More drama at the Straits: Arnold Transit name to return
St. Ignace, MI – There’s another major shake-up in the ferry industry in the Straits of Mackinac announced just after 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11. Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Co. will be rebranded and will return to the historic Arnold Transit Co. name. Veronica Dobrowolski has been named president of the company. Chris Shepler will continue to lead Shepler’s Ferry Service.
Hoffmann Marine has issued the following press release:
“After a challenging season following the acquisition of the Mackinac Island Ferry Company (MIFC), the Hoffmann family, with guidance from various stakeholders, remains committed to operating two distinct ferry services to Mackinac Island. In keeping with this commitment, The Arnold Transit Co., with its long and storied history in the region, will be revived as HF Companies rebrands MIFC to honor this legacy.
“To stabilize and grow the newly branded Arnold Transit Co. operation, we are excited to announce the appointment of experienced team members. Veronica Dobrowolski will serve as the president, supported by Dan Musser, Bob Brown, and Judge Bill Carmody. They will be backed by their trusted staff members.
“I am honored that the Hoffmann Family of Companies has the faith in myself and those individuals named and those several unnamed others who have agreed to help with this transition.” said Dobrowolski. “My goal is to establish a quality ferry service for the cities of St. Ignace, Mackinaw City, and Mackinac Island in the time-honored tradition since 1878 of Arnold Transit Company. Our first priority is providing the best possible winter service to our residents and contractors. I appreciate all the well wishes already received and with a host of assistance will work diligently to provide exemplary service to our local constituents and visitors to Mackinac Island. We have a lot of work ahead of us but with the support of others, I am confident we will get it done.”
Chris Shepler will continue to lead Shepler’s Ferry Service and lend his expertise to the Arnold Transit Company rebuilding.
“This rebranding marks a new chapter for the company, and we look forward to continuing to serve the Mackinac Island community with the same dedication and commitment to safety that customers have come to expect.”
St. Ignace News
Great Lakes Iron Ore Trade Down 1.5 Percent in August
CLEVELAND – Iron ore shipments on the Great Lakes in August totaled 5.5 million tons, a decrease of 1.5 percent compared to 2023. Shipments were above the month’s 5-year average by 5.4 percent.
Year-to-date the iron ore trade totals 31 million tons, a decrease of less than 0.5 percent compared to the same point last year.
Through August iron shipments are 7.4 percent above their 5-year average for eight 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.
[See Charts in gallery below]
Information based on data from knowledgeable sources. However, accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Lake Carriers’ Association assumes no legal responsibility for the outcome of decisions or commitments made on the basis of this information. Report represents the views of Lake Carriers’ Association and may not necessarily represent the views of its individual members.
Eric Peace
Vice President
Lake Carriers’ Association
25651 Detroit Road, Suite 102
Westlake, Ohio 44145
(440) 333-9996 (office) | (410) 703-8792 (mobile)
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
