The Winona Steamboat Days Festival Association named the 2010 Harbor Master in their tradition of Surprise Wednesday, June 19th.

W-K Elementary students were gathered in the gym for a Spirit Assembly. And in True community and school spirit the Steamboat Days committee “crash” in with Winona Schools Mascot, Herky, in the lead to announce that W-K teacher, Luke Merchlewitz as the 2010 Winona Steamboat Days Harbor Master who will preside over the events of Steamboat Days June 16-20th, 2010.

Luke was appropriately nominated by Winona Schools mascot Herky for his commitment to Winona Schools and the Winona Community.

Herky pecked out in his nomination and wrote to the Steamboat Days Harbor Master Committee that “Luke shows his commitment to Winona everyday through his job as an elementary school teacher. His enthusiasm, patience and wisdom have had a positive influence on the hundreds of students that he has taught and has set a foundation for life long learners in Winona. Luke is positive, fun and hard-working which makes him an excellent role model for his students as well as for adults in the Winona community who have the opportunity to work with him.

Numerous Winona organizations have benefited from having Luke as a member. He is visionary and accommodating, a great committee member as well as a great leader. Luke is always willing to lend a hand to bring his special touch to an event, project or program. His participation a multitude of groups and organizations has led to extraordinary fundraising, fun-raising and achievement. A mostly complete list of Luke’s affiliations and contributions..”

The nomination included a list of 13 organizations of which Luke has held more than 38 positions and been an originator or co-originator of many.

Luke was born in Winona and he and his wife Brenda are life-long Winona residents. The Winona Steamboat Days Committee is proud to have Luke represent the Festival!

Past Harbormasters

2009 - John Kennedy
2008 - Dave Jensen
2007 - Greg Evans
2006 - Steve & Candi Kohner
2005 –Tom Slaggie
2004 - Bev Keiper
2003 - Dave Keller
2002- Gary Evans
2001- John Bernadot