~~~~~~ RiverBill's Archives~~~~~~
January 2019

01-21-19  -   01-31-19

 

A WEBSITE FOR THE  BOATING COMMUNITY 

OF THE 

MISSISSIPPI, ILLINOIS, MISSOURI, MERAMEC AND KASKASKIA RIVERS

THURSDAY

 31 January 2019

 

Over 9.4 Million Boater Visits

Since Sept 12, 2004

To The Always Changing e-Waters of RiverBills.com

 

Dam Tour

Pool 26 of the Mississippi River

at Alton Lock and Dam

 

Tanner, Fiona, Matt, and John

 

The Towboat Robin B. Ingram

click pic to enlarge

 

 

The Pictures of the Day..... were sent to us by Capt. Tim Crawford

 

 

Hello Bill,

Attended the "Mississippi Meanderings" event at the Melvin Price lock and dam last Saturday. Pictured during the dam tour are; Tanner, Fiona, Matt, and John. Also a shot of the tow boat Robin B Ingram helping to clear ice from a lock. Very interesting group of paddlers. Some have paddled the entire length of the Mississippi.


Capt Tim Crawford

 

 

Are you interested in touring Melvin Price Lock and Dam on the Mississippi River at Alton, IL ?

Click here

 

Meanwhile

 Somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean

 

click pic to enlarge

 

 

The Picture of the Day..... was sent to us by Capt'n Barry Munsell, owner of Sail St. Louis, hails out of Sioux Harbor when boating on the Mississippi River.

 

 

No Name Harbor

Sunrise
Water from the rainfall creates an interesting reflection

Barry

 

 

Check out "No Name Harbor" at Key Biscayne, FL...click here

 

Map...click here

 

 

 

 

Open Saturday and Sunday

February 2nd & 3rd

Open Saturday's and Sunday's in January and February,

weather permitting.  Open at 11:00AM
 

Website.. click here             Facebook.. click here

 

click here for Facebook      click here for website    click here for Cruise Schld

 

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

 

 

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

 

Seagulls

Click pic to enlarge

 

Yesteryears Picture On This Day in 2018 .... was from Capt'n Mark Newlin who hails out of Portage des Sioux, Mo...

 

Mark posted this pic on RiverBills Boater's Group with the following caption:

 


Just a few seagulls at "My River Home" today

 

Website               Facebook             Map

www.RiverBills.com

Featured Classifieds

More Boats on RiverBills.com

"All Classifieds Page"

click here

 

WED & THURS...11AM - 5PM

FRI-SUN... 11AM - 10PM

CLOSED MON & TUE
 

2019 FESTIVAL & MUSIC SCHEDULE...  click here

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

 

River News !  

 

 

 

No new incident reports

 

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

 

 

   US Army Corps of Engineers
   St. Louis District - Weekly Navigation Channel Condition

 

 

UPDATED JAN 30, 2019    

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

MILE 169.0 - DREDGE OPERATION
Continuing until further notice, the Dredge POTTER is conducting dredging operations in the vicinity of Mile 169.0. Work will be conducted 24hours a day, 7-days a week. The Dredge POTTER will monitor VHF-FM Channel 12, 13 or 82 and requests 30-minutes advance notice of passage. Mariners are urged to transit the area at their slowest safe speed to minimize their wake and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been madeMILE 238.2 OBSTRUCTION
The remains of the former Hasting Landing Day Beacon is located outside the navigational channel at MM 238.2, LDB, but may pose an obstruction to navigation to smaller vessels. Mariners are urged to exercise caution in the area.
MILE 336.9 OBSTRUCTION
The remains of the former Lagrange Island Daybeacon is located outside the navigational channel in the vicinity of Mile 336.9, LDB, but may pose an obstruction to navigation to smaller vessels. Mariners are urged to exercise caution in the area.

MILE 343.2 L/D CLOSURE
Continuing until 11:00 a.m., March 5, 2019, L/D 20 in the vicinity of Mile 343.2, will be closed to navigation for maintenance. During this closure, mariners are requested NOT to tie up along the guidewalls. Mariners may contact the lock at (673) 288-3220 or via VHF-FM Channel 14, for additional information.
 

ILLINOIS RIVER

MILE 56.0 - AIDS TO NAVIGATION
Two can buoys have been reported missing in the vicinity of Mile 56.0, north of the Florence Highway Bridge. Mariners are urged to exercise caution in the area

 

Click here  for the current Navigation Channel Condition Status Report 

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 3,207 members as of 01-31-19....... Click here and check it out. 

 

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

Area River Ferry's Closed

Mississippi River and Illinois River........

 

Ferrys Closed Due To Ice:

   Golden Eagle Ferry

   Brussels Ferry

   Kampsville Ferry

 

Source Calhoun County Sheriff's Facebook.... click here

 

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

 

Sunday, February 2, 2019

Super Bowl happy hour party 5 to 9

50 cent wings, $1.50 domestic bottles, $1.00 -16 oz drafts

 

Missouri River Near Napoleon, Missouri

Corps Tracking Ice Along The Missouri River........

 

Currently, the Missouri River is covered with chunks of ice and temperatures are quite chilly.  Even though conditions on the river are poor, river shipping operations continues.

 

Every year, around 5 million tons of cargo, including sand, gravel, scrap metal and liquid asphalt are transported along the Missouri River.  These barges replace an estimated 70,000 trucks travelling along Interstate 70.

 

J Rudy, an operations project manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says that this time of year, they are helping anyone navigating the river.  This means tracking ice along the river and reporting to the National Weather Service........

 

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

 

Napoleon, Missouri is a very small town located on the Missouri River located about 30 Miles east of Kansas City, Mo

 

The Progressive St. Louis Boat & Sportshow

America's Center & the Dome

Thursday - Sunday, February 7-10, 2019

 

Thursday - Sunday, February 7-10, 2019

Progressive St. Louis Boat & Sportshow

America's Center & the Dome....

 

 

Make plans to join us February 7–10, 2019
Don’t miss St. Louis’ BIGGEST outdoors sale!


Click here for more information

 

 

 RiverBills Night

Friday, February 8

Rally Towel Give-Away Night

to the 1st 1,000 people to find the RiverBills Girls

 

Come out and see all of the fun stuff , get some Riverbills swag
 and get your picture taken with the Riverbills Girls!

 

Gather at the the Captains Lounge later on,

 the Boatshow will have live music.

 



TOWBOAT U.S.

St. Louis Boat & Sportshow Discounts

 

Thomas Stiefvater
Great news TOWBOAT U.S. is offering discounts again this year on new and renewals when renewed at the the boat show next week. Please stop by and say hello. We appreciate your support and look forward serving you this year

 

Reprinted from Thomas Stiefvater Facebook... click here

My River Home

St. Louis Boat & Sportshow

 

Reposted from My River Home Facebook.. click here

 

Wear Your River Gear to the Boat Show !

Show your colors and support for the River

Wear a Blessing of the Fleet , a RiverBills, your Boating Club or your harbor T-shirt 

 

See You There !

 

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

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

Mississippi River Navigation

Guaranteeing Navigation Along The Lower Mississippi River Ship Channel........

 

Recently, the Big River Coalition posted an interesting video about the importance of navigation along the Mississippi River Ship Channel.

 

It is estimated that the Mississippi River and Tributaries impacts the nation's economy to the tune of $735 billion, and is responsible for 585,000 jobs along the Lower Mississippi River, from Cairo, Illinois to the Gulf, and over 1.86 million jobs along the Upper Mississippi River, from Lake Itasca, Minnesota to Cairo, Illinois, when including the Illinois River........

 

Click here to check out this video from dredgingtoday.com

 

 

Illinois Department of Natural Resources

New Grant Program Available

Tto Help Companies Market Asian Carp Products.....

 

Click pic to enlarge

 

New Grant Program Available to Help Companies Market Asian Carp Products (ICYMI)

Former Gov. Rauner announced in December that companies and individuals interested in expanding demand for food and other products using Asian
Companies and individuals interested in expanding demand for food and other products using Asian carp caught in Illinois waters are invited to apply for grant funding to assist their marketing efforts.

Grants are now available through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ (IDNR) Asian Carp Market Value Program (MVP) to support current Asian carp processors and product-makers in expanding existing markets and developing new markets and sales opportunities for Asian carp products. ... click here to continue reading


 

Reprinted Illinois Department of Natural Resources.. click here

 

1 Mississippi

The Clean Water Act.....

 

Click pic to enlarge

 

How does the Clean Water Act protect rivers? Its regulations help prevent untreated sewage water from flowing right on in!
Learn more with this infographic and #CleanWater success story
#ProtectCleanWater

https://whyy.org/…/how-the-clean-water-act-fixed-the-delawa…

 

Reprinted from 1 Mississippi Facebook.. click here

 

       

 

Boat Show News

BoatUS Offering On-Water Training During Miami International Boat Show.....

 

BoatUS is offering the BoatUS Foundation On-Water Training Program during the Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show.  Two courses will be offered, Intro to Boating and Women Making Waves.

 

Each of these courses will be three hours long, and instruction will happen aboard 20 to 26 foot single engine powerboats.  The courses will cost $149, and includes admission to the boat show.

 

While both courses will be offering the same curriculum, the women's only course is a great opportunity for female boating enthusiasts to learn boat-handling techniques in a supportive environment........

 

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

 

My River Home website  facebook          Longshot Saloon facebook

The Cabana at the La Rosa facebook        

 

BE RESPONSIBLE FOR "YOUR WAKE"

BE RESPONSIBLE FOR "YOUR TRASH"

 

www.RiverBills.com         

 

Boat Manufacturer

Polaris' Larson Acquisition Adds Access To An Attractive Fishing Segment...

 

Scott Wine, Polaris' CEO says that the company's acquisition of Larson Boats may have been the smallest they have ever made, but it has attracted a lot of attention.

 

Earlier this month, Polaris purchased Larson Boats, and the transaction has gotten more attention than when they bought Boat Holding Group, which included the Rinker, Bennington, Godfrey and Hurricane brands.

 

Wine says that the Larson purchase offers Polaris an entry into the fishing segment, which they did not have with their other brands.  He adds that the purchase was a cost effective way to enter the fishing market........

 

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

  

 

  Website..click here      Facebook Page..click here

 

Saturday, February 2, 2019

Kaskaskia Eagle Fest

Kaskaskia River at Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam

 

Reprinted from Kaskaskia Eagle Fest Facebook ... click here

 

Providing insurance coverage where ever you go

 

  click here for website and more information

 

List Your Boat

on RiverBills Classifieds

6 Months for $50.00

From "Now" until "June 2019" 

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

 

 

Little John's Moptorsports... Click here

Little Johns Marine Service...  Click here

 

What's Going On This Week

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

 

Sunday, February 2, 2019

Super Bowl happy hour party 5 to 9

50 cent wings, $1.50 domestic bottles, $1.00 -16 oz drafts

 

Open all year

 

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

$5.00 lunch specials from 11am till 2pm

3rd Chute Upcoming Events.. click here

Alton Marina

Mississippi River at Alton, IL

 

 

The Deli at the Alton Marina is closed for the season

 

The Boathouse

Northshore Marina

 

 

Open all year
Open Weekends, Weather Permitting
Saturday & Sunday. Open at 11:00 AM

Cedar Hill Resort

Mississippi River

1 mile below Winfield Dam

 

 

Closed for the season

Duck Club Yacht Club

 


Closed for the season

Froge's Bar and Grill

Portage des Sioux, MO

 

Starting this Monday, January 28th, we be opening @ 11am every Monday until further notice.

 

Every Friday throughout the year we serve whole catfish, catfish nuggets, Alaskan Pollock and salmon served with 2 sides and a soft drink for $8.99 from 11am until gone or 10pm

 

**FALL KITCHEN**
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, kitchen will close at 8pm.

Grafton Harbor

Confluence of Mississippi and Illinois Rivers


 

Grafton Harbor

Grafton Harbor River Adventures
 

Closed for the season

 


The River Rambler Tour is a fun and educational 1 hour boat ride on the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers highlighting the historical and geographical points of interest

For more information ... click here

Grafton Oyster Bar

Grafton Harbor

 



WED & THURS...11AM - 5PM
FRI-SUN... 11AM - 10PM
CLOSED MON & TUE
 

 

FESTIVAL & MUSIC SCHEDULE...  click here

 

John's Boat Harbor

Mississippi River at UMR 231.8

 

Hey guys, Any one interested in a ramp pass for 2019, need to let us know by March 15th if possible.
We will take all of the passes from 2018. After March 15th we will take any new passes that we have available.

Kinder's Restaurant

Mississippi River at Golden Eagle, IL

 

Closed for the season

Lake Center Marina

MM224.4 UMR

 

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

Longshot Saloon

My River Home Marina and Resort

Mississippi River at Portage des Sioux...

 

 

 

Closed for the season

Mike's La Rosa at My River Home

Mississippi River at

Portage des Sioux, Mo

 

Closed for the season

 

Yacht Club of St. Louis Restaurant

UMR 225 On Dardenne Slough of Pool 26 of the Mississippi River

 

Closed for the season

 

 

 

Click here for Yacht Club October Calendar

 

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
Arrrr Bar at Grafton Harbor.................. Closed for the season
Boathouse Food & Deck..................... Open All Year
Cedar Hill Resort................................ Closed for the season
Driftwood Crab Shack @ MRH Resort.. Opening Memorial Day 2019
Duck Club Yacht Club........................ Closed for the season
Evandy's_Boatel................................ Open All Year
Froges Bar & Grill.............................. Open All Year
Grafton Harbor Winery & Gift Shop...... Open
Grafton Oyster Bar............................. Open All Year
Kinder's Restaurant.......................... Closed for the season
Longshot Saloon................................ Closed for the season
LaRosa Cantina................................. Closed for the season
Yacht Club of St. Louis..................... Closed for the season

WEDNESDAY

 30 January 2019

 

Over 9.4 Million Boater Visits

Since Sept 12, 2004

To The Always Changing e-Waters of RiverBills.com

 

Eagles

Pool 26 of the Mississippi River

 

click pic to enlarge

 

 

The Picture of the Day..... was sent to us by Terri Dunaway.

 

 

Bill,

We saw these beautiful creatures on our Sunday drive up the river road.

Terri Dunaway

 

Dardenne Slough

Ice, Ice, Ice

Pool 26 of the Mississippi River

 

Looking up Dardenne Slough at the Boathouse Food and Deck

 

Looking Down River

 

Lower Harbor Entrance at North Shore Marina

 

Pics from the Boathouse RiverCam yesterday evening

Go to www.RiverWebCams.com for the last 10 pictures from this camera!

click pic to enlarge

 

 

The Pictures of the Day..... were taken yesterday afternoon

 

 

Ice on Dardenne Slough

at  the Boathouse at North Shore Marina.

The slough was not frozen all the way across yet and the ice was still moving.

 

Lets see what today will bring with the colder temperatures!

 

 

 

Open Saturday and Sunday

February 2nd & 3rd

Open Saturday's and Sunday's in January and February,

weather permitting.  Open at 11:00AM
 

Website.. click here             Facebook.. click here

 

click here for Facebook      click here for website    click here for Cruise Schld

 

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

 

 

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 Scoundrel at Sharkey's
on a snowy day in 2005

Click pic to enlarge

 

Yesteryears Picture On This Day in 2005 .... was of the boat named Scoundrel tied up at Sharkey's. Yes, January 29 !

Boating season never ends for some folks. Dutch, who is the captain of the vessel, told me he keeps it toasty warm inside and that he uses the boat all year long.

 

Hats off to you Dutch !

 

We Miss You Dutch

We Miss You Sharkey's

 

Website               Facebook             Map

www.RiverBills.com

Featured Classifieds

More Boats on RiverBills.com

"All Classifieds Page"

click here

 

WED & THURS...11AM - 5PM

FRI-SUN... 11AM - 10PM

CLOSED MON & TUE
 

2019 FESTIVAL & MUSIC SCHEDULE...  click here

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

 

River News !  

 

 

 

No new incident reports

 

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

 

 

   US Army Corps of Engineers
   St. Louis District - Weekly Navigation Channel Condition

 

 

UPDATED JAN 23, 2019    

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

MILE 238.2 OBSTRUCTION
The remains of the former Hasting Landing Day Beacon is located outside the navigational channel at MM 238.2, LDB, but may pose an obstruction to navigation to smaller vessels. Mariners are urged to exercise caution in the area.
MILE 179.2 - BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION
Poplar Street Bridge; A safespan is installed following the contours of the bridge. The platform will extend approximately 3 feet below low steel of the bridge. At various times, work barges will be spud down on the backside of both left and right descending main navigation piers. Barges will remain in place overnight and be properly lit.
MILE 336.9 OBSTRUCTION
Continuing until 11:00 a.m., March 5, 2019, L/D 20 in the vicinity of Mile 343.2, will be closed to navigation for maintenance. During this closure, mariners are requested NOT to tie up along the guidewalls. Mariners may contact the lock at (673) 288-3220 or via VHF-FM Channel 14, for additional information.
 

MISSOURI RIVER
MILE 67.61 - BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
Washington Bridge Replacement; Horizontal clearance in the navigation span is reduced to 350 feet due to ongoing construction work. Mariners may contact M/V PIASA via VHF-FM Channel 13 or 16, for more information

 

ILLINOIS RIVER

MILE 56.0 - AIDS TO NAVIGATION
Two can buoys have been reported missing in the vicinity of Mile 56.0, north of the Florence Highway Bridge. Mariners are urged to exercise caution in the area

 

Click here  for the current Navigation Channel Condition Status Report 

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 3,208 members as of 01-30-19....... Click here and check it out. 

 

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

Area River Ferry's Closed

Mississippi River and Illinois River........

 

Ferrys Closed Due To Ice:

   Golden Eagle Ferry

   Brussels Ferry

   Kampsville Ferry

 

Source Calhoun County Sheriff's Facebook.... click here

 

Black Carp Can Grow to almost 6 feet in length

Photo courtesy Wikipedia

 

Invasive Species News

Black Carp With Human-Like Molars Threatening Mississippi River Basin........

 

Recently, the State of Kentucky discovered a juvenile black carp along the Ohio River.  Back in 2016, a young black carp was found in Missouri.  What is alarming about the discovery of young black carp in U.S. waterways is this indicates the species as a whole is viable in these waterways.

 

Black carp have human-like molars that they use to eat endangered mussels.  They were originally brought to the U.S. from Asia in the 1970s to help control snail populations in commercial catfish farming operations.  A series of floods set the fish free from the containment ponds into the wild.

 

In 2007, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service added black carp to the list of injurious wildlife that are prohibited to transport or trade.  According to Jessica Morris, a fisheries biologist with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, the appearance of black carp in the wild indicates that their populations are possibly expanding more than expected........

 

Click here to read this news article from newfoodeconomy.org.  With Photo.

 

The Progressive St. Louis Boat & Sportshow

America's Center & the Dome

Thursday - Sunday, February 7-10, 2019

 

Thursday - Sunday, February 7-10, 2019

Progressive St. Louis Boat & Sportshow

America's Center & the Dome....

 

 

Make plans to join us February 7–10, 2019
Don’t miss St. Louis’ BIGGEST outdoors sale!


Click here for more information

 

 

 RiverBills Night

Friday, February 8

Rally Towel Give-Away Night

to the 1st 1,000 people to find the RiverBills Girls

 

Come out and see all of the fun stuff , get some Riverbills swag
 and get your picture taken with the Riverbills Girls!

 

Gather at the the Captains Lounge later on,

 the Boatshow will have live music.

Wear Your River Gear to the Boat Show !

Show your colors and support for the River

Wear a Blessing of the Fleet , a RiverBills, your Boating Club or your harbor T-shirt 

 

See You There !

 

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

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

Illinois River Near Peoria, Illinois

Extra Effort Required To Keep Barge Traffic Moving During Extreme Cold........

 

Thanks to the frigid temperatures across the Midwest, the majority of the Illinois River in central Illinois has frozen over.  As a result, the Illinois River is being condensed into one lane of traffic this week.

 

Rake barges will be extremely critical in the coming days, because their front ends are slanted at a 45 degree angle, allowing them to maneuver through the ice.

 

Barges and tows are still working during these frigid temperatures, and will continue to do so later this week amid record-breaking low temperatures........

 

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

 

2019 Hakuna Matata Cruise Schedule

Grafton Harbor

Confluence of Illinois and Mississippi Rivers at Grafton IL

 

Click pic to enlarge

This Week's Marine Jobs Newsletter Is Out !

 

This week's TradeOnly Marine Jobs Newsletter is out.

 

Some of the jobs include:

~ Dock Master - Great harbor yacht Club, Nantucket Island
~ Dock Master ~ Capital Yacht Club, Wharf in D.C.
~ In-house Senior Designer - Seminole Marine Group

 

Click here for more listings and information on Trade Only Today's Job Board

 

       

 

Missouri River At St. Louis, Missouri

Ice On The Missouri River Indicates Water Main Breaks Coming........

 

According to Carl White with Missouri American Water, ice floating down the Missouri River at St. Louis is a good indicator that multiple water main breaks will be happening soon.  A good portion of St. Louis' drinking water comes from the Missouri River.

 

White says that the water flowing through the pipes is colder than the ground temperatures, and this will cause the pipes to contract.  The weak sections in the fairly old water lines are prone to breakage.

 

The City of St. Louis Water Department and Missouri American Water will have crews available to handle the expected surge of water main breaks over the next several days........

 

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

 

Missouri River Near Washington, Missouri

Ice Along The Missouri River........

 

While Trolling The Internet....  We reeled in a short video showing some of the ice slowly flowing down the Missouri River....

 

Click here to check out this video from emissourian.com.

 

My River Home website  facebook          Longshot Saloon facebook

The Cabana at the La Rosa facebook        

 

BE RESPONSIBLE FOR "YOUR WAKE"

BE RESPONSIBLE FOR "YOUR TRASH"

 

www.RiverBills.com         

 

Boating Legislation

NMMA Welcomes Congressional Boating Caucus Co-Chairs........

 

The National Marine Manufacturers Association recently welcomed Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), Representative Lois Frankel (D-FL,21) and Representative Jackie Walorski (R-IN-2) as the Congressional Boating Caucus co-chairs in the 116th Congress.

 

This year marks the 30th anniversary for the Congressional Boating Caucus, which is a bipartisan group of 100 U.S. Senators and Representatives formed in 1989 to advocate for the recreational boating industry's interests.

 

Thom Dammrich, NMMA president says that the Congressional Boating Caucus has been key to allowing marine manufacturing to remain a positive force within communities across the nation.........

 

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

  

 

  Website..click here      Facebook Page..click here

 

ELUX Electric Pontoon

Photo courtesy Elux Marine

 

 

Boat Manufacturer

ELUX Introduces First Electric Fiberglass Pontoon........

 

During the recent Minneapolis Boat Show, boat builder ELUX unveiled their number 1 production model.  The vessel is a 24 foot fiberglass pontoon boat powered with a 72 volt, 420 amp lithium battery pack that powers a direct drive inboard electric motor to speeds up to 14 miles per hour.

 

The Minnesota-based boat building company was founded by medical device entrepreneur Howard Root and boat craftsman Bart Jones.  Root says that the company is changing the standard for this market segment in two ways;  first, they went from gasoline power to electric power, and from aluminum to fiberglass.

 

Root and Jones say that there are many benefits to electric boating, including ease of maintenance, which means no gas to fill, no oil to change, no engine to winterize, emissions free, meaning no exhaust smell or pollutants in the water or air and noise free, meaning quiet boating........

 

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

 

Check out Elux Marine.com

Providing insurance coverage where ever you go

 

  click here for website and more information

 

List Your Boat

on RiverBills Classifieds

6 Months for $50.00

From "Now" until "June 2019" 

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

 

 

Little John's Moptorsports... Click here

Little Johns Marine Service...  Click here

 

What's Going On This Week

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

 

Open all year

 

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

$5.00 lunch specials from 11am till 2pm

3rd Chute Upcoming Events.. click here

Alton Marina

Mississippi River at Alton, IL

 

 

The Deli at the Alton Marina is closed for the season

 

The Boathouse

Northshore Marina

 

 

Open all year
Open Weekends, Weather Permitting
Saturday & Sunday. Open at 11:00 AM

Cedar Hill Resort

Mississippi River

1 mile below Winfield Dam

 

 

Closed for the season

Duck Club Yacht Club

 


Closed for the season

Froge's Bar and Grill

Portage des Sioux, MO

 

Starting this Monday, January 28th, we be opening @ 11am every Monday until further notice.

 

Every Friday throughout the year we serve whole catfish, catfish nuggets, Alaskan Pollock and salmon served with 2 sides and a soft drink for $8.99 from 11am until gone or 10pm

 

**FALL KITCHEN**
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, kitchen will close at 8pm.

Grafton Harbor

Confluence of Mississippi and Illinois Rivers


 

Grafton Harbor

Grafton Harbor River Adventures
 

Closed for the season

 


The River Rambler Tour is a fun and educational 1 hour boat ride on the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers highlighting the historical and geographical points of interest

For more information ... click here

Grafton Oyster Bar

Grafton Harbor

 



WED & THURS...11AM - 5PM
FRI-SUN... 11AM - 10PM
CLOSED MON & TUE
 

 

FESTIVAL & MUSIC SCHEDULE...  click here

 

John's Boat Harbor

Mississippi River at UMR 231.8

 

Hey guys, Any one interested in a ramp pass for 2019, need to let us know by March 15th if possible.
We will take all of the passes from 2018. After March 15th we will take any new passes that we have available.

Kinder's Restaurant

Mississippi River at Golden Eagle, IL

 

Closed for the season

Lake Center Marina

MM224.4 UMR

 

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

Longshot Saloon

My River Home Marina and Resort

Mississippi River at Portage des Sioux...

 

 

 

Closed for the season

Mike's La Rosa at My River Home

Mississippi River at

Portage des Sioux, Mo

 

Closed for the season

 

Yacht Club of St. Louis Restaurant

UMR 225 On Dardenne Slough of Pool 26 of the Mississippi River

 

Closed for the season

 

 

 

Click here for Yacht Club October Calendar

 

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
Arrrr Bar at Grafton Harbor.................. Closed for the season
Boathouse Food & Deck..................... Open All Year
Cedar Hill Resort................................ Closed for the season
Driftwood Crab Shack @ MRH Resort.. Opening Memorial Day 2019
Duck Club Yacht Club........................ Closed for the season
Evandy's_Boatel................................ Open All Year
Froges Bar & Grill.............................. Open All Year
Grafton Harbor Winery & Gift Shop...... Open
Grafton Oyster Bar............................. Open All Year
Kinder's Restaurant.......................... Closed for the season
Longshot Saloon................................ Closed for the season
LaRosa Cantina................................. Closed for the season
Yacht Club of St. Louis..................... Closed for the season

TUESDAY

 29 January 2019

 

Over 9.4 Million Boater Visits

Since Sept 12, 2004

To The Always Changing e-Waters of RiverBills.com

 

RiverBills Sticker Sighting

Quincy Antique Outboard Club

Quincy, IL

Pool 21 of the Mississippi River

 

 

Photo from Dave Bullington

Click here for more information on the Quincy Classic Boat & Outboard Show

click pic to enlarge

 

 

The Pictures of the Day..... where sent to us by Susan and Dave Bullington in two separate emails.   We decided to print both of them.

 

 

Bill,

The Quincy Boat Club held a swap meet Saturday. Looks like some members of ACBS Miss Valley Chapter made it. Showing off the poster for the Quincy Boat and Outboard Show poster in September. Oh! Look above the poster. It’s a River Bill’s Sticker!

 

Susan Bullington

 

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

 

Bill,

Had a Riverbill’s sticker sighting Saturday at the Quincy Boat Club Antique Outboard Motor Swap Meet. Was good to get out and talk about boating even though it was pretty cold! Also saw the poster for the 2019 Annual Quincy Classic boat and outboard motor show scheduled for September 13th - 15th. More on that later this summer.


Dave Bullington

 

 

 

RiverBill says.... Thanks Susan and Dave for the pics and e-mails

 

 

RiverBills Sticker Sighting Page

Click here and check it out...

 

 

 

Open Saturday and Sunday

February 2nd & 3rd

Open Saturday's and Sunday's in January and February,

weather permitting.  Open at 11:00AM
 

Website.. click here             Facebook.. click here

 

click here for Facebook          click here for website

 

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

 

 

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

 

Sand-Art

Click pic to enlarge

 

Yesteryears Picture of the Day from 2018 .... was from Capt'n Dave Diederich

 

Check out Dave's Sand-Art at

http://sand-art.com/
 

 

Website               Facebook             Map

www.RiverBills.com

Featured Classifieds

More Boats on RiverBills.com

"All Classifieds Page"

click here

 

WED & THURS...11AM - 5PM

FRI-SUN... 11AM - 10PM

CLOSED MON & TUE
 

2019 FESTIVAL & MUSIC SCHEDULE...  click here

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

 

River News !  

 

 

 

No new incident reports

 

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

 

 

   US Army Corps of Engineers
   St. Louis District - Weekly Navigation Channel Condition

 

 

UPDATED JAN 23, 2019    

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

MILE 238.2 OBSTRUCTION
The remains of the former Hasting Landing Day Beacon is located outside the navigational channel at MM 238.2, LDB, but may pose an obstruction to navigation to smaller vessels. Mariners are urged to exercise caution in the area.
MILE 179.2 - BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION
Poplar Street Bridge; A safespan is installed following the contours of the bridge. The platform will extend approximately 3 feet below low steel of the bridge. At various times, work barges will be spud down on the backside of both left and right descending main navigation piers. Barges will remain in place overnight and be properly lit.
MILE 336.9 OBSTRUCTION
Continuing until 11:00 a.m., March 5, 2019, L/D 20 in the vicinity of Mile 343.2, will be closed to navigation for maintenance. During this closure, mariners are requested NOT to tie up along the guidewalls. Mariners may contact the lock at (673) 288-3220 or via VHF-FM Channel 14, for additional information.
 

MISSOURI RIVER
MILE 67.61 - BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
Washington Bridge Replacement; Horizontal clearance in the navigation span is reduced to 350 feet due to ongoing construction work. Mariners may contact M/V PIASA via VHF-FM Channel 13 or 16, for more information

 

ILLINOIS RIVER

MILE 56.0 - AIDS TO NAVIGATION
Two can buoys have been reported missing in the vicinity of Mile 56.0, north of the Florence Highway Bridge. Mariners are urged to exercise caution in the area

 

Click here  for the current Navigation Channel Condition Status Report 

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 3,208 members as of 01-29-19....... Click here and check it out. 

 

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

Golden Eagle Ferry Closing Today

Winfield Ferry Opening Today

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

 

Calhoun Ferry Company

01/29/2019
The Golden Eagle Ferry will close today at 1pm for ice and remain closed until further notice. The Winfield Ferry will open today at 1pm with the hours of Monday-Saturday 5am to 9pm and Sunday 8am to 9pm.


Thank You,
The Calhoun Ferry Company.

 

Reprinted from the Calhoun Ferry Company Facebook page.... click here

 

Kampsville Ferry Closed

Illinois River at Kampsville, IL...

 

 

Illinois Department of Transportation

Calhoun County: The Kampsville ferry has been closed because of ice in the river, and we heard it's cold or something?
 

Reprinted from the Illinois Dept of Transportation Facebook page.... click here

 

Ohio River Near Louisville, Kentucky

Barge Removal Operations Continue........

 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports that as of Tuesday, five of the nine barges stranded on the McAlpine Dam in the Ohio River have been removed.

 

This project comes after the Christmas Day accident, when a tow boat pushing fifteen barges collided with the Clark Memorial Bridge spanning the Ohio River at Louisville, Kentucky.

 

For the time being, high river levels have caused salvage operations to be suspended.  Crews will resume their efforts after the river levels fall........

 

Click here to read this news tidbit from wave3.com.  With Photo.

 

Valentine's Day...

Thursday, February 14, 2019

Timber Creek Bar and Grill, O'Fallon, Mo

Captain Tim Is Playing........

 

Head out to Timber Creek Bar and Grill in O'Fallon, Mo. Captain Tim will be playing from 7-10pm.

So come grab some food & drink and listen to some great music !

 

 

 

Timber Creek Bar and Grill... click here

Home of the world's most comfortable bar stools

The Progressive St. Louis Boat & Sportshow

America's Center & the Dome

Thursday - Sunday, February 7-10, 2019

 

Thursday - Sunday, February 7-10, 2019

Progressive St. Louis Boat & Sportshow

America's Center & the Dome....

 

 

Make plans to join us February 7–10, 2019
Don’t miss St. Louis’ BIGGEST outdoors sale!


Click here for more information

 

 

 RiverBills Night

Friday, February 8

Rally Towel Give-Away Night

to the 1st 1,000 people to find the RiverBills Girls

 

Come out and see all of the fun stuff , get some Riverbills swag
 and get your picture taken with the Riverbills Girls!

 

Gather at the the Captains Lounge later on,

 the Boatshow will have live music.

Wear Your River Gear to the Boat Show !

Show your colors and support for the River

Wear a Blessing of the Fleet , a RiverBills, your Boating Club or your harbor T-shirt 

 

See You There !

 

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

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

Illinois Conservation Police

There Is A Shortage Of ICP Officers........

 

The shortage of police officers with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has affected response times and has caused conservation officers to be selective of when and where they patrol.

 

The Illinois Conservation Police are suffering a significant shortage of officers that affect how they are servicing the fish and game, boating, camping and park systems within the state.

 

According to Rafael Guitierrez, director of law enforcement with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the shortage is due in part to funding problems........

 

Click here to read this news article form altondailynews.com.  With Audio

 

       

 

Mississippi River At Quincy, Illinois

Business Owner Disputing Possible Barge Dock Lease........

 

The City of Quincy is looking to lease their barge dock, but the lease agreement has created a disagreement with one Quincy business owner.

 

Quincy officials are looking to develop the Mid-America Port to encourage the city and county to create a possible economic driver.  Three companies had presented proposals for operating, marketing and managing the barge dock.  The Barge Dock Committee recommended a company called Consolidated Grain and Barge.

 

Quincy businessman Richard McNay had also submitted a proposal, but spoke out in opposition of the committee's recommendation.  McNay said that he would like to see the barge dock open to everyone.  The Barge Dock Committee meeting slated for Tuesday night has been postponed for a second time........

 

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

 

My River Home website  facebook          Longshot Saloon facebook

The Cabana at the La Rosa facebook        

 

BE RESPONSIBLE FOR "YOUR WAKE"

BE RESPONSIBLE FOR "YOUR TRASH"

 

www.RiverBills.com         

 

U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers

Corps Hosting Radioactive Waste Cleanup Open House........

 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District will be hosting an open house next month to discuss clean-up efforts affecting the Downtown and North St. Louis areas impacted by low level radiation.

 

Officials with the Corps' Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources will be providing updates on progress on projects including soil and water sampling and monitoring, continuing remediation, transportation and disposal efforts.  They will also be answering questions.

 

Bruce Munholand, the FUSRAP program manager said that their team looks forward to this annual chance to meet with the community and discuss the ongoing commitment to the community........

 

Click here to read more from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website.

 

This will likely include the cleanup efforts along Coldwater Creek, a tributary of the Missouri River

  

City of New Orleans Riverboat

Photo courtesy New Orleans Steamboat Company

 

Mississippi River Cruising News

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Riverboat Set To Hit The River........

 

Soon, the first new riverboat in over a decade will be launched in New Orleans, Louisiana.  A drop in tourism following Hurricane Katrina in 2005 prompted the New Orleans Steamboat Company to sell off one of their two boats.

 

The arrival of the City of New Orleans indicates a steady increase in tourism for the port town.  Adrienne Thomas, marketing director of the New Orleans Steamboat Company, says that there are people coming to New Orleans from all over the world, looking to see the river.

 

The City of New Orleans was constructed in Louisiana in 1991, and spent years operating as a casino in Rock Island, Illinois.  After being retired in the mid 1990s, the vessel sat unused until being purchased by the New Orleans Steamboat Company in 2016........

 

Click here to read this news story from vindy.com. 

 

 

  Website..click here      Facebook Page..click here

 

Boat Manufacturer

Regulator Marine Expansion Wrapping Up Soon........

 

Regulator Marine is wrapping up the 43,000 square foot expansion of their plant in Edenton, North Carolina.  They expect to have the new plant up and running by March.  This is the second phase of a 55,000 square foot expansion.

 

Regulator Marine president Joan Maxwell says that they had originally expected the project to be completed in January, however,  contractors were not able to pour concrete at one point due to Hurricane Florence.

 

Maxwell says that they will be relocating processes such as router operations, glass cutting and resin transfer molding into the current assembly building, and the new addition will house assembly and the expanding engineering department........

 

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

 

 

Providing insurance coverage where ever you go

 

  click here for website and more information

 

February 2, 2019

Audubon Center at the Riverlands

Waterfowl of Riverlands

 


Saturday at 1 PM – 2 PM

The Audubon Center at Riverlands
301 Riverlands Way, West Alton, Missouri 63386

Waterfowl of Riverlands (Ducks, Geese and Swans)
This presentation will cover the identification, life history and interesting facts about the various species of waterfowl that visit the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Many of the species that will be discussed spend the winter months at the Sanctuary and will be in the area at the time of the presentation. After the indoor presentation, an outdoor field trip to see some waterfowl in the Sanctuary will be offered for those that are interested.

Charlie Deutsch Bio:
Charlie is a supervisory wildlife biologist and manager of the Environmental Stewardship Program at the US Army Corps of Engineers Rivers Project Office in West Alton, Missouri. He oversees the management of 155,000 acres of public lands and waters on the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, including the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary. He has been at the Rivers Project since the early 1990’s where he focuses most of his management efforts on migratory bird habitat, floodplain forest sustainability and habitat restoration. Additionally, he serves on The Audubon Center at Riverlands Board and has served in the past as a board member for the St. Louis Audubon Society. He has an M.S. in Biology and a B.S. in Biology/Ecology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

 

Reprinted from Audubon Center at Riverlandst... click here

 

 

List Your Boat

on RiverBills Classifieds

6 Months for $50.00

From "Now" until "June 2019" 

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

 

 

Little John's Moptorsports... Click here

Little Johns Marine Service...  Click here

 

What's Going On This Week

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

 

Open all year

 

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

$5.00 lunch specials from 11am till 2pm

3rd Chute Upcoming Events.. click here

Alton Marina

Mississippi River at Alton, IL

 

 

The Deli at the Alton Marina is closed for the season

 

The Boathouse

Northshore Marina

 

 

Open all year
Open Weekends, Weather Permitting
Saturday & Sunday. Open at 11:00 AM

Cedar Hill Resort

Mississippi River

1 mile below Winfield Dam

 

 

Closed for the season

Duck Club Yacht Club

 


Closed for the season

Froge's Bar and Grill

Portage des Sioux, MO

 

Starting this Monday, January 28th, we be opening @ 11am every Monday until further notice.

 

Every Friday throughout the year we serve whole catfish, catfish nuggets, Alaskan Pollock and salmon served with 2 sides and a soft drink for $8.99 from 11am until gone or 10pm

 

**FALL KITCHEN**
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, kitchen will close at 8pm.

Grafton Harbor

Confluence of Mississippi and Illinois Rivers


 

Grafton Harbor

Grafton Harbor River Adventures
 

Closed for the season

 


The River Rambler Tour is a fun and educational 1 hour boat ride on the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers highlighting the historical and geographical points of interest

For more information ... click here

Grafton Oyster Bar

Grafton Harbor

 



WED & THURS...11AM - 5PM
FRI-SUN... 11AM - 10PM
CLOSED MON & TUE
 

 

FESTIVAL & MUSIC SCHEDULE...  click here

 

John's Boat Harbor

Mississippi River at UMR 231.8

 

Hey guys, Any one interested in a ramp pass for 2019, need to let us know by March 15th if possible.
We will take all of the passes from 2018. After March 15th we will take any new passes that we have available.

Kinder's Restaurant

Mississippi River at Golden Eagle, IL

 

Closed for the season

Lake Center Marina

MM224.4 UMR

 

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

Longshot Saloon

My River Home Marina and Resort

Mississippi River at Portage des Sioux...

 

 

 

Closed for the season

Mike's La Rosa at My River Home

Mississippi River at

Portage des Sioux, Mo

 

Closed for the season

 

Yacht Club of St. Louis Restaurant

UMR 225 On Dardenne Slough of Pool 26 of the Mississippi River

 

Closed for the season

 

 

 

Click here for Yacht Club October Calendar

 

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
Arrrr Bar at Grafton Harbor.................. Closed for the season
Boathouse Food & Deck..................... Open All Year
Cedar Hill Resort................................ Closed for the season
Driftwood Crab Shack @ MRH Resort.. Opening Memorial Day 2019
Duck Club Yacht Club........................ Closed for the season
Evandy's_Boatel................................ Open All Year
Froges Bar & Grill.............................. Open All Year
Grafton Harbor Winery & Gift Shop...... Open
Grafton Oyster Bar............................. Open All Year
Kinder's Restaurant.......................... Closed for the season
Longshot Saloon................................ Closed for the season
LaRosa Cantina................................. Closed for the season
Yacht Club of St. Louis..................... Closed for the season

MONDAY

 28 January 2019

 

Over 9.4 Million Boater Visits

Since Sept 12, 2004

To The Always Changing e-Waters of RiverBills.com

 

Bloody Bucket

Construction Update

Grafton, IL

Pool 26 at the Confluence of the

Illinois and Mississippi Rivers

 

 

Click pic to enlarge

 

 

The Pictures of the Day..... where taken last Friday

 

 

 

 The construction work going on at the Bloody Bucket in Grafton, IL, a popular boater destination.

 

The rear portion of the building collapsed late last year. 

Click here for pic on Facebook

 

RiverBills Sticker Sighting

Yelapa Island

Puerto Vallarto, Mexico

 

 

 

 

Click pic to enlarge

 

 

A RiverBills Sticker Sighting.....  was sent to us by Captain Morgan

 

 

River Bill,

Doreen and myself put up a sticker on the bar at the top of Yelapa island next to the waterfall on our trip to Puerto Vallarto, MX. What great weather 85 during the day 70 in the evening.

Captain Morgan
Yacht Club of St. Louis.
 


PS. No Rum over here but they have Pomegranate Tequila! Look out...:)

 

 

RiverBill says.... Thanks for taking us with you !
 

 

 

RiverBills Sticker Sighting Page

Click here and check it out...

 

 

Open Saturday's and Sunday's in January and February,

weather permitting.  Open at 11:00AM
 

Website.. click here             Facebook.. click here

 

click here for Facebook          click here for website

 

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

 

 

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 2017

Progressive Boat and Sportshow

 

Click pic to enlarge

 

Yesteryears Picture of the Day from ...... is from the 2017 Progressive Insurance Boat & Sports Show in Downtown St. Louis

 

RiverBill:

Even though my Captain didn't buy me a new boat, I had a great time with all these river people at the boat show! Thanks for the new shades!

Jessica Mckay
Yacht Club of St. Louis

.

 

Website               Facebook             Map

www.RiverBills.com

Featured Classifieds

More Boats on RiverBills.com

"All Classifieds Page"

click here

 

WED & THURS...11AM - 5PM

FRI-SUN... 11AM - 10PM

CLOSED MON & TUE
 

2019 FESTIVAL & MUSIC SCHEDULE...  click here

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

 

River News !  

 

 

 

 

Duck Club Yacht Club

New Management........

 

We are proud to announce NEW management for the Duck Club Yacht Club Restaurant unanimously selected by the Restautant Committee and approved by the board. !

Retaurant Manager - Marcus Padavan

I have been creating my love and passion for food for 35 + years, It started with Johnson and Wales University , where after wetting my appetite for food I decided to travel to Paris, France. Where i studied at Le Cordon Bleu, I stayed and traveled in Europe for a few extra years to learn the French and Italian passion they have for their food and culture. I then returned back to the states, Where I traveled to Hawaii, Utah and the Hamptons . I became a private chef for many TV,Movie and Rock Stars. I then moved to St. Charles where I opened Padavans with my brother which has been in business for 10 years. As I continue my passion and love for food I look forward to brining it to Duck Club.

Head Chef - Anthony Haacke, CEC AAC


Anthony “Tony” Haacke, embarked upon his culinary career in 1994 working as a line cook at St. Louis Country Club. He worked for Executive Chef, Jerry Schaller, CEC. The year, 1997 proved to be a very successful one for Tony. He was awarded, “Junior Chef of the Year” by the St. Louis Chef de Cuisine Association, a most prestigious honor and graduated from St. Louis Community College at Forest Park earning an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science (with an emphasis in culinary studies). That same year he left St. Louis Country Club to accept the Executive Sous Chef position at Old Warson Country Club. For seven years until 2003, He worked and trained under, Aidan Murphy, CMC. To further his culinary career, he then accepted the Executive Sous Chef position at Bellerive Country Club and worked under Executive Chef, Kevin Storm CEC, 2003 to 2006. In 2006, accepted the executive chef position at Racquet Club-St. Louis. He was conferred “Certified Executive Chef” (CEC) by the American Culinary Federation, May, 2009. In the summer of 2017, moved on to a different experience as the executive chef of Maryville University.
He has been active within the American Culinary Federation (ACF). He has served on many board positions in Saint Louis including: President, Vice President, Treasurer, and numerous other board positions. With all that he is also a registered judge and American Academy of Chefs member within the ACF. He is also very involved in fundraisers, which are both ACF related and community related. Presently, working on a Cheftoberfest event that is held at the Anheuser Busch Biergarten. This event is used to raise funds for scholarships and travel expenses for younger culinarians. Along with all that, he also has been involved with many different culinary activities within St. Louis. For example, the most recent golf tournament at Bellerive Country Club. Many hours were spent in making sure that the players, families, and members were fed with the quality that is always expected. In his free time, he enjoys a few rounds of golf, a little time traveling, and always that ever important time with family.

 

Reprinted from Duck Club Yacht Club Facebook... click here

 

Asian Carp Update

U of I:  Carp, It's What's For Dinner........

 

In a popular dining hall at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, they are serving up a variety of "Silverfin" dishes as part of Illinois' efforts to control the Asian carp population.

 

Former Illinois Lieutenant Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti helped launch this program at the University of Illinois.  She notes that Asian carp is actually very delicious.

 

During her term, Sanguinetti helped oversee the state's efforts to remove the carp from Illinois' waterways and prevent them from entering the Great Lakes, including raising awareness, fishing as many out of the Illinois River as possible, and keeping tabs on the population........

 

Click here to read this news report from pbs.org.  With Photo.

 

 

No new incident reports

 

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

 

 

   US Army Corps of Engineers
   St. Louis District - Weekly Navigation Channel Condition

 

 

UPDATED JAN 23, 2019    

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

MILE 238.2 OBSTRUCTION
The remains of the former Hasting Landing Day Beacon is located outside the navigational channel at MM 238.2, LDB, but may pose an obstruction to navigation to smaller vessels. Mariners are urged to exercise caution in the area.
MILE 179.2 - BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION
Poplar Street Bridge; A safespan is installed following the contours of the bridge. The platform will extend approximately 3 feet below low steel of the bridge. At various times, work barges will be spud down on the backside of both left and right descending main navigation piers. Barges will remain in place overnight and be properly lit.
MILE 336.9 OBSTRUCTION
Continuing until 11:00 a.m., March 5, 2019, L/D 20 in the vicinity of Mile 343.2, will be closed to navigation for maintenance. During this closure, mariners are requested NOT to tie up along the guidewalls. Mariners may contact the lock at (673) 288-3220 or via VHF-FM Channel 14, for additional information.
 

MISSOURI RIVER
MILE 67.61 - BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
Washington Bridge Replacement; Horizontal clearance in the navigation span is reduced to 350 feet due to ongoing construction work. Mariners may contact M/V PIASA via VHF-FM Channel 13 or 16, for more information

 

ILLINOIS RIVER

MILE 56.0 - AIDS TO NAVIGATION
Two can buoys have been reported missing in the vicinity of Mile 56.0, north of the Florence Highway Bridge. Mariners are urged to exercise caution in the area

 

Click here  for the current Navigation Channel Condition Status Report 

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 3,207 members as of 01-26-19....... Click here and check it out. 

 

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 Near Lake City, Minnesota

Corps Proceeding With Lake Pepin Island Project........

 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced that they are proceeding with plans to use sand and sediment dredged from the Mississippi River to construct islands near the head of Lake Pepin.

 

The Corps' project was proposed to restore backwater fish and wildlife habitat and involves using dredged materials that the they are already removing from the river's navigation channel.

 

According to Tom Novak, a project manager with the Corps' St. Paul District said that residents and nonprofits noticed island erosion, a lot of sediment and a loss of tree species.  The nonprofit Lake Pepin Legacy Alliance had pitched the idea to the Corps several years ago........

 

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

 

Thursday - Sunday, February 7-10, 2019

Progressive St. Louis Boat & Sport show

America's Center & the Dome....

 

 

Make plans to join us February 7–10, 2019
Don’t miss St. Louis’ BIGGEST outdoors sale!


Click here for more information

 

 

 RiverBills Night

Friday, February 8

Rally Towel Give-Away Night

to the 1st 1,000 people to find the RiverBills Girls

 

Come out and see all of the fun stuff , get some Riverbills swag
 and get your picture taken with the Riverbills Girls!

 

Gather at the the Captains Lounge later on

 the Boatshow will have live music.

Wear Your River Gear to the Boat Show !

Show your colors and support for the River

Wear a Blessing of the Fleet , a RiverBills, your Boating Club or your harbor T-shirt 

 

See You There !

 

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

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

Mississippi River Near Clarksville, Missouri

Towboat Fights Through Mississippi River Ice........

 

While Trolling The Internet....  We reeled in a short video showing tow boats along the Upper Mississippi River fighting their way through thick ice near Clarksville, Missouri....

 

Click here to check out this video from yahoo.com.

 

Ohio River Personalities

All That Mattered To A Boy Was The River & Learning All He Could........

 

Captain Don Sanders is a riverboat captain and storyteller and he has been sharing stories from his long association with the river, from discovering it to it becoming a way of life.

 

In this edition, Captain Sanders discusses some of his experiences aboard the Pal-O-Mine, where he began to learn and hone his boat handling skills........

 

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


 

       

 

Ohio River Personalities

All That Mattered To A Boy Was The River & Learning All He Could........

 

Captain Don Sanders is a riverboat captain and storyteller and he has been sharing stories from his long association with the river, from discovering it to it becoming a way of life.

 

In this edition, Captain Sanders discusses some of his experiences aboard the Pal-O-Mine, where he began to learn and hone his boat handling skills........

 

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

 

My River Home website  facebook          Longshot Saloon facebook

The Cabana at the La Rosa facebook        

 

BE RESPONSIBLE FOR "YOUR WAKE"

BE RESPONSIBLE FOR "YOUR TRASH"

 

www.RiverBills.com         

 

Mississippi River At St. Louis, Missouri

Employees, Visitors Return To The Gateway Arch........

 

Now that the partial federal government shutdown is over, employees at the Gateway Arch and the Old Courthouse have returned and are once again welcoming visitors.

 

According to Rhonda Schier, the Chief of Museum Services and Interpretation, there was a steady stream of people entering, since Sunday was the first official day of reopening since the shutdown was ended on Friday.

 

Schier adds that Sunday was a day of happiness, as the public was welcomed back to the national park, and park neighbors and park visitors can have full access........

 

Click here to read this news article from fox2now.com.  With Video.

  

 

  Website..click here      Facebook Page..click here

 

February 2, 2019

Kaskaskia River Project

Eagle Fest....

 

 

Reprinted from Kaskaskia River Project... click here

 

 

Providing insurance coverage where ever you go

 

  click here for website and more information

 

 

 

 

Ahoy to all our seaworthy friends...

I am Rick Flier, President if the Blessing of the Fleet STL and it's time again this year for our celebration of the 62nd year of our organization and the gala events that keep the spirit alive and well throughout our boating community.
As in the past few years, under the leadership of Darryll and Maureen Weil, we are contacting our great friends and businesses to see if donations for the BENEFIT for the Blessing, taking place at Grafton Harbor at 1pm, on July 27th, 2019 would be possible.


The Blessing parade will start at 1pm, on August 17th, 2019 with lead boats leaving from The Yacht Club of St Louis and heading downstream, and leaving from Alton Marina and heading upstream, to join at the Our Lady of the River shrine at 2:15pm for commencement of the ceremony. As always, decorated boats will be judged as they pass by the judge's stand - the theme has yet to be determined but notification will be made to everyone as soon as that has been established. Your generous donations and support have helped keep the heartbeat alive and active and hopefully we can count on you to help this year as well.

Sincerely,
Rick Flier
President
Blessing of the Fleet, Inc.
314-829-0600

 

Click here for larger view

 

List Your Boat

on RiverBills Classifieds

6 Months for $50.00

From "Now" until "June 2019" 

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

 

 

Little John's Moptorsports... Click here

Little Johns Marine Service...  Click here

 

What's Going On This Week

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

 

Open all year

 

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

$5.00 lunch specials from 11am till 2pm

3rd Chute Upcoming Events.. click here

Alton Marina

Mississippi River at Alton, IL

 

 

The Deli at the Alton Marina is closed for the season

 

The Boathouse

Northshore Marina

 

 

Open all year
Open Weekends, Weather Permitting
Saturday & Sunday. Open at 11:00 AM

Cedar Hill Resort

Mississippi River

1 mile below Winfield Dam

 

 

Closed for the season

Duck Club Yacht Club

 


Closed for the season

Froge's Bar and Grill

Portage des Sioux, MO

 

Starting this Monday, January 28th, we be opening @ 11am every Monday until further notice.

 

Every Friday throughout the year we serve whole catfish, catfish nuggets, Alaskan Pollock and salmon served with 2 sides and a soft drink for $8.99 from 11am until gone or 10pm

 

**FALL KITCHEN**
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, kitchen will close at 8pm.

Grafton Harbor

Confluence of Mississippi and Illinois Rivers


 

Grafton Harbor

Grafton Harbor River Adventures
 

Closed for the season

 


The River Rambler Tour is a fun and educational 1 hour boat ride on the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers highlighting the historical and geographical points of interest

For more information ... click here

Grafton Oyster Bar

Grafton Harbor

 



WED & THURS...11AM - 5PM
FRI-SUN... 11AM - 10PM
CLOSED MON & TUE
 

 

FESTIVAL & MUSIC SCHEDULE...  click here

 

John's Boat Harbor

Mississippi River at UMR 231.8

 

Hey guys, Any one interested in a ramp pass for 2019, need to let us know by March 15th if possible.
We will take all of the passes from 2018. After March 15th we will take any new passes that we have available.

Kinder's Restaurant

Mississippi River at Golden Eagle, IL

 

Closed for the season

Lake Center Marina

MM224.4 UMR

 

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

Longshot Saloon

My River Home Marina and Resort

Mississippi River at Portage des Sioux...

 

 

 

Closed for the season

Mike's La Rosa at My River Home

Mississippi River at

Portage des Sioux, Mo

 

Closed for the season

 

Yacht Club of St. Louis Restaurant

UMR 225 On Dardenne Slough of Pool 26 of the Mississippi River

 

Closed for the season

 

 

 

Click here for Yacht Club October Calendar

 

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
Arrrr Bar at Grafton Harbor.................. Closed for the season
Boathouse Food & Deck..................... Open All Year
Cedar Hill Resort................................ Closed for the season
Driftwood Crab Shack @ MRH Resort.. Opening Memorial Day 2019
Duck Club Yacht Club........................ Closed for the season
Evandy's_Boatel................................ Open All Year
Froges Bar & Grill.............................. Open All Year
Grafton Harbor Winery & Gift Shop...... Open
Grafton Oyster Bar............................. Open All Year
Kinder's Restaurant.......................... Closed for the season
Longshot Saloon................................ Closed for the season
LaRosa Cantina................................. Closed for the season
Yacht Club of St. Louis..................... Closed for the season

The WEEKEND

 Sat, Sun....26, 27 January 2019

 

Over 9.4 Million Boater Visits

Since Sept 12, 2004

To The Always Changing e-Waters of RiverBills.com

 

Grafton IL

Pool 26 at the Confluence of the

Illinois and Mississippi Rivers

Sun Pic

 

 

Click pic to enlarge

 

 

The Picture of the Day..... 

 

Its a wooden reading chair on the river bank

just down river from the Loading Dock in Grafton, IL.

and

Look what book is laying on the arm !


 

Check out our

"You Never Know What You Will See On The River" page

click here

 

RiverBills Sticker Sighting

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Sun Pic

 

 Click pic to enlarge

 

 

A RiverBills Sticker Sighting.....  was sent to us by Sharon Kach

 

 

A Riverbill's Sticker

made it with us to Cabo San Lucas this week!

Sharon & Bruce Kach
Lake Center Marina

 

 

RiverBill says.... Thanks for taking us with you !

 

RiverBills Sticker Sighting Page

Click here and check it out...

Grafton IL

Pool 26 at the Confluence of the

Illinois and Mississippi Rivers

Sat Pic

 

Click pic to enlarge

 

 

The Picture of the Day.....  was taken yesterday afternoon at the Grove Memorial Park in Grafton, IL


The Grafton Gondola

 

 

Map...

The Grove Memorial Park.. click here

 

 

Cabin fever blues?

The Boathouse is opening Sunday January 27 .

Pat Liston playing 2-5.

Let’s have a party

 

Open Saturday's and Sunday's in January and February,

weather permitting.  Open at 11:00AM
 

Website.. click here             Facebook.. click here

 

click here for Facebook          click here for website

 

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

 

 

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

 

Tower Rock

 

Click pic to enlarge

 

Yesteryears Picture of the Day from 2018.....  was a great photo of Tower Rock by Aaron Palmer.

.

 

Website               Facebook             Map

www.RiverBills.com

Featured Classifieds

More Boats on RiverBills.com

"All Classifieds Page"

click here

 

WED & THURS...11AM - 5PM

FRI-SUN... 11AM - 10PM

CLOSED MON & TUE
 

2019 FESTIVAL & MUSIC SCHEDULE...  click here

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

 

River News !  

 

 

Added Sunday

 

 

Ahoy to all our seaworthy friends...

I am Rick Flier, President if the Blessing of the Fleet STL and it's time again this year for our celebration of the 62nd year of our organization and the gala events that keep the spirit alive and well throughout our boating community.
As in the past few years, under the leadership of Darryll and Maureen Weil, we are contacting our great friends and businesses to see if donations for the BENEFIT for the Blessing, taking place at Grafton Harbor at 1pm, on July 27th, 2019 would be possible.


The Blessing parade will start at 1pm, on August 17th, 2019 with lead boats leaving from The Yacht Club of St Louis and heading downstream, and leaving from Alton Marina and heading upstream, to join at the Our Lady of the River shrine at 2:15pm for commencement of the ceremony. As always, decorated boats will be judged as they pass by the judge's stand - the theme has yet to be determined but notification will be made to everyone as soon as that has been established. Your generous donations and support have helped keep the heartbeat alive and active and hopefully we can count on you to help this year as well.

Sincerely,
Rick Flier
President
Blessing of the Fleet, Inc.
314-829-0600

 

Click here for larger view

 

Added Sunday

Mississippi River Personalities

Dying Man Completes Trip Down The River........

 

On Saturday, more than one hundred people at the Cypress Cove Marina in Venice, Louisiana to celebrate the completion of Kelly Phillips' two thousand mile final journey down the Mississippi River.

 

Around three years ago, Phillips had been diagnosed with cancer of the sinuses.  His chemotherapy treatments caused him to lose approximately half his body weight, and caused a stomach ulcer that ruptured.

 

In March of 2017, Phillips' doctor gave him three months to live.  Phillips was unwilling to go into hospice care, and instead purchased a 45 year old houseboat named Shameless and puttered along the Mississippi River around Wisconsin and Minnesota.

 

After surviving beyond the doctor's prognosis, Phillips decided to depart form Prarie Du Chien, Wisconsin and head down the Mississippi River........

 

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

 

A big Thanks goes out to Marny Bielefeldt for the News Tip on this story

 

Added Sunday

Boat Maintenance

Avoid Spring Breakdowns With A Little Maintenance Now........

 

It doesn't matter whether it is a sporting event or the first spring day on the water, no one wants to have a disappointing season opener.  Especially if the trouble could have been avoided with a little preparation.

 

According to service managers Luke Burris at Bass World Sports and Dan Swanson with Iguana Boat Sales, it is now uncommon for boaters to have preventable breakdowns in the spring.  Burris says that they see a lot of lower unit issues caused by failing to change the lower unit oil and inspecting the seals.

 

Burris also notes that boaters should have the water pump impeller changed at least every two years while the lower unit is being serviced. 

 

Swanson pointed out the importance of keeping the boat's battery charged up over the winter.  Boaters should have a trickle charger installed to keep the batteries fully charged over the cold winter months........

 

Click here to read more from lakenewsonline.com.

 

Added Sunday

Mississippi River At St. Louis, Missouri

The Gateway Arch Set To Reopen Sunday........

 

The National Park Service reports that on Sunday, the Gateway Arch will be reopening.  The Gateway Arch had been closed during the partial government shutdown, which lasted a record 35 days and ended on Friday.

 

A week ago, Partners of the Gateway Arch National Park estimated that jointly, they had lost over $600,000 in revenue and idled dozens of workers since the shutdown began on December 22.

 

The park will be open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.  The final tram to the top of the Gateway Arch departs approximately one hour before closing.  The Old Courthouse will be open daily from 8 am to 4 pm........

 

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

 

Added Sunday

Lake Of The Ozarks

Lake Race May Be Returning To Toad Cove........

 

The powerboat race that kicks off the go-fast season along the Lake of the Ozarks may be moving to a section of the lake that has hosted the race better than a decade ago, Toad Cove at the 7 Mile Marker.

 

The Missouri State Highway Patrol announced that the Lake Race Steering Committee submitted a regatta application for the event to be held between the 5 and 9 Mile Markers.

 

If the application is approved, the Lake Rae would be held on Saturday, June 1 2019.  Captain Marr Walz, Director of the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Water Patrol Division says that it doesn't appear that much stands in the way of the permit's way........

 

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

 

 

No new incident reports

 

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

 

 

   US Army Corps of Engineers
   St. Louis District - Weekly Navigation Channel Condition

 

 

UPDATED JAN 23, 2019    

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

MILE 238.2 OBSTRUCTION
The remains of the former Hasting Landing Day Beacon is located outside the navigational channel at MM 238.2, LDB, but may pose an obstruction to navigation to smaller vessels. Mariners are urged to exercise caution in the area.
MILE 179.2 - BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION
Poplar Street Bridge; A safespan is installed following the contours of the bridge. The platform will extend approximately 3 feet below low steel of the bridge. At various times, work barges will be spud down on the backside of both left and right descending main navigation piers. Barges will remain in place overnight and be properly lit.
MILE 336.9 OBSTRUCTION
Continuing until 11:00 a.m., March 5, 2019, L/D 20 in the vicinity of Mile 343.2, will be closed to navigation for maintenance. During this closure, mariners are requested NOT to tie up along the guidewalls. Mariners may contact the lock at (673) 288-3220 or via VHF-FM Channel 14, for additional information.
 

MISSOURI RIVER
MILE 67.61 - BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
Washington Bridge Replacement; Horizontal clearance in the navigation span is reduced to 350 feet due to ongoing construction work. Mariners may contact M/V PIASA via VHF-FM Channel 13 or 16, for more information

 

ILLINOIS RIVER

MILE 56.0 - AIDS TO NAVIGATION
Two can buoys have been reported missing in the vicinity of Mile 56.0, north of the Florence Highway Bridge. Mariners are urged to exercise caution in the area

 

Click here  for the current Navigation Channel Condition Status Report 

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 3,200 members as of 01-26-19....... Click here and check it out. 

 

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

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

Hudson River Near Albany, New York

Six Vessels Break Free....  One Lodged Beneath Railway Bridge....

 

On Friday, at least six vessels broke free from their moorings and drifted downstream.  A river cruise ship became lodged beneath a railway bridge in Albany, New York.

 

Reportedly, a tugboat broke free from it's moorings, went over a dam and slammed into the cruise ship causing it to break free.  The riverboat, Captain J.P. III was stuck in the swiftly moving current with ice jams surrounding the vessel's bow.

 

So far, the U.S. Coast Guard has secured three of the wayward vessels.  The railroad bridge used by Amtrak is still being used, despite the riverboat lodged beneath........

 

Click here to read this news article from khqa.com.  With Photos and Videos

 

John's Boat Harbor

2019 Ramp Passes......

 

Hey guys, Any one interested in a ramp pass for 2019, need to let us know by March 15th if possible.
We will take all of the passes from 2018. After March 15th we will take any new passes that we have available.

 

Reposted from Facebook..click here

 

Lake Center Marina

40% OFF All Annual Slips & Racks

New Members......

 

 

We’re excited to announce 40% OFF all annual docks & slips to new members! Please share & promote to your river buddies!

 

Website             Facebook

 RiverBills Nite

at the St. Louis Boat and Sportshow

 

RiverBills Nite at the St. Louis Boat and Sportshow is Friday, Feb 8th this year
 Come out and see all of the fun stuff , get some Riverbills swag
 and get your picture taken with the Riverbills girls!

 


This year there will be a $6.00 discount available off the price of admission on RiverBills Night ( Friday, Feb 8th.)

More info soon.

 

We will have the Captains Lounge again this year and the Boatshow will have live music that nite too.

February 7 - 10, 2019

St. Louis Boat & Sportshow

World-famous Twiggy The Skiing Squirrel! ........

 

 

Reprinted from St. Louis Boat & Sportshow Facebook.... click here

 

Wear Your River Gear to the Boat Show !

Show your colors and support for the River

Wear a Blessing of the Fleet , a RiverBills, your Boating Club or your harbor T-shirt 

 

See You There !

 

       

 

Midwest Marine Services Commentary

Malaysia Transmission Customer........

 

Capt Bill

I think I sent you an email last month about my customer in Borneo, Malaysia.
His sailboat is still down with a bad transmission. His boat is safe in a harbor in Borneo. He had to go back to Australia to be with his mother, she became terminal.I will keep you abreast of things of interest with Hans and his adventures. Maritime Mystery Explorers

Another interesting transmission customer. I talked to Hans this morning for about 20 minutes. I am shipping him a transmission on Monday. My preference would be to deliver and install it for him!

 

Many of my transmission customers are intriguing, exciting and special to talk to. My current one from Miri, Borneo, Malaysia tops them all. Just got off the phone with Hans. His caller id was from Australia. But he is in Borneo.

Here is just one article about his crew and adventures in the South China Sea. Australian farmer causes storm in South China Sea territorial dispute

Their mission: Salvage Divers and Surveyors of the sea. A lot of WWII activity was near Borneo. A lot of ship wrecks. Problems they are incurring is murky water and Crocodiles. Two people were taken by Crocks this year and another two last year.
When I asked: Your diving that area he said yes. He added that the crew is a little intrepid.

His website: Maritime Mystery Explorers

More later.......

Capt Alan Deutschmann

Midwest marine Services
 

Missouri Department Of Conservation

MDC:  Anglers Must Properly Dispose Of Used Fishing Line........

 

The Missouri Department of Conservation is calling on anglers to properly discard used or broken fishing line in order to prevent litter, as well as protect wildlife.

 

A recent incident of a hawk entangled in fishing line is a reminder of why keeping discarded fishing line out of the water is so important. 

 

A citizen had spotted the hawk ensnared by fishing line on a limb high in a tree along the bank of the Osage River Taberville Access near El Dorado Springs.  The injured hawk was not able to be rescued and had to be euthanized........

 

Click here to read this news report from the Missouri Department of Conservation website

 

US Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District

Ice Thickness Measurements........

 

Ice thickness measurements on Lake Pepin are scheduled to begin mid-February and will be conducted on a weekly basis. Measurements are reported from each mile on the Upper Mississippi River between mile 765 and 786.

Bookmark the survey page for results after we start: https://www.mvp.usace.army.mil/…/Navigati…/Ice-Measurements/
The navigation industry uses the measurements to determine when towboats can break through the ice and begin transporting commodities to and from St. Paul, MN. Tows usually wait until there is around 12 inches of ice before attempting to break through. Lake Pepin ice is traditionally the last barrier to navigation before reaching St. Paul due to the slow-moving current's thicker ice.

 

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

My River Home website  facebook          Longshot Saloon facebook

The Cabana at the La Rosa facebook        

Upcoming Events Monday, January 28, 2019

Illinois River At Grafton, Illinois

Bald Eagle Days At Pere Marquette State Park Begins Monday........

 

On Monday, January 28, 2019, Pere Marquette State Park will be hosting their annual Bald Eagle Days event from 8:30 am to 2 pm.

 

During the event, a Pere Marquette State Park site interpreter will present educational programs about bald eagles.  Attendees will learn how to distinguish between mature and immature bald eagles, what they eat, why they winter in the Riverbend region and much more.

 

All of the programs will begin at the park's visitor's center beginning at 8:30 am.  Reservations are required.  The program will begin with a short video presentation, followed up with an observational drive to spot the bald eagles........

 

Click here for more information from riversandroutes.com

 

 

  Website..click here      Facebook Page..click here

 

 

BE RESPONSIBLE FOR "YOUR WAKE"

BE RESPONSIBLE FOR "YOUR TRASH"

 

www.RiverBills.com         

 

Upcoming Events Sunday, January 27, 2019

Mississippi River At West Alton, Missouri

Wildlife Photography:  Eagles And Swans Class Is Sunday........

 

The Trumpeter swans are visually stunning, particularly in large groups.  These groups of Trumpeter swans provide a unique opportunity to take some amazing portraits.

 

The Audubon Center at Riverlands in West Alton is hosting a wildlife photography class on Sunday, which will start with camera basics, and will provide the opportunity to practice wildlife photography on the visiting raptors.

 

The class will include a photo shoot in the field with Trumpeter swans, and possibly with bald eagles wintering in the region.  The class will finish with a review of images in post processing and wraps up with an indoor photo op with a visiting raptor........

 

Click here to read this news release from riversandroutes.com.  

 

 

Providing insurance coverage where ever you go

 

  click here for website and more information

 

Missouri State Highway Patrol

News Release

 

EMPHASIS: 2019 Lake Race Event Application Notice


Captain Matt C. Walz, director of the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Water Patrol Division, would like to notify the public of an application received for the 2019 Lake Race event at Lake of the Ozarks. The Lake Race Steering Committee submitted the regatta application, and the race will be sanctioned by the Offshore Powerboat Association.

The application requests the event be held on Saturday, June 1, 2019, and notes a modified location for the event. In previous years, the event was held between Bagnell Dam and the four-mile mark of the main channel. This year's event proposed location is between the five- and nine-mile mark of the main channel. A similar event has taken place between the five- and nine-mile mark on three previous occasions between 2007 to 2009.

Members of the public who would like to provide input on the modified location of the event may contact the Water Patrol Division. Correspondence may be directed to the division's email address regattas@mshp.dps.mo.gov or by calling the division's main phone number at 573-751-5071.

Watercraft operators must consider the effect their actions have on others: Share the waterway and use common sense, good judgment, and courtesy to ensure the safety of all. Life jackets save lives. Wear It!!

 

Reprinted from the Missouri State Highway Patrol... click here
 

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 Fishing News

Trout Harvest Season Starts February 1st........

 

The Missouri Department of Conservation recently announced that beginning on February 1, 2019, trout may be harvested from Rotary Lake in Jackson, Glessing Lake in Farmington and Legion Lake in Perryville.

 

Mike Reed, a MDC Fisheries Management Biologist reports that fishing has been quite good this winter due to relatively warm temperatures.

 

Reed says that if these lakes don't freeze over, the trout harvest season opener should be excellent at all three lakes.  The MDC had stocked trout back in November at the start of catch and release season........

 

Click here to read this news release from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources website.  With Photo.


 

List Your Boat

on RiverBills Classifieds

6 Months for $50.00

From "Now" until "June 2019" 

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

 

 

Little John's Moptorsports... Click here

Little Johns Marine Service...  Click here

 

What's Going On This Week

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

 

Open all year

 

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

$5.00 lunch specials from 11am till 2pm

3rd Chute Upcoming Events.. click here

Alton Marina

Mississippi River at Alton, IL

 

 

The Deli at the Alton Marina is closed for the season

 

The Boathouse

Northshore Marina

 

Cabin fever blues? The Boathouse is opening Sunday January 27 . Pat Liston playing 2-5. Let’s have a party

 

 

Open all year
Open Weekends, Weather Permitting
Saturday & Sunday. Open at 11:00 AM

Cedar Hill Resort

Mississippi River

1 mile below Winfield Dam

 

 

Closed for the season

Duck Club Yacht Club

 


Closed for the season

Froge's Bar and Grill

Portage des Sioux, MO

 

Starting this Monday, January 28th, we be opening @ 11am every Monday until further notice.

 

Every Friday throughout the year we serve whole catfish, catfish nuggets, Alaskan Pollock and salmon served with 2 sides and a soft drink for $8.99 from 11am until gone or 10pm

 

**FALL KITCHEN**
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, kitchen will close at 8pm.

Grafton Harbor

Confluence of Mississippi and Illinois Rivers


 

Grafton Harbor

Grafton Harbor River Adventures
 

Closed for the season

 


The River Rambler Tour is a fun and educational 1 hour boat ride on the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers highlighting the historical and geographical points of interest

For more information ... click here

Grafton Oyster Bar

Grafton Harbor

 



WED & THURS...11AM - 5PM
FRI-SUN... 11AM - 10PM
CLOSED MON & TUE
 

 

FESTIVAL & MUSIC SCHEDULE...  click here

 

John's Boat Harbor

Mississippi River at UMR 231.8

 

Hey guys, Any one interested in a ramp pass for 2019, need to let us know by March 15th if possible.
We will take all of the passes from 2018. After March 15th we will take any new passes that we have available.

Kinder's Restaurant

Mississippi River at Golden Eagle, IL

 

Closed for the season

Lake Center Marina

MM224.4 UMR

 

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

Longshot Saloon

My River Home Marina and Resort

Mississippi River at Portage des Sioux...

 

 

 

Closed for the season

Mike's La Rosa at My River Home

Mississippi River at

Portage des Sioux, Mo

 

Closed for the season

 

Yacht Club of St. Louis Restaurant

UMR 225 On Dardenne Slough of Pool 26 of the Mississippi River

 

Closed for the season

 

 

 

Click here for Yacht Club October Calendar

 

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
Arrrr Bar at Grafton Harbor.................. Closed for the season
Boathouse Food & Deck..................... Open All Year
Cedar Hill Resort................................ Closed for the season
Driftwood Crab Shack @ MRH Resort.. Opening Memorial Day 2019
Duck Club Yacht Club........................ Closed for the season
Evandy's_Boatel................................ Open All Year
Froges Bar & Grill.............................. Open All Year
Grafton Harbor Winery & Gift Shop...... Open
Grafton Oyster Bar............................. Open All Year
Kinder's Restaurant.......................... Closed for the season
Longshot Saloon................................ Closed for the season
LaRosa Cantina................................. Closed for the season
Yacht Club of St. Louis..................... Closed for the season

FRIDAY

 25 January 2019

 

Over 9.4 Million Boater Visits

Since Sept 12, 2004

To The Always Changing e-Waters of RiverBills.com

 

Sailing Mardi Gras

Gulf Crossing

 

Tarpon springs sponge boat

 

 

 

 

 

Dining at Hellas

 

 

 

Round contrail in the sky over a calm Gulf just before Neptune got angry with us

Click pic to enlarge

 

 

The Pictures of the Day.....  were sent to us by Capt'n Barry Munsell of Sail St. Louis

 

 

Hi again Bill,

When we pulled out of Appalachiacola there were a few omens that should have turned us around... but they didn't. First was a dredge working the channel who told us on 16 to stay close to his dredge since it was shallow beyond that. Well we both were chastised by Coast guard radio Nazis who should have something better to do during a government shut down! So we got by the dredge and we went out Government cut after speaking to a fishing boat about depth for our 6 foot draft sailboat. As we got to the last leg out to the gulf there was a dog leg that wasn't on the chart so of course we ran aground in the channel. As I was picking my through slowly we got back off and on our way easily. It was very pleasant sailing then with flat water and a forecast for the same. The wind was to build but not to what it finally did get to which was close to 40 knots. So this is how it happened. As evening closed in I made shrimp scampi and was trying to serve everyone. But as the wind and water got rougher, food seemed to be of little concern. I suppose that Neptune or one of his Lieutenant's had gotten angry with us because the mixmaster got going!

It was interesting. Water seemed to come from everywhere. Seas got big. Our original heading was southeast which was lucky because the winds were coming from the northwest with a vengeance. All I could do was to run with the wind. With no sails up and the engine running at idle in gear to keep us headed with the wind we were running along at 6 knots and more.

So the night turned into dawn and no one had any time for pictures but I missed a dandy. Rich and I were on watch and he had been taking pictures of the dolphins in the waves above and behind us. No, you didn't misread that, they were above and behind and even next to us! Huge seas running along and lifting and lowering us with the dolphins frolicking along. They seem to like sailboats. We were still headed southeast and I was trying to turn the boat a little more east to get into Tarpon Springs to dry out when Rich yelled out he saw a boat. We had just passed it. A very new modern trawler 70 miles from Tarpon Springs in deep water with a sea anchor deployed. And we passed within 50 feet of him! The rest of the day was uneventful as we cleaned up and went into Tarpon Springs. We docked at the City Marina and Rich found a dynamite Pizza place that delivered and we dined like kings. so we still weren't in Fort Myers but we didn't die or anything!

The next day we did laundry and maintenance and a shopping trip for a new microwave since the old one didn't like seawater very much.

We ate dinner that next night at Hellas restaurant which is the best in downtown Tarpon. We had a blast!

On to Fort Myers next time. 

 

Barry

 

 

Cabin fever blues?

The Boathouse is opening Sunday January 27 .

Pat Liston playing 2-5.

Let’s have a party

 

Open Saturday's and Sunday's in January and February,

weather permitting.  Open at 11:00AM
 

Website.. click here             Facebook.. click here

 

click here for Facebook          click here for website

 

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

 

 

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

 

Click pic to enlarge

 

Yesteryears Picture of the Day from 2012.....  was sent to us by Claudia Burris who hails out of Hoppies Marina in Kimswick, MO........

 

 

Hi Bill,
Here is a sunset shot Jay Laymon took on his trip from Watergate Marina in
St Paul, Minnesota, to Ditto Landing Marina in Huntsville, Alabama. He
doesn't remember exactly where he took it, but according to my calculations
he must have been on the Tennessee River between New Johnsonville, Tenn.,
and Huntsville.

 

See you on the river!


Claudia Burris
Hoppies Marina

.

 

Website               Facebook             Map

www.RiverBills.com

Featured Classifieds

More Boats on RiverBills.com

"All Classifieds Page"

click here

 

WED & THURS...11AM - 5PM

FRI-SUN... 11AM - 10PM

CLOSED MON & TUE
 

FESTIVAL & MUSIC SCHEDULE...  click here

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

 

River News !  

 

 

 

No new incident reports

 

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

 

 

   US Army Corps of Engineers
   St. Louis District - Weekly Navigation Channel Condition

 

 

UPDATED JAN 16, 2019    

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

MILE 189.0 - CHANNEL CONDITION
Two-way passage may be difficult in the vicinity of the Chain of Rocks Canal, north of the I-270 Bridge, due to the presence of dredging equipment along the RDB. Mariners are urged to exercise caution in the area
MILE 179.2 - BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION
Poplar Street Bridge; A safespan is installed following the contours of the bridge. The platform will extend approximately 3 feet below low steel of the bridge. At various times, work barges will be spud down on the backside of both left and right descending main navigation piers. Barges will remain in place overnight and be properly lit.
MILE 168.1 - DREDGE OPERATION
Continuing until further notice, the USACE is conducting dredging operations in the vicinity of Mile 168.1. Work will be conducted 24 hours a day 7days a week. Mariners are requested to contact the Dredge POTTER via VHF-FM Channel 13, 16 or 82, for passing arrangements 30 minutes prior to transiting the area. Mariners are urged to transit the area at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made
.

 

MISSOURI RIVER
MILE 67.61 - BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
Washington Bridge Replacement; Horizontal clearance in the navigation span is reduced to 350 feet due to ongoing construction work. Mariners may contact M/V PIASA via VHF-FM Channel 13 or 16, for more information

 

ILLINOIS RIVER

MILE 56.0 - AIDS TO NAVIGATION
Two can buoys have been reported missing in the vicinity of Mile 56.0, north of the Florence Highway Bridge. Mariners are urged to exercise caution in the area

 

Click here  for the current Navigation Channel Condition Status Report 

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 3,190 members as of 01-24-19....... Click here and check it out. 

 

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

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

 

Froge's Bar & Grill

Portage des Sioux, Mo

New Hours.....

 

Starting this Monday, January 28th, we be opening @ 11am every Monday until further notice.
 

Reposted from Froge's Facebook page... click here

 

Save The Date.... Saturday, June 22, 2019

Pool 26 River Crawl

Proceeds Benefit the Greater Missouri chapter of the Alzheimer's Association

 

 

 

More information coming soon

 

Save The Date.... Saturday, July 6, 2019

Grafton Fireworks

Pool 26 at the Confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi River

 

 

 

Upper Mississippi River

Chain of Rocks Canal and Cave Hollow

Dredge Goetz Busy During The Off-Season........

 

According to a news release from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, the end of the navigation system on the Upper Mississippi River does not apply to the crew of the Dredge Goetz. 

 

While the locks in the St. Paul District are closed down, they are receiving millions of dollars in upgrades and repairs.  During this time, the crew of the Dredge Goetz are kept busy supporting dredging operations along the Mississippi River, including working at Cave Hollow and the Chain of Rocks Canal.

 

The St. Paul Dredge Goetz is 225 feet long, 39 feet wide and has a five foot draft.  The vessel was christened on June 24, 2005.  The dredge maintains some 850 miles of the Upper Mississippi River, 355 miles of the Illinois River and 24 miles of the St. Croix River........

 

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

 

RiverBills Nite at the St. Louis Boat and Sportshow

 

RiverBills Nite at the St. Louis Boat and Sportshow is Friday, Feb 8th this year
 Come out and see all of the fun stuff , get some Riverbills swag
 and get your picture taken with the Riverbills girls!

 


This year there will be a $6.00 discount available off the price of admission on RiverBills Night ( Friday, Feb 8th.)

More info soon.

 

We will have the Captains Lounge again this year and the Boatshow will have live music that nite too.

February 7 - 10, 2019

St. Louis Boat & Sportshow

World-famous Twiggy The Skiing Squirrel! ........

 

 

Reprinted from St. Louis Boat & Sportshow Facebook.... click here

 

Wear Your River Gear to the Boat Show !

Show your colors and support for the River

Wear a Blessing of the Fleet , a RiverBills, your Boating Club or your harbor T-shirt 

 

See You There !

 

       

 

Missouri State Highway Patrol

News Release.......

 

EMPHASIS: Troop D To Offer Certified Boating Safety Courses

Captain John Enderle, commanding officer of Troop D, announces several upcoming boating safety certification courses that are being offered to the public. The courses will take place:

From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., on the following Saturdays: January 26, February 9 and 23, March 9 and 30, and April 13 and 27, 2019, at the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop D Headquarters, 3131 East Kearney Street, Springfield, MO 65803. The maximum class size is 30 people.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, March 17, 2019, at the Dewey Short Visitors Center, 4500 State Highway 165, Branson, MO 65616. The maximum class size is 50 people.

Students must be present to satisfy requirements for the boating safety card. There is no fee for this course; however, students are required to pre-register online, as seating will be limited, and notification may be sent in the event the course is canceled. For more information, to register for the course, or to obtain a complete listing of where other courses are being offered, you may visit the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s website www.mshp.dps.mo.gov. Select "Boat Safety Education & Certification" found under the "Training" heading.

Missouri law requires any person born after January 1, 1984 to carry a boating safety certification card along with a picture ID anytime they operate a vessel, which includes personal watercraft, on Missouri lakes. Any student who successfully passes this course will be eligible to order the boating safety certification card, which costs $15.

Watercraft operators must consider the effect their actions have on others: Share the waterway and use common sense, good judgment, and courtesy to ensure the safety of all. Life jackets save lives. Wear It!!

Follow Troop D on Twitter for the most current news @MSHPTrooper|D

 

Reprinted from the Missouri State Highway Patrol... clcik here

My River Home website  facebook          Longshot Saloon facebook

The Cabana at the La Rosa facebook        

Boat Propulsion Manufacturer

Yamaha Introduces New Outboard Engine........

 

Yamaha has introduced a new outboard, the T25, which is based upon the award winning F25.  The T25 was designed in response to calls for a lightweight, fuel injected outboard in a small, high-thrust configuration.

 

Ben Speciale, the Yamaha U.S. Marine Business unit President, said that the new T25 boasts the best power-to-weight ration of all of the high-thrust 25 horsepower outboards.

 

The T25 benefits from features and technology found on the F25 model, including the power-to-weight ratio and battery-less electronic fuel injection, variable trolling rpm control, and teh ability to link to the Yamaha Command Link Digital Gauges........

 

Click here to read this news article from boatingindustry.com

 

 

  Website..click here      Facebook Page..click here

 

 

BE RESPONSIBLE FOR "YOUR WAKE"

BE RESPONSIBLE FOR "YOUR TRASH"

 

www.RiverBills.com         

 

Boat Manufacturer

Brunswick Building Boat Technology Center........

 

Brunswick Boat Group, a division of Brunswick Corp., is building the 45,000 square foot Brunswick Fiberglass Boat Technology Center in Edgewater, Florida.  The facility will be used to develop products for Boston Whaler and Sea Ray.

 

According to David Foulkes, CEO of Brunswick Corporation, the company will create a commanding position in boat design and innovation with the creation of this world-class technology center.

 

Huw Bower, Brunswick Boat Group president says that during the past decade, technology within the boating industry has completely changed, and Boston Whaler and Sea Ray have been at the forefront of the change.  He adds that the entire Brunswick lineup will benefit from shared resources in the new tech center........

 

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

 

Providing insurance coverage where ever you go

 

  click here for website and more information

 

News Release From BoatUS




MIAMI, Jan. 24, 2019 – Want to learn the basics of powerboating or brush up on your skills? A partnership between the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), and Freedom Boat Club will bring affordable on-water boat training courses taught aboard single-engine powerboats to the Miami International Boat Show held at Miami Marine Stadium Park and Basin on Virginia Key Feb. 14-18.
“Intro to Boating” and “Women Making Waves” are three hours long and offered for $149, which includes admission to the show. 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-certified instructor.
Boats are provided by Freedom Boat Club Miami. The “Intro to Boating” course covers shifting and steering, basic docking, open-water handling and basic navigation. 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. Both courses are taught aboard single-engine powerboats.
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.
“Intro to Boating” is offered Thursday through Sunday at 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. while Women Making Waves” is offered at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Space is limited. Students for must be 21 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...

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

List Your Boat

on RiverBills Classifieds

6 Months for $50.00

From "Now" until "June 2019" 

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

 

 

Little John's Moptorsports... Click here

Little Johns Marine Service...  Click here

 

What's Going On This Week

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

 

Open all year

 

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

$5.00 lunch specials from 11am till 2pm

3rd Chute Upcoming Events.. click here

Alton Marina

Mississippi River at Alton, IL

 

 

The Deli at the Alton Marina is closed for the season

 

The Boathouse

Northshore Marina

 

Cabin fever blues? The Boathouse is opening Sunday January 27 . Pat Liston playing 2-5. Let’s have a party

 

 

Open all year
Open Weekends, Weather Permitting
Saturday & Sunday. Open at 11:00 AM

Cedar Hill Resort

Mississippi River

1 mile below Winfield Dam

 

 

Closed for the season

Duck Club Yacht Club

 


Closed for the season

Froge's Bar and Grill

Portage des Sioux, MO

 

Starting this Monday, January 28th, we be opening @ 11am every Monday until further notice.

 

Every Friday throughout the year we serve whole catfish, catfish nuggets, Alaskan Pollock and salmon served with 2 sides and a soft drink for $8.99 from 11am until gone or 10pm

 

**FALL KITCHEN**
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, kitchen will close at 8pm.

Grafton Harbor

Confluence of Mississippi and Illinois Rivers


 

Grafton Harbor

Grafton Harbor River Adventures
 

Closed for the season

 


The River Rambler Tour is a fun and educational 1 hour boat ride on the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers highlighting the historical and geographical points of interest

For more information ... click here

Grafton Oyster Bar

Grafton Harbor

 



WED & THURS...11AM - 5PM
FRI-SUN... 11AM - 10PM
CLOSED MON & TUE
 

 

FESTIVAL & MUSIC SCHEDULE...  click here

 

John's Boat Harbor

Mississippi River at UMR 231.8

Kinder's Restaurant

Mississippi River at Golden Eagle, IL

 

Closed for the season

Longshot Saloon

My River Home Marina and Resort

Mississippi River at Portage des Sioux...

 

 

 

Closed for the season

Mike's La Rosa at My River Home

Mississippi River at

Portage des Sioux, Mo

 

Closed for the season

 

Yacht Club of St. Louis Restaurant

UMR 225 On Dardenne Slough of Pool 26 of the Mississippi River

 

Closed for the season

 

 

 

Click here for Yacht Club October Calendar

 

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
Arrrr Bar at Grafton Harbor.................. Closed for the season
Boathouse Food & Deck..................... Open All Year
Cedar Hill Resort................................ Closed for the season
Driftwood Crab Shack @ MRH Resort.. Opening Memorial Day 2019
Duck Club Yacht Club........................ Closed for the season
Evandy's_Boatel................................ Open All Year
Froges Bar & Grill.............................. Open All Year
Grafton Harbor Winery & Gift Shop...... Open
Grafton Oyster Bar............................. Open All Year
Kinder's Restaurant.......................... Closed for the season
Longshot Saloon................................ Closed for the season
LaRosa Cantina................................. Closed for the season
Yacht Club of St. Louis..................... Closed for the season

THURSDAY

 24 January 2019

 

Over 9.4 Million Boater Visits

Since Sept 12, 2004

To The Always Changing e-Waters of RiverBills.com

 

Sailing Mardi Gras

 

 

 

Mardi Gras

 

 

Puff the harbor cat at Barber Marina

 

 

Monday January 7 morning departure from Barber Marina

 

 

 

 

Preparing to leave on Mardi Gras

 

 

 

Port St. Joe damage

 

 

Appalachiacola sunset January 8

Click pic to enlarge

 

 

The Pictures of the Day.....  were sent to us by Capt'n Barry Munsell of Sail St. Louis

 

 

Hi Bill,

I left Portage December 18 and came down to Gulf Shores to get ready to cruise to the Bahamas, and Georgetown specifically.

When I got to the marina which is actually just east of Gulf Shores in Elberta AL the weather was rotten. Rain and cold kept me from pulling Mardi Gras until December 26 but I was prepared and my Christmas lights were up as you will see in the pictures. I have had to learn about what antifouling paints work in salt water and I had brought the best paint I have seen with me. When I pulled the boat out after 3 1/2 years the bottom was great and so she got two fresh coats of the same Blue Water paint. I had experienced some vibration in the shaft since I had damaged the cutlass bearing when I picked up a stainless fishing leader and so I replaced that too. All in all though, having owned Mardi Gras eight years she is in great shape. So it was new paint and cutlass and back in the water.

Now I was back to the more mundane preparations as my crew was to arrive on January 5 to help me move her back to the Bahamas. The Kubota/ Universal diesel runs great but I have had some oil leak issues with her intermittently. I wish it would just leak or not! But more on that later. I have docked Marti Gras at Barber Marina since November 2018 and it is a good place to dock your boat. My good friends and dock mates Pete and Theresa at Barber helped me immensely in every way they could. But happy hours were especially good since Pete is quite the chef.

On January 5 my friends Mike Colligan and Rich Hindrich flew in from St. Louis and Nelson Laffey drove from Gainsville. Nelson crewed for me on my first Gulf crossing 8 years ago. Rich has crewed for my friend Norm Jones on his 43 Irwin and I knew him for the time we cruised together to the Dry Tortugas. Mike and Sherry Colligan have been preparing their Fisher 30 ketch for cruising and Mike came along to experience blue water sailing.

With last minute preparations completed we pulled out of Barber monday January 7. We motor sailed to Pensacola inlet and out into the Gulf. We headed southeast hugging the coast as we made sure all was well with Mardi Gras. Which it wasn't. After a very uneventful afternoon and evening I noticed oil in the bilge. It appeared that the oil leak had returned . I returned the oil level to full and restarted the engine. It was now early morning of the 8th and we were 40 miles south of Port St Joe, which had been badly damaged in the last hurricane. But I decided better safe than sorry as I only had 8 quarts of oil on board and if the leak got worse we could have problems.

When we got into Port St. Joe we had problems raising anyone in the marinas on the radio or phone as they are still in bad shape. There is a canal that links Port S Joe to Appalachiacola and so we headed over there. We got in just before dark and were able to dock and walk a short distance for a nice dinner in a seafood restaurant. Appalachiacola suffered damage but not to the same degree as Por St Joe has.

Mike helped me look over the engine for leaks which we could not find and we bought oil and pulled out of Government cut back into the gulf.

The forecast was for flat water and building wind from the northwest. Just exactly what we wanted to get to Fort Myers.

I'll finish this story later.

 

Barry

 

 

See You In The 2019 Season

Open Saturday's and Sunday's in January and February,

weather permitting.  Open at 11:00AM
 

Website.. click here             Facebook.. click here

 

click here for Facebook          click here for website

 

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

 

 

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

From the 2016

Progressive St. Louis Boat & Sportshow

Click pic to enlarge

 

Yesteryears Picture of the Day.. is from the 2016 St. Louis Boat and Sportshow

 

It's Andy (center) and his boyhood friends, who grew up on the Mississippi River in the historic town of Chautauqua, IL.  They all live in St. Louis now, but get together regularly for the Boat Show and during the summer on the river and in their hometown.

 

 

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

RiverBills Nite at the St. Louis Boat and Sportshow is Friday, Feb 8th this year
 Come out and see all of the fun stuff , get some Riverbills swag
 and get your picture taken with the Riverbills girls!

 


This year there will be a $6.00 discount available off the price of admission on RiverBills Night ( Friday, Feb 8th.)

More info soon.

 

We will have the Captains Lounge again this year and the Boatshow will have live music that nite too.

 

Website               Facebook             Map

www.RiverBills.com

Featured Classifieds

More Boats on RiverBills.com

"All Classifieds Page"

click here

 

WED & THURS...11AM - 5PM

FRI-SUN... 11AM - 10PM

CLOSED MON & TUE
 

FESTIVAL & MUSIC SCHEDULE...  click here

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

 

River News !  

 

 

 

No new incident reports

 

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

 

 

   US Army Corps of Engineers
   St. Louis District - Weekly Navigation Channel Condition

 

 

UPDATED JAN 16, 2019    

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

MILE 189.0 - CHANNEL CONDITION
Two-way passage may be difficult in the vicinity of the Chain of Rocks Canal, north of the I-270 Bridge, due to the presence of dredging equipment along the RDB. Mariners are urged to exercise caution in the area
MILE 179.2 - BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION
Poplar Street Bridge; A safespan is installed following the contours of the bridge. The platform will extend approximately 3 feet below low steel of the bridge. At various times, work barges will be spud down on the backside of both left and right descending main navigation piers. Barges will remain in place overnight and be properly lit.
MILE 168.1 - DREDGE OPERATION
Continuing until further notice, the USACE is conducting dredging operations in the vicinity of Mile 168.1. Work will be conducted 24 hours a day 7days a week. Mariners are requested to contact the Dredge POTTER via VHF-FM Channel 13, 16 or 82, for passing arrangements 30 minutes prior to transiting the area. Mariners are urged to transit the area at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made
.

 

MISSOURI RIVER
MILE 67.61 - BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
Washington Bridge Replacement; Horizontal clearance in the navigation span is reduced to 350 feet due to ongoing construction work. Mariners may contact M/V PIASA via VHF-FM Channel 13 or 16, for more information

 

ILLINOIS RIVER

MILE 56.0 - AIDS TO NAVIGATION
Two can buoys have been reported missing in the vicinity of Mile 56.0, north of the Florence Highway Bridge. Mariners are urged to exercise caution in the area

 

Click here  for the current Navigation Channel Condition Status Report 

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 3,187 members as of 01-24-19....... Click here and check it out. 

 

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

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

Mississippi River Cruising

2019 Looks To Have A Busy Cruising Season........

 

The American riverboat cruising industry is strong, especially within the two major players, American Cruise Lines and the American Queen Steamboat Company, who both have extensive and varied schedules set for 2019.

 

The riverboat cruising industry is investing heavily in itself, and those investments will be highly visible in 2019 and 2020.  There will also be some new, high-profile players added to the mix as well.

 

After an act of Congress, the Delta Queen will soon be returning to the cruising scene, Viking River Cruises is reportedly close to a deal to construct and operate new river cruise vessels, and American Cruise Lines is working on a fleet of five new modern riverboats, the first of which joined the fleet this year........

 

Click here to read this news article from marinelink.com.  With Photos. 

 

February 7 - 10, 2019

St. Louis Boat & Sportshow

World-famous Twiggy The Skiing Squirrel! ........

 

 

Reprinted from St. Louis Boat & Sportshow Facebook.... click here

 

Wear Your River Gear to the Boat Show !

Show your colors and support for the River

Wear a Blessing of the Fleet , a RiverBills, your Boating Club or your harbor T-shirt 

 

See You There !

 

       

 

Duck Boat News

Investigation Into Missouri Duck Boat Accident........

 

The federal government reports that several people are the target of a criminal investigation into an accident involving a tourist boat sinking on Table Rock Lake in July.

 

Prosecutors state in a court filing made Friday in a civil case that the investigation into Ripley Entertainment and others is continuing, even after the vessel's captain was criminally charged.

 

Captain Kenneth Scott McKee has pled not guilt to an indictment that claims he was negligent in operating a tour boat in unsafe conditions on Table Rock Lake, resulting in the death of 17 people........

 

Click here to read this news report from kfvs12.com.  With Photo.

Photo courtesy Monocular-Telescope

 

Reader Commentary

Cool item
Binocular for your I-phone....

 

https://www.amazon.com/Monocular-Telescope-SGODDE-Waterproof-Travelling/dp/B073WC8VNT

Looking our for you!
Uncle Capt Alan

Alan Deutschmann
A.L.D. Services
d.b.a. Midwest Marine Services
540-C Little Hills Ind Blvd
St. Charles, Mo 63301
tele: 636.946.5700

 

 

 

My River Home website  facebook          Longshot Saloon facebook

The Cabana at the La Rosa facebook        

Mississippi River Near Caruthersville, Missouri

Crews Begin Emergency Repairs On The Dyer County Little Levee........

 

Crews have started to make emergency repairs to the Island 18 Dikes and Dyer County Little Levee in Dyer County, Tennessee.  The repairs are necessary because of flood damage sustained over the past several years.

 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Memphis District states that the repairs are needed to help maintain navigation in the main channel, and to mitigate the risk to the flood risk management system.

 

The project is expected to be completed by the first week of February, 2019.  The total cost of the project is around $2,750,000........

 

Click here to read this news article from kfvs12.com.  With Photo.

 

 

  Website..click here      Facebook Page..click here

 

 

BE RESPONSIBLE FOR "YOUR WAKE"

BE RESPONSIBLE FOR "YOUR TRASH"

 

www.RiverBills.com         

 

Mississippi River Personalities

River Guide, Advocate And Outfitter Describes Lower Mississippi River Life........

 

During the past 20 years, John Ruskey has been guiding people along the Lower Mississippi River via his hand-built canoes patterned after those utilized by the early French explorers.

 

Ruskey was so enamored with Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, he decided to make the Mississippi River his life's work and passion.

 

After graduating high school n 1982, he and a friend re-created Huck and Jim's trip down the Mississippi River.  In 1998, Ruskey established Quapaw Canoe Company to offer guided canoe and kayak trips along the Mississippi River, and it's tributaries........

 

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

 

Providing insurance coverage where ever you go

 

  click here for website and more information

 

Boat Gear Manufacturer

Raymarine Unveils Docking Assistance Technology........

 

FLIR Systems, Inc. recently unveiled the Raymarine DockSense assisted docking system, which provides intelligent object recognition and motion sensing assisted docking solutions for recreational boating.

 

The DockSense system utilizes FLIR machine vision camera technology and video analysis to integrate information gathered from surrounding imagery with a vessel's steering and propulsion systems to help boaters maneuver in tight spaces.

 

FLIR Systems also announced that the Groupe Beneteau brand, Prestige Yachts, will be the first manufacturer to demonstrate this technology........

 

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

 

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

Boat Retailer

MarineMax Reports First Quarter Results For 2019........

 

MarineMax recently announced their first quarter results for 2019, which ended December 31, 2018.  Revenue increased more then $5 million, or 2 percent to $241,9 million for the quarter, compared to $236.9 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2018.

 

For the fifth consecutive year, the company had a profitable December quarter.  The company's pretax earnings increased slightly to $6.5 million, exceeding the record pretax earnings level achieved last December.

 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, MarineMax saw net income of $4.9 million, and a 10 percent increase in earnings per diluted share to $0.21, compared to $0.19 one year ago........

 

Click here to read more from boatingindustry.com.

List Your Boat

on RiverBills Classifieds

6 Months for $50.00

From "Now" until "June 2019" 

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

 

 

Little John's Moptorsports... Click here

Little Johns Marine Service...  Click here

 

What's Going On This Week

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

 

Open all year

 

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

$5.00 lunch specials from 11am till 2pm

3rd Chute Upcoming Events.. click here

Alton Marina

Mississippi River at Alton, IL

 

 

The Deli at the Alton Marina is closed for the season

 

The Boathouse

Northshore Marina

 

 

Open all year
Open Weekends, Weather Permitting
Saturday & Sunday. Open at 11:00 AM

Cedar Hill Resort

Mississippi River

1 mile below Winfield Dam

 

 

Closed for the season

Duck Club Yacht Club

 


Closed for the season

Froge's Bar and Grill

Portage des Sioux, MO

 

Every Friday throughout the year we serve whole catfish, catfish nuggets, Alaskan Pollock and salmon served with 2 sides and a soft drink for $8.99 from 11am until gone or 10pm

 

**FALL KITCHEN**
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, kitchen will close at 8pm.

Grafton Harbor

Confluence of Mississippi and Illinois Rivers


 

Grafton Harbor

Grafton Harbor River Adventures
 

Closed for the season

 


The River Rambler Tour is a fun and educational 1 hour boat ride on the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers highlighting the historical and geographical points of interest

For more information ... click here

Grafton Oyster Bar

Grafton Harbor

 



WED & THURS...11AM - 5PM
FRI-SUN... 11AM - 10PM
CLOSED MON & TUE
 

 

FESTIVAL & MUSIC SCHEDULE...  click here

 

John's Boat Harbor

Mississippi River at UMR 231.8

Kinder's Restaurant

Mississippi River at Golden Eagle, IL

 

Closed for the season

Longshot Saloon

My River Home Marina and Resort

Mississippi River at Portage des Sioux...

 

 

 

Closed for the season

Mike's La Rosa at My River Home

Mississippi River at

Portage des Sioux, Mo

 

Closed for the season

 

Yacht Club of St. Louis Restaurant

UMR 225 On Dardenne Slough of Pool 26 of the Mississippi River

 

Closed for the season

 

 

 

Click here for Yacht Club October Calendar

 

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
Arrrr Bar at Grafton Harbor.................. Closed for the season
Boathouse Food & Deck..................... Open All Year
Cedar Hill Resort................................ Closed for the season
Driftwood Crab Shack @ MRH Resort.. Opening Memorial Day 2019
Duck Club Yacht Club........................ Closed for the season
Evandy's_Boatel................................ Open All Year
Froges Bar & Grill.............................. Open All Year
Grafton Harbor Winery & Gift Shop...... Open
Grafton Oyster Bar............................. Open All Year
Kinder's Restaurant.......................... Closed for the season
Longshot Saloon................................ Closed for the season
LaRosa Cantina................................. Closed for the season
Yacht Club of St. Louis..................... Closed for the season

WEDNESDAY

 23 January 2019

 

Over 9.4 Million Boater Visits

Since Sept 12, 2004

To The Always Changing e-Waters of RiverBills.com

 

Previous Day

Geese and Crane Barge

Pool 27 of the Mississippi River

at Melvin Price Lock and Dam

 

 

Click pic to enlarge

 

 

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

 

 

RiverBill,

A lot of geese hanging out at Melvin Price. Also a heavy duty crane barge by auxiliary lock.

Brad Maher
Alton Motorboat Club

 

 

See You In The 2019 Season

Open Saturday's and Sunday's in January and February,

weather permitting.  Open at 11:00AM
 

Website.. click here             Facebook.. click here

 

click here for Facebook          click here for website

 

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

 

 

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

 

Illinois River & Swans

 

Click pic to enlarge

 

 

Yesteryear's Pictures of the Day in 2018.......... were sent to us by Captain Brad Maher

 

 

RiverBill

Was up in Nutwood on Illinois River at Otter Creek over the weekend. While checking out the river some Trumpeter Swans flew over. Cool birds for sure.

Brad Maher
Alton Motorboat Club


 

 

Website               Facebook             Map

www.RiverBills.com

Featured Classifieds

More Boats on RiverBills.com

"All Classifieds Page"

click here

 

WED & THURS...11AM - 5PM

FRI-SUN... 11AM - 10PM

CLOSED MON & TUE
 

FESTIVAL & MUSIC SCHEDULE...  click here

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

 

River News !  

 

 

 

No new incident reports

 

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

 

 

   US Army Corps of Engineers
   St. Louis District - Weekly Navigation Channel Condition

 

 

UPDATED JAN 16, 2019    

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

MILE 189.0 - CHANNEL CONDITION
Two-way passage may be difficult in the vicinity of the Chain of Rocks Canal, north of the I-270 Bridge, due to the presence of dredging equipment along the RDB. Mariners are urged to exercise caution in the area
MILE 179.2 - BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION
Poplar Street Bridge; A safespan is installed following the contours of the bridge. The platform will extend approximately 3 feet below low steel of the bridge. At various times, work barges will be spud down on the backside of both left and right descending main navigation piers. Barges will remain in place overnight and be properly lit.
MILE 168.1 - DREDGE OPERATION
Continuing until further notice, the USACE is conducting dredging operations in the vicinity of Mile 168.1. Work will be conducted 24 hours a day 7days a week. Mariners are requested to contact the Dredge POTTER via VHF-FM Channel 13, 16 or 82, for passing arrangements 30 minutes prior to transiting the area. Mariners are urged to transit the area at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made
.

 

MISSOURI RIVER
MILE 67.61 - BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
Washington Bridge Replacement; Horizontal clearance in the navigation span is reduced to 350 feet due to ongoing construction work. Mariners may contact M/V PIASA via VHF-FM Channel 13 or 16, for more information

 

ILLINOIS RIVER

MILE 56.0 - AIDS TO NAVIGATION
Two can buoys have been reported missing in the vicinity of Mile 56.0, north of the Florence Highway Bridge. Mariners are urged to exercise caution in the area

 

Click here  for the current Navigation Channel Condition Status Report 

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 3,185 members as of 01-23-19....... Click here and check it out. 

 

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

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

Upcoming Event  Saturday, Sunday, January 26 - 27, 2019

Mississippi River At Clarksville, Missouri

Clarksville's Annual Eagle Days Event Is This Weekend........

 

This weekend, the historic river town of Clarksville, Missouri will be hosting their 27th annual Eagle Days event, which will feature a variety of activities on Saturday, January 26 and Sunday, January 27.

 

On each day, there will be plenty of eagle watching opportunities, live eagle demonstrations, videos and tours of Lock and Dam No.24.  This will be the first year that U.S. Army Corps of Engineers personnel will be conducting dam tours.

 

The World Bird Sanctuary will be hosting hourly live eagle programs at the Apple Shed.  There will also be interactive kid's games, eagle art print projects, exhibits and displays.  Each half hour, the Missouri Department of Conservation's video Where Eagles Soar will be played........

 

Click here to read more from hannibal.net.  With Photo.

 

Upcoming Events.....  March 14-22, 2019

World Wide Marine Training

Midwest Schedule

Grafton, Lake Ozark, St. Louis......

 

For over two decades, World Wide Marine Training, LLC provides mariners the tools for increased income potential, lucrative career opportunities and the enjoyment of simple pleasures of life on the water. We support this lifestyle through U.S. Coast Guard approved courses with personalized instruction by professional mariners. Superior graduate performance and a proven track record in mariner credential assistance, speaks of our commitment to student success. Whether you are a seasoned, professional mariner, or a new seaman exploring opportunities, we make sure your questions are answered, career goals addressed and expectations met.

Contact us today and achieve your mariner lifestyle goals…our friendly and attentive staff look forward to helping you!

 

  

Reprinted from World Wide Marine Training... click here for more info

       

 

Upcoming Event.....  Sunday, January 27, 2019

Illinois River At Grafton, Illinois

Pere Marquette Hosting Bald Eagle Festival........

 

This Sunday, Pere Marquette Lodge will be hosting their Bald Eagle Festival.  Attendees to the free event will not only be able to meet bald eagles, but shop the vendor booths, grab some food, try local wines and check out the historic Pere Marquette Lodge.

Mississippi River At St. Louis, Missouri

Seasonal Vendors Being Sought For The Riverfront........

 

The Gateway Arch partners are looking for a variety of vendors to occupy 10 dedicated spaces along the St. Louis riverfront below the Arch.

 

The seasonal vendors being sought will range from food and beverage, souvenirs as well as rental equipment.  The spaces will be available from mid-May through mid-August.

 

The Gateway Arch partner's goal is to enhance and enliven the riverfront beneath the renovated Gateway Arch grounds........

 

Click here to read this news tidbit from fox2now.com.  With Photo

 

February 2, 2019

Kaskaskia River Project

Eagle Fest....

 

 

Reprinted from Kaskaskia River Project... click here

 

 

My River Home website  facebook          Longshot Saloon facebook

The Cabana at the La Rosa facebook        

News Release From BoatUS



 

JARLINGTON, Va., January 22, 2019 – When recreational boaters are in grave trouble, the captains of the on-water recreational boat-towing service, TowBoatUS, don’t hesitate to act. Six captains who acted as good Samaritans to save lives in 2018 were recently honored by their peers at a ceremony held at the annual BoatUS Towing Conference in Arlington, Virginia, on Jan. 17.
The captains serve TowBoatUS towing locations in South Dade, Florida; Tarpon Springs, Florida; Mystic, Connecticut; Long Beach, California; and Lake Havasu, California. These are their actions:
 

Woody Pollack Lifesaving Award
Capt. Lee Hartman, TowBoatUS South Dade, Florida: A man aboard a 40-foot motor vessel tied up to a marina fuel dock had a heart attack and fell overboard into alligator-infested waters – but no one saw it happen. Only a loud bang followed by a splash gave an eerie feeling to Capt. Hartman who, in a frantic yet systematic search, was able to locate and pull the man out from under the motor vessel’s transom, where his body had been pinned underwater against the boat’s propellers and rudder by an outgoing tide. With assistance from bystanders, the man was removed from the water and rushed to the hospital where he spent a week recovering.
 

Meritorious Service Awards
Capt. Jason Ness, TowBoatUS Tarpon Springs, Florida: While attempting a backflip off a 65-foot-high bridge, a teenager experienced a severe spinal injury and was nearly lifeless in the water. With the help of another teen, Capt. Ness was able to retrieve the boy and rush him to shore for hospitalization.
Capt. Alex Alberg, TowBoatUS Mystic, Connecticut: A gust of wind and a jammed cleat conspired to spill a family of three generations of sailors aboard a small boat into the choppy waters of Fisher’s Island Sound. Capt. Alberg pulled two children from the water who were then transported to shore by local law enforcement.
• Capt. Mike Del Grande, TowBoatUS Long Beach, California, and Jeff Perez: A story that made national headlines, an elderly mother and son in a pickup truck crashed through a pedestrian guardrail into Long Beach Harbor. As the truck slid into deeper water and its passenger cab was slowly submerging, the two were rescued by Capt. Del Grande and Perez with assistance from another good Samaritan
Capt. Kevin McKinney, TowBoatUS Lake Havasu, California: A young teen and his father went for a swim off their boat, but winds pushed the boat away preventing a safe return. The teen, who was wearing a life jacket, struggled to keep his exhausted father’s head above water until McKinney arrived in the nick of time and safely retrieved both.


###

 

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

 

  Website..click here      Facebook Page..click here

 

 

BE RESPONSIBLE FOR "YOUR WAKE"

BE RESPONSIBLE FOR "YOUR TRASH"

 

www.RiverBills.com         

 

January 24 - 27, 2019

The Overland Park Boat Show........

 

From January 24, 2019 through January 27, 2019, the Overland Park Convention Center will be hosting the Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealers Association's Overland Park Boat Show in Kansas City, Kansas.

 

Admission to the show is $9 for adults, $5 for kids, and children under 5 are free.  The show schedule is:

 

○  Thursday, January 24th, 2019 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
○  Friday, January 25th, 2019 @ 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
○  Saturday, January 26th, 2019 @ 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
○  Sunday, January 27th, 2019 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

 

Click here to read more from lakeexpo.com.

Click here to visit the Overland Park Boat Show website.

 

Lake of the Ozarks

Boat Captain.....

 

Former Mississippi River Rat and now Lake Lake of the Ozarks resident, Larry Demko has a new website. Check it out !

 

 

ABOUT CAPTAIN LARRY
Captain Larry is a mature, semi-retired boater and USCG licensed captain–with over 30 years’ of boating experience on the Great Lakes, Chesapeake Bay and including 7 years experience boating on Lake of the Ozarks. He is the most requested Boat Captain on Lake of the Ozarks.

Whether you’re renting a boat for a few hours or you want someone to operate YOUR boat, don’t put yourself in danger of getting a BWI.

As a “bonus”, say goodbye to navigation and docking duties. Hire the best boat driver on Lake of the Ozarks! If you need a guide to get from one bar/restaurant top another, I know the hot spots!

Places To Go, People To See

Experienced operating all types of boats – from pontoons to 50 ft cruisers, Single Engine or Twin Engine.

Short cruises or all day. $45/hour (A cheap way to avoid a “Boating-While-Intoxicated” citation).

Lake resident. Short notice usually OK.

Call/write: Captain Larry
(314) 799-0900

http://lakecaptain.net/

 

Providing insurance coverage where ever you go

 

  click here for website and more information

 

This Week's Marine Jobs Newsletter Is Out !

 

This week's TradeOnly Marine Jobs Newsletter is out.

Some of the jobs include:

~ Dockmaster - Capital Yacht Club at The Wharf in D.C
~ Dealer Sales Representative West Coast - Seakeeper
~ Dockmaster - Great Harbor Yacht Club on Nantucket Island
~ National Account Sales Executive - ElectroSea
 

Click here for more listings and information on Trade Only Today's Job Board

 

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

Niagara River At Niagara Falls, New York

Frigid Temps Has Frozen Portions Of Niagara Falls........

 

The recent winter storm that covered parts of the Midwest in a blanket of snow and turned the Northeast into a deep freezer has caused portions of Niagara Falls to freeze over.

 

On Sunday, visitors took photos of the still waters and majestic sights.  Visitor Emma Grafham likened the frozen vista to "Elsa's castle"........

 

Click here to read this news tidbit from fox2now.com.  With Photos and Videos.

 

List Your Boat

on RiverBills Classifieds

6 Months for $50.00

From "Now" until "June 2019" 

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

 

 

Little John's Moptorsports... Click here

Little Johns Marine Service...  Click here

 

What's Going On This Week

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

 

Open all year

 

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

$5.00 lunch specials from 11am till 2pm

3rd Chute Upcoming Events.. click here

Alton Marina

Mississippi River at Alton, IL

 

 

The Deli at the Alton Marina is closed for the season

 

The Boathouse

Northshore Marina

 

 

Open all year
Open Weekends, Weather Permitting
Saturday & Sunday. Open at 11:00 AM

Cedar Hill Resort

Mississippi River

1 mile below Winfield Dam

 

 

Closed for the season

Duck Club Yacht Club

 


Closed for the season

Evandy's Boatel

Illinois River at Naples, IL


 

Closed on New Years Day.

 

Life is Good on The River!

 

Evandy's Boatel Upcoming Events.. click here

Froge's Bar and Grill

Portage des Sioux, MO

 

Every Friday throughout the year we serve whole catfish, catfish nuggets, Alaskan Pollock and salmon served with 2 sides and a soft drink for $8.99 from 11am until gone or 10pm

 

**FALL KITCHEN**
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, kitchen will close at 8pm.

Grafton Harbor

Confluence of Mississippi and Illinois Rivers


 

Grafton Harbor

Grafton Harbor River Adventures
 

Closed for the season

 


The River Rambler Tour is a fun and educational 1 hour boat ride on the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers highlighting the historical and geographical points of interest

For more information ... click here

Grafton Oyster Bar

Grafton Harbor

 



WED & THURS...11AM - 5PM
FRI-SUN... 11AM - 10PM
CLOSED MON & TUE
 

 

FESTIVAL & MUSIC SCHEDULE...  click here

 

John's Boat Harbor

Mississippi River at UMR 231.8

Kinder's Restaurant

Mississippi River at Golden Eagle, IL

 

Closed for the season

Longshot Saloon

My River Home Marina and Resort

Mississippi River at Portage des Sioux...

 

 

 

Closed for the season

Mike's La Rosa at My River Home

Mississippi River at

Portage des Sioux, Mo

 

Closed for the season

 

Yacht Club of St. Louis Restaurant

UMR 225 On Dardenne Slough of Pool 26 of the Mississippi River

 

Closed for the season

 

 

 

Click here for Yacht Club October Calendar

 

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
Arrrr Bar at Grafton Harbor.................. Closed for the season
Boathouse Food & Deck..................... Open All Year
Cedar Hill Resort................................ Closed for the season
Driftwood Crab Shack @ MRH Resort.. Opening Memorial Day 2019
Duck Club Yacht Club........................ Closed for the season
Evandy's_Boatel................................ Open All Year
Froges Bar & Grill.............................. Open All Year
Grafton Harbor Winery & Gift Shop...... Open
Grafton Oyster Bar............................. Open All Year
Kinder's Restaurant.......................... Closed for the season
Longshot Saloon................................ Closed for the season
LaRosa Cantina................................. Closed for the season
Yacht Club of St. Louis..................... Closed for the season

TUESDAY

 22 January 2019

 

Over 9.4 Million Boater Visits

Since Sept 12, 2004

To The Always Changing e-Waters of RiverBills.com

 

Previous Day

Pancake Ice

Dardenne Slough

Pool 26 of the Mississippi River

 Click pic to enlarge

 

 

The Picture of the Day.....  is from the Boathouse Food and Deck  Webcam yesterday morning with the:

     ~ Air temperature at ......... 18 ° F

     ~ Water temperature at..... 38 ° F

 

Pancake ice is a form of ice that consists of round pieces of ice with diameters ranging from 12 inches to 9.8 ft.  The round shape comes from bumping into other pieces of ice.  In colder weather the pancakes can consolidate, freezing into a coherent ice sheet.


Did you know.... ice floats on the surface of water because ice is less dense than water.

 

 

Go to www.RiverWebCams.com

for the last 10 pictures from the Boathouse webcam

 

 

 

See You In The 2019 Season

Open Saturday's and Sunday's in January and February,

weather permitting.  Open at 11:00AM
 

Website.. click here             Facebook.. click here

 

click here for Facebook          click here for website

 

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

 

 

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

 

RiverBills Sticker Sighting !

 

Click pic to enlarge

Rosie and RiverBills

 

 

Yesteryear's Pictures of the Day in 2013.......... was sent to us by Mike and Rosie of the cruiser Swingset. Mike and Rosie left St. Louis last year (2012) on their voyage down the Mississippi River to ports unknown.  They we in Key West, Florida when this picture was taken......

 

Mike wrote....

 

RiverBill's inna house at Dante's Key West


 

 

Website               Facebook             Map

www.RiverBills.com

Featured Classifieds

More Boats on RiverBills.com

"All Classifieds Page"

click here

 

WED & THURS...11AM - 5PM

FRI-SUN... 11AM - 10PM

CLOSED MON & TUE
 

FESTIVAL & MUSIC SCHEDULE...  click here

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

 

River News !  

 

 

 

No new incident reports

 

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

 

 

   US Army Corps of Engineers
   St. Louis District - Weekly Navigation Channel Condition

 

 

UPDATED JAN 16, 2019    

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

MILE 189.0 - CHANNEL CONDITION
Two-way passage may be difficult in the vicinity of the Chain of Rocks Canal, north of the I-270 Bridge, due to the presence of dredging equipment along the RDB. Mariners are urged to exercise caution in the area
MILE 179.2 - BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION
Poplar Street Bridge; A safespan is installed following the contours of the bridge. The platform will extend approximately 3 feet below low steel of the bridge. At various times, work barges will be spud down on the backside of both left and right descending main navigation piers. Barges will remain in place overnight and be properly lit.
MILE 168.1 - DREDGE OPERATION
Continuing until further notice, the USACE is conducting dredging operations in the vicinity of Mile 168.1. Work will be conducted 24 hours a day 7days a week. Mariners are requested to contact the Dredge POTTER via VHF-FM Channel 13, 16 or 82, for passing arrangements 30 minutes prior to transiting the area. Mariners are urged to transit the area at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made
.

 

MISSOURI RIVER
MILE 67.61 - BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
Washington Bridge Replacement; Horizontal clearance in the navigation span is reduced to 350 feet due to ongoing construction work. Mariners may contact M/V PIASA via VHF-FM Channel 13 or 16, for more information

 

ILLINOIS RIVER

MILE 56.0 - AIDS TO NAVIGATION
Two can buoys have been reported missing in the vicinity of Mile 56.0, north of the Florence Highway Bridge. Mariners are urged to exercise caution in the area

 

Click here  for the current Navigation Channel Condition Status Report 

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 3,185 members as of 01-22-19....... Click here and check it out. 

 

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

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

Mississippi River Journeys

Tracking System Installed On Dying Man's Houseboat........

 

51 year old Kelly Phillips is spending his remaining days meandering down the Mississippi River with his dog, Sapphire aboard the houseboat, Shameless.  As he travels along the river, he is meeting plenty of people along the way.

 

Now, Phillips' supporters and new-found friends are able to track the terminally-ill man as he guides his houseboat to his final resting place.  Phillips began his journey 20 months ago, and is heading to Venice, Louisiana.

 

On Monday, Mississippi River pilots installed a tracking system aboard Phillips' houseboat, allowing him to more safely navigate the river.  Reportedly, he has had several close-calls with other boats, and the tracking system will allow him to see what vessels are headed his way, and vice-versa........

 

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

 

Upcoming Events....

Saturday, February 16, 2019

Duck Club Yacht Club

Boat Watch

 

     Sat 12:00 PM - 5:00PM


Duck Club Yacht Club
6257 State Highway V St. Charles, MO 63301, St. Charles, Missouri

Reprinted from Facebook... click here

       

 

Saturday, Sunday, January 26 and 27, 2019

Missouri Department of Conservation

Eagle Days.........

 

From December through February, Missouri's winter eagle watching is spectacular. Discover nature with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) through Eagle Days events around the state, or enjoy eagle viewing on your own.

Because of the state’s big rivers, many lakes, and abundant wetlands, Missouri is one of the leading lower 48 states for bald eagle viewing. Each fall, thousands of these great birds migrate south from their nesting range in Canada and the Great Lakes states to hunt in the Show-Me State. Eagles take up residence wherever they find open water and plentiful food. More than 2,000 bald eagles are typically reported in Missouri during winter
 

ST. LOUIS: Jan. 19 and 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge south of I-270 off Riverview Drive in St. Louis. Call 314-301-1500 for more information

 

CLARKSVILLE: Jan. 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lock and Dam 24 and Apple Shed Theater in Clarksville. Call 660-785-2424 for more information.

 

Reprinted from Missouri Department of Conservation e-mail

Evandy's Boatel

Illinois River at Naples, IL


New Year brings great things! We have been working hard on the 2019 Evandys Boatel Summer Concert Series. In 2019 we will be bringing some great new bands to The River! Starting on Friday Feb.1st, we will be posting different videos each night of some of the great talent to be performing in The 2019 Evandys Summer Concert Series!  Don't forget- video starting Feb.1st.
Life is Good on The River!

 

Reposted from Evandy's Boatel Facebook ... click here

Mississippi River At Quincy, Illinois

Quincy Barge Dock Committee Looking To Increase Barge Dock Use........

 

The members of the Quincy Barge Dock Committee will soon be facing a big decision during next week's meeting, where plans to grow the barge dock and potentially boost the MidAmerica Port project will be discussed.

 

The barge dock effort was driven by a study that was conducted on behalf of the MidAmerica Port project that has been in the works for almost 20 years.  There have been 8 rounds of federal grant applications made by the port that have been declined.

 

In spite of this, Quincy companies have been working to construct the infrastructure within the South Quincy Development District in preparation for the port's construction........

 

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

 

My River Home website  facebook          Longshot Saloon facebook

The Cabana at the La Rosa facebook        

Monongahela River At Pittsburg, Pennsylvania

12 Barges Broke Free From A Tow....  Breakaway Cause Investigated....

 

Just before 5 am Monday, 12 barges loaded with coal broke free from a tow and floated away along the Monongahela River at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.  Bridges in the area were closed to traffic through mid-morning.

 

Strong river currents caused the barges to break free from the M/V Brenda L. Murray II.  All of the barges have since been secured.  !0 barges were secured to moorings, and the other two were secured to a pier.  One barge was partially submerged.

 

According to a statement from tow boat owner Murray American Transportation Inc., the barges will be cleared as soon as river conditions will allow it.  There are no restrictions on river traffic, and the U.S. Coast Guard is investigating the incident........

 

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

 

 

  Website..click here      Facebook Page..click here

 

 

BE RESPONSIBLE FOR "YOUR WAKE"

BE RESPONSIBLE FOR "YOUR TRASH"

 

www.RiverBills.com         

 

Boat Propulsion Manufacturer

Mercury Marine Introduced 5HP FourStroke Outboard........

 

Mercury Marine recently introduced a new 5 horsepower Propane FourStroke that is intended to provide no-hassle portability, reliability and convenience operating on an alternative, clean-burning fuel while powering aluminum boats, sailboats or inflatables.

 

The 5 HP FourStroke Propane outboard offers a true 5 horsepower output from a 7.5 cubic inch (123 cc) displacement that weighs in at just under 60 pounds. 

 

Jim Hergert, Mercury Marine's category manager of outboards 60 HP and lower said that this is the company's first outboard that operates on clean-burning propane.  A 20 pound (5 gallon) tank of propane will run the engine approximately 10 hours at full throttle........

 

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

 

Providing insurance coverage where ever you go

 

  click here for website and more information

 

Boat Manufacturer

Heyday Introduced New Dual Console........

 

Heyday recently pulled the wraps off their new WT-2 Dual Console, which combines the 22 foot, 6 inch overall length of their WT-2 with the popular dual console design of their largest model, the WT-Surf.

 

The vessel features Heyday's signature hull that has been specifically engineered to form a powerful, clean wake for surfing and boarding.  The dual console layout allows the vessel to carry 11 passengers. 

 

Keith Yunger, Heyday's President, says that they are constantly evolving and looking for ways to improve their lineup, and the WT-2DCis an example of this.  He adds that they took the most popular aspects of the WT-Surf and offered them in the WT-2 sized package........

 

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

 

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

List Your Boat

on RiverBills Classifieds

6 Months for $50.00

From "Now" until "June 2019" 

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

 

 

Little John's Moptorsports... Click here

Little Johns Marine Service...  Click here

 

What's Going On This Week

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

 

Open all year

 

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

$5.00 lunch specials from 11am till 2pm

3rd Chute Upcoming Events.. click here

Alton Marina

Mississippi River at Alton, IL

 

 

The Deli at the Alton Marina is closed for the season

 

The Boathouse

Northshore Marina

 

 

Open all year
Open Weekends, Weather Permitting
Saturday & Sunday. Open at 11:00 AM

Cedar Hill Resort

Mississippi River

1 mile below Winfield Dam

 

 

Closed for the season

Duck Club Yacht Club

 


Closed for the season

Evandy's Boatel

Illinois River at Naples, IL


 

Closed on New Years Day.

 

Life is Good on The River!

 

Evandy's Boatel Upcoming Events.. click here

Froge's Bar and Grill

Portage des Sioux, MO

 

Every Friday throughout the year we serve whole catfish, catfish nuggets, Alaskan Pollock and salmon served with 2 sides and a soft drink for $8.99 from 11am until gone or 10pm

 

**FALL KITCHEN**
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, kitchen will close at 8pm.

Grafton Harbor

Confluence of Mississippi and Illinois Rivers


 

Grafton Harbor

Grafton Harbor River Adventures
 

Closed for the season

 


The River Rambler Tour is a fun and educational 1 hour boat ride on the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers highlighting the historical and geographical points of interest

For more information ... click here

Grafton Oyster Bar

Grafton Harbor

 



WED & THURS...11AM - 5PM
FRI-SUN... 11AM - 10PM
CLOSED MON & TUE
 

 

FESTIVAL & MUSIC SCHEDULE...  click here

 

John's Boat Harbor

Mississippi River at UMR 231.8

Kinder's Restaurant

Mississippi River at Golden Eagle, IL

 

Closed for the season

Longshot Saloon

My River Home Marina and Resort

Mississippi River at Portage des Sioux...

 

 

 

Closed for the season

Mike's La Rosa at My River Home

Mississippi River at

Portage des Sioux, Mo

 

Closed for the season

 

Yacht Club of St. Louis Restaurant

UMR 225 On Dardenne Slough of Pool 26 of the Mississippi River

 

Closed for the season

 

 

 

Click here for Yacht Club October Calendar

 

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
Arrrr Bar at Grafton Harbor.................. Closed for the season
Boathouse Food & Deck..................... Open All Year
Cedar Hill Resort................................ Closed for the season
Driftwood Crab Shack @ MRH Resort.. Opening Memorial Day 2019
Duck Club Yacht Club........................ Closed for the season
Evandy's_Boatel................................ Open All Year
Froges Bar & Grill.............................. Open All Year
Grafton Harbor Winery & Gift Shop...... Open
Grafton Oyster Bar............................. Open All Year
Kinder's Restaurant.......................... Closed for the season
Longshot Saloon................................ Closed for the season
LaRosa Cantina................................. Closed for the season
Yacht Club of St. Louis..................... Closed for the season

MONDAY

 21 January 2019

 

Over 9.4 Million Boater Visits

Since Sept 12, 2004

To The Always Changing e-Waters of RiverBills.com

 

Video of the Day

Viral TRND's Post

 Click pic to enlarge

 

 

The Video of the Day.....  was shared to RiverBills Boaters Group by Capt'n Doug Jennings. 

 

Click here and check out Viral TRND's post.

 

 

See You In The 2019 Season

Open Saturday's and Sunday's in January and February,

weather permitting.  Open at 11:00AM
 

Website.. click here             Facebook.. click here

 

click here for Facebook          click here for website

 

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

 

 

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

 

BEAUTIFUL DAY ON THE RIVER 2018

 

Click pic to enlarge

 

Yesteryear's Pictures of the Day in 2018.......... was sent to us by Claudia Burris who hails out of Hoppies Marina in Kimmswick, Mo

 

 

Hi Bill,

It was a beautiful day on the river down at Hoppies Marina. The ice is melting and the water looks so blue for a change. We will keep you posted on the progress of our situation.

 

Thanks for all the concern!


Claudia Burris
Hoppies Marina Correspondent

 

 

Website               Facebook             Map

www.RiverBills.com

Featured Classifieds

More Boats on RiverBills.com

"All Classifieds Page"

click here

 

WED & THURS...11AM - 5PM

FRI-SUN... 11AM - 10PM

CLOSED MON & TUE
 

FESTIVAL & MUSIC SCHEDULE...  click here

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

 

River News !  

 

 

 

No new incident reports

 

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

 

 

   US Army Corps of Engineers
   St. Louis District - Weekly Navigation Channel Condition

 

 

 

 

Click here  for the current Navigation Channel Condition Status Report 

 

RiverBills Facebook

Two FaceBook Pages for You

 

The "River News and Media" Page

This 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. 

Click here and check it out. 

 

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

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

Spending Time in Jamaica Again... Yah Mon !

 

  Going to be spending some time on the isle of Jamaica, relaxing and soaking up some sun with good friends and locals.....

 

RiverBills will be updated daily with new pictures and river news, but it will be an abbreviated version of the regular daily edition ....

 

  I "will not" be checking my phone or text messages. Contact me by mail at riverbill@prodigy.net

 

See you in late January, 2019

RiverBill & Crew

Yah Mon

 

       

 

Mississippi River Near Granite City, Illinois

People Head To The Chain Of Rocks Bridge To Watch Eagles........

 

Over the weekend, people from all over the Riverbend braved the cold to get a look at bald eagles during the Eagle Days event at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. 

 

People attended the event from both sides of the Mississippi River, making Eagle Days at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge one of the St. Louis metro region's biggest eagle watching festivals.

 

According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, eagles move into the region looking to hunt.  As the water freezes further north, eagles head south because the waters remain more open........

 

Click here to read this news story from kmov.com.  With Photo and Video.

 

My River Home website  facebook          Longshot Saloon facebook

The Cabana at the La Rosa facebook        

Boat Show News

NMMA:  Boat Show Attendance Down....  Sales Strong....

 

Last Sunday, the first round of winter boat shows wrapped up.  They were held in Atlanta, Nashville, Chicago and Kansas City.

 

The National Marine Manufacturers Association reports that in spite of some uncontrollable variables, all of the shows reported strong sales, leads and qualified attendees.

 

The Progressive Insurance Kansas City Boat Show posted final attendance numbers of 11,049, a 43 percent decrease compared to 2018.  Thursday's attendance was up 27 percent, however, snow and Saturday's Chief's game heavily affected show attendance........

 

Click here to read more from boatingindustry.com.  With Photo.

 

 

  Website..click here      Facebook Page..click here

 

 

BE RESPONSIBLE FOR "YOUR WAKE"

BE RESPONSIBLE FOR "YOUR TRASH"

 

www.RiverBills.com         

 

Boat Sales

Main Categories See 12 Percent Decrease In Sales Last Month........

 

December saw boat sales in the main powerboat categories decrease by 12 percent, and falling over 16 percent in fiberglass outboard and 9 percent in aluminum fishing categories.

 

Ryan Kloppe, sales director for Statistical Surveys Inc. says that it is a slowdown.  He adds that sales were up only 3 percent last December, so it isn't a hard comparison. 

 

The industry was still set to see increases of between 3 and 4 percent for 2018.  Year-To-Date sales were up by 3.4 percent in the main categories and 3.2 percent overall........

 

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

 

Providing insurance coverage where ever you go

 

  click here for website and more information

 

Flood Insurance News

Missouri Representative Proposes Changes To The Flood Insurance Program........

 

Missouri Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer has proposed four bills that would handle some key issues across the nation with the National Flood Insurance Program.

 

Luekemeyer represents portions of the Lake of the Ozarks, Osage, Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, and has dealt extensively with the program via it's administering entity, the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  He describes the NFIP's current situation as "inadequate".

 

Luekemeyer has proposed changes to the NFIP before, but they were never adopted because different regions of the nation have differing priorities for the National Flood Insurance Program.........

 

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

 

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

List Your Boat

on RiverBills Classifieds

6 Months for $50.00

From "Now" until "June 2019" 

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

 

 

Little John's Moptorsports... Click here

Little Johns Marine Service...  Click here

 

What's Going On This Week

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

 

Open all year

 

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

$5.00 lunch specials from 11am till 2pm

3rd Chute Upcoming Events.. click here

Alton Marina

Mississippi River at Alton, IL

 

 

The Deli at the Alton Marina is closed for the season

 

The Boathouse

Northshore Marina

 

 

Open all year
Open Weekends, Weather Permitting
Saturday & Sunday. Open at 11:00 AM

Cedar Hill Resort

Mississippi River

1 mile below Winfield Dam

 

 

Closed for the season

Duck Club Yacht Club

 


Closed for the season

Illinois River at Naples, IL

Evandy's Boatel


 

Closed on New Years Day.

 

Life is Good on The River!

 

Evandy's Boatel Upcoming Events.. click here

Froge's Bar and Grill

Portage des Sioux, MO

 

Every Friday throughout the year we serve whole catfish, catfish nuggets, Alaskan Pollock and salmon served with 2 sides and a soft drink for $8.99 from 11am until gone or 10pm

 

**FALL KITCHEN**
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, kitchen will close at 8pm.

Grafton Harbor

Confluence of Mississippi and Illinois Rivers


 

Grafton Harbor

Grafton Harbor River Adventures
 

Closed for the season

 


The River Rambler Tour is a fun and educational 1 hour boat ride on the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers highlighting the historical and geographical points of interest

For more information ... click here

Grafton Oyster Bar

Grafton Harbor

 



WED & THURS...11AM - 5PM
FRI-SUN... 11AM - 10PM
CLOSED MON & TUE
 

 

FESTIVAL & MUSIC SCHEDULE...  click here

 

John's Boat Harbor

Mississippi River at UMR 231.8

Kinder's Restaurant

Mississippi River at Golden Eagle, IL

 

Closed for the season

Longshot Saloon

My River Home Marina and Resort

Mississippi River at Portage des Sioux...

 

 

 

Closed for the season

Mike's La Rosa at My River Home

Mississippi River at

Portage des Sioux, Mo

 

Closed for the season

 

Yacht Club of St. Louis Restaurant

UMR 225 On Dardenne Slough of Pool 26 of the Mississippi River

 

Closed for the season

 

 

 

Click here for Yacht Club October Calendar

 

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
Arrrr Bar at Grafton Harbor.................. Closed for the season
Boathouse Food & Deck..................... Open All Year
Cedar Hill Resort................................ Closed for the season
Driftwood Crab Shack @ MRH Resort.. Opening Memorial Day 2019
Duck Club Yacht Club........................ Closed for the season
Evandy's_Boatel................................ Open All Year
Froges Bar & Grill.............................. Open All Year
Grafton Harbor Winery & Gift Shop...... Open
Grafton Oyster Bar............................. Open All Year
Kinder's Restaurant.......................... Closed for the season
Longshot Saloon................................ Closed for the season
LaRosa Cantina................................. Closed for the season
Yacht Club of St. Louis..................... Closed for the season

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

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