The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

STARBUCK-Wally and Joanne Knouf are finalizing plans to purchase the Starbuck/Lyons Ferry Marina KOA business from Steve Klontz representing 7 K's Enterprises of Washington, Inc. The Knoufs are the KOA concessionaires, operating the campground, restaurant, and store at the marina. They will take over from Steve Klontz on Nov. 1.

The Knoufs were "work campers" at the KOA when Klontz took over as concessionaire from Jim and Angela McArthur, in 2018. They were hired by Klontz to manage the day to day operations.

Joanne Knouf said after a "weird start to the year," business at the Lyons Ferry Marina KOA has picked up and has held steady throughout this season.

They only lacked for business when fishing was closed by the state for a month back in March.

The Knoufs captured more business than usual because of state park closures, and they managed to keep their staff employed throughout the season.

"The campground was full over the Labor Day weekend, and the campground is filling with hunters," said Wally Knouf.

Joanne Knouf said guests have been respectful of social distancing guidelines. There are restrictions on the number of people allowed at each tent site, and restroom facilities are reserved for tent camping or vehicles without bathroom facilities.

As managers of the KOA facilities, the Knoufs have overseen the addition of three cabins, a laundry, a dog park, and improvements to water and electricity at the RV sites.

The Knoufs are already thinking about next year and which projects to tackle.

They are planning to keep remote registration and are considering whether, for an additional small fee, to allow campers a choice of campsite.

The season slow-down for the Knoufs begins in November, with the closure of the store. This will provide them with some down-time to think about projects for next year before the store reopens in mid-January.