New Concessionaire Takes Over at Lyons Ferry Marina KOA

DAYTON-Lyons Ferry Marina employees held a going away potluck at the marina on Sunday for Jim and Angela McArthur, the port's concessionaire at the KOA there for the past nine years.

Seven K's Enterprises of Washington, Inc., whose president is Steve Klontz, is stepping in as the new KOA concessionaire, and Joanne and Wally Knouf will manage the day-by-day operations, said Port Manager Jennie Dickinson.

The port has signed a long-term lease with the corporation, she said.

Speaking at the gathering on Sunday, Klontz said his family has had a long history in recreation business management and they currently operate KOA facilities in New Mexico and Wyoming.

He said he has ties to the area, going back to 1961 when he was a child and his parents lived in Starbuck. He said his father was the pastor of a church in Starbuck and that he also preached at a church in Marengo.

Klontz was introduced to the port through his friendship with the McArthurs.

He said he looks forward to working with the port and he commended both the port and the McArthurs for the work that has been accomplished at the marina.

"We're going to build on it and make it better," he said.

"Jim and Angela will be missed," Dickinson said. "The Marina was in poor shape, both physically and from a business standpoint, when they took over on Jan. 1, 2009. They have turned the marina into a professional, well-run, enjoyable recreation facility."

The port leases Lyons Ferry Marina from the US Army Corps of Engineers and then subleases the facility to a private concessionaire, she said.