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Cross to Bear

By Adam Testa, The Southern

Sunday, February 10, 2008 11:17 AM CST

Looking at the outside of Bald Knob Cross in Alto Pass, one can see the need for repairs and renovations. Rust and other problems can also be found hidden beneath the hundreds of faded white panels, which cover signs of deterioration.

Renovations are, however, not an option at the moment. An ongoing legal battle will ensure the dilapidating condition of Bald Knob Cross remains until at least the spring, officials say.

The cross's board of directors has been unable to gather in official meetings, plan any restoration efforts for the 111-foot tall structure or complete anything other than "normal business" such as paying bills for more than a year, said treasurer Earnie Newton.

A court-ordered injunction ceased these actions from happening after former board member Tirzah Tweedy filed a lawsuit regarding various allegations on how the new members treated her, said her attorney Wes Wilkins of Anna.

Tweedy asked for a judge to remove the board members from their positions and appoint a conservator until a new board could be seated, Wilkins said. The two parties tried to reach an agreement through mediation last year but failed to do so, he said.

A pre-trial had initially been set for last Wednesday with a trial to begin Feb. 29 but was changed at the request of Carbondale attorney Rich Whitney who has been representing the board of directors, Wilkins said. A pre-trial date has been set for March 14, which would likely move a trial date into April or May, he said.

Prior to the injunction, the board of directors had reached an agreement with an Indiana-based firm to clean, replace and caulk the panels lining the outside of the cross, Newton said. The bid at the time, almost two years, totaled $36,500.

Close to 10 panels have fallen off the cross, which has exposed its interior to rain and other weather conditions that have rusted portions of the steel structure, said vice president Bob Hunziger. An engineer has examined the physical structure and reported that it's at about 80 percent condition.

"It's sad just to see it like this," Newton said. "Hopefully we'll get a resolve on this issue and move forward."

The cross, which once stood out against a clear night sky, can also no longer be seen during the evening hours. Vandals began damaging the light structures about 18 months ago, Newton said, and now the lights themselves sit inside the base of the cross.

When special events or concerns come up, the two parties' attorneys will negotiate what will be allowed to happen. Wilkins said an agreement was reached for a structural engineer to examine the structure to ensure it remains in stable condition.

"Even though we have a lawsuit pending, we're trying to work toward that goal," Wilkins said.

An agreement was reached last year for the board to continue with Easter mass and the Blessing of the Bikes event to take place and the same events will be allowed this year, Wilkins said, adding the case against the board has no intention of preventing these annual religious events and services.

While the board of directors has been unable to operate and proceed with repairs, the ancillary organization Friends of Cross has continued raising money to aid in restoration efforts. Pastor Bill Vandergraph, the organization's chair, said the group has raised about $60,000 of its $300,000 goal.

The group has been planning a "cross walk" from Bald Knob Cross into Alto Pass during the spring, which Vandergraph hopes will raise $40,000 to complete the group's first year goal of $100,000. Money remains stored in a bank account rather than given to the board because the group wants the money to go toward certain efforts, Vandergraph said.

Money will be used strictly to repair the cross and not to construct other buildings at the site, he said. The ongoing legal battle has not affected the Friends of the Cross from continuing their mission thus far, and Vandergraph said their work will continue.

"Regardless of what happens there, we will continue to raise funds for the restoration of the cross," he said.

adam.testa@thesouthern.com

351-5031