TRAIN RINGS IN YEAR WITH MYSTERY

JACKSON -- The St. Louis Iron Mountain & Southern Railway is planning its 7th annual Murder Mystery and New Year's Eve Party on Dec. 31.

The first New Year's Eve excursion was in 1991, just after a heating system had been installed on the 1926 Chicago Commuter cars.

The ride begins at 8:30 and lasts until after midnight.

The engineer always stops the train and does an official countdown at the midnight hour. Passengers usher in the new year with party horns and noisemakers, confetti and streamers.

Passengers also have the challenge of solving a who-dun-it presented by the Steiger Haus Players from Ste. Genevieve. Groups work together compiling all the information, then submit answers which are checked by the actors. Those who successfully solve the mystery receive souvenirs from the gift shop.

Reservations are required for all murder mysteries and dinner trains. For more information, call 243-1688 or 1-800-455-RAIL.