Meyer, Betcher Re-elected to Lead GRRC

Great River Rail Commission 

MEDIA RELEASE

Contact: 

Great River Rail Commission 

Kevin Roggenbuck, Senior Transportation Planner, 

Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority 

(651) 266-2790

kevin.roggenbuck@ramseycounty.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

February 5, 2026

Meyer, Betcher Re-elected to Lead GRRC

February 5, 2026 (Red Wing, Minn.) – Winona County Commissioner Chris Meyer was re-elected chair, and Goodhue County Commissioner Susan Betcher was re-elected vice chair of the Great River Rail Commission (GRRC) at its last regular meeting. Meyer has served as chair since March 2025 and as vice chair since 2023. Betcher has served as the Goodhue County representative to the GRRC since 2023.

"I'm honored to continue serving as chair of the Great River Rail Commission," said Meyer. "Over the past year, we've seen tremendous growth in ridership and community support for the Borealis service. I look forward to building on this momentum as we work to expand passenger rail options throughout the region."

Meyer has lived in Winona County since 1997, and has served as Winona County Commissioner since 2018.

Susan Betcher grew up in Red Wing, in Goodhue County. She was appointed to the Goodhue County Board in 2022 and won a special election in 2023. She was reelected in 2024.

"The success of the Borealis service over its first years of operation has exceeded our expectations," Betcher said. "Red Wing residents and visitors alike have embraced this convenient transportation option. I'm excited to continue working with my fellow commissioners to ensure passenger rail remains a vital part of our region's future."

About the Commission 

The Great River Rail Commission is one of the leading voices on passenger rail in Minnesota. The Commission's long-range vision is that Borealis trains demonstrate additional demand that leads to further investment in faster, more frequent passenger train service. More information is available at greatriverrail.org.

Student Experience: Riding the Borealis

By Elida Roskamp

I recently took the Amtrak from Union Depot in St. Paul to the Winona Station when my car was sitting on a jack in my parents’ garage, and I didn’t have a spare vehicle to get me back to school in beautiful Winona, Minnesota. I knew that it would be inconvenient for my family to drive me the 3.5 hours both ways, because they had other things that they needed to get done like work, which is why I decided on Amtrak. I also didn’t know anyone that was going back to Winona from my hometown the same weekend that I needed to head back, so the train was the best option for me.

I also decided on riding Amtrak, specifically the Borealis, which is the line that goes from the Twin Cities to Chicago and back every day, with a few stops on the Mississippi river valley, because of the price. As a college kid traveling on a budget, price was super important to me when it came to my searching to find a way back to school. I didn’t want to spend a ton of money on gas or promise people cash for their gas when I didn’t have cash, but looking at the prices for a short trip from the Cities to Winona proved to be the most fiscally reasonable option, so I booked my ticket. 

The trip to Winona itself was shorter by about an hour than driving would have been and the entire experience was very pleasant. The seats on board the Borealis were super comfortable and without having to be physically driving, I was able to work on some homework while I traveled, while also taking in the sights of the Mississippi.

The staff were all very kind and helpful and the food on board the Borealis was good. It was reasonably priced, cheaper than airplane or airport food, but about on par with your local Kwik Trip’s food, it made for a great lunch option as I traveled.

The next time you’re in a pickle, or if you’re looking for a more relaxed way to travel, while not having to worry about the stress of an airport, the Borealis is a great way to go!

CPKC Holiday Train to Make Multiple Stops Along the River Route in December

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CPKC Holiday Train to Make Multiple Stops Along the River Route in December

Community members invited to attend free concerts and support local food banks

Saint Paul, Minn. – December 3, 2025 – The CPKC Holiday Train will make several stops along the Mississippi River Route in December 2025, bringing holiday cheer and supporting local food banks throughout the region.

The 2025 CPKC Holiday Train will tour Canada and the U.S. from November 19 through December 21. Professional musicians will play free concerts from the brightly decorated train's stage at each stop. CPKC donates to the local food bank at each stop and encourages all attendees to make a monetary or heart-healthy food donation.

Since its inaugural journey in 1999, the CPKC Holiday Train has raised more than $26 million and collected approximately 5.4 million pounds of food for community food banks in Canada and the U.S.

River Route stops include:

• La Crosse, WI – December 11, 8:30-9:00 p.m. – La Crosse station, 601 Saint Andrew Street

• Winona, MN – December 12, 3:45-4:15 p.m. – 65 East Mark Street

• Wabasha, MN – December 12, 5:45-6:15 p.m. – Bruegger Park, 1035 7th Street W

• Red Wing, MN – December 12, 7:15-7:45 p.m. – Bay Point Park overflow lot by the pedestrian bridge in the West End District

• Hastings, MN – December 12, 9:15 p.m. – 500 East Second Street

• Cottage Grove, MN – December 13, 5:15 p.m. – Near West Point Douglas Road, south of the 80th Street Bridge/Belden Crossing

• St. Paul, MN (Union Depot) – December 13, 6:45-7:45 p.m.

"Every year, our railroaders take great pride in bringing the Holiday Train across our network, this year reaching even more communities for the first time," said Keith Creel, CPKC President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are thrilled to send this beautiful train filled with lights and music to spread the joy of the season and proud to support the giving spirit of the holidays assisting people experiencing food insecurity. It's incredible to see communities come together every year to celebrate the holidays while supporting local food banks."

For more information about the CPKC Holiday Train, visit https://www.cpkcr.com/en/community/HolidayTrain.