PALESTINE —
The Texas State Railroad recently marked a “first” in its history book.
In November, the historic railroad completed work on a 2.8 mile section of track, connecting the TSRR rail line to a Class 1 main line national railroad once again.
“The TSRR is now tied in with the Union Pacific rail line in Palestine,” TSRR Marketing Manager Janet Gregg said. “The last time the rail was used commercially was by the Texas South Eastern Railroad in December 1969.”
That connectivity means two things for the TSRR.
First, it means pursuit of short haul freight contracts can now commence. Such contracts will help stabilize the railroad and enhance its growth.
Secondly, extension of the line allows the TSRR to bring in additional rail cars for its special events.
The Texas State Railroad is owned by Iowa Pacific Passenger Rails, a family of freight and passenger railroads across the United States that offers scenic excursions and unique rail experiences to passengers as well as a variety of freight services.
With operations in Hood River, Ore. (Mount Hood Railroad), Alamosa, Colo. (Rio Grande Scenic Railroad), Palestine and Rusk (The Texas State Railroad) and Saratoga Springs, N.Y. (Saratoga and North Creek Railway), Iowa Pacific has one of the largest fleets of classic American rail cars in the country.
Free trees for Oncor Customers
Texas’ electrical service provider Oncor is partnering with the Arbor Day Foundation’s Energy-Saving Trees Program to promote conservation by giving away 12,000 free trees to Oncor customers living in the Palestine service territory.
“This exciting program will give Oncor customers the chance to get some energy efficiency measures around their home, while also helping the environment,” Oncor Vice President of Distribution Operations Keith Hull said.
The program encourages energy conservation and helps reduce household electricity bills through strategic tree planting. An online tool helps customers find the most strategic location for planting and estimates the annual savings that will result from the tree.
Customers can reserve up to two trees per household, and the program will continue until all 12,000 trees are reserved. Free trees can be reserved at arborday.org/oncor.
In exchange for the free trees, beneficiaries are expected to care for the trees and plant them in the location provided by the online tool. The tool will explain where the right place to plant is and where not to plant — specifically, staying away from planting the trees under power lines.
The two-to-four-foot trees will be delivered directly to the customer at an ideal time for planting.
Local News
Our Town: Texas State Railroad makes history with new rail connection
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Boil water notice issued for Elkhart residents
A boil water notice has been issued for City of Elkhart residents. It reads as follows:
Due to a water main line break, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has required our water system, City of Elkhart PWS id 0010005, to notify customers of the need to boil their water prior to consumption. -
Reagan Park Spray ground to open Saturday
The City of Palestine Parks and Recreation Department will kick off the first full season for the Reagan Park Spray Ground with an public opening event this Saturday.
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Annual Bluegrass Music Festival begins today at Salmon Lake
Bluegrass bands from across the country will descend upon the Grapeland area this week for the 16th Annual Memorial Day Weekend Bluegrass Music Festival, opening today and continuing through Sunday at Salmon Lake Park.
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Healthy cooking program offered
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Palestine is offering a four-week program starting this Thursday to help diabetics make healthy cooking choices.
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Steps of Faith Dance Center production Saturday
Steps of Faith Dance Center will hold its annual production at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Palestine Civic Center.
“We’re going to take you to a land far away and tell you the ‘real’ story of some of your favorite fairy tale characters,” Steps of Faith Dance Center owner Jennifer Ballew said. “The production is full of lively fun music, a reminiscing ol’ Granny, and of course the incredible dancing of several talented students.” -
Chamber sets photo contest
The Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking shutterbugs to participate in its second annual photo contest — portraying structures, landmarks and memorable locations in the Palestine/Anderson County area.
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Memorial Day celebration set Saturday
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3907 will hold a Memorial Day celebration on Saturday featuring barbecue, live music, an auction and more.
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Longview man injured in motorcycle wreck
A Longview man remained in fair condition in a Tyler hospital Monday following a one-vehicle motorcycle wreck Friday near Montalba on Texas 19.
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Traffic stop leads to arrest
A Palestine man remained in jail Monday on drug-related charges following a suspicious vehicle stop in Anderson County on Saturday.
According to Sheriff Greg Taylor, while on patrol in the early morning hours on Saturday, deputy Johnny Gorden saw a suspicious vehicle sitting on the side of U.S. 287 between Palestine and Elkhart. -
Residents urged to welcome back local troops on Wednesday
Palestine area residents are asked to help welcome back the local National Guard troops, which will be coming by bus to the National Guard Armory in Palestine at about 3 p.m. Wednesday.
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