Union Pacific gets permission to uncouple from Palestine

PALESTINE — In what may be a major blow to the city of Palestine, Union Pacific Railroad has been given permission to leave the station for good. IT’s a fight over a promise made in 1872: If Palestine gave the railroad land and money,the railroad would keep a repair shop in Palestine — forever. That word is literally in the agreement. The owners of the railroad have changed many times, but the courts have ruled that “forever” means “forever’ — until now. The 5th Circuit has ruled federal law lets the train uncouple from the town. Former railroad worker Harris Lohmeyer is hoping the courts will read it again. A county commissioner says that repair shop is still in use after all these years and needs to stay. Lohmeyer thinks they will appeal further.