The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum says it’s signed a new agreement with the Chesapeake and Indiana Railroad. The physical track and the company that operates the railroad were both recently purchased by Midwest & Bluegrass Rail. The museum runs excursion trains on the five-mile section between North Judson and English Lake.
Continue readingRidership Up at 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.
Continue readingMore Work Needed to Secure Trail Easement from English Lake to LaCrosse
An extension of the Erie Trail could soon secure a path all the way to LaCrosse, but more discussions are needed with the new owner of the Chesapeake and Indiana Railroad.
Continue readingNorth Judson to Sell Railroad to Midwest & Bluegrass
North Judson has picked a buyer for its short line railroad. The town’s redevelopment commission voted Monday to sell the 33-mile railroad corridor to Midwest & Bluegrass Rail. The company submitted the highest of three offers at $2,725,000.
Continue readingNorth Judson Redevelopment Commission to Consider Railroad Sale Tonight
The North Judson Redevelopment Commission could choose a buyer for the town’s short line railroad tonight. Midwest & Bluegrass Rail, Co-Alliance, and Columbia Rail submitted offers. Midwest & Bluegrass was the apparent high bidder and is also the line’s current operator.
Continue readingThree Companies Submit Offers for North Judson’s Railroad
North Judson’s short line railroad has attracted offers from three companies. The proposals were opened during a redevelopment commission meeting Monday.
Continue readingNorth Judson Officials to Review Railroad Offers Next Monday
The Town of North Judson is taking offers for its short line railroad. Proposals are due next Monday at 4:00 p.m. CST. They’ll be opened by the redevelopment commission later that evening.
Continue readingHoosier 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.
Continue readingChesapeake 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.
North Judson Council Hires Railroad Appraiser
The North Judson Town Council has hired an appraiser for their railroad line. During a special-called Wednesday meeting members agreed to pay Alexandria, Va.-based G.W. Fauth & Associates an amount not to exceed $35,000 for the work. It will mark the first appraisal the town has had of the rail line since taking over ownership in 2004. Continue reading
North Judson Railroad Lease Discussed
More details have been revealed in the planned lease of North Judson’s short line railroad. Last month, the town council selected Lake State Railway to lease and operate the line. Continue reading
Public Hearing Scheduled for North Judson Railroad Lease
Members of the public will have the chance to offer their input on the lease of North Judson’s short-line railroad. Last month, the town council selected Lake State Railway to lease the line. Tonight, the town’s holding a public hearing on the lease at 6:30 at North Judson Town Hall. Continue reading
Lake State Railway Selected to Lease North Judson’s Railroad
The Town of North Judson has selected Lake State Railway to lease its short line railroad. The town council unanimously made the decision during a special meeting Thursday. Continue reading
North Judson Nears Decision on Railroad Operator
The Town of North Judson is expected to choose an operator for its short line railroad in the near future, possibly as soon as tonight. The town council will meet in executive session this evening to discuss the lease proposals with Town Attorney Rachel Arndt. Continue reading
North Judson Narrows List of Potential Railroad Operators
The Town of North Judson is moving closer to finding a company to lease its short line railroad. Eleven potential operators expressed interest in leasing the line. Clerk-Treasurer Alicia Collins says the town has now narrowed that list down to two, to proceed in the negotiating process. Continue reading
Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum Turns to Public to Cover Legal Fees
As the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum continues its efforts to resume excursions to LaCrosse, it’s asking the public for help covering its legal fees. The museum believes the restriction of its trains is a violation of the terms of an INDOT grant the Town of North Judson received in 2004 to purchase the line. Continue reading
INDOT Calls for Railroad Museum Excursions to Resume
The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum’s efforts to resume train trips to LaCrosse appear to have gotten a boost from the Indiana Department of Transportation. In a letter dated June 1, attorneys representing INDOT in the matter say there’s plenty of room on the track for all users, including freight customers and museum excursions. Continue reading
North Judson Officials Approve Railroad Lease RFP
The Town of North Judson hopes to have a new lease in place for their short line railroad by the end of September. During a brief special session last night the council approved a request for proposals to lease the line. The RFP will now be sent to the 11 operators who have registered their interest with the town. Continue reading
North Judson Preparing for Railroad Lease
The Town of North Judson is looking to move ahead with efforts to lease its railroad. The town council will meet in special session this evening to decide whether to proceed with publishing a request for proposals. Continue reading
North Judson Town Board Discusses Outdoor Pool Regulations
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.