Friends' group seeks clarification from rail authority
Attorney may be asked to determine if a conflict exists for 501c3 group to engage in fund-raising for train
BY MARIE WHITEHEAD

Friends of TSR, a volunteer support group, was the first unit of service organized to provide assistance to the Texas State Railroad more than a decade ago. Its membership is composed of persons who reside in Rusk, Palestine and surrounding communities.

Ava Harmon of Palestine, a Friends charter member, represented the group at a meeting of the Texas State Railroad Authority at 9 a.m. April 2 at City Hall in Palestine.

Authority member Dan Davis introduced Mrs. Harmon, explaining that recent communication within the friends group indicated a meeting for clarification of their future role might be helpful.

She reviewed their past years' service, including fund raising for the train.

"In light of our 501C3 designation, we have wondered if there would be a conflict for us to raise funds to support a privately-operated train," said Mr. Harmon.

Discussion indicated that their future help might be directed toward current operation by contract, or it might be directed to the TSR Authority.

"We can get an attorney's ruling," said Chairman Steve Presley, "just be assured that your help is appreciated and wanted. "

Paul Schranck, superintendent for American Heritage at the TSR, said that their experience with similar groups of support at other locations has been very successful. "They have helped from physical labor with repairs and maintenance to museums and historical programs," he said. "Volunteer support is a tremendous asset."

Their help was underscored by Chairman Presley. "We see our role as being that of oversight, monitor, guidance to keeping the train on track. Your kind of assistance is not our kind of service. Your abilities are most welcome and you are appreciated by all of us, very much."

Discussion involving the disposal of surplus materials produced a reminder that "surplus" as considered for disposal does not include those items which were originally donated or loaned to the TSR excursion train.

Bids have been advertised for sale of certain surplus. Mr. Schranck explained that ties which must be dug up are a struggle to sell. He was given the flexibility of deciding this matter.

Additional grant funds through TxDOT require more paper work. Chairman Presley said that Harvey Stone of Stone Consulting will visit next week, to work with Mr. Schranck and Gary Traylor, grant consultant, to establish a rough draft of the next budget and prioritize repairs. Its acceptance by TxDOT will speed the time frame to receive grant funds.

More bids will be requested for spikes, washers and ties.

Mr. Schranck said that the next planned promotion of the train will feature the Lone Ranger. "This is being created for us and it will be presented in June at the Rusk Depot. Excitement is very high," he stated.

He also announced that the ridership through March had been 5,183. He also said that he would return to Durango around the first of May. Chap Boaz will be his successor.

Members present in addition to those named were Wesley Holloway, Charles Hassell, Bob Goldsberry, Marie Whitehead; also Mayor Angela Raiburn of Rusk and Bobby Pennington of Palestine.