Concern over sewer contamination in parts of the Licking River kept business dry at Licking River Canoe Rentals during Memorial weekend, usually one of the busiest of the year.

        State environmental and health officials last week warned people to avoid swimming and other recreational contact in parts of three rivers and tributaries where high levels of fecal coliform bacteria were found. Included in the advisory was the Licking River from Banklick Creek to the confluence with the Ohio River.

        Owner Jim Thaxton surmised that canoers stayed away because they did not distinguish that his family-owned business in Butler, Ky., is actually more than 40 miles south of the problem area in the Licking River, which flows north.

        “One of the biggest weekends of the year was basically lost as a result of people being concerned about the quality of the water,” he said.

        “We can expect to do about $10,000 worth of business on a weekend like this. We've done about $250 worth of business. The people who came today were questioning us, (asking) if they tipped over would they get sick because they read that there was a problem with the Licking River.”

        A gulp of river water laced with fecal coliform bacteria can lead to a nasty case of diarrhea — or worse, expose a person to other infectious bugs found in sewage.

        Joseph Schmidt, environmental response team coordinator for the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection in Frankfort, said the advisory will stay in place throughout the summer.

        “It's a long-term chronic problem,” said Mr. Schmidt. “The agency is working with the various sources to try and step up the treatment.”

        Ann Thaxton said in light of the concern about the contamination, workers will be proactive in luring business.

        “We're going to get on the phone and start calling church groups and scout groups and talk to them about planning some group outings,” she said.

State cracks down on houseboat sewage

'Taste' finale unclouded
Peacemaker learned to live in harmony
Adults freak over teens' dancing
How schools are cracking down
Obscenity task force prompts debate
A day to honor heroes
New stone a tribute from Army Rangers
Sewage is concern for canoers
Public housing viewed as safer
Snowglobes tacky, wacky
Ky. official takes Holocaust duty
Man charged in wife's fatal stabbing
Monroe plans all-new school
Parents complete training
$50M allotted for agencies
Catholic school gets new home
Congrats
Kentucky Digest
Local Digest
School Notes
Civil War fort has defenders
Committee reconciles some differences on Ohio budget
Screening seeks signs of virus
Tenured position unearned
Vets killed in peacetime honored
Western Ky. falls behind in tourism