From Don:

"As reported in Trains...Union Pacific, effective today, has assumed operation of
our main line from Texum, Oregon to Alturas, California. However, the headline
which states UP "shut down" the M.N.RR is only partially accurate. M.N.RR is
remains a common carrier serving the Lakeview Branch; and we are interchanging
with UP at Alturas.

Trains reported the decision was based upon the percieved financial situation at
M.N.RR. This is interesting as M.N.RR has weathered numerous mishaps,
conditions, and failures...we have been bruised, but have never been willing to
consider a cessation of service to our customers or interchange partner. As
mentioned in the article, "service has been continuing", therefor we are
surprised at any decision by UP which lessens our ability to generate cash flow.

M.N.RR still has issues to reslove, and with continued operations on the east
end, we will continue to address them. M.N.RR is not the first, nor the last,
railroad of any size to face difficult challenges. Traffic over the system is a
finite amount, and our team has made the best of what there has been to work
with. The amount of work accomplished by the M.N.RR team has been significant,
and the property is in better shape today than in Nov 05.

It cannot be stressed enough that M.N.RR remains dedicated to the communities we
serve, our employees and vendors. On a personal note, I do find the suggestion
of my abandoning our employees offensive. Many of our issues have been
publicized through local sources, but at no point has M.N.RR ceased its effort
to overcome them. Bad news is always news, and our successes rarely make the
papers. M.N.RR is not a one sided story of never ending failure; rather one of
a railroad with has endured more than its fair share of storms. Our current
issues are another passing storm.

On a side note; M.N.RR is challenging UP on their decision. As I have
mentioned, I will advise the group of major changes. "

Don