The Soo Locks opened Monday, kicking off the Lake Superior shipping season in earnest. We shared a few pictures on our Facebook page.
+ The Mining Journal on the shipping happenings in Marquette.
+ A busy start for shipping in Thunder Bay, reports the Chronicle Journal.
So It Begins
Minnesota announced its 2013 road construction plans this week. Several projects are planned in Duluth and along the North Shore. For the latest on construction and detours, visit www.511mn.org.
+ Detours along Highway 61 in Duluth will now start April 8, when the city begins work on its extension of the Lakewalk. Construction should be completed by June 19, reports Northland's NewsCenter.
+ Find information on Michigan projects at www.michigan.gov. Plus: Ontario and Wisconsin construction reports.
+ When it arrives Saturday, the Federal Hunter will become the Twin Ports' earliest-arriving saltie, breaking the 1995 record of April 1.
+ In another sure sign of spring, the ice road on Wisconsin's Chequamegon Bay has closed for the season, reports the Duluth News Tribune.
+ From the Chronicle Journal: A quiet start to northwestern Ontario's 2013 fire season, which officially began Monday.
+ In Timberjay, Marshall Helmberger on the mining debate.
+ Lake Superior Zoo welcomed its newest resident this week: a one-year-old male snow leopard named Kiran.
+ According to researchers, no wolf pups were born on Isle Royale in 2012, a grim turn for a population now down to just eight animals. Inbreeding could be to blame, researchers say.
Upcoming Events
Sunday, March 31: Happy Easter!