 |
| 2011 LKSI Barge Tour |
|
|
Follow the River
The Lower Kaskaskia Stakeholders Inc. held their annual Barge Cruise on Friday, September 9, 2011. The evening began with registration and networking at the Water Street Bar and Grill. At 5:30 p.m. the nearly 300 guests were allowed to board the barge. They went through the buffet line provided by Ricky Rover’s BBQ and then found their seat. Shortly after 1800 hours the barge left port and ventured out for its 3 hour tour pushed by Kurt Johnson and his crew from Southern Illinois Transit. Shortly after departure, Norma Hall, Ranger with the Corp of Engineers, welcomed everyone and went over some brief safety instructions before introducing Ryan Ford, President of LKSI (manager of the Randolph County Farm Bureau). Ryan told some interesting facts about the river and emphasized the importance of working together for the betterment of the Kaskaskia River. He thanked a variety of groups and individuals for their support, sponsorship, and commitment to the river. A special gift was given to Past President of LKSI, Pat Wetzel and Barge Committee Chairperson, Norma Hall for their efforts to make the evening possible. He then forwarded Congressman Jerry Costello’s apologies for not attending due to scheduling conflicts. Next, Mr. Ford introduced George Andres, Kaskaskia Port District Director, who talked about some of the new infrastructure that is being built along the river. He also discussed funding of the Kaskaskia River Project and his recent trip to DC to tell the Corp of Engineers the impact that underfunding would have on the river and the surrounding businesses. The tonnage will dramatically increase when Prairie State is in full operation bringing in limestone and shipping out fly ash. Before George left the podium, Ryan presented him a plaque representing the LKSI’s sincere appreciation for his diligent work towards the Kaskaskia River. Next Ford introduced a representative from the Corp of Engineers that commended LKSI for their cooperation with each other and the CORP. The final speaker for the evening was Richard Guebert, Jr, vice president of the Illinois Farm Bureau. Rich reiterated the importance of the river and the cooperation of everyone involved. He also talked about the urgency to pass free trade agreements with Panama, Columbia, and Korea to add new markets which would help increase the tonnage on our river. President Ford, wrapped up with a few closing remarks before letting everyone enjoy cookies from Fast Stop and home made ice cream provided by the Randolph County Farm Bureau. When the 3 hour tour came to an end, everyone was pleasantly surprised to have a magnificent display of fireworks in Evansville. The guests were given calendars and a soft sided cooler as they disembarked. They were also provided with a couple of drink tickets for the Water Street Bar and Grill. A great time was had by all, thanks to the numerous sponsors, donations, and volunteers that make the Barge Trip possible.
|
|