Zachary Post Mar 24

Zachary Post • Tuesday, March 24, 2015 • Vol. 10, No. 12 • Published Weekly • Circulation 16,000 • zacharypost.com © 2015

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See TAX VOTE on page 2

The Post is the place for Zachary news.

Proud to be Zachary’s only locally owned, managed and staffed newspaper.

See DRAKE on page 2

Tax Vote This SaturdayOne Cent Increase on Ballot for Zachary SchoolsBy Jen Bayhi-Gennaro

Voters in Zachary will go to the polls this Saturday to decide on the sales tax proposition, which gives the School Board the power to levy up to 1 cent sales tax. If passed, the Board will begin by levying ¾ cent, which will generate an estimated $3.375 million annually. The mon-ey generated will be placed in the school system’s general fund and be used as directed by the Board.

School Board members have primarily cited unfunded mandates and decreases in state funding as the reason for the needed tax in-crease. In a January town-hall style meeting, a citizen requested specific mandates, state and fed-eral, that have been issued. Super-intendent Scott Devillier began by explaining the computer require-ments to get the district ready for mandated testing.

“The board allocated every year $600,000 for computer replace-ments and updates. The only way we replace computers now is if they are dying. We try to find used computers. We did that for three years. Well, here comes the state saying that all tests are going to be on computers and you have to have a 5:1 ratio of computers to stu-

dents, and you have to put them in place because testing starts this year. Our computers did not have operating systems fast enough to be able to take these tests. We had to allocate the money to put the computers in the classroom, and that’s why that $1.35 million had to be allocated by the Board, be-

Warren Drake Unanimous Choice

to Lead EBR SchoolsLast Wednes-

day, the East Baton Rouge School Board voted unanimously to choose only one finalist for the Super-intendent position. At the end of a short discussion period the Board chose former Zachary Schools Superintendent Warren Drake to ad-vance and interview for the position on March 26. The board will then vote to approve Drake at their April 2 meet-ing.

When approved, Drake will re-place Bernard Taylor running the State of Louisiana’s largest School System. Taylor’s contract was not renewed.

East Baton Rouge School Board President David Tatman said that Drake’s credentials and achievements head and shoulders above all the other applicants.

Drake, 63, left Zachary Schools in 2012 to become an administrator with

Trains Set to Rumble Through Downtown Zachary

Zachary Early Learning Center, pictured above, would be one of the hardest hit schools if the tax doesn’t pass.

Joe Vidmar, Geaux-Geaux Railroad executive and KPAQ CEO, Jefferey Jakes at recent Zachary Rotary Club meeting.

By James ronald skains

“Trains that will pass through downtown Zachary twice a day are our plans,” Joe Vidmar, KPAQ and AMZAK Capital Company Executive told the Zachary Post. “However, three things are vital to understand. First of all, they will be traveling very slowly, in the “under-twenty mile an hour cat-egory”, probably closer to 10 miles per hour when they come through Zach-ary.”

“The south bound train will be haul-ing our finished products first toward Baton Rouge, and then to points across the country. The train schedules will be designated for trains to pass through Zachary at off-peak traffic hours. This will also be true of the north bound train which may haul some supplies

and equipment we need for mill op-erations, an off-peak time schedule. Another thing that people will appreci-ate is that the trains will be short trains with only 10-20 cars.”

“And perhaps most important thing to the people in Zachary is that we will fix and repair the downtown railroad crossing. In fact our plans are to take out everything that is there now, build a whole new section of railroad cross-ing and put it in place without causing a major traffic problem.

“AMZAK Capital, which to-tally owns KPAQ and the railroad, has named the 22 mile long railroad, GEAUX-GEAUX RAILROAD, in honor of our Cajun Culture,” Vidmar pointed out to Zachary Rotary Club

See TRAIN on page 12

2 Zachary POST Tuesday, March 24, 2015

TAX VOTE continued from page 1

P.O. Box 1637Zachary, LA 70791

Phone (225) 654-0122Fax (225) 208-1165

Email stories and photos to [email protected]

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Publisher & EditorDaniel Duggan

Graphic DesignerTina Adams

Account ExecutivesGeorgiana Walls

Ashley EvansJamar Franklin

Contributing WritersJames Ronald SkainsJen Bayhi-Gennaro

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Bike Trick EditorCecelia Duggan

Deleting Files EditorColton Duggan

DRY’S

cause we had to take that test.”In addition to the computers,

another big cost is the employer-mandated retirement, which costs $4 million a year. “In 2003 when we started, we had no retirees. We had zero cost. In 2008 it started to grow once we started having a few people retire, costing $85,695 that year.” It’s now grown to ap-proximately $450,000 for the cur-rent year, and that is to pay for retiree’s health insurance, “and it’s only going to grow,” Devil-lier said. The Board has decreased the shared amount from 75/25 to 68/32.

National Board Certification mandated supplements run the district $5,000 per employee. “Ini-tially, the state was paying for that mandate, then the state said you have to continue to pay the stipend but we don’t have the funds for it, so you have to find a way,” Devil-lier said. The extended sick leave mandate for full time employees—up to 90 days additional sick leave at 65% of pay—is a wild card for the district. “How do you budget for that? You don’t know who’s going to get sick,” Devillier said.

LEAP test remediation is an-other mandate. If students don’t pass the LEAP test—and we don’t have many—the state mandates you have to provide remediation,

and the state no longer provides money. Finally, Compass Stipends are additional stipends that are given to teachers that receive high ratings.

Board members have also said that with the budget shortfall, it will be necessary to begin cutting programs—and when you start cutting programs, you start cutting people, Devillier said. The most likely place to start will be the dis-trict’s art, music and foreign lan-guage programs.

If the proposed one-cent sales tax is approved by voters on the March 28 ballot, the Zachary School System will have the high-est tax burden (combined property taxes and sales taxes) in the state of Louisiana according to the non-profit National Tax Foundation.

Baker High School Class of 1975’s 40th Reunion will be held on Saturday May 23, 2015, from 7-11 pm at the Embassy Suites in BR. Cost is $50 per person. Make check payable to BHS Class of 1975. Deadline is April 30 and should be mailed to Karie Liddell P O Box 81 Zachary LA 70791. You may also check us out on Facebook at Baker High School, Class of 1975.

BHS 40th Reunion Set

the Louisiana Department of Educa-tion. Prior to overseeing the first 10 years of the Zachary School System, he spent much of his career with East Baton Rouge Parish Schools, includ-ing serving as Tara High School prin-cipal from 1996 to 2002. Drake still resides in Zachary.

DRAKE continued from page 1

Tuesday, March 24, 2015 Zachary POST 32013 ZHS Football ScheduleLetter to the Editor

Letters to the Editor are unedited submissions to the Zachary Post. Letters to the Editor may be submitted for publication at [email protected]. Submissions will be printed in the next issue of the Post, space allowing. Deadline for submission is by 5:00 p.m. the Thursday before Tuesday publication.

At Zachary United Methodist Church

Easter!

Celebrate Palm Sunday (March 29th)

8:15am Palm Sunday Cantata—”Behold, The Lamb” Featuring an outstanding vocal and instrumental presentation

9:15am Children’s Eggstravaganza For Pre-K to 4th grade: crafts, games, egg hunt and more!

10:30am Palm Sunday Cantata—”Behold, The Lamb” Featuring an outstanding vocal and instrumental presentation

Easter Sunday (April 5th) 9:00am Traditional Easter Service

10:00am Sunday School For All Ages

11:00am Pathway Contemporary Service (New!) We kickoff our brand new contemporary service in our recently updated Fellowship Hall

Zachary United Methodist Church 4205 Church Street, next to Zachary High School

www.zacharyumc.org

Dear Zachary Post Editor:

Thank you for allowing con-cerned citizens to express their views concerning the March 28 vote on a proposed sales tax increase of one cent, which is intended to assist with operating budget issues of the Zach-ary Community School System.

Citizens for Zachary Schools is a group of mostly young families with strong ties to the Zachary area and a strong appreciation for the mission of the Zachary School system. Many of our friends and neighbors are unclear

about school system funding and budgeting issues. Our community made a bold and generous commit-ment over a decade ago to increase property taxes in order to fund capi-tal improvements and construction when the Zachary community took over facilities that were in disrepair. Many of us spent weekends cleaning and painting in the old school build-ings to get ready for the opening day of the newly independent Zachary School System. We have watched the school system assemble a team of energetic and gifted educators and

administrators, many among the best in their fields. Our school system has ranked number one in the state for a solid decade now. Our older children are in college, enjoying the benefit of the solid foundation provided by Zachary schools, while our younger children continue to benefit from the dedicated efforts of school sys-tem employees and to win local and national recognition for their perfor-mance and achievements. Through good economic times and bad, the Zachary community has enjoyed a strong real estate market, and area employers actively suggest Zachary as an ideal location for recruited em-ployees and their families, routinely touting the impressive achievements of the school system.

Historically, Louisiana has not placed a high emphasis on the value of education. But many in the Zachary community recognize that if our chil-dren are to compete in an ever more competitive national economy, the single best thing we can do for them is to give them the strong work ethic and passion for learning that comes from studying under excellent teachers. Our facilities show that community leaders recognize the importance and value of education. We are called on now to increase by one cent the sales tax we pay on certain purchases inside the Zachary city limits. No one enjoys seeing taxes increase. But none of us can say that an additional penny of tax on purchase of nonexempt items will actually have a noticeable effect on our standard of living. Those who have not taken the time to look into the financial affairs of the Zachary School System suggest that there is waste or mismanagement in the bud-get. Close review shows this is not the case. Our school board publishes its operating budget and audit report every year. Our system has conducted numerous public meetings in an ef-fort to answer community questions, address concerns over budget issues,

and to receive suggestions from the community. The strain on the system budget traces largely to increasing financial requirements and mandates imposed by the state, and the failure of the state to provide funding as it pushed increased costs down to lo-cal systems. Insurance, retirement, technology and testing costs, and a failure to maintain a historic infla-tion adjustment have pushed our system and many others to financial austerity. This process has been on-going for a number of years, and our school board has made adjustments and tightened belts every year. But at some point there is nothing left to trim, and important features and pro-grams will be lost. Once the message gets out that the community will no longer pursue academic excellence, the best and the brightest will begin to respond to offers from communities that do place a priority on academic excellence. This is a difficult trend to reverse once it gains momentum.

There is no better investment we can make in our children’s future than to provide them with the best possible educational opportunities. Our uniformly high property values are a fringe benefit of our support for our children’s future and a return on the investment this community made over the last decade. Where our state leadership fails to prioritize the edu-cation of our young people, it falls to local communities to ensure that our children are prepared as well as pos-sible for life in a competitive work environment. One penny of addition-al sales tax allows us to continue the exceptional progress we have made. It is a small price to pay toward our children’s future.

Sincerely,

Citizens for Zachary Schools Laura Freeman, Chairperson

[email protected]

Citizens for Zachary Schools Urge Public to Vote for Tax Increase


Please send in your Submissions and Achievements [email protected]

Train Show in Jackson this Weekend

Pictured: A steam locomotive rumbles through the Greater Baton Rouge Model Rail-roaders’ outdoor garden railroad in Jackson. All Aboard! The Greater Baton Rouge Model Railroaders will host their annual Spring Open House at their facility in Jackson LA, on Friday and Saturday, March 27 and 28. Times are 11 to 3 on Friday and 10 to 3 on Saturday. Located behind the museum on the grounds of the Old Hickory Railroad at 3406 College Street, the club will demonstrate indoor and outdoor model trains in all scales. The club moved to Jackson in 2003 and expanded into a second building in 2010. The added space has enabled the club’s 33 members to build five major indoor layouts and two outdoor layouts, including one of only two publicly accessible garden railroads in Louisiana. The club is unique in operating all popular American scales: G, O, HO, N, S and Z. Most clubs operate only a single scale. The Open House is free and open to everyone. Before or after their visit to the trains, guests can visit the annual Jackson Antiques Festival and enjoy lunch at the Festival’s Gumbo Kitchen on nearby Charter Street, as well as visit the historic open houses in Jackson. For more informa-tion go to www.greaterbrrailroaders.com.

ZHS Marketing Program Receives MERA Grant

DECA State Conference participants from left to right: Kirkland Sheppard, Herchiel Devalcourt, Jaylynn Howard, Quinn Richards, Emily Borg, Cathy McLeod, Yusalynda Chew, Ms. June Thompson, Coordinator/Teacher. Not pictured: Chelsi Parker

The Zachary High School Mar-keting Program and Ms. June Thompson, Coordinator/Teacher, was recently awarded a grant of $2,900 from the Marketing Edu-cation Retail Alliance (MERA). MERA was created in 2000 and is administered by the Louisiana Re-tailers Association. MERA grants are funded through the Louisiana Department of Economic Develop-ment under the authority of LA R.S. 47:318.

The MERA grant provides funds for students to attend leadership training and the state DECA confer-ence and training to improve skills through customer service market-ing activities. Students worked with marketing simulations that improve their abilities to provide better cus-tomer service, product knowledge, and follow-up procedures and com-peted in various marketing related competitive events at the DECA

CDC state conference in late Febru-ary. Emily Borg placed 1st in Busi-ness Service Management entitling her to compete at the national con-vention in Orlando, FL in April. The students can then apply what they learn in role-play work scenarios that carried over into real-life experiences in their workplaces. Upon comple-tion of the training, the students will take the National Customer Service Examination.

The significance of the National Professional Certification in Cus-tomer Service affects everyone: the school, students, and employers. It validates that learning took place in the classroom and that class objec-tives meet industry needs, including rigor and relevance because these certification standards are set by the industry. Students leave the class with an industry-developed creden-tial that demonstrates their potential to future employers.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015 Zachary POST 5

Legendz 13U wins USSSA March Madness tournament that was held on weekend of 3/14-3/15. They have now won the first two tournaments of the year, and will next be playing in tournament in Lafayette this coming weekend.Team members: Top row L to R Dylan Sarrazin, Trent Lecoq, Jacob Ragsdale, Joe thompson, Derrik Lathon, Noah Weston. Bottom: Jayden Williams, Tanner Hall, Dylan Jackson, Kyle Landry, Easton Rish. Head coach: Jack Leiva. Assistant Coaches: Dustin Byrd, Francis Jackson

Births • Engagements • Weddings • Awards Obituaries • Anniversaries • Reunions

Milestones

Paige Tullier of Zachary, La and Jesse Dauzat are proud to announce the birth of their second child. Chandler Mae Dauzat. Born January 16, 2015 at Women’s hospital. 6 lbs 7 oz and 18.75 inches. Grandparents are Wendy Tullier of Zachary, La., Kriste and Tommy Dauzat of Pineville, La and Stacey and Chuck Perkins of Pineville, La., Great grandparents are Lena and Jerry Godso of Zachary, La.

Chandler Mae Dauzat


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Mrs. Bennett and Mrs. Allen’s first and second graders are studying living and non-living in Science. In Social Studies they are learning about the different cultures in Louisiana. To tie these units together they decided to take their students to the BREC’s Farr Park Equestrian Center to let them experience a little bit of both. At the Farr Park the children were able to ride a horse and were treated to a barn tour to learn about the horses.

Rollins Place Wranglers Horse Around at BREC’s Farr Park

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LeBlanc’s Ace Employees Receive Stihl Certification

LeBlanc’s Food Stores in Zachary is proud to recognize James Juino, Ace Employee and Stihl Certified Technician. Juino, as LeBlanc’s customers and staff call him, achieved factory certification as a Gold Level service techni-cian from STIHL, Inc., a leading manufacturer of chain saw and handheld outdoor power equipment. Previously, Juino has completed numerous online certifications from STIHL and received his Silver Certification in Arkansas. In order to achieve a Gold Level Certification, Juino traveled to Virginia Beach to participate in three days of advanced training as well as an exam that consisted of a written test, product troubleshooting, and a “hands-on” practical exam. “STIHL certified service technicians are “factory trained” in the diagnosis of running problems, failure analysis, and quick and reli-able repair,” said Randy Scully, product service manager for STIHL Inc. “A Gold Level technician has demonstrated both the knowledge and the skills to handle challenging service situations, including carburetor operation and service, failure analysis, and maintenance and service of STIHL products.”

Juino started his career as a mechanic in the United States army, where he served for eight years and gained lots of experience. He is a jack of all trades but after gaining his Gold Level Certification he now specializes in repairing/ refurbishing Stihl products. The LeBlanc team is proud to have James Juino as an employee in their Zachary Ace Department and they con-gratulate him on his hard work and dedication to his field.

James Juino


Lane HERO Club Donates to American Heart AssociationMembers of Lane’s HERO Club

(Hospital Employees Reaching Out) recently presented a check for $3000 to the American Heart Association. Re-gional Heart Walk director Lee Rayner and heart survivor 7-year-old Julianne Caperton joined in the celebration to accept the donation.

More than 300 employees contrib-ute to the HERO Club to raise funds for local organizations, including American Heart, American Cancer, March of Dimes and Susan G. Komen.

The HERO Club also supports projects at Lane, such as providing life-saving cancer treatments at the Radiation Oncology Center and help-ing fellow employees in times of need with the Employee Benevolence Fund.

Pictured L-R: Front Row: Lee Rayner, Jennifer Johnson, Lori Hopwood, LaneRMC Foundation Director Theresa Payment, Julianne Caperton, Laura Peel, Tara Pitcher, Delores Sutton and Angie Saari. Back Row: Members of Lane’s HERO Club - Hospital Employees Reaching Out

Meet the Newest Docs at Lane!Join the staff and physicians of Lane Regional Medical Center for an

old-fashioned Meet n’ Greet on Thursday, March 26, from 3-4 p.m., in the Lane Cafete-

ria to welcome our newest specialists:• Dr. Thomas Trahan, Lane Wound Care and Hyperbarics Center• Dr. Amanda Lee, Zachary Family Practice• Dr. Jason Beeharilal, Premier Wellness Associates• Dr. Allison Parkman, FASTLane After Hours Walk-in Clinic• Dr. Kirk Mullins, Gastroenterology Associates• Dr. Cynthia Boyer, Radiation Oncology Center• Dr. David Longmire, Hospital Medicine• Dr. Samer Bakhos, Hospital Medicine• Dr. Heather Hill, Hospital Medicine• Dr. Michael Oswald, Williamson Allemond Regional Eye Center• Aerin Couvillion, Fleur de Lis Acupuncture


Births • Engagements • Weddings • Awards Obituaries • Anniversaries • ReunionsMilestones

William Franklin “Bill” Shaver, 86, a resident of Zachary, LA and a native of Wadesboro, NC, died on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at Lane Re-gional Medical Center. He was retired, after serving in the US Army as a policeman and detective. Visitation will be at Charlet Funeral Home, Inc in Zachary, LA on Thursday, March 12, 2015 from 9am until funeral services at 12noon, conducted by Pastor Bruce Hatcher. Burial will be in Azalea Rest Cemetery. He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Ruby Shaver; one daughter, Billie Shaver Bennett of Baton Rouge; one son, Charles “Randy” Shaver of Walker; two grandchildren: Brad Bennett and Blake Bennett; four great-grandchildren: Bentley Bennett, Ty Bennett, Berkley Bennett, and Rydar Bennett. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth Shaver; three sons, William F. Shaver, Jr., Donald Shaver, and Doug Allen; and three sisters, Bonnie Glendale Shaver, Ann Lou Shaver Whitley, and Eu-lalah Shaver. Pallbearers will be Brad Bennett, Blake Bennett, Bruce Ben-nett, Jesse Coker, Jerry Anderson, and Josh Smith. He was a veteran of the US Army who served in Korea and Vietnam.

ObituariesWilliam ShaverVivian Miller

Loveliest of lovely things are they,On earth, that soonest pass away.The rose that lives its little hour

Is prized beyond the sculptured flower.Even love, long tried and cherished long,Becomes more tender and more strong,

At thought of that insatiate graveFrom which its yearnings cannot save.

-William Cullen Bryant

Vivian W. Miller, 78, a resident of Zachary, LA, died on Saturday March 7, 2015. Visitation will be at Charlet Funeral Home, Inc. in Zach-ary, LA on Monday, March 9, 2015 from 5pm until 8pm, and then on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 from 9am until funeral services at 10am, con-ducted by Pastor Stephen Byrd. Burial will be at Azalea Rest Cemetery.

Mrs. Miller was born in North Louisiana on a cotton farm and was the eldest of 13 children. Her family will remember her as not only a mother and grandmother that loved unconditionally, but also as a smart, funny and beautiful woman whose presence could never go unnoticed. She was a talented painter and artist in many forms and she loved gar-dening. She is survived by one son, Eric Miller and his wife Regina of St. Francisville; three grandchildren: Brandi Chauser and her husband Mike; Mindy Head and her husband Jason; Jacob Miller and his wife Chelsea; and five great-grandchildren: Keely Head, Brodie Head, Slade Chauser, Laszlo Chauser, and Murphy Miller; three sisters: Annette Du-pree, Bertha Cowart, and Odessa Carr; nine brothers, Gilbert Walker, Glen Walker, James Walker, Jack Walker, Alvin Walker, Norman Walk-er, Robert Walker, Everett Walker, and Dallas Walker; numerous nieces and nephews and her best friend, Mary Watts. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Annie Walker and her husband Murphy Miller. Pallbearers will be Trey Unglesby, Matt Unglesby, Blane McEv-ers, Jason Head, Mike Chauser, and Mitch Watts.

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members during his appearance before that group. “We have chosen the WAT-CO Short Line Railroad Company as our operator. WATCO currently oper-ates 4,000 miles of short railroad lines in the USA.”

“WATCO is the largest Short-Line operator in the country. Our line will be the third short line railroad operated by WATCO in Louisiana. WATCO is based in Pittsburg, Kansas and is owned by the founding owners of the compa-ny, the Webb family. They are a very professional company and have a lot of experience and a good track record. WATCO recently acquired the railroad in Bogalusa around the IP Paper Mill. The Bogalusa division of WATCO will actually operate the GEAUX-GEAUX Railroad for KPAQ.”

Clearing of the track right away be-gan in early March but has been hin-dered by rain and cold weather. Geaux-Geaux RR plans to begin assembly their crews for work on the replace-ment of ties, rails, and bridge work in mid-April. In cleaning out the railroad right away, Vidmar hopes to cut few, if any, trees to accommodate the railroad.

The process of acquisition of the “old Zee line” from Illinois Cen-tral/Canadian National Railroad by Geaux-Geaux Railroad, a subsidiary of AMZAK Capital that owns and oper-ates KPAQ, has been a long and tedious journey for Joe Vidmar and his team. In early 2014, the authority to purchase the old railroad was given by the Fed-eral Transportation Board in Washing-

ton, DC. On February 9, 2015, Vidmar and his team consisting of the WATCO Bogalusa Division gained operator ex-emption status which allows the rail-road to move forward with becoming operational, perhaps by late 2015 or sometime in the first quarter of 2016.

“Working with AMZAK Capital is anything but boring,” Joe Vidmar re-lated. “The Kazma family was a ma-jor player in telecommunications in the days of the boom in the industry in Canada and the Caribbean and Aruba. KPAQ was the first major investment that AMZAK Capital made outside the telecommunications industry.”

“First came a paper mill for AMZAK and then a railroad, so who knows what will be the next invest-ment for AMZAK. AMZAK is a pri-vate equity firm, wholly owned by the Kazma family. The private equity group was formed in 1969. It is now basically operated by the second and third generation family members. I do know that the family believes there are a lot of good investment opportunities in the southeast section of the USA.”

Vidmar is a native of Indiana. The first part of his career was spent in the aluminum industry with ALCOA. Vidmar has a BS and a Masters Degree in Industrial Management from a uni-versity in Indiana. Prior to coming on board with AMZAK Capital, Vidmar was operational manager at an AL-COA plant in Georgia.

“We anticipate hauling about 1,600 cars a year over our track,” Vidmar confirmed. “One of the things we are doing to help the railroad run in the black is to use the side tracks of the

railroad for car storage. Car storage is a profitable sector of a railroads opera-tion. Shipping by rail is somewhat a cyclical business. During some months of the year there is a shortage of rail cars, while at other times during the year, major railroads are looking for places to park railroad cars.”

“We have set an outside opera-tional date of June 2016 but we hope to do much better. Our timeline is 9-12 months from the time construc-tion starts. We have a lot of bridges to repair or rebuild. Thompson Creek is the major bridge which is still structur-ally sound; however, we will have to replace the deck. The road bed in itself is in good shape. There are dozens of crossings on the 22 mile track that we will be responsible to maintain, some on major highways. Safety is our ma-jor concern for these crossing. We are developing plans to add another layer of safety at the major highways cross-ings.”

“Making the decision to re-open the railroad was a major step,” Vidmar ex-plained. “Logistically we could not get enough trucks in and out of the KPAQ mill to keep up with customer demand. Since I got involved in the project, I’ve personally walked the entire track four times, so I pretty well know the track and what needs to be done to maintain it and to ensure safety and KPAQ’s ability to get product to market by rail.”

“Some people have suggested that we consider re-opening the old Glasto-nia Railroad to Gloster since KPAQ gets a large portion of their chips from the chip mill in Gloster. It would prob-ably cost in excess of a $1,000,000 a mile to re-open that line. However, a fifty million dollar investment, at this point, isn’t feasible.”

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Zachary Post Mar 24