Monday night, Chillicothe Council heard that the city-owned cabooses need help. Kevin Coleman was there.
The cabooses on West Water Street near the Yoctangee Park represent the rich railroad history in Chillicothe. Local realtor Cindy Stevens has stepped up to lead an effort to repair the roof of the 1927 wooden caboose.
The interior has been restored and refurbished as a museum, but the roof has deteriorated. She says it's a specialty project, and asked council for $30,000 for most of the expense to get it watertight this summer.
Council member Allison Henderson said she would assign this project to a committee to get the funding process started. But the cabooses also have a "Little Red Caboose" GoFundMe page...as well a a Facebook page, email, and P.O. address.
Then, Stevens says they want to refurbish the interior of the 1979 metal caboose...and then eventually build a shelter over both cabooses.
Hear much more from Stevens in the interview podcast below.
Kevin Coleman covers local government and culture for iHeart Media Southern Ohio. For stories or questions, contact the iHeart Southern Ohio Newsroom or Kevin Coleman