354almanac
A look at recent lake levels.
On the Levels
Lake Superior rose 9 inches in May, thanks to above-average precipitation and significant snowmelt. It was the second-highest monthly increase since record-keeping started in 1918, and more than twice the typical May increase. The big influx of water brought the Lake to 7 inches below its long-term beginning-of-June average – 3 inches higher than at the same time last year.
The International Joint Commission’s new water management plan will help regulate Lake Superior’s levels during extreme highs and lows, but will not use the Lake’s water to boost the other Lakes’ levels.
Around the Lake: Noteworthies
Adolph Ojard, executive director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority since 2003, announced in May his plans to retire after more than four decades in the transportation industry, including some time on the Edna G tugboat, a family endeavor. The board hopes to fill the position before the fall. The Knife River, Minnesota, native says he looks forward to more time with his grandchildren.
Jonathan Langager, a Duluth native and University of Southern California alum, won a 2013 Student Academy Award for his film “Josephine and the Roach.”
The airport at Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, unveiled an $8.5-million training centre this summer for the province’s forest firefighters. The new facility includes a state-of-the-art flight simulator, on which pilots can practice flying the CL-415 water bomber.
Three Thunder Bay women were honored at the Influential Women of Northern Ontario Awards: executive of the year Tracy Buckler, president and CEO of St. Joseph’s Care Group; entrepreneur of the year Erika Maki, owner of A Spa For You Inc.; and young entrepreneur of the year Bianca Garofalo, owner of the bight restaurant + bar.