It's National Fishing and Boating Week !

 June 1 - 8

The Weekend Report

Fri, Sat 30, 31 May

Sun 01 June

2008

Over 1.4 Million Visitors Strong !

 Updated Sun at 5:50PM.New Advertiser...Jacquie Bird....Nation Boating & Fishing Week Press Release...News...Pic of the Day...River Levels

 Last Update Sat at 12:30PM...Dan's Boats is Closed...Women In Waders calendar link...Flood Warning..News, Pic of the Day, River Levels

 Updated last at 3:40PM   Mo Fishing Report....Doug Price Benefit...Updated Longshot's hours..Updated Sundowner's Weekend Bands ...Cedar Hill's hours and entertainment

Welcome New Advertisers !

Jacquie Bird

Free Boat Quotes      Same Day Coverage

636-219-3979      e-mail  jbird@hlia.net

"Protecting the American Dream"

Homeowners ..... Auto ..... Business ..... Boat..... Motorcycles

Click here for more info

Classic Marine

1248 Continental Dr

Wentzville, Mo

636- 887- 4006

Click here to check out their ad

Picture of the Day

Sunday

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Picture and e-mail of Day ....Sunday .. are from Pat Binder of Eagles Landing fame.

Hi Bill

Here is that Picture of Joe Determined to cut the grass dispite the
Flood.

Pat
 

RiverBill says...This picture is from two or three weeks ago...Eagles Landing is open for business.

Picture of the Day

Saturday

The River Picture and e-mail of Day ....Saturday.. are from Ron Bachman, who hails out of Woodland Marina in the boat "Done Looking".

Hello Bill,

     Here Are Some Pictures I Took In Front Of Our Boat "DONE LOOKING"  At Woodland Harbor.

     Looks As If The Little Fawn Is Saying, Keep Your Chin-Up. He`s Part Of The Landscape In Our Rock Garden.

Ron Bachman

 

Pictures of the Day

Friday

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Pictures and e-mail of Day ....Friday.. are from Steve Nonn, who hails out of Grafton Harbor

Hi Bill

We had a few good hours of sun last Sunday (Memorial Day weekend) to go for a boat ride and See Doo ride with our new puppy Stella

This is Stella on her first See Doo Ride with Kelsie Brown and Jayda Tite, the puppy loves the river,has no fear!

The second picture is Stella with Sue Brown and her daughter Kelsie on her first river ride on her owners boat, "Nothin But A Good Time"

Thanks for all you do at River Bills

Steve Nonn

Grafton Harbor
 

Yesteryears Picture of the Day

Sunday

The River Picture on This Day in 2005 ....Sunday...  was actually a "Historical Graph" of the   Water Temperature of Alton Pool from Jan 2004 until May 2005.    We had some questions on the Message Board in 2005 about the river water temperature.  The person wrote "Wondering what the average temperature of the river was last summer"  and "When will it get warmer ?"    

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Yesteryears Picture of the Day

Saturday

The River Picture on This Day in 2005 ....Saturday... was of a  paddle wheeler  in  Dardenne Slough.

 Last year Gary Mienershagen and crew spotted it in it's new home.....Key West, Florida.

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Yesteryears Picture of the Day

Friday

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Picture on This Day in 2005 ....Friday... was   3 BBQ pits full of ribs   at the 2005  "Raging Rivers Rib-A-Rama" on Iowa Island.  Carl is front and center showing off the ribs, Dave is on the right and Jim is in the back holding open the lids to the BBQ pits. ....and a group of  Red, White and Blue party goers !

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River Levels / Flood Warnings.........  

Click here for more information for water levels Lock and Dam 25

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Click here for more information for water levels at Grafton

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Click here for more information for water levels at Lock and Dam 26

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   ~ Click here for current Doppler Radar and up-to-date River Levels / forecasts for Winfield, Grafton and Alton Dam 

~ Click here for the Nation Weather Service latest Flood Warning

~ Click here to go to NOAA River Flood Outlook website

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 Active River Stage Map .........     Click here to activate map from NOAA's National Weather Service website then click on gauge location for current river level

Click here for map from Map Quest                    Click Here for website

 Updated Sun at 12:15PM

It's National Fishing and Boating Week !.......... June 1 - 8

Click here and check out TakeMeFishing.org website !

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The following is an excerpt from the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation Press Release e-mailed to RiverBIll's

Press Release date...May 2008

From June 1 – 8, organizations across the country will encourage people to experience boating and fishing as a way to reconnect with nature and strengthen relationships. Throughout the week, various events will offer hands-on opportunities for families and friends to learn about these recreational pastimes while enjoying quality time together.

"National Fishing and Boating Week is the perfect time for people to experience the benefits of boating and fishing," said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. "As our study indicates, families and friends that fish and boat together, have stronger relationships. We encourage people to get involved, especially our boating and fishing partners who can help inspire participation among their members and customers." 

RBFF's national study found that people who boat and fish are significantly more satisfied with their marriages, relationships and friendships than are non boaters and anglers. Other key findings include:

• Boaters and anglers are more likely to have close relationships with their children than non boaters and anglers
• Boaters and anglers report feeling more satisfied with their mental health than non boaters and anglers
• Boaters and anglers report that fishing has had a positive impact on their careers, with many of their best ideas coming to them while they're on the water

Click here to read the entire Press Release

on the

Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation
 

 Updated Sun at 10:30AM

Update....Omaha Towboat, Missouri River

   According to a news story in the Alton Daily News, workers have plugged all the holes in the partially submerged towboat, "Omaha",  that ran aground on the Missouri River on Friday morning near West Alton.  The towboat was leaking diesel fuel.

  To read the news story, click here.
 

 Updated Sun at 10:15AM

Missouri State Water Patrol News Release.....

   Drowning ...Meramec River, Moselle, Mo ------  

   The Missouri State Water Patrol has issued the following News Release

Fatalities:

The above is reprinted from the Missouri State Water Patrol Website

Click here to go to the Missouri State Water Patrol website  

 Updated Sun at 2:20AM

R_E_S_P_E_C_T     

  "Respect those tows going up and down the river and use good judgment when you are near them" 

Kathy Flippo     

 Tow Talkin'        

Updated Sat at 7:50PM

RiverBill's Search .....

  Added a couple of search button's in the left hand column of RiverBill's

  Check them out..........

  Try the one below.....

RiverBill's

Search

Updated Sat at 4:50PM

Benefit for Darlene Skeen....

   Saturday June 28....Shirley's Bar....

Updated Sat at 2:30PM

Dan's Boats Is Closed....

  Below is the message on their website

Updated Sat at 9:30AM

2008 Calendar...Women in Waders

  Hey guys.....It's not to late to get your 2008 Calendar  

  Click here to check out the "Women in Waders"  2008 Calendar

Updated Sat at 9:00AM

Tow Ran Aground On Missouri River Near West Alton

   According to a news story on STLtoday.com ...a towboat ran aground near the 12 mile marker on the Missouri River West Alton on Friday morning. The crew of six men and a woman were not injured.   The tow was carrying about 20,000 gallons of diesel fuel and according to the news article probably less than 2,000 gallons leaked out.

To read this full news article, click here

Updated Sat at 8:45AM

Flood Warning

FLOOD WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ST LOUIS MO
840 AM CDT SAT MAY 31 2008
...THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN ST LOUIS HAS ISSUED A FLOOD
WARNING FOR THE FOLLOWING RIVER IN MISSOURI...
CUIVRE RIVER NEAR TROY AFFECTING LINCOLN COUNTY
.THIS FLOOD WARNING IS A RESULT OF 1 TO 2.5 INCHES OF PRECIPITATION
THE PAST 24 HOURS AND NO PRECIPITATION FORECAST IN THE NEXT 24
HOURS...

Click here for more info
 

Updated Sat at 8:20AM

Fuel Barges Break Away In St. Louis

There were some fuel barges that broke away from a tow boat when it lost power. This happened just north of the McKinley Bridge. The Coast Guard said that they did not hit the bridge, but floated past it. They were recovered near the Eads and MLK Bridge. This happened around 3:00 pm on Tuesday afternoon. They are still investigating this incident.

To read the full news story in KSDK online, click here

Updated Sat at 8:20AM

Should You Use Sunscreen On Babies?

   On a KSDK online video, Jennifer Blom interviews a nurse from SSM about sunscreen. She asked if we should use sunscreen on babies. The nurse claims that with babies under six months of age we should ask our pediatrician about sunscreen. Babies over six months and children and adults of all ages should use sunscreen every time we go in the sun. Our bodies remember every sunburn our body has had. It can cause cancer later in life. With children, you should use a 15 spf or higher. It should be waterproof and be applied 30 minutes before going into the sun. She also says not to forget the tops of the ears, forehead and top of feet. Those are areas forgotten sometimes when it is applied.

To read more and watch the video, click here

Updated Fri at 3:40PM

Fishing Report  ------ The Missouri Department of Conservation has issued this week's Fishing Report.  

Mississippi River (above St. Louis):

67 degrees, high, muddy; channel catfish fair on nightcrawlers; all other species slow.

(Report made on 5/29/2008)

Missouri River (below New Haven)

58 degrees, high, muddy; channel catfish fair on natural baits; all other species slow.

(Report made on 5/29/2008)

Check out the report for the entire state of Missouri

.................go to  http://www.mdc.mo.gov/fish/fishrt/

Updated Fri at 3:15AM

Benefit In loving memory of Doug Price 1963 to 2008.......

  
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Shirley’s Bar – 4:00pm to close
Location – 3065 N 94, St. Charles , MO

$10.00 Cover

Draft beer & Band will be included
All money raised will be contributed to the funeral expenses & to Doug’s wife, Tracy & their three young children, Riley 9, Jersey 2, and Emmitt 1.

We will have many items to raffle off through out the night.
(Please be present to win)

Questions please contact Clayton Price 636-299-7186

Updated Fri at 2:30AM

Corrected Hours Longshot Saloon.......    636- 899 - 1104

Hosted By Tony's on Main Street , St. Charles

Thursday.... .4PM -close
Friday ........ 4PM -close
Saturday.... .Noon -close
Sunday....... Noon -close

Our drink specials all summer long:
$2 Bud light, Bud Light Lime
$3 all other beers, wells
$4 bombs, tall

Our special this weekend is
Catfish in Andy's Seasoning served with fries and a side salad- $11.99

Updated Fri at 2:30AM

Cedar Hill's Business Hours....... 618 - 883- 4455

   Open Sat 11-9 (kitchen)-Bar when all the people are gone-or until 1:00 a.m.

   Sun 11-8 (kitchen)  Live entertainment on the deck 12:30 to 4:30 by Eclipse.

Navigation Notice .....

 To:        ALL MARINERS
From:    Coast Guard Upper Miss
Date:     5/29/08
Subject: Shoaling

NAVNOTICE # 1146

UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER
THE CG RECEIVED A REPORT OF SHOALING EXTENDING APPROX 25-50 FT INTO THE CHANNEL ALONG THE NUN BUOY LINE IVO MM 245.3 UMR WITH L/D 25 UPPER POOL GAUGE READING 432.45 ON THE 29MAY08. MARINERS ARE
REQUESTED TO KEEP A SHARP LOOKOUT AND TO TRANSIT THIS PORTION OF THE RIVER WITH EXTREME CAUTION.

Click here to go to NavNotice #1146

Click here to go to the United States Coast Guard ...CG/COE Hot Topics website for more information

Rafting Up .....   Mike and Rosie Holaus, who hail out of The Duck Club in the cruiser "Swing Set", sent us the following e-mail about "Rafting Up."

Hi Bill,

Rafting up season is finally upon us and some reminders may be in order for our boating friends out there.
When approaching a raft up, or other boats at anchor, assume that you will be putting out your ground tackle. If your boat is equipped with a good anchor and a windlass, this should be the rule rather than the exception, especially during an approaching weather front. Fast currents like we have right now make anchoring a tricky proposition, and the anchor holding a boat you are approaching to tie up to may be just barely holding that boat. Also, early in the year, fast currents and changing river bottoms over the winter may result in a "soft" bottom, also making some anchors difficult to obtain thier "bite". Tying up first, and then dropping your anchor straight down off your bow may show good intentions, but for the most part is ineffective unless there is no current or wind. It is necessary to tie up after dropping your hook unstream, or upwind, and then letting enough scope out to sufficiently hold your own vessel in the event circumstances require someone leaving in a hurry, paricularly if that someone has the only good anchor out.
Of course there can be exceptions, such as smaller vessels without windlasses, but take a queue from the vessels captain you are tying up to. Recently some friends approached just when the skies opened up and lightening was crashing all around. Getting them tied up and safely inside was the most important thing at that point, so some calculated risk was taken and it was decided to forgo an extra anchor at that point, but a close eye was kept on the bank to insure that the rest of the boats stayed hooked.
Hope these tips help. Sometimes rules like these may upset some other boaters, but it's better to ruffle some egos early on rather than risk health and property later on. Then it's too late.
 

P.S.
Sometimes "necked" women are "armed".

US Army Corps of Engineers News.........

St. Louis Hosts Midwest Levee Conference
 

St. Louis, May 29, 2008 - More than 300 levee experts representing a broad spectrum of specific interests in the nation’s flood protection system infrastructure will gather in St. Louis next week for a Midwest Levee Conference.  The conclave is being hosted  by the Society of American Military Engineers, St. Louis Post and the American Society of Civil Engineers, St. Louis Section, with strong participation by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District.

[ More ]

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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.

River Grilling.........

   Which Is More Convenient – Gas Or Charcoal Grilling?

    With it being barbecue season now, many of us are getting out our grills. Some prefer to barbecue on the gas grill. They just get out their propane tanks, turn on the knob and put the meat on the grill. There’s no messy charcoal, smell of charcoal lighter and ashes to clean up afterward. That way is obviously quicker. Others prefer the charcoal grill. Even though it takes much longer because you have to wait for the hot coals to get hot before you can grill and then you have to clean up the ashes afterwards. Charcoal users would much rather have their food cooked that way because of the smoked taste that the charcoal adds to the food. Everyone has their favorite way to barbecue. What is yours?

To read this full article, click here on St. Charles Journal

Con Trios Yacht Club's Champagne Brunch......

Also a quick reminder to get your Champagne Brunch reservations in.

June 8th is coming quick!
 

RiverBill's May Calendar :     10x 8 for your wall .......       Click here

    A writer from Illinois, who has published more than 40 books, has recently published a new book. His books are usually of drawings in particular communities in Illinois. This book, however, is also of drawings, but he has allowed people in the communities say what they want and submit recipes. This book was written by the fall of 2007 and was on the bookshelves before Mother’s Day this year. His goal is to do 20,000 drawings in his lifetime. He has done 6,000 or 7,000 at this time.

 To read more about this writer and his books, click here on the telegraph.com

Top 10 Boating Destinations .........

   The on-line Mad Mariner Magazine has an article on the "Top 10 Boating Destinations" in the following categories........

Fishing, Sailing, Cruising, Watersports

  Click here and check-it-out !

RiverBill's Upcoming Events .....  There's a boatload of "River-Things-To-Do" listed on RiverBill's Upcoming Events page..... Click here and check-em out !

Help Wanted........
Cooks/Kitchen Help $7.50hr-Servers $4.50 plus tips. Seasonal. Cedar Hill Resort. Call 314-280-6729 or 618-883-4455

3rd Annual Classic Boat & Outboard Show... June 21-22, 2008..Grafton, IL 

www.missvaleyacbs.com

For more information about becoming a sponsor contact:

    Jack Hartwig...636-441-3559      James Tobin.....314-249-3965      Gene Hughes....314-291-1800

 Coming Soon

SAVE THE DELTA QUEEN

This Historic landmark Needs Your help !

A private initiative to save the steamboat Delta Queen

   August 12, 2008 5 p.m. St. Louis, Missouri
  August 13, 2008 Noon Alton, Illinois

River History...... Past Archives from the On-line Alton Telegraph

  Featured in the May 29 th edition of the on-line Alton Telegraph was a picture from 1970 of a bow hunting fisherman in the flood waters at Portage Des Sioux.

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

Thursday 29 May 2008

Over 1.4 Million Visitors Strong !

Picture of the Day

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Picture of Day ......  Was sent to us by Jan DeSherlia, of Grafton Harbor fame.   It's a picture of the harbor's pool being set in place !   It's going to make Grafton Harbor even a better boating destination.

See ya at the pool this summer !  

Yesteryears Picture of the Day

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Picture on This Day in 2005 ...  was of of a miniature   Tug Boat  entering Lake Center Marina.     

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River Levels / Flood Warnings.........  

Click here for more information for water levels Lock and Dam 25

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Click here for more information for water levels at Grafton

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Click here for more information for water levels at Lock and Dam 26

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   ~ Click here for current Doppler Radar and up-to-date River Levels / forecasts for Winfield, Grafton and Alton Dam 

~ Click here for the Nation Weather Service latest Flood Warning

~ Click here to go to NOAA River Flood Outlook website

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 Active River Stage Map .........     Click here to activate map from NOAA's National Weather Service website then click on gauge location for current river level

Navigation Notice .....

   Lock and Dam 25 Cloasure at MM 241.4 on 03 June 208

To:     ALL MARINERS
From:   Coast Guard Upper Miss
Date: 5/28/08
Subject: LOCK AND DAM 25 CLOSURE AT MM 241.4 UMR ON 03 JUNE 2008
NAVNOTICE # 1145

SUBJ: WESTERN RIVERS BNM NR 0195-08 UM
SAFETY AND SCHED BCSTS UNTIL 032030Z JUN 08
USCG NOTICE TO MARINERS EIGHTH DISTRICT NR 0195-08 UM
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER
LOCK AND DAM 25 (LLNR 16095) AT MM 241.4 UMR WILL BE CLOSED TO
NAVIGATION ON 03 JUNE 2008 FROM 0730 CDT UNTIL 1530 CDT. THE CLOSURE IS NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE HIGH-SPEED COUPLING ON THE #1 MITER GATE.
DURING THIS TIME PERIOD OF THE CLOSURE, TOWS WILL BE ALLOWED TO WAIT ON THE GUIDE WALLS UNLESS DIRECTED BY THE LOCKMASTER. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION MARINERS MAY CONTACT THE LOCKMASTER ON VHF-FM RADIO CHNL 14 OR 16.
 

Click here to go to the United States Coast Guard ...CG/COE Hot Topics website for more information

Public Notices Open For Comment

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

St. Louis Corps Of Engineers Permits Office Public Notices Open for Comment:.

P-2677: The US Army Corps of Engineers Project Management Branch requests Section 10 and Section 404 authorization to conduct stabilization repair measures at Lock and Dam Number 25, located at Mississippi River mile 241.5. The public notice comment period opens on May 23, 2008 and closes on June 6, 2008. 

Click here for more information on the above notice

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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.

Flooded Roads ....Closures In West Alton, Missouri

    There have been many road closures with all of the flooding going on. On Hwy 94, near 67, in West Alton, there was about 2 or 3 feet of water standing on the road. The Missouri Department of Transportation worked to push the water off into nearby fields. Unfortunately, there is nowhere for the water to go. Since we are supposed to have a couple of dry days, they are hoping that it will have a chance to dry up. However, there is more rain in the forecast for Friday night and Saturday. Officials worry about people who try to go through the flooded waters, even after they have put up signs to warn people of the flooded roads. Many cars have been swept away and stranded in or on top of their cars.

To read more about these flooded roads on The Telegraph.com, click here

Cedar Hill Resort This Weekend..........

    Sat. Night ..

    Tom Flynn will be playing Good Olde Rock N Roll  from 7p.m. to 11:00

   Click here to check out all the river entertainment in RiverBill's Restaurant Section

LongShot Saloon at My River Home This Weekend..........

Hosted By Tony's on Main Street , St. Charles

Thursday- 4PM -close
Friday 4PM -close
Saturday 4PM -close
Sunday 4PM -close


Our drink specials all summer long:
$2 Bud light, Bud Light Line
$3 all other beers, wells
$4 bombs, tall

Our special this weekend is
Catfish in Andy's Seasoning served with fries and a side salad- $11.99

   Click here to check out all the river entertainment in RiverBill's Restaurant Section

The Mad Mariner Magazines Docking Game..........

    Play the docking game and Win an Edson PowerKnob

    Click here for more information.

Con Trios Yacht Club News......

From:      "Darryll Weil"
Subject:   Con Trios website update
Date:       Wed, 28 May 2008 17:24:39 -0500

Posted the following on the Con Trios Yacht Club website (www.contriosyachtclub.org)

May 28th, 2008
Got the following email from Bill & Linda Mixon (our famous chefs)
Darryll – Linda and I are pleased to announce the marriage of our son Bill to Sabrina Simons this weekend in Niles, Mi.
Anyone just wanting to give best wishes can
Click Here to go The Knot website of their wedding.
They are honeymooning in Los Cabos, Mexico
Thanks
Bill & Linda

Also a quick reminder to get your Champagne Brunch reservations in. June 8th is coming quick!

Darryll Weil, webmaster

4 pm - 10:30 pm
The party is on Third Street in downtown Alton, IL between Piasa and State streets.

Just a short distance from Alton Marina.

Dance in the streets to live music.

Wide variety of food and drink.

The last Saturday of every month from May to September.
For more information, call 1-800-258-6645

Sobriety Tests .........

   There are usually three standard tests that a police officer uses when he tests a potential drunk driver. Usually he makes the driver follow his finger with their eyes. Steady eyes usually mean they are not drunk and bouncing eyes can mean they are drunk. However, this can also be a sign of a head injury or neurological problems. This test is accurate about 88 percent of the time. The officer may also ask the driver to walk in a straight line, nine steps, heel to toe, then turn and walk back the same way. This test is only accurate 81 percent of the time. The other test that is used, is the one-legged stand. This test is not as accurate for someone who is obese or have leg weakness. In fact, they find that this test is only accurate about 79 percent of the time. They have been studying these tests and their accuracy since the 1970’s. They compare it to the breathalyzer test.

 To read this full article in the St. Charles Journal, click here

Tuesday's edition of the St Charles Journal has a related news story....

"On the prowl for drunken drivers".....Click here

RiverBill's Upcoming Events .....  There's a boatload of "River-Things-To-Do" listed on RiverBill's Upcoming Events page..... Click here and check-em out !

Help Wanted........
Cooks/Kitchen Help $7.50hr-Servers $4.50 plus tips. Seasonal. Cedar Hill Resort. Call 314-280-6729 or 618-883-4455

3rd Annual Classic Boat & Outboard Show... June 21-22, 2008..Grafton, IL 

www.missvaleyacbs.com

For more information about becoming a sponsor contact:

    Jack Hartwig...636-441-3559      James Tobin.....314-249-3965      Gene Hughes....314-291-1800

 Coming Soon

SAVE THE DELTA QUEEN

This Historic landmark Needs Your help !

A private initiative to save the steamboat Delta Queen

For more info go to www.save-the-delta-queen.org 

   August 12, 2008 5 p.m. St. Louis, Missouri
  August 13, 2008 Noon Alton, Illinois

RiverBill's received the following e-mail from the

save-the-delta-queen.org

 
Dear River Bill,

Since the Delta Queen has started her 2008 season some weeks ago, there is huge media coverage all along the rivers, both in local TV and newspapers as well as frequent updates at Associated Press. At many Delta Queen port stops people are rallying in her favor. The bill to exempt the Delta Queen from the Safety at Sea Act in the House now has 31 sponsors including two Californian Representatives. In one word: The campaign to save the Delta Queen is really gaining momentum now!

Support in the U.S. Senate needed!
Here comes the next action we'll be taking and where we'd like to ask you for your support: We have pinpointed a potential ally in the Senate. There is a good chance that we can persuade Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania to introduce exemption legislation for the Delta Queen. It is crucial that he hears from as many people as possible -- especially from people living in Pennsylvania.
Please contact Senator Specter and ask him to do whatever he can to get an exemption (preferably a permanent one) for the Delta Queen through the Senate. And please ask everyone you know -- especially anyone who lives in Pennsylvania -- to do the same. Also ask them to ask more people to do the same. Here's where you can reach Sen. Specter:

The Hon. Arlen Specter
711 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-4254
Fax: (202) 228-1229
Email through his web site: http://specter.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.ContactForm

Delivering Petitions
Within the next two weeks we will be delivering two sets of petitions and resolutions to Capitol Hill. One set will go to the House leadership. This will consist of petitions, resolutions, and Steamboats.org petition messages that w! e've col lected since our first delivery to them on April 18. The other will go to Sen. Specter. He will be the lucky recipient of the whole kit 'n' kaboodle -- everything the leadership got and everything we've collected since then. Anyone who has petitions or resolutions, please let us know so we can give you details about whom to send them to and when.

The fight to save the Delta Queen has just begun!

Yours Sincerely
Franz Neumeier
www.save-the-delta-queen.org
 

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

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

River History...... Past Archives from the On-line Alton Telegraph

  Featured in the April 4 th edition of the on-line Alton Telegraph was a picture from 1937 of the Alton Riverfront.  The Hollywood Showboat and the Wenonah are in the foreground.

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

Wednesday 28 May 2008

Over 1.4 Million Visitors Strong !

Picture of the Day

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Picture of Day ......  is from Andy

Bill,

Hey, this pic is from the Loading Dock Sunday night during the insane
Lighting and Thunder show. Enjoy.

Andy

Yesteryears Picture of the Day

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Picture on This Day in 2005 ... was sent in by Capt'n Dave Kelly who hails out of Woodland Marina. 

      This picture is of a   WW II Submarine  that is on display at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc, WI.    The city of  Manitowoc and the museum are both located on the shores of Lake Michigan.  The connection they have to the Mississippi River is that submarines were built in  Manitowoc during  WW II, loaded on floating dry docks and transported down the Illinois River and then the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico. 

   Thanks for the picture and interesting story Dave.  

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River Levels / Flood Warnings.........  

Click here for more information for water levels Lock and Dam 25

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Click here for more information for water levels at Grafton

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Click here for more information for water levels at Lock and Dam 26

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   ~ Click here for current Doppler Radar and up-to-date River Levels / forecasts for Winfield, Grafton and Alton Dam 

~ Click here for the Nation Weather Service latest Flood Warning

~ Click here to go to NOAA River Flood Outlook website

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 Active River Stage Map .........     Click here to activate map from NOAA's National Weather Service website then click on gauge location for current river level

Navigation Notices .....

To:     ALL MARINERS
From:   Coast Guard Upper Miss
Date: 5/27/08

Subject: High Waters on the Illinois River and Upper Mississippi River CHANGE
NAVNOTICE # 1137..Click here
 

Subject: CAN BUOY OFFSTATION AT MM 112.6 ILR
NAVNOTICE # 1139....Click here

Subject: updated WAP
NAVNOTICE # 1140....Click here

Subject: updated WAP
NAVNOTICE # 1141.... Click here

Click here to go to the United States Coast Guard ...CG/COE Hot Topics website for more information

Flood Warnings .....

Click here for current Flood Warnings for the St. Louis area from the  National Weather Service.

Grafton Harbor...... A Great Success

    According to a news article in the telegraph.com, the town of Grafton had wanted a harbor for 40 years..... and Jan and Joe DeSherlia made it happen.

    Grafton Marina has 200 slips, all of them having electric, satellite, internet connection and water. They have a convenient store with everything you might need, including boat parts, novelty gifts, food, gas and many other things. They also have a restaurant/bar which has a great menu. All of these buildings are made to float. They were actually built to withstand a 500-year flood.

   The Jersey County Business Association named Grafton Harbor and Marina the May... Business of the Month.

  To read this full news article, click here

Road Closures In St. Charles County

     Officials have rescued many people from flooded waters in the past few days. To be sure of places to stay away from, go to this KSDK online article and find a list of roads that are closed due to the flood waters. Be safe and don’t take any chances.

  Click here to get the list of road closures.

River News From Afar....

   A Whole New Meaning To “River Bank” .........

      According to a news story on 7KHQA.....a river clean up crew was working in the Big River in eastern Missouri this past weekend and found an ATM Machine.  When they took a pick up truck with a tow chain, and pulled it out, they found that it didn’t have any money it.  They only found a fish inside.

   During this clean up, the Stream Team hauled off two tons of trash from the river. The trash items included 48 tires, a clothes dryer, a couch, a swimming pool, about 300 pounds of metal and 80 bags of assorted trash.

    Click here to read this news article.

Saturday, 31 May, 2008

          The Great Grafton Pub Crawl

        All Boaters Welcome

 

The Great Grafton Pub Crawl runs from 4-10:00 P.M., featuring the "Barstool Open" miniature golf at participating locations.  Score cards are available for $10.00, and include a T-shirt, shuttle service, and food and drink specials......

 

 

Click here for more information 

 

 

River News From Afar

   A New Boat For The Missing Woman In Bolingbrook, Illinois .....

     The searchers are still looking for Stacy Peterson, the wife of Drew Peterson. Drew is a policeman in Bolingbrook and is also a suspect in his wife’s disappearance. People have been looking for Stacy since last October. They are doing land searches but are also looking in waterways for barrels. There have been over 30 barrels recovered, but they still have not found her. They bought a new 14 foot boat, named Miss Stacy and are using that for their searches.

  To read the entire news article in STLtoday.com, click here

Walkway Unveiled On Tuesday Connecting St. Louis Downtown To The Riverfront

    According to a news story on 5KSDK.com, a new walkway was unveiled on Tuesday, May 27, 2008. This walkway, which is called Lumiere Link is owned by Lumiere Place Casino will be very well-lit and have 24-hour security. It is about a 400-foot walkway and includes moving sidewalks as well. It starts right by Edward Jones Dome at Baer Plaza and goes to the casino on the riverfront.

  To find out more about this new walkway, click here

River History....

 May, 1890 in River History

Three-span through truss railroad bridge over the Mississippi River between St. Louis and Venice, Illinois was completed in the month of May 1890

RiverBill's Upcoming Events .....  There's a boatload of "River-Things-To-Do" listed on RiverBill's Upcoming Events page..... Click here and check-em out !

Help Wanted........
Cooks/Kitchen Help $7.50hr-Servers $4.50 plus tips. Seasonal. Cedar Hill Resort. Call 314-280-6729 or 618-883-4455

3rd Annual Classic Boat & Outboard Show... June 21-22, 2008..Grafton, IL 

www.missvaleyacbs.com

For more information about becoming a sponsor contact:

    Jack Hartwig...636-441-3559      James Tobin.....314-249-3965      Gene Hughes....314-291-1800

 Coming Soon

SAVE THE DELTA QUEEN

This Historic landmark Needs Your help !

A private initiative to save the steamboat Delta Queen

For more info go to www.save-the-delta-queen.org 

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Delta Queen’s farewell tour schedule

   August 12, 2008 5 p.m. St. Louis, Missouri
  August 13, 2008 Noon Alton, Illinois

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The following is reprinted from the Save-The_Delata_Queen website

Montana State Barefoot Tournament.......

From:        "American Barefoot Club" <heeney@barefoot.org>
To:           "Brian Heeney" <heeney@mt.net>
Subject:    MT State Barefoot Tournament June 28th
Date:        Tue, 27 May 2008 20:52:58 -0600

Come meet the
Current World Barefoot Champion!

Montana State Barefoot Tournament

Come and ski the Montana State Barefoot tournament which is going to be held on June 28-29, 2008 on No Wake Lake. This is a private site in Helena, Montana which offer barefooters a chance to ski in ideal conditions and an opportunity meet the current World Champion Keith St Onge.

This site lies in the Heart of the Rockies and will feature a big block Sanger so speed will not be an issue.

This event is being hosted by the Rocky Mountain Barefoot club and will feature 2 rounds of Slalom, Tricks and jump. The entry fee $50.00 and Click Here to download an entry form. Please mail the entry form (so it arrives by June 22, 2008 to avoid the late fee) to the Rocky Mountain Barefoot Club c/o Linda Heeney 4060 Buoy Blvd, Helena, MT 59602. Please write the Check to the Rocky Mountain Barefoot Club.

Friday will feature site familiarization and dinner at the site. Skiing will start Saturday morning at 8:00 AM, with a Skiers meeting and group photo at 7:45 AM.

If you have question Brian or Linda can be reached at 406-443-7996
 

River Stages On Your Cell Phone:     Log on to your cell phone web browser & go to the following url address:  http://www.riverbills.com/river.html .  

River History...... Past Archives from the On-line Alton Telegraph

  Featured in the April 24 th edition of the on-line Alton Telegraph was a picture of the lock on the Illinois River at Kampsville.

  Kampsville was originally called Farrowtown, but in 1873 the Village Board renamed itself Kampsville in honor of Capt. M.A. Kamp, a town merchant.

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

Tuesday 27 May 2008

Over 1.4 Million Visitors Strong !

Picture of the Day

Bunco Brats

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Picture of Day ......  was sent to us by Capt'n DarrylI.  It's the "Bunco Brats" at Sundowners Bar and Grill last Saturday night !

What exactly is bunco?

Click here to the Bunco Rules website

Yesteryears Picture of the Day

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Picture on This Day in 2005 ...

Dancin As The Sun Sets

With a little coaching from Gary M,  Bernie  decided to dance on the food table yesterday as the sun was setting on another perfect evening. 

Go girl !   

 Look at those classic lines on that cruiser in the background.

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River Levels / Flood Warnings.........  

Click here for more information for water levels Lock and Dam 25

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Click here for more information for water levels at Grafton

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Click here for more information for water levels at Lock and Dam 26

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   ~ Click here for current Doppler Radar and up-to-date River Levels / forecasts for Winfield, Grafton and Alton Dam 

~ Click here for the Nation Weather Service latest Flood Warning

~ Click here to go to NOAA River Flood Outlook website

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 Active River Stage Map .........     Click here to activate map from NOAA's National Weather Service website then click on gauge location for current river level

Flood Warning .....

According to a news story on 5ksdk.com more rain is expected on Tuesday and flooding is still a threat.   The unsettled weather pattern will continue due to a cold front sagging southward.

Click here for more information

Flood Watch .....

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch and Flash Flood Warnings for the St. Louis Area.

Click here for more information

R/B River Explorer Will Be Visiting  Grafton, IL......

    The R/B River Explorer will be visiting  Grafton, IL on June 4th, July 6th and Aug 29th. The RiverBarge Excursion Line is inviting the public to tour the only floating hotel barge traveling America's rivers and inland waterways. BargeMates will be on hand to give tours and answer any questions you may have. What a great way to learn all about Barging Through America^®

    Click here for more information

Helicopter Crash at Lake of the Ozarks......

     According to a news story in the May 26th edition of LakeExpo.com, the body a 9 year old boy was recovered from Lake Of The Ozarks on Monday by Missouri  Water Patrol divers. The boy died in a helicopter accident on Sunday evening near the 15 mile marker.  The wreckage of the helicopter has been removed from lake.

  Click here to read more in the LakeExpo.com.

  Click here to read the Missouri Water Patrols News Release on the crash

Rescuing Land Yacht Drivers From The Flood Waters......

     According to a news story on 5ksdk.com, the recent heavy rains have caused considerable flooding in St. Charles County and drivers are getting into serious trouble when trying to drive on flooded roads    Lake St. Louis and O'Fallon rescue crews have responded to 15 rescue calls in a 24 hour period this past weekend. 

  Click here for more information

  According to another news story on 5ksds.com a woman had to be rescued from the roof of her car when it was swept off of Hoff Rd. near Summit Estates Dr.

  Click here to read the on-line news story

Boaters For MS ...Sept 27th at Palisades Yacht Club

Stay tune to RiverBill's for more info as it becomes available

RiverBill's May Calendar :     10x 8 for your wall .......       Click here

Rollin' on the River Magazine....... 

From:       "Darryll Weil" ,
Subject:    Con Trios Yacht Club website update
Date:        Mon, 26 May 2008 07:11:09 -0500

Updated the Con Trios website (www.contriosyachtclub.org) with the following:

    There is a new free magazine that covers boating related stuff around the Alton Pool. It's called "Rollin' on the River Magazine" and is available at many locations around the area in Missouri and Illinois. The Editor, Bob Smith, was at our Past Commodores Party and wrote a very nice article about the Con Trios Yacht Club and the party.

   You can read the article on their website at:
http://www.rotrmagazine.com/index_files/Page1016.html

Darryll Weil, webmaster

River History....

 May 1927 In River History

 During the flood of 1927 The Mississippi River below the city of Memphis, Tennessee reached a width of 60 miles wide.

Click here for more information

 May 27, 2006 in River History

 Dedication ceremony for the new Grafton harbor

RiverBill's Upcoming Events .....  There's a boatload of "River-Things-To-Do" listed on RiverBill's Upcoming Events page..... Click here and check-em out !

Help Wanted........
Cooks/Kitchen Help $7.50hr-Servers $4.50 plus tips. Seasonal. Cedar Hill Resort. Call 314-280-6729 or 618-883-4455

3rd Annual Classic Boat & Outboard Show... June 21-22, 2008..Grafton, IL 

www.missvaleyacbs.com

For more information about becoming a sponsor contact:

    Jack Hartwig...636-441-3559      James Tobin.....314-249-3965      Gene Hughes....314-291-1800

 Coming Soon

SAVE THE DELTA QUEEN

This Historic landmark Needs Your help !

A private initiative to save the steamboat Delta Queen

For more info go to www.save-the-delta-queen.org 

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

Delta Queen’s farewell tour schedule

   August 12, 2008 5 p.m. St. Louis, Missouri
  August 13, 2008 Noon Alton, Illinois

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

The following is reprinted from the Save-The_Delata_Queen website

Missouri Water Patrol News Releases for Lake of the Ozarks

    Falling Overboard.......Click here for News Release N07080047

    Falling Overboard.....  Click here for News Release N07080043

    Collision/objects......  Click here for News Release N07080042

River History...... Past Archives from the On-line Alton Telegraph

  Featured in the May 24 th edition of the on-line Alton Telegraph was a picture from 1939.  It's of the cadets from the Western Military Academy boarding the Capitol, one of the River Bend's popular excursion boats. The young women of Monticello College often joined the cadets for an excursion. 

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

Welcome to 

Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day

26 May 2008

 Over 1.4 Million Visitors Strong !

Welcome New Advertiser !

Welcome New Advertiser !

Memorial Day

"Thank you for your service and for our freedom"

How to Fly the Flag of the United States of America

Click here

Yesteryears Picture of the Day

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Picture on This Day in 2005 ...

Classic Boat

----- A very classy looking old  Chris Craft  motoring around near Winfield Dam on a Sunday afternoon in 2005.   I heard that it was a 1940 model.  What a neat looking boat.

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River Levels / Flood Warnings.........  

Click here for more information for water levels Lock and Dam 25

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Click here for more information for water levels at Grafton

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Click here for more information for water levels at Lock and Dam 26

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   ~ Click here for current Doppler Radar and up-to-date River Levels / forecasts for Winfield, Grafton and Alton Dam 

~ Click here for the Nation Weather Service latest Flood Warning

~ Click here to go to NOAA River Flood Outlook website

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 Active River Stage Map .........     Click here to activate map from NOAA's National Weather Service website then click on gauge location for current river level

Riverbend Marina 

will offer public ramping 

this holiday weekend only. Friday thru Monday. 
$10 to ramp. $5.00 extra car parking. 
2407 Highway C (end of Hwy C thru gate, turn right to office) 

(636)946-2073
Click here to go to Riverbend Marina website

Click here for map from MapQuest

Eagles Landing Marina.............  Is open for Business

Click here for more info

Flood Warning .....

According to a news story in the Alton Daily News the National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for St. Louis City and County, along with Madison, Jersey, Greene, Macoupin, and Montgomery Counties in Illinois.   The entire St. Louis region is under a Flood Watch through Tuesday morning.

Click here for more information

Cedar Hill Resort Opens For the Season  on May 24th .....

    Live entrainment Sat. May 24th from 7p.m. to 11:00 p.m. rain or shine. 

Call 618-883-4455 or 314-280-8997 for more info.

Memorial Day: Lost Boat Ceremony......

     The Great Lakes Naval Memorial and Museum holds the Lost Boat Ceremony each year on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, . The event honors the 52 submarines and and 3,000 men who were lost during WWII.

    Click here for more information

Helicopter crashes at Lake of the Ozarks trying to land......

     According to a new story on STLtoday.com a helicopter crashed into the water at the Lake of the Ozarks on Sunday evening while flying in for a landing at a residence.

  The search for a missing passenger is set to resume this morning.

    Click here for more information

Palisades Yacht Club Re-opening This Weekend  .....

From:   "Amy Spencer" 
To:        riverbill@prodigy.net 
Subject: Palisades yacht Club
Date: Thu, 22 May 2008 11:09:58 -0500 

River Bill,
We plan to be open no later than Sunday and Saturday if all goes well with clean up today and tomorrow. 

Only the Bar will be open and we will serving Luigi & Raffaele pizza's!!!

Thanks,

Amy Spencer

Boaters For MS Party .........

  The date is set in the hard sand now !    

September 27th, 2008 at Palisades Yacht Club

Keep your anchor right here for more info as it becomes available !

Illinois Department of Natural Resources - Fishing Report.........

dated 23 Mayt is available on-line for the  Mississippi and Illinois Rivers.

Click here for the  "Mississippi River"  section of the report and scroll down to your favorite fishing area. 

Click here for the  "Illinois River"  section of the report and scroll down to your favorite fishing area.

Go to   http://www.ifishillinois.org for the complete report.

River History....

25 May 1968 In River History

Vice President Hubert Humphrey and Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall dedicated the Gateway Arch

Click here for more information

RiverBill's Upcoming Events .....  There's a boatload of "River-Things-To-Do" listed on RiverBill's Upcoming Events page..... Click here and check-em out !

Help Wanted........
Cooks/Kitchen Help $7.50hr-Servers $4.50 plus tips. Seasonal. Cedar Hill Resort. Call 314-280-6729 or 618-883-4455

3rd Annual Classic Boat & Outboard Show... June 21-22, 2008..Grafton, IL 

www.missvaleyacbs.com

For more information about becoming a sponsor contact:

    Jack Hartwig...636-441-3559      James Tobin.....314-249-3965      Gene Hughes....314-291-1800

 Coming Soon

SAVE THE DELTA QUEEN

This Historic landmark Needs Your help !

A private initiative to save the steamboat Delta Queen

For more info go to www.save-the-delta-queen.org 

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

Delta Queen’s farewell tour schedule

   August 12, 2008 5 p.m. St. Louis, Missouri
  August 13, 2008 Noon Alton, Illinois

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

The following is reprinted from the Save-The_Delata_Queen website

River Stages On Your Cell Phone:     Log on to your cell phone web browser & go to the following url address:  http://www.riverbills.com/river.html .  

River History...... Past Archives from the On-line Alton Telegraph

  Featured in today's ( May 22 nd)  edition of the on-line Alton Telegraph is a picture from 1941.  It's an aerial shot of the quarry along what is now the Great River Road.  

  The quarry at Norman's Landing was worked in 1941 as work on the Great River Road progressed. The rock from the quarry was dumped along the shore of the Mississippi River to form the roadbed of the new highway. 

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

Welcome to 

Memorial Day Weekend

Fri, Sat, Sun..23, 24, 25 May 2008

 Over 1.4 Million Visitors Strong !

Updated Sun 12:45PM...Incredible Fish Story...Added 340 Sundancer For Sale, IVY Club,Pic of the Day, Updated River Levels

 Updated Sat at 7:45AM...Added Yersteryears Pic for Sun, Eagles Landing Marina Open, News, Pic of the Day, River Levels

Updated at 11:00AM...Riverbend Marina Public Ramping

Welcome New Advertiser !

Welcome New Advertiser !

Pic of the Day

Sunday

   Click on pic to enlarge

Our River Picture of The Day...Sunday..  is from Captain Greg Sadowski and Crew.  It's a picture of the Lady Atlantic in the Intercostal Waterway near Panama City Florida.  Greg and crew are delivering the Lady Atlantic from Lacrosse, Wisconsin to Delray Beach, Florida.

Pic of the Day

Saturday

 Click on pic to enlarge

Our River Picture and e-mail of The Day...Saturday..  is from Capt'n Paul Barbary, who hails out of Grafton Harbor in the boat "The Unwinder"

Hi Bill,
Last week I was in Tucson, Az. visiting my son Josh. While I was there we went tubing down the Salt River and stopped at Saguaro Lake, both not far out of Mesa, Az. I thought you might like to see this beautiful lake in the middle of the desert. The two guy's are myself and my son Josh.
Hope to see you on the river this weekend.

Paul Barbary

Pic of the Day

 Click on pic to enlarge

Our River Picture and e-mail of The Day...Friday..  is from Capt'n Greg Sadowski and the crew aboard the Lady Atlantic

Bill,
Here's the "Lady Atlantic" as seen from the thirty first floor, downtown New Orleans.
Picture taken 2 days ago, We're almost to the Alabama-Florida border now. (Wed, 21 May 2008 12:42:05 EDT)

Greg, Phil, Ernie

Capt'n Greg Sadowski and crew  are delivering the Lady Atlantic down the Mississippi from Lacrosse, Wisconsin to Delray Beach, Florida.

Yesteryears Picture of the Day

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Picture on This Day in 2005 ..Sunday.are a couple of my favorites !   

They were sent in by Captain Darryll Weil, who hails out of the yacht Club of St. Louis in the cruiser  "After You".  Darryll has a good story about boating with his dad in the swimming pool at Blue Springs Lodge many years ago..

Let's Go Boating in The Pool !

Darryll wrote;

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Yesteryears Picture of the Day

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Picture on This Day in 2007 ...Saturday..  were from Greg Jost....

1929 on the Mississippi River 

Greg wrote in his letter;

Hello Bill,
   These are the pictures I have told you about. They were taken in the Summer of 1929.  The one on the beach (top) was taken right across from what is now the Duck Club, facing down towards Grafton.  You can see the bluffs in the distant background.  The second guy from the right (sitting down) is my grandfather, Earl Gruenenfelder.  It was his boat.  

  The second picture(bottom), with the boat running, has my grandfather sitting up with my great-great grandmother towards the front, my great grandfather, Edmond Gruenefelder is in the middle wearing a hat, and my great grandmother in the rear.  It was taken in the little slough below the Duck Club.  They had a club house below North Shore from the late 20's that was eventually destroyed in the flood of '93.    I still have the anchor of this boat in my living room.

Hope you enjoy these,

Greg Jost 

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Yesteryears Picture of the Day

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Picture on This Day in 2005 ...Friday..  The picture on this day in 2005 was of some of the  river crew  on the sundeck at Cedar Hill Resort.   The light breeze and sunny skies made it a fine place to have some lunch and watch the river flow.   I got to visit with some long time river friends while we were there and I also got to meet some new ones. 

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River Levels / Flood Warnings.........  

   As of 7:00 AM Sunday

Click here for more information for water levels Lock and Dam 25

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Click here for more information for water levels at Grafton

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Click here for more information for water levels at Lock and Dam 26

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

   ~ Click here for current Doppler Radar and up-to-date River Levels / forecasts for Winfield, Grafton and Alton Dam 

~ Click here for the Nation Weather Service latest Flood Warning

~ Click here to go to NOAA River Flood Outlook website

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

 Active River Stage Map .........     Click here to activate map from NOAA's National Weather Service website then click on gauge location for current river level

Riverbend Marina 

will offer public ramping 

this holiday weekend only. Friday thru Monday. 
$10 to ramp. $5.00 extra car parking. 
2407 Highway C (end of Hwy C thru gate, turn right to office) 

(636)946-2073
Click here to go to Riverbend Marina website

Click here for map from MapQuest

Eagles Landing Marina.............  Is open for Business

Click here for more info

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

Cedar Hill Resort Opens For the Season  on May 24th .....

    Live entrainment Sat. May 24th from 7p.m. to 11:00 p.m. rain or shine. 

Call 618-883-4455 or 314-280-8997 for more info.

Palisades Yacht Club Re-opening This Weekend  .....

From:   "Amy Spencer" 
To:        riverbill@prodigy.net 
Subject: Palisades yacht Club
Date: Thu, 22 May 2008 11:09:58 -0500 

River Bill,
We plan to be open no later than Sunday and Saturday if all goes well with clean up today and tomorrow. 

Only the Bar will be open and we will serving Luigi & Raffaele pizza's!!!

Thanks,

Amy Spencer

 Updated Sun at 12:45PM

Fish Story......  We got the following e-mail from Capt'n Chuck, who hails out of Eagles Landing Marina in the houseboat..."Whats Next"

  I thought you might get a kick out of this if you hadn't seen it yet Bill...........my sister sent it to me...one more thing,THE WATER IS FINALLY COMING DOWN......now the mud is the problem.... Pirate Bob and Johnny P are doing a great job here at Eagles landing, see everyone soon on the water...thanks Bill..have a safe weekend.....chuck, from the houseboat........"WHATS NEXT" in Eagles Landing
 

   Click here and check-out this catfish that tried to eat a red rubber ball !

 Updated Sun at 12:45PM

Incredible Fish Stories......

   Check out this website.....A fisherman caught a mackinaw trout while ice fishing in the Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Utah and when he gutted it there was a human thumb in the fish's stomach...... 

Click here and check-it-out !

 Updated Sun at 10:20AM

Invite To Peoria, IL......

  Capt'n Gary Hunt, who hails out of Peoria, IL has invited us all up to go boating !

  Gary and RiverBill have been corresponding about boating near Peoria, Il and he mentioned the IVY Club.  Had to ask him what it was....And here is his reply.

  Let's go to Peoria.

From: "Gary L Hunt"
To: "River Bill" <riverbill@prodigy.net>

Date: Sun, 25 May 2008 09:38:22 -0500

Bill,

  I believe the Ivy Club (Illinois Valley Yacht and Canoe Club) is about the oldest established yacht club still in existence between Chicago and Mobile. We're celebrating our 101st year. We have several members who make it down to Alton each year and a couple that make the trip down the Tenn-Tom to Florida. I'll try to get some pics to you or put up a page like some of the folks down your way did for the Jamaica Daze and stuff. Anyway we have a nice downtown riverfront now, a couple popular beach areas, and several groups rafting up. We get a lot of transients and Eastport at East Peoria does too. In fact Captain Dan from Dan's boats is now a member of our club. I think he advertises on your site. Come on up, the waters fine!!!!

Gary
 

Click here for information on the Ivy Club (Illinois Valley Yacht and Canoe Club).  Check-it-out !   A link has been added in the left hand column under Boating Clubs

Anheuser-Busch Loving Boaters......

  According to a news story in the The Alton Daily News there are rumors of an Anheuser-Busch takeover by a European brewing company !

  Click here to read the news article

 Updated Sun at 8:30AM

Boat Sales Down....Fuel Prices Up......

  The Mad Mariner Magazine has an article in today's edition about slumpimping boat sales and rising fuel prices.......

  Rising fuel costs have made boaters change their habits .....it's shorter trips and slower speeds now, but most are not expected to give up boating...  It's a way of life.
 

  Click here to read the on-line article.

 Updated Sat at 8:20AM

Public Notices Open For Comment

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

P-2677: The US Army Corps of Engineers Project Management Branch requests Section 10 and Section 404 authorization to conduct stabilization repair measures at Lock and Dam Number 25, located at Mississippi River mile 241.5. The public notice comment period opens on May 23, 2008 and closes on June 6, 2008. 

Click here for more info

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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.

 Updated Sat at 8:20AM

Navigation Notice ......

To:     ALL MARINERS
From:   Coast Guard Upper Miss
Date: 5/23/08
Subject: High Waters on the Illinois River and Upper Mississippi River CHANGE
NAVNOTICE # 1136......click here

Check the CG/COE Hot Topics website for most current memos

Kinder's Restaurant .........       Will be open this Friday for the holiday weekend and be open every day through the Summer !

   Kitchen Hours:     Sun - Thurs...11 AM - 9AM....   Fri & Sat.......11AM - 10PM

    The bar is open until 1 PM

   Plenty of dock space for this weekend...come on out !

  Dance Party on June 28th

   Music by the rock and roll band..... Windswept... 9PM -1AM

    www.kindersrestaurant.net

  Updated Sat at 8:15AM

River News From Afar

   The Brooklyn Bridge’s 125^th Birthday Party.......

    May 24, 1883 was the grand opening of the Brooklyn Bridge. New York celebrated its 125^th birthday Thursday evening. They had fireworks, music and even a birthday cake in the shape of the bridge. This bridge is known as an icon for New York, according to an historian for Brooklyn. It is a 6,000 foot long suspension bridge. It is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the nation. Brooklyn’s population grew 46 percent between the years 1880 and 1890, while the bridge was built. It took 13 years to build and cost $15 million. It also cost many people their lives while building it, including the designer of the bridge. He developed an infection on site after getting hurt. Now the bridge transports about 126,000 cars a day. 

 To read the full article on this historical bridge, click here on KSDK online,

Bangert Island Is Officially St. Charles’ Newest Park.....

    Bangert Island, which is bordered by the Missouri River and the South River Road in St. Charles was only a nature island for years. This new park was donated to the Missouri Department of Conservation by the Kutz family in 1976. The county bought this property after the 1993 flood and they signed an agreement last fall with them to manage this property for the next 30 years. This park has 2.6 miles of trails. It would probably take someone about 30 minutes or so to walk the trails and about 10-15 minutes to ride your bike on them. Members of the Gateway Off-Road Cyclist will start leading a five-mile mountain bike ride from Frontier Park to Bangert Island and back, starting May 28^th and on the fourth Wednesday of the month thereafter. To find out more about these rides call 636-949-7535. 

  To read this full article in the St. Charles Journal, click here

River Ferries .........

  The Golden Eagle Ferry re-opened for business on Wednesday, May 21   

  For more info.... call the Golden Eagle Ferry .....618-396-2535 

  The Grafton Ferry will re-open for business on Friday May 23

  For more information go to www.graftonferry.com

Boaters For MS Party .........

  The date is set in the hard sand now !    

September 27th, 2008 at Palisades Yacht Club

Keep your anchor right here for more info as it becomes available !

Fishing Report  ------ The Missouri Department of Conservation has issued this week's Fishing Report.  

Mississippi River (above St. Louis):

65 degrees, high, muddy; channel catfish fair on nightcrawlers and stinkbaits; all other species slow. 

(Report made on 5/22/2008)

Missouri River (below New Haven)

56 degrees, high, muddy; channel catfish fair on worms and cut baits; all other species slow. 

(Report made on 5/22/2008)

Check out the report for the entire state of Missouri

.................go to  http://www.mdc.mo.gov/fish/fishrt/

River Destinations.....

    Alton’s Big Memorial Day Weekend

     Alton will have its 141^st consecutive celebration on Memorial Day. The parade starts at Alton Middle School at 10:00 am and will  recognize war veterans, prisoners of war, boy scouts, girl scouts and many other military people. After the parade, there will be a big ceremony to honor certain veterans and other soldiers from past and present wars. 

   To read this news story in TheTelegraph.com..... click here 

Sales Tax Increase For Illinois Levee Repairs.....

   Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed a bill on Wednesday that could raise the sales tax in the Metro East area by a quarter cent to pay repairs to the area's levees that stretch from Alton to Columbia  The levees protect 156,000 people and 4,000 businesses.

   Levee repairs are expected to cost about $180 million.  County boards could approve a quarter-cent sales tax increase to pay for repairs. 

  Click here to read the news story in STL today.com

100 Gallons of Fuel into the Wrong Hole !

   Matt Tehvis, one of the best bar tenders at the old Captain Jacks Bar & Grill, sent us an e-mail with a link to a news story about a boater in Florida who pumped about 100 gallons of fuel into the rod holder hole on his boat.  Oops ! 

  Most of the fuel went into the bilge of the boat and about 15 gallons went into the water.

   The Marina employees said that it is not uncommon for them to see boaters pump fuel into fishing rod holders because the fuel tank hole is often located near by. 

   Click here to read the news story in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

River History....

May 24, 1847 in River History

The upper roadway deck of Eads Bridge opened to pedestrians 

Click here for more information

 May 25, 1968 in River History

Vice President Hubert Humphrey and Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall dedicated the Gateway Arch

Click here for more information

RiverBill's Upcoming Events .....  There's a boatload of "River-Things-To-Do" listed on RiverBill's Upcoming Events page..... Click here and check-em out !

Fire Suppression Systems.....

   The Mad Mariner Magazine has a good article on marine  fire suppression systems.

  Click here to-take-a-look

Help Wanted........
Cooks/Kitchen Help $7.50hr-Servers $4.50 plus tips. Seasonal. Cedar Hill Resort. Call 314-280-6729 or 618-883-4455

3rd Annual Classic Boat & Outboard Show... June 21-22, 2008..Grafton, IL 

www.missvaleyacbs.com

For more information about becoming a sponsor contact:

    Jack Hartwig...636-441-3559      James Tobin.....314-249-3965      Gene Hughes....314-291-1800

 Coming Soon

Cleaner Ports For America......

   Congress is trying to get cleaner fuel for ships that come to American ports. This bill would reduce the use of cheap, asphalt-like high sulfur diesel that is burned in many cargo ships. The sulfur content in the fuel used now is a thousand times higher than the fuel used in trucks. Some say that this would put our ports at a bigger disadvantage if we tighten down on our pollution rules. However, many argue that the fuel we are using now can cause asthma and many other respiratory problems. 

To read this full story in KHQA online, click here

SAVE THE DELTA QUEEN

This Historic landmark Needs Your help !

A private initiative to save the steamboat Delta Queen

For more info go to www.save-the-delta-queen.org 

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Delta Queen’s farewell tour schedule

   August 12, 2008 5 p.m. St. Louis, Missouri
  August 13, 2008 Noon Alton, Illinois

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The following is reprinted from the Save-The_Delata_Queen website

For You River Hunters .........

   Illinois Hunters Got Over 16,000 Turkeys This Year

    According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, it was the second largest spring turkey harvest. Many thought that the rainy season may have hurt them, but they bagged over 16,000 turkeys. The three highest turkey count was Jo Daviess County with 568 turkeys, Pike County with 552 turkeys and Adams County with 507. 

    To read more about this article, click here on KHQA online

River Stages On Your Cell Phone:     Log on to your cell phone web browser & go to the following url address:  http://www.riverbills.com/river.html .  

River History...... Past Archives from the On-line Alton Telegraph

  Featured in today's ( May 22 nd)  edition of the on-line Alton Telegraph is a picture from 1941.  It's an aerial shot of the quarry along what is now the Great River Road.  

  The quarry at Norman's Landing was worked in 1941 as work on the Great River Road progressed. The rock from the quarry was dumped along the shore of the Mississippi River to form the roadbed of the new highway. 

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

National Safe Boating Week 

May 17 - 23

It's Thursday...22 May 2008

National Maritime Day

 Over 1.4 Million Visitors Strong !

Welcome New Advertiser !

Welcome New Advertiser !

Pic of the Day

 Click on pic to enlarge

Our River Pictures and e-mail of The Day.....  

Hey there Bill!!!

   Who says we can’t boat in this high water!!!! It may have taken us a boat to get to our boat but there was no way we were missing out on the nice weather last Sunday. So we packed the coolers and made a day out of it. Stopped by Oasis for a great lunch and enjoyed taking in the sun!! Can’t wait for next weekend.

There is two pictures of Me (David) & my girlfriend (Brittany) 

Carl Dancing away on the boat beached at Enterprise Island

Me and Jeremy Riding in the boat. 

David Vinson 
Repco Graphics, Inc.
8405 Saint Charles Rock Road
Saint Louis, Missouri 

Yesteryears Picture of the Day

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Picture on This Day in 2007 .....  was from Mike Vitale. 

Hi Bill,

   Here is shot from Sunday on Iowa that was too good not to share. It was on the bow of “Blonde Moment” out of Duck Club Marina. 

   It looks like Blonde Moment was very appropriate name that day. Good Health and Good Boating.

Michael Vitale
Regional Vice President
Merrlin Mortgage Corporation

RiverBill says....Thanks for sharing Mike !  I think Summer is here ! 

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River Levels / Flood Warnings.........  

Click here for more information for water levels Lock and Dam 25

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Click here for more information for water levels at Grafton

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Click here for more information for water levels at Lock and Dam 26

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   ~ Click here for current Doppler Radar and up-to-date River Levels / forecasts for Winfield, Grafton and Alton Dam 

~ Click here for the Nation Weather Service latest Flood Warning

~ Click here to go to NOAA River Flood Outlook website

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 Active River Stage Map .........     Click here to activate map from NOAA's National Weather Service website then click on gauge location for current river level

It's National Maritime Day.........

   National Maritime Day is a United States holiday created to acknowledge the maritime industry. It's on the same day, May 22,  that the  American steamship Savannah set sail from Savannah, Georgia on the "first ever" transoceanic voyage under steam power. 

  The holiday was created by the United States Congress on May 20, 1933

 The following reprinted from

  the US Department of Transportation Maritime Administration website:

  National Maritime Day is observed in a variety of ways.  Many U.S. seaports have open houses and special celebrations.  Propeller Club chapters all over the United States hold special luncheons.  At merchant marine memorials, such as the one in New York City, and the one in San Pedro, California, memorial observances are held.  In November 2005, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops voted to make National Maritime Day a Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Seafarers and People of the Sea.  It is the day the nation, and particularly those in the U.S. maritime industry who are responsible for handling America's imports, exports, domestic shipments and its millions of annual cruise passengers, honor those who currently serve and have served as merchant mariners in service to their country. On a larger scale however, National Maritime Day is a day to pay special tribute to the benefits that the maritime industry provides this country and to all who live here.

Click here for more information on the US Department of Transportation Maritime Administration website

River Ferries .........

  The Golden Eagle Ferry re-opened for business on Wednesday, May 21   

  For more info.... call the Golden Eagle Ferry .....618-396-2535 

  The Grafton Ferry will re-open for business on Friday May 23

  For more information go to www.graftonferry.com

Yesterday Picture of the Day.....

River Bill - 

As a daily visitor to your site I am shocked and saddened you would use a picture of our country's flag in distress as a picture of the day... and further title it/pass on the title 'Spirit of the River Rat'. 

This flag has clearly been up longer than the current flood and it is disrespectful to treat our flag like this, let it get in this condition or to hold it up as a 'picture of the day'. A picture with a note 'Flag in distress' - Please Address, would be a better approach for posting this photo. The only 'spirit' this shows is neglect and lack of respect! 

We have men and women in service all over the world fighting for our flag and freedom, I do not think they would welcome a picture-of-the-day like this if they had a chance to visit your site. I urge you to reconsider leaving this up as the photo of the day, or at minimum post a 'proper care of the flag' note similar to the other public service postings you put up.

Thanks for your consideration of our great country's flag!

Steve Pogulis 

RiverBill says.... The picture has been removed.  The posting was poor judgment my part. 

Your River Bar-B-Q Could Could Cost 6% More Than Last Year......

      The price of gas is not the only thing that has gone up this past year. The cost of wheat, corn and other food has also gone up too. According to an article on KSDK online, a normal Bar-B-Q dinner for a family, including burgers, potato salad, beans and chips could cost about 6% more than last year. Consumers are reportedly more store brands as opposed to brand name item. 

To read this full article, click here

Gas Prices Hit A New Record High

    According to a news article in TheTelegraph.com ..... gas prices at "land yacht filling stations" hit a new record high of $3.98 per gallon on Wednesday. That was just one day after oil went up to $129 a barrel. 

    To read this full news story, click here

Con Trios Yacht Club's Champagne Brunch....

   This year's Con Trios Yacht Club's  Champagne Brunch will be held on Sunday, June 8th, 2008 at Sundowners at Yacht Club of St. Louis.

    Go to the Con Trios Yacht Club website for more information

    http://www.contriosyachtclub.org/

National Turtle Day....

   On Saturday, May 24^th, there will be a celebration at the Humane Society at Macklind. This celebration is National Turtle Day. This event will give information about turtles, their habitats and some interesting facts about them. Most turtles live on the land, but many of them are very good swimmers. There are actually a lot of turtles found in the Mississippi River. There has been a tremendous drop in the number of turtles worldwide. This day to recognize turtles will also give answers to why they are declining in population. 

  Click here to go to the St. Charles Journal to read more about this event and learn a little more about turtles.

River History....

May 22, 1955 in River History

The St. Louis Power Squadron was chartered on 22 May 1955 mainly by three St. Louisans. P/C Wilson Dalzell, Otto McDaniel and Fridtjof S. Egilsrud.

May 22 in River History

    National Maritime Day is a United States holiday to recognize the maritime industry. It is observed on May 22, the date that the American steamship Savannah set sail from Savannah, Georgia on the first ever transoceanic voyage under steam power. 

May 22, 1849 in River History

That was Abraham Lincoln patented his invention "Buoying Vessels Over Shoals" on  May 22, 1849. 

   Did you know that Abraham Lincoln as a young man  spent  time on riverboats? In 1828 and then again in 1831, Lincoln and friends steered flatboats loaded with farm produce and other cargo down the Mississippi River to New Orleans.

   During his second trip, their boat got stuck on top of a small dam on the Sangamon River and started to take on water. They tried unsuccessfully to pull the boat over the dam, but it would mot move. Lincoln then had his crew shift the cargo to help balance the boat and drilled a hole in the front of the boat to let the water out.  He plugged the hole and pulled the boat over the dam.  This lead him to the invention and patent. 

  Click here for more information from the Today in Technology website.

National Safe Boating Week 

  NATIONWIDE CONTEST FOR SURVIVOR STORIES IS PART OF 2008 NORTH AMERICAN SAFE BOATING CAMPAIGN

Click here for more info and to enter

Click here for National Safe Boating Council Press Release.

Click here to view "Boating Fatalities 1991-2006"

Click here to "Take The Pledge"

Help Wanted........
Cooks/Kitchen Help $7.50hr-Servers $4.50 plus tips. Seasonal. Cedar Hill Resort. Call 314-280-6729 or 618-883-4455

Cedar Hill Resort Planning Will Open For the Season  on May 24th .....

Bill,

We are again postponing our opening until next Sat. May 24th. We will also like to let everyone know we will be open Memorial Day. We will open regardless if the Golden Eagle is in operation or not. 

As Dave would say.... "Come hell or high water we are opening ! "

 We will have live entrainment Sat. May 24th from 7p.m. to 11:00 p.m. rain or shine. If anyone has any questions they can call either one of us at 618-883-4455 or 314-280-8997.

Sincerely,
Carrie Ash

Kinder's Restaurant .........

   Will be open this Friday for the holiday weekend and be open every day through the Summer !

   Kitchen Hours:

   Sun - Thurs...11 AM - 9AM

   Fri & Sat.......11AM - 10PM

   The bar is open until 1 PM

   Dance Party on June 28th

   Music by the rock and roll band..... Windswept... 9PM -1AM

   Plenty of dock space for this weekend...come on out !

   There website will be updated shortly ...   www.kindersrestaurant.net

Update.. 3rd Annual Classic Boat & Outboard Show... June 21-22, 2008..Grafton, IL 

www.missvaleyacbs.com

For more information about becoming a sponsor contact:

    Jack Hartwig...636-441-3559      James Tobin.....314-249-3965      Gene Hughes....314-291-1800

 Coming Soon

SAVE THE DELTA QUEEN

This Historic landmark Needs Your help !

A private initiative to save the steamboat Delta Queen

For more info go to www.save-the-delta-queen.org 

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

Delta Queen’s farewell tour schedule

   August 12, 2008 5 p.m. St. Louis, Missouri
  August 13, 2008 Noon Alton, Illinois

Digital TV Converter Boxes, 12 volt model .........

To:            RiverBill 
Subject:     Con Trios website update 
Date:         Wed, 21 May 2008 09:04:35 -0500 

Posted the following information on the Con Trios Yacht Club website (www.contriosyachtclub.org):

Digital TV Converter Boxes, 12 volt model
Con Trios member Jim Morgan found a 12 volt Digital TV converter box on the web that qualifies for the $40 converter coupon offer. He has ordered one and is going to let me know how it works. Looks like this might be a possibility if you don't have a generator or simply run your TV off of the battery system. Here's a link for more information:
http://www.data-action.com/ehtm/product_set-top-box.htm
Jim said it cost him $12 after the coupon and rebate.

Darryll Weil
Computer repair, upgrades, tech support and
Webmaster for the following websites:
www.captainweil.com
www.contriosyachtclub.org
www.blessingofthefleetstl.com
www.littlejohnsinc.com
www.riverbirds.net (a spoof of RiverBills

River Stages On Your Cell Phone:     Log on to your cell phone web browser & go to the following url address:  http://www.riverbills.com/river.html .  

River History...... Past Archives from the On-line Alton Telegraph

  Featured in today's ( May 22 nd)  edition of the on-line Alton Telegraph is a picture from 1941.  It's an aerial shot of the quarry along what is now the Great River Road.  

  The quarry at Norman's Landing was worked in 1941 as work on the Great River Road progressed. The rock from the quarry was dumped along the shore of the Mississippi River to form the roadbed of the new highway. 

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

From RiverBill's Message Board.....  

  RiverBill's Message Board is a public service for the boaters who frequent this website.  

Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them; they are not reflective of the views or opinions of RiverBills.com LLC.

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Name:    Jim (seaspriteboater@yahoo.com) 
Date:      Wed 21 May 2008 09:18:38 AM EDT 
Subject: Flag Picture 

Bill I dont understand why you would put a picture of a ripped up american flag on the website thats not this river rat spirt thats a disgrace. that flag needs to be disposed of properly I think your sending the wrong message.Thats my 2 cents 

Click here to go to RiverBill's Message Board

National Safe Boating Week 

May 17 - 23

It's Wednesday...21 May 2008

 Over 1.4 Million Visitors Strong !

Welcome New Advertiser !

Welcome New Advertiser !

Pic of the Day

Removed !

Our River Picture of The Day.....  

Yesteryears Picture of the Day

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Picture on This Day in 2006 .....  was of  Dennis, Sue & Friends from one of the Thursday Night Parties at Iowa Island Beach. 

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River Levels / Flood Warnings.........  

Click here for more information for water levels Lock and Dam 25

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Click here for more information for water levels at Grafton

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Click here for more information for water levels at Lock and Dam 26

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   ~ Click here for current Doppler Radar and up-to-date River Levels / forecasts for Winfield, Grafton and Alton Dam 

~ Click here for the Nation Weather Service latest Flood Warning

~ Click here to go to NOAA River Flood Outlook website

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 Active River Stage Map .........     Click here to activate map from NOAA's National Weather Service website then click on gauge location for current river level

Lewis Boats

Marine Sales & Service

Boston WHALER            SKEETER Fishing Boats          YAMAHA

   We pledge to treat our customers with respect, honesty, and friendliness, and to provide products of quality and value.

4030 N Service Rd        Saint Peters, MO 63376       (636) 949-9926

Click here for map from Map Quest                            Click Here for website

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

Navigation Notice.........

To:     ALL MARINERS
From:   Coast Guard Upper Miss
Date: 5/20/08
Subject: High Waters on the Illinois River and Upper Mississippi River CHANGE
NAVNOTICE # 1128.......... Click here

Check the CG/COE Hot Topics website for most current memos

Golden Eagle Ferry .........

  The Golden Eagle Ferry is open for business today ( Wednesday, May 21).   

  For more info.... call the Golden Eagle Ferry .....618-396-2535 

Kinder's Restaurant .........

   Will be open this Friday for the holiday weekend and be open every day through the Summer !

   Kitchen Hours:

   Sun - Thurs...11 AM - 9AM

   Fri & Sat.......11AM - 10PM

   The bar is open until 1 PM

   Dance Party on June 28th

   Music by the rock and roll band..... Windswept... 9PM -1AM

   Plenty of dock space for this weekend...come on out !

   There website will be updated shortly ...   www.kindersrestaurant.net

National Safe Boating Week 

  NATIONWIDE CONTEST FOR SURVIVOR STORIES IS PART OF 2008 NORTH AMERICAN SAFE BOATING CAMPAIGN

Click here for more info and to enter

Click here for National Safe Boating Council Press Release.

Click here to view "Boating Fatalities 1991-2006"

Click here to "Take The Pledge"

Little John's Motor Sports Update....

    Little Johns Motorsports website has been updated with  pictures from last weekend at the Drag Boat races in Poplar Bluff.  Go to www.littlejohnsinc.com for the story and pics.

RiverBill says..Thanks for the update Darryll.

Flood Gates Are Removed At Hannibal....

According to an article in KHQA online, all of the flood gates at Hannibal are removed just in time for the holiday weekend. It costs about $480 each time the gates are put out or removed. The officials will still keep an eye on the river and any changes in the next 30 to 60 days. The street crews have been busy cleaning the mud off the streets. Everything is getting back to normal there. It will be a few days however, until the Mark Twain Riverboat can come back to the riverfront. 

To read this news article, click here

Proposed Changes in Regulations Governing Sport Fish Restoration....

   The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed changes in the regulations governing Sport Fish Restoration.   Click here for more information on how to download the complete Federal Register and submit comments.  Comments are due by June 4, 2008.

Con Trios Yacht Club's Champagne Brunch....

   This year's Con Trios Yacht Club's  Champagne Brunch will be held on Sunday, June 8th, 2008 at Sundowners at Yacht Club of St. Louis.

    Go to the Con Trios Yacht Club website for more information

    http://www.contriosyachtclub.org/

Permits Needed To Do Repairs To Structures in Floodplains.......

    Since the water is starting to go down, there are many people who are starting to clean up their place. Jersey County wants to remind people who live in the floodplains that they need a permit to do any repairs or changes to their structures. To obtain these permits, you can call 618-498-5571 ext. 146. The corps seems to think there is going to more water coming this year. Some even compare it to 93. 

To read this story and find out more about these permits, click here on the telegraph.com

River History....

May 21, 1541 in River History

   The Spanish Explorers saw the Mississippi River for the first time. De Soto was not the first European to see the river, but he was the first to write about it in an official report. It took him and his men a month to cross the wide channel.

May 21, 1542 in River History

   Hernadndo De Soto died on May 21, 1542 of a fever on the banks of the Mississippi River in the Indian village of Guachoya, near present-day McArthur, Arkansas...

    Since de Soto was supposed to be an immortal sun god his men conceal his death and sank his corpse it in the middle of the Mississippi River during the night 

May 21, 1804 in River History

Lewis and Clark launched their expedition from St. Charles in a keelboat at 3:30 pm. St. Charles was the last established American town they would visit for more than two and a half years.

Help Wanted........
Cooks/Kitchen Help $7.50hr-Servers $4.50 plus tips. Seasonal. Cedar Hill Resort. Call 314-280-6729 or 618-883-4455

Cedar Hill Resort Planning Will Open For the Season  on May 24th .....

Bill,

We are again postponing our opening until next Sat. May 24th. We will also like to let everyone know we will be open Memorial Day. We will open regardless if the Golden Eagle is in operation or not. 

As Dave would say.... "Come hell or high water we are opening ! "

 We will have live entrainment Sat. May 24th from 7p.m. to 11:00 p.m. rain or shine. If anyone has any questions they can call either one of us at 618-883-4455 or 314-280-8997.

Sincerely,
Carrie Ash

Update.. 3rd Annual Classic Boat & Outboard Show... June 21-22, 2008..Grafton, IL 

Bill, 

As it stands now, the Mississippi Valley Chapter of the ACBS is full steam ahead for the June 21 & 22 rain or shine. We have enough boats on trailers to have nice show even if the river will not cooperate. 

Best regards,
Gene Hughes
Hughes Customat, Inc

www.missvaleyacbs.com

For more information about becoming a sponsor contact:

    Jack Hartwig...636-441-3559      James Tobin.....314-249-3965      Gene Hughes....314-291-1800

RiverBill's Upcoming Events .....  There's a boatload of "River-Things-To-Do" listed on RiverBill's Upcoming Events page..... Click here and check-em out !

River Destinations...Alton, IL......

   Cheeseburgers In Paradise

   The Alton Sports Tap bar and Grill  has recently added a new enclosed Caribbean-themed patio area, decorated to a tropical atmosphere of parrots, bamboo and lobsters. They play Jimmy Buffet music and serve drinks such as hurricanes and Mai Tais.   

    Because of the new Illinois smoking laws this patio was built to accommodate the smokers. However, it is such a fun place that even the non-smokers enjoy it !  

     The Caribbean theme makes the patio great summer hangout they are hopping to keep it open throughout the year. Two flat-screen televisions, large ceiling fans, heat in the winter and A/C in the summer.

  The Sports tap bar and Grill is located at 3812 College Ave.  It would be a short taxi cab ride from the Alton Marina...Click here for a map from MapQuest.

   To read more about their new patio click here  to go to the telegraph.com

 Coming Soon

Some Worries About The New Mississippi River Bridge Project...... 

     The first meeting about the new river bridge project was held on Monday evening at the Clay Elementary School. There are many people excited about the new bridge because it will hopefully take away some of the traffic on the Poplar Street Bridge. However there are many local people and businesses that are concerned. Not only will the long construction of the new bridge interfere with the local businesses, many are worried about the extra traffic and possible buyouts from bigger businesses that may come to the area.

   Click here to read this news article in STLtoday.com 

SAVE THE DELTA QUEEN

This Historic landmark Needs Your help !

A private initiative to save the steamboat Delta Queen

For more info go to www.save-the-delta-queen.org 

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

Delta Queen’s farewell tour schedule

   August 12, 2008 5 p.m. St. Louis, Missouri
  August 13, 2008 Noon Alton, Illinois

Anchor News From Afar.......

   2000 Pound Anchor Stolen

    According to a news article in the Mad Mariner Magazine a 6 ft tall, 2, 000 pound anchor was stolen from the Naval Reservist Station in La Crosse, Wisconsin.   And...no one noticed it for months, even though it was facing a well travel street in a residential area. 

     The subject was brought up last week at a Naval Reservist Oversight Committee meeting by a committee member who asked where the anchor went.  No one seems to  knows anything about it's disappearance...not the neighbors, fire department nor the police.

  They figure that it wasn't a prank because of the anchor's size and weight.  It was probably stolen and sold for scrap.

  Click here to read the news story in the on-line Mad mariner Magazine.

River History...... Past Archives from the On-line Alton Telegraph

  Featured in today's ( May 21 st)  edition of the on-line Alton Telegraph is a picture from a 1943 postcard of the flood waters over the railroad tracks near Alton.  Before the levees was built in the 1950s, many local industries suffered the consequences of Mississippi River flooding. Included was the Owens-Illinois Glass Company that had to shut down when the water rose above the railroad tracks. 

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

National Safe Boating Week 

May 17 - 23

It's Tuesday...20 May 2008

 Over 1.4 Million Visitors Strong !

Welcome New Advertiser !

Welcome New Advertiser !

Pic of the Day

 Click on pic to enlarge

Our Picture and e-mail of The Day..... Is from Capt'n Greg Sadowski and crew , from aboard the Lady Atlantic,  on their delivery trip of the Lady Atlantic down the Mississippi from Lacrosse, Wisconsin to Delray Beach, Florida.

Bill,
    Here's a picture taken at Hoppies. 

    From port to stbd. Tom, Ernie, Phil, Bruce, Greg, Sherry, Glenn, Mike, Hoppie, and Barb.

   We'll be passing through New Orleans about noon tomorrow. More PICS to follow...... 

Greg

Yesteryears Picture of the Day

Click on pic to enlarge

The River Picture on This Day in 2005 .....  was named  best parking spot on the beach .   Bob didn't really park his boat like this. It was at the waters edge at one time, but when a larger boat was looking for a spot to park a bunch of guys picked up the john boat and moved it up on to the sand bar so that the larger boat could pull in.   Hope Bob isn't the last guy to leave. 

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River Levels / Flood Warnings.........  

  The rivers levels are coming back up at Winfield, Grafton and Alton.  

Click here for more information for water levels Lock and Dam 25

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Click here for more information for water levels at Grafton

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