THE GOSHEN NEWS
NORTH WEBSTER, Ind. — The Dixie Paddlewheel Boat is getting ready to cruise Webster Lake.
The Dixie’s new regular operating hours will begin mid-June. Regular hours will be Monday through Saturday at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m., and Sundays hourly on the half hour from 1:30 through 8:30 p.m.
The hours will also be posted at the Dixie Landing at North Webster Park.
In February, Dixie Sternwheeler Inc. was founded to lead renovations of the Dixie.
According to Metcalf, since that time, title to the boat itself was transferred to the company from private ownership and 501(c)(3) tax exempt status was granted.
Metcalf said in a press release, “A successful fund-raising drive was conducted in 2008 with approximately $60,000 raised, half of the eventual goal.”
In-kind contributions were also made by Thunderbird Boat Co. of Decatur and skilled volunteer labor by a number of community volunteers.
This year’s major renovations included replacement of the complete fuel system, major electrical upgrades, a new sound sytem, various safety improvements, the addition of an on-board restroom and several engine and super-structure repairs.
With these complete, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources re-certified the boat for safe operation.
This year, additional renovations are underway and the following will be complete before the planned early summer seasonal launch. These include interior and exterior carpentry upgrades and related painting, renovation to the pilot house, including the historic Captain’s wheel, and continued improvements to the engine and drive components. Plus, a new paddlewheel is going to be added.
According to Metcalf, these renovations have slightly delayed the cruising season’s start.
The next phase of the fund-raising drive will kick off mid-summer this year. Information on tax-deductible contributions can be found at the Dixie’s fundraising Web site www.savethedixie.org.
Sometime after this operating season, additional renovations are planned. Metcalf said that renovations will be made to the hull, superstructure supports and concession stand. There will be passenger comfort improvements, including new seating and the boat will be painted, with the boat removed from the water for the DNR’s required dry dock inspection.
Bob Stine, DSI’s board president, announced that six captains will share the cruise schedule.
The captains are: Jim Tranter, former captain of the Lake Wawasee SS Lilypad; Greg VanPelt, former owner/operator of The Dixie from the late 1980s through mid ’90s; Jodie Pensinger, who will be The Dixie’s first female captain; North Webster resident Dave Tranter; DSI board member Bob Barnes; and Dave Easter,a relative of the VanPelt family.
Metcalf said that The Dixie crew will bring back some “good traditions from years past, as well as adding some new traditions for people to enjoy.”
For information, charters
z For more information, go online to www.savethedixie.org or call 1-888-80-DIXIE.
Anyone wanting to arrange a charter cruise on the boat can call Karilyn Metcalf, vice-president of DSI, at 1-574-834-2385, or call the toll free number for information.
Local News
The Dixie paddles about Webster Lake
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