Train Hits Car at Crossing; No Injuries Reported
PERSPECTIVE — A Hearne police officer and a Union Pacific Railroad representative stand near the front of the locomotive involved in Friday’s collision. The scale of the train highlights just how close a call it was for the vehicle’s driver. Without rail crossing arms to impede traffic, drivers must use extra caution when crossing tracks at private drives and roads.
Dennis Phillips
Robertson County News
NO INJURIES — A Union Pacific train pulling into Hearne on Friday collided with a passenger vehicle at a private rail crossing off Highway 6 near Love’s Truck Stop. According to reports from the scene, the train was traveling under 15 mph when the vehicle, containing only the driver, was driven onto the tracks and struck. The train pushed the vehicle approximately 100 yards before coming to a stop with the car wrapped around the front, straddling the tracks. No injuries were reported. Responding agencies included the Robertson County Sheriff’s Department, Hearne Police Department, Hearne Volunteer Fire Department, and Robertson County EMS.
Dennis Phillips
Robertson County News
Hearne Council tackles concerns;
ordinance updates
Roy McCoy roy@robconews.com Robertson County News HEARNE — The Hearne City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, July 15, at 5:30 p.m., beginning with a public comment period for non-agenda items. Among the speakers was a representative from the Robertson County Community Resource Center, who provided an update on the organization’s ongoing community efforts. The center has played a vital role in the area in recent years, assisting residents with utility payments, distributing backpacks for school children, and helping provide food and other necessities for families in need. Dennis Phillips also addressed the council with two major concerns. First, he discussed the fallout from a recent trail ride event in Calvert that spilled over into Hearne. According to Phillips, large crowds congregated at Love’s Travel Stop, where individuals reportedly climbed and danced on gas pumps, causing safety concerns. Both Love’s and McDonald’s temporarily shut down, and law enforcement maintained a presence in case the situation escalated. Phillips urged the city to develop a contingency plan for handling similar events in the future to ensure public safety and protect local businesses. Phillips also informed the council that Columbus Village, often referred to as “The Village,” is no longer receiving mail delivery. While the U.S. Postal Service has not issued an official statement, the stoppage is presumed to be the result of ongoing vandalism of the community’s mailboxes, which are frequently pried open. Residents have been advised to use PO boxes or alternative mailing addresses. In the interim, they may pick up mail directly from the Hearne Post Office for the next few months. Phillips requested that the city reach out to USPS for clarification and advocate on behalf of the affected residents. Following public comments, the council moved into its regular agenda. Council members unanimously approved a tax abatement agreement between the City of Hearne and GATX Corporation. A public hearing had previously been held regarding the matter. The finalized agreement includes a revised commitment from GATX to contribute $100,000—an increase of $20,000—to support local nonprofit organizations. The council also approved the repeal of Chapter 3, Article 6, Division 1 of the city’s Code of Ordinances regarding manufactured homes. The revision effectively grandfathers in existing manufactured homes for a period of approximately 25 years, during which time homeowners will be required to transition to homes built on a permanent foundation. This change does not apply to modular homes or properties located in zones specifically designated for manufactured housing. Additionally, neighborhoods may petition the council in the future to rezone or restrict manufactured homes in their areas. In the final items of business, council members voted to repeal Sections 12.02.006 and 12.02.007 of the Code of Ordinances. These changes streamline the process for installing stop signs and speed bumps, allowing city staff to act without requiring a full council vote. The revisions also remove outdated and unenforced rules—such as the requirement for city approval before placing traffic cones on roadways.
