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.
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
North Judson Making Progress on Unsafe Building, Railroad Lease Agreement
A few ongoing legal issues were discussed during Monday’s North Judson Town Council meeting. Town Attorney Rachel Arndt is taking steps concerning a downtown building the town believes is unsafe. 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
Potential North Judson Railroad Operators Revealed
More information has been revealed about the potential operators of the short line railroad owned by the Town of North Judson. Clerk-Treasurer Alicia Collins says Lake State Railway and NIWX are the two companies under consideration by the town to lease the line. Continue reading