After Cruise, Chi-Cheemaun Heads to Tobermory For Season
OWEN SOUND, ON – The Chi-Cheemaun left the Owen Sound harbour this afternoon on its spring sail, a five-hour, walk-on passenger-only cruise from Owen Sound to Tobermory.
The annual sail that sees the ‘Big Canoe’ leave its winter home in the Owen Sound harbour, starts the season, and positions the Chi-Cheemaun in Tobermory. It’s a four and a half hour voyage, with buses arranged at the Tobermory end to bring everyone back to Owen Sound.
For the rest of the sailing season, the Chi-Cheemaun will run from Tobermory to Manitoulin Island.
Bayshore Broadcasting
Philip R. Clarke sails from Toledo lay-up
Great Lakes Fleet’s steamer Philip R. Clarke left winter lay-up at Toledo, OH, Thursday to start her season. She was headed to Calcite to load.
Nashwauk Leases Go to Cliffs; Ore Will Extend Life of Hibbing Taconite
NASHWAUK, MN — A state agency has recommended a batch of state mineral leases near Nashwauk go to Cleveland-Cliffs, which says it will use the ore to extend the life of Hibbing Taconite.
Without additional leases, the mine and pellet plant were expected to run out of ore and close in 2026, threatening more than 700 jobs.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources on Thursday said the Minnesota Executive Council – chaired by Gov. Tim Walz and made up of the state’s constitutional officers – should approve granting the leases to Cliffs at its May 25 meeting.
“After careful consideration of multiple requests to lease the state ore near Nashwauk, the DNR has concluded that it is in the best interest of the state to enter into leases with Cleveland-Cliffs,” the agency said. “Cleveland-Cliffs has a proven record of bringing mining projects into operation and currently holds a significant land position adjacent to the state ore in the area.”
The leases were previously held by embattled Mesabi Metallics, but the DNR terminated Mesabi Metallics’ leases in May 2021 after the company failed to meet a last-chance requirement set by the state after years of missed lease requirements and deadlines.
Cliffs has long sought the leases. In a statement Thursday, Cliffs President and CEO Lourenco Goncalves thanked Walz and the DNR.
“When approved by the Minnesota Executive Council, the leases will be used to provide a long-term extension of Hibbing Taconite’s mine life, securing the future of Hibbing Taconite and the good-paying, union jobs at Hibtac, our flagship operation in Minnesota,” Goncalves said.
Duluth News Tribune
NMGL Hosts “Freighter Features,” Anchored by Hard Hat Tours, Book Signings
Toledo, OH – On Saturday, May 20, the National Museum of the Great Lakes (NMGL) will bring back their popular Hard Hat Tours, plus, will welcome special appearances from Know Your Ships author, Roger LeLievre, and artist and cartoonist, Don Lee for book signings and caricatures.
“Last year we introduced our exclusive, behind-the-scenes Hard Hat Tours as a way for visitors to set foot in our museum vessels spaces typically off-limits to everyday guests. They are back this year by popular demand,” said Ellen Kennedy, the museum’s Director of Education and Visitor Experience. “This year we are kicking off their return by also welcoming Mr. LeLievre and Mr. Lee, who both have made significant contributions to the Great Lakes community
through their knowledge, education and love of Great Lakes freighters.”
The Hard Hat Tours are a small group, behind-the-scenes experience featuring the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship, the Museum Tug Ohio and the St. Marys Challenger Pilothouse. Those participating will have the opportunity to take a deep dive into the ships’ inner workings and visit “hard-hat only” locations, including our newest artifact still under restoration efforts – the St. Marys Challenger Pilothouse.
Between 1 -3 p.m. Roger LeLievre will be available to sign copies of the newly released 2023 Know Your Ships: Guide to Boats & Boatwatching on the Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Seaway. Also joining him is cartoonist and illustrator Don Lee, who will be offering personalized freighter caricatures to visitors as well as signing his new children’s book Boats Can’t Jump: The Story of the Soo Locks.
Mr. LeLievre and Mr. Lee will be stationed in the museum’s lobby and there is no cost to meet them. Books will be available for sale in the museum store or can be pre-purchased from our online store and picked up when you arrive on May 20.
Hard Hat Tours are $50 for NMGL members and $65 for non-members. Each behind-the-scenes experience will last approximately 2 hours and space is limited to 8 individuals per tour, so advance registration is encouraged. For more information visit nmgl.org/events or call 419-214-5000.
National Museum of the Great Lakes
