ALTO PASS - The tone was decidedly upbeat at Tuesday's meeting of Friends of the Cross at the Alto Pass Civic Center.

The biggest news announced by the Rev. Bill Vandergraph, president of the group, is an apparent break in the legal stalemate that has delayed repairs to the 70-year-old cross that sits atop Bald Knob outside Alto Pass.

The Friends group was formed after a lawsuit pitting some members of the cross' governing board against former member Tirzah Tweedy tied up efforts to repair the structure.

The Friends have a mission of raising money to be released for use on repairs to the cross and other expenses - once there is a board with clear authority to spend the money.

Meetings involving attorneys Wes Wilkins, representing Tweedy, Richard Whitney, representing the board members, and Judge Charles Cavaness, who is hearing the case, have forged a proposal that essentially involves starting over with a new board, Vandergraph said.

"All 18 board members have been asked to step down, and an interim board would be appointed to serve for two years," Vandergraph said.

Applications for the interim board are now being taken, Vandergraph said.

"Nominees for the board must be approved by both sides" in the suit because the court wants an "unbiased" group, Vandergraph said. That, he added, would eliminate him from consideration because he is Tweedy's pastor and has worked with her and Wilkins on the lawsuit.

Vandergraph did not release the names of any of the nominees, saying they have not yet been approved by the judge. He did say, however, that there are nominees representing the Anna Ministerial Alliance, the Carterville, Du Quoin, and Herrin ministerial alliances, and a person representing Carbondale clergy.

For two years, Vandergraph said, "We haven't heard anything from that (current) board group." He hopes the new board will be poised to move forward. And the Friends are eager to help.

The other good news Tuesday was a $3,000 boost in funds. Greg Lingle of Greg's Trucking Service in Goreville donated $2,000 and challenged other businesses to join him in support of the Friends. The other $1,000 was an anonymous gift.

A treasurer's report at the beginning of the meeting showed the group has $121,258.94 in two accounts; the gifts raised that by $3,000. "The fund continues to grow," Vandergraph said.

"It's been a hard three years," he said of the legal battle.

The Friends now are planning a spring telethon on WSIU-TV, and are considering a benefit dinner and silent auction this winter.

linda.rush@thesouthern.com / 351-5079