Ridership Up at Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum

photo by David Dupuis provided by Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum

One of Starke County’s major tourist attractions is reporting a big increase in visitors this year. The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum says almost 2,200 passengers have ridden its regularly-scheduled trains so far this year. Museum President Todd Flanigan says the museum typically only sees about 1,650 during an entire season.

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Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum Hopes New Railroad Operator Could Allow LaCrosse Trips to Resume

The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum is expressing optimism with the new operator of North Judson’s short line railroad. A company called Midwest & Bluegrass Rail announced last month that it had purchased the Chesapeake and Indiana Railroad, as well as three other short lines, from the Indiana Boxcar Corporation. Midwest & Bluegrass is a relatively new company, formed in 2019.

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Chesapeake and Indiana Railroad Plans Track Upgrades

 

The operator of North Judson’s short line railroad plans to rehabilitate 15 miles of track, thanks to a $300,000 Industrial Rail Service Fund grant. The Chesapeake and Indiana Railroad says it will install more than 4,400 new ties on a stretch of track through LaPorte County. Railroad representatives say that will bring the segment up to Class 1 track standards, which allow freight trains to travel at up to 10 miles per hour.

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North Judson Town Board Discusses Outdoor Pool Regulations

North Judson Town Board: Dan Anderson, Wendy Hoppe, Jane Ellen Felchuk, Attorney Cassie Hine and Clerk-Treasurer Connie Miller

The North Judson Town Board members discussed outdoor pool regulations at their recent meeting.

Building Inspector, Steve Ransom, said if you install a pool 24 inches tall or bigger, whether it’s a temporary pool or you plan to place it on your property permanently, a permit is required. Pools under 48 inches that have an entry that can not be secured must be fenced in. More information regarding pool installation can be found in an ordinance in the Clerk’s office.

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