Columbia River Locks close for annual maintenance this week

Today we'll talk about an annual event that began this week: it's the annual, temporary closing of the US Army Corps of Engineers Portland District locks at the Bonneville, The Dalles and John Day dams.

Each year the locks close for two weeks to allow technicians to inspect them and repair and maintain the equipment. It's an essential preventive step that helps keep the Columbia Snake River system carrying commerce year round.

Downriver ports know it's happening so they can plan around it, and some even do their own maintenance during that time.

Portland's quite nautical Tilikum Crossing bridge, and more about Chinese manufactured GM cars coming into Portland

A little additional info regarding yesterday's show about Chinese-built GM autos being imported into Portland, and a look at the Tilikum Crossing, an unusual Portland bridge that has unique nautical features.

Chinese car carriers arriving in Portland: what's on board?

Today, an answer to a listener question about car carriers arriving in Portland from China: are there Chinese cars on board?

Turns out the answer is complex: yes and no. No Chinese brands are on board, but there are GM cars arriving here, which were manufactured in China. We'll also talk about some of the issues around potentially importing Chinese brand vehicles to the US. 

Archive interview: a chat with a USCG rescue swimmer, Part 5

This week, a look back in the Ship Report archives at in interview with a USCG rescue swimmer. One of the most interesting interviews I have ever done in the 20+ years I have done this show.

Archive interview: a chat with a USCG rescue swimmer, Part 4

This week, a look back in the Ship Report archives at in interview with a USCG rescue swimmer. One of the most interesting interviews I have ever done in the 20+ years I have done this show.

Archive interview: a chat with a USCG rescue swimmer, Part 3

This week, a look back in the Ship Report archives at in interview with a USCG rescue swimmer. One of the most interesting interviews I have ever done in the 20+ years I have done this show.

Archive interview: a chat with a USCG rescue swimmer, Part 2

This week, a look back in the Ship Report archives at in interview with a USCG rescue swimmer. One of the most interesting interviews I have ever done in the 20+ years I have done this show.

Archive interview: a chat with a USCG rescue swimmer, Part 1

This week, a look back in the Ship Report archives at in interview with a USCG rescue swimmer. One of the most interesting interviews I have ever done in the 20+ years I have done this show.

Fisher Poets Remembered: Harrison "Smitty" Smith

Today, again, we honor past Fisher Poet greats. Harrison "Smitty" Smith was a Fisher Poet Gathering icon who was a performer at the very first gathering in 1998. He died in 2012 at the age of 86, but his wonderful work lives on.

Fisher Poets remembered: Jon Campbell

Today and tomorrow, we'll take a look at some great past artists of Fisher Poet fame, as the annual Fisher Poets Gathering approaches, happening this weekend in Astoria.

Today we honor Jon Campbell of Rhode Island, one of the very best to ever grace the stage.