Port Byron's Newest Website

There is a new website now online showcasing the Village of Port Byron.  It's located at http://www.port-byron.com and is an independent website intended to promote Port Byron events, attractions and local business.

Visit the site and check it all out.

Welcome To Port Byron

Will B. Rolling in Port Byron

Barges On The Loose

If you look closely at the photo you’ll notice a big gap between the tow boat and the barges.  This happened on the Mississippi River right in front of Port Byron, Illinois on Saturday July 12, 2014 just before 11 am.  Not something you see everyday.  The tow was chasing down the barges after they broke loose during a down-river run from the sand pits up by Cordova to Moline.

Barges on the loose

Photo courtesy Port-Byron.com

High Water in Port Byron

The recent heavy rains have raised the river levels significantly.  Monday June 30th we had a severe storm front roll through dumping over 5 inches of rain and 60-70 mph winds.

With the already high river levels resulting in a fast, heavy current combining with winds blowing in the same direction as the current, several docks along with the attached boats were torn loose from their moorings and sent crashing downstream.  Luckily they didn't get far from the riverbank and eventually got hung up along the banks.  Hopefully the boats didn't suffer any severe damage.

We lost power in Port Byron as did Le Claire, Iowa directly across the river so it was pitch black interspersed with brilliant lightening flashes.  It was during one of these flashes that the dock and 4 boats appeared in front of our house - about 500 yards downstream from where it normally resides.  It made for quite a nervous night with the storm and total darkness, knowing how much damage it was doing.

In the morning it was easier to see just how much damage was done.