James H.I. Weakley

The Port of Duluth-Superior's Maritime Day celebration was combined this year with recognition of Davis Helberg, who retired April 1 after 24 years as Port Director and now serves as a consultant for the Port Authority. The keynote presentation was given by James H.I. Weakley, president of Lake Carriers' Association, Cleveland, Ohio, who proclaimed Davis Helberg, shown here with his wife, Karen Helberg, a Captain of the Lakes.

`Captain' Davis Helberg shows off a new sweatshirt as his wife, Karen Helberg, shares the joy of the occasion.

Twenty-five members of the Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership (MARL) program visited the Port in July as part of a 50-day journey to understand leadership and issues facing rural Minnesota. The MARL group consisted of many leaders of statewide organizations, including Minnesota commodity organizations such as the Wheat Growers, Soybean Growers and Corn Growers.

Commander comes calling

Rear Admiral Ronald F. Silva (left) commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Ninth District, visited the Port in April to discuss new security measures and harbor operations with Port Director Adolph Ojard. The Ninth District, Cleveland, includes two air stations, two air facilities, five group offices, eight marine safety offices, nine cutters and 46 small boat stations that are responsible for more than 1,000 miles along the Canadian border and 6,700 miles of U.S. shoreline spanning eight states and all five Great Lakes.

The 11th annual River Quest educational cruises for sixth grade students drew more than 800 participants in May. The program included six half-day cruises onboard the harbor excursion vessel Vista Star. Ten learning stations gave students hands-on experience on the relationships between industry and the environment in the St. Louis River basin.