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…
Photos by Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief MUSKEGON, Mich. — Earlier this month, the USS Silversides Submarine Museum announced that its board and staff have made the decision to de-accession the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter McLane, due to the boat’s state of…
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief MANISTEE, Mich. — The MV Great Republic delivered coal to Morton Salt along Manistee Lake Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. The ship arrived about 5 a.m. and unloaded until past 6 p.m. The Great Republic is operated…
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…
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief MUSKEGON — Two cruise ships visited the Port of Muskegon Tuesday with one of the ships scheduled to return Thursday. The MV Le Champlain made its first visit to Muskegon for 2025 while the MV Pearl…
