Howdy, a lot has been going on lately in our neck of the woods, er, Ohio River. 

Yep, a tow with 18 barges or so hit the Twin Bridges in Henderson, Ky, recently.  The barges sat there for a bit til the folks looked over things.  The Kentucky Department of Transportation stated on TV that there wasn't much damage to the Twin Bridges and all looked rather good.

It is going to be river boat season starting across the country and some boats are doing business now.  How, about supporting these fine folks no matter the size of the boat to continue having our national waterways flourish with great boating whether steamboat, river boat, or yachts.  Our Jasper, Indiana has added a new five car train to go take passengers to the new French Lick, Indiana, Casino and resort.  The folks can visit the West Baden Hotel, too.  It is a way to have an attraction to their city to tie in with the French Lick Casino, which is superb in attractive construction and detail.

Evansville, Indiana, may have a new Casino with possibly the Carano family from Nevada, which also owns a casino in Shreveport, LA, and in Nevada, all called "Eldorado".  It is a family owned business, so they answer to themselves.  The sale would be about $245 million dollars including restaurants, Hotels in a block area, eateries up the wazoo.

The folks are thinking of adding new technological slots inside the boat, the Mayor wants a new river boat for the Casino, the Carano family doesn't mind but what/who pays for that, the exterior erector set outdated way of boarding the boat is being looked at, etc.  So, by June of 2008, it will be interesting to see what is done with the Casino boat called 'City of Evansville'.  It is only used upstairs, US Coast Guard won't let them build a neat restaurant and bar on lower deck incase of terrible river traffic hits.  That would have been a cool thing to have for them.  The company 'Eldorado' is suppose to add glitzy Las Vegas style look to everything.  I hope.  It is needed.

Still hoping to secure the Port of Evansville.  That is my way of docking possible boats.  Otherwise, some elected officials in our city now want to only allow boats to dock here is you pay a fee of some sort, or a percentage of sales to them.  Who is them, who knows.  I was told I should pay something to 'make my life easier' and to pay it to our Port Authority, who is evidently running past empty in funds.  Don't know that, was told so by some.  I told the elected officials, and our local newspaper editor that I don't mind paying a FLAT fee to help promote advertising for our river front, or bands to come play along the river, but why am I paying you all when I can go elsewhere with boats FOR  FREE!!  So, I have to secure that Port of Evansville, folks and make a neat destination project.  (In today's newspaper online "Leevee Board Budget almost Dry" they are even almost out of money from high electric cost from pump use.  www.evansvillecourierpressonline.com)

No joking on that.  Another two cities will negotiate with me on a permanent boat, one more tolerant on any fee thing and other would possibly give incentives for any permanent venue.  So, in that, for their kind gesture---I'd about offer them some money just for being HUMAN.

Been in business 25 years with different small businesses and NEVER has paid anyone on the side to do business.  So, that was a stunner to me.  I was told 'everyone downtown does it'.  Well, first I heard that one, lately.  So, when I get a permanent river boat or yacht to come, or visit, me and my lawyer will call the US Coast Guard first and then we'll contact whoever to dock.  Hopefully, it is from my dock.  One guy will privately help me locally for a boat ramp and marina.  He has the largest marina and yacht docking in this area---just for him helping I may offer some stipend, just for the principle. (Nu Plaza Yacht Club)  So, kids, I need to secure that Port of Evansville or I may be docking at a dock near YOU!!  

Even after Katrina, when the Natchez came, some folks with the 'municipal' dock in Evansville, Indiana, felt they should pay for the trash. Say, what.  For national boats, you pay the water, the trash, possibly the sewage or help steer them to that, but you don't charge certain things as they help you in tourism, help you to get your town on the Marketing map,

and gets a possible other boat to visit you.  I keep in there.  Got some Hotels looking to possibly help me with this project, one Hotelier wants to come and keeps in there....but, whew, do I have the time on this??

Well, gotta' go, it's lunch, more calls to make.  Come to a great event the day AFTER the 'Great American Steamboat' Race.  I have a "Derby Party on the Ohio River" on the Belle of Louisville, Thursday, May 1, 2008, board at 8:30pm, cruise from 9:00pm to 11:00pm.  Call or email for reservations at:  ohioriverboatcruises@netzero.com  or call me at 812-484-8692.  Love to have you aboard!!  Jazz music, BBQ, wine tasting/beer brewery, Deli food also.  It will be FUN, FUN!!  Come Aboard!! if you can!!  Mary

Howdy, folks, hope you have secured your tickets for the "Great American Steamboat" race.  All race fans I'm sure are thrilled for this extravaganza event in Louisville, Kentucky to help whip some fun for the Kentucky Derby.  I'm from Indiana, so we race fans here are use to the Formula One cars, the NASCAR boys now, and wouldn't you know at the Indianapolis 500 Speedway they are going to add motorcycle races.  I can't remember if we are still doing or going to do those funky looking truck races.

So, get ready for some high and mighty racing when the "Great American Steamboat" race comes whipping down the Ohio River.  It will be thrilling, it will be spell binding, it will be a hoot and a few hollers.  Get to Louisville, Kentucky and cheer your favorite steamboat to the finish line....that is the Delta Queen, this year, isn't it.  Get those golden antlers ready, polish those babies up, and lets see the Mighty Ohio River ripped up with some fancy boating machinery racing, dashing and dancing to the finish line.

Let, 'em rip! Give those motors gusto.  Zoom! GOOOooo  DELTA QUEEN!!!

Mary