Public comment opens: Corps of Engineers seeks comments

on removal of 1905 obelisk from Soo Locks Brady Park  

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District released the Obelisk Alternatives Analysis Report for a 30-day public review on June 9, 2025.The analysis addresses the cultural effects of removing an obelisk from a burial site, determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places as a Traditional Cultural Place, located at Brady Park at the Soo Locks.

The Bay Mills Indian Community and Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Michigan conducts cultural and religious practices at the burial site. Those practices in the presence of an obelisk celebrating the semi-centennial of the construction of locks, which destroyed most of the burial site, continue to have an ongoing negative effect on their members.

The Bay Mills Indian Community and Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Michigan have requested that the Corps of Engineers remove the obelisk from the burial site to mitigate this effect.

“The Corps of Engineers recognizes the cultural and spiritual importance of the burial site to the Bay Mills Indian Community and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and other Tribal Nations,” said Corps of Engineers, Detroit District Tribal Liaison Curtis Sedlacek.

“In response to longstanding Tribal requests, the Corps of Engineers is considering alternatives to address their request, including removing the Obelisk from the burial site to support the Tribes’ ability to practice their cultural and religious traditions.”

While the Obelisk contributes to the National Historic Landmark designation of the Soo Locks, the Corps of Engineers is committed to evaluating options that minimize harm to both historic resources and Tribal cultural practices.

The decision-making process is guided by Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and includes close consultation with Tribal Nations and other stakeholders.

The obelisk was erected in 1905 to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Soo Locks. The Soo Locks will retain its status as a National Historic Landmark and National Register of Historic Places property.

Copies of the Public Notice, Alternatives Analysis and Draft Memorandum of Understanding may be viewed online at: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16021coll15/id/9737.

Anyone with concerns is encouraged to review the report and submit comments that will help inform the final decision.

Feedback received during the public review will be considered alongside input from consulting parties including the State Historic Preservation Office, National Park Service, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and Tribal Nations to ensure the final decision reflects a broad range of perspectives and expertise.

Please provide all comments via email to LRE-NHPA-Comments@usace.army.mil.

Unified Command established for Hon. James L. Oberstar incident

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – A unified command was established on Tuesday for the Hay Lake marine casualty response and salvage efforts involving the Hon. James L. Oberstar.

The vessel grounded Sunday near Johnson Point in the East Neebish Channel, according to a release issued by owner Interlake Steamship Co. The U.S. Coast Guard has said the vessel only experienced “vibrations.”

Waterfront reports, not confirmed, indicate that fleetmate Kaye E. Barker may be enroute to offload some or all of the Oberstar’s cargo.

The Oberstar has a total maximum capacity 108,000 gallons of fuel and other products. The coast guard said there are no reports of pollution in the water or surrounding area. The Oberstar is currently in the Hay Lake Anchorage.

The USCG cutter Spar and other smaller USCG vessels are also on scene. Anti-pollution equipment has been deployed around the vessel’s stern. The vessel was carrying limestone at the time of the incident and reported there were no injuries on board.

The unified command consists of the U.S. Coast Guard, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Chippewa County and the Interlake Steamship Company. Multiple federal, state, local and partner organizations are also assisting in the response. Representatives from the Northern Michigan Area Committee including the Army Corps of Engineers, the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians, the Bay Mills Tribe, and the City of Sault Ste Marie Ontario are participating and advising the UC throughout the response.

Soo Today, USCG and local reports

Hon. James L. Oberstar Remains In Hay Lake Anchorage

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – The Hon. James L. Oberstar continued her stay in the Hay Lake Anchorage (Nine Mile Anchorage) after a grounding Sunday afternoon while upbound on the east side of Neebish Island. On Monday, the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Spar joined other small Coast Guard vessels on the scene.

Here is the official Interlake Press Release: At approximately 3:50 p.m. on Sunday, June 8, the M/V Hon. James L. Oberstar grounded while making the turn at Johnson’s Point on the St. Marys River. The vessel is loaded with approximately 29,700 net tons of stone bound for Marquette, MI.

The vessel went to anchor at Hay Lake to assess damage and any pollution concerns. A third-party Oil Spill Removal Organization was notified as well as the U.S. Coast Guard. No injuries have been reported, and Interlake’s incident response team is working diligently with authorities. More information will be shared as it becomes available.

Th extend of the Oberstar’s damage remails unknown. There were no injuries, and the coast guard reports no pollution. Anti-pollution equipment has been deployed around the vessel.

Oberstar remains anchored after incident
in St. Marys River Sunday 

UPDATE MONDAY 11 a.m. The Hon. James L. Oberstar remains anchored in the Nine Mile (Hay Lake) Anchorage with coast guard small boats in attendance. She has a visible starboard list and her unloading boom remains swung out over the post side. The U.S. Coast Guard Press Release is as follows: 

SAULT SAINTE MARIE, Mich. — Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes personnel
responded to a marine vessel casualty regarding the Honorable James L. Oberstar, an 806-foot
bulk cargo ship, on Hay Lake, Michigan.

Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes dispatched a boat crew from Station Sault Sainte
Marie.

Personnel aboard the Honorable James L. Oberstar notified the Coast Guard at 3:50 p.m.,
Sunday, of vibrations while underway east of Neebish Island in the St. Marys River.
The Coast Guard initiated a marine investigation. There are currently no signs of pollution.
The vessel was carrying limestone at the time of the incident and reported there were no injuries
on board. The vessel is currently anchored in Hay Lake, Michigan.

The Army Corps of Engineers conducted a survey of the channel and verified it was safe for
commercial marine traffic. The St. Marys River remains open to vessel traffic.

USCG

ORIGINAL REPORT: SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – Mid-afternoon Sunday the Hon. James L. Oberstar, loaded with limestone for Marquette,told Soo Traffic that she had struck something in the channel , possibly a rock, while upbound in the lower east Neebish channel. She continued upbound and dropped the hook in the Nine Mile Anchorage for inspection. Her oil spill containment boom was deployed, and a pollution response team was expected late in the evening.  

The USCG closed the river to upbound traffic so a survey vessel could go down and check for obstructions. None were found and the upbound channel was reopened around 10 p.m.

The extent of damage to the Oberstar, if any, is unknown at this time. She was observed with her unloading boom swung out over the port side and she appeared to have a starboard list. 

New details released of proposed hovercraft service

between downtown Toronto and Niagara Region

TORONTO, ON – New details are emerging about a proposed hovercraft service that aims to transport tourists and commuters alike across Lake Ontario between Toronto and Niagara Region in just 30 minutes.

At an event at the Toronto Region Board of Trade on Wednesday, officials with Hoverlink Ontario explained how the service, which recently cleared a significant hurdle, will alleviate congestion along one of province’s busiest highways and make it more attractive for people to travel to two of Ontario’s largest tourist destinations.

Last month, officials confirmed that a 30-year agreement had been signed with Ports Toronto, bringing the service one step closer to reality.

Chris Morgan, the founder and CEO of Hoverlink, called the development “the beginning of a new era of rapid transit.” “This is not just a rapid transportation project. It is an economic development catalyst, a tourism accelerator,” he said.

Passengers will travel by hovercraft between Billy Bishop Airport and a facility that will be built at St. Catharines. The total trip time is estimated to be 30 minutes.

The amphibious vehicle is designed to travel over land, water, ice, and other surfaces. Blowers produce a large volume of air below the hull of the vessel to create an air cushion, allowing it to float 1.8 metres above the surface. Additional fans and propellers move the craft forward.

View a video at this link: https://www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/local/article/new-details-released-of-proposed-hovercraft-service-between-downtown-toronto-and-niagara-region/

CTV News

Ceremony Will Celebrate Carbide Dock Rehabilitation on June 27

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – After years of anticipation, one of the largest projects undertaken by the City of Sault Ste. Marie is now complete. The Carbide Dock Rehabilitation Project brings major upgrades to our waterfront. Help celebrate this monumental project with a ceremonial ribbon cutting taking place during Soo Locks Engineers Day on Friday, June 27th at 10 a.m. at the dock – 98 Salmon Way, Sault Ste. Marie right next to the Cloverland Electric Hydroelectric Plant.

View a video of the completed project here:

https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=1383850289399521

Iron Ore Trade Down in May

CLEVELAND – Shipments of iron ore from U.S. Great Lakes ports totaled 5 million tons in May, a decrease of 7.7 percent compared to 2024. Shipments were 3.1 percent below the month’s 5-year average.

Year-to-date, the iron ore trade stands at 11.7 million tons, a decrease of 18.6 percent compared to a year ago.  Iron ore shipments were also 11.8 percent below their 5-year average for five months of the year.

Since 1880, Lake Carriers’ has represented the U.S.-flag Great Lakes fleet, which today can move more than 90 million tons of cargos annually that are the foundation of American industry, infrastructure, and power: iron ore, stone, coal, cement, and other dry bulk materials such as grain, salt, and sand.  More information is available at www.lcaships.com.

St Lawrence Seaway Traffic Results May 2025

                                                     [See Chart posted in gallery below]

USCG Sequoia heads to Sturgeon Bay for repairs

On Tuesday, the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Sequoia, based at Port Huron, MI, departed under to tow of the tug Nickelena, bound for Fincatieri Bay Shipbuilding Co., Sturgeon Bay, WI. The cutter, which replaced the USCG Hollyhock at Port Huron in 2024, will undergo unspecified mechanical repairs.

Soo Locks water flow study delays vessels

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – The Soo Locks were closed between 10 a.m. to around 4 p.m. Wednesday for a planned study involving water flow and how it could affect the movement of ice. Traffic tied up above and below the locks or went to anchor until the locks reopened.

Major project cargo a win for Port of Monroe and partners

MONROE, MI – In April 2025, the Port of Monroe handled project cargo bound for a Midwest location. Our Port and DRM Terminal Management team worked closely with a diverse network of partners to ensure this opportunity was executed efficiently and safely.

The cargo was loaded at Antwerp, Belgium—an established consolidation point for Great Lakes breakbulk—and laden onto Spliethoff’s M/V Hudsongracht as part of the carrier’s scheduled Great Lakes service. At Monroe, the heavy-lift and breakbulk pieces were offloaded, staged, and transloaded for last mile delivery.

Port and DRM leadership have worked to position Monroe as a destination for international cargo, and this is proof positive that Monroe can be a solution for any cargo operation. Successful execution of this complex, high-value breakbulk operation builds credibility and momentum needed to advance Monroe’s next-generation infrastructure.

“This cargo marks the first page in the next chapter of our port’s history,” said Port Director Capt. Paul C. LaMarre III. After nearly a decade of advocacy and planning, the Port of Monroe is one step closer to establishing itself as Michigan’s premier intermodal marine terminal.”

The Port has secured funding for $30 million in improvements, headlined by Michigan’s Maritime Gateway, the State of Michigan’s first cargo inspection facility capable of screening international maritime containers. Michigan’s Maritime Gateway will provide a new supply chain solution for containerized and breakbulk cargo throughout the region.

The Lake Erie Renewable Energy Resilience Project funded by the USDOT Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) will rehabilitate existing infrastructure and construct new facilities to enhance cargo operations. A Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) Dock Extension funded by the Michigan Maritime and Port Facility Assistance Grant Program within the Michigan Department of Transportation will streamline the handling of oversized, wheeled, and modular cargo.

Partners on this cargo evolution included Spliethoff, Fr. Meyer’s Sohn, Transatlantic USA, World Shipping, Bay Crane – Midwest, U. S. Customs and Border Protection, Triple R Transport, and International Industrial Contracting Corp.

Port of Monroe

Rape suspect arrested on freighter tied up at Soo Locks

ALPENA, MI – Michigan State Police went on board a freighter Wednesday to arrest an Alpena man wanted for rape. The man, 34, was taken into custody while working aboard the freighter M/V Kaye E. Barker which was tied up in the Soo Locks.

State Police say an investigation started last year from the Alpena Post with allegations of criminal sexual conduct. The investigation led to the Alpena County Prosecutor issuing felony charges.

Investigators had information the suspect was on the freighter and coordinated with the ship’s captain and staff from the Soo Locks. As the freighter was tied up, troopers boarded, contacted the suspect, and placed him under arrest.

The man was taken to the Alpena County jail.

WWJ

NMGL to debut new exhibits at expansion
ribbon cutting ceremony

TOLEDO, Ohio — The National Museum of the Great Lakes (NMGL) will hold a ribbon cutting for the grand opening of its expansion later this month.

On Saturday, June 27, NMGL will celebrate the completion of the museum’s “Second Wave” expansion, which, according a press release, is a 5,000 square foot facility called the Larry and Karen Bettcher Wing.

Lakes Limestone Trade Down in May

CLEVELAND — Shipments of limestone on the Great Lakes totaled 3.6 million tons in May, a decrease of 6.8 percent compared to a year ago.  May’s loadings were above the month’s 5-year average by 1.1 percent.

Loadings from U.S. quarries decreased 6.9 percent compared to 2024 to 2.9 million tons.  Shipments from Canadian quarries totaled 688,697 tons, a decrease of 6.2 percent.

Year-to-date the Lakes limestone trade stands at 5.6 million tons, a decrease of 13.2 percent compared to a year ago.  Loadings from Michigan and Ohio quarries total 4.6 million tons, a decrease of 11.9 percent.  Shipments from Ontario quarries decreased 18.4 percent to 985,761 tons.

U.S. ports: Calcite, MI; Cedarville, MI; Drummond Island, MI; Marblehead, OH; Port Inland, MI; and Presque Isle, MI.  Canadian ports: Bruce Mines, Manitoulin Island, Port Colborne (from August 2017 on) and Smelter Bay (all Ontario).
[Lake Carriers Assoc.]  [Charts in gallery below]

Pocket Watch from Deadly Shipwreck Returns Home 165 Years Later: ‘Truly a Once-in-a-Lifetime Discovery’

Belonging to the late British journalist and politician Herbert Ingram, the historic item was recovered from the bottom of Lake Michigan

By Brian Anthony Hernandez  Published on May 31, 2025

A pocket watch belonging to the late British journalist and politician Herbert Ingram is now on display at the Boston Guildhall museum in the U.K. — 165 years after it was lost

The watch sank in Lake Michigan with the Lady Elgin in 1860

“This find is truly a once-in-a-lifetime discovery,” Boston Guildhall museum’s Luke Skerritt said in a statement

After sinking to the bottom of Lake Michigan in 1860 — along with the steamship Lady Elgin — Herbert Ingram’s pocket watch is back home.

The historic timepiece returned to Boston, Lincolnshire, in the U.K. this month, 165 years after it was lost when the Lady Elgin sank during a brutal storm after it collided with a schooner in the dark of night.

The watch belonged to Ingram, a British journalist and politician who died with his son when the ship sank. It was found in the lake in 1992, but was just recently sent back to the Boston Guildhall museum, near where the Ingrams had lived, according to local online outlet LincolnshireWorld.

The long-lost item is described as a 16-carat gold pocket watch that experts say stayed in relatively good condition due to the cold, low-oxygen environment of the lake preventing any major corrosion.

Hebert Ingram (1811-1860) trained as an apprentice printer before establishing a printing business in Nottingham in 1833. ad a readership of around 200,000. In 1856 Ingram became MP for Boston. The portrait was published in commemoration after he drowned in Lake Michigan in 1860 along with his son, also named Herbert.

Thirty-two years after divers discovered the watch, they asked archaeologist Valerie van Heest in 2024 to find a way to display it in an exhibition.

“I very quickly came to the realization it doesn’t belong in America,” van Heest, who purchased the watch and then donated it to the Boston Guildhall museum, told the BBC. “It belongs in Boston where Herbert Ingram was from, where a statue of him still stands.”

“To see a watch which belonged to the man who stands in Boston’s town square,” van Heest continued to the BBC, “I think this is going to draw people in, to wonder, ‘Who was this man?’

”Van Heest, who is the author of Lost on the Lady Elgin, also described the historical importance of the long-lost pocket watch’s return home.

“So many people lost their lives within minutes of hitting the water,” van Heest told Fox 17, noting that the Boston Guildhall museum was planning a Lady Elgin exhibit when she got her hands on the pocket watch. “They didn’t have any physical artifacts, and here I was offering not only an artifact but Herbert Ingram’s personal watch.”

American Integrity undergoing repairs at Duluth

American Steamship Co.’s 1,000-footer American Century pulled in next to her sistership American Integrity Friday at the Ash Grove cement dock in Duluth. The loaded Integrity will discharge some of her cargo into the Century so repairs can be made to the American Integrity’s propulsion system.

After the Integrity loaded iron ore pellets at CN, an issue with its propulsion system was discovered while attempting to depart. With a deep draft of 28 feet, the ship required the help of tugs Missouri and North Carolina to be safely moved and secured at this dock, which is rarely used for lakers.

The Integrity recently spent more than three weeks at the pipeline dock in Superior having propeller shaft work done.

Vibe With Mike, David Schauer

UPDATE:  6/1/2025
After three days at the cement dock, two of them lighting into the American Century, we were able to tip up the stern for inspection. The culprit, fishing line! That couple dollar wadded mess of discarded mono filament took out two ASC, thousand foot vessels for a couple days  [John L. Tongusi Jr]
New photos posted in Gallery below

While work is being performed on the American Integrity, the Paul R Tregurtha is over at the Port Terminal as she also had some problems that needed to be tended to. She has been in for two to three days also.
Tregurtha Finished repairs, loaded at SMET and Departed at 4:42 PM-For-St Clair, Michigan
[Photos in Gallery below by John Woodward]