~~~~~~ RiverBill's Archives~~~~~~
March 2020

03-02-2020 - 03-10-2020

 

A WEBSITE FOR THE  BOATING COMMUNITY 

OF THE 

MISSISSIPPI, ILLINOIS, MISSOURI, MERAMEC AND KASKASKIA RIVERS

 

TUESDAY

10 March 2020

 

 

Over 10.5 Million Boater Visits

Since Sept 12, 2004

To The Always Changing e-Waters of RiverBills.com

 

Duck Blind Island

Pool 26 of the Mississippi River

 

click pic to enlarge

 

 

The Pictures of the Day....  were sent to us by Capt'n Brad Maher

 

RiverBill,

Made it out on the river over the weekend. Put up a new flag but it needs a longer pole. Enjoyed a nice bonfire and sunset.

Brad Maher
Alton Motorboat Club
 

 The Boathouse is CLOSED

for some cosmetic projects

March 2 through Thursday April 2
 

 
 Facebook.. click here        Events.. click here

Phone: 636 250 3300

 

April Music Schedule.. click here


The Boathouse will OPEN for the 2020 Season on April 2 @12:00pm.

 

April hours are Thursday thru Sunday

 with bands every Saturday afternoon and night , Sunday afternoons.

 

click here for Facebook          click here for website

 

Grafton Harbor.... 618-786-PORT (7678)

 

Grafton Harbor River Adventure Cruises

Mark your Calendars, Start Booking Those Cruises, our website has been updated for 2020 and is ready for your reservations! We've added more dinner cruises catered by the award winning Grafton Oyster Bar !

Every Saturday & Sunday  Beginning May 2, 2020

Click here for 2020 cruise schedule

 

 

First Mate is a boat brokerage located on the beautiful upper Mississippi.

We sell boats and will find you the perfect boat!

 

 Click here for Facebook    Click here for Website    Browse Our Boats

 Yesteryear's Pic of the Day

 

 

Pool 26 of the Mississippi River

 

Click pic to enlarge

 

YesterYears Pictures on this Day in 2019.... .were sent to us by Capt'n Mark Dinzebach

 

 

Here's a couple pictures of a double rainbow that was visible at Yacht Club of St Louis on Saturday afternoon.

Think warm boat - spring is coming!

Mark Dinzebach
Sunny Isles out of Yacht Club of St Louis

 

click here for Facebook         Click here for website

 

Alton Marina.... 618-462-9860

 

Spring is right around the corner.

List your Boat on RiverBills

www.RiverBills.com

Featured Classifieds

More Boats on RiverBills.com "All Classifieds Page"

click here

 

OPEN      OPEN      OPEN

 

WED & THUR.. 11AM - 10PM
FRI & SAT...... 11AM - 10PM
SUN............... 11AM - 10PM
CLOSED MON & TUE

 

2020 FESTIVAL & MUSIC SCHEDULE...  click here

Menu..  click here   Website.. click here   Facebook.. click here

 

 

 

River News !  

 

 

Some Highlights of This Week's

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS

District 8 MRS                                                 UPDATED MARCH 4, 2020

Mississippi River System

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

MILE 273.4 - L/D CLOSURE
Continuing until 5:00 p.m., March 31, 2020, L/D 24 in the vicinity of Mile 273.4, will be closed for maintenance. All navigation interests should be alert for, and abide by, any special instructions that may be issued by the lockmaster.
MILE 241.4 - L/D CLOSURE
Continuing until 5:00 p.m., March 31, 2020, L/D 25 in the vicinity of Mile 241.4, will be closed for maintenance. All navigation interests should be alert for, and abide by, any special instructions that may be issued by the lockmaster

MILE 183.2 - BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION
Merchants Railroad Bridge; Work barges continue excavating around both left and right descending navigation piers and the right descending pier of the center span. Work barges should not encroach more than 50 feet into the navigation channel, at any time. For work barge locations, mariners are encouraged to contact the onsite work boat M/V KATHERINE OHARA via VHF-FM Channel 6 or 16 or by phone at (217) 248-9077.

 

ILLINOIS RIVER

ILLINOIS WATERWAY - CHANNEL CONDITION/SAFETY ADVISORY - UPDATE
The following areas are in the high water watch phase IAW the Western Rivers WAP Annex:

Zone 5 Havana (Mile 128.9 – 102.0) and

Zone 4, Beardstown (Mile 101.9 – Mile 80.3).

High water and drift potential may be encountered in this area. Mariners are advised to minimize wake and exercise caution. Avoid laying up on saturated levees. Mariners should be experienced in high water conditions and avoid down-streaming operations if possible. Mariners should remain vigilant to an increase in debris and maneuver appropriately. Be aware that a buildup of debris in fleeting areas may have occurred and take appropriate actions to prevent breakaways. Exercise caution in all meeting and overtaking situations, as swift currents may be present. Navigational buoys may have been dragged off station, so remain cautious while transiting.

 

Click here  for the current "Local Notice To Mariners" report

 on the Navigation Center Website


 No new incident reports for the St. Louis area
 

Click here to go to the Missouri State Highway Patrol website for "all" incident reports    

 

River Gear For Sale............

 

Click here to buy your River T-shirts and Accessories on-line..

Delivered right to you mailbox in a few short days

RiverBills Facebook

Two FaceBook Pages for You

 

The "River News and Media" Page

Page contains river news, RiverBills Pictures of the Day, Upcoming River Events, info from RiverBills.com advertisers, etc..... Click here and check it out

 

The "Boaters Group" Page

It's a group for all the boaters on all the rivers near the "PORT OF ST. LOUIS AND BEYOND." It's a Public Group, open to anyone that wants to join in. A place to post your boating pictures, shout outs, questions, comments, etc.  Stay in touch with other boaters all year long.  Invite your Boating Friends. 

We have 5,827 members as of 03-09-20....... Click here and check it out. 

 

Cedar Hill Resort

For Sale........

 

There has been a lot of discussion about Cedar Hill on various facebook pages lately. RiverBill contacted the owner yesterday and it is FOR SALE....

 

 

 

FOR SALE

Cedar Hill Resort

219 S. Dogtown

Batchtown, IL  62006

 

1 Mile Down the Mississippi River from Winfield Dam

 

Contact Jay at 618 772 5766

 

click pic to enlarge

 

We offer full fiberglass repair, high performance upgrades, transom & stringer rebuilds, service on older products, new & used parts department, an accessories department, as well as many other services to suit everyone's boating needs.

We continue to display our Yamaha Sport Boats + Crest, Mercury + Yamaha Outboards and Heritage & Haul Rite trailers

 

 

St. Charles Boat & Motor website      St. Charles Boat & Motor Facebook

 

Grafton, IL

Confluence of Mississippi  & Illinois Rivers

Two Week Activity  Calendar

 

Click here and check out Grafton's

Event and Music Calendar...Mar 9 - 23, 2020

 

.

Click here and check out "Welcome to Grafton" website

Hannibal Marina

Pool 22 of the Mississippi River at Hannibal, Mo........

 

Reprinted from Hannibal's Marina Facebook .... click here

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Boat Handling

A Quick Primer On Setting An Anchor........

 

There is considerably more to setting a boat anchor than chucking it over the side and hoping the boat doesn't go away in the meantime.  Entire books have been written on the subject, and setting anchors even has a complete chapter in Chapman Piloting and Seamanship. Boating Magazine has put together a quick primer on setting an anchor, which offers some solid tips and techniques........

 

Click here to read this article from boatingmag.com.  With Photo.

 

How To Safely Boat Thru A Lock

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Paul District......

 

 

Reprinted from the US Army Corps of Engineers St. Paul District Facebook... click here

 

 

  Website..click here      Facebook Page..click here

 

 Lewis Boat Inventory.. click here

 

 

US Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District

February/March issue of the Tower Times........

 

The February/March issue of the Tower Times is now available online. This issue includes information about winter maintenance, District realignment, flood season preparation and much more! Check it out by clicking here: https://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/Media/Publications/Tower-Times/

 

Reprinted from US Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District facebook... click here

 

125 HARBOR DR, ST. CHARLES, MO 63301

636 250-3446

 

Click here for Website        Click here for Facebook

 

Some RiverBills Stats....

 

www.RiverBills.com Website

10,501,460.. Boater visits since Sept 4, 2004

 

wwwRiverBillscom on Facebook

River News and Media

           5,582.. Followers
 

RiverBills Boaters Group on Facebook

           5,827.. Members

 

 

Osage County Angler Continues Record-Breaking Streak

Missouri Department of Conservation......

 

 

Reprinted from the Missouri Dept of Conservation Facebook... click here

 

Mississippi River In Marion County, Missouri

Marion County Seats Port Authority Board........

 

On Monday, the Marion County Commission approved a new board of commissioners to the Marion County Port Authority.  Corey Mehaffy, the executive director of the Hannibal Regional Economic Development Council says that the port commission will meet soon to work on creating a port.

 

Mehaffy says that the Marion County Port Authority, which was established in 1988, has pretty much been dormant over the past several years.  As part of Mehaffy's role as executive director of the HREDC, he has taken on the administrative duties for the port authority.

 

Mehaffy said that early last year, he was contacted by the Missouri Department of Transportation's multimodal staff in regards to the status of the Marion County Pot Authority and what the board's plans were for moving forward.........

 

Click here to read more from hannibal.net.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Upcoming Events  Sunday, March 22, 2020

Mississippi River Near Cahokia, Illinois

Cahokia Mounds Hosting Spring Equinox Event........

 

On Sunday, March 22, 2020, the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site will be hosting a Spring Equinox Observance at a structure called Woodhenge.

 

Woodhenge was originally constructed by the Cahokia Indian society close to 1,000 years ago.  It marks the sunrise at the equinox with posts at the front of Monks Mound.  The structure was basically a calendar for the ancient Mississippians, similar to Stonehenge, which was constructed in pre-Roman Britain.

 

Linda Sinco, spokesperson for the Cahokia Mounds says that an archaeologist will be on hand to discuss the historical significance of Woodhenge.  Event attendees should plan to arrive by 6:45 am........

 

Click here to read more from riverbender.com.  With Photo and Audio.

 

River History....

 

March 10, 1993 in River History

 

The National Weather Service issued a statement predicting "below average" precipitation for the coming summer.

 

The flood of 1993 is indeed river history.

Horseshoe Lake

Volunteers Cleaned Up Around The Lake........

 

On Sunday, over a dozen volunteers with the Illinois Park Project spent some time gathering 40 pounds of trash during a cleanup of the trails, roadways and shoreline.

 

Jen Glasgow Pitts, the Director of the Illinois Park Project put together the team that cleaned up around the lake.  Pitts said that she hosted a small cleanup around the lake back in September, where they removed 26 pounds of trash.

 

Pitts says that her goal with the Illinois Park Project is to teach by actions, such as getting families and individuals to experience the outdoors, while helping out with a cleanup........

 

Click here to read this news story from thetelegraph.com.  With Photos.

 

News Release From BoatUS

Course for beginners, women and those with some experience; Includes show admission


STEVENSVILLE, Md., Mar. 9, 2020 – Want to get a taste of the boating life or improve your on-water boat handling skills? The nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water will bring affordable on-water boat training courses taught aboard single-engine powerboats to the Bay Bridge Boat Show, April 17-19, held at Bay Bridge Marina, Stevensville.
Boats are provided by the BoatUS Foundation and class size limited to four students per vessel, ensuring each student gets sufficient time at the helm under the watchful eye of a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain. All course takers enjoy free admission to the show.
“Intro to Boating” and “Women Making Waves” are both three hours long and offered at $149. Intro to Boating covers shifting, steering and throttle control, basic docking, open-water handling and basic navigation. It’s offered Friday and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 2:15 p.m., and Sunday at 10:15 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The ladies-only course, Women Making Waves, offers the same curriculum and is the perfect opportunity to spend a half day learning boat-handling techniques in a supportive environment. It’s offered Friday at 10:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m., Saturday at 10:15 a.m. and Sunday at 10:15 a.m.
For those with more experience or simply looking to pick up new boat handling skills, “Precision Docking and Boat Handling” may be for you. The three-hour course, also affordably priced at $149, covers 180-degree turnarounds, docking on both port and starboard sides, departing from a dock, and how to use S.C.A.N. procedures to avoid distracted driving. It’s available on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and Sunday at 10:15 a.m. and 2 p.m.
For students with some experience and who have completed Precision Docking and Boat Handling, “Open Water Boat Handling” includes utilizing boat trim, displacement and planing modes, object avoidance, ferrying and emergency stopping. It’s available Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

The goal of the courses is to address the high costs typically associated with at-the-helm training, making hands-on boating education more accessible. The courses also offer area residents the chance to try out recreational boating and give current boaters the opportunity to improve their boat-handling skills.
Space is limited. Students must be 18 years or older. To sign up for any on-water training course from the BoatUS Foundation, go to BoatUS.org/On-Water.
 


###

 

This press release reprinted by permission of Scott Croft of BoatUS...click here

 

List Your Boat

on RiverBills Classifieds

6 Months for $50.00

From "Now" until "August 2020" 

One month listing on the front page in the featured Classified Section

Six months on the Classified Page.  

 

e-mail your info along with 6 pictures (max) to riverbill@prodigy.net.

 

Click here and check out RiverBills Classifieds Page

We will bill you after the ad is on-line

 

 

OFFERING

THE SWINGING DOCK STEP

 

 

 

Swings out

to bridge the gap between the dock and your boat

for ease of loading and boarding

 

Swings out of the way

 to the

 "Walk Thru"

position on the dock

 

Little Johns Marine Service... click here

Little John's Moptorsports... click here

What's Going On This Week

3rd Chute Bar & Grill
211 W. Main St. Grafton, IL

 

03-10-20

Grafton 3rd Chute will be kicking it this Saturday plenty of green beads lots of corned beef and cabbage come get you some. St Patty's Day

 

OPEN DAILY ALL YEAR
Just a short walk from Grafton Harbor
Breakfast available every Saturday and Sunday morning from 8am till 12pm

$5.00 lunch specials

Mon - Fri from 11am till 2pm

3rd Chute Upcoming Events.. click here

Alton Marina

Mississippi River at Alton, IL

 

 

Alton Marina is the cover photo for the

2020 edition of Quimby's Cruising Guide

bluff city grill

424 Broadway, Alton, IL

 

Tuesday Specials...


Two Piece Fried Chicken,
Your choice of white or dark meat that is hand breaded and deep fried. Chicken is served with mashed potatoes, white gravy, traditional green beans, and choice of soup or salad $10.99
Chicken Livers,
Hand battered chicken livers fried golden and served with honey dijon mustard dipping sauce. Livers are served with mashed potatoes, white gravy, traditional green beans, and choice of soup or salad $10.99
Spinach Salad,
Baby Spinach tossed with Goat Cheese, Chopped Applewood Smoked Bacon, Red Onions, Tomatoes, fresh mushrooms and Diced Eggs in a Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing $9.99
Add Grilled Chicken $2.99
Add Grilled Shrimp $3.99
$2 Bud Light Pints
House Wine
$4 per glass
$15 per bottle

 

 

Friday, April 17, 2020

We are super excited for Boots, Beer and Borderline | Line Dancing Event coming up on FRIDAY APRIL 17, 2020 in the banquet room at Bluff City Grill in Alton, IL. We will be playing ALL COUNTRY line dance tunes with a dj keeping the line dancing going during band breaks. Doors open at 6:30p with music starting at 7pm, and there is a $5 cover charge at the door. Bluff City Grill has an awesome HARD WOOD dance floor and plenty of room for everyone. Cash bar. You DONT want to miss this event. We'll see y'all there. Bring your friends!


Order online for take out

https://bluffcitygrill.e-tab.com/bluffcitygrill#!/order-type

 

Just a short distance from the Alton Marina

Open 7 Days a week

 

Upcoming Events.. click here

 

The Boathouse

Northshore Marina

 

March 2 through Thursday April 2  The Boathouse will be CLOSING for some cosmetic projects.
 

The Boathouse will OPEN for the 2020 Season on April 2 @12:00pm.


April hours are Thursday thru Sunday with bands every Saturday afternoon and night , Sunday afternoons.
Memorial Day through Labor Day OPEN 7 days a week.
We have so many exciting events this season we can’t wait to see you and share .
 

Hiring event Mid- March.
Bands and entertainment booking now.
Planning parties now .
New menu items for our Keto and gluten sensitivity folks.
 

 
On the river as always xoxo The Boathouse Crew

 

 

 

Winter hours are : Friday for parties and reservations only.
Saturday 12-7(except parties and events)
Sunday 12-7

 

 

Upcoming Events.. click here

Calhoun Ferry Company

 

 
 

The Golden Eagle Ferry is OPEN

 

 

Cedar Hill Resort

Mississippi River

1 mile below Winfield Dam

 

Closed

 

For Sale

Contact Jay at 618 772 5766

Con Trios Yacht Club

     

March 20 -22, 2020

IceBreaker 2020

 

Alton Best Western Premier
3559 College Avenue
Alton, IL 62002

 

Registration is Open...
https://ctyc.clubexpress.com/content.aspx

 

Duck Club Yacht Club

 

Closed for the season

 

The Duck Club is the Premier Private Yacht Club serving the Upper Mississippi River, Alton pool boating community. The Club is located at the South end of Dardenne Slough with direct channel access at mm22

Froge's Bar and Grill

Portage des Sioux, MO

 

We will be serving Corned beef, cabbage & taters this Saturday, March 7th 11am until sold out or 10pm.

 

 

Pool Tournament every Sunday 6pm starting 2/2/20, straight 8, double elimination, $5 sign up fee

 

Sat, May 2
Customer Appreciation DAY
Froge's Bar and Grill · Portage Des Sioux

 

March 20th Kitchen will be open Sunday thru Thursday 11am-9pm.
We are CLOSED on Mondays. Kitchen is always open year round Friday & Saturday 11am-10pm

 

Grafton Harbor

Confluence of Mississippi and Illinois Rivers

 


Mark your Calendars, Start Booking Those Cruises, our website has been updated for 2020 and is ready for your reservations! We've added more dinner cruises catered by the award winning Grafton Oyster Bar!

 

Grafton Harbor

Grafton Harbor River Adventures
 

Mark your Calendars, Start Booking Those Cruises, our website has been updated for 2020 and is ready for your reservations! We've added more dinner cruises catered by the award winning Grafton Oyster Bar!

 

Every Saturday & Sunday

 Beginning May 2, 2020

 

Click here for 2020 cruise schedule

Grafton, IL

Confluence of Mississippi  & Illinois Rivers

Two Week Activity  Calendar

 

Click here and check out Grafton's

Event and Music Calendar...Mar 9 - 23, 2020

 

.

Click here and check out "Welcome to Grafton" website

Grafton Oyster Bar

Grafton Harbor

 

 

Open for your Dining Pleasure


 

 

John's Boat Harbor

Mississippi River at UMR 231.8

 

03-04-20

Guess what??! Gassie boy new and improved is working and we have been selling gas.
So if u need gas. We are open 24/7
Whopee
 

Kinder's Restaurant

Mississippi River at Golden Eagle, IL

 

Currently tearing down the old building and then rebuilding

 

"The plan is to keep it in the same location, maybe a little closer to the river and up about 7 ft higher. The building will be just a little smaller with a bigger deck."

 

Amanda

Kinder's Restaurant

 

Lake Center Marina

MM224.4 UMR

.

March 7, 2020

Our gas dock is up and running for you.
Have a great weekend boaters!!

 

Reposted from Lake Center marina Facebook.... click here

 

 

We’re excited to announce 40% OFF all annual docks & slips to new members in 2020 !
http://lakecentermarina.com/new-members

 

Lewis Boats

Marine Sales and Service

 

Feb 28 - Mar 14, 2020

Lewis Boats I-70 Boat Show

 

Come out to the Lewis Boats I-70 Boat Show February 28th- March 14th. We will have boats on display from Barletta Pontoon Boats, Crestliner Boats, Monterey Boats, Sylvan Pontoon Boats, Phoenix Bass Boats and Caymas Boats with factory rebates and incentives. Giveaways on Saturday as well as local tackle vendors and bass and crappie fishing seminars on Saturday the 14th. Stay tuned for more details

Longshot Saloon at Longshot Marina

Mississippi River at

Portage des Sioux, Mo

 

Opening May 2, 2020

 

Mike's La Rosa at Longshot Marina

Mississippi River at

Portage des Sioux, Mo

 

Opening May 21, 2020

 

Polestar Boating Center

Mississippi River

Dardenne Slough 221.5

 

Dock Rentals on the Mississippi River
Safe Harbor Yacht Sales
The Canvas Man, LLC
Vessel Surveyor / Marine Consulting
Quality Marine Repair

Port Charles Harbor

Mississippi River

Dardenne Slough 221.5

 

TowBoat U.S.

Our Safeboat will be on display at the show

Save money & purchase your 2020

Membership at the Boat Show
 

River Road Watersports

Pool 26 of the Mississippi River at Grafton Harbor

 

REOPENING IN THE SPRING FOR THE 2020 SEASON.

KEEP YOUR ANCHOR RIGHT HERE FOR UPDATES.

 

Jet Ski Rentals

Boat Rental

Rafting Float Trip

Riviera Too

Food, Beer, Wine

 

Pizza is here always here for you....

 

3025 N MO-94, St. Charles, Missouri 63301

 

St. Charles Boat & Motor

The Complete Marine

 

 

Winter Hours

  Tue - Fri..9am - 5pm

  Sat - 9am - 2pm

  Sun & Mon..Closed

 

  Two Rivers Marina

  Mississippi River at Louisiana, Mo

 

Leasing slips for the 2020 season. Discount for first time residents!!! residents enjoy a discount on selected items at our store too! Amenities include pool, shower house, on site mechanic, retail store, beer & ice, restaurant, campground and camp sights! Message us, visit the website or call!!.

 

 

02-27-20 Update..Fat Boys Restaurant at Two Rivers Marina

Hi Bill,
They are diligently working to get things in order. The have been working long hours trying to get the building in shape, lots of painting and cleaning. It is going to happen, however they are a bit behind because of Illinois paperwork. I expect an opening sometime in March. They are keeping the name "Fat Boys".

Cindy Blaylock
Two Rivers Marina.

Woodland Marina

UMR 222.8 ...Pool 26 of the Mississippi River

 

02-28-20 Update:

Woodland Marina is looking forward to an exciting boating season.  Our office and bathrooms are currently being renovated and made handicap accessible.  Woodland Marina lies at mile marker 222.5 on the Dardenne Slough and is the largest full-service marina on the Mississippi – family owned since 1959.

We would like to thank our customers and friends for their support during the flooding and our reconstruction.

 

Look for that Silver Lining!

Diane, Carl and Company

 

Yacht Club of St. Louis

Mississippi River

At UMR 225 On Dardenne Slough

 

 

 

Yacht Club tore down due to flood damage.

Rebuilding on Higher ground !

 

 

More Things Going On This Week

click here

 

River Ferries

 

Illinois River

Brussels Ferry............618 - 786-3636

 

Mississippi River

Golden Eagle Ferry ....618-  535-5759

Winfield Ferry.............618-  535-5759

Grafton Ferry............ 1-800-258-6645  ..Closed for the Season

 

 

Last Weekend's Edition of RiverBills....

 

Click here for last weekend's edition of RiverBills

 

Restaurants

Who's Open.. Who's Closed

Who's Open... Who's Closed........
 
3rd Chute Bar & Grill ......................... Open All Year
Abigail's Tap Room Open All Year
Alton Marina Deli Closed for the Season
Arrrr Bar at Grafton Harbor.................. Closed for the Season
Boathouse Food & Deck..................... Open
Cedar Hill Resort................................ Closed & For Sale
Driftwood Crab Shack @ MRH Resort.. Closed
Duck Club Yacht Club........................ Closed for the season
Froges Bar & Grill.............................. Open All Year
Grafton Harbor Winery & Gift Shop...... Open
Grafton Oyster Bar............................. Open
Kinder's Restaurant.......................... Being rebuilt in same location
Longshot Saloon................................ Opening May 2, 2020
LaRosa Cantina................................. Opening May 21, 2020
Yacht Club of St. Louis..................... Being rebuilt in new location

 

MONDAY

09 March 2020

 

 

Over 9.4 Million Boater Visits

Since Sept 12, 2004

To The Always Changing e-Waters of RiverBills.com

 

Great River Road Sunset

Pool 26 of the Mississippi River

click pic to enlarge

 

The Picture of the Day....  was sent taken by Capt'n Mary Tiemann last Thursday evening

 

 

 

 

 The Boathouse is CLOSED

for some cosmetic projects

March 2 through Thursday April 2
 

 
Facebook.. click here        Events.. click here

Phone: 636 250 3300

 

April Music Schedule.. click here


The Boathouse will OPEN for the 2020 Season on April 2 @12:00pm.

 

April hours are Thursday thru Sunday

 with bands every Saturday afternoon and night , Sunday afternoons.

 

click here for Facebook          click here for website

 

Grafton Harbor.... 618-786-PORT (7678)

 

Grafton Harbor River Adventure Cruises

Mark your Calendars, Start Booking Those Cruises, our website has been updated for 2020 and is ready for your reservations! We've added more dinner cruises catered by the award winning Grafton Oyster Bar !

Every Saturday & Sunday  Beginning May 2, 2020

Click here for 2020 cruise schedule

 

 

First Mate is a boat brokerage located on the beautiful upper Mississippi.

We sell boats and will find you the perfect boat!

 

 Click here for Facebook    Click here for Website    Browse Our Boats

 Yesteryear's Pic of the Day

 

Robin Tuff

Port of Kirkwood, Mo

Click pic to enlarge

 

YesterYears Picture on this Day in 2019.... . was was sent to us by Capt'n Mark Adams, retired president of the St. Louis Boat and Sports Show

 

Ahoy Capt'n Bill,

 Here rests Robin Tuff in the port of Kirkwood. Today is a melting day as we get closer to taking her on the river.

 

Warm wishes

Capt'n Mark Adams

 

click here for Facebook         Click here for website

 

Alton Marina.... 618-462-9860

 

Spring is right around the corner.

List your Boat on RiverBills

www.RiverBills.com

Featured Classifieds

More Boats on RiverBills.com "All Classifieds Page"

click here

 

OPEN      OPEN      OPEN

 

WED & THUR.. 11AM - 10PM
FRI & SAT...... 11AM - 10PM
SUN............... 11AM - 10PM
CLOSED MON & TUE

 

2020 FESTIVAL & MUSIC SCHEDULE...  click here

Menu..  click here   Website.. click here   Facebook.. click here

 

 

 

River News !  

 

 

Some Highlights of This Week's

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS

District 8 MRS                                                 UPDATED MARCH 4, 2020

Mississippi River System

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

MILE 273.4 - L/D CLOSURE
Continuing until 5:00 p.m., March 31, 2020, L/D 24 in the vicinity of Mile 273.4, will be closed for maintenance. All navigation interests should be alert for, and abide by, any special instructions that may be issued by the lockmaster.
MILE 241.4 - L/D CLOSURE
Continuing until 5:00 p.m., March 31, 2020, L/D 25 in the vicinity of Mile 241.4, will be closed for maintenance. All navigation interests should be alert for, and abide by, any special instructions that may be issued by the lockmaster

MILE 183.2 - BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION
Merchants Railroad Bridge; Work barges continue excavating around both left and right descending navigation piers and the right descending pier of the center span. Work barges should not encroach more than 50 feet into the navigation channel, at any time. For work barge locations, mariners are encouraged to contact the onsite work boat M/V KATHERINE OHARA via VHF-FM Channel 6 or 16 or by phone at (217) 248-9077.

 

ILLINOIS RIVER

ILLINOIS WATERWAY - CHANNEL CONDITION/SAFETY ADVISORY - UPDATE
The following areas are in the high water watch phase IAW the Western Rivers WAP Annex:

Zone 5 Havana (Mile 128.9 – 102.0) and

Zone 4, Beardstown (Mile 101.9 – Mile 80.3).

High water and drift potential may be encountered in this area. Mariners are advised to minimize wake and exercise caution. Avoid laying up on saturated levees. Mariners should be experienced in high water conditions and avoid down-streaming operations if possible. Mariners should remain vigilant to an increase in debris and maneuver appropriately. Be aware that a buildup of debris in fleeting areas may have occurred and take appropriate actions to prevent breakaways. Exercise caution in all meeting and overtaking situations, as swift currents may be present. Navigational buoys may have been dragged off station, so remain cautious while transiting.

 

Click here  for the current "Local Notice To Mariners" report

 on the Navigation Center Website


 No new incident reports for the St. Louis area
 

Click here to go to the Missouri State Highway Patrol website for "all" incident reports    

 

River Gear For Sale............

 

Click here to buy your River T-shirts and Accessories on-line..

Delivered right to you mailbox in a few short days

RiverBills Facebook

Two FaceBook Pages for You

 

The "River News and Media" Page

Page contains river news, RiverBills Pictures of the Day, Upcoming River Events, info from RiverBills.com advertisers, etc..... Click here and check it out

 

The "Boaters Group" Page

It's a group for all the boaters on all the rivers near the "PORT OF ST. LOUIS AND BEYOND." It's a Public Group, open to anyone that wants to join in. A place to post your boating pictures, shout outs, questions, comments, etc.  Stay in touch with other boaters all year long.  Invite your Boating Friends. 

We have 5,823 members as of 03-09-20....... Click here and check it out. 

 

Lake Center Marina

Gas Dock Is Up and Running.....

 

March 7, 2020

Our gas dock is up and running for you.
Have a great weekend boaters!!

 

Reposted from Lake Center marina Facebook.... click here

 

 

 

Cedar Hill Resort

1 Mile Down The Mississippi River from Winfield Dam

 

RiverBills contacted Jay-Nguyen, the owner, on Sunday and was informed that Cedar Hill is "For Sale."

 

Keep your anchor right here as more information becomes available.

 

click pic to enlarge

 

We offer full fiberglass repair, high performance upgrades, transom & stringer rebuilds, service on older products, new & used parts department, an accessories department, as well as many other services to suit everyone's boating needs.

We continue to display our Yamaha Sport Boats + Crest, Mercury + Yamaha Outboards and Heritage & Haul Rite trailers

 

 

St. Charles Boat & Motor website      St. Charles Boat & Motor Facebook

 

Missouri River Management

Record River Releases Are Being Curbed........

 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials recently announced that the upstream Missouri River reservoirs are now ready for spring snowmelt and possible flooding.

 

Mike Swenson, with the Corp's Omaha office stated that they have hit their flood storage goals and are beginning to reduce flows from the Gavins Point Dam.

 

Swenson says that releases from the Gavins Point Dam average around 34,800 cubic feet per second during February, and that the releases were decreased from 38,000 cfs to 35,000 cfs last week........

 

Click here to read this news story from kmaland.com.  With Photo.

 

 

  Website..click here      Facebook Page..click here

 

 Lewis Boat Inventory.. click here

 

Mississippi River Management

Headwaters Reservoirs Winter Draw-Down Continues........

 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District is continuing to lower the water elevations in the six Mississippi River Headwaters reservoirs in preparation for the spring snow melt.

 

The Corps has wrapped up the winter drawdown of Gulf Lake, located near Brainerd, Cross Lake near Crosslake and Big Sandy Lake near McGregor.

 

The elevation of Gull Lake is currently at 1,193 feet, with an outflow of 224 cubic feet per second.  Cross Lake is at 1,227.37 feet, with an outflow of 276 cfs.  Big Sandy Lake is at 1,214.38 feet, with an outflow of 164 cfs.......

 

Click here to read more from brainerddispatch.com.   

 

125 HARBOR DR, ST. CHARLES, MO 63301

636 250-3446

 

Click here for Website        Click here for Facebook

 

U.S. Waterways

American Marine Highway Program Received Funding.........

 

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration recently announced a $9.5 million funding grant for the America's Maine Highway Program.

 

According to Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao, marine highways are a cost-effective and efficient way of moving fright and passengers in America.

 

The AMHP backs the increased use of America's navigable waterways to ease congestion, provide new and efficient transportation options and increase the productivity of the surface transportation system........

 

Click here to read this news report from dredgingtoday.com.  With Photo.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

United States Department of Transportation
MARAD Maritime Administration


America's Marine Highway


America has a versatile and expansive network of navigable waterways including: rivers, bays, channels, coasts, the Great Lakes, open-ocean routes and the Saint Lawrence Seaway System. We like to think of this as "America's marine highway," a network of maritime expressways having as many benefits (in some cases more) as America's road network.


However, America's waterways are underused. The benefits of using our marine waterways -- such as reducing landside congestion and reducing system wear and tear -- are not perceived on an individual level. Using our waterways more consistently would create more public benefits and incentivize shippers to use these critical transportation channels.

 

Click here for more information

 

River History....

 

March 9, 2013 in River History

 

A Retirement Party was held at the Boathouse for Cindra. She retired from bar tending after serving up drinks on the river for 17 years and took the job of Office Manager at Northshore Marina.

 

Cool Amphibious Manufacturers International

 

Boating Oddities

A Look Back At The Ultimate Amphibious Vehicle........

 

Back in 2004, John Giljam, the president of Cool Amphibious Manufacturers International constructed the Terra Wind, an amphibious motor home to demonstrate what the company's capabilities are.  He says that they have taken the Terra Wind from coast to coast, and even though there is always interest, they haven't sold another one.

 

The Terra Wind is a 42 1/2 foot long, 15 1/2 ton motor home that is power by a rear-mounted diesel that drives an axle on land and twin inboards in the water.  The props spin in tunnels built into the aluminum hull.  The motor home has a top speed of 80 mph on land and approximately 8 mph on water.  The price tag is around $1.2 million, depending upon options.

 

CAMI has constructed 79 amphibious passenger tour busses that are used in 27 countries.  Giljam says that the tour busses meet all emissions standards, and they are unsinkable.  He adds that they have conceived a way to encase floatation foam, which forms a pontoon on each side of the hull itself, meaning water can only flood the hull center........

 

Click here to read this news story from tradeonlytoday.com.  With Photo.

 

Mississippi River At New Orleans, Louisiana

Flood Warning Issued For City........

 

The National Weather Service recently issued a flood warning for the Mississippi River at New Orleans, Louisiana, which will remain in effect until Friday, March 13.

 

As of Thursday morning, the Mississippi River had risen to the minor flood stage of 17 feet at the New Orleans Carrollton Gauge, and is expected to remain around that level until Thursday, March 12.

 

Thankfully, the City of New Orleans is protected by levees ip to 20 feet, so no flooding is expected within the levee protection area.  The Bonnet Carre Spillway is not expected to be opened at this time........

 

Click here to read this news article from wwltv.com.  With Video.

 

Lower Mississippi River

NASA Studying Mississippi Delta Subsidence........

 

Last month, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration announced the start of a new program that will utilize overflights to look a causes and potential remedies for the shrinking Mississippi River Delta.

 

The project, known as Delta-X, will involve two field campaigns, one in April, the other in the fall, and will be focused on two areas, the Atchafalaya Basin, which has added land, and northwest of Terrebonne Bay, which has lost land.

 

Starting in April, Marc Simard of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory will head up the Delta-X team in collecting data by air to better understand why some areas are gaining land, while others are sinking........

 

Click here to read this news report from waterwaysjournal.net.

 

List Your Boat

on RiverBills Classifieds

6 Months for $50.00

From "Now" until "August 2020" 

One month listing on the front page in the featured Classified Section

Six months on the Classified Page.  

 

e-mail your info along with 6 pictures (max) to riverbill@prodigy.net.

 

Click here and check out RiverBills Classifieds Page

We will bill you after the ad is on-line

 

 

OFFERING

THE SWINGING DOCK STEP

 

 

 

Swings out

to bridge the gap between the dock and your boat

for ease of loading and boarding

 

Swings out of the way

 to the

 "Walk Thru"

position on the dock

 

Little Johns Marine Service... click here

Little John's Moptorsports... click here

What's Going On This Week

3rd Chute Bar & Grill
211 W. Main St. Grafton, IL

 

If you didn't already know 3rd Chute both locations have the monster Chute Burger that is 3 buns 2 half pound burgers pulled pork all the toppings with cheese with a side

 

OPEN DAILY ALL YEAR
Just a short walk from Grafton Harbor
Breakfast available every Saturday and Sunday morning from 8am till 12pm

$5.00 lunch specials

Mon - Fri from 11am till 2pm

3rd Chute Upcoming Events.. click here

Abigail's Tap Room

217 E. Main St. Grafton, IL

 

 

Chef Brad Hagen's newest venture located in the Ruebel Hotel. Featuring dishes such as: Appetizers, Gourmet Burgers, Steaks, Smoked Meat, Pizza, Pasta & Fresh Fish. Featuring Craft Beers, a Large Outdoor Patio & a bar from the 1904 World's Fair.

 

Alton Marina

Mississippi River at Alton, IL

 

 

Alton Marina is the cover photo for the

2020 edition of Quimby's Cruising Guide

bluff city grill

424 Broadway, Alton, IL

 

Slider Monday!

 

Mix and Match or Ala Carte $3 each!!
Southwest Chicken Salad Slider,
Southwest Chicken Salad served with Lettuce and Tomato on a Toasted Slider Bun $3
Ham and Bacon Slider,
Grilled Ham topped with Applewood Smoked Bacon, American Cheese and Bluff City BBQ Sauce on a Toasted Slider Bun $3
Jalapeńo Cheddar Burger Slider,
Mini Burger grilled and topped with Jalapeńos and Cheddar Cheese served with Lettuce and Red Onion on a Toasted Slider Bun $3
$5 Martini’s all day!!

 

 

Friday, April 17, 2020

We are super excited for Boots, Beer and Borderline | Line Dancing Event coming up on FRIDAY APRIL 17, 2020 in the banquet room at Bluff City Grill in Alton, IL. We will be playing ALL COUNTRY line dance tunes with a dj keeping the line dancing going during band breaks. Doors open at 6:30p with music starting at 7pm, and there is a $5 cover charge at the door. Bluff City Grill has an awesome HARD WOOD dance floor and plenty of room for everyone. Cash bar. You DONT want to miss this event. We'll see y'all there. Bring your friends!


Order online for take out

https://bluffcitygrill.e-tab.com/bluffcitygrill#!/order-type

 

Just a short distance from the Alton Marina

Open 7 Days a week

 

Upcoming Events.. click here

 

The Boathouse

Northshore Marina

 

March 2 through Thursday April 2  The Boathouse will be CLOSING for some cosmetic projects.
 

The Boathouse will OPEN for the 2020 Season on April 2 @12:00pm.


April hours are Thursday thru Sunday with bands every Saturday afternoon and night , Sunday afternoons.
Memorial Day through Labor Day OPEN 7 days a week.
We have so many exciting events this season we can’t wait to see you and share .
 

Hiring event Mid- March.
Bands and entertainment booking now.
Planning parties now .
New menu items for our Keto and gluten sensitivity folks.
 

 
On the river as always xoxo The Boathouse Crew

 

 

 

Winter hours are : Friday for parties and reservations only.
Saturday 12-7(except parties and events)
Sunday 12-7

 

 

Upcoming Events.. click here

Calhoun Ferry Company

 

 
 

The Golden Eagle Ferry is OPEN

 

 

Cedar Hill Resort

Mississippi River

1 mile below Winfield Dam

 

 

Closed

Con Trios Yacht Club

     

March 20 -22, 2020

IceBreaker 2020

 

Alton Best Western Premier
3559 College Avenue
Alton, IL 62002

 

Registration is Open...
https://ctyc.clubexpress.com/content.aspx

 

Duck Club Yacht Club

 

Closed for the season

 

The Duck Club is the Premier Private Yacht Club serving the Upper Mississippi River, Alton pool boating community. The Club is located at the South end of Dardenne Slough with direct channel access at mm22

Froge's Bar and Grill

Portage des Sioux, MO

 

We will be serving Corned beef, cabbage & taters this Saturday, March 7th 11am until sold out or 10pm.

 

 

Pool Tournament every Sunday 6pm starting 2/2/20, straight 8, double elimination, $5 sign up fee

 

Sat, May 2
Customer Appreciation DAY
Froge's Bar and Grill · Portage Des Sioux

 

March 20th Kitchen will be open Sunday thru Thursday 11am-9pm.
We are CLOSED on Mondays. Kitchen is always open year round Friday & Saturday 11am-10pm

 

Grafton Harbor

Confluence of Mississippi and Illinois Rivers

 


Mark your Calendars, Start Booking Those Cruises, our website has been updated for 2020 and is ready for your reservations! We've added more dinner cruises catered by the award winning Grafton Oyster Bar!

 

Grafton Harbor

Grafton Harbor River Adventures
 

Mark your Calendars, Start Booking Those Cruises, our website has been updated for 2020 and is ready for your reservations! We've added more dinner cruises catered by the award winning Grafton Oyster Bar!

 

Every Saturday & Sunday

 Beginning May 2, 2020

 

Click here for 2020 cruise schedule

Grafton, IL

Confluence of Mississippi  & Illinois Rivers

Two Week Activity  Calendar

 

 

02-26-20  Aeries Winery

Good news! The popular Sugarfire Brunch is now a weekly thing on Sundays. Be sure and check it out (arrive hungry).

Click here and check out "Welcome to Grafton" website

Grafton Oyster Bar

Grafton Harbor

 

 

Open for your Dining Pleasure


 

 

John's Boat Harbor

Mississippi River at UMR 231.8

 

03-04-20

Guess what??! Gassie boy new and improved is working and we have been selling gas.
So if u need gas. We are open 24/7
Whopee
 

Kinder's Restaurant

Mississippi River at Golden Eagle, IL

 

Currently tearing down the old building and then rebuilding

 

"The plan is to keep it in the same location, maybe a little closer to the river and up about 7 ft higher. The building will be just a little smaller with a bigger deck."

 

Amanda

Kinder's Restaurant

 

Lake Center Marina

MM224.4 UMR

.

March 7, 2020

Our gas dock is up and running for you.
Have a great weekend boaters!!

 

Reposted from Lake Center marina Facebook.... click here

 

 

We’re excited to announce 40% OFF all annual docks & slips to new members in 2020 !
http://lakecentermarina.com/new-members

 

Lewis Boats

Marine Sales and Service

 

Feb 28 - Mar 14, 2020

Lewis Boats I-70 Boat Show

 

Come out to the Lewis Boats I-70 Boat Show February 28th- March 14th. We will have boats on display from Barletta Pontoon Boats, Crestliner Boats, Monterey Boats, Sylvan Pontoon Boats, Phoenix Bass Boats and Caymas Boats with factory rebates and incentives. Giveaways on Saturday as well as local tackle vendors and bass and crappie fishing seminars on Saturday the 14th. Stay tuned for more details

Longshot Saloon at Longshot Marina

Mississippi River at

Portage des Sioux, Mo

 

Opening May 2, 2020

 

Mike's La Rosa at Longshot Marina

Mississippi River at

Portage des Sioux, Mo

 

Opening May 21, 2020

 

Polestar Boating Center

Mississippi River

Dardenne Slough 221.5

 

Dock Rentals on the Mississippi River
Safe Harbor Yacht Sales
The Canvas Man, LLC
Vessel Surveyor / Marine Consulting
Quality Marine Repair

Port Charles Harbor

Mississippi River

Dardenne Slough 221.5

 

TowBoat U.S.

Our Safeboat will be on display at the show

Save money & purchase your 2020

Membership at the Boat Show
 

River Road Watersports

Pool 26 of the Mississippi River at Grafton Harbor

 

REOPENING IN THE SPRING FOR THE 2020 SEASON.

KEEP YOUR ANCHOR RIGHT HERE FOR UPDATES.

 

Jet Ski Rentals

Boat Rental

Rafting Float Trip

Riviera Too

Food, Beer, Wine

 

Pizza is here always here for you....

 

3025 N MO-94, St. Charles, Missouri 63301

 

St. Charles Boat & Motor

The Complete Marine

 

 

Winter Hours

  Tue - Fri..9am - 5pm

  Sat - 9am - 2pm

  Sun & Mon..Closed

 

  Two Rivers Marina

  Mississippi River at Louisiana, Mo

 

Leasing slips for the 2020 season. Discount for first time residents!!! residents enjoy a discount on selected items at our store too! Amenities include pool, shower house, on site mechanic, retail store, beer & ice, restaurant, campground and camp sights! Message us, visit the website or call!!.

 

 

02-27-20 Update..Fat Boys Restaurant at Two Rivers Marina

Hi Bill,
They are diligently working to get things in order. The have been working long hours trying to get the building in shape, lots of painting and cleaning. It is going to happen, however they are a bit behind because of Illinois paperwork. I expect an opening sometime in March. They are keeping the name "Fat Boys".

Cindy Blaylock
Two Rivers Marina.

Woodland Marina

UMR 222.8 ...Pool 26 of the Mississippi River

 

02-28-20 Update:

Woodland Marina is looking forward to an exciting boating season.  Our office and bathrooms are currently being renovated and made handicap accessible.  Woodland Marina lies at mile marker 222.5 on the Dardenne Slough and is the largest full-service marina on the Mississippi – family owned since 1959.

We would like to thank our customers and friends for their support during the flooding and our reconstruction.

 

Look for that Silver Lining!

Diane, Carl and Company

 

Yacht Club of St. Louis

Mississippi River

At UMR 225 On Dardenne Slough

 

 

 

Yacht Club tore down due to flood damage.

Rebuilding on Higher ground !

 

 

More Things Going On This Week

click here

 

River Ferries

 

Illinois River

Brussels Ferry............618 - 786-3636

 

Mississippi River

Golden Eagle Ferry ....618-  535-5759

Winfield Ferry.............618-  535-5759

Grafton Ferry............ 1-800-258-6645  ..Closed for the Season

 

 

Last Weekend's Edition of RiverBills....

 

Click here for last weekend's edition of RiverBills

 

Restaurants

Who's Open.. Who's Closed

Who's Open... Who's Closed........
 
3rd Chute Bar & Grill ......................... Open All Year
Abigail's Tap Room Open All Year
Alton Marina Deli Closed for the Season
Arrrr Bar at Grafton Harbor.................. Closed for the Season
Boathouse Food & Deck..................... Open
Cedar Hill Resort................................ Closed
Driftwood Crab Shack @ MRH Resort.. Closed
Duck Club Yacht Club........................ Closed for the season
Froges Bar & Grill.............................. Open All Year
Grafton Harbor Winery & Gift Shop...... Open
Grafton Oyster Bar............................. Open
Kinder's Restaurant.......................... Being rebuilt in same location
Longshot Saloon................................ Opening May 2, 2020
LaRosa Cantina................................. Opening May 21, 2020
Yacht Club of St. Louis..................... Being rebuilt in new location

 

THE WEEKEND

Sat, Sun... 07, 08 March 2020

 

 

Over 9.4 Million Boater Visits

Since Sept 12, 2004

To The Always Changing e-Waters of RiverBills.com

 

Video of the Day

Pool 26 of the Mississippi River

Sun

click pic to play

 

The Video of the Day....  was sent to us by Capt'n Mark Newlin

 

Mark says...

Pretty sure he snagged one!

 

 

 

Two Rivers Marina

Pool 24 of the Mississippi River

Sat Pic

click pic to enlarge

 

The Picture of the Day....  was sent to us by Capt'n Ryan Kolb

 

 

RiverBill,

Two Rivers Marina was covered in SeaGulls tonight while I was checking on the Gibson.

Ryan Kolb
 

Lock and Dam 26

Pool 26 of the Mississippi River

Sat Pic

click pic to enlarge

 

The Picture of the Day....  was sent to us by Capt'n Brad Maher

 

 

RiverBill,

Sea gulls were enjoying another tug test at Melvin Price on Thursday.

Brad Maher
Alton Motorboat Club

 

 The Boathouse is CLOSED

for some cosmetic projects

March 2 through Thursday April 2
 

 
Facebook.. click here        Events.. click here

Phone: 636 250 3300

 

April Music Schedule.. click here


The Boathouse will OPEN for the 2020 Season on April 2 @12:00pm.

 

April hours are Thursday thru Sunday

 with bands every Saturday afternoon and night , Sunday afternoons.

 

click here for Facebook          click here for website

 

Grafton Harbor.... 618-786-PORT (7678)

 

Grafton Harbor River Adventure Cruises

Mark your Calendars, Start Booking Those Cruises, our website has been updated for 2020 and is ready for your reservations! We've added more dinner cruises catered by the award winning Grafton Oyster Bar !

Every Saturday & Sunday  Beginning May 2, 2020

Click here for 2020 cruise schedule

 

 

First Mate is a boat brokerage located on the beautiful upper Mississippi.

We sell boats and will find you the perfect boat!

 

 Click here for Facebook    Click here for Website    Browse Our Boats

 Yesteryear's Pic of the Day

 

The RiverBills Girls at the

2015 St. Louis Boat & Sport Show

Click pic to enlarge

 

YesterYears Picture on this Day in 2015.... . was of the RiverBills Girls on RiverBills Night at the St. Louis Boat and Sportshow !   

 

Sherri, Jill, Emily, Jess, Alla, Alexa and Lauren

 

Wow !

click here for Facebook         Click here for website

 

Alton Marina.... 618-462-9860

 

Spring is right around the corner.

List your Boat on RiverBills

www.RiverBills.com

Featured Classifieds

More Boats on RiverBills.com "All Classifieds Page"

click here

 

OPEN      OPEN      OPEN

 

WED & THUR.. 11AM - 10PM
FRI & SAT...... 11AM - 10PM
SUN............... 11AM - 10PM
CLOSED MON & TUE

 

2020 FESTIVAL & MUSIC SCHEDULE...  click here

Menu..  click here   Website.. click here   Facebook.. click here

 

 

 

River News !  

 

 

Added Sunday

A Look Up The Mississippi River

Alton, IL to St. Paul, MN....

 

Tail Water

 

 

 

 

• Most of the gauges show river levels well below flood stage.

• A few locations are forecasting river levels rising very near the "Action" stage by next Sunday such as::

    • Louisiana, Mo

    • Canton, Mo

    • Burlington, Iowa

    • Keithsburg

    • Rock Island, IL

    • Debuque (Railroad Bridge)

• A few locations are forecasting river levels to be in the "Action" stage by next Sunday such as:

   • Hannibal, Mo

   • Genoa, WI

   • Wabash, MN

   • Hastings, MN

   • St. Paul, MN

 

 

Action Stage:

The stage which, when reached by a rising stream, represents the level where the NWS or a partner/user needs to take some type of mitigation action in preparation for possible signif­icant hydrologic activity.

National Weather Service

 

Check out RiverBills River Gages Page...

St. Louis, MO  to  St. Paul, MN ....  click here

 

Added Sunday

Yacht Club of St. Louis

Pool 26 of the Mississippi River......

 

March 6, 2020

Dredging under J-Dock is complete and dock is moved back. Dredge pipe is still in water, stay to the A-Dock side of harbor when leaving or entering. Have an awesome weekend!

 

Reprinted from Yacht Club of St. Louis Facebook.... click here

.

Added Sunday

World Wide Marine Training

Upcoming Classes

Pool 26 of the Mississippi River at Grafton, Il......

 

Reprinted from World Wide marine Training Facebook.... click here

.

Added Sunday

World Wide Marine Training

Upcoming Classes

Osage Beach, Lake Of The Ozarks......

 

Reprinted from World Wide marine Training Facebook.... click here

.

Added Sunday

Mississippi River At Quincy, Illinois

Funding Has Been Secured For Quincy Bay Area Restoration & Enhancement...

 

Last week, members of the Quincy Bay Area Restoration and Enhancement Association received word that their proposal for the restoration of Quincy Bay will be one of six projects funded between 2020 and 2025. 

 

Depending upon the final design, the project is estimated to be between $15 million and $25 million.  The project will be 100 percent paid for by the federal government in accordance with the Water Resources Development Act of 1986.

 

The plans call for dredging 118 acres of the upper bay to a depth of 10 feet, constructing a dike and weir structure at the Bay Island Access Channel and constructing above flood level islands on Bay Island and northeast of Triangle Lake for reforestation........

 

Click here to read this news report from whig.com.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Google maps

.

Added Sunday

Great River Road

Order a FREE 10-State Map........

 

.

Reprinted from Great River Road....click here

 

American Countess

Photo Courtesy American Steamboat Company

 

Added Sunday

River Cruising

Renaissance Of River Cruising Continues........

 

There is a long and storied history of river cruising in the United States, from the tales woven by Mark Twain during the 1800s to the fabled steamboat races of the 20th Century.  River cruising is now in it's 3rd century, and is seeing a resurgence.

 

Last month, the Port of New Orleans reported their 2019 cruise stats, finding that they had set a "modern day record" of over 31,000 passenger movements aboard the six riverboats that are based in New Orleans.  There are more riverboats on the way for 2020.

 

On April 4, the American Steamboat Company will be christening their latest riverboat, the American Countess. The next day, the 245 passenger vessel will depart for Memphis, Tennessee........

 

Click here to read this news report from waterwaysjournal.net.  With Photo

.

Added Sunday

Upcoming Events Saturday, March 14, 2020

Lake Of The Ozarks

The Annual St. Patrick's Day Water Parade Will Feature Two Cruise Boats.........

 

The annual St. Pat's Water Parade is a go for 2020, with two cruise vessels, as over 200 people get ready to embark on the festive bar-hopping event.  The event is set for Saturday, March 14th, beginning at 8 am at Captain Ron's Bar and Grill.

 

Paul Hooper, the Lake West Chamber of Commerce Director says that last year, only one cruise boat was available, but this year there will be two.

 

Originally, the Celebration and the Tropic Island boats had been scheduled for the event, but the Tropic Island boat suddenly became unavailable.  Captain Joe Harvey with Celebration Cruises has stepped up and made the Celebration II available........

 

Click here to read this news story from lakeexpo.com.  With Photos.

.

Added Sunday

Mississippi River At Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Flooding Mississippi River Almost Covering 'Baton Rouge' Letters On Downtown Levee........

 

While Trolling The Internet....  We reeled in a photo gallery that looks at the swollen Mississippi River along the Baton Rouge riverfront.  The 'Baton Rouge' lettering along the levee is nearly obscured by the high water........

 

Click here to check out this photo gallery from theadvocate.com.

.

Added Saturday Afternoon...

 

 

Click here........ Port Charles Harbor website

Click here......Port Charles Harbor Facebook

 

Some Highlights of This Week's

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS

District 8 MRS                                                 UPDATED MARCH 4, 2020

Mississippi River System

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

MILE 273.4 - L/D CLOSURE
Continuing until 5:00 p.m., March 31, 2020, L/D 24 in the vicinity of Mile 273.4, will be closed for maintenance. All navigation interests should be alert for, and abide by, any special instructions that may be issued by the lockmaster.
MILE 241.4 - L/D CLOSURE
Continuing until 5:00 p.m., March 31, 2020, L/D 25 in the vicinity of Mile 241.4, will be closed for maintenance. All navigation interests should be alert for, and abide by, any special instructions that may be issued by the lockmaster

MILE 183.2 - BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION
Merchants Railroad Bridge; Work barges continue excavating around both left and right descending navigation piers and the right descending pier of the center span. Work barges should not encroach more than 50 feet into the navigation channel, at any time. For work barge locations, mariners are encouraged to contact the onsite work boat M/V KATHERINE OHARA via VHF-FM Channel 6 or 16 or by phone at (217) 248-9077.

 

ILLINOIS RIVER

ILLINOIS WATERWAY - CHANNEL CONDITION/SAFETY ADVISORY - UPDATE
The following areas are in the high water watch phase IAW the Western Rivers WAP Annex:

Zone 5 Havana (Mile 128.9 – 102.0) and

Zone 4, Beardstown (Mile 101.9 – Mile 80.3).

High water and drift potential may be encountered in this area. Mariners are advised to minimize wake and exercise caution. Avoid laying up on saturated levees. Mariners should be experienced in high water conditions and avoid down-streaming operations if possible. Mariners should remain vigilant to an increase in debris and maneuver appropriately. Be aware that a buildup of debris in fleeting areas may have occurred and take appropriate actions to prevent breakaways. Exercise caution in all meeting and overtaking situations, as swift currents may be present. Navigational buoys may have been dragged off station, so remain cautious while transiting.

 

Click here  for the current "Local Notice To Mariners" report

 on the Navigation Center Website


 No new incident reports for the St. Louis area
 

Click here to go to the Missouri State Highway Patrol website for "all" incident reports    

 

River Gear For Sale............

 

Click here to buy your River T-shirts and Accessories on-line..

Delivered right to you mailbox in a few short days

RiverBills Facebook

Two FaceBook Pages for You

 

The "River News and Media" Page

Page contains river news, RiverBills Pictures of the Day, Upcoming River Events, info from RiverBills.com advertisers, etc..... Click here and check it out

 

The "Boaters Group" Page

It's a group for all the boaters on all the rivers near the "PORT OF ST. LOUIS AND BEYOND." It's a Public Group, open to anyone that wants to join in. A place to post your boating pictures, shout outs, questions, comments, etc.  Stay in touch with other boaters all year long.  Invite your Boating Friends. 

We have 5,819 members as of 03-08-20....... Click here and check it out. 

 

Mighty Mighty Mississippi Exhibit

Missouri History Museum........

 

 

Mighty Mississippi
Exhibit Dates: 11/23/2019 - 04/18/2021



Admission to the Missouri History Museum and this special exhibit is free.

Mighty Mississippi puts the grandeur of North America’s greatest river in context with the cultures that have grown and thrived around it, from the largest and most influential American Indian centers of the Mississippian cultural period; to the vast European and Indian fur trade networks that forever changed the continent; to the revolutionary steamboats, factories, and immigration of the Industrial Age. Discover the regional heritage of the Middle Mississippi watershed as revealed through a diverse range of stories and artifacts that stem from the Mother of Rivers and its tributaries. Through this mix of historic objects, images, and media, Mighty Mississippi also sheds light on how sustaining surrounding communities has long depended on wisely caring for the river environment and its resources.
Organized by the Missouri History Museum.

 

https://mohistory.org/museum 

 

 

 

Hey Bill,
I don’t know if You had posted this already. But this Exhibit is still there and it looks like it will be there through Mid April.

See Ya On Da River !

Brian Schaffer

 

March 8, 2020

Daylight Savings Time Starts........

 

 

Daylight savings time starts Sunday March 8,2020

"Spring Forward’ tomorrow morning.......

.

 

 

  Website..click here      Facebook Page..click here

 

 Lewis Boat Inventory.. click here

 

Levee Litigation

Maryland Heights Files Suit Against Levee District....  Questions Spending, Tax Collections....

 

The City of Maryland Heights recently filed suit against the Howard Bend Levee District in an effort to recover more than $112,000 paid in 2019 levee taxes and alleged that the district has unnecessary and excessive administration costs.

 

The lawsuit is just the latest controversy over the future of a sizable, low-lying area of bottomland along the Missouri River, which has been sought after by developers and protected by a levee district that some claim is in financial trouble.

 

Last year, one of the biggest taxpayers in the levee district, the Hollywood Casino, had filed suit disputing more than $1 million paid in taxes to the district during 2018 and 2019.  The suit is disputing how the levee district figures it's taxes and accuses the district of using Hollywood's payments for nonpermitted expenses.........

 

Click here to read this news article from stltoday.com.  With Photo.

 

 

125 HARBOR DR, ST. CHARLES, MO 63301

636 250-3446

 

Click here for Website        Click here for Facebook

 

Mississippi River At Alton, Illinois

Alton Preparing For Spring Flooding........

 

Spring flooding along rivers in the Riverbend are nothing new, so the river towns are not going to be surprised to hear the latest forecasts from the National Weather Service.

 

The NWS says that flooding along the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois Rivers is a definite possibility, but a variety of factors will determine how severe the flooding will be.

 

Bob Barnet, Alton's Public Work Director says that they have learned from every flood event and will put that knowledge to good use when necessary........

 

Click here to read this news tidbit from altondailynews.com.  With Photo and Audio.

 

click pic to enlarge

 

We offer full fiberglass repair, high performance upgrades, transom & stringer rebuilds, service on older products, new & used parts department, an accessories department, as well as many other services to suit everyone's boating needs.

We continue to display our Yamaha Sport Boats + Crest, Mercury + Yamaha Outboards and Heritage & Haul Rite trailers

 

 

St. Charles Boat & Motor website      St. Charles Boat & Motor Facebook

 

Mississippi River At Grafton, Illinois

Ice Skating Ending At The Loading Dock........

 

Officials say that The Loading Dock's Ice Rink in Grafton, Illinois will be closing for the season on Monday.  The final sessions will run from noon to 10 pm on Saturday, March 7 and noon to 8 pm on Sunday, March 8.

 

Afton Hughes, the event coordinator for The Loading Dock says that this ice skating season was really fun, nut they are looking forward to warmer weather and music on the patio.

 

Over the nest week, the ice rink will be dismantled in preparation for the Riverside Flea Markets, which are held on the fourth weekend of each month from April through October........

 

Click here to read more from thetelegraph.com.

 

River History....

 

March 7, 2016 in River History

 

Remainder Of The Boone Bridge over the Missouri River at Chesterfield, Mo was demolished by explosives and dropped into the river .
 
The bridge consisted of three spans, the original 1930s era three lane westbound span, the 1980s era eastbound span, and a new eastbound bridge. 
 
The first section of the old Boone Bridge was removed in February of 2016

 

Flooding Awareness

What Makes Flooding Dangerous?  What Lurks Below The Water's Surface?

 

One never knows just what may be hidden within the murky, muddy floodwaters.  KMOV News 4's Meteorologist Meghan Danahey recently took a look at what is hiding in floodwaters and what makes them dangerous and deadly........

 

Click here to watch this news report from kmov.com.

List Your Boat

on RiverBills Classifieds

6 Months for $50.00

From "Now" until "August 2020" 

One month listing on the front page in the featured Classified Section

Six months on the Classified Page.  

 

e-mail your info along with 6 pictures (max) to riverbill@prodigy.net.

 

Click here and check out RiverBills Classifieds Page

We will bill you after the ad is on-line

 

 

OFFERING

THE SWINGING DOCK STEP

 

 

 

Swings out

to bridge the gap between the dock and your boat

for ease of loading and boarding

 

Swings out of the way

 to the

 "Walk Thru"

position on the dock

 

Little Johns Marine Service... click here

Little John's Moptorsports... click here

What's Going On This Week

3rd Chute Bar & Grill
211 W. Main St. Grafton, IL

 

If you didn't already know 3rd Chute both locations have the monster Chute Burger that is 3 buns 2 half pound burgers pulled pork all the toppings with cheese with a side

 

OPEN DAILY ALL YEAR
Just a short walk from Grafton Harbor
Breakfast available every Saturday and Sunday morning from 8am till 12pm

$5.00 lunch specials

Mon - Fri from 11am till 2pm

3rd Chute Upcoming Events.. click here

Abigail's Tap Room

217 E. Main St. Grafton, IL

 

 

Chef Brad Hagen's newest venture located in the Ruebel Hotel. Featuring dishes such as: Appetizers, Gourmet Burgers, Steaks, Smoked Meat, Pizza, Pasta & Fresh Fish. Featuring Craft Beers, a Large Outdoor Patio & a bar from the 1904 World's Fair.

 

Alton Marina

Mississippi River at Alton, IL

 

 

Alton Marina is the cover photo for the

2020 edition of Quimby's Cruising Guide

bluff city grill

424 Broadway, Alton, IL

 

Saturday Specials...
Fried Artichoke Hearts,
Hand Battered Artichoke Hearts Fried Golden topped with Parmesan Cheese served with House Marinara $9.99
Buffalo Chicken Sandwich,
Chicken Breast hand Breaded and Fried Golden tossed in Buffalo Hot Sauce topped with Bleu Cheese Sauce served with Lettuce and Red Onion on a Split Top Gourmet Bun with House Chips $9.99
Teriyaki Glazed Salmon,
8 oz Salmon Fillet topped with a Teriyaki Glaze served with White Rice and Sugar Snapped Peas with choice of soup or salad $17.99
Snow Crab Legs & Fried Tiger Shrimp,
Two Clusters of Snow Crab Legs with Butter paired with Four Hand Breaded Fried Tiger Shrimp served with choice of soup or salad, Loaded Garlic Red Skinned Mashed Potatoes and Fried Corn on the Cob $29.99
$5 Schlafly Pale Ale Pints
$6 Passion Fruit Martini

 

 

Friday, April 17, 2020

We are super excited for Boots, Beer and Borderline | Line Dancing Event coming up on FRIDAY APRIL 17, 2020 in the banquet room at Bluff City Grill in Alton, IL. We will be playing ALL COUNTRY line dance tunes with a dj keeping the line dancing going during band breaks. Doors open at 6:30p with music starting at 7pm, and there is a $5 cover charge at the door. Bluff City Grill has an awesome HARD WOOD dance floor and plenty of room for everyone. Cash bar. You DONT want to miss this event. We'll see y'all there. Bring your friends!


Order online for take out

https://bluffcitygrill.e-tab.com/bluffcitygrill#!/order-type

 

Just a short distance from the Alton Marina

Open 7 Days a week

 

Upcoming Events.. click here

 

The Boathouse

Northshore Marina

 

March 2 through Thursday April 2  The Boathouse will be CLOSING for some cosmetic projects.
 

The Boathouse will OPEN for the 2020 Season on April 2 @12:00pm.


April hours are Thursday thru Sunday with bands every Saturday afternoon and night , Sunday afternoons.
Memorial Day through Labor Day OPEN 7 days a week.
We have so many exciting events this season we can’t wait to see you and share .
 

Hiring event Mid- March.
Bands and entertainment booking now.
Planning parties now .
New menu items for our Keto and gluten sensitivity folks.
 

On the river as always xoxo The Boathouse Crew

 

 

 

Winter hours are : Friday for parties and reservations only.
Saturday 12-7(except parties and events)
Sunday 12-7

 

 

Upcoming Events.. click here

Calhoun Ferry Company

 

 
 

The Golden Eagle Ferry is OPEN

 

 

Cedar Hill Resort

Mississippi River

1 mile below Winfield Dam

 

 

Closed

Con Trios Yacht Club

     

March 20 -22, 2020

IceBreaker 2020

 

Alton Best Western Premier
3559 College Avenue
Alton, IL 62002

 

Registration is Open...
https://ctyc.clubexpress.com/content.aspx

 

Duck Club Yacht Club

 

Closed for the season

 

The Duck Club is the Premier Private Yacht Club serving the Upper Mississippi River, Alton pool boating community. The Club is located at the South end of Dardenne Slough with direct channel access at mm22

Froge's Bar and Grill

Portage des Sioux, MO

 

We will be serving Corned beef, cabbage & taters this Saturday, March 7th 11am until sold out or 10pm.

 

 

Pool Tournament every Sunday 6pm starting 2/2/20, straight 8, double elimination, $5 sign up fee

 

Sat, May 2
Customer Appreciation DAY
Froge's Bar and Grill · Portage Des Sioux

 

March 20th Kitchen will be open Sunday thru Thursday 11am-9pm.
We are CLOSED on Mondays. Kitchen is always open year round Friday & Saturday 11am-10pm

 

Grafton Harbor

Confluence of Mississippi and Illinois Rivers

 


Mark your Calendars, Start Booking Those Cruises, our website has been updated for 2020 and is ready for your reservations! We've added more dinner cruises catered by the award winning Grafton Oyster Bar!

 

Grafton Harbor

Grafton Harbor River Adventures
 

Mark your Calendars, Start Booking Those Cruises, our website has been updated for 2020 and is ready for your reservations! We've added more dinner cruises catered by the award winning Grafton Oyster Bar!

 

Every Saturday & Sunday

 Beginning May 2, 2020

 

Click here for 2020 cruise schedule

Grafton, IL

Confluence of Mississippi  & Illinois Rivers

Two Week Activity  Calendar

 

 

02-26-20  Aeries Winery

Good news! The popular Sugarfire Brunch is now a weekly thing on Sundays. Be sure and check it out (arrive hungry).

Click here and check out "Welcome to Grafton" website

Grafton Oyster Bar

Grafton Harbor

 

 

Open for your Dining Pleasure


 

 

John's Boat Harbor

Mississippi River at UMR 231.8

 

03-04-20

Guess what??! Gassie boy new and improved is working and we have been selling gas.
So if u need gas. We are open 24/7
Whopee
 

Kinder's Restaurant

Mississippi River at Golden Eagle, IL

 

Currently tearing down the old building and then rebuilding

 

"The plan is to keep it in the same location, maybe a little closer to the river and up about 7 ft higher. The building will be just a little smaller with a bigger deck."

 

Amanda

Kinder's Restaurant

 

Lake Center Marina

MM224.4 UMR

.

 

We’re excited to announce 40% OFF all annual docks & slips to new members in 2020 !
http://lakecentermarina.com/new-members

 

Lewis Boats

Marine Sales and Service

 

Feb 28 - Mar 14, 2020

Lewis Boats I-70 Boat Show

 

Come out to the Lewis Boats I-70 Boat Show February 28th- March 14th. We will have boats on display from Barletta Pontoon Boats, Crestliner Boats, Monterey Boats, Sylvan Pontoon Boats, Phoenix Bass Boats and Caymas Boats with factory rebates and incentives. Giveaways on Saturday as well as local tackle vendors and bass and crappie fishing seminars on Saturday the 14th. Stay tuned for more details

Longshot Saloon at Longshot Marina

Mississippi River at

Portage des Sioux, Mo

 

Opening May 2, 2020

 

Mike's La Rosa at Longshot Marina

Mississippi River at

Portage des Sioux, Mo

 

Closed For The Season

 

Polestar Boating Center

Mississippi River

Dardenne Slough 221.5

 

Dock Rentals on the Mississippi River
Safe Harbor Yacht Sales
The Canvas Man, LLC
Vessel Surveyor / Marine Consulting
Quality Marine Repair

Port Charles Harbor

Mississippi River

Dardenne Slough 221.5

 

TowBoat U.S.

Our Safeboat will be on display at the show

Save money & purchase your 2020

Membership at the Boat Show
 

River Road Watersports

Pool 26 of the Mississippi River at Grafton Harbor

 

REOPENING IN THE SPRING FOR THE 2020 SEASON.

KEEP YOUR ANCHOR RIGHT HERE FOR UPDATES.

 

Jet Ski Rentals

Boat Rental

Rafting Float Trip

Riviera Too

Food, Beer, Wine

 

Pizza is here always here for you....

 

3025 N MO-94, St. Charles, Missouri 63301

 

St. Charles Boat & Motor

The Complete Marine

 

 

Winter Hours

  Tue - Fri..9am - 5pm

  Sat - 9am - 2pm

  Sun & Mon..Closed

 

  Two Rivers Marina

  Mississippi River at Louisiana, Mo

 

Leasing slips for the 2020 season. Discount for first time residents!!! residents enjoy a discount on selected items at our store too! Amenities include pool, shower house, on site mechanic, retail store, beer & ice, restaurant, campground and camp sights! Message us, visit the website or call!!.

 

 

02-27-20 Update..Fat Boys Restaurant at Two Rivers Marina

Hi Bill,
They are diligently working to get things in order. The have been working long hours trying to get the building in shape, lots of painting and cleaning. It is going to happen, however they are a bit behind because of Illinois paperwork. I expect an opening sometime in March. They are keeping the name "Fat Boys".

Cindy Blaylock
Two Rivers Marina.

Woodland Marina

UMR 222.8 ...Pool 26 of the Mississippi River

 

02-28-20 Update:

Woodland Marina is looking forward to an exciting boating season.  Our office and bathrooms are currently being renovated and made handicap accessible.  Woodland Marina lies at mile marker 222.5 on the Dardenne Slough and is the largest full-service marina on the Mississippi – family owned since 1959.

We would like to thank our customers and friends for their support during the flooding and our reconstruction.

 

Look for that Silver Lining!

Diane, Carl and Company

 

Yacht Club of St. Louis

Mississippi River

At UMR 225 On Dardenne Slough

 

 

 

Yacht Club tore down due to flood damage.

Rebuilding on Higher ground !

 

 

More Things Going On This Week

click here

 

River Ferries

 

Illinois River

Brussels Ferry............618 - 786-3636

 

Mississippi River

Golden Eagle Ferry ....618-  535-5759

Winfield Ferry.............618-  535-5759

Grafton Ferry............ 1-800-258-6645  ..Closed for the Season

 

 

Last Weekend's Edition of RiverBills....

 

Click here for last weekend's edition of RiverBills

 

Restaurants

Who's Open.. Who's Closed

Who's Open... Who's Closed........
 
3rd Chute Bar & Grill ......................... Open All Year
Abigail's Tap Room Open All Year
Alton Marina Deli Closed for the Season
Arrrr Bar at Grafton Harbor.................. Closed for the Season
Boathouse Food & Deck..................... Open
Cedar Hill Resort................................ Closed
Driftwood Crab Shack @ MRH Resort.. Closed
Duck Club Yacht Club........................ Closed for the season
Froges Bar & Grill.............................. Open All Year
Grafton Harbor Winery & Gift Shop...... Open
Grafton Oyster Bar............................. Open
Kinder's Restaurant.......................... Being rebuilt in same location
Longshot Saloon................................ Opening May 2, 2020
LaRosa Cantina................................. Opening May 21, 2020
Yacht Club of St. Louis..................... Being rebuilt in new location

 

FRIDAY

06 March 2020

 

 

Over 9.4 Million Boater Visits

Since Sept 12, 2004

To The Always Changing e-Waters of RiverBills.com

 

Never Know Who

You Will Run Into From The River

Tony's Restaurant, Alton, IL

(L/R) Kyndall and Jas Sullivan, RiverBill, Sue and Bob Sullivan

 

 

The Picture of the Day....  was taken last night at Tony's Restaurant in Alton, IL

 

 

It's the Sullivan Family

who hail out of the Alton Motorboat Club.

 

Bob and Sue cruise the river in "Miss Chef"

Kyndall and Jas cruise the river in a Blue Ridge Plate Boat

 

 

RiverBill says.... So glad to meet all of you last night.

Thanks for saying Hello !

Happy boating !

 

The Hawg Pitt BBQ Barn

Pool 26 of the Mississippi River at Grafton, IL

(L/R ) Mary Tiemann abd Cory Wiement

with Cory's Motorcycle

Click pic to enlarge

 

 

The Pictures of the Day....  were taken last night at the Hawg Pit BBQ Barn in Grafton, IL

 

 

It's Mary and Cory

Cory signed up the Hawg Pit BBQ

as one of the stops for this year's

Pool 26 River Crawl for the Cure

for Alzheimer's

Saturday, June 20, 2020.

 

How do you get to the Hawg Pit from the Marina ?

The Hawg Pit is one of the Aries Winery's 10 Shuttle Bus stops

The shuttle runs 7 days a week....

 

 

L/R  RiverBill, Mary & Cory

click pic to enlarge

 

1st Donation !

Next time your at the Hawg Pit

make sure to get your name and boat name

on the wall by buying a pinup for this year's event.

You choose the amount...

 

Keep your anchor right here for more information as this year's event develops....

 

 The Boathouse is CLOSED

for some cosmetic projects

March 2 through Thursday April 2
 

 
Facebook.. click here        Events.. click here

Phone: 636 250 3300

 

April Music Schedule.. click here


The Boathouse will OPEN for the 2020 Season on April 2 @12:00pm.

 

April hours are Thursday thru Sunday

 with bands every Saturday afternoon and night , Sunday afternoons.

 

click here for Facebook          click here for website

 

Grafton Harbor.... 618-786-PORT (7678)

 

Grafton Harbor River Adventure Cruises

Mark your Calendars, Start Booking Those Cruises, our website has been updated for 2020 and is ready for your reservations! We've added more dinner cruises catered by the award winning Grafton Oyster Bar !

Every Saturday & Sunday  Beginning May 2, 2020

Click here for 2020 cruise schedule

 

 

First Mate is a boat brokerage located on the beautiful upper Mississippi.

We sell boats and will find you the perfect boat!

 

 Click here for Facebook    Click here for Website    Browse Our Boats

 Yesteryear's Pic of the Day

 

Pool 26 of the Mississippi River

At Grafton, IL

Click pic to enlarge

 

YesterYears Picture on this Day in 2019....

    

The Birds

on the Grafton riverfront by the lighthouse

 

click here for Facebook         Click here for website

 

Alton Marina.... 618-462-9860

 

Spring is right around the corner.

List your Boat on RiverBills

www.RiverBills.com

Featured Classifieds

More Boats on RiverBills.com "All Classifieds Page"

click here

 

OPEN      OPEN      OPEN

 

WED & THUR.. 11AM - 10PM
FRI & SAT...... 11AM - 10PM
SUN............... 11AM - 10PM
CLOSED MON & TUE

 

2020 FESTIVAL & MUSIC SCHEDULE...  click here

Menu..  click here   Website.. click here   Facebook.. click here

 

 

 

River News !  

 

 

 

Click here........ Port Charles Harbor website

Click here......Port Charles Harbor Facebook

 

Some Highlights of This Week's

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS

District 8 MRS                                                 UPDATED MARCH 4, 2020

Mississippi River System

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

MILE 273.4 - L/D CLOSURE
Continuing until 5:00 p.m., March 31, 2020, L/D 24 in the vicinity of Mile 273.4, will be closed for maintenance. All navigation interests should be alert for, and abide by, any special instructions that may be issued by the lockmaster.
MILE 241.4 - L/D CLOSURE
Continuing until 5:00 p.m., March 31, 2020, L/D 25 in the vicinity of Mile 241.4, will be closed for maintenance. All navigation interests should be alert for, and abide by, any special instructions that may be issued by the lockmaster

MILE 183.2 - BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION
Merchants Railroad Bridge; Work barges continue excavating around both left and right descending navigation piers and the right descending pier of the center span. Work barges should not encroach more than 50 feet into the navigation channel, at any time. For work barge locations, mariners are encouraged to contact the onsite work boat M/V KATHERINE OHARA via VHF-FM Channel 6 or 16 or by phone at (217) 248-9077.

 

ILLINOIS RIVER

ILLINOIS WATERWAY - CHANNEL CONDITION/SAFETY ADVISORY - UPDATE
The following areas are in the high water watch phase IAW the Western Rivers WAP Annex:

Zone 5 Havana (Mile 128.9 – 102.0) and

Zone 4, Beardstown (Mile 101.9 – Mile 80.3).

High water and drift potential may be encountered in this area. Mariners are advised to minimize wake and exercise caution. Avoid laying up on saturated levees. Mariners should be experienced in high water conditions and avoid down-streaming operations if possible. Mariners should remain vigilant to an increase in debris and maneuver appropriately. Be aware that a buildup of debris in fleeting areas may have occurred and take appropriate actions to prevent breakaways. Exercise caution in all meeting and overtaking situations, as swift currents may be present. Navigational buoys may have been dragged off station, so remain cautious while transiting.

 

Click here  for the current "Local Notice To Mariners" report

 on the Navigation Center Website


 No new incident reports for the St. Louis area
 

Click here to go to the Missouri State Highway Patrol website for "all" incident reports    

 

River Gear For Sale............

 

Click here to buy your River T-shirts and Accessories on-line..

Delivered right to you mailbox in a few short days

RiverBills Facebook

Two FaceBook Pages for You

 

The "River News and Media" Page

Page contains river news, RiverBills Pictures of the Day, Upcoming River Events, info from RiverBills.com advertisers, etc..... Click here and check it out

 

The "Boaters Group" Page

It's a group for all the boaters on all the rivers near the "PORT OF ST. LOUIS AND BEYOND." It's a Public Group, open to anyone that wants to join in. A place to post your boating pictures, shout outs, questions, comments, etc.  Stay in touch with other boaters all year long.  Invite your Boating Friends. 

We have 5,816 members as of 03-06-20....... Click here and check it out. 

 

 

Mississippi River at Golden Eagle, Illinois

Amanda Kinder Ensuring Family Legacy By Rebuilding Riverfront Restaurant........

 

After being condemned due to last spring's flooding, the owners of Kinders Restaurant are in the process of rebuilding the beloved riverfront restaurant.

 

Kinders originally started as a bar and grocery store in 1939 when Oliver Kinder purchased the property,  The establishment has been in the family ever since, seeing the bar expanded in 1971 and a dining room added in 1981.

 

Current owner Amanda Kinder says that after last year's flood, the county condemned the building, leaving them with two options, rebuild or gut the old building and raise it above the 1993 flood level.

 

Amanda decided to take over the establishment and will rebuild Kinders.  Some of the old bar will be incorporated into the new one, and the restaurant will be in the same spot, but seven feet higher.

 

Amanda said that it was difficult deciding whether she wanted to take over the restaurant.  Her grandmother Ida said that she "would love to see the restaurant remain in the family, at least until I'm gone".  Amanda quipped that she couldn't say no to that and is hoping she can run Kinders as well as her family had........

 

Click here to read this news story from ksdk.com.  With Photos.

 

RiverBill says...  One of our fellow boaters  "Jason Walden" got one of his photo's in the news story !  Congrats Jason and thanks for sending it in to RiverBills.com !

 

 

 

  Website..click here      Facebook Page..click here

 

 Lewis Boat Inventory.. click here

 

Mississippi River Cruising

Officials Monitoring River Travel Amid Coronavirus Concerns........

 

U.S. Coast Guard and American Cruise Line officials are keeping tabs on the international travel at the Port of Greater Baton Rouge along the Mississippi River.

 

The riverboat cruise ships often stop in Baton Rouge, bringing people from as close as Texas to as far away as Canada.  Due to the wide range of travelers American Cruise Lines has implemented coronavirus prevention measures.

 

The actions from the Cruise Lines International Association are:

 

○  CLIA Members are to deny boarding to all persons who have traveled from, visited or transited via airports in Iran, South Korea and China, including Hong Kong and Macau, within 14 days before embarkation.
○  CLIA Members are to deny boarding to all persons who, within 14 days before embarkation, have had close contact with, or helped care for, anyone suspected or diagnosed as having COVID-19, or who is currently subject to health monitoring for possible exposure to COVID-19.
○  CLIA Members are to conduct preboarding screening necessary to effectuate these prevention measures. Enhanced screening and initial medical support are to be provided, as needed, to any persons exhibiting symptoms of suspected COVID-19.......

 

Click here to read this news report from wbrz.com.  With Video.

 

 

125 HARBOR DR, ST. CHARLES, MO 63301

636 250-3446

 

Click here for Website        Click here for Facebook

 

Missouri River Management

Legislators Call For Changes To Mitigate Flooding........

 

U.S. Senators from four states affected by severe flooding along the Missouri River are backing legislation that would require the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers the alter their management of the Missouri  River to reduce the risk of flooding.

 

The legislation was introduced on Thursday and comes on the heels of criticism from residents of flooded regions that the Corps should place flood protection as a higher priority than environmental, recreational or other needs.

 

The measure will require the Corps to take action to reduce flooding risks along the Lower Missouri River by altering the way they manage dams and strengthen the levees along the river.  The legislation has been backed by all of the Senators from Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska.........

 

Source:  stltoday.com.  With Photo.

 

click pic to enlarge

 

We offer full fiberglass repair, high performance upgrades, transom & stringer rebuilds, service on older products, new & used parts department, an accessories department, as well as many other services to suit everyone's boating needs.

We continue to display our Yamaha Sport Boats + Crest, Mercury + Yamaha Outboards and Heritage & Haul Rite trailers

 

 

St. Charles Boat & Motor website      St. Charles Boat & Motor Facebook

 

Mississippi River At Quincy, Illinois

Some Aspects Of Quincy Bay Project Approved........

 

Thursday morning, the Quincy Bay Area Restoration and Enhancement Association and the Quincy Park District  hosted a press conference, where they announced recent approvals for the Quincy Bay project.

 

During the feasibility study, officials will look at a variety of alternatives for the proposed project, including dredging parts of Quincy Bay, the construction of a rock dike/weir structure at the Small Boat Access Channel to reduce sediment transport and the creation of a topically diverse areas higher than flood stage for reforestation.

 

The necessary approval was granted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Interagency Committee, River Resources Coordinating Team and the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program Coordinating Committee........

 

Click here to read this news report from khqa.com.  With Video.


 

Mississippi River At Grand Tower, Illinois

Riverfront Campground Funding Hinges On Locomotive........

 

The Devil's Backbone Park and Campground is tucked away along the Mississippi River in Grand Tower, Illinois.  Last year, the park was decimated by the Great Flood of 2019.

 

To acquire the FEMA grant to rebuild the park, there must be changes made, which includes the relocation of a locomotive.  This stipulation has some residents upset.

 

All of the park's buildings will need to be relocated to the highest point in the park, which is where the locomotive is currently residing.  Park officials wish to preserve the history of the train, and if the funding can be raised to move it, it will remain in the area........

 

Click here to read this news story from kfvs12.com.  With Video.

 

Lower Mississippi River

The Mississippi River is High Right Now........

 

Last night, the Mississippi River rose to 17.1 feet in New Orleans, Louisiana.  This level is considered to be minor flood stage. 

 

The Mississippi River did fall a bit lower Thursday, however, the river did rise to 17 feet later in the day.  The level of the Mississippi River as of Thursday evening was at 16.3 feet.

 

The current river flow past New Orleans is still below the trigger point for opening the Bonnet Carre Spillway.  The Mississippi River is forecasted to fall by Thursday of next week........

 

Click here to read this news article from wdsu.com.  With Video.

 

List Your Boat

on RiverBills Classifieds

6 Months for $50.00

From "Now" until "August 2020" 

One month listing on the front page in the featured Classified Section

Six months on the Classified Page.  

 

e-mail your info along with 6 pictures (max) to riverbill@prodigy.net.

 

Click here and check out RiverBills Classifieds Page

We will bill you after the ad is on-line

 

 

OFFERING

THE SWINGING DOCK STEP

 

 

 

Swings out

to bridge the gap between the dock and your boat

for ease of loading and boarding

 

Swings out of the way

 to the

 "Walk Thru"

position on the dock

 

Little Johns Marine Service... click here

Little John's Moptorsports... click here

What's Going On This Week

3rd Chute Bar & Grill
211 W. Main St. Grafton, IL

 

If you didn't already know 3rd Chute both locations have the monster Chute Burger that is 3 buns 2 half pound burgers pulled pork all the toppings with cheese with a side

 

OPEN DAILY ALL YEAR
Just a short walk from Grafton Harbor
Breakfast available every Saturday and Sunday morning from 8am till 12pm

$5.00 lunch specials

Mon - Fri from 11am till 2pm

3rd Chute Upcoming Events.. click here

Abigail's Tap Room

217 E. Main St. Grafton, IL

 

 

Chef Brad Hagen's newest venture located in the Ruebel Hotel. Featuring dishes such as: Appetizers, Gourmet Burgers, Steaks, Smoked Meat, Pizza, Pasta & Fresh Fish. Featuring Craft Beers, a Large Outdoor Patio & a bar from the 1904 World's Fair.

 

Alton Marina

Mississippi River at Alton, IL

 

 

Alton Marina is the cover photo for the

2020 edition of Quimby's Cruising Guide

bluff city grill

424 Broadway, Alton, IL

 

Friday Specials...


Hand Battered Fried Green Beans served with Cajun Ranch $8.99
Blackened Tilapia Sandwich,
Lightly Blackened Tilapia Fillet served on a Toasted Hoagie Bun with lettuce and onion and topped with Cajun Aioli served with House Chips $9.99
Teriyaki Glazed Salmon,
8 oz Salmon Fillet topped with a Teriyaki Glaze served with White Rice and Sugar Snapped Peas with choice of soup or salad $17.99
Snow Crab Legs & Fried Tiger Shrimp,
Two Clusters of Snow Crab Legs with Butter paired with Four Hand Breaded Fried Tiger Shrimp served with choice of soup or salad, Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes and Fried Corn on the Cob $29.99
$6 Red Sangria
$6 Blood Orange Margarita

 

 

 

Friday, April 17, 2020

We are super excited for Boots, Beer and Borderline | Line Dancing Event coming up on FRIDAY APRIL 17, 2020 in the banquet room at Bluff City Grill in Alton, IL. We will be playing ALL COUNTRY line dance tunes with a dj keeping the line dancing going during band breaks. Doors open at 6:30p with music starting at 7pm, and there is a $5 cover charge at the door. Bluff City Grill has an awesome HARD WOOD dance floor and plenty of room for everyone. Cash bar. You DONT want to miss this event. We'll see y'all there. Bring your friends!


Order online for take out

https://bluffcitygrill.e-tab.com/bluffcitygrill#!/order-type

 

Just a short distance from the Alton Marina

Open 7 Days a week

 

Upcoming Events.. click here

 

The Boathouse

Northshore Marina

 

March 2 through Thursday April 2  The Boathouse will be CLOSING for some cosmetic projects.
 

The Boathouse will OPEN for the 2020 Season on April 2 @12:00pm.


April hours are Thursday thru Sunday with bands every Saturday afternoon and night , Sunday afternoons.
Memorial Day through Labor Day OPEN 7 days a week.
We have so many exciting events this season we can’t wait to see you and share .
 

Hiring event Mid- March.
Bands and entertainment booking now.
Planning parties now .
New menu items for our Keto and gluten sensitivity folks.
 

On the river as always xoxo The Boathouse Crew

 

 

 

Winter hours are : Friday for parties and reservations only.
Saturday 12-7(except parties and events)
Sunday 12-7

 

 

Upcoming Events.. click here

Calhoun Ferry Company

 

 
 

The Golden Eagle Ferry is OPEN

 

 

Cedar Hill Resort

Mississippi River

1 mile below Winfield Dam

 

 

Closed

Con Trios Yacht Club

     

March 20 -22, 2020

IceBreaker 2020

 

Alton Best Western Premier
3559 College Avenue
Alton, IL 62002

 

Registration is Open...
https://ctyc.clubexpress.com/content.aspx

 

Duck Club Yacht Club

 

Closed for the season

 

The Duck Club is the Premier Private Yacht Club serving the Upper Mississippi River, Alton pool boating community. The Club is located at the South end of Dardenne Slough with direct channel access at mm22

Froge's Bar and Grill

Portage des Sioux, MO

 

We will be serving Corned beef, cabbage & taters this Saturday, March 7th 11am until sold out or 10pm.

 

 

Pool Tournament every Sunday 6pm starting 2/2/20, straight 8, double elimination, $5 sign up fee

 

Sat, May 2
Customer Appreciation DAY
Froge's Bar and Grill · Portage Des Sioux

 

March 20th Kitchen will be open Sunday thru Thursday 11am-9pm.
We are CLOSED on Mondays. Kitchen is always open year round Friday & Saturday 11am-10pm

 

Grafton Harbor

Confluence of Mississippi and Illinois Rivers

 


Mark your Calendars, Start Booking Those Cruises, our website has been updated for 2020 and is ready for your reservations! We've added more dinner cruises catered by the award winning Grafton Oyster Bar!

 

Grafton Harbor

Grafton Harbor River Adventures
 

Mark your Calendars, Start Booking Those Cruises, our website has been updated for 2020 and is ready for your reservations! We've added more dinner cruises catered by the award winning Grafton Oyster Bar!

 

Every Saturday & Sunday

 Beginning May 2, 2020

 

Click here for 2020 cruise schedule

Grafton, IL

Confluence of Mississippi  & Illinois Rivers

Two Week Activity  Calendar

 

Click here and check out Grafton's

Event and Music Calendar...Feb 10 - Feb 24, 2020

 

02-26-20  Aeries Winery

Good news! The popular Sugarfire Brunch is now a weekly thing on Sundays. Be sure and check it out (arrive hungry).

Click here and check out "Welcome to Grafton" website

Grafton Oyster Bar

Grafton Harbor

 

 

Open for your Dining Pleasure


 

 

John's Boat Harbor

Mississippi River at UMR 231.8

 

03-04-20

Guess what??! Gassie boy new and improved is working and we have been selling gas.
So if u need gas. We are open 24/7
Whopee
 

Kinder's Restaurant

Mississippi River at Golden Eagle, IL

 

Currently tearing down the old building and then rebuilding

 

"The plan is to keep it in the same location, maybe a little closer to the river and up about 7 ft higher. The building will be just a little smaller with a bigger deck."

 

Amanda

Kinder's Restaurant

 

Lake Center Marina

MM224.4 UMR

.

 

We’re excited to announce 40% OFF all annual docks & slips to new members in 2020 !
http://lakecentermarina.com/new-members

 

Lewis Boats

Marine Sales and Service

 

Feb 28 - Mar 14, 2020

Lewis Boats I-70 Boat Show

 

Come out to the Lewis Boats I-70 Boat Show February 28th- March 14th. We will have boats on display from Barletta Pontoon Boats, Crestliner Boats, Monterey Boats, Sylvan Pontoon Boats, Phoenix Bass Boats and Caymas Boats with factory rebates and incentives. Giveaways on Saturday as well as local tackle vendors and bass and crappie fishing seminars on Saturday the 14th. Stay tuned for more details

Longshot Saloon at Longshot Marina

Mississippi River at

Portage des Sioux, Mo

 

Opening May 2, 2020

 

Mike's La Rosa at Longshot Marina

Mississippi River at

Portage des Sioux, Mo

 

Closed For The Season

 

Polestar Boating Center

Mississippi River

Dardenne Slough 221.5

 

Dock Rentals on the Mississippi River
Safe Harbor Yacht Sales
The Canvas Man, LLC
Vessel Surveyor / Marine Consulting
Quality Marine Repair

Port Charles Harbor

Mississippi River

Dardenne Slough 221.5

 

TowBoat U.S.

Our Safeboat will be on display at the show

Save money & purchase your 2020

Membership at the Boat Show
 

River Road Watersports

Pool 26 of the Mississippi River at Grafton Harbor

 

REOPENING IN THE SPRING FOR THE 2020 SEASON.

KEEP YOUR ANCHOR RIGHT HERE FOR UPDATES.

 

Jet Ski Rentals

Boat Rental

Rafting Float Trip

Riviera Too

Food, Beer, Wine

 

Pizza is here always here for you....

 

3025 N MO-94, St. Charles, Missouri 63301

 

St. Charles Boat & Motor

The Complete Marine

 

 

Winter Hours

  Tue - Fri..9am - 5pm

  Sat - 9am - 2pm

  Sun & Mon..Closed

 

  Two Rivers Marina

  Mississippi River at Louisiana, Mo

 

Leasing slips for the 2020 season. Discount for first time residents!!! residents enjoy a discount on selected items at our store too! Amenities include pool, shower house, on site mechanic, retail store, beer & ice, restaurant, campground and camp sights! Message us, visit the website or call!!.

 

 

02-27-20 Update..Fat Boys Restaurant at Two Rivers Marina

Hi Bill,
They are diligently working to get things in order. The have been working long hours trying to get the building in shape, lots of painting and cleaning. It is going to happen, however they are a bit behind because of Illinois paperwork. I expect an opening sometime in March. They are keeping the name "Fat Boys".

Cindy Blaylock
Two Rivers Marina.

Woodland Marina

UMR 222.8 ...Pool 26 of the Mississippi River

 

02-28-20 Update:

Woodland Marina is looking forward to an exciting boating season.  Our office and bathrooms are currently being renovated and made handicap accessible.  Woodland Marina lies at mile marker 222.5 on the Dardenne Slough and is the largest full-service marina on the Mississippi – family owned since 1959.

We would like to thank our customers and friends for their support during the flooding and our reconstruction.

 

Look for that Silver Lining!

Diane, Carl and Company

 

Yacht Club of St. Louis

Mississippi River

At UMR 225 On Dardenne Slough

 

 

 

Yacht Club tore down due to flood damage.

Rebuilding on Higher ground !

 

 

More Things Going On This Week

click here

 

River Ferries

 

Illinois River

Brussels Ferry............618 - 786-3636

 

Mississippi River

Golden Eagle Ferry ....618-  535-5759

Winfield Ferry.............618-  535-5759

Grafton Ferry............ 1-800-258-6645  ..Closed for the Season

 

 

Last Weekend's Edition of RiverBills....

 

Click here for last weekend's edition of RiverBills

 

Restaurants

Who's Open.. Who's Closed

Who's Open... Who's Closed........
 
3rd Chute Bar & Grill ......................... Open All Year
Abigail's Tap Room Open All Year
Alton Marina Deli Closed for the Season
Arrrr Bar at Grafton Harbor.................. Closed for the Season
Boathouse Food & Deck..................... Open
Cedar Hill Resort................................ Closed
Driftwood Crab Shack @ MRH Resort.. Closed
Duck Club Yacht Club........................ Closed for the season
Froges Bar & Grill.............................. Open All Year
Grafton Harbor Winery & Gift Shop...... Open
Grafton Oyster Bar............................. Open
Kinder's Restaurant.......................... Being rebuilt in same location
Longshot Saloon................................ Opening May 2, 2020
LaRosa Cantina................................. Opening May 21, 2020
Yacht Club of St. Louis..................... Being rebuilt in new location

 

THURSDAY

05 March 2020

 

 

Over 9.4 Million Boater Visits

Since Sept 12, 2004

To The Always Changing e-Waters of RiverBills.com

 

Alton Motorboat Club Demolition

Pool 26 of the Mississippi River at Piasa Creek

 

 

Click pic to enlarge

 

 

The Pictures of the Day....  were taken by Jennifer Sorrells Gillis

 

 

Check out more of Jennifer's photo's

of the demolition of the Alton Motorboat Club  ... click here

 

 

 

RiverBill says... Thanks for letting us post a couple of your pictures Jennifer

 

Alton Motorboat Club Update........

 

RiverBill,

It’s been a long road dealing with COE, FEMA and Jersey County not to mention all the hard labor involved with this. We built a wall and had pumps running but the crest was too much. Anyway we hired Jun construction to build a new elevated clubhouse shell. We will then work on finishing the inside. With good weather and no flooding the building should be up in 90 days.

Brad Maher

Alton MotoBoat Club

 

 

 The Boathouse is CLOSED

for some cosmetic projects

March 2 through Thursday April 2
 

 
 Facebook.. click here        Events.. click here

Phone: 636 250 3300

 

April Music Schedule.. click here


The Boathouse will OPEN for the 2020 Season on April 2 @12:00pm.

 

April hours are Thursday thru Sunday

 with bands every Saturday afternoon and night , Sunday afternoons.

 

click here for Facebook          click here for website

 

Grafton Harbor.... 618-786-PORT (7678)

 

Grafton Harbor River Adventure Cruises

Mark your Calendars, Start Booking Those Cruises, our website has been updated for 2020 and is ready for your reservations! We've added more dinner cruises catered by the award winning Grafton Oyster Bar !

Every Saturday & Sunday  Beginning May 2, 2020

Click here for 2020 cruise schedule

 

 

First Mate is a boat brokerage located on the beautiful upper Mississippi.

We sell boats and will find you the perfect boat!

 

 Click here for Facebook    Click here for Website    Browse Our Boats

 Yesteryear's Pic of the Day

 

Lots of Ice

Dardenne Slough

Pool 26 of the Mississippi River

Click pic to enlarge

 

YesterYears Picture on this Day in 2019.... was from the Boathouse Food and Deck  Webcam

    

 

Go to www.RiverWebCams.com

for the last 10 pictures from the Boathouse webcam

click here for Facebook         Click here for website

 

Alton Marina.... 618-462-9860

 

Spring is right around the corner.

List your Boat on RiverBills

www.RiverBills.com

Featured Classifieds

More Boats on RiverBills.com "All Classifieds Page"

click here

 

OPEN      OPEN      OPEN

 

WED & THUR.. 11AM - 10PM
FRI & SAT...... 11AM - 10PM
SUN............... 11AM - 10PM
CLOSED MON & TUE

 

2020 FESTIVAL & MUSIC SCHEDULE...  click here

Menu..  click here   Website.. click here   Facebook.. click here

 

 

 

River News !  

 

 

 

Click here........ Port Charles Harbor website

Click here......Port Charles Harbor Facebook

 

Some Highlights of This Week's

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS

District 8 MRS                                                 UPDATED MARCH 4, 2020

Mississippi River System

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

MILE 273.4 - L/D CLOSURE
Continuing until 5:00 p.m., March 31, 2020, L/D 24 in the vicinity of Mile 273.4, will be closed for maintenance. All navigation interests should be alert for, and abide by, any special instructions that may be issued by the lockmaster.
MILE 241.4 - L/D CLOSURE
Continuing until 5:00 p.m., March 31, 2020, L/D 25 in the vicinity of Mile 241.4, will be closed for maintenance. All navigation interests should be alert for, and abide by, any special instructions that may be issued by the lockmaster

MILE 183.2 - BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION
Merchants Railroad Bridge; Work barges continue excavating around both left and right descending navigation piers and the right descending pier of the center span. Work barges should not encroach more than 50 feet into the navigation channel, at any time. For work barge locations, mariners are encouraged to contact the onsite work boat M/V KATHERINE OHARA via VHF-FM Channel 6 or 16 or by phone at (217) 248-9077.

 

ILLINOIS RIVER

ILLINOIS WATERWAY - CHANNEL CONDITION/SAFETY ADVISORY - UPDATE
The following areas are in the high water watch phase IAW the Western Rivers WAP Annex:

Zone 5 Havana (Mile 128.9 – 102.0) and

Zone 4, Beardstown (Mile 101.9 – Mile 80.3).

High water and drift potential may be encountered in this area. Mariners are advised to minimize wake and exercise caution. Avoid laying up on saturated levees. Mariners should be experienced in high water conditions and avoid down-streaming operations if possible. Mariners should remain vigilant to an increase in debris and maneuver appropriately. Be aware that a buildup of debris in fleeting areas may have occurred and take appropriate actions to prevent breakaways. Exercise caution in all meeting and overtaking situations, as swift currents may be present. Navigational buoys may have been dragged off station, so remain cautious while transiting.

 

Click here  for the current "Local Notice To Mariners" report

 on the Navigation Center Website


 No new incident reports for the St. Louis area
 

Click here to go to the Missouri State Highway Patrol website for "all" incident reports    

 

River Gear For Sale............

 

Click here to buy your River T-shirts and Accessories on-line..

Delivered right to you mailbox in a few short days

RiverBills Facebook

Two FaceBook Pages for You

 

The "River News and Media" Page

Page contains river news, RiverBills Pictures of the Day, Upcoming River Events, info from RiverBills.com advertisers, etc..... Click here and check it out

 

The "Boaters Group" Page

It's a group for all the boaters on all the rivers near the "PORT OF ST. LOUIS AND BEYOND." It's a Public Group, open to anyone that wants to join in. A place to post your boating pictures, shout outs, questions, comments, etc.  Stay in touch with other boaters all year long.  Invite your Boating Friends. 

We have 5,813 members as of 03-05-20....... Click here and check it out. 

 

Mississippi River At Alton, Illinois

Riverview Drive Plans May Be Revealed Next Week........

 

It has been almost two months since the mudslide destroyed the wall along Riverview Drive, and officials will likely be able to submit a proposal for repairing the wall next week.

 

According to Alton City Public Works Director Bob Barnhart, Sheppard Morgan and Schwaab will most likely have some proposals to show to the Alton City Council during next week's meeting.

 

Barnhart says that the project is quite unique in nature, and until a repair plan has been chosen, an accurate price or timeline for the project cannot be established........

 

Click here to read this news story from altondailynews.com.  With Audio.

 

 

  Website..click here      Facebook Page..click here

 

 Lewis Boat Inventory.. click here

 

Fishing News

New Fishing Rod Records Where and When A Fish Is Caught........

 

ANGLR, Lowrance and Abu Garcia recently announced the development of a virtual fishing rod that has the abillity to plan, record and relive experiences while using data to catch more fish.

 

The ANGLR app is basically a link between the Abu Garcia Virtual Rod and compatible Lowrance plotters and fishfinders.  Anglers can record fishing data by depressing a button on the rod, thus eliminating the need to stop fishing to record data.

 

ANGLR CEO Henry Gnad says that when linked via the ANGLR app, Abu Garcia's Virtual Fishing Rod and Lowrance's premier fishfinders, anglers can auto-record fishing trips without missing a moment of the action........

 

Click here to read this news story from tradeonlytoday.com

 

 

Reprinted from St. Louis Boat & Sportshow email

 

125 HARBOR DR, ST. CHARLES, MO 63301

636 250-3446

 

Click here for Website        Click here for Facebook

 

Mississippi River Near New Orleans, Louisiana

River Road Covered By Mississippi River Water........

 

While Trolling The Internet....  We reeled in a photo gallery showing some scenes of flooding as water from the Mississippi River is pouring through the pins in the Bonnet Carre Spillway.

 

River Road, which runs through the spillway, has been closed due to the high water flowing through the flood control structure.   Portions of the roadway have been damaged as well........

 

Click here to check out these photos from nola.com.

 

click pic to enlarge

 

We offer full fiberglass repair, high performance upgrades, transom & stringer rebuilds, service on older products, new & used parts department, an accessories department, as well as many other services to suit everyone's boating needs.

We continue to display our Yamaha Sport Boats + Crest, Mercury + Yamaha Outboards and Heritage & Haul Rite trailers

 

 

St. Charles Boat & Motor website      St. Charles Boat & Motor Facebook

 

John's Boat Harbor

Mississippi River at UMR 231.8

 

03-04-20

Guess what??! Gassie boy new and improved is working and we have been selling gas.
So if u need gas. We are open 24/7
Whopee
 

US Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District

Lake Pepin Ice Measurements.......

 

Reprinted from US Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District Facebook... click here

 

St. Louis District, US Army Corps of Engineers

Veterans Curation Program........

 

Reprinted from St. Louis District, Us Army Corps of Engineers Facebook... click here

 

Missouri River At St. Charles, Missouri

Traffic Switch To Cause Delays On Blanchette Bridge........

 

The Missouri Department of Transportation has announced that this weekend, there will be significant delays along Interstate 70 at the Blanchette Bridge as crews prepare for the traffic switch.

 

On Thursday, March 5, from 8 am to 2 pm, up to two westbound lanes will be closed.  On Friday, March 6, the northbound Route 141 to Westbound I-70 ramp will be closed until 5 pm Saturday.  Up to three westbound lanes will be shut down as well on Saturday in preparation for transferring two eastbound lanes to the westbound span.

 

Starting Monday, March 9th, the westbound span will be reduced to three lanes until Mid-November 2020, and the eastbound span will be reduced to four lanes through November 2020........

 

Click here to read this news article from kmov.com. 

 

Upcoming Events March 5 - 8, 2020

Boat Show News

St. Charles Boat Show Opening Today........

 

This weekend, the Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealers Association will be hosting the 2020 St. Charles Boat Show at the St. Charles Convention Center.

 

The 2020 St. Charles Boat Show will run from Thursday, March 5 through Sunday, March 8.  Tickets are $9 for adults, $5 for kids 6 - 12 and free for kids under 6.

 

There will be a wide variety of boats, accessories and boating lifestyle add-on exhibited at the show.  Among the boat dealers at the show will be Big Thunder Marine, MarineMax, Premier 54, Surdyke Yamaha and many more.........

 

Click here to read more from lakeexpo.com.  With Photos.

 

List Your Boat

on RiverBills Classifieds

6 Months for $50.00

From "Now" until "August 2020" 

One month listing on the front page in the featured Classified Section

Six months on the Classified Page.  

 

e-mail your info along with 6 pictures (max) to riverbill@prodigy.net.

 

Click here and check out RiverBills Classifieds Page

We will bill you after the ad is on-line

 

 

OFFERING

THE SWINGING DOCK STEP

 

 

 

Swings out

to bridge the gap between the dock and your boat

for ease of loading and boarding

 

Swings out of the way

 to the

 "Walk Thru"

position on the dock

 

Little Johns Marine Service... click here

Little John's Moptorsports... click here

What's Going On This Week

3rd Chute Bar & Grill
211 W. Main St. Grafton, IL

 

If you didn't already know 3rd Chute both locations have the monster Chute Burger that is 3 buns 2 half pound burgers pulled pork all the toppings with cheese with a side

 

OPEN DAILY ALL YEAR
Just a short walk from Grafton Harbor
Breakfast available every Saturday and Sunday morning from 8am till 12pm

$5.00 lunch specials

Mon - Fri from 11am till 2pm

3rd Chute Upcoming Events.. click here

Abigail's Tap Room

217 E. Main St. Grafton, IL

 

 

Chef Brad Hagen's newest venture located in the Ruebel Hotel. Featuring dishes such as: Appetizers, Gourmet Burgers, Steaks, Smoked Meat, Pizza, Pasta & Fresh Fish. Featuring Craft Beers, a Large Outdoor Patio & a bar from the 1904 World's Fair.

 

Alton Marina

Mississippi River at Alton, IL

 

 

Alton Marina is the cover photo for the

2020 edition of Quimby's Cruising Guide

bluff city grill

424 Broadway, Alton, IL

 

Thursday Specials...


Caprese Chicken Flatbread,
Crispy Oven Baked Flatbread topped with Basil, Baby Spinach, Mozzarella Cheese, Diced Tomatoes and Grilled Chicken then drizzled with Balsamic Vinaigrette served with House Chips $9.99
Fiesta Chicken Pasta,
Blackened Chicken Breast sautéed with onions, green peppers, tomatoes and roasted red peppers tossed in a Spicy Alfredo Sauce with Bow Tie Pasta topped with Parmesan Cheeses served with choice of soup or salad $14.99
$2 Bud Light Pints
Hop Slam on Tap!!

 

 

 

Friday, April 17, 2020

We are super excited for Boots, Beer and Borderline | Line Dancing Event coming up on FRIDAY APRIL 17, 2020 in the banquet room at Bluff City Grill in Alton, IL. We will be playing ALL COUNTRY line dance tunes with a dj keeping the line dancing going during band breaks. Doors open at 6:30p with music starting at 7pm, and there is a $5 cover charge at the door. Bluff City Grill has an awesome HARD WOOD dance floor and plenty of room for everyone. Cash bar. You DONT want to miss this event. We'll see y'all there. Bring your friends!


Order online for take out

https://bluffcitygrill.e-tab.com/bluffcitygrill#!/order-type

 

Just a short distance from the Alton Marina

Open 7 Days a week

 

Upcoming Events.. click here

 

The Boathouse

Northshore Marina

 

March 2 through Thursday April 2  The Boathouse will be CLOSING for some cosmetic projects.
 

The Boathouse will OPEN for the 2020 Season on April 2 @12:00pm.


April hours are Thursday thru Sunday with bands every Saturday afternoon and night , Sunday afternoons.
Memorial Day through Labor Day OPEN 7 days a week.
We have so many exciting events this season we can’t wait to see you and share .
 

Hiring event Mid- March.
Bands and entertainment booking now.
Planning parties now .
New menu items for our Keto and gluten sensitivity folks.
 

On the river as always xoxo The Boathouse Crew

 

 

 

Winter hours are : Friday for parties and reservations only.
Saturday 12-7(except parties and events)
Sunday 12-7

 

 

Upcoming Events.. click here

Calhoun Ferry Company

 

 
 

The Golden Eagle Ferry is OPEN

 

 

Cedar Hill Resort

Mississippi River

1 mile below Winfield Dam

 

 

Closed

Con Trios Yacht Club

     

March 20 -22, 2020

IceBreaker 2020

 

Alton Best Western Premier
3559 College Avenue
Alton, IL 62002

 

Registration is Open...
https://ctyc.clubexpress.com/content.aspx

 

Duck Club Yacht Club

 

Closed for the season

 

The Duck Club is the Premier Private Yacht Club serving the Upper Mississippi River, Alton pool boating community. The Club is located at the South end of Dardenne Slough with direct channel access at mm22

Froge's Bar and Grill

Portage des Sioux, MO

 

We will be serving Corned beef, cabbage & taters this Saturday, March 7th 11am until sold out or 10pm.

 

 

Pool Tournament every Sunday 6pm starting 2/2/20, straight 8, double elimination, $5 sign up fee

 

Sat, May 2
Customer Appreciation DAY
Froge's Bar and Grill · Portage Des Sioux

 

March 20th Kitchen will be open Sunday thru Thursday 11am-9pm.
We are CLOSED on Mondays. Kitchen is always open year round Friday & Saturday 11am-10pm

 

Grafton Harbor

Confluence of Mississippi and Illinois Rivers

 


Mark your Calendars, Start Booking Those Cruises, our website has been updated for 2020 and is ready for your reservations! We've added more dinner cruises catered by the award winning Grafton Oyster Bar!

 

Grafton Harbor

Grafton Harbor River Adventures
 

Mark your Calendars, Start Booking Those Cruises, our website has been updated for 2020 and is ready for your reservations! We've added more dinner cruises catered by the award winning Grafton Oyster Bar!

 

Every Saturday & Sunday

 Beginning May 2, 2020

 

Click here for 2020 cruise schedule

Grafton, IL

Confluence of Mississippi  & Illinois Rivers

Two Week Activity  Calendar

 

Click here and check out Grafton's

Event and Music Calendar...Feb 10 - Feb 24, 2020

 

02-26-20  Aeries Winery

Good news! The popular Sugarfire Brunch is now a weekly thing on Sundays. Be sure and check it out (arrive hungry).

Click here and check out "Welcome to Grafton" website

Grafton Oyster Bar

Grafton Harbor

 

 

Open for your Dining Pleasure


 

 

John's Boat Harbor

Mississippi River at UMR 231.8

 

03-04-20

Guess what??! Gassie boy new and improved is working and we have been selling gas.
So if u need gas. We are open 24/7
Whopee
 

Kinder's Restaurant

Mississippi River at Golden Eagle, IL

 

Currently tearing down the old building and then rebuilding

 

"The plan is to keep it in the same location, maybe a little closer to the river and up about 7 ft higher. The building will be just a little smaller with a bigger deck."

 

Amanda

Kinder's Restaurant

 

Lake Center Marina

MM224.4 UMR

.

 

We’re excited to announce 40% OFF all annual docks & slips to new members in 2020 !
http://lakecentermarina.com/new-members

 

Lewis Boats

Marine Sales and Service

 

Feb 28 - Mar 14, 2020

Lewis Boats I-70 Boat Show

 

Come out to the Lewis Boats I-70 Boat Show February 28th- March 14th. We will have boats on display from Barletta Pontoon Boats, Crestliner Boats, Monterey Boats, Sylvan Pontoon Boats, Phoenix Bass Boats and Caymas Boats with factory rebates and incentives. Giveaways on Saturday as well as local tackle vendors and bass and crappie fishing seminars on Saturday the 14th. Stay tuned for more details

Longshot Saloon at Longshot Marina

Mississippi River at

Portage des Sioux, Mo

 

Opening May 2, 2020

 

Mike's La Rosa at Longshot Marina

Mississippi River at

Portage des Sioux, Mo

 

Closed For The Season

 

Polestar Boating Center

Mississippi River

Dardenne Slough 221.5

 

Dock Rentals on the Mississippi River
Safe Harbor Yacht Sales
The Canvas Man, LLC
Vessel Surveyor / Marine Consulting
Quality Marine Repair

Port Charles Harbor

Mississippi River

Dardenne Slough 221.5

 

TowBoat U.S.

Our Safeboat will be on display at the show

Save money & purchase your 2020

Membership at the Boat Show
 

River Road Watersports

Pool 26 of the Mississippi River at Grafton Harbor

 

REOPENING IN THE SPRING FOR THE 2020 SEASON.

KEEP YOUR ANCHOR RIGHT HERE FOR UPDATES.

 

Jet Ski Rentals

Boat Rental

Rafting Float Trip

Riviera Too

Food, Beer, Wine

 

Pizza is here always here for you....

 

3025 N MO-94, St. Charles, Missouri 63301

 

St. Charles Boat & Motor

The Complete Marine

 

 

Winter Hours

  Tue - Fri..9am - 5pm

  Sat - 9am - 2pm

  Sun & Mon..Closed

 

  Two Rivers Marina

  Mississippi River at Louisiana, Mo

 

Leasing slips for the 2020 season. Discount for first time residents!!! residents enjoy a discount on selected items at our store too! Amenities include pool, shower house, on site mechanic, retail store, beer & ice, restaurant, campground and camp sights! Message us, visit the website or call!!.

 

 

02-27-20 Update..Fat Boys Restaurant at Two Rivers Marina

Hi Bill,
They are diligently working to get things in order. The have been working long hours trying to get the building in shape, lots of painting and cleaning. It is going to happen, however they are a bit behind because of Illinois paperwork. I expect an opening sometime in March. They are keeping the name "Fat Boys".

Cindy Blaylock
Two Rivers Marina.

Woodland Marina

UMR 222.8 ...Pool 26 of the Mississippi River

 

02-28-20 Update:

Woodland Marina is looking forward to an exciting boating season.  Our office and bathrooms are currently being renovated and made handicap accessible.  Woodland Marina lies at mile marker 222.5 on the Dardenne Slough and is the largest full-service marina on the Mississippi – family owned since 1959.

We would like to thank our customers and friends for their support during the flooding and our reconstruction.

 

Look for that Silver Lining!

Diane, Carl and Company

 

Yacht Club of St. Louis

Mississippi River

At UMR 225 On Dardenne Slough

 

 

 

Yacht Club tore down due to flood damage.

Rebuilding on Higher ground !

 

 

More Things Going On This Week

click here

 

River Ferries

 

Illinois River

Brussels Ferry............618 - 786-3636

 

Mississippi River

Golden Eagle Ferry ....618-  535-5759

Winfield Ferry.............618-  535-5759

Grafton Ferry............ 1-800-258-6645  ..Closed for the Season

 

 

Last Weekend's Edition of RiverBills....

 

Click here for last weekend's edition of RiverBills

 

Restaurants

Who's Open.. Who's Closed

Who's Open... Who's Closed........
 
3rd Chute Bar & Grill ......................... Open All Year
Abigail's Tap Room Open All Year
Alton Marina Deli Closed for the Season
Arrrr Bar at Grafton Harbor.................. Closed for the Season
Boathouse Food & Deck..................... Open
Cedar Hill Resort................................ Closed
Driftwood Crab Shack @ MRH Resort.. Closed
Duck Club Yacht Club........................ Closed for the season
Froges Bar & Grill.............................. Open All Year
Grafton Harbor Winery & Gift Shop...... Open
Grafton Oyster Bar............................. Open
Kinder's Restaurant.......................... Being rebuilt in same location
Longshot Saloon................................ Opening May 2, 2020
LaRosa Cantina................................. Opening May 21, 2020
Yacht Club of St. Louis..................... Being rebuilt in new location

 

WEDNESDAY

04 March 2020

 

 

Over 9.4 Million Boater Visits

Since Sept 12, 2004

To The Always Changing e-Waters of RiverBills.com

 

Melvin Price Lock and Dam

Mississippi River at Alton, IL

 

Click pic to enlarge

 

 

The Pictures of the Day....  were sent to us b Capt'n Brad Maher

 

RiverBill,

Gates are down at Melvin Price but lower end of pool 26 still fairly low. There is no normal pool anymore. Also COE put in a lot of big rock by auxiliary lock and Boat Club has a few open slips if anyone is interested.

Brad Maher
Alton Motorboat Club

 

Mississippi River at Rock Island, IL

Click pic to enlarge

 

 

The Picture of the Day.... 

 

Work going on yesterday at Lock and Dam15

Photo from

US Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District webcam.. click here

 

 

 The Boathouse is CLOSED

for some cosmetic projects

March 2 through Thursday April 2
 

 
Facebook.. click here        Events.. click here

Phone: 636 250 3300

 

April Music Schedule.. click here


The Boathouse will OPEN for the 2020 Season on April 2 @12:00pm.

 

April hours are Thursday thru Sunday

 with bands every Saturday afternoon and night , Sunday afternoons.

 

click here for Facebook          click here for website

 

Grafton Harbor.... 618-786-PORT (7678)

 

Grafton Harbor River Adventure Cruises

Mark your Calendars, Start Booking Those Cruises, our website has been updated for 2020 and is ready for your reservations! We've added more dinner cruises catered by the award winning Grafton Oyster Bar !

Every Saturday & Sunday  Beginning May 2, 2020

Click here for 2020 cruise schedule

 

 

First Mate is a boat brokerage located on the beautiful upper Mississippi.

We sell boats and will find you the perfect boat!

 

 Click here for Facebook    Click here for Website    Browse Our Boats

 Yesteryear's Pic of the Day

 

Always Changing

Pool 26 of the Mississippi River

At Portage des Sioux, Mo

 

 

Click pic to enlarge

 

YesterYears Picture of the Day in 2019.... were posted on RiverBills Boater's Group facebook page by Capt'n Mark Newlin who hails out of Portage des Sioux, Mo

 

Mark posted an AM shot of the Mississippi River

with the fog so thick the river wasn't visible from his house

and

an afternoon shot of a north bound tow after fog lifted.

 

click here for Facebook         Click here for website

 

Alton Marina.... 618-462-9860

 

Spring is right around the corner.

List your Boat on RiverBills

www.RiverBills.com

Featured Classifieds

More Boats on RiverBills.com "All Classifieds Page"

click here

 

OPEN      OPEN      OPEN

 

WED & THUR.. 11AM - 10PM
FRI & SAT...... 11AM - 10PM
SUN............... 11AM - 10PM
CLOSED MON & TUE

 

2020 FESTIVAL & MUSIC SCHEDULE...  click here

Menu..  click here   Website.. click here   Facebook.. click here

 

 

 

River News !  

 

 

 

Click here........ Port Charles Harbor website

Click here......Port Charles Harbor Facebook

 

Some Highlights of This Week's

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS

District 8 MRS                                                 UPDATED MARCH 4, 2020

Mississippi River System

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

MILE 273.4 - L/D CLOSURE
Continuing until 5:00 p.m., March 31, 2020, L/D 24 in the vicinity of Mile 273.4, will be closed for maintenance. All navigation interests should be alert for, and abide by, any special instructions that may be issued by the lockmaster.
MILE 241.4 - L/D CLOSURE
Continuing until 5:00 p.m., March 31, 2020, L/D 25 in the vicinity of Mile 241.4, will be closed for maintenance. All navigation interests should be alert for, and abide by, any special instructions that may be issued by the lockmaster

MILE 183.2 - BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION
Merchants Railroad Bridge; Work barges continue excavating around both left and right descending navigation piers and the right descending pier of the center span. Work barges should not encroach more than 50 feet into the navigation channel, at any time. For work barge locations, mariners are encouraged to contact the onsite work boat M/V KATHERINE OHARA via VHF-FM Channel 6 or 16 or by phone at (217) 248-9077.

 

ILLINOIS RIVER

ILLINOIS WATERWAY - CHANNEL CONDITION/SAFETY ADVISORY - UPDATE
The following areas are in the high water watch phase IAW the Western Rivers WAP Annex:

Zone 5 Havana (Mile 128.9 – 102.0) and

Zone 4, Beardstown (Mile 101.9 – Mile 80.3).

High water and drift potential may be encountered in this area. Mariners are advised to minimize wake and exercise caution. Avoid laying up on saturated levees. Mariners should be experienced in high water conditions and avoid down-streaming operations if possible. Mariners should remain vigilant to an increase in debris and maneuver appropriately. Be aware that a buildup of debris in fleeting areas may have occurred and take appropriate actions to prevent breakaways. Exercise caution in all meeting and overtaking situations, as swift currents may be present. Navigational buoys may have been dragged off station, so remain cautious while transiting.

 

Click here  for the current "Local Notice To Mariners" report

 on the Navigation Center Website


 No new incident reports for the St. Louis area
 

Click here to go to the Missouri State Highway Patrol website for "all" incident reports    

 

River Gear For Sale............

 

Click here to buy your River T-shirts and Accessories on-line..

Delivered right to you mailbox in a few short days

RiverBills Facebook

Two FaceBook Pages for You

 

The "River News and Media" Page

Page contains river news, RiverBills Pictures of the Day, Upcoming River Events, info from RiverBills.com advertisers, etc..... Click here and check it out

 

The "Boaters Group" Page

It's a group for all the boaters on all the rivers near the "PORT OF ST. LOUIS AND BEYOND." It's a Public Group, open to anyone that wants to join in. A place to post your boating pictures, shout outs, questions, comments, etc.  Stay in touch with other boaters all year long.  Invite your Boating Friends. 

We have 5,809 members as of 03-04-20....... Click here and check it out. 

 

Missouri River Management

Corps Reducing Releases Into The Lower Missouri River........

 

On Monday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced that they will be reducing the amount of water being released from the Gavins Point Dam into the Lower Missouri River so that the river levels won't interfere with ongoing levee repairs.

 

The Corps said that the releases will be reduced from 35,000 cubic feet per second from 38,000 cubic feet per second.  Even at this new level, the releases are more than double what is usual for this time of year.

 

Currently, the Corps is working to clear out as much water storage space in the reservoirs in anticipation of what will likely be another wet year........

Source:  stltoday.com.

 

 

  Website..click here      Facebook Page..click here

 

 Lewis Boat Inventory.. click here

 

Mississippi River At Alton, Illinois

Man And Dog Rescued From The River........

 

A couple was walking their leashed dog along the Alton riverfront Monday evening.  The man and the dog, however, took a swim in the Mississippi River as well.

 

According to Alton Fire Chief Jesse Jemison, the couple was walking their dog shortly before 6 pm, when the dog broke free and ran to the river's edge.  As the couple approached the dog, it startled and fell into the water.

 

The unidentified man jumped into the river and was able to reach the dog.  They made it to a piling and the man held on.  First on scene was Battalion Chief Robert Franke, who was able to lower a rope the man, and he and the woman pulled the man to safety.  Alton's Fire/Rescue boat arrived by that time and picked up the dog........

 

Click here to read this news story from thetelegraph.com.  With Photos

Alton Motorboat Club

File Photo

 

Alton Motorboat Club

Starting Teardown Wednesday March 4, 2020

Pool 26 of the Mississippi River at Piasa Creek........

 

Reprinted from Alton Motorboat Club Facebook.. click here

 

 

125 HARBOR DR, ST. CHARLES, MO 63301

636 250-3446

 

Click here for Website        Click here for Facebook

 

Good News !

US Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District

Headwaters Resivoirs Drawdown Update........

 

Reprinted from US Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District Facebook.. click here

 

click pic to enlarge

 

We offer full fiberglass repair, high performance upgrades, transom & stringer rebuilds, service on older products, new & used parts department, an accessories department, as well as many other services to suit everyone's boating needs.

We continue to display our Yamaha Sport Boats + Crest, Mercury + Yamaha Outboards and Heritage & Haul Rite trailers

 

 

St. Charles Boat & Motor website      St. Charles Boat & Motor Facebook

 

Froge's Bar and Grill

Portage des Sioux, MO

 

 

We will be serving corned beef, cabbage & taters this Saturday, March 7th 11am until sold out or 10pm.

 

Reprinted from Froge's Bar & Grill Facebook .. click here

 

Mississippi River At Clarksville, Missouri

Clarksville Calls On FEMA To Help Prep For This Year's  Flooding........

 

The Emergency Management team in Clarksville, Missouri is focused on possible flooding occurring in the near future.  Team members shared flooding forecasts with community members Tuesday evening.

 

Flooding caused considerable damage in Clarksville in 2019, and Mayor JoAnne Smiley says that this destruction is what the town wants to bring to FEMA's attention to help avoid future damage.

 

Smiley says that the once per year flood events are getting to be quite tiresome and difficult to deal with.  She adds that flood fight efforts can cost the city $100,000........

 

Click here to read this news article from khqa.com.  With Video.

 

Mississippi River At Hannibal, Missouri

Change Of Order Approved For Riverfront Project........

 

Hannibal City officials report that the contractors working on the Hannibal Riverfront project are about 65 percent complete, and this winter's mild temperatures have helped drive progress on the project.

 

Contractor Bleigh Construction recently submitted a second change order to remove additional unknown concrete foundations throughout the riverfront.

 

The change order will also include the addition of chain loops to the light poles along the sidewalk.  Andy Dorian, Director of Central Services says that the chain loops will be used to section off areas for special events........

 

Click here to read this news article from khqa.com.  With Photo.

 

 

 River History....

 

 

March 4, 2016 in River History

 


The Grafton Oyster Bar opened it's doors for business to the public at Grafton Harbor.

 

What a great addition to Grafton, IL and Pool 26 of the Mississippi River !


 

Boat Gas News

Poll Shows Continued Consumer Confusion About Fuels........

 

According to a new study commissioned by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute reveals that consumers remain confused about the variety of fuel product offerings in the marketplace.

 

The study, which has been conducted annually for seven years show that lack of consumer education, inadequate labeling, and dangerous marketing tactics surrounding new products, such as higher ethanol content fuels, are likely causing consumers to misfuel.

 

According to OPEI's President and CEO, Kris Kiser, the confusion surrounding fuels and subsequent misfueling could potentially lead to expensive repairs........

 

Click here to read this news article from boatingindustry.com. 

 

News Release From BoatUS

BoatUS Spring Commissioning Checklist Helping Boaters Prepare for a Summer on the Water


Inspecting hoses should be a part of your boat’s Spring Commissioning.

 Any found too old and stiff, like this decades-old reinforced

potable water line, should be on your list to replace.

 

Here’s the BoatUS Spring Commissioning Checklist
That’s Helping Recreational Boaters Prep for the Summer Boating Season


New videos show you how


SPRINGFIELD, Va., March 3, 2020 – Getting the boat ready for the summer boating season is an exciting time for America’s nearly 12 million recreational boaters. Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) has a Spring Commissioning Checklist to help boaters start the season right, along with a new YouTube Spring Fitting Out video library that shows you how to do some basic tasks, from changing the outdrive oil or fixing broken trailer lights to replacing zincs or changing a propeller.

Before You Launch Drive... click here to go to BoatUS and continue reading

 


###

 

This press release reprinted by permission of Scott Croft of BoatUS...click here

 

Boating Legislation

NMMA Hosted Congressional Aquatic Invasive Species Event........

 

Last week, the National Marine Manufacturers Association, in conjunction with the Congressional Boating Caucus, hosted a briefing event for close to 50 congressional staff in Washington D.C. to look at the role the Congress can play in fighting aquatic invasive species (AIS).

 

The event, entitled How Congress Can Help Address Aquatic Invasive Species featured opening remarks from Representative John Garamendi (D-CA-03), who discussed the affects AIS have in his district.

 

Garamendi notes that halting and reversing the spread of AIS is a nation-wide issue and Congress should address that issue.  He added that robust federal investing will be needed to combat the issue........

 

Click here to read this news report from boatingindustry.com

 

List Your Boat

on RiverBills Classifieds

6 Months for $50.00

From "Now" until "August 2020" 

One month listing on the front page in the featured Classified Section

Six months on the Classified Page.  

 

e-mail your info along with 6 pictures (max) to riverbill@prodigy.net.

 

Click here and check out RiverBills Classifieds Page

We will bill you after the ad is on-line

 

 

OFFERING

THE SWINGING DOCK STEP

 

 

 

Swings out

to bridge the gap between the dock and your boat

for ease of loading and boarding

 

Swings out of the way

 to the

 "Walk Thru"

position on the dock

 

Little Johns Marine Service... click here

Little John's Moptorsports... click here

What's Going On This Week

3rd Chute Bar & Grill
211 W. Main St. Grafton, IL

 

If you didn't already know 3rd Chute both locations have the monster Chute Burger that is 3 buns 2 half pound burgers pulled pork all the toppings with cheese with a side

 

OPEN DAILY ALL YEAR
Just a short walk from Grafton Harbor
Breakfast available every Saturday and Sunday morning from 8am till 12pm

$5.00 lunch specials

Mon - Fri from 11am till 2pm

3rd Chute Upcoming Events.. click here

Abigail's Tap Room

217 E. Main St. Grafton, IL

 

 

Chef Brad Hagen's newest venture located in the Ruebel Hotel. Featuring dishes such as: Appetizers, Gourmet Burgers, Steaks, Smoked Meat, Pizza, Pasta & Fresh Fish. Featuring Craft Beers, a Large Outdoor Patio & a bar from the 1904 World's Fair.

 

Alton Marina

Mississippi River at Alton, IL

 

 

Alton Marina is the cover photo for the

2020 edition of Quimby's Cruising Guide

bluff city grill

424 Broadway, Alton, IL

 

Wednesday Specials...


Traditional Italian Beef Pot Pie,
Our homemade pot pie filled with Italian beef, potatoes, celery, carrots, onions, and a creamy beef gravy that is baked golden in a flaky pie crust served with choice of soup or salad $12.99
10" Personal Pizza,
One topping personal pizza topped with our house pizza sauce and five cheese blend $5.99
Additional toppings .50 cents
Spinach Salad,
Baby Spinach tossed with Feta Cheese, Chopped Applewood Smoked Bacon, Red Onions, Tomatoes, black olives and Diced Eggs in a Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing $9.99
Add Grilled Chicken $2.99
Add Grilled Shrimp $3.99
$2.25 Domestic Beer Bottles

 

 

Friday, April 17, 2020

We are super excited for Boots, Beer and Borderline | Line Dancing Event coming up on FRIDAY APRIL 17, 2020 in the banquet room at Bluff City Grill in Alton, IL. We will be playing ALL COUNTRY line dance tunes with a dj keeping the line dancing going during band breaks. Doors open at 6:30p with music starting at 7pm, and there is a $5 cover charge at the door. Bluff City Grill has an awesome HARD WOOD dance floor and plenty of room for everyone. Cash bar. You DONT want to miss this event. We'll see y'all there. Bring your friends!


Order online for take out

https://bluffcitygrill.e-tab.com/bluffcitygrill#!/order-type

 

Just a short distance from the Alton Marina

Open 7 Days a week

 

Upcoming Events.. click here

 

The Boathouse

Northshore Marina

 

March 2 through Thursday April 2  The Boathouse will be CLOSING for some cosmetic projects.
 

The Boathouse will OPEN for the 2020 Season on April 2 @12:00pm.


April hours are Thursday thru Sunday with bands every Saturday afternoon and night , Sunday afternoons.
Memorial Day through Labor Day OPEN 7 days a week.
We have so many exciting events this season we can’t wait to see you and share .
 

Hiring event Mid- March.
Bands and entertainment booking now.
Planning parties now .
New menu items for our Keto and gluten sensitivity folks.
 

 
On the river as always xoxo The Boathouse Crew

 

 

 

Winter hours are : Friday for parties and reservations only.
Saturday 12-7(except parties and events)
Sunday 12-7

 

 

Upcoming Events.. click here

Calhoun Ferry Company

 

 
 

The Golden Eagle Ferry is OPEN

 

 

Cedar Hill Resort

Mississippi River

1 mile below Winfield Dam

 

 

Closed

Con Trios Yacht Club

     

March 20 -22, 2020

IceBreaker 2020

 

Alton Best Western Premier
3559 College Avenue
Alton, IL 62002

 

Registration is Open...
https://ctyc.clubexpress.com/content.aspx

 

Duck Club Yacht Club

 

Closed for the season

 

The Duck Club is the Premier Private Yacht Club serving the Upper Mississippi River, Alton pool boating community. The Club is located at the South end of Dardenne Slough with direct channel access at mm22

Froge's Bar and Grill

Portage des Sioux, MO

 

We will be serving Corned beef, cabbage & taters this Saturday, March 7th 11am until sold out or 10pm.

 

 

Pool Tournament every Sunday 6pm starting 2/2/20, straight 8, double elimination, $5 sign up fee

 

Sat, May 2
Customer Appreciation DAY
Froge's Bar and Grill · Portage Des Sioux

 

March 20th Kitchen will be open Sunday thru Thursday 11am-9pm.
We are CLOSED on Mondays. Kitchen is always open year round Friday & Saturday 11am-10pm

 

Grafton Harbor

Confluence of Mississippi and Illinois Rivers

 


Mark your Calendars, Start Booking Those Cruises, our website has been updated for 2020 and is ready for your reservations! We've added more dinner cruises catered by the award winning Grafton Oyster Bar!

 

Grafton Harbor

Grafton Harbor River Adventures
 

Mark your Calendars, Start Booking Those Cruises, our website has been updated for 2020 and is ready for your reservations! We've added more dinner cruises catered by the award winning Grafton Oyster Bar!

 

Every Saturday & Sunday

 Beginning May 2, 2020

 

Click here for 2020 cruise schedule

Grafton, IL

Confluence of Mississippi  & Illinois Rivers

Two Week Activity  Calendar

 

Click here and check out Grafton's

Event and Music Calendar...Feb 10 - Feb 24, 2020

 

02-26-20  Aeries Winery

Good news! The popular Sugarfire Brunch is now a weekly thing on Sundays. Be sure and check it out (arrive hungry).

Click here and check out "Welcome to Grafton" website

Grafton Oyster Bar

Grafton Harbor

 

 

Open for your Dining Pleasure


 

 

John's Boat Harbor

Mississippi River at UMR 231.8

 

02-10-20

If we have an early spring, and if we do not have a record breaking flood is your boat ready for the water??? I believe Pat has some open time, and if your boat needs a tune up or what ever, give Pat a call. You need to be ready
 

Kinder's Restaurant

Mississippi River at Golden Eagle, IL

 

Currently tearing down the old building and then rebuilding

 

"The plan is to keep it in the same location, maybe a little closer to the river and up about 7 ft higher. The building will be just a little smaller with a bigger deck."

 

Amanda

Kinder's Restaurant

 

Lake Center Marina

MM224.4 UMR

.

 

We’re excited to announce 40% OFF all annual docks & slips to new members in 2020 !
http://lakecentermarina.com/new-members

 

Lewis Boats

Marine Sales and Service

 

Feb 28 - Mar 14, 2020

Lewis Boats I-70 Boat Show

 

Come out to the Lewis Boats I-70 Boat Show February 28th- March 14th. We will have boats on display from Barletta Pontoon Boats, Crestliner Boats, Monterey Boats, Sylvan Pontoon Boats, Phoenix Bass Boats and Caymas Boats with factory rebates and incentives. Giveaways on Saturday as well as local tackle vendors and bass and crappie fishing seminars on Saturday the 14th. Stay tuned for more details

Longshot Saloon at Longshot Marina

Mississippi River at

Portage des Sioux, Mo

 

Opening May 2, 2020

 

Mike's La Rosa at Longshot Marina

Mississippi River at

Portage des Sioux, Mo

 

Closed For The Season

 

Polestar Boating Center

Mississippi River

Dardenne Slough 221.5

 

Dock Rentals on the Mississippi River
Safe Harbor Yacht Sales
The Canvas Man, LLC
Vessel Surveyor / Marine Consulting
Quality Marine Repair

Port Charles Harbor

Mississippi River

Dardenne Slough 221.5

 

TowBoat U.S.

Our Safeboat will be on display at the show

Save money & purchase your 2020

Membership at the Boat Show
 

River Road Watersports

Pool 26 of the Mississippi River at Grafton Harbor

 

REOPENING IN THE SPRING FOR THE 2020 SEASON.

KEEP YOUR ANCHOR RIGHT HERE FOR UPDATES.

 

Jet Ski Rentals

Boat Rental

Rafting Float Trip

Riviera Too

Food, Beer, Wine

 

Pizza is here always here for you....

 

3025 N MO-94, St. Charles, Missouri 63301

 

St. Charles Boat & Motor

The Complete Marine

 

 

Winter Hours

  Tue - Fri..9am - 5pm

  Sat - 9am - 2pm

  Sun & Mon..Closed

 

  Two Rivers Marina

  Mississippi River at Louisiana, Mo

 

Leasing slips for the 2020 season. Discount for first time residents!!! residents enjoy a discount on selected items at our store too! Amenities include pool, shower house, on site mechanic, retail store, beer & ice, restaurant, campground and camp sights! Message us, visit the website or call!!.

 

 

02-27-20 Update..Fat Boys Restaurant at Two Rivers Marina

Hi Bill,
They are diligently working to get things in order. The have been working long hours trying to get the building in shape, lots of painting and cleaning. It is going to happen, however they are a bit behind because of Illinois paperwork. I expect an opening sometime in March. They are keeping the name "Fat Boys".

Cindy Blaylock
Two Rivers Marina.

Woodland Marina

UMR 222.8 ...Pool 26 of the Mississippi River

 

02-28-20 Update:

Woodland Marina is looking forward to an exciting boating season.  Our office and bathrooms are currently being renovated and made handicap accessible.  Woodland Marina lies at mile marker 222.5 on the Dardenne Slough and is the largest full-service marina on the Mississippi – family owned since 1959.

We would like to thank our customers and friends for their support during the flooding and our reconstruction.

 

Look for that Silver Lining!

Diane, Carl and Company

 

Yacht Club of St. Louis

Mississippi River

At UMR 225 On Dardenne Slough

 

 

 

Yacht Club tore down due to flood damage.

Rebuilding on Higher ground !

 

 

More Things Going On This Week

click here

 

River Ferries

 

Illinois River

Brussels Ferry............618 - 786-3636

 

Mississippi River

Golden Eagle Ferry ....618-  535-5759

Winfield Ferry.............618-  535-5759

Grafton Ferry............ 1-800-258-6645  ..Closed for the Season

 

 

Last Weekend's Edition of RiverBills....

 

Click here for last weekend's edition of RiverBills

 

Restaurants

Who's Open.. Who's Closed

Who's Open... Who's Closed........
 
3rd Chute Bar & Grill ......................... Open All Year
Abigail's Tap Room Open All Year
Alton Marina Deli Closed for the Season
Arrrr Bar at Grafton Harbor.................. Closed for the Season
Boathouse Food & Deck..................... Open
Cedar Hill Resort................................ Closed
Driftwood Crab Shack @ MRH Resort.. Closed
Duck Club Yacht Club........................ Closed for the season
Froges Bar & Grill.............................. Open All Year
Grafton Harbor Winery & Gift Shop...... Open
Grafton Oyster Bar............................. Open
Kinder's Restaurant.......................... Being rebuilt in same location
Longshot Saloon................................ Opening May 2, 2020
LaRosa Cantina................................. Opening May 21, 2020
Yacht Club of St. Louis..................... Being rebuilt in new location

 

TUESDAY

03 March 2020

 

 

Over 9.4 Million Boater Visits

Since Sept 12, 2004

To The Always Changing e-Waters of RiverBills.com

 

 

Illinois River at Grafton, IL

Click pic to enlarge

 

 

The Picture of the Day.... 

 

A northbound tow headed up the Illinois River.

Taken from the outside deck at Drifters Eats & Drinks

 

 

 The Boathouse is CLOSED for some cosmetic projects March 2 through Thursday April 2
 

 
Facebook.. click here        Events.. click here

Phone: 636 250 3300

 

April Music Schedule.. click here


The Boathouse will OPEN for the 2020 Season on April 2 @12:00pm.

 

April hours are Thursday thru Sunday

 with bands every Saturday afternoon and night , Sunday afternoons.

 

click here for Facebook          click here for website

 

Grafton Harbor.... 618-786-PORT (7678)

 

Grafton Harbor River Adventure Cruises

Mark your Calendars, Start Booking Those Cruises, our website has been updated for 2020 and is ready for your reservations! We've added more dinner cruises catered by the award winning Grafton Oyster Bar !

Every Saturday & Sunday  Beginning May 2, 2020

Click here for 2020 cruise schedule

 

 

First Mate is a boat brokerage located on the beautiful upper Mississippi.

We sell boats and will find you the perfect boat!

 

 Click here for Facebook    Click here for Website    Browse Our Boats

 Yesteryear's Pic of the Day

 

Hoppie's Marina

Click pic to enlarge

 

YesterYears Picture of the Day in 2016.... was sent to us by Claudia Burris who hails out of Hoppie's Marina in Kimmswick, Mo

Hi Bill!

It was really windy down at Hoppies Marina yesterday! (2-28-16) Looking forward to smooth waters this summer.

See you on the river!
Claudia Burris

 

click here for Facebook         Click here for website

 

Alton Marina.... 618-462-9860

 

Spring is right around the corner.

List your Boat on RiverBills

www.RiverBills.com

Featured Classifieds

More Boats on RiverBills.com "All Classifieds Page"

click here

 

OPEN      OPEN      OPEN

 

WED & THUR.. 11AM - 10PM
FRI & SAT...... 11AM - 10PM
SUN............... 11AM - 10PM
CLOSED MON & TUE

 

2020 FESTIVAL & MUSIC SCHEDULE...  click here

Menu..  click here   Website.. click here   Facebook.. click here

 

 

 

River News !  

 

 

 

Click here........ Port Charles Harbor website

Click here......Port Charles Harbor Facebook

 

Some Highlights of This Week's

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS

District 8 MRS                                                 UPDATED FEBRUARY 26, 2020

Mississippi River System

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

MILE 273.4 - L/D CLOSURE
Continuing until 5:00 p.m., March 31, 2020, L/D 24 in the vicinity of Mile 273.4, will be closed for maintenance. All navigation interests should be alert for, and abide by, any special instructions that may be issued by the lockmaster.
MILE 241.4 - L/D CLOSURE
Continuing until 5:00 p.m., March 31, 2020, L/D 25 in the vicinity of Mile 241.4, will be closed for maintenance. All navigation interests should be alert for, and abide by, any special instructions that may be issued by the lockmaster

MILE 183.2 - BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION
Merchants Railroad Bridge; Work barges continue excavating around both left and right descending navigation piers and the right descending pier of the center span. Work barges should not encroach more than 50 feet into the navigation channel, at any time. For work barge locations, mariners are encouraged to contact the onsite work boat M/V KATHERINE OHARA via VHF-FM Channel 6 or 16 or by phone at (217) 248-9077.

 

ILLINOIS RIVER

ILLINOIS WATERWAY - CHANNEL CONDITION/SAFETY ADVISORY - UPDATE
The following areas are in the high water watch phase IAW the Western Rivers WAP Annex:

Zone 5 Havana (Mile 128.9 – 102.0) and

Zone 4, Beardstown (Mile 101.9 – Mile 80.3).

High water and drift potential may be encountered in this area. Mariners are advised to minimize wake and exercise caution. Avoid laying up on saturated levees. Mariners should be experienced in high water conditions and avoid down-streaming operations if possible. Mariners should remain vigilant to an increase in debris and maneuver appropriately. Be aware that a buildup of debris in fleeting areas may have occurred and take appropriate actions to prevent breakaways. Exercise caution in all meeting and overtaking situations, as swift currents may be present. Navigational buoys may have been dragged off station, so remain cautious while transiting.

 

Click here  for the current "Local Notice To Mariners" report

 on the Navigation Center Website


 No new incident reports for the St. Louis area
 

Click here to go to the Missouri State Highway Patrol website for "all" incident reports    

 

River Gear For Sale............

 

Click here to buy your River T-shirts and Accessories on-line..

Delivered right to you mailbox in a few short days

RiverBills Facebook

Two FaceBook Pages for You

 

The "River News and Media" Page

Page contains river news, RiverBills Pictures of the Day, Upcoming River Events, info from RiverBills.com advertisers, etc..... Click here and check it out

 

The "Boaters Group" Page

It's a group for all the boaters on all the rivers near the "PORT OF ST. LOUIS AND BEYOND." It's a Public Group, open to anyone that wants to join in. A place to post your boating pictures, shout outs, questions, comments, etc.  Stay in touch with other boaters all year long.  Invite your Boating Friends. 

We have 5,801members as of 03-03-20....... Click here and check it out. 

 

Missouri River Management

Corps Reducing Releases Into The Lower Missouri River........

 

On Monday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced that they will be reducing the amount of water being released from the Gavins Point Dam into the Lower Missouri River so that the river levels won't interfere with ongoing levee repairs.

 

The Corps said that the releases will be reduced from 35,000 cubic feet per second from 38,000 cubic feet per second.  Even at this new level, the releases are more than double what is usual for this time of year.

 

Currently, the Corps is working to clear out as much water storage space in the reservoirs in anticipation of what will likely be another wet year........

 

Source: stltoday.com.

 

 

  Website..click here      Facebook Page..click here

 

 Lewis Boat Inventory.. click here

 

Wood River Creek Near Alton, Illinois

Tanker Overturned, Diesel Fuel Spilled Into Creek........

 

On Monday, a tanker semi truck overturned, spilling diesel fuel into Wood River Creek, and eventually into the Mississippi River.  Alton Assistant Fire Chief Brad Sweetman says that the spill was of clear and dyed diesel fuel.

 

Reportedly, there was up to 3,000 gallons vacuumed up, but still approximately 2,000 gallons went into the ground or Wood River Creek.  The amount of fuel that went into the Mississippi River is unknown.

 

Sweetman reports that the U.S. Coast Guard, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Wood River Levee District has been alerted about the spill........

 

Click here to read this news article from riverbender.com.  With Photo

 

 

125 HARBOR DR, ST. CHARLES, MO 63301

636 250-3446

 

Click here for Website        Click here for Facebook

 

 

Marine Jobs

Surroundings Trade Only....

 

A few of the jobs listed this week include:

~ Boat Deliveries - Koch Marine
~ Marketing Manager and Regional Sales Manager – Everglades Boats
~Product Development Engineer-World Cat

 

Check out the marine jobs on Trade Only Job Board... click here

.

Tennessee River In Obion County, Tennessee

Search And Recovery Workforce Has Been Reduced........

 

Two fifteen year old boys and 43 year old Kenneth Driver have been missing since a weekend fishing tournament, and on Monday, officials with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency announced that they have reduced recovery operations, as they are expecting heavy rain and rising river levels.

 

The search and recovery effort on Saturday, February 29 included 30 boats with 70 volunteers conducting surface and sonar scans along the Tennessee River below the Pickwick Dam.

 

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officials report that the three boaters had been reported missing after the anglers failed to return from an Obion County Club Bass Tournament........

 

Click here to read this news report from kfvs12..com.  With Photos and Video.

 

SouthShore Marina

Click here and also check out basement and garage storage from the RafterPackers

 

Reprinted from Drifters' Eats & Drinks Facebook... click here

 

Mardi Gras-fton

Bangin Noise Parade Grafton, IL

February 28, 2020........

 

Ran across this YouTube video of the "Bangin Noise Parade" they had in Grafton a couple of weeks ago.

 

Check it out... click here

 

click pic to enlarge

 

We offer full fiberglass repair, high performance upgrades, transom & stringer rebuilds, service on older products, new & used parts department, an accessories department, as well as many other services to suit everyone's boating needs.

We continue to display our Yamaha Sport Boats + Crest, Mercury + Yamaha Outboards and Heritage & Haul Rite trailers

 

 

St. Charles Boat & Motor website      St. Charles Boat & Motor Facebook

 

 

Tearing Down The Quincy Boat Club To Rebuild

Pool 21 of the Mississippi River

 

Capt'n Ryan Kolb of the Quincy Boat Club sent us a news article about tearing down and rebuilding the club house....

 

Click here to go to the Herald-Whig and check it out

 

River History....

 

March 3, 1875 in River History


The United States Congress authorized the construction of a pontoon wagon-bridge across the Mississippi River at or near the city of Dubuque, Iowa.

 

Hop On A Plane For A Mini-Vacation....

 

 

News Release From BoatUS

Get a Taste of the Boating Life By Taking An Affordable 3-Hour On-Water Boat Training Course in Savannah

 

Intro to Boating and Women Making Waves offered March 28, 29


SAVANNAH, Ga., March 2, 2020 – Want to get a taste of the boating life or improve your on-water boat handling skills? The nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water together with Freedom Boat Club Savannah offer a choice of two fun on-water boat training courses taught aboard single-engine powerboats: Intro to Boating and Women Making Waves, Saturday, March 28, and Sunday, March 29, at the club’s location at 2812 River Drive.


Both the Intro to Boating and Women Making Waves courses are three hours long and affordably priced at $149 per person. Intro to Boating covers shifting and steering, basic docking, open-water handling and basic navigation, and is offered both days at 9 a.m.


The ladies-only course, Women Making Waves, offers the same curriculum and is the perfect opportunity to spend a half-day learning boat-handling techniques in a supportive environment. It’s offered both days at 9:00 a.m.


Class size is limited to four students per vessel, ensuring each student gets sufficient time at the helm under the watchful eye of a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain.
The goal of the BoatUS Foundation and Freedom Boat Club Savannah courses is to address the high costs typically associated with at-the-helm training, making hands-on boating education more accessible. The courses also offer area residents the chance to try out recreational boating and give boaters the opportunity to brush up on their boat-handling skills.


Space is limited. Must be 21 years or older. To sign up for a course or seek out others, go to BoatUS.org/On-Water.


###

 

This press release reprinted by permission of Scott Croft of BoatUS...click here

 

List Your Boat

on RiverBills Classifieds

6 Months for $50.00

From "Now" until "August 2020" 

One month listing on the front page in the featured Classified Section

Six months on the Classified Page.  

 

e-mail your info along with 6 pictures (max) to riverbill@prodigy.net.

 

Click here and check out RiverBills Classifieds Page

We will bill you after the ad is on-line

 

 

OFFERING

THE SWINGING DOCK STEP

 

 

 

Swings out

to bridge the gap between the dock and your boat

for ease of loading and boarding

 

Swings out of the way

 to the

 "Walk Thru"

position on the dock

 

Little Johns Marine Service... click here

Little John's Moptorsports... click here

What's Going On This Week

3rd Chute Bar & Grill
211 W. Main St. Grafton, IL

 

If you didn't already know 3rd Chute both locations have the monster Chute Burger that is 3 buns 2 half pound burgers pulled pork all the toppings with cheese with a side

 

OPEN DAILY ALL YEAR
Just a short walk from Grafton Harbor
Breakfast available every Saturday and Sunday morning from 8am till 12pm

$5.00 lunch specials

Mon - Fri from 11am till 2pm

3rd Chute Upcoming Events.. click here

Abigail's Tap Room

217 E. Main St. Grafton, IL

 

 

Chef Brad Hagen's newest venture located in the Ruebel Hotel. Featuring dishes such as: Appetizers, Gourmet Burgers, Steaks, Smoked Meat, Pizza, Pasta & Fresh Fish. Featuring Craft Beers, a Large Outdoor Patio & a bar from the 1904 World's Fair.

 

Alton Marina

Mississippi River at Alton, IL

 

 

Alton Marina is the cover photo for the

2020 edition of Quimby's Cruising Guide

bluff city grill

424 Broadway, Alton, IL

 

Check Out Today's Specials

https://www.facebook.com/BluffCityGrill/
 

 

Friday, April 17, 2020

We are super excited for Boots, Beer and Borderline | Line Dancing Event coming up on FRIDAY APRIL 17, 2020 in the banquet room at Bluff City Grill in Alton, IL. We will be playing ALL COUNTRY line dance tunes with a dj keeping the line dancing going during band breaks. Doors open at 6:30p with music starting at 7pm, and there is a $5 cover charge at the door. Bluff City Grill has an awesome HARD WOOD dance floor and plenty of room for everyone. Cash bar. You DONT want to miss this event. We'll see y'all there. Bring your friends!


Order online for take out

https://bluffcitygrill.e-tab.com/bluffcitygrill#!/order-type

 

Just a short distance from the Alton Marina

Open 7 Days a week

 

Upcoming Events.. click here

 

The Boathouse

Northshore Marina

 

March 2 through Thursday April 2  The Boathouse will be CLOSING for some cosmetic projects.
 

The Boathouse will OPEN for the 2020 Season on April 2 @12:00pm.


April hours are Thursday thru Sunday with bands every Saturday afternoon and night , Sunday afternoons.
Memorial Day through Labor Day OPEN 7 days a week.
We have so many exciting events this season we can’t wait to see you and share .
 

Hiring event Mid- March.
Bands and entertainment booking now.
Planning parties now .
New menu items for our Keto and gluten sensitivity folks.
 

On the river as always xoxo The Boathouse Crew

 

 

 

Winter hours are : Friday for parties and reservations only.
Saturday 12-7(except parties and events)
Sunday 12-7

 

 

Upcoming Events.. click here

Calhoun Ferry Company

 

 
 

The Golden Eagle Ferry is OPEN

 

 

Cedar Hill Resort

Mississippi River

1 mile below Winfield Dam

 

 

Closed

Con Trios Yacht Club

     

March 20 -22, 2020

IceBreaker 2020

 

Alton Best Western Premier
3559 College Avenue
Alton, IL 62002

 

Registration is Open...
https://ctyc.clubexpress.com/content.aspx

 

Duck Club Yacht Club

 

Closed for the season

 

The Duck Club is the Premier Private Yacht Club serving the Upper Mississippi River, Alton pool boating community. The Club is located at the South end of Dardenne Slough with direct channel access at mm22

Froge's Bar and Grill

Portage des Sioux, MO

 

Pool Tournament every Sunday 6pm starting 2/2/20, straight 8, double elimination, $5 sign up fee

 

Sat, May 2
Customer Appreciation DAY
Froge's Bar and Grill · Portage Des Sioux

 

March 20th Kitchen will be open Sunday thru Thursday 11am-9pm.
We are CLOSED on Mondays. Kitchen is always open year round Friday & Saturday 11am-10pm

 

Grafton Harbor

Confluence of Mississippi and Illinois Rivers

 


Mark your Calendars, Start Booking Those Cruises, our website has been updated for 2020 and is ready for your reservations! We've added more dinner cruises catered by the award winning Grafton Oyster Bar!

 

Grafton Harbor

Grafton Harbor River Adventures
 

Mark your Calendars, Start Booking Those Cruises, our website has been updated for 2020 and is ready for your reservations! We've added more dinner cruises catered by the award winning Grafton Oyster Bar!

 

Every Saturday & Sunday

 Beginning May 2, 2020

 

Click here for 2020 cruise schedule

Grafton, IL

Confluence of Mississippi  & Illinois Rivers

Two Week Activity  Calendar

 

Click here and check out Grafton's

Event and Music Calendar...Feb 10 - Feb 24, 2020

 

02-26-20  Aeries Winery

Good news! The popular Sugarfire Brunch is now a weekly thing on Sundays. Be sure and check it out (arrive hungry).

Click here and check out "Welcome to Grafton" website

Grafton Oyster Bar

Grafton Harbor

 

 

Open for your Dining Pleasure


 

 

John's Boat Harbor

Mississippi River at UMR 231.8

 

02-10-20

If we have an early spring, and if we do not have a record breaking flood is your boat ready for the water??? I believe Pat has some open time, and if your boat needs a tune up or what ever, give Pat a call. You need to be ready
 

Kinder's Restaurant

Mississippi River at Golden Eagle, IL

 

Currently tearing down the old building and then rebuilding

 

"The plan is to keep it in the same location, maybe a little closer to the river and up about 7 ft higher. The building will be just a little smaller with a bigger deck."

 

Amanda

Kinder's Restaurant

 

Lake Center Marina

MM224.4 UMR

.

 

We’re excited to announce 40% OFF all annual docks & slips to new members in 2020 !
http://lakecentermarina.com/new-members

 

Lewis Boats

Marine Sales and Service

 

Feb 28 - Mar 14, 2020

Lewis Boats I-70 Boat Show

 

Come out to the Lewis Boats I-70 Boat Show February 28th- March 14th. We will have boats on display from Barletta Pontoon Boats, Crestliner Boats, Monterey Boats, Sylvan Pontoon Boats, Phoenix Bass Boats and Caymas Boats with factory rebates and incentives. Giveaways on Saturday as well as local tackle vendors and bass and crappie fishing seminars on Saturday the 14th. Stay tuned for more details

Longshot Saloon at Longshot Marina

Mississippi River at

Portage des Sioux, Mo

 

Opening May 2, 2020

 

Mike's La Rosa at Longshot Marina

Mississippi River at

Portage des Sioux, Mo

 

Closed For The Season

 

Polestar Boating Center

Mississippi River

Dardenne Slough 221.5

 

Dock Rentals on the Mississippi River
Safe Harbor Yacht Sales
The Canvas Man, LLC
Vessel Surveyor / Marine Consulting
Quality Marine Repair

Port Charles Harbor

Mississippi River

Dardenne Slough 221.5

 

TowBoat U.S.

Our Safeboat will be on display at the show

Save money & purchase your 2020

Membership at the Boat Show
 

River Road Watersports

Pool 26 of the Mississippi River at Grafton Harbor

 

REOPENING IN THE SPRING FOR THE 2020 SEASON.

KEEP YOUR ANCHOR RIGHT HERE FOR UPDATES.

 

Jet Ski Rentals

Boat Rental

Rafting Float Trip

Riviera Too

Food, Beer, Wine

 

Pizza is here always here for you....

 

3025 N MO-94, St. Charles, Missouri 63301

 

St. Charles Boat & Motor

The Complete Marine

 

 

Winter Hours

  Tue - Fri..9am - 5pm

  Sat - 9am - 2pm

  Sun & Mon..Closed

 

  Two Rivers Marina

  Mississippi River at Louisiana, Mo

 

Leasing slips for the 2020 season. Discount for first time residents!!! residents enjoy a discount on selected items at our store too! Amenities include pool, shower house, on site mechanic, retail store, beer & ice, restaurant, campground and camp sights! Message us, visit the website or call!!.

 

 

02-27-20 Update..Fat Boys Restaurant at Two Rivers Marina

Hi Bill,
They are diligently working to get things in order. The have been working long hours trying to get the building in shape, lots of painting and cleaning. It is going to happen, however they are a bit behind because of Illinois paperwork. I expect an opening sometime in March. They are keeping the name "Fat Boys".

Cindy Blaylock
Two Rivers Marina.

Woodland Marina

UMR 222.8 ...Pool 26 of the Mississippi River

 

02-28-20 Update:

Woodland Marina is looking forward to an exciting boating season.  Our office and bathrooms are currently being renovated and made handicap accessible.  Woodland Marina lies at mile marker 222.5 on the Dardenne Slough and is the largest full-service marina on the Mississippi – family owned since 1959.

We would like to thank our customers and friends for their support during the flooding and our reconstruction.

 

Look for that Silver Lining!

Diane, Carl and Company

 

Yacht Club of St. Louis

Mississippi River

At UMR 225 On Dardenne Slough

 

 

 

Yacht Club tore down due to flood damage.

Rebuilding on Higher ground !

 

 

More Things Going On This Week

click here

 

River Ferries

 

Illinois River

Brussels Ferry............618 - 786-3636

 

Mississippi River

Golden Eagle Ferry ....618-  535-5759

Winfield Ferry.............618-  535-5759

Grafton Ferry............ 1-800-258-6645  ..Closed for the Season

 

 

Last Weekend's Edition of RiverBills....

 

Click here for last weekend's edition of RiverBills

 

Restaurants

Who's Open.. Who's Closed

Who's Open... Who's Closed........
 
3rd Chute Bar & Grill ......................... Open All Year
Abigail's Tap Room Open All Year
Alton Marina Deli Closed for the Season
Arrrr Bar at Grafton Harbor.................. Closed for the Season
Boathouse Food & Deck..................... Open
Cedar Hill Resort................................ Closed
Driftwood Crab Shack @ MRH Resort.. Closed
Duck Club Yacht Club........................ Closed for the season
Froges Bar & Grill.............................. Open All Year
Grafton Harbor Winery & Gift Shop...... Open
Grafton Oyster Bar............................. Open
Kinder's Restaurant.......................... Being rebuilt in same location
Longshot Saloon................................ Opening May 2, 2020
LaRosa Cantina................................. Opening May 21, 2020
Yacht Club of St. Louis..................... Being rebuilt in new location

 

MONDAY

02 March 2020

 

 

Over 9.4 Million Boater Visits

Since Sept 12, 2004

To The Always Changing e-Waters of RiverBills.com

 

 

Kinder's Teardown

Pool 26 of the Mississippi River

at Golden Eagle, IL

Click pic to enlarge

 

 

The Picture of the Day....  was sent to us by Capt'n Jason Walden

 

Kinder's Is Gone !

 

 

 

Kinder's Teardown Photo Album... click here

 

 

Kinder's Teardown

Pool 26 of the Mississippi River

at Golden Eagle, IL

 

 

Click pic to enlarge

 

 

The Pictures of the Day....  were sent to us by Cynthia Kinder

 

 

 

Here's what Kinder's Restaurant

looks like today

Sunday, March 1, 2020

 

Kinder's Teardown Photo Album... click here

 

 

Tearing Down

The Quincy Boat Club

Pool 21 of the Mississippi River

 

 

 

Click pic to enlarge

 

 

The Pictures of the Day....  were sent to us Bob Crockett who hails out of the Quincy Boat Club

 

RiverBill says... Thanks for sharing the pictures Bob !

 

 

 

 The Boathouse is CLOSED for some cosmetic projects March 2 through Thursday April 2
 

 
Facebook.. click here        Events.. click here

Phone: 636 250 3300

April Music Schedule.. click here

 

 


The Boathouse will OPEN for the 2020 Season on April 2 @12:00pm.

 

April hours are Thursday thru Sunday

 with bands every Saturday afternoon and night , Sunday afternoons.

 

Music Schedule for April
April 4, Levee Boys 7pm-11pm,
April 5, Lone Rangers Duo 2pm-5pm
April 11, Teddy McCready 2pm-5pm
April 12, 3 of a Perfect Pair 2pm-5pm
April 18, Dawn Turlinton 2pm-5pm
April 19, Jennifer Thompson Duo 2pm -5pm
April 25 Levee Boys 7pm-11pm
April 26, Pat Liston 2pm-5pm

 

click here for Facebook          click here for website

 

Grafton Harbor.... 618-786-PORT (7678)

 

Grafton Harbor River Adventure Cruises

Mark your Calendars, Start Booking Those Cruises, our website has been updated for 2020 and is ready for your reservations! We've added more dinner cruises catered by the award winning Grafton Oyster Bar !

Every Saturday & Sunday  Beginning May 2, 2020

Click here for 2020 cruise schedule

 

 

First Mate is a boat brokerage located on the beautiful upper Mississippi.

We sell boats and will find you the perfect boat!

 

 Click here for Facebook    Click here for Website    Browse Our Boats

 Yesteryear's Pic of the Day

 

Ice Patties

Dardenne Slough of

Pool 26 of the Mississippi River

 

Dardenne Slough at the entrance to Woodland Marina

 

 

 Click pic to enlarge

 

Yesteryears Pictures On This Day 2019 ....... were sent to us by Capt'n Bred Maher

Ice Patties floating down the lower end of Dardenne Slough past Woodland Marina

 

 

click here for Facebook         Click here for website

 

Alton Marina.... 618-462-9860

 

Spring is right around the corner.

List your Boat on RiverBills

www.RiverBills.com

Featured Classifieds

More Boats on RiverBills.com "All Classifieds Page"

click here

 

OPEN      OPEN      OPEN

 

WED & THUR.. 11AM - 10PM
FRI & SAT...... 11AM - 10PM
SUN............... 11AM - 10PM
CLOSED MON & TUE

 

2020 FESTIVAL & MUSIC SCHEDULE...  click here

Menu..  click here   Website.. click here   Facebook.. click here

 

 

 

River News !  

 

 

 

Click here........ Port Charles Harbor website

Click here......Port Charles Harbor Facebook

 

Some Highlights of This Week's

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS

District 8 MRS                                                 UPDATED FEBRUARY 26, 2020

Mississippi River System

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

MILE 273.4 - L/D CLOSURE
Continuing until 5:00 p.m., March 31, 2020, L/D 24 in the vicinity of Mile 273.4, will be closed for maintenance. All navigation interests should be alert for, and abide by, any special instructions that may be issued by the lockmaster.
MILE 241.4 - L/D CLOSURE
Continuing until 5:00 p.m., March 31, 2020, L/D 25 in the vicinity of Mile 241.4, will be closed for maintenance. All navigation interests should be alert for, and abide by, any special instructions that may be issued by the lockmaster

MILE 183.2 - BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION
Merchants Railroad Bridge; Work barges continue excavating around both left and right descending navigation piers and the right descending pier of the center span. Work barges should not encroach more than 50 feet into the navigation channel, at any time. For work barge locations, mariners are encouraged to contact the onsite work boat M/V KATHERINE OHARA via VHF-FM Channel 6 or 16 or by phone at (217) 248-9077.

 

ILLINOIS RIVER

ILLINOIS WATERWAY - CHANNEL CONDITION/SAFETY ADVISORY - UPDATE
The following areas are in the high water watch phase IAW the Western Rivers WAP Annex:

Zone 5 Havana (Mile 128.9 – 102.0) and

Zone 4, Beardstown (Mile 101.9 – Mile 80.3).

High water and drift potential may be encountered in this area. Mariners are advised to minimize wake and exercise caution. Avoid laying up on saturated levees. Mariners should be experienced in high water conditions and avoid down-streaming operations if possible. Mariners should remain vigilant to an increase in debris and maneuver appropriately. Be aware that a buildup of debris in fleeting areas may have occurred and take appropriate actions to prevent breakaways. Exercise caution in all meeting and overtaking situations, as swift currents may be present. Navigational buoys may have been dragged off station, so remain cautious while transiting.

 

Click here  for the current "Local Notice To Mariners" report

 on the Navigation Center Website


 No new incident reports for the St. Louis area
 

Click here to go to the Missouri State Highway Patrol website for "all" incident reports    

 

River Gear For Sale............

 

Click here to buy your River T-shirts and Accessories on-line..

Delivered right to you mailbox in a few short days

RiverBills Facebook

Two FaceBook Pages for You

 

The "River News and Media" Page

Page contains river news, RiverBills Pictures of the Day, Upcoming River Events, info from RiverBills.com advertisers, etc..... Click here and check it out

 

The "Boaters Group" Page

It's a group for all the boaters on all the rivers near the "PORT OF ST. LOUIS AND BEYOND." It's a Public Group, open to anyone that wants to join in. A place to post your boating pictures, shout outs, questions, comments, etc.  Stay in touch with other boaters all year long.  Invite your Boating Friends. 

We have 5,788members as of 03-02-20....... Click here and check it out. 

 

March 8, 2020

Daylight Savings Time Starts........

 

 

Daylight Savings Time starts next weekend.

Get ready to ‘Spring Forward’ on March 8, 2020 at 2AM.

 

 

...Ends at 2:00 AM on Sunday, November 1

.

 

 

  Website..click here      Facebook Page..click here

 

 Lewis Boat Inventory.. click here

 

Dave Murray's

Spring Forecast........

 

Click here to continue reading DaveMurrayWeather Facebook

 

 

125 HARBOR DR, ST. CHARLES, MO 63301

636 250-3446

 

Click here for Website        Click here for Facebook

 

 

United States Coast Guard

News Release.....

 

 

Reprinted from the United States Coast Guard Facebook.. click here

 

SouthShore Marina

Click here and also check out basement and garage storage from the RafterPackers

 

Mississippi River At Quincy, Illinois

The Flood Markers Have Been Reinstalled In Kesler Park........

 

The flood markers in Quincy's Kesler Park have returned, thanks to a local Boy Scout who was planning to install new ones for his Eagle Scout project.

 

The markers had been removed because they were deteriorating, however, they were reinstalled as Brian Seeland's project, which includes a plaque in front of the markers.  They were supposed to be installed sooner, but the 2019 floods delayed the installation.

 

The new markers also include an additional flood marker for the second highest crest in recorded history, where the Mississippi River crested at 31.16 feet in Quincy on June 1, 2019.  Quincy's record crest is still 32.13 feet set on July 13, 1993.........

 

Click here to read this news story from whig.com.  With Photo.

 

click pic to enlarge

 

We offer full fiberglass repair, high performance upgrades, transom & stringer rebuilds, service on older products, new & used parts department, an accessories department, as well as many other services to suit everyone's boating needs.

We continue to display our Yamaha Sport Boats + Crest, Mercury + Yamaha Outboards and Heritage & Haul Rite trailers

 

 

St. Charles Boat & Motor website      St. Charles Boat & Motor Facebook

 

Upcoming Event....March 20 - 22, 2020

Con Trios yacht Club

2020 Ice Breaker........

 

Alton Best Western Premier
3559 College Avenue
Alton, IL 62002

 

 

Reprinted from Con Trios Facebook... click here

The Great Lakes

Suit Filed To Name Lake Sturgeon As Federally Endangered........

 

Environmentalists in Illinois and Indiana recently filed suit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in an effort to force the completion of a review that may designate lake sturgeon as a federally endangered species.

 

The lake sturgeon are a prehistoric fish that were abundant in the Great Lakes at one time, however, their numbers have dwindled due to overfishing, pollution and habitat destruction.

 

The lake sturgeon already has been listed as endangered in several states, including Indiana.  The federal designation would include more protection for the lake sturgeon, including funding........

 

Click here to read this news report from bnd.com. 

 

Upcoming Events March 5 - 8, 2020

Boat Show News

The 2020 St Charles Boat Show Is Coming Up........

 

The Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealers Association will be hosting the St. Charles Boat Show for 2020 over the weekend of March 5, 2020 to March 8, 2020.

 

St. Charles Boat Show attendees will be able to check out the latest in cruisers, runabouts, performance boats, ski boats, tritoons, personal watercraft, boating accessories, lifts, docks and much more.

 

The St. Charles Boat Show will be held at the St. Charles Convention Center, and features extended hours:

○  March 5th  12 pm to 9 pm

○  March 6th  12 pm to 9 pm

○  March 7th  10 am to 9 pm

○  March 8th  10 am to 5 pm

 

Click here to read more from lakeexpo.com

.

List Your Boat

on RiverBills Classifieds

6 Months for $50.00

From "Now" until "August 2020" 

One month listing on the front page in the featured Classified Section

Six months on the Classified Page.  

 

e-mail your info along with 6 pictures (max) to riverbill@prodigy.net.

 

Click here and check out RiverBills Classifieds Page

We will bill you after the ad is on-line

 

 

OFFERING

THE SWINGING DOCK STEP

 

 

 

Swings out

to bridge the gap between the dock and your boat

for ease of loading and boarding

 

Swings out of the way

 to the

 "Walk Thru"

position on the dock

 

Little Johns Marine Service... click here

Little John's Moptorsports... click here

What's Going On This Week

3rd Chute Bar & Grill
211 W. Main St. Grafton, IL

 

If you didn't already know 3rd Chute both locations have the monster Chute Burger that is 3 buns 2 half pound burgers pulled pork all the toppings with cheese with a side

 

OPEN DAILY ALL YEAR
Just a short walk from Grafton Harbor
Breakfast available every Saturday and Sunday morning from 8am till 12pm

$5.00 lunch specials

Mon - Fri from 11am till 2pm

3rd Chute Upcoming Events.. click here

Abigail's Tap Room

217 E. Main St. Grafton, IL

 

 

Chef Brad Hagen's newest venture located in the Ruebel Hotel. Featuring dishes such as: Appetizers, Gourmet Burgers, Steaks, Smoked Meat, Pizza, Pasta & Fresh Fish. Featuring Craft Beers, a Large Outdoor Patio & a bar from the 1904 World's Fair.

 

Alton Marina

Mississippi River at Alton, IL

 

 

Alton Marina is the cover photo for the

2020 edition of Quimby's Cruising Guide

bluff city grill

424 Broadway, Alton, IL

 

Slider Monday!! Mix and Match or Ala Carte $3 each
 

Pulled Pork Slider,
Smoked Pulled Pork topped with Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce and House Slaw on a Toasted Slider Bun $3
Chipotle Chicken Burger Slider,
Ground Chicken Burger grilled topped with PepperJack Cheese and Chipotle Mayo served with Lettuce and Tomato on a Toasted Slider Bun $3
Italian Beef Slider,
Marinated Slow Cooked Italian Beef topped with Provolone Cheese on a Toasted Slider Bun $3
$5 Martini’s all day!!
 

 

 

Friday, April 17, 2020

We are super excited for Boots, Beer and Borderline | Line Dancing Event coming up on FRIDAY APRIL 17, 2020 in the banquet room at Bluff City Grill in Alton, IL. We will be playing ALL COUNTRY line dance tunes with a dj keeping the line dancing going during band breaks. Doors open at 6:30p with music starting at 7pm, and there is a $5 cover charge at the door. Bluff City Grill has an awesome HARD WOOD dance floor and plenty of room for everyone. Cash bar. You DONT want to miss this event. We'll see y'all there. Bring your friends!


Order online for take out

https://bluffcitygrill.e-tab.com/bluffcitygrill#!/order-type

 

Just a short distance from the Alton Marina

Open 7 Days a week

 

Upcoming Events.. click here

 

The Boathouse

Northshore Marina

 

March 2 through Thursday April 2  The Boathouse will be CLOSING for some cosmetic projects.
 

The Boathouse will OPEN for the 2020 Season on April 2 @12:00pm.


April hours are Thursday thru Sunday with bands every Saturday afternoon and night , Sunday afternoons.
Memorial Day through Labor Day OPEN 7 days a week.
We have so many exciting events this season we can’t wait to see you and share .
 

Hiring event Mid- March.
Bands and entertainment booking now.
Planning parties now .
New menu items for our Keto and gluten sensitivity folks.

 

On the river as always xoxo The Boathouse Crew

 

 

 

Winter hours are : Friday for parties and reservations only.
Saturday 12-7(except parties and events)
Sunday 12-7

 

 

Upcoming Events.. click here

Calhoun Ferry Company

 

 
 

The Golden Eagle Ferry is OPEN

 

 

Cedar Hill Resort

Mississippi River

1 mile below Winfield Dam

 

 

Closed

Con Trios Yacht Club

     

March 20 -22, 2020

IceBreaker 2020

 

Alton Best Western Premier
3559 College Avenue
Alton, IL 62002

 

Registration is Open...
https://ctyc.clubexpress.com/content.aspx

 

Duck Club Yacht Club

 

Closed for the season

 

The Duck Club is the Premier Private Yacht Club serving the Upper Mississippi River, Alton pool boating community. The Club is located at the South end of Dardenne Slough with direct channel access at mm22

Froge's Bar and Grill

Portage des Sioux, MO

 

Pool Tournament every Sunday 6pm starting 2/2/20, straight 8, double elimination, $5 sign up fee

 

Sat, May 2
Customer Appreciation DAY
Froge's Bar and Grill · Portage Des Sioux

 

March 20th Kitchen will be open Sunday thru Thursday 11am-9pm.
We are CLOSED on Mondays. Kitchen is always open year round Friday & Saturday 11am-10pm

 

Grafton Harbor

Confluence of Mississippi and Illinois Rivers

 


Mark your Calendars, Start Booking Those Cruises, our website has been updated for 2020 and is ready for your reservations! We've added more dinner cruises catered by the award winning Grafton Oyster Bar!

 

Grafton Harbor

Grafton Harbor River Adventures
 

Mark your Calendars, Start Booking Those Cruises, our website has been updated for 2020 and is ready for your reservations! We've added more dinner cruises catered by the award winning Grafton Oyster Bar!

 

Every Saturday & Sunday

 Beginning May 2, 2020

 

Click here for 2020 cruise schedule

Grafton, IL

Confluence of Mississippi  & Illinois Rivers

Two Week Activity  Calendar

 

Click here and check out Grafton's

Event and Music Calendar...Feb 10 - Feb 24, 2020

 

02-26-20  Aeries Winery

Good news! The popular Sugarfire Brunch is now a weekly thing on Sundays. Be sure and check it out (arrive hungry).

Click here and check out "Welcome to Grafton" website

Grafton Oyster Bar

Grafton Harbor

 

 

Open for your Dining Pleasure


 

 

John's Boat Harbor

Mississippi River at UMR 231.8

 

02-10-20

If we have an early spring, and if we do not have a record breaking flood is your boat ready for the water??? I believe Pat has some open time, and if your boat needs a tune up or what ever, give Pat a call. You need to be ready
 

Kinder's Restaurant

Mississippi River at Golden Eagle, IL

 

Currently tearing down the old building and then rebuilding

 

"The plan is to keep it in the same location, maybe a little closer to the river and up about 7 ft higher. The building will be just a little smaller with a bigger deck."

 

Amanda

Kinder's Restaurant

 

Lake Center Marina

MM224.4 UMR

.

 

We’re excited to announce 40% OFF all annual docks & slips to new members in 2020 !
http://lakecentermarina.com/new-members

 

Lewis Boats

Marine Sales and Service

 

Feb 28 - Mar 14, 2020

Lewis Boats I-70 Boat Show

 

Come out to the Lewis Boats I-70 Boat Show February 28th- March 14th. We will have boats on display from Barletta Pontoon Boats, Crestliner Boats, Monterey Boats, Sylvan Pontoon Boats, Phoenix Bass Boats and Caymas Boats with factory rebates and incentives. Giveaways on Saturday as well as local tackle vendors and bass and crappie fishing seminars on Saturday the 14th. Stay tuned for more details

Longshot Saloon at Longshot Marina

Mississippi River at

Portage des Sioux, Mo

 

Opening May 2, 2020

 

Mike's La Rosa at Longshot Marina

Mississippi River at

Portage des Sioux, Mo

 

Closed For The Season

 

Polestar Boating Center

Mississippi River

Dardenne Slough 221.5

 

Dock Rentals on the Mississippi River
Safe Harbor Yacht Sales
The Canvas Man, LLC
Vessel Surveyor / Marine Consulting
Quality Marine Repair

Port Charles Harbor

Mississippi River

Dardenne Slough 221.5

 

TowBoat U.S.

Our Safeboat will be on display at the show

Save money & purchase your 2020

Membership at the Boat Show
 

River Road Watersports

Pool 26 of the Mississippi River at Grafton Harbor

 

REOPENING IN THE SPRING FOR THE 2020 SEASON.

KEEP YOUR ANCHOR RIGHT HERE FOR UPDATES.

 

Jet Ski Rentals

Boat Rental

Rafting Float Trip

Riviera Too

Food, Beer, Wine

 

Pizza is here always here for you....

 

3025 N MO-94, St. Charles, Missouri 63301

 

St. Charles Boat & Motor

The Complete Marine

 

 

Winter Hours

  Tue - Fri..9am - 5pm

  Sat - 9am - 2pm

  Sun & Mon..Closed

 

  Two Rivers Marina

  Mississippi River at Louisiana, Mo

 

Leasing slips for the 2020 season. Discount for first time residents!!! residents enjoy a discount on selected items at our store too! Amenities include pool, shower house, on site mechanic, retail store, beer & ice, restaurant, campground and camp sights! Message us, visit the website or call!!.

 

 

02-27-20 Update..Fat Boys Restaurant at Two Rivers Marina

Hi Bill,
They are diligently working to get things in order. The have been working long hours trying to get the building in shape, lots of painting and cleaning. It is going to happen, however they are a bit behind because of Illinois paperwork. I expect an opening sometime in March. They are keeping the name "Fat Boys".

Cindy Blaylock
Two Rivers Marina.

Woodland Marina

UMR 222.8 ...Pool 26 of the Mississippi River

 

02-28-20 Update:

Woodland Marina is looking forward to an exciting boating season.  Our office and bathrooms are currently being renovated and made handicap accessible.  Woodland Marina lies at mile marker 222.5 on the Dardenne Slough and is the largest full-service marina on the Mississippi – family owned since 1959.

We would like to thank our customers and friends for their support during the flooding and our reconstruction.

 

Look for that Silver Lining!

Diane, Carl and Company

 

Yacht Club of St. Louis

Mississippi River

At UMR 225 On Dardenne Slough

 

 

 

Yacht Club tore down due to flood damage.

Rebuilding on Higher ground !

 

 

More Things Going On This Week

click here

 

River Ferries

 

Illinois River

Brussels Ferry............618 - 786-3636

 

Mississippi River

Golden Eagle Ferry ....618-  535-5759

Winfield Ferry.............618-  535-5759

Grafton Ferry............ 1-800-258-6645  ..Closed for the Season

 

 

Last Weekend's Edition of RiverBills....

 

Click here for last weekend's edition of RiverBills

 

Restaurants

Who's Open.. Who's Closed

Who's Open... Who's Closed........
 
3rd Chute Bar & Grill ......................... Open All Year
Abigail's Tap Room Open All Year
Alton Marina Deli Closed for the Season
Arrrr Bar at Grafton Harbor.................. Closed for the Season
Boathouse Food & Deck..................... Open
Cedar Hill Resort................................ Closed
Driftwood Crab Shack @ MRH Resort.. Closed
Duck Club Yacht Club........................ Closed for the season
Froges Bar & Grill.............................. Open All Year
Grafton Harbor Winery & Gift Shop...... Open
Grafton Oyster Bar............................. Open
Kinder's Restaurant.......................... Being rebuilt in same location
Longshot Saloon................................ Opening May 2, 2020
LaRosa Cantina................................. Opening May 21, 2020
Yacht Club of St. Louis..................... Being rebuilt in new location

If you are shown on any picture published on RiveverBills.com and don't want this, email riverbill@prodigy.net and we will remove the picture.
 

Click here for more past edition's of RiverBill's.com

or

Go to "RiverBill's Archives" 



This website is a bit like the River___a bit muddy and continually changing !!
Check back often to see what is going on !!!
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