Part 3 Story and photos by Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LAKE MICHIGAN — Max Hockanson, 22, has been working on the S.S. Badger since he was 16-years-old. Now in his eighth year at Lake Michigan Carferry, he is an able bodied…
LUDINGTON — Lake Michigan Carferry has announced the S.S. Badger will not be sailing on Sunday, Oct. 5 due to forecasting gale force winds with waves from 7 to 13 feet. “LMC understands the disappointment and inconvenience this decision causes…
Story by Mark Varenhorst, MCP Contributing Writer Photos by Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LAKE MICHIGAN — Ludington is a maritime town. It has been since its early days of lumber. From the mid-19th century there have been ships that have worked…
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LAKE MICHIGAN — On Monday, Sept. 29, MCP contributing writer Mark Varenhorst and myself spent the day on the S.S. Badger. Our purpose for the trip was to feature some of the many people who keep…
This Great Lakes Boat Blog is presented by Hankwitz Heating & Cooling, 609 S. Washington Ave., Ludington; 231-843-2809. By Mark Varenhorst, GLBB Writer LUDINGTON — September 2 found me on the Rieth-Riley Construction Ludington dock once again meeting the tug…
LUDINGTON — Fall is a great time of year to explore the Great Lakes. The kids are back in school, the air is crisp, the sky features radiant sunrises and sunsets, and harvests are being celebrated throughout the region. It’s…
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — I have had the opportunity to ride along with the Mason County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol the last few days, over the Labor Day weekend. My focus was to cover the heavy vessel traffic…
LUDINGTON, Mich. — We tagged along with Deputy Mark Willis of the Mason County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol Sunday evening, Aug. 24, 2025, escorting the S.S. Badger into and out of the Port of Ludington. Lake Michigan waves were over…
By Mark Varenhorst LUDINGTON, Mich. — At the Ludington Municipal Marina on a rainy Monday in August sat a large yacht. It caught my eye while driving home. The size alone got my attention, but what kept my attention the…
Photos and story by Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON, Mich. — The MV Northern Venture made its 2025 debut to the Port of Ludington Monday morning, Aug. 4. The ship was delivering road aggregate to the Reith-Riley Construction Ludington dock. This…
