NORTH WEBSTER - "I earned it from selling the vegetables from my garden," said 6-year-old Morgan Jones as she skipped to the head table and handed Dan Thystrup and Carolyn Metcalf an envelope containing $529.94.

Jones was one of many people who attended a "Save The Dixie" meeting Thursday.

The stories were all the same: "The Dixie is Webster and we need to protect her."

In 1929, "The Dixie" was built, christened and launched. Her home has been Webster Lake ever since. In 1992, Thystrup and his family purchased the Dixie. Throughout the years the Dixie has been taken care of, but due to changing marine regulations, she has failed to pass some of the regulations. The craft is the state's oldest sternwheel paddleboat.

Unfortunately for the Dixie, she doesn't fall under the regular criteria for marine watercraft guidelines. For example, state guidelines require a compass, a two-way radio in order to call the Coast Guard, and a 100-foot anchor rope. The deepest point in Webster Lake is 50 feet, and the average depth is 7 feet. Nonetheless, Thystrup complied.

Now, the issues are her gas tank, electrical system and steering system. The estimated cost to bring her up to regulation is $40,000.

"The question is not whether or not she is sea worthy or safe," said Thystrup. Her hull is inspected continually, as well as every five years she is removed from the water and any questionable steel plate is replaced.

The decision for the Thystrup family, and the people of North Webster, is whether or not they want to try to establish the Dixie as a historical landmark. Doing so may force them to comply with a whole other set of rules dictating the changes and restoration of a historical landmark.

State Rep. Bill Ruppel was present to offer his support in any and all capacities. He has sent a letter to Gov. Mitch Daniels expressing his concern for the boat. Ruppel told the people to invite the governor to ride on the Dixie. About 2,000 concerned citizens have signed the petition to help save the Dixie.

Senior Architectural Historian of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Paul. C. Diebold agreed to visit North Webster to help in any way that he can, to see if turning her into a historical landmark is a viable solution.

"There is grant money available for different entities, which just need to figure out which one is applicable," said Brenda Rigdon, development director of the Kosciusko County Community Foundation.

The next step is to establish a committee to research what needs to happen next. Thystrup is expecting a letter from the DNR, which will clearly spell out all that is required to comply with marine regulations.

The next meeting is Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. [[In-content Ad]]