SCENE IN PASSING
MARIE WHITEHEAD herald@mediactr.com
Just when you think there are no more surprises, think again. Who would have believed we could have snow on Easter eggs?

A proposed contract for the operation of the Texas State Railroad by American Heritage has been agreed to, affirmed, by both parties: American Heritage and the Operating Agency for the TSR. The past months of '07 have seen the intensive fine tuning of a proposed document which it is believed, meets the needs of both sides, fairly, accurately and legally. Six members of the OA, of which I am privileged to be one, gave due diligence to a sense of fairness to the proposed operators as well as provide a safety net for our beloved train. Problems were anticipated with procedures outlined for such an event. All of us were committed to an understanding that for this to work, it must be a win-win, public-private partnership. None of us could stand the thought of a static display. American Heritage has decades of service in the operation of tourism trains. There were three other companies who submitted proposals for consideration. This was extremely helpful in coming to a decision. And it is a comforting thought to think that four experienced firms believe in what we do. For many of us, it is the opportunity to keep our economy strong and growing. For many of us it is the value of the train to our rich heritage. It is a piece of history, a major factor in the early growth and development of our area. More importantly we have this new opportunity to keep it operating for us.

Keep in mind, please, that just because we have negotiated a final document between two parties, the voting is not over. There must be a separate agreement between the City of Rusk and the American Heritage for operation of the Rusk State Park for campers. There must be an approval by the state's legislative body: governor, lieutenant governor, senators, representatives; also Texas Parks & Wildlife Department board members. Add to the confusion this year's determined push for the transfer of more than 20 historic sites from TPWD to the Texas Historical Commission. If "they" choose to make the transfer of all these historic sites, plus the removal of the TSR from the TPWD list of things to do, well, what is that going to leave in the way of a Texas Parks & Wildlife Department?

I mention all this to help you understand the complexity of state government. Theirs is not an easy job. Aside from keeping the train rolling, American Heritage has the privilege of becoming a new, valued member of our business community. They will enjoy what you and I enjoy: paying for lights, gas, water, sewer service, sales tax, ad valorem taxes. What we're gaining besides the operation of the train is the value of a new growth industry to our area. There's a lot pending. However it pans out (gold or dirt), we can console ourselves with the memories of trying. Some of you are asking me, "What would Emmett do?" That's a difficult second guess for me. I do know that my Better Half was a pragmatist. He was more willing than I to tackle the winnable projects. I cannot say, for sure, but he loved the train.

For those whose faith in private operation is weak, because they feel so secure with the state, let me help you remember this. The railroad was founded by the State, built by prisoners of the state penitentiary, to provide transportation for their iron goods, also manufactured by the inmates. And under the state's management, all that collapsed: the prison first, therefore no iron works to move on the train, and so, several decades passed with the train leased to private enterprise until that, too, ceased to be needed. Finally, the breath of life was pumped into the historic property by chamber manager, Leon I. Edwards.

Poor Mr. Edwards learned as others have, that there's no end of great things that can be done when you have time, people and money enough.

But the idea planted by the Christian soldier (Mr. Edwards called himself that) was destined to grow and be nurtured in the mind of the Better Half. And with the help of others he committed himself to what some believed was an un-winnable goal. Now, you know the rest of the story. I can only pray that our Creator is guiding these efforts today to save, what He guided in work to create the TSR more than 34 years ago.

Ronnie and Dottie Norton are making progress in their recuperation. Hank and Jimmye Watson are moving better. Others who are recuperating include our good friend Herbert Bell, June and Rudy Cervenka; my special cousin-sister, Evelyn Niederhofer improving after open heart surgery.

Former staff member Stan Nolley was to see a doctor last week regarding a potential, problem tumor near the base of the brain. His mom, Bobbie, a former Rusk school teacher, said they would appreciate everyone's prayers.

And David Norton and family were expected here to visit his mom, Gloria, for Easter. Actually, that translates beautiful granddaughter, Barbara, was to accompany her parents David and Terri to Rusk for a visit.

May the good Lord bless and keep all of his special children who hurt in mind, body and soul. If you're on His list, you are blessed already. Wait patiently, pray often and keep smiling.