Soo Locks Park closed for training exercises

 Coast Guard to conduct training in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

SAULT STE. MARIE, MICHIGAN, UNITED STATES

09.09.2024

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jessica Fontenette

U.S. Coast Guard District 9 

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – The U.S. Coast Guard, in coordination with local, state, tribal and federal agencies, will be conducting training exercises Sept. 12 and 13 at the Soo Locks Complex in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

The exercises will involve Coast Guard and partner agency personnel and boats engaging in law enforcement training scenarios on pre-determined local passenger vessels, and in the surrounding waters.

“These exercises are in direct support of the Northern Great Lakes Area Maritime Security Committee,” said James Snyder, Sector Northern Great Lakes Port Security Specialist. “We look forward to both strengthening the vital relationships between local and federal government agencies and maritime industry partners while simultaneously ensuring our members remain ready to respond to our nation’s call.”

“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, Soo Project Office has been working with the Coast Guard led planning team for nearly one year,” said Jason Wojnaroski, Soo Locks Assistant Operations Manager. “We are excited to participate and continue to garner positive close working relationships with our partners. This exercise will provide an opportunity to focus on, enhance, and strengthen our training programs, furthering our expertise in safeguarding the nation’s infrastructure through improved safety and security measures.”

The Soo Locks Canal Park and Visitor Center will be closed all day Sept. 12 and until 4 p.m. on Sep. 13. Alternate locations to view ships are Brady Park and Rotary Park, both located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and open to public with no entry fees required. Water St. will be closed to traffic Sept. 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sept. 13 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. between Osborn Blvd. and River St.

For any questions, please contact James Snyder at 906-635-3303 or James.B.Snyder@uscg.mil.

The Incident Command Post, located at the Lake Superior State University Walker Cisler Center, will be open for media tours Friday, Sept. 13 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Media interested in attending, must RSVP to Lt. Joseph Snyder via email at Joseph.D.Snyder@uscg.mil.

[News release in gallery below]

-USCG-

National Museum of the Great Lakes Second
Wave Capital Campaign Nears Completion

Toledo, OH – The National Museum of the Great Lakes is entering a new chapter as its Second Wave expansion project progresses. With the foundation set and structural build underway, the museum is reaching out to the community for a final push of support. Now is your chance to contribute to the future legacy of this historic institution.

 The Second Wave expansion will add 5,000 square feet of new space, allowing the museum to showcase traveling Smithsonian exhibits, introduce new permanent exhibits, and create dedicated spaces for community education.

“By supporting this campaign, donors are actively preserving Great Lakes history, fueling ongoing education, revitalizing our neighborhood, and boosting the economic vitality of our region,” said Kate Fineske, Executive Director of the National Museum of the Great Lakes.

Donations can be made online at nmgl.org/thesecondwave or by calling the museum at 419-214-5000. Contributions of all sizes are welcome, and donors will receive exclusive Second Wave thank you gifts as a token of appreciation. Donors contributing more than $500 will also be recognized on our donor wall.

“This is the moment to make a lasting impact on our museum and the communities we serve,” said Sara Smith, the Museum’s Director of Institutional Advancement. As we conclude our public campaign, join in this effort and ensure the National Museum of the Great Lakes remains a beacon of pride and inspiration for generations to come. For more information or to make a donation,

The National Museum of the Great Lakes