By Jo Chiparo DEDICATION: The Indiana Rail Road donated a caboose to the city of Jasonville recently, and the gift was officially dedicated Tuesday. The caboose was handed over to Jasonville Mayor Roy Terrell (right) by IRR Executive Vice President John Rickoff. [Order this photo]

It also marked another milestone to Mayor Roy Terrell's nine months in office.

At the dedication ceremony, John Rickoff, executive vice president of Indiana Railroad, said the railroad and Jasonville has had a long history together, over 150 years.

"Jasonville is the hub of our operations," Rickoff noted, "and we are presently expanding our yard and hoping to add more jobs in the future."

Following the dedication, Terrell talked to the Greene County Daily World remarking on the city's birthday celebration and his first nine months in office.

He said taking the mayor's seat during the town's 150th anniversary made it especially exciting for him.

"It has been an exciting nine months, very rewarding and a learning process," noted Terrell. "We kicked off the town's birthday celebration in January and named a street after Jason Rogers, the town's founder. The celebration has been on-going with a lot of activities. Overall, it has been a success, and I think everyone has enjoyed it."

Terrell added that his months as mayor moved along smoothly until the levee broke on Eel River creating the water crisis.

Even during that difficult time, Terrell said he couldn't give enough praise to those who helped on the county and state level.

He also gave special praise to Jasonville's firefighters for their hard work and also to firefighters who helped from Wright and Lewis townships.

"It was quite an experience," Terrell went on to say. "I hope it doesn't happen again, but if the situation arises, I hope we will have a better feel as to what to do."

Terrell added that the town is still working on recovering losses from the disaster.

On a positive note, Terrell said Jasonville has three new police cars making it possible for police to quickly respond to calls.

"I feel that by having more police cars on patrol was the reason there were no problems during the homecoming weekend," noted Terrell.

All in all, Terrell said his nine months in office have been a happy time, but a real challenge.

"At other jobs, I have always enjoyed serving people," Terrell said. "I was president of my local and vice president of Wabash Valley Central Labor Council. I had to deal with management all of my life. Now, I'm on the other side of the table."

On a personal note, Terrell said since he has been mayor he has enjoyed attending Citizen's Academy and getting to know the network of friends he met during the meetings.

Terrell is also on the steering committee for the Home Town Competitiveness program.

Terrell says he has high hopes for the town and is proud that Indiana Railroad has chosen Jasonville as the location to expand its facilities and bring jobs to the community.