125 Years m 1866-1991 Tower Times US Army Corps of Engineers Volume 13 No. 12 December 1991 North Central Division Rock Island District Col. John R. Brown Commander's Corner

1991-a year of contrast

Season's Greetings! May you and your The latest word on the Corps of Engineers families enjoy the holiday season and have a realignment is the separation of the Corps great 1992. portion from the Base Realignment and 1991 has been a year of contrast. We went Closure Commission's recommendation by from drought to flood fights back to drought the Congress. This action allows Congress in a space of eight months. The wide swings to have a direct say in how the Corps is to be in rainfall and runoff affected many of our restructured. I have no further details at this construction projects causing delays and re­ time. The best thing we can do, until more quiring some rebuilding. The end result was information is provided, is to continue doing a year in which we had to react rapidly to a good job. Performance will continue to be changing conditions in order to make a big factor in any decision concerning or­ progress. I'm extremely proud of our perfor­ ganizational changes. mance. The attitude displayed in meeting The calendar and leave years are drawing the new challenges when they arose ensured to a close. Be aware of how you stand with our success. Thanks for the extra effort. use or lose leave. If you decide not to take Early icing on the Mississippi last month all your excess leave, the donor program is reminded us of the unique difficulties en­ available to help those who have exhausted countered when ice and commercial tows their leave due to illness. In the same vein, are combined. The traffic passed through no pun intended, my thanks to all our blood with some delays, but with the cooperative ef­ donors who have supported our forts of industry and our crews, they were communities' needs throughout the year. minimal. One excellent result of this early Our efforts are appreciated by our friends icing was the verification of our safety proce­ and neighbors. dures resulting in no lost time accidents with With winter upon us, we have a big main­ our crews. Congratulations on a job well tenance and repair effort to prepare for our done. As a followup, we need to review our 1992 busy season. Since we have to work operational procedures for the winter under severe weather conditions, remember season, assuring ourselves that our safety that safety first will result in more produc­ plans are current and everyone is familiar tivity and no injuries if properly applied. with them. We have enough people in new Let's plan well, do it right the first time, and positions that a thorough review will pay big do it safely! dividends. Happy holidays! 2 Tower Times December1991 Tower Times CONTENTS 4 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rock Island District New ways to do business Vol. 13 No. 12 December 1991 6 Bay Island project undetway DISTRICT ENGINEER Col. John R. Brown

PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER 7 Ron Fournier Headquarter's remodeling update EDITOR Denise C. Yale 8 GRAPHICS Loren Carey History of the Rock Island District

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT fleet Evelyn Fincher

TOWER TIMES REPORTERS Marlys Busch 17 Evelyn Fincher Through the eyes of a volunteer George Gitter NormaMahl Richard Rupert Denice Seaman Steve Vacek DEPARTMENTS TOWER TIMES is an unofficial pub­ Safety 15 Corpsnucopia 18 lication authorized under the Field Notes 16 People 19 provisions of AR-360-81, published monthly by offset press for the employees of the Rock Island District. Views and opinions expressed in this Cover publication are not necessarily those of the Department of the Army. Address The Rock Island District mail to: Rock Island District, U.S. fleet has included a large Army Corps of Engineers, Attn: P AO, variety of vessels during Clock Tower Building, Box 2004, Rock Island, Illinois 61204-2004. Phone the last 125 years. In (309)788-6361 ext. 6638. Circulation spring 1991, an airboat 1300. All photographs are U.S. Army was added to the fleet. Al­ property unless otherwise specified. though it may seem out of The deadline for submitting articles for place in the Midwest, this the Tower Times is the lOth of the boat is very versatile and is preceeding month. Send articles to Denise Yale, Public Affairs Office. suitable to almost any climate and landscape. The Tower Times is printed on For story, see page 11. recycled paper. Photo by Bill Whetstine

December 1991 Tower Times 3 Accepting changes and challenges New words for a new way of doing business The district and the Corps is undergoing a major change in Partnering was first used in construction projects. All philosophy and the way we do business. New words are reports indicate that the program has far exceeded expecta­ being used to describe this evolution. Reorganization, tions. Quality projects have been produced below cost and project management, partnering, commitment and fiscal in­ ahead of schedule. As a consequence of the demonstrated tegrity are causing a tremendous amount of anxiety with staff. success of partnering in the construction area, it will now be Some believe the way we have done business in the past 50 used in all areas of planning and design with the Project years is better. I disagree with this thought and I encourage Manager (PM) responsible for its implementation. all employees to look for positive aspects of change and make Partnering will or can be incorporated into the PM process a commitment to succeed rather than fail. Under these con­ with minimum impact on time and costs depending upon the cepts we are to work as a team with our customers, making type of project. In all projects, including cost-shared decisions on a corporate basis. This doesn't mean that any of projects, a corporate management team will be formed to us are relieved of our responsibility to produce a quality keep focused on the project goals and objectives. The team product on time and within budget. Our commitment will be should work to build corporate relationships with our spon­ reflected in the things we say, or don't say, and our attitude. sors, as well as to build both vertical and horizontal relation­ Working as a team should not be perceived as power being ships within the organization. gained or lost. Rather, it should be viewed as an opportunity for all of the team to meet and discuss possible changes, Commitment receive input from all parties involved, and set priorities on Commitment as defined in the Webster Dictionary is "an how the established goals are to be accomplished. I believe agreement or pledge to do something in the future." In the this enhances our decision-making process and it may prove past we have been very loose with the term "commitment". that the sum of the parts is greater than the whole. We used it to imply we would do it on a given date for It has been suggested this way of doing business is cumber­ specified dollars provided we got around to accomplishing some, time consuming, and costly. Admittedly, it may take the given task. In most cases no one knew the task wasn't longer, and cost more up front, but experience has shown in being accomplished until the day it was due. Milestones were private industry this process is timely and cost effective in the then changed, and in most instances, cost was also increased. long term by avoiding false starts. If we as an organization We can't continue to operate in this way with all elements make a commitment, we too can realize these same benefits. operating independent of others. Each element must under­ stand the task at hand and commit to provide the necessary Reorganization support to accomplish tasks as agreed to within cost and on I believe as do all others within the Corps-we need to time as identified in the Project Management Plan. We must reorganize. The present organizational structure puts the honor our commitment to produce a quality product for our Corps in a position to fail. We don't know what the final out­ customer. come of the reorganization study will have upon the district. We hope it will be retained as a full service district. How­ Fiscal Integrity ever, in the meantime, we must continue to produce a quality Fiscal Integrity should be our number one priority. We product, on time, and within cost. I believe there is an old must ensure full accountability of all funds that we are song with a line "Whatever will be, will be." This is true with entrusted with, including funds provided by sponsors. reorganization. Sound financial management is just good business. It takes the full support of all employees to be successful in finance Project Management accounting. When time comes for an audit, our financial ac­ We are slowly implementing Project Management. When counting must be beyond reproach. It has been pointed out Project Management was proposed at FOCUS '88, everyone by Lt. Gen. Hatch that "the vital responsibility of all team recognized it wasn't going to be easy. However, the time has members for controlling, accounting for and accurately charg­ come when we must accept project management and recog­ ing and reporting costs is essential and must begin at your nize that everyone must sign up to be a part of the team. [our] level." Project Management is designed to support the team con­ As they say, the bottom line is commitment on the part of cept so that a quality product can be produced on time and the work force to be successful. Numerous studies have been within budget. Project Management takes total staff commit­ done on successful businesses. All of the studies have shown ment to be successful. We must give up our turfs and work as that successful businesses produce quality products or ser­ a team for the good of the organization. vices, on time, and within budget. Their employees are total­ ly committed at all levels of the organization. We as an Partnering organization must be committed at all levels to carry out the Partnering is a new word in the way we do business, yet the commitments we have made to our customers. We too will concept isn't entirely new. Partnering is a commitment to survive. produce a quality product, on time, and within cost. If we work as a team under partnering, we must define these terms Doyle W. McCully, P.E. early on in the process so that all parties will be working Deputy District Engineer for Project Management towards the same goal.

4 Tower Times December 1991 Partnering Building commitment and trust by Denise Yale document problems in the log book instead of talking to the Quality products. On time. Within costs. contractor and trying to resolve problems early on in fear of These are goals that the Corps of Engineers have always contract claims. Disputes could build and lead to costly litiga­ strived for, but have not always obtained. A new concept called tion. During monthly meetings under partnering, problems are partnering could change this. laid out and worked on immediately. Under partnering, representatives of the contractor and the "Partnering is intended to provide us with a means where we government work as a team, or teams depending upon the can work with the contractor and not have long, costly litiga­ project size, to focus on the project goals and objectives of both tions," McCully said. "The partnership is developed based on organizations. The goal is to eliminate the "us" versus "them" trust in such a way that everyone wins, and you don't have the thinking and to form a "we" attitude for the benefit of the attitude of a win-lose situation. You negotiate one-on-one with project. This establishes a "win-win" situation instead of a. the understanding that you're going to reach an agreement." "win-lose" concept. The partnering process is not new to the Corps-formalizing The concept involves developing a voluntary committee the concept is. Employees in the field have worked well with group that comes together at a very high command level, such contractors and have resolved disputes, but if that fails, it as chief executive officers (CEOs), district engineers and other usually goes to litigation. people within the hierarchy. Prior to initiation of the contract, "The reason partnering is being formalized is not to distract they meet and reach an agreement on how they are going to from what has happened in the past in executing contracts," perform the work under the contract and how disputes will be McCully said, "but to reduce the chance of litigation. There will handled outside of the courts. still be claims, but you don't have to pay for the long, costly court "They establish ground rules to be followed in the execution battles." of the contract, similar to a football game," said Doyle McCully, Most of the projects that have been done in the Corps under deputy district engineer for Project Management. "There are the partnership concept have been completed ahead of rules that you must follow under league rules while playing the schedule. The private industry has indicated that they are sup­ game. You may not necessarily agree with all those rules, but portive of the idea, because they don't want to get involved in you still follow them in execution of the sport (or in this case, litigation either. the contract)." There is nothing to legally bind the participants to the partner­ When a disagreement arises at a lower levels of the organiza­ ing process. tions and a solution can't be reached at that level, the problem "Partnering is a voluntary program," McCully said. "If it will then be referred to the committee. If differences cannot be wasn't, it wouldn't work. Everyone has to be in agreement to worked out there, other ground rules have been set up for establish ground rules and operate under them. You have to alternative dispute resolutions techniques. In most cases, the have mutual trust and work under the assumptions that disputes will be decided by a three-person commission. One everyone is committed. commissioner is appointed by the contractor, one by the district "If you don't work together, if you're not committed to it, and engineer, and the third member is chosen by the first two you don't trust one another, partnering won't work," McCully members. said. "The most important ingredients are commitment and In the past, a quality assurance person on the job would trust."

Warmest greetings to you and your loved ones this weathered the year's past storms, th'e professionalism you holiday season! brought to every task, your integrity, your loyalty to the This wonderful time of the year prompts all of us to pause Army and-most importantly-to the Nation. I'm honored and consider our many blessings, especially our families. As to serve with you, and to have the very special opportunity we think about the good and wonderful things that have of leading the North Central Division, an organization happened to them and to us, we are humbly grateful for all made up of some of the finest Army people with whom I the opportunities we have had to grow, and to contribute to have ever had the pleasure of being associated . the well-being of our Nation, the quality of life of our fellow Rose and I want to extend to you and your loved ones the citizens, and the protection of freedom throughout the very best of the season. May each of you have a safe and world. Yuletide is truly the right moment to express our hopes happyg:holidayaJ;r;&a;: Year! and aspirations of continuing peace, joy, and happiness. It is also a thoughtful time of contemplation concerning what lies ahead and how we can best use our abilities to positive­ ly influence the future course of events for the region we Jude W.P. Patin help protect, its people and resources. Brigadier General, U.S. Army I'm very proud of each member of NCD for the way you Commanding General and Division Engineer

December 1991 Tower Times 5 wo "firsts" for the district's Environmental Management Pro­ Tgram (EMP) are planned for the Bay Island, Mo. project - stop log structures and a new bridge. "A stop log structure is like a big culvert with logs or boards stacked up in front of it to control the flow of water," said Barb Kimler, project engineer, Design Branch, Engineering Division. "The logs are stacked according to the amount of water you want -higher for less flow, lower for more flow." Three stop log structures placed within the levee system will allow for independent water level maintenance within two wet­ land management units. "We will be able to flood the areas with shallow water, anywhere from 12 to 18 inches deep, in the spring and fall to at­ pre two tract migratory waterfowl," Kimler said. "Then in the summer, we will let the water out to allow the vegetation to grow and to plant new vegetation." "fi for In addition to the water control structures and the levee system, the units will contain a pump station adjacent to Ziegler Chute. The 6,000 gallons per minute submersible, electric pump has the capacity to fill both units in 23 days. t The construction of the two units adjacent to one another will provide over 400 acres of manageable wetland area. The upper unit of approximately 240 acres will be mostly forest, while the lower 165-acre unit will be primarily open. This two-unit design will assure the best habitat for wood ducks and other waterfowl during peak migration seasons. Dewatering will be accomplished by gravity flow through chan­ nels created during levee construction. Approximately24,000 feet of low level (four to six foot) levees will be constructed to enclose the project site. The need for access to these levees and the project led to the second district EMP "first"- a new bridge across Clear Creek. Replacement of the old bridge, which is in poor condition, is part of the construction/upgrading of a crushed stone access road to the area and the perimeter levee. Sharecroppers in the area who rent their land from the State of Missouri will be able to drive their heavy farm equipment over the new bridge, and construction equipment and delivery vehicles will have access to the project site. Upon completion of the project, Missouri Department of Conservation personnel will use the road and new bridge for operation and maintenance access as the non­ federal project proponent. The district EMP project management team not only designed two district "firsts" for the Bay Island project, but they also made a unique adaptation to the project plans to avoid building through the middle of a grove of mast trees which included pecan trees. In addition to saving the existing mast trees, the district EMP team, the Fish and Wildlife Service (federal sponsor of the Photo by Dan Holmes project), and the Missouri Department of Conservation Interagency team of the Bay Island project include (from developed a proactive planting process to increase the wetland left to right) Jerry Skalak, PD-W; Barb Kimler, PD-E; habitat value. The plan includes removing silver maples and es­ Norm Stuckey, Missouri Department of Conservation; tablishing pin oaks as the dominant species on 30 acres by plant­ Bob Clevenstine (formerly PD-E); and Andy Bruzewicz ing 3,000 seedlings, 4,500 acorns, and 450 balled and burlap trees (formerly PD-W). within the existing forestry of the wetland management units. The Bay Island complex, located approximately one mile north of Hannibal in Marion County, encompasses approximately 650 acres of aquatic, wetland, and terrestrial habitat on the Mississip­ pi River in Pool22 between river miles 311 and 312. The $1,912,000 Bay Island project, with its district EMP "firsts" and unique design adaptations, will enhance the wetland habitat for wood ducks, and other migratory waterfowl and wildlife species attracted by a wooded, protected area. The project is scheduled to be completed by December 1992.

6 Tower Times December 1991 And the beat goes on Facility remodelin continues Story and photo by Denise Yale ---- For the past few months, the sound of hammering and drilling has filled the district headquarters as remodeling construction takes place in the Clock Tower Basement and the north end of the Annex. This remodeling is part of the ongoing plan to update the headquarters facilities. The facility plan is an ongoing document and will be updated every two years to reflect mission changes and new time schedules. The current plan was approved by District Engineer Col. John Brown in July 1991. Several changes have been made since the 1989 facility plan. The first plan would have placed the cafeteria where the credit union is located. It has now been changed to remain where it is currently located "The reason we relocated the cafeteria to its original location is because it's a central point right off the stairway," Larry Jones, executive officer said. "Originally we thought by making the cafeteria closer to the aisle, more people could utilize it, but that short distance doesn't benefit anything. By leaving the Credit Union where it is located now, even though we may have to update the security system, we don't have to move it." The current facility plan has moved the Logistics Manage­ ment office to the basement. This was at Logistics request since they receive deliveries and felt it would be to their advantage Rick Grenadas (above right), Bettendorf Project Office, checks to be in an area close to an exit. out work being done in the basement. He said that On the first floor of the Clock Tower, the new Public Affairs headquarter's construction is going well and is on schedule. Office, which was to be moved to the right side off the main entrance has been switched to the left side. second floor after the Annex is completed, instead of the first "With the advent of the Life Cycle Project Management floor as originally planned. (LCPM) process, it appears that LCPM will grow, in numbers As people move, either into their new offices or into staging of people at least, so it would be to their advantage to be close areas, they are requested to clean out their old areas. to each other," Jones said. "We moved Public Affairs to the Facilities Plan -June 1991 other side, allowing LCPM expansion room, if they need it." • Phase I was completed in FY1991. It involved locating all The planned shared conference room has been moved from Engineering Division offices within the same vicinity of the the middle of the first floor closer to the Executive Office. The Annex building. The south end of the Annex (garage) was first floor women's restroom will now be adjacent to the men's redone to accommodate Geotech Branch and the Logistic restroom. The Learning Resource Center, which was originally Management's dispatcher office was completed. envisioned to be within Personnel, is now incorporated into a • The current construction of Phase II began in FY1991 and public area on the second floor with the library. involves moving the Contracting Division to the Annex area Moving the library is also part of the new plan. The current vacated by Geotech. This will provide public access and location of the library does not allow room for expansion and parking for contractors and a conference room for bid open­ does not offer adequate protection for historical documents. ings. Construction Division will be moved near Contracting "We have a number of historical documents and artifacts for functional relationship purposes. Reprographics will within the district and one of the areas that is as safe a location move to the Clock Tower basement. The Annex conference as anything is the vault area on the second floor," Jones said. room will be remodeled to accommodate new audio/video Under the original facility plan, the Equal Employment equipment and allow for multiple use. Opportunity Office would have moved to the first floor, near • Under Phase III, scheduled for FY1992,the second and first the Personnel Office. Under the revised plans, it will now be floor of the Clock Tower Building will be designed. located on the second floor. • In FY1993, Phase IV will involve remodeling the second "One of the concerns for this building is that we need to have flood of the Clock Tower to accommodate Resource access to the fire escapes," Jones said. "Personnel uses that Management, Equal Opportunity Office, Internal Review, area [next to where EEO would have been located] for person­ NCD Contract Audit, Real Estate and the district nel files. It would make it difficult to put the EEO office in an Library/Resource Room . area that is so noisy. Putting EEO on the second floor will give • Under Phase V, which is proposed to begin in FY1994, the the Office of Counsel and Personnel more room. At the same offices on the first floor of the Clock Tower will be time, it allows EEO an area for private counseling." remodeled . Time schedules have also changed. Because of the staging • Phase VI will include renovating remaining areas in the that allows an area to be moved, it was decided to work on the basement.

December1991 Tower Times 7 The General Barnard by Henry Bosse 1885

At one time, the Rock Island District fleet was the largest single operation on the Upper Mis­ sissippi River. This fleet has been made up of a large variety of vessels, including the first hydraulic dredge to be used on the Mississippi River. Condensed from "A History of the Rock Island District - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 1866-1983" by Roald Tweet In 1879, there were only four privately-owned dredges on cial packets on the Upper Mississippi during this same the Upper Mississippi. Contractors were not about to invest period ran between $350 and $650 per day. in specialized and expensive-and often experimental­ In 1868 Warren bought a small raftboat, the Winnecone, for equipment until more regular appropriations made it clear the Wisconsin River improvement. The boat cost $8,500 and that Congress was serious about navigation improvement. Be­ was well built for snag operations because of her rafting cause of irregular funding, few improvement programs before equipment. During the 1869 season she was employed clean­ 1866 were ever carried through and completed. ing out snags between Portage and Sauk City, but her draft As the number and complexity of projects on the Upper was troublesome on the shallow river. Warren recommended Mississippi expanded, the Rock Island District gradually cutting the boat in two and lengthening the hull to decrease developed an impressive fleet of boats of all shapes and sizes: the draft, but this was not done. towboats, tenders, snagboats, canal boats, dipper and In 1877 Macomb received authority to buy a dredge for the hydraulic dredges, quarterboats, buildingboats, barges, Des Moines Rapids Canal work. This boat was the dipper launches, and skiffs. dredge Ajax, built in Quincy, Ill. in 1876 by H.S. Brown, for The first steamboats in the Rock Island District were the which Macomb paid $11,500. The Ajax served as the canal Montana and the Caffrey bought by Warren in St. Louis in dredge until after World War 1. 1867.The Montana had been built for the Missouri River Also in 1877 Macomb bought a small steam launch, the Iris, trade and the Caffrey for the Tennessee River. Both boats re­ for $350 to use in the improvement of the Burlington, Iowa, quired extensive modification to suit them for their Upper harbor. Mississippi snagging and dredging operations. The first boats designed by district personnel specifically Warren was able to operate the Montana and Caffrey very for district projects were built the following year, in 1878, economically. The total cost of wages, fuel, and food came to when Major Farquhar improvised two steam drill scows in an about $100 per day per boat. The cost of operating commer- attempt to improve rock excavation at the Rock Island 8 Tower Times December 1991 :;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: !Rgc/(1sfiuuf '1Jistrict-125tfiJZUmiversary

Rapids. The drilling scows were used at the Des Moines ing life of the average commercial packet. The Geyser may Rapids in the channel between Nashville and Montrose. hold the record. This small dredge was built by Meigs at During the fall and winter of 1878-79 the machinery and Keokuk in 1893 and worked until it sank next to dry dock at deck of the worn-out Montana were put in a new hull by D.S. Keokuk in the late 1940's. Barmore at Jeffersonville, Ind. The new boat was named the The careful repair in which the district boats were kept was General Barnard in honor of the man who had been Chief expensive, and maintenance costs of nearly all of the boats Engineer of Defenses of Washington and Chief Engineer of far exceeded their original cost. The Coal Bluff, for insLance, the Armies in the Field under Grant in the Civil War. which had been purchased for $8,000 in 1881 when it was Because the machinery of the Montana was used in her three years old cost $76,220 to maintain through 1917. The construction, her total cost was only $21,000. For this, the dis­ Alert was bought by the Government for $6,000 and ran a trict got a sidewheel steamboat whose overall dimensions repair bill of $38,822 by 1917. were 220 feet long with a 64-foot, 3-inch beam (extending out By 188~, in addition to the above steamboats, the Rock Is­ over a 37-foot wide hull), and a 5-foot hold. Her wheels were land District fleet consisted of 55 stone barges and the neces­ 25 feet in diameter with 12 buckets on each wheel. She con­ sary complement of quarterboats, pile drivers, and fuel flats. tained a total of 17 staterooms, at which the six aft rooms However, there were still not enough boats and machinery on were 9 by 12 feet. On her decks a crew of 15 to 39 lived and the Upper Mississippi either in Government or private worked. From the waterline to the top of the pilot house she hands, to carry out the 4 1/2-foot channel project at the rate it stood 44 feet, 6 inches. She was 55 feet, 5 inches, to the top of was being funded by Congress. her stacks. Yet in the best Mississippi River tradition, she car­ In 1882, Assistant Engineer E.F. Hoffman investigated dif­ ried her 500 tons on a draft of only 39 inches. ferent types of dredges at Keokuk, Chicago, and Beardstown, The Barnard was condemned on August 22, 1900, and sent Ky., and decided that a boom dredge was best suited to work to Jeffersonville, Indiana, where she was sold at auction for on the river. Such a dredge, the Vulcan, was added to the $1,000. fleet in 1883. An 80-by 30-foot hull was built by Jacob Eckart In addition to the Barnard, Mackenzie added four small at Davenport. The hull was taken to the canal shops at steam launches to the fleet in 1879: the Mary, Bessie, Irene, Keokuk where an expert from the Osgood Company installed and Wasp. These were tenders, towboats, inspection boats, the machinery. The 13/4-cubic yard capacity of the dipper and for general purpose work on the Des Moines Rapids-to­ made the Vulcan slightly larger than the Ajax. The boat dis­ St.Paul section of the 4 1/2-foot channel project. The boats placed 210 tons, drew 3 feet of water, and carried a 5-days were built at Rock Island with engines constructed at the supply of coal. The total cost of the Vulcan was $29,348.11 It Rock Island Arsenal. At least one, the Irene, was designed by was placed in operation on August 8, 1883. Montgomery Meigs, the first of a long series of Meigs' Two small steam launches , the Stella, and Louise, were designs. designed and built for towing purposes at the canal shops in The River and Harbor Bill of March 3, 1881, provided for 1884. In 1885 a third dipper dredge similar to the Vulcan was construction of a light -draft snagboat to be used to assist the built for the Rock Island District at Metropolis, Illinois. This General Barnard. Then on April4, the Chief of Engineers was the Phoenix, which worked in the district until1916 when authorized Mackenzie to build two medium towboats. All she was sold to the St. Louis District. three of these were designed by Montgomery Meigs. Montgomery Meigs designed and built another small steam The two towboats, the Fury and Vixen, were built during launch at the canal shops in 1885. Named the Lucia after one the spring and summer of 1881 by Joseph Reynolds of Dubu­ of Mackenzie's daughters, she soon became the sweetheart of que. They were identical stern-wheeler drafts, 100 feet long the Rock Island fleet. She was a plain-looking boat, but of all with a 20-foot beam and a 26-inch draft. Each boat cost the boats Meigs designed, she remained the favorite. $12,000. The Lucia was the Upper Mississippi's equivalent of "the The snagboat was designed and drawn during the fall of little engine that could." Smaller than most of the district 1881 and built in the winter and spring of 1882 by Howard boats, with a 78-foot length, a 16-foot beam, and a 24-inch and Company of Jeffersonville. This boat, the J.G. Parke, was draft, her 9-foot sternwheel turning 25 revolutions per 140 feet long with a 28-foot beam and a 4-foot draft. Most of minute, the Lucia performed a wide variety of tasks on the the Government boats built for improvement work were plain Mississippi. She acted as a dredge tender, she towed barges, and functional, but the sternwheel Parke was a beautiful boat placed buoys on the rapids, got booms in for the winter, with an ornate pilot house and gingerbread trim in the best worked on levees during floods, and carried distinguished riverboat tradition. visitors up and down river. The boat cost $18,750, and performed snagging and other The Lucia had her hull rebuilt in 1895, and kept at her work operations in the district until1904, when she was con­ until well after World War 1. demned and broken up. By 1887 the Rock Island District had 11 steamboats and Two other steamboats were purchased in 1881, the Alert some 100 barges, dredges , dump boats, and quarterboats. A (U.S. Towboat No.1) and the Coal Bluff. These boats went portion of these were transferred to Captain Ernest H. Ruf­ to work on the section of river from the Des Moines Rapids fner when he became engineer in charge of the section of the to the mouth of the Illinois River. Mississippi from Keokuk to the mouth of the Illinois River The Coal Bluff was another of the district boats with under the Mississippi River Commission in 1884. Among miraculously long life, still going strong in 1922. The district these were the Coal Bluff, the Iris, and the Irene. In addition, fleet received good care, undergoing frequent repair and Ruffner bought a new small steamer, the Success, from H.M. rebuilding, with the result that it was not unusual for these Horton of Pomeroy, Ohio for $6,500 in March of 1887. wooden boats to last 30 or more years, in contrast to the fleet- Originally the Success was to have acted as a dredge tender December1991 Tower Times 9 for a new hydraulic dredge that Ruffner intended to experi- land in 1914. The Davenport, Keokuk, and St. Paul were iden- ment with. Previous hydraulic dredges on other river systems tical sister ships. Each cost $56,663 to build. had been used with mud and silt, but the sand of the Upper As big and expensive as these boats were, they operated Mississippi presented new problems. However, all bids for with far more economy than the simple equipment of the the dredge were too high. Ruffner solved the problem by early days of improvement work. Each of the dredges was determining to make the Success herself into a hydraulic able to dredge an average of 26 cubic yards to 90 cubic yards dredge. New dredge machinery was ordered and the Success of sand or mud per hour at a unit cost of .515 cents per yard. was altered to fit this equipment. This compared with the average of more than $9 per cubic Due to reduced appropriations the Success was not put into yard paid to remove rock in 1854, and the $37 per cubic yard commission until August of 1888. Her first job was to aid the that Lt. Lee paid on the Des Moines Rapids in 1838-39. St. Louis and St. Paul Packet Company, whose famous boat By the end of 1914 the Rock Island District had spent a War Eagle had been aground for a long time. After pumping total of $2,680,795 on its fleet. for 36 hours, the Success freed the large packet. Appropria- The last of the steamboats built for the Rock Island District tions became available on August 11, and the dredge moved were the four identical medium towboats, the LeClaire, Min- to Whitney's Bar Crossing for her first experience in pumping neapolis, Muscatine, and Nauvoo, built in Grafton, Illinois, by river sand. This first use of a hydraulic dredge on the Upper Edward Howard in 1915. Rivermen nicknamed them the Mississippi was a good one and led the way for the much "silo boats" because of their height, their tall, straight sides, larger hydraulic equipment which was to come. and the location of the pilot house forward of its usualloca- As the work on the 41/2-foot channel expanded from 1890 tion. to 1900 the Rock Island District fleet gradually increased. By One boat which deserves special mention is the Ellen, the 1903 the Corps owned 20 steamboats, 4 dipper dredges, two "district engineer's royal barge." The Ellen was built at La new hydraulic dredges, (the Geyser, ...... Crosse, Wisconsin, in 1907, and built in 1893, and the Hecla, built in bought by the Rock Island District 1901 by William Thompson at the Each of the dredges was able to from the Cargill Estate in 1911 for new Fountain City Boatyard), 22 dredge an average of 26 cubic yards $12,000. quarterboats, 18 office boats, 3 The Ellen became the flagship of steam drill boats, more than 100 bar- to 90 cubic yards of sand or mud the district fleet, inspecting work in ges, store boats, dump boats, derrick per hour at a unit cost of .515 cents progress, taking visiting dignitaries boats, and a large number of small around, and representing the Corps power boats, grasshoppers, skiffs, per yard. This compared with the at dedication ceremonies for locks and loading boats. average of more than $9 per cubic and dams during the 1930s. The coming of the 6-foot channel All of these additions between 1900 project increased the need for larger yard paid to remove rock in 1854, and 1915 increased the district fleet towboats and more powerful and the $3 7 per cubic yard that to the point where it was by far the dredges. largest single operation on the Upper In June 1907 when the first of the Lieutenant Lee paid on the Des Mississippi. By 1918, when there were appropriations for the 6-foot chan- Moines Rapids in 1838-39. fewer than 80 packet and towboats nel was authorized, the district left in private hands, the Rock Island received permission to build two 15- District fleet numbered 19 steam- inch and one 18-inch hydraulic dredge at the Government boats, 8 hydraulic dredges, 5 dipper dredges, 4 gasoline screw boatyards. One dredge was built at each of the yards. The launches, 12 small gasoline paddle launches, 48 motor skiffs, Vesuvius, built by William Thompson at Fountain City, was 233 barges, and 145 office boats, quarterboats, fuel flats, store 115 feet long with a 30-foot beam and a 31-inch draft. It dis- boats, spudboats, buildingboats, grasshoppers, dumpboats, placed 218 tons and used 17-inch discharge pipes. A sister derrick boats, houseboats, and drill boats, in addition to a full ship to the Vesuvius, the Pelee, was built at South Stillwater complement of lifeboats, yawls, and skiffs for each of the Boatyard by DuShane, while the third dredge, the Etna, with steamers. 18-inch discharge pipes, was built by Meigs at Keokuk. In 1930 the Rock Island District received its last paddle These three dredges were capable of far more work than wheel boat and its first diesel powered boat when the Fort the earlier dredges. The Etna, for example, pumped an Armstrong arrived. In the late 1940's the Fort Armstrong was average of 287.7 cubic yards of hour, 3,230.7 yards per day. transferred to the Huntington Engineer District. With the She made a cut 5 to 7 feet deep moving ahead at 14.7 feet per coming of the new 9-foot channel, there was no longer any hour. In 1917 the Etna dredged 252,694 cubic yards-about as need for the paddle wheel. much as was removed during the whole Rock Island Rapids The district fleet experienced a small spurt of new growth as improvement. the Corps prepared for the 9-foot channel project in 1930, An appropriation of $1,000,000 in 1910 provided for three and an additional 46 pieces were contracted or built by hired additional18-inch hydraulic dredges. Design and construe- labor in 1931. But most of these were smaller boats designed tion of these dredges was assigned to Meigs at Keokuk. The not so much for construction as for the growing responsibility Apo, Taal, and Mayon, (named after Philippine volcanoes) of maintenance. were completed in 1912. With the 9-foot project done mostly by contract, the need Although most of the dredging on the 6-foot project was on for an extensive Government fleet disappeared. By 1937 the sandbars, much rock still remained to be excavated; to take fleet had been reduced to three steamboats and one diesel care of this three new dipper dredges were built at Rock Is- electric towboat. There were still seven suction dredges, but 10 Tower Times December 1991 =:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=:=: ~ck_1sfivu{ 1:>istrict-125tli.9Umiversary only one dipper dredge and about one-fourth the number of quarterboats, barges, and launches there had been in 1918. Two pieces of equipment were added late in the 9-foot channel project. In the summer of 1937 a new high powered hydraulic cutter-head dredge, the Rock Island, arrived in the district. At 230 feet long with a 48-foot beam and a 4.5 foot draft, displacing 1,500 tons, the Rock Island was the largest dredge the district had ever owned. Four dredges the size of the Geyser could be placed on her deck. The dredge was built by the Dravo Construction Com­ pany of Pittsburgh at a cost of $1,000,000. She worked in the Rock Island District maintaining the 9- foot channel until1958, when she was transferred to the St. Lawrence Seaway project. Her duties in the Upper Missis­ sippi were taken over by a sister dredge, the William Thompson, operating out of the St. Paul District. A second workboat, the Hercules, came to the district in 1942. She was used primarily for maintenance work on the locks and dams, being used to lift lock gates out for repair and overhaul. The Hercules was replaced by the gate lifter, the Quad Cities in 1986. Two 42-foot towboats, the Macomb and the Monmouth, were added to the fleet in 1942-43. Two additional boats of the same size were added in 1950, the Cottel and the Phtoto by Bill Whestine Craigel. The district no longer has the Macomb and the A new addition to the Rock Island District fleet. Cottel is presently being excessed. Joining the Monmouth and the Hercules since 1950 have The right boat for the job been several modern boats. The first of these was the Rock Island, a 64-foot towboat. In 1974 a tender, the Clinton, was One of the newest additions to the Rock Island District fleet built for the Rock Island District. Two years later another is not a boat one would normally associate with the Midwest­ tender, the 52-foot Muscatine was christened at Muscatine, an airboat. Iowa. The Muscatine is the sixth boat named "Muscatine" The airboat will be used primarily under the Environmental on the Upper Mississippi, the first being the district Management Program (EMP). Most of these projects are in sternwheel steamer built in 1915. backwater areas where the water is very shallow. The General Edgerton, a new survey boat, was christened "We have to take water quality measurements at these sites" on Engineer Day, June 16, 1977. said Dave Bieri, ED-HQ. "We found that we couldn't get ba~k The Andrews was originally built in 1954 for the U.S. in there with other boats. We considered some of the options Army Transportation Research and Development Com­ and called around to different state resource agencies- an air­ mand at Fort Eustis, Va. She was transferred to the Vick­ boat was one of those options. Hoover crafts were also con­ sburg District Corps of Engineers in 1961, and from there, sidered, but other agencies that had them reported too many in 1980, to the Rock Island District. It was excessed in 1987. problems. An airboat seemed the way to go. Along with the transfer of the Illinois Waterway to the "We've had pretty good luck with it so far. Jobs in areas that Rock Island District on July 1, 1980, came several addition­ might have taken us a whole day to get in and out of can now al pieces of floating plant based on the Illinois River: two be done in an hour or so." towboats, the Chanahon and the Kankakee; survey The boat is used mainly for taking water quality samples launches, the Ranger (which has been excessed) and the before and after project construction. It has also been used to Montauk; and a crane barge, the Mazon. Based at the collect sediment samples from projects that require dredging. Peoria Project Office are two small towboats, the Pekin and The airboat is designed to operate on snow, water, ice, and the Peoria. Small towboats and steam derricks are also sta­ wet vegetation. The cold spell in early November offered the tioned at the Peoria Lock and the LaGrange Lock to assist first oppor~unity to get the airboat out on the ice and it lived up in raising and lowering the wicket gates on the dams at to expectations. those places. The Sangamon is stationed at the Peoria Bieri said that operating an airboat is no more difficult than a Lock, the Beardstown at LaGrange. normal outboard, just different. "It's more like operating a Also stationed on the Illinois Waterway are a steam der­ plane than a normal outboard. You really have to take the wind rick, Derrick Boat No. 3; and the Atlas, a 175-ton diesel into account. One of the first things you have to remember is electric gate lifter. that there are no brakes and no reverse. You really have to The current fleet on the Mississippi River Project Main­ plan ahead, especially on ice." tenance include towboats Rock Island, Muscatine, Clinton, "We have several EMP projects and during the summer, we and Craigie; two crane barges; and two new crew boats Lair usually visit each of them twice a month," Bieri said. "In the and McGee. Under the Structures Maintenance Section is winter, we go once a month. The amount of time we're saving the Evelyn C ( aleased boat), the Monmouth and the Quad by using the airboat is tremendous." December 1991 Tower Times 11 Technology enhances district in a variety of ways by Jay Tennison Photo by Denise Yale Satellites provide employees with up-to-the-minute news. The Rock Island District is a leader in retrieval and dis­ The reception of CNN and CNN Headline News is avail­ tribution of a variety of information and data from six able to all district employees. With the many strategic loca­ separate downlink receiver systems. Current capabilities in­ tions of monitors, employees cannot help but at least get a clude: glimpse of news as it is being made as they go about their • National Technological University (NTU) daily duties. District Engineer Col. Brown noted that during • Cable National News (CNN) the Gulf War, he was able to keep abreast of the progress if eCable National News (CNN)- Headline News he missed the evening news. Also, with the cqntroversy of Corps reorganization, • Congressional Hearings (C-Span) employees are interested in any possible word from Con­ • Emergency and National Disaster gress. • National Weather Should there be an emergency involving a national disaster, • News and Entertainment most employees in the headquarters or LeClaire Base com­ • Future Teleconferencing plex could have almost a blow-by-blow description as it is The district has an elaborate distribution system which happening. works with the various downlink receivers and is distributed Many employees want to be entertained during breaks, so to television monitors in various locations throughout the dis­ the News and Entertainment channel is available. National trict headquarters complex. In addition, other information is weather is also available. generated and fed through the distribution system. The dis­ The district's large seven-meter directional dish could be trict plans to connect LeClaire Base with the distribution used for teleconferencing with other districts. This would re­ using microwave technology. This would not only offer all in­ quire additional equipment at considerable cost. The need is formation and data available at headquarters, but would being evaluated and could possibly be implemented. offer the capability of training by video tape for such things The use of satellites through our extensive downlink gather­ as safety programs for field employees, and computer train­ ing capability and distribution system offers district person­ ing for various operators. nel an opportunity to be well informed and knowledgeable. NTU offers training for credit from many of the most We can all be better informed about what is happening prominent universities in the United States. There is a wide around us and around the world. In addition, there is an op­ variety of subjects available covering such topics as engineer­ portunity to share classes and seminars from key universities ing and management, from the bottom to the top. Using this and business leaders across the world. type of training to save heavy expenses on off-site training These areas of the Information Management Office are ex­ and the associated high travel costs is being considered. panding rapidly and new technology is being explored.

12 Tower Times December 1991 New additions to the Rock Island District Library

A Century of Experience, 1890-1990: A History by Paul R. Dickinson . Interconnection (OSI) Standards: Functional ACI Manual of Concrete Practice, 1991 . Requirements and Analysis. Berger, Donavee A. The SARA Title Ill Compliance Handbook. Mastering Ventura by Matthew Holtz. Bicycle Transportation: A Civil Engineer's Notebook for Bicycle Means Estimating Handbook. Facilities, 1980. Metelski, John J. Managing Underground Storage Tanks. Blattner, J. Wray The Clean Air Act Compliance Handbook. MicroStation Reference Guide: Everything You Want to Boyer, Rick Places Rated Almanac: Your Guide to Finding the Best Miller, Fredric Arranging and Describing Archives and Manuscripts. Places to Live in America, 1989. Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures. Brichford, Maynard J. Archives & Manuscripts : Appraisal & Mukatis, W. Alfred Hazardous Waste Regulations : Enforcement & Accessioning. Liability. Buried Pipe Design by Alma P. Moser. National Transportation Statistics, 1990. Cameron , Debra Microsoft Windows 3.0. Neitzel, Charlotte L. The RCRA Compliance Handbook. Chrismon , Randolph L. The TSCA Compliance Handbook. Nonlinear Programming: Theory and Algorithms by Mokhtar S. Computer Security Training Guidelines by Mary Anne Todd. Bazaraa. Conservations Directory, 1991 . North-Central Section of the Geological Society of America, V. 3. CRC Handbook on Nondestructive Testing of Concrete. O'Toole, James M. Understanding Archives and Manuscripts. Criteria and Scoring Guidelines : The President's Award for Quality and Olcheski, Bill Your Retirement: How to Prepare for It, How to Enjoy lt. Productivity Improvement. On-Site Stormwater Management: Applications for Landscape and Decisions of the Federal Labor Relations Authority, V. 35. Engineering , 2nd Ed. Directory of Human Services for the Quad-Cities Area , 1990-91 . Pederson , Ann E. Archives & Manuscripts : Public Programs. Driller's Handbook. Petrography Applied to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates. Ecological Processes and Cumulative Impacts: Illustrated by Preservation of Historical Records. Bottomland Hardwood Wetland Ecosystems. Quantity Takeoff for the General Contractor by Paul Jackson Cook. Ehrenberg, Ralph E. Archives & Manuscripts--Maps and Architectural Rand McNally Road Atlas: U. S./Canada/Mexico, 1991 . Drawings. RCRA Ground-Water Monitoring Technical Enforcement Guidance Engineer Experiences Applicable to Desert Shield. Document (TEGD) . Engineer-In-Training Reference Manual, 7th Ed . by Michael R. Reed, Porter B. National List of Plant Species That Occur in Lindeburg. Wetlands: North Central (Region 3) . Extending the Life of Bridges. Reviews in Engineering Geology, V. 2. Farr, Gail E. Archives & Manuscripts : Exhibits. Schreiner, Louis Charles Probable Maximum Precipitation Estimates, Federal Civil Judicial Procedure and Rules : As Amended to Feb . 1, United States East of the 105th Meridian. 1991 Structural Welding Code--Steel , 12th Ed . Federal Employees Almanac, 1991. Sung, Carolyn Hoover Archives & Manuscripts : Reprography. Federal Merit Systems Reporter, 1990, Summaries. Superfund Claims and Litigation Manual. Fieldston Coal Transportation Manual, 1991 . Superfund Remedial Design and Remedial Action Guidance. Fleckner, John A. Archives & Manuscripts, Surveys. The Iowa State-Wide Rural Well-Water Survey: Water Quality Data : Frye , Russell S. The Clean Water Act Compliance Handbook. Initial Analysis. Golojuch, S. Thomas Health Risk Assessments at Superfunds Sites. The NetWare Programmer's Guide by John T. McCann . Gross, Donald Fundamentals of Queueing Theory, 2nd Ed. The Unhuggables. Guide for Selecting Automated Risk Analysis Tools by Irene E. Gilbert. The Water Encyclopedia by Frits Vander Leeden . Guide to Data Administration by Bruce K. Rosen. Thomas Register of American Manufactures and Thomas Register Handbook of Illinois Government, 1991/92. Catalog File, 1991. Hansen, E. Marshall Application of Probable Maximum Precipitation Using UNIX by David W. Solomon. Estimates: United States East of the 105th Meridian. Ventura Power Tools by Rick Altman. Holbert Sue E. Archives & Manuscripts, Reference & Access. Walch, Timothy Archives & Manuscripts, Security. How to Get Started : Appendix. Walsh, Richard G. Recreation Economic Decisions: Comparing How to Get Started Implementing Total Quality Management. Benefits and Costs. Interim Specifications, Bridges, 1990. Water Quality and Treatment: A Handbook of Community Water Iowa Land Title Standards, 6th Ed. Supplies, 4th Ed. Know About MicroStation--Fast! by John Leavy. Wetland Creation and Restoration: The Status of the Science. Light List, 1990. Woodyard, John P. PCB Management Under TSCA. Management Guide to the Protection of Information Resources, You Don't Have to Go Home from Work Exhausted!: The Cheryl W. Helsing. Energy Engineering Approach. Management of Networks Based On Open Systems December 1991 Tower Times 13 tloliday Dinner

Dance employees and retirees; &ocial hour 6 p.m. Buffel Dinner 7 p.m. Dancmo8 p.m. Music by "Biller &weet"

Friday, December 13, 1991 Tickets on sale thru Knie)lts ofColumbus Dec.10, 1991from:

Qock Island, Ill. Ed Leuch X6364 OD Carol Jacks X6221 ED &ponsored by RIDWA Dick Atkinson X6520 ED Ollie Herrmann X6389 PO Dick Fleischman X6227 PO Sandy Leuch X6356 IM Barb Morgan X6442 Tom Fratzke X64 74 CD Virginia Trout X6313 EP Arfa Olson X6432 AM

14 Tower Times December 1991 'Tis the season . . . Fire inspection at headquarters 'Tis the season to be jolly. But if your jolliness is alcohol-induced, remember to be responsible ~~~!tly~~~~k ~.f:v~~~ble~~~;~~~~~ and stay off the roads. Fire Department conducted a frre in- ; Unfortunately, people forget, and more than spection of the Clock Tower Building ~. half of holiday deaths each year involve alcohol. and the Annex. This year the inspec- ~ This year, whether you host a party or attend tion was not as complimentary as it the parties of co-workers and friends, the usually is. The report states "the fire responsibility to prevent drunk or impaired driv­ loading in the Clock Tower and ing begins with you. Annex has greatly increased due to a If you host a party: large amount of paper stored in the Serve your guests drinks that are reasonably office areas and in the attic. It was sized and a bit on the light side. also noted that the attic contains a sig­ Never pressure guests to drink or offer them nificant number of aerosol cans and "one for the road. " Take "no" for an answer. other flammable liquids." Serve other beverages such as coffee or soft Some of the other hazardous condi­ drinks. Also serve food. High-protein foods are tions are: papers piled under desks; best. Avoid salty foods because they only make aisles not maintained at proper your guests thirstier, and guests may drink even more. widths;the most inproper common, electrical items piled cords; closer and ~~iiii~!l!!l! Close down the bar one hour before the end than 18 inches from the sprinkler sys­ of a party. tem. The sprinkler system is designed If you suspect that a guest is drunk, make sure to properly function in the 18-inch that the person does not drive. Remember, area below it and items cannot be you're liable for your guests. And if you care for piled higher than this area. someone, you won't let him or her drive while Normally, when the Arsenal Fire even slightly intoxicated. Department performs on inspection If you attend a holiday party you can always of the Clock Tower and the Annex, choose not to drink. But if you do decide to they are very pleased by the condi- drink: Know your limits and follow the one drink­ that they wish everyone on the island per-hour guide. kept their workplace as orderly as the Don't drink for one hour immediately before Clock Tower and Annex and that we you drive. could be used as a example-until Since alcohol impairs judgement, plan your this year. transportation in advance. We need to get our workplace and The holiday season can be jolly for everyone if storage areas cleaned up. Everyone each person acts responsibly. who has items to be corrected has Reprinted with permission from the "Safeworker", pub­ received a notice. lished by the National Safety Council. It is also getting to that time of the year for holiday decorations. The Ar­ senal Fire Department restricts cer­ tain types of decorations. All lights must be UL approved, any natural trees must be treated with a flame retardant, and lights cannot be left on at times the building is not open for general business. Any questions on decorations should be directed to the Safety Of­ fice. December 1991 Tower Times 15 One lucky puppy Coralville Lake Successful rescues can really make your day- especially Saying good-bye when they have two happy endings. On Oct. 4, Equipment Operator Keith Fulton retired. He On Nov. 14, Assistant Lockmaster Jim Dixon, Lockworkers worked at Coralville for 20 years. Gary Thompson, park Gary Kroeger and Rustin Jackson of Locks and Dam No. 15 manager at Coralville, also retired after 35 years with the were involved in a rescue mission a little out of the ordinary. district. John Castle is the new park manager. Around 9 a.m., two fishermen saw a dog walking on top of 11 roller dams at Locks and Dam 15. A few minutes later, the dog Night Fair" popular event slipped and fell into the debris-filled water above the closed Scott Ford addressed 270 visitors who attended the second gate. annual "Night Fair" which was held at Kent Park, near Tiffin, Rescue efforts began and it took about an hour and the Iowa. The fair invites visitors to come out and explore their combined efforts of three agencies- the Corps of Engineers, world at night and get a different perspective on their natural two Scott County Animal Control officers, and two Rock Island resources. Arsenal police officers- to save the dog. The crane on the dam was moved above the dog. A platform, Lake Red Rock suspended from the crane, was lowered, and a snare was slipped Children's Forest program held over the dog's neck, allowing her to be hoisted onto the plat­ Steve Reeder coordinated the Children's Forest program in form. October. Two hundred elementary students participated in The second happy ending came when the dog, whose name classroom and on-site activities. They added 20 trees to the is Gypsy Rose (Rosy), was claimed by her owner, Tori Graves, growing forest. the next day. Tori, who has cerebral palsy, has had the 12-year­ Editor's note: The information above was pulled directly from old Rosy since the dog was a puppy. the monthly field reports and the District notes. Water-quality research team stops at Locks and Dam 15 by Evelyn Fincher ------Members of an ongoing water-quality research team being led by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Department of the Interior, stopped overnight at Lock and Dam 15 in October. Their current research trip is the eighth in a series of water sampling studies conducted on the Mississippi River since 1987. The team includes seven scientists and two crew members. "We've been out for four weeks straight this trip," said Robert Meade, a hydrologist from the Denver USGS office. Meade explained that he or his assistant, John Moody, are on board the Acadiana for the entire trip, but the chemists work in alternate teams. They were sealing boxes of samples in prepara­ tion for their trip home as soon as the relief team arrived from the Quad-City Airport. From 1987 through 1990, the cooperative research team made seven sampling trips on the lower Mississippi from Lock and Dam 25 to the Gulf of Mexico. Funding was provided in 1991 for research on the upper Mississippi River. Samplings on this trip were conducted in the Wisconsin-Iowa area, including Pool 14. The research is focusing on sewage contaminants, pesticides, agricultural and industrial chemicals .. "Water is taken from the upper pool and bed material is sampled from the lower pool," Meade said. One ton of water is used per sampling. The sample is then run through a centrifuge and an ultra-filtration unit to get the suspended solids out. The sampling equipment is located in two labs aboard the Acadiana, a 57-foot-long research vessel, which also has a state-of-the-art pilot house, galley, and crew and passenger Photo by Evelyn Fincher quarters. The Acadiana is owned by the Louisiana Universities Robert Meade (left) from the USGS talks to Lockmaster Jim Marine Consortium. Morgan during recent stopover at Locks and Dam 15.

16 Tower Times December 1991 mrrrmnnnm:mmmr~:m:rmmm:m:mmmmmmmmmmrmmrr:mmmmmr : mmnrmmrmmmm:mmmnmtrt:mrrrrmmrmmrmr:mmmmr~n~rrt::rmmrmnmm:mmmmmmrtmtmmmmmmt:rmmmmmmmmm:m~ Fi e Id no t e s Through the eyes of the volunteer A new perspective Volunteering after reti ring by Steve Vacek by Richard H. Haggard If anyone would have told me last Being retired from John Deere Har- year that three volunteers would be vester Works for about three years, I working 20 hours a week here at the found I had some spare time on my center; I would have told them to take hands. I didn't want to take a job leav- a hike down the Mississippi. But it's ing a person who needed it un- true, the volunteer program is alive, employed. I decided to be a volunteer. strong and growing. Soon a fourth My first experience was a project at volunteer will be working on Fridays. Lock and Dam #14 at LeClaire, Iowa, This will allow the center staff to have a for Ranger Brenda Lackey passing out volunteer working a shift every day of safe boating materials which I enjoyed the week. very much. I was then asked by Ranger This is the first year since the center Steve Vacek to be a volunteer at the was opened (May 1980), that a formal, visitor center at Locks and Dam 15. I ongoing volunteer program has been in enjoy working at the center meeting the existence. Before, volunteers would as- people who visit and explaining the sist with special programs on an"as Photo by Denise Yale many interesting activities of the Corps needed"basis. But not now, after dis- Celia G. Letterman of Engineers and Locks and Dam 15. I trict participation in the Mississippi really enjoyed the tour of the lock and River Projects Ranger Conference last dam given by Mr. Morgan, the lock- year and inspired by a presentation master. I learned many interesting and from a local volunteer organization, an informative things about this structure. active and formal program was I am also asked many questions about developed. Also, much thanks goes to the dam and the visitor center by Supervisory Ranger Leon Hodges and visitors. Project Interpreter Brenda Lackey, in I enjoyed assisting the rangers last offering support and guidance. summer conducting the fishing clinic. Presently these volunteers (and one This program taught children to fish that worked during the summer 40 and respect the environment. My next hours a week) have volunteered over project that I was involved with was 450 hours. This indicates a savings to working at the Corps' displays at the Corps of over $2,900.00. I can North park and Southpark Malls. Ex- elaborate further, but I'm sure hibits were displayed to depict the everyone would like to know more district's activities during the past 125 about the((stars"of this article. years. Many people enjoyed the dis- Photo by Steve Vacek plays and visits from Woodsy the Owl. Returning to the Mississippi Richard H. Haggard Ranger Steve has been very helpful in­ forming me about the Corps and the by Celia G. Letterman Center. I have met a lot of Corps Hi everybody. It's great to be back people who are all very friendly and and working as a volunteer at the Mis­ nice. I also get my grandson, Jason, in­ sissippi River Visitor Center. A few volved when possible. He also enjoys years ago, I worked as a student aid, being a volunteer. but now as a volunteer, I'm serving a dual purpose. I will receive college credit and spend some of my leisure Starting young time enjoying the Mississippi River by Robert Moon working at the Visitor Center. Some of As a student in junior high, it is great my duties involve assisting and answer­ working here at the visitor center as a ing visitors' questions, conducting cen­ volunteer. It is very interesting and ter tours, and explaining why and how educational. Working here has taught the locks and dams operate on the Mis­ me many new things concerning the sissippi River. River and the Corps. The ranger staff I'm also working on other special as­ also has been very helpful. I usually signments when time is available. Over­ work on the weekends assisting Ranger all, the volunteer position has been an Photo by Steve Vacek Tracy answering visitor's questions. I enjoyable experience. Robert Moon really enjoy it.

December 1991 Tower Times 17 Thank you terested applicants should apply direct­ On Oct. 21, Paul Soyke, PD-C, made We wish to thank our friends and co­ ly to NSPE. The deadline for submis­ a presentation on the economic impact workers in the Rock Island District fami­ sion is Jan. 14, 1992. of the Illinois Waterway to the ly for their many acts of kindness, American Water Resources Associa­ memorial gifts, and expressions of sym­ Assistance loans available tion, Illinois Section. pathy shown us at the time of the death The Retired Officers Association Soyke also gave a presentation on the of our mother and wife, Margaret Diane (TROA) increased its Educational As­ economics of barge transportation to Jackson. The memorial will be used for sistance Program to provide $1,750 an­ the 1991 Illinois Governor's Con­ an education fund for Ashley and nual, no-interest loans for the 1991-92 ference on the Management of the Il­ Andre'. school year. The loans are awarded for linois River on Oct. 22. A special thanks to the locks and dams up to five years of undergraduate study on both the Illinois and Mississippi to unmarried undergraduate students, Jack Carr gave a section on Mississip­ Rivers and the Operations Division. under the age of 24, who are dependent pi River Navigation to the Planning and We also thank the Lock and Dam No. children of active, reserve, and retired Project Managers class on Inland 13 crew for their love and attention service personnel and their widow( ers). Navigation on Oct 29. given to the twins, Ashley and Andre'. Scholarship applications for the 1992- Words cannot express the apprecia­ 93 school year will be available after Park Ranger David Barr, Illinois tion we feel. Thank you from the bottom Nov. 1, 1991. Applications should be re­ Waterway Visitor Center, and Robert of our hearts. quested by March 14, 1992, and the Smolka, lockmaster, Brandon Road Ernest Jackson and family completed application must be Lock and Dam, Joliet, Ill., gave a slide postmarked on or before April1, 1992. presentation about the operation of Il­ Rock Island District's 125th For applications and more information, linois Waterway locks and dams at a Anniversary Mementos writer to TROA Scholarship Ad­ dinner meeting, Thursday, Nov. 7, at A commemorative paperweight was ministrator, 201 N. Washington St., the First Presbyterian Church of Joliet. designed to celebrate Rock Island Alexandria, Va. 22314-2529. District's 125th Anniversary. This paper­ On Nov. 6, 1991, Col. John Brown weight is approximately 3-1/2"x2- Leave recipient approved and John Betker participated in a panel 1/2"xl/4" and is made of aluminum. The The district commander has ap­ discussion on Water Quality Manage­ paperweight was sponsored by the Quad proved the application of Michael K. ment for the American Defense City Council of Chambers of Commerce. Shirk, OD, to be a recipient of annual Preparedness Associations Environ­ Paperweights are still available to leave under the provisions of the Leave mental Symposium. The purpose of the anyone who wishes to purchase one. Transfer Program. Anyone wishing to symposium was to bring government The cost is $5. Checks should be made donate annual leave to Mr. Shirk and industry together for the exchange payable to "Quad City Development should contact Linda Reynolds, Techni­ of ideas and technical information to Group." Questions about the paper­ cal Services Branch, at Ext. 6415. correct or prevent environmental weights should be directed to Sue Sim­ problems. mons, Ext. 6573. Speakers bureau On Nov. 4, Jerry Skalak, PD-W, A slide presentation was held at the along with representatives from the Fellowship program available museum in Aledo, Ill., for the Mercer U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Wis­ The National Society of Professional County Historical Society on Oct. 22 by consin Department of Natural Resour­ Engineers (NSPE) has announced a Lock and Dam 17 Lockmaster Jon Mer­ ces met at the Bertom & McCartney $2,000 fellowship program open to ritt and Assistant Lockmaster Curtis Lakes, Wis., project site with Jim Beall, professional engineers and engineers-in­ Whitehall. Channel 15 (NBC), Madison, Wis., to training pursuing advanced studies in support a news segment on this habitat management. Applicants must be ac­ On Oct. 21, John Betker, OD-SP, project. Aspects of the multi-agency cepted or enrolled in an accredited gave a presentation on wetlands to a coordination efforts and resultant work­ masters degree program, such as class from North Cedar School in ing relationships were emphasized. masters of business, masters in engineer­ Cedar Falls, Iowa. The class has been ing management, or master in public ad­ working to enhance a wetland adjacent Mike Cockerill, PD-E, participated in ministration. There are other to their school and wanted a better un­ a Career Exploration and Planning requirements as well. derstanding of the functions and values Panel sponsored by Black Hawk Com­ Additional information and applica­ of wetlands. Betker also gave a munity College on Nov. 18. The Panel tion forms are available from Ms. Bar­ Regulatory Program presentation to discussed employment and career op­ bara Fiertz, director of Scholarships, the Kiwanis Club in Pontiac, Ill. on Oct. portunities for potential graduate stu­ NSPE, 1420 King Street, Alexandria, 23. dents. Va., 22314, telephone (703)684-2830. In-

18 Tower Times December 1991 Performance Awards Larry L. Edlen, OD Illinois Waterway ProjOfc James L. Morgan, OD L&D 15, granted by Hobert N. Ellis, OD Illinois Waterway Proj Ofc CESO William L. Avery, OD Peoria L&D Donald E. Evans, OD Illinois Waterway Proj Ofc Lester A. Wadzinski, OD, granted by CESO Ronald L. Cover, ED Timothy A. Fiscus, RE William C. Whetstine, SO, granted by CESO Hobert N. Ellis, OD Illinois Waterway Proj Ofc Christy L. Flanagan, OD L&D 20 Ruth A. Johnson, PD Ted J. Hinds, OD Illinois Waterway Proj Ofc Suggestion Awards Henry T. Knisley, OD Lock 19 Joseph W. Jordan, PD Scott R. Pettis, OD Rodney L. Kuehl, OD Illinois Waterway ProjOfc Jack C. Merten, IM Cynthia J. Pleasant, CT Daniel W. Leachman, OD Illinois Waterway Michael J. Murtha, OD, Lockport UD William F. Robinson, OD L&D 20 ProjOfc John T. Meilleur, OD, O'Brian UD Richard E. Vale, OD Carl W. Lehman, OD Illinois Waterway Proj Ofc Dennis E. Boone, OD, UD 11 J. Paul VanHoorebeke, PD John N. Morrow, OD L&D 17 William A. Cross, OD, LaGrange Kenneth C. Mullally, OD Illinois Waterway Proj Special Act Awards Ofc Promotions Stephen E. Nylin, OD L&D 17 Kenneth A. Barr, PD Carson K. Peters, OD L&D 18 John C. Castle, Park Manager, OD-RC Edward F. Holling, OD Edward F. Picken, OD Illinois Waterway Proj Gayla J. Cross, Applications Examiner, OD-SP Judy M. Melton, IM Ofc William A. Cross, UD Equipment Mechanic, Joseph L. Slater Jr., PD Brenda J. Schaeffer, PP LaGrange UD Ray M. Smith, IM Russell P. Stilwell, OD Illinois Waterway Proj Charles L. Lovecamp, UD Operator, La­ Virginia A. Trout, EP Ofc Grange UD Robert C. Vanderjack, PD Jerry L. Tucker, OD Illinois Waterway Proj Ofc Michael J. Petersen, Civil Engineering J. Paul VanHoorebeke, PD Technician, CD-S David A. Vorel, ED Virginia L. Zimmerman, Accountant, RM-F On-The-Spot Cash Awards Shannon L. Williams, OD Illinois Waterway ProjOfc New Hires Michael K. Beneventi, OD Illinois Waterway Lloyd L. Wolfe, OD Lock 19 ProjOfc Robert L. Yager, OD Illinois Waterway ProjOfc Karen E. Bauer, Surveying Technician, ED-SE Charles A. Boice, OD Illinois Waterway ProjOfc Richard Fristik, General Biologist, PD-E Gary R. Bowling, OD L&D 18 David C. Grossman, Construction David E. Clements, OD Illinois Waterway Proj On-The-Spot Cash Awards Granted Representative, CO-Peoria Ofc by Other Organizations Steven K. Peacock, General Biologist, PD-E James L. Cripe, ED Lynda R. Davis, CD Quincy Area Office Rian W. Hancks, OC, granted by NCDOC Losses Betty L. Deem, CT William T. Gretten, OD, granted by CESO Patricia L. Hotchkiss, Realty Technician, RE-M Rock Island District reaches Combined Lester A. Wadzinski, Supervisory Park Ranger, OD-R Federal Campaign goals for 1991 Compiled by Personnel Office The 1991 Combined Federal Campaign officially ended in early November. As a result of the generous donations from employees of the district headquarters, Locks and Dams 13, 14, 15, and 16, and LeClaire Base, $17,808 was raised, exceeding Rock Reorganization Island District's goal. The following is the final results of all contributions:

CFC Percent Division Goal Contributions of Goal Fed. Agencies (Ill.) $ 4,470 $ 5,096 114.0% Corps of Engineers 17,570 17,808 101.3% Fed. Agencies (Iowa) 9,573 8,902 92.9% HQ,AMCCOM 238,884 217,043 90.8% RIA Tenants 28,941 26,274 90.7% If you would like the current informa­ Rock Island Arsenal 145,120 130,675 90.0% tion on the Corps reorganization, or Post Offices (Iowa) 11,670 9,389 80.4% have questions you would like Post Offices (Ill.) 35,600 28,362 79.6% answered, you may call (309)788-6361 ext. 6730. Totals $491,828 $443,552 90.1% December 1991 Tower Times 19 Business as [un]usual The streets weren't the only places that spooky people were found on Halloween. The district headquarters was the site for a few Jekyl and Hyde-type characters, who were either dressed up to celebrate the frightful holiday, or were wearing their nor­ mal after-work attire. Contracting Division seemed to be one of the more popular sites for these hauntings. Perhaps the job has be­ come so stressful, they no longer have time to care about their appearance, or, perhaps, the bizarre business attire was used as a means to scare off future business. Resource Management also had its share of ghastly spooks roaming the halls. For those who panic easily, rest easy. This frightening behavior appears to be restricted mostly to the second floor of the Clock Tower Build­ ing.

Photos: Top left-Sterling Vasser, RM; Top right-Aria Olson (left) and Annette Bealer, RM; Right- Myrna Tebben-Cooper (left)

and Jan Krahl, CT. Photos by Denise Yale

20 Tower Times December 1991