Virginia City Nevada - Kim Fegert, the driving force behind the Gold Hill Historical Society, chained himself to a section of railroad track, Thursday, in the parking lot of the Virginia City Jerky Company, located on the south end of the town's main street next to the Presbyterian Church.
 
Described by a local as a "madman" when it comes to something he believes in, Fegert pulled the stunt to dramatize the Gold Hill Historical Society's need to raise approximately US$50,000.
 
The reason funds need to be raised is to transport rail and accessories for the restoration of the V&T railroad.
 
Fegert solicited and got the Southern Pacific Railroad to donate (Free!) a large portion of rail to the project.
 
The problem is that if he doesn't transport the materials soon, he will lose it.
 
And, the transport costs are high, especially for a non-profit like the historical society.
 
Fegert who was instrumental in forming the Historical Society to restore and maintain the 1870's Gold Hill railroad station, is now dedicated to the overall project of restoring the railway from Virginia City to Carson City.
 
It currently only runs from Virginia City to Gold Hill, a distance of about 2.2 miles.
 
The completed V&T project, it is generally believed, will be a great economic boon to Virginia City and the area in general.
 
Although the project has been in the works for over a decade, with several organizations and various politicians supporting it, Fegert's efforts may be the only solid and concrete actions yet achieved.
 
After all the big talk from others, it appears Fegert will be the one who will actually do something, and start laying track.
 
But he, and his small band of railroad devotees, need the help of the public.
 
That is why he has chained himself to the rail out in the winter elements, insisting he will stay there until the money is raised.
 
As the white snow glistens in the lot around him his wife and young son look on in apprehension.
 
As one local put it, "We gotta raise the money. He's a guy worth saving", referring to Fegert's proposed dangerous exposure to the elements.
 
Come visit Kim and please donate.
 
Author unknown.