I wonder how many people in Rochelle and the area think about the Great Lakes Basin rail project?
After all, what is the problem with a new rail line that carries 100-plus unit trains, some of them filled with hazardous chemicals, at speeds of 70 miles per hour?
The new proposed route goes through Davis Junction, then follows the spur line currently running between Rochelle and Rockford to just north of Kings. It swings east near Kings, then heads south before it again veers east and skirts through the northeastern part of Hillcrest before crossing I-39 when it will then again head south.
More than 200 people gathered at Kings School Thursday night and see lots of problems with the proposed railroad.
Farms will be split by the 200 foot wide rail corridor. Someone whose family has farmed or raised cattle on the land for generations may find that lifestyle impossible with a railroad bisecting their property.
Roads will be closed. Many roads.  
The understanding I came away with is there would not be grade crossings at most of the rural roads. And if there were to be a crossing, it would be installed at local expense and it would be a quiet zone crossing, with bigger gates and a lane divider, much like Rochelle has installed.
There would be an overpass over I-39 and I-88 but there would be a grade level crossings on IL Route 251, IL Route 38 and IL Route 64. Grade level crossings. With possibly 100-plus trains a day.
On Thursday night, people spoke out and asked how kids would get to school if rural crossings are gone. And if a train happened to be stopped across IL Route 251, how would first responders get to an accident scene or fire? How would they get to any accident scene or fire with many of the rural roads blocked?

County boards all along the proposed route from Wisconsin to Indiana have come out opposed to the project.
Environmental concerns, safety issues and preservation of farmland are all concerns voiced by opponents of the project.
The final decision on the project falls to the Surface Transportation Board. This used to be a three-person board, but was recently expanded to five. The president appoints, and Congress confirms the members.
To me, the most odious aspect of this is the railroad’s ability to grab land through eminent domain. Think of it… a private company can decide to build anything and can seize your property. Yes, you get compensated for it, but that is no comfort if you don’t want to sell.
Why build it?
The developers claim it will reduce the shipping time for goods by bypassing the busy Chicago train hub. Commuters in the suburbs would like it so there are less trains and less delays caused by trains in densely populated areas. And some people say the new railroad will create jobs, not only in the construction phase but in opening up new areas for manufacturers, all along the route, including Rochelle.
The current proposed corridor is not the first route. Originally, the railroad was east of I-39 all the way through Ogle County. 
That has since changed, and the path could change again.
If you want to learn more, and I suggest you do, you can Google the Great Lakes Basin Railroad. You will find plenty of information.  
I am a bit of a pessimist. There is big money behind this project, and big money talks.
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Who would think the Flagg Museum’s Chautauqua series would invoke a little controversy?
Apparently at Monday night’s program featuring local sculptor Fran Volz, it was said the national straw sculpting competition that premiered in Rochelle last fall was moving to Mt. Morris.
When I asked Rochelle officials about that, they were somewhat surprised. Rochelle people seem to be working under the assumption that the competition was going to be here again.
Let’s hope the two sides can get together and straighten out this communication problem.
In any case, the hay bales will be returning next year. That was a fun event and I expect even more people and groups will be adopting bales to decorate in the fall.

Terry Dickow is a retired teacher with an opinion on almost everything.  Some opinions you may like, others you may not.  He can be contacted at terrydickow@gmail.com