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Wednesday... 23 January 2008

  Over 1.1 Million Visitors Strong !

Picture of the Day...

A Summer Sunset

Click on pic to enlarge

Our River Picture of the Day  ----  is something to warm you up on a cold Winter Day......it's a 

Summer Sunset from June of 2007

We are looking up-river with Two Branch Island in the distance.

Yesteryears Picture of the Day

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Pictures on this Day In 2006----- was sent in by Mark Newlin.  It's a tow pushing 16 barges up-river past the beach at Royal Landing in Calhoun County, Illinois.  The channel is really close to the sand in this area......  So close that it looks like a person could almost reach out and touch the tow as it was going past.   I would say this picture was taken near the UMR 222.5 mile marker.

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Last Weekend's Edition of RiverBill's............. click here   

Choosing An Anchor....  

    Today's edition of the Mad Mariner Magazine contains an article titled...

"Dropping the Hook/ Part One.....Choosing an Anchor".   

The article contains everything that you ever wanted to know about choosing the right anchor for your boat.

  Click here to go to the Mad Mariner Magazine 

National Safe Boating Week .....May 17-23, 2008

Click here for National Safe Boating Council Press Release.

Click here to view "Boating Fatalities 1991-2006"

Click here to "Take The Pledge"

Apartment For Rent....  One and two bedroom apartments at Kinder's No Wake Inn.  

Call: 314-620-1971 .. or .. 618- 883- 2356   

With Deepest Sympathy........ 

   Bob Nuelle Has Passed Away.  

   One of our boating friends, Bob Nuelle, who most recently boated out of Yacht Club of St. Louis in the boat "Manhattan" passed away after a relatively short battle with cancer.

Funeral arrangements are pending but will probably be up here at Kutis and then Jefferson Barracks.

For those of you that maybe don't know, Bob had a rapidly spreading cancer that was discovered after a traffic accident. He also contracted a staph infection while in the hospital there in Del Ray Beach Florida where he was living. He coped with both surprisingly well, to the point of coming back to St. Louis to buy a car and then driving back to Del Ray Beach by himself. Unfortunately the staph infection kicked back in, he went back in to the hospital in Florida, went into Hospice care and died all within a few days. Faye and John Marnatti had just visited with him this morning.

Please excuse me if some of my facts are not 100% correct, just wanted those of you that didn't know already a little background. I will email you all as soon as I get the funeral arrangements.

Sorry to convey such sad news, our condolences to Bob's family and friends.

Wahoo Marine Sales....  We received the following e-mail from Scott Bachman, owner of Wahoo Marine Sales.

I would like to personally invite you and your family to the St. Louis Boat Show, Feb. 6th - 10th. www.stlouisboatshow.com

We will have on display a 2008 Gibson 47' Classic with Yanmar 110 diesels. You will be amazed at the fuel economy, it is just awesome. This Gibson runs on either regular diesel or bio-diesel with no conversion. Please stop by, you will not be disappointed.

If you need any information about the St. Louis Boat Show or need more information on our Gibson houseboats, please contact my sales manager Tom Stiefvater at 636-949-2738 or you can email him at tomwahoomarine@aol.com

Sincerely,

Scott W. Bachman Owner
Wahoo Marine Sales
Your Gibson Houseboat Dealer

Grafton's Landing Bar & Grill    and..... Palisades Yacht Club  are both open for business.  Make sure to stop in and say hello, get a bite to eat and a cold drink.   

  Click here for more information and business hours.

Click on Ad to go to Bloch Marine website

River History...... Cutting ice On The River

   Featured in the January 4th edition of the Alton Telegraph was a postcard with a photo of people cutting ice on the Mississippi River across from Alton, IL.  It was taken before Lock and Dam 26 was built. 

   Click here and take-a-look-back-in-river-time.

A private initiative to save the steamboat Delta Queen

Click here for Save The Delta Queen Status Report

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Our new theme song: 

“Godspeed, Delta Queen” 

by Dan Landau

 Jan 20, 2008

   Dan Landau, performer, songwriter and producer from Cincinnati has dedicated his new song "Godspeed, Delta Queen" the theme song for the efforts to save the Delta Queen. Besides having written a lot of great songs, Dan also has written and performed the official theme song of the Farewell Ceremony of Tall Stacks ‘95. Thank you very much, Daniel Landau, for supporting the efforts to save the Delta Queen!

Please feel free to download and forward the song ("Godspeed, Delta Queen" MP3 file). And if you have your own website, please put the "Godspeed, Delta Queen" Youtube video on your site to help spreading the word.

A Very Special Thank You To Our Sponsors...

from 

Little John's Motorsports  

Click Here

Security......National MARSEC Level

Click on Icon for more info

With Deepest Sympathy........ 

   Margaret Ann Lynn, mother of Kay Lynn, passed away.  

   Kay Lynn boats out of Port Charles in the boat "Libra" with Brad Cohea.  Kay Lynn is a good friend of many of the Con Trios members and has often attended their events.

  Visitation for Margaret will be at Baue St. Charles, 620 Jefferson Street, St. Charles, MO 63301  (Telephone: 636-940-1000) on Wednesday, January 23rd from 4 PM to 8 PM.

Our condolences go out to Kay Lynn and her family.

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Reported by Darryll Weil, Web Master for Con Trios Yacht Club

More information will be posted on the Con Trios Yacht Club website, www.contriosyachtclub.org, as it becomes available

Tuesday... 22 January 2008

  Over 1.1 Million Visitors Strong !

Pictures of the Day...

An Icy Day on the River

Click on thumbs to enlarge

Our River Pictures of the Day  ----  are from the RiverCam at Winfield Lock and Dam.  I named them....

An Icy Day On The Mississippi River

 Click here to go to the 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers  Research and Development Center website

Yesteryears Picture of the Day

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Pictures on this Day In 2007----- was sent in by Mary Beth Tiemann.  It's the band... Powder Keg....featuring Rickie Lee Tanner (center) at Portage Grill. night.   You should have been there !  They packed the house !   Their music is GOOD and includes everything from country,  to  Jimmy Buffett to Eric Clapton.   Make sure to catch them next time they play the river area..

Yes ...that's Dale Williams, formerly of the Jamaica Daze band..Stripper Named Phoebe, on the left.  

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US Army Corps Of Engineers 2005 Water Safety Photo Contest Winner......

   The above picture is off of the US Arm Corps of Engineers website.  They are holding their Water Safety Photo Contest that is open to open to all Corps employees and this photo was the 2005 - "Water Sports Category" winner.

  What a good picture !

  Click here to go to the US Army Corps of Engineers website

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The above was reprinted from the US Army Corps of Engineers website.

Information presented on CorpsWeb public web sites is considered public information and may be distributed or copied.

Boat Show Season...... The on-line Heartland Boating magazine contains a big  list of boat shows that are scheduled for the Mid-America area of the United States. 

  Click here and check it out.

Apartment For Rent....  One and two bedroom apartments at Kinder's No Wake Inn.  

Call: 314-620-1971 .. or .. 618- 883- 2356   

River News From Afar...... According to a news article in Yahoo News.......a towboat hit a sunken wreckage of a replica 17th-century warship, the Le Pelican,  in the Mississippi River near Donaldsonville, Louisiana.  The accident pierced three fuel tanks on the towboat Senator Stennis on Saturday and forced the Coast Guard to shut down a 10-mile section of the river.  

   The sunken warship replica is more than 160 feet long and was more than 100 feet tall when its topmasts were rigged. It sank in the Mississippi River in Nov. 2002 and again in March 2004.

Click here to read the on-line news article.

Click here for photos and more info about the Le Pelican Warship replica.

Our new theme song: 

“Godspeed, Delta Queen” 

by Dan Landau

 Jan 20, 2008

   Dan Landau, performer, songwriter and producer from Cincinnati has dedicated his new song "Godspeed, Delta Queen" the theme song for the efforts to save the Delta Queen. Besides having written a lot of great songs, Dan also has written and performed the official theme song of the Farewell Ceremony of Tall Stacks ‘95. Thank you very much, Daniel Landau, for supporting the efforts to save the Delta Queen!

Please feel free to download and forward the song ("Godspeed, Delta Queen" MP3 file). And if you have your own website, please put the "Godspeed, Delta Queen" Youtube video on your site to help spreading the word.

River History...... Piasa Bird Photo

   Featured in the January 17 edition of the Alton Telegraph was an un-dated photo of the Piasa Bird when it was located on the bluff below the foot of Prospect Street many years ago. 

    The article states that the "first bird was blasted away when the River Road was continued in 1961."

   Click here and take-a-look-back-in-river-time.

River Reading......  

   The Life and Loves of Becky Thatcher

   By Lenore Hart

  Book review by Carolyn SeeIt.

  It's novel of what might have happened to Tom Sawyer's friend, Becky Thatcher, the pretty little daughter of the local judge.  

   According to Carolyn's review.....

    If you loved Mark Twain's books about Tom Sawyer,  Aunt Polly, Huck Finn, Injun Joe, "Becky will make you itch."     To start things out, Becky is married to Tom Sawyer's half brother, Sid.  They have two children and according to Becky,  Sid is a far better human being than Tom Sawyer ever was.............

  Put on your life jacket and  click here to read this book-review in the on-line Washington Post.

Marine Fuel Refund --- With "Tax Time" quickly approaching.....It's time to think about sending in that State of Missouri "Motor Fuel Refund Claim" ..........  Click here  

   For more information go to the Missouri Department of Revenue - Motor Fuel Tax website at http://www.dor.mo.gov/tax/business/fuel/

With Deepest Sympathy........ 

   Margaret Ann Lynn, mother of Kay Lynn, passed away.  

   Kay Lynn boats out of Port Charles in the boat "Libra" with Brad Cohea.  Kay Lynn is a good friend of many of the Con Trios members and has often attended their events.

  Visitation for Margaret will be at Baue St. Charles, 620 Jefferson Street, St. Charles, MO 63301  (Telephone: 636-940-1000) on Wednesday, January 23rd from 4 PM to 8 PM.

Our condolences go out to Kay Lynn and her family.

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Reported by Darryll Weil, Web Master for Con Trios Yacht Club

More information will be posted on the Con Trios Yacht Club website, www.contriosyachtclub.org, as it becomes available

Grafton's Landing Bar & Grill    and..... Palisades Yacht Club  are both open for business.  Make sure to stop in and say hello, get a bite to eat and a cold drink.   

  Click here for more information and business hours.

Monday... 21 January 2008

  Over 1.1 Million Visitors Strong !

Picture of the Day...

2007 SLDBA Awards Banquet

Click on pic to enlarge

Our River Picture of the Day  ----  is of The Family And Team Of Little Johns Motorsports at the 2007 SLDBA Awards Banquet.

Hi All,

Our team had a great time at the 2007 SLDBA Awards Banquet.
This is the association that we took third place for the year. Ashly Ruf was also given an award that we did not expect.

INSPIRING YOUNG RACER FOR 2007

BUT, A closer look at the picture will show another winner in our family and team.  Jordan Tiemann, our CREW CHIEF, is holding a trophy for a Pinewood Derby entry.

He ??? built a pinewood boat just like our real boat.  Jordans trophy is for 3rd. place, Bears Den #10 Pack 964 Orchard Farm.

Even though we have one more banquet, for KDBA to attend, we are making plans for the 2008 season.  This includes ADDING A SECOND BOAT, More info to follow.

The Family And Team Of Little Johns Motorsports

Yesteryears Picture of the Day

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Pictures on this Day In 2006----- was another one of those great Steve Schulte photograph's.  He caught the silhouette large bird as it was floating in for a wet landing in water that was oozing with orange and blue reflections from the setting  sun.  

  Check out  Steve's website...... www.steveschulte.com

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ITCS Memo 2632......

Received the following e-mail from the River Industry Bulletin Board website:

From:      itcs@ribb.com 
To:          riverbill@prodigy.net 
Subject:   Pekin Lower R/R Bridge 
Date:       Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:30:38 -0700 

ITCS MEMO # 2632


Due to high water conditions on the Illinois River it is highly recommended by IRCA and USCG that all Mariners use extreme caution and highly recommend that vessels use an assist boat when transiting Lower Pekin Railroad Bridge. 

Click here to read the ITCS Memo #2632  

Check the ITCS website for most current memos

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Click here for map of Pekin, IL. from the on-line Wikipedia Encyclopedia

Click here for NOAA flood warning for Pekin, IL.

Grafton Harbor Update...... 

    Pool For Sale.....

Bill

Hello from Grafton Harbor. We have some good news. We are adding (26) new slips, and we have ordered a new pool. The bad news is I need to sell the old one that we were not allowed to install. It's 16' x 40' . It has stairs across the shallow end. This would make someone a great inground pool. We are asking $19,500 for the shell and $24,500 includes the pumps and filters. We can be reached at 618-786-7678 or graftonharbor@grafton-il.net.

Thanks,

Joe DeSherlia.

Click here for more info on the pool "For Sale".

Apartment For Rent....  One and two bedroom apartments at Kinder's No Wake Inn.  

Call: 314-620-1971 .. or .. 618- 883- 2356   

With Deepest Sympathy........ 

   Margaret Ann Lynn, mother of Kay Lynn, passed away.  

   Kay Lynn boats out of Port Charles in the boat "Libra" with Brad Cohea.  Kay Lynn is a good friend of many of the Con Trios members and has often attended their events.

  Visitation for Margaret will be at Baue St. Charles, 620 Jefferson Street, St. Charles, MO 63301  (Telephone: 636-940-1000) on Wednesday, January 23rd from 4 PM to 8 PM.

Our condolences go out to Kay Lynn and her family.

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Reported by Darryll Weil, Web Master for Con Trios Yacht Club

More information will be posted on the Con Trios Yacht Club website, www.contriosyachtclub.org, as it becomes available

A Very Special Thank You To Our Sponsors...

from 

Little John's Motorsports  

Click Here

Con Trios Yacht Club Ice Breaker Update...... 

 The Con Trios Yacht Club website, www.contriosyachtclub.org, has been updated as follows.

   Important information from Fleet Captain Denny Galkowski regarding The Ice 
Breaker.

  If you are going to head down on Friday March 7th and need reservations.
Tan-Tar-A has another event booked that has taken ALL rooms on Friday night 
March 7th.    Arrangements have been made with the new Comfort Inn Lake of the 
Ozarks in Osage Beach on Highway 54 about a mile and a half from Tan-Tar-A with rates as follows: $89.99 for queen and $99.99 for king beds. There is an additional discount of 10% for AARP and AAA members.  Mention CTYC. 

   Everyone is advised to book your room as soon as possible. The contact name at Comfort Inn is Ellen. The phone number for reservations is 573-348-9555. Room rates at Tan-Tar-A for Saturday night March 8th remain at $85.00 for Con Trios Yacht Club members and guests. 

   Event flyer will be posted soon with more details including a boat ride Friday night with David Peasley of Marine Max to Shorty Pants on the lake for dinner. 

Darryll Weil

Grafton's Landing Bar & Grill    and..... Palisades Yacht Club  are both open for business.  Make sure to stop in and say hello, get a bite to eat and a cold drink.   

  Click here for more information and business hours.

Thursday...January 17, 2008

  One Million Visitors Strong !

Picture of the Day...

The American Queen

Click on pic to enlarge

Our River Picture of the Day  ----  was sent in by Grant Texier 

  The American Queen 

RiverBill says...What a good shot of the American Queen in front of the bluffs churning it's way up-river.  

Yesteryears Picture of the Day

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Picture on this Day In 2005---- was of an antique wooden boat with very classic lines moored in front of the Lighthouse at the entrance to the Duck Club. 

   This is another one of those great pictures taken by Steve Schulte. Make sure to take a look at his website http://www.steveschulte.com . He has a lot of great pictures on it.     Thanks for sending in the great River picture Steve !

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Apartment For Rent....  One and two bedroom apartments at Kinder's No Wake Inn.  

Call: 314-620-1971 .. or .. 618- 883- 2356   

For Sale....  17000 lb Galva Lift Boat Hoist in excellent condition $5500 Firm  

Dave Stolze.    Phone: 314-941-2781     e-mail: dstolze@stolze.com 

ITCS Memo 2630......

Received the following e-mail from the River Industry Bulletin Board website:

From:      itcs@ribb.com  
To:          riverbill@prodigy.net 
Subject:   Lock #27 Main Chamber Closure January 23, 2008 0800 to 1630 
Date:       Wed, 16 Jan 2008 14:43:41 -0700 
ITCS MEMO # 2630


Lock No. 27, Upper Mississippi River Mile 185.1


1. All navigation interests are advised that Lock and Dam 27’s main
chamber will be closed from 0800 until 1630 on January 23rd, 2008.

2. The closure is necessary to allow divers to repair a gauge well
above the lock.

3. The Auxiliary chamber will remain open during this period.

4. All navigation interests should be alert for, and abide by, any
special instructions that may be issued by the Lockmaster in conjunction
with this closure.

Click here to read the ITCS Memo #2630  

Check the ITCS website for most current memos

ITCS Memo 2631......

Received the following e-mail from the River Industry Bulletin Board website:

From:        itcs@ribb.com 
To:            riverbill@prodigy.net 
Subject:    St. Louis Gage to Drop to 7' by January 22/23 
Date:        Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:36:56 -0700 

ITCS MEMO # 2631


Cold temperatures over the upper Mississippi River basin this weekend
could result in a significant loss in flow ("freeze-up") at St Louis
beginning this weekend. Without the "freeze-up", the St Louis stage is
anticipated to fall from the current 10 feet to about 7 feet by January
24. With the "freeze-up", the St Louis stage may fall to the 5 foot range
by January 24. Please stay tuned for updates. Thanks!

June Jeffries, PE
Hydrologic and Hydraulics Branch
St. Louis District, US Army Corps of Engineers
314-331-8356
314-331-8342 Water Control
June.M.Jeffries@usace.army.mil

Click here to read the ITCS Memo #2631  

Check the ITCS website for most current memos

Update ~ Goldenrod Showboat------  

According to an article in the on-line TheTelegraph.com .....  The Goldenrod Showboat is still moored in Calhoun County on the Illinois River in Kampsville. The new owner of the boat says the legality of the sheriff’s auction last fall is in question and the Calhoun County Circuit Court judge has not signed off on the sale.

  The Goldenrod was sold as the result of a civil lawsuit filed against the former owner over mooring fees..

 Click here to read the article in TheTelegraph.com

  Click here for some historic facts about the Goldenrod Showboat from the Steamboats.org website

Missouri Boating Law of the Month.....  

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Louis District News

Champion of Your Heartland's Water Resources

Navigation caution at Melvin Price Locks and Dam Main Lock Chamber

The metal corner strip that protudes into the water along the guidewall. Divers inspected the damage below the waterline Monday. Removal of the remaining metal is expected to be completed Wednesday.

Alton, Ill. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in St. Louis issued an advisory to navigation interests Sunday, Jan. 13, cautioning all southbound commercial traffic should stay off the guidewall above the 400’ mark when approaching the Melvin Price Locks and Dam main 1200-foot lock chamber. Northbound commercial traffic is also advised to stay off the guidewall when exiting northward. Tow lengths are not restricted at these Locks.

The reason given was an embedded metal corner strip that was damaged at that point and protruding into the water above and below the waterline.

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Source http://www.mvs.usace.army.mil/

The above was reprinted from the US Army Corps of Engineers website.

Information presented on CorpsWeb public web sites is considered public information and may be distributed or copied.

Wednesday...January 16, 2008

  One Million Visitors Strong !

Pictures of the Day...

More "Icy River" Shots From

Michelle Mick

Click on pic to enlarge

Our River Pictures of the Day  ----  are some more great photos taken by Michelle Mick. 

  An Icy River Scene and a Wonderful Red Sunset 

Click here for more river pictures from Michelle.   

Take a look and write some comments about her work !

Yesteryears Picture of the Day

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Picture on this Day In 2006---- was sent in by Jim Vineyard, who hails out of the Duck Club.  

Bill,

 Went to Tera Point Last Saturday evening for a night with friends. Took this sunset picture on the ferry ride over

River Bill says....Jim, what a great sunset picture !    Keep them coming  

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Apartment For Rent....  One and two bedroom apartments at Kinder's No Wake Inn.  

Call: 314-620-1971 .. or .. 618- 883- 2356   

Dirty Jobs .....Barging In.....  yesterdays on-line STLtoday.com contained an article about a program on the Dirty Jobs Show that aired last night.  Mike Rowe worked with the guys from Cash’s Scrap Metal and Iron in St. Louis to cut up old barges on the St. Louis riverfront and then off to the steel mill in Alton to melt down some of the metal......  Pretty interesting

  If you missed the show.....Click here to read the article

FEMA To Assess the Flooding in the Kankakee Area------ 

 According to an article in the on-line Kankakee Daily Journal .....  The Federal Emergency Management Agency teams were scheduled to arrive in flood ravaged Iroquois and Livingston Counties on Tuesday.  They will start the process to determine whether area flood victims will qualify for federal disaster assistance. The Federal Government has a formal process that must be followed before making a disaster declaration. The initial federal review should be completed on Wednesday.  

   Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich declared Iroquois and Livingston Counties "disaster areas" on Jan. 9.

  Click here to read the article in the on-line Kankakee Journal.

Kankakee Flooding ~  Slide Show.....  The Kankakee Daily Journal has a slide show of the flooding problems they having in their area.

Click here to view "Under Water"

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Louis District News

    ESPRIT Magazine

Potter, America wrap up another dredging season.  

The District’s Dredge Potter and contract dredge, Dredge America, finished up another dredging season in time to get everyone home for the holidays.

Here are this season’s stats:

Special thanks to the crew of the Potter:
It has taken me 32 years to get a chance to board the Dredge Potter. I try to refrain from using clichés but it was defi nitely “worth the wait”. It is amazing to witness a vessel that was built in the ‘30’s still going strong in its vital role to maintain navigation on the Mississippi. Our host, Red Mezo, took time away from his duties to be our guide and explain in detail the inner workings of the Potter. Every crewmember that Red introduced us to was very professional and made us feel welcome as guest during the entire visit.

Please pass on to the crew of the Potter our appreciation for their hospitality and to you Lance for giving us the opportunity to see fi rst hand what I have only been able to observe from another passing vessel for years.

Ed Henleben
Senior Operations Manager
Ingram Barge Company

Source: Us Army Corps of Engineer's ESPRIT Magazine  

            http://www.mvs.usace.army.mil/pa/esprit/2007/Dec07Esprit.pdf

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The above was reprinted from the US Army Corps of Engineers website.

Information presented on CorpsWeb public web sites is considered public information and may be distributed or copied.

Palisades Mardi Gras... Saturday,  February 2

Grafton's Landing Bar & Grill    and..... Palisades Yacht Club  are both open for business.  Make sure to stop in and say hello, get a bite to eat and a cold drink.   

  Click here for more information and business hours.

Tuesday...January 15, 2008

  One Million Visitors Strong !

Pictures of the Day...

More "Icy River" Shots From

Michelle Mick

Click on pic to enlarge

Our River Pictures of the Day  ----  are some more great photos taken by Michelle Mick. 

  A lone Cruiser out for a "Winter Ride" and a lone pelican flying past the new Condo's just down-river from Grafton, IL.  Notice the eagles all along the bank. 

Keep your anchor right here....for more photo's from Michelle. 

Yesteryears Picture of the Day

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Picture on this Day In 2006---- was from Captain Robert Cope, of the boat "Slow Ride".  He snapped a picture of this eagle in the trees who was checking out what the man with the camera was doing.

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Apartment For Rent....  One and two bedroom apartments at Kinder's No Wake Inn.  

Call: 314-620-1971 .. or .. 618- 883- 2356   

Blocked Culvert In Grafton ------  According to an article in the on-line Alton Telegraph ..... a city drain culvert blocked by the owner of Grafton Harbor caused flooding to occur behind the Piasa Winery.  The culvert was blocked to prevent more storm runoff from settling in the harbor.

  Click here to read the article in the on-line Telegraph.

Palisades Mardi Gras... Saturday,  February 2

Roxana & Wood River Seek Restoration Status on Flood Maps------  

According to an article in the on-line Alton Telegraph ..... The Roxana Village Board and the Wood River City Council have approved resolutions in support of applying for Restoration Zone status.  The new status should protect residents from paying higher insurance premiums once FEMA updates the flood insurance maps for the American Bottom.  

   The Wood River Drainage and Levee District is facing de-accreditation by FEMA because of structural deficiencies to its levee system.  

  Click here to read the article in the on-line Telegraph.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Louis District News

The Eagle has Landed !

Actually, not just one, but many Bald Eagles have been spotted in the region.  More than 50 have been spotted in the past few days at Lock and Dam 24 in Clarksville, Mo., and at least a dozen more have been sighted in the vicinity of Melvin Price Locks and Dam, near the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary (Alton and West Alton, respectively).  More are arriving daily.

These beautiful predators gradually migrate south during the winter months as the lakes and rivers freeze up north, making January and February the best time of the year for viewing Bald Eagles in the area.

Sunday, January 20 and 27, the National Great Rivers Museum will host Eagle Meet and Greet.  This is an opportunity for visitors to bring their family and friends to see a live eagle, speak to an educator from the World Bird Sanctuary and shoot all the photos they like.  This event is free and open to all ages of the public.

Click here for more Eagle Activities

Source: http://www.mvs.usace.army.mil/

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The above was reprinted from the US Army Corps of Engineers website.

Information presented on CorpsWeb public web sites is considered public information and may be distributed or copied.

Palisades Mardi Gras... Saturday,  February 2

Monday...January 14, 2008

  One Million Visitors Strong !

Pictures of the Day...

A Couple of Icy Shots of the River at Grafton

One With a Few Eagles Hanging Out ...

Waiting For Lunch.

Click on pic to enlarge

Our River Pictures of the Day  ----  are some more great photos taken by Michelle Mick. 

  An icy river at Grafton IL.  The new condo's just a bit down-river from Grafton and a few eagles hanging out in front of Grafton waiting for lunch.

RiverBill says...Great photo's Michelle........

                      good winter colors and great detail ! 

Keep your anchor right here....for more photo's from Michelle. 

Yesteryears Picture of the Day

The River Picture on this Day In 2005---- was a picture from the "Hackermax" of the Grafton Ferry in a snowy and partially frozen river. Look at those Winter colors !

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ITCS Memo 2629......

Received the following e-mail from the River Industry Bulletin Board website:

From:        itcs@ribb.com 
To:            riverbill@prodigy.net 
Subject:    Mel Price Lock - Protruding Steel on Upper Guidewall 
Date:        Sun, 13 Jan 2008 12:22:21 -0700 

ITCS MEMO # 2629


SPECIAL NOTICE TO NAVIGATION INTERESTS

Melvin Price Locks and Dam, Main Lock, Upper Mississippi River Mile 200.8 

1. All navigation interests are advised that effective immediately, 13 January 2008, until further notice, the St. Louis District is advising all southbound commercial traffic to stay off the guidewall above the 400' mark. Northbound commercial traffic is also advised to stay off the subject guidewall. Tow lengths are not restricted at these Locks.

2. At the 400' mark on the Upper Guidewall, Missouri side, corner embedded metals are damaged and protruding an unknown distance into the water above and below the waterline. Divers will be onsite 14 January 2008 to assess damage below the waterline and additional information based on the inspection results will follow. All navigation interests should be alert for, and abide by, any special instructions that may be issued by the Lockmaster in conjunction with this situation. 

3. All tows are cautioned to be alert for changing conditions and possible hazards due to ice formations. Severe navigation problems can always be expected throughout the ice-forming season. 

FOR THE DISTRICT ENGINEER:

Click here to read the ITCS Memo #2629  

Check the ITCS website for most current memos

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Louis District News

Champion of Your Heartland's Water Resources

Hercules Muscles into the Service Base

Rock Island District's Hercules crane arrived at the Corps' St. Louis Service Base on Thursday, January 10 after completing hull maintenance at the Memphis District's Ensley Engineering Yard.

When ready for service, the crane's boom reaches 200 feet into the air, and the mast is 130 feet long. The gantry height (the rear stand) is 58 feet. The crane barge itself is 200 feet long and 70 feet wide. The crane can lift objects as heavy as 250 tons.

The Hercules’ primary purpose is to remove and replace lock miter gates for repairs or maintenance on the Upper Mississippi, Illinois and other rivers in the Rock Island District.

Source: http://www.mvs.usace.army.mil/

~~~~~^~~~~~~^~~~~~~^~~~~~~^~~~~~~

The above was reprinted from the US Army Corps of Engineers website.

Information presented on CorpsWeb public web sites is considered public information and may be distributed or copied.

Public Notices Open For Comment

   Posted on the US Army Corps Of Engineers Website.....

1. P-2657: Wilmer Road Holdings, L.L.C. and Greenway Network, Inc. has submitted a Mitigation Bank Prospectus to restore, enhance, and preserve 5,750 linear feet of Peruque Creek and its associated riparian corridor to establish a stream mitigation bank. If approved, the mitigation bank would offer the applicant an additional compensatory mitigation alternative to offset unavoidable impacts to tributary channels that are considered jurisdictional waters of the United States. The proposed mitigation bank is located in St. Charles County, Missouri. Peruque Creek is a tributary to the Mississippi River. The Public Notice comment period opens on January 14, 2008 and closes February 4, 2008. 

Click here for more information on the above notices

~~~~~^~~~~~~^~~~~~~^~~~~~~^~~~~~~

The above was reprinted from the US Army Corps of Engineers website.

Information presented on CorpsWeb public web sites is considered public information and may be distributed or copied.

  RiverBill's Jamaica Vacation Pictures.......

Click here to take a look at our vacation pictures....more added daily

Missouri State Water Patrol News Release.....

NEWS RELEASE
PUBLIC INFORMATION SECTION, P.O. Box 1368, Jefferson City, MO  65102

 

For further information contact:

Lieutenant Nick R. Humphrey Public Information Director Phone: (573) 751-3333 E-mail: Nick.Humphrey@mswp.dps.mo.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jefferson City, Missouri

Missouri Waterway Accidents at 20 Year Low

2007 was the safest boating year in Missouri in over twenty years. Colonel Rad Talburt attributed the decrease in boating accidents to several factors:

1. Governor Matt Blunt and the Missouri legislature have been dedicated to increasing safety on Missouri waterways and have increased resources supplied to the Missouri State Water Patrol. The additional resources have resulted in the retention of experienced officers, reduced training costs, and improved equipment. The direct result has been more officer visibility, which encourages safer boat operation.

2. Public involvement in the boating safety message is at an all time high. The Water Patrol has been given more exposure by Missouri press which has been used to promote boating safety. Also, the Water Safety Council based at Lake of the Ozarks spreads the boating safety message statewide.

3. The Water Patrol has significantly increased sobriety checkpoints statewide. Last year, in some areas, an average of one out of every six nighttime boat operators were intoxicated. As sobriety checkpoints increased, the number of designated sober operators increased and the number of accidents decreased.

4. In 2004, the state legislature passed a law requiring anyone born after January 1st, 1984 must pass a boater safety course before operating a vessel. The results of that law are now being realized with safer boat operation on Missouri waterways and a reduced number of boating accidents.

"Obviously we have made a great stride toward safety by reducing the number of accidents in 2007; however, there is still room for improvement. The officers of the Missouri State Water Patrol are eager to make Missouri's waterways safe for all to enjoy in 2008 and beyond," said Colonel Talburt.

News Release ID: N07080001
Release Date: 20080107

~~~~~^~~~~~^~~~~~^~~~~~^~~~~

Click here to check out the Missouri State Water Patrol website

Sunday...January 13, 2008

  One Million Visitors Strong !

 Updated at 11:50 AM...added ITCS Memo 2628

Pictures of the Day...

River Gulls Closeup and 

An Icy Shot of the River at Grafton

Click on pic to enlarge

Our River Pictures of the Day  ----  are some great photos taken by Michelle Mick. 

  A close up shot of some "River Gulls" and an icy "winter blue" river at Grafton IL.

RiverBill says...Great photo's Michelle........

                      good winter colors and great detail ! 

Keep your anchor right here....for more photo's from Michelle. 

Yesteryears Picture of the Day

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Picture on this Day In 2006---- was a picture named

  Sorry ~ No Lunch  

   It's a fox on the ice trying to catch a duck.  This pic was taken by Dave Kelly, who hails out of Woodland Marina, on one of his many trips moving boats up and down our rivers.

 ~~~~~^~~~~~~^~~~~~~^~~~~~~~^~~~~~ 

Updated at 11:50 AM

ITCS Memo 2628......

Received the following e-mail from the River Industry Bulletin Board website:

From:       itcs@ribb.com  
To:           riverbill@prodigy.net 
Subject:   Illinois River Broadcast update 
Date:       Sun, 13 Jan 2008 10:39:32 -0700 

ITCS MEMO # 2628


Update to USCG broadcast 
There is a safe wake speed for mile 136.2 to 137 and mile 167.2 to 178
on the Illinois river.

Click here to read the ITCS Memo #2628  

Check the ITCS website for most current memos

River History....Did you know ?  ------   the MacArthur Bridge, that spans the Mississippi River at St. Louis, was originally named the Municipal Bridge….And the official name of the bridge is "Gen. Douglas MacArthur Bridge"

  For more info go to http://bridges.midwestplaces.com/mo/st-louis-city/macarthur/

Missouri State Water Patrol News Release.....

NEWS RELEASE
PUBLIC INFORMATION SECTION, P.O. Box 1368, Jefferson City, MO  65102

 

For further information contact:

Lieutenant Nick R. Humphrey Public Information Director Phone: (573) 751-3333 E-mail: Nick.Humphrey@mswp.dps.mo.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jefferson City, Missouri

Missouri Waterway Accidents at 20 Year Low

2007 was the safest boating year in Missouri in over twenty years. Colonel Rad Talburt attributed the decrease in boating accidents to several factors:

1. Governor Matt Blunt and the Missouri legislature have been dedicated to increasing safety on Missouri waterways and have increased resources supplied to the Missouri State Water Patrol. The additional resources have resulted in the retention of experienced officers, reduced training costs, and improved equipment. The direct result has been more officer visibility, which encourages safer boat operation.

2. Public involvement in the boating safety message is at an all time high. The Water Patrol has been given more exposure by Missouri press which has been used to promote boating safety. Also, the Water Safety Council based at Lake of the Ozarks spreads the boating safety message statewide.

3. The Water Patrol has significantly increased sobriety checkpoints statewide. Last year, in some areas, an average of one out of every six nighttime boat operators were intoxicated. As sobriety checkpoints increased, the number of designated sober operators increased and the number of accidents decreased.

4. In 2004, the state legislature passed a law requiring anyone born after January 1st, 1984 must pass a boater safety course before operating a vessel. The results of that law are now being realized with safer boat operation on Missouri waterways and a reduced number of boating accidents.

"Obviously we have made a great stride toward safety by reducing the number of accidents in 2007; however, there is still room for improvement. The officers of the Missouri State Water Patrol are eager to make Missouri's waterways safe for all to enjoy in 2008 and beyond," said Colonel Talburt.

News Release ID: N07080001
Release Date: 20080107

~~~~~^~~~~~^~~~~~^~~~~~^~~~~

Click here to check out the Missouri State Water Patrol website

ITCS Memos.......

ITCS MEMO # 2626

        Subject:  USCG 9TH DIST. NOTICE TO MARINERS ILLINOIS RIVER 
        Date:      Fri, 11 Jan 2008 07:37:35 -0700 
        Click here to read the ITCS Memo #2626  

ITCS MEMO # 2627

        Subject:    ILLINOIS RIVER BRODCAST FOR USCG 8TH DIST. 
        Date:        Fri, 11 Jan 2008 07:40:09 -0700 
        Click here to read the ITCS Memo #2627  

Check the ITCS website for most current memos

Know Your Boating Laws..........

   Missouri Boating Law of the Month....Click here

Click on Ad to go to Bloch Marine website

Saturday, January 26, 2008
    Winter River Festival ..... Louisiana, Mo 

  Polar Bear Plunge in the Mississippi River,  the House of fire and Ice, wine-tasting, fine arts displays horse-drawn wagon rides the "Sneakers and Snowflakes" 5k run/walk 

For more info click here 

Saturday, February 9, 2008

Polar Bear Plunge - Lake Saint Louis 

Registration:   Begins at 12:00 noon 

                     Lake Saint Louis Community Association Clubhouse (100 Cognac)

Plunge:          2:00 pm 
Party:            Immediately following Plunge at the Heritage of Hawk Ridge Clubhouse 

  Join area Polar Bears,  law enforcement and SOMO East Area for a refreshing dip into Lake Saint Louise.  

   Prizes for the top individual fundraiser (1st, 2nd and 3rd), top law enforcement agency fundraiser and the top group fundraiser.  

   For additional information click here

  RiverBill's Jamaica Vacation Pictures.......

Click here to take a look at our vacation pictures....more added daily

Nashville Boat Show...... 

    I would like to invite you and your family to the Nashville Boat Show January 9th - 13th. We will have on display a 2008 Gibson 50 Cabin Yacht for you to tour.

If you need any information about the Nashville Boat Show or need more information on our Gibson houseboats, please contact my sales manager Tom Stiefvater at 636-949-2738.

Sincerely,

Scott W. Bachman Owner
Wahoo Marine Sales
Your Gibson Houseboat Dealer

KANSAS CITY SPORT SHOW

H. Roe Bartle Hall 

Kansas City, MO 


For more info. call.....800-985-2404   or  314-567-0020

www.kansascitysportshow.com

Saturday...January 12, 2008

  One Million Visitors Strong !

There was no internet service available in Negril yesterday...and it was travel day so RiverBill's didn't get updated.   We are home from vacation now and RiverBill's should be should be back to normal by Monday ! 

 Updated 10:50 AM .... ITCS memo 2627

 Louisiana, Mo  Polar Plunge & Lake St Louis Polar Bear Plunge

Picture of the Day...

Jamaican Boat Dog

Click on pic to enlarge

The Picture of the Day  ----  is a shot of a "Jamaican Boat Dog" waiting patiently for his owner to return from the Pelican Bar..
 

Yesteryears Picture of the Day

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Picture on this Day In 2007---- was a picture of the Golden Eagle Ferry coming towards the ferry landing next to Kinder's Restaurant on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River.  

 ~~~~~^~~~~~~^~~~~~~^~~~~~~~^~~~~~ 

January 12, 1812 in River History ------  On this day in 1812.... the New Orleans, the first steam ship to travel the Mississippi River, arrived in New Orleans, Louisiana. The steamboat experienced the New Madrid Earthquake of 1812 on this trip, but continued on to their destination. She hit a stump and sank two years later.

Click here to go to the US Army Corps Of Engineers website name "Mississippi River Navigation"   for more information.

Updated at 11:00 AM

ITCS Memo 2626......

Received the following e-mail from the River Industry Bulletin Board website:

From:      itcs@ribb.com  
To:          riverbill@prodigy.net 

Subject:  USCG 9TH DIST. NOTICE TO MARINERS ILLINOIS RIVER 
Date:      Fri, 11 Jan 2008 07:37:35 -0700 

ITCS MEMO # 2626


U.S.C.G. SECTOR LAKE MICHIGAN NOTICE TO MARINERS M014-08 IL - ILLINOIS RIVER - ILLINOIS WATERWAY 
SUBJ: BROADCAST NOTICE TO MARINERS 

1.   THERE ARE CURRENTLY LOCKING RESTRICTIONS AT THE DRESDEN LOCK AT MM 271. VESSELS APPROACHING THE DRESDEN LOCK MUST CONFIGURE LOADED BARGES ON THE LONG WALL SIDE OF THE TOW. DOWNBOUND DOUBLE LOCKING IS PROHIBITED UNTIL THE LOWER WALL COMES OUT OF THE WATER. ADDITIONALLY, THERE IS A 105 FOOT WIDTH RESTRICTION. 
2.   ZONE 9 (MILES 200-230.9), ZONE 10 (MILES 231 – 244.6), ZONE 11 (MILES 244.7 – 271.5) ON THE ILR ARE CURRENTLY IN THE HIGH WATER RECOVERY PHASE OF THE ILR WATERWAYS ACTION PLAN ANNEX. 
3.   DUE TO HIGH RIVER LEVELS, DRIFT OR DEBRIS MAY BE AN ISSUE WITH NAVIGATION, AND IT MAY DRAG BUOYS OFF STATION AND SEVER BUOYS FROM THEIR MOORINGS. 
4.   ALL MARINERS SHOULD USE EXTRA CAUTION AND BE ESPECIALLY VIGILANT DURING ALL BRIDGE AND LOCK APPROACHES IN THESE ZONES DUE TO SWIFT CURRENTS. 
5.   FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT MSU CHICAGO AT 630-986-2155. 

Click here to read the ITCS Memo #2626  

Check the ITCS website for most current memos

Updated at 10:50 AM

ITCS Memo 2627......

Received the following e-mail from the River Industry Bulletin Board website:

From:       itcs@ribb.com 
To:           riverbill@prodigy.net 
Subject:    ILLINOIS RIVER BRODCAST FOR USCG 8TH DIST. 
Date:        Fri, 11 Jan 2008 07:40:09 -0700 

ITCS MEMO # 2627


USCG NOTICE TO MARINERS EIGHTH DISTRICT NR 0006-08 UM SECTOR UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER ISSUES THE FOLLOWING SAFETY ADVISORY: 
A. ZONES 4, 5 AND 6 (MILES 80.3 - 145.5) ON THE ILR ARE IN THE HIGH WATER WATCH PHASE OF THE ILR WAP ANNEX. 
B. ZONES 3, AND (MILES 50.0 - 80.2) AND ZONE 7 (MILES 145.6 - 180.9) ON THE ILR ARE ANTICIPATED TO ENTER THE HIGH WATER WATCH PHASE OVER THE NEXT 2 DAYS DUE TO RECENT HEAVY PERCIPITATION. 
C. DOWNSTREAMING OPERATIONS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED FOR VESSELS OPERATING IN THE ZONES IN THE WATCH PHASES UNLESS THE VESSEL IS EQUAL TO OR GREATER THAN 75 FEET IN LENGTH AND THE VESSEL HAS A MINIMUM OF 1800 HORSEPOWER. 
D. ALL TOWING VESSELS SHOULD PROCEED AT THE SLOWEST SAFE OPERATIONS SPEED BASED UPON PREVAILING CONDITIONS IN ORDER TO MINIMIZE WAKE DAMAGE. 
E. DUE TO HIGH RIVER LEVELS, DRIFT OF DEBRIS MAY BE AN ISSUE WITH NAVIGATION, AND IT MAY DRAG BUOYS OFF STATION AND SEVER BUOYS FROM THEIR MOORINGS. 
F. ALL MARINERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ENSURE THAT ALL MOORED VESSELS AND BARGES ARE ADEQUATELY SECURED WITH THE ANTICIPATION OF INCREASED VELOCITY AND HIGH WATER. 
G. COTP UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER REMINDS ALL MARINERS TO USE EXTRA CAUTION AND TO BE ESPECIALLY VIGILANT DURING ALL BRIDGE AND LOCK APPROACHES IN THESE ZONES DUE TO SWIFT CURRENTS. 


Click here to read the ITCS Memo #2627  

Check the ITCS website for most current memos

Updated 8:20 AM

Saturday, January 26, 2008
    Winter River Festival ..... Louisiana, Mo 

  Polar Bear Plunge in the Mississippi River,  the House of fire and Ice, wine-tasting, fine arts displays horse-drawn wagon rides the "Sneakers and Snowflakes" 5k run/walk 

For more info click here 

Updated at 10:10 AM

Saturday, February 9, 2008

Polar Bear Plunge - Lake Saint Louis 

Registration:   Begins at 12:00 noon 

                     Lake Saint Louis Community Association Clubhouse (100 Cognac)

Plunge:          2:00 pm 
Party:            Immediately following Plunge at the Heritage of Hawk Ridge Clubhouse 

  Join area Polar Bears,  law enforcement and SOMO East Area for a refreshing dip into Lake Saint Louise.  

   Prizes for the top individual fundraiser (1st, 2nd and 3rd), top law enforcement agency fundraiser and the top group fundraiser.  

   For additional information click here

  RiverBill's Vacation Pictures.......

Click here to take a look at our vacation pictures....more added daily

Nashville Boat Show...... 

    I would like to invite you and your family to the Nashville Boat Show January 9th - 13th. We will have on display a 2008 Gibson 50 Cabin Yacht for you to tour.

If you need any information about the Nashville Boat Show or need more information on our Gibson houseboats, please contact my sales manager Tom Stiefvater at 636-949-2738.

Sincerely,

Scott W. Bachman Owner
Wahoo Marine Sales
Your Gibson Houseboat Dealer

KANSAS CITY SPORT SHOW

H. Roe Bartle Hall 

Kansas City, MO 


For more info. call.....800-985-2404   or  314-567-0020

www.kansascitysportshow.com

Grafton's Landing Bar & Grill    and..... Palisades Yacht Club  are both open for business.  Make sure to stop in and say hello, get a bite to eat and a cold drink.   

Friday...January 11, 2008

  One Million Visitors Strong !

We are home from vacation....  RiverBill's should be should be back to normal by Monday ! 

Picture of the Day...

Jamaican Boat Dog

Click on pic to enlarge

The Picture of the Day  ----  is a shot of a Jamaican boat dog waiting patiently for his owner to return from the Pelican Bar..
 

Yesteryears Picture of the Day

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Picture on this Day In 2007---- was a shot of  the Clark Bridge that crosses the Mississippi River at Alton, IL.

   Dark blue winter water and a mostly clear sky ! 

 ~~~~~^~~~~~~^~~~~~~^~~~~~~~^~~~~~ 

  RiverBill's Vacation Pictures.......

Click here to take a look at our vacation pictures....more added daily

Nashville Boat Show...... 

    I would like to invite you and your family to the Nashville Boat Show January 9th - 13th. We will have on display a 2008 Gibson 50 Cabin Yacht for you to tour.

If you need any information about the Nashville Boat Show or need more information on our Gibson houseboats, please contact my sales manager Tom Stiefvater at 636-949-2738.

Sincerely,

Scott W. Bachman Owner
Wahoo Marine Sales
Your Gibson Houseboat Dealer

KANSAS CITY SPORT SHOW

H. Roe Bartle Hall 

Kansas City, MO 


For more info. call.....800-985-2404   or  314-567-0020

www.kansascitysportshow.com

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON DRI-PORT MARINE

Grafton's Landing Bar & Grill    and..... Palisades Yacht Club  are both open for business.  Make sure to stop in and say hello, get a bite to eat and a cold drink.   

  Click here for more information and business hours.

Thursday...January 10, 2008

  One Million Visitors Strong !

River Bill and company are on a much needed vacation in sunny/ warm Negril, Jamaica.  Website updates will take place daily, but at "Jamaican Speed" and on "Jamaican Time" until the 12th or 13 th of January, 2008.

We have "High Speed Internet" here when it works.....

That's the problem....

"When it Works"

   Updated at  9:15  AM St. Louis Time....More to come shortly !

Picture of the Day...

The Pelican Bar

in

Parottee, Jamaica

Click on pic to enlarge

The Pictures of the Day  ----  are a couple of pictures of us headed to the Pelican Bar near the remote seaside village of Parottee, Jamaica. 

   The bar is located about a quarter mile of the shore, so we rented a "taxi fishing boat" to get us there. Beers were $200 Jamaican, they served up very fresh fried fish and a whole lot of atmosphere.......

Click here to go to the "World Famous" Pelican bar website.......
 

Yesteryears Picture of the Day

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Picture on this Day In 2007---- was a shot of another

"Bench With A View"   

 This one is in the Lincoln  Shields Access Area on the Missouri side of the Mississippi River.  You can see Alton across the river.  

It's another good place to sit and watch the river flow !

 ~~~~~^~~~~~~^~~~~~~^~~~~~~~^~~~~~ 

ITCS Memo 2623......

Received the following e-mail from the River Industry Bulletin Board website:

From:       itcs@ribb.com
To:           riverbill@prodigy.net
Subject:   Illinois River Closer for mile 88 to 87

Date:       Wed, 09 Jan 2008 07:40:36 -0700

ITCS MEMO # 2623

-----> ATTENTION: Bill Kelley <-----

There will be a River closure for Illinois River mile 88 to mile 87 for
diving repairs on a barge from 08:00 to 11:00 ct today Jan. 9th.
QH

Click here to read the ITCS Memo #2623

Check the ITCS website for most current memos

River History....Did you know ?  ------  The United States Power Squadron was organized in 1914.  It's a non profit, educational organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation and related subjects.

  For more info go to http://www.usps.org/newpublic1/guesthome.htm

The New Issue of BoatingLifeMag.com is out.........

Click here to view the new issue.

  RiverBill's Vacation Pictures.......

Click here to take a look at our vacation pictures....more added daily

Nashville Boat Show...... 

    I would like to invite you and your family to the Nashville Boat Show January 9th - 13th. We will have on display a 2008 Gibson 50 Cabin Yacht for you to tour.

If you need any information about the Nashville Boat Show or need more information on our Gibson houseboats, please contact my sales manager Tom Stiefvater at 636-949-2738.

Sincerely,

Scott W. Bachman Owner
Wahoo Marine Sales
Your Gibson Houseboat Dealer

KANSAS CITY SPORT SHOW

H. Roe Bartle Hall 

Kansas City, MO 


For more info. call.....800-985-2404   or  314-567-0020

www.kansascitysportshow.com

Wednesday...January 9, 2008

  One Million Visitors Strong !

River Bill and company are on a much needed vacation in sunny/ warm Negril, Jamaica.  Website updates will take place daily, but at "Jamaican Speed" and on "Jamaican Time" until the 12th or 13 th of January, 2008.

We have "High Speed Internet" here when it works.....

That's the problem....

"When it Works"

No Internet Connection Yesterday...Jan. 8th...

We are up and running today !

   Updated at  7:50  AM St. Louis Time....More to come shortly !

Picture of the Day...

Peaceful Morning On the River

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Picture of the Day  ----  is a peaceful looking shot of the river as seen from the Winfield Rivercam.
 

Click here to go to the 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers  Research and Development Center website

Yesteryears Picture of the Day

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Picture on this Day In 2007---- was a shot of a

"Bench With A View"   

   Looking for something to do....this bench is waiting for you !   It's along Highway 367, on the Missouri side of the river.   Sit , relax,  watch the river and the wildlife.  Enjoy the moment.

.  

 ~~~~~^~~~~~~^~~~~~~^~~~~~~~^~~~~~ 

ITCS Memo 2621......

Received the following e-mail from the River Industry Bulletin Board website:

From:        itcs@ribb.com
To:           riverbill@prodigy.net
Subject:   High Water watch phase for the Illinois River

Date: Tue, 08 Jan 2008 19:14:36 -0700

ITCS MEMO # 2621

-
All

Very heavy widespread rainfall in excess of 2 inches occurred over a
large portion of the ILL River basin from last night through early this
morning. Many tributaries as well as mainstream locations will
experience moderate to major flooding during the next week.

Zones 9, 11, & 12 (La Salle, Dresden and Brandon) are in the watch
phase.

Zones 7 & 8 (Peoria and Henry) are expected to enter into the watch
phase by Jan 11.

The Kankakee River is still rising and portions are not expected to
crest for a few days.

QH

Click here to read the ITCS Memo #2621

Check the ITCS website for most current memos

River History....Did you know ?  ------  The name "Grafton" was given to the township of Grafton, IL by Prescott Whittemore who was honoring his old home in New Hampshire, which was also called Grafton Township

  For more info go to http://history.rays-place.com/il/mch-grafton.htm

Nashville Boat Show...... 

    I would like to invite you and your family to the Nashville Boat Show January 9th - 13th. We will have on display a 2008 Gibson 50 Cabin Yacht for you to tour.

If you need any information about the Nashville Boat Show or need more information on our Gibson houseboats, please contact my sales manager Tom Stiefvater at 636-949-2738.

Sincerely,

Scott W. Bachman Owner
Wahoo Marine Sales
Your Gibson Houseboat Dealer

Missouri Conservationist on-line Magazine........The January 2008 on-line edition of  Missouri Conservationist on-line Magazine is out.  

   Click here to check it out

  RiverBill's Vacation Pictures.......

Click here to take a look at our vacation pictures....more added daily

KANSAS CITY SPORT SHOW

H. Roe Bartle Hall 

Kansas City, MO 


For more info. call.....800-985-2404   or  314-567-0020

www.kansascitysportshow.com

Monday...January 7, 2008

  One Million Visitors Strong !

River Bill and company are on a much needed vacation in sunny/ warm Negril, Jamaica.  Website updates will take place daily, but at "Jamaican Speed" and on "Jamaican Time" until the 13th or 14 th of January, 2008.

We have "High Speed Internet" here when it works.....

That's the problem....

"When it Works"

Picture of the Day...

Sunday Ice Breakers

The River Pictures and e-mail of the Day  ---- 

Bill,

    Hope Jamaica is doing ya good :-)

    Jeff and I took his cruiser out Sunday and just had to send you some pics, I know they will make you wish you were here. hahahahahaha

   We had to crack thru the ice to get out of his harbor. His boat was named Old No. 7.....now we had to call it Icebreaker No. 7. Of course the Crewe at Eagles Landing was out as well so we made a stop there.

Have a great trip.

Tauni
 

Yesteryears Picture of the Day

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Picture on this Day In 2007---- was a shot of one section of the new Alton Dam taken from the Missouri bank on the up-river side of the structure.   You can see a tow entering the lock in the distance.   Again we have that dark blue Winter water.

.  

 ~~~~~^~~~~~~^~~~~~~^~~~~~~~^~~~~~ 

Updated 01-06-08 at 9:30 AM

  RiverBill's Vacation Pictures.......

Click here to take a look at our vacation pictures....more added daily

Updated at 10:30 AM

For Sale .....

50'X16' slip G-203 at the Duck Club Yacht Club ------ 

Click here

Introducing the Riverbend Marina.......... 

Effective 01 January 2008 ....

"John’s Boat Harbor " is the "Riverbend Marina."

   Jeff and Debbie House are still the owners and will be providing the same fine service on which John's Boat Harbor 's reputation was built.

The website address will be www.riverbendmarina.com.
The new e-mail address will be info@riverbendmarina.com.

The address and phone numbers are still the same.

Write Your Congressman ....

   EPA Discharge Permit Requirement for Recreational Boats........

Send a letter to your Congressman today !    Ask that they co-sponsor or support H.R. 2550 and S. 2067.

Click here to go to Boat US for more information 

Click here to go to Boat US for sample letters.

Sunday...January 6, 2008

  One Million Visitors Strong !

River Bill and company are on a much needed vacation in sunny/ warm Negril, Jamaica.  Website updates will take place daily, but at "Jamaican Speed" and on "Jamaican Time" until the 13th or 14 th of January, 2008.

We have "High Speed Internet" here when it works.....

That's the problem....

"When it Works"

Picture of the Day...

River Santa

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Pictures and e-mail of the Day  ---- 

Bill,

   Here are some pics I took the week before Christmas in front of Port Charles
 

Mike Kolisch
 

Yesteryears Picture of the Day

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Picture on this Day In 2007---- was of the one section of the old Alton Dam that remains in tact on the Missouri side of the river across from the City of Alton, IL.  This shot is looking up the up the rock covered levee on the up-river side of the structure.    

.  

 ~~~~~^~~~~~~^~~~~~~^~~~~~~~^~~~~~ 

    Collinsville Boat Show

Collinsville, Illinois 

15th Anniversary Year!

Gateway Center (618-345-8998)
Highway 157 at I-55 / 70

Friday: Noon-9pm
Saturday: 9am-7pm
Sunday: 10am-5pm

For more info

     Call: 312 - 946 - 6200

     Log on to:   www.chicagoboatshow.com

Updated 01-06-08 at 9:30 AM

  RiverBill's Vacation Pictures.......

Click here to take a look at our vacation pictures....more added daily

Updated at 10:30 AM

For Sale .....

50'X16' slip G-203 at the Duck Club Yacht Club ------ 

Click here

Today

   Saturday's 5, 12, 19 & 26 January  2008

Bald Eagle Close Up 

Alton Visitors Center
200 Piasa St. Alton, IL

10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

A live Bald Eagle from the World Bird Sanctuary for your viewing
Admission:   Free

For more information call 1-800-258-6645 or (618) 465-6676

Click here for map from Yahoo

Introducing the Riverbend Marina.......... 

Effective 01 January 2008 ....

"John’s Boat Harbor " is the "Riverbend Marina."

   Jeff and Debbie House are still the owners and will be providing the same fine service on which John's Boat Harbor 's reputation was built.

The website address will be www.riverbendmarina.com.
The new e-mail address will be info@riverbendmarina.com.

The address and phone numbers are still the same.

Write Your Congressman ....

   EPA Discharge Permit Requirement for Recreational Boats........

Send a letter to your Congressman today !    Ask that they co-sponsor or support H.R. 2550 and S. 2067.

Click here to go to Boat US for more information 

Click here to go to Boat US for sample letters.

Grafton's Landing Bar & Grill    and..... Palisades Yacht Club  are all still open for business.  Make sure to stop in and say hello, get a bite to eat and a cold drink.   

Saturday...January 5, 2008

  One Million Visitors Strong !

River Bill and company are on a much needed vacation in sunny/ warm Negril, Jamaica.  Website updates will take place daily, but at "Jamaican Speed" and on "Jamaican Time" until the 13th or 14 th of January, 2008.

We have "High Speed Internet" here when it works.....

That's the problem....

"When it Works"

Picture of the Day...

Amphibious Car

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Pictures and e-mail of the Day  ---- 

Hey Bill,

   Here are some pics of that classic Amphibious car out of the water.   I was surprised that the doors even open. He was down here at George Winter Park in Fenton.

Mark Newlin

Yesteryears Picture of the Day

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Picture on this Day In 2005---- was one of those spectacular fall sunsets taken a couple of weeks ago looking up-river towards the power plant.   

.  

 ~~~~~^~~~~~~^~~~~~~^~~~~~~~^~~~~~ 

    Collinsville Boat Show

Collinsville, Illinois 

15th Anniversary Year!

Gateway Center (618-345-8998)
Highway 157 at I-55 / 70

Friday: Noon-9pm
Saturday: 9am-7pm
Sunday: 10am-5pm

For more info

     Call: 312 - 946 - 6200

     Log on to:   www.chicagoboatshow.com

Updated 01-05-08 at 10:30 AM

  RiverBill's Vacation Pictures.......

Click here to take a look at our vacation pictures....more added daily

January 05, 1994 in River History ------  Construction on the new the Clark Bridge that crosses the Mississippi River at Alton, IL was complete. Dedication ceremonies were held on this day.

Today

   Saturday's 5, 12, 19 & 26 January  2008

Bald Eagle Close Up 

Alton Visitors Center
200 Piasa St. Alton, IL

10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

A live Bald Eagle from the World Bird Sanctuary for your viewing
Admission:   Free

For more information call 1-800-258-6645 or (618) 465-6676

Click here for map from Yahoo

Introducing the Riverbend Marina.......... 

Effective 01 January 2008 ....

"John’s Boat Harbor " is the "Riverbend Marina."

   Jeff and Debbie House are still the owners and will be providing the same fine service on which John's Boat Harbor 's reputation was built.

The website address will be www.riverbendmarina.com.
The new e-mail address will be info@riverbendmarina.com.

The address and phone numbers are still the same.

Write Your Congressman ....

   EPA Discharge Permit Requirement for Recreational Boats........

Send a letter to your Congressman today !    Ask that they co-sponsor or support H.R. 2550 and S. 2067.

Click here to go to Boat US for more information 

Click here to go to Boat US for sample letters.

Thursday...January 3, 2008

  One Million Visitors Strong !

River Bill and company are on a much needed vacation in sunny/ warm Negril, Jamaica.  Website updates will take place daily, but at "Jamaican Speed" and on "Jamaican Time" until the 13th or 14 th of January, 2008.

Picture of the Day...

The Boats Of Negril River

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Pictures and e-mail of the Day  ---- 

BILL,
   YOU ALL PICKED A GOOD TIME TO HEAD TO THE SMALLER LATTITUDES. IT WAS 8 HERE THIS MORNING, WITH WIND CHILLS BELOW ZERO. THE FIRST PIC IS OUR GROUP OF SAILBOATERS AT PALISADES YACHT CLUB, THAT WERE GOING TO BE THE FIRST SAILORS ON THE RIVER OF 08. SADLY, INSTEAD ITS A PIC OF SAILBOATERS THAT WEREN'T FIRST ON THE RIVER. FAIR WEATHER SAILORS? .......YOU BET!

    SEE SECOND PIC.......ICE, TEMP IN THE 20'S, CHOPPY WATER DUE TO A 20MPH PLUS WIND. THE GOOD NEWS IS WE STAYED NICE AND WARM AT THE BAR, AND HAD A GOOD TIME ANYWAY.
ENJOY THE WARMTH

TYLER
 

Yesteryears Picture of the Day

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Picture on this Day In 2007---- was a picture of smooth water on the Mississippi River with a large bird sitting on a red buoy.  

 ~~~~~^~~~~~~^~~~~~~^~~~~~~~^~~~~~ 

Introducing the Riverbend Marina.......... 

Effective 01 January 2008 ....

"John’s Boat Harbor " is the "Riverbend Marina."

   Jeff and Debbie House are still the owners and will be providing the same fine service on which John's Boat Harbor 's reputation was built.


The website address will be www.riverbendmarina.com.

The new e-mail address will be info@riverbendmarina.com.

The address and phone numbers are still the same.

Wednesday...January 2, 2008

  One Million Visitors Strong !

River Bill and company are on a much needed vacation in sunny/ warm Negril, Jamaica.  Website updates will take place daily, but at "Jamaican Speed" and on "Jamaican Time" until the 13th or 14 th of January, 2008.

   Updated at  9:44 AM St. Louis Time

Picture of the Day...

The Boats Of Negril River

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Picture on this Day  ----  is a shot of a few of the fishing boats on the Negril River right before it empties into the sea.

Yesteryears Picture of the Day

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Picture on this Day In 2007---- was a shot of Palisades Yacht Club taken just at dusk late last Fall.     

 ~~~~~^~~~~~~^~~~~~~^~~~~~~~^~~~~~ 

 Updated at  12:10 PM St. Louis Time

RiverBill's Vacation Pictures.......

Click here to take a look at our vacation....more added daily

 Updated at  9:44 AM St. Louis Time

Con Trios Website Update .... Capt'n Darryll Weil sent us an e-mail that the 2008 calendar has been updated.  

Click here to go to the "Con Trios 2008 Calendar" and check it out !

Introducing the Riverbend Marina.......... 

Effective 01 January 2008 ....

"John’s Boat Harbor " is the "Riverbend Marina."

   Jeff and Debbie House are still the owners and will be providing the same fine service on which John's Boat Harbor 's reputation was built.


The website address will be www.riverbendmarina.com.

The new e-mail address will be info@riverbendmarina.com.

The address and phone numbers are still the same.

Write Your Congressman ....

   EPA Discharge Permit Requirement for Recreational Boats........

Send a letter to your Congressman today !    Ask that they co-sponsor or support H.R. 2550 and S. 2067.

Click here to go to Boat US for more information 

Click here to go to Boat US for sample letters.

Grafton's Landing Bar & Grill    and..... Palisades Yacht Club  are all still open for business.  Make sure to stop in and say hello, get a bite to eat and a cold drink.   

  Click here for more information and business hours.

Tuesday...January 1, 2008

  One Million Visitors Strong !

River Bill and company are on a much needed vacation in sunny/ warm Negril, Jamaica.  Website updates will take place daily, but at "Jamaican Speed" and on "Jamaican Time" until the 13th or 14 th of January, 2008.

   Updated at 8:35 AM St. Louis Time

Picture of the Day...

Click on pic to enlarge

The 1st Picture on this Day  ----  is a shot of a couple of the "Glass Bottom Boats" anchored-up on the beach here in Negril, Jamaica.   They have a section in the floor of the boat that is actually window glass, with a box built around it.  The box has sides that are built higher than the water level of the boat when it is floating.  That way if the glass would break, the water would not fill the inside of the boat.  It would just fill the inside of the box.

Yesteryears Picture of the Day

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Picture on this Day In 2005---- was a special sun rise for the new year.

Captain Dave Kelly took this shot of a sun rise "somewhere up-river" on one of his many trips moving boats up and down the rivers.  Dave wrote that it was one of the unusual sunrises he had ever seen.

HAPPY NEW YEAR !

 ~~~~~^~~~~~~^~~~~~~^~~~~~~~^~~~~~ 

Palisades Yacht Club..... Open Today !.....  We are planning to be open on News Years Day for all of you and Barry will be cooking up something great for a special. 
However we will be closed on Monday New Years Eve.


Hope you had a Merry Christmas!!!
Amy@PYC

Hi All

It’s John from Little Johns Motorsports.
It is needless to say, that there is no racing news right now.
We have some routine maintenance to do, and a backup motor to build, as we can afford. But all and all, we are ready to go.

What I would like to do in this note, is say a special thank you to our sponsors for 2007.

Anne’s Signs and Lewis Boats
If you have seen our trailer and boat, the professionalism, and detail speaks for itself.
Anne can handle your lettering needs, no matter what the size.

St. Charles Boat and Motor
The people there have helped us in so many ways; it is tuff to name them all

Ward Tools
Trailer parts, bolts, tie downs, etc. They have, or can find, anything you might need.

Riverbills.com
There is not much I can say, but Thank You my friend.

Chiropractic Center of St. Peters.
John Spraul has worked hard in the pits, and in the office, to keep us in shape.

Stefaninas Pizzeria and Restaurants 636 272 3499
Again, a lot of help in many ways

The Law Firm of Thompson & Young 314 436 9603
These people set up my corporations to keep our team legal
They are also THE BEST DWI defenders in St. Charles Co. and St. Louis Co. you can find. (Handy piece of information there)

Darryll Weil
Darryll makes us so very proud of our website.

C & C Electric of Augusta Ga.
A special thanks to Alex.
His company was a local sponsor in Augusta.
He then flew to Phoenix to help crew for us at the world finals.

I probably need to give a special thanks to the people at Orchard Farm School Dist.
Ashly, and Jordan were given time in a couple situations, to get away and go race.
Also, Ashly’s sports coaches were a great help in getting muscles toned in the areas she needed to do her job right, and in a safe manner.

Last, but not least
I would like to welcome our newest sponsor
J.B. Fence LLC of Fenton Mo. 314 330 5811
In the 2008 season, you will see a lot of Joe Boyer
Their work is second to none.

In closing, I think you can see, by reading this, that we have no big money sponsors.
BUT, We so appreciate the help of the people named above.
We are #3 nationwide in our first season, and very proud of it.
If you, or your company might have a way of helping our team, no matter how small.
Please look at our website, and let us know.

The Family and Team of Little Johns Motorsports
www.LITTLEJOHNSINC.com

 

Introducing the Riverbend Marina.......... 

Effective 01 January 2008 ....

"John’s Boat Harbor " is the "Riverbend Marina."

   Jeff and Debbie House are still the owners and will be providing the same fine service on which John's Boat Harbor 's reputation was built.


The website address will be www.riverbendmarina.com.

The new e-mail address will be info@riverbendmarina.com.

The address and phone numbers are still the same.

Write Your Congressman ....

   EPA Discharge Permit Requirement for Recreational Boats........

Send a letter to your Congressman today !    Ask that they co-sponsor or support H.R. 2550 and S. 2067.

Click here to go to Boat US for more information 

Click here to go to Boat US for sample letters.