The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1269344
The Press-Dispatch Wednesday, July 15, 2020 B-1 LOCAL Call: 812-354-8500 Email: news@pressdispatch.net or bring in a hard copy: 820 E. Poplar Street, Petersburg www.UebelhorGM.com Jasper • 1-800-937-8721 CHEVROLET Ana Santacruz, MD Psychiatry Ana Santacruz, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist, offers convenient and compassionate telemedicine appointments on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Gibson General's Fort Branch Rural Health Clinic. Looking for an expert in behavioral & mental health? To schedule an appointment with Dr. Santacruz, call 812-615-5071. Clog the Patoka a hit despite COVI9-19, low river levels Clog the Patoka was still a big hit, despite COVID-19 and ex- tremely low river levels, as 617 people traveled from as far away as Oklahoma to take part. Event organizer Chris Clem- ent said they recommended peo- ple not attempt to the float the riv- er in inflatable floats this year. He said the low river level would ex- pose the floats to too many rocks and sticks, and a puncture that could leave someone stranded. So the participants were limited to using a kayak, canoe or other type of boat. Another problem was the Old Iron Bridge was closed, only al- lowing access to the put-in point at Survant from one direction. Still, they were able to handle the crowd, with much less back- up at the start. Shuttles started hauling loads of boats and boaters from Winslow, through the Pike State Forest, six miles upstream to the public ac- cess point. Those who participat- ed said they had a great time. An- drea Manns said they drove down from Renneseler because, "We wanted to float." She was with a group of about 10 people who made trip. A fami- ly from Oklahoma, Dylan Brown, Nicole Brown, Rose Jackson, Eve Brown and Liam Brown all made the trip to take part. Clement said he hopes next year COVID will be over, the new bridge will be in place and they will have a higher river level. He hopes they can top the 1,119 par- ticipants of last year. Kayakers line up with their boats on the public access boat ramp for the Patoka River at Survant. The group was preparing to launch together to begin the epic float. Andrea Manns and Andrea Martin, both of Renneselar, carry kayaks to the ramp during the Clog. Elly Worley, Hallee Powers, Jersey Vickers and Amber Barber, from the Free- dom and Fire Church, were handing out water, bug repellent and hand sanitizer. The Winslow Lions Club provided concessions at the finish line in Riverside Park. Town Councilman Deb Lamb, and Barb and Norm Sweet volunteered. Mike Down cooked the burgers for the Lions Club.