To the Editor:

A situation that occurred last Thursday evening could have ended as a tragic accident, but instead became a valuable lesson to me concerning what I’d often considered one of the disadvantages of living in a small community. You know that little annoying trait that most small towns experience, the one where other people often know so much about you, they actually know what you’re going to do before you do. Well, that’s what happened to me last Thursday.

Several times a week I put on my snowshoes, gathered my two dogs, and headed on over the snow and ice to St. Helena Island. My husband checks the ice each year before my first trek and this year the ice is especially thick, over two feet in some spots.

This particular day I was excited, because with the longer daylight, I had time after work for a short workout at Curves before my normal trek with the dogs over to St. Helena. When I walked into Curves, La Taunya Paquin greeted me with excitement, the reason being another member, Eileen Evers, had been in earlier and, knowing that I often go across the ice from my home to St. Helena, wanted to warn me that a Coast Guard cutter had, that day, cut a path in the ice around St. Helena Island, exactly where I snowshoe. Imagine my surprise and bewilderment.

Since I have lived in this area, which is most of my life, I have never known the Coast Guard to cut the ice in this area. I had been going across the ice from my home on Gros Cap Road to St. Helena for more than 20 years and had never experienced anything like this.

The realization soon came to me that had I not stopped at Curves that evening, I may never had known about this. At the same time, I also realized that I wasn’t the only one that utilized this area for winter recreational activities. There were the neighbors to think about, especially the kids next door, who often ride out on the ice on their snowmobiles and four-wheelers. I promptly phoned to warn them; fortunately, some other neighbor had already notified them. When I arrived at home, there were several messages on my answering machine from neighbors, friends, and family members warning me about the dangerous ice. My faithful friend and close neighbor, Sally Idalski, was watching out her window for me, to yell out a warning in case I had gone out on the ice before checking my messages.

Apparently, from what I’ve been able to piece together from neighbors and the local Coast Guard, the new cutter was from the Port Huron Coast Guard Station and they were looking for some extra thick ice to try out their new ice cutting equipment. According to Officer Cory Cole, because this area is not designated for use on the Coast Guard Navigation Charts, they could go in this area without notifying anyone, including our local Coast Guard station. Officer Cole directed me to the Sault Ste. Marie Coast Guard Station and I spoke with Officer Ken Stearly, who informed me that once the person running the ship noticed snow machine tracks near the Island they realized that the area was being used, but by then it was too late. I requested Officer Stearly to notify the ship to find out where they actually went. He promptly did so and phoned me back to inform me they did indeed cut through the ice all around the island and that they apologized for doing so.

I would like to encourage anyone, or if you know of anyone who has used this area for winter recreational activities, to contact the U.S. Coast Guard to let them know. I have requested that this particular area of ice be considered as in use during the winter for recreational activities and that a 72-hour notice is given if a cutter should ever go through again. The telephone number to the Sault Ste. Marie Coast Guard is (906) 635-3232.

Oh yes, and you know those little annoying traits of small town living, maybe they sometimes are blessings in disguise. I guess it all depends on your perspective at the time.

Debbie Weiss

St. Ignace USCG Group

‘a Fine Asset’

To the Editor:

Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and being a member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, I asked if I could assist in any way at the Coast Guard Station here in St. Ignace. The Officer in Charge at that time was BMC Eric Schmidt and he gladly welcomed me aboard, and the current Officer in Charge, BMCS William Johnson, has been just as accommodating. Finding a spot for me got off to a slow start, but the adjustment of crew to me and me to them went rather smoothly, considering I’m about 40 years older than the average crew member. However, it wasn’t long and I qualified as watch stander and have worked at the station at least two days a week since.

The point I want to make here is the spirit and quality of the young men and women that I have seen come and go the past three years. All have been outstanding in one way or another and I’ve grown to love all of them just as I love my own kids.

I winter in Florida from late September to mid May when the locals and vacationers have their boats up for the winter. Shortly after I arrived in Florida this year, I found out I had cancer and subsequently went through a series of tests, operations, etc, and my kids (the ones who help you out there on the water) were right there with me in spirit. I received so much support from them in the way of phone calls, cards, and even a photo album that sure lifted my spirits.

Most of the crew have just finished basic training and are away from home for the first time, but believe me, they are professional people and I am proud to be associated with them while working and those few times that we can find the time to party. These young people put in long working days and they train hard to do a difficult job. I support them in their efforts and hold them in high regard and I’m looking forward to May when I’ll return to be with them for another boating season. The community certainly is fortunate to have such a fine asset here in St. Ignace.

Billy Mueller

Zephyrhills, Florida

Editor’s Note: Mr. Mueller’s letter was received by The St. Ignace News well in advance of Mrs. Weiss’ letter, and is not a response to the incident Mrs. Weiss mentions.