French-fried bunkers?

Two Great Lakes research vessels may be using a unique form of biodiesel fuel next year, according to a December report by Tracy Samilton of Great Lakes Radio Consortium:

"The Annis Water Resources Institute at Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Mich., has two research and education outreach vessels. Engineer Robert Udell would like to see the boats running on some form of biodiesel fuel by next season. The idea he favors the most is gathering up all the used fryer oil that campus eateries us for making french fries, then processing it to fuel the boats. Udell says there's only one side effect he's aware of: 'Youu quite often get a french fry exhaust odor.' "

On the front: On the front: Great Lakes Fleet's Cason J. Callaway tucked into dry dock on January 14 for repairs while wintering at Superior's Fraser Shipyards, Inc., a facility with a rich, colorful history in the Port of Duluth-Superior
(SEE STORY) Photo by Patrick Lapinski

On the back: A 24-by-30 inch signed, limited edition print of the John T Salminen watercolor Winter Berth, which was featured on the Port Authority's 2003 wall calendar, can be obtained for $120 (plus shipping). Contact the artist at salminen@cpinternet.com or (218) 721-3319