Peoria Station

In 2009, Peoria’s population reached 115,520 while the metro area reached 375,865. My question is, how could this be possible with that gap in our trail system through the city? – David P. Jordan P. S. For those readers who are annoyed by this post, note it was placed in the “humor” category.

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In an update to my June 2 post on Rusk County, Texas’ acquisition of a little-used branchline former 0wner Union Pacific wanted to abandon, the Longview News-Journal reports the restoration of rail service will be celebrated on Thursday, June 24, 2010 when a train arrives the online town of Henderson for the first time in 10 [...]

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On June 10, Pekin-based Aventine Renewable Energy signed a non-binding letter-of-intent to acquire the now-closed Riverland BioFuels LLC ethanol plant located south of Canton. The 37-million-gallon-a-year facility began production in fall 2008, operated for a few months and then closed. It restarted in March 2009, but only for one year before closing again. Keokuk Junction Railway has [...]

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Two-car Iowa Interstate business train, arriving from Iowa City, passes Peoria’s Water Works on June 21, 2010. PEORIA – There was a passenger train in Peoria today. No, rail passenger service has not returned to the River City (not yet). Iowa Interstate Railroad Ltd. officials have come to town. What better way than to ride the [...]

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BNSF unit crude petroleum oil train U-STNSAP (Unit train, Stanley, North Dakota to Sapulpa, Oklahoma) comes off the Barstow Subdivision at Galesburg on June 19, 2010. I thought I’d have to build a time machine and set the date to 1942 or 1943 to see a Midwestern crude oil train. But recently, crude oil trains have been [...]

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Wheelworx North LLC’s Pekin facility is finally under construction. The Calera, Alabama-based company announced last November the selection of Pekin as a Midwest site for a railcar supply facility, which will refurbish railcar wheels. Originally, owner Gary Shoenfeldt wanted to begin construction in the spring. The reason for the delay? – He told the Pekin Times: “If it [...]

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It’s amusing to read the PJStar’s recent trail coverage. It’s as if Peoria Disneyland has been announced. Ironically, trail proponents can thank the railroads for their trail. The railroads had full federal authority to continue to operate the Kellar Branch. Contrary to popular opinion, there was NOTHING legally anyone could do to change that. Instead, [...]

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PEORIA – Okay, I’ll bite. By now you know that Sunday’s Journal Star contained a glowing article on trail proponent George Burrier. It nearly made me puke. Leave it to the local rag to perfume him. If you’ll recall, Burrier is the one that filed a letter to the Federal Surface Transportation Board on March 21, 2007 [...]

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Time for another “Ask Peoria Station.” – David P. Jordan

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PEORIA – According to Allegiant Air’s website, nonstops between Peoria and Phoenix-Mesa will increase from the present thrice-weekly frequency to quad-weekly this summer. Existing flights operate on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The airline will start Saturday flights begining June 26, and offer them through July. Service will be reduced to twice-weekly when Wednesday flights cease after August 11. Allegiant typically [...]

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