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Mammoth Marine still going forward $90 million expected

nospam@example.com (Mary K. Hukill) — Sat, 31 May 2008 13:15:04 +0200

Howdy, y'all, it is bright sunny weather here in southern Indiana, western Kentucky, and southern Illinois. After last night's terrific storms, this sunshine is appreciated. Although, we broke 84 degrees before lunch.....so, it is going to be muggy.

Mammoth Marine officials yesterday announced that they are on their second extension of their purchase agreement contract. Pulling together the financing for them in this volital market has been challenging. It is expected the Owensboro, Kentucky, project to be about $90 million dollars. President Deborah Dewey, is fully aware that this land could be of interest to other companies and is doing all 'her group' can do to finish the closing after all of the financing is secured. It will be a Barge Manufacturer with 150 jobs expected. Nick Brake of the Owensboro Economic Development Corporation states having two extensions is normal in this size of a real estate deal. (Yep, that is true, it is in one of my purchase agreements to do such for a commerical property.) This Mammoth Marine will be a Shipyard and have a fleet of 100 Barges states Ms. Dewey. She also reiterates that it is far less expensive for companies to move product along a river and says the Ohio River is a great resource for barge traffic use.

Some more news along the Ohio River confirmed also this week that the sale of the Casino Aztar in Evansville, Indiana, will take a tad longer from the bankruptcy position it is in with other Columbia-Sussex parts. So, instead of June 26, 2008, being the target date of the $245 million dollar sale, it may not be until September 2008 that the Eldorado bunch from Reno, Nevada, can secure that deal. When they do purchase the Casino and change the name to "Eldorado", they anticipate putting in $20 million dollars of new slots and doing at least $6 million dollars of marketing to introduce their company to the area, states CEO of Eldorado Resorts and Casino Bob Jones. The Anderson, Indiana, "Hoosier Park" is opening and that was a Casino in addition to the Race track and it is superb, by all statements. It is run by the same first manager, Jim Brown, that use to run for about 11 years Casino Aztar before it had new owners.

So, lots going on in this part of the country. If you want to inquire about jobs at Mammoth Marine, please call the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation at 270-926-4339 and ask for Melissa. No matter how many times you email me, this is all I know about Mammoth Marine. Please contact the phone number I gave and they will help you to the right folks on this. Mammoth Marine hasn't closed yet.....but, the Owensboro folks give names/phone numbers/requests to the Mammoth Marine folks and they can help you. Good Luck.

Well, enjoy the summer weather starting...with the weather the way it has been, I'm sure we'll see sizzling weather this year. Get the shorts out, the lemonade and the floppy hats. Mary

DQ rally in Marietta, Ohio to get Sternwheelers support!

nospam@example.com (Mary K. Hukill) — Thu, 29 May 2008 15:24:38 +0200

Yee, Ha! when you thought the party couldn't get any more rousing. I was told by Kelly Blazoski, of the Marietta, Ohio CVB, that on June 12, 2008, when they have their rally for the Delta Queen, they'll also have music, can sign petitions, speakers, and guess what. The American Sternwheelers Association will be there with a resolution showing their support....don't know how many boats will be there from the group. Hope it is a Flotila. If you have any questions on this event call the CVB at 1-800-288-2577. This should be a rousing event for all. Come if you can. Mary

Madison, Indiana hosts Delta Queen Rally with Success!!

nospam@example.com (Mary K. Hukill) — Tue, 27 May 2008 12:57:45 +0200

Howdy, y'all, there are some towns in this part of the country that are just top of the line for river vessels and Madison, Indiana is one of them. Just like Henderson, and Paducah, Kentucky. They out shine the others. The others do love river vessels but these towns just have it together.

Madison, Indiana, Executive Director Linda Lytle of the CVB reports that their rally was a huge success....the Delta Queen can always dock here any time. She states that there was music, signs, 200 signatures collected, trolley rides to downtown and sites, Captain Valley was around to help greet folks....their town river boat mascot from a local bank called River Valley Bank. Ann, the CVB Marketing Director states all went well with the festivities. Linda Lytle gave out some great news that House Rep. Baron Hill was also there to speak and he mentioned that it was his thought that the House Representatives will bring the Exemption vote up again in Congress.

That is great news!!

So, the Delta Queen may have some great opportunity to get another vote on the House floor and possibly pass instead of squeaking a vote loss. This is exciting news. Thanks, Madison, Indiana, for putting on a great Rally for the Delta Queen.

These gals at the CVB are great and I'm sure other towns wish they had such a great team to work with. I know that our Evansville CVB is right up there with them.

Thanks to Madison, Indiana, for displaying their true love for the Delta Queen. Mary

Delta Queen Rally gets great media coverage

nospam@example.com (Mary K. Hukill) — Sat, 24 May 2008 16:10:26 +0200

Howdy, we're the state where the Indianapolis 500 race is KING this weekend, but the Delta Queen in southern Indiana and western Kentucky has stolen the show for the moment. The Evansville Courier and Press newspaper had a great editorial on "Save the Queen" that was WONDERFUL. It rocked. Then, on Saturday had a follow up on the festivities in Henderson, Kentucky in the newspaper again. WHEW. It also was on shown on our TV news of WEHT--Channel 25, and a long story on WTVW--Fox 7 news. The Delta Queen got plenty of head shot, panning shots, shots of folks with "Save the Delta Queen" on posters. A rep from House Representative Ed Whitfield's office from the Henderson, Ky, area was there on hand to greet the boat and tell of why the exemption means so much to our area for the Delta Queen. It was a great day for the Queen. Our media wants to show support and show that we appreciate the times, the many times that the Delta Queen stops by our great neighbor Henderson, Kentucky. Marcia Eblen, the Henderson Tourism Executive Director asked everyone to sign the petitions and to for sure call the office of House rep. James Oberstar. There were even enemies of river boating from Evansville that came to cheer the Delta Queen on.....now, that was strange, but hey, welcome to folks in helping to save the Queen. So, the support here is unanimus to save the Queen....no doubt the passengers aboard the boat felt that this part of the country does love the great mighty Queen. God Save the Queen and God Save America, and on this weekend of honor, God Bless America. Mary

Queen's course irks Riders......in Evansville Courier newspaper

nospam@example.com (Mary K. Hukill) — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:20:34 +0200

Howdy Folks, looks like Carmen was ahead of me on this one.....the Evansville Courier Press newspaper had a great article in the Sunday Front page of the Delta Queen coming to dock in Henderson, Ky. It has a great story, interviews, and yep, a video of the docking. We've come a long way, baby. This newspaper editor likes and appreciates riverboats....well, steamboats. He says either you get it or you don't get it. That is right. If you love them, you love them. If you don't, I'm sure it is another thing that makes your crank turn. I'm so proud of our local newspaper in being objective on this subject. Hope you see the article entitled "Queen's Course Irks Riders" in the www.evansvillecourierpress.com It is the internet section. The Delta Queen was in Henderson, Ky, on Saturday, and they had a lot going on in that town over the weekend so it was a great time to dock.

Front page in the newspaper, and a great photo in the article, too. Mary

Delta Queen visiting Henderson, Ky....Evansville, In, and Owensboro things

nospam@example.com (Mary K. Hukill) — Fri, 16 May 2008 11:04:43 +0200

Howdy! y'all, on Saturday, the great Delta Queen will be visiting the Henderson, Ky, folks and will depart at 5:00pm. I am not sure if the boat gets there about 1:00pm or what. You can find a brief mention in the Evansville Courier and Press newspaper today as our city's newspaper is going to carry that information this year about the Delta Queen when possible. We want our folks to pay respect to the Grand ole' Lady when they can and don't want them to miss times she'd be in our area.

Evansville, In, will hopefully close on a new Casino company on June 26, 2008 with the Eldorado folks. They will change the name of the Casino Aztar to "Eldorado". In time, it is thought that a new boat there could be done but no one wants to step up and pay for it, so the new carpet and slot machines will have to do for a while.

Owensboro, Kentucky is finding itself on the river front as it gets one masterplan after another from study consultants and finding that it can be a really vibrant arts and entertainment district by adding a few more touches. I always felt that it was a great entertainment area, but lately they are wanting to rediscover themselves with a new river front development starting at the tune of $45 million. It will be a happening place. A new Ice Arena could land a team from the Midwest Hockey League, Evansville, In, is going to start their league in November 2008 in a hopeful new Arena seating between 10,000 to 14,000 folks. Selecting a new site downtown is the next step with financing it.

I told you this Ohio River region was going to rip up the area. Henderson, Kentucky is doing a $17 million dollar river front renovation. So, this area will look different, quite different, especially by any boating vessel. Come see us! Mary

Hancock County in Kentucky has project

nospam@example.com (Mary K. Hukill) — Tue, 06 May 2008 14:26:05 +0200

Howdy, if it is one city or county in Kentucky, it is another about adding something to their river banks for barge use creation. In Hancock county in Kentucky, there is to be a Coal Gasification plan to be built along the Ohio River....I don't even know what all that means.....but, there is about a One Billion dollar bond the Hancock county has secured and has a receiver called ICON Construction to get about $950 million. It is expected to deal with different barge brought materials and do something with it. I'll telling you that our Ohio River region is hotter than a potato from the Oven. Area after area is thinking how to do things as this area is opening up to move product from one area to another by barge.

The City of Evansville is trying to secure Federal dollars, after spending $50,000 to do a study on how companies and shippers can benefit from the existence of a port in Evansville. Our city is looking into "container-on-barge" for shipping goods along the river. The Henderson County Riverport Authority states it took them a very long time to find their niche in the market and some Evansville folks want to find a niche for river barge traffic. Henderson County Port Authority is learly stating it is like building two regional airports in the same area. Maritime in Mt.Vernon, In, is not using their full capability either. Henderson has 185 acres of unused land to still have if needed to develop any other needs.

This is just my opinion. Hope they keep the land. With continued announcements the past several months of different companies in Indiana and Kentucky adding to the river banks, I believe this can be a hot market for barge traffic again......like back in the early 1900's.....probably not, but another hot market as the larger ports are over loaded. When Tell City, Indiana, gets up and rolling---WATCH out!! this area will be a hot bed for jobs and barges. Heck, we may have to have a Barge Races Festival with banjo music, BBQ, and some cool refreshment.

Our monthly Evansville Business Journal Magazine, May 2008, is full of area articles on what folks are doing along the river for new projects. It is published by our newspaper, Evansville Courier and Press and is $2.95. It is a good read. Hey, three years ago a lot of our folks couldn't spell the word 'R-I-V-E-R'. I'm not joking. The Ohio River region stood up in southern Indiana and western Kentucky and showed Evansville, Indiana that the Ohio River can and should be used as it was a major part of our American History in the late 1800's and the early 1900's. The first study for Evansville, Indiana is out later this year with another study for a port and then THREE years before Evansville folks will do anything. Yep, a world leader in progress....well, not in this point. We are in other things.

So, there are those of us that will keep plowing the little boy minds....it is only about 4 or 5 men that just don't get it.....and the rest of us keep plowing that the Ohio River is a great asset. It is an asset that many cities would love to have. But, in reality, Katrina, is what loosened up things for this part of the country in river traffic. Hate to state that, but it is true. Things shifted up and our area is cashing in on it. It is our heritage to be fair, it waned, and now, it is creeping back. I keep at it for river boats here and a yacht....but, to be fair, I have to purchase the boats to get most of that here. In our area, it is show me and then I may get it. May. For river boats, it is the public that loves them, it is the 4 or 5 guys that just don't get it. And, most of them are along the river, that is the kicker. I'll keep in there......the public loves river boats. Mary

Julia Belle Swain to pay Homage to Captain Trone

nospam@example.com (Mary K. Hukill) — Tue, 06 May 2008 12:42:31 +0200

Howdy, a good sunny morning to you from the state of Indiana. Yep, it is the day that you state to folks to "Vote Early and Often". We've seen Hillary late last night in Evansville, Indiana, and earlier in the day Orack Obama. We've been on the national scene and to say that our local politicians are salivating is a big, big understatement. It has been a frenzy state here in Indiana the past month.

On to more important things, I talked with General Manager Tina Keenan, of the Julia Belle Swain this morning and they are shocked, devasted, reeling from the news of Captain Trone. Tina Keenan states that they will surely do some Memorial this summer for Captain Trone and not had enough time to digest what has gone on. She states that the Julia Belle Swain will do something to commemerate Captain Trone and for all that he has done for the boating industry. She states that when the boat sold to the company she works for in 1995, there will still ties to Captain Trone with the Engineer being Niel Conklin who 'came with the boat' so to speak. The current Captain Diekman of the Julia Belle Swain also had great respect for the design work and of Captain Trone himself. Ms. Keenan states that they are affected by this terrible news and plainly haven't had a chance to see how they will steer through this horrible news. She states that the true 1830's design of the boat was carried out very meticuously and that was what drew a lot of respect from folks all over the country. As soon as more information comes out, I will keep you posted, but right now the folks at the Julia Belle Swain want to be respectful of its designer and yet remember him in an appropriate way.

Being from Evansville, Indiana, we had the Julia Belle Swain here for a few summers, evidently when Captain Trone owned it. I went on a cruise for the July 4th Fireworks and it was the highest paid ticket I ever paid at that time in the lat 1970's but it was surely worth it. Seeing the fireworks over the Ohio River was a spectacular sight. I won't ever forget it. The folks in our city feel that the Julia Belle Swain is our boat. Mention that boat's name and everyone my age and older stop, have a warm smile on their face and feel it is their own. So, our city has a great love for that boat. It is in the same category of the Delta Queen in great respect, but the Delta Queen is the Queen. So, our thoughts and prayers go to the folks, family, and friends of the Captain Trone and the Julia Belle Swain.

Mary

Victorian Schatauqua at the Howard Steamboat Museum

nospam@example.com (Mary K. Hukill) — Fri, 02 May 2008 11:32:12 +0200

Howdy, I'm going to get this RIGHT!!....it is the Victorian Schatauqua which is an Arts and Crafts festival inside the grounds with lots of interesting booths for a full fledge fundraising event at the Howard Steamboat Museum. Come one, come all. It is two weeks from this week, Saturday hours are 10-6pm, and Sunday at 10am to 4pm. This is their largest fundraising event. Call if you have any questions.

Hope it is a Sunny Day for their event. Thanks, Mary

The Delta Queen has our hearts!

nospam@example.com (Mary K. Hukill) — Thu, 01 May 2008 17:08:14 +0200

Howdy, folks, just a note that the soon announcement of the Delta Queen and her future has our town all a buzz. This is news, folks, and we have a Primary next week and have been having everyone come to this state except Big Bird. Yesterday we had Obama's wife and Caroline Kennedy. I'm Republican, but having Caroline here was a thrill for folks my age. No emails......yep, I also vote for the Democrats and have over the years.

Anyway, our folks are really stirred up about the decision on the Delta Queen and our media is going to watch their website for all info. It is of interest to our folks like the Primary. That is great. Great news. Folks are hoping our area is of interest and what that can mean. Our Port of Evansville deal can possibly be done soon and I'm keeping the faith, change the developers every so often, but keeping the faith. I want to see more boats come here, river boats, steamboats, yachts.

Now, on the Howard Steamboat Museum, their largest fund raiser is in two weeks, its an Arts and Crafts show, golly, I forgot my info sheet......Saturday and Sunday, inside the brick wall, I want to say 10am to 6pm on day and 12 to 6pm the other day....golly, gals, I forgot my information sheet where I'm typing this out. Come one and all it is the Largest Fundraiser....golly, what is the name Schataqua and some name before it.....I'll do better gals the next time, if you tell me anything. Stopped to get the word out and forgot my paper it is on. So, call the Howard Steamboat Museum and they'll give you the scoop on this. Hey, they got a $1,000 check from the "They're Off Luncheon" for kicking off the Kentucky Derby this year. That is great. Folks are in a dither about the Delta Queen.

So, lets see what happens, and learn to accept that decision with grace. Thanks for helping out the Howard Steamboat Museum.....keep the history alive for steamboats! Mary

Gimme the Ohio River happenings

nospam@example.com (Mary K. Hukill) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:30:41 +0200

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

Great American Steamboat Race

nospam@example.com (Mary K. Hukill) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:57:54 +0200

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

We are Family! Evansville Courier on Delta Queen

nospam@example.com (Mary K. Hukill) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:42:54 +0100

Howdy, in the southeastern part of Indiana, the southwestern part of Indiana, and western part of Kentucky, there is action for the Delta Queen to visit. You'll see on the newspaper story to be in Friday's edition of the Evansville Courier and Press newspaper another, yep, another news story of the Delta Queen, where it is in the House Rules Committee, and where in our region it will be. That Henderson, Ky, has it going on. Well, so does our Grandview, Indiana, and our distant cousin, Madison, Indiana, near Louisville, Ky.

The news story can be reached at: www.evansvillecourierpressonline.com and the story is entitled: Delta Queen makes 18 stops. It is a great short story that tells folks how proud we are of a city in our market, just over the bridge of the Ohio River. We're also proud of Grandview, In, which is right up the river from Evansville, Indiana, and I talked to their Mayor Randy Fisher and he and his town are glowing from the visits of the Delta Queen. Their folks have a group that makes sure each visit is smooth, what the boat wants, and then some!

I am plumb proud of how our Ohio River region is celebrating this season of the Delta Queen. It will be heart warming. You will see the calendar listed in this article when the Delta Queen will be in Henderson, Ky. They know how to do it right. They don't get into anyone's way or cause a stir. They do their job and that is it. I'm so proud of them.

Well, hope you check out the story. It tells about the "Save the Delta Queen Campaign", too. We're very lucky that our new newspaper editor makes mention of the Delta Queen. In the past our newspaper folks, many at new assigned jobs or gone, just wasn't into river boats from fear of bucking the LST 325. I believe that was a mistake and unfair to both boating situations. A boat is a boat is a boat. This newspaper editor knows the economic importance of any riverboat visit. He gets it.

He's smarter than a fifth grader, Jeff Foxworthy.

Well, hope you check out our addition to the cause. We Love the Delta Queen and we're gonna' treat her right this season. I can feel the excitement steaming along. Toot, toot!! Mary

Ole' Hillary states impressed with Ohio River

nospam@example.com (Mary K. Hukill) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 09:41:27 +0100

Well, Happy Easter! to everyone. It is Good Friday and a day to reflect.

Yesterday, our town, Evansville, Indiana, played host to one of the Democratic Presidential hopefuls, Hillary Clinton. Now, say what you will about the gal, I may feel it too, but she created quite a stir in our town as we became as a state a part of the Primary race delegate importance. It hasn't been done for forty years, the political pundents say. So, it was exciting whoever came to our state and of course, our town.

During Hillary gal's speech, which was by all accounts quite composed, quite relaxed, and speaking more to what was a mixed crowd of parties, affilliations, and such, she spoke to everyone equally and as if you were sitting down having some coffee. (I saw her plane fly in and the motorcade pass by....and waved. I'm not making any political push for any candidate.) Hillary made a comment about our Ohio River and what an asset it was and mentioned she remembers being in Ohio, and was able to see what asset it was to the folks in Cincinnati, Ohio. She made an impression that this candidate was interested in seeing our Ohio River used more as an asset. I thought that was great. You, go, gal. Anytime that I've had the opportunity to talk or email one of the Bush Administration folks they appreciate the rivers in our country but I'm sure is willing to work with anyone to help make our rivers even more viable. I want to make that happen for our area of the country as much as I can.

The past three years, we've had in our area of the Ohio River folks on both sides of the political parties spat at anyone, mainly me, that wanted to go into territory they had no knowledge, no past interest, or didn't know what could be done on the river. Very uneducated and not willing to think outside the box from lack of economic development interest. If more politicians showed an interest in our rivers it sure would be easier to see more excitement, more commerce trade, and more pleasure cruises happen. Maybe that is what is happening with the exemption vote concerning the Delta Queen. Possibly, if more politicians paid more attention to one of our greatest resources, the rivers, and helped put money into river front development, like what Senator Mitch McConnell did for the state of Kentucky, we'd be in far better shape. Look at Europe. They love their water fronts and make great use of it. It is their pride and passion to have tourists love their rivers.

It may be asking much for politicians to take more of an interest in an asset greatly overlooked since cars and trains advanced more. But, really, in our history steamboats was commerce, was transportation, was the bringing of entertainment to the towns and river fronts. We should take an interest in our history. We are about steamboats. We are about great use of our rivers, we are the ones who steer what happens to our river fronts. Heck, if Ole' Hillary understood the greatness in having the Ohio River, why can't our folks. I was impressed by her comment, and saw some hope. At least one other person is listening a tad more in Washington, D.C., that is a Democrat.

But, the exemption vote has to get to Senate, first. I believe Lugar and Bayh of Indiana, McConnell of Kentucky all will vote "Yes" to help the Delta Queen, but we have to get past Congress. Now, there's the challenge.

Have a great Easter and hope you get a lot of Easter eggs in your basket.

Mary

House Rep. Oberstar busy with Southwest Airlines

nospam@example.com (Mary K. Hukill) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 22:15:01 +0100

Howdy, y'all, as I was watching the national news two days ago, lo' and behold House rep. James Oberstar was blazing on the television of NBC news about cracking down on Southwest Airlines. He's the one who evidently has led the looking into how Southwest Airlines was cutting costs in areas all thought the airlines was 'different' than their competitors. When I saw him on TV, it just made my blood boil why he didn't want to get the vote for the Delta Queen going. The news reporter's name was a Tony Costello. I wouldn't know how one gets ahold of those reporters either. If someone knows, it may help to contact them.

I did email Paul Harvey as someone on the message board suggested. I hope they got a lot of emails about the "Save the Delta Queen" campaign.

It sure has been quiet about the 13 House Rules Committee and hope that 'quiet' is good news. I know that our local media has been patient and would love to cover this story...the exemption vote....and, or what the House Rules Committee will allow. Hope this silent period is folks working behind the scenes to make this US Coast Guard Reauthorization bill amendment work.

Well, Oberstar is pouncing on a company that is higer profile, I'm sure in his eyes. So, finding the US Coast Guard Reauthorization bill probably is the best thing for sure coming down the pike. Hope it works, folks. Mary