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.
North Judson Ends Railroad Dispute by Sticking with Chesapeake and Indiana Railroad Company
A lengthy legal battle over North Judson’s short line railroad has ended with the town sticking with the line’s current operator. During a special session Monday, the town council approved an operating agreement with the Chesapeake and Indiana Railroad Company (CKIN). Town Attorney Justin Schramm says it lets the company continue operating the railroad for 10 years with two five-year automatic renewals.
Attorney’s Fees Adding Up in North Judson Railroad Dispute
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.
Two Starke County Organizations Receive Operation Round up Grants
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.
Railroad Dispute Costing Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum, Town of North Judson
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.
Surface Transportation Board Rules in North Judson’s Favor
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. Continue reading
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
Starke County Park Board Hopes to Discuss Erie Trail Lease with Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum
The Starke County Park Board may consider taking over the operation of the North Judson Erie Trail. The facility is owned by the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum. Starke County’s five-year park plan suggests that the county lease it. Continue reading
Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum Schedules Easter Train Rides
The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum is celebrating Easter with special train excursions next month. Three Easter Trains will run on Saturday, April 15. They’ll depart from the North Judson depot at 10:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. CDT. Continue reading
Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum Accepting Guest Engineer Reservations
If you’ve got a train enthusiast on your Christmas list, the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity available for him or her. They are taking reservations now for their 2017 guest engineer program. Continue reading
North Judson Fire Department Gets New Helmets, Coordinates Railroad Museum Safety Plan
North Judson-Wayne Township firefighters are getting some new equipment, thanks to Wayne Township. Fire Chief Joe Leszek told the town council Monday that the township had purchased 10 new helmets for the fire department. Continue reading
Fall Colors, Local Agriculture on Display During Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum Fall Excursions
Summer may be coming to an end, but train riding season continues at the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum. 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
North Judson War Reenactment in Jeopardy
A Civil War reenactment planned in North Judson this fall may be canceled, due to a lack of volunteers. The event would commemorate the return of local soldiers at the end of the war in 1866 and would be part of the town’s celebration of Indiana’s Bicentennial. 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
Starke County to Seek Grant Funds for Park Plan
The Starke County Park Board is moving ahead with efforts to complete a five-year plan for the county’s park facilities. Before the county is able to get most types of grant funding for park projects, it’s required to have a comprehensive plan in place. 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
North Judson Touts Mint Festival Success, Continues Celebrating Local History
The Town of North Judson is calling this year’s Mint Festival a success. This year’s event celebrated the town’s sesquicentennial, the state’s bicentennial, and the 40th year for Mint Festival. 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