NORTH WEBSTER - Six captains will share the cruise schedule for the Dixie Paddlewheel Boat this summer.
Bob Stine, Dixie Sternwheeler Inc. board president, announced the captains will include 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; and Jodie Pensinger, who will be The Dixie's first female captain. Also serving will be North Webster resident Dave Tranter, DSI board member Bob Barnes and Dave Easter, a relative of the VanPelt family. The Dixie also is bringing back some good traditions from years past as well as adding some new traditions for people to enjoy.
The Dixie's new regular operating hours will begin mid-June with a more limited schedule before that time. 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 more limited hours in effect before mid-June can be found at www.savethedixie.org or call 888-80-DIXIE.
Anyone wanting to arrange a charter cruise on the boat can call Karilyn Metcalf, vice president of DSI, at 574-834-2385, or call the toll free number for information. The hours will be posted at the Dixie Landing at North Webster Park.
In February 2008, Dixie Sternwheeler Inc. was founded to lead renovations of the Dixie. 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.
A successful fundraising drive was conducted in 2008 with approximately $60,000 raised, half of the eventual goal. Funds received were stretched far for renovation due to in-kind contributions from key business partners like Thunderbird Boat Co., of Decatur, skilled volunteer labor by a number of key community volunteers, and the fact that the company is organized with very little overhead.
In 2008, major renovations included replacement of the complete fuel system, major electrical upgrades, a new sound system, various safety improvements, the addition of an on-board restroom, and several engine and super-structure repairs. With these complete, the DNR recertified 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 completely new paddlewheel. These renovations have slightly delayed the cruising season's start.
The next phase of the fundraising drive will kick off mid-summer this year. Participation by individuals, businesses and foundations is needed. Information on tax-deductible contributions can be found at their fundraising Web site www.savethedixie.org
Some time after this operating season, additional renovations are planned including hull renovation, renovation to the superstructure supports, passenger comfort improvements including new seating and renovation of the concession stand, and full boat painting with the boat removed from the water for the DNR's required dry dock inspection.
Timing of these repairs is dependent on continued successful fundraising and profitable boat operation.
