NORTH WEBSTER - Dixie Sternwheeler Inc. Board President Bob Stine is optimistic and excited about "The Dixie's" future on Webster Lake.
Stine said he supports Bo and Dan Thystrup's decision last spring to donate the boat to the organization and resign from the board in April."The board accepted their stated resignation reason as a legitimate desire to spend more time with family and their business," Stine said.
The board currently consists of Stine, Vice President Karilyn Metcalf and Bob Barnes. The board has been focusing on boat renovations and a search to find boat drivers.
"For 14 years Dan and Bo operated this boat, and their legacy is keeping the boat running, and we want to keep that legacy moving forward," Stine said.
He said, although the board respects the Thystrups' decision to not sign the operation lease, a lease was required since the boat is now owned by a non-for-profit organization.
"We have responsibilities to donors and a legal responsibility to make sure all parties are protected who oversee the boat," Stine said.
A fundraising drive was conducted last year by DSI and the Save the Dixie organization to raise funds for the boat's renovations.
The Marsh Foundation provided a grant through the Kosciusko Community Foundation that allows DSI to draw from funds for boat renovations. Stine said boat renovations on the sternwheel paddleboat are currently taking place.
"We are extremely excited about keeping things going with the Dixie because it is more than just a boat, it is literally the town symbol of North Webster," Stine said.
The board is hoping to add two to four additional members to provide advisory input for decisions with the Dixie.
"We don't think we will have trouble finding additional board members because everyone loves the Dixie," Stine said.
The board is seeking members who have worked with fundraisers, own a business or have a connection to community groups to serve on the DSI board.
Rhodes Construction, North Webster, has been working for the past two weeks on boat renovations and Thunderbird Boat Company, Decatur, is overseeing the renovations.
Stine said renovations being worked on include a carpentry upgrade to the boat's interior, and side wood on the boat's exterior is being replaced.
The boat's paddle wheel is being replaced, and the work is being overseen by volunteer Tom Plew.
The Dixie's interior and exterior also will be repainted. Wayne Painting, Warsaw, will paint the boat, fence and entryway of the North Webster Town Park.
Stine said the boat's drive and coolant system will need to be looked at.
The Department of Natural Resources will need to approve completed renovations before the boat is allowed to go out onto the lake.
He also said the DSI board currently has six people who are interested in driving the boat. The board plans to select boat drivers by the end of this month, according to Stine.
He said the goal is to have the boat out on Webster Lake by Memorial Day.
Stine said the board is looking for new members, and tax-deductible donations for the boat's renovations are being accepted at www.savethedixie.org
