One year ago today...

...what we refer to as "the storm" hit Pontiac Cove Marina. It's hard to believe it has been a year. Even more difficult to believe it was 78 degrees that day, as this morning in Pontiac we are somewhere in the teens! But sure enough, one year ago today it was pushing 80 in Pontiac. Unseasonably warm, yes, but no one was complaining. That is until a cold front came crashing in, dropping the temp about 40 degrees in a matter of minutes and bringing with it a storm that would wreak havoc on the place. The only witnesses were Jackie Klineline (owner of Just Jackie's restaurant on the hill) and Mary Cline. The two were at the restaurant, and when they saw tin flying through the air, they ran in the walk-in cooler for safety until it was over. When they emerged from their hiding place, what they saw below them at the marina was devastation.

As most of you know, the damage has all been repaired; and a brand new dock was built in place of the one that was totally destroyed. Some boats suffered minor damage; a few boats had more major damage. But in reality, it could have been much worse -- remember the ice storm that hit Lake of the Ozarks at the end of last year... we don't even want to think about that kind of devastation.

"The storm" on Feb. 16, 2006 was arguably one of the worst storms, in terms of damage, this dock has ever seen. At the time it seemed like the worst thing in the world. But we know better than that. There are many worse tragedies that have occurred in this world that affected a thousand times more people. But in our little piece of paradise, it was pretty scary.

While this day doesn't exactly call for any "happy" anniversary salutes, for us it serves as a reminder how lucky we are to have bounced back the way we did. We were open for business during the repairs and rebuilding, and we were back in the full swing of business by Memorial weekend.

I'll admit it -- I'm secretly wishing it were pushing 80 in Pontiac today, as I sit here in my layers upon layers of clothing. I'm ready for summer! But you know, I'm leery of those unseasonably warm winter days now. It just isn't normal to be wearing shorts and flip-flops before March. So I'll take 18 degrees in February any day.

Cheers!

Click here to view more pics of the storm damage from Feb. 16, 2006.

Verne D. Cubbage Memorial Fishing Tournament

Mark your calendars for April 14... Pontiac Cove Marina is hosting a buddy bass tournament in memory of Verne Cubbage. For those of you who knew Verne, you know he was a very well-liked man, who knew a lot of people and touched a lot of people's lives. He passed away about a year ago. Many of us were deeply saddened and continue to miss him dearly. I personally have known the Cubbage family for many years. Verne's wife, Verla, was my fourth grade teacher. She and Verne were good friends with my grandparents, and Verla still is. Verne was very active in his community. One thing I will always remember is that Verne drove the school bus for our high school FBLA trips. Each year we went to Columbia for state competition, and a group of us would plan to catch Verne in the lobby of the hotel where the conference was held, and we'd sing "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin" to him in front of everyone. Keep in mind there were hundreds of students and teachers and sponsors at these conferences, and so the lobby was always brimming with people. We sang it at the top of our lungs, and he just smiled the whole time. He was a good sport. He was fun to be around. And so he had many friends.

And so it is with great honor that we are hosting this tournament in his honor. So, here are the details. It's a buddy tournament, which means two people per boat, and the cost is $100 per boat ($50 per person). At least the top 5 places will receive cash prizes, and 20% of the entry fees will benefit the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. You may also get in a Big Bass pot by paying an additional $10, which covers both fishermen/women in the boat. The Big Bass pot is 100% payback. It is preferable that you pre-register by April 12; however, you may register up to 6:30 a.m. the morning of the tournament. Numbers will be assigned in the order in which entry forms are received. Take-off begins at 7 a.m. Weigh-in begins at 3:30 p.m. After the weigh-in, Just Jackie's will host a pizza buffet for $7.95 per person. Everyone is invited to stay for dinner and drinks.

You may pick up entry forms and a copy of the rules and regulations at Pontiac Cove Marina. If you are interested in sponsoring the tournament, or if you have any questions, you may contact me at the marina: 417-679-3676. Or you may contact Jerry Cubbage at 636-273-9082.

Cheers!

Stateline Marine

I've had two people call this morning looking for Roger Lee's phone number. He owns Stateline Marine. He lives in Pontiac, and he works on boats! So I thought I'd just post it here in case you need it too!

417-839-3084

Coming soon to the Pontiac area!

Lost Cove Resort.

Some very exciting news to report... A new resort is under construction in Pontiac -- well, ground-breaking should be taking place any day now. It's called Lost Cove Resort, and it's owned by Paul and Carol Sturgeon, of Pontiac. Lost Cove Resort will feature four cedar log cabins with 2 bedrooms each, plus sleeper sofas. They'll have fully equipped kitchens, plus central heat and air, satellite TV, BBQ pits outside and much more. Click here to check out their website (also still under construction). According to the website, they hope to be open for business by Memorial weekend. Check back often for updates.

Also keep in mind three places to stay in Pontiac (already in operation) when making your arrangements for fishing weekends this spring, and of course, the Blessing of the Fleet!

Pontiac Lodge
417-679-4169

Roo B Doo Resort
417-679-4174

Cactus Ridge Resort
417-679-2391

The date is set for the 2007 Blessing of the Fleet!

Good afternoon all! Several people have asked me about the 2007 Blessing of the Fleet, so get out your calendar... 'cause we've set the date. It will be Saturday, April 28, at the marina.

Last year we had a blast! The weather was awful... rainy and cold and grey. BUT... that didn't dampen anyone's spirits. It was a great turnout, with close to 200 people, I'd say. How it worked: All boats participating in the Blessing motored outside the breakwater and waited. A local priest spoke for a few moments from the very end of the new dock, and then he sprinkled holy water on each boat as it passed back through the breakwater and parked. It was such a cool ceremony. Very moving, if I do say so myself. And afterward we partied on the boat dock for a couple hours -- we had beads for everyone and food and drinks. And we sold 10 dozen t-shirts!!! (Proceeds went to the Pontiac Fireworks.) Then we made our way up to Just Jackie's for a pizza buffet and live entertainment by Allen Ross.

This year the activities will be similar, although final details will be announced at a later date. One thing to start thinking about now, though, is your theme!! Last year we suggested that each boat have a theme, and they were judged on originality, best in show and best costumes. Despite the nasty weather, several boaters did dress up and decorate their boats... and we hope even more will participate in this part of the event this year. (Remember, you don't have to dress up to have your boat blesssed. All are welcome!) We'll keep you posted on the details!!

Happy Monday!

Oh, and enjoy these two pics from last year: The Peterson clan had a good time as Pontiac Cove's Redneck Yacht Club. Chris Geroff and Jimmy Lofink won Best Costumes.