We'll try to answer questions here if we can, but please read our website for full travel and ticket information.

The Pumpkin Train departs the station at North Judson, Indiana, and travels to English Lake with a stop at our pumpkin patch where passengers can pick up a pumpkin (pumpkins are $2.50 each). The train then returns to the station. Ticket prices are as follows: $12 adults (16+), $10 youth (6-15), $6 children (1-5). Children under 1 are free. Passengers must choose between coach or open air car when making their purchase (if you choose open air car, make sure you dress warmly for the trip). The train ride lasts approximately 75 minutes and is 13 miles round trip. Remember that we are on central time (Chicago time) and times listed are departure times. Please arrive before your departure time.

This is one of our most popular train rides, so we definitely recommend purchasing your tickets ahead of time to avoid disappointment. Please make sure to purchase your pumpkins when you buy your tickets for the train.

Purchase 6 or more tickets and receive our group rate ($2 off per ticket). All tickets of the same type/time/date must be purchased at the same time to receive this discount. We do not mail tickets - all tickets must be picked up at the station in North Judson when you arrive.

Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum Decides Not to Lease Erie Trail to Starke County Park Board

Posted on June 16, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

The North Judson Erie Trail will remain under the control of the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum for the foreseeable future. The Starke County Park Board had approached the museum’s leaders about leasing the trail and operating it as a park facility. County officials hoped the lease would help reduce maintenance costs, increase grant opportunities, and encourage volunteers.

But during Tuesday’s park board meeting, President Roger Chaffins said the museum has declined the county’s proposed contract. “Their problem is they don’t want to get hooked up with the county right now because they say they’re working on a five-year plan,” Chaffins said. “Well, okay, that’s what your board wants to do, but myself, I feel that if you were hooked up with the county, it’d be better for your five-year plan. But I’m not arguing with them. That’s what I was told on that.”

The trail lease was first proposed in the park board’s five-year plan. The idea has also gotten the support of volunteers with the Prairie Trails Club.

Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum Contributes to North Judson-Wayne Township Fire Department Fundraiser

Posted on June 18, 2018Author Jacque Ryan

The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum provided a donation to the North Judson-Wayne Township Volunteer Fire Department earlier this month.

HVRM President Cory Bennett presented Assistant Fire Chief Mike Scutchfield with a $300 check, just before the annual Fish Fry Fundraiser that was held on June 9th. According to a press release, this is the sixth donation that the museum has made to the fire department in recent years.

Fire Department representatives reported that this year’s fish fry had one of the biggest turn outs they can recall and said that the fundraiser was a huge success.

HVRM President Cory Bennett and Assistant Fire Chief Mike Scutchfield

Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum Offers Mothers Day Specials for Your Special Mother

Posted on May 5, 2018 
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate Mother’s Day, the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum has a few opportunities that may interest you.

The Guest Engineer Program will give adventurous moms a chance to operate a diesel locomotive. Guest Engineers are supervised and have the option to drive the train for 30 minutes or 1 hour for a nominal fee.The program is open to anyone over the age of 18 who holds a valid driver’s license.

Aside from the Guest Engineer Program, the Railroad Museum is offering another special the day before Mother’s Day. On Saturday, May 12th train fare for mothers will be half-price and all ladies will receive a carnation.

Round-trip excursions leave from the HVRM depot and then travel through the countryside to the small town of English Lake before returning. Passengers have the option to ride in open-air cars, vintage cabooses or a commuter coach. The trains depart at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. CT.

The HVRM is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. year-round and regular Saturday train rides will continue now through the end of October, with additional rides for special events sprinkled throughout the year. For more information or to make an advanced reservation, visit http://www.hoosiervalley.org/shop/tickets/#!/Mothers-Day-Train-May-12-2018/p/62273374/category=18067507

Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum May Consider Leasing Erie Trail to Starke County

Posted on March 16, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

Bringing the North Judson Erie Trail under Starke County’s control is something the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum might be willing to consider. The museum owns the trail, but Starke County’s five-year park plan suggests that the county lease it and operate it as a park facility. Starke County Park Board President Roger Chaffins said Tuesday that he spoke with the museum’s president, Cory Bennett, and Bennett seemed open to resuming discussions.

Turning control of the trail over to the county would accomplish a few things. It may possibly allow the trail to be added into the county’s road inventory, allowing the county to take over maintenance. Members of the Prairie Trails Club say it could also make it easier to get grant funding and encourage people to volunteer.

There’s also the possibility that the county could save the museum money by taking over the trail’s insurance, but Chaffins said that wasn’t a big concern for the museum. “He said, ‘We’re really not too worried about the insurance because our insurance is a blanket insurance, which covers that trail, so we’re not too worried about that. What we’re concerned more about is maintenance and upkeep of it.’ Well, I said, ‘I don’t think that would be any problem.'”

County Attorney Marty Lucas has put together a proposed agreement, based on some of the suggestions that have been made. Chaffins said it will be given to the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum’s board of directors for their consideration. “It’s a rough draft,” Chaffins explained, “but if they’re interested and they like what it is, then we get together and we get it worked out, which I don’t see any problem talking to Cory, of having any problem whatsoever working it out, because they’d be happy, I think, to work with it.”

Discussions between the park board and the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum began last year, but little progress was made for several months.

NJ Town Council Approves Signage for Prairie Trails Club

Posted on November 7, 2017
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

The North Judson Town Council received a request on behalf of the Prairie Trail Club (PTC) to install signage at the intersection of State Road 10 and State Road 39 during their meeting yesterday evening.

Peggy Bohac spoke as a liaison for Steve Lucas, the president of the PTC, and explained that the club had expressed interest in putting a sign up by Norwayne Field to alert people of where to find the trail. The trail in question is the North Judson Erie Trail which is part of the transcontinental American Discovery Trail. It was utilized for the 5K Color Run this summer.

She said that representatives with the Hoosier Valley Railway Museum have reported that many people come to the museum looking for the trail and often times the staff there is unaware of how to direct individuals.

In order to save time for the museum employees as well as travelers wishing to utilize the trail, PTC representatives proposed installing signage to clear up any confusion. Bohac went onto say that signs could also be installed along the trail in to alert cyclists of the available restaurants and other potential pit stops within the town.

The request received unanimous council approval. Bohac said she would also approach the Park Board with the same request, in order to make sure that all involved parties are informed of the decision.

Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum’s Pumpkin, Halloween Trains to Return in October

Posted on September 30, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

Special fall train excursions will be offered during the month of October at North Judson’s Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum. Pumpkin Trains will run the first three Saturdays in October. Passengers will enjoy a trip through the countryside to English Lake and back, before stopping at the museum’s pumpkin patch.

The museum’s fall excursion season wraps up with the annual Halloween Train on Saturday, October 28. The two-and-a-half-to-three-hour trip includes Silly Safaris’ “Not So Scary, Scary Animal Show.”

After that, families will have another chance to take a train ride before then end of the year. Hoosier Valley’s Santa Trains will run the first three Saturdays in December.

Complete schedule and ticket information can be found at HoosierValley.org.

10/7, 14, 21/2017 Pumpkin Train @ Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum

Tickets for the Pumpkin Train are on sale now... get 'em before they're gone! Buy tickets with this link: https://goo.gl/SWspzQ 

The train departs the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum depot in North Judson, Indiana, on October 7th, 14th, and 21st at 10:00 am, 12:30 pm, and 2:30 pm Central time (Chicago time). Choose between coach and open-air seating when you purchase your tickets. Don't forget to purchase your pumpkin tickets.

The 13-mile round-trip train lasts approximately 75 minutes. Please read our website for full travel and ticket information.

Attorney’s Fees Adding Up in North Judson Railroad Dispute

Posted on July 25, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

Legal costs continue to add up for North Judson in the dispute over the town’s short line railroad. The town is paying several thousand dollars a month to Chicago-based railroad regulatory attorney Thomas McFarland to help deal with two ongoing lawsuits.

Last week, the town council approved a payment of over $4,700 to McFarland, which is a bit higher than the last couple of months’ payments. One reason for the increase, according to Clerk-Treasurer Alicia Collins, was that the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum emailed McFarland directly with questions. “You can figure out how much we’re paying an hour fairly easy,” Collins said. “That’s a lot of money. So his email, all that stuff, it’s adding up.”

Museum officials were seeking information about what impact the litigation would have on a $32,000 tourism grant the museum’s set to get from the state.

The town council decided a year ago to lease the line to Michigan-based Lake State Railway, but the Chesapeake and Indiana Railroad still hasn’t vacated it. Meanwhile, Chesapeake and Indiana has blocked the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum from running excursion trains beyond English Lake and into LaCrosse.

Museum officials say that and other issues with Chesapeake and Indiana have cost the museum over $200,000 in lost revenue over the past four years. The museum has turned to crowdfunding to help cover its own legal expenses in the dispute.

At the same time, North Judson officials say the town has spent around $300,000 in legal fees and maintenance costs since the dispute began. While North Judson has a specified fund for its railroad, town officials say that money’s currently unavailable because of the litigation.

Two Starke County Organizations Receive Operation Round up Grants

Posted on July 21, 2017
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI

Two Starke County organizations have been awarded grant funds from the Kankakee Valley REMC Operation Round Up program.

Community Services of Starke County received $3,300 grant to help purchase a computer system that will better serve the organization’s needs and the needs of clients. The organization helps low-income, elderly and disabled citizens in Starke County. Community Services hosts a food pantry, senior activities, meal assistance, and transportation assistance.

The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum is the recipient of a $1,500 Operation Round Up grant. This funding will help museum volunteers make repairs to the asphalt in the handicapped parking lot after a water line leak caused significant damage in 2015. The museum is home to a vast array of railroad history in Starke County.

Operation Round Up has returned over $1 million to non-profit organizations in the community since 2000. Operation Round Up participants contribute an average of $6.00 per year when their electric bill is rounded up to the nearest dollar. Those funds are put into the grant program and managed by Kankakee Valley REMC members.

Railroad Dispute Costing Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum, Town of North Judson

Posted on June 12, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI

The legal battle over North Judson’s short line railroad has town officials considering the line’s future. Last July, the town council decided to lease the line to Michigan-based Lake State Railway, but the Chesapeake and Indiana Railroad still hasn’t vacated it.

During last week’s town council meeting, Clerk-Treasurer Alicia Collins said the ensuing legal battle has meant that no money may be spent out of the town’s railroad budget. That means the town’s had to find other ways to fund legal expenses, as well as maintenance costs. “All that money that is in the railroad fund is frozen,” Collins explained. “So you still have money in your railroad fund, but we can’t use it. We can’t do anything with it because that’s what this whole litigation is over. So it’s coming out of town funds, taxpayer funds.”

So far, the town’s spent nearly $300,000 out of its non-railroad funds, money town officials say they won’t be able to get back. That means the town may not be able to pave streets, fix water mains, or upgrade its wastewater infrastructure, according to council member John Rowe. “What’s more important? Is the railroad more important to us, or is the sewage more important? So that’s how we’re trying to weigh all this out,” Rowe said. “Not that I’m trying to personally lessen this. I’m just saying that it’s not a priority. That’s not the top priority is to have the trains run. I mean, we want to fix the problem, but we have other issues that are major issues.”

The subject was raised last week when officials with the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum wanted an update on the lease process. For the past year, Chesapeake and Indiana has blocked the museum from running excursion trains beyond English Lake and into LaCrosse. On top of that, the museum used to store railcars on its property, until a dispute with Chesapeake and Indiana in 2013 put an end to that business. Those two issues have cost the museum over $200,000 in lost revenue since then, according to museum officials.

Additionally, they say the lack of progress on the lease is jeopardizing nearly $32,000 in tourism grant funding the museum’s set to receive from the state. Town officials say they’re waiting for the Surface Transportation Board to take action, before they can finalize the lease.

Council President Wendy Hoppe said railroad issues have gotten much more complicated, since the town bought the line in 2004. “Well, it’s a horse of another ballgame from the time it took over to the time that you see it today. I mean, I can tell you that, “she said. “In 2004, it was starting to be developed. And until the grain and we got a short line operator, did the town even realize what was going to happen? And once the STB and the federal government stepped in because there was grain and stuff rolling on the track, then the ballgame all changed.”

Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum officials also asked why the town plans to spend up to $35,000 to have the railroad appraised, when an appraisal was just completed last year. Hoppe said last year’s appraisal was much more limited in scope. “That was for to have the RFP done, and that was an emergency thing done,” she explained. “As far as what we could use it for, it wasn’t for our use to see what the value of the railroad is really worth.” She added that it’s important that town officials know what the railroad’s worth, considering how much money they’re putting into it.

Meanwhile, the town continues to maintain the railroad. The town council voted last week to spend $980 to apply weed-killer to the property.

Surface Transportation Board Rules in North Judson’s Favor

Posted on June 2, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI

An attempt by the Chesapeake and Indiana Railroad Company (CKIN) to force the town of North Judson to sell its rail line has been rejected by the Surface Transportation Board.

CKIN operated the short-line railroad under an arrangement with the town for 10 years. Their agreement also allowed the North Judson-based Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum to operate excursion trains on the line.

During that time, freight rail transportation on the line “grew more than eightfold” between 2005 and 2015. By the numbers it went from 506 to 4,312 cars. Co-Alliance, LLP is the primary shipper on the line.

In the spring of 2015, North Judson officials advised CKIN they would not be renewing the 2004 contract and would be seeking a new operator at the end of the year. CKIN refused to terminate operations, and both parties entered into a mediation agreement. CKIN officials contend in their filing the “spirit of the agreement” was that the town would lease the line to Co-Alliance for a new 10-year term, and Co-Alliance would then contract with CKIN to remain as the operator.

Instead the Town of North Judson chose Michigan-based Lake State Railway to lease the line after soliciting requests for proposals. CKIN claims the RFP process put the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum’s needs to access the line over those of freight customers.

Based on that, CKIN sought to require the town to sell the line to them under Board-supervised negotiations. The railroad operator argues the freight rail service was only a secondary consideration to the town.

However, the Surface Transportation Board pointed out the town has “clearly demonstrated that it has met that obligation” by significantly increasing freight traffic on the line since taking over operations.

Click here to read the full Surface Transportation Board Decision.

4/15/2017 Easter Trains @ Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum

Tickets are now on sale for the 2017 Easter Trains, which run on Saturday, April 15, 2017.

These trains leave from our station in North Judson and proceed to English Lake before returning to our park for an Easter Egg Hunt and a visit with the Easter Bunny. The trips run rain or shine and last approximately 75 minutes.

The trains depart at:

• 10:00 am, 
• 12:30 pm, and 
• 2:30 pm (all times are Central time). 

Tickets are available for coach or open air car seating. These trains always sell out, so make sure you buy your tickets early!

http://www.hoosiervalley.org/shop/tickets/#!/Easter-Trains/c/17958770/offset=0&sort=normal