Coast Guard to test cutter Friday
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Alder will take a rare tour out onto Lake Superior on Friday for an engine test. People are asked to use caution when venturing out onto the ice near the shipping channel. (News Tribune file photo)The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Alder will undergo an engine test Friday morning and recreational users of the ice near the shipping channels are asked to use caution.
The ship recently underwent repairs to both main diesel engines and now must be tested. The cutter will leave its homeport in Duluth at 9 a.m., travel the Superior Front Channel and then enter Lake Superior through the Superior Entrance Channel. After several hours of testing in the open water, the ship will return to its homeport, retracing the path previously traveled.
According to the Coast Guard, every precaution will be taken to minimize incidental ice breaking outside the established shipping channel, but all snowmobile and ATV operators who use the ice should avoid shipping channels, plan their activity carefully and use caution. Ice fishermen are also asked to use caution when placing their ice shacks in proximity to the shipping channels.
Commentary: Vikings need to make a serious run at Kirk Cousins
Eagles receiver spurned the Vikings last summer, now playing in the Super Bowl 
Search warrant of Minn. home turns up variety of drugs and weapons, including rocket-propelled grenade launcher