Chester Tourism discusses riverboats, Evergreen Tour

<span>CHESTER -- The Chester Tourism Commission met for its monthly meeting at Chester City Hall on Wednesday and discussion of the riverboat tours was one of the agenda items.</span>

<span>With Chairwoman Sandra Starr and Chester Recreation Director Patti Carter absent, the commission reported it has received two checks, totaling $1,132, for payment of guided city tours conducted for Queen of the Mississippi and American Queen riverboat passengers.</span>

<span>"We had agreed upon the Cohen Home receiving a certain amount and the (Randolph County) Museum receiving a certain amount," said Linda Sympson, Chester Chamber of Commerce representative and a commission member. "Sandra's suggestion was to come up with a set donation for each location."</span>

<span>After discussion on the topic, it was determined the Cohen Home will receive $100 and the museum $50. The remainder of the funds will be deposited in the Tourism Commission's account.</span>

<span>Commission member Cynthia Lawder later raised the idea of adding local craft vendors to the riverboat tours and further research on that topic was suggested.</span>

<span>The commission also heard a short presentation from Charlie Bargman, who referenced the results of the Randolph County Economic Summit that was held at Christ Our Savior Lutheran High School on Oct. 3.</span>

<span>Bargman said discussions with Middle Mississippi River Wildlife Refuge Specialist John Hartleb involved the permanent docking of a barge on the Mississippi River that would be used for both river tours and the home of the Chester Fire Department's fireboat.</span>

<span>"There's nothing set in stone, by any means," said Bargman, who added the idea is part of a discussion to develop the riverfront further. "It's kind of a dreaming, pie-in-the-sky deal, but if you don't start somewhere, it won't get done."</span>

<span>Lauren Rinne gave the commission an update on the results of the Evergreen Cemetery Comes Alive Tour, which involved actors portraying people buried at the cemetery.</span>

<span>"A big thank you to everybody, because without you, we would not be able to do it," Rinne said.</span>

<span>The commission discussed whether or not to make the tour an annual event and to have day and night sessions. It was reported that officials in Steeleville are looking to conduct a similar event.</span>

<span>"If we do it annually, I'm not sure if we could get the turnout," Sympson said.</span>

<span>Due to a busy holiday season, the Chester Tourism Commission will not meet in December. Its next scheduled meeting is January 15 at 10:30 a.m.</span>

Old Stone Cottage:

<span>Commission member Brenda Owen reported all outlets have been rewired in the cottage and the windows have been replaced.</span>

<span>"Our spring project will be to do something with the walk that's all cracked up," she said.</span>

<span id="docs-internal-guid-4e79e0fe-ca8d-25ac-b93c-9e7ee6336346"><span>Owen said she is in the process of reaching out to various people regarding writing an architectural description of the property. She added that she had recently attended a presentation on tax credits for people who improve historical buildings.</span></span>