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May 16, 2005 -- Vol. 5 Issue 20 Written by Jack R. Simpson (unless otherwise noted), owner of J.R. Simpson & Associates, Inc. and contributing editor to The Waterways Journal.
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 In This Newsletter:
Headline Errors
Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers A Personal Note From Jack
 We All Have Societal Obligations Sometimes we forget that in addition to being butchers, bakers or candlestick makers, we are also members of society and have societal obligations. We benefit from society, and we should, for want of a better phrase, pay our dues. While serving in the Navy I noticed that my colleagues often considered themselves “on the inside,” while civilians were “on the outside.” There was a definite chasm, and many never crossed it. There really wasn’t much interest shown in community. Despite our jobs, we are part of society. We owe it to society to play a role. While walking the streets of a city, military personnel share in the benefits, or lack their of, of using the streets. Regardless of our chosen field of endeavor, we all should share in maintaining the society in which we live. We may see a hint of that in the following. Thanks to Donald C. Strimbeck, secretary of the Upper Monongahela River Association (UMRA), Inc., we have a copy of an editorial that appeared May 17 in the “Morgantown Dominion Post.” The title was: Clean-up plans may trickle down. Then it said: Corps of Engineers to review ideas to remove debris at lock and dam. Debris behind the river facility has been a problem. The present policy of the Pittsburgh District is to let it accumulate behind navigation dams on rivers and then to flush it down. Even though the Corps has said that cleaning up after people is not its job, there is now an indication that the district’s operations director would be glad to meet with those who have ideas for resolving the debris problem. The debris behind the dam is not unique to Morgantown, said the editorial. “The debris fields have been a by-product of the lock and dam systems since their inception.” Having a debris field right in the middle of Morgantown certainly appears to be an unsightly mess. So finding a solution to this unsightly problem might have widespread application. Morgantown has spent a great deal of money dressing up the river area, so everyone would be best served by solving the problem. As the “Dominion Post” points out, the city is about to spend another $26 million on a new marina and regional theater along the gateway to Morgantown -- a stretch that already includes a new park, new amphitheater, rail-trails and some $200 million in investment. That the Corps is willing to review ideas for cleaning up the debris field is an indication that perhaps it may assume some of its societal obligation. After all, we can assume that many are responsible for debris in the river. So having a number of agencies willing to share in the clean-up makes sense. The Corps may be willing to help remove the debris if the UMRA can work out a cooperative way for the Solid Waste Authority to dispose of it. The Corps said its role must be within the Corps’ authority, however. The “Dominion Post” is optimistic, saying that even though some say the debris fields are an unavoidable byproduct of the lock and dam systems, “few things are unavoidable when volunteers, governments, agencies and others seek solutions.” If the Corps assumes responsibility for removing the debris, while local governments concentrate on its disposal, it could work. They have our best wishes for success. Trucks On Our Byways Another subject that intrigues me is the volume of large trucks on our highways. It has been said that there is no way to expand the trucking business but to add trucks. We all know what that means. There is no way to expand the rail business but to add cars. They are having difficulty keeping up as it is and nowhere to expand trackage. Much of the discussion about truck traffic is focused on damage to roads, air pollution, the use of natural resources and the contribution to “less safe” highways. I cannot speak to the road damage. Claims about damage may be correct, but I have not researched the subject, nor have I seen any specific statistics related to the subject. (The Maritime Administration has, however, published myriad details about air pollution caused by trucks.) As for driving safety, my personal conclusion is that too many truckers drive faster than they should and make driving for those in passenger cars more dangerous. That has been my personal opinion after experiencing Interstate 70 between St. Louis and Kansas City, and Interstate 270 on the loop around St. Louis proper.  During a recent trip to Edinburgh, Ind., I was a passenger in the backseat of a friend’s car and was amazed that trucks on Interstate 70 seemed to outnumber the cars. At least they appeared to on the stretch of road we were traveling on that midweek day. So I started shooting pictures out of the front car window, right past my friend’s head. The accompanying picture is one of nearly a dozen that I took. Naturally this is the one that best illustrates what I thought I was experiencing.
Would truck traffic been heavier on the weekend? I don’t know. Was passenger car traffic lighter because it was midweek? Probably. Was the day I took these pictures a typical day for that area of the country (Illinois and Indiana)? I don’t know. One thing I do know is that when the truck speed limit was limited to five miles per hour less than the car speed limit, things went a lot smoother. My comments really focus only on the amount of traffic. All drivers seemed to be well mannered and no particularly dangerous situations developed. The drive was most enjoyable. But the picture does demonstrate how numerous trucks are on the Interstate. Water transportation can be utilized in some cases to keep that number of trucks from growing. For Those Inclined To Pray
 Because I concluded that the procedures I had set up to allow people to join our Prayer Circle and submit prayer requests were obstacles to participation, I have modified the steps. If you visit the Prayer Circle link at www.littleriverbooks.com, you will find that those who sign up are completely anonymous. We do not ask for first names any longer nor states of residence. A visit to the link will explain our purpose. Joining is as simple as providing an email address to which we can send future prayer requests. Each prayer request list includes a link for sending requests.
By joining our Prayer Circle, you can tap into the prayerful support of circle members wherever they are. Membership and prayer requests are open to everyone. Web Site News
Dan Owen has just passed along the URL of Tennessee Valley Towing's web site. He said it was new to him. Advertising
Your classified ad can go in this space for $10 for one week, $20 for two weeks, $25 for three weeks, and $30 for four weeks. For details click here. On The Waterfront
Vessel Construction/Repair Business Active If you think there is no activity in the river construction and repair scene, look again at your copy of the May 16 copy of “The Waterways Journal.” For those who do not subscribe, we share the WJ headlines and let you conjure up your own conclusions.
Wind Energy Group Claims Fastest Growing Energy Source In The World American Wind Energy Association Executive Director Randall Swisher reports that at the end of 2004, wind energy facilities in 30 states totaled 6,740 MW of energy capacity from coast to coast, producing enough power for the equivalent of 1.6 million households. It is continuing to be one of the fastest growing energy sources in the world and in the nation. Swisher said the relevance of wind energy to the nation’s energy mix is increasingly being recognized by the nation’s economic and energy leaders. He believes this year’s industry rankings demonstrate that wind energy remains on a track that would allow it to provide 6 percent of the nation’s electricity by 2020. Because of entry into the U.S. market of major new players, it is believed that wind energy will continue its fast growth. Among them (during the last eight months) are the international power developer AES, global power generation giant Siemens, and international financial industry leader Goldman Sachs, each of which entered the American wind energy business with purchases of major wind energy companies, according to “RE Weekly News.” (“Renewable Energy Weekly News”) According to the rankings, the states with the most wind energy installed, by capacity (MW) are: #1 California - 2,096 MW #2 Texas - 1,293 MW #3 Iowa - 632 MW #4 Minnesota - 615 MW #5 Wyoming - 285 MW The largest wind farms operating in the U.S. (MW): #1 Stateline, Oregon-Washington - 300 MW #2 King Mountain, Texas - 278 MW #3 New Mexico Wind Energy Center, New Mexico - 204 MW #4 Storm Lake, Iowa - 193 MW #5 Colorado Green, Colorado - 162 MW (a tie for 5th) #5 High Winds, California - 162 MW The American Wind Energy Association reported in its first quarter market release in April 2005 that the installed capacity number for 2005 could increase by as much as 35 percent over 2004. The current forecast, says “RE Weekly News”, calls for up to 2,500 mw of new wind power capacity installed in the United States this year, which would bring the national total to more than 9,000 mw of clean, renewable, wind-derived electricity. At the end of 2005, however, the wind energy production tax credit is scheduled to expire. “RE Weekly News” says the expiration threatens to stall this remarkable growth in 2006 and later years. Swisher said, “We hope that Congress will recognize that approving a long-term extension of the production tax credit is key to extending this remarkable record of accomplishment.” Editor’s note: “RE Weekly News” is the major source for this story. You can go to the site and read extensively on the subject. USCG Blames Captain For Bridge Collapse We received this late, but it is worth noting that a Coast Guard report blames Capt. David D. Fowler for failing to prepare for a turn leading up to the causeway to South Padre island, causing the 2001 collapse that killed eight people. In an Associated Press story out of Harlingen, Texas, also revealed that strong currents before dawn on September 15, 2001, were also a factor, and a shortage of horsepower may have made it more difficult for Capt. Fowler to keep control of his load, which was a quarter-mile long. Fowler lost control of the four steel-laden barges he was towing with a Brown Water V towboat, and heavy currents swept the barges into a bridge support. Two 80-foot sections of bridge roadway tumbled into the bay. Retired Coast Guard officer James Wilson, who presided over the hearings, did not find current, horsepower, or the way the boats were loaded to be contributing factors, but Coast Guard higher-ups disagreed, the AP said. The CG report said that while Capt. Fowler’s negligence was the apparent cause, the strong currents and their influence on the tow’s misalignment cannot be ignored. Several lawsuits are pending, the AP reported, including one that alleges American Commercial Barge Lines, Jeffersonville, Ind., hired a towing company that it knew had problems. A plaintiff attorney said he would show that a lack of horsepower is to blame. The Coast Guard said it would not pursue criminal charges against Capt. Fowler. He has surrendered his Coast Guard license and is now driving trucks. (Editor’s note: The report was first hand-delivered to families on April 28. It was obtained by the Associated Press on May 5 and later included in a Coast Guard newsletter.) Report Says Proposed LNG Security Won’t Scare Terrorists (an update) (Editor’s note: Because my program will not accommodate the report I was after, I can only give you a brief line or two to update the previous story we published about the disagreements over proposed LNG tanker security at Providence, R.I.) It was reported on May 9 that Richard Clarke said terrorist attacks would be devastating to the economy and that proposed LNG security won’t scare terrorists. The report, released on May 9, said: “Determined and skilled terrorists would likely be able to get around security measures meant to prevent an attack on tankers carrying liquefied natural gas up Narragansett Bay. advertisement
The River School - Deck and engineer licenses, radar observer, tankerman, fire and water safety courses, video programs. Travel classes in convenient locations. (800) 238-7113 www.riverschool.com Our Readers Write
Re: Virginia Bennett Virginia Bennett is now at an extended care facility, where she is undergoing therapy and further treatment. She expects to be there several weeks. She does appreciate notes and cards from her river family. Mail to: The Highlands 960 Highland Ave. Fort Thomas, KY 41075 Charles Parrish Re: Southeast Missouri Regional Museum and Golden Eagle River Museum Artifacts The Southeast Missouri Regional Museum at Cape Girardeau, Mo., will host a reception from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday June 11. During the event the museum will officially acknowledge receipt of artifacts from the Golden Eagle River Museum which closed its doors in St. Louis in October of 2004. Items from the Golden Eagle Museum are on display in Cape Girardeau until August. The Southeast Missouri Regional Museum is planning to relocate to a 17 acre site in Cape Girardeau and the Golden Eagle artifacts will be on permanent display at the new facility. For more information call bill Shive at 618/257-0345. Ed Rahe, sales manager, “The Waterways Journal” Crossing The Bar
Capt. Joe Huzar, 67, Muscle Shoals, Ala., has died, “The Waterways Journal” reports. He was most recently employed by Marine Terminals of Alabama. William Thomas French of Greenville, Miss., died April 24. He retired two years ago as captain of Magnolia Marine’s mv. Magnolia. Boat Photo Center
 We have another nice batch of pictures for the Photo Center this week. Some near dupes, to be sure, but different angles. Views include those from Brent Maletic, the Anna S, Jesse R. Johnson, John H. Elliot, Karen Marie, and S. M. Jenks; from Hugh Davis, four views of the Cindy L. Erickson, and the A. N. Prentice; from Jim Klosterboer, three views of the Coral Dawn, the Kelly Rae Erickson, and Mary L; and from David Edwards-May, the St Helier II. Advertisement
I have a 35 mm Nikon F2 in mint condition and lots of other goodies for a combined price of $750. The only lens is a 52 mm Nikormat macro (and extender ring) that allows for shooting relatively normal pictures (no telephoto zoom or wide angle) that allows focusing down to about 2 inches. Other accessories include horsehide camera bag (large boxy type), and various extras too numerous to describe. I will not break up the package. Anyone interested can contact me by calling 314/921-4419 and ask for Jack, or via email at jacksimpson@littleriverbooks.com. Book Beat
 "Rivers of Kentucky" by David and Lalie DickHard cover, 270 pages of the best reading you will find anywhere. If ever there was a pair dedicated to writing beautifully, entertainingly and educationally about anything, it is man/wife team of David and Lalie Dick. I was fortunate enough to meet them one year during the festival at the Howard Steamboat Museum, and between customers we were able to share a few words. We exchanged books, of course. I was surely the winner in this exchange. The Dicks had other commitments for Sunday, so they were on hand only for one day. But it was enough for me to decide that I surely wanted to market "Rivers of Kentucky". I have not been disappointed. There is a quiet, gentle way about that pair. David had a colorful journalistic career before getting into his current activity, writing, traveling and marketing books. A phrase over the phone from Lalie is like the sweet fragrance of lilac wafting in the breeze. And David? He is a man of great dedication to the people for whom they both write. I was particularly impressed when a customer - I assume it was all by phone - was asking David how he could get a book he wanted delivered in time for him to give it as a gift the next evening. David drove about 100 miles to deliver it, no extra charge. I don't know anyone who would do such a thing. I have often been tempted to see if I could convince myself to do that. I do not want to mislead you by giving the impression that "Rivers of Kentucky" is only about rivers. But it is one of the most educational, rewarding books I have ever read. And yes, he does get into writing about navigable rivers. The chapter on the Ohio is really wonderful. But he also writes about wonderful people and wonderful places in Kentucky, usually all connected on one way or another with his subject of rivers. Allow me, therefore, to excerpt a segment of the chapter titled simply "Ohio". "It's four o'clock on a misty mid-October morning on the west side of Louisville. While most of the city is sleeping, towboat crews are on their six-on, six-off watches. On the waiting SuperAmerica, bound upstream to Catlettsburg, pilot John Carson and first mate Ron Felty have spoken to their deckhands with voices muffled in vapor and mist becoming fog. "Ready? "Ready. "The only other sounds are the deafening groan of the engine room, where Bobby Burge wordlessly monitors the controls of the 4,200 horsepower twin-screw engines. Forward on the same deck, there're the cracking of three dozen eggs, the sputtering of bacon in the galley, where Connie Chambers from Carter County, quietly mixes batter for another round of blueberry pancakes. There's the splash of the water at the cutting edge of the head-tow, and the foghorn that stiffens the hair on the neck of most any landlubber. For river traffic, McAlpine Lock is the only way around the Falls of the Ohio. "Rain slants through shafts of mile-long searchlight beams. Huge steel chamber-gates slowly, smoothly swing open. The Floyd Blaskey midges nudges and gathers its brood of fifteen barges carrying chemicals, mothering them downstream. Destination-New Orleans. "Marathon-Ashland Oil's multi-million-towboat SuperAmerica has delivered its downstream cargo: three barges loaded with low-sulfur diesel, one loaded with turbine fuel, three loaded with gasoline - each one of the big barges with about twenty-five to thirty-six barrels of gasoline or diesel fuel in it. SuperAmerica will now maneuver into the vacant chamber, where water will pour back in to raise the upbound towage to a lever above the Falls. They say it's like threading the eye of a needle, but it's more like parking three football fields end-to-end in a space with twelve inches on each side and about half of a football field on either end. "Six inches and closing," says the mate into the two-way radio microphone clipped to his life jacket. If he were to slip and fall overboard between the lead barge and the chamber wall he'd be smeared like a bucket of bright red paint. "Hmmpff," says John Carson in the pilothouse, more than three football fields away. "Four inches and closing," says the mate. "Hmmpff. "Head on the wall," meaning the front corner of the tow has touched the chamber wall. "All right," says John, adjusting with a feather-touch the rudder stick, like a quarterback feeling the leather with the tips of his fingers. When the SuperAmerica and its towage are inside the lock and the deckhands have secured the temporary mooring lines, the chamber gates close and water pours in again. When the level of the surface is equal to that of the river, the gates ahead open and the SuperAmerica inches out, one barge loaded with twenty-five thousand barrels of gas and oil to be re-fined, and seven empty barges to be reloaded again at Catlettsburg. More empties will be picked up in Cincinnati." The Dicks write not just about rivers but about people and places along the river. The chapters in "Rivers of Kentucky" include: Big Sandy and Little Sandy; Licking; Kentucky and Little Kentucky; Dix, Redbird, and Horn; Salt, Rolling Fork, Nolin, and Chaplin; Green; Pond, Rough, Mud, and Tradewater; Barren, Little Barren, Gasper, and Finns; Echo, Logsdon, and Styx; Rockcastle, Laurel, and Little Laurel; Cumberland; Little; Blood, Clarks, and Tennessee; and not to omitted - the Mississippi. I believe if you have read your way through that list of Kentucky rivers, you have already learned things you didn't know. This book is not one to dismiss lightly. It is a keeper, unless you want to share its contents with a good friend. A warm fireplace, mug of hot coffee, tea or chocolate and a copy of "Rivers of Kentucky" can give you much pleasure. This information about "Rivers of Kentucky" was published with permission from authors David and Lalie Dick and Plum Lick Publishing Incorporated, North Middletown, Ky. Our Price: $19.00 Tow Talkin'
May 16, 2005 By Kathy Flippo There is an old adage that when the oak leaves are the size of a squirrel's ear, it is time to plant corn. The farmers up here in this neck of the woods check the temperature of the  soil and then when opportunity strikes (not raining), they plant their corn. The corn is up a good couple-three inches, and the rows are very visible. So far so good.
From now until harvest the weather and other factors will be factors in the primary corn market with export sales a secondary factor. The export market is the one the towing industry keeps its eye on. Argentina is having a bumper crop of corn right now and that will definitely have a downside effect. Corn isn't the only crop that travels the rivers to export. There never have been tons upon tons of winter wheat or barley headed for… to continue reading this column, click here. See you on the Web, Jack Little River Books jacksimpson@littleriverbooks.com Don't forget to visit our website! |
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