Update on Rails to Trail (Tyndall-Platte) When this project started a law firm, Lewis Rice out of St. Louis, Mo. sent letters to landowners to have them sign a contract so they could represent them when the lawsuits start.

Recently, more letters were sent to landowners who have the railroad going through their properties. The two lawyers had three meetings in Tyndall November 15. At the 7:30 and 12 meetings, I was the only one present. At 5 p.m., two more landowners came. We were given a 45 minute presentation on what they do. I asked who invited them and was told they made their own plans (self-invited). I asked if they were bonded to work in South Dakota and was told they didn't have to be (lie). They also didn't have licenses to work in South Dakota.

So why do they come to South Dakota? In the handout they gave us it was very clear it reads (we understand the negative impact a rail to trail conversion has on landowners). A lawyer's dream come true.

The friends are now trying to raise 45K to get a matching grant to do a feasibility study. They have 3% ($1,385.00). Some people want a bike path, but they want somebody else to pay for it.

I tried to follow the old railroad from Tyndall to Platte. It was very difficult because most of the rail goes through private property at an angle. What I did find, I am very concerned because it involves human life. At least four places the trail will cross a state highway where the speed limit is 65 miles per hour, southwest of Tyndall, west of Wagner, Ravinia and Geddes.

I have driven truck many miles that weigh 80K. If a biker starts to come across the road I only have two options - take the ditch and possibly my life or take the life of the biker.

An added bonus if this project is stopped, we won't have to worry about lawyers coming from St. Louis to stir things up.

Respectfully yours, Ed Van Gerpen County Commissioner